Faith
Dark Clouds of Persecution Gather, Yet Faith Shines Brighter
Faith Facts
- Pakistan is ranked among the most dangerous nations for Christians, appearing eighth on the 2026 World Watch List for extreme persecution.
- Over 2,700 individuals have been accused of blasphemy since 1987, often resulting in extrajudicial violence and displacement of Christian communities.
- Section 295-C of Pakistan’s penal code carries a mandatory death penalty for insulting the Prophet Muhammad, a law frequently weaponized against minorities.
Ishtiaq Saleem, a Christian father and sanitation worker, faces a potential death sentence in Pakistan under draconian blasphemy laws.
Arrested in 2022, Saleem is accused of sharing social media content he maintains he never posted or created.
Advocacy groups are sounding the alarm over organized networks that fabricate these allegations to blackmail religious minorities.
This case highlights the urgent need for global prayer and pressure to protect our brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Blasphemy laws create a culture of violence and discrimination and must be repealed,” stated Tehmina Arora of ADF International.
We must stand in solidarity with those persecuted for their faith, praying for Ishtiaq’s acquittal and the restoration of religious freedom.
May justice prevail for the vulnerable who suffer under these unjust statutes.