The Church Takes Action Amid the Tentative India-Pakistan Ceasefire
19 May 2025 |
A fragile ceasefire has paused the drone war between Pakistan and India. However, the threat for Adventist congregations is still simmering. What began as allegations and accusations has led to devastating attacks through air strikes, causing the deaths of 36 people and injuring 57 more in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Adventist congregations are also caught in the crossfire. Missionaries, churches, Union offices, and Pakistan Adventist Seminary and College (PASC) reside within the Punjab region. The latter is not only a school for higher education but also houses elementary, high school, business, and seminary courses through its Community Learning Center (CLC).
Seeing the rising dangers, the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) and the Pakistan Union Section (PKU) implemented emergency response protocols. After meeting to assess safety measures, evacuation routes, and security risks, the PKU established responses to the instability. International flights are limited, though some air travel is still available through Multan and Quetta. This makes evacuation incredibly difficult and risky. Fortunately, officials have identified evacuation routes through the UAE, Dubai, and Bangkok, working with the Korean Embassy and local airbases to maintain potential exit routes. NSD and PKU administrators are also keeping close contact with airport authorities to facilitate a swift and safe evacuation if and when needed.
In an NSD article detailing the situation, it was noted that
Each campus is forming a wartime emergency response team composed of four to five members, modeled after COVID-19 task forces. Staff are establishing a 24-hour emergency communication system to ensure reliable contact in case of urgent developments. Institutions have also taken steps to reduce nighttime visibility, strengthen on-campus security, and verify evacuation routes. Leaders are reviewing the potential use of underground shelters or concealed spaces in wooded areas as temporary refuges if conditions worsen.
In the meantime, constant maintenance and preparation are being done. The Union has stockpiled 15-30 days’ worth of essentials such as hygiene products, food, drinking water, and medical supplies. Water filtration systems, manual water pumps, and backup generators are being checked regularly by teams to ensure they are ready for use. Missionaries serving in high-risk zones such as Sialkot, Marine K, Bahawalpur, and Rahim Yar Khan, as well as the PKU and PASC campuses, are being monitored for special protection. Salary disbursement for pastors is being discussed, along with requests for emergency financial support from NSD.
The ceasefire is tentative at best. Though the recent development brings hope that the procedures will prove redundant, the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) and the Pakistan Union Section (PKU) are not taking any chances when it comes to the safety of their congregations. Partnering prayer and preparation, the division and Union hope to mitigate the damage of existing and potential fallout.
