Bail Granted for Christians Facing Blasphemy Charges

The previous week's Persecution & Prayer Alert reported on an unusual case in which bail was granted to Saima Masih, a Christian woman who was accused of blasphemy in Pakistan. (Read the previously published report.) While Saima has been freed from prison, she remains in danger from the avenging violence of militant vigilantes who are seeking to achieve what they falsely perceive as "justice." Remarkably, this past October, two similar blasphemy cases came before the Pakistani courts in which other accused Christians were also released on bail.

An ambulance driver and father of two named Chand Shamaun was arrested in June and charged with insulting Islam under the nation's anti-terrorism laws. However, a two-judge bench of the Lahore High Court ruled on October 10th that there were nofigure loopholes in the police case against the Christian man. First of all, no evidence had been gathered, and then the only "witness" was a known police informer who has frequently been involved in false cases. As a result, Chand was released from prison on October 23rd.

In a separate case, Zimran Asim was arrested in August 2023 and charged with three counts of blasphemy. However, Zimran's only "crime" had been his association with someone who was also accused of insulting the Islamic faith. This April and July, the Lahore High Court granted him bail for two of the three blasphemy convictions. Later, on October 30th, bail was given for the third and final conviction, resulting in his release. Once again, the judges ruled in this case that there was no evidence supporting the accusations against the Christian man.

While both Chand and Zimran are now able to be with their families, they have gone into hiding for their safety. According to Zimran's lawyer, Aneeqa Maria, his family had already fled the area after their home and all their possessions were taken by other villagers following the accused Christian's arrest. "Zimran Asim's case is a fitting example of how innocent people are implicated in false cases by individuals as well as the police," states Aneeqa. "This poor man was forced to suffer in prison, away from his family for over one year. They also lost their home and can't even think of going back to their village."

Under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, those found guilty are automatically sentenced to death, though the authorities have not yet carried out the death penalty for this crime. Unfortunately, these laws are frequently used to settle interpersonal disagreements, business disputes, or simply because of the accusers' hatred towards Christians and other religious minorities. For more details, see our country report.

Praise God for the recent court decisions which have allowed these believers to be released from prison and reunited with their loved ones! Pray that the Lord will now divinely shelter Saima, Chand, Zimran – along with their families – from any further harm and harassment. May He also transform the legal system of Pakistan so that people will not be able to abuse the country's laws for personal reasons. Pray that lawmakers will reconsider the role of the blasphemy laws in Pakistani society and work towards ensuring better treatment for our Christian family in this South Asian nation.