Focus on Pakistan
Capital: Islamabad
Persecution level: Extreme
Ranked eighth on the Open Doors World Watch List (ranking the 50 countries where persecution is most severe).
Main religion: Islam
Source of Persecution: Islamic extremism
Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are frequently abused to attack minority groups, including Christians. They are often used to settle personal scores and vigilantes carry out punishments without trial. The government has ignored any national or international calls to amend the laws. Churches are still free to meet, but are monitored, and services are sometimes attacked.
At least 17 people were killed, and 80 others injured, as two churches were attacked on 15th March. An Islamist group, Jamaatul-Ahrar, linked to the Pakistan Taliban, claimed responsibility. Christians are treated as second class citizens and Christian women and children are particularly vulnerable to rape and sexual abuse.
PRAY...
- … that the blasphemy laws will be abolished so that they can no longer be abused.
- … that a committee for the protection of minorities will be established, and will give Christians and other minorities a voice in government.
- … for mother-of-five, Asia Bibi, imprisoned since 2009 on charges of blasphemy.
TAKE ACTION:
Discover how the story of those paying a massive price for their faith can challenge and change faith right here. Look at some of the big issues facing your young people through the lens of the persecuted – use the new Open Doors youth ‘10 Steps’ discipleship resource. Visit opendoorsyouth.org.
