Two sisters, both Christians, have been acquitted two months after being charged with “blasphemy” in Punjab, Pakistan.
Barnabas Aid contacts confirmed that Sonia and Saima had been acquitted by Toba Tek Singh Sessions Court.
On 7 August they had been accused of throwing a bag containing wastepaper with pages of the Quran on abandoned land.
Sonia and Saima were acquitted of “blasphemy” by a court in Toba Tek Singh [Image credit: Toba Tek Singh City / Facebook]
The sisters were arrested and charged under section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code for “wilful defilement, damage or desecration of the Quran”. This section of the law carries a mandatory life sentence for those convicted.
Investigation and acquittal
Both women had strenuously denied the accusations. Their lawyer Chaudhry Haneef Hameed Mithu said that he believed that the accusation had been made to settle a personal grudge.
Sessions judge Waseem Mubarik ordered the acquittal after reviewing evidence supplied by the district police officer.
Local police and lower courts in Pakistan routinely accept the truth of “blasphemy” allegations, so it is notable that in this instance both police and court investigated properly.
Police also intervened to prevent mob violence when the accusations were first made. Sonia, Saima, their families and the wider Christian community may still be at risk from extremists who will not accept the court’s decision.
Praise God for the acquittal of Saima and Sonia. Pray that their release will serve as an example that will deter those who abuse Pakistan’s “blasphemy” laws to accuse Christians and other vulnerable people without cause. Pray for protection for the sisters, their family and other Christians from any retaliation following this verdict.
