Pakistan’s parliament recently passed a law that increased the penalty for insulting the Prophet’s companions, wife, and family members from three to 10 years in prison.
British Christian Today (CT) reported this news and said, “The passed bill has amplified the fears of the persecuted minority Christians.” A fine of one million rupees (about 5.35 million won) is also imposed for this crime.
According to Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), “The new legislation makes Pakistan’s existing blasphemy laws ‘more stringent’, a change that fuels human rights abuses and raises fears within minority communities who fear being targeted for harassment”.
Those who insult the Islamic prophet Muhammad are sentenced to death, and many Christians accused of blasphemy have spent years in prison trying to prove their innocence. Even if they are released, death threats may force them to hide with their families or even emigrate.
CSW President Mervyn Thomas said: “I am deeply concerned that Parliament has approved this bill without discussion, despite the fact that Pakistan’s existing blasphemy laws have resulted in extrajudicial killings and countless incidents of mob violence. Pakistan should do more to protect the most vulnerable minorities by upholding the international obligations and guarantees enshrined in the country’s Constitution, and hold the international community accountable if the government fails to do so or refuses to do so,”.
Source: Christian Today Korea
Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:39,41).
As Pakistan’s parliament revised the penalty for blasphemy up to 10 years, the fear of the minority Christians who are persecuted in this land has been amplified, and there is no deserved way to protect the church.
At this time that the day of the Lord is near, we continue to hear the news and the suffering that will continue to increase for those who believe in the name of the Lord. We must pray that churches in Pakistan will rise victorious and will rise up over fear and hold on to Jesus Christ, who has already overcome the world.
May the Pakistani Church be filled with victorious cries to seek the Father’s will, by pouring out the courage to not compromise with the law and things of this world.
Let the world church also participate in this cup of suffering by praying with tears, and may the Lord hear the tears and wails of this church so that victorious revival begins in Pakistan and all nations that are under persecution.
Pakistan Churches, wake up & rise up to become a nation that will welcome the coming King, Jesus Christ! Amen!