Amazing TV, Changed Lives

“I’ve always believed in the power of stories to change lives. So, it’s such a privilege to be a part of an organisation that is changing lives in Pakistan through telling God’s story and the stories of his people,” writes Accad Emmanuel in Lahore, Pakistan.

Christians make up a tiny minority of the huge population of our nation. That’s just 1.8% of 230 million. The church is small, vibrant and determined, but experiences daily discrimination, and a simmering mistrust that can boil over into terrible hatred and violence.

At PAK7 we aim to encourage, strengthen and build up the church in Pakistan, through quality Christian programmes for kids, teens, young adults and women. We’re proud that the vast majority of our programmes are made in Pakistan, by our teams of young, Pakistani, Christian men and women, and specifically for a Pakistani audience.

We make, and broadcast through our satellite channel and streaming site at pak7.com, programs to interest and inspire a wide range of audiences. Some of our most popular shows have been high-energy, colourful series for kids like Storytime and Kahani Kamp, that not only tell Bible stories through animation, puppetry and songs, but also help children apply them through the questions of mischievous puppets like Mintu and Hari. Just last month we recorded a game show with 40 children in every episode! It was such hard work to make it happen – but it will show Christian children on TV, being successful and having fun. For the children that are watching that is priceless!

There are music videos and magazine style show for older teens and Bible study and discussion shows for young adults.

We also have a growing offering of shows aimed at women. In Hawa Ki Beti (Daughter of Eve) we interview Christian women – doctors, pastors, community workers, mothers – who are having a positive impact in their communities and ask them about how their faith affects the way they live. In Sakhi Saheli (Close Friends), Psychologist, Uzma, and Human Rights Activist, Nabila, discuss and offer advice on challenging and taboo situations like domestic violence, mental health difficulties and the pressure for child marriage.

“PAK7 asked me to work on a show for women, and I really wanted to make something that highlighted issues that are a real problem for women in Pakistan. So often we are taught that we have lower value than men and that our issues are not important. I wanted to give a voice to those women who are struggling, and to say to them, “You are important, the issues that you face are important, and we value you!” – Hina, Director, Saki Saheli

If I had to choose a favourite, though, it would be Community Makeover. These two shows showcase the work of faithful Christians working to help others in their communities regardless of their faith background. They show Christians and people of other faiths working alongside each other to renovate a children’s hospital ward and a drug rehab centre. They declare a powerful message that Christians are good, trustworthy people and that friendship across faith boundaries is possible.

When I look back on all that PAK7 has achieved in the four years I’ve been working with them, I’m amazed to think how much our teams have grown. Our commitment to training young Pakistani Christians in video production, investing not only in their skills but also in their faith, has built a team of over 40 staff and interns who love Jesus and who want to share that love with their nation through Media. I’m very proud to have been a part of that.

“I’m really grateful to PAK7 and its supporters for the opportunity I have had to learn and grow, not only in skills, but also in my faith. It is my joy to serve the Lord and to serve others through media in Pakistan” – Sana Zahid. PAK7 Producer.

For more information and ways to support PAK7, go to: www.pak7.org

Article by:
Accad Emmanuel,
Pak7 producer, and mentor to aspiring media professionals