Evangelists threatened and under investigation

A Christian in a remote Pakistani community recently faced pressure from Muslims determined to stop him from sharing his faith. The Muslim men approached "Salman" (not his real name), as he distributed gospel literature. They told him, "We are well aware of what you are doing here; you are trying to convert Muslims to Christianity. We warn you to stop these activities." They also said that if he did not stop he would "face results in the future." Unshaken by their threats, Salman boldly replied, "I am here because my God sent me…. When the Lord asks me to leave this place I will do it, but until then I will not leave."

In another city in Pakistan, officials visited an evangelist's office and asked if he and those present were involved in converting Muslims to Christianity. The officials also asked about the evangelist's source of funding. Christians who work in the office are now under investigation, and authorities are also watching their mail.

Thank the Lord for the enduring faithfulness of these believers. Pray they will continue to rely on Christ to make them firm and steadfast in faith amid pressure and harassment (1 Peter 5:8-10). Pray God will grant wisdom and protection to all those sharing the gospel in Pakistan.

To learn more about how Pakistani Christians are suffering for following Christ, visit the Pakistan Country Report.

  • 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.