Current Campaign
PAKISTAN is a democratic country of over 170 million people. Yet Christians are regularly accused of blasphemy or other crimes under Pakistan's laws and thrown into prison until their case is heard.
It may take weeks or months for it to reach court, when their testimony will not be of equal weight as their accusers'. Meanwhile their families struggle without their breadwinners.
Christian women can suffer even more severely. Those who work as housemaids are particularly vulnerable, and many have been physically and sexually assaulted.
SIGN THE PETITION
Please sign our online petition for the Pakistan Government to protect the rights of the Christians in their country - and ask your friends and contacts to sign too.
This is the petition text:
To the High Commissioner for Pakistan, London:
We, the undersigned, wish to express our grave concern at the lack of justice for Christian minorities in Pakistan where false allegations against them can result in:
• lengthy detention pending trial, particularly, but not exclusively, in relation to abuse of blasphemy laws;
• unsound convictions by courts under pressure from extremists;
• physical assaults including rape against women (particularly those in domestic employment);
• abduction of girls who are forced into marriage.
We deplore the lack of action by officers of the law in these cases to protect the vulnerable and deal with the persecutors who are frequently allowed to act with impunity. Further, we are particularly concerned by violent attacks on Christian communities such as at Korian and Gojra in Punjab Province.
In response to all these concerns, we strongly urge the Government to create within Pakistan a genuine culture of respect for all its citizens by safeguarding their human and legal rights, and by actively protecting its minority Christian population and their religious freedom.
DOWNLOAD THE PETITION AND POSTER
You may also download the petition, as well as an A4 poster to help you promote the petition in your church or group.
When printing the poster (using the free Adobe Acrobat reader available here) please select 'Fit to printable area'. An A3 version is also available.
In 2009 the supporters of Release collected 43,000 signatures for our petition to the Eritrean Government - a fantastic effort.
In 2010 we'd like to collect even more signatures in support of persecuted Christians in Pakistan. Your support for this latest campaign will make a real difference.
31-DAY PRAYER GUIDE
Stand with persecuted Christians in Pakistan by commiting to pray for them for 31 days. This leaflet, first included with July's Release magazine, gives background information and prayer points to cover 31 days of intercession. Also ideal for use as part of our Day of Prayer for Pakistan on October 3.
LET JUSTICE FLOW WRISTBANDS
Wear this colourful wristband as a reminder to pray for Pakistan as part of our campaign. Priced £1 each, 3 for £2, or 25 for £10, they can be ordered securely from our eStore, or by calling 01689 823491.