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Pakistan

• Christian freed from her captors

  Shaheen Bibi and her father Manna Masih Photo by Compass Direct

  A Christian mother of seven in Lahore, Pakistan, was recently freed from her Muslim captors after being kidnapped last August, drugged, raped, sold into marriage, and threatened with death if she did not convert to Islam. Forty-year-old Shaheen Bibi was taken from her place of employment to a nearby city, drugged and raped. When she awoke, her kidnappers told her that she had been sold into marriage to one of them. She told them she was a Christian, and they gave her a prayer rug and tried to get her to convert to Islam by reciting a Muslim prayer.

  The kidnappers demanded a ransom ($1,170 CAD) from Shaheen's father, Manna Masih, by March 5. Local police refused to help Masih rescue his daughter, claiming that the area she was being held in was too dangerous. Masih then sought help from a human rights organization. On March 6, a team managed to rescue Shaheen from her captors, who handed her over on the condition that they not be the targets of further legal action. After her release, Shaheen reported that there were at least 10 other women in captivity with her. Some of the women had their hands and legs broken because they refused to be forced into marriage.

  Thank the Lord for Shaheen's release. Pray for God's comfort and peace to govern her as she recovers from her brutal assault. Pray the other women will also be freed from their captors. Pray for the hope of Christ to radiate in their hearts and minds, even as they suffer. Ask God to bring their captors to repentance and lead them to salvation in Christ.

  Find out more about the trials facing Pakistani Christians at thePakistan Country Report.

• Sole Christian minister assassinated

  Shahbaz Bhatti

  VOM sources in Pakistan are reporting that Pakistan's Minister of Minority Affairs, Shahbaz Bhatti, was assassinated March 2 while on his way to work in Islamabad. This is the latest attack on a high-profile Pakistani figure who had urged reforming harsh blasphemy laws that impose the death penalty for insulting Islam. Bhatti was on his way to work when unknown gunmen riddled his car with bullets. The minister arrived dead at Shifa Hospital.

  No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but private Pakistani TV channels showed pamphlets at the scene of the killing that were attributefd to the Pakistani Taliban warning of the same fate for anyone opposing the blasphemy laws. An eyewitness saw three gunmen open fire on Bhatti's car as he left his house. The gunmen then sped away in a car. It was not immediately clear why Bhatti, a member of the ruling Pakistani People's Party, did not have bodyguards with him.

  In recent months, Bhatti boldly defended Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy. After the killing of Salman Taseer, Governor of Punjab, whom Islamic fundamentalists blamed for having defended Asia Bibi, Bhatti became the radicals' "top target." Bhatti was in Canada just last month, meeting with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and several cabinet ministers during his visit to Ottawa. According to a spokesman for the prime minister, the men discussed the importance of standing up for the rights of religious minorities.

  Thank the Lord for the life of Shahbaz Bhatti and his attempts to change Pakistan's blasphemy laws. Pray the Lord will bring comfort to his family in their time of sorrow. Pray the Lord will not allow Pakistani believers to be discouraged, but to be emboldened in their faith, putting their trust in the everlasting God.

  Find out more about the intense persecution of Christians in Pakistan at thePakistan Country Report.

• Christian killed by Muslim employer

  A young Christian man was recently killed by his Muslim employer in Gujranwala district, Punjab province, Pakistan. On February 5, Imran Masih, 24, stayed home from his job as a driver for two local Muslims because he was ill. When Imran returned to work the next day, his employer verbally confronted him, attacked him and killed him. Imran's body was brought to his father, Lal Masih, the next day, with the employer claiming that he committed suicide. Lal, who is also employed by the same estate, said that his son's body was covered in blood and bore clear signs of torture. Local people also reported that they had heard the employer insult and attack Imran the night of his death. Lal went to the police station to file a report about the unjust treatment of his son's death. However, the assistant sub-inspector refused to accept it, allegedly due to the influence of the Muslim employer in the area.

  Only after activists from the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance made a public protest in Gujranwala did the police officially record formal murder charges and damages against the employer and his accomplices.

  Pray for the family members and friends mourning the loss of Imran. Pray that, as sufferings overflow, their comfort in Christ will abound (2 Corinthians 1:5). Pray the truth in Imran's death will come to light. Ask God to change the hearts and minds of the Muslim responsible for this brutal murder, leading to repentance.

  To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, visit thePakistan Country Report.

• Government will not amend blasphemy law

  Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani Photo by Assist News

  Christians in Pakistan received a blow this week, as the government of Pakistan will not amend the country's controversial blasphemy law. This decision comes after massive countrywide protests against the government by Islamic and mainstream opposition parties who demand that there be no amendments made.

  Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani told parliament in a speech before the National Assembly in Islamabad, on February 2, that his government would not touch the legislation, which human rights groups say is routinely abused to persecute minorities and settle personal scores. Most recently, the blasphemy law was used against Asia Bibi, a Christian mother, who was found guilty of blaspheming the Prophet Muhammad and sentenced to death. Her case is currently being appealed.

  Sherry Rehman, a member of the Pakistani National Assembly, introduced the bill of proposed amendments last year. However, it was not supported by Rehman's own party. Rehman has said that she was directed to withdraw the bill, and she denies that she did so voluntarily. She has been confined to her home, following a flurry of death threats.

  Pray the Lord will raise up other faithful leaders who are willing to speak up for human rights and religious freedom in Pakistan. Ask the Lord to strengthen and protect His Church. Continue to pray for Asia Bibi, that she will be acquitted of all blasphemy charges.

  Read more about the persecuted Church in Pakistan at thePakistan Country Report.

• Christian murdered, believers threatened

  Christians in the city of Karachi, Sindh province, Pakistan, are facing threats from local police after filing charges in the murder of an 18-year-old Christian man. On January 6, Waqas Gill was abducted from his home by four police officers. His body was found in a sewer two days later. The Christians who found his remains protested against local police, claiming they covered up Waqas' brutal murder and accused them of delaying an autopsy. Head officials reluctantly filed charges against the four accused officers. An autopsy revealed that Waqas had been raped, tortured and shot with police-revolver bullets.

  Waqas' father said that police have since threatened to kill him and other local believers or charge them with false crimes if they do not withdraw the charges against the officers. At least six Christian youth in that area have reportedly been killed in a manner similar to Waqas. A local Christian legislator, Tahir Naveed Chaudhary, condemned the Waqas murder and lamented the police discrimination against Christians: "Day by day, crimes against Christians are increasing, and rape or abuse of Christian women and girls has become a commonplace thing. Life of any of the Christians at any place in Pakistan is not safe."

  Pray those who mourn for Waqas will feel God's comfort and trust that He is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Pray those involved in his murder will repent and come to receive Jesus as Lord, just as the Apostle Paul did. Pray Christians in Pakistan will continue to trust in God's sovereign justice and compassion, even in the face of tragedy and oppression.

  You can find out more about the persecution of Christians in Pakistan at thePakistan Country Report.

• Governor assassinated for opposing blasphemy law

  Governor Salman Taseer

  The governor of Pakistan's Punjab province, Salman Taseer, was killed by his own bodyguard in Islamabad on January 4, allegedly because he spoke out against the country's controversial blasphemy law.

  Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the guard told police that he killed Taseer because of the governor's opposition to Pakistan's blasphemy law. Taseer recently made headlines for speaking out against the law, which was used to sentence Asia Bibi, a Christian woman, who was convicted of insulting the Prophet Muhammad. Friends of the governor say he knew he was risking his life by speaking out.

  Pray the Lord will use the work of Salman Taseer for His good purposes and for the benefit of the Church in Pakistan. Pray there will be great support for reform. Pray the Lord will raise up other leaders who are willing to speak up for the Christian minority in Pakistan.

  For more on believers suffering for serving Christ in Pakistan, visit thePakistan Country Report.

• Christian Asia Bibi 'has price on her head'

  Asia Bibi's family

  VOM continues to follow the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death under Pakistan's blasphemy law. Asia's husband, Ashiq Masih, says his family has been receiving threatening phone calls, forcing him and his children to flee their home. Ashiq told the BBC that they move constantly, trying to stay one step ahead of the anonymous callers who have been menacing them. "I ask who they are, but they refuse to tell me," Ashiq said.

  Ashiq insists that his wife is innocent and will be freed, but he worries about what will happen if she is released. "When she comes out, how she can live safely?" he asks. "No one will let her live. The mullahs are saying they will kill her when she comes out."

  In addition to the death sentence hanging over Asia, a radical cleric has put a price on her head, promising $6,000 CAD to anyone prepared to "finish her" (click here for more information).

  Please pray the Lord will protect and provide for Ashiq Masih and his children. May the entire family know the Lord's strengthening presence. Pray the Lord will use Asia's situation to bring about change in Pakistan for His glory. Pray for her release.

  For more on trials facing Christians in Pakistan, visit thePakistan Country Report.

• Minister condemns reward for killing Christian woman

  Asia on a rare visit with her girls

  Pakistan's Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs Shahbaz Bhatti has condemned the recent announcement of a reward for killing the jailed Christian woman Asia Bibi, calling it unjust and irresponsible. The Christian Post reported a hard-line imam offered about $6,000 to anyone who kills Asia Bibi should the president pardon her.

  Imam Maulana Yousuf Qureshi made his offer during a sermon at the largest mosque in Peshawar. He also threatened the government to not amend or repeal the blasphemy laws "which provide protection to the sanctity of Holy Prophet Muhammad." Qureshi said that if the appeals court judge freed Bibi then Muslim extremists would kill her.

  Asia Bibi received a death sentence in November for allegedly speaking badly of Muslim Prophet Muhammad (read more). Her case has sparked international outcry against Pakistan's blasphemy laws, which often are used against religious minorities after a small non-religious-related dispute. The high court has yet to set a date for Bibi's appeals hearing.

  Please continue to pray for the safety and protection of Asia, her family and Christians throughout Pakistan. Thank the Lord for Shahbaz Bhatti's willingness to speak publicly in Asia's defence. Pray the Lord will use this case to repeal the blasphemy laws.

  To learn more about the persecuted Church in Pakistan, visit thePakistan Country Report.

• Update: Court prevents president from pardoning Asia Bibi

  Asia Bibi's family

  A court in Pakistan has told the country's president that he cannot grant a pardon to Asia Bibi, the Christian woman who was sentenced to death for "blasphemy" against Muhammad (click here to read more). International Christian Concern (ICC) reports the Lahore High Court issued the order after lawyers argued that the president cannot issue the pardon before Asia's appeal to the High Court is decided.

  ICC says Asia has appealed to the High Court for the reversal of her death sentence, but the court has yet to set a date for an appeal hearing. Pakistan's Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti, said that President Asif Ali Zardari has pledged to intervene if the High Court unnecessarily delays deciding Asia's case. The president also asked Bhatti to investigate Asia's case, and Bhatti found her to be innocent.

  Under Article 45 of Pakistan's constitution, the president has authority to free convicts. Meanwhile, ICC says fundamentalist Muslims have stepped up their threats against the Pakistani officials, warning that there will be anarchy if Asia is pardoned.

  Thank the Lord for the president's willingness to intervene. Pray for Asia's release in the Lord's good timing, pray that He will use Asia's case to highlight the flaws of these infamous blasphemy laws in Pakistan and bring about change. Ask God to protect her and her family and all Christians in the area.

  Find out more about the treatment of believers in Pakistan by visiting thePakistan Country Report.

• Christian killed for ''blasphemy''

  Latif Masih Photo from Compass Direct

  Police suspect two Muslim militants are responsible for the recent murder of a Christian man in Punjab province, Pakistan. In early November, 22-year-old Latif Masih was granted bail after five months of imprisonment for "blasphemy" for allegedly burning pages of the Qur'an. His release came after the complainant in the case told the court he was not certain Latif was guilty. On November 18, two men arrived at the home of Latif and his mother, Rubina Bibi, and asked if he would accompany them. When Latif and the men were a few yards from the house, they shot Latif five times. The men then fled by motorbike. Police were watching the scene from the street but did nothing to stop the assailants. Latif's brother, Junaid Masih, claims that the two attackers were associates of a Muslim man who had filed the blasphemy charge against Latif -- a charge that Junaid claims was part of the Muslim man's plan to take over Latif's motorbike shop.

  Pray that God will grant Latif's loved ones the light of His love in the darkness of grief. Pray that Christ's Body in Pakistan will continue to be a bold testimony of His love and grace. Ask God to help Christians in Pakistan to respond in a Christ-like manner to injustice and oppression.

  For more on the suffering of Christians in Pakistan, visit thePakistan Country Report.