Weekly Summary: Pakistan (July 28, 2010)
“The one who is not with Me is against Me, and the one who does not gather with Me scatters.” (Matthew 12: 30)
IN THIS ISSUE
PAKISTAN: Calls for repeal of blasphemy law
HOME GROUP PRAYER
PAKISTAN: Pray for Pakistan Minorities Minister.
Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Minorities, Shahbaz Bhatti received warnings and threats of beheading from several Islamic parties after his critical comments on the country’s blasphemy laws. The Majil-e-Tahfuz-Hatim-Nabuwat (AMTKN), an international terrorist organisation, demanded his sacking and ousting from the Federal Cabinet and National Assembly if he insists on repealing the blasphemy laws.The threats came following a press conference held by Bhatti in response to the murder of two Christian brothers Pastor Rashid Emmanuel, 32, and Sajid Emmanuel, 30. They were accused of writing a pamphlet containing blasphemous remarks and were gunned down while were being taken out of court by police. Their funeral on July 20 was held early in the morning to avert further Christian/Muslim clashes.Bhatti called for the repeal of the laws, saying no one was allowed to follow the law of the jungle, killing innocent people based on false accusation, as it was for the courts to try and decide cases under the relevant laws. Bhatti also said that a hotline providing an avenue to speedy justice for religious minorities will be set up soon, with round-the-clock connections to police stations, hospitals and other relevant places.Earlier, Bhatti had announced plans to introduce amendments aimed to stop the misuse of the blasphemy laws, saying his Ministry would seek legislation against hate-literature and hate-crimes while those who laid false charges which endangered the lives of others, should be punished.The blasphemy law was Introduced in the 1980’s by the military dictator President General Zia to garner support from religious extremists.
It carries the death penalty and is condemned by both religious minorities and human rights organizations. The misuse of the Blasphemy Law in Pakistan has led to physical violence, damage, destruction of properties and loss of life within the innocent Christian minority over the years.While the government has not responded to the threats, the Lahore High Court Chief Justice has ordered a judicial inquiry into the murders..Last year Bhatti spoke openly about the risks he faces for speaking up for religious minorities in Pakistan at a CSW conference and made a plea for us to take one minute every day to pray for him. In light of these latest threats, please uphold him in your individual and church prayers.
HOME GROUP PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the words of your Son, Jesus Christ of Nazareth who said that “the one who is not with Me, is against Me.” We thank You and praise You, for the heart, works and voice of the Pakistani Federal Minister for Minorities, Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti as he intercedes practically for Christians and other religious minorities, at the risk of his own life.We pray Lord, that you will protect, strengthen and comfort him in as he serves to protect, strengthen and comfort others, amid personal threats of violence upon him. We pray that these threats will all come to nothing and instead, You will turn their hearts to seek that which is good and in Your will.We pray also for all the members of the ruling government in Pakistan that they will issue clear public support of Mr. Bhatti and denounce the threats, while ensuring the bodily safety of Mr. Bhatti and his family.Oh Lord, we also pray for the families of our two Christians brothers who were murdered, and all those who have spoken out on their behalf. For they Lord, have indeed visited You in prison.Finally Lord, we pray that Your Holy Spirit will fall heavily on the leaders of Pakistan and change them, such that it will be to Your glory to bring this nation out of the rule of darkness and into Your light. Lord, please bring down the spiritual powers and principalities which now rule over Pakistan.Father, in the name of Your Son, the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, we pray. Amen and Amen.
