Christian Couple Acquitted of Blasphemy

Shafqat and Shagufta
Pray for Shafqat and Shagufta's safety.
Photo: Family

After seven years on death row, Shafqat Emmanuel and his wife Shagufta Kausar were cleared of all charges against them by a Pakistani court on June 3rd, 2021. They were convicted on April 4th, 2014, after being accused of sending "blasphemous" text messages. The texts were allegedly sent from Shagufta's phone, which had gone missing a month prior and was never recovered. Furthermore, as the couple are illiterate, they would not have been able to send the alleged texts. (See this page for more details on the original conviction.)

The years spent in prison were particularly hard on Shafqat, who is paralyzed below the waist due to an accident in 2004. As a result of his infirmity, he was at the mercy of prison guards for the assistance he needed. In April of this year, Amnesty International reported that he was suffering from severe bed sores and was in significant pain. The family disclosed that he had also been in a coma for three days this past March but was never taken to hospital.

While thankful for the couple's release, several organizations have highlighted the dangers now awaiting them. Similar to Asia Bibi, who was forced to flee the country for safety, they face a life of hiding from vigilante mobs who continue to threaten their lives.

Praise God that the judges have ruled favourably towards this couple and overturned the convictions. As Shafqat and Shagufta seek to be reunited with family and friends, including their four children, ask that the Lord's protection and blessings be upon them. Also pray that Shafqat will receive the medical attention he requires, even while living in hiding. May any attempts of those who seek to harm them and their loved ones be thwarted, with hopes there will soon be a time when this Christian couple would no longer need to hide but rather be allowed to live in safety and harmony with others in their community.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In August 2023, the Christian colony of Jaranwala was filled with violence after allegations of blasphemy were made against two brothers. During the rampage, as many as 400 homes and 26 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. For more details, and to view video footage of the attacks, see this page.

  • Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
    Naseem and Nazir
    Naseem and Nazir
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    In May, shocking images of mob violence were revealed after 74-year-old Nazir Masih was falsely accused of burning pages from the Quran. The elderly Christian man was fatally wounded during the resulting mob violence, which also led to the destruction of his shoemaking business, along with several attacks against other Christians. Further details on the violent rampage are available here.