Championing Minority Rights in Pakistan
Safeguarding the Rights of the Persecuted
In Pakistan, religious minorities face systemic persecution under laws that threaten their fundamental rights and freedoms. This presentation tells the story of courageous legal advocates who stand between injustice and hope, fighting for those whose voices have been silenced by fear and oppression.
Our Foundation and Purpose
A Voice for the Voiceless
We are a dedicated group of lawyers fighting for the rights of religious minorities in Pakistan, with a special focus on vulnerable and persecuted Christians. Founded to address the systemic persecution faced by these communities, our firm champions their rights through fearless legal advocacy and sustained public awareness campaigns.
Our work extends beyond the courtroom—we challenge unjust systems, educate communities, and create pathways to safety and dignity for those who have nowhere else to turn.
Mission and Vision
Our Mission
To ensure justice and equality for minorities, especially those persecuted under blasphemy laws. We provide legal defense, advocacy, and support to individuals facing wrongful accusations and systemic discrimination.
Our Vision
To create an inclusive society where all individuals can exercise their rights freely and safely, regardless of their religion. We envision a Pakistan where the law protects rather than persecutes, and where human dignity is universal.
Our commitment extends beyond individual cases to systemic change—advocating for legal reforms, international accountability, and cultural transformation that respects the dignity of every person.
Key Achievements
A Decade of Impact and Advocacy
50+
Cases Defended
Representing individuals wrongfully accused under blasphemy laws
25
Acquittals Secured
Successfully overturning unjust convictions through tireless legal work
100K+
People Reached
Raising awareness about injustices through advocacy and media engagement
Our firm has successfully advocated for the release of numerous wrongfully accused individuals, raised international awareness about the injustices faced by religious minorities, and influenced critical policy discussions on blasphemy laws in Pakistan. Our legal interventions have led to landmark rulings that set precedents for future cases, while our advocacy work has increased international visibility and pressure for reform.
Beyond courtroom victories, we've provided safe havens for acquitted individuals, counseled families torn apart by false accusations, and built coalitions with international human rights organizations to amplify our impact.
A Transformative Partnership
In 2024, a pivotal collaboration began that would strengthen the fight for justice. Suffragan Bishop Phillip Johnson recognized the critical need for sustained legal defense and began working closely with our attorneys to develop practical solutions.
Together, we established a legal defense fund through ALC/PAW (Apostolic Life Church/Pentecostal Assemblies of the World), providing essential financial support for defendants who otherwise could not afford their own defense. This partnership has been instrumental in securing victories in court—cases that might have ended in tragedy without adequate resources for legal representation, court fees, and security arrangements.
The success stories you'll see in this presentation are not just the result of legal expertise—they are the fruit of a partnership built on shared commitment to justice and human dignity.
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Your contributions provide legal defense for religious minorities facing blasphemy accusations in Pakistan.
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Attorney Javed Sahotra
A Lifelong Commitment to Justice
Javed Sahotra is a prominent human rights attorney with over 15 years of experience handling blasphemy cases in Pakistan's most challenging legal environment. His dedication to justice goes beyond professional duty—it's a personal calling forged through witnessing the suffering of his community.
Despite facing numerous death threats, harassment, and intimidation, Sahotra continues to advocate fiercely for his clients. His background in constitutional law and his personal experiences as a member of Pakistan's Christian minority fuel his activism, making him a pivotal figure in minority rights advocacy.
His work has earned him recognition from international human rights organizations, but he remains focused on the ground-level battles that determine whether his clients live or die.
Key Cases and Legal Battles
Sahotra has represented several high-profile cases that expose the systemic flaws in Pakistan's blasphemy laws. His most notable representation includes Sajjad Masih Gill, a Christian man accused of blasphemy who spent nearly a decade imprisoned despite a retracted accusation, and multiple other victims facing similar circumstances.
1
Wrongful Accusations
Most blasphemy cases involve personal disputes or property conflicts disguised as religious offenses
2
Insufficient Evidence
Convictions are often secured without substantial proof, relying solely on testimony from accusers
3
Life-Threatening Delays
Legal processes can stretch for decades while accused individuals remain in dangerous detention
4
Post-Acquittal Danger
Even after acquittal, individuals must go into hiding due to vigilante threats
His tireless work on these cases highlights not only individual injustices but the urgent need for comprehensive legislative reform to prevent the weaponization of blasphemy laws against vulnerable minorities.
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The Human Cost of Blasphemy Laws
Behind every case number lies a human story—families torn apart, livelihoods destroyed, and lives permanently altered by accusations that often have no basis in fact. These images capture the reality of those who endure years of unjust imprisonment, awaiting justice that may never come without dedicated legal advocates willing to risk everything for their defense.
Fund Legal Defense for Persecuted Minorities
Your contributions provide legal defense for religious minorities facing blasphemy accusations in Pakistan.
Case Study: Sajjad Masih Gill
A Decade-Long Battle for Justice (2011-2021)
1
2011: False Accusation
Sajjad Masih Gill, a Christian man, was falsely accused of sending blasphemous SMS messages. The accusation stemmed from a personal dispute, not religious offense.
2
2013: Wrongful Conviction
Despite a full retraction from the original accuser, Sajjad was sentenced to life imprisonment. The court ignored exculpatory evidence and the accuser's admission of false testimony.
3
2011-2021: Legal Struggle
Javed Sahotra fought for over a decade to secure his acquittal, navigating extreme threats, judicial delays, and a legal system stacked against religious minorities.
4
November 2021: Acquittal
After ten years of imprisonment and legal battles, Sajjad Masih Gill was finally acquitted. However, he remains in hiding due to ongoing threats to his life from extremist elements.

Sources: Jubilee Campaign, Pakistan Christian Post, Morning Star News
This case exemplifies the devastating human cost of blasphemy accusations and the extraordinary perseverance required to achieve justice in Pakistan's legal system. Even acquittal doesn't guarantee safety or freedom.
Victory After Ten Years
Sajjad Masih and Attorney Javed Sahotra
This photograph was taken after Sajjad's acquittal from his blasphemy case—a moment of profound relief after ten years of legal battle. Yet this image also captures the bittersweet reality: freedom from prison doesn't mean freedom from fear. Sajjad now lives in hiding, unable to return to his home or community.
This single case consumed a decade of legal work, required countless court appearances under threat of violence, and ultimately achieved justice—but at what cost? The emotional, financial, and psychological toll on Sajjad, his family, and his legal team is immeasurable. This is the reality of defending blasphemy cases in Pakistan.
Fund Legal Defense for Persecuted Minorities
Your contributions provide legal defense for religious minorities facing blasphemy accusations in Pakistan.
The Legal Landscape
Pakistan's blasphemy laws create a climate of fear where accusations alone can destroy lives. The legal framework provides minimal protection for the accused, allows convictions based on single testimonies, and offers no safeguards against false accusations motivated by personal vendettas or economic disputes.
The courtroom becomes a battlefield where defense attorneys risk their own lives to represent clients that many consider indefensible. Security concerns, judicial bias, and societal pressure create an environment where justice is the exception, not the rule.
Preparing for Battle
Every case requires meticulous preparation, extensive documentation, and strategic planning. Attorney Sahotra and his team work under constant pressure, knowing that a single procedural error could cost their client years of freedom—or their life. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the margin for error doesn't exist.
Fund Legal Defense for Persecuted Minorities
Your contributions provide legal defense for religious minorities facing blasphemy accusations in Pakistan.
Case Study: Chand Shamaun
Released on Bail After Exposing Investigation Flaws
01
Accusation
Chand Shamaun, a Christian from Okara, Punjab, was accused of blasphemy under Section 295-A and terrorism under Section 9 of the Anti-Terrorism Act for allegedly inciting religious tensions and threatening to desecrate the Quran.
02
Legal Defense
Attorney Javed Sahotra identified critical flaws: delayed FIR filing, absence of credible witnesses, and lack of direct evidence. The investigation revealed procedural violations and inconsistencies in testimony.
03
Breakthrough
On October 23, 2024, the Lahore High Court granted bail, noting the discrepancies and lack of evidence in the police investigation—a rare victory in blasphemy cases.
04
Ongoing Challenges
While reunited with his family, Chand remains in a safe house due to security concerns. The case highlights both the possibility of justice and the continued danger faced by accused individuals.
Chand Shamaun in shackles at a hearing on blasphemy charges filed in June 2024. (Christian Daily International-Morning Star News)
This case demonstrates how meticulous legal work can expose the weaknesses in blasphemy prosecutions. However, it also reveals the systemic issues: why was an FIR filed without evidence? Why did authorities rush to arrest without investigation? These questions demand systemic reform, not just individual victories.
Case Study: Twin Brothers Acquitted
Kasur Blasphemy Case—Illiterate Minors Wrongly Accused
Picture taken after the acquittal. Javed Sahotra and Shawaiz Javed praying with the acquitted brothers.
The Case Against Innocence
Twin Christian brothers, Sahil Shahid (Kalu) and Raheel Shahid (Tabish), were accused of throwing fake currency notes containing Quranic verses in August 2024 in Kasur, Punjab. As illiterate minors, they were unaware of any religious significance in their actions—yet faced the full weight of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
Justice Prevails
On January 25, 2025, the brothers were acquitted after Attorney Javed Sahotra successfully argued that:
  • Police failed to conduct a proper investigation
  • The investigating officer lacked required qualifications
  • The accused were illiterate minors with no intent
  • No credible evidence supported the allegations
This case starkly illustrates how blasphemy laws can be weaponized against the most vulnerable members of society—children who cannot read, who had no understanding of what they allegedly did wrong, and who faced potential execution for an innocent act. It underscores the urgent need for reforms that protect the powerless from legal abuse.
Case Study: Shazia Younis
Christian Mother Facing Life Sentence
An Unintentional Act, A Devastating Consequence
Shazia Younis, a Christian woman from Gojra, Punjab, faces a life sentence under Section 295-B of Pakistan's Penal Code for allegedly desecrating Islamic scriptures. The charge stems from burning materials that contained Quranic verses during the Christmas season—an act her defense argues was completely unintentional.
Following a complaint from a local mosque leader, Shazia was arrested and convicted. Her lawyer, Javed Sahotra, is now fighting her appeal, presenting evidence that:
  • The act was unintentional and without malicious intent
  • Shazia deeply regrets the incident and had no awareness of the material's religious significance
  • The conviction relies on circumstantial evidence without establishing criminal intent

Family in Hiding: Shazia's husband and children have gone into hiding due to threats to their safety. This case, currently pending in the appeal court, represents the collateral damage of blasphemy accusations—entire families destroyed by a single allegation.
The case raises fundamental questions about proportionality and justice: should an unintentional act result in life imprisonment? Should a mother be separated from her children for a mistake? The human rights implications extend far beyond the courtroom.
The Weight of Injustice
These images represent the human toll of Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Every detention, every court appearance, every moment of uncertainty weighs heavily on defendants who often have no understanding of why they're being persecuted. The psychological trauma extends beyond the accused to their families, who live in constant fear and often must abandon their homes and communities.
Documentation of Persecution
Every case we handle is meticulously documented—not just for legal purposes, but to create an undeniable record of the persecution facing religious minorities in Pakistan. These images serve as evidence for international human rights bodies, advocacy organizations, and those who seek to understand the true scope of the crisis. Visual documentation gives voice to stories that might otherwise remain hidden or dismissed.
The Fight Continues
Behind every legal document, every court filing, and every advocacy effort are real people fighting for their lives and their fundamental human rights. These images capture moments of both struggle and hope—the tireless work of legal teams, the resilience of accused individuals, and the communities that support them through seemingly impossible circumstances.
Fund Legal Defense for Persecuted Minorities
Your contributions provide legal defense for religious minorities facing blasphemy accusations in Pakistan.
Call to Action and Resources
Support Our Work
Legal defense requires resources—from court fees to security arrangements for attorneys and clients. Your support enables us to take on more cases and provide comprehensive protection.
Advocate for Reform
Contact your representatives and international human rights organizations to pressure Pakistan for blasphemy law reforms and protection of religious minorities.
Raise Awareness
Share these stories. Amplify the voices of those who cannot speak freely. International attention creates pressure for change and protection for vulnerable communities.
Sources and Further Reading
"Justice delayed is justice denied, but in Pakistan's blasphemy cases, justice delayed often means lives destroyed. We fight not just for acquittals, but for the fundamental right of every person to live without fear of persecution for their faith."
— Attorney Javed Sahotra
Fund Legal Defense for Persecuted Minorities
Your contributions provide legal defense for religious minorities facing blasphemy accusations in Pakistan.
Explore Our Recent Mission Trips to Pakistan
Discover comprehensive reports from Suff. Bishop Phillip Johnson detailing our mission journeys and ongoing humanitarian work throughout Pakistan.