Jibran Khan

Fr. Javed Gill, parish priest in Abbotabad, confirms that the situation in the town is still "critical" for religious minorities. The killing of the Al Qaeda leader has increased fears and alert levels. Prayer and fasting for peace in the region.

Farah Hatim, 24, was kidnapped and forcibly converted to Islam. Although her family filed n abduction report, local police and politicians are protecting the culprits. The victim’s lawyer and a human rights activist also point to the legal flaws in the young woman’s alleged statement of conversion presented in court. For a Catholic priest, the rising number of anti-Christian incidents is “alarming”.

Gulzar Masih and his son Suleman own a bookstore. They were forced to flee to avoid being attacked by a mob. Both are accused of burning a copy of the Qur‘an. In reality, they were set up by the older Masih’s Muslim business partner, who was envious of their success. Catholic priest bemoans the abuses linked to the ‘black law’ and warns that “extremist elements are getting stronger” in Pakistan.

A Pakistani editorial writer warns that a “religious war” is a real possibility. Minority affairs adviser Paul Bhatti says the death of the al Qaeda leader “first step towards eliminating extremism.” For Mgr Rufin Anthony, no one should rejoice at the death of a man. Anglican bishop calls for greater protection for Christians against possible attacks.

A mob attacks homes and places of worship. The Christian minority is forced to flee fearful of more violence. The discovery of a burnt copy of the Qur‘an in a Christian cemetery sparks a reaction among Muslims. Restrictions are imposed on the right to assembly. Paul Bhatti meets victims, urging everyone to remain calm.

The Christian community held Easter ceremonies amid joy and fear of new attacks. The family of assassinated Catholic Minority Affairs minister attended Mass in his home village of Khushpur. “Even in Punjab, centre of religious persecution, we cannot stop practicing our religion. A believer remains faithful until death.”

Prayers and special Masses are being said in Pakistan and around the world for the 45-year-old Christian woman, sentenced to death on blasphemy charges. Meanwhile, Arif Masih and his family are safe; he had been arrested on blasphemy charges and later released. Speaking to AsiaNews, he said he was in good conditions and that he did not experience any violence in prison. Another attack is carried out against a Christian in Mardan.

Thanks to the action of the Masihi Foundation, which collected 50 affidavits from mostly Muslim witnesses, the 40-year-old christian man is now free. However, he is now living under protection with his family fearing new attacks. Yesterday, a mob of extremists interrupts Palm Sunday services in Gujranwala. Police respond by arresting Christians.

The attack took place this morning in Khokarki, near the city of Gujranwala. Hundreds of Christians forced to flee their homes. Attack sparked by quarrel with Christian, his son and some Muslims, over false accusation of blasphemy. The two Christians held at the local police station.

Waris Masih and his family have been forced to flee their home. He strongly condemned attacks against both Islam and Christianity. By contrast, for his Muslim colleagues, burning churches and Bibles is legitimate. Pakistani clergyman urges the West to think about the consequences of its actions. Seven incidents of anti-Christian violence follow the burning of a copy of the Qur‘an.

The Masihi Foundation proclaims April 20 a day of prayer and fasting for women in prison, and calls on Christians around the world to participate. Bishop Rufin Anthony: "We need a world without violence, a world that loves life and grows in justice and solidarity. Growing hatred is a serious problem and the government must take concrete steps. " Rising threats and persecution for Christians in Pakistan. Abduction of girls, forced marriages and conversions a daily reality.

The Christian sentenced to death for blasphemy has been ill with chicken pox, probably because of the unhygienic conditions of the cell where she is kept. Christians concern for the growing violence against them. Bishop Rufin Anthony: "This Lent we pray for peace in Pakistan. A Pakistan where we can all live freely. "