Jibran Khan

Khatu Mal Jeewan, a Hindu, is the new Minority Affairs minister, replacing Shahbaz Bhatti, a Catholic slain for his fight against the country’s ‘black law’. Speaking to AsiaNews, the new minister said he hoped for a joint action to ensure peace and freedom as well as “equal rights” for minorities. The death toll from yesterday’s Sufi shrine terrorist attack tops 49, with more than 100 wounded.

Rehman Malik wrote letters to Benedict XVI and the international agency, calling for the condemnation of the act and an exemplary punishment. The Senate approves a resolution calling for the U.S. to take action against the evangelical preacher. Pakistani Christians emphasize their belonging to the country and denounce the “insane” gesture, the cause of a new wave of persecutions.

Yesterday afternoon, an armed group attacked the Catholic Church of St. Thomas in the military district of Wah, 45 km from Islamabad. The fundamentalists hurled stones and tried to burn the building. Bishop of the capital, we are Pakistani Christians, we have no ties with the United States. Young Christians: no hope for the future.

In Hyderabad and Lahore, a mob of Islamic fundamentalists targeted the Christian places of worship. Desecrated several copies of the Bible. Anti-American slogans and demonstrations in different cities of Pakistan. The extremists pledge more violence, if Washington does not condemn pastor Jones to death. Bishop of Islamabad: the gesture of a "fanatic."

Christian leaders denounce inadequacy of investigation into the death of Minister for Minorities. Too many false leads and a lack of political will to punish those responsible. The new president of AMPA Paul Bhatti requests a parliamentary commission of inquiry. Like Shahbaz, "I will carry on his mission until the last drop of our blood."

The deceased’s family bans cameras and journalists from the church because of threats from Muslim fundamentalists. As Christians remember the latest victim of the ‘black law’, services are held across the country for the late Minority Affairs minister. Christian leaders complain about the contradictions and cover-up in the murder investigation.

For hospital staff, the jailed man died from heart failure, but his family note that he was threated after the assassinations of Salman Taseer and Shahbaz Bhatti. Christian activists believe he is the latest victim of the blasphemy law. Now many fear for the life of Asia Bibi, next on the “list”.

Qamar David, painter originally from Punjab, had been accused by a business rival with insulting the Prophet Muhammad. In jail since 2006, he was harassed by both guards and inmates. The man died of a heart attack, but human rights groups call for an investigation. Bishop of Islamabad: the accusations are false, it is time to abolish the "black law".

Puzzling statements by the Inspector General of Police who claims, assassination motivated by "personal enmity". Bishop of Islamabad highly critical: " Islamabad police are trying to find a scapegoat to save themselves, and coveru p their failure." Asia Bibi upset, fears for her life.

Tight security in place around the Catholic church of Our Lady of Fatima, roads closed to traffic. His body will be flown by helicopter to his native village of Khushpur (Punjab), for burial. The minister had not lived in his official residence for some time, but in a rented house to avoid attacks.

Police seal off church after Prime Minister Gilani enters the building. Ordinary worshippers and relatives of the slain minister are kept outside. Christians react with outrage, close ranks around the family. The bishop of Islamabad says he lost a “son”. Speaking to AsiaNews, he blames the Interior minister for the minister’s death. Bhatti is laid to rest in Khushpur with thousands in attendance, including Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs.

The bishops underline their "profound grief" over the loss of "a statesman" who fought for Interreligious Dialogue and against the blasphemy law. Anglican Church united in mourning. The Pakistani president and the PML-N condemn the assassination. Christians in prayer before the minister's house, chanting slogans and hymns.