Where every Christian Is a Second Class Citizen

Christians in Pakistan are considered second-class citizens and face discrimination in every aspect of life. Occupations that are deemed low, dirty and degrading—such as working as a sewer cleaner or in a brick kiln—are reserved for Christians. Many are referred to as chura, a derogatory term meaning “filthy.”

“We are a lower class because we are Christians,” says one of the 600,000 Pakistani women working in factories. “It is an insult to Muslims to eat with us off the same plate. If we touch their plate, it becomes defiled. We have no right to any privileges, and have no right to
dignity. When I had my son, I was put on a dirty bed that still had blood from the woman who had given birth before me. Other women were given a clean bed, but for me, the Isai (the Urdu word for “Christian”), there was only the option of a dirty one.”

The August 2023 devastating mob violence against the Christian community in the city of Jaranwala was a sobering reminder of the hostile environment facing many believers in Pakistan. The attack on more than 20 churches and almost 100 homes came in response to allegations that two believers had desecrated the Quran—another distorted use of Pakistan’s notorious blasphemy laws. The laws are often used to target minority groups, but Christians are disproportionately affected. Roughly a quarter of all blasphemy accusations target Christians, who only make up 1.8% of the population.

Pray that Pakistan’s blasphemy laws will be changed so that Christians will be safe from false accusations and pray for strength for Christians who must live as second-class citizens every day.