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Pakistan

• Christians Devastated by Death of Preacher

  Friends of a popular Pakistani preacher who was killed by a hit-and-run driver believe he may have been murdered because of his conversion from Islam. Rashid Mehmood, 33, came from a rich, influential Muslim family but turned to Christ in 2005. Though he trained as a lawyer, he decided to become a pastor and preach the Gospel, despite strong opposition from his relatives.

• Federal Court Calls for Mandatory Death Sentence for Blasphemy

  Supreme Court of Pakistan Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Khalid Mahmood

  An influential court in Pakistan is calling for a mandatory death sentence for blasphemy. If implemented, the decision could result in further attacks and accusations against the country's Christian minority. It could also lead to the execution of those who have been falsely accused of blasphemy. The order, which was passed by the Federal Sharia Court earlier this month, now awaits implementation by the country's president.

• Death Threats Against Human Rights Defender

  Sardar Mushtaq Gill (right) Photo: LEAD FAMILY

  Human rights defender and campaigner Sardar Mushtaq Gill has received death threats in recent months. Sardar is the National Director of the Legal Evangelical Association Development (LEAD), a non-governmental organization in Punjab that represents marginalized people who are either falsely implicated by the police or unable to afford legal assistance.

• Punjab Christian Accused of Blasphemy Presently in Hiding

  A house that was destroyed during the Joseph Colony attack Photo: VOMC Pakistan contacts

  Another blasphemy row has broken out in a Lahore township where Christians fear they may become targets of violence. Adnan Masih, a 25-year-old Christian teacher, has been in hiding since October 8th after being accused of writing blasphemous comments in a book about Islam. According to an employee of a glass and aluminium business, the book was left in the shop where Adnan's brother also happens to work. Consequently, the shop owner, Mushtaq Masih, was immediately taken into custody in Adnan's place. In addition, the brother and uncle of the accused are being held illegally for the same reason.

• Suicide Bombers Target Believers

  A woman injured in the attack Photo: Morning Star News

  A double-suicide bombing took place on September 22nd within the compound of the All Saints Church in Peshawar (about 120 kilometres from the country's capital of Islamabad). According to a hospital official, the death toll has risen to 81. Among those killed were choir members and children attending Sunday school. The incident is described as one of the deadliest attacks ever on the Christian community in this country. Two militant groups with links to the Taliban are claiming responsibility for the attack. (For previously posted video clips and reports of persecution in Pakistan, please go to our Pakistan Country Report.)

• Islamists demand death penalty for alleged blasphemous texts

  World Watch Monitor is reporting that Islamists are demanding the death penalty for three Christians accused of sending "blasphemous texts".

  On July 13, Christian man Sajjad Masih was convicted of blasphemy under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code. In 2011, Masih was accused of sending text messages insulting Muhammad via a SIM card registered to Masih’s former fiancé. A police investigation was unable to find the phone or the SIM card.

• Christian Women Publically Beaten and Humiliated

  During the first week of June, a Muslim landlord allegedly forced three Christian women to parade naked in the public streets of Pakistan's Punjab province. It was reported that the women were brutally beaten and then publically humiliated by armed men affiliated with Muhammad Munir, a local landlord of Kasur district (about 50 kilometres from Lahore).

  The matter came to light a few days after the Asian Human Rights Commission issued a news release to the media. According to the head of the victimized family, Sadiq Masih, the male members of his family had gone out to their jobs when the attackers entered his house. Muhammad Munir and his armed men disrobed the son's wives and then forcibly paraded them in the streets. As the women screamed for help, some elderly people of the village came to their rescue. The attackers finally let the women go but warned the villagers and the victimized family against reporting the incident to the police.

  On July 12th, the Lahore high court ordered the district and sessions judge to probe further into the matter and submit a report. For an overview on Pakistan's political, judicial and spiritual climate, please check the Pakistan Country Report.

  God's heart is so terribly grieved over the mistreatment of His people, especially those who are most vulnerable. Thank you for sharing His heart of compassion and for being a vital part of His ministry around the world through your prayers. May He console these women who have been exploited and shamed in such an indecent manner, while also bringing necessary correction to those who caused them harm. Pray that the judge and the people of the community will stand on the side of true justice, providing needed support to these Christian women and their families.

• Young Christian Teen Provided Safe Refuge in Canada

  Though acquitted, Rimsha and others are not able to live freely in Pakistan. Photo: Flickr / Maria Ly

  Rimsha Masih, the young Christian girl who fled Pakistan with her family after a Muslim cleric falsely accused her of burning pages from the Quran, has been provided refuge here in Canada. Although Rimsha was acquitted, those accused of blasphemy in Pakistan are often subject to vigilante justice. "World Magazine" reporter Rachel Aldrich explains that "mobs have been known to attack and kill people accused of blasphemy, and two prominent politicians who had discussed changes to the blasphemy laws have been killed." (More about the challenges facing believers in Pakistan can be found at the Pakistan Country Report.)

  A Muslim cleric who lobbied for her release, Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, said Rimsha had been facing threats and was moving constantly. "I am sad that this innocent girl had to leave Pakistan," he explains. "She had been acquitted by the court, and despite that it was not possible for her to live freely."

  This case has received widespread attention in part because of Rimsha's young age and questions about her mental capabilities. Although an official medical report at the time put her age at 14, some of her supporters say she was as young as 11. Canada's immigration officials were instructed to process her family's applications for permanent residency under humanitarian and compassionate grounds. For more on Rimsha's case, check this link.

  Please pray for God's continued protection upon Rimsha, and also for the safety of all who have provided her necessary assistance. It has been stated by Christian leaders that Canada is a place of 'healing for the nations.' May this be especially true for Rimsha and her family as they take up residency here. And contrary to the teen's past experience of unjust imprisonment, may her future be bright and full of hope (Jeremiah 29:11).

• Update on Asia Bibi

  Pakistan- Recent reports confirm that Asia Bibi, who is awaiting her appeal against a death sentence for "blasphemy," has now been transferred to the Central Jail Multan. The prison administration has not given any reasons for the move, which has caused Asia's family concern for her safety and for her emotional and physical health. Asia’s husband said that she is upset and frightened. Please continue praying for the release of this imprisoned Christian wife and mother. (For more details on her case, click here.)

• Christian Teenager Dies in Police Custody

  Thousands of Christians in Punjab had recently taken to the streets in protest at the alleged torture and murder of a teenager who was held in police custody. Eighteen-year-old Adnan Masih died at Sharaqpur Sharif city police station in the district of Sheikhupura on June 10th, after being detained for six days. More than 4,000 Christians staged road blocks on the day of his death, demanding justice and the immediate arrest of the police involved. Three police officers have since been arrested.

  Adnan, a fridge and air-conditioning mechanic who worked in nearby Lahore, was arrested on June 4th over the alleged kidnapping of a young Muslim woman. His family say he did not even know the woman and was entirely innocent. They also state that Adnan was brutally tortured during the six days of his detainment and then killed. The police are reportedly claiming that Adnan committed suicide.

  The Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) was summoned by villagers to help them register a case with police against Adnan's alleged attackers. They believe that Adnan was targeted because of his faith as other non-Christian suspects were released within a day. Learn more about the challenges of believers in Pakistan by going to the Pakistan Country Report.

  May God greatly comfort Adnan's family, giving them the strength they need to pursue justice on his behalf. Pray for divine protection over the representatives of CLAAS, and for Adnan's family, as they seek to obtain justice. Also ask that the Lord will provide wisdom for all concerned, and that the laws in Pakistan will serve to protect innocent citizens...including those of religious minorities.