Shafique Khokhar

The amendment to the penal code provides for a minimum of 10 years in prison for anyone who insults figures associated with the Prophet Mohammed, with fines of up to Expected to pay one million rupees. Human rights defenders express concern: "We need safeguards against the improper use of the law".

Ishtiaq Saleem is accused of posting pictures of the Prophet Mohammad’s name in Arabic tattooed on his body. Upon his arrest, he was beaten. His wife proclaims his innocence, saying that he is illiterate and the victim of a "conspiracy" based on religion. Pakistan’s electronic crimes law as well as blasphemy legislation are used to target religious minorities.

An international airport security officer threatened by her superior for enforcing the rules. In a video that went viral, the woman bravely challenged the official to press charges. Human Rights Focus Pakistan: "Without the images that showed her innocence what would have happened?"

Archbishop of Karachi MSgr Travas: "Jesus came to a very poor and downtrodden family to remind us that that is where love begins". In Sahiwal a march of Christians through the bazaars and streets to spread a message of unity. Prayers for those still suffering from this summer's floods.

The ordination took place yesterday at St Patrick's Cathedral, presided over by the Apostolic Nuncio in Pakistan, Archbishop Christophe Zakhia El-Kassis. In his homily, he said to the candidates to be “salt and light to the world”.

Bishop Rehmat of Faisalabad: "Intolerance against any group harms the whole society." Renewed call for legislative measures to stop the scourge of forced conversions of minor girls for marriage.

Three months after devastating rains submerged a third of the country, hundreds of families still need assistance. Led by Archbishop Benny Mario Travas of Karachi, the local Caritas geared up to help displaced people in St Michael’s parish. “My husband and I were looking for divine help," said one beneficiary.

Umeed Partnership, a non-profit organisation, set up the camp to provide free medical consultations and vaccinations to a thousand people. For its president, Shamin Gulzar, “poverty forces women to work to support their families”; as a result, they “face a number of problems.” Warm clothes were handed out to 200 families.

President Alvi approved Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's proposal after weeks of uncertainty. Former director of two intelligence agencies, including Isi, Munir will now hold the real key role in Pakistani politics. His predecessor, General Bajwa, in recent days admitted the army's influence in political dynamics.

Imran Rehman has been in prison for two months for a complaint against him regarding a post he made on WhatsApp. His wife: 'Since his arrest, my daughter cannot go to school'. Increasingly in Pakistan, social networks are being used to fabricate false accusations of blasphemy against families belonging to religious minorities.

Although the waters have receded, the situation in southern Pakistan remains catastrophic. Poverty is up fourfold and people have been reduced to stealing. “Even before this disaster, we were in difficulty,” said the bishop of Hyderabad. The AsiaNews campaign to send aid is still ongoing.

For six days, more than 2,000 faithful read the Holy Scriptures non-stop in a church. Members of other religious denominations were also invited. For Fr Pascal Paulus, this way, Jesus’s message can be spread.