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Pakistan gained independence from Britain in 1947, but has been unstable ever since. Its people have suffered through three wars and endured military regimes and corrupt governments.

Religion: Muslim 96.08%, Christian 2.31%, Hindu 1.50%, Baha’i 0.06%, Other 0.03%, and Traditional ethnic 0.02%. Pakistan is an Islamic republic. Shariah Law has been increasingly applied, even to Christians and Hindus, despite its contravention of the constitution.

Ideological Influence: Islam

Head of State: President General Pervez Musharraf

Persecution: Militant Islamic forces in Pakistan have initiated much violence against Christians. Many Pakistani Christians have been falsely accused of breaking Law 295c—blaspheming Mohammed—a crime punishable by death. Some have even been killed by mobs after being acquitted of such charges. Christians are barred from some professions, and the most menial tasks are reserved for Christians alone. Their testimony in court is half the value of a Muslim’s. Several pastors and Christian evangelists were martyred by Islamic militants in 2004, including Pastor George Masih, who was slain in his home for sharing the gospel with Muslim villagers in Manawala. More kidnappings, amputations and violence occurred in 2005 as Muslim persecution of Christians continued.

Missionary Opportunity: Despite hardships, the church has grown. There are 12 Protestant and six Catholic theological colleges and Bible schools.

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PAKISTAN - Five Christians have been charged with blasphemy under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws 295-A and 295-C, in Toba Tek Singh, Pakistan. According to The Voice of the Martyrs’ contact in Pakistan, “Daniel, an 11-year-old Christian boy, refused to play with his Muslim friends, resulting in them beating him. Daniel’s family confronted the Muslims who called the police and made a false report saying Daniel’s family had blasphemed the name of the Holy Prophet.” Rashid Masih, Salamat Masih, Sahba Masih Motta, Bao Masih and Sheela Masih are living under threat of attack by Muslim extremists. “The Muslim family told other Muslims at a religious gathering that Christians had disgraced the Holy Prophet, tore a holy sticker and beat it with a shoe. This has led to tension in the city. Christians in the area fear Muslim extremists will attack the family. There is fear there will be attacks this week during celebrations leading up to Easter Sunday,” VOM sources said. If convicted under blasphemy laws 295-A and 295-C, the Christian family faces three years imprisonment, a fine and the death penalty, or life imprisonment and a fine. Pray God protects these believers and provides a way of escape for them.

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The Multan High Court rejected the death-sentence appeal of Pakistan’s most high-profile Christian prisoner in late July, upholding a lower court verdict to execute Ayub Masih for alleged blasphemy against the Muslim prophet Mohammed. The ruling marks the first time that a high court in Pakistan has failed to acquit a Christian convicted on blasphemy charges. Previous cases-all fabricated to avenge personal quarrels or maneuver financial gains-have been overturned for lack of evidence. Refused bail since he was jailed nearly five years ago, Masih has spent the last three years on death row. His “guilty” verdict on April 27, 1998, rests solely on the verbal accusations of his Muslim neighbor. Masih’s case will be appealed to the Supreme Court. Pray that Jesus will be with Ayub to comfort him and to bring about his release.