Pakistan Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Christian Man

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has upheld the death sentence of Qaisar Ayub, a Christian man convicted of blasphemy. Ayub and his brother, Amoon Ayub, were originally sentenced to death in 2018 following allegations that they posted content on a website that defiled the name of the Prophet Muhammad. Under Section 295-C of the Pakistani penal code, such offenses are punishable by death or life imprisonment.

While the court upheld Qaisar Ayub’s conviction, it acquitted his brother, Amoon Ayub, citing insufficient evidence. The brothers had been fighting the charges for nearly a decade, with their case previously moving through the Lahore High Court before reaching the Supreme Court. Qaisar Ayub maintained that he stopped publishing the website in 2009 and that another individual had continued using his name.

Representatives from the Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), which has supported the brothers throughout the legal process, expressed relief at Amoon Ayub’s acquittal but described the decision to maintain Qaisar Ayub’s death sentence as deeply distressing. The organization stated it would continue to provide support for the family as they seek further legal recourse.