Shafique Khokhar

The first stone was laid in August 2020. Catholics devoted to the Mother of God gathered in the Church of St Francis Xavier to pray for missionaries as well as peace and prosperity in their country.

Pakistani law reserves 5 per cent of jobs for members of minority groups, but 30,000 positions remain vacant. The president of the Bishops' Conference, wants recruitment completed by 2021.

The violence followed a row between two families over the irrigation of some fields. Two young Christians died on the spot while others were sent to hospital in critical condition. The Christian community wants justice and protection.

In one of the countries with the highest rate of illiteracy and school dropout, the Caritas Community School project tries to bring children back to school. For Caritas Karachi’s Mansha Noor, this programme “creates awareness”.

An amendment to a 2001 ordinance threatens to multiply cases of illegal occupation. Christians, Sikhs and Hindus worried about their historic places of prayer. Civil society and religious leaders are calling for the restitution of stolen property.

Pakistan’s religious establishment rejects a bill designed to stop kidnappings for the purpose of marriage. For minority leaders, this legitimises coercion and legalises abuses.

In a country shaken by the winds of extremism, 200 representatives of different groups and faiths celebrated together International Day of Peace. Activists fight the dominant “culture of hatred” by raising awareness.

A ceremony paid tribute to Christian schools that have been offering quality education at affordable prices for over 160 years. The event was attended by teachers, government officials and students. The provincial education minister will visit schools in need of upgrading.

A Muslim man tried to kidnap Arushma Ejaz in order to convert her and force her into marriage. After a number of intimidatory and violent incidents, her mother turned to the Human Rights Focus Pakistan organisation. The police accepted the First Information Report only after 47 days. The second hearing of the case is set for tomorrow.

An operation to clear “illegal” settlements in the heart of the archdiocese has led to the demolition of several places of worship, including the St Joseph Catholic Church, forcing the faithful to pray amid the ruins. There is concern for families who lost their homes, while new evictions are planned.

During Sunday service, a group of Muslims opened fire and attacked Christian homes. For the secretary general of the Pakistan Minority Rights Commission, great efforts are being made to protect minorities, yet violence is increasing.

In a village, when a Christian pupil went back to school after having a fever, she was met with discrimination and violence. For human rights activist Manzoor Anthony, “We minorities live in insecurity; we must be given full rights”.