Two Christian nurses in Pakistan have been formally accused of committing blasphemy against Islam. The Christians were accused by a Muslim co-worker of desecrating wall hangings that contained Koranic verses.
On 9 April, Mariyum Lal and Newsh Arooj, two Christian nurses working at Civil Hospital in Faisalabad, were falsely accused of committing blasphemy. Local sources report that Lal and Arooj had been directed by a senior, Rukhsana, to remove old wall hangings and stickers from the psychiatric ward.
Sources: International Christian Concern, Times of India, Morning Star News
Rukhsana, who reportedly holds a grudge against Lal, provoked other Muslim staffers at Civil Hospital by claiming Lal desecrated wall hangings that contained Koranic verses. In response, a Muslim staffer at the hospital’s pharmacy, named Waqas, attacked Lal with a knife as she was attending a patient in the hospital’s medical ward.
Lal received several injuries to her arm but survived the attack.
The false blasphemy allegation against the nurses soon spread to the broader community and a mob of enraged Muslims staged a protest outside of Civil Hospital. Members of the mob demanded Lal be arrested and hanged for committing blasphemy.
Police registered a First Information Report (FIR # 347/21) in connection with the blasphemy allegation. According to the FIR, Mariyum Lal and Newsh Arooj are both accused of violating Pakistan’s blasphemy laws under Section 295-B.
In Pakistan, false accusations of blasphemy are widespread and often motivated by personal vendettas or religious hatred. Accusations are highly inflammatory and have the potential to spark mob lynchings, vigilante murders, and mass protests.
Let us pray.
- Intercede for the protection of these two women. Pray the details of the case will be fairly heard and examined – without prejudice or agenda – and that they will be released.
- Ask the Lord to comfort, strengthen and provide for Lal and Arooj and their loved ones.
- Pray this most recent of many cases will further strengthen the arguments to change these blasphemy laws which are open to misuse.
Lord we pray for these two women being persecuted and falsely accused simply because they belong to you. Lord may you bring the right outcome in this case, and that the women be found not guilty so they can be released. Lord it is so shocking that in muslim countries world wide, so many situations go on like this yr after yr. Where is the media in letting the world know, such heinous crimes are being committed by muslims against christians all the time.If it was the other way around, and christians were doing this to muslims, the media would soon let the whole world know, and social media would be inundated with outrage screaming islamophobia.
But silence from the media and social media when the tormentors are muslim and the victims christian. No cries of christianphobia from the world. Lord be with every persecuted christian in Pakistan, and help them and their loved ones. Lord we pray you get these blasphemy laws changed, because they are being used for evil purposes by muslims, against christians, not because the christians have done anything wrong, but simply because they are christian. The most persecuted religion in this world, is not the muslim faith, is it christianity by far, and its getting worse each passing yr. In your mighty name we pray Yeshua
Praying
Lord Jesus Christ, faithful husband to your bride the Church, we intercede for the protection of these two women Mariyum Lal and Newsh Arooj, two Christian nurses working at Civil Hospital in Faisalabad. Thank you for their faith and witness. We ask for your Holy Spirit to continually bring encouragement to them as they endure imprisonment and false accusation because of your Name. We pray the details of the case will be fairly heard and examined – without prejudice or agenda – and that they will be released. We ask Lord Jesus that you comfort, strengthen and provide for Lal and Arooj and their loved ones and they be ever mindful of your presence and sovereign compassion. We pray this most recent of many cases will further strengthen the arguments to change these blasphemy laws which are open to misuse and so we pray for Prime Minister Imran Khan, his parliamentary colleagues and all those who make and administer laws that you might reveal yourself to them and shine your light on this dark and bound country. Have mercy Lord.
Lord God, Faithful and True Judge, we cry out to you for justice for these two women. I pray that the truth will be revealed, that the women will be released into safety, and that what the enemy meant as a curse You will turn into a blessing. Righteous God, we know that you come to the aid of those that call upon Your Name; we ask for you to bring justice quickly, in Jesus’ Name – the Name above every other name. Thank You Father.