For more information see the Pakistan profile.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a country in South Asia stretching from the Himalayas to the Arabian Sea. The economy is under siege with a combination of uncontrolled population growth, lack of water and land, high government spending on the military, the effects of war in Afghanistan, and a spectacular level of corruption.

Pakistan became independent from Great Britain in 1947, but has had little stability since. There have been three wars with India and a succession of poor governments.

Pakistan promotes Islamization in its legal system, taxation, and public life, providing opportunities for persecution of religious minorities. Few countries present a greater challenge for missions.