5 Christians who come from a Muslim background are particularly under threat with the implementation of shari'a law

6 The Church has grown despite many social disadvantages

a) Lack of teaching, poverty and illiteracy have hastened the lowering of spiritual standards

b) Spiritual leadership in the churches

c) Courage to share their faith with non-Christians

d) Unity. PEACE is the Pakistan Evangelical Alliance formed to encourage mission and evangelism

e) A missionary vision. Some Pakistani believers have started fellowship groups in a number of Middle Eastern lands

7 Persecution and intimidation have become a growing reality since 1991. Christians are barred from some professions and the most menial tasks are reserved for Christians alone

Peoples

Indo-Aryan 78.8%; Indo-Iranian 18.5%; Dravidian 1.6%; Tibetan 0.5%; Other 0.6%.

Literacy 38% officially, many estimate it is nearer 25%. Official language Urdu, which is becoming widely used by all. All languages 69. Languages with Scriptures 5Bi 6NT 9por 16w.i.p.

Economy

Main exports are sports goods, textiles, garments and heroin. HDI 0.508; 138^th/174. Public debt 36% of GNP. Income/person $500 (1.6% of USA).

Politics

Muslim politicians insisted on a separate state resulting in the partition of British-ruled India at independence in 1947.

Religion

An Islamic republic.

Churches in Pakistan

Missionaries from Pakistan

174 in 15 agencies; nearly all in Pakistan.

Expatriates to Pakistan

579 in 66 agencies from 23 countries

click for legend

Geography

click to enlarge

Area 796,095 sq.km, which includes 83,700 sq.km of the third of Kashmir controlled by Pakistan.

Population (2000) 156,483,155 +2.81%AGR

Capital Islamabad 1.1 mill.

Internet Links