Christian Music in Pakistan

By Kim Jones Dec 27, 2013 01:28 PM EST

(Photo : Hallelujah The Band)
Hallelujah The Band

Christian music isn't something commonly associated with Pakistan, but it's there and it's gaining a little ground each day. One band that is getting attention is called Hallelujah. The six members are all professional music producers and sound engineers for other musicians, TV commercials and movie soundtracks who come together in their off time to celebrate Jesus through music. Based in the city of Lahore, the band is frequently invited to play in Christian churches in the area. They strive to present Christianity as a large umbrella with room enough for each and every denomination. In an interview with PRI'S The World, keyboard player Anthony Soshil said, "The message [we] want to send is that we are together in one area for a reason and the only reason we are connected is to show the people and the world a unity," says Gill. “There are so many churches and denominations in Pakistan. We don't want to present ourselves as Catholics or Protestants or Pentecostals. We want to show that we are just Christians."

The popularity the band (and the religion) is getting comes at a price. Pakistan isn't the easiest place to be openly Christian. Those who profess Jesus are discriminated against by society and the government on a daily basis. Violence from Muslim extremists is always a hovering possibility. In 2011, a government minister who was openly Christian was assassinated. In March of this year, a mob attacked a Christian neighborhood in Lahore and set fire to over 150 homes. Six months later, a church in the northern city of Peshawar was attacked by suicide bombers in the middle of a worship service. Nearly 80 people were killed.

When one of their songs, "Rahber" ("Guide") got airplay on one of Pakistan small, mainstream music TV channels earlier this year, it was good, but it also increased their risk factor. Hallelujah isn't really known outside of the Christian community in Pakistan so they don't see themselves as being targets because of their music. Sadly, the members know that could change in an instant if they gain too much attention from those outside of the faith. Yet despite the possible danger, they continue to play and spread the love of Jesus.