Pakistan: Christians Living Under Constant Threat
Pakistan: Christians Living Under Constant Threat
When Christians in Pakistan are falsely accused of speaking against Islam, Muhammad or the Quran, they risk being charged under the country’s infamous blasphemy laws, which carry harsh punishments – ranging from hefty fines to the death penalty. Even if not convicted, Christians accused of blasphemy remain vulnerable to mob violence.
Other believers are tortured or killed for their faith in Christ – especially if they are involved in Christian activities or if they have left Islam to follow Jesus. Christian girls and young women are at risk of being kidnapped, forcibly converted to Islam and, in many cases, married to much older men. Because of these dangers, Pakistan is listed eighth on the World Watch List, Open Doors’ annual ranking of countries where it is most difficult to follow Jesus.
In the latest episode of Closer to the Fire, host Greg Musselman is joined by Pastor Peter Paul to discuss the current state of Christian persecution in Pakistan and the many challenges facing believers in his native country. Pastor Peter presently leads a church in southern Ontario, as well as the Christian television channel, Living Hope TV. He also partners with The Voice of the Martyrs Canada to provide help and hope to persecuted Christians in Pakistan.
Date: October 2022
Length: 48:00
Show Notes
The Voice of the Martyrs Canada
Cornerstone Asian Church/Living Hope TV
- 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.
