Pakistan - Funeral - Photo: VOMC

Pakistan

Pakistani churches include believers from diverse faith backgrounds, including both traditional and evangelical denominations. All Christians face difficulties, discrimination and persecution because of their Christian identity. Evangelicals take great risks to witness to Muslims, baptize converts and gather them into churches; and many church leaders work tirelessly to equip, encourage and educate Christian youth. Some workers are evangelizing and distributing God's Word in Muslim neighbourhoods and cities, including those that are home to extremist groups like the Taliban. Numerous Christians belong to the lower castes of society and are forced to work long hours at menial jobs, the only means they have to provide for their family's most basic needs.

Life for Christians:

Because of Pakistan's blasphemy laws, Christians are at constant risk of being falsely accused of blaspheming Islam, the Quran or Muhammad -- receiving harsh punishments when convicted. As street evangelism is legal under Pakistani law, several bold evangelists seize the opportunity to share the Gospel publicly. Many Christians live together in closed neighbourhoods known as colonies, which provide a measure of security. Even still, several large-scale attacks have occurred within these colonies. In general, Christians are trapped in a cycle of poor education and poverty, with a number of them employed as indentured servants for life.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In August 2023, the Christian colony of Jaranwala was filled with violence after allegations of blasphemy were made against two brothers. During the rampage, as many as 400 homes and 26 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. For more details, and to view video footage of the attacks, see this page.

  • Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
    Naseem and Nazir
    Naseem and Nazir
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    In May, shocking images of mob violence were revealed after 74-year-old Nazir Masih was falsely accused of burning pages from the Quran. The elderly Christian man was fatally wounded during the resulting mob violence, which also led to the destruction of his shoemaking business, along with several attacks against other Christians. Further details on the violent rampage are available here.