Christian in Hiding After Court Acquittal

26 January 2005

On January 12, VOM reported on the acquittal of Anwar Masih, after he had been accused under Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Compass Direct reports that this is the first time a lower court has acquitted a Christian of blasphemy. However Anwar has been unable to join his wife and four children because of fear for his life. Members of a militant Islamic group, Lashkar-e-Mujahideen (Islamic Religious Army), have vowed to kill him over his alleged remarks against Mohammed. He now joins several other Pakistani Christians who have been cleared of charges but are forced to seek asylum abroad because of continued death threats.

Pray that Anwar will find asylum in a safe location and that his family will be able to join him. Pray that his family will be kept safe from any harm.

For more information on the difficulties faced by those living for Christ 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.