Jibran Khan

Sponsored by the Bishop of Islamabad, the event is scheduled for January 30. The same day, Islamic fundamentalists have launched a "national protest" against changes to the blasphemy law. Bishop Anthony: We want to promote "peace and harmony" and the release of the Christian woman.

Javed Ahmad Ghamidi, a major Muslim scholar, accuses radical Muslims of “telling lies to the people.” Fr Joseph Habib highlights the close ties between the military and religious extremists. As long as the blasphemy law exists, Pakistan will be trapped in an ever-growing cycle of violence.

The radical Islamists target education institutions, especially female ones. The Diocese of Peshawar to AsiaNews: "Our society is heading towards darkness, education is a ray of hope. We urge the government to ensure that the ray of hope spreads across Pakistan. "

The transfer should occur within seven days. The step has become necessary to protect the life of the 45-year-old Christian mother of five because of death threats from Muslim fundamentalists. A Pakistani priest hopes the transfer will be done secretly to ensure maximum security. AsiaNews’ campaign on Bibi’s behalf has reached 8,700 signatures.

Victims are now in a safe place because of the danger of more violence. A mob of angry Muslims beat and humiliated the two women, who are mother and daughter. The incident was triggered by a domestic dispute between them and the Muslim wife of their son and brother. A Pakistani priest says that unless there is separation between state and religion, Pakistan will slide into civil war.

The protests took place yesterday in Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, involving the main political parties and radical groups in Pakistan. Statements of Benedict XVI for the repeal of the blasphemy law defined as "an attack on the hearts of Muslims."

Protestant leaders and human rights activists are frustrated by the prime minister who backs the blasphemy law. The Interior Ministry cracks down on websites with anti-Islamic content. The government kowtows to fundamentalist pressures despite its pledge to change laws that create confessional tensions. Street protests take place in Karachi against Benedict XVI.

Imams and scholars against the norm, which is used only "to settle personal disputes." To stop extremism a well-functioning justice system and the secular state is required. The memory of Salman Taseer, who died because he wanted to "help a Christian woman."

Radical leaders and Islamic movements incite crowds and warn Christians against forming a party to repeal the law, a step that would bring chaos. The government denies it plans changes to the law. Civil society leaders appreciate Benedict XVI’s speech. Bilawal Bhutto defends minorities. Muslim intellectual calls for full religious freedom and a secular state.

Fundamentalist leaders organise rally and praise Salman Taseer’s murderer as a “hero of Islam”. The Pope appeals to the Pakistani government to repeal the law because it is a “pretext” for violence and injustice. Pakistani Christians pray for the governor of Punjab, a “martyr” according to Saudi newspaper Arab News.

Mumtaz Qadri affiliated with the conservative group Dawat-e-Islami. The fundamentalist leaders celebrate the killing and call for a boycott of the mourning for the death of the governor. Marches tomorrow in Karachi in favour of the blasphemy law. Catholics pray for Taseer and call for "thorough investigations" into killing.

Pakistani intelligence says Moaviya group is planning a suicide attack against Sheikhupura Prison, where the woman has been held since 2009. In Lahore, the first hearing for the murder of Punjab Governor of Salman Taseer opens amid hugging and showering of flowers for his assassin.