Prayer and Support Please.

Dear All, Three years ago, a Christian father in Pakistan was arrested on false blasphemy charges. Now, he awaits a verdict that could carry with it the death penalty.   As Christians around the world prepare to celebrate Easter – the triumph of hope over suffering, and life over death – this young man remains behind bars, longing to return home to his family.  His name is Ishtiaq Saleem.   In November 2022, Ishtiaq was arrested after being accused of downloading allegedly blasphemous material against Islam on social media – something he firmly denies. Under Pakistan’s strict blasphemy laws, a conviction can carry the death penalty.  Since his arrest, Ishtiaq has languished in prison while his case has slowly moved through the courts. His requests for bail have been repeatedly denied by lower courts and even the Supreme Court of Pakistan.  The Supreme Court eventually ordered the trial to be expedited, and proceedings are now taking place before a special court in Islamabad.   Now his trial has reached a critical moment. The court has completed hearings in his case, and a verdict could be issued once proceedings for a co-accused individual conclude.   ADF International is supporting Ishtiaq’s defence through allied lawyers in Pakistan.    No one should face prison time – or the threat of death – because of false accusations of blasphemy. Blasphemy laws create a culture of violence and discrimination and must be repealed.   Our legal team is working to expose the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and fight for justice for this innocent father. But this work is only possible because of supporters like you.  Will you help defend people like Ishtiaq today?  Your gift today can help support:  • Legal defence for those falsely accused under blasphemy laws  • Advocacy to expose injustice and protect religious freedom  • Urgent action to defend vulnerable communities facing persecution  GIVE TODAY Our hope is that Ishtiaq will soon be acquitted.  Thank you for standing with those whose freedom is at risk. Happy Easter, and God bless With gratitude,   ADF UK P.S. Disturbingly, this case is connected to a so-called Blasphemy Business Group – an organised network accused of fabricating blasphemy accusations to entrap individuals for the purpose of blackmail and extortion  According to Pakistan’s National Commission on Human Rights, more than 450 people may have been targeted through similar schemes, contributing to a dramatic surge in blasphemy accusations in recent years.    The network includes lawyers and individuals who reportedly work in coordination with the cybercrime unit of the Federal Investigation Agency to bring these construed cases before the courts. In Saleem’s case, the lead prosecution counsel, Rao Abdur Rahim, is the head of the Group, raising serious concerns about the fairness of the proceedings.