Shafique Khokhar

The event, organised by the Centre for Social Justice, brought together representatives of Pakistan’s civil society and various religious communities. For Church of Pakistan Bishop Azad Marshall, it is important to go beyond the conference itself and look at root causes.

In Lahore a Muslim woman has been reported to the police for asking the imam to inform worshippers of the death of a Christian living in the area. Ilyas Samuel, a human rights activist: "The Pakistani government should seriously consider the issue of the abuse of these rules".

On the day commemorating the birth of the founder of Sikhism, the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue visited the Gurdwara, the place of worship of this religious denomination. "Until we learn to respect one another, we cannot have peace."

Saad Rizvi was released from prison following agreements signed between the government and the Islamist party. The ban against the formation was also removed. Pastor Javed Maish: "TLP guilty of the death of several people".

Rasulan Bibi, 65, allegedly stole 5,000 rupees from a Muslim family. After five months, the case seems to have been solved thanks to the intervention of some activists. Police officers had been told not to consider the case.

Rwadari Tehreek, a movement fighting for religious tolerance in Pakistan, held a rally against the parliamentary committee that recently rejected a pro-minorities bill. This proves “once again that the screams and cries of minority communities are being ignored,” says activist.

Mareeb Abbas went missing on 2 November and was in all likelihood taken to Balochistan. Her mother is hospitalised. The parish priest in Sahiwal calls for a law to “protect minorities”.

At least nine people are wounded, three hospitalised in critical conditions. The attackers have not been arrested. In Trikhani, Christian families have repeatedly refused to sell the lands given to their ancestors by missionaries.

Stephen Masih, who is mentally disabled, has been deemed unfit to stand trial by the Punjab Institute of Mental Health. He was arrested in March 2019 after an argument with his neighbour.

Scores of families who lost their homes received financial aid from Caritas Pakistan to pay the rent for new housing. For Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, “God loves everyone, but he is closer to the poor and to those who live in difficult conditions.”

Muhammad Saqib wants to kidnap the young girl and marry her against her will. To blackmail her, he sent Shahnawaz Masih, the girl's brother, to prison on false charges. The family lives in hiding and is desperate. There are at least 36 non-Muslim "child brides", of these 21 are Christian. In 2020, cases of forced conversions increased by 177%.

Those responsible claim as their own the land where the historic cemetery stands. The authorities have not yet intervened. However, Christians in Banawali received support from Muslims fellow villagers.