In the aftermath of the regrettable Quran desecration incident in Sweden, the Christian community in Pakistan is appealing for international prayers, as they face increased threats to their churches and settlements.

Several Islamic groups continue to protest against the Quran desecration, but the extremist group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), banned for their violent activities, have alarmingly issued threats of violent retribution against Pakistani Christians. This includes planned attacks on churches and potential suicide bombings. Naseer Raisani, their spokesperson, chillingly announced, "no Church or a Christian will remain safe in Pakistan."

Despite the severity of this situation, there has been a disquieting lack of response or comment from the Pakistani government or its agencies. Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, has called upon the international community to raise the matter of Christians' safety with the Pakistani authorities urgently. "It is crucial that the Pakistani government takes immediate measures to ensure the safety and protection of the Christian community, their homes, and places of worship," Saeed stated.

Pakistani Church and lay leaders have publicly and unequivocally condemned the desecration of the Holy Quran in Sweden, demonstrating their commitment to peaceful coexistence and respect for all faiths. However, due to the threats issued by LeJ, the Christian community in Pakistan finds itself living in fear.

Given the escalating situation, Nasir Saeed, Director of CLAAS-UK, implores the international community to urgently address the safety and protection of Christians with the Pakistani authorities. It is paramount that the Pakistani government act swiftly to ensure the safety and protection of the Christian community, their homes, and places of worship.

Saeed also appeals to the global Church to include the safety and protection of Christians in Pakistan in their prayers. He pointed out that, regrettably, Pakistani Christians, often associated with the West, find their lives under threat whenever such incidents occur in any western country. In many instances, the Pakistani government's response has been inadequate, failing to avert potential attacks and loss of innocent lives.

Saeed concluded, "It is deeply unfortunate that 75 years after the formation of Pakistan, a country founded with the support of Christians, they are still considered outsiders and denied equal citizenship rights. This goes against the very principles espoused by the founder of Pakistan, Quaid i Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah."

In these difficult times, the Christian community of Pakistan is urging churches globally to pray for their safety and protection.

Nasir Saeed

Director

For more information, contact Nasir Saeed: info@claas.org.uk

T: 02081506763 W: http://www.claas.org.uk