Commencement of Blasphemy Trial

Release International 25 April 2013

Protests were held in
Lahore following the riots.

Please continue to uphold Pakistani Christian Sawan Masih whose court trial was scheduled to begin on April 22nd. The roadsweeper from Lahore was charged following accusations made against him which reportedly prompted widespread rioting in the Joseph colony last month. (To read the previously posted prayer alert concerning this situation, click here.)

Pray for protection and justice on behalf of Sawan, and all who are supporting him. May God grant wisdom and favour to those who are advocating bravely in his defense. Also remember to intercede for the many innocent members of this devastated Christian community whose homes have been completely demolished. Ask the Lord to work mightily on their behalf, bringing greatly needed healing, provision and restoration in their lives.

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.