Pakistan

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.

The last time the country hosted such an event was in 1996. It was banished in 2009 after terrorists targeted Sri Lanka’s team, wounding six players. Imposing security measures are in place with the deployment of 20,000 men and snipers on rooftops. Only India refuses to play in the country with matches scheduled in the United Arab Emirates.

The Federal Investigation Agency is intensifying internal controls to combat corruption. Experts warn that repressive measures alone will not stop migrants. The country continues to show serious signs of economic instability.

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’.

AsiaNews in conversation with Patras Paul, a Muslim cleric who suddenly - more than twenty years ago - reading the Gospel found in it the answers he could no longer find in the Koran. He tells of the persecution he suffered for this choice and of his difficult life today. His battle to have his new religious identity recognised on his identity card.

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.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai spoke out against Afghanistan's treatment of women at the International Conference on Girls’ Education in Muslim Communities hosted by Pakistan. At the end of the meeting, a 17-point declaration was signed in defence of women's education.

The gesture of goodwill and détente has been repeated every year since 1991 at the start of the new year under an agreement to prevent attacks on nuclear installations. This allows the two countries to exchange a list of their facilities along one of the hottest borders in the world. Most of the people freed are fishermen caught operating outside their countries’ territorial waters.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) made the announcement on Thursday since the two national teams have tended to avoid playing in the other country for years. Cricket matches between the two countries are always full of tensions, reflecting bilateral political relations. Politicians are also present in the two national cricket federations.

The European Union Agency for Asylum released a report documenting the practice, especially through debt bondage. In one year, more than 28,000 Pakistanis have requested international protection upon arrival in the EU and 34,000 cases are pending. The report highlights the deterioration of democracy and an increase in violence, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

A group of women working in the brickyards, unable to afford the expenses for a wedding, entrusted their daughters to the Pentecostal Church. A collective event was celebrated at the beginning of the month. The hope is that the girls will thus have the chance to avoid the spiral of poverty of their families.

Bishop Indrias Rehmat of Faisalabad inaugurated the village and Christmas tree at La Salle High School and College. Waiting for Christmas is a time to commit to peace. For the prelate, “we need the Messiah again in our lives.” In Lahore, the Saddar Jhalar Church hosted an interfaith singing event last Sunday, with distinguished civic and religious guests.