Kamran Chaudhry

Church organises interfaith prayer vigils for Muslim victims across the country. Bishops and lay people strongly condemn terrorism, which “has no religion". Security measures around Christian places of worship have been tightened as Christians mark Lent and prepare for Easter.

According to Mgr Sebastian Shaw, mobile phones are a source of distraction and can lead to dependency. The bishop of Hyderabad agrees. The head of a Karachi charismatic group says that phone fasting is too much. “There are many other forms of distraction in churches, like children running around and families chatting with each other."

Vigils are held simultaneously in Lahore and New Delhi. Human rights advocates call for genuine peace talks to solve the conflict in the disputed area. As a result of the arrogance of both countries military budgets are up.

Approximately 700 mixed marriages have been celebrated since 2017. In Pakistan, many Chinese men work in companies involved in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, one of the flagship projects of China’s New Silk Road. The story of Muqadas Saddique, drugged and forced to marry a Chinese alcoholic, is one example.

The cross stands at more than 40 metres at the entrance of Karachi’s only Christian cemetery. Auto rickshaw drivers complain that it casts a shadow on their vehicles. The cross will remain lit until the New Year.

The signature collection opened in Lahore, but the young people want to continue in other parishes and dioceses. The archdiocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi opens beatification cause for Catholic martyr Shahbaz Bhatti, killed for defending Asia Bibi.

The inauguration ceremony took place on the first of December in the diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, with the announcement of the pastoral theme. Former coordinator Caritas Asia: "In 2018 two great blessings: the liberation of Asia Bibi and a new cardinal".

In 2018, the Catholic Church organised hundreds of prayers, seminars, and conferences across the country. At least 50,000 people received their First Communion.

Pakistan’s Catholic Church is behind a plan to plant a million trees by 2019. Lahore and Karachi are among the most polluted cities in the world. In 2025 Pakistan will be in absolute water scarcity.

About 50 activists from various religions from the Rawadari Tehreek (Movement for tolerance) took part in the celebrations. In Pakistan, a Muslim majority country, the Hindu celebration is also becoming a cultural event. This year’s edition was low key due to tensions over Islamist protests against Asia Bibi.

It is thought to have flown to the Netherlands with his family. Christians fear reprisals and revenge. On social networks the name of Asia Bibi is not mentioned, nor is any radical Islamic leader criticized, nor is it called religion. Ensure security for Christian neighborhoods and places of worship. "No one can repay the torture that Asia Bibi has suffered unjustly, so it is time to go further." But the foreign ministry denies that the woman left the country.

Radicals’ protests seem to have ended following a deal with the government for the revision of Bibi’s acquittal. The Christian woman's husband posts a video message online asking for British and US help.