Even in times of greatest need, members of the Christian minority in Pakistan do not receive equal support: Due in particular to persistent rains during the monsoon season, the Pakistani province of Punjab has been hit by the most severe flooding in its history. Floodwaters have also inundated the area bordering India from overflowing Indian rivers and dams. By the time of this writing, well over 1,000 villages had been flooded. Since the end of August, we have received several calls for help on behalf of the Christian population in predominantly Muslim settlements.

“In these difficult times, we observe how members of the minority are waiting for help, but no one is coming to them,” wrote Pakistani lawyer Aneeqa Anthony, coordinator of our partner organization “The Voice Society,” to the ISHR. While the government is distributing essential supplies on a large scale in the affected areas, members of religious minorities are often sidelined during the distribution process and do not dare to resist. They feel threatened by radical Islamic groups. In fact, in recent years, Islamists have repeatedly used what initially began as minor disputes between neighbors to incite mob violence against entire Christian settlements.

“I would like to draw your attention to the discrimination Christians face. Many supporters, whether government or private organizations, are not providing support to our Christian community, which has also been affected by the recent floods,” reports the leader of a local Christian organization. “It is important to emphasize that on numerous occasions, the aid provided by the government does not reach the Christian population,” writes a Catholic priest. And the pastor of a Presbyterian congregation laments: “Government agencies and other institutions have made efforts, but adequate support has not reached our community.”

Therefore, support is needed now that temporarily prioritizes the traditionally disadvantaged. Only in this way can equal opportunities be achieved. Aneeqa Anthony asks us for this solidarity with the most vulnerable in her email of September 1: “This disaster has swept away people’s entire lives, not just their homes and livelihoods. It is with heavy hearts that we witness devastating floods ravaging Punjab,” she writes. Countless families still lack the most basic necessities; they have lost roofs and even loved ones in the disaster. “In these moments of crisis, our organization is called to urgent action, and we are happy to take the initiative to at least help those in need survive these difficult times. To do this, we need your support,” the message continues.

Thanks to its established network and deep community trust, The Voice Society is able to reach families most at risk, those often overlooked in broader relief efforts. Volunteers are delivering clean drinking water, food, medicine, hygiene kits, and clothing to flood-affected communities, prioritizing those historically marginalized.

ISHR stands in solidarity with The Voice Society and its commitment to equitable humanitarian response. Strategic support, from emergency relief to long-term recovery, demands resources, coordination, and courage.