PAKISTAN: Bail Granted for Woman Accused of Blasphemy

06 November 2024

Source: Voice of the Martyrs Canada; Morning Star News

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws mean Christians are at constant risk of being falsely accused of blaspheming Islam, the Koran or Mohammed, and they receive harsh punishments when convicted. Christians have been imprisoned for years under the country’s blasphemy laws, and many of those have been killed or forced to permanently flee the country upon release from prison.

In August of this year, two Christian sisters were accused of blasphemy when a Muslim man claimed to find ruined pages of the Koran amongst garbage, stating that one of the sisters had discarded them. Both sisters denied his allegation, believing that the pages were purposely placed there by the man himself because of the personal vendetta he had against them for refusing his indecent advances.

When Saima, a widowed mother of two, was taken into custody, her sister Sonia managed to flee the village with her family after the allegations had surfaced. Sonia is presently living in hiding with her three children. Although the investigating officer did not find her guilty during his inquiry, Sonia remains in grave danger from those who may impose their own forms of punishment upon her. Furthermore, the charges against her have not been fully dismissed.

In an unusual court decision, Saima was granted bail on 10 September. For security reasons, news of her release was withheld until she was able to find safety. Like her sister, Saima and her family remain in danger from militant vigilantes.

The lawyer representing the two women is filing an application to have the charges dropped. At last report, the court filing is pending.

EXPLORE THE GLOBAL PRAYER GUIDE

Learn about global persecution trends and what it means to follow Christ in restricted and hostile nations.

Learn more

Stay informed

Receive weekly emails with the latest prayer points from the persecuted church

    Pray for them

    Thank the Lord for the verdict to grant Saima bail. Pray that God would grant them favour in the court and the charges against them would be dropped.

    Pray for the sisters’ ongoing safety as they remain in hiding. Ask the Lord to protect them, especially from militant vigilantes and Islamic extremists.

    Pray for Pakistan. Thank the Lord for faith of believers in this nation, asking for His protection over them as they continue to share the gospel.

    Recent News

    PAKISTAN: Attempted Rape of Christian Teen Faces False Theft Allegations Read more
    IRAN: Muslim Background Believer Released on Bail, Wife Interrogated Read more
    NIGERIA: Over 90 Christians Slain in Continued Attacks Read more

    Submit a Prayer

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Join our community

    @vomaustralia @vomau