Shafique Khokhar

The murder, which took place on the outskirts of Quetta, involved a couple that married for love, a union not accepted by the bride’s family. A local tribal council "allowed" the crime. The bride and groom were shot 19 and 38 times respectively. In 2024, at least 346 such cases were reported in the country. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (PPP) says no to reduced sentences. The Supreme Court Bar Association laments that women suffer the brunt of this form of violence.

A Lahore court acquitted Adil Babar and Simon Nadeem, wrongfully arrested for blasphemy in Pakistan in 2023. Despite the verdict, their families remain exposed to threats and discrimination. Janssen denounces the controversial conduct of the “blasphemy business group”. Justice Khan calls for a commission to investigate within 30 days the way blasphemy rules are used.

Arosa Azam, 26, an electronic engineering graduate, is inspired by diplomat Samuel Martin Burke. Success after four attempts and seven years of study. Her story has been celebrated by the Archdiocese of Karachi as a symbol of hope for young people from minority groups, reaffirming the importance of representation in government institutions.

The Supreme Court has ended Anwar Kenneth’s ordeal. Sentenced in 2002, the 72-year-old has suffered from obvious mental issues. In early 2025, lawyer Rana Abdul Hameed filed an appeal, with the support of Jubilee Campaign. The NGO’s advocacy director urges Pakistan to undertake immediate “comprehensive legislative reform”. The case had also been raised in the European Parliament as part of the ongoing human rights dispute between the EU and Pakistan.

On 11 June, Rashid, a Muslim, raped Fatima (not her real name) in her home, after harassing her for months. “I'm afraid to step outside,” said the victim; he was “trying to force me to convert”. For Joseph Janssen, president of Voice for Justice, this is a systemic emergency in “a society dominated by patriarchal” structures. The victim is receiving legal assistance and psychological support.

Farhan Masih, a 28-year-old man with mental health issues, was arrested on 26 January and detained for five months. After a neighbour accused him, the police did not even carry out a preliminary investigation. His mother told AsiaNews: ‘It's a miracle. No one else should suffer for believing in Christ.’ Activists: ‘Police aligned with extremists. Disciplinary action for the officers involved.’

Police forces are forcing worshippers to sign (illegal) statements pledging not to perform rituals, even in private homes. Local sources report people being detained or abused. Recently, a respected doctor, Sheikh Mahmood, was killed in Sargodha because he was Ahmadi. Activist groups and NGOs appeal to the government to protect religious rights and freedoms.

Pastor Victor George is being targeted and threatened by a neighbour named Muhammad Naseer. His crime is praying at home with his family. He confessed to AsiaNews that he is ‘deeply saddened for my family.’ Activists are speaking out against ‘hate crimes’ perpetrated against minorities by exploiting ‘blasphemy laws.’

On 12 May, Kashif Masih was brutally tortured and killed over a false accusation of theft. A former police officer is under investigation in connection with the case. The incident has reignited outrage over the persecution of Christians in Pakistan and the impunity often granted to those in positions of power. Human rights activists: "No uniform should place anyone above the law."

Bishops, priests, religious and faithful in Pakistan are grateful and hopeful following the election of Pope Leo XIV. Young people, teachers and seminarians hope for a pontificate marked by peace, dialogue and closeness to the last and the marginalised, like the Christians living in difficult situations in Pakistan.

India struck Pakistani territory overnight in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan responded by shooting down planes and stressing that the victims were civilians, not terrorists as claimed by India. In Pakistan, activists, religious leaders and civil society groups harshly condemn the attack.

Born in India, he moved to Lahore with his family at a very young age. Over the years, he has fought for social justice, Christian rights and freedom of worship. He has been able to defuse feelings of ‘revenge’ even among Christians, as in the case of the assassination of Minister Bhatti and the Gojra massacre. Harmony and peace are the guiding principles of his episcopate.