LAHORE, Pakistan. A Christian in Pakistan was found guilty of blasphemy and given the death penalty despite the absence of supporting evidence. However, reports show he has proven his faith by doing well academically, even while incarcerated.
According to his attorney, Lazar Allah Rakha, Nouman Masih, 24, recently passed his high school board exam with an extremely high score, demonstrating his faith in God for a future of freedom.
“I’m thrilled that instead of descending into depression after being put on death row, Masih put his faith in the Lord and has kept his hope for freedom alive despite the dismal circumstances,” Rakha told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. “His feat in the examination is testament to his unwavering faith in Christ and his determination to start life afresh when the Lord acquits him of the false conviction.”
A judge handed Masih the death sentence in May 2023 in a blasphemy case in Bahawalpur District, Punjab Province, after a four-year trial. However, prosecutors failed to provide any evidence against him, Rakha said.
He has been in custody since his arrest on July 1, 2019.
Amid uncertainty and fear, Masih, the son of an impoverished sanitation worker, prepared for the examinations while confined to his cell in the high-security New Central Prison Bahawalpur.
“The prison environment is far from conducive to academic pursuits,” Rakha said. “Yet, this young man’s dedication to his studies has been nothing less than remarkable. With limited resources and access to educational materials, he managed to prepare for his exams, demonstrating a thirst for knowledge that transcends the prison walls.”
After the judge discovered that Masih had disseminated derogatory remarks about Islam via WhatsApp messages, the court sentenced him to death.
In February, a judge in Punjab Province’s Bahawalnagar District dismissed Masih from a second blasphemy case related to the same incident on the grounds of double jeopardy.
Rakha asserts that Masih is the target of two distinct blasphemy cases, filed merely three days apart, and has also experienced punitive measures from local law enforcement.
Masih’s lawyer stated that he applied to the jail authorities to set up his registration with the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Bahawalpur after Masih indicated an interest in sitting for the board exam. He added that Masih can now register for an intermediate examination in two years.
Rakha said that well-educated convicts taught Masih and other prisoners in return for facilities or remission/reduction of their prison terms.
“This system has helped several prisoners to reform themselves through education,” the attorney said. “We hope that the Lahore High Court will fix Masih’s appeal for hearing as soon as possible so that he can prepare for the next exam as a free man.”
The Christian’s father, Asghar Masih, said the family was immensely proud of him.
“We cannot thank God enough for gracing our son with this achievement,” Asghar Masih told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News.
Since his imprisonment, he has continued to read the Bible and pray regularly, remaining firm in his faith. He has not done anything else but concentrate on his studies.
He expressed gratitude for Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshall’s support of the family in meeting Masih’s educational and other needs in prison.
“We are also grateful to our lawyer, Lazar Allah Rakha, for defending our son to the best of his abilities,” Asghar Masih said.
Asghar Masih hoped the judge would release his son from an unfair conviction. “He has been a source of strength for our family and has inspired our son to pursue an education.”
“This success in the examination has renewed our hope for his freedom,” he said. “My son has shown that he is determined to begin a new life, and we believe that our Lord has heard our pleas.”
Marshall said Masih’s academic achievement has become a symbol of resilience, highlighting the need for reform in Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.
“In a nation grappling with complex issues of faith, freedom, and justice, this young man’s story stands as a testament to the indomitable human spirit,” Marshall said. “Against all odds, he has become a beacon of hope, challenging the system that seeks to silence him.”
Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List of the most challenging places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year.