[Today’s Prayer] “Religious Minority Prisoners in Pakistan Face Systematic Discrimination in Prisons”

The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), the human rights body of the Catholic Church in Pakistan, recently released a report titled Hope Behind Bars, stating that “religious minority prisoners in Pakistan are facing systematic discrimination and harsh treatment in prisons.”

According to the report, Hindu and Christian prisoners are deprived of basic rights and forced into menial tasks such as cleaning toilets, while Muslim prisoners receive sentence reductions if they fast during Ramadan or recite the Qur’an. From 2022 to 2025, 1,937 Muslim prisoners received such benefits, but Christian, Hindu, and Sikh prisoners were excluded.

The report, which investigated 128 prisons over three years, found that out of approximately 102,000 prisoners, about 1,748 were religious minorities. Among them, Christian prisoners face the worst discrimination, with some branded as “untouchables” and subjected to harassment by fellow inmates and prison guards.

Prisoners charged under blasphemy laws are in the most vulnerable situation. One notable case is that of Nadeem James, who was sentenced to death for allegedly sharing a poem considered blasphemous via WhatsApp. His brother, Faryad Masih, told UCA News that “police detained and tortured eight family members in order to force James to surrender.”

Human rights activist Joseph Jansen stated, “His family was tortured by the police, and this was not justice but coercion driven by mob pressure and religious extremism.” He further stressed that the international community must pressure Pakistan to end these human rights violations and to carry out essential prison reforms in line with UN human rights standards.

(Omitted)

Source: Christian Today

“For I hear the whispering of many—terror on every side!—as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, ‘You are my God.’” (Psalm 31:13–14)

Lord, we hear that the minority prisoners in Pakistan are suffering discrimination. We pray that you have mercy on the Christian prisoners and protect them, as they especially endure the worst treatment, harassed by both fellow inmates and prison guards.

May you pour out new strength upon the Christian prisoners who are in the midst of suffering, and grant them faith that the world cannot overcome that they may be victorious over the power of death.

Holy Spirit, help Christian prisoners to meditate on the suffering of Jesus on the cross and rely on their Savior, Jesus, even in the midst of discrimination and harsh treatment. May they proclaim the gospel even in prisons.

May you lead the global church to pray not only for the Christian prisoners but also for the “untouchable” Pakistani brothers and sisters who hold on to their faith even in persecution. May we raise our voice until the injustice of false blasphemy charges and torture come to an end.

Strengthen the church in Pakistan to bear together the daily suffering and life-threatening persecution of our brothers and sisters, and to proclaim Jesus Christ our Savior with greater boldness. May they continue in prayerful fellowship, trusting in the Lord who makes us overcome the power of death.

May the nation of Pakistan look to the glory of God’s Kingdom and resolve to live as faithful disciples of Christ to the very end. Raise up all peoples in Pakistan with the gospel as the ultimate weapon of gospel, and fulfill the FM 1% vision!