LAHORE, Pakistan — A Christian who was sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy despite a lack of evidence has proven his faith by excelling in prison, officials said.
Nouman Masih, 24, recently passed his high school board exams with a very high score, demonstrating his faith in God for a free future, said his lawyer, Razaar Allah Raka.
“I am so pleased that after being put on death row, Masih did not lose heart, but instead trusted the Lord and maintained hope for freedom despite the dire circumstances,” Laca told Christian Daily International Morning Star News. “His feat during the interrogation is a testament to his unwavering faith in Christ and his determination to get on with his life when the Lord frees him from this false accusation.”
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After a four-year trial, a judge sentenced Masih to death in May 2023 in a blasphemy case in Punjab’s Bahawalpur district, despite the prosecution failing to present evidence against him, Lakha said. Masih has been incarcerated since his arrest on July 1, 2019.
Amid uncertainty and fear, Masih, the son of a poor sanitation worker, prepared for his exams while locked in a cell in Bahawalpur’s high-security New Central Jail.
“The prison environment is not at all conducive to academic pursuits,” Laca said, “but this young man’s dedication to his studies is remarkable. With limited resources and access to study materials, he managed to prepare for his exams, demonstrating a thirst for knowledge that extends beyond prison walls.”
Masih was sentenced to death for sharing blasphemous content against Islam in WhatsApp messages.
He was acquitted in February of separate blasphemy charges related to the same incident by a judge in Punjab’s Bahawalnagar district. He said police in both districts had acted maliciously to punish Masih for two blasphemy cases registered within three days of each other.
When Masih expressed interest in appearing for the exams, he submitted an application to the prison authorities and got himself registered with the Bahawalpur Board of Secondary Education, his lawyer said. Masih can now register for his secondary education exams, which he is due to take in two years, he added.
Laca said some well-educated inmates offered to educate Masih and others in exchange for favours or reduced or shortened sentences.
“This system has helped many prisoners to rehabilitate through education,” the lawyer said. “We hope that the Lahore High Court will decide Masih’s appeal as soon as possible so that he can prepare for his next exam as a free man.”
His Christian father, Asghar Masih, said the family was very proud of their son.
“I cannot thank God enough for giving my son this achievement,” Asghar Masih told Christian Daily International Morning Star News. “He has remained steadfast in his faith, reading the Bible and praying regularly since the day he was sent to prison. Apart from that, he has only focused on his studies.”
He thanked Church of Pakistan President Azad Marshall for supporting the family in meeting Masih’s education and other needs in prison.
“We are also grateful to our lawyer, Razaar Allah Raka, for doing everything in his power to defend my son,” Asghar Masih said. “He has been a strong pillar in our family and ensured my son received an education.”
Asghar Masih said he hopes his son will soon be freed from his wrongful conviction.
“This successful test has renewed our hope for my son’s freedom,” he said. “He is determined to start a new life and we believe the Lord has heard our prayers.”
Marshall said Masih’s academic achievement had become a symbol of resilience and highlighted the need for reform of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
“In a nation grappling with complex issues of faith, freedom and justice, this young man’s story stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit,” Marshall said. “Against all odds, he has become a beacon of hope and challenged the very system that seeks to silence him.”
Pakistan retained its seventh place ranking as the most difficult place to be a Christian in Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List.
Article published in Christian Daily International Morning Star News
