Catholic accused of blasphemy dies in Pakistani custody

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…