Christian Arrested Under Blasphemy Law

On November 28, a Christian labourer, Anwar Masih, was arrested and charged for blasphemy after a heated discussion with an acquaintance, Naseer Ahmad, who had converted to Islam three months earlier. According to news reports, the complainant, Ahmad was visiting his Christian mother in the town of Shadhra on the outskirts of Lahore when he got into a discussion on Islam with his mother's neighbour, Masih. During the discussion, Ahmad alleged to police, Masih became angry and blasphemed Mohammad.

^{Pakistani Christians have often protested
against the Blasphemy Law 295-C}

When Ahmad told other neighbours about the discussion, they gathered a mob together and attacked Masih's home, pelting it with stones. When police arrived, they arrested Masih, ignoring the attack on his home. According to one report, there had been prior enmity between Ahmad and Masih's family and it is believed that these charges are intended as an act of revenge. If convicted of blasphemy under section 295c, Masih could face the death penalty.
Pray for Anwar Masih and many others facing prison or death under this law which is frequently used for personal gain. Pray that the government will repeal the law. Pray that the arguments of Masih's accusers will fall into disarray and that he will be released.

Pakistan

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.