Pastor accused of blasphemy, threatened with death

Release International 07 June 2012

In the Punjab district of Sialkot, a Christian pastor has been accused of blasphemy and threatened with death after quoting from the Qur'an during a sermon.

Pastor Joshua was arrested on May 24 after a large crowd led by Muslim clerics gathered around the church to complain about his quoting from Islamic scriptures. Pastor Joshua was raised as a Muslim, which is believed to be one of the reasons for the accusations made against him.

He was released without charge after partners of VOM Canada's sister mission in the UK, Release International, intervened on his behalf. He and his nine-year-old son are now in the protective care of Release partners.

Pray that God will guide and protect Pastor Joshua and his son. Pray that God will use Pastor Joshua's background to bring many to Christ. Pray that those who oppress Christians in Pakistan may experience repentance and salvation, just as Paul did (Acts 9:1-19).

To learn more about our brothers and sisters facing persecution in Pakistan, go to the Pakistan Country Report.

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.