5 NOVEMBER 2025 – ISLAMABAD | Today, the Islamabad High Court heard the case of Shagufta Kiran, a Christian mother of four who was sentenced to death in September 2024 under Section 295-C of Pakistan’s Penal Code (blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad). Although the trial court had acquitted Shagufta of other blasphemy-related charges under Sections 295-A and 298-A, which pertain to “outraging religious feelings” and “derogatory remarks against religious figures,” respectively, a group of extremist Muslim lawyers and the original complainant have now filed a petition demanding additional convictions under these sections.
The case, listed as Criminal Appeal No. 383/2024 (Sharaz Ahmad Farooqi v. State), was heard today by a two-judge bench at the Islamabad High Court. The petitioners are seeking to extend her punishment despite her existing death sentence — a move that human rights advocates describe as vindictive and legally baseless. Shagufta’s defense team from Jubilee Campaign argued that she has already been wrongfully convicted under Section 295-C, and that this new petition reflects the increasing pressure from extremist elements attempting to influence Pakistan’s judiciary and weaponize blasphemy laws against religious minorities.
Human rights organizations have condemned the ongoing persecution, noting that such actions violate Pakistan’s constitutional guarantees of a fair trial and equal protection under the law. “This attempt to add further punishment against an already condemned woman exposes how extremists misuse the legal system to target Christians,” said a rights advocate monitoring the case.
Shagufta remains imprisoned at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi, while her defense team from Jubilee Campaign prepares to challenge both the conviction and the complainant’s appeal. Jubilee Campaign advocacy officer Joseph Janssen and lawyer Rana Abdul Hameed, who are leading the appeal, reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing justice:
“We will fight until Shagufta Kiran is free. She is innocent and has committed no crime. These blasphemy cases are often politically and religiously motivated, and innocent people suffer because of false accusations.”
Advocates have also raised concerns about so-called “blasphemy business groups” led by certain extremist lawyers, including those associated with Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) — a hardline organization designated as a terrorist group by the Government of Pakistan — who allegedly exploit blasphemy accusations for financial and political gain.
Meanwhile, Shagufta’s family remains in hiding, facing continuous death threats from extremists, and her children are suffering from severe trauma due to prolonged persecution and separation from their mother. Human rights organizations are calling for urgent international attention to ensure justice and protection for Shagufta Kiran and her family.