Urgent prayer needed for Afghan Christians facing forced return
SAT-7 has received an urgent plea from a group of Afghan Christians who are facing the threat of forced return to Afghanistan from Tajikistan where they had sought refuge from danger.
The message described the threat as a return “to the very mouth of death”, and called on churches around the world to pray for them and “be our voice”.
Here is the message in full, anonymised for security reasons:
To the churches of God around the world, from a brother in chains of sorrow, yet free in Christ – a humble servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Grace and peace be multiplied to you from God our Father and from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
Dearly beloved, as I write these words, my heart is overwhelmed with anguish, tears, and groaning that do not cease day or night. For 23 nights, sleep has escaped my eyes – not for myself, but for the suffering that has come upon the body of Christ, His church.
We, a community of Afghan believers, now reside in Tajikistan. Yet our situation is uncertain and filled with fear and hope mingled together. Many conflicting reports surround us – some bring fleeting comfort, while others strike terror in our hearts. Some of us face the threat of forced return – a return not to safety, but for many, to the very mouth of death.
I am burdened – not only for myself, but for the families of believers here who live, worship, and pray in Jesus’ name. Brothers and sisters, have you heard the cry of their suffering?
To the beloved people of God – dear brothers and sisters in faith, pastors, leaders, and faithful servants of Christ: we are one body. When one member suffers, does not the whole body suffer with it? Now is the time to act – not in word only, but in the love of Christ, shown through action.
As your younger brother, I earnestly plead with you:
Pray for us. Remember us in your gatherings and intercessions.
Write letters. Be our voice. Reach out to organisations and governments who have the ability to help.Do not let the faith of these dear ones be crushed under the weight of exile and fear.
I have spoken with several authorities here in Tajikistan, but many doors are closed. Now, our eyes turn to the global Church – to you, the hands and feet of Christ, who carry His love to the ends of the earth.
Just as the Apostle Peter wrote to the exiled churches, encouraging them to remain steadfast in the faith, I now call upon you: Love one another deeply. Bear one another’s burdens. Be united in prayer and action.
May the God of all compassion, who has called us into a living hope, stir your hearts and move you to shine as a light in this dark hour.
With tears, prayer, and hope in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
A humble servant of the Church of Jesus Christ
Tajikistan
July 2025
Afghans in several countries, including Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran are facing forced return to Afghanistan. In just over seven months, over 1.9 million Afghans have returned from Iran and Pakistan to Afghanistan.
In Tajikistan, a group of Afghan nationals, including refugees and asylum-seekers, were reportedly summoned earlier this month by security officials and informed that all Afghan nationals must leave the country within 15 days. From October 2024 to July 2025, at least 485 Afghan nationals have been deported, among them 334 refugees or asylum-seekers.[1]
For Afghan Christians in exile, a return to Afghanistan could mean severe persecution and even death.
SAT-7’s Persian channel, SAT-7 PARS, broadcasts on satellite television and digital platforms in Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan, bringing a message of faith and hope to believers and seekers in the Farsi, Dari and Tajik languages. The channel’s Viewer Support team is available to respond to viewers’ questions and prayer requests, and offer spiritual and emotional support. You can read about an innovative digital media program for Afghans called Church4Afghanistan here.
Pray for this group of Afghan Christians in Tajikistan, and others who are also facing the threat of return to Afghanistan. Pray for the Lord’s intervention and for peace of heart for all who are waiting.
[1] https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2025/07/afghanistan-returns-afghans-creating-multi-layered-human-rights-crisis