RAM Foundation

In Punjab, a Hindu temple has been converted into a mosque, while another is now used as a cow farm. While it is unclear when the conversions happened, some argue it is emblematic of a lack of care of religious minorities' place of worship.

Hindu Temples in Pakistan Converted into Mosques and Cattle Farms The fates of two old shrines in Ahmed Pur Lamma, Punjab, confirms the disrespect towards religious minorities’ places of worship.

A new report from USCIRF documents worsening persecution of religious minorities under Pakistan's blasphemy laws. A pending amendment to the laws would only strengthen them.

https://bitterwinter.org/uscirf-blasphemy-laws-in-pakistan-from-bad-to-worse/

All of us at RAM would like to thank our dedicated and committed supporters and partners.

We are overwhelmed by your contributions to our work and your ongoing interest over the past few months.

In 2024, we are excited for a variety of new projects through which we hope to support even more religious minorities and their families by ending cycles of poverty and discrimination.

As we continue to share updates and stories, we wish they will encourage you as signs of our gratitude.

May the new year bring peace and hope to you and your families.

To send a tax-deductible donation, please click here:

https://mailchi.mp/66f0534832e6/weeklynewsupdate-6271857

Christians in Pakistan are still feeling the effects of the riots and destruction in Jaranwala, just one of the 25+ major incidents that occurred this year. 2023 has seen blasphemy laws enforced more than usual and a lack of effective action by police and law enforcement when complaints and reports are filed. Christian leaders are hoping the 2024 elections bring about a change in how the government sees all its minority citizens.

Pakistan Christians wind up year of mayhem, bloodshed - UCA News Christian groups have listed some 25 incidents that targetted their community this year

As the year winds down, the deadline for tax-deductible giving is quickly approaching!

Thanks to you, our generous donors and partners, we have accomplished many amazing things this year. In so many seen and unseen ways, RAM has helped thousands halt cycles of poverty and discrimination in their families.

Would you consider supporting this crucial work with your year-end gift? To send a tax-deductible donation, please click here:

Send a tax-deductible gift to religious minorities today!

A pastor and his family in Sheikhupura were attacked in a yogurt and milk shop that their family has run for the past 8 years. The perpetrators told them "You are meant to clean and sweep in our homes," saying that they would not let them continue to run their store in a Muslim neighborhood.

Pastor’s Family Subjected to Brutal Attack and Religious Persecution in Sheikhupura, Punjab Pastor’s Family Subjected to Brutal Attack and Religious Persecution in Sheikhupura, Punjab

For many Pakistani Christians, Christmas is looking bleak this year. Between already low salaries not adjusting to inflation and layoffs, many families are having to seek loans so that they can have some sort of celebration, or deciding to forgo any celebrations at all.

Additionally, fear of another attack like the ones in Jaranwala earlier this year is leading many families to celebrate quietly so as not to draw the attention of their neighbors.

Economic, physical threats dampen Christmas mood in Pakistan - UCA News If low income is troubling some, others are also fearing for their safety

Happy holidays from us to you! As you celebrate the festivities of this season with your loved ones, consider also spreading joy to religious minorities in Pakistan. We are so grateful for your ongoing support over the past year. We could not continue without our generous donors and partners.

Happy Holidays from RAM!

Months after a riot in Jaranwala saw Christian homes and churches burned, the Pakistan Bishops' Conference has claimed that the government downplayed the events of the riot and even gone so far as to imply that blame should be laid on the Christian community.

They have urged the government to reevaluate the blasphemy laws that are frequently weaponized against Christians, take measures to limit the spread of hate speech, and asked for financial compensation for the victims.

Pakistan Church slams govt's Jaranwala attack response - UCA News Bishops' human rights arm says state deliberately closed its eyes to the violent activities of some groups

Two ancient Hindu temples in Punjab underwent transformations in the past year, with one being repurposed as a mosque and the other as a cattle farm. This has sparked conversations about the seeming lack of regard for the historical significance of buildings and places of worship belonging to religious minorities in Pakistan.

Hindu Temples in Pakistan Converted into Mosques and Cattle Farms The fates of two old shrines in Ahmed Pur Lamma, Punjab, confirms the disrespect towards religious minorities’ places of worship.

FARZANA’S STORY | Farzana* first came to our medical clinic when her child was suffering from a high-grade fever. Our staff immediately checked him and gave him the required medication.

The next day she returned again as Farzana came again with her child who was still suffering from the fever. After our doctor prescribed a blood test, he found he had dengue fever.

Dengue fever is very common during the monsoon season as there are a lot of mosquitos in these months. Most villagers sleep outside in the open air due to the humidity and extreme heat, up to 122 degrees. As a result, a lot of patients come with insect bites along with malaria and dengue.

Our doctor gave Farzana the required medication, and within a week the child was feeling much better.

Farzana was very thankful to RAM and World Compassion Fellowship for providing her family the best medical care possible.

This is just one patient story out of the thousands that we have served.

By offering local, high-quality, low-cost medical care, people are able to access the care they need quickly. As a result, both lives and livelihoods are saved.

Would you consider partnering with us in this work? To continue reading, please visit: [

*Name changed for security purposes.

Farzana's Story | Treating dengue fever

Haroon Shahzad, a Christian from Lahore, was released on bail after he was falsely charged with blasphemy. However, he and his family have had to go into hiding after his original accuser shared his photo on social media, naming him a blasphemer in an attempt to turn the community against him.

Blasphemy Charge Devastates Christian Family in Pakistan - Morningstar News A court in Pakistan this month granted bail to a Christian falsely charged with blasphemy, but he and his family have separated and gone into hiding amid threats to their lives, sources said.

Pakistani police are cracking down on thousands of foreigners, the majority of whom are Afghani refugees, particularly Hazaras, an ethnic minority who are predominantly Shia Muslims. Fearing the prospect of returning to a country under Taliban (and therefore Suni) control, many Hazara families are opting to defy the mandate and remain in Pakistan. One woman told the BBC, "It is not a place for Hazaras, it is better to be here and pray for our luck."

Afghan Hazara refugees live in fear of being deported by Pakistan The Hazara ethnic minority fear returning to life under the Taliban - many are hiding in Pakistan.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to help prepare the boundary wall for the Cosmovision Center which had partially collapsed due to monsoon flooding.

This was not the first time that we've had to repair it only for it to collapse again. To permanently fix it, we will need to demolish an entire section before restoring it.

The security of our center is of utmost importance to our staff and those we serve, so rebuilding the wall is an urgent need.

It is estimated to cost $2,500 for the full and permanent repair of the boundary wall.

Would you consider helping us fund this project? To learn more and send support, please click here: https://buff.ly/4a7CRE9

An 18-year-old girl in Kohistan was shot by her father and uncle in an alleged honor killing after a video of her with a man surfaced on social media. Upon investigation, the police said that the photos appeared photoshopped and were posted on fake social media accounts. This is the second case of doctored photos that they know of, and the other victims of these doctored photos have been placed under protective custody.

Pakistan: Woman killed after being seen with man in viral photo Tribal elders allegedly ordered the killing after the woman appeared in a photo that was doctored.

While Christians in Pakistan constitute less than 2% of Pakistan's population, they often find themselves with no choice but to take up high-risk but low-paying jobs. In addition to working in brick kilns, many work in sanitation. The prevalence of Christians in sanitation has led to the community being colloquially referred to as the "Christian sweeper community." Frequently lacking the necessary tools, they find themselves compelled to manually handle waste and sewage, which often consists of human excrement.

Pakistan’s Long History of Discrimination Against Christians - International Christian Concern 11/25/2023 Pakistan — Christians living in Pakistan have, for decades, faced daily discrimination and persecution.

SAJID’S STORY | Sajid* recently attended one of our mobile clinics at a brick kiln. His hands and feet were covered in mud as he came straight from making bricks.

He had a fever, fatigue, and a cough with bleeding, which had already lasted for one month.

Sajid said that he is the only one in his family who works and earns a livelihood. But during the past month, he has not been able to work as much and had to take more loans from the brick kiln owner to survive.

Because of this, his loan keeps increasing, and he does not have any hope to get freedom from this slavery.

Our doctor examined Sajid and gave him the required medication, but some tests were necessary to fully diagnose his disease. The next day we tested his blood and took an X-ray, which revealed that he was suffering from tuberculosis.

While this is not good news, it is positive that he was diagnosed, and now he has started his medication.

Sajid was very thankful to RAM and World Compassion Fellowship for arranging the medical clinic. By bringing medical care to brick kilns, thousands of patients are able to access necessary healthcare services.

Already in debt and located far from any reputable doctors, those at brick kiln factories, where health hazards abound, is nearly impossible.

Would you consider partnering with us in this crucial work? To learn more, please visit

*Name changed for security purposes.

Sajid's Story | No hope of freedom

A Christian farmer in Sindh faced utter devastation as his residence was reduced to ashes when a spark from a fire on a nearby farm ignited his roof. While the landowner apologized, he still threatened the family with harm if they tried to seek compensation through official channels. Unfortunately, this tale is just one among numerous accounts of impoverished families in Sindh, predominantly comprising religious minorities.

Christian Farm Worker in Sindh Loses Everything in Devastating Fire Christian Farm Worker in Sindh Loses Everything in Devastating Fire

It's Giving Tuesday, a day to share generosity with those both near and far!

Every day in Pakistan, entire families sell themselves into brick kiln factories to cover small debts, often for only a hundred U.S. dollars or less.

Sometimes they need money for a medical expense, sometimes for a dowry for a daughter to get married, and sometimes simply to eat.

We work both to help rescue these families and find new job placement for them as well as remove the need for them to sell themselves in the first place.

We offer free or subsidized medical care to those in our community. We provide free wedding dresses for brides to borrow. We tend a garden to help feed those in need.

Would you consider supporting our mission of ending cycles of poverty for religious minorities in Pakistan? To send a tax-deductible donation, please click here:

Giving Tuesday | Share generosity with Pakistani religious minorities!

A student at Lahore University asked Interim Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar what he planned to do about the repeated attacks on religious minorities and their houses of worship, specifically calling out the apparent lack of long-term solutions.

Pakistani Christians deserve better treatment - UCA News Govt. must demonstrate strong commitment to principles of justice, equality, and religious freedom for all citizens

RABIA’S STORY | 17-year-old Rabia* belongs to a very poor family. She is the eldest of five children, and her father is very sick.

She enrolled in the sewing program to try to help her family and is very grateful to RAM for the opportunity.

However, she has weak eyesight that makes it difficult to see the stitches. She does not have enough money to go to an eye doctor and get eyeglasses.

Women enrolled in our free sewing program have the opportunity to learn an in-demand and marketable skill as well as basic good business practices to assist their families and help to end the cycle of generational poverty, such as being unable to work because of a lack of eyeglasses because of a lack of income in the first place.

Would you consider helping us support Rabia’s family through sponsoring an eye exam and eyeglasses?

The total cost is $50 USD. To donate and learn more, please click here:

To donate, learn more, and continue reading this week’s news, please visit this week's newsletter accessible through the link in our bio.
Resources and Aid Mobilization Pakistan is on a mission to end the cycle of injustice and poverty in Pakistan amongst religious minorities. Every day, Christians, Hindus, Ahmadi Muslims, and Sikhs face persecution because of their religion. As a result of systematic discrimination, they are often forced into generational slavery at brick kilns where children cannot go to school, and the cycle continues. We provide medical care, education and vocational training, legal representation, and funds for purchasing freedom to halt this cycle. To learn more, please visit the link in our bio.
*Name changed for security purposes.

Nabila's Story | The Burden of Daughters

Last month, the UK Foreign Office convened a roundtable discussion addressing persecution in Pakistan. Key participants included representatives from the Prime Minister's office, the Church of Pakistan, and the High Commission in Islamabad.

Noteworthy statistics from the discussion revealed that, between 1986 and 2015, 15% of blasphemy accusations targeted Christians, who comprised just 1.6% of Pakistan's population during that period and the Ahmadi community faced 35% of blasphemy accusations despite constituting only 0.5% of the population.

UK Foreign Office Roundtable discussion on persecution in Pakistan UK Foreign Office Roundtable discussion on persecution in Pakistan

A 20-year-old Pakistani Christian, Farhan ul Qamar, was killed after allegedly posting pro-Israel content on social media.

The assailant, Muhammad Zubair, cut the power, then broke into Farhan's house, murdering Farhan, and held his mother at gunpoint. The police apprehended Zubair who continued to express intentions to target other Christians upon his release.

Pakistani Christian devout killed on posting support of Israel on social media Pakistani Christian devout killed on posting support of Israel on social media

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) released a statement earlier this month criticizing Pakistan for the continued persecution of the Ahmadis, as well as their decision to repatriate millions of Afghani refugees, most of who fled Afghanistan after being religiously persecuted.
Photo Credit: Bitter Winter via Wikipedia

USCIRF “Particularly Concerned” About Mistreatment of Hazaras and Ahmadis by Pakistan A November 6 statement castigates the repatriation of Afghan members of religious minorities and the continued persecution of the Ahmadis.

Simra* is a young Christian student in our sewing class. However, she always felt tired and irritated and did not show much interest in sewing. She was often absent from class due to sickness. She frequently took medication prescribed by a quack doctor at the suggestion of her father.

One day RAM staff suggested that she should get a complete check-up from our medical clinic where a qualified doctor would be able to diagnose her illness and treat her accordingly.

It was difficult for her to get her father’s permission because he has always trusted in hakeems, quack doctors who are largely unqualified to treat patients, instead of medical doctors.

Finally, Simra was able to get a complete check-up from our doctor, who suggested a few tests. They revealed that she was suffering from diabetes as well as thyroid disease. Our doctor prescribed her the appropriate medication, and RAM also arranged for her to visit a specialist.

Now she is taking the medication regularly and feeling much better. She is very grateful to RAM and World Compassion Fellowship for opening the medical clinic. Her attendance in the sewing class has also improved.

Stories like this demonstrate the importance of helping those in need in various ways. By having the capacity to assist Simra medically, we also were able to help her improve her sewing abilities.

It's all about ending the cycle of poverty at multiple points. Would you consider supporting RAM's mission today? To learn more, please visit: https://buff.ly/3G1KCha

*Name changed for security purposes.

Twelve clerics in Kohistan have issued a fatwa, stating that any unmarried women working for NGOs who are seen "mingling" with any Pakistani men should marry them and those who are unable to marry should be "expelled from the country".

While the local authorities have said that the fatwa has no legal standing, the clerks have instructed women that they should leave the country or they will start to "facilitate their marriages".
Photo Credit: Bitter Winter via Facebook

Pakistan, Foreign NGO Women Told If They Walk with a Local Man They Should Marry Him Senior clerics in Kohistan stated that if a single foreign woman is caught accompanying a marriageable Pakistani man, she should marry him.

As the forced deportation of migrants has begun, Pakistan has begun to tear down houses they have deemed as "illegal houses of Afghans".

Bulldozers raze Afghans' houses in Pakistan The country has given 1.7 million undocumented foreigners, mostly Afghans, until 1 November to leave, or face deportation.

For over 4.5 million poverty-stricken Pakistanis, 70% of which are children under 16, working at a brick kiln is their only option. While it might technically be a paid job, it's effectively slavery, often leaving workers trapped in debt they can't pay off. Read more about The Untold Stories of Pakistan’s Brick Kiln Workers here: https://buff.ly/3SDSGw9
Photo Credit: Persecution.

NABILA’S STORY | Nabila* is an 18-year-old villager girl who lives in a mud house without any facilities. She has 6 sisters, but her parents have always considered them a burden.
In Pakistan, a woman’s parents are expected to pay her groom’s family a significant dowry. Three of her sisters are already married, and her parents arranged their dowry with great difficulty.
However, her sisters are not happy in their husbands’ houses as the husbands’ families continue to demand more dowry. Nabila told us that her parents are already in great debt.
While Nabila wants to become a teacher, her parents do not have enough resources for her to pursue her dream. Seeing her parents' debt and her married sister's condition, Nabila decided to learn sewing skills as a way to earn income.
She hopes that one day she will earn money not only for herself but for her family, too. She is very grateful to RAM for her enrollment.
Unfortunately, the dowry system in Pakistan leads to daughters being viewed as financial burdens. Parents often sell girls into domestic servitude, prostitution, and forced marriages.
Going into debt to pay a dowry is also a driving force behind families taking out loans from brick kiln factory owners.
However, at our vocational training program, women and girls are offered a safe place to learn an in-demand and marketable skill, basic good business practices, and become educated on their rights as women under the law.
Would you like to support our sewing classes? Just $25 sponsors one month of tuition for a student! You can also sponsor a sewing machine for $90.
Learn more and continue reading this week’s news here:
*Name changed for security purposes.

Nabila's Story | The Burden of Daughters