A cry for help from Lahore: the war is spreading
The war in Iran has now taken on an alarming dimension in Pakistan too. More and more countries seem to be drawn into the conflict through no fault of their own.
Dear friends and supporters of the orphans in Lahore,
I am writing to you because I have just received a real emergency call from Pakistan from our closest co-worker, Sajal Javed. The war in Iran seems to be engulfing more and more countries, and Pakistan is now being drawn ever deeper into the conflict. The economic consequences are hard to grasp.
Petrol and oil have become almost unaffordable for ordinary people – and above all, food prices have more than doubled in almost every area, putting them nearly out of reach for the poorer population. On top of this, there is currently a boycott by Afghanistan, whose coal deliveries used to provide not only heat but above all the fuel for the country's many brick kilns. As a result, jobs – especially those of Christians working in the brick kilns – are at serious risk.
If the situation in and around Iran does not ease soon, a famine of unknown proportions is looming – not in Africa, where we are used to such news, but in a country that believed it had long left such food shortages and price rises behind.
Yours, Reiner, for Antoniushilfe e.V.
The letter from Sajal Javed
Below is a letter from Mrs Sajal Javed, which I asked her to address to all our friends and helpers:
Lahore, Pakistan, 10 March 2026
Urgent appeal for emergency aid for the orphans and widows in Lahore
Dear Sir or Madam, dear brothers and sisters in our shared faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,
I am writing to you with an urgent request for emergency financial aid for needy brick-kiln workers who are currently facing a severe crisis in Pakistan.
Due to the current instability and unrest in the country, the operation of the brick kilns has been severely disrupted. The shortage of coal and the sharp rise in prices have forced many kilns to cut back or stop production. Day labourers who depend entirely on this work have lost their main source of income.
At the same time, the cost of staple foods and essential household items has risen dramatically. Flour, cooking oil, sugar and vegetables have become much more expensive, making it extremely difficult for families already in need to cover their daily needs.
Among those hit hardest are widows and orphans who work in the brick kilns and carry the enormous responsibility of providing for their children and households. Many of these women can barely provide their families with basic food.
In view of this urgent situation, we humbly ask for emergency funds to give immediate help to brick-kiln workers, especially widows and the most vulnerable families. Your support will secure access to essential food and basic goods at this critical time.
Your timely help can bring immediate relief and hope to families fighting for survival. Thank you for your compassion and your swift help!
Sajal Javed, first co-worker of Anthony's Foundation – Pakistan, for Antoniushilfe e.V.