Pakistanis protest death sentence for Christian man accused of blasphemy

Dozens of members from Pakistan's civil society, along with several Christians, gathered in Karachi to protest the death sentence given to Ehsan Shan, a Christian man convicted of blasphemy for sharing "hateful content" against Muslims on social media. Shan's lawyer plans to appeal the verdict, as Shan was accused of reposting defaced pages of the Quran on TikTok but was not involved in the desecration. The rally also called for action against those responsible for attacks on Christians in Jaranwala. The court in Sahiwal, Punjab, announced the death sentence for Shan, sparking outrage and concerns over Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Blasphemy accusations are frequent in the country, with potential death penalties for insulting Islam or Islamic figures. While no death sentence for blasphemy has been carried out by authorities, mere accusations often lead to violence, riots, and killings by mobs incited by such allegations. Christian leader Luke Victor, speaking at the Karachi rally, demanded Shah's release and justice for the persecuted Christian community. The case highlights the ongoing tensions and risks faced by religious minorities in Pakistan, where blasphemy allegations can have severe consequences. The rally aimed to draw attention to the need for fair treatment and protection of all citizens, regardless of their religious beliefs, in a country where blasphemy remains a highly sensitive and contentious issue.