Islamabad: Pakistani Christian pastor Zafar Bhatti has spent 13 years in prison after being accused of sending just two blasphemous text messages—a charge he denies. 

At a recent hearing, our Advocate Saif-ul-Malook questioned how such a long sentence could be justified without forensic evidence. 

Repeated delays and false excuses from the complainant’s lawyers have stalled justice, while Zafar’s frail wife, Nawab Bibi, struggles with serious health issues. 

We have now hired a full time carer to assist her. His case highlights the harsh misuse of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws against vulnerable minorities. 

Wrongfully Convicted, Endlessly Delayed: Zafar Bhatti’s 13-Year Ordeal 

For over a decade, Zafar Bhatti, a Pakistani Christian, has suffered behind prison walls—wrongfully convicted under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. His story has become a powerful example of how unjustly these laws are applied against religious minorities. (Read more here) 

Background 

In 2022, Zafar was sentenced to death on allegations that he sent blasphemous text messages. From the very beginning, he has maintained his innocence, insisting that he was framed because of his Christian faith. Despite the lack of forensic evidence, and in the face of glaring flaws in the investigation, Zafar has remained imprisoned. 

Over the years, countless appeals have been made. Human rights defenders have spoken out. Yet the wheels of justice in Pakistan continue to turn painfully slowly. 

Court Delays and False Excuses 

The last year has brought wave after wave of delays. 

October 2024: A scheduled hearing collapsed because the complainant’s lawyer failed to attend. 

January 2025: Once again, the hearing was rescheduled without progress, despite the presence of Zafar’s legal team. 

September 2025: A new date was finally set for decision-making. But excuses persisted—the complainant’s lawyer alternately arrived late, sent assistants, or claimed accidents to avoid appearing. 

Despite this, BACA’s appointed solicitor, Saif ul Malook, has consistently fought to prove Zafar’s innocence. He has shown the court that forensic reports were never submitted, a glaring gap that undermines the credibility of the prosecution’s case. 

“The court must release Zafar Bhatti if the court does not wish him to die in the prison where he has been for the last thirteen years,” Saif ul Malook told BACA. 

The next hearing is now set for 25th September 2025, a date that we hope will finally bring justice. 

Nawab Bibi’s Struggles 

While Zafar suffers in jail, his wife, Nawab Bibi (76 years old), has been battling frailty and illness alone. 

In August, she suffered a severe health scare with dangerously low blood levels and high blood pressure, leaving her nearly unconscious. Swift action from BACA ensured she received emergency treatment, stabilising her condition. 

Recognising that Nawab Bibi could no longer care for herself, BACA employed Naseem Akhtar, a professional caregiver, to look after her daily needs, from cooking and cleaning to monitoring her medicines and blood pressure. 

Naseem Akhtar, dedicated caregiver, monitoring Nawab Bibi’s blood pressure 

Nawab Bibi expressed her gratitude: 

“I thank BACA for arranging a caregiver when no one in my family could take care of me.” 

Zafar too, during a prison visit, expressed his deep appreciation: 

“I am thankful to BACA for taking care of my wife. She has grown old and cannot take care of herself now.” 

Our Call to You 

The fight for Zafar Bhatti’s release is not over. His health and safety remain at risk, and his wife Nawab Bibi depends on ongoing care and support. 

BACA is committed to standing with Zafar and Nawab Bibi until justice is served—but we cannot do it alone. 

Juliet Chowdhry, Trustee of British Asian Christian Association: 

“Zafar Bhatti’s 13-year ordeal is not just an attack on one man, but a stain on justice itself. Every delay steals precious years from him and inflicts more pain on his frail wife. We at BACA will not stop fighting until Zafar walks free—and we need the world to stand with us in this fight.”