with their attorney Tahir Bashir.
Photo: Pak Christian News
In August 2023, thousands of citizens demonstrated in the streets of Jaranwala, Punjab, after allegations of blasphemy were announced against two Christian brothers. Umair Saleem Masih (known as Raja) and Omar Saleem Masih (known as Rocky) were accused of burning pages from the Quran while disposing of garbage. More details on the original allegations, and the resulting violence that took place in the community, are available here
In a March 1st judicial hearing, the Anti-Terrorism Court in Faisalabad acquitted the brothers, ruling that they had been framed by individuals with a personal grudge. Despite the verdict, Raja and Rocky were not able to return to Jaranwala due to threats against their lives and concerns of renewed mob violence.
In an unrelated ruling, a court in the Punjab city of Bahawalnagar determined on February 20th to acquit a Christian man named Noman Masih of the blasphemy charges filed against him within that vicinity. In addition, Noman was convicted in May 2023 of the same charge yet in a different city of Punjab, one known as Bahawalpur, where he received a death sentence. The February acquittal raises hope that the Lahore High Court will consider the merits of Noman's appeal for the Bahawalpur conviction.
All allegations against Noman have been denied by his family and, according to his attorney, witnesses have failed to corroborate the police allegations against him. For more details on his case, read this report.
Praise God that Raja and Rocky have been acquitted of all charges! Pray that community tensions will dissipate to the point where these brothers will be able to safely return to their home area again. Also pray that this ruling will serve as a precedent for other cases involving allegations of blasphemy. As Noman's case is presented to the judicial leaders of the Lahore High Court, may the merits of the appeal be rightfully considered so he too can be released. The same applies to the many others in Pakistan who are facing similar false allegations.
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