Hundreds of thousands of Christians and Muslims take part in the 57th annual national pilgrimage to the shrine of the Virgin. Here is Mubarak Masih's story, a convert from Islam, who, rejected by his family, continues to believe despite a difficult life, thanks to Our Lady's help.
Hundreds of thousand of people are taking part in the event, Christians of course but many Muslims as well. This year's theme is 'Mary, Our Perpetual Help', chosen to underscore the suffering local Christians have to endure and for prayers that the political and economic situation of the country may improve.
Police arrest four men of a group of 30 who destroyed a Protestant and beat up Christian women and children church last August 12. the church will not be rebuilt until the whole group is arrested.
Archbishop Pinto will give lectures. For the Church, lay people's witness is indispensable, not only within parish life but especially out into the secularised world.
Some lawmakers tear up copies of a bill, apparently containing verses of the Qur'an. The National Commission for Justice and Peace reiterates the need to abolish the unjust blasphemy law.
Respect for human rights is not likely to improve in a society steeped in tribal traditions where the government prefers to brush the issue under the carpet. On average, more than a thousand honour crimes are committed a year, but it is estimated that the number might be ten times.
Despite knowing the names of the attackers, police fails to arrest them. A rich Muslim greedy for the village land is behind the violence.
The Christian community of Multan has protested against the demolition of a church by a fertilizer industry that wants to "expand". A nearby mosque was spared.
Local NGO releases figures for the first six months of the year. Altogether there were 48 attacks against journalists; two were killed.
The All Pakistan Minorities Alliance has urged the government to conduct a "firm but just" inquiry to shed light on the killing of Hasan Turabi, a high-profile Shiite political leader. The minorities have also called for a ban on writings that ignite religious hatred.
In the area of Toba Tek Singh, one of the poorest areas of the country, the parish together with local volunteers is holding a summer camp that features several activities for children. Participants even watched the World Cup football final together.
Father Mendes denounces the "inhuman and immoral" treatment workers receive. Catholic NGO calls on the government to intervene.
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