Source: VOMC
Sources: British Asian Christian Association, Pakistan Christian Post, Church in Chains
Zafar Bhatti is listed as Pakistan's longest-serving blasphemy prisoner. Since the day of his arrest on July 12th, 2012, the Christian man has remained in prison. During harsh police interrogation, Zafar was forced to confess to blasphemy. He has since recanted the previously made statement, asserting that it was spoken while under duress. During his time in prison, the believer has also encountered various health concerns.
(For previously published reports on Zafar's case, see this page.)
Over the years, numerous appeals and petitions have been filed in attempts to challenge Zafar's conviction. Due to the dedicated efforts of those advocating on his behalf, the courts have scheduled ten hearings since May of this year. However, the original complainant, Ibrar Ahmad Khan, has continued to follow the case, filing applications to submit additional alleged evidence against the accused Christian man. Thankfully, the judge has rejected Ibrar's requests, emphasizing that all evidence should have been recorded earlier. Although the most recent hearing was scheduled for September 23rd, it has since been postponed.
Amid concerns for the imprisoned believer's physical condition, health issues have also been mounting for his wife, Nawab Bibi. The 76-year-old Christian woman has become very weak and suffers with failing eyesight. Despite these health challenges, Nawab continues to visit her husband in prison every month. The British Asian Christian Association, which has been supplying support and daily provisions for the elderly couple, is presently seeking to provide the financial means for Nawab to undergo cataract surgery.
In hopes of this long-suffering Christian brother's soon release from prison, pray that any further delays to the hearings of his case will be rejected.
Throughout the process, ask the Lord to work within the hearts of the court officials, guiding them to rule in Zafar's favour.
With thankfulness for God's faithful provision throughout this lengthy ordeal, please pray that He will continue to meet the ongoing needs of this imprisoned believer and his wife – ultimately providing this couple divine healing and restoration.
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