04/15/2021 Pakistan (International Christian Concern) – According to the Union of Catholic Asian News (UCAN), Christians in Pakistan are using social media to promote messages of peace and tolerance during the month of Ramadan. Many pastors have updated their WhatsApp status to show greetings for Ramadan and have made similar posts to other social media sites.

“Wishing you all a safe and healthy Ramadan,” Amir Robin, National Coordinator at Caritas Pakistan, told UCAN.

Many Christians have taken to social media with calls for peace in the wake of violent protests. The protests, sparked by the arrest of Saad Rizvi, head of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan, have left several protestors and police dead.

Christian leaders have also initiated interfaith programs for Ramadan with the intent of promoting tolerance between Pakistan’s Christian and Muslim communities. Interfaith seminars at churches, interfaith Iftar meals, and other programs are at the heart of this effort.

Pakistan remains among the world’s worst persecutors of Christians. According to Open Doors USA, Pakistan is ranked the fifth most dangerous country for Christians in the world. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has also designated Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern due to documented religious freedom violations experienced by religious minorities.

For interviews, please contact Alison Garcia: press@persecution.org.