From the Diocese of Peshawar, The Church of Pakistan (United)

Another Christian named Arif Masih (40), of a village near Chak Jhumra, Faisalabad was arrested from his house on April 5th, 2011 by the local police on the ridiculous accusation of writing a threatening letter to local Muslims, asking them to become Christians and ripping the pages of Holy Quran.

While a case (FIR # 133/2011) was registered under section 295-C Pakistan Penal Code against unknown person with local Police Station Sahiyanwala by Shahid Yousaf, a neighbor of Arif Masih, he was arrested and detained by police at unknown place however for investigation and 'protection.'

Ejaz Masih, brother of Arif Masih informed NCJP, that his brother was trapped in this concocted and fabricated case by Shahid Yousaf in order to grab a house adjacent to his house which Arif had purchased.

Reportedly, two brothers of the complainant, namely Zahid Yousaf and Rashid Yousaf who are members of Elite Police Force, used their influence to bring the charges. The local Muslims and Christian believed that Arif Masih had a sound reputation and it was unimaginable that he could commit acts alleged in the complaint. He was wrongly implicated in this incident on land dispute.

The overall law and order situation is under control and police personnel are deputed in the area pre-empting any untoward incident. Mr. Naseem Sadiq, District Coordination Officer, Faisalabad said, “Arif Masih is in safe custody and police officials are investigating into matter and we know that Arif Masih was falsely implicated in this case but we want to apprehend the real culprits."

NCJP Team The Communication Desk, Diocese of Peshawar received this news from the ‘National Commission for Justice & Peace’ (NCJP) of the Catholic Church in Pakistan, on 9 April 2011. Please remember Mr. Arif Masih and all the Christian community of Pakistan in your prayers.