Shafique Khokhar

The People's Commission for Minority Rights warns that there are “sufficient grounds to suspect that concentration of powers in the Ministry of Religious Affairs” will increase the risk of abuses and illegal seizures, an already widespread problem.

The girl had complained about harassment and threats at work. The police decided to investigate only after media pressure. Fr Asher Liaqat pledges support to the family.

The brick kiln owner in Faisalabad tried to keep his hold on families with new bills, but this debt was also repaid with the generosity of our readers. Some beneficiaries speak out. “He wanted to keep us slaves, but he didn't know that God is great and in his design he wants us free,” said one.

Readers’ generosity has freed seven more families victims of debt slavery in Faisalabad. Some tell their stories. Grateful that their “grandchildren can now go to school”, they “will always remember in our prayers all those who have helped us.”

Danish Masih, 17, was drugged and held captive for five days. The police acted late, and no one has been arrested. The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace is calling for new legislation to put an end to anti-Christian practices.

Catholic charity launches “An acre for women” campaign in the more isolated villages of Gharo and Gadap Town to improve local living conditions, promote modern farming practices, and provide new tools to grow vegetables.

Two trains collided at 3.30 am yesterday near Daharki. It is the fourth collision to occur in the Ghotki district in the past year

The Archdiocese held a seminar on the problem of abducted Christian and Hindu women and girls abducted and forced into Islamic marriages. An appeal has been made to judicial and political authorities to enforce the Pakistan Penal Code in the case of forced marriage.

The Lahore High Court overturned the death sentence imposed on Shafqat Emmanuel and Shagufta Kausar, two illiterate parents accused out of revenge of sending a message against the prophet of Islam on a mobile phone. For Christian lawmaker Khalil Tahir Sandhu, the law should punish those who make false accusations.

Archbishop Sebastian Shaw inaugurates two new structures at the Renewal Center in the Youhanabad district, where there is a strong Christian presence. The initiative focuses on the condition of women, who have been even more penalized by the pandemic.

With a small organisation, a social worker in Faisalabad’s Warispura district helps people, not by giving them cash, but by buying equipment for them to start a business. In the last six months, more than 10 small enterprises have been created for poor Christian families. Financial support comes from two cousins in America who expect to be repaid only by God.

The Catholic charity held a seminar with local urban communities to lay out what is needed to reduce casualties and flood damage. Focus also centred on the poorest areas where the most vulnerable populations live, especially in emergencies.