We serve Christians around the world whose brave faith in Jesus means they are, beaten, threatened, imprisoned, tortured, falsely accused, disowned and hated.
A rise in Islamic extremism in Pakistan has meant large scale intolerance of others faiths, and perceived insults of Islam can mean a death sentence or violent attack from mobs. Christians are in the minority and treated as second class citizens, and whilst they can still meet in church buildings, congregations hire guards as services are monitored and sometimes attacked.
EVERY £8
Could provide a young person from Central Asia with a Bible in their own language
EVERY £26
Could provide trauma care for a victim of violent persecution
“Pray that our times would be good, for our churches to have crosses on them again and the sound of singing within them and the light of hope to extend from them.”
A local believer from Jaranwala
PAKISTAN: QUICK FACTS
Christians are disproportionately targeted by Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws. While they only comprise 1.8% of the population, about a quarter of all blasphemy allegations are made against Christians.
Blasphemy laws carry a death sentence. In practice, this is seldom carried out – but accusations of blasphemy can lead to mob violence, and even murder. In June 2024, a 73-year-old Pakistani Christian called Lazar was brutally beaten to death after being falsely accused of burning the Quran.
Girls and women are vulnerable to abduction, forced marriage, sexual violence and forced conversion. Even if they escape, the ‘shame’ of abduction and rape casts a huge shadow over their lives.
The attack on Christian homes and buildings in Jaranwala in 2023 continues to contribute to a culture of fear.
Historical churches have relative freedom for worship and other activities. However, they are heavily monitored and have been targeted for bomb attacks.
PAKISTAN: THE BASICS
In Pakistan’s honour/shame culture, it is considered deeply shameful for a family member to leave Islam – and so converts face intense opposition from their own family and community, including so-called ‘honour’ killing.
All Christians suffer from institutionalised discrimination, and occupations that are deemed low, dirty and degrading – such as working as a sewer cleaner or on a brick kiln – are reserved for Christians by the authorities.
Muslims are encouraged not to accept Christian men into more senior positions in the workplace, since Islamic customs promote an attitude of Muslim superiority in society.
PAKISTAN: MORE DETAILS
Who is particularly vulnerable?
Christians from a Muslim background suffer the brunt of persecution, both from radical Islamic groups who see them as apostates, and from families, friends and neighbours who see conversion as a shameful act of betrayal to family and community.
Most Christians live in Punjab Province, and consequently this is the area of Pakistan where many incidents of persecution and discrimination are recorded.
Rehana’s Story
“We are a lower class because we are Christians,” says Rehena*. She works long hours in a factory under poor conditions – there are 600,000 Christian women in a similar position to Rehena. She adds, “We have no right to any privileges and have no right to dignity. It is an insult to Muslims to eat with us off the same plate. If we touch their plate, it becomes defiled.”
She can’t talk about her faith at work at all. “At work, it is dangerous to discuss my faith in Jesus in any way. We cannot even say the name of Christ. I remember one woman who used to work in the same factory where I am – she whispered the name of Jesus under her breath. Her floor manager heard her, and began to harass her. One day, he tried to touch her.” When she rejected his advances, he kicked her out of the factory. A few days later, she was accused of blasphemy.
The country’s blasphemy laws are often used this way – to settle scores, and to target members of minority religions. Even baseless accusations can severely endanger someone.
But Rehena is firm in her faith, despite what it costs her. “If I must choose between Jesus and a better life, the choice is not difficult,” she says. “Jesus is the only way. I have chosen already: Jesus, my Jesus. This is what I cling to.”
What has changed in the last year?
Although the new government coalition established in February 2024 seems to have settled in, politics in Pakistan remains highly polarised, which could lead to religious minorities, including Christians, facing increased pressure and attacks.
Pakistan has fallen one place on the World Watch List, but the persecution score has not changed. The change in position is due to persecution worsening in other countries.
How Open Doors is helping
Open Doors is active in the Persian Gulf countries, including Pakistan, through the HOPE (Helping Others Pray and Encourage) Community.
“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*, a Pakistani Christian
*Names changed for security reasons.
PRAY NOW
Lord God, we pray for protection around our sisters and brothers in Pakistan – remind them that You are with them in all things and will never leave them (Deuteronomy 31:6). Bring an end to the mob violence and polarisation of the country; open the eyes of Muslims to the value of Christians that they may live and work together in harmony. Strengthen Your church and may their witness shine Your light and love in the darkness. Amen.
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LEVEL OF PERSECUTION:
Somalia
Hundreds (in a population of 19.3 million)
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Yemen
A small number (exact figures are hard to define)
A country where Muslims who choose to follow Jesus could face the death penalty…
LEVEL OF PERSECUTION:
Libya
35,500 (0.5%)
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LEVEL OF PERSECUTION:
Sudan
2 million (4.1%)
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LEVEL OF PERSECUTION:
Eritrea
1.7 million (44.2%)
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Nigeria
106.6 million (46.5%)
More believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria each year than everywhere else in the world, combined…
LEVEL OF PERSECUTION:
Iran
800,00 (0.9% of the population)
Converting to Christianity from Islam is illegal in Iran, a place where Christians ca be arrested simply for attending a house church…
LEVEL OF PERSECUTION:
Afghanistan
Thousands (in a population of 43 million)
If an Afghan’s Christian faith is discovered, it can be a death sentence, or they can be detained and tortured into giving information about fellow believers…
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