Pakistan: Christians Constantly at Risk
Pakistan: Christians Constantly at Risk
Pakistan's notorious blasphemy laws place Christians at constant risk of being falsely accused of speaking against Islam, the Quran or Mohammed – resulting in harsh punishments when accused believers are convicted and death threats if they aren’t. A quarter of all blasphemy accusations in Pakistan target Christians, who make up only 1.8 percent of the population. The number of blasphemy cases is increasing, as is the number of Christian girls being abducted, abused and forcibly converted to Islam.
Asher John is a human rights journalist based in Pakistan who serves as the founder of the digital media platform, Kross Konnection. For this podcast, he joins Greg Musselman to discuss how the country’s blasphemy laws are being used against vulnerable minorities, including followers of Jesus. Asher also addresses the ongoing persecution of Christian women and girls in Pakistan, emphasizing the vital work of advocates who are trying to bring these vulnerable victims of kidnapping safely home to their families.
Date: April 28, 2023
Length: 58:00
Episode Notes:
Kross Konnection: KrossKonnection.pk
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada: VOMCanada.com
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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.
