On 16 January a pastor and Church in Chains partner visited Zafar Bhatti in Adyala Prison in Rawalpindi. Zafar (62) has been in prison for the past twelve and a half years on blasphemy charges and his health has worsened in recent months.
The pastor, who was accompanied by two colleagues, was able to spend an hour with Zafar, having undergone a two hour security check.
They found that Zafar was generally content though understandably discouraged by the lack of progress in legal proceedings and also his health struggles. He welcomed the visitors and enjoyed the opportunity to read the Bible and pray together.
The pastor was also able to speak with the prison doctor who described Zafar’s health as “critical” due to several ongoing health issues including diabetes (Zafar is on a high dose of insulin). Zafar also has sores on his back and left foot and has gangrene in his right foot, which is causing concern, and is receiving treatment from the prison doctor for this. The doctor continues to be most concerned about Zafar’s heart function, now at only 10%, as there are no further treatment options available. Zafar’s heart condition prevents him from eating regular prison food, restricting him to vegetables and a limited amount of liquid. Our partner is able to purchase specialised foods from the prison shop, ensuring that Zafar has access to a suitable diet.
During the visit, the pastor learned that Zafar has been given two young Christian men in his cell to effectively act as bodyguards, as he has been attacked many times by the security guard and fellow prisoners. The two young men, Ishtiaq and Javaid, are also imprisoned on blasphemy charges.
Court Case Update
During the twelve and a half years that Zafar has been in prison, numerous court hearings of his appeal against his blasphemy conviction have been adjourned. He has been under sentence of death since January 2022 and has appealed against the death sentence, but these hearings have also been repeatedly postponed. His lawyer Saiful Malook told the British Asian Christian Association in September 2024, “ Since May 2024, almost ten hearings have been scheduled, yet it appears that the judges remain under considerable pressure [as all were postponed].”
When Saiful Malook (who secured the acquittal of Asia Bibi in October 2018 and Shagufta Kausar and Shafqat Emmanuel in June 2021) took over Zafar’s case in November 2022 he said, “We have a very strong case.”
Zafar’s supporters are troubled by the judges’ apparent reluctance to move forward with the case and are now working with other NGOs to determine the most prudent and strategic course of action to secure bail for Zafar on medical grounds.
Concern for Nawab’s health
The pastor also expressed concern for Zafar’s wife Nawab Bibi (aged 75) who faces her own health struggles. While her eyesight has improved after a recent cataract operation, Nawab continues to be weak and frail.
Our partner reports that at the end of the prison visit Zafar asked for continued prayer for his and Nawab’s health; for wisdom regarding his bail application; for ongoing provision of his dietary needs; and for other Christians who are imprisoned on blasphemy charges, including Shagufta Kiran, Asif Pervaiz and Ashfaq Masih.
Photo Credits: Release International and Church in Chains source