Pakistan is mountainous to the north, desert in the south-west and fertile and prosperous in the central and southern regions. Another contrasting feature is that Pakistan is a nuclear power, while having a literacy rate in the bottom ten of the world table. Fundamentalist Islamic influences are putting pressure on all and increasingly there are signs of internal instability, both in political and economic terms. Religious freedom is being curtailed.
Present Work
More than 40 brethren workers are active in Pakistan with the largest proportion now coming from Germany.
For the current work being undertaken, look at the list of needs below. This is a reflection of what is going on and where there is need of assistance and development.
Needs
Church: Bible teaching, leadership training, Sunday school work, teacher training, boys’/girls’ hostel, Theological Education by Extension, Bible and correspondence schools, prison visitation. A degree in Theology so as to be recognised by higher institutions would be very useful. Locations: Rawalpindi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan.
Medical: Midwives, nurses, doctors (especially women with Obstetrics and Gynaecology experience), specialists (eg. Eye). Medical qualifications with specialities and experience in common Third World needs. Locations: Kunhar Christian Clinic, Kaghan; Bach Christian Hospital, Qulandarabad; Women’s Christian Hospital, Multan; Aman Clinic, Khapalu.
Teaching: Murree Christian School (for missionaries’ children), house-parents and teachers; Edwards College, Peshawar; ESL, Islamabad (school for teaching Afghans English). Teaching degree needed, and for ESL, TEFL/TESOL.
Other needs: Social workers: Drug rehabilitation, AIDS. Community development: Adult literacy, health and hygiene. Location: Multan
Agricultural development in Kohistan.
Statistics
Population 148,166,000
Principal cities Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad
Language Urdu, total 68
% Evangelical 0.29%
Assemblies 80