Pakistan (MNN) — Gospel workers in Pakistan report heightened security after the capital endured its deadliest suicide bombing since 2008.

“It’s pretty rough at the moment; military movement is pretty serious,” says FMI’s Nehemiah, adding that “challenging” developments require him to change ministry plans frequently as new obstacles arise.

Islamabad (Photo courtesy Pixabay)

An attacker targeted a busy court building in Islamabad yesterday, killing 12 and wounding dozens. A breakaway faction of the Pakistani Taliban initially claimed responsibility for the Islamabad bombing, though later denied it.

Terror linked to Taliban rule

The explosion came less than a day after militants attacked a military college in northwestern Pakistan. Nehemiah says Taliban rule in neighboring Afghanistan provides the perfect cover for attacks like these.

“The government or administration of the Taliban in Afghanistan has very little experience managing peace or building infrastructure. As a result, their rule has created an environment where extremist groups can regroup,” Nehemiah explains.

“This includes the Pakistani Taliban [or TTP], who frequently cross the border to carry out attacks inside Pakistan and then retreat into Afghanistan for refuge.”

Because militants receive shelter and resources in Afghanistan, Nehemiah says, “Pakistan continues to suffer from terrorist attacks targeting security forces, civilians, churches, Christians, or even the Shia (Muslim) minority.”

Moreover, “sustainable peace will require more than negotiation or ceasefire agreements,” he adds. “It demands a transformation of mindset and structure. The Taliban must go beyond their military identity and learn the principles of peace, building, governance, and coexistence.”

Crackdown slows ministry but not the Gospel

Volatility makes ministry work challenging as extra security measures hinder movement. Despite restrictions, Christians continue to bring the hope of Jesus to those in need. Pray for stability in Pakistan so Gospel work can flourish.

(Photo Courtesy FMI Pakistan)

“Pray for transformation in the hearts of extremists and political leaders, that the Prince of Peace will reign in the hearts of men,” Nehemiah requests.

“We believe that Jesus is the only hope for [the Taliban].”

In partnership with Keys for Kids, FMI continues work on audio recordings of Scripture and daily devotional content on MP3 devices in the Dari language. Pray for the resilience of FMI partners and the vocalists involved in the Dari recording project.

“We were about to start distribution in Afghanistan,” Nehemiah says, but rising tensions between the Pakistani government and the Taliban in Afghanistan have made cross-border travel nearly impossible. More about that here.

“Right now, we have the devices in Pakistan, but we are not able to ship [them] into Afghanistan. We have partners who always carry these devices with them into Afghanistan [but] they’re not able to do it.”

Learn how you can support FMI’s work in Pakistan here.

Header image depicts a busy street in Pakistan. Photo courtesy of FMI.