Pakistan

Capital: Islamabad

Major Languages: Urdu, English

Area: 881,913 km2

Population: 227 million

HDI Rank: 154 of 189

Major Religion:

Islam: 216 million (95%)

Other Religions:

Catholic: 1.3 million (0.6%)

Protestant: 1.8 million (0.8%)

Other: 8.2 million (3.6%)

General Information:

Pakistan was established in 1947 exclusively for Muslims of India, immediately after the British left India. The partition witnessed great migrations of Hindus and Muslims across the borders. Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world. It has been ruled by governments alternating between civilian and military, democratic and authoritarian. It is one of just nine countries that have nuclear weapons. The county’s national drink is sugarcane juice. Pakistan’s Sialkot produces over half the world’s soccer balls. Cricket and hockey are popular sports.

Religious Background:

Islam is the state religion of Pakistan. It is the only country to have been created in the name of Islam. The country is the world’s second most populous Muslim-Majority after Iran. Hinduism in Pakistan is practiced by the Hindus of Pakistani descent. Over 9 million Hindus migrated to India after Pakistan’s independence in 1947, while over one million lost their lives in the process. Christianity came to Pakistan in 1877 through Rev Thomas Valpy French of the Anglican Church. Later, when Europeans settled in Pakistan, more Muslims began to follow Christianity.

Catholic background:

In 1569, at the invitation of Akbar, Jesuit missionaries arrived in Lahore from Goa. After fourteen years of unsuccessful endeavors to convert Akbar and his son, Jahangir to Catholicism, they left the Moghul court. A second and a third mission were both fruitful, as the emperor allowed his subjects to embrace Catholicism. By 1597, there was a large church in Lahore. In 1846, Capuchins began missionary work in Lahore, and, Carmelites and Jesuits in Sindh and Baluchistan. The Church is composed of 2 archdioceses, 4 dioceses and 125 parishes. Patron saint: Thomas.

Prayer Points

1. Pakistanis to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior

Pray that everyone will get an opportunity to hear the gospel and come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

2. Catholics to know Christ

Pray for the salvation of 1.3 million Catholics in Pakistan.
Catholic identity is strongly influenced by culture and traditions. Pray that they have a personal encounter with the Lord Jesus and would follow and obey Him alone.
Pray that the Holy Spirit moves in power to convict the hearts of unbelieving Catholics.
Pray for Catholics to receive the free gift of salvation offered through Jesus Christ alone.
Pray for all the Catholics attending the 125 parishes to come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Pray for the cardinals, archbishops, bishops, 234 priests, 208 brothers and 662 sisters.
Pray for the safety of Jesus followers, as blasphemy charges and persecution are on the rise.

3. Evangelicals to grow and multiply

There are strongholds of Islamist extremism and terrorism, and a widespread persecution of Christians. Despite this, the mission work continues and many are coming to Christ. Pray for boldness for believers to spread the gospel fearlessly. Pray that Evangelical Christians will learn many ways to communicate the love and gospel of Jesus Christ effectively.

4. Social evils and issues in the country

Poverty is widespread with over 1/3rd of the population living under the poverty line. Substance abuse is rampant, Pakistan being the most heroin-addicted country in the world. Ask God to show His mercy upon those who are suffering.

5. Other Religions

Apart from Islam being the major religion, there are adherents of Hinduism, Bahá'í, Sikhism, Zoroastrianism, Kalash, and Jainism. Pray that the gospel would penetrate into every religious segment, and that many would be drawn to the Savior.