Poor and marginalized communities in Pakistan, particularly Christians facing persecution under blasphemy laws, are impacted by corruption within the country’s criminal justice system, as highlighted in a recent report. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) revealed that many Christians accused of blasphemy struggle to access legal representation or challenge wrongful prosecutions due to poverty, discrimination, and corruption. The report, titled ‘Under the Bench: Mapping Corruption Risks in Pakistan’s Justice System,’ is based on interviews with various stakeholders in Pakistan.
Corruption pervades the criminal justice process in Pakistan, with families of accused individuals resorting to borrowing money, even from loan sharks, to pay off police officers or court officials in a bid to progress their cases, the report noted. Data from the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) indicates a surge in blasphemy prosecutions, with 787 people imprisoned on blasphemy charges as of July 25, 2024, compared to significantly lower numbers in previous years. The report also points out that corruption in blasphemy cases differs from other criminal cases due to the intense public pressure on investigators and judges, which often undermines the effectiveness of bribery.
According to the report, individuals accused of blasphemy in Pakistan face a grim reality where the chances of receiving a fair trial are slim. Public sentiment suggests a lack of justice for the underprivileged and vulnerable, with many defendants believing that convictions are almost certain due to the pressure exerted by religious extremists. District court judges handling blasphemy cases are reportedly hesitant to address evidentiary irregularities, such as forged documents and conflicting witness testimonies, out of fear of backlash from the public.
The recent death of Amir Peter, a member of Pakistan’s Christian community who passed away in prison while awaiting trial on a blasphemy charge, has reignited concerns over the misuse of blasphemy laws and the prolonged detention of individuals accused under such legislation. Amir Peter, brother of Capuchin priest Fr. Henry Paul, was arrested in 2025 following a false blasphemy complaint and subsequently detained despite deteriorating health conditions, raising further questions about the fairness of the legal system.
