Pakistan

World Watch List prayer profiles

Leader: President Asif Ali Zardari
Population: 180.8 million (2.4% Christian)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Republic

As the government attempted to crack down on the Taleban, there were more attacks on Christians in 2009. Extremist groups continue to incite hatred, resulting in arrests, beatings, abduction, rape and attacks on Christian homes. Christians are rarely compensated for their losses. Blasphemy laws are frequently abused, often to settle personal scores. In August a rumour of blasphemy led Muslim extremists to burn down over 50 houses in Gojra, killing at least seven Christians.

Pray

• Christians are denied opportunities to become literate. Pray for believers attending literacy training programmes
• For effective justice for believers facing false charges of blasphemy
• For protection for those facing death threats, abduction or physical violence.