Rawalpindi, Pakistan: A youthful Zafar Bhatti, not knowing he would endure 13 years of wrongful imprisonment 

Freedom Secured: Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench acquits Zafar Bhatti after 13 years of imprisonment in Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi 

After 13 long and harrowing years in prison, falsely accused of sending two blasphemous text messages, Pakistani Christian pastor Zafar Bhatti has finally been acquitted. 

On 2nd October 2025, the Lahore High Court, Rawalpindi Bench, overturned his conviction following strong arguments presented by BACA-appointed solicitor, Saif ul Malook. The decision ends a painful chapter in Zafar’s life, but his fight for true freedom and safety is far from over. 

The Court’s Decision 

During the hearing on 25th September, Justices Jawad Hassan and Muhammad Waheed Khan examined both sides’ arguments. The complainant’s lawyer claimed that the SIM card used to send blasphemous messages was linked to Zafar’s phone and that his recorded voice matched the SIM activation. 

Justice Jawad Hassan rejected the claim, pointing out that Pakistan’s telecoms system requires the actual SIM owner to be present during activation, undermining the prosecution’s argument. 

BACA solicitor Saif ul Malook then made the decisive argument: 

“This is only corroborative evidence since the main evidence had been discarded. On the basis of a voice recording alone, no conviction can be based.” 

The judges accepted this reasoning and acquitted Zafar Bhatti of all charges. 

That same day, Mr Malook called BACA’s operations manager to share the victory: 

“BACA’s efforts have resulted in the acquittal of Zafar Bhatti. Congratulations!” 

When the news was passed to Zafar’s cousin Mona Bibi, she leapt with joy and cried aloud: 

“Hallelujah! Praise the Lord and thank you so much for giving us this great news.” 

A 13-Year Ordeal of Injustice 

Zafar’s nightmare began in 2012 when he was accused of sending two blasphemous text messages. From the start, he denied the charges, maintaining he had been framed because of his Christian faith. 

Despite the absence of credible forensic evidence, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. In 2022, the Sessions Court of Rawalpindi even escalated his punishment to death. It was then that Zafar entrusted his case to BACA, and our legal team, led by Saif ul Malook, began the long struggle for his freedom. 

Throughout his imprisonment, his wife Nawab Bibi, now 76 years old, suffered immensely. Frail and struggling with serious health problems, she often feared she would never live to see her husband a free man. Every postponed hearing and legal delay felt like another nail in the coffin of her hopes. 

But when she heard news of Zafar’s acquittal, Nawab wept with relief and gratitude, saying she felt she had been given a new lease of life. For the first time in over a decade, she can imagine holding her husband again outside the prison walls. 

Naseem Akhtar, dedicated carer, monitoring Nawab Bibi’s blood pressure 
Why BACA Succeeds Where Others Failed 

For years, three other charities attempted to represent Zafar Bhatti. Despite their efforts, his situation only worsened—culminating in the shocking death sentence handed down in 2022. 

It was only when Zafar entrusted his case to BACA—just as Asia Bibi once did—that the tide began to turn. Both cases represent some of the most high-profile, life-threatening blasphemy convictions in Pakistan’s history. And in both, only BACA had the legal expertise, persistence, and courage to win acquittal. 

This pattern is clear: when it comes to securing justice in Pakistan’s most dangerous blasphemy cases, BACA stands alone in achieving results. 

Freedom Without Safety 

Although Zafar is now legally free, acquittal does not equal safety. Christians cleared of blasphemy charges in Pakistan face violent reprisals from extremists, and many must live in hiding indefinitely. 

Zafar’s case has drawn national and international attention, putting him and Nawab in even greater danger. Nawab’s health remains fragile, and though the news of his release has given her renewed hope, her joy is tempered by fear that extremists may yet destroy their chance to live together in peace. 

Our Next Battle: Securing Safety Abroad 

BACA has written to the UK Home Office, Foreign Office, Lord Alton, Baroness Warsi, Joe Powell MP, and Jim Shannon MP, urging urgent intervention to secure asylum for Zafar and Nawab. We are praying that one of the UK’s allies in promoting religious freedom will act quickly to protect them. 

But right now, we must urgently provide: 

A new safe house in Pakistan 

24/7 security to protect them from extremist retaliation 

Medical treatment and living expenses until asylum can be secured 

How You Can Help 

Contact your MP, MSP, Congressman, Senators, and other elected representatives. Urge them to raise Zafar Bhatti’s case with the relevant authorities in Western governments, including the Home Office and Foreign Ministries, to advocate for his asylum request. 

Share Zafar’s story with your community, church, or on social media. 

Donate to BACA – your support today will provide the safe house, security, and ongoing care that Zafar and Nawab desperately need until they are relocated. 

 Click here to donate and protect Zafar and Nawab 

A Word from Our Trustee 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of BACA, said: 

“Zafar Bhatti’s acquittal is a landmark victory, but also a reminder of how fragile justice is in Pakistan. For 13 years, he suffered in prison for a crime he did not commit. His wife Nawab, frail and ailing, long feared she would never see her husband free again. This acquittal has restored her hope, but only if we can protect them both in the dangerous days ahead. Three other charities tried and failed to win Zafar’s freedom—yet through God’s grace and tireless work, BACA has now done it, just as we did for Asia Bibi. But their safety depends on the global community standing with us in this next chapter.” 

A Victory With More to Win 

Zafar Bhatti is free, but not yet safe. His acquittal is proof that truth can prevail even against Pakistan’s harshest blasphemy laws. Yet the shadow of persecution remains, and without swift international intervention, Zafar and Nawab’s lives are at risk.