Pakistan is a diverse and vibrant country. However, the country’s blasphemy laws make it a criminal act to insult another’s religion, and are widely misused to settle personal scores and target religious minorities. In 2014 a Christian couple, Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, was falsely accused of blasphemy and sentenced to death. Since then, many of you have faithfully and persistently joined CSW in praying for their release. On 3 June 2021, after seven years on death row, the couple’s sentences were finally overturned (see p.14 of Response). We praise God for this breakthrough and encourage you to continue praying for Pakistan this week.

Más información en csw.org.uk/pakistan

Sunday 31 October

Praise God for the release of Shafqat and Shagufta! Join us in praying for Pakistan’s blasphemy laws to be amended or repealed, and for those who have been falsely accused to be released unconditionally.

Monday 1 November

CSW advocates for Hindu and Christian girls who have been kidnapped, forced to change their names, convert to Islam, and marry men who are strangers to them. Many never see their families again. Please pray that the government and police in Pakistan would take decisive action to stop these abductions, and that these girls would be able to return to their families.

Tuesday 2 November

Today is the International Day to end Impunity for Crimes against Journalists. Pray for Pakistan’s brave journalists and bloggers, who face targeted attacks and interference by the authorities for speaking the truth and exposing all forms of religious and sectarian intolerance that prevail in the country.

Wednesday 3 November

CSW partners with human right defenders in Pakistan who face many challenges in their work for standing up for religious minorities. Michelle Chaudhry, of the Cecil and Iris Chaudhry Foundation (CICF), is one of these amazing partners. Please ask God to bless her with strength, boldness, provision and protection.

Thursday 4 November

Today marks the anniversary of the killing of a Christian couple, Shama and Shezad Masih, who were burnt to death by a mob in 2014 after being falsely accused of blasphemy. Please pray for God’s comfort, protection and provision for their three children, and for Michelle and the staff at the CICF as they seek to support them.

Friday 5 November

Students in Pakistan are often taught from a curriculum that discriminates against religious minorities. Religious minority children often face physical and mental abuse from classmates and teachers. Please pray for unbiased teaching and inclusive changes to the curriculum, so that children grow up learning to respect people from other religions and beliefs.

Saturday 6 November

Heavenly Father, we bring the country of Pakistan to you in prayer. Please protect and give courage to those working to make Pakistan an inclusive and tolerant society. Please comfort and help those who continue to suffer for their faith. Bless them and strengthen them, we pray. Amen.

Descargue una copia imprimible del Diario de Oración de esta semana.