Pastors arrested after house church ban

Pastors arrested after house church ban

BAHAWALPUR, Pakistan — Church leaders in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, are urging Pakistan’s prime minister and other officials to uphold the country’s constitution after city officials imposed restrictions on Christian worship in their city.

According to the British Pakistani Christian Association, authorities ordered the closure of house churches in Bahawalpur after Muslims complained they were disturbed by Christian prayers.

Eight pastors, including one affiliated with United Presbyterian Church Pakistan and two Pentecostal pastors, have been arrested since the order was issued. The pastors were released on bail pending a later court date, sources said.

Pakistan ranks as the fourth worst nation in the world when it comes to the persecution of Christians, according to Open Doors USA’s 2017 World Watch List. (TAB)