Shafique Khokhar

The authorities in Samundari (Punjab) have arbitrarily and unilaterally torn down homes without warning residents. A Muslim who resents the local minority is behind the deed. Christians demand respect and dignity.

The six year old was born with cataracts in both eyes. Her family was poor and had already faced many difficulties; they could not afford the cost of surgery. Thanks to a joint effort enough money was collected to raise the sum required for the little girl's eye surgery. Now her dream will come true: to go to school and learn to read.

As Mgr Coutts remembered the "innocent victims of senseless violence," he called on the faithful to be a source of "peace and reconciliation". Intra-Taliban divisions exacerbate the violence. A power struggle between Pakistan's civilian and military leaders favours Islamist terrorism. For a Muslim activist, the attack is Pakistan's 9/11. Christian priest says it threatens the enlightened future of the country.

The 30-years-old mother of four children was brutally attacked by powerful local Muslims, dragged in the street, her clothes torn off. Police arrested and then released the accused, changing their initial report. The pre-bail hearing set for last Friday was postponed until today. Under protection, Alishba plans to fight the case for herself and the Christian community.

People with disabilities, who represent about 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, need legislation to protect their rights. An independent commission to monitor the application of the UN Convention is also needed. Various groups appeal to the government for the establishment of quotas in education and the workplace. In Lahore, police mistreats two blind people.

On the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, NGOs and activists launch appeals to the government for the protection of women in the workplace. Unions call for women to come together "in associations" and speak with "one voice". Condemnation of slavery and the exploitation of child labor.

The section of the road that runs by St Anthony's Catholic School, Lahore's cathedral and the archbishop's resident has been renamed after the Air Force group captain, a leading member of the local Catholic community. Leading officials from the Pakistani Armed Forces, as well as members of the late hero's family and ordinary citizens attended the ceremony. For Catholic priest, the dedication is "an honour" for the entire "Christian community".

About a thousand people come together in a candlelight vigil to remember a young Christian couple that was burnt alive. The government must take "immediate steps" to stop abuses. Protesters demand severe punishment for those who use the blasphemy law to take revenge or settle personal disputes. For Christian activist, a "genocide" against minorities is underway.

According to Peter Jacob, a well-known activist for human rights, the current legal system promotes violence in the name of the blasphemy laws. For a Pakistani politician, local leaders gave a "religious connotation to a dispute about money" to what was a "social question". For Indian bishop, it was a "satanic act;" hence, "It is urgent for world and religious leaders to get together".

Activists held a protest march demanding the perpetrators be brought to justice. The government must takes appropriate measures to prevent abuses related to blasphemy. Government, police and judiciary held responsible for failing to prevent the violence. Muslim scholar calls for a committee to review the blasphemy law.

In August, the 19-year old Maria Bibi was abducted and forced to marry Mohammad Zohaib, a neighbor and classmate. Now the matter is in the hands of a court. Meanwhile, the Church of Pakistan celebrates a day of fasting and prayer for Asia Bibi. Muslim leader: no innocent person should be made a victim "in the name of religion."

Christian Solidarity Worldwide calls on Pakistan's highest court to guarantee her safety as well as a speedy trial to secure her release. Her conviction is evidence of the poor status of the country's justice system, plagued by bias and corruption in blasphemy cases. Michelle Chaudhry is hopeful and optimistic about an acquittal.