Christian beaten, forced to resign


Rajji Bibi with her husband
Photo from Compass Direct

A Christian woman, Rajji Bibi (38), has been falsely accused of theft, beaten and forced to resign from her job as a sanitation worker for a hostel in the city of Sargodha, Punjab province. On May 7, a Muslim office worker accused Rajji of stealing 10,000 rupees (approximately $120 CAD) from her cubicle. The hostel warden learned of the accusation and ordered female police officers to beat Rajji until she confessed. When Rajji refused to accept blame, the warden ordered male security guards to rape her. Rajji's husband, Nayyer Aftab, arrived in time to spare her from rape by paying the 10,000 rupees allegedly stolen. Rajji was then forced to resign. She has said of the abuse: "As I am a Christian, the Muslim hostel officers ... wanted a Muslim regular employee after their hearts instead of me." The hostel warden initially refused to comment on the allegations that she acted unjustly in order to provide a job to someone of her choice, but after repeated questioning she eventually conceded, yelling, "Yes, I have done it!" (Source: Compass Direct)

Pray for God's provision for Rajji in this time of adversity. Pray that she will continue to demonstrate Christ's love and hold firmly to faith in Him. Pray that authorities in Pakistan will uphold true justice for all citizens.

For more on the persecution of Pakistani Christians, go to the Pakistan Country Report.

  • 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

  • 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.)

  • Catholic Pilgrim Killed During Van Attack
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    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.

  • Delayed Investigation After Attack on Christian Woman
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    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.

  • Court Decisions Render Justice for Christians
    Adil Babar is standing outside.
    Adil Babar
    Photo: Morning Star News

    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.