Zafar Bhatti has been in prison since 2012 after being charged with sending blasphemous text messages. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2017. Diagnosed with diabetes, the 56-year-old Christian had two minor heart attacks in 2019 and suffers from eyesight problems. It was recently reported that he had another heart attack on September 3rd. Though he received swift medical attention in prison, there are ongoing concerns for his physical and mental health, as well as apprehension over the medical care he is receiving outside of the hospital setting.
Due to threats from fellow inmates, Zafar is presently being held under tight security. His case is under appeal, but the hearings have been repeatedly delayed. (To review a previously posted report on his case, go to this page.) In addition to a brief court meeting that was held on September 10th, in which a medical report was ordered by the judge, Zafar's lawyer was allowed to visit him in prison.
The legal team from Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) reports the good news that Zafar's faith in Christ remains strong and that he is recovering from his recent ailment. Zafar told them that his Saviour will protect him and that "soon I'll be out of the jail." In the meantime, he has asked for Christians around the world to pray that he will be proven innocent and thus released from prison.
Please continue to intercede for Zafar and his wife Nawab Bibi. May the Lord mediate on his behalf, miraculously making a way for his safe release. In the meantime, pray that he will receive proper medical treatment and be kept safe from those in prison who wish him harm. Pray that the hearts of Zafar's opposers will be radically transformed; that they may witness God's light shining through Zafar's life and countenance. As he continues to faithfully express the love and goodness of Christ, may many others in Pakistan come to a point of repentance and salvation.
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