Inspired by the 40th anniversary of the initiative launched by John Paul in 1986, the Dicastery for interfaith dialogue released a message on the occasion of the upcoming Hindu festival of Diwali. In it, the Vatican body says that, “genuine prayer overcomes differences and disarms hearts, minds and lives transforming us into men and women of compassion and peace.”
Asian bishops express concern over the escalation in the Middle East. In communion with Leo XIV, they call for stability, dialogue, and reconciliation that “prioritize human dignity.” They also call for prayers for civilians and migrant workers affected by the conflict; meanwhile, prayer initiatives for peace are growing at the diocesan level.
In Karachi, several people die in an attempted assault on the US consulate. Tensions were high across Pakistan, home to the world’s second-largest Shia community, with the authorities imposing a ban on public demonstrations. Protests also erupted in India, from Lucknow to Kashmir, as well as in the Karnataka city where Iran's late supreme leader opened a hospital in 1986.
On 2 March 2011, the then Minister for Minority Affairs, a Christian, was killed in Islamabad. His life was shattered for his stance on the rights of marginalised groups and his opposition to the blasphemy laws. Despite death threats, he refused to leave the country; his legacy lives on in those who still fight against persistent discrimination.
There have already been several victims among the many expatriate communities. The first death in the Jewish state from an Iranian missile was that of a Filipino caregiver. The conflict has also spread to the seas, with a seafarer killed on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. A Pakistani, a Nepalese and a Bangladeshi citizen are the three people killed in the United Arab Emirates.
The attacks launched by Israel and the United States on the eve of Purim and Iran's retaliation against US bases in the region have already claimed the life of one Asian immigrant, a Pakistani national working in Abu Dhabi. In India, the opposition has criticised Modi, who has just returned from Israel. Indonesia’s Prabowo (who promised soldiers for Gaza) offers to mediate. China ponders the repercussions.
Imports from South Africa are under scrutiny because of poor quality coal, resulting in substandard performance by the Lak Vijaya Power (LVP) plant. Experts say the role of an accredited independent laboratory is crucial. For the opposition, the “entire coal procurement process was rigged.”
The Afghan response to Pakistan’s bombings has escalated the never-ending conflict. Pakistan promises "decisive" action against the bases of "anti-Pakistan terrorists" in Afghanistan. Caught between the two, China calls for moderation. Meanwhile, 21 million Afghans already living in poverty risk paying the price of this never-ending conflict.
With a reserved order, the court halted for “for 15 days” the film's premiere, today. Questions remain about the certification and classification of a work that presents an "unfiltered" reality. Of greatest concern are the repercussions at the community level, given the sensitive issues such as reconversions.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahma inaugurated "Multidimensional Bangladesh", a literary event postponed due to the elections. Held at the Bangla Academy, it commemorates the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement and promotes democracy and culture through reading in a country that is at the bottom of the rankings for the number of books read. With 549 publishers attending, it now aims to become an international event.
Two days in Israel to strengthen cooperation between New Delhi and Tel Aviv. Meetings with migrants and Indian businesses, trade, and strategic agreements consolidate an increasingly close alliance between the two countries, voluntarily keeping the Palestinian question in the background. There are also ideological affinities between the BJP and the Israeli right. According to SIPRI data, India already accounts for 34% of Israeli arms exports.
An NGO denounced the false accusation against Sarwar Masih, meant to illegally seize his property, which his family has occupied for over 70 years. Islamic banners have been displayed to prevent any reconciliation. For Naveed Walter, president of Human Rights Focus Pakistan, this “reflects a disturbing pattern”. Impartial investigation and reforms against the abuse of blasphemy laws are called for.
Mandatory background checks will be introduced for employees working with girls and boys in government institutions. Criminal background records and periodic checks, including for existing staff, will be used. The goal is to boost prevention and institutional accountability.
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