Two Christian nurses in Pakistan have been cleared of blasphemy charges, bringing an end to a legal case that began more than four years ago and placed their lives at serious risk.
A district court ruled that there was not enough evidence to support the accusation against Mariam Lal and Newosh Arooj. The prosecution failed to prove that any offence had taken place. The ruling was issued in November 2025, and the legal deadline for an appeal has now passed, confirming their acquittal.
The case began in April 2021 at Civil Hospital in Faisalabad, in Pakistan’s Punjab Province. A senior doctor accused the nurses of damaging a sticker containing an Islamic inscription that was attached to a cupboard. The allegation led to charges under Section 295-B of Pakistan’s Penal Code, which carries a mandatory life sentence for desecration of Qur’anic material.
As news of the accusation spread, a large crowd gathered at the hospital. The nurses narrowly avoided being attacked and were taken into custody by police. They spent five months in detention before being released on bail, as authorities said it was safer for them to remain outside prison while awaiting trial.
Due to ongoing threats, the court later allowed the nurses to avoid appearing in public during hearings. Throughout the case, both women were unable to return to work and required protective measures because of continued intimidation.
The legal defence was handled by the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), a Catholic organisation supported by the charity Aid to the Church in Need. Local observers described the decision as unusual, as lower courts in Pakistan often avoid ruling on blasphemy cases because of strong social pressure and security concerns.
Fr Khalid Rashid Asi of the NCJP said the judge’s decision showed independence and careful consideration of the evidence. He added that although the verdict brought relief, the nurses and their families continue to face difficulties.
Efforts are now focused on ensuring the women can rebuild their lives safely and with dignity. Fr Asi also acknowledged the support of Church leaders, legal advocates and international partners who stood by the nurses during the case, often at personal risk.
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, found in Sections 295 and 298 of the Penal Code, are widely criticised by human rights groups. While they allow severe penalties, including the death sentence, they do not include punishment for false accusations. The laws are frequently used against religious minorities, such as Christians, Shia Muslims, Ahmadiyyas and Hindus.
Research by the Centre for Social Justice shows that hundreds of people have been accused under these laws in recent decades, with many cases linked to personal disputes or false claims. International organisations have repeatedly urged Pakistan to reform the legislation to prevent abuse and protect vulnerable communities.
Adapted from The Christian Post.
