Jibran Khan

Torchlight processions and prayers are held for Sara, who is in hospital in critical condition. In the past few days, two more cases have been reported: a six-year-old girl sexually assaulted in Faisalabad, and a nine-year-old girl raped and killed in Jhang District. A recent study confirms the trend, but acknowledges that only a few cases are reported.

Sara was raped by four men in a Muslim village in Sialkot . The little girl is hospitalized in a "critical condition". The rapists kidnapped her father, Iqbal Masih, forcing the family to not press charges. Activists and human rights organizations demand justice.

The country's Christian community and civil society groups express closeness to the victims of the "black law". The bishop of Islamabad also expresses his solidarity. Muslim activist joins "our Christian brothers and sisters in Good Friday celebrations." Appeals are made to the government to take "serious steps to fight intolerance and abuse."

High Court began proceedings this morning, only to adjourn the hearing. A new date for a case that has lasted for years might be announced tomorrow. Optimistic, the defendant's lawyers hope to see her walk free soon. However, fundamentalist groups continue to make threats. For Lahore priest, "the situation in Pakistan is getting worse by the day, not only for minorities, but especially for women and girls."

Peaceful demonstrations took place today in Lahore and Islamabad to show solidarity with "persecuted Christians" and demand justice for the victims of the "black law". For a Lahore priest, the rallies are an "encouraging" response of civil society. "Disgusted" by the situation, a Muslim activist expresses his in solidarity for "our Christian brothers and sisters."

Sawan Masih's conviction came at the end of a trial held in prison because of a high risk of Islamist attacks. The Christian man's lawyers announce that they will appeal the verdict. Religious leaders and civil society groups express their anger and outrage over the court decision. For Bishop Rufin Anthony, "false accusations are an abuse." Asia Bibi's appeal hearing is set for 14 April.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif announces a new committee, called to resume talks with the Islamists. Taliban leadership yet to respond. The military study plan of attack in case talks fail. The Archbishop of Lahore appeals to young people and calls for "peaceful coexistence".

Yesterday, prayer vigils and fundraisers were held to fund emergency relief operations. More than 2,000 villages are at risk. In the past three months, malnutrition has killed more than 130 children. A ban on cattle sales because of poor animal health has compounded an already dire situation.

Every church in the country holds special services for Ash Wednesday. The Diocese of Lahore and Rawalpindi issues a message of peace and harmony. For priest in Lahore, this is a propitious time to refrain from the world's temptations. In Sialkot, thoughts go to Christians "persecuted for their faith."

Three years after his murder, hundreds of people pay tribute to the memory of Catholic minister. The memory of a politician in the forefront of the struggle for peace and religious harmony still alive. Among the most important goals the creation of the Ministry for National Harmony and the quota for minorities. Attack on a courthouse in the capital, 11 dead and 24 wounded.

For the first time ever, the Cabinet will submit a national security policy to Parliament to stop violence and terrorism. The text will be examined by the two chambers before the signature of the President. The interior minister calls for "suggestions" for an effective policy. The Prime Minister warns the Taliban if the dialogue fails, the army is ready to intervene.

As a second round of talks between the TTP and the government gets underway today, the country continues to suffer from attacks and violence. Extremists are pushing for a progressively more "Islamised" state. Exasperated, more and more ordinary Pakistanis are favourable to a military operation.