In 2013, Asif Pervaiz was working in a garment factory where he was reportedly pressured by his supervisor, Muhammad Saeed Khokher (also referred to as Saeed Ahmed Khokher), to convert from Christianity to Islam.
On 8 September, a court in Lahore ruled that Asif was guilty of blasphemy, sentencing him to three years in prison for “misusing” his phone and fining him the equivalent of $400. After serving his sentence, he is to be put to death by hanging. Asif rejects the charges against him and intends to appeal the ruling. On the other side, Muhammad denies that he had ever pressured Asif to convert.
At present, more than 80 people are in Pakistani prisons on charges of blasphemy. The contentious law drew international outrage in the case of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother who was sentenced to death over alleged blasphemous remarks. She was finally acquitted in 2018 after nine years of imprisonment.
Despite Asia’s release, the ongoing threats of angered civilians made it necessary for her to flee the country to an undisclosed location in Canada. Even when not convicted, blasphemy allegations alone can pose risk of endangerment to accused Christians and their families.
Sources: Aljazeera, Deutsche Welle, Daily Mail, Morning Star News
- Pray for Asif and his family during this time of danger and suffering.
- Pray that the courts will rule justly on his behalf and that the government will curb such abuses by revoking the country’s blasphemy laws, which have been frequently exploited to target vulnerable Christian minorities.
- Pray for the many Pakistanis who are still imprisoned for their faith, along with those like Asia Bibi who continue to live in fear.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
I understood that Pakistan’s blasphemy laws had already been revoked following Asia Bibi’s release in 2018., and am shocked to hear these unjust laws are still in place. They need to be revoked as soon as possible, and those who have been imprisoned for their faith should be released. Surely this injustice is equal to Crimes Against Humanity, and must be rectified as soon as possible.
This is one sick country controlled by Satan and his followers. They will be punished by Jehovah and their day of punishment will come sooner than they expect. Christians do not attack non-believers but pray for them.
Lord please intervene on Asif’s behalf. He needs you now more than ever, as he is facing these blasphemy charges. Lord Asif needs these charges to be overthrown and only a miracle from you will be able to that.
Let that miracle come and be a testimony to all those who speak against your name in Pakistan and all those who are imprisoned for their faith. Lord there is one thing we do know, and that Asif’s life is in your hands and not those in authority in Pakistan. He will receive eternal life with you , and that is something no government ,prison or court can take away from him or any christian in Pakistan, and those like Asia Bibi who had to flee. Lord we know what its like to have to flee ones home and family to stay alive for you. Lord as we have had to trust in you for our protection and right to remain christian, we pray the same for not only Asif and Asia, but every christian in Pakistan and those who you will save in the future.
Lord, may Asif and his family be kept safe during this dangerous time. Help them to endure suffering as unto the Lord.
May Asif receive justice from the Pakistani courts. I pray for the govt. to abandon the blasphemy laws and allow minority groups to live peacefully in their country.
For the Pakistanis imprisoned for their faith in Jesus, I ask that they may experience the peace that passes understanding.
Our Gracious, merciful God and Father, have mercy on Asif as he languishes in prison and help him to grow in his faith and knowledge of Jesus. Bless him and those who support him with wisdom and courage and fill him with your Holy Spirit so that he might endure these injustices and look to you for mercy and help in time of need. We pray for the more than 80 others in gaol for ‘blasphemy‘. May each one come to a firm and unshakable trust in your good purposes and look to the future with hope. We pray for the nation of Pakistan, its leaders and peoples, for so long oppressed by deceit of the evil one and plead that you might bless them with the Light that dispels darkness and win millions to Christ Jesus before his coming again and all for your glory. Amen.