Pakistan’s Catholic leaders promote faith and resilience as minorities face persecution, blasphemy law misuse, and growing intolerance nationwide.
Newsroom (25/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) As Pakistan’s religious minorities continue to face systemic challenges and rights violations, the country’s Catholic bishops are working to sustain hope and resilience among the faithful. Through targeted initiatives focused on faith formation, leadership development, and grassroots engagement, Church leaders aim to empower Christians to practice their beliefs with confidence despite mounting pressures.
“Everyone should have this right,” said Father Bernard Emmanuel, a priest of the Archdiocese of Lahore and national director of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), the human rights arm of the Pakistan Catholic Bishops Conference.
Father Emmanuel shared his perspective during a June 21 interview, conducted amid a two-week visit to the United States aimed at raising awareness about the CCJP’s work. His reflections illuminate both the gravity of the current situation and the cautious optimism guiding the Church’s response.
A Climate of Concern
Pakistan remains under close international scrutiny for its record on religious freedom. In a September 2025 update, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urged the U.S. State Department to redesignate the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The designation reflects what the commission described as “systematic, ongoing, and egregious religious freedom violations.”
Religious minorities—including Christians, Hindus, and Ahmadiyya Muslims—continue to be disproportionately affected in a nation where more than 95% of the population identifies as Muslim, the majority of whom are Sunni. Reports cited by USCIRF highlight a pattern of discrimination and violence targeting these communities.
Central to these issues is the ongoing controversy surrounding Pakistan’s blasphemy laws. Originally introduced during British colonial rule, the laws were expanded significantly in the 1980s to offer broad protections to Islam. While intended to safeguard religious sentiments, they have increasingly been criticized for misuse.
The Misuse of Blasphemy Laws
According to Father Emmanuel, one of the most pressing concerns is how these laws are exploited for personal motives. He described situations in which accusations are driven by “grudges” or “revenge,” often placing both Muslims and non-Muslims in precarious and dangerous circumstances.
Such misuse creates an environment of fear and uncertainty, particularly for minority communities. Allegations alone can provoke mob violence or lead to prolonged legal battles, regardless of the accused’s innocence.
Despite these challenges, Pakistan’s Catholic leadership is focusing on constructive action rather than despair.
Building Faith Through Community
At the heart of the Church’s response is the concept of hope. The CCJP has launched initiatives designed to strengthen both the spiritual lives and civic awareness of Catholics across the country. These programs are especially critical in remote and northern regions, where maintaining religious identity can be particularly difficult.
“We are working on the idea of hope,” Father Emmanuel explained. “Catholics in some areas struggle just to keep their religion.”
To address this, the CCJP is investing in leadership development at the local level. By training community leaders, the organization aims to equip individuals who can guide others in navigating social challenges while remaining rooted in their faith.
Grassroots Engagement and Trust-Building
The commission’s approach emphasizes personal connection and gradual trust-building. Trained volunteers begin their work by engaging families in simple, approachable ways.
“We start with small things—games, puzzles, conversations,” Father Emmanuel said. “The goal is to gain their trust.”
This method has proven effective in fostering relationships and encouraging participation. Over time, communities that once felt isolated are increasingly reaching out for support.
“We are slowly seeing the fruit of these activities,” he noted. “People used to feel there was no one who could help them. Now, they approach us.”
Empowering the Next Generation
A key component of the CCJP’s efforts focuses on children and youth. Programs encourage parents to take an active role in passing on their faith, reinforcing identity in an often-hostile environment.
“They help the children understand that this is their faith,” Father Emmanuel said. “You must form them in the faith. Don’t be afraid.”
This emphasis on family involvement underscores a broader strategy: ensuring that faith is not only preserved but strengthened across generations.
A Message of Resilience
While the challenges facing Pakistan’s religious minorities remain significant, the Catholic bishops’ approach reflects a commitment to perseverance rather than retreat. By combining advocacy, education, and community outreach, the Church seeks to create a foundation of resilience that can withstand external pressures.
Father Emmanuel’s message is ultimately one of encouragement. Even amid legal uncertainties and social tensions, he emphasized that progress—though gradual—is real.
In a context where fear can easily take hold, the Church’s steady focus on hope offers a counter-narrative: one in which faith, community, and courage continue to endure.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from OSV News
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