Islamabad, 19 September 2024 – A special court in Islamabad, under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), has sentenced Christian woman Shagufta Kiran to death after being found guilty of sharing blasphemous content on social media. The verdict, delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Muhammad Afzal Majoka, also sentenced her to seven years in prison under Section 11 of the PECA Act, along with a fine of Rs. 100,000.
Shagufta Kiran, a mother of four, was sentenced under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries the death penalty for blasphemy. She has the right to appeal the decision in the Islamabad High Court within 30 days. The court also issued orders for her continued custody in Central Adyala Jail, Rawalpindi.
Shagufta was arrested on 29 July 2021 by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) following a raid on her home in Rawalpindi. According to her husband, Rafique Masih, the arrest took place when armed FIA officers stormed their home, accusing Shagufta of violating Pakistan’s blasphemy laws by forwarding a WhatsApp message containing blasphemous content. Her two sons were briefly detained but later released.
Speaking to Pak Christian News (PCN), Rafique Masih explained that Shagufta had unknowingly forwarded the message, which she had received as part of a WhatsApp group. "She was not the author of the post, nor did she understand the content. She forwarded it without reading, unaware of the consequences," he said.
Since Shagufta’s arrest, the family has faced significant turmoil. Forced to flee their home due to threats and fear of violence, Rafique and their children have moved multiple times in search of safety. Their children’s education has been severely disrupted, with many academic documents inaccessible due to the family’s displacement.
Rafique, who frequently visits his wife in prison, expressed hope that Shagufta will eventually be released. "We pray every day for her release, and we are preparing to appeal against this sentence in the Islamabad High Court, where justice will prevail," he said. The family, supported by friends and well-wishers, remains hopeful despite the challenging circumstances.
Shagufta’s lawyer, Rana Abdul Hameed, told PCN that he was not expecting this verdict. "We are waiting for the copy of the judgment, and we will appeal in the Islamabad High Court as soon as possible," he said.
Shagufta, originally from Khanewal, has been imprisoned for over three years, with her family persistently pursuing her release through legal channels. Her husband, Rafique, who is from Layyah, shared that despite the emotional and financial strain of the prolonged legal fight, the family’s faith remains unwavering
The case has once again drawn attention to Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws, which have been criticized for being misused and disproportionately targeting religious minorities.
