How are Christians persecuted in Pakistan?
- Most people in Pakistan are Muslims, making Christians a minority.
- Christians are exposed to many challenges, from the threat of deadly violence to everyday discrimination.
- 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 about land. Even an accusation can provoke mob violence against victims, as well as their family and the wider Christian community. Sadly, weak government and the growing influence of extreme Islamist groups means that Christians have limited protection from the law, adding to their vulnerability.
- Christian women and girls can face abduction, rape, forced marriage and conversion. Victims are as young as seven. Families often never see their loved ones again, while the police and courts frequently fail victims.
“We’ve learned to fill our hearts and minds with His words and hope.”
Rashid
- Despite the persecution they face, believers are holding on to Jesus. One believer, Rashid*, shares, “We’ve learned to fill our hearts and minds with His words and hope.”
Why are Christians persecuted in Pakistan?
- Radical Islamist groups and even some families see conversion as a shameful act of betrayal. Christians from a Muslim background can face severe repercussions for choosing to follow Jesus.
- Most Christians descend from an ‘untouchable’ caste of sweepers and continue to face institutionalised discrimination.
- Christians are compelled to take low-status or hazardous jobs, often labelled ‘Chura’ (filthy).
- Some are trapped in bonded labour, such as on brick kilns, where they work to clear a debt that they can never pay off, making it almost impossible for the family to ever lift themselves out of poverty. This entrenches their position on the margins of Pakistani society.
Who is particularly vulnerable in Pakistan?
- Most Christians live in Punjab Province, so that’s where the most incidents take place.
- However, the province of Sindh is notorious for being a hotspot for bonded labour, affecting many Christians.
- In Pakistan’s two other provinces – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan – there are fewer Christians, but their isolation means that they are more exposed to violence.
What has changed in Pakistan in the past year?
- Not much has changed this year, with Pakistan remaining at number eight on the World Watch List, meaning life for many Christians remains bleak.
- Whilst incidents of violence remain relatively low, it’s largely because Christians have been forced to keep quiet about their faith – and that speaks volumes of the dangers many face in Pakistan for following Jesus.
How can I help Christians in Pakistan?
- Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Pakistan. Your prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors supports several partners in the region who work through churches to help persecuted believers. That work includes education, health and relief work, biblical literacy and leadership training, and livelihood projects.
*Name changed for security reasons
Lord Jesus, our hearts are heavy at the dangers facing our family in Pakistan. Bring an end to false blasphemy accusations – expose the lies and hatred. Protect young girls and surround them with environments that encourage their flourishing. Breathe hope and purpose into the hearts of those in bondage to poverty and labour, and give them freedom. Soften the hearts of the authorities towards Christians, and strengthen Your children amidst so many different challenges. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
