In Pakistan, four and a half years of legal turmoil have ended for two Christian nurses, after both were acquitted of blasphemy charges.
Mariam Lal and Newosh Arooj were accused by a senior doctor of “defiling” a sticker bearing verses from the Quran, at the Civil Hospital in Faisalabad where they worked.
Their legal defence for the women was led by the National Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), with support from Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
In April 2021, Mariam, then aged 52, and 19-year-old Newosh narrowly escaped being lynched by a mob after the alleged incident.
They were charged under section 295-B of Pakistan’s Penal Code, and faced a potential life sentence.
Both women were detained for five months, and were forbidden from appearing in public during court proceedings. Throughout the trial, the nurses were unable to work, and they and their legal team faced threats from extremists.
In November, a district judge acquitted both women, ruling that the complainant had failed to substantiate the charge. The deadline for appeal has now passed, allowing the news to be made public.
Father Khalid Rashid Asi, director of NCJP (Faisalabad), said the ruling was a “new and important development” in blasphemy precedent, as the case was dismissed based on evidence.
Typically, Pakistani trial courts have been reluctant to acquit in blasphemy cases, due to social pressure.
Father Asi said this is a time for jubilation, describing the families as “relieved and grateful.”
However, Christians in Pakistan still face challenges of persecution.
“Our struggle now continues for the secure future, rehabilitation and dignified reintegration of the nurses," said Father Asi. "Justice does not end with acquittal – it is fulfilled only when life can be rebuilt with dignity.”
“I am deeply grateful to Aid to the Church in Need… Their prayers, financial assistance, and international solidarity strengthened not only the two nurses, but also reminded us that the Church and the global community do not remain silent in times of suffering.”
John Pontifex from ACN said the victory is “proof that God’s love will always prevail – that he never abandons those who put their trust in him.”