PRAY FOR PAKISTAN

Pakistan is the world's fifth most populous country and has the world's second-largest Muslim population. It gained independence in 1947 after the Partition of the British Indian Empire. Since independence Pakistan has seen significant economic and military growth as well as continuing political and economic instability. It is ethnically and linguistically diverse and faces many challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, corruption, and terrorism. 4.9% of the population lives at $2.15 a day, while about 85% of Pakistanis live at $6.85 a day. It ranks 161st in the Human Development Index and is among the lowest ranking countries in the world. Recently, torrential floods left 1,700 people dead and displaced 8 million people.

In Pakistan, Christians are considered second-class citizens and are discriminated against in every aspect of life. Church leaders can be arrested if they don’t abide by the authorities’ wishes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, aid was provided to Christian day laborers only if they converted to Islam. Pakistan’s infamous blasphemy laws are used to accuse non-Muslims (or minority Muslim sects) of insulting the Prophet Mohammad or the Quran and even a false accusation can lead to mob violence. Additionally, there is a tragic epidemic of kidnappings, forced marriages, and forced conversion of Christian girls and women.