Islamabad, Oct 7 (NationPress) A prominent group advocating for minority rights disclosed the heartbreaking passing of a Christian spiritual leader in Pakistan who endured 13 long years behind bars for a crime he never committed, before finally being exonerated of false blasphemy charges that robbed him of his freedom, health, and peace.

As reported by the Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), Pastor Zafar Bhatti's demise is part of a larger narrative — reflecting the systematic persecution of minorities in Pakistan.

Bhatti passed away from heart failure on October 5, just two days following his release. His health had deteriorated due to years of suffering, humiliation, and neglect within Pakistan's dreadful prison system.

The rights organization noted that his wife, Nawab Bibi, voiced her anguish, cutting through the silence of a nation accustomed to such misfortunes. Her sorrow echoed the experiences of all Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus, and Shias in Pakistan, who live in constant dread of false accusations, violence, or imprisonment.

“Pastor Zafar’s suffering began not with proof, but with accusations stemming from hatred. Like many other Christians and minorities in Pakistan, he fell victim to the country’s misapplied blasphemy laws — laws that have weaponized faith and turned justice into a mockery,” stated the VOPM.

“For 13 years, he was confined in filthy prison conditions, denied adequate medical care, and labeled a criminal for a nonexistent crime. His appeals encountered delays, hearings were postponed, and his health continually declined while the state turned a blind eye,” it added.

The rights body reiterated that Bhatti was one of many punished for their beliefs, accused without evidence, condemned without justice, and forgotten by the very Pakistani society that professes to be democratic.

It further stated that while politicians in Pakistan boast of reforms and efforts to improve their international image, the reality remains grim — the blasphemy laws continue to devastate innocent lives, with Bhatti’s passing being the latest tragic instance.

“Pastor Zafar Bhatti’s narrative should disturb the conscience of every policymaker in Islamabad. His blood stains the pages of Pakistan’s judicial and religious history. Until blasphemy laws are amended, false accusers are held accountable, and minorities can live without fear, his death will serve as a moral indictment of the nation that failed him,” the VOPM emphasized.