Pakistan (MNN) — Things are only getting worse for another
Christian charged with blasphemy in Pakistan.
Dildar Yousaf, 28, was arrested and charged with blasphemy after
defending his 8-year-old nephew from a group of Muslim boys last June,
according to Voice of the Martyrs.
Dildar's nephew, Ehtasham, was taunted by a group of boys as he
passed an Islamic school. As Ehtasham walked by the "madrassa," seven boys
gathered around him and tried to force him to become a Muslim. When Ehtasham
refused, the boys began to scream and beat him.
Dildar happened to pass
by and pulled his nephew away from the boys, took him home, and went about his
work for the day. That afternoon, the news spread that Dildar had disgraced the
Muslim proclamation of faith.
Police
picked up Dildar from his workplace and put him in protective custody. They
also filed a blasphemy charge against him under Pakistani law 298A, which
carries the lightest sentence for blasphemers.
Months
later, Dildar remains in prison, awaiting a sentence. His wife and two children
have now been forced to flee because of ongoing threats. Ehtasham and his
family have also had to leave their village. VOM is supporting the family and
providing legal assistance to Dildar.
Dildar's
village has a history of persecution, VOM reports. Pray for Christians in the
area to remain bold. Pray that despite ongoing trials, Dildar would remain safe
and faithful to the Lord.
To learn about others willing to take a stand for Christ in
places dangerous to do so, visit persecution.com.
