Source: VOMC
Sources: CLAAS-UK, Morning Star News
A 72-year-old Christian man in Faisalabad was arrested and charged with blasphemy on February 10th after being accused of tearing a copy of the Quran. The case against Younis Bhatti (also known as Bhagat) was filed by Sosan Fatima, a woman who had previously attended the Brethren house church founded by the Bhatti family. Having allegedly converted to Islam, Sosan claimed that she was reading the Quran at her home when Younis forced his way into the house. Purportedly, he then grabbed the Islamic scriptures from her and tore its pages, assaulting her during the incident.
Further investigation into the case has revealed that the allegations against the accused man had been fabricated following a dispute over land. Younis is well known for helping Christian families that were displaced as a result of the August 2023 riots in Faisalabad (see this report). He had kindly allowed Sosan and her husband to live in a house on his land for free. A few months ago, Younis informed the couple that he wanted to accommodate another family on the property, and that he was willing to build a wall between the two residences. However, Sosan strongly opposed this plan, not wanting to share the property.
According to residents in the area, Sosan was a regular churchgoer, and her claim of becoming a Muslim was made strictly in an attempt to entrap Younis in her plot. Thankfully, her deceit has come to light. All charges against Younis have since been dropped and, in an unexpected move, the authorities have filed charges against Sosan for making false accusations.
The tensions between local Muslims and Christians had initially escalated after news of the accusations spread throughout the community. Following the horrific mass violence that took place in Faisalabad last August (which, incidentally, was also triggered by allegations of blasphemy), local Christians feared that the situation would repeat itself. However, with the truth now coming out, tensions are easing and life within the bustling city is gradually returning to normalcy.
The misuse of blasphemy charges has been prevalent in Pakistan over the years. Nasir Saeed, who serves as the director of CLAAS-UK, commended the police for the discernment they demonstrated during their investigations. He highlighted the numerous instances in which similar allegations were used for vendettas or personal gain. To learn more about the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, and/or to view podcast reports, go to our country report.
Praise God that the truth concerning this case has been revealed, and that this elderly believer was justly vindicated.
Pray for the many others presently facing false accusations, asking that their hearts be filled with courage, strength and peace. Likewise, may justice prevail in the lives of these persecuted Pakistani followers of Jesus, so they too can be rightfully vindicated.
Overall, may there be a dramatic change of attitude among the country's general populace, so that the blasphemy laws will no longer be wrongly used as a way of achieving personal gain.
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