Two Youths Accused of Blasphemy

Adil Babar
Adil Babar
Photo: Morning Star News

Two Christian teenagers, one of whom is a minor, were arrested on May 18th due to accusations of blasphemy. Adil Babar, who is 18 years old, and a younger neighbour, Simon Nadeem, were charged after a complaint was filed claiming that they had insulted the Islamic prophet Mohammad while playing on the street.

A neighbour, Zahid Sohail, who is a local police officer, was apparently walking by when he heard the two teenagers allegedly calling a puppy "Muhammad Ali" and laughing about it. The police officer began to beat Simon, and when Adil tried to intervene, he was beaten as well. When filing the official complaint, Zahid claimed to have two eyewitnesses.

The families of both teenagers deny there was a dog anywhere around. As Adil regularly partakes of "naswar" – a smokeless tobacco product – the accused boys claim that Simon was teasing him about his habit, for the brand name of the naswar that Adil uses is "Muhammad Ali."

Since the incident, there have been rumours of an imminent mob attack against Christian homes in the region. Some families have gone into hiding for their protection. While speaking of the charges against the young Christians, Nasir Saeed, who serves as the Director of CLAAS-UK, states: "I don't think these two [teens] had ever thought that any passerby could hear their conversation and accuse them of committing blasphemy and endanger their lives. Sadly, misuse of the blasphemy [law] has become so common, and people never think twice about how dangerous its consequences could be." For more information on the challenges encountered by Pakistan's Christians, go to our country report.

Pray for the two accused teen boys, Adil and Simon, along with their families and fellow believers in the community, as they now must face the accusations against them and threats of mob violence against all Christians in the region. Pray that these baseless charges will be dropped and that tensions in the community will dissipate. May God work through this situation, bringing about change in the hearts of the individuals involved, as well as others throughout Pakistan who are opposed to the Gospel, leading to an end of the misused blasphemy laws in this South Asian nation.

  • 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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  • 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.