Christian Nurses Released on Bail

Maryam Lal and Navish Arooj - Photo: Morning Star News
Maryam Lal and Navish Arooj with officers.
Photo: Morning Star News

In a decision referred to as "unprecedented," a Pakistani court granted bail for two Christian nurses who were accused of "defiling the Quran." The women received bail on September 23rd, but the decision was kept secret to avoid backlash from militant Islamists.

On April 9th, Maryam Lal and Navish Arooj were directed by their superior to remove any stickers and wall hangings off the walls of the hospital in Faisalabad. In obeying, however, the nurses were accused of desecrating wall hangings containing verses from the Quran. For more details on the event, as well as a video report, go to this report.

News of the release was only made public on November 19th after a photo was published showing the two Christians holding a victory sign. The attorney representing the women, Atif Jamil Paggan, states that they are currently in a secure location, since it is unsafe for them to return to their homes. Their lawyer is optimistic that they will be completely absolved of the charges. Even if acquitted, however, it will be impossible for the nurses to return to work at the hospital, or even for them to collect any outstanding wages. "We are hoping that the situation remains under control," states Atif, "but the danger of violent protests will always loom."

In court, the accused Christians admitted to removing a torn sticker with a prayer on it. However, when granting bail, the judge presiding over their case ruled that there was no proof supporting the claim that Maryam and Navish intentionally defiled the Quranic inscription. "Charging someone with blasphemy for simply holding a religiously inscribed sticker is not sufficient evidence," he concluded.

Praise God that Maryam and Navish have been released! May the courts fully acquit these dedicated followers of Jesus of the charges against them. Please pray for their safety, as well as that of their families, legal representatives, and all others involved in their case. Also pray that politicians in Pakistan will listen to the arguments being presented by human rights activists around the world and, as a result, abolish the widely abused 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.