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Pakistan, with a predominantly Muslim population of 96.5%, has grappled with religious extremism and sectarian violence for an extended period. Extremist groups, as well as individuals, have been involved in violent acts in the name of religion.
While a significant portion of the more educated Pakistani population rejects extremism and advocates for a more moderate and inclusive interpretation of religion, the government's response has been mixed. While it condemns acts of violence, it often faces challenges in dealing with religious extremist events. Consequently, there have been shortcomings in implementing effective measures to curtail persecution and violence.
Timeline of Major Persecution Events in Pakistan on Christians
1997 - Shanti Nagar and Tibba near Khanewal in Punjab
In 1997, a mob of approximately 30,000 Muslims burned and looted the villages of Shanti Nagar and Tibba near Khanewal in Punjab, Pakistan. This resulted in the destruction of over 785 homes, four churches, and the displacement of more than 2,500 Christians.
2002 - Taxila Christian Hospital in Punjab
August 9, 2002, witnessed a tragic event when gunmen threw grenades into a chapel on the grounds of the Taxila Christian Hospital, killing four people and injuring 25.
2002 - Karachi in Sindh
2002: On September 25, 2002, unidentified Muslim gunmen shot dead six people at a Christian charity in Karachi's central business district.
2002 - Chianwala in Punjab
December 25, 2002 on Christmas day, two burqa-clad Muslim gunmen tossed a grenade into a Presbyterian church in Chianwala, Pakistan, killing three girls.
2005 - Sangla Hill in Punjab
In November 2005, around 3,000 militant Islamists attacked Christians in Sangla Hill, Pakistan, destroying Roman Catholic, Salvation Army, and United Presbyterian churches. The attack was sparked by allegations of blasphemy against a Pakistani Christian named Yousaf Masih.
2005 - Faislabad in Punjab
In 2005, a mob set fire to churches and Christian schools in Faisalabad, Pakistan, forcing Christians to flee from their homes.
2006 - Village near Lahore in Punjab
In August 2006, a church and Christian homes were attacked in a village outside Lahore due to a land dispute. Three Christians were seriously injured, and one went missing as approximately 35 Muslims burned buildings, desecrated Bibles, and attacked Christians.
2009 - Gojra in Punjab
In 2009, a mob set fire to about 40 houses and a church in Gojra, Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of eight people who were burned alive.
2010 - Faisalabad in Punjab
In July 2010, the killing of Pastor Rashid Emmanuel and his brother Sajid, who were accused of blasphemy, occurred in Faisalabad, Pakistan.
2011 - Governor Punjab killed in Islamabad
On January 4, 2011, Malik Mumtaz Qadri, one of Taseer's on duty police bodyguard, assassinated Punjab Governor Salman Taseer for his opposition to blasphemy laws.
2011 - Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs killed in Islamabad
In March 2011, Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs in Pakistan, was killed by gunmen after speaking out against blasphemy laws.
2011 - Gujranwala in Punjab
On April 29, 2011, at least 20 people, including police officials, were wounded when 500 Muslim demonstrators attacked the Christian community in Gujranwala city.
2012 - Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On September 23, 2012, a mob in Mardan, Pakistan, angry at the anti-Islamic film "Innocence of Muslims," set fire to a church, school, library, and houses, and attacked clergymen.
2012 - Karach in Sindh
On October 12, 2012, Ryan Stanton, a 16-year-old Christian boy, went into hiding after being accused of blasphemy and facing threats for refusing to convert to Islam.
2013 - Joseph Colony, Lahore in Punjab
In March 2013, Muslims attacked Joseph Colony, a Christian neighborhood in Lahore, burning over 150-200 houses and two churches over allegations of blasphemy.
2013 - All Saints Church, Peshawar in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On September 22, 2013, a twin suicide bomb attack at All Saints Church in Peshawar, Pakistan, killed 127 people and injured over 250 during a Sunday service.
2014 - Multan in Punjab
On February 14, 2014, Muslims stormed a church building and attacked school property in Multan, Pakistan, displacing people and seizing Church property.
2014 - Daska, Sialkot in Punjab
On Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014, a 7-year-old Christian girl was raped by a Muslim boy in broad daylight.
2015 - Youhanabad, Lahore in Punjab
On March 15, 2015, two blasts during Sunday service at Youhanabad town of Lahore killed at least 15 people and wounded many, as Christianity in Pakistan came under attack.
2016 - Gulshan Iqbal Park, Lahore in Punjab
On March 27, 2016, a suicide bomber targeted Christians celebrating Easter in Lahore, Pakistan, killing at least 70 people and injuring over 340.
2017 - Methodist Church in Balochistan
On December 17, 2017, a bomb exploded at a Methodist church in Balochistan, Pakistan, killing nine and injuring 57.
2017 - Lahore in Punjab
On 15 June 2017, Christian bike mechanic Ashfaq Masih from Mariam Colony in Lahore’s Green Town neighborhood was accused of blasphemy after he was involved in a dispute with a Muslim customer over payment for repairing a motorbike.
2021 - Sialkot in Punjab
On December 6, 2021, a brutal mob killed a Sri Lankan man accused of blasphemy in Sialkot, Pakistan, led by TLP members.
2022 - Mardan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On June 11, 2022, construction of a church in Mardan was violently halted, and Pastor Shamoon Francis Gill and congregation members were assaulted by a group of anarchists, leading to the forced suspension of the prayer center's construction under police compromise.
2023 - Jarawala in Punjab
On August 16, 2023, a rampaging crowd allegedly linked to a blasphemy accusation vandalized multiple churches in a Christian enclave near Faisalabad, Pakistan, resulting in the destruction of numerous churches and homes, displacement of thousands of Christians, and significant property damage.
2023 - Karachi in Sindh
On August 19, 2023, an incident occurred where unknown persons wrote Islamic religious words on the boundary wall of the Central Brooks Memorial Church in Saddar Karachi, Pakistan, potentially as a provocation for further attacks.
2023 - Myong-Sang Naserth Church, Jaranwala in Punjab
On September 03, 2023, a Christian pastor in Pakistan, Reverend Father Eleazar Vicky, narrowly survived an attack by an unidentified assailant who targeted him for his faith.
2023 - Lahore in Punjab
On September 8, 2023, a blasphemy case under Sections 295B of Pakistan's penal code was registered against a Christian couple residing in Chaudhry Colony, Lahore, further highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.
2024 - Sargodha in Punjab
On May 25, 2024, a mob attack over blasphemy accusations in Sargodha, Punjab, left 72-year-old Nazir dead and a Christian man assaulted, highlighting the ongoing threats to religious minorities in Pakistan.
Why we Support
Why we Support
"Blasphemy Cases"
"Blasphemy Cases"
victims
victims
According to studies, a total of 2120 people have been accused of blasphemy between 1987 and 2022.
Out of these, 52% of the accusations were against minorities, despite their comprising only 3.52% of the population.
Specifically, there were 279 (13%) cases involving Christians, even though their representation in Pakistan's population is only 1.27%.
It's important to note that many more cases likely go unreported.
Why we Support
Why we Support
"Forced Conversion and Rape"
"Forced Conversion and Rape"
victims
victims
Pakistan has seen numerous cases where underage girls, particularly from poor Christian backgrounds, are abducted and compelled to convert to Islam. They are then forcibly married and subjected to rape by Muslim men.
Between 2021 and 2022, there were at least 202 reported incidents of forced conversions in Pakistan, affecting both Christians (80 cases) and Hindus/Sikhs (122 cases). These numbers are likely just the tip of the iceberg, as it is estimated that around 1,000 minority girls are abducted and coerced into converting to Islam each year.
Between 2021 and 2022, a staggering 90% of the girls involved in forced conversions are minors or underage.
It's important to note that many more cases likely go unreported.
Why we Support
Why we Support
"Bonded Laborer"
"Bonded Laborer"
victims
victims
Bonded labor, also known as debt bondage, is a prevalent issue in Pakistan, representing a form of modern-day slavery. Individuals find themselves ensnared in this cycle of servitude due to debts owed to employers or landlords.
Bonded labor primarily affects marginalized and vulnerable communities, with many of the victims being poor Christians. These laborers borrow money from Muslim landowners and are compelled to work long hours under grueling conditions to repay their debts, which often accumulate due to high-interest rates and unfair wages.
The Asian Development Bank estimates that approximately 1.8 million people, which amounts to about 1% of Pakistan's population, are trapped in bonded labor.
It's important to note that many more cases likely go unreported.
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