PAKISTAN: New Look at Evidence Against a Long-Imprisoned Christian

Source: VOMC
Sources: Morning Star News, AsiaNews

Reshma Bibi, Anwar’s sister, has been waiting for his release since 2002. Photo: Morning Star News

In 2002, Anwar Kenneth received a court verdict sentencing him to death, purportedly for defending Christianity in the days following the September 11th attacks on the New York World Trade Centre. He had written a letter in which he defended his Christian faith and, as a part of that, expressed his belief that Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was not a prophet of God.

Anwar was consequently convicted of blasphemy for allegedly insulting Muhammad – a conviction that carried a mandatory death sentence. The Lahore High Court upheld the verdict in June 2014. However, in a significant move that took place on March 12th of this year, the Supreme Court of Pakistan sought opinions on whether the letter Anwar had originally sent falls within the definition of blasphemy. Lawyer Abdul Hameed Rana argued that Anwar, as a devout Christian, had the right to express his religious beliefs, which do not accept Muhammad as a prophet. The lawyer also indicated that the letter did not contain any derogatory language which could be interpreted as blasphemy.

Pakistan's blasphemy laws have been used against religious minorities for many years. While a death sentence for blasphemy has never been carried out, some accused believers – including Anwar – have spent many years in prison under the threat of death.
To learn about other cases of persecution against followers of Jesus in Pakistan, go to our country report.

Please join us in praying that Anwar will finally be acquitted after all these years. 

As he awaits the court officials' decision, pray that this long-suffering believer will continue to trust in the Lord who promises to uphold all those who steadfastly cling to Him (Psalm 63:8). 

Prayerfully remember the many other Christians who are likewise serving time in Pakistan's prisons due to similar false accusations. 

May this recent development in Anwar's case serve as an impetus towards meaningful societal change, resulting in the resolution of challenges posed by the country's current blasphemy laws.