Update: Blasphemy charges against teenager dropped


The Islamabad neighbourhood where Rimsha Masih
and her familiy lived until the girl's arrest in August.
Photo: Open Doors News

The charges against Rimsha Masih, a teenager accused of blasphemy in Pakistan, were dropped on November 20th due to lack of witnesses. Rimsha, who was accused of burning sacred Islamic texts, spent three weeks in an adult prison before being released on bail in September (for more information, click here).

While the charges have been dropped, concern remains for Rimsha's safety. She and her family have been living at an undisclosed location since her bail release.

Thank the Lord for Rimsha's release! Pray that He will comfort and encourage her and her family. Pray for their safety and protection. Pray that other Pakistani believers will be emboldened to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with their neighbours, despite possible risk.

Go to the Pakistan Country Report to learn more about Pakistan's persecuted Church.

  • 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

  • Court Rulings for Forcibly Married Christian Youth
    Attorney Hanif Hameed is standing between the parents of unnamed 15-year-old.
    The parents of the unnamed
    15-year-old with their attorney.
    Photo: Christian Daily International/
    Morning Star News

    The kidnapping of young teens in Pakistan continues to be a serious concern for Christians and other religious minorities. After being kidnapped, many of these girls are forcibly "converted" to Islam and then compelled to marry their captors or other men associated with the crimes. While some state governments have introduced legislation to stop this abusive practice – including a law that recently passed in the Islamabad area – the courts frequently favour the kidnappers because of the pressures they encounter from militant Islamic groups. Two recent cases highlight the many challenges facing Christian girls in this South Asian country.

    Read more...

  • Accused Christian Acquitted
    Five men are standing outside. Most are smiling.
    Chand Shamaun (in tan) with attorneys.
    Photo: Christian Daily International-Morning Star News

    In June 2024, Chand Shamaun was arrested and charged with insulting Islam, a charge that is commonly used in Pakistan against citizens belonging to minority religious groups. In fact, a recent report indicated that a record number of blasphemy cases had been filed during the year of 2024 – reaching a total of 344 official accusations. For the accused, imprisonment is typically dangerous and, in some cases, even deadly. And those who've been released on bail or acquitted frequently face vigilante violence from people who still perceive them to be guilty.

    Read more...

  • Christian Couple Attacked at Gunpoint
    A couple in Pakistan.
     

    On the night of March 25th, Adnan Masih and his wife Shumaila were heading home from work on their motorcycle when they were suddenly intercepted by two armed gunmen. After seizing the married couple's cell phone and the small amount of cash they were carrying, the thieves physically beat the Christians and demanded more money. Adnan told the gunmen that he and his wife were poor Christians who had nothing more to give. It was then that the attack became more violent.

    Read more...

  • Christian Man Charged for Alleged Facebook Posts
    A man dressed in orange overalls and cap is holding a straw broom and pulling a garbage bin.
    A sweeper in Pakistan.

    On March 17th, Pakistani federal agents took 24-year-old Arsalan Gill into custody on accusations of blasphemy. The charges allege that the Christian believer was responsible for sharing blasphemous content in Facebook groups. His arrest takes place amid a rising number of cases involving entrapment, whereby organized militant groups specifically target members of the country's religious minorities.

    Read more...

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