On Newsmax Saturday, prominent Muslim activist Anila Ali made a passionate appeal for Americans and the global community to stand against the increasing persecution of Christians in Pakistan by violent extremists. Speaking on “America Right Now” and featured in the new documentary “Faith Under Fire,” Ali highlighted the severe consequences of Islamist extremism, citing incidents such as church burnings, mob assaults, and the destruction of homes.
“My Christian brothers and sisters, the world has failed you,” Ali declared, expressing deep regret for not being able to protect the vulnerable Christian community during her visit to Pakistan. “I went to Pakistan to face my Christian brothers and sisters and say, ‘I’m sorry I failed you. The world has failed you.'”
Ali, who chairs Women for International Religious Freedom Pakistan and leads the American Muslim and Multi-faith Women’s Empowerment Council, detailed how extremist violence in Pakistan has intensified over recent years. She recalled harrowing events where mob attacks razed homes and churches to cinders, leaving Christian families with nowhere to turn. “I saw Christians really happy that they had a voice, that they had a platform. But with the growing Islamism in Pakistan … violent Islamist mobs came into their homes. Some of them might be their neighbors. They burnt 40 churches with such vile hatred that I had not witnessed before,” she said.
The documentary “Faith Under Fire” brings these disturbing realities to light, emphasizing the urgent need for global intervention. Ali warned that her outspoken criticism has not come without personal risk. “You can imagine that I have fatwas from the Iranian regime to Hamas to Hezbollah because I called them out,” she stated. Despite the backlash—including being labeled as an agent of America or Israel—Ali remains steadfast in her mission.
Highlighting her longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue and religious freedom, Ali noted that she has worked with various interfaith leaders since 2014 to promote unity and peace in Pakistan. As chair of the Religious Freedom Roundtable for Pakistan, she stressed the critical role of Christians in the country, describing them as “the educators of the Pakistanis” and among the most patriotic citizens.
Ali urged U.S. churches and the broader international community to take concrete steps. “All we’re asking is, look at the blasphemy law. It was created to protect the minorities, and now it’s persecuting them,” she argued, calling for a reassessment of laws that, in her view, now fuel extremism rather than safeguard freedoms. She also pointed out that while some perpetrators have been briefly arrested, most are released without facing justice.
“The whole point of Pakistan’s birth was so minorities could actually enjoy religious freedom,” Ali added. “We as Americans can get together and pressure the Pakistani government to hold these perpetrators responsible and protect the minorities.”
As violent extremism continues to threaten Pakistan’s Christian community, Anila Ali’s impassioned call for action stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global solidarity in the fight for religious freedom and human rights.
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