Faith
Christian Prisoners in Pakistan Face Grave Injustices
Faith Facts
- A study by Pakistan’s National Commission for Justice and Peace reveals discrimination against Christian and Hindu prisoners.
- Christian inmates report being assigned degrading tasks and denied essentials, unlike Muslim prisoners who receive better treatment and opportunities to shorten sentences.
- Official figures on minority prisoners greatly differ from inmate accounts, with serious obstacles to transparency revealed in the report.
The “Hope Behind Bars” report sheds light on the difficulties faced by Christian prisoners in Pakistan, including neglect and unjust treatment. While some inmates found fair conditions, many describe being viewed as “untouchables” and receiving inferior provisions.
Zakria John, a former prisoner, described, “Only six plates were provided for one hundred inmates. We took turns eating from these limited utensils … Initially, we were confined to a room previously used for tuberculosis patients, with used syringes scattered throughout.”
He added, “A worker occasionally provided us with soap fragments, although he faced questioning when discovered. After using the toilet, we often had to clean our hands by rubbing them against the wall …”
Muslim prisoners may earn early release by memorizing the Quran or observing Ramadan, options not afforded to non-Muslims. Nearly 2,000 Muslim prisoners have benefited from these schemes, while not a single Christian or Hindu prisoner has.
Thomas Mueller of Open Doors warned, “The study raises grave questions concerning what is hidden from public view. The researchers describe a three-year struggle to access basic information, including legal and procedural limitations and lack of cooperation from authorities. This in itself is extremely worrying.”
The struggle for basic dignity continues for many believers, shining a light on the ongoing need for advocacy rooted in faith and Biblical justice. Pray for Christian prisoners facing persecution and for an end to injustice in all places of confinement.