Christian Music in Pakistan

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.
Rahber By Hallelujah The Band Pakistan. from Hallelujah The Band Pakistan on Vimeo.
Tags : Pakistan Christian band
Hot Trends
-
American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Inks $13.5M Netflix Deal Following Chart-Topping Gospel Hit
-
Chrissy Metz to Star in Upcoming Film "Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story"
-
Remedy Drive Drops “I Don’t Belong to You;” First Single from Justice Initiative Daylight United
-
Gas Street Music Unleashes Live Worship Album "Adonai"
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
Amanda Nolan Releases New Single “I See You” — A Song of Comfort and Hope
-
Elevation Rhythm Announces Headline Goodbye Yesterday 2025 Tour
-
Minno Launches First-Ever American Sign Language Bible Series for Kids
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
Bishop Thomas Tyrone Tribbett, Father of Gospel Artist Tye Tribbett, Passes Away
-
William Murphy Releases New Live Album, "Payback"
-
“Near” By Mainstream Worship & Melanie Rivera Now Available
-
Church Musician Michael Kimon Rigsby Passes Away at 26
-
K-LOVE Removes Music by Newsboys and DC Talk Following Allegations Against Michael Tait
Most Popular
-
American Idol Winner Jamal Roberts Inks $13.5M Netflix Deal Following Chart-Topping Gospel Hit
-
Chrissy Metz to Star in Upcoming Film "Faith in the Flames: The Nichole Jolly Story"
-
Remedy Drive Drops “I Don’t Belong to You;” First Single from Justice Initiative Daylight United
-
Gas Street Music Unleashes Live Worship Album "Adonai"
-
7 Things to Know About Brothers of the Heart's "Listen to the Music"
-
Amanda Nolan Releases New Single “I See You” — A Song of Comfort and Hope
-
Elevation Rhythm Announces Headline Goodbye Yesterday 2025 Tour
-
Minno Launches First-Ever American Sign Language Bible Series for Kids
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Martin Smith's "Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)"
-
Michael Tait Accused of Watching Woman Raped During Newsboys Tour
-
Bishop Thomas Tyrone Tribbett, Father of Gospel Artist Tye Tribbett, Passes Away
-
William Murphy Releases New Live Album, "Payback"
-
“Near” By Mainstream Worship & Melanie Rivera Now Available
-
Church Musician Michael Kimon Rigsby Passes Away at 26
-
K-LOVE Removes Music by Newsboys and DC Talk Following Allegations Against Michael Tait