Pakistan (MNN) — Hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran have increased the pressure on Pakistan’s most vulnerable Christians.
Violent protests broke out on Sunday in Pakistani cities after the Saturday assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei by the United States and Israel.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a US-Israeli strike on February 28, 2026 (Wikimedia Commons, CC by 4.0)
Nehemiah with FMI explains that after Iran, Pakistan has the world’s highest population of Shia Muslims.
“There is sadness, there is anger, and there is pain in the Shia population in Pakistan, because Khamenei was their Islamic spiritual leader,” he says.
Thousands of demonstrators rallied across Pakistan on Sunday, with many attempting to attack US consulates or United Nations buildings. At least 22 people were killed, and more than 120 were injured in clashes with police. The unrest led the US to order the evacuation of non-emergency personnel from its consulates in Lahore and Karachi on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, local Christians walk on the edge of a sword, says Nehemiah, and Muslim-background believers are the most vulnerable.
“There is a common understanding among Pakistani Muslims — Shias — that we need to understand: They think that every American is Christian, and they think that Pakistani Christians who are living in Pakistan have a soft corner for America and have divided loyalties,” Nehemiah explains.
“Local believers and ministry partners are navigating heightened tensions with public anger fueling large gatherings and anti-foreign sentiment.”
Fear is a natural response to such pressures, but the call to share Christ always remains. Please stand with FMI partners and all gospel workers in Pakistan by praying for their protection, for discernment in crisis, and for a sense of God’s peace. Ask God to open people’s hearts to Christ despite the anger in the nation today. An ongoing conflict with neighboring Afghanistan is also adding to the chaos.
“If you would like to support our partners who are working in such a hostile situation, please step forward. Pray for them, support them. They would know that they have extended family who are living across the world,” says Nehemiah.
Learn how you can support one of FMI’s frontline partners by visiting forgottenmissionaries.org.
A pastor in Pakistan (Photo courtesy of FMI)
Header photo of Pakistan church group courtesy of FMI.
