Release International

A Pakistani Christian has received death threats after condemning the murder of a Christian government minister – who was himself killed for opposing the blasphemy laws. 

Evangelist Arif Ferguson, 36, and his entire family have had to go into hiding, following death threats from the Pakistan Taliban and others. Arif was first warned for sharing the Gospel among Muslims. More serious death threats followed after he made a statement to a local newspaper condemning the assassination in March of Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, who had spoken up against the blasphemy law.

Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for killing Shahbaz Bhatti – and the same group is now threatening Arif.

Arif, a laboratory technician, fled to Karachi after being tipped off that the militants were trying to track him down. But even there he received death threats, forcing the family of nine to go into hiding again. Arif and his sisters have lost their jobs as a result.

Arif said: 'I trust in Jesus. If I die, it will be for Christ.'

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• Please pray for Arif and his family – for their protection, support and encouragement.
 

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