Pakistan (MNN) — Mob attacks and blasphemy accusations appear to be on the decline in Pakistan. 

The government has recently cracked down on radical terror groups, which often incite crowds to kill Christians accused of blasphemy. Pakistan army chief and Field Marshal Asim Munir is said to be overseeing the pushback against hardline Islamist groups in an effort to strengthen ties with the West. Police recently dispersed a blasphemy mob without the accused women and child being harmed. 

 Does this mean it is a new world for Christians in Pakistan? Nehemiah with FMI warns against being too hasty. 

Mob attack in recent years (Image courtesy of FMI)

“I’m thankful whenever innocent people are protected from mob violence, but I also believe we need to ask a deeper question,” Nehemiah says. “What happens when persecution does not disappear, but simply changes form?”

Large-scale lynchings are becoming more difficult because of the government’s new position, but violent extremists find other ways to intimidate religious minorities. 

“If mobs are prevented from attacking churches and minorities, that is good news. If extremist leaders are held accountable, that is good news. But we should not conclude the persecution has disappeared,” Nehemiah says.

Persecution’s new form

Much of the persecution has become quieter, moving from rowdy streets into neighborhoods.

Nehemiah says, “One of the most painful forms of persecution is abduction, forced conversion, and forced marriage of Christian and other minority girls, especially Christians.” 

Victims of these abductions and marriages have been as young as 13 years old. Once converted, these girls cannot become Christian again without potentially being accused of apostasy. Being found guilty of apostasy can strip people of their rights and even result in them being found guilty of blasphemy, which carries the death penalty. 

Nehemiah says that outside organizations often do not catch these incidents. It is their Christian partners on the ground who know the families and find out when these abductions take place.

Pakistan Bible reading. (Image courtesy of FMI)

“For that reason, we need to continue watching what is happening at the grassroots level,” Nehemiah says. 

Pray for Christians in Pakistan

More than just providing books, FMI helps families navigate persecution and it stands alongside those who have nobody else to turn to. 

“Many Christians are poor and socially vulnerable. They need to know that [the] wider body of Christ has not forgotten them,” Nehemiah says. 

“We must pray for them. We must stand with them. We must equip local believers, and we must continue bringing the message of Jesus Christ with wisdom, courage, and compassion.” 

Pray for FMI’s local partners and the Christian communities they serve — that God would protect them from violence and false accusations. Nehemiah asks that we also pray for vulnerable Christian girls at risk of abduction and forced marriages. And above all else, pray for the Gospel to be made known throughout Pakistan. 

A believer who leads underground churches in Pakistan told Nehemiah, “Ultimately, it’s our calling not to respond to the darkness with more darkness, but to keep bringing the light of Jesus Christ into places where people desperately need hope.” 

Find out how you can partner in the work at FMI’s website.

Header image courtesy of FMI