As many as six men with semi-automatic rifles entered St. Paul's Church in Patoki, Pakistan during an evening prayer service on January 25 and opened fire. No one was injured in the attack, but several rounds were fired as they shouted, "We will teach you a lesson and even demolish your church."
Shahbaz Bhatti
According to the pastor, Rev. Saleem Gill, three of the men (Azad Hussein, Mohammad Ali and Amanat Ali) owned a butcher shop across the street and had caused problems in the past by throwing animal parts into the compound, playing loud music to disturb the services and shouting obscenities. When church leaders asked them to stop on January 24, they threatened to destroy the church. According to people in the area, these men have caused problems with Christians in the past, especially since September 11, 2001. According to a report received on January 29 from Shahbaz Bhatti of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, no arrests had yet been made, despite knowing the identity of the men.
Pray that these men who attacked the church will see the love of Christ. Pray for peace and emotional healing for the members of St. Paul's Church.
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.
Religion (%) Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)
Leader President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)
Government type Federal parliamentary republic
Legal system Common law system with Islamic law influence
Source: 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.
The parents of the unnamed 15-year-old with their attorney. Photo: Christian Daily International/ Morning Star News
The kidnapping of young teens in Pakistan continues to be a serious concern for Christians and other religious minorities. After being kidnapped, many of these girls are forcibly "converted" to Islam and then compelled to marry their captors or other men associated with the crimes. While some state governments have introduced legislation to stop this abusive practice – including a law that recently passed in the Islamabad area – the courts frequently favour the kidnappers because of the pressures they encounter from militant Islamic groups. Two recent cases highlight the many challenges facing Christian girls in this South Asian country.
Chand Shamaun (in tan) with attorneys. Photo: Christian Daily International-Morning Star News
In June 2024, Chand Shamaun was arrested and charged with insulting Islam, a charge that is commonly used in Pakistan against citizens belonging to minority religious groups. In fact, a recent report indicated that a record number of blasphemy cases had been filed during the year of 2024 – reaching a total of 344 official accusations. For the accused, imprisonment is typically dangerous and, in some cases, even deadly. And those who've been released on bail or acquitted frequently face vigilante violence from people who still perceive them to be guilty.
On the night of March 25th, Adnan Masih and his wife Shumaila were heading home from work on their motorcycle when they were suddenly intercepted by two armed gunmen. After seizing the married couple's cell phone and the small amount of cash they were carrying, the thieves physically beat the Christians and demanded more money. Adnan told the gunmen that he and his wife were poor Christians who had nothing more to give. It was then that the attack became more violent.
On March 17th, Pakistani federal agents took 24-year-old Arsalan Gill into custody on accusations of blasphemy. The charges allege that the Christian believer was responsible for sharing blasphemous content in Facebook groups. His arrest takes place amid a rising number of cases involving entrapment, whereby organized militant groups specifically target members of the country's religious minorities.
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