Shafique Khokhar

They both worked in a pharmaceutical factory. The owner, Mohammad Naeem, and the supervisor Mohammad Imtiaz pressured them for marriage, promising wealth and demanding their conversion to Islam. But the women, married to two Christians, had refused.

The cardinal marks the 50th anniversary of his priestly ordination recalling the stages of his ministry. "We can be different, have different languages, different religions, but we can live together, respecting each other as the bouquet of flowers with different flowers brings a new reality".

The parents, supported by Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP), filed a complaint. The police delay the investigation and try to silence family members. One of the three assailants, who fled after the rape, has been identified. The father: "Marked with shame", the behaviour of neighbours "changed radically". The young Komal will no longer be able to "live a normal life".

A mob attacked the temple, vandalised it and then set it on fire. This is but the latest in a long series of attacks on temples and churches. A terrorist attack planned for Christmas Day was foiled in Peshawar. For human rights activist Naveed Walter, it is necessary to implement policies that support religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

Some Muslim boys began offending and insulting Christian girls, resulting in a brawl among young people. A crowd of 30-35 Muslims intervened violently, even entering the homes of Christians to beat women and children. In the clashes, seven Christians were wounded, hit by stones; one was wounded with a knife. The police made no arrests.

The first gift packages distributed for 26 families. Each package has enough food for 15 days. Before the distribution, the families prayed for AsiaNews and for all those who are supporting the aid campaign. Safia Bibi, 40, widow with four children: “I have no words to express my feelings of gratitude. Only people who live in misery like us can understand what it means to receive such a gift for our poor family”.

Caritas held a one-day workshop on candle making as part of its ‘Livelihood and Food Security Programme’ to help the institute as well as the girls’ future.

Entire families, parents and children, who work with a pay of 7 euros for every 1000 bricks produced. But poverty, rain, winter and the pandemic have closed down factories. To survive, they take out loans with their bosses, who then force a family to work for generations to repay the debt. Often entire family units are sold on to other masters, along with the debt. Being part of the Christian minority also means more discrimination.

For Archbishop Arshad, this gives him feelings of joy and happiness because the people of this city are preparing for the birth of Christ despite the pandemic. “I really feel that this Christmas must bring happiness to the whole world and that we will soon solve all our problems,” he said.

Of Sri Lankan origin, he had lived in Pakistan for nearly 50 years. Under his leadership the apostolic prefecture of Quetta became an apostolic vicariate and was about to become a diocese. Loved by everyone, he supported the population with educational and charitable works.

AsiaNews launches a fundraising campaign for the unemployed brick factory workers for Christmas. Each gift pack contains: flour, spices, legumes, oil, sugar, tea, rice and soap. With 15 euros you can support a family for 15 days.

A forum is held in Karachi on Human Rights Day. The findings of a survey in 44 districts across Pakistan and across all groups are presented.