Update: Christian men acquitted of ''blasphemy''


Photo from Compass Direct

James Masih (67) and Buta Masih (72), two Pakistani Christians who were sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges of "blasphemy" in November 2006 for allegedly burning pages of the Quran (read more) were acquitted on April 16. According to an April 21 report from Compass Direct, the men claim that the allegations against them were fabricated in response to a land dispute between James Masih and a Muslim neighbour. According to their lawyer, the men will not immediately be able to return home due to safety concerns. In Pakistan, Christians accused of blasphemy, even those who are acquitted, often face pressure and violence from Muslims.

To learn more about the ongoing opposition of believers in Pakistan, click here.

  • 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.

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Pakistan News

  • Kidnapped Teen Forcibly Converted to Islam and Married
    A sad girl is in a dark room with a bit of light shining on her face.
    Pray for the safety of girls in Pakistan.
     

    A 16-year-old Christian girl in Jaranwala, Punjab, was kidnapped on September 12th before being forced to convert to Islam and marry one of her captors. On the day of the attack, Diya Iftikhar was at home with her four sisters. The family's neighbours state that they saw three armed men force Diya into a white Suzuki van, which then sped away. The men have since been identified as Ghazaal Jutt, Afzal Jutt and Ramzan Jutt.

    Read more...

  • Christian Woman Convicted of Blasphemy
    A woman is holding a cell phone.
     

    In July 2021, Shagufta Kiran was arrested after she forwarded a message in a WhatsApp group chat. The Christian woman was charged with intentionally offending religious feelings and insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad. While awaiting the court process, the accused believer has remained in custody since the time of her arrest. Following the allegations, Shagufta's family received constant threats. As a result, her husband Rafique and their children have been forced to relocate multiple times in search of safety. For previously published reports on this believer's case, see this page.

    Read more...

  • Christian Brothers Charged with Blasphemy
    Several people are enjoying the rides at a local fair.
    A village fair in Pakistan.
    Photo: Wikimedia / Sarwanmemon.muet (cc)
     

    Shail Masih and his twin brother Rahil were celebrating at a village fair on August 26th. Along with many other community members, the 18-year-old Christian brothers went on a carnival ride and threw fake currency notes into the crowd. Unfortunately, it was discovered that some of the slips of paper thrown by the participants contained Quranic verses. It was assumed by those present that the young Christian men were the ones responsible, leading to the arrest of their mother and grandfather.

    Read more...

  • Christians Await Justice One Year After Jaranwala Riots
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    On August 16th, 2023, thousands of people stormed the streets of Jaranwala in Punjab, angered by allegations of blasphemy against two Christian brothers. Due to the frenzied nature of the mob's multiple attacks, numbers vary widely; but at least 26 church buildings were destroyed, along with hundreds of Christian homes. For more details, along with video footage of the destruction, go to this report.

    Read more...

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