South Asia faces a complex web of challenges hindering progress. Beyond its vast population, it grapples with deep-rooted challenges. Poverty remains entrenched, with 40% living in extreme poverty. Illiteracy rates in are highest, limiting opportunities. Inadequate healthcare access and infectious diseases further strain the region. Political instability adds layers of complexity. Religious and social divisions leads to unrest, while gender inequality restricts women's potential. In South Asia, Christians face challenges due to their religious minority status, which can lead to social isolation, discrimination, and even persecution. Additionally, the rise of nationalism and religious majoritarianism in some countries further restricts their ability to practice their faith freely. South Asian children grapple with a different set of difficulties, including widespread poverty that fuels child labor, malnutrition, and limited access to education and healthcare.
Pakistan
Pakistan's population is around 235 million, Christians are as minority with 1.8 million living in Pakistan. The lives of Christians in Pakistan are fraught with difficulty. Being a religious minority exposes them to social exclusion and discrimination, making it harder to find employment, housing, and opportunities. Christian Persectuion leads to violence, imprisonment, or even death. Limited resources restrict Christian communities from building churches, training clergy, and providing social services, hindering their ability to practice their faith and support each other. Furthermore, violence and persecution, including attacks on churches and forced conversions, threaten their safety and religious freedom. Limited upward mobility due to restricted access to education and societal constraints traps many Christians in low-skilled jobs, perpetuating a cycle of poverty within their communities. The rise of religious extremism only worsens the situation, further marginalizing Christians and making them more vulnerable. These challenges create a significant barrier for Christians to freely practice their faith and live securely in Pakistan.
Afghanistan's population is around 41 million, Christians are as tiny number of 15,000 and 20,000 living in Afghanistan. Afghan Christians face a brutal reality. The constant threat of violence and death hangs over them, due to country's current radical government which considers them as apostates deserving punishment. The threat of execution for converting to christianity forces them to practice their faith in secret hiding it from everyone around them, unable to connect with each other and build a supportive community due to the need for absolute secrecy Openly proclaming about christianity is forbidden strictly. Since the Taliban takeover in 2021, many Christians have fled, while those who stay face an agonizing choice: live a life of secrecy risking persecution or abandon their homes and families. The already difficult economic situation in Afghanistan is further strained for Christians, who can lose jobs or opportunities due to their faith.
Iran's population is around 88 million, Christians are as small minority of 300,000 to 370,000 living in Iran. Iranian Christians face a harsh reality. The government restricts their worship, making building churches difficult and discouraging services in Farsi, the common language. Converting to Christianity is particularly dangerous, with accusations of threatening national security leading to arrests, imprisonment, or worse. Discrimination in education and employment adds another layer of hardship.Even established Christian churches with recognized ethnicities have limited freedom. They face pressure to avoid Farsi worship and proclaming about Jesus Christ. These challenges stem from Iran's status as an radical religion ideology and suspicion of Christians with foreign ties. Ultimately, these restrictions make it extremely difficult for Christians to practice their faith freely in Iran.
Bangladesh's population is around 171.2 million, Christians are as small minority of 500,000 living in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's Christian minority, though small, faces a multitude of hurdles. Persecution from radical groups and societal suspicion can lead to threats, harassment, and even violence. Converting to Christianity can be seen as a betrayal of one's roots, leading to isolation and hindering employment or marriage prospects. Limited resources due to their small numbers make it difficult for Christians to access churches, clergy, and religious materials. False accusations of forced conversion can even land them in legal trouble. However, despite these challenges, the Christian community in Bangladesh also finds appreciation for its contributions in education and social services.