Supreme Court of Pakistan Bows to Islamist Threats

Religious freedom takes a hard blow, sources say.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Islamist death threats compelled the Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday (Aug. 22) to remove part of a ruling recognizing an Ahmadi’s religious freedom, a move that will lead to more persecution of religious minorities, sources said. The court’s surrender to Islamist demands came in an appeal by […]

Christian Parents Regain Custody of Three Girls in Pakistan

In rare case, judge allows children to talk with parents.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Three girls illegally detained by their employers were forced to testify that they had converted to Islam and wished to return to their captors, but a judge in Pakistan returned them to their Christian parents, sources said. Justice Shakil Ahmed of the Lahore High Court on Thursday (Aug. […]

One Year Later, Jaranwala, Pakistan Still Reeling from Attacks

Christians in the area lose jobs, business.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – One year after one the worst attacks on Christians in Pakistan, Christians on Friday (Aug. 16) called for justice regarding the rioting in Jaranwala as most of those arrested have been discharged or released on bail, sources said. More than 25 churches and 85 homes of Christians in […]

Christian Family in Pakistan Pressured to Drop Murder Charges

Daughter kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery before death.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A Muslim in Pakistan who kidnapped and raped a mentally handicapped Christian woman who died from her injuries two days after her release is pressuring her family to drop charges, sources said. Salma Munir, 20, was held captive for five months before she was rescued in June, said […]

Authorities Try to Thwart Christian, Minority Protests in Pakistan

Police block National Council of Churches in Pakistan.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Despite attempts by the Pakistani government and Islamist groups to thwart protest rallies and marches, Christians in several cities came out in large numbers to mark National Minorities Day on Aug. 11, demanding an end to religious intolerance and abuse of blasphemy laws. The government in 2009 designated […]

Mob Tries to Kill Christian Mother Accused of Blasphemy in Pakistan

Police arrest victim, family flees.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A Muslim mob in Pakistan on Wednesday (Aug. 7) attacked and tried to kill a Christian mother accused of blasphemy, sources said. The mob in Kathore village, in Gojra tehsil of Faisalabad District, Punjab Province tried to kill Saima Masih, a 32-year-old mother of two children, after Muhammad […]

Family Seeks Justice after Rape of 15-Year-Old Girl in Pakistan

Police decline to arrest Muslim suspects, sources say. 

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Police in Pakistan have refused to arrest two Muslims who raped a 15-year-old Christian girl, and the suspects have threatened to harm her family members if they do not withdraw the case, relatives and attorneys said. Sonia Mehboob said her daughter was raped by Fahad Nasir and Muhammad […]

Attack in India Ends Church’s In-Person Worship Services

Members beaten and shunned; one fired from job.

HYDERABAD, India (Morning Star News) – Members of a house church in northern India can no longer meet for worship after a mob of about 150 Hindu extremists attacked them on July 14, sources said. In the Nawada area of Uttarakhand state’s Dehradun District, 15 church members were immersed in worship when Pastor Rajesh Bhomi’s mother-in-law […]

Pakistan Reverses Ban on Passports for Asylum Seekers

Collective sigh of relief from Christians fleeing persecution.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – Pakistani Christians who have fled the country due to persecution were relieved to hear the government has reversed its decision to stop issuing or renewing passports to those seeking asylum abroad. The government announced the decision this week following Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s June 5 statement that the […]

Faith of Christian on Death Row in Pakistan Shines in Studies

‘Blasphemy’ convict focuses on prayer, Bible and academic excellence.

LAHORE, Pakistan (Christian Daily International–Morning Star News) – A Christian sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan despite lack of evidence has demonstrated his faith by excelling academically even in prison, sources said. Nouman Masih, 24, recently passed his high school board examination with a very high score, demonstrating his faith in God for a future […]