Pakistan: Parvez Masih Cleared of Blasphemy Charges
Apr 25 2006
Postings >> Pakistan

Christian headteacher Parvez Masih has been cleared of blasphemy charges and released after five years in custody.

The head of the successful Iqbal Memorial School near Lahore was detained in 2001 after Muslim students quizzed him about Islam then apparently gave false testimony against him. He was arrested and accused of violating Section 295C, Pakistan's blasphemy law.

Parvez has had several hearings, but his sentence was only passed on April 8, after five years of brutal treatment, threats and beatings. On one occasion in June 2001, he was attacked by a fellow prisoner who lunged at him with a piece of broken glass and ripped Parvez's Bible.

On the day of his arrest -- April 1, 2001 -- he was taken to a river, had a gun put to his head and told to renounce Jesus. He refused. Local sources believe that the Muslim headteacher of a rival school may have headed the campaign to blacken Parvez's name.

RI partners have supported Parvez and his family since his arrest. His family have continued to run his school in his absence. But there are now only half as many pupils on the register and it has hit financial difficulties as a result.

• Praise God for the release of Parvez Masih. Pray for him and his family as he adjusts to family life again. Pray too for their safety.
• Thank God for Parvez's strong faith and his powerful witness. Pray that his witness will continue now he is free and draw many to Christ.