Shafique Khokhar

The dead include a nine-year-old girl. Some of the wounded are in critical condition. The explosion hit the Anarkali Bazaar, one of the most crowded places in the metropolis. The government suspends the ceasefire with the TTP, maximum alert in at least five cities for new attacks.

This is the second case in a week in which capital punishment is imposed for violations of controversial blasphemy rules. The young woman was also sentenced to 24 years in prison and fined 200,000 rupees. She apparently used certain apps to share pictures of Muslim religious figures on social media. A friend of hers turned her in. According to some rumours, he took his revenge against her after being spurned.

Zafar Bhatti has been in prison since 2012. Despite his claims of innocence, a judge who reviewed the Christian man’s sentence decided to change it to a death sentence. His desperate family is calling for prayers. He “was framed” unfairly, and “People have made several attempts to convert Zafar and have him set free, but he is strong in his faith”.

A Catholic from Karachi has been bringing friends of all faiths to the Salvation Army Church for months to distribute food to day labourers brought to their knees by pandemic. One of the people helped: "This place is different from other centres, because everyone is served with respect and a smile".

In a historic ruling for Pakistan, Nadeem Samson, jailed over a rent dispute, has bbeen released on bail. However, the chances of him being found innocent have not increased. According to lawyer Saif ul Malook, the decision could serve as a precedent for other victims.

In his message to the faithful at the beginning of the year, the prelate invites courage to continue with "renewed hope". Taking up the Pope's admonition, he recalls that it is the duty of all to pay attention "to the least among us". Promote justice "with forgiveness." Create "harmony" with a positive attitude, which unites.

Archbishop Sebastian Shaw and Aid to the Church in Need have helped Christians released from prison start their own small businesses. They were accused of killing two Muslims after the 2015 Easter attacks. For Fr Francis Gulzar, “Those who received this help are called to promote harmony by helping others in their time of need.”

Speaking at a charity event for orphans at the Don Bosco Hostel in Karachi, the cardinal warned against “creating walls among us”. A group of Christians marched through the city singing Christmas carols, but also highlighting the need for minority protection in the country.

A Muslim man entered and broke statues of deities. He was stopped by local residents and handed over to the police. Shortly afterwards, the Hindu community gathered in the square to demand greater protection from the government.

The students of cutting, sewing and candle making showed their products and sold them ahead of Christmas. Women “can do a lot if they are given the opportunity,” said volunteer.

Tariq Pehalwan crashed a wedding party and harassed the women present. After he was removed by Wazir Masih, the owner of the house where celebrations were underway, he came back with a mob, who fired guns, stole money and jewelry, and set the property on fire. The incident took place on 10 December, International Human Rights Day. Christian activists demand justice.

Nadeem Samson has been in prison since 2017. A new hearing on his possible release is scheduled for tomorrow. The Christian's accusers fabricated a fake Facebook profile to bring charges against him.