Delays, Disease and Blasphemy Injustice: The Cruel Ordeal of Pastor Zafar Bhatti. Report by Juliet Chowdhry

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Pakistan: Zafar Bhatti’s case remains one of the most harrowing examples of injustice in Pakistan’s legal system. Wrongfully convicted under the country’s notorious blasphemy laws, Zafar has now spent over a decade behind bars for a crime he vehemently denies. His situation remains dire — both legally and physically — yet hope continues to shine through the unwavering support of our donors and your prayers. 

The Ongoing Legal Struggle 

In 2022, Zafar was sentenced to death for allegedly sending blasphemous text messages — charges rooted in religious discrimination rather than fact. Since then, his BACA legal team, led by the renowned human rights advocate Saif Ul Malook, has fought relentlessly to overturn the conviction. 

Unfortunately, the legal process continues to be plagued with unjust delays. After a five-month wait, Zafar’s next court date was scheduled for 12th June 2025. Just a day before the hearing, the court informed Mr. Malook that it had been postponed to 19th June. BACA representatives travelled to Rawalpindi for the hearing, only to face further disappointment. Once again, the complainant’s counsel, Syed Rifaqat Hussain Shah, failed to appear — a repeated pattern that has significantly obstructed progress. 

Justice Jawad Hassan issued a stern warning to the absent counsel and demanded his presence at the next hearing. Notably, the same tactics were used to delay the hearing back in January 2025, highlighting an alarming trend of obstruction and negligence from the complainant’s side. 

We are currently awaiting the announcement of a new hearing date. Despite these setbacks, Mr. Malook remains optimistic: 

“I have deeply studied and well prepared Zafar Bhatti’s case. He will be released soon.” 

A Deteriorating Health Crisis 

While justice stalls, Zafar’s health continues to decline. Confined to a lonely, high-security cell in Adiala Jail, he suffers from multiple serious medical conditions — including heart complications, severe diabetes, and chronic skin allergies. 

During a recent BACA visit on 26th June, Zafar described his worsening condition. Despite receiving insulin twice daily, his blood sugar levels remain dangerously high. He showed visible wounds on his feet and legs, caused by uncontrolled diabetes. A particularly concerning wound on his left inner thigh may require surgery. 

Zafar now struggles with swelling throughout his body, pain when walking, and persistent discomfort from skin allergies. His own words to our team were both painful and heartbreaking: 

“Wounds on my feet are not recovered despite medicines intake regularly, they have exacerbated instead — now reaching to my knee.” 
“I request you to pray for me.” 

Supporting Zafar and His Family 

Despite the challenging circumstances, Zafar is not alone. The British Asian Christian Association (BACA) continues to stand by him — covering his medical expenses and ensuring he receives essential groceries. His devoted wife, Nawab Bibi, now 76, lives safely in one of our secure homes. Every month, she travels to visit her husband, a moving testament to her unwavering love and faith. 

Sadly, Nawab Bibi’s health has deteriorated significantly, and she now requires a permanent carer. We are urgently raising funds to cover this vital support, which will cost £175 per month. This devoted couple relies entirely on BACA — we are the only charity providing them with assistance. 

You can make a difference. Please consider donating today to help us continue caring for Zafar and Nawab Bibi as we fight for justice and seek his acquittal. 

We urge all our supporters to continue praying earnestly for Zafar Bhatti — for his healing, his protection, and his ultimate release. This is not just a legal battle; it is a spiritual and moral fight for justice, human dignity, and the freedom of a man who has suffered far too much. 

In addition to your prayers, you can take practical action by writing to your local MP and asking them to raise Zafar’s case in Parliament. Use this simple web portal to find and contact your MP: https://www.theyworkforyou.com/ 

Zafar Bhatti’s wife holds onto hope and faith as she continues to fight for her husband’s freedom — a quiet symbol of love, resilience, and unwavering devotion amid a painful injustice. 

“Zafar Bhatti’s suffering is a heartbreaking reminder of how Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are weaponised against the innocent. As his health deteriorates and justice is continually delayed, we urge the global community to stand with us — not just in prayer, but in action — to see his freedom realised.”

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"Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" By Nazir S Bhatti

On demand of our readers, I have decided to release E-Book version of "Trial of Pakistani Christian Nation" on website of PCP which can also be viewed on website of Pakistan Christian Congress www.pakistanchristiancongress.org . You can read chapter wise by clicking tab on left handside of PDF format of E-Book.

nazirbhattipcc@aol.com , pakistanchristianpost@yahoo.com