Blasphemy Charges Result in Fear and Violence

At least sixteen homes have been damaged in the Waheed Park area of Lahore, Pakistan after a drug addict disrupted an Islamic service and reportedly insulted Mohammed.  The incident began around midnight on the night of September 9 when a Muslim imam was holding a "Qawali" (an Islamic service with mystical singing) in the home of a local Christian. Younis Masih (35) entered the home and reportedly began arguing with the imam. During the argument, he was accused of blaspheming against Mohammed.  The host and the other Christians present demanded that Younis leave.  Some news reports claim that Younis was beaten by the Christian residents and told to apologize, which he refused to do.

The next day, local Muslims went to Younis' home and beat him.  His wife, Meena, was also injured in the attack.  Younis and Meena went to the police station where he was arrested. Following the arrest of Younis, a mob of young Muslims began vandalizing the homes of Christians in the area as well as damaging a church building with stones.  According to a report from the Centre for Legal Aid and Settlement (CLAAS), the police did nothing to prevent the attacks, choosing to rest at the home of a local councillor rather than intervening.  Despite assurances from Muslim leaders that they only want Younis punished, around fifty Christian families have left the area in fear.

Pray for the peace and safety of the Christians living in the area who are suffering the consequences of one man's actions.  Pray that the authorities will be prepared to protect the Christians, so that they need not live in fear for their lives.

For more information on the challenges facing Christians in Pakistan, click here.

  • 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

  • Justice Delayed in Jaranwala
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    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.)

  • Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack
    Afzal Masih is surrounded by mourners. One woman's hands are gently touching the wraps covering him.
    Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.

  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
    A very dark room is dimly lit by a single window in the corner. A woman is silhouetted against the window.
     

    A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.

  • Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians
    Adil Babar is standing outside.
    Adil Babar
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.