Two Christians who were arrested by officials following an Islamic attack on believers in Gojra, Pakistan (click here for more information), have faced brutal torture and abuse from authorities, according to an October 23 report from Compass Direct. Naveed Masih (32) and his brother, Nauman Masih (25), were arrested in early September for "rioting with deadly weapons and spreading terror with firing." Naveed has been accused of firing shots into the air and at the feet of Muslims in an attempt to disperse them during the August 1 violence. However, both brothers deny using weapons and believe they have been targeted because they provided shelter to over 300 women, children and seniors on the day of the attack.
The brothers were kept in detention illegally for 18 days at the Police Training Centre in Choong. During that time, police officers attempted to coerce the brothers into saying they fired the shots and had ties to terrorist organizations by denying them food and drink, beating them, hanging them upside down and preventing them from sleeping. Nauman has since been released on bail.
Learn more about the persecution of Christians in Pakistan by visiting the Pakistan Country Report.
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.
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.)
Afzal Masih, surrounded by his loved ones. Photo: Morning Star News
In the early morning hours of September 7th, a van carrying as many as 18 Catholics was travelling to a pilgrimage site in Mariamabad when three young men on motorbikes intercepted the vehicle by swerving in front of it. The motorcyclists had noticed a cross and Christian posters on the outside of the travelling van.
A horrific attack on a young Christian mother has once again exposed the severe forms of persecution experienced by religious minorities in Pakistan. On June 11th, Sheeza Bibi was brutally raped by three men while her three-year-old daughter, Dua, watched in terror. The incident was clearly premeditated.
Christians in Pakistan often encounter intense opposition, particularly through the country's legal system. However, three recent court rulings have brought about a measure of relief and a renewed hope for justice.
Population
