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Pakistan

• 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.

• Family Pressured to Compromise Charges

  Pray for the protection of young Christian women in Pakistan. Photo: Flickr / Flying Cloud

  According to the Legal Evangelical Association Development (LEAD), a Christian relief and advocacy group, Fouzia Bibi of Village Roday (District of Kasur) was a victim of sexual assault. During the early evening of January 25th, 2013, 15-year-old Fouzia was bringing milk to the landlord from one of his nearby cattle areas. Along the way, two Muslims armed with pistols, Sher Muhammad and Shabir Ali, reportedly abducted and imprisoned her in a room. The alleged assailants then brutally raped and tortured her. No one could hear the cries of the victimized Christian girl who was left unconscious.

  The girl's father, Malooka Masih, notified National Director LEAD Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill on May 24th that a bail hearing had been filed in Lahore's High Court for the alleged perpetrators. Prior to this, the victim's cousin, Alam Ashiq, was helping the Christian family throughout the ordeal. However, Fouzia's father was recently notified that those accused of the rape had enlisted law enforcement cooperation from the city of Muridkey. This has resulted in Alam being arrested for involvement in "a case" (details not known), which was registered against "unknown people" about six months ago. Using Alam as a lever, law enforcement officials are pressuring the family to compromise on the charges so that bail can be granted to the alleged rapists.

  Representative Sardar Mushtaq Gill appeared before a deputy superintendent of police in Muridkey in an attempt to advocate for justice in the case. He said it is a common occurrence for complainants to be pressurized by a variety of different tactics, including making them allegedly involved in unspecified crimes with the intent of bringing about "compromise." Read about other cases of injustice at the Pakistan Country Report.

  First of all, let's lift up in prayer young Fouzia who has been violated and traumatized by the violent assault. May our compassionate Saviour minister greatly needed comfort and healing in her life. Also pray for Fouzia's devastated family who are not only concerned for her well-being but now also must contend with the injustice and manipulation of law enforcement officers. Ask for God's mighty intervention in the situation...granting wisdom to the family's legal representatives, favour with the court officials, dismissal of the false charges against Alam, required disciplinary measures for the perpetrators, and an extra measure of strength and spiritual encouragement for the entire family.

• Taliban Kidnap Young Disciple of Christ

  Aman Ullah (second from left) Photo: Assist News

  A 16-year-old Christian convert from Islam by the name of Aman Ullah was kidnapped by the Taliban on May 25th in Peshawar, the heart of Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province. "We don't know which of the 32 different Taliban groups operating both in Afghanistan and Pakistan is responsible," says John Taimoor, founder of Crossbearers ministry. "My team, workers and disciples from Muslim backgrounds are facing pressures from many sides and physical persecution." (For previous reports of persecution in Pakistan, please go to the Pakistan Country Report.)

  The young kidnap victim came to Christ about a year ago, and he has already memorized the books of John and Ephesians in the Bible. His goal is to memorize the entire New Testament since he had memorized the Quran as a young person. "He is very dear to me," Taimoor shares. "'Aman Ullah' means 'peace of God' in Arabic, Persian, Urdu and Pushto languages," he adds. "He is a diamond, very dedicated and brilliant.... He made public statements and gave his testimony."

  Taimoor asks for prayers for his ardent young disciple. "We are looking to our Saviour who is able to save us to the uttermost but we also look to our friends for prayer and what God places on their hearts!"

  Pray for Aman's protection, asking for favour among his captors. In fact, while waiting for his safe release, may this young disciple be anointed as God's spokesperson in their lives, helping them to realize their need of Jesus as Saviour and Lord. Also ask God to protect and minister to all who are faithfully serving Him in Pakistan.

• Commencement of Blasphemy Trial

  Protests were held in Lahore following the riots.

  Please continue to uphold Pakistani Christian Sawan Masih whose court trial was scheduled to begin on April 22nd. The roadsweeper from Lahore was charged following accusations made against him which reportedly prompted widespread rioting in the Joseph colony last month. (To read the previously posted prayer alert concerning this situation, click here.)

  Pray for protection and justice on behalf of Sawan, and all who are supporting him. May God grant wisdom and favour to those who are advocating bravely in his defense. Also remember to intercede for the many innocent members of this devastated Christian community whose homes have been completely demolished. Ask the Lord to work mightily on their behalf, bringing greatly needed healing, provision and restoration in their lives.

• Younis Masih Granted Blasphemy Appeal!

  Younis Masih’s wife, Meena, is pictured here with Shahbaz Bhatti, who spoke on Younis’ behalf. Photo: All Pakistan Minorities Alliance

  The VOM ministry team is pleased to announce the good news that Younis Masih has just been released by the High Court in Lahore. (His release took place on April 3rd). The father of four, who suffered a serious heart attack this past January while in custody, has been imprisoned since November 2005. Please pray for God's perfect peace and ongoing protection of Younis and his reunited family as they rebuild their lives together. We can also thank the Lord for the courage of the High Court judges who resisted pressure from all those in opposition, ensuring that justice was done. May His blessings be upon them as well for upholding the truth in the court of law. For a past report on this believer's case, review this story.

• Homes Set Ablaze by Mob of Extremists

  Damaged property from the fire

  According to the most recent reports, hundreds of homes in a Christian neighbourhood of Lahore were set on fire by thousands of Muslim extremists during two days of violence that began during the evening of March 8th, and then continued again the following morning. The attacks were sparked by yet another incident involving blasphemy allegations against a local Christian.

  It all began when a young man by the name of Sawan Masih got involved in a petty dispute with a close Muslim friend. Following the incident, police arrested Sawan who was accused of blasphemy. When the allegations were broadcast from mosque loudspeakers, thousands of Muslims went on a rampage in the community, setting fire to approximately 200 homes. In addition, two churches, a chapel and many shops were vandalized; numerous Christians had been beaten; houses were looted; and hundreds of Bibles purposely burned. Fearing for their lives, nearly all the residents of this terror-stricken region fled, some on the advice of local police. For more on the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan, go to the Pakistan Country Report.

  Pray that in the aftermath of these violent attacks, the people of this Christian community will be granted the courage and hope needed to rebuild their lives and emerge even stronger in their faith. May those with political power and influence take a strong stand against such terrible acts of lawlessness, proactively doing more to protect all the innocent and vulnerable members of the community. Also pray that the charges made against Sawan will be dropped, and that his family and community will be protected from further incidents of violence.