December 3, 2013
LAHORE
The final prosecution witness in the blasphemy trial of Sawan Masih – the case which sparked the arson attack on Christian homes in Joseph Colony last May is to testify on December 7.
The witness is the former investigation officer for the case, SP Syed Ameen Bokhari, who was later transferred to the Balochistan Constabulary in Quetta.
The trial court has written to the Balochistan Constabulary asking that Bokhari be sent to testify in the case on December 7.
According to Shahid Imran, the complainant in the case, he and his neighbour Muhammad Shafique heard Sawan Masih insult the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Masih has been charged under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of death.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 3rd, 2013.