← News feed Pan-Orthodox

Catholic accused of blasphemy dies in Pakistani custody

July 3, 2026 · 1 min read

Pakistani Christians are mourning the death of a 61-year-old Catholic accused of blasphemy who died in custody after months of deteriorating health, renewing concerns over the treatment of vulnerable prisoners and the misuse of Pakistanʼs blasphemy laws.

Amir Peter, the younger brother of Capuchin Father Henry Paul, parish priest of St. Francis Church in Lahore, died July 1 after suffering severe medical complications while in judicial custody awaiting trial at Camp Jail in Lahore.

The father of three had been admitted to a hospital on the night of June 30 after his condition worsened.

Peter was arrested in July 2025 after a Muslim shopkeeper accused him of making derogatory remarks about the prophet Muhammad. He remained behind bars until his death, although his lawyers said medical experts had declared him mentally unfit to stand trial because of advanced dementia.

EWTN News contacted Peterʼs son, Tumaar Amir, who declined to comment.

More than 200 people attended Peterʼs funeral Mass on July 2, celebrated by Archbishop Khalid Rehmat of Lahore at St. Josephʼs Church.

“The whole Capuchin community and the Church are with Father Henry Paul and his family. We stand in…

Source: Catholic News Agency · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (6) 🌐 Show original

Miloš Radovanović

I see that they took him to prison because of the guilt of saying something about the prophet, and in Niš in the church of St. Nicholas, we have a small chapel for the old dead of faith. What was in that court report for which access to treatment was denied?

Alexandre Laurent

It's sad, this poor 61-year-old man dying in prison with advanced dementia, even though medical experts had already said he was in no condition to stand trial. The brother priest must be devastated, and with more than 200 people at mass, we see that the community is there. But why did they keep him detained in this state for so long?

Олег Мельник

It is a shame that a person with dementia has been in prison for almost a year, even though the doctors clearly said that he cannot stand trial. The priest brother must be very worried, and the 200 people at the funeral show how he was known in Lahore. I wonder if the relatives now want to challenge the blasphemy case itself.

Pierre Girard

Yes, it's really incomprehensible that they kept him in prison despite the doctors' report on his dementia. My husband, who is a nurse like me, often says that Pakistani prisons are seriously lacking in medical monitoring for cases like this. Let us pray for his family, especially for Father Henry Paul.

Antoine Girard

Yes, it's really shocking that they kept him in detention despite being diagnosed with advanced dementia. My son, who worked as a caregiver, told me that even in France we sometimes struggle to manage these cases in prison, so in Pakistan... Let's pray for Father Henry Paul, it must be heavy to bear.

Anne Martin

It's true, we wonder why they kept him in the cell for so long despite the clear medical report on his dementia. My husband, who is a teacher like me, often says that in these countries procedures drag on without regard for people's health. Let us pray for Father Henry Paul and his three children.