Blasphemy Charges Dropped Against Child

Blasphemy charges have been dropped against a young Christian boy in Quetta, Pakistan. The youngster and his mother were both accused of burning pages of the Quran, an incident that allegedly took place on October 20th.

While the child and his mother remained behind bars, local Christian leaders negotiated on their behalf. Thankfully the matter was resolved a day later, resulting in the release of the mother and son. The blasphemy accusations were quashed and an official complaint was filed against some unknown persons.

Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS in the United Kingdom, said this is not the first time a minor has been charged with a blasphemy offence. He then cited examples. One such case took place in 1993 when 12-year-old Salamat Masih was charged under the blasphemy law for a crime he never committed. In 2011, a 13-year-old Christian girl by the name of F. Bhatti was accused of blasphemy by her Muslim teacher for misspelling a word.

The director further states in regards to this concern: "The Government of Pakistan must consider such cases and take appropriate steps to bring necessary changes to stop the ongoing misuse of this law. The international community has continuously expressed its concern and called for amendments." Please pray that the needed amendments will be made so 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 majority.

  • 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.