[Pakistan] Against All Odds: Christian Death Row Inmate Defies Circumstances, Excels in Exams

In a remarkable display of faith and resilience, Nouman Masih, a 24-year-old Christian sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan, has passed his high school board examination with flying colors despite being incarcerated in a high-security prison. Masih’s achievement is a testament to his unwavering faith in God and his determination to start anew when he is acquitted of the false conviction. His attorney, Lazar Allah Rakha, praised Masih’s feat, saying it demonstrates his client’s thirst for knowledge and his refusal to give up hope.

Masih’s journey to this achievement was far from easy. He was arrested in 2019 and sentenced to death in May 2023 after a four-year trial, despite a lack of evidence against him. Yet, he chose to focus on his studies, preparing for the examinations in his prison cell with limited resources. His dedication paid off, and he can now register for an intermediate examination in two years. Masih’s story has become a symbol of hope and resilience, inspiring many and highlighting the need for reform in Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

Masih’s family and supporters are overjoyed by his achievement and are hopeful that he will be freed soon. His father, Asghar Masih, expressed gratitude to God and praised his son’s determination. Church of Pakistan President Bishop Azad Marshall also commended Masih’s achievement, saying it challenges the system that seeks to silence him. Masih’s story is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges, and his faith and resilience continue to inspire hope for a brighter future.