Faith
EU Scrutinizes Pakistan on Religious Liberty
Faith Facts
- Leaders urge the EU to investigate religious minority persecution in Pakistan ahead of trade review.
- Pakistan’s GSP+ status is under scrutiny for compliance with 27 international human rights conventions.
- Recent attacks and continued discrimination have raised global Christian concerns.
Rights advocates are calling on the European Union to address widespread mistreatment of religious minorities in Pakistan. At stake is Pakistan’s preferential trade access, which hinges on their adherence to 27 U.N. conventions related to human rights, good governance, and justice.
Since 2014, Pakistan has benefited from reduced trade duties with the EU, helping its economy but raising questions as human rights violations persist. The current EU review features meetings with government officials, civil society, and other key stakeholders to hold Pakistan accountable.
“The Pakistan government has completely failed to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities to protect the fundamental rights of Pakistani people guaranteed in the Constitution of Pakistan and protected by international conventions and protocols,” said Minorities Alliance Pakistan Chairman Akmal Bhatti.
Bhatti explained that Christians continue to suffer discrimination and hatred, while blasphemy laws are abused against them. He noted serious concerns about delayed investigations and government inaction after targeted violence against Christian communities last year.
He called on both national authorities and international observers to ensure fair investigations and demanded legal reforms to protect young people from forced marriage and conversion. In his view, ending barriers to non-Muslims holding top office is essential to true equality.
Pakistan Masiha Millat Party Chairman Aslam Pervaiz Sahotra voiced agreement. “There has been no improvement in Pakistan’s human rights situation, in fact it has only worsened over the years,” he said. Sahotra warned that overlooking these violations for trade gain undermines justice.
EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis emphasized that the mission will evaluate Pakistan’s progress on many fronts, including minority protections and the use of blasphemy laws. He highlighted the need for stronger compliance in line with both faith-based values and EU commitments.
Christian families across Pakistan hope that increased scrutiny will motivate real change and greater respect for religious freedom, justice, and equal treatment.
Let us continue to pray for our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan, and encourage leaders to defend the God-given rights of all, reminding them that true freedom is rooted in faith and moral courage.
Faith Facts
- Three-quarters of girls and young women aged 7 to 21 have experienced online harm, with cases of sextortion rising by 2,600% in 2024.
- The UK’s Online Safety Act recognizes online threats to young people as ‘Primary Priority,’ but enforcement remains challenging.
- Christian communities are called to provide safe, supportive spaces and cultivate biblical truth and discernment in young lives.
The internet shapes the lives of nearly all young people, providing opportunities but also exposing them to unique dangers. Girls and young women face particular risks, from online abuse to harmful role models that can erode self-worth.
As Christian leaders, it is vital to confront digital misogyny and reject values that contradict God’s design for human dignity. We are called to respond with moral clarity and courage, standing firm for truth.
Education anchored in biblical wisdom offers protection, teaching youth to discern what is real and valuable in God’s sight. Programmes like ‘Staying Safe in the Digital World’ equip girls with practical tools and spiritual strength.
Effective legislation is needed to hold tech companies accountable and protect the most vulnerable. Discussion about these challenges within faith communities ensures young people know they are not alone and have trustworthy adults to turn to.
Trusted adults—whether parents, teachers, or Christian volunteers—must be visible advocates, offering both guidance and protection. Children and teens need opportunities to discuss online challenges openly and access support when needed.
While practical steps like limiting screen time are important, true safety stems from a blend of spiritual discipleship and digital awareness. Our actions should point to a lifestyle of wholesome relationships and faith-filled living, not just restriction.
We must model healthy habits, prioritizing time with family, faith, and activities that nourish the soul. The digital age demands active stewardship, rooted in our biblical calling to protect, love, and guide every child.
Now is the time for Christians to lead, championing online safety and Kingdom values for girls and young women—and shining as a light in the darkness of the digital world.
Faith Facts
- More than 200 celebrities, including Mark Ruffalo and Benedict Cumberbatch, signed a petition urging the release of convicted terrorist Marwan Barghouti.
- Barghouti, linked to the Fatah terrorist group, was convicted of orchestrating attacks resulting in the deaths of Israeli civilians.
- Christian leaders criticized the celebrities for supporting Barghouti, calling attention to the moral implications of their actions.
Christian values call us to remember the sanctity of life and the importance of standing with victims of violence rather than those who promote terror. These public figures’ actions raise important questions about our nation’s moral compass and the need to uphold biblical justice.
“Barghouti was convicted of five murders. That’s bad enough, but he also led one terrorist organization and co-founded a second, responsible for incalculable human suffering,” said Liora Rez, StopAntisemitism founder and executive director.
We must remain steadfast in upholding truth and defending innocent lives, rejecting the glorification of those who inflict suffering. Let us pray for discernment and courage to stand for righteousness, no matter how popular the opposition may be.
Faith Facts
- The House of Bishops paused standalone same-sex blessing services, citing constitutional and theological concerns.
- Current guidelines still allow ‘Prayers of Love and Faith’ in existing church services.
- The decision follows legal advice warning changes must follow proper Church governance.
The Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, emphasized the importance of adhering to Biblical doctrine and church law in considering changes to marriage teachings.
He addressed the Winchester Diocesan Synod, affirming that upholding God’s design for marriage preserves unity and integrity within the Church of England.
“The sheer constitutional difficulty of making such changes brought us face to face with the importance of due process,” Bishop Mounstephen stated.
The bishops’ consensus to pause reflects a commitment to protect the Church’s foundation and honor scriptural values before adjusting any practices.
He warned against circumventing established governance, highlighting that such shortcuts undermine trust and stability in the church community.
Rev Canon John Dunnett, representing evangelical Anglicans, also expressed ongoing concern about the direction of these issues, underlining the need for vigilance in preserving Christian doctrine.
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