Family Asked to Withdraw Their Case After Arrest is Made

19 May 2004

On May 5, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on the death of nineteen-year-old Javed Anjum after being tortured by the students and staff of an Islamic religious school (click here for more information). According to Pakistan's "Daily Times," while on his deathbed, Javed Anjum identified Ghulam Rasool, the school's prayer leader, as one of those responsible. Rasool was arrested and, after nine days of interrogation, confessed to torturing Anjum with a club. He also identified two others, Muhammad Tayyab and Omar Hayat.

Shahbaz Bhatti

According to Shahbaz Bhatti, chairman of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, the authorities are now pressuring the Anjum's family to withdraw their case as a compromise. Because of the strong control that Islamic groups have in Pakistan, authorities are very reluctant to press charges against Muslim religious leaders.

Pray that justice will be done in this case, and that those responsible for this horrible crime will be held accountable. Pray for the family and friends of Anjum, as they mourn the loss of this young man.

For more information on the situation facing Christians in Pakistan, click here.

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.