Pakistan

Leader: President Asif Ali Zardari
Population: 180 million (5.3 million Christian)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Republic
World Watch Rank: 11

Religious freedom is constantly being eroded. Although persecution does not come primarily from the state, the constitution and judiciary fail to protect the rights of religious minorities. In 2010, 29 Christians were killed and 4 were sentenced for blasphemy. At least 58 Christians were kidnapped and at least 100 were physically harmed. During the devastating floods of August 2010, Christians experienced discrimination from local authorities and Muslims in the distribution of aid. In November 2010, a Christian woman was sentenced to death for blasphemy.

Please Pray:

• For those working to help flood victims to rebuild their lives
• That the government would review the blasphemy laws and do more to protect religious minorities
• Kidnapping of young girls to force them to convert to Islam is common. Pray for protection for Christian girls.