It wasn’t until 1947 that Pakistan gained independence from British India, making the nation younger than FEBC itself. Now home to nearly 260 million people, the country was founded as a homeland for South Asian Muslims. With approximately 97% of the population identifying as Muslim, religious identity is deeply tied to national identity in Pakistan.
As an Islamic Republic, Pakistan’s constitution declares that laws must conform to Islamic principles. The most significant turning point was under General Zia ul-Haq (1977-1988), who introduced sweeping Islamization policies, embedding Islamic identity more formally into public and political life. This includes strengthening the nation’s blasphemy laws, which disproportionately affect minorities, including Christians.
Trials of the Pakistani Church
Christians make up nearly 2% of the nation’s population, making these ~4 million people the largest non-Muslim minority in Pakistan. Under Pakistan’s blasphemy laws, accusations, even false ones, can result in mob violence, imprisonment, or even death for our Christian brothers and sisters. Despite the persecution, there’s a bold community of Believers sharing the hope of Jesus across Pakistan.
It was into this climate that FEBC Pakistan first went on air in 1988, just as the era of General Zia ul-Haq was coming to an end. For the past 38 years, local Believers in Pakistan have shared the Gospel with their neighbors. One young man recently shared how hearing the broadcast changed his life, saying, “Because of FEBC’s broadcasts, I came to the Lord and am enjoying my new faith with my family despite the challenges.”
The challenges for Christians in Pakistan are plenty, considering they have limited political representation and face systemic discrimination across education and employment. For instance, it’s common for Christians to only have access to lower-status jobs, such as sanitation and domestic work. A history of socioeconomic marginalization puts Christians at a disadvantage in the Muslim nation. It also puts them under threat, with evangelism and conversion carrying serious legal and social risks in a country where faith and national identity are deeply intertwined. Yet FEBC Pakistan perseveres.
FEBC continues to carry the Gospel into some of the hardest corners of Pakistani life. The executive director of FEBC Pakistan, Saleem S., says, “Our broadcasts are carrying the love of Christ for lost and weary people, touching lives every day and transforming them through the love of Christ.”
One listener recently shared how FEBC broadcasts bring hope to the heaviness of their life, saying, “Under the weight of constant pressure and demands, I found myself exhausted, until FEBC began to bring clarity into my daily life. I am gaining a clear and practical understanding of God’s Word, shaping my growth in patience, kindness, and understanding, and bringing visible change in my relationships with family and friends.”
It’s common for churches to still operate across Pakistan, but congregations often face social pressure and occasional violent attacks. The risks associated with gathering make broadcasts and digital solutions vital in a country like Pakistan, which is why FEBC launched online broadcasts in 2015.
“FEBC has become a meaningful part of my routine,” one listener shared. “In a recent broadcast, the speaker explained God’s creation in the light of the Bible with lasting clarity and reshaped my understanding of familiar things, revealing a new purpose that I had not considered before.”
From the Radio to Relationships
FEBC Pakistan goes beyond the radio by creating in-person moments for those curious about the Christian faith. One example is an initiative called Café Talk. This small network brings together seekers and those new to the Christian faith to discuss common questions and topics around Christianity. The most recent sessions have covered The Ten Commandments, focusing on their relevance in the lives of new Believers.
The team has also stepped into the growing mental health crisis among Pakistani youth. Nearly 50% of young Pakistanis experience depression and emotional stress, and FEBC recently responded by hosting an in-person seminar for young people struggling with these burdens. A local pastor and clinical psychologist came together to address emotional well-being, stress management, and healthy coping practices, all through a Biblical lens.
Pakistan is a nation where proclaiming the name of Jesus comes at a cost. But through broadcasts, digital outreach, and community gatherings, FEBC Pakistan is proving that the Gospel cannot be silenced.
Because of your partnership and support, FEBC is able to continue sharing the Gospel with people who are desperate for hope – Thank you!
