Name: Pakistan
Source of Persecution: Islamic Oppression, Dictatorial Paranoia, Clan Oppression, Organized Corruption and Crime
Rank: #8 on the World Watch List
As a minority in Pakistan, Christians are exposed to many challenges, from everyday discrimination to the threat of deadly violence.
Increasingly, Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are used to intimidate Christians and other religious minorities. Often, they are used to target believers during unrelated feuds, such as disputes over land. Even an accusation can provoke mob violence against victims, as well as their families and the wider Christian community. Weak government and the growing influence of extreme Islamic groups means that Christians have limited protection from the law, adding to their vulnerability.
Most Christians descend from an “untouchable” caste of sweepers and continue to face institutionalized discrimination. Many live in poverty, trapped in a cycle of bonded labor that entrenches their position on the margins of Pakistani society.
Christians from a Muslim background can face severe repercussions for choosing to follow Jesus. These threats come from families and radical Islamic groups who see conversion as a shameful act of betrayal.
Most Christians live in Punjab province – where the most persecution takes place. However, the province of Sindh is notorious for being a hotspot for bonded labor, which affects many Christians. There are fewer Christians in Pakistan’s two other provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, but their isolation means they are more exposed to violence.
Prayer Points
- Pakistan’s blasphemy laws continue to impact Christians. Pray for those accused unjustly of blasphemy and ask that God will help them avoid imprisonment or vigilante “justice.”
- Many Pakistani Christians are forced into menial jobs because of their identities as followers of Christ. Pray that these believers will be sustained and know their value.
- Pakistan’s recent conflict with India left believers in both places filled with fear. Thank God that a ceasefire has held and pray that God’s perfect peace will reign.