The Lahore High Court has granted bail to 29-year-old Christian woman Stella Khawar, who had spent more than eighteen months in jail on blasphemy charges that the court found unsupported by any reliable evidence. The bail order, issued on 6 November 2025 by Justice Asjad Javaid Ghural, stated that the prosecution failed to present material linking her to the alleged acts.
Stella, a mother of a five-year-old boy from Kharota Syedan, Kotli Loharan in Sialkot, was arrested on 12 May 2024 after two FIRs were registered against her under Sections 295-A and 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code. These serious accusations kept her behind bars throughout the investigation.
In its decision, the court noted that no forensic report had been submitted despite nearly two years of delay. CCTV footage said to identify Stella was described as unclear and not sufficient for recognition. The accusation was based mainly on a supplementary statement made by a local activist of the banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which the judge observed was rooted in suspicion rather than facts. The trial had made no substantial progress.
The allegations concerned two incidents in which blasphemous writing was reportedly found on currency notes in August 2023 and January 2024, but no eyewitness testimony or physical evidence connected Stella to either event. Due to security concerns, her court proceedings were held inside the Sialkot District Jail.
Stella’s case reflects broader concerns raised by human-rights organisations about the misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. A 2024 Human Rights Watch report warned that such accusations are often used to settle personal disputes or threaten vulnerable communities. According to the Open Doors World Watch List 2025, Pakistan ranks eighth among countries where Christians face the most persecution, with blasphemy allegations playing a major role.
The government has acknowledged the need for reform, and in October 2025 announced its intention to introduce safeguards for fair investigation in blasphemy-related cases. However, previous attempts have struggled due to political pressure and fear of extremist backlash.
For Stella and her young son, the court’s decision offers long-awaited relief. While her legal process is not yet complete, the bail order marks an important step toward justice. Her family hopes that the remaining proceedings will bring a final and peaceful resolution to the case, allowing her to rebuild her life after a long and difficult ordeal.
