Christians live in constant fear of blasphemy accusations and violent threats.
bottom“We are in a spiritual battle...so we will be Christ, even to our enemies. We will show them that our faith is stronger than their hate.”
– Rashid*
In June 2024, an elderly Christian man was killed by mob violence after being accused of desecrating the Quran. The year before, Christian homes and buildings in Jaranwala sustained devastating attacks. Both incidents continue to contribute to a climate of fear and are grave reminders of the hostility many believers face in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are often used to target minority groups, but Christians are disproportionately affected. Roughly a quarter of all blasphemy accusations target Christians who make up just 1.8 per cent of the population. Blasphemy laws carry a death sentence. While this is seldom carried out, people accused of blasphemy are vulnerable to attack or being killed by mobs.
Churches that engage in outreach are particularly prone to opposition. All Christians suffer institutionalised discrimination.
Occupations that are deemed low, dirty, and degrading—such as cleaning sewers or working in brick kilns—are reserved for Christians by the authorities. Many believers are referred to as “chura”, a derogatory term meaning “filthy”. Christians are also vulnerable to being trapped in bonded labour.
The number of Christian girls abducted, abused, and forcefully converted to Islam with the law’s consent is growing. Most Christians live in Punjab Province, where many incidents of persecution, discrimination, and intolerance occur.
Christians from Muslim backgrounds suffer the brunt of persecution from radical Islamist groups, family, friends, and neighbours. Radicals regard converts as apostates, while families and the community see conversion as a shameful act of betrayal.
– For God to change the hearts and minds of decision-makers regarding blasphemy laws.
– That Christians will know they are not second-class citizens in God’s eyes.
– For God to protect Christian women in Pakistan who can be forced into marriage.
Open Doors is active in the Persian Gulf countries, including Pakistan, through The HOPE (Helping Others Pray and Encourage) Community.
