Christian Mechanic Sentenced to Death

Ashfaq Masih in handcuffs
Ashfaq Masih
Photo: Morning Star News

A Christian mechanic has been sentenced to death for blasphemy after he allegedly said that Jesus Christ is the "true prophet." The incident happened in 2017, and Ashfaq Masih has been in prison ever since. After court hearings were repeatedly cancelled or delayed, he was eventually found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging on July 4th.

On June 6th, 2017, Muhammad Irfan came into the Christian's shop to arrange for the wheel balancing of his bike. When the repair work was completed, the Muslim customer refused to pay for the services rendered, saying that he was the follower of a Muslim ascetic and, therefore, should not be charged. Ashfaq replied by telling Muhammad that he is a follower of Jesus Christ and doesn't believe in the Muslim ascetic. He then requested that the customer take care of the outstanding bill.

Ashfaq believes that the incident was orchestrated by Muhammad Naveed, a rival motorbike mechanic, in an effort to drive him out of business. Charges were laid based on allegations from this rival, as well as a statement from the owner of Ashfaq's building. Yet the accused believer denies ever speaking against the prophet Muhammad in a derogatory way.

Ashfaq has a wife and a daughter. Speaking of the verdict, his brother Mehmood described the judgement as "the end of the world" for their family. Nasir Saeed, the director of CLAAS-UK, whose organization provides support in cases like this, has described the court ruling as very sad but expected. He explained: "The judges are aware that such cases are made to punish and settle personal grudges with opponents, especially against Christians.... Because of pressure from the Islamic groups, the lower courts' judges are always hesitant to free the victims but make popular decisions to save their skins and shift their burdens to the high court." To review reports on other cases of persecution against Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Pray for guidance on behalf of Ashfaq and his legal counsel as they appeal this ruling. May the courts make the right decision, even when it is difficult to do so. During this time of uncertainty, please also prayerfully remember Ashfaq's wife and daughter, as well as his other family members. May God's ministering presence and peace fill the hearts of all those personally affected by his case. Additionally, pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the lives of those opposing Ashfaq by opening their spiritual eyes to the truth of the Gospel and leading them to faith in Christ.

  • 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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    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.)

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  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
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    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
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    Photo: Morning Star News

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