Pakistan: more violence against Christians

Protesting violence against Christians in Pakistan

Save Pakistan, which was founded by a Climbing For Christ member, joined a series of nationwide rallies protesting violence against Christians in Pakistan. Evangelist Haseeb said hundreds participated in the peaceful protest in Faisalabad on Sept. 24. The group took to the streets to condemn a church bombing in northwestern Pakistan that killed more than 80 people and injured countless others on Sept. 22.

“We have recorded our protest to the media and ask the government of Pakistan to provide security to our Christian community because we are not safe in Pakistan and our Christian people are dying,” said Haseeb, C4C member and Save Pakistan founder.

Peshawar is a 4-to-5 hour drive from Faisalabad.

An attack by a suicide bomber on All Saints Church in Peshawar occurred after worship as about 600 people were leaving the church to receive free food being distributed on the lawn outside. Two bombs exploded, marking one of the deadliest attacks on the Christian minority in Pakistan. A branch of the Pakistan Taliban reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing.

“Lots of relatives of our congregation are dead in the Peshawar bomb blast,” Haseeb said. “We are planning to reach out to our community there to look after them and to get involved in their sorrow and great loss of their beloved ones.”

Haseeb added that “it is really hard for us to be here in Pakistan. Persecution is increasing every day in the Christian community.”

Pakistan ranked 14th on the Open Doors 2013 World Watch List, a ranking of the 50 countries where persecution of Christians is most severe.

“Please pray for the peace of Pakistan,” Haseeb said, “and pray for the comfort of the families of Peshawar.”

The Word

“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
– Matthew 5:44 (ESV)