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. Around 44.7% of the population live below the international poverty line of US$4.20 a day, and 16.5% live in extreme poverty on less than US$3 a day. It is a declared nuclear-weapons state with the world's seventh-largest standing armed forces. Recently, Pakistan attempted to act as a mediator between the US and Iran and hosted negotiations between the two countries.

Pakistan is currently ranked #8 on the Open Doors World Watch List of the countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution. 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. Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are used to intimidate Christians and other religious minorities Even an accusation of blasphemy can provoke mob violence against those who are accused as well as their families and the wider Christian community. Additionally, there is a tragic epidemic of kidnappings, forced marriages and forced conversion of Christian girls and women.