Elderly Men Sentenced to Ten Years in Prison

29 November 2006

^{James Masih and Buta Masih
Pictures from}^{Compass Direct}

James Masih (65) and Buta Masih (70), two Pakistani Christians who were arrested on October 9 on blasphemy charges (click here for more details), have been sentenced to a prison term of ten years and a fine of 25,000 rupees ($465 CAD).

The prison verdict was delivered during a closed hearing at Faisalabad's Anti-Terrorism Court on November 25. The Christians' defense lawyer, Khalil Tahir Sindu, responded to the verdict by stressing that his clients were innocent and that there was a lack of direct evidence against them. Sindu also noted that, by law, blasphemy charges of this nature warrant a life sentence. Their shorter sentence, he believes, was a clear signal that the judge considers the two men innocent, but felt pressured to rule against them to satisfy Muslim militants. He intends to appeal the sentences before the High Court in Lahore within the coming week.

Pray that God will give James and Buta comfort during their imprisonment. Pray that He will give them opportunities in prison to share the gospel for which they suffer (Colossians 4:2-3). Pray that Pakistani Christians will have the patience to entrust true justice into the hands of God (Romans 12:17-21).

For more information on the persecution of 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.