Sunday 16 August
In April, the government of Punjab passed a bill raising the legal age of marriage to 18 for both boys and girls. Praise God for this positive step! We are hopeful it will help reduce the abduction, forced conversion and forced marriage of Christian and Hindu girls.
Monday 17 August
Underage marriage is now criminalised in three of Pakistan’s four provinces, as well as in Islamabad. Pray that these laws are fully enforced and that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa follows suit – protecting Christian and Hindu girls across the country.
Tuesday 18 August
The future of a young Christian girl has taken a heartbreaking turn after a court ruled she could stay married to the man who abducted her last summer. Maria Shahbaz was taken from home, converted to Islam and married against her will. Her father presented documents in March to prove she was no more than 13 – yet judges dismissed it, saying she appeared older. Cry out against this unjust ruling, and for Maria’s safe return.
Wednesday 19 August
Maria’s family have fought for months to bring her back from the man who abducted her when she was barely a teenager. When the court validated her marriage and conversion, it felt like losing their daughter all over again. Ask God to comfort and strengthen them to continue the fight.
Thursday 20 August
Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are still one of the biggest threats to religious minority communities – dangerously vague and used to settle personal scores. Even an unproven allegation can lead to mob violence or imprisonment. Pray in faith for laws to be repealed and charges dropped.
Friday 21 August
Junaid Hafeez was arrested for blasphemy in 2013, for comments allegedly posted on Facebook. In 2014, his defence lawyer was assassinated in his chambers. Pray urgently for Junaid’s death sentence to be overturned, and an end to more than 12 years of solitary confinement.
Saturday 22 August
Today is an international day to commemorate those who have faced violence because of their religion or belief. Spend a moment in prayer for victims and survivors in Pakistan and elsewhere, asking for healing, support, and prevention of further violence.
Find out more at csw.org.uk/Pakistan