PUNJAB PROVINCE, Pakistan — A college student in Pakistan who was charged with blasphemy but released March 14 on bail said his time in solitary confinement strengthened his Christian faith.
Ashbeel Ghauri, 18, was arrested March 6 under Section 295-A of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws for supposedly “hurting religious sentiments,” report the news services Christian Daily International and Morning Star News.
Ghauri is accused of blaspheming Islam in a January discourse on WhatsApp. Some involved in the discourse sought to convert Ghauri to Islam, said Ghauri’s father, Babar Ghauri.
The accuser is Sheraz Gulistan, a former classmate of Ghauri’s who is now enrolled in an Islamic seminary.
Ghauri said he was simply defending his Christian faith and Israel in his WhatsApp responses.
Ghauri said he spent his time in Attock District Jail in Punjab province praying, studying the Bible and fasting. He drew strength from the promise in Joshua 1:5.
Babar Ghauri told the news services that police advised him to relocate the family until Islamist fury about the case abates.
Ghauri’s attorney said the Muslim friend of the family who provided surety for Ghauri’s bail has now received threats.
Pakistan is No. 7 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of places most difficult to be a Christian.
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