Skafique Khokhar

134 children and nine adults were killed in the massacre. Associations of relatives of the victims say there has been no investigation into the lack of adequate security in the school. The army and provincial officials were informed of possible attacks. No help to the wounded or compensation for the parents of students.

​Mgr Joseph Arshad shares with AsiaNews his Christmas message. He spoke about the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds, who were "filled with joy and love because they found the little child Saviour of the world." Citing Pope Benedict XVI, he said "that Christmas is an event, a fact". Noting that current challenges of humanity are a warning to Christians, he reiterated Pope Francis’ call to be as humble as "God who is revealed through Jesus, of humble origins" and serve others "as Jesus did."

The Governor of Punjab was murdered for defending Asia Bibi. Lawyers killer ask for presidential pardon. The culprit has defended "legitimacy" of murder. Catholic activist: "The judgment shows that the Court is independent and free from the extremists pressures." Analyst warns: "The government will face pressure to avoid carrying out the judgment."

Franciscan friars and Caritas Pakistan mark the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation to reflect on how humans can change their relationship to nature. Future generations should look to mother earth as a gift and not as something created by man for his own interests. “Human behaviour is polluting what God has created,” priest says. “It is time to think about the good of humanity.”

Pakistani police arrested 25 people in connection with videos showing the abuse of 284 children, aged 6 to 14, whose parents were then subject to blackmail. For Kashif Aslam, the country needs a code of conduct or laws to protect children. Justice and Peace Commission presents a number of demands to avoid future sexual abuses.

At a meeting that is part of the celebrations of the Year of the Consecrated Life, the prelate tells religious orders that they perform great work at the local level despite ongoing acts of terrorism and violence, and the poverty of the Christian community. Mgr Arshad warns them however to watch out for self-proclaimed pastors who sow “divisions among Christians." The Catholic Church must act “before it is too late", but with patience and kindness for those who "shut their ears to the truth and turn to myths."