Archive · 15 Jan 2026
Christians in Pakistan face violence and discrimination
Christians in Pakistan are having a really hard time.
They face lots of discrimination and violence every day.
Some laws and groups make it dangerous for them to practice their religion.
Women and girls are especially at risk of being kidnapped, forced to marry, or even raped.
Many Christians come from a low-caste background and are forced to do dirty or dangerous jobs.
They often can't escape poverty because they're stuck in debt.
Most of these problems happen in the Punjab and Sindh provinces.
The government isn't doing much to help, and the situation hasn't improved much this year.
Christians in Pakistan face daily discrimination and violence, with blasphemy laws often used against them.
Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to abduction, rape, forced marriage, and conversion.
Many Christians are trapped in low-status jobs or bonded labor, making it difficult to escape poverty.
Punjab and Sindh provinces are hotspots for these issues, with fewer Christians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan facing increased isolation and violence.
Pakistan remains at number eight on the World Watch List, indicating little improvement in the situation for Christians.
- Who
- Christians in Pakistan, particularly women and girls, and those from low-caste backgrounds
- What
- Facing discrimination, violence, forced marriage, and bonded labor
- When
- Ongoing issue, with no significant changes in the past year
- Where
- Primarily in Punjab and Sindh provinces, with fewer Christians in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan
- Why
- Due to blasphemy laws, influence of radical Islamist groups, and institutionalized discrimination
- Primary Issue
- Discrimination and violence against Christians
- Main Threats
- Blasphemy laws, mob violence, forced marriage, bonded labor
- Vulnerable Groups
- Women and girls, low-caste Christians
- Geographical Hotspots
- Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan
- Reporting Organization
- Open Doors
- Pakistan's Rank
- 8th on the World Watch List