Update: Muslims convicted for murdering Christian


Rasheed Masih’s body at his funeral.
Photo: Compass Direct

Three Muslims were recently sentenced to life in prison for murdering a Christian who refused to convert to Islam. Rasheed Masih, a 36-year-old potato business owner in Punjab province, was brutally killed in March 2010 by Muslims resentful of his success. Rasheed was also pressured to renounce his faith (for more on the story click here). On July 7, the Sessions Court in Mian Channu convicted the three men of torturing and killing Rasheed and sentenced them to life sentences of 25 years. They were also each ordered to pay 100,000 rupees (approximately $1,000 CAD) to Rasheed's family. A fourth suspect was acquitted.

Thank the Lord that Rasheed's murderers were brought to justice by the court. Pray that they will repent of their actions and come to know Christ as Lord. Pray for continued comfort and provision for Rasheed's family. Pray that authorities will strive to provide safety for vulnerable Christians and other minorities in Pakistan.

To find out more about the challenges facing the Church in Pakistan, go to the Pakistan Country Report.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In August 2023, the Christian colony of Jaranwala was filled with violence after allegations of blasphemy were made against two brothers. During the rampage, as many as 400 homes and 26 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. For more details, and to view video footage of the attacks, see this page.

  • Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
    Naseem and Nazir
    Naseem and Nazir
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    In May, shocking images of mob violence were revealed after 74-year-old Nazir Masih was falsely accused of burning pages from the Quran. The elderly Christian man was fatally wounded during the resulting mob violence, which also led to the destruction of his shoemaking business, along with several attacks against other Christians. Further details on the violent rampage are available here.