Challenging blasphemy laws is condemned as blasphemous by militants. New death threat rachets up risk to Christian minority in Pakistan
From Release International 6.12.11
A Pakistan Christian has received death threats for blasphemy after speaking out against the assassination of a government minister, himself killed for opposing the blasphemy laws. This latest death threat ratchets up the risk to Christians in Pakistan, where militants regard even questioning the blasphemy laws as blasphemous.
36-year-old Arif Ferguson and his entire family have had to go into hiding, following death threats by the Pakistan Taliban and others.
The threats began when Arif shared his Christian faith with Muslims. More death threats followed in earnest after he expressed his views in a local newspaper.
Arif condemned the assassination of Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, a Christian, who had spoken up against the blasphemy law, and went on to tell the newspaper that Christians are insecure in Pakistan.
‘That seems to have been an understatement, judging by events,’ says Release CEO Andy Dipper. ‘This latest death threat confirms that militants now regard even opposing the blasphemy laws as blasphemous – a ‘crime’ deserving of death.
‘They will not permit debate in parliament or in the press. This ratchets up the risk to all Christians in Pakistan who take issue with intolerance and extremism.’
Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan claimed responsibility for killing Minorities Minister Shahbaz Bhatti, describing him as a blasphemer of Mohammed. The same group is now threatening to kill Arif Ferguson.
Arif fled for Karachi after being tipped off that the Islamist militants were trying to track him down. But even there death threats by post and by phone forced the family of nine to go into hiding again. Lab technician Arif and his sisters have now lost their jobs, throwing the family into financial crisis.
Arif said: ‘I trust in Jesus. If I die it will be for Christ.’
A safe house has been found for Arif, and accommodation is being prepared for the rest of his family.
In January Release presented a petition with more than 50,000 signatures to the Pakistan High Commission, calling on the nation to protect its Christian minority who are coming under increasing threat.
Release presented the petition following the gunning down of Punjab governor Salman Taseer by his own bodyguard, while others tasked to protect him looked on. The killing was celebrated in the streets.
Mr Taseer was murdered for calling for the blasphemy laws to be repealed, and for standing with Asia Bibi, the first Christian woman to be sentenced to death for blasphemy. She remains today on death row, pending appeal. Regardless of the outcome extremists have put a reward out to anyone who kills her.
"Only a handful of politicians have had the courage to challenge the blasphemy laws," says Andy Dipper. "Two have been murdered and now the killers are threatening Arif Ferguson with assassination – just for wanting a change in the law.
Pakistan’s leaders must take a stand against this climate of fear and safeguard the freedom to debate – in the press and in Parliament. They must act with courage to end intimidation. And the blasphemy law – which is used to justify religious killing – must be repealed.
Please pray that the voice of reason will be heard and respected in Pakistan. Pray for Arif and his family – for their protection, support and encouragement. Pray also for courage for all working to see the repeal of Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws."
Through its international network of missions Release International serves persecuted Christians in 30 countries around the world by supporting pastors and Christian prisoners and their families; supplying Christian literature and Bibles, and working for justice.
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