Family Left Homeless After Attack

The Makran coastal highway - Photo: Wikipedia / Furqanlw www.wikipedia.org
The Makran coastal highway in Balochistan province.
Photo: Wikipedia / Furqanlw (cc)

A Christian pastor, his wife, and college-aged daughter are thankful to be unharmed after they were attacked by a mob of 34 men. A police officer happened to be passing by at the time and rescued the family. Although they escaped with only minor injuries, they are now left homeless, as the attackers seized their property.

This is not the first time that Pastor Aziz has been targeted because of his faith. Several years ago, his five-year-old son was kidnapped by relatives who were opposed to their ministry. They have not seen their son in more than fifteen years.

Pastor Aziz is from a Muslim background and has been actively involved in church planting within Pakistan's Balochistan province, near the Iranian border. Despite their recent loss of home, the family is determined to continue their ministry. For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Pakistan, go to our country report.

While we praise God for the intervention of the unexpected rescuer who was able to assist in time during the recent attack, pray for Pastor Aziz and his family as they overcome the pain and loss, and the abduction and resulting estrangement of their son in previous years. As was the case of Moses who was raised in the household of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh (Exodus 2:1-10), may the Lord keep His hand of protection and spiritual blessing on this child -- bringing about a miraculous reunion. Also pray for the provision of a safe home for the family, and for their continued strength and boldness to endure in ministry, despite the opposition.

  • 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
    Afzal Masih is surrounded by mourners. One woman's hands are gently touching the wraps covering him.
    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
    A very dark room is dimly lit by a single window in the corner. A woman is silhouetted against the window.
     

    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.