Update: Christian denied bail, threatened with death

13 May 2009

Hector Aleem (51), a Pakistani Christian facing charges of abetting blasphemy (click here for the details), was denied bail on April 30, according to a May 6 report from Compass Direct. The judge dismissed the bail application out of concern for Aleem's safety after the complainant's attorney reportedly stated at the hearing, "If the judge does not punish Aleem according to the law, then [we] will kill him ourselves." Aleem's lawyer has requested that future hearings be closed to the public, as he fears that Muslim militants may try to harm his client. At an earlier hearing on April 25, approximately 185 Muslims protested outside the courthouse. At last report, Aleem remained in detention at Adiyala Jail in the city of Rawalpindi.

Click here to learn more about the ongoing opposition facing Christians in Pakistan.

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.