Shafique Khokhar

The play was performed by Ajoka actors, one of Pakistan's most famous companies. The social arm of the Church wants to effect a profound change in society and involve the various communities. The theater group fighting conservative mentality.

City’s 27 km Orange Line Metro Train project threatens 27 heritage sites, 11 of which are protected under federal law and six under provincial law. Four churches dating back to the mid-19th century would be affected, including the Cathedral Church of the Resurrection. For activist, “we [. . .] will not sit back and let anyone destroy this 2000-year-old city”.

A 14-year-old girl has been abducted on the pretext of a job. Her father was persuaded to withdraw a complaint against her abductors, but instead of getting his daughter, he was killed in cold blood on his way to rescue her. His wife and three daughters now live in fear of reprisals, and ask for help from God's people.

The Islamic Ideology Council recommendations about wives who disobey their husbands goes against the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act, which criminalises certain offences against women. For Muslim scholar, history shows “that captured girls were used as sex slave by Arab armies”. Now that is how the “Taliban, Al Qaeda and ISIS [. . .] treat women folk”.

For two days, Christians have protested demanding justice from the authorities, but to no avail. On 19 May, police agents raided the church where Kamal Chugtai was celebrating Mass. They beat the pastor and intimidated the faithful. They want “to silence us,” he said, “but we shall not be silenced; we shall continue to raise our voice on behalf of minorities.”

The 1869 law is restored. In 1981, under General Zia’s rule, an amendment was introduced that allowed Christian couples to divorce only in case of adultery. This chained women to violent and polygamous marriages, and forced Christians who wanted to end a marriage to convert to Islam.

The Church and mosque are only separated by a wall. There has never been any violence or controversy. Islamic religious: "We have changed prayer schedules so as not to disturb eachother. We installed the speakers inside the mosque". The parish priest: "Before being Muslim and Christian we are men, and this unites us in prayer".

Qaisar Jahan was removed from the school where he worked for refusing to do janitorial work. The head mistress wanted to force him out of his job as water man because as a Christian he was “impure”. After two months of legal wrangling, Qaisar went back to his job. For his advocate, “Our efforts do not stop here” since job discrimination is widespread.

He tried to stop some Muslims who were insulting and beating fellow Christians at the end of the Sunday Mass. In so doing, he “dared” challenge one of the sons of rich local landlord. In order to punish Masih, the attackers beat his paralysed father. A “peace deal” between Christians and Muslims turned out to be a sham. He appeals for help to find work.

The young man had been kidnapped - perhaps by the Taliban - three years ago. But suspicions also point to internal political struggles. Activists for human rights: Perhaps relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan will improve. The Government’s inability to guarantee security leaves population very vulnerable.

Dewan Bahadur S P Singha is on new 10-rupee stamp. He opted for Pakistan in a critical vote in the Punjab legislature at the time of partition. Christians and Muslims welcome the recognition, a sign that Pakistan is trying to promote interfaith harmony.

Hundreds of people took to the streets yesterday in favour of ‘a living wage’. Trade unions denounce the exploitation of women and children as well as low wages. The Asian Human Rights Commission slam collusion between officials and businesses.