‘Resolutions that violate religious freedom are passed without any thought.’ – Peter Jacob, executive director of the Centre for Social Justice

In January the National Assembly of Pakistan voted without debate to make the country’s controversial blasphemy laws even more stringent. The new laws increase punishment for insulting the Prophet Mohammed’s companions, wives and family members from three years to 10 years imprisonment, along with a heavy fine.

Many fear that these laws will make life even more difficult for Pakistan’s already vulnerable religious and sectarian minority communities.

Más información en csw.org.uk/pakistan

Sunday 6 August

Blasphemy laws are often used as a weapon of revenge against both Muslims and non-Muslims, for example to settle personal disputes. Pray for all those falsely imprisoned on blasphemy charges. Pray that the charges against them would be dropped, and that they would be released without condition.

Monday 7 August

Pakistan is going through an extremely challenging time, due to political unrest. Mass arrests of politicians and protestors are taking place, along with enforced disappearances of journalists and bloggers who criticise the actions of the state. Pray that vulnerable communities in particular would be kept safe from violence and hostility.

Tuesday 8 August

At least 124 Christian and Hindu girls were abducted, forced to marry and convert in 2022 alone. Pray urgently for their safe return, as well as for strong practical measures to protect women and girls of all religious communities. Pray for an end to impunity for perpetrators of such crimes.

Wednesday 9 August

‘You have been a refuge for the poor, a refuge for the needy in their distress, a shelter from the storm and a shade from the heat.’ (Isaiah 25:4a) Pray that Christians in Pakistan would find refuge and shelter in the Lord today.

Thursday 10 August

At least 84 people were killed in a terrorist attack on a mosque in Peshawar in January this year. Ask God to comfort those who are grieving, and to reveal his healing power to those recovering from their injuries.

Friday 11 August

Today is National Minorities Day in Pakistan. Pray for all faith-based communities

who continue to face discrimination and persecution. Ask God to silence the voices of those responsible for hate speech, which often stirs up violence against religious minorities.

Saturday 12 August

Lord God, we know that nothing happens without you seeing it. We pray that every person in Pakistan would know your justice, and that you would raise up righteous leaders who would stand up for the marginalised and the oppressed. Amen.

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