Pakistan: Pressures likely to increase on Christians
Jan 08 2008
Postings >> Pakistan

Life is likely to become even more dangerous for Christians in Pakistan after the assassination of pro-democracy campaigner Benazir Bhutto.

Even before Bhutto's death, Christians were experiencing a backlash from the government crackdown on Islamist extremism. RI's partner Sharing Life Ministry Pakistan had already predicted increasing pressure on Christians, particularly in northern areas, in 2008.

But their situation is set to become even more precarious in the turmoil that has followed the suicide bombing on Bhutto's campaign rally in Rawalpindi on December 27.

Lahore archbishop Lawrence Saldanha expressed the church's 'deep shock and grief' over the death of a 'courageous, liberal and progressive leader' who had a large following among Christians. The Punjab chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Hina Jillani said the assassination marked 'the darkest hour in Pakistan's history'.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide notes that the Rawalpindi rally was attended by senior members of the All Pakistan Minorities Alliance, a group campaigning for equal rights and religious freedom for all.

Christmas saw no let-up in the pressure on Pakistan's church. In Lahore alone, a church and a Christian school became the latest casualties in the campaign to harass Christians.

Last month the government of Punjab ordered the St Francis High School to be demolished – apparently because it occupies a piece of land much sought after by local businessmen. Six days later, on December 16, a mob bulldozed a church in the Abubakar Block, Garden Town – as police looked on, according to International Christian Concern.

Ask God to strengthen the faith of His people in Pakistan, to stand firm amid the turmoil.

Pray that, when Pakistan holds its elections, the new government will give Christians and other minorities the same rights in law as the Muslim majority.