Conversion by Deception

Adnan's supposed conversion - Photo: Morning Star News www.morningstarnews.org
A social media post announced Adnan's "conversion."
Photo: Morning Star News

Adnan Bashir is a mentally challenged Christian man living in Gujjar Khan, Punjab. On April 14th, he wandered from his home and inadvertently encountered a protest being held by members of the Islamist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) Party.

Seizing the opportunity, the protesters forced the vulnerable Christian man to publicly recite the Islamic creed signifying conversion to Islam. The "conversion" was recorded and posted on social media. That evening, Adnan told his family that as he had been watching the protest, his former employer offered him sherbet on the condition he joined the demonstrators and recited the creed as requested.

Since the video was published online, Muslim acquaintances have contacted Adnan's relatives, asking when the rest of the family would embrace Islam. Some have threatened this family with serious consequences if they "force" Adnan to revert to Christianity, warning that apostasy is punishable by death.

Adnan's brother Fayyaz says that members of the party are monitoring the movements of the family members. "Our lives have become miserable due to the threats and surveillance by TLP activists," he explains. "We can neither seek help from the police, nor any other government or religious leader, because everyone is fearful of the TLP, and also because this matter can easily be turned into a religious issue." Additional reports on the persecution that Christians are experiencing in Pakistan can be reviewed at our country report.

Please pray for safety and guidance on behalf of this family of believers as they face this difficult situation. May God strengthen Adnan, Fayyaz, and the rest of their family, affirming His presence in their lives and giving them the confidence, discernment and grace they need to overcome the onslaught of persecution. Pray that those who forced Adnan to "convert" to Islam, as well as those threatening his family, will be touched by God's love and discover the true spiritual peace that can only be found through faith in Jesus.

  • Current Ministry Projects

    VOMC partners to train Christian women in sewing skills throughout Pakistan to provide a sustainable source of income for their families and encourage them in their faith and witness for Christ.

    Project Funds: Families of Martyrs, Women’s Ministry

  • Country Information

    Population
    247,653,551 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Punjabi (44.7), Pashtun [Pathan] (15.4), Sindhi (14.1), Saraiki (8.4) Muhajirs (7.6) Balochi (3.6), Other (6.3)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (96.5), Other - Christian and Hindu (3.5)

    Leader
    President Asif Ali Zardari (2024)

    Government type
    Federal parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Common law system with Islamic law influence

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Pakistan

    Pray that amendments will be made to Pakistan's existing blasphemy laws so that the country's citizens – including its children – will be protected from injustice and abuse. May our Lord's mercy and justice prevail, not only in the judiciary system but also in the hearts of the country's militants. Ask Him to transform their "hearts of stone" into hearts that are receptive to His love, mercy and the workings of His Holy Spirit – not only for the purpose of protecting the Christian minority but also for the salvation of their own eternal souls.

Pakistan News

  • Blasphemy Conviction for Online Posts
    Furniture and possessions are strewn on a street. Some of them are burning.
    The riots in 2023.
    Photo: Morning Star News

    In August 2023, the Christian colony of Jaranwala was filled with violence after allegations of blasphemy were made against two brothers. During the rampage, as many as 400 homes and 26 church buildings were damaged or destroyed. For more details, and to view video footage of the attacks, see this page.

  • Wife of Nazir Masih Dies of a Heart Attack
    Naseem and Nazir
    Naseem and Nazir
    Photo: Morning Star News
     

    In May, shocking images of mob violence were revealed after 74-year-old Nazir Masih was falsely accused of burning pages from the Quran. The elderly Christian man was fatally wounded during the resulting mob violence, which also led to the destruction of his shoemaking business, along with several attacks against other Christians. Further details on the violent rampage are available here.