Shafique Khokhar

The Archbishop of Islamabad-Rawalpindi expresses the deep sorrow of Catholics and non-Catholics in the country. The ‘courage’ to bring people who are often ‘discarded’ to the ‘front line’. From interreligious harmony to ecological issues, gestures that are ‘testimony to his deep commitment to unity’. Looking ahead to the next conclave, so that ‘the Holy Spirit may guide the cardinals’.

An unidentified man is alleged to have left bait, presumably intended for stray dogs, in his rickshaw. Two children are still in critical condition. The episode rekindles attention on the vulnerability of religious minorities in Punjab, already affected by violence and accusations of blasphemy. Civil society is calling for justice and accountability, including for the health authorities.

An explosion in the Barech market area, among the victims a doctor known for his cancer treatments. The massacre comes after the indiscriminate arrests following the seizure of the Jaffar Express train. Local civil society voices to AsiaNews: ‘The government must find a clear solution to the long-standing demands of the Baloch people’.

The Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of the country's highest civilian honours, was presented to the Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi. His exceptional contribution to inter-religious harmony and social well-being was recognised. Fr Bonnie Mendes: ‘He has always invited us to look at the good that there is in Pakistan, even in the most difficult moments’.

Shahbaz, not his real name, was stabbed by his supervisor after refusing to convert to Islam. He was falsely accused of throwing pages of the Qur‘an in the trash. “This is a worrying trend,” Fr Lazar Aslam tells AsiaNews. An investigation by journalist Ahmed Noorani uncovers a racket based on false accusations involving lawyers, officials and judges. Activists are calling for justice and protection for victims.

On 15 March 2015, the 21-year-old died to stop a suicide bomber at St John's Church, saving over 800 worshippers. In Youhanabad, thousands of people gathered to remember him. Fr Khalid Rashid Asi told AsiaNews that the state must learn from his example, and put an end to terrorism and extremism. His cause of beatification is progressing.

Last week in Sialkot, 22 members of the community were imprisoned even though they were innocent, following pressure from Islamic extremists. In Sargodha another 23 were put in jail because they were ‘caught’ praying in a house during the holy month for Muslims. Minarets vandalised by the police in Bahawalnagar. Ahmadi leaders appeal to the State to demand protection and respect for their rights.

The husband abandoned his 28-year-old wife and three children for another woman. After converting to Islam, he remarried. Now he wants both families to embrace the same faith, so he is putting pressure on his first wife. Christian activist denounces the lack of rules to protect the wife, who cannot divorce.

The series “Tan Man Neelo Neel”, broadcast by Hum TV, deals with the theme of lynching and accusations of blasphemy used as a tool for revenge. While last year's figures show a dramatic increase in cases related to these laws, activists and intellectuals praise the courage of the production.

A woman in Punjab spoke to AsiaNews about her journey and the hardships converts from Islam face. Since she chose to follow Christ, Naseem has endured isolation, death threats, and discrimination. Yet, despite economic obstacles and family objections, her unshakeable faith remains a source of hope. For activist Joseph Janssen, freedom of worship should be exercised without fear of persecution.

Farhan Javed, 28, lives in a small village with his widowed mother. Family members: ‘Fair investigation taking into account his mental state’. Ashknaz Khokhar, activist: ‘Authorities must treat the case with attention to human rights’. Joseph Janssen, defender of minorities: ‘Extremist groups act without consequences’.

Despite existing legislation, kilns are places of "inter-generational slavery", circles of violence from which it is almost impossible to escape. Minority activist Joseph Janssen freed 32 people from six Christian families. Naseem, Mehwish and Safia and their relatives tell stories of decades of a hellish life. “We want justice, not only for our families, but also for those who still work there,” said Habib, one of the survivors.