Qaiser Felix

Qaiser Felix was a contributor to AsiaNews. Yesterday he told his story during the Prayer Vigil to "dry the tears." In Pakistan he used to tell the stories of the Christian minority, persecuted for their faith. He had to run when Islamic extremists threatened to kill his family. With the help of AsiaNews and Jesuit Fathers, he now lives and works in Venice.

An inter-religious committee will examine the case of Imran Masih, arrested and tortured for having burned pages of the Koran and beaten by police. A Catholic priest points out that is a "positive step" to dissolve the tension. Involving Muslim leaders to dismantle the charges against the young man.

He is accused of having burned pages of the Koran. Charges invented by Muslims in the area, envious of the successful business done by the shop owned by the couple. Director of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue warns of a "wave of anti-Christian extremism" in the country.

Mob sets fire to a number of houses, burns cars and destroys electrical installations. The incident is caused by a quarrel between a Muslim and a Christian which degenerated into a riot with petrol bombs, beatings and acid throwing.

The Diocesan Commission promotes green policies open to believers of different religions. Muslim journalist call the initiative "a positive step." A Catholic priest reminds that care for nature is a task that God gives "to every man."

In the majority Muslim nation, of 160 million, priests are less than 260. Fr. Rasheed, head of the youth pastoral commission in Faisalabad comments: “Priests who live in a majority Muslim nation are called to trust in the words of St Paul: ‘nothing separates us from the love of Jesus Christ’”.

Indian Prime Minister Singh and Pakistani President Zardari meet at the 9th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia. The two nations plan to renew talks interrupted by the Mumbai terror attack, starting with a meeting of their respective foreign minister in Sharm-el-Sheikh, Egypt.

The Pakistani military begins operations in tribal areas. Its goal is to eliminate Baitullah Mehsud, head of a group that claimed responsibility for attacks against the Pearl Continental Hotel in Peshawar and a Lahore mosque. For Peter Jacob, executive secretary of the Pakistani Catholic Church’s National Commission for Justice and Peace, military actions alone will not beat extremism; a mobilisation of the people is needed.

Today is the World Day against Child Labour. Despite government proclamations conditions for minors in the country remain difficult. The wound of child soldiers is added to a low level of education, violence and a lack of health care.

Two UN employees among the victims. 500 kgs of explosives packed on board the car. No one has so far claimed responsibility for the attack, Taliban suspected. Pakistan’s President and premier condemn the bombing and reiterate “all out war” on terrorism.

Tax on non-Muslims is a threat that violates basic human rights. In tribal areas near the border with Afghanistan more than 700 non-Muslim families are persecuted and forced to pay. Federal Religious Minorities minister strongly condemns the tax, pledges help for the victims.

Lahore High Court’s decision to release Hafiz Saeed, founder of Islamist extremist group Lashkar-e-Taiba, leads to diplomatic crisis between India and Pakistan. Pakistan cites lack of evidence against him to justify release, claiming controversy is misplaced. India blames Pakistan for “lack of seriousness” in the fight against terrorism.