LEAD MINISTRIES PAKISTAN: Christians fear for their lives because of blasphemy laws in Islamic Pakistan

Friday 6 May 2016

Christians fear for their lives because of blasphemy laws in Islamic Pakistan

PAKISTAN: Pakistan's Christians always fear for their lives after lynching of the Christian couple the dreadful killing ever on their community fellow on the false accusation of blasphemy.

Reportedly a Christian young man,Imran Masih, has been accused of blasphemy,the incident occurred at Chak 44 near the village of Bosaan area of Gojra Police Station District Mandi Bahuddin,Punjab and the one Muslim cleric has issued a fatwa (Islamic Decree) endorsing death as the punishment for the Christian boy over alleged blasphemy allegation.

There have been a number of incidents of mob violence against Christians in Pakistan where Muslim culprits are protected and never brought to justice.

Christians always complain that Islamists in Pakistan can gun down Christian in broad day light within court premises, they abduct Christian women and convert them with force to Islam and give them in marriage with her abductor, they gang rape Christian women but no punishment, they torture and kill Christian house-maids who refuse to convert to Islam, they burned hundreds of homes but never convicted, they burn alive Christians but Islamic courts set them free, they are free to spread hate against Christians but no legal stick to control them and no legislation to create an harmonious society and there is abuse of blasphemy laws to oppress millions of Christians.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill , a human rights defender says that this is a savage persecution of Christians in Pakistan and no hope of its end because of blasphemy laws which is a subtle instrument of Christian killing in the hands of Islamic extremist groups to attack on the Christian community.

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LEAD MINISTRIES PAKISTAN

BLOG ‘Website’ LEAD MINISTRIES PAKISTAN do not have any blasphemy contents on it and its related other social media accounts Twitter and Facebook which is being operated by LEAD or its any member including its founder Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Human Rights Defender and Lawyer. LEAD Ministries purpose is Child Evangelism-Sunday School,to uplift human rights and campaign for religious liberty in Pakistan.Hence it is our humble request to all Pakistani Muslims the human rights work of LEAD is based on non-violent policy but we are ardent campaigners of the repeal of blasphemy laws in Pakistan and our voice for those who are falsely accused of blasphemy charges and up lifters of human rights. It is our notice concerning to social media work if anyone is running any website, blog or other social media network with LEAD Ministries and Sardar Mushtaq Gill’s reference and uploading material based on blasphemy contents, we apologize the viewers that before taking any legal action or to harm LEAD’s any member or any family member of Sardar Mushtaq Gill, please first confirm from us if we own that material then we are responsible. It is also humble request that all Sardar Mushtaq Gill's family members have not knowledge and concern with LEAD’s human rights work etc., hence do not harm, torture and harass them in any way including through the abuse of the blasphemy laws against us. Our voice on behalf of the victims of blasphemy laws and other human rights violations will be continued till our last breath of life.It is also our further request to Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri (who was hanged to death in killing of Ex-governor Salman Taseer)'s supporters do not give us threats of killing and blame us as blasphemers by any source and way,We are issuing this release as a request and notice because there are both identified and unidentified Muslim extremists namely Babar Ali Qadri and Ali Khan (identified) and their other unidentified accomplices who are continuously harassing,threatening ,extending threats of killings,torturing and also harassing through the abuse of the blasphemy laws by spreading rumors of blasphemy against the family members of Sardar Mushtaq Gill including judicial harassment. We believe in teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is our savior, He teaches us to love your enemies hence we love you and wish a peaceful life for all in Pakistan.

Human Rights Rights Defender Lawyer and Writer, researcher, Sardar Mushtaq Gill

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, is a Human Rights Defender Lawyer, from Pakistan. He is a 43 years law graduate from Lahore, Punjab University, Pakistan. He is married and has four children. He was forced to flee his country in August 2016 to save his and his family lives from hardliners Islamists because he was falsely accused of uploading blasphemous contents on internet, social media, his support for the victims of blasphemy laws and his voice for victims of forced conversion to Islam for marriages. He got life threats from the supporters of Mumtaz Hussain Qadri’s group namely Ali Khan etc. He is abundantly inspired by Holy Spirit during the hardl period of his life, to do Lord’s work for the lost souls to win them for Christ by sharing The Gospel of Jesus Christ through Gospel Tracks. He wrote his first book title: Blasphemy Laws-A Tale of Two Woman. He is founder of LEAD Ministries Pakistan the protection and promotion of the right to freedom of religion and belief constitute the core work of his organization name and title LEAD since 2006; to educate and teach and to create awareness of this precious right. The main problem in Pakistan is religious intolerance, hatred, religious violence and systematic discrimination which affect religious minorities particularly Christians, who is the most marginalized and persecuted section of the society, and create in them the feelings of insecurity of life and property. We (as a team) advocate and hold seminars and workshops among students and teachers of different schools and educational institutions to discourage religious hatred, religious violence and to encourage to promote love, peace and to respect of religion or faith in Pakistan. We approach authorities to end discrimination and promote harmony among those who possess different religion or faith. LEAD also do advocacy and provide free legal assistance to those who are victims of religious and sectarian violence and victims of discriminatory and blasphemy laws of land without difference of religion or faith and creed. We are inspired by Holy Spirit to do humanitarian work by the projects, to end bonded labor, to end slavery and to help to eradicate poverty by awareness, assistance and education including work for justice for religious persecuted. It is our most earnest urge to all of you to stand with us for a valuable cause for our brethren in Christ and fellow human beings.

May 16,2017:Female Lawyer shot dead in Sheikhupura

Lawyer shot dead in Sheikhupura,Punjab, According to the police, the lawyer, Alia Shehzadi, was going to the local court when unidentified persons shot her dead Tuesday May 16,2017 morning. Shehzadi was a resident of an area near Hiran Minar. In March 2017, a local lawyer was gunned down near Nankana Sahib. Advocate Malik Saleem Latif was on his way to a local court on a motorbike along with his son Advocate Farhan, when the former was targetted and shot at by "unidentified attackers". It is very sad that Government is unable to provide security to lawyers who are under threats.It is strongly condemn this brutal murder and demand that culprits should be dealt with Iron hands. Sardar Mushtaq Gill,human rights defender.

Pastor Zafar Bhatti convicted life imprisonment in blasphemy

Local court has sentenced a Christian to lifetime imprisonment over blasphemy charges.Convict Zafar Bhatti, was tried by the court within the premises of the Adiala Central Jail, Rawalpindi. On May 3,2017, the court sent him to lifelong imprisonment despite there was lack of sound evidence against him.Blasphemy Section 295-C of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Telegraphic Section 25D were invoked against Zafar Bhatti back in 2012. He was accused of sending ‘blasphemous’ text messages from mobile phone sim registered on his co-accused Gazala Khan but through Police investigation she was declared innocent and Zafar Bhatti was found guilty by the Police; moreover, he himself denies the charges.Reportedly ,Ghazala Khan (39) passed away in November 2016 after losing a battle with Hepatitis C, thus surviving the ignominy of being sentenced for blasphemy charges.

A man accused of blasphemy killed after 13 years

April 21,2017-A blasphemy accused gunned down by three women motivated by Mumtaz Hussain Qadri,who killed ex-Governor Punjab Salmaan Taseer in 2011 and later he was hanged to death,the hardliners established a shrine for him . In keeping with details, three women were teachers in Private School and were close friends and wanted to be true follower of their Prophet for this purpose they lynched 50-year-old Fazal Abbas son of Nazar Abbas. Fazal Abbas was allegedly accused of committing blasphemy and had been on the run.Details emerged that Afshan daughter of Ashraf, Amna daughter of Muhammad Khan and Razia wife of Yaseen had stormed into house of Fazal Abbas resident of Nangal Mirza, and opened fire at him. Consequently, Fazal Abbas was severely injured who could not survive the attack. Police details that the women had been arrested and are undergoing investigations.Fazal Abbas had left Pakistan, after he was accused of committing blasphemy back in 2004.

A Pakistani university student has been lynched over alleged blasphemy accusations.

April 13, 2017-Mashal Khan student of Abdul Wali Khan University in Mardan was killed by fellow students for allegedly “publishing blasphemous content online”, local police confirmed. This incident occurred within the premises of university.Abdullah, one of the three students accused of spreading "blasphemous content" by the mob that killed Mashal Khan, has rejected all allegations against him.In a statement recorded before a judicial magistrate in Mardan, Abdullah said a group of students accused him, Mashal and a third student, Zubair with blasphemy, a charge he rejected,according to Dawn.UN also condemn it and demanded justice for the victim family.

A rights lawyer gunned down in Nankana Sahib

March 30,2017: A lawyer hailing from the Ahmadiya community in the country has been targeted; the fatal attack occurred in Nankana Sahib. Advocate Malik Saleem Latif, who is a rights defender was gunned down by the unknown attackers on March 30,2017. The deceased was riding a bike while son was driving the bike. Advocate Latif was on his way to the Nankana Sahib District Courts, when the attackers interceded and opened fire at him.In line with details, Advocate Malik Saleem Latif was a leader of the Ahmadiyya community. His son also sustained injuries as a result of the firing, however of minor nature. A banned outfit in a statement said that Advocate Malik Saleem Latif had been targeted: “for spreading Ahmadi beliefs in the region”.The same group has also been threatening to kill prominent Christian lawyer Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill who heads LEAD. The Christian lawyer had survived a similar attack, and was left with no other option but to leave the country.

A Christian man was burnt by Muslims on love affair with Muslim girl

The incident happened earlier this month of April 2017 and FIR has also been lodged against the father and brothers of the woman, who were reportedly against the friendship between the two and allegedly tortured 21-year-old Ansar Masih.According to FIR complained by his sister in Sheikhupura's Saddar police station, Nisar established contact with the woman two years ago and their friendship grew with time.On April 1, Ansar's mother sent him to run an errand in the woman's neighborhood where Ansar was allegedly kidnapped by the father and her two brothers, adding the three unclothed him, beat him and burned him using hot iron rods.

Prayer Request For Victims of Blasphemy Laws

Christians are living throughout the country in constant fear and as treated second-class citizens. Religious persecution and sectarian violence is on the increase against them and Christians are the main target of Islamic Extremists. The country’s draconian and inhumane blasphemy law and other discriminatory laws are being used to intimidate, harass and persecute Christians. Unfortunately, the blasphemy laws has become a powerful tool in the hands of the Islamic extremists and are continually being misused to attack churches and burn down Christian towns and villages and also kill and burn alive innocent Christians without giving them a chance to prove themselves innocence. Sadly, the government has still failed to take measures to stop misuse of inhumane blasphemy laws against Christians and other religious minorities. LEAD is among the organizations that are campaigning to repeal this controversial law or at least bring about appropriate changes to stop its misuse but our voice be ignored by Pakistani Authority. Please pray for blasphemy victims Asia Bibi and Nabeel Masih and all for those who are suffering under blasphemy laws and also Pray for us because some extremists are intimidating us to involve in blasphemy laws.

Aqeel Masih,a Christian man had arms chopped off 'after refusing to convert to Islam'.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill,human rights defender,who heads LEAD met with Aqeel Masih, a Christian man had arms chopped off 'after refusing to convert to Islam'.Aqeel told that some high profile Christian Politician instructed him to avoid to say that his arms were chopped off 'after refusing to convert Islam' with the promise of his arms be arranged as artificial,when Mr.Gill asked what is the truth.Aqeel said he was asked by perpetrators to accept Islam on his refusal they laid him on railways track and cut his one arm with hatchet then he was fainted.The circumstances shows no evidence of train accident.

LEAD's lawyers team is striving for justice for the Christian couple burned alive.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill,human rights defender along legal heirs victim family of Shahzad and Shama,a Christian couple burned alive after a false charge of blasphemy,at ATC Lahore during trial hearing on May 21,2016.The eye witnesses were also being threatened by the accused that are in custody within the court premises and from their relatives. On 13 May, Mr.Gill along with eye witnesses were standing at the Court main gate and waiting for vehicle which was parked on the road side. In the meanwhile two motor cyclists came near them and threatened them and fled away. On 21 May Mr.Gill submitted an application regarding protection and security and gave in knowledge of the Court about the threats to Mr.Gill too and requested in the application to conclude the trial as early as possible keeping in mind the sensitivity of the case.“The Islamic blasphemy laws are inhuman and demonic which have taken hundreds lives of innocent persons and destroyed many homes and Churches of Christians in Pakistan. It is the law under which many innocent Christians including Asia Bibi, Sawan Masih and Sajjad Masih are suffering in jails and a Christian couple, Shahzad and Shama, was burned alive in a false allegation of burning Quranic pages in 2014. It should not be on books and immediately should be repealed for peaceful and tranquil society where everyone can enjoy freedom of religion and right of protection of life and property”, Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Human Rights Defender and Head of LEAD. Please pray for victims of inhuman and demonic blasphemy law and their family members and LEAD.Later on 23 November 2016, an anti-terrorism court (ATC) Judge Choudhary Muhammad Azam sentenced five people to death on Wednesday 23 November 2016 over the killing of a Christian couple who were lynched and burned alive in a kiln after being falsely accused of blasphemy. The total 106 people had been charged in the case and three were released on bail identified as Muhammad Yousaf,brick kiln owner,Tajamal Hussain and Muhammad Hanif and the court had acquitted 90, including those who were on bails.The five people awarded the death sentence were involved in dragging, beating and burning the couple indentified as Mehdi Khan, Riaz Kambo, Irfan Shakoor, Muhammad Hanif, and Hafiz Ishtiaq while the other eight played a supportive role according to the judgement, others have also been charged with involvement in the lynching and sentenced to two years each in prison and those eight men were identified as Muhammad Hussain, Noorul Hasan, Muhammad Arsalan, Muhammad Haris, Muhammad Muneer, Muhammad Ramazan, Irfan and Hafiz Shahid.

Nabila Bibi,forced conversion to Islam and marriage and her parents with LEAD's activists.

A Christian girl, Nabila Bibi, kidnapped and raped by Muslims later she was forcibly converted to Islam and forcibly got married with one of her Muslim kidnapper .Her family turned to LEAD and requested for assistance. LEAD’s fact finding mission consisting of Intzar Gill, Qaser Younas, girl’s fiancé, Sajid Masih and father of the girl went to the given home address of Muslim man, who kidnapped her, namely Allah Rakha. When they met Allaha Rakha and with other fifteen to twenty Muslims men of the village, they asked them that they wanted to meet with Nabila Bibi. They flatly refused and warned that she was now Muslim and threatened them with dire consequences if they would not leave their village and try to come again but they insisted to meet her, then the Muslims men captured them and made them hostage in a Haveli.LEAD filed a writ petition in Pattoki Court on behalf of father of the victim against the kidnappers and Muslim cleric who issued the certificate of conversion to Islam and marriage certificate. The court accepted the petition to the extent of kidnappers. On 24 March,2016,she has safely reunited with her parents. Intzar Gill and Qaser Younas, LEAD's activists, handed over her to her parents and dropped her at her home after successful rescue mission. She told her agony how she was kidnapped, raped and converted to Islam and later given in marriage of one of her Muslim kidnapper. Bashir Masih, father of the victim girl, was also forced and threatened by Muslims to give Affidavit that he would not register criminal case FIR against those culprits. Bashir Masih, her father, Sardar Mushtaq Gill, Human Rights Defender and other members of LEAD have been threatened to be killed and also threatened to be involved in blasphemy and apostasy charges if the victim girl would reconvert to Christianity. Sajid Masih, fiancé of the victim girl, is the brother in law of Martha Bibi, who was accused of blasphemy and later declared absconder by the court and she belongs to the same village where this victim girl and her family is residing. The culprits and Muslim cleric also extended life threats to Mr. Gill and his team including the threats have been extended to involve in the case of blasphemy as the village Kotnanak Singh falsely accused Martha Bibi. The threats still continue because the girl now staying in hiding with her family as a Christian.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill,HRD Lawyer,was threatened on Mumtaz Qadri's hanging day

Extremist Islamic group Fedane Khatm-e-Nubuwwat, Chunian,Kasur along with others religious extremists groups chanted slogans against the execution of Mumtaz Qadri during a rally in Lahore on Jan. 25, 2016 and after the hanging of the killer,the extremists supporters of Qadri threatened Sardar Mushtaq Gill,human rights defender, during a rally in Bhai Pheru early morning on Monday,29 February ,2016.They also used threatening slogans against Mr.Gill who is also critic of blasphemy laws. Qadri was hailed as hero of Islam by all religious Islamic groups.Blasphemy is a highly controversial issue in Pakistan, and angry mobs have killed many people accused of insulting Islam in the Muslim-majority country. The law does not define blasphemy but stipulates that the penalty is death.Islamic groups also issued a decree (Alamia) that anyone who support blasphemy accused in any way would be considered blasphemer and be punished.The purpose of this Alamia is to terrify victims of human rights violations and their supporters.On 4th January 2017,Sardar Mushtaq Gill,HRD Lawyer,was threatened to be killed via face-book by one of members of Mumtaz Hussain Qadri supporters namely Ali Khan whose face-book profile shows he is from Karachi,threats were in roman Urdu (Bachh...beta ab teri bhi bari ane wali hai....... Mumtaz Qadri hai Ek or yahan).

A volunteer field coordinator of LEAD survives an assassination attempt

Aslam Masih ,volunteer field coordinator of the Legal Evangelical Association Development (LEAD), was shot in the Lahore area on Wednesday ,October 28,2015.The shooting took place Wednesday ,October 28,2015 at about 10:00 PM ,when volunteer field coordinator of LEAD was attacked by a Muslim man Ashfaq alias Shaka along with his three unidentified companions who are said to have shot him with a pistol and thought him dead then fled away.He sustained two bullets wound to his both left and right legs and was rushed to General Hospital Lahore, where he was admitted and operated on to remove the bullets and still one bullet was unable to remove from.He was attacked due to his voice for Christian community and affiliation with LEAD as a field coordinator.Sardar Mushtaq Gill,Human Rights Defender said that despite of life threats and attacks against us the human rights work will be continued for victims.

Two survivor girls victims of Human trafficking

Two survivor sisters of human trafficking-they were to a place where their bodies were used daily by men they have lost count of; where they were sometimes refused an hour of rest, let alone a day off during her period;they become ill and where they received death threats and was threatened with having theirs legs broken if they escaped and threatened with uploading their naked photos and videos on internet. "We were never by ourselves because [one man ] always picked us up and always dropped us off," one victim said. She further added the work started at 09:00 in the morning but we had to be there before that to get ready.

Ashiq Masih,husband of Asia Bibi,in meeting with Sardar Mushtaq Gill HRD lawyer

Asia Bibi's father desires visit to see her in prison and request Mr.Sardar Mushtaq Gill,HRD Lawyer

On 24 July,2015:Asia Bibi's father Mr.Soran Masih 85 years old and her sister Rehana Bibi show their desire to visit her in prison and request to Mr.Sardar Mushtaq Gill, HRD Christian Lawyer, to assist them how to be possible to visit her because they are too poor to go and see her in Multan prison.He says that Children are very dear to birds too.Home Department of Punjab ( Prison ) has put restrictions on visitation of Asia Bibi in prison for Human Rights Defenders,Journalists and other relatives,they are not allowed to visit her without taking prior especial permissions from Home Department Punjab.Only Asia Bibi’s husband and her daughters are allowed to visit her twice a month.Mr.Soran Masih is real father of Asia Bibi who has not visited and seen her daughter since her death conviction.Bibi was convicted of blasphemy in November 2010 for telling fellow workers on a berry farm, “Our Christ sacrificed His life on the cross for our sins,” and “Our Christ is alive.” Last year on 16 October,2014 her appeal against desth sentenced was dismissed from Lahore High Court.On 22 July,2015, she was granted leave to appeal her death sentence by the Supreme Court of Pakistan in Lahore. Her father said he fears that she will not be safe even after her acquittal as extremist cleric has put bounty on her head.The life of those who speak in favour of victims of blasphemy laws is in danger.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill,Human Rights Lawyer along with raped victims at Trial Court Jaranwala

Today 30 May,2015:Sardar Mushtaq Gill,Human Rights Defender and Advocate High Court has been in Jaranwala to appear and represent victims for recording evidences in the case of Gangrapped victims Christian girls(Farzana and Sehrish) in the trial court Jaranwala.The evidences were recorded because in this case Lahore High Court has given direction to the trial court to conclude trial before 9June and report should be sent regarding the progress in the case.In this case life threats were continuously being extended to witnesses,Complainant,Victims and Mr.Gill from the accused.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill,human rights defender visited Dhoop Sari in Lahore’s Sandha area of Lahore

Sardar Mushtaq Gill,Human Rights Defender along with LEAD's legal team and petitioner of FIA case.

After a huge numbers of Christians moving from Pakistan and seeking asylum in different countries.Government of Pakistan through FIA put restrictions at Pak airports on Christians travelling.One Christian man along with his sister wanted to visit Sri Lanka after getting proper tourist visa.They both were stopped twice at Lahore Airport illegally and unlawfully by FIA.On 1 June 2015 constitutional writ petition was filed against FIA on infringing the fundamental rights of liberty and freedom of movement.On 9 June,there was hearing in Lahore High Court,Lahore.The petition was accepted and the court ordered to FIA that they would not stop and harrass them and create any illegal and unlawful hindrance in travelling.

TERROR AND HARASSMENT BY BRICK KILN OWNERs:A Christian woman beaten and tortured

"I have been beaten and badly tortured because some other workers of the brick kiln's owner were run away and those are our relatives and my son also took a loan of Rs.70,000 from the brick kiln owner who also run away and they forced me to call them and to bring them back, when my husband asked the brick kiln owner that we will pay the debt loan, they demanded back with interest of Rs.3,00,000/-.they broke my nails of feet with pliers and I borne bitter pain, and I called my son and my son told the kiln owner about the other our relatives, then the kiln owner along with his men brought them back and beaten and hit them all.I have marks of hitting on my whole body" Bibi told Gill.

Non-implementation of the job five percent job quota for minorities

A representative of the Christian community, Shoaib Ashraf, petitioned in Lahore high through LEAD's lawyers that Wildlife and Parks Punjab advertised some lower posts but did not implement 5 percent seats to religious minorities. Under the law all government departments were bound to implement quota set for religious minorities while making appointments.Advocate Sardar Mushtaq Gill,Human Rights Defender, said,"minorities who initially welcomed the measure are deeply disappointed over non-implementation of the job five percent job quota for minorities. He said the beneficiaries of the job quota were 'not just more than a drop in the ocean' because of religious prejudice and discrimination

Human Rights lawyer Rashid Rehman Khan was gunned down by unidentified attackers in Multan

Sardar Mushtaq Gill ,human rights defender,strongly condemned the killing of rights lawyer Rashid Rehman Khan amd demanded security for human rights defenders accross Pakistan and also brought to justice the Killers of rights lawyer. Reportedly two clean-shaven young men barged into Advocate Khan's office and shot him dead. They also injured his two lawyer friends, identified as Nadeem Parwaz and Afzal.“Armed gunmen stormed the chamber of Rashid Rehman and started indiscriminate firing on Wednesday 7 May,2014 , injuring Rehman and two of his associates present there,” according to senior police official Zulfiqar Ali.Advocate Rashid Rehman Khan was a coordinator for the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). The senior lawyer was defending a university lecturer accused of blasphemy and had complained that he had been receiving threats on his life.The HRCP had voiced serious concern over the threats extended to Khan.The Supreme Court advocate had submitted an application with the District Bar Association president Sher Zaman Qureshi last month, saying he was threatened by two lawyers and two other persons who asked him not to appear in the case he was representing.Rehman was representing Junaid Hafeez, a lecturer at Bahauddin Zakariya University.Hafeez was known for his liberal views at the university and the case of blasphemy was registered after pressure from right-wing student groups, said a student, who wished not to be named.

Sardar Mushtaq Gill,HRD and Chief of LEAD

Sardar Mushtaq Gill, HRD Advocate High Court and Head of LEAD and Mukhtar Masih, Father of Shama and Father-in-law of Shahzad , the Christian Couple who was burned alive after a false allegation of Blasphemy which was the latest example of mob violence against Christian accused of blasphemy in meeting for discussion to resolve the disputed matter of the guardianship and custody of minors of the couple among the both side the paternal and maternal extended family members of the martyred couple which was pending in Guardian Court Lahore.

The Local court sentenced life imprisonment to Sajjad Masih Gill on blasphemy charges.

July 2013:Sajjad Masih Gill, a 28-year-old Christian, residing in the district of Pakpatan, in the province of Punjab, was sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of 200 thousand rupees by a court of first instance in Gojra . The ruling was issued on 13 July. Gill, a member of the 'Seventh Day Adventist' Christian community, had been indicted for blasphemy by some Muslim religious leaders and other influential people for sending an SMS from mobile phone with blasphemous content.Prosecutors claimed that the young woman, Roma Masih, had broken off a marriage engagement with Sajjad Masih, and that in vengeance he had used a mobile phone SIM card purchased in her name to send blasphemous messages and in this way he wanted to get her punished in blasphemy whose punishment is death. She was declared innocent during invedtigation and has since reportedly gone to the United Kingdom.He is languishing in jail and waiting for his release.It is expected he will be acquitted in appeal due to insufficient incriminating material avaiable on record against him.

Gazala Khan blasphemy co-accused of blasphemy accused Zafar:Blasphemy victims via mobile sim sms

In this photo,Gazala Khan is telling that she is co-accused with Pastor Zafar Bhatti ,who is behind the bars,and she was released on bail because in invedtigation proved that derogatory sms sent via sim phone number which is registered on her name used by Padtor Zafar Bhatti.Sajjad Masih Gill was also arrested in blasphemy case committed via mobile phone sms through the mobile sim number registered on his ex-lover's name and according to police investigation,Sajjad wanted to get punished her ex-lover who got married with one another Christian man.The shocking thing is that in these two different cases of blasphemy,the co-accused are Christians women who were tried to be victimised at the hands of their own community members.This is the main reason for which LEAD is advocating for repeal of these draconian laws which could be easily misused against his opponents.

Christian minister Shahbaz Bhatti shot dead in Islamabad

March 2,2011,Shahbaz Bhatti,a Christian Minister,was assassinated.He was on his way to work in Islamabad when unknown gunmen riddled his car with bullets.He was murdered in broad daylight because of his demand for change to the blasphemy laws – the root cause of Christians and other religious minorities suffering in Pakistan.He was a Pakistani politician and elected member of the National Assembly from 2008. He was the first Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs from November 2008 until his assassination on 2 March 2011 in Islamabad. Bhatti, a Roman Catholic, was an outspoken critic of Pakistan's blasphemy laws and the only Christian in the Cabinet.Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for his killing and called him a blasphemer of Muhammad.Shahbaz Bhatti’s death will not stop the struggle for blasphemy reform.

Salmaan Taseer assassinated

Salmaan Taseer,ex-Governor Punjab,during his governorship, he emerged as an outspoken critic of the Pakistan's blasphemy laws and consequently called for the pardon for Asia Bibi.On 4 January 2011, he was assassinated at the Kohsar Market in Islamabadby his bodyguard,who has been identified as Malik Mumtaz Hussain Qadri and who disagreed with Taseer's opposition to Pakistan's blasphemy law and accused him as a blasphemer.On Monday,29 February ,2016,the killer Mumtaz Qadri was hanged to death.

Church Planting and Advocacy For Persecuted Christians

Friday 6 May 2016

Christians fear for their lives because of blasphemy laws in Islamic Pakistan

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