Christians live in constant fear of blasphemy accusations and violent threats.
bottom“As Christians, we are unsafe in the place we live. At work, it’s dangerous to discuss my faith. We have to hide our identity. We cannot even say the name of Christ.”
– Rehena*
*Name changed for security purposes
As a minority in Pakistan, Christians are exposed to many challenges, from everyday discrimination to threats of deadly violence.
Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are increasingly used to intimidate Christians and other religious minorities. Often, the laws are exploited to target believers during unrelated feuds such as land disputes. Even an accusation can provoke mob violence against victims, their families, and the wider Christian community. Weak government and the growing influence of extreme Islamic groups mean 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 institutionalised discrimination. Many live in poverty, trapped in a cycle of bonded labour that entrenches their position on the margins of Pakistani society.
Christians from a Muslim background can face severe repercussions for choosing to follow Jesus. Threats come from family and radical Islamic groups who see conversion as a shameful act of betrayal.
Most Christians live in the province of Punjab where the most persecution takes place. However, the province of Sindh is a notorious hotspot for bonded labour, 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.
– For those unjustly accused of blasphemy. Ask God to protect them from imprisonment or vigilante “justice”.
– For believers to know their value in Christ and not as society sees them.
– For God’s peace to continue following Pakistan’s recent conflict with India.
Open Doors supports several partners in the region who work through churches to help persecuted believers. This work includes education, health and relief aid, biblical literacy and leadership training, and livelihood projects.
