President Orders Review of Blasphemy Law

19 May 2004

^{Pervez Musharraf
President of Pakistan}

Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf announced on May 15 that he is calling for a review of some of the country's strict Islamic laws to ensure that they are not being abused. This includes the controversial blasphemy law, which imposes the death penalty for anyone convicted of blaspheming Mohammad or the Koran. According to Reuters, Musharraf said that the blasphemy law needs to be re-examined to ensure that it is not misused by those seeking to settle personal scores. Several Christians have been convicted under this law, often as a result of questionable accusations, though no one has yet been executed.

Pray that this law will be repealed. Pray for those still in prison, charged under this draconian law.

For more information on Christian persecution in 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

Advocating Church Leader Assassinated

Mourners gather to honour Pastor Kamran Salamat.
Photo: Christian Daily International /
Morning Star News

Pastor Kamran Salamat was widely respected for his ministry work and commitment to promoting interfaith peace. He served as pastor of a church in Islamabad, where he ministered faithfully and advocated for the rights of Christians in Pakistan. As a result of his ministry activities, Pastor Kamran was violently attacked in September and shot in the leg, leaving him seriously injured.

Read more...
Missing Christian Woman Suspiciously Married

On November 17th, 21-year-old Monica Jennifer disappeared from her home in Rawalpindi, Punjab Province. Several days later, relatives of the resurfaced young Christian woman were heartbroken and fearful when she informed them of her sudden conversion to Islam and recent marriage to her Muslim neighbour.

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Christian Man Beaten to Death in Targeted Attack

Photo: PickPic

On the evening of September 24th, Asif Raza was returning home from work in the Vehari district of Punjab when he was suddenly ambushed by a group of seven assailants. The men brutally assaulted Asif, deliberately targeting his head while striking him repeatedly with bricks.

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Fake Facebook Account Sparks Blasphemy Allegations

Photo: Pixabay / umarseehar

"No Christian in Pakistan, fully aware of the devastating consequences, would intentionally publish or write anything that could be perceived as blasphemous against Islam." This statement by Father Lazar Aslam was made in response to recent allegations against a young Christian man, Asher Bhatti, whose case has sparked widespread concerns among religious freedom advocates.

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