How TWR's PANI Broadcast Reaches Christians Facing Persecution in South Asia

Quick Summary: Since 2014, TWR's PANI transmitter has broadcast the gospel into Pakistan, Afghanistan and North India — three regions where Christians are a small, often-persecuted minority and open evangelism carries real risk. Programming reaches listeners in Urdu, Punjabi, Pashto, Dari, Hazaragi and other major regional languages, offering biblical encouragement where public faith isn't safe to practice.


Across Pakistan, Afghanistan and North India, radio carries hope where open faith in Christ is dangerous.

Since 2014, TWR's PANI transmitter has been crucial in bringing God's Word to gospel-starved South Asia. Pakistan, Afghanistan and North India — whose initials make up the name of the PANI broadcasting station — are home to large numbers of unreached people groups. All three are ranked among countries where persecution of Christians is among the world's worst.

Christians are a small minority. Open evangelism is restricted by legal, social and security pressures. Because of these barriers, media-based gospel ministry remains one of the most effective and safest ways to share the good news of Christ.

TWR uses radio and digital ministry platforms to reach people in this region with the gospel, engaging them with program content in their own languages to offer biblical hope in situations often marked by conflict, displacement and economic hardship.

Pakistan: How a Persecuted Christian Minority Finds Hope Through Radio 

Christians make up less than 2% of Pakistan’s population. They often face social discrimination, economic hardship and limited access to education and employment. In recent years, attacks on churches and Christian communities have occurred, such as the 2023 mob attacks in Jaranwala. But despite these challenges, Christians in Pakistan continue to practice their faith, celebrate festivals and form supportive communities.

TWR’s media ministry is a valuable resource for reaching and discipling in this challenging environment.

“I am extremely thankful to the brothers and sisters in Christ who made it possible for me to hear God’s message on this technology,” a listener wrote to our response team. “The Way of Righteousness program is teaching me that God is everything in my life, and he can provide for all of my needs. This makes me feel really fortunate. For me, Jesus is like the water of life; without him, I am nothing. He is my Lord and God, and his amazing grace fills my heart. I am so appreciative that the Lord has given me the will and courage to obediently follow him.”

Urdu, Punjabi, Saraiki and Sindhi are major languages in Pakistan. Urdu is the national language; Punjabi is the most widely spoken (37%), followed by Saraiki (12%) and Sindhi (14%). Together, programming in these languages enables us to reach out to nearly 70% of the country’s population.

Afghanistan: Reaching Believers Who Practice Their Faith in Secret 

A listener in Afghanistan shared,

“The local religious leader in my area heard that I follow Jesus Christ, and I had to leave that place. I haven’t seen my family for months now.”

Religious freedom in Afghanistan is extremely limited, and public identification with the Christian faith carries serious risks. As a result, most believers practice their faith in secrecy, and open fellowship or public worship is not possible.

Another listener said,

“We pay attention to the programs. It’s great, I learned a lot, and many people who follow the programs are interested. … But the current situation is bad, and there is nothing we can do about it. ... They all want to hear the Word of God.”

Pashto, Dari and Hazaragi are key languages in Afghanistan. Pashto is spoken by 40% to 45% of the population, mainly among Pashtuns. Dari is used by 35% to 40% and serves as a common language across ethnic groups, especially in urban areas. Hazaragi is spoken by the Hazara community (about 9-10%). Together, these languages allow outreach to more than 80% of the Afghan population.

North India: How Media Ministry Reaches an Isolated Christian Minority

Christians remain a considerably small minority in this region. Social restrictions and fear of isolation limit believers from openly expressing their faith. These conditions make media-based ministry the most effective and safest way to reach people with the gospel.

“I was burdened with anxiety and anger,” a listener told us. “Financial pressure, unemployment and constant worry about the future left me sleepless most nights. I prayed, but my heart felt dry and distant from peace. One evening, while adjusting my radio, I came across The Way of Righteousness program. The speaker shared a message about God being near to the brokenhearted. Those words touched something deep within me.

“For the first time, I felt that God truly saw my pain and understood my silent struggles. I began listening weekly. Through these messages, I learned that God’s love is personal and that Jesus invites the weary to find rest in him. Slowly, I started praying with faith instead of fear. My heart became lighter, and my thinking changed. Though my circumstances did not change overnight, my response to them did.”

The listener continued, “Today, I face life with hope and patience. I thank God for reaching me through this radio program and giving me strength to move forward with peace.”

Images: (top, banner) a crowd mills around a market while a grocer assists his customer, (middle, right) A young Afghan girl waves at the camera while her mother helps her with her bag.