Pakistan
Christians make up the largest religious minority in Pakistan. But outspokenness in defense of one’s faith, or public opposition to the country’s laws forbidding blasphemy against Islam, carries great risks to life and limb. Christians are often targeted by Muslim vigilantes, who can operate without fear of government reprisal. And in 2011, two prominent political figures were assassinated for their stances against the criminalization of blasphemy.
Featured Articles
A year in Pakistan gave me a glimpse of what Christian witness might look like today.
An upsurge of democracy should bring religious freedom to the Muslim world.
Widespread outrage might lead to reconsideration of country's blasphemy law or other reforms.
Is Christmas a ‘Western’ Holiday in Asia?Theologians and church leaders around the region share how December 25 is perceived in their contexts.简体中文繁體中文
How the Persecuted Church Wants You to PrayLeaders in six countries explain how Christians can best support and rejoice with fellow believers suffering for their faith.
What South Asian Christians Do During DiwaliFestival of Lights marking the Hindu new year brings invitations to Jesus followers in India, Nepal, and neighboring nations.
Pakistani Pastors Ambushed by Gunmen While Driving from ChurchThe leader of three Protestant parishes was killed in the incident, which one police official labeled a terrorist attack.
Special Psalms Help Pakistani Christians with Persecution, Pandemic, and DisunityThe heart of Christian worship in Pakistan is the Punjabi Zabur, a century-old model of how to successfully contextualize Scripture.
Catholic Couple Acquitted of Blasphemy after 7 Years on Pakistan’s Death RowShaguftah Kausar replaced Asia Bibi in her prison cell. Now she and husband Shafqat Emmanuel are finally free.
I Laid Down My Islamic Privilege to Preach Jesus Around the WorldHow a direct descendant of Muhammad met Christ on a crowded Pakistani sidewalk.简体中文繁體中文
To Further Religious Freedom Among Muslims, Can Women Succeed Where Men Have Not?Films, courses, and dialogue groups invite—rather than confront—Islamic societies toward greater openness. But will accompanying “intersectionality” undercut support?
‘I’m Following the Cross’: Why Shahbaz Bhatti Died Defending Asia BibiTen years after Pakistan’s highest Christian official was martyred, religious freedom advocates apply his life’s lessons.
629 Pakistani Girls Trafficked to China as BridesPoor Christians were a new target of brokers in 2019, AP investigation finds.
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