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Pakistan

• Blasphemy Charges Result in Fear and Violence

  At least sixteen homes have been damaged in the Waheed Park area of Lahore, Pakistan after a drug addict disrupted an Islamic service and reportedly insulted Mohammed.  The incident began around midnight on the night of September 9 when a Muslim imam was holding a "Qawali" (an Islamic service with mystical singing) in the home of a local Christian. Younis Masih (35) entered the home and reportedly began arguing with the imam. During the argument, he was accused of blaspheming against Mohammed.  The host and the other Christians present demanded that Younis leave.  Some news reports claim that Younis was beaten by the Christian residents and told to apologize, which he refused to do.

  The next day, local Muslims went to Younis' home and beat him.  His wife, Meena, was also injured in the attack.  Younis and Meena went to the police station where he was arrested. Following the arrest of Younis, a mob of young Muslims began vandalizing the homes of Christians in the area as well as damaging a church building with stones.  According to a report from the Centre for Legal Aid and Settlement (CLAAS), the police did nothing to prevent the attacks, choosing to rest at the home of a local councillor rather than intervening.  Despite assurances from Muslim leaders that they only want Younis punished, around fifty Christian families have left the area in fear.

  Pray for the peace and safety of the Christians living in the area who are suffering the consequences of one man's actions.  Pray that the authorities will be prepared to protect the Christians, so that they need not live in fear for their lives.

  For more information on the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan,click here.

• Update: Christian Janitor Released on Bail

  Last week, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported that the health of Yousaf Masih was deteriorating badly because of the abusive treatment he was experiencing in prison (click here).  Masih was arrested in late June for allegedly burning a copy of the Koran.  According to the All Pakistan Minority Alliance, Masih was released August 6 on Rs 250,000 ($5000 CDN) bail.  When Yousaf heard that he would be released on bail, he fell to his knees and loudly proclaimed "Hallelujah!" This release is the first time a prisoner charged with blasphemy has been released on bail after such a short period of time.  Continue to pray that all charges will be dropped against him.

• UPDATE: Hisbah Law Challenged

  General Pervez Musharraf

  Pakistani President, General Pervez Musharraf has called on the Pakistani Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of a proposed Taliban-like law passed in Northwest Frontier Province and scheduled to come into effect August 14.  In a province where the ruling party has already outlawed music in public places and pulled down advertising featuring women, the new "hisbah" (accountability) law would institute a new police authority to ensure that strict Islamic rules are followed (click here for more details).  Analysts believe that the court will rule that that new law is unconstitutional.
• UPDATE: Yousaf Masih's Health Declining

  On July 6, the Persecution and Prayer Alert reported on the arrest of Yousaf Masih on charges that he had burned a copy of the Koran (click here for more details).  According to recent reports from Pakistan, Yousaf's health has been deteriorating badly. According to Assist News, he is reported to have received "ruthless treatment" since his arrest.  The jail superintendent told representatives from the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance that his life is in danger.

• Pakistani Province Institutes Strict Islamic Law

  Khalilur Rehman, Governor of North West Frontier Province

  The legislature of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) has passed a bill that has been described by critics as the "Talibanization" of Pakistan.  The law sets up a watchdog with the power to reform the society in accordance to "Islamic values," which includes ensuring that such values are observed in public places.  The legislation is strongly opposed by the federal government, which has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court's Karachi bench.  The federally appointed governor of NWFP, Khalilur Rehman, has vowed to take every take every constitutional step available to prevent the law from being implemented.

  NWFP borders on Afghanistan and is known for its support for the strict Islamic policies of the Taliban, many of whom were trained in Islamic schools in northwest Pakistan.  Pakistan's Islamic schools have again come under close scrutiny after the London bombings. British Defense Secretary John Reid described Pakistan's madrassas (Islamic schools) as "a major source of international instability and contribute largely toward the growth of terrorist activity."

  A special supplement to the Persecution and Prayer Alert is scheduled to be sent out this week asking the question, "Is the War of Terrorism Really Winnable?" by VOMC's Communications Director, Glenn Penner (click here).  We encourage you to carefully evaluate this question in the light of Glenn's commentary.

  Pray that this law will be overturned and that strict Islamic law will not be instituted in any area of Pakistan.  Pray for wisdom for Christians in Pakistan who must face those endeavoring to institute such laws.

  For more information on Pakistan and the difficulties facing Christians there,click here.

• Christian Janitor in Pakistan Charged with Burning Koran Leads to Riots

  Yousaf Masih is a sweeper who has worked over twenty years for the Pakistani military.  According to VOM sources, Yousaf was cleaning the office in the house of a military officer on June 28 when he came across a bag of papers.  The major told Yousaf to take the papers outside and burn them.  Workers saw the papers and began accusing him of burning pages from the Koran.  Yousaf, who is illiterate, had no idea of what was happening and, fearing for his life in the face of these accusations, fled and ran to his home east of Peshawar in northeastern Pakistan.  That afternoon, police came to his home and arrested Yousaf, accusing him of desecrating the Koran; a crime punishable by death in Pakistan.

  Following the arrests, angry Muslims in the community came to Yousaf's home and beat his three sons.  That evening, mobs began destroying Christian property.  An estimated 200 homes were burned in the area and the contents were looted.  A Hindu temple was also attacked, since the mob apparently thought initially that Yousaf was a Hindu.  Police have since surrounded the area and are attempting to contain further riots.

  Pray that Yousaf will be released from custody.  Pray for safety for Christians in the community who are living in fear of further attacks.  Pray for the Christians in the community who must begin the process of rebuilding.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan,click here.

• Advocacy Office in Pakistan Fired On

  At around 6:30 p.m. on June 16, the office of CLAAS (Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement) in Lahore, Pakistan was fired upon by two young men on a motorcycle.  There were only a few people in the office at the time and thankfully no one was hit.

  CLAAS provides legal aid as well as shelter and financial support to victims of religious persecution in Pakistan and their families.

  Pray for continued protection for these servants of God who are serving persecuted believers in Pakistan.

  For more information on the persecution of Pakistani Christians,click here.

• Christian in Critical Condition Following Beating

  A young Catholic man is in critical condition after he was attacked, beaten and left for dead by Muslims in his village on April 23.  According to sources for AsiaNews, Shahbaz Masih (24) was seized by seven or eight young Muslim men who dragged him into a field and beat him; breaking both his legs and leaving him there.  They then called his parents and informed them that he was dead.  His parents found him and took him to the local hospital where he is being treated.

  According to Father Rehmat Hakim, the parish priest for the Mandi Bahauddin district, 175 kilometers south of Islamabad, most of the 20-25 Christian families in the area work as agricultural workers for Muslim landlords. Shahbaz drove tractor for a Muslim who treated him very well.  Other Muslims opposed the good treatment, believing that Christians should be subservient. 

  Pray for Shahbaz's health and a full recovery.  Pray that there will not be more violence against Christians in the area.  Pray the example of Shahbaz and his landlord will be a positive example of peaceful coexistence.

  For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan,click here.

• Injured Christians Receive Poor Treatment

  Believers in Khambay, Pakistan continue to live through the consequences of last Sunday's attack on their church (click here for details).  On Monday the funeral was held for Arshad Masih who was killed.  Click here for pictures of the funeral.  Of those injured, VOM has learned, two remain in hospital while the other four were forcibly released, despite their injuries.  Pervez Masih remains unconscious and in critical condition.  Ismael Masih (65) has been crying out in pain.  He told VOM contacts on March 28 that he had received no medication for his pain.

  Pray for each of those injured in the attacks, and especially for Pervez and Ismael.  Pray that they will fully recover from their injuries.  Pray for Arshad Masih's young wife and child, as they begin to face life without their loved one.

  For more information on the persecution of Pakistani Christians,click here.

  Ismael Masih

  Fozia, wife of Arshad Masih

• One Killed and Six Injured as Assailants Attack During Easter Morning Service in Pakistan
  

  The Voice of the Martyrs has learned that Sunday's Easter morning service of the Victory Church International (also known as the New Apostolic Church) in the village of Khambay near Lahore, Pakistan was disrupted as four armed assailants opened fire on the church property, murdering one Christian worshipper and injuring six others.  Killed was Arshad Masih, a young husband and father of a one-year-old daughter. 

  Ismael Masih, with fractured leg, giving his statement

  Abdominal wound on Pervez Masih Photos from CLAAS

  Fozia, wife of Arshad Masih Photo from Centre for Legal Aid, Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS)

  According to reports received by The Voice of the Martyrs, members of a Muslim family who had long been opponents of the congregation entered the church property at about 10:00 a.m. as the congregation was worshipping and began shooting.  Some reports indicate that there were children playing outside.  Arshad Masih was reportedly shot and killed as he went outside of the church building to find out what was happening. Six other believers including Pervez Masih, Naeem Masih, Arshed Masih, Ismael Masih, and two others (exact names to be verified) also came out from church and the attackers also fired on them. The attackers then fled.VOM sources report that Muhammad Mukhtar Dogar, Muhammad Sardar Dogar and Muhammad Malki Dogar have been arrested in connection with the attack, while two other suspects are still at large.  The injured are in hospital in Lahore, one of them in critical condition. This incident comes after a weekend of threats and intimidations by the Dogar family against the congregation.  The 150-member church was forced to cancel their Good Friday and Saturday night services when the family threatened to kill anyone who came to the church.  The Dogar family is apparently seeking to take possession of the land that New Apostolic Church and its graveyard has been located on for the last century.

  Remember to pray for Arshad Masih's wife, Fozia, as she grieves the loss of her husband. Pray for those in hospital, especially those who are seriously wounded.  Pray that those responsible will be brought to justice.  Pray for the continuing witness of this church, as they testify to the Living Christ and His resurrection.