Pakistan

At the end of the summit of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, India refused to sign the joint statement, complaining of the lack of a clear condemnation of Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism in the wake of the attack in Kashmir on 22 April. The armed clash between the two neighbours in early May opened a new phase of mutual accusations, but for now it is Pakistan that is reaping the benefits internationally.

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.

US President Donald Trump met privately with Pakistan’s powerful Army Chief of Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House putting the spotlight back on the frayed ties between India and Pakistan after tensions rose over Kashmir. While India’s Modi distanced himself, Trump once again took credit for avoiding a nuclear war. Multiple interests and Pakistan's ambiguous role between Iran, China and the United States are playing in the background.

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.’

As the local assembly passes a controversial anti-terrorism law allowing three-month detentions without charge, human rights organisations launch a new appeal against the repression of activists. Of concern are the recent cases of missing students, a phenomenon that is part of a decade of autonomist claims and human rights violations.

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.’

The prelate personally visited the areas most affected by the recent military confrontation between India and Pakistan. Shelling has "killed many people" and "destroyed hundreds of houses, shops, vehicles and other infrastructure". The situation now seems to be improving but the fear of fresh attacks remains.

These refugees meet the criteria for resettlement in third countries and need international protection the most. Expulsions to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan continue; in April alone, more than 300,000 returned from Pakistan and Iran, aggravating a humanitarian crisis already out of control due to extreme poverty. For their part, Kabul, Beijing and Islamabad are building new geopolitical ties.

The Pakistani Foreign Minister travelled to Beijing to boost the CPEC project, which will also include Afghanistan. While tensions with India have subsided, violence continues in Balochistan where a bomb attack against a school bus kills several children. The missile exchange between India and Pakistan is redefining the geopolitical alliances across Eurasia.

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."