A devastating attack on the Christian community in Jaranwala in August 2023 was a sobering reminder of the hostile environment facing many believers in Pakistan. The attack on more than 20 churches and almost 100 homes was in response to allegations that two believers had desecrated the Quran.

Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws are often used to target minority groups, but Christians are disproportionately affected. Indeed, roughly a quarter of all blasphemy accusations target Christians, who only make up 1.8% of the population.

Believers are targeted in other ways, too—both overtly and subtly. The number of Christian girls (and those from other minority religions) abducted, abused and forcefully converted to Islam (frequently backed by lower courts) is growing, while churches that engage in outreach are particularly prone to opposition. All Christians suffer from institutionalized discrimination, and occupations that are deemed low, dirty and degrading—such as working as a sewer cleaner or on a brick kiln—are reserved for Christians by the authorities. Many are referred to as ‘chura’, a derogatory term meaning “filthy.”

Historical churches have relative freedom for worship and other activities. However, they are heavily monitored and have been targeted for bomb attacks.