Though this week marks National Minorities Day in Pakistan, the reality is that many religious and ethnic minorities face daily harassment, as well as discrimination on every level, from blasphemy legislation that destroys lives, right down to prejudice and intolerance at school or work.

• Sunday 5 August

Back in May, an Ahmadi mosque and adjoining historic building were destroyed by a mob of 700 people while the police stood by and watched. Both buildings had deep significance for the community. Please pray that the perpetrators of this act would be swiftly brought to justice, and that the Ahmadiyya community would be protected from further harassment.

• Monday 6 August

Ahmadis are the most persecuted minority in Pakistan. The constitution declares them as non-Muslims, and legislation from 1984 criminalises the entire community, and forbids them to share their faith. These laws are often used to harass them in the peaceful expression of their faith. Today, join us in praying that this legislation would be repealed.

• Tuesday 7 August

In April two men were killed and three injured after gunmen opened fire on Christians leaving a church service. Please pray for healing and protection for the community of Essa Nagri in Quetta, Balochistan, as they continue to mourn in the aftermath of this attack.

• Wednesday 8 August

Pakistan’s Christians often face large-scale attacks on their places of worship. Last December, two suicide bombers stormed the Bethel Memorial Methodist Church in Quetta, killing nine people and injuring over 30. Today, join us in petitioning God to place his hand of protection over these buildings and the communities that gather in them.

• Thursday 9 August

As part of our Faith and a Future campaign, we gathered thousands of signatures on a petition calling for an end to Pakistan’s biased education system that fuels so much division and mistrust between communities. As we hand this petition in to the UK government, please pray that it would be the catalyst for human rights, especially unbiased education, to be at the forefront of Britain’s dealings with Pakistan.

• Friday 10 August

Every year hundreds of Hindu and Christian girls are kidnapped, forced to change their names, convert to Islam, and marry men who are total strangers to them. Their families may never see them again. Please pray that this horrific practice would end and that these girls would be able to return to their families.

• Saturday 11 August

Lord, on National Minorities Day we lift the nation of Pakistan to you. We ask you to continue to bless the work of Michelle Chaudhry and our other partners, who work tirelessly for the rights of minorities. Amen.