Pakistan
Country Profile:
When India gained independence from Britain in 1947 the area was divided into Hindu-dominated India and Muslim-dominated Pakistan. Cultural differences between East Pakistan and West Pakistan eventually led to civil war and the formation of the country of Bangladesh. Pakistan is an Islamic republic with more than 96% of the population being Muslim. The implementation of Shari’a Law in many areas has increased problems for Christians who are at the very lowest level of the economic and social scale. Muslims who convert to Christianity are often threatened or killed by their family because of the shame associated with such a conversion. Breaking the blasphemy law, Section 295c of the penal code – blaspheming Mohammed – is punishable by death. Blasphemy accusations against Christians often occur in retaliation for personal or commercial disputes.

Language: Urdu