Church in Pakistan
Voice of the Martyrs' Todd Nettleton says, "There are about 50 Christian families that are divided between two different churches. Last week a letter was left outside the home of one of the Christians, basically saying, 'If you Christians don't convert back to Islam, then you should leave the city or face the consequences.'"
Nettleton says Charsadda is a challenging area. "This particular area apparently has a very strong radical Muslim, Taliban-like presence. In the past, they have left threatening notes in the market where videos which were anti-Islam were sold. Later, that market was bombed."
Having seen what happened in the market, Christians are concerned. But Nettleton says Christians aren't giving up. "They said, 'Of course we're worried, but we're not afraid. The Taliban can do anything, but they cannot damage our faith. We will stand firm in our faith. Christ is with us.'"
Having 50 Christians in a radical Muslim area is almost unprecedented. "There's is definitely a perceived threat by the growth of the church amongst the radical Muslims, so they see the church as a threat. This is their way of striking back against the Christians," says Nettleton.
The threat comes on the heels of Pakistan's National Assembly overwhelmingly rejecting proposed amendments to the blasphemy laws. Those amendments were tabled by a minority representative Member of Parliament. On 8 May, the Government led the movement in the National Assembly to defeat the reforms.
Anyone convicted of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammad faces life imprisonment or the death penalty, according to section 295C of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The proposed bill would amend the blasphemy penalty to a five-year prison sentence and a fine. The amendment also proposed applying the law to other religions as well.
Christians Solidarity Worldwide says the amendments were vehemently opposed.
In a statement, APMA said: "Christians and other religious minorities are being roped into false cases under the blasphemy law. They are being murdered by zealots. This law is proving to be a sword hanging on the heads of non-Muslims and secular-minded people.
"The blasphemy law needs to be amended, if not altogether repealed, because of its great misuse. The law has created an atmosphere of bigotry and intolerance -- a sense of insecurity and harassment."
Commenting on the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province, APMA said: "The Christians of Pakistan are already facing victimization and discrimination. Many innocent Christians are incarcerated and killed.
"Attacks on churches, Christian schools, and other institutions have been experienced by the Christians of Pakistan in the past few years, and now the rise of vigilante groups and threats have aggravated the situation."
Christian Solidarity Worldwide's National Director Stuart Windsor says, "We are deeply concerned about the rise of extremism in Pakistan and the threats made to Christians in North-West Frontier Province. We urge the Pakistani authorities to do everything possible to create an atmosphere of religious tolerance and freedom and to protect religious minorities who are facing threats and ultimatums. We urge the Government of Pakistan to recognize the gross misuse of the blasphemy laws and the urgent need for their reform or repeal."
In the meantime, Nettleton is urging Christians to pray "that these threats will not be carried out, that there will not be bombings, that there will not be violence against the church there. Secondly, we need to pray that they will still stand strong, whatever happens. This can be a time of great witness."
