Qaiser Felix

The law signed by President Zardari includes the possibility of the death penalty for those found guilty of terrorism using the internet and computers. The justice and peace commission warns the government: "brutal punishments cannot correct or redeem our society." Criticism also from the human rights commission: this increases distrust of the judicial system.

The government has approved a measure against electronic crimes, in order to confront cyber-terrorism. The law includes a long list of activities involving the internet and computers. Penalties range from the death penalty to imprisonment with stiff fines. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan decries the easy recourse to capital punishment.

An earthquake of magnitude 6.4 struck the southwestern province in Pakistan, destroying hundreds of homes in cities and villages in the area. Experts predict more aftershocks, while aid teams are looking for survivors. The Catholic Church of Quetta organizes a fund drive for the victims.

The young woman, accused of having an extramarital relationship, was mauled by dogs and shot to death by her uncle, who has the protection of the tribal court in the area. A land dispute was at the center of the killing. Unanimous condemnation from the political world; human rights associations call for justice.

In a joint session lawmakers adopt in a unanimous vote a resolution laying down guidelines for national security. Human rights activist calls the resolution “important” for the war against terror whilst Catholic lawmaker says it “showed a united stand” in parliament.

A human rights activist and lawmaker condemns anti-Christian violence by Hindu fundamentalists and calls on the United Nations to intervene. The National Christian Party organises demonstration in front of the Karachi Press Club to raise awareness in the media about the problem.

Prominent Islamic scholars in the country recall that only the state can proclaim jihad, and not extremist groups. A fatwa has been issued against the attackers who bloody the country. Archbishop of Lahore: "no religion approves of terrorism."

Rumours spread in a village near Faisalabad that a Christian girl ripped some pages from the Qur’an. But more than one version of the facts is making the rounds of the village. Anti-Christian intolerance is growing in the country and a Pakistani lawmaker says the “accusations are a fabrication” to persecute Christians.

There is great anticipation to learn the exact situation of a war that the new government wants to win in order to uproot to militant extremism. Meanwhile, Islamabad is expelling about 50,000 Afghan refugees, and Afghanistan is seeking peace with the Taliban of Mullah Omar.

A Christian lawmaker, who heads a Pakistani minority group, talks to AsiaNews about the atmosphere of terror that is gripping the country. He explains that the war on terrorism has become a fight to free Pakistan from extremism for security.

Army sources explain ongoing offensive against al-Qaeda extremists, saying the hotel attack was a response to their success. The country is pervaded by an atmosphere of terror as people wait for the next major attack.

They were preparing an attack against foreign targets. A hostage was also killed. Meanwhile, U.S. and Pakistani troops exchange fire near the Afghan border. Human rights group: to truly combat terrorism, protection for the population must be ensured above all.