President Orders Review of Blasphemy Law

19 May 2004

^{Pervez Musharraf
President of Pakistan}

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced on May 15 that he is calling for a review of some of the country's strict Islamic laws to ensure that they are not being abused. This includes the controversial blasphemy law, which imposes the death penalty for anyone convicted of blaspheming Mohammad or the Koran. According to Reuters, Musharraf said that the blasphemy law needs to be re-examined to ensure that it is not misused by those seeking to settle personal scores. Several Christians have been convicted under this law, often as a result of questionable accusations, though no one has yet been executed.

Pray that this law will be repealed. Pray for those still in prison, charged under this draconian law.

For more information on Christian persecution 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.