Two nurses acquitted of blasphemy charges in Pakistan

The acquittal of two nurses accused of blasphemy in Pakistan is a ‘landmark ruling’ amidst the discrimination and fear experienced by believers in one of the world’s most dangerous places to be a Christian.

The latest reports declare that two nurses, Mariam Lal and Newosh Arooj, have been acquitted of all charges of blasphemy by a District Court in Pakistan. The ruling was finalised in November 2025, four and a half years after the believers were arrested and released on bail after five months of imprisonment. Information has only come to light recently, following almost five years of fear as the women waited for the verdict. 

Pakistan is number eight on the World Watch List, making it one of the hardest places to be a Christian in the world.  

• What is it like to be a Christian in Pakistan? 

The church makes up 1.9% of the population according to Open Doors research, and all believers are vulnerable, especially under the notorious blasphemy laws. 

Before mob and court 

Mariam and Newosh were arrested at their place of work when a senior doctor at the Civic Hospital in Faisalabad accused them of ‘defiling the Qur’an’ when they were cleaning the walls of a ward and removed a sticker which bore a verse from the Qur’an. 

As is often the case, word of the allegations against them spread like wildfire. A mob gathered at the hospital calling for the condemnation and execution of the two nurses. 

Blasphemy charges are a powerful and fear-inducing tool for believers who are especially exposed, and it carries with it a potential life sentence in prison or even a death penalty for those declared guilty. But in God’s grace, the two nurses were acquitted of all accusations because the prosecution could not provide enough evidence. This astonishing result has been described by observers as a ‘landmark ruling’. 

“Unusual judicial courage” 

“The verdict is a significant and commendable step towards justice,” says an Open Doors’ local partner. “It brings a sense of relief and hope to religious minorities in Pakistan who often feel vulnerable under blasphemy laws. It also provides reassurance that the legal system can still protect minorities and uphold justice.” 

The verdict is also highly significant because cases of blasphemy are usually elevated to higher courts due to societal pressure on the judges. At this judicial level, acquittals are extremely rare. 

“Considering the history of such cases in Pakistan, trial courts have more frequently handed down severe punishments, including death sentences, largely due to societal pressure and fear,” the partner continues. “The acquittal reflects unusual judicial courage. It is undoubtedly seen as an answer to persistent prayers for truth, fairness and mercy. It strengthens the belief within the Christian community that justice, though delayed, can still prevail, and that peaceful co-existence and equal citizenship are always attainable.” 

A call for ongoing prayer 

Despite the positive verdict given to the two believers, concerns remain for Christians across Pakistan who are increasingly vulnerable to accusation and violence. Blasphemy laws are used as a means of settling grudges against Christians and enabling mob violence. Even when blasphemy charges are dropped, there is severe danger of violence from the community. 

Believers are also increasingly vulnerable to exploitation – most belong to the supposedly untouchable caste of ‘sweepers’ and thus face discrimination. Some even become trapped in cycles of bonded labour, such as in brick kilns. 

Whilst this ruling provides hope for believers and other minorities, the threats remain. “In light of the rising number of cases involving abuses in brick kilns and elsewhere, we see a trend in how attacks are being directed at Christians,” a local partner stated. “The verdict reinforces the urgent need for stronger safeguards, legal reforms and effective protection for religious minorities, so that justice is not an exception occurring in rare circumstances, but rather a consistent and guaranteed right for all citizens,” the partner said. 

Please continue to stand with our brothers and sisters in Pakistan who are counting the cost of following Jesus daily.