Two young Christians have been charged under blasphemy law in Pakistan after distributing Christian literature in a park.

One of the boys is under arrest. The other escaped and their families have gone into hiding. 

Haroon Ayub Masih and Salamat Mansha Masih handed out a copy of a Christian booklet called "Water of Life" and started preaching to a group of friends that were hanging out in the park. 

One of the members of the group, Mr Ahmad, then complained to the police saying the two men had repeatedly said that the Bible was the only true book, unlike the Holy Quaran, and hurt the feelings of those in the group. 

In his police statement, Mr Amhad continued that their words against Islam and their disrespect of the Prophet Muhammad should be considered an act of terrorism and that a case should be brought not only against Haroon and Mansha but against the whole group involved in distributing the Christian literature. 

In Pakistan, blasphemy against Islam has a mandatory death penalty. 

Nasir Saeed, director of CLAAS-UK, a Christian organisation committed to addressing ongoing religious persecution in Pakistan, said: "This is the second case of this year. Last month a Christian staff nurse and gospel singer was charged under the blasphemy law. "She was falsely implicated in the case by her Muslim colleagues because she used to tell them to do their duty honestly and not bother patients for money."

He added: "Although endeavours are continuing to convert Pakistan into a theocratic state and impose shariah law in the country, so far Pakistan is a democratic state and everyone has the right to preach and propagate their religion. 

"This is not a right that only the majority religion has. Pakistan has signed international conventions on religious freedom and freedom of speech; therefore, Pakistan must respect them."

Father God, 
We lift up Christians in Pakistan to you. Thank you for their courage in spreading your Gospel message and expanding your Kingdom. 
We ask that you would protect them and give them a sense of peace. 
In Jesus' name, 
Amen