A new report by Pakistan’s National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) highlights the severe challenges faced by children belonging to religious minority groups, including Christians, and calls for immediate action by the government to curb the high levels of discrimination emanating from systemic bias, social exclusion and institutional neglect.
The report, titled “Situation Analysis of Children from Minority Religions in Pakistan,” also raises the crucial issues of forced conversion, child marriages and child labor faced by minority children, particularly those belonging to the marginalized Christian and Hindu communities.
“The worrying trend of systemic discrimination affects every part of the minority population’s daily life, especially their children. Minority children frequently face discrimination from classmates and educators in schools. They also have to deal with curricula that could reinforce negative preconceptions about their religion. Isolation, below-average academic achievement, and, in many cases, school dropout are the expected outcomes of such an educational setting.
Dear Brother in Christ, my heart is deeply moved by what you’ve shared. This is not just a report, it is a cry for justice, and as followers of Christ, we cannot remain silent in the face of such suffering.
The Lord Himself hears the groaning of the oppressed:
“He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry… The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow” (Psalm 146:7-9). These precious children our sons, daughters, and the future of our community are made in the image of God. Any harm against them is an offense against the Creator Himself.
We must first respond in prayer, because
“the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4). Let us intercede for protection over these children, for courage in their hearts, and for the Lord to raise up righteous voices within government, education, and society who will defend the vulnerable.
But prayer must be followed by action. James reminds us,
“Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James 2:17). We, the body of Christ, must be advocates writing letters, raising awareness, supporting Christian schools, offering scholarships, and mentoring the next generation so they know they are loved, valued, and called for God’s purposes.
This is our Esther moment. Just as she was placed in the palace
“for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), we have been placed in this generation to stand for the rights of these little ones who cannot speak for themselves. We will not allow fear, prejudice, or injustice to have the final word Christ will.
Let us rise together, as one family, and declare:
Our children are not for sale. Our children will not be silenced. Our children will fulfill their God-given destiny.
Prayer for Christian Children in Pakistan
Heavenly Father,
We come before You with broken hearts for the children of Pakistan’s Christian and other minority communities. You see their tears, their fears, and the injustice they face. Your Word says,
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed” (Psalm 82:3), so we stand in agreement with Heaven today.
Lord, place Your hedge of protection around these children. Silence every voice of hatred, every plan of harm, and every scheme of the enemy. Replace fear with courage, shame with honor, and despair with hope.
Raise up leaders both in the Church and in the nation who will speak truth, defend the vulnerable, and bring justice to light. Give wisdom to parents, strength to teachers, and boldness to pastors to protect and nurture these little ones in Your ways.
We declare in the mighty Name of Jesus:
No weapon formed against our children shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). They will grow in wisdom, in favor with God and man, and fulfill their divine calling.
We trust in Your promise, Lord, that You are “a Father to the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5). Heal our land, heal our people, and guard the next generation for Your glory.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen Amen.
