Release calls for day of prayer for Pakistan

Release International is calling a day of prayer for Pakistan, for victims of the flood disaster, which the UN has called the worst humanitarian crisis in its history.

Partners of Release are working to bring vital relief and supplies to those suffering the worst flooding in living memory and Release International, which serves persecuted Christians, is also calling for prayer for fairer laws and justice in the nation.

"At this time we need to pray for victims of the flood, especially that aid will reach the most vulnerable and that there will be no discrimination in the distribution of aid," he said.

"Beyond that, our hope is that from this tragedy will emerge a new beginning for Pakistan, that the nation will seize the opportunity to create a better future for its children - and that means fairer laws."

Release has launched a campaign for justice for Pakistan's Christian minority, called 'Let Justice Flow'. As part of this it has launched a petition calling on the government to protect the human rights of all its citizens.

One source of injustice is the inferior status under the law of women and non-Muslims in Pakistan society.

Another injustice is the blasphemy laws - which are often cynically invoked to eliminate rivals. Christians are often targeted. Many voices have been raised in Pakistan and around the world calling for them to be repealed.

"The blasphemy law fosters injustice and vigilantism," said Dipper. 'It must be repealed. So pray for Pakistan, please, on October 3, for the victims of the floods, and for a fairer society."

Release has launched a petition calling for justice and fairness in Pakistan. It can be can be signed online or downloaded from www.releaseinternational.org