Lahore: Fanson Shahid has received legal representation from the British Asian Christian Association as he continues to challenge his life sentence under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. 

BACA has appointed Christian lawyer Riaz Anjum, who will seek the suspension of Fanson’s conviction while his appeal remains delayed before the Lahore High Court. 

The prolonged delay has left Fanson’s family facing emotional and financial hardship, prompting BACA to provide both legal and practical support. 

Through its Legal Aid programme, BACA continues to stand alongside Christians facing blasphemy accusations, helping vulnerable families pursue justice and hope for reunification. 

A Family Living in Uncertainty 

For more than two years, Fanson Shahid has remained imprisoned while waiting for his appeal to be heard. 

His prolonged detention has placed enormous emotional and financial pressure on his family. 

His daughter, Seemab Shahid (30), expressed her gratitude after learning that BACA had secured legal representation for her father. 

“Without our father, we feel unsheltered in this house. I am thankful to BACA for providing us with legal assistance.” 

His wife, Safia Shahid, has also thanked BACA for standing beside the family during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. 

The family continues to live in rented accommodation while Fanson’s son, Ahsan Shahid, struggles emotionally following his father’s imprisonment. According to Safia, Ahsan’s depression and anxiety have affected his ability to maintain stable employment. 

Despite these hardships, the family continues to place their hope in God and pray for Fanson’s release. 

Urgent Legal Action 

BACA has appointed advocate Riaz Anjum, one of Pakistan’s most respected Christian lawyers specialising in blasphemy cases. 

Mr Anjum has advised that his first legal step will be to apply for the suspension of Fanson’s conviction. 

Although an appeal against the lower court’s judgment has already been filed before the Lahore High Court, no hearing date has been fixed despite repeated requests to expedite proceedings. 

Mr Anjum explained that this prolonged delay has caused significant injustice. 

“The unjustified delay in fixing a hearing in appeal in Fanson Shahid’s case has already caused irreparable loss to both the family and the victim.” 

He further explained that before submitting the application, he will obtain the complete case record from the Gujranwala court to ensure every aspect of the defence is thoroughly prepared. 

He added: 

“Legally, the court would have to either fix a hearing or suspend the conviction. It is a lawful remedy available in situations where the delay lies with the court.” 

BACA hopes this application will provide Fanson with an opportunity to obtain relief while awaiting the outcome of his appeal. 

Background to the Case 

Fanson Shahid was arrested by Pakistan’s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on 18th March 2022 after allegations relating to comments made on Facebook, three years earlier. 

The complaint arose after another individual allegedly shared images relating to the Sri Lanka Easter bombings. Fanson, who was listed as a Facebook friend, was accused of posting a comment insulting the Prophet Muhammad. 

Fanson has consistently denied making the alleged comment. 

During the investigation, he told the court that he had been physically abused and forced to confess. He also maintained that the mobile phone allegedly used to publish the comment had been lost several years before the incident. 

Despite his defence, the Additional Sessions Court in Gujranwala convicted him on 24th January 2024 under multiple provisions of Pakistan’s Penal Code and the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, imposing a life sentence together with additional prison terms and financial penalties. 

Many within Pakistan’s Christian community have questioned the allegations, noting that Fanson was an educated purchasing officer employed by Pakistan Railways who fully understood the serious consequences associated with blasphemy accusations. 

Waiting for Justice 

Fanson is currently imprisoned in Sahiwal Jail while his appeal remains pending before the Lahore High Court. 

His family continues to make the long journey each month to visit him in prison. 

According to his son, Ahsan, Fanson spends much of his time praying and trusting in Christ, while hoping to be reunited with his wife and children. 

BACA remains committed to standing alongside the family throughout this legal process, ensuring they receive both practical support and professional legal representation. 

Justice delayed should not become justice denied. 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee for the British Asian Christian Association, said: “No family should have to endure years of separation because the justice system fails to hear an appeal within a reasonable time. Every day that Fanson remains imprisoned without his appeal being considered deepens the suffering of an innocent family and undermines confidence in the rule of law. We pray that this application will secure the suspension of his conviction, allowing him to be reunited with his loved ones while his appeal is finally heard. BACA remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable Christians accused under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are not abandoned and receive the legal support they need to pursue justice.” 

Help BACA Defend Victims of False Blasphemy Accusations 

False blasphemy allegations continue to destroy innocent lives and devastate entire families across Pakistan. Many victims remain imprisoned for years while awaiting appeals, with their loved ones left to bear overwhelming emotional and financial hardship.