After three blasphemy accusations in a row in Pakistan, the third of which was a poster anonymously signed “a warrior of Maryam,” Christians from that town fled their homes last month fearing retribution from local Muslims. At least 15 Christians were taken into custody merely because their identity cards listed Maryam as their hometown.
“Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws target religious minorities (including Muslim minorities), but affect the Christian minority in particular – roughly a quarter of all blasphemy accusations target Christians, who only make up 1.8% of the population. The number of blasphemy cases is increasing, as is the number of Christian (and other minority religion) girls being abducted, abused and forcibly converted to Islam.
“In addition to social hostility, Christians also experience apathy from the authorities who should protect them. The police force is more interested in appeasing local strongmen than implementing the law and protecting minorities. Courts have a slightly better track record in enforcing the law fairly, but lengthy delays are commonplace. Christians often languish in prison for years before judgment is handed down, and it is then too late to bring about change.
“The Christian community feels increasingly trapped between the Islamic extremist groups that operate in the region, and a government that appeases these groups. They feel vulnerable without a trusted authority to protect their rights.”
Open Doors’ World Watchlist (Pakistan is #7 on that list of most dangerous countries for Christians.)
On June 30, Haroon Shahzad came under fire when a verse he posted on Facebook was accused of likening Muslims to pagans and disrespecting animal sacrifice. On July 8, Zaki Masih was arrested after a Muslim accused him of insulting Islam, also in a Facebook post. (See the full story at Morning Star News, July 20.)
In addition, on July 6, Judge Abher Gun Khan rejected an application for eliminating terrorist charges against a Catholic, Imran Rehman, who was arrested on allegations of sharing a blasphemous message in a WhatsApp group last September. (See Morning Star News, July 24.)
Blasphemy carries the death penalty in Pakistan.
- Pray for protection, mercy and favor for Haroon, Zaki, Imran and the Christians of Maryam, that their lives will be spared, all charges against them will be dropped and they will not be harmed in any way.
- Pray for the salvation of Judge Khan and the Muslims involved in accusing and persecuting these Christians. Pray God will visit them in their dreams and show them the truth about Christ. Pray they will be struck with fear of the Lord, repent and relent.
- Pray God will be a Shield around all Christians, giving them wisdom and protecting them from blasphemy and other false, baseless or unfair charges.
- Pray all who come up against God’s people will see His angels protecting them, stop in their tracks, drop their plots and weapons, and fall to their knees in fear of the Lord.
- Pray God will give every Muslim in Pakistan a hunger for Him so deep they will seek Him with all their heart and find Him. Pray He will lift the veil from their eyes and show them who He truly is.
- Pray for a Great Awakening all throughout Pakistan, with thousands turning to Christ and a church planting movement that’s out of control.
Mikaela Vincent and her husband are missionaries who live by faith, trusting in God to provide for their needs as they pray for and share Christ with the nations. If you would like to help their ministry through a donation, or by finding gifts for those you love at Mikaela’s online bookstore, click the buttons below:
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