Elderly Christian Charged Under Blasphemy Law

16 May 2007

An 84-year-old Christian, Walter Fazal Khan, was charged under the blasphemy law and jailed for allegedly desecrating the Quran in Samanabad, Lahore on May 9, according to a May 11 report from the Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement. The case against Khan was registered by his driver, who claimed to have seen him burning pages of the Quran. Khan's family says that the charge is part of a "conspiracy" against him by some Muslim businessmen who were angered by his refusal to sell them his land for 8 million rupees ($215,377 CAD). Muslim militants have seized Khan's property.

Pray that the charges against Walter will be dropped and that he will be released. Pray that God will give him opportunities in prison to share the gospel for which he suffers
(Colossians 4:2-3).

For more information on 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.