Stories

Christians as Second-Class Citizens

In this second edition of From the Archives, we head back to 1994 in Pakistan. Where Christians are forced to endure persecution, legal discrimination, and social exclusion. As Hans-Peter Hecking documents, Christian faith often came at a heavy cost, shaping every aspect of daily life. This historical snapshot not only preserves a moment in time but also invites us to reflect on how much, and how little, has changed.

From the Original Article (1994)

In Pakistan 97.2 percent of the population are of the Islamic faith, which is the state religion there. Alongside the Hindus, who represent 1.5 per cent of the overall population, the Christians constitute a tiny minority of 1.4 per cent.

The majority of Christians are socially and economically underprivileged within the Pakistan society and usually have only very little education. They work as street sweepers, gravediggers, and are generally responsible for all the dirty work.

In recent years, the non-Muslim population, amounting to almost four million people, have been increasingly restricted in their personal freedom. In 1977 the free Sunday was abolished and Friday declared as the public day of prayer and rest which caused a reduction of the Christian congregations at Sunday services. 

If the Mullahs have their way, all Pakistanis are to be subject to the Islamic law of Sharia introduced in 1991. This means that the legal provisions will also apply to Christians. A death sentence has already been passed on a Christian for blasphemy of the prophet Mohammed.  

Led by Bishop John Joseph of Faisalabad, the chairman of the episcopal commission Justitia et Pax, there were demonstrations and strikes all over the country which finally forced the government to give in. But conflict is still smouldering under the surface.

–Hans-Peter Hecking

Reflection: Then and Now

Unfortunately, not much has changed for Christians in Pakistan today. Their presence is roughly the same, at about 3 million people, representing a modest 1.37 percent of the population. Their daily lives continue to bear the weight of discrimination, prejudice, and the ever-present threat of persecution.

We are reminded of our baptismal calling when our Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, spoke on Christian persecution: “We are called to bear witness to the truth that saves the world; to the justice that redeems peoples from oppression; to the hope that shows everyone the way to peace.”

As we celebrate this year the 100th anniversary of World Mission Sunday, we pray especially for those who are persecuted for their faith—those in Pakistan and in so many places of the world where Christians are persecuted. 

May we all be one in Christ, and remain united in mission.