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Pakistan

  • Judge Dismisses Blasphemy Charge

    Barkat Masih
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

    In a surprising ruling on January 28th, a judge serving the Punjab province court of law threw out charges of blasphemy against Christian convert, Barkat Masih, who was accused of insulting Islam. The ruling came two months after similar charges were dismissed against Rimsha Masih, the teenage girl whose case attracted worldwide criticism of Pakistan's anti-blasphemy laws. (For a past report on Rimsha's case, click here.)

    In September of 2011, an incident took place at a Hindu shrine in Barkat's native village of Khairpur Tamewali. (This particular shrine happens to be located on two acres of land which has remained in Barkat's family for generations.) It all began when two frequent visitors to the shrine deliberately started an altercation with him, alleging that he had spoken badly against the Muslim prophet. Following a complaint filed by the two accusers, police arrested and charged Barkat on October 1st. Penalties for blasphemy offences can include life imprisonment or death.

    While awaiting trial, Barkat was incarcerated for almost 16 months. During that time, a total of 25 people submitted affidavits in Barkat's favour, defending his innocence. A further investigation revealed that the two shrine visitors had actually plotted to take over Barkat's land and, therefore, implicated him in a false case. Since the accusers were unable to produce any evidence to the contrary, the blasphemy charge was dismissed. "I didn't think God would rescue me from such an impossible situation," explains 56-year-old Barkat after hearing the judgement, "but my miraculous rescue has strengthened my faith in Him."

    Due to threats from those in his village, Barkat and his family will have to relocate. Even Judge Chaudhry Jamil Ahmad, who has taken an indefinite leave of absence since the trial, understands the dangers of challenging Pakistan's deep-rooted sensitivity about criticism of Islam. To learn more about what believers are facing in Pakistan, check the Pakistan Country Report.

    We can rejoice over the fact that justice has prevailed in both of the above mentioned cases. First, let's thank our Heavenly Father for answering prayer on behalf of Barkat and Rimsha by bringing vindication to them in the courts. Continue to pray not only for the protection of these believers and their families, but also for those who have dared enough to defend their cause and uphold justice amid opposition. May God's wisdom illuminate the minds of all who are representing Pakistan's judicial system, bringing about further positive change that will greatly impact all of its citizens.
  • Younis Masih Suffers Serious Heart Attack in Jail

    Shahbaz Bhatti, who was assassinated, speaks at a
    press conference with Younis Masih’s wife, Meena.
    Photo: All Pakistan Minorities Alliance

    While serving a death sentence in northern Punjab for blasphemy, Younis Masih suffered a serious heart attack and has since been transferred to a civilian hospital. The situation has been upsetting for his wife Meena and their four children who reside about nine hours' travelling distance away, making visitation difficult since his transfer. There is also concern that Younis could be at greater risk of impending harm by Islamist extremists while in hospital.

    Younis, who has been imprisoned for more than seven years, was detained in November of 2005 after a Muslim cleric accused him of making derogatory remarks about Islam's prophet Mohammed. Those in support of Younis report he was falsely accused after requesting that those attending a local Islamic ceremony "make less noise." An appeal has been presented against his death sentence, resulting in a court hearing that is scheduled for January 17th. For more on the challenges facing fellow believers in Pakistan, go to the Pakistan Country Report.

    Please intercede to our Lord, the Great Physician, for the complete healing and recovery of our dear suffering brother. Pray that Younis will receive excellent care and protection while in hospital and that he may have the comfort of his family's presence. Ask the Lord for His favour upon Younis at the court hearing, and that all those involved will witness His mighty intervention.
  • Advocates Take Stand for Christian Beliefs

    While minorities, particularly Christians, are deliberately oppressed in Pakistan, an emerging political leader is bringing greater awareness of the need for positive change in this regard. (Go to the Pakistan Country Report for more about the treatment of believers.) Albert David, Chairman of the Pakistan United Christian Movement (PUCM) launched his new political party this past October, becoming the most visible guest in the city of Isalamabad during recent advent celebrations. He firmly believes that Christians should actively participate in national politics "to ensure their increased visibility and importance."

    Pakistani journalist and human rights activist Shamim Masih reports: "Mr. David was invited to 25 programs organized by different churches, social organizations and community groups, and the PUCM chairman availed himself during this wonderful time to not only share the message of Christmas, but also talk about the importance of the Pakistan Christian community being vibrant and visible in the national political scene. During his speeches, he focussed on the true message and spirit of Christmas, which he said included unconditional love, peace, hope and, most importantly, the sharing of joys with the less fortunate."

    As advocates of God's justice and mercy through prayer, we can rejoice over the fact that He is equipping and raising up Christians in various areas of leadership, even in the political realm. Pray for the Lord to grant these leaders wisdom, insight, protection and favour as they represent Him and serve as a voice for the oppressed, including those typically persecuted or martyred for their faith. May Albert David's voice be heard clearly by both the Christian community and the general public of Pakistan, serving as a catalyst for greatly needed positive change.
  • Christian Girl Abducted, Raped and Tortured

    Pray for Pakistani women as their struggles increase.

    A 14-year-old Pakistani Christian girl by the name of Asiya Masih was innocently picking flowers outdoors when two Muslim men kidnapped her on the 11th of November. The two men, Mohammad Javed and Mohammad Mumtaz, whisked the girl away to a secret location where she was forced to sign a document stating that she had converted to Islam. They also raped and tortured her during the 11 days of captivity.

    When the girl's father, Francis Masih, discovered that these men had abducted his daughter, he issued a complaint at the local police station but, unfortunately, the officers did not cooperate with him. Afterwards, the abductors contacted Francis personally, threatening that if he was to contact the police, they would kill young Asiya. They also proposed that if he wanted his daughter back alive, then he would have to give them a written document promising that he will not take any police action.

    Although the young teen was eventually rescued by her father, with the help of an influential Christian businessman, local imams are stating that she is now "legally" a Muslim and, therefore, cannot live her life any longer as a Christian. In fact, one imam is now threatening to burn Christian homes if the young girl does not follow Islamic practices. Check the Pakistan Country Report for an historical overview of Pakistan and its stance on Christianity. While there, you will discover other information and video reports provided by VOM Canada.

    First of all, please pray that the Lord will provide complete physical, emotional and spiritual healing to distressed Asiya. May He also grant her and her family justice in this very heart-breaking situation. In addition, ask that His protection to be extended to all of the defenceless girls and women in Pakistan, and that the perpetrators behind these harmful acts will realize the seriousness of their actions against God's people and thus repent of their sins.
  • Dedicated Christian Worker Shot

    Birgitta Almeby

    It has just been confirmed by our VOM contacts that Birgitta Almeby, Area Director of Full Gospel Assemblies in Lahore, Pakistan, is in critical condition after two unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire when she arrived home from the office on December 3rd. Although the doctors were able to remove the bullet from her chest, the shooting caused considerable damage to the 70-year-old woman's lungs and jugular vein. "We have kept her in the Intensive Care Unit, where her situation is precarious because of the excessive bleeding," announced Dr. Ali Usman of Jinnah Hospital.

    For 38 years, Birgitta has faithfully served in Pakistan, where her unwavering dedication and commitment are appreciated by the believers of the Lahore community. While police officers are presently investigating the source of attack from all angles, it's possible that the shooting was carried out by Islamist extremists who are increasingly targeting Christians in Pakistan. For more information on the challenges facing Christians in this country, please go to the Pakistan Country Report.

    May our Almighty God miraculously intervene, not only sparing Birgitta's life, but also ministering complete healing to the areas wounded by the attack. Please also pray that He will bring much needed peace and encouragement to her family and fellow Christian workers, as well as to all those in the community she so lovingly served. In fact, through this circumstance, may these believers increase in their effectiveness of reaching those who are spiritually lost (including the gunmen) by demonstrating His heart of concern for their present eternal destiny.

    Additional note: Many of our struggling fellow believers in Pakistan will be the recipients of VOM Canada's "Christmas Blessing" packages throughout the Christmas season. Thank you for participating with us by sharing the love of Jesus in this most practical and helpful way!
  • Update: Blasphemy charges against teenager dropped

    The Islamabad neighbourhood where Rimsha Masih
    and her familiy lived until the girl's arrest in August.
    Photo: Open Doors News

    The charges against Rimsha Masih, a teenager accused of blasphemy in Pakistan, were dropped on November 20th due to lack of witnesses. Rimsha, who was accused of burning sacred Islamic texts, spent three weeks in an adult prison before being released on bail in September (for more information, click here).

    While the charges have been dropped, concern remains for Rimsha's safety. She and her family have been living at an undisclosed location since her bail release.

    Thank the Lord for Rimsha's release! Pray that He will comfort and encourage her and her family. Pray for their safety and protection. Pray that other Pakistani believers will be emboldened to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with their neighbours, despite possible risk.

    Go to the Pakistan Country Report to learn more about Pakistan's persecuted Church.
  • Update: Pakistanis accused of blasphemy fight for freedom

    Shahbaz Bhatti, who was assassinated, speaks at a
    press conference with Younis Masih’s wife, Meena.
    Photo: All Pakistan Minorities Alliance

    While Pakistani believer Younis Masih awaits word on his appeal against the death sentence he received for blasphemy, Pakistani teenager Rimsha Masih is scheduled to return to court to face blasphemy charges.

    Younis, a husband and father of four, has been imprisoned for the past seven years on a false charge of blasphemy (for more, click here). His family has been forced to flee their home, and Younis has been attacked by other inmates while in prison. His lawyer survived an apparent attempt on his life and has also been threatened.

    Rimsha, who has also been unjustly accused of blasphemy, will soon be returning to court in Islamabad (for more, click here), and her lawyers are pushing to have the case dismissed.

    Please pray that Younis and Rimsha will both be freed and returned safely to their families. Please pray that their lawyers will be protected and will persevere despite personal danger. Praise God for these faithful believers and pray that He will use them to draw others into relationship with His Son.

    For more on the persecution of Pakistani Christians, go to the Pakistan Country Report.
  • Christian woman abducted, forcibly converted

    Please pray for the safety of Christian women in Pakistan.

    Shumaila Bibi, 24, is just one among hundreds of Christian women and girls in Pakistan to be kidnapped and tortured into converting to Islam over the past several years. On September 24, Shumaila was on her way home from work when her kidnapper, Muhammad Javaid Iqbal, 26, forced her to go with him. Shumaila had previously shunned Muhammad's advances and his marriage proposal.

    The next day, Muhammad and his relatives took Shumaila at gunpoint to a lawyer where she was told to sign statements declaring she had converted to Islam and had married Muhammad. When she refused, she was drugged. While she was unconscious, the lawyer used Shumaila's thumb prints on the documents.

    For days afterwards, Shumaila was sexually abused, harassed, and forced to study the Qur'an and the precepts of Islam. She was eventually able to escape on October 5 and return to her parents' home. Muhammad then told police that Shumaila had been kidnapped by her parents, and officials upheld his complaint because of the marriage and conversion documents. Shumaila's father, Mansha Masih, 68, now risks imprisonment for his daughter's "abduction." The National Commission for Justice and Peace has taken up his defence.

    Ask God to bring about justice for Shumaila and her father. Pray for the safety and protection of all Christian women and girls in Pakistan who risk being kidnapped and tortured for their beliefs. Pray that God will encourage, strengthen, and deliver those being held against their will. Pray that Muhammad and his family members will come to know Jesus Christ.

    For more on the plight of Pakistani Christians, go to the Pakistan Country Report.
  • Update: Blasphemy allegations continue

    Muslims protest after hearing that Asia Bibi,
    another Christian woman accused of blasphemy,
    might be granted clemency. She was not.

    The High Court in Islamabad has delayed the trial of Rimsha Masih, a mentally challenged Christian girl charged with blasphemy, while another young follower of Christ has been accused of the same offense.

    The Court will take until November 14 to decide if the case against Rimsha will be dismissed. Three witnesses who had earlier testified that the mosque leader, Khalid Jadoon Chishti, had planted fabricated evidence on Rimsha have since recanted (for more, click here). The Muslim leader is now free on bail, and prosecutors have reportedly said they will not try him on blasphemy charges.

    In Karachi, a16-year-old Christian boy and his family are in hiding following accusations the young man sent text messages denigrating the Prophet Muhammad. Protesters broke into the family's house and burned all their furniture and appliances. Ryan Stanten has been charged under the blasphemy law, although it has been reported the boy's friends are responsible for sending the messages.

    Please pray that the case against Rimsha will be dropped. Pray this case will discourage others from making false accusations. Please pray for the safety and strength of Ryan and his family. Please pray for a mighty flood of justice in Pakistan (Amos 5:24).

    For more on Pakistan's suffering Church, please visit the Pakistan Country Report.
  • Update: Setback in teen's blasphemy case

    The court case for Rimsha Masih, a Pakistani Christian teen accused of blasphemy, has been postponed until October 17 (for more information on the accusations, click here).

    Meanwhile, the case has taken an unexpected turn as three witnesses whose testimony could absolve Rimsha have changed their statements. The three had earlier testified that the mosque leader, Khalid Jadoon Chishti, had planted fabricated evidence on Rimsha. However, they have since claimed they made the accusations under police pressure.

    Please pray that Rimsha and her family will rest in the Lord who works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed (Psalm 103:6). Ask the Lord to grant wisdom to those defending her. Pray this case will result in positive changes to the legal system in Pakistan. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will not give into fear, but will look to the Lord for their strength.

    For more on Pakistan's suffering Church, please visit the Pakistan Country Report.

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