[Field Story] Pakistani court sentences Christian to death for 'blasphemy'

According to the Christian Post (CP) in the United States, Shagufta Kiran, 40, was arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in the capital Islamabad on July 29, 2021, for sharing content insulting the Islamic prophet Muhammad on WhatsApp in September 2020.

"She was convicted under Section 295-C of the Blasphemy Act after a three-year trial and sentenced to a fine of Rs 300,000 (about $1,200)," said Rana Abdul Hameed, a lawyer representing her. Violators of this law in Pakistan are subject to mandatory death.

Hamid told Morning Star News that a Muslim named Shiraz Ahmed Farooqi had registered a complaint against Kiran, but Kiran denied the allegations, saying she did not write the content and had only forwarded it on a WhatsApp group.

"If you look at all the cases under Section 295-C, the courts tend to convict the accused even if the charges are very weak. This is because of pressure from religious groups and fear of mob violence," he said. "Kiran showed unwavering courage in her Christian faith throughout the trial. She will file an appeal after the court issues a specific order," he added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan remains in seventh place on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List, the same as last year. Pakistan continues to see widespread violations of religious freedom, including blasphemy laws, forced conversions of minority girls, and violence against religious minorities.

Source : Goodnews

“and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near” (Ephesians 2:15-17)

Dear God, we hear from Christians in Pakistan who are suffering because of the blasphemy laws there.

We desire Christians and Muslims in Pakistan to be reconciled to You through the love of the cross.

Please come into the land of Pakistan and bring reconciliation in Jesus' name!

May the Pakistani people cast off their false idols and confess that Jesus alone is the King!

We ask that the persecution and violence against the Christian minority in the land of Pakistan, and all enmity, be destroyed by the cross.

Please protect the Christians who keep their faith and use them as a people who will rise up in faith in the midst of this situation to save the nations!