Pakistan

In a town of just 8,000 inhabitants in the state of Goa lie the roots of both the Indian Filipe Neri Ferrão and the Pakistani Joseph Coutts, who from this afternoon are participating as electors in the selection of the new pontiff. A sign of the Church of the peripheries, but also of the vitality of a community founded four centuries ago by Portuguese Franciscans. And in these hours, it is also a symbol of the thirst for peace between the two countries now plunged into a new crisis over Kashmir.

India has suspended the Indus Water Treaty, following a terror attack in Pahalgam (Indian Kashmir), reactivating hydroelectric projects left unfinished because of the agreement with Pakistan. Meanwhile, violence against Muslims and Kashmiris is growing, victims of assaults and threats in several Indian cities.

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.

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.

Despite criticism from several international organisations, Pakistan launched the second phase of its forced repatriation plan for Afghan refugees, which began in 2023. The lives of Afghan human rights activists and members of the former pro-Western regime are at risk. For Pakistani authorities, expulsions are a way to pressure the Taliban, accused of supporting terrorist groups operating in Pakistan.

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’.

After activist Mahrang Baloch was jailed on Saturday, her sister has complained on social media about the poor conditions of detention. Some families recently tried to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones, but Pakistani authorities claimed the bodies belonged to the Baloch terrorists responsible for the attack on the Jaffar Express train. The situation has degenerated with shots fired at unarmed protesters demanding the truth about missing persons. Meanwhile, protests continue in several cities in Balochistan.

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.

Human rights activist Xavier William told AsiaNews that access to the only church in a Pakistani correctional facility has been restricted. Opened in 2009, the place of worship was used by about 200 Christian inmates. Former PM Imran Khan is among the prisoners held in the facility. For William, a balance must be found “between security and religious freedom;” he urges prison authorities to “review this decision”.

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.