Qaiser Felix

Gilani promises approval of law that fixes 5% of posts in public services to minorities. It will be extended to all semi-government departments in the provinces. The Prime Minister invokes support in a common battle against Islamic fundamentalism. A Catholic Priest expresses his appreciation for the government’s commitment but urges young people to “count on their own capabilities”.

The measure reserves a quota for non-Muslims. Catholic minister for minorities, who promoted the law, underlines that it will guarantee a better quality of life and greater political weight. Pakistani Christians celebrate the event with a special day of prayer.

Taliban and army are engaged in house-to-house fighting in Mingora. UN agency estimates number of refugees tops 2.4 million. Catholic and Protestant religious leaders call for social justice and equality for minorities.

The Catholic NGO is providing essential items, planning a sustained effort with the assistance of international partners. Bishop Coutts stresses the need for caution to avoid offending the sensibilities of people of various religions but slams the victimisation of minorities. Christian families are forced out of refugee camps.

Islamic leaders reject the “Taliban version of sharia” and invoke “unity” against the fundamentalist’s offensive. Catholic bishops welcome the ulema’s decision, describing it a “positive step”. Summit of 42 political leaders to draw up a common response to the crisis.

Unanimously Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs condemn Taliban violence. In Faisalabad bishop leads a prayer vigil for peace. The number of refugees could reach 1.5 million. Some 60 Christian families find refuge in Peshawar.

Commandos assault Piochar where 4 thousand militants are entrenched. Ten dead, among them a six year old girl, in a suicide attack. Rocket attacks on girl’s schools and the sanctuary of a Pashtun poet. A Canadian Minister describes Pakistan and its nuclear arsenal “the most dangerous nation in the world”.

The provincial government and United Nations announce a humanitarian emergency in Swat Valley. The death toll from the clashes is 170 fundamentalists and 10 soldiers. The United States approves an aid package of 1.9 billion dollars.

Prime Minister Gilani says army intervention is the only way to protect peace and the unity of the nation. Army and political parties back prime minister. Human rights commission calls for a task force to cope with refugee emergency.

Tens of thousands are fleeing the conflict. The military targets the Islamic fundamentalist’s outposts. The son of the Taliban spiritual leader, Sufi Muhammad, is killed. The International Committee of the Red Cross reports a 2humanitarian crisis”. Afghanistan, Pakistan and the United States confirm their battle against the “Taliban Threat”.

This is the conclusion reached by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom in its 2009 report. Taliban leader promises total war against the government, an “enemy of Muslims”. Catholic cabinet minister stresses his government’s commitment in favour of minorities and reiterates that religious freedom is protected under the constitution. A petition campaign is undertaken in Karachi against Swat extremists.

Accusations against a social activist for having marked the Koran with ink and chewing gum. Rival politics within the Christian community at root of case. Protests force accused family to flee village.