Fareed Khan

The minister for minorities, Salman Taseer and other victims of the "organized movement" fighting for power. The violence has raised such fear that that any discussion about the law on blasphemy has been dropped. But Christians must cultivate the hope and with the help of the universal Church, build a better future.

The late governor of Punjab was buried today in Cavalry Ground cemetery in Lahore. High-ranking government officials took part in the ceremony. Speaking to AsiaNews, Mgr Saldhana, archbishop of Lahore, condemned Taseer’s murder, urging everyone, including the media, to speak out against the blasphemy law.

The Indus River broke its banks today near Thatta. Two more weeks of rain are expected. "The floods seem determined to outrun our efforts,” UN says. Three humanitarian workers are abducted and killed; others are wounded. Taliban want to take aid and redistribute in order to gain support.

The appeal of the Pakistani bishops and an invitation to collaboration between Christians and Muslims. In Faisalabad and Gojra (where there was a massacre of Christians) the two communities collect funds and aid for flood victims. The dioceses most affected Hyderabad, Multan, Rawalpindi and Quetta. Young people help brick manufacturers who have lost homes and jobs. News of discrimination.

The UN fears a "second wave of deaths" due to diseases: typhoid, hepatitis, cholera and malaria. Lack of food and water. Only one million displaced persons – out of 8 - has so far received aid. The international community not overly generous. It will take years to rebuild the country. Agriculture - 20% of GDP – has been obliterated. Food prices soar and there are signs of rebellion, all in favour of the opposition Islamic parties.

At 8 this morning the community bid a final farewell to Sajid and Rashid Emmanuel. Their murder has sparked violent clashes between Christians and Muslims. The police are patrolling the streets but the situation is "explosive." Catholic activist: "renewed commitment to cancellation of discriminatory laws." Christian couple threatened with death for a documentary on Gojra.

Rashid Emmanuel and Sajid Masih Emmanuel were shot to death outside the courthouse right after a trial hearing. Both were handcuffed on their way back to prison. Police were going to clear them of the accusations. For days, Muslim religious leaders had incited Muslim faithful against the two, calling for their death.

Justice and Peace: moderate Islam has been struck. The Government of Punjiab (the party of Nawaz Sharif) weak in the fight against the Taliban. Raza Rumi: Lahore destroyed piece by piece. Sufi communities have organized meetings in all mosques of the country to curb the fundamentalist Islam of the Taliban.

The Episcopal Commission asks the Pakistani government to eliminate discriminatory laws and policies that foment sectarian hatred once and for all. In the meantime, more blood is spilled in Lahore: armed men enter the hospital where the victims of the mosque were admitted and opened fire.

Muslim leaders denounce sect a "targeted execution", in the silence of government officials and police. Recently, the three men had been seized "because of their faith" and released after paying a large sum of money. 108 ahmadi faithful killed since 1984.

Fr Nadeem John Shaker stresses Christians’ deep devotion and their willingness to run any risk in order to take part in church services. For the clergyman, the faithful must be responsible for their own security. He appeals to the West to pray for them and highlight the persecution they have to endure.

Arshed Masih's funeral was held today amid tight security. The silence of the Pakistani media and government on the matter. AsiaNews sources denounce the attempt at misdirection and reveal the last words of the victim: "The police set me on fire" following the instructions of the Muslim employer. In the past his wife repeatedly raped by officers.