Pakistan: Christians Under Constant Threat
Pakistan: Christians Under Constant Threat
Blasphemy laws in Pakistan are often used to falsely accuse Christians of insulting Islam. If convicted, these believers face harsh punishments – ranging from life in prison to the death penalty. Even if they are not convicted, the accused frequently become the victims of mob violence.
In Pakistan, Christian women and girls are often kidnapped and forced to convert to Islam. In many cases, these women are forcibly married to much older men.
During this VOMC podcast, Pastor Peter Paul speaks to our host Greg Musselman about the death threat he received for his Christian activities in Pakistan. Pastor Peter also shares about the faithful endurance of Pakistani followers of Christ who live under constant persecution for their faith, and what we can do to help our persecuted Christian family.
Peter is the pastor of Asian Cornerstone Church in Mississauga, Ontario. In 2020, Peter and his wife Jemima started Living Hope TV, which broadcasts Bible-based programs in multiple languages – including English, Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi.
Date: June 25, 2021
Length: 59:00
Living Hope TV
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
Video report on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan
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- Current Ministry Projects
VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.
Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry
- Country Information
Population
247,653,551 (2023 est.)Ethnicity (%)
Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)Religion (%)
Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)Leader
President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)Government type
Federal parliamentary republicLegal system
Common law system with Islamic law influenceSource: CIA World Factbook
- Pray for Pakistan
Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.
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Pakistan News
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Christian Man Beaten to Death in Targeted Attack
Photo: PickPic On the evening of September 24th, Asif Raza was returning home from work in the Vehari district of Punjab when he was suddenly ambushed by a group of seven assailants. The men brutally assaulted Asif, deliberately targeting his head while striking him repeatedly with bricks.
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Fake Facebook Account Sparks Blasphemy Allegations
Photo: Pixabay / umarseehar "No Christian in Pakistan, fully aware of the devastating consequences, would intentionally publish or write anything that could be perceived as blasphemous against Islam." This statement by Father Lazar Aslam was made in response to recent allegations against a young Christian man, Asher Bhatti, whose case has sparked widespread concerns among religious freedom advocates.
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Zafar Bhatti Dies Shortly After Acquittal
Zafar Bhatti
Photo: Release InternationalZafar Bhatti was imprisoned in July 2012, following accusations that he had sent blasphemous text messages from his cell phone. Over the years, at least 47 separate appeal hearings were held on behalf of the Christian believer. Despite repeated recommendations from prison authorities for his release on medical grounds, Zafar remained in custody. In 2019, he suffered two minor heart attacks, and doctors warned that a third could be fatal. (View previous reports on Zafar's case.)
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Justice Delayed in Jaranwala
The riots in 2023.
Photo: Morning Star NewsIncensed by allegations of blasphemy against two falsely accused Christian brothers, thousands of angry people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, Punjab, on August 16th, 2023. The mob destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses before the violence was eventually brought under control. (Video footage of the attack is available here.)
