Photo: Steadfast Global
When Christians who are falsely accused of blasphemy in Pakistan are acquitted, there are justifiable reasons for praise and thanksgiving. However, for these accused believers, as well as their families, severe persecution often continues even after the acquittal. In the well-known case of Asia Bibi, for example, international concern eventually led to her needful escape from Pakistan to Canada. Well after her release from prison, threats against the Christian woman's life continued to follow.
On October 5th, 2020, a Christian man by the name of Sawan Masih was likewise formally acquitted of all charges against him. He had served more than six years in prison after a neighbour accused him of blasphemy. (See this page for more details on his case.)
Since Sawan's acquittal, however, he and his family have remained virtual prisoners; for they still must live with daily threats against them. Immediately following the verdict, Sawan and his family were taken to a safehouse provided by CLAAS, an organization that advocates for persecuted Christians in Pakistan. He lived in the one-room lodging with his wife and their three children.
In the two years following the acquittal, the family has not been able to resume any semblance of "normal" life. The day Sawan was acquitted, his father passed away. Yet, the accused man was unable to attend the funeral due to ongoing threats. Culminating the added injustice and pain experienced following his family's loss, Sawan's mother died in April 2022. Once again, because of the continuing risk that Islamic militants would attack him, he was unable to visit her before she died – nor could he attend the funeral following her passing.
During the previous year's Christmas season, Sawan reflected on his family's situation by saying: "Christmas is the greatest festival for every Christian to celebrate with relatives, friends and Christian community, but for us it seems to be a time of grief and despair. Being in the same city, we cannot meet our loved ones. How helpless and disappointed we are at this Christmastime."
Last year, one of VOMC's ministry partners, Steadfast Global, was contacted by close relatives of the Masih family. The organization, working together with Church in Chains, was able to provide Sawan and his family with more suitable living accommodations, along with additionally needed financial support. The organizations are continuing to work diligently to provide a way for the family to leave the country, petitioning the United Kingdom government to grant them settlement in a location where a guaranteed support framework is already in place.
Pray that the opportunity will soon come for the Masih family to live freely, without fear and ongoing threats to their lives. Despite their present desperate situation, may these persecuted believers be filled with the Lord's strength, peace and joy. Ask God to also greatly bless the efforts of those who have worked so diligently to provide for the needs of these Christians in the interim. Finally, may the Lord also mightily work in the minds and hearts of the United Kingdom authorities, making a way for this family to safely leave Pakistan.
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