Two Christian nurses who were accused of “blasphemy” in Punjab, Pakistan, in April 2021 have been acquitted.
News of the decision was confirmed by Barnabas Aid’s project partners.
Maryam Lal (then 52) and Newosh Arooj (then 19) were accused by a senior doctor at the Civil Hospital in Faisalabad of committing “blasphemy” by removing from a cupboard a sticker that had a Quranic text written on it.
Maryam Lal (centre, left) and Newosh Arooj were detained for five months in 2021 on unsubstantiated “blasphemy” charges [Image credit: CLAAS]
The decision to acquit was made by Judge Muzafar Ali Anjum at the Court of Additional Sessions in Faisalabad on 29 November 2025 on the grounds that the complainant had failed to substantiate the charge.
The deadline to appeal the decision has now passed.
In the aftermath of the “blasphemy” accusation hospital staff staged a demonstration demanding legal action against Maryam and Newosh.
Read more: What is it like to live as a Christian in Pakistan?
The demonstration was joined by extremists who threatened to kill both women. Maryam was attacked and injured with a knife before the pair were taken to safety by police.
The women were charged with “blasphemy” under section 295-B of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which carries a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment for anybody who “wilfully defiles, damages or desecrates” a Quran or an extract from the Quran.
After spending five months in prison, both were granted bail on 9 September 2021.
The trial began on 10 July 2021 and lasted for more than four years. During this time, Maryam and Newosh remained on bail, but were unable to work and faced constant threats.
Pakistan’s notorious “blasphemy” laws are often used to make false accusations in order to settle personal grudges. Christians and other religious minorities are especially vulnerable, and the lower courts usually favour the testimony of Muslims, in accordance with sharia (Islamic law).
Accusations of “blasphemy” frequently trigger mob violence and even killings.
How you can pray
Praise the Lord for this acquittal of Maryam and Newosh and give thanks that He has kept them safe throughout these protracted legal proceedings. Pray that He will continue to protect them and their families and guide them as they seek to follow Him. Ask that this case will serve as a precedent against unfounded “blasphemy” allegations against Christians and other minorities in Pakistan, that any such cases in future will be swiftly dismissed.
