Violence Erupts Against Christians

16 November 2005 0 minutes read

Three churches, a convent and other Christian-owned buildings were destroyed by a mob of over 1000 angry Muslims in Sangla Hill, a community 70 km west of Lahore, on November 12. The incident began when Yousaf Masih was accused of setting fire to a room full of Islamic books, including several copies of the Quran. Yousaf denies the charges.

Spurred on by calls from Islamic leaders over mosque loudspeakers to punish the infidels, the Muslim crowd destroyed local Salvation Army, United Presbyterian and Catholic church buildings, a convent, a Christian school, a hostel and several Christian homes. Rather than providing protection, reports say that police officers joined in the anti-Christian violence. Hundreds of Christians have fled the community. There are no reports of anyone being injured or killed.

(Sources: All Pakistan Minorities Alliance (APMA), The Hindu, World News Australia, Telegraph)

Pakistan

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.