“Surely this is our God and he saved Pakistan”
In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation(Isaiah 25:9,NIV)”
》 Country Profile
Continent | Southern Asia
Population | 245.21 million
Area | 796,095㎢, located Northwest of India
Capital City | Islamabad (2 million people)
Major Cities | Karachi (20 million), Lahore (13 million)
People Groups | Total 835 groups, Punjabi 44.7%, Pashtun 15.4%, Sindhi 14.1%, Saraiki 8.4%, Muhajir 7.6%, Baloch 3.6%, Other 6.3% , People Groups Unreached | 828 (99% of the population)
Official Language(s) | Urdu, English
Total Languages | 40
Bible Translations | Completed 10, New Testament 6, Partial 16
Religion | Christianity 1%, Islam 97.6%, Hinduism: 1.3%, Evangelical Christianity: 0.6% (1.44 million)
》 About Pakistan
Protestant missions in Pakistan began around 1870 during British colonial rule. Initially, missions targeted the upper classes in major cities. In the early 1900s, the Anglican and Scottish Presbyterian churches focused their efforts in Punjab, where a significant event occurred: a large group of Hindu untouchables from Chuhra converted to Christianity all at once, leading to the establishment of new churches. The American Presbyterian Mission also began its work in Lahore during this period.
In the late 19th century, the focus shifted to lower-caste Hindus. The Protestant church in Pakistan, the only Protestant union church in South Asia, originally started with four parishes: Karachi, Multan, Lahore, and Sialkot. Today, it has expanded to include Hyderabad, Raiwind, Faisalabad, and Peshawar, totaling eight parishes. The National Council of Churches in Pakistan (NCCP) was established in 1975.
Despite the initial growth, Christians in Pakistan have faced ongoing challenges. Since the country’s declaration as an ‘Islamic Republic’ in 1947, Christians, including those converted from Chuhra, have faced significant discrimination and persecution. Today, most Christians live in urban slums, known as ‘katchiabadi’, which were created for socioeconomic protection of converts. Many are trapped in cycles of poverty and work in low-wage jobs such as brick kiln laborers, servants, street cleaners, and waste workers.
Recently, the Pakistani Senate passed a “2023 Criminal Law Amendment Bill,” which strengthens punishments for blasphemy, and the country was ranked 7th in Christian persecution by Open Doors in 2023.
Pakistan’s economy is a low-income country with a large portion of the population classified as living in absolute poverty. The country’s abundant water resources in the Indus River basin are utilized for agriculture, especially in the Punjab province, which produces cotton, milk, wheat, sugarcane, and rice. Textile and leather manufacturing has developed significantly, with processed textile products accounting for more than 50% of total exports. In 2019, the IMF granted Pakistan a 39-month bailout totaling $6 billion, making it the 13th country to receive an IMF loan since 1980. To combat the COVID-19 recession, the government has provided emergency relief funds for 12 million low-income households, reduced utility bills, and lowered fuel taxes.
Pakistan’s GDP per capita is approximately $4,600
》 Scripture Focus
| Isaiah 25:6-9(NIV) 6. On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine– the best of meats and the finest of wines. 7. On this mountain he will destroy the shroud that enfolds all peoples, the sheet that covers all nations; 8. he will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken. 9. In that day they will say, “Surely this is our God; we trusted in him, and he saved us. This is the LORD, we trusted in him; let us rejoice and be glad in his salvation.“ |
》 Prayer Points
1. Let us pray for the government of Pakistan. Recently, the Pakistani Senate passed a new law, the “2023 Criminal Law Amendment Bill,” which makes punishments for blasphemy much harsher. This law now sets life imprisonment as the penalty for insulting the Prophet Muhammad’s companions, wives, and family, with a minimum sentence of ten years.
Islamic extremism is growing stronger in Pakistan, and extremist groups are becoming more powerful. Many Christians are facing serious persecution, including murder, kidnapping, rape, looting, and physical abuse. Christian women are especially targeted, suffering from kidnapping, sexual exploitation, forced marriages, and coerced conversions.
Let us pray that this harsh blasphemy law, which is used to target minority religions, will be repealed. Let us pray that God, who has defeated death, will challenge and correct the government’s extreme and unjust actions. Pray that the authorities will change their ways to protect the vulnerable and that Pakistan will become a nation of peace and justice, free from discrimination. Let us also pray for the few Christians who remain faithful despite severe persecution and that those on trial will receive fair treatment.
2. Let us pray for the churches and missionaries in Pakistan. All Christians in Pakistan face imprisonment, violence, and threats of death simply for their faith in Jesus. Despite these dangers, there are evangelists who boldly risk their lives to share the gospel with Muslims, baptize converts, and gather them into churches. Additionally, there are Christians who continually strive to nurture, encourage, and educate youth.
Pray that these brave Christians, who remain steadfast in their faith and spread the beautiful message of the gospel amidst trials and persecution, will be strengthened and encouraged. Ask God to wipe away their tears and fill their souls with joy for the salvation He provides. Let us also pray that the churches and missionary organizations serving in this land will be holy vessels, praying for souls in darkness and guiding Pakistan towards peace through the teaching of truth.
3. Let us pray for Pakistan, one of the least evangelized countries in the world. Many areas in Pakistan have no Christians, missionaries, or churches. Pray that God will expand the reach of missionaries and local pastors who are working under legal and social discrimination and threats.
Many Muslims are coming to know the gospel through dreams, visions, testimonies, books, radio, television, and the internet. However, many people still have not heard the Gospel. Pray that the truth of the gospel will bring true freedom and life to these souls through Bible translation, worship, and evangelism.
In Pakistan’s church leaders, there are divisions and temptations caused by church authority, factionalism, and financial interests. Pray that, even in these challenges, the church will remain holy and faithful, following the cross of Christ. Let us pray that the churches in Pakistan will fulfill their mission with truth and become channels of life for the country.
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