Pakistan: Christian doctor accused of blasphemy
May 13 2008
Postings >> Pakistan

A Christian doctor is behind bars and his family is in hiding in Pakistan after a local Muslim accused him of insulting Islam.

Dr Robin Sardar's home was surrounded by a mob demanding that he be killed as a kaffir ('infidel'), after rumours circulated that he had insulted the Muslim prophet Mohammed. The arrival of the police averted any violence.

Tensions first arose between Dr Sardar and a local Muslim six months ago, when the man had visited the doctor's clinic. The man had shaken hands with fellow-Muslims but had refused to shake Dr Sardar's hand. 'It's an insult to shake hands with a Christian,' he said, according to Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan.

Some weeks later, Dr Sardar prevented the same Muslim from setting up a stall in front of his clinic. The man then filed a blasphemy case against the doctor.

Dr Sardar was detained soon after the mob surrounded his family home. He is now being held in a local prison - and his family have fled to an undisclosed location.

• Ask God to protect Dr Robin Sardar and his family from extremist reprisals. Pray that charges against Dr Sardar will be dropped.
• Continue to pray for the repeal of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, which are often misused to persecute religious minorities.