Christian Prisoner Acquitted

Lahore High Court building - Photo: Wikipedia / MariyamAftab
Lahore High Court
Photo: Wikipedia / MariyamAftab (cc)

Blasphemy accusations have been used as weapons against Christians in Pakistan for many years. The world's attention was most recently drawn to this situation through the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who was accused in 2009 and sentenced to death. After finally being acquitted and released ten years later, Asia was forced to secretly flee the country.

Sajjad Masih Gill faced false accusations similar to those made against Asia. Charged in 2011 for allegedly sending blasphemous text messages (read more), he was sentenced to life in prison. This sentence was changed to the death penalty in March 2021.

During his time of imprisonment, Sajjad endured torture and ostracism. His brother and nephew were also attacked and threatened after visiting him in prison. Sajjad's appeal was delayed over a hundred times because the judges were not prepared to hear his case.

In light of the terrible treatment experienced by Sajjad, it brings great joy to report that he was released from prison on November 13th after being acquitted of all charges! The Lahore High Court ruled to acquit the Christian man on October 26th on the grounds of insufficient evidence. The news of the ruling was intentionally silenced to avoid putting his life, along with the lives of his family members and lawyer, in danger. According to his lawyer, Javed Sahorta, Sajjad is "very happy" but cannot return to his normal life. For security reasons, no further details are expected to be released.

Praise God that Sajjad has been acquitted! Please uphold this Christian man in your prayers as his advocates work to provide him with ongoing protection from the dangers of mob violence. Also prayerfully lift up his family members, legal representatives, and others who are connected to his case, praying for their safety during this time as well. May incidents such as these serve as an impetus for positive political and legal change in Pakistan, ultimately leading to the repeal of the country's coercive blasphemy laws.

  • 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.