"The situation for us as Christians is closely linked to the situation of the country. Instead of working together for the benefit of the citizens, it is as if the political parties, the military and the courts are fighting each other instead."
Through the video link to Pakistan, you can feel the seriousness with which the priest views the situation. For security reasons, we will not mention his name. As an example, he states that the country's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, tried to tackle the widespread corruption in the country. He was imprisoned in 2022 and sentenced to many years in prison, which many consider politically motivated. The World Justice Project ranks Pakistan as the 140th worst country in the world in terms of 'order and security', which is third from last in the world.
"When the country's leaders fight each other, lawlessness can increase. For example, extremist Islamist groups have been able to increase their attacks on Christians and other minorities in recent years. Even the police and military are afraid of the Islamist extremists and therefore do not always adequately defend minorities."
On its website, the Danish European Mission regularly describes a number of these incidents where Pakistani Christians are subjected to physical attacks. According to the Pakistani Center for Research and Security Studies 104 Christians and people of other backgrounds have been killed between 1947 and May 2024 simply because they were accused of blasphemy or criticized the blasphemy laws. It is not the authorities who execute death sentences, but crowds, incited by extremist groups, who commit vigilantism. 22 people have been killed in the period 2020 - May 2024, corresponding to 21%, indicating an increase in persecution in recent years. The UN Human Rights Committee (UNHCR) has also noticed the increase and in October 2024 criticized Pakistan for the many blasphemy-related deaths.
"Even the police and military are afraid of Islamist extremists and therefore do not always adequately defend minorities"
"Christians are more afraid now than 5-10 years ago. Anyone can do whatever they want to us Christians. Because the rule of law doesn't work, extremists feel safe to commit vigilantism," says the pastor with powerlessness in his voice.
"Christians have built a high mental wall against the Muslim majority population"
"Because of discrimination and fear of being mistreated, Christians have built a high mental wall against the Muslim majority. We have fear in our hearts, and it can rub off on our children. Christians tell their children, especially the girls, not to make Muslim friends."
"There are very few examples of Christians who have the courage to try to have good relationships with people from the Muslim majority. This is the biggest challenge for those of us who want to see church growth. The negativity of Christians towards Muslims is an obstacle to sharing the gospel."
Muslims are attracted to Jesus' treatment of women
"But it's important that we Christians stand up and speak the truth in a time of spiritual searching. Otherwise, Muslims who are frustrated with Islam will instead seek answers in atheism, which also attracts frustrated Muslims. However, we can rejoice that more and more pastors are being trained, rising up and sharing the Gospel with Muslims and not just pastoring people who are already Christians."
"Christians' negativity towards Muslims is an obstacle to sharing the gospel."
When the talk turns to evangelism, the pastor lights up and you sense hope through the video connection.
"The very name of Jesus, which means salvation, is attractive to Muslims. Jesus is the savior of the world and by believing in him, people can gain certainty of salvation, including where they will spend eternity, which is not found in Islam. And when people pray in Jesus' name, they can experience miracles. Their prophet doesn't give them hope, but in Jesus they find hope."
"Jesus' treatment of women also attracts Muslims. Jesus taught that a man could only have one wife, while in Islam men can have temporary marriages. In Christianity, women have a completely different value, and according to the Bible, there is equality between the sexes."
"Because our country is so extreme, it can be dangerous for spiritually seeking Muslims to meet face-to-face with Christians, come to church buildings or even have Bibles in their homes. Therefore, we must proceed with wisdom and meet spiritually seeking Muslims in a way that is safe for them."
