Published on: 9 November 2023
BACKGROUND SUMMARY
Shagufta, a nurse by profession, was part of a WhatsApp group called ‘Pure Discussion’ for Christian teachers and preachers.
In 2020, members of an extremist Muslim group joined ‘Pure Discussion’ and collected what they deemed to be “blasphemous material.” They then submitted the messages to the authorities by filing an information report with the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) Cyber Crime Unit.
As a result, Shagufta was arrested at her home in Iqbal Town, Islamabad, and currently stands accused of disseminating blasphemous content. During the time of her arrest, police seized electronics and also arrested her husband and two of her sons. Her husband and sons were eventually released.
The FIA’s case against Shagufta is lodged under Sections 295-A, 295-C (which carries the death penalty), 298, 298-A and 109 of Pakistan’s Penal Code.
TIMELINE
September 2020: Alleged blasphemous content forwarded in the WhatsApp group.
July 29, 2021: Shagufta arrested and officially charged with “using derogatory, disgraceful, immoral, and filthy comments and remarks designed to willfully despoil and outrage religious feelings, beliefs, as well as principles.”
September 2023: Currently held indefinitely. No date has been set for her trial to begin.
September 2024: Judge Majoka sentenced Shagufta to death, convicting her under Section 295-C of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. She has also been fined 300,000 rupees (equal to $1,077).
PRAYER NEEDS
Health: Shagufta has been in solitary confinement ever since her arrest. Though she is allowed out of her cell for exercise, pray that she will hold onto the Lord’s peace, joy, and comfort during these difficult days. Pray that she will not give in to depression or anxiety and that the Lord would strengthen her faith, building her up so that she can serve Him with joy in prison.
Family: It has been reported that her family has gone into hiding due to safety concerns. Pray that her husband and sons remain safe, and that God provide for their needs.
Justice: Join us in praying that the death sentence would be overturned on appeal. Ask the Lord to give the judges at the Superior Court courage to see through the lies, recognize the weaknesses of the case, and release Shagufta to her family.
TAKE ACTION – Write a letter
Please encourage Shagufta as she begins her third year in prison. We urge you to write letters of encouragement and hope.
UPDATE: We have recently learned that blasphemy inmates are not allowed to receive personal correspondence. We are looking for an alternative means of sending your notes of encouragement to Shagufta. We will keep you updated. In the meantime, please feel free to write us at info@dohi.org if you have any questions. Thank you!
Letters can be sent to: (view Sample Letters here)
Prisoner, Shagufta Kiran
Central Jail Adiala
Adiala Road
Rawalpindi, Punjab
Pakistan 46606
Please be sure to sign your letter with your first name only. (Please read our Prayer & Action Useful Tips to familiarize yourself with important safety measures when corresponding with persecuted Christians in foreign countries.)
Address the envelope as follows:
TAKE ACTION – Advocate on behalf of the prisoner
We have a strong advocate in the US Commission on International Religious Freedom in Washington D.C. Write to the USCIRF today and encourage their diplomatic efforts on behalf of Shagufta Kiran and others like her who have been imprisoned in Pakistan on false charges of blasphemy.
Send your letter to: (view Sample Letters here)
The US Commission on International Religious Freedom
Att: Chair Rabbi Abraham Cooper
732 N. Capitol Street, N.W., Suite A714,
Washington, D.C. 20401
