Restricted Nations: Pakistan

Restricted Nations

by The Voice of the Martyrs (Editor), Riley K. Smith

When Pakistan first gained independence in 1947, it showed hope of offering religious freedom to minority groups. But that hope had faded by 1956, when Pakistan ratified its first constitution and declared itself an Islamic Republic. Today, Christians in Pakistan face intense discrimination. Restricted Pakistan blends history, current events and testimonies to tell the story of Christian persecution in Pakistan. Despite the persecution and government oppression, Christians hold fast to their hope in Jesus. And some boldly share that hope with Muslims around them.

104 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

The Voice of the Martyrs is a non-profit, inter-denominational Christian organization dedicated to assisting the persecuted church worldwide. VOM was founded in 1967 by Pastor Richard Wurmbrand, who was imprisoned 14 years in Communist Romania for his faith in Christ. His wife, Sabina, was imprisoned for three years. In the 1960s, Richard, Sabina, and their son, Mihai, were ransomed out of Romania and came to the United States. Through their travels, the Wurmbrands spread the message of the atrocities that Christians face in restricted nations, while establishing a network of offices dedicated to assisting the persecuted church. The Voice of the Martyrs continues in this mission around the world today through the following main purposes:
Our ministry is based on Hebrews 13:3:
"Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body."

Reviews

[Michael]

These Restricted Nation books are an eye opener and gives a lot of insight on persecuted Christians in other countries.

[Chris Driedger]

Contemporary Christianity in a nation hostile to it

Accounts from individuals suffering mistreatment for their faith, although far from isolated. Forced marriages, physical and sexual violence, and convictions under Pakistan’s infamous blasphemy laws.

The author makes the case that an independent Pakistan was originally conceived as a nation that respected individual (and religious) freedom. Because of Islamization in the latter half of the 20th century, it has never lived up to those principles.

Unfortunately, although this book was published in 2011, the same issues are still just as relevant.