After several delays in her trial, the appeal hearing for Asia Bibi has been scheduled for May 27th. Asia, a wife and mother, was arrested in 2009 on charges of insulting Mohammed. She now faces the death sentence for this "crime." Please continue to pray for Asia, her family and her legal team as they await this next court date. (For more information on her case, please visit this page.)
Asia Bibi's Appeal Hearing Further Delayed
- 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 republicLegal system
Common law system with Islamic law influenceSource: 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.
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Pakistan News
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Christian Killed After Advocating for Harassed Victims
Marshall Masih
Photo: Morning Star News
Marshall Masih, a Christian father of four, was gunned down by four men from his neighbourhood in the city of Lahore during the early hours of July 10th. Marshall (who was also known as Bunty) had previously filed a police complaint against two Muslim neighbours, named Shani and Azam, because they had been harassing Christian women in the area and shooting their guns into the air. In retaliation, the two men broke into Marshall's home with the help of two other local Muslims and shot the young father 15 times.
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New Law Enacted to Protect Christian Girls Under 18
Children in Pakistan.
Photo: Flickr / DFID (cc)
In a decision referred to as "a step forward" by Christian leaders, the National Assembly of Pakistan recently passed an amendment to an act governing Christian marriages, banning matrimony for Christians under the age of 18. After the law was enacted on July 10th, Naveed Amir Jeeva, a Christian member of the National Assembly, stated, "The legislation aims to protect young girls from early and forced marriages, ensuring their access to education and health."
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Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
The riots in 2023.
Photo: Morning Star NewsIn 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.
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Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
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.