ISLAMIC REPUBLIC
OF PAKISTAN

A Brief History

The land that makes up Pakistan has been fought over, conquered, colonized and pillaged since Abraham set out for Canaan.

After more than 100 years of rule by the British Crown, Pakistan became an independant Islamic Republic in 1947.

Today the country is home to 162 million souls, more than half considered illiterate, and they are having a difficult time with democracy. The political history of Pakistan has been characterized by periods of military rule and continuing territorial disputes with India, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

Religion

In 1500 B.C. Indo-Europeans introduced Hinduism to the region. Buddhism emerged in 334 when Alexander the Great overthrew the reigning empire and founded Greek settlements in Gandhara and Punjab. In 712 A.D. the Arabs landed somewhere near modern Karachi, and Islam became rooted in the culture and traditions of the people.

Official records show the following: Muslim 97% (Sunni 77%, Shi'a 20%), other (includes Christian and Hindu) 3% (2000 census from www.cia.gov)

This village church was attacked on Easter Sunday 2005 when gunmen opened fire on the congregation. One man was killed & seven others wounded.

Our team visits a sewing school, which helps poor women learn a trade.

In Pakistan, school fees are high & many cannot pay. The Little Angels School gives over 200 poor children free Christian education

Men hungry to receive from God listen intently as
Dr. Al Purvis preaches at a leaders conference.