Shafique Khokhar

The execution took place this morning. In January, Zainab, a seven-year-old girl, was abducted, raped, tortured and dumped on a garbage heap. A certain criminal mindset is "well rooted in society".

Extremists are affiliated with the Taliban. There is still no news on the fate of the Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy. Pope Francis offers his prayers. For activist, Pakistan’s parliament must change the law.

The victim, Vicky Masih, worked as a courier at the Lahore High Court. He leaves his wife and three young children. His brother: "The police are conniving with the murderers, members of rich criminal families".

A meeting is held in Lahore to ask for more rights. Participants reiterated their commitment to a "multi-religious" Pakistan. The goal is to obtain specific measures, including the right to study one's faith.

Qutab Rind, who was killed by college students, claiming he had blasphemed, had his legs and arms broken before he was thrown from the third floor of a building. Police appear to be covering for the killers. “Another young talented student was killed under the banner of the blasphemy law to settle personal scores. This shows how dangerous it is to live in Pakistan where anyone can kill others for personal reasons,” said one human rights activist.

The Catholic organisation speaks out ahead of the upcoming election, which is "the central aspect of a democracy". At the same time, "results must be independently verified". The government must protect voters and stop terrorist groups.

An armed group broke into a church in Faisalabad’s Harsa Kot Thesil Samundri District. Some 20 worshipers gathered in prayer were beaten, some sacred objects were vandalised. Police action prevented the worst. For Justice and Peace Commission coordinator, the state should protect minorities amid raising election-related tensions.

In addition to the former prime minister, his daughter Mariam and her husband were also sentenced. The case involves the purchase of a luxury residence in London. For some educators, activists and journalists, the decision is political, designed to crush their party and favour challenger Imran Khan. Elections are scheduled for 25 July.

Many Pakistanis are in Rome for the official celebration of his elevation. Political leaders, members of civil society groups and community leaders appreciate him. “He is a leader who has lived through the different and tormented phases of Pakistani history,” said one observer. He “is a strong voice for minorities in Pakistan,” said another.

The case of little Tayyaba became public in 2016. In 2017 a court sentenced the child’s employers to one year in prison. On 11 June, another Court upped their sentence to three years. For activist, “violations of children's rights are not 'news'” in Pakistan.

Pakistan goes to the polls on 25 July. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, an alliance of five ultraconservative regional parties, is using religion “to attract votes”. The Constitution already promotes Islamic law. Some want to see a focus on women's rights and unbiased education.

The politician signs the cheques for the first month. More than 2,000 ex workers, 90 per cent of whom are Christian, have been waiting since the start of 2018, of which. Pensions range from 22 to 88 dollars a month, depending on the years of service. Many beneficiaries who suffer from work-related illnesses cannot pay for their medications.