Christian Nurses Acquitted After Four-and-a-Half-Year Blasphemy Ordeal In Pakistan

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

ISLAMABAD (Worthy News) – Four and a half years of difficult legal proceedings have ended for two Christian nurses in Pakistan’s Punjab province after both were acquitted of blasphemy charges, Christians told Worthy News Tuesday.

Mariam Lal and Newosh Arooj were accused by a senior Muslim doctor of “defiling” a sticker bearing verses from the Koran at the Civil Hospital in Faisalabad, where they worked, sources familiar with the case said.

In April 2021, Mariam, then 52, and 19-year-old Newosh narrowly escaped being lynched by a mob after the alleged incident, Christians recalled.

The two women were later arrested and charged under Pakistan’s controversial blasphemy laws and faced potential life imprisonment, Worthy News learned.

Both were detained for five months and were barred from appearing in public during court proceedings, trial observers said. Throughout the trial, the nurses were unable to work, and they and their legal team faced threats from extremists, according to sources familiar with the case.

In November, a district judge acquitted both women, ruling that the complainant had failed “to substantiate” the blasphemy charge. Christians involved in the case said they waited until the deadline for an appeal passed before publicly confirming the decision.

CATHOLIC-LED DEFENSE TEAM

The legal defense was led by Pakistan’s National Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) with support from Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Khalid Rashid Asi, director of NCJP in Faisalabad, called the ruling a “new and important development” in blasphemy precedent, noting the charge was dismissed based on evidence.

Pakistani trial courts have typically been reluctant to acquit in blasphemy cases due to social pressure and threats from extremist groups, Christians said.

Asi described the families as “relieved and grateful” but warned that challenges remain for Christian minorities in Pakistan.

“Our struggle now continues for the secure future, rehabilitation, and dignified reintegration of the nurses,” he stressed in published remarks.

“Justice does not end with acquittal — it is fulfilled only when life can be rebuilt with dignity,” Asi said.

John Pontifex of ACN noted that the victory showed “God’s love will always prevail — that he never abandons those who put their trust in him.”

WOMEN IN SAFE HOUSE

After their acquittal, Mariam and Newosh relocated for security reasons to a safe house outside Faisalabad, where they are currently living with relatives while rebuilding their lives, Christians said.

The case has again highlighted concerns that Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are often misused against minorities, including Christians, leaving defendants vulnerable to mob violence even before a trial begins.

The annual Open Doors World Watch List ranks Pakistan number 8 among the world’s 50 most dangerous countries for Christians, citing strict blasphemy legislation, extremist pressure, and limited protection for the Christians minority in the Islamic nation.

The nurses are among numerous Christians who have faced prison and even death threats following blasphemy accusations.

Among the most well-known was Asia Bibi, a Christian mother of five who spent nearly a decade on death row after being convicted of blasphemy in 2010.

Pakistan’s Supreme Court acquitted her in 2018, but she was forced to flee the country after widespread protests and threats from extremists.

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