Muslim Leaders Inflame Crowds

On November 12, three churches, a convent and other Christian-owned buildings were destroyed by a mob of more than 1000 angry Muslims in Sangla Hill (a community 70 km west of Lahore, Pakistan).  The incident began when Yousaf Masih was accused of setting fire to a room full of Islamic books, including several copies of the Quran (for more details, click here).

Eighty-eight people have since been detained and accused of participating in the riots.  Islamic groups, however, are refusing to file a bail petition, insisting that they be unconditionally released.  As part of their Friday prayers, Muslim leaders spoke to approximately 3000 Muslims at the Markazi Jamia Masjid (mosque).  They urged local Muslims to unite for the honour and integrity of Islam and to eliminate all Christians.  They also insisted on the public hanging of Yousaf Masih and claimed that Christians had set fire to their own buildings.  Several Christians have been threatened and many remained hidden in their homes for their safety.

Pray earnestly for the protection of God's people in Sangla Hill. Pray that the false accusations and threats of the Muslim leaders will be silenced. Ask the God of Justice to provide truth and equity in the legal proceedings that surround this case. Pray that every believer will stand firm in Christ, regardless of the threats and false accusations.

For more information on the persecution of Christians in Pakistan, click here.

  • 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 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.

Pakistan News

  • Zafar Bhatti Dies Shortly After Acquittal
    Brother Zafar has an orange shirt on and is looking directly at the viewer.
    Zafar Bhatti
    Photo: Release International

    Zafar 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.)

  • Justice Delayed in Jaranwala
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    Incensed 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.)