Church burned, Christian found dead

16 September 2009

Fanish - Photo from Pakistan Christian Post

On September 11, a mob of Muslims burned down a church building in the village of Jaithikey, Punjab province after a Christian man allegedly blasphemed the Qur'an. Two homes near the church were looted in the attack. The Muslims were earlier encouraged at the mosque to "give a lesson to the Christians." The 20-year-old Christian man, Fanish, was arrested on September 12 for provoking a young Muslim woman and throwing away a copy of the Qur'an. On the evening of September 14, Fanish's body was found hanging in his jail cell. Although his death has the appearance of suicide, local Christians believe the visible signs of torture on his body indicate that he was killed.

Pray for those mourning the loss of Fanish. Pray that the Lord will equip Christians in Punjab province to boldly proclaim His name (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).

To find out more about Pakistan's suffering Christians, click here.

Pakistan

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.