Police Charged with Contempt of Court

21 January 2004

^{^{Funeral for a victim of the September 2002 attack}}

On September 25, 2002, gunmen burst into the offices of the Institute for Peace and Justice in Karachi, binding and then shooting seven people in an execution-style attack. Only one witness remained alive, a worker at the centre named Robin Piranditta, who was beaten by the attackers but lived. Soon he began facing police harassment, implicating him in the attack. He was arrested but, after facing torture from the authorities, the courts eventually ordered that he be released. However, as he left the courthouse on October 22, 2002, he was immediately rearrested and officially declared a suspect in the attack. He was later released.

According to a report by Jang News, on Monday, January 19, 2004, a division bench of the Sindh High Court announced that the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Qasim Ghouri and Inspector Tassarud Mehmood of the Crime Investigation Department, would be arraigned on charges of contempt of court because of the arrest at the courthouse. Their court date was set for February 9.

Because of the strong Islamic influence in Pakistan, the police and courts have frequently been less than favorable toward Christians. This court action is seen as a positive step in ensuring justice for all. Pray that Christians in Pakistan will find equality and justice, as they face persecution and harassment from militant groups in Pakistan, as well as the authorities.

For more information on Pakistan, click here.

Pakistan

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

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Zafar Bhatti Dies Shortly After Acquittal

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Zafar Bhatti was imprisoned in July 2012, following accusations that he had sent blasphemous text messages from his cell phone. Over the years, at least 47 separate appeal hearings were held on behalf of the Christian believer. Despite repeated recommendations from prison authorities for his release on medical grounds, Zafar remained in custody. In 2019, he suffered two minor heart attacks, and doctors warned that a third could be fatal. (View previous reports on Zafar's case.)

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Incensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control. (Video footage of the attack is available here.)

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