Categories: christianity
Date: 25 March 2009 00:04:51
Today's country is Pakistan.
Languages: Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pushtu, English
Traditionally, Pakistan traces its Christian beginnings to the missionary work of the apostle Thomas. Christians are now the second largest group in the country with some 3.6 million people comprising 2.3% of the population.
Pakistan became an Islamic Republic in 1956. Shari'a law is becoming more prominent in the legal and taxation systems and public life generally.
Discrimination against Christians is widespread; some professions are closed to them entirely and many have to work in very menial jobs. This means that many live in poverty and are despised by their neighbours. It has been known for girls from Christian families to be abducted and forced to marry and convert out of their religion.