Pakistani Christians Find a Safe Place

Watch as Reverend Greg Davidson welcomes Pakistani Christian immigrants Iven and Esther Malik to Canada and Central Presbyterian Church.

Some persecuted Pakistani Christians who have fled their home country for a safe haven are experiencing additional suffering in their chosen countries of refuge.

For several years now CBN News has told you about oppressed Pakistani Christians who have fled to Thailand only to be jailed for overstaying their visas. Many have been forcibly returned to Pakistan after enduring months of harsh and inhumane conditions in prison.

President Trump pledged to give persecuted Christians immigration priority into the United States, but his plans stalled when federal courts blocked his executive order on immigration.

Some Christian attorneys say the courts and even some of Trump's advisers mistakenly decided that an immigration policy favoring persecuted Christians is discriminatory against other religious groups.

The president intends to help Iraqi and Syrian Christians facing genocide, but he should also consider giving priority to Pakistani Christians.

They comprise about two percent of Pakistan’s population.  Many are often oppressed and mistreated as second class citizens. Christians are forced to guard their speech and actions because any misstep could be construed as blasphemy against Islam, Mohammed, or the Koran and that could lead to their imprisonment or even death.

However, there is some good news. Some of those denied refugee status or religious asylum in Thailand and Sri Lanka are finding safety and a welcoming place in Canada. Churches there—like Central Presbyterian Church in Hamilton, Ontario are raising funds and sponsors to help the Christians begin a new life in the West.

They know these grateful Pakistanis will make good citizens and will work hard to help their new country prosper as they peacefully and freely worship Christ. 

Now if they would only forego cricket for hockey!