Reach Out to Victimized Christian Facing Life Imprisonment

Imran Ghafur

The family of Imran Ghafur, a Christian man who has been in jail since 2010 on blasphemy charges, is requesting continued prayer for Imran's release. The imprisoned believer is currently serving a life sentence on the conviction of burning a Quran.

Imran's brother, Naveed, told VOM contacts that the entire family was able to visit him before Easter. He further shared that Imran continues to read his Bible, fast and pray. The attorney representing the imprisoned believer has filed an appeal with the Pakistan High Court, but no hearing date has yet been set. VOM has regular contact with Imran's family, offering prayer and encouragement. (For more information about Imran, visit our website.)

Please continue to remember Imran in your prayers, asking the Lord to further encourage and sustain him as he remains behind bars after all this time. Additionally, may his family be granted patience as they too are suffering daily due to the long absence. In addition to praying for his release, ask that Imran and his loved ones be granted the strength required to remain faithful to God in all circumstances. May their faithfulness result in a rich harvest, whereby many will come to faith in Jesus Christ.

Important Note: Along with your prayers, you can personally reach out to Imran by writing him a letter of encouragement. When writing, please do not mention the name of the source of your information or the name of any organization such as The Voice of the Martyrs. While it is not dangerous for a prisoner to receive general letters from individuals, if a particular organization is mentioned, the incarcerated Christian may be accused of links with "foreign organizations" and thus be subjected to even harsher sentences. Also, please do not state anything negative about their government. Your letters can be mailed to: Imran Ghafur, Central Jail of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan. Thank you for reaching out and making a difference in this believer's life!

  • 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.