by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent
(Worthy News) – A second Christian charged with blasphemy in Pakistan was released on bail pending trial last week after a court found there was no direct evidence in the three cases brought against him, Christian Daily International (CDI) reports.
The father of a four-year-old daughter, Zimran Asim was released on October 29 after the Lahore High Court granted bail on September 24 in the third blasphemy case registered against him, his attorney Aneeqa Maria said in a statement. The high court had granted him bail in the other two cases on July 29 and April 24, CDI reports.
“Asim was implicated only because he was seen once with the primary accused, Akash Masih,” Maria said. “Zimran Asim’s case is a fitting example of how innocent people are implicated in false cases by individuals as well as the police. This poor man was forced to suffer in prison, away from his family for over one year. They also lost their home and can’t even think of going back to their village.”
“I believe the blatant misuse of the laws has made the situation equally dangerous for blasphemy accused, their defense counsels as well as rights defenders,” Maria added. “The government must take this issue seriously in order to protect innocent lives and break this environment of fear.”
Asim became the second Christian charged with blasphemy to be released on bail after a high court found there major defects in the case against Chand Shamaun, who was freed on October 23. Shamaun is accused of inciting religious tensions in Okara, Punjab Province, by threatening to desecrate the Quran, CDI reports.
Ruled by an Islamic government which has approved harsh blasphemy laws, Pakistan ranks 7 on the Open Doors World Watch List 2024 of the top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
Latest News from Worthy News
Israel has begun preparations for the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism of Jesus Christ, a major Christian milestone expected to draw millions of pilgrims to the Holy Land in 2030.
Powerful flash floods have swept away churches, damaged schools and homes, and severed vital transportation routes in a remote border region of northeastern India.
Americans launched nearly 3.5 million new businesses during the first half of 2026, signaling continued confidence in free enterprise despite inflation, elevated interest rates and instability in global markets.
New York City distributed more than $2.6 billion in cash assistance to nearly 865,000 residents during 2025, marking a dramatic expansion of the city’s welfare system as concerns grow over taxes, spending, and the potential departure of high-income residents.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake shook Peru’s central Andes region, killing at least five people, injuring more than 20 others, and damaging numerous buildings, including a church and convent, authorities said Sunday.
Hungary’s President Tamás Sulyok sealed his fate late Saturday by signing a constitutional amendment that will prematurely end his presidency after months of relentless pressure from Prime Minister Péter Magyar.
Malaysia’s prime minister has warned that his Islamic nation will immediately deport any Israeli citizens found in the country.