Police in Pakistan have arrested two brothers accused of killing their Christian neighbour.
In June, Nadeem Joseph and his family were attacked by Muslim neighbours after moving into the TV Colony of Peshawar, the capital of the Khybar Pakhtunkhawa province.
Nadeem and his mother-in-law were shot by Salman Khan and his brother, Suleman. Khan reportedly attacked the family because they purchased a house in the area.
In a video message recorded from his hospital bed, Nadeem said, “A month ago, I purchased a house in TV Colony. I still have to make the final payments to the seller, but Salman Khan, a Muslim in the neighbourhood, started harassing my family.”
Nadeem claimed Khan asked his family to leave the neighbourhood as it was “meant for Muslim residents only.” Khan went on to ask, “How dare a Christian family live amid Muslims?”
On 30 June, Nadeem died in hospital as a result of the gunshot wounds he sustained.
Religious intolerance in Pakistan is widespread. Christians often face discrimination as a part of their daily lives. This discrimination often dictates the jobs Christians hold, the education they receive, and even the neighbourhoods in which they live.
Source: International Christian Concern, UCA News
- Thank the Lord for the development in the case and pray for the family as they endure this time of trial.
- Pray this case may be used by God as an example of religious intolerance. May it help secure change in the attitudes of many.
- Pray the death of Nadeem will not be in vain but will somehow be used by God for good. Ask God to draw the church in Pakistan into a stronger and deeper relationship with him
there r those who r obsessed with doing good works 4 their God. i challenge all Muslims who think they have been endowed by their creator
with d right 2 kill on bhalf of their God Allah. If your God Allah wants 2 take
d lives of His enemies, He can do it Himself. He does not need u, 2 execute
His judgment 4 Him. God gave us life, so it’s not a sin 4 Him to take back what He has given as it is His right 2 give n 2 take back. Also concerning your Prophet, let God defend him. don’t get upset when people ignore or
criticise your prophet. …..with utmost respect, n love T&L.
Almighty God, ruler of the nations, we pray for the peoples and leaders of Pakistan. We praise you as the one who installs governments and rulers and the one who brings them down. Lift the veil of darkness that overshadows the hardened hearts of the Pakistani people. Pour out your Holy Spirit upon the land that all people regardless of age or sect or gender or class might be saved by grace. Blessed Lord and Saviour Jesus, come to the aid of your church in Pakistan. Rescue them from this constant persecution and give to them grace and patience as they witness to you. Help them to persevere and keep going ‘in Christ’.