Family of Slain Pastor Threatened

After more than a month since the murder of Pastor Mukhtar Masih at a train station in Khanewal on January 7, no one has been arrested. It became apparent shortly after the murder that police were attempting to cover up the incident, calling it a cardiac arrest.

On February 16, Shabbaz Bhatti from the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance informed VOM that Mukhtar's family has been facing threats and harassment. They received a letter stating that Mukhtar's killers were professionals who were seeking opportunities to kill the family as well. His son, Musa Mukhtar, and daughter Nomee have been chased and harassed. His wife, Parveen Bibi, has said that the family fears for their lives, "we need prayers and solidarity from our brothers and sisters in Christ."

Pray for protection and peace for this family as they face this danger at a time when they are dealing with the loss of their father and husband. Pray that those responsible for these acts will be found and prosecuted.

For more information on persecution in Pakistan, go to https://www.vomcanada.com/pakistan.htm.

  • 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.