"Andrew's" Family: A Family on the Run

 "Andrew's" Family:  A family of four children who've lost their Father to Pakistan's Blasphemy Laws


When in Pakistan I was led through the dark shadows of Lahore, deep into the hidden alleys to meet a family in hiding.  A family who had lost their father, a father that I must refer to as "Andrew" in order to protect his family's identity.  When I interviewed "Andrew’s" family back in December they had just moved to area.  They cannot stay in any one place permanently.  "Andrew" was a former teacher who worked in garment factory.  One day, he was attacked by over a dozen Muslims who broke everything he owned.  They took his phone and called his boss, and told him that "Andrew" said Muhammad was a false prophet.  He soon lost his job, but that was only the beginning.  The police arrested him, beat him, and sent "Andrew" to prison.  At the time, "Andrew's" wife was pregnant with twins.  "Andrew" has spent five years in jail, and his family doesn't know if he’ll ever get out.  He can call his family, but they can’t see each other.  

His elderly Father in Law works in factory and only earns 12000 Rupees a Month ($115), which is barely afford enough for his family to have food and a home, so school for the children is out of the question.  As it stands, his Father in Law is elderly and cannot physically work much longer.  "Andrew's" wife continually goes to court for her husband.  His accusers threaten to kill her if she comes back.  Two months prior to our interview, they nearly succeeded in doing so & her lawyer had to sneak her out of the courtroom.  This family trusts in God, but not the Government.  They need bail money to get "Andrew" out of prison, but no organization has offered to help.  "Andrew's" wife just wants him out of jail and to live in a safe place because his Muslim assailants will kill him if he’s freed.  Someone has to go to court in her place, it’s too dangerous for her to go anymore.  This prevalent danger has forced the family to move four times in the past year.  Sadly, cases like this are not unusually for countries like Pakistan.  In fact, they are quite common.




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