In late August, Asghar Masih got into a heated discussion with another man, Haji Anwar over a land dispute Masih was involved in. As a result of that exchange, Masih fears that he will be accused of blasphemy under Pakistan's controversial law, 295-C. Under that law, he could face the death penalty if convicted.
Though no arrest warrants have yet been issued, Masih has gone into hiding, with the assistance of CLAAS (Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement). Despite no charges yet being filed, CLAAS reports that on September 9, police detained his father, Bagh Masih, as well as his uncle and his brother and tortured them for information about Asghar.
Muslims in Pakistan have frequently used the blasphemy laws against Christians, often to gain an advantage in personal or financial disputes. Pray for safety and protection for Asghar Masih. Pray that his relatives will be released. Pray that this law will be overturned by the Pakistani government.
For more information on persecution of Christians in Pakistan, click here.
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