A Christian who was falsely accused of “blasphemy” in August 2025 has been acquitted of any wrongdoing.
The Additional Sessions Court in Lahore, Punjab, ruled that the case against Nadeem Masih, 49, had been fabricated.
Nadeem – who has been blind since birth and also has an iron rod in his leg to assist him in walking – was charged with defiling the name of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, an offence that carries the death penalty.
Nadeem Masih, who is blind and disabled, was acquitted of “blasphemy” after a court in Lahore ruled that the case against him had been fabricated [Image credit: CSI/X]
“God has heard the prayers of a desperate mother and delivered my son from the shadow of death,” said Nadeem’s mother, Martha.
“Nadeem is innocent,” she continued. “Knowing he will finally be back home is an answer to our prayers.”
Baseless accusation
The court accepted Nadeem’s defence that the accusation made against him by two Muslim men was entirely baseless.
Nadeem’s defence lawyer, Lazar Allah Rakha, argued that the false accusation was made because Nadeem had refused to allow Waqas Mazhar and Asif Mukhtar to take over his small business.
Rakha also alleged that the two men harassed Nadeem because of his disability.
Christians in Pakistan are among those vulnerable to false “blasphemy” accusations. Lower courts are often unwilling to acquit those who are charged
The ruling is particularly significant, as lower courts in Pakistan often accept the word of Muslim witnesses and police in “blasphemy” cases.
In this case, discrepancies existed in the police report. Nadeem’s defence lawyers pointed to a claim from police that they were alerted to the incident while patrolling a park at 11pm. The park in question is closed to the public from 9pm each evening.
In November 2025, Nadeem’s mother alleged that her son had been beaten while in custody in order to force him to make a false confession.
Aneeqa Maria, a human rights activist from Pakistan, cited Nadeem’s case in testimony given to the US Commission on International Religious Freedom as just one example of hundreds of false “blasphemy” allegations.
“While Muslims also face accusations,” she reported, “Christians and other minorities face uniquely severe consequences, including prolonged pre-trial detention, social exile, and violent retaliation even after acquittal.”
How you can pray
Praise God that the accusations against our brother Nadeem were recognised as baseless. Pray that this decision will deter others from making false “blasphemy” accusations against Christians and other vulnerable people in Pakistan. Ask the Lord to protect Nadeem, his widowed mother and other family members, and the wider Christian community from any violence resulting from this court case.
