*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA

Pakistan (click here to view a satellite map)

Pakistan, South Asia

Population: 162,419,946
Christians: 2-3%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 16th
Political Leader: President Pervez  Musharraf
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes

Since Pakistan’s blasphemy laws were introduced in the 1980s, every single Christian sentenced to death under them has eventually been acquitted, demonstrating the ease with which false charges can be brought under this legislation. These laws have been especially used as a weapon against non-Muslims, and some Christians who have been falsely accused of blasphemy against Islam have been murdered by Islamic fanatics.
Any attempt to repeal these laws will encounter robust opposition from Islamic fundamentalists, which is why, so far, no Pakistani government has had the political will to ensure that the blasphemy laws are repealed. The authorities in Pakistan have also failed to ensure that all the Christians currently charged with blasphemy are swiftly acquitted and released.
Prayer Points

	Pray for an end to the violent attacks against Pakistan’s Christians and for the protection of the Pakistani Christian community.
	Pray for the repeal of Pakistan’s blasphemy laws and that the abuse of these laws will end.
	Pray for the acquittal, release, and protection of all the Pakistani Christians charged with blasphemy.

Heavenly Father, we pray for Your protection over the Christians of Pakistan. We also pray that You would protect President Musharraf and his government and guide them so that they will govern righteously and fairly. May they be effective in stopping the spread of Islamic extremism and terrorism in their country. We pray that Your Gospel will spread throughout Pakistan and that many Pakistanis will accept Jesus Christ as their LORD and Savior.

ADDITIONAL INFO ON PAKISTAN

• View additional info on the Joshua Project site
• Praying Through The Window 6
• Praying Through The Window 7
• 2006 Weekly Prayer Points