Conversion by Deception

Adnan's supposed conversion - Photo: Morning Star News www.morningstarnews.org
A social media post announced Adnan's "conversion."
Photo: Morning Star News

Adnan Bashir is a mentally challenged Christian man living in Gujjar Khan, Punjab. On April 14th, he wandered from his home and inadvertently encountered a protest being held by members of the Islamist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Party.

Seizing the opportunity, the protesters forced the vulnerable Christian man to publicly recite the Islamic creed signifying conversion to Islam. The "conversion" was recorded and posted on social media. That evening, Adnan told his family that as he had been watching the protest, his former employer offered him sherbet on the condition he joined the demonstrators and recited the creed as requested.

Since the video was published online, Muslim acquaintances have contacted Adnan's relatives, asking when the rest of the family would embrace Islam. Some have threatened this family with serious consequences if they "force" Adnan to revert to Christianity, warning that apostasy is punishable by death.

Adnan's brother Fayyaz says that members of the party are monitoring the movements of the family members. "Our lives have become miserable due to the threats and surveillance by TLP activists," he explains. "We can neither seek help from the police, nor any other government or religious leader, because everyone is fearful of the TLP, and also because this matter can easily be turned into a religious issue." Additional reports on the persecution that Christians are experiencing in Pakistan can be reviewed at our country report.

Please pray for safety and guidance on behalf of this family of believers as they face this difficult situation. May God strengthen Adnan, Fayyaz, and the rest of their family, affirming His presence in their lives and giving them the confidence, discernment and grace they need to overcome the onslaught of persecution. Pray that those who forced Adnan to "convert" to Islam, as well as those threatening his family, will be touched by God's love and discover the true spiritual peace that can only be found through faith in Jesus.

  • 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.