Update: Christian woman accused of blasphemy denied bail

29 April 2010

A Christian woman who was arrested for making derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad on March 21 in Pakistan's Punjab province (click here for the story) has been denied bail. On April 20, a judge rejected Rubina Bibi's petition and instead transferred her case to the district session judge of Wazirabad. Judges in Pakistan are often reluctant to make decisions in such cases due to pressure from Muslims and it is not uncommon for them to refuse bail so the case can be moved to the high court in Lahore. At last report, Rubina was being held in prison with her one-year-old son while the rest of her family had gone into hiding out of concern for their lives. (Source: Centre for Legal Aid Assistance & Settlement, ASSIST News Service)

Pray that the charges against Rubina will be dropped and that she will be released from prison. Pray for safety and health for her family at this time. Pray that freedom of religion and speech will be respected in Pakistan.

To learn more about the persecuted Church in Pakistan, check out the Pakistan Country Report.

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.