Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians

Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians

Adil Babar is standing outside.
Adil Babar
Photo: Morning Star News

Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.

In 2023, two Christian youths, Adil Barbar and Simon Nadeem, were accused of blasphemy after a neighbour claimed to have overheard them calling a dog "Muhammad Ali" and laughing about it. Although the families of both teens denied the presence of any dog, Adil and Simon were charged for allegedly insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad. (Read more details on the incident.)

On July 8th, after more than two years of legal uncertainty, the two Christian youths were acquitted and dismissed of all charges. While they are now considered free, concerns remain for their safety due to the threat of vigilante violence. Regrettably, Pakistan's blasphemy laws have been frequently misused to settle personal disputes, incite violence and persecute religious minorities.

In a separate case, 14-year-old Elishba Adnan was abducted from her home on June 11th by Baba Mukhtar, a 28-year-old man known to the family. Though members of the Christian girl's family turned to the local police for assistance, their pleas were repeatedly ignored.

Elishba's father eventually sought help from a human rights activist named Albert Patras, who discovered that the teenage girl had supposedly converted to Islam on June 12th and married her kidnapper. Albert was able to bring the case to court, arguing that – since Elishba was under the age of 16 – the marriage constituted statutory rape under Pakistani law. On July 3rd, the judge ruled in favour of the family, denying custody to Baba and placing Elishba in a women's shelter. Her parents remain hopeful that she will soon return home now that she is no longer under the influence of her captor.

In a similar ruling on July 9th, a judge in Lahore sentenced Ahmed Raza to life in prison for the rape of a 12-year-old Christian girl. The victim, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, was kidnapped in 2023 and assaulted by Ahmed and his three accomplices. The perpetrator then fabricated documentation indicating that the girl had converted to Islam and married him. Ahmed was ultimately found guilty of rape, though the judge did not rule on the legitimacy of the conversion or marriage. However, during a separate proceeding, a family court issued a decree in the girl's favour and thus declared the marriage void.

Blasphemy accusations and forced marriages remain two of the most prevalent threats against Christians in Pakistan. While the courts often succumb to pressure from militant groups, these recent rulings offer a glimmer of hope that justice and protection for minorities are still possible. To learn more about the incidents of persecution encountered by our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan, go to our country report.

  • Praise God for the courage and integrity of judges who upheld justice in these recent cases, even in the midst of opposing societal and political pressures.
  • Pray for further reforms to take place within Pakistan's government and its operating legal system, asking that laws respecting the rights and dignities of all citizens – regardless of their faith – will be duly upheld.
  • Lift up all those in Pakistan who have suffered from abductions, false blasphemy accusations and threats of violence, asking our Heavenly Father to minister healing, restoration and peace to these believers and their families.
  • 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.

Pakistan News

  • Justice Delayed in Jaranwala
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Incensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control. (Video footage of the attack is available here.)

  • Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack
    Afzal Masih is surrounded by mourners. One woman's hands are gently touching the wraps covering him.
    Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.

  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
    A very dark room is dimly lit by a single window in the corner. A woman is silhouetted against the window.
     

    A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.