Christianity Under Siege in Pakistan: A Community Fighting for Survival

Pakistan’s Christian community, making up around 1.6% of the population, faces escalating persecution, violence, and systemic discrimination. From blasphemy accusations to forced conversions and economic marginalization, Christians in Pakistan live under constant threat. Despite constitutional promises of equality, the reality is starkly different. This blog examines the challenges faced by Pakistani Christians, the roots of their persecution, and the urgent need for global attention.

Historical Background: From British Rule to Modern Persecution

Christianity in Pakistan dates back to the colonial era when missionaries established schools and hospitals. After Partition in 1947, many Christians were from lower-caste Hindu backgrounds. They chose to stay in Pakistan, hoping for equal rights. However, as Pakistan increasingly embraced Islamic laws, Christians became second-class citizens.

1973 Constitution: While Article 20 guarantees religious freedom, Islam was declared the state religion, marginalizing minorities.
Zia-ul-Haq’s Islamization (1980s): Blasphemy laws were weaponized against Christians, and discriminatory policies institutionalized their oppression.

Forms of Persecution Against Christians

1. Blasphemy Laws: A Death Sentence for Christians

Pakistan’s blasphemy laws (Sections 295-B and 295-C) disproportionately target Christians. Even unproven accusations can lead to mob violence, imprisonment, or extrajudicial killings.

Asia Bibi’s Case (2010): A Christian woman sentenced to death over a disputed argument with Muslim coworkers. After a decade-long legal battle, she was acquitted but forced into exile.
Shahzad and Shama Masih (2014): A Christian couple was burned alive in a brick kiln over blasphemy rumors.
Recent Cases (2023-24): Multiple churches vandalized and Christians arrested on dubious blasphemy charges.

2. Forced Conversions and Abductions of Christian Girls

Young Christian girls are frequently abducted, forcibly converted to Islam, and married to Muslim men. Police and courts often side with the abductors, citing “religious choice.”

Huma Younus (2019): A 14-year-old Christian girl abducted, converted, and married to a 45-year-old man. Courts dismissed her family’s pleas.
Maira Shahbaz (2020): A 14-year-old kidnapped at gunpoint, forced to convert, and raped. She escaped but remains in hiding.

3. Economic and Social Discrimination

Christians are often relegated to menial jobs, particularly sanitation work. They face:

Job Discrimination: Denied promotions and fair wages.
Housing Segregation: Forced into slums (like Lahore’s Youhanabad).
Educational Barriers: Christian students face bullying in schools with mandatory Islamic studies.

4. Attacks on Churches and Christian Settlements

Violent mobs frequently attack Christian neighborhoods over blasphemy rumors.

Gojra Massacre (2009): A Christian village was burned, leaving seven dead.
Joseph Colony Attack (2013): Over 100 Christian homes torched.
Jaranwala Incident (2023): A Muslim mob destroyed 21 churches and 80 Christian homes after a Quran desecration rumor.

Government Inaction and Complicity

Despite international condemnation, Pakistan’s government fails to protect Christians:

Police Complicity: Often refuse to file FIRs (First Information Reports) for Christian victims.
Judicial Bias: Courts frequently uphold forced conversions and ignore mob violence.
Political Tokenism: Reserved minority seats in Parliament have little real power.

Global Response and Christian Resistance

1. International Condemnation

USCIRF (US Commission on International Religious Freedom) lists Pakistan among the worst violators.
The European Parliament has passed resolutions demanding action.
Amnesty International & Human Rights Watch document abuses but see little change.

2. Pakistani Christian Activists Fighting Back

Hector Aleem (Peace Worldwide): Provides socio-economic support to the Christian community around Pakistan.
Joseph Francis (Center for Legal Aid): Provides legal help to persecuted Christians.
Tabassum Adnan (Khwendo Kor): Supports Christian women facing forced conversions.
Bishop Azad Marshall: Publicly condemns attacks but faces death threats.

Conclusion: Will Pakistan’s Christians Survive?

Christianity in Pakistan is under siege, not just from extremists, but from state-sanctioned discrimination. Without urgent reforms, the community risks further erasure. The world must not stay silent while Pakistan’s Christians endure violence, injustice, and fear.