In a deeply troubling saga of legal setbacks, Zafar Bhatti, Pakistan’s longest-serving blasphemy prisoner, continues to suffer the pain of prolonged detention. Arrested on July 12, 2012, Bhatti has been imprisoned ever since. During a severe police interrogation, he initially confessed to blasphemy, but later retracted his statement, claiming it was made under duress.
Since May of this year, the court has scheduled ten hearings, yet the case decision remains unresolved. The next hearing is set for September 23. Zafar Bhatti urgently seeks global prayers and support for his release.
The Unsettling Court Delays
The hearing, initially scheduled for October 5, 2023, faced an abrupt halt when the presiding judge claimed he had not read the case file. This troubling beginning set the stage for further complications. High Court Judge Sadaqat Ali Khan subsequently postponed the hearing twice more, moving it to January 11, 2024.
Judge Khan’s unexpected decision to cancel the hearing, as relayed to Saif-ul-Malook, a prominent lawyer specializing in blasphemy cases, has left many legal observers astonished. The lack of a clear explanation for the judge’s actions, especially after months of preparation by Mr. Malook, has been a source of significant concern. Mr. Malook, while expressing his dismay, noted that such practices are unfortunately not uncommon in the Pakistani legal system.
Saif Ul Malook informed BACA, “Since May 2024, almost ten hearings have been scheduled, yet it appears that the judges remain under considerable pressure.”
On September 3, the hearing was postponed because the complainant’s counsel requested to file an application with the Supreme Court challenging the ruling where his request to add evidence had been denied. However, the court’s written order was not available in the case file. Malook described how the judges initially asked him to wait outside for five minutes, but around 2:00 pm, they informed him that the hearing was rescheduled for September 9.
On September 9, Malook was unable to attend the court due to roadblocks caused by a political demonstration organized by supporters of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI). The court has now set the next hearing for September 23.
Update on Nawab Bibi
Nawab Bibi, now 76 years old, has been apart from her husband since 2012. Despite her advancing age and declining health, her steadfast commitment is evident in her monthly journeys to Adiala Jail Rawalpindi to visit Zafar Bhatti.
BACA provides crucial support to Nawab Bibi by covering her house rent, offering financial aid for groceries, and paying her bills. Expressing her deep gratitude, she remarked, “I am thankful to BACA for their unwavering support throughout these years. Though I have little else, my love and prayers for BACA are boundless.”
On September 14, the BACA team, accompanied by Nawab Bibi, visited Adiala Jail to deliver groceries to Zafar Bhatti. As a diabetic who relies on insulin—also funded by BACA—Zafar Bhatti has requested global prayers for his release from prison.
Appeal for Support: Help Zafar Bhatti and Nawab Bibi
We urgently seek your support to aid two remarkable individuals in their time of need.
Zafar Bhatti, Pakistan’s longest-serving blasphemy prisoner, continues to endure prolonged detention. Despite the hardships, he remains resilient, relying on vital support for his basic needs. As a diabetic, Zafar depends on regular insulin and medication to manage his condition. Additionally, he needs groceries and toiletries to sustain him during his incarceration.
Nawab Bibi, at 76 years old, has shown incredible loyalty and strength by visiting her husband monthly despite her frail health. We are committed to providing her with a safe house and essential care. This support includes covering her house rent, buying groceries, and ensuring she has necessary vists to Adiala Jail.
We are reaching out for your generous contributions to help us provide:
- Groceries and Medicine for Zafar Bhatti: Your donation will ensure Zafar has the necessary supplies and insulin to manage his diabetes while in prison.
- Safe House and Care for Nawab Bibi: Contributions will help maintain Nawab Bibi’s safe house, cover her living expenses, and provide for her essential needs including travel visits to Zafar Bhatti in prison.
Your support will make a meaningful difference in their lives. No matter the size of your donation, every bit helps.
To Donate (click here)
Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Together, we can provide the support Zafar and Nawab Bibi so desperately need during these challenging times.
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association, expresses:
“The ongoing and unjustifiable court delays in Zafar Bhatti’s case highlight a justice system deeply flawed by its lack of accountability. As Zafar’s health continues to decline and Nawab Bibi’s condition deteriorates, our concerns for their safety intensify, particularly given Zafar’s previous threats from assassins. We urgently call on the international community to redouble efforts to secure Zafar’s release so that he may be reunited with his wife before it is too late. It is crucial that global advocacy intensifies to ensure that justice and compassion prevail, allowing Zafar and Nawab Bibi to spend their remaining time together.”
Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of the British Asian Christian Association, is urging concerned Christians worldwide to take action by emailing The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at ohchr-InfoDesk@un.org.
This call for advocacy aims to amplify international pressure for Zafar Bhatti’s release, ensuring justice is served and allowing him to reunite with his wife, Nawab Bibi, before her health deteriorates further.
