Gujranwala (AsiaNews) – Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) is closely monitoring the arrest of Amir Masih, a Christian resident of Dhala Sharif, near Nowshera Virkan, Gujranwala District, following allegations concerning a video shared on social media.
Amir Masih, son of Emmanuel Masih, was arrested on 11 August 2026, which coincided with Pakistan’s National Minority Day. According to the police record, FIR No. 1189/26 was registered at Police Station Nowshera Virkan under Sections 295-A, 295-C and 298 of the Pakistan Penal Code, Pakistan’s draconian legal basis against blasphemy.
The complaint was filed by Jawad Mustafa, with Rizwan Ali and Muhammad Ramzan, stating that on 10 August 2026, at approximately 11:00 am, they were present at Arshad PCO in Dera Chowk when Amir Masih arrived and allegedly made remarks that they considered offensive to their religious beliefs.
The First Information Report (FIR) also refers to a video allegedly posted or shared through social media. According to the police complaint, the video contained Christian and Islamic religious imagery accompanied by Punjabi dialogue that the complainants interpreted as making a religious comparison. HRFP emphasises that these claims remain allegations and have not been independently verified.
Human rights group following the case
Human Rights Focus Pakistan has been closely following the case from its early stages through fact-finding, advocacy and engagement with the victim’s family and relevant stakeholders, including efforts to explore possible assistance for Amir Masih and his family.
HRFP’s fact-finding team has gathered information through meetings with family members, witnesses, police officials and neighbours including Waris Masih and Arif Masih, Amir Masih’s brothers. As Waris Masih said during his interview with the HRFP fact-finding team, his status as a bonded labourer, his subsequent flight, and the threats of legal action against him and his family could not be viewed separately from the allegations of blasphemy.
HRFP stresses that the registration of an FIR does not, in itself, constitute proof of guilt. The authenticity, origin, and ownership of the social media account and the alleged video should be thoroughly and independently examined, including whether the account was actually operated by Amir Masih or whether it may have been hacked, compromised, or otherwise misused by a third party. The complete video, its context, purpose and intended meaning, as well as Amir Masih’s own account of the incident, should be carefully assessed before any conclusions are reached.
Fear of violence and damage to property
Following the allegations, tensions have increased in Dhala Sharif. A crowd gathered and threats were made against Amir Masih’s residence, raising concerns about possible violence and property damage.
As a precautionary measure, several Christian families left their homes, while Amir Masih’s family was subjected to violence; however, they successfully moved to a safer location to prevent the situation from escalating while Amir Masih remained in police custody.
HRFP is anxious that allegations involving religious offence can rapidly create fear, hostility and threats against communities.
The organisation, therefore, urges the authorities to ensure Amir Masih’s safety and protection from violence, threats and any form of extrajudicial punishment, as this has happened in blasphemy cases in the past.
HRFP further calls for an independent, impartial, and transparent investigation conducted strictly in accordance with due process and the rule of law. It is imperative to ensure the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
In coordination with the family, HRFP has been taking steps aimed at protecting vulnerable Christian families and helping prevent further escalation of tensions in the area.
For HRFP’s president, Naveed Walter, “Amir Masih’s case, like all cases involving allegations of religious offence, requires particular care, transparency and impartiality. Such allegations can quickly create tensions and place entire communities at risk.”
He further said, “Amir Masih is entitled to a free and fair case proceeding, while the safety and security of his family and the wider Christian community must remain a priority. We appeal to all parties to maintain peace and restraint and to allow the legal process to take its course without threats, violence or extrajudicial action.”
