A Pakistani Christian woman has been granted bail after spending over a year in prison on false blasphemy charges, her lawyer confirmed.
Lahore High Court Justice Asjad Javaid Ghural ordered the release of 29-year-old Stella Khawar on 6 November in two separate cases, citing a lack of evidence. Khawar, a mother of a five-year-old boy, had been held in Sialkot District Jail since her arrest on 12 May 2024.
Her attorney, Lazar Allah Rakha, explained that the charges were based on Section 295-A of Pakistan’s Penal Code, which punishes intentionally hurting religious sentiments, and Section 505, which relates to inciting public fear. Both charges carry severe penalties, including long prison terms.
Khawar was implicated after supplementary statements were submitted by a local leader of the now-banned extremist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The accusations arose from two incidents in which allegedly blasphemous material was found on currency notes in August 2023 and January 2024.
The high court noted that Khawar was implicated solely on the suspicion of the prosecution witness, Hafiz Syed Furqan Ijaz. Police had failed to provide a forensic report for CCTV footage that was claimed to show her distributing the alleged material. The footage was described as grainy and unable to clearly identify her.
Due to insufficient evidence and delays in the trial, Khawar was released on bail against surety bonds of 200,000 Pakistani rupees ($706 USD) for each case. Her family is arranging the sureties and hopes to reunite with her soon.
Rakha, who has defended others falsely accused of blasphemy, thanked legal advocacy organisation Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International for supporting the case. “Stella’s family could not afford quality legal representation,” he said. “We are hopeful for her full acquittal, as the high court has recognised the absence of evidence.”
Blasphemy laws in Pakistan have long been criticised for misuse, often leading to extrajudicial killings and targeting of religious minorities. Human Rights Watch has documented cases where accusations are used to seize property, settle personal disputes, or intimidate vulnerable communities.
Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar recently announced steps to improve procedures and safeguard against misuse of blasphemy laws, aiming for fair investigations and timely judicial action.
Adapted from Christian Daily International / Morning Star News.
