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Pakistan

• Asia Bibi's Appeal Hearing Postponed

  Remember in prayer Asia’s husband and children.

  The appeal hearing for Asia Bibi, a Christian woman imprisoned for blasphemy, has been postponed "to a later date." Asia was arrested in 2009 on charges of insulting Mohammed and later sentenced to death. Since then, she has been waiting for her appeal to be heard while being held in isolation at the women's prison in Sheikhupura (Punjab). (For more on Asia's case, click here.)

• Brother of Murdered Christian MP Facing Death Threats

  Paul Bhatti Photo: AsiaNews

  Almost three years have passed since the murder of Shahbaz Bhatti, a Pakistani MP who lobbied against the country's controversial blasphemy laws. Now, his elder brother's life is under threat.

• Christians Devastated by Death of Preacher

  Friends of a popular Pakistani preacher who was killed by a hit-and-run driver believe he may have been murdered because of his conversion from Islam. Rashid Mehmood, 33, came from a rich, influential Muslim family but turned to Christ in 2005. Though he trained as a lawyer, he decided to become a pastor and preach the Gospel, despite strong opposition from his relatives.

• Federal Court Calls for Mandatory Death Sentence for Blasphemy

  Supreme Court of Pakistan Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Khalid Mahmood

  An influential court in Pakistan is calling for a mandatory death sentence for blasphemy. If implemented, the decision could result in further attacks and accusations against the country's Christian minority. It could also lead to the execution of those who have been falsely accused of blasphemy. The order, which was passed by the Federal Sharia Court earlier this month, now awaits implementation by the country's president.

• Death Threats Against Human Rights Defender

  Sardar Mushtaq Gill (right) Photo: LEAD FAMILY

  Human rights defender and campaigner Sardar Mushtaq Gill has received death threats in recent months. Sardar is the National Director of the Legal Evangelical Association Development (LEAD), a non-governmental organization in Punjab that represents marginalized people who are either falsely implicated by the police or unable to afford legal assistance.

• Punjab Christian Accused of Blasphemy Presently in Hiding

  A house that was destroyed during the Joseph Colony attack Photo: VOMC Pakistan contacts

  Another blasphemy row has broken out in a Lahore township where Christians fear they may become targets of violence. Adnan Masih, a 25-year-old Christian teacher, has been in hiding since October 8th after being accused of writing blasphemous comments in a book about Islam. According to an employee of a glass and aluminium business, the book was left in the shop where Adnan's brother also happens to work. Consequently, the shop owner, Mushtaq Masih, was immediately taken into custody in Adnan's place. In addition, the brother and uncle of the accused are being held illegally for the same reason.

• Suicide Bombers Target Believers

  A woman injured in the attack Photo: Morning Star News

  A double-suicide bombing took place on September 22nd within the compound of the All Saints Church in Peshawar (about 120 kilometres from the country's capital of Islamabad). According to a hospital official, the death toll has risen to 81. Among those killed were choir members and children attending Sunday school. The incident is described as one of the deadliest attacks ever on the Christian community in this country. Two militant groups with links to the Taliban are claiming responsibility for the attack. (For previously posted video clips and reports of persecution in Pakistan, please go to our Pakistan Country Report.)

• Islamists demand death penalty for alleged blasphemous texts

  World Watch Monitor is reporting that Islamists are demanding the death penalty for three Christians accused of sending "blasphemous texts".

  On July 13, Christian man Sajjad Masih was convicted of blasphemy under Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code. In 2011, Masih was accused of sending text messages insulting Muhammad via a SIM card registered to Masih’s former fiancé. A police investigation was unable to find the phone or the SIM card.

• Christian Women Publically Beaten and Humiliated

  During the first week of June, a Muslim landlord allegedly forced three Christian women to parade naked in the public streets of Pakistan's Punjab province. It was reported that the women were brutally beaten and then publically humiliated by armed men affiliated with Muhammad Munir, a local landlord of Kasur district (about 50 kilometres from Lahore).

  The matter came to light a few days after the Asian Human Rights Commission issued a news release to the media. According to the head of the victimized family, Sadiq Masih, the male members of his family had gone out to their jobs when the attackers entered his house. Muhammad Munir and his armed men disrobed the son's wives and then forcibly paraded them in the streets. As the women screamed for help, some elderly people of the village came to their rescue. The attackers finally let the women go but warned the villagers and the victimized family against reporting the incident to the police.

  On July 12th, the Lahore high court ordered the district and sessions judge to probe further into the matter and submit a report. For an overview on Pakistan's political, judicial and spiritual climate, please check the Pakistan Country Report.

  God's heart is so terribly grieved over the mistreatment of His people, especially those who are most vulnerable. Thank you for sharing His heart of compassion and for being a vital part of His ministry around the world through your prayers. May He console these women who have been exploited and shamed in such an indecent manner, while also bringing necessary correction to those who caused them harm. Pray that the judge and the people of the community will stand on the side of true justice, providing needed support to these Christian women and their families.

• Young Christian Teen Provided Safe Refuge in Canada

  Though acquitted, Rimsha and others are not able to live freely in Pakistan. Photo: Flickr / Maria Ly

  Rimsha Masih, the young Christian girl who fled Pakistan with her family after a Muslim cleric falsely accused her of burning pages from the Quran, has been provided refuge here in Canada. Although Rimsha was acquitted, those accused of blasphemy in Pakistan are often subject to vigilante justice. "World Magazine" reporter Rachel Aldrich explains that "mobs have been known to attack and kill people accused of blasphemy, and two prominent politicians who had discussed changes to the blasphemy laws have been killed." (More about the challenges facing believers in Pakistan can be found at the Pakistan Country Report.)

  A Muslim cleric who lobbied for her release, Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi, said Rimsha had been facing threats and was moving constantly. "I am sad that this innocent girl had to leave Pakistan," he explains. "She had been acquitted by the court, and despite that it was not possible for her to live freely."

  This case has received widespread attention in part because of Rimsha's young age and questions about her mental capabilities. Although an official medical report at the time put her age at 14, some of her supporters say she was as young as 11. Canada's immigration officials were instructed to process her family's applications for permanent residency under humanitarian and compassionate grounds. For more on Rimsha's case, check this link.

  Please pray for God's continued protection upon Rimsha, and also for the safety of all who have provided her necessary assistance. It has been stated by Christian leaders that Canada is a place of 'healing for the nations.' May this be especially true for Rimsha and her family as they take up residency here. And contrary to the teen's past experience of unjust imprisonment, may her future be bright and full of hope (Jeremiah 29:11).