A blasphemy case was filed against a Christian youth in Sahiwal for allegedly sharing a blasphemous image on his Tik Tok account that sparked a mob attack in Jaranwala on August 16, where several churches and residences of members of the Christian community were ransacked by a charged mob.
Ehsaan was arrested and shifted to jail on judicial remand after police filed a first information report (FIR) against him under Sections 295-A and 295-B, Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, and Section 11 of the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act 2016.
Ehsaan Shan Masih, 27, uploaded a video about the Jaranwala assaults that he saw on social media to his TikTok account.
The video soon gained popularity on social media, causing Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) local officials to call for demonstrations against the alleged blasphemy. Many Christians in many locations feared assaults like those in Jaranwala.
TLP activists held a sit-in protest and asked that Ehsaan be charged for spreading blasphemous material. When the police realized how serious the situation was, they placed Ehsaan's entire family under protective custody.
Minority rights activists and their political and religious leadership have raised serious concerns over a fresh wave of persecution against minorities and demanded the safety and security of the community.
Minority rights activist Joseph Jansen condemned the filing of another blasphemy case against another Christian youth and urged the authorities concerned to take appropriate measures to spread religious tolerance in society.
He said that attacks on the worship places and residences of marginalized and vulnerable segments of society are a sheer violation of basic rights.
He prayed for the swift release and safety of blasphemy-accused Ehsan Masih.