AsiaNews publishes a reflection for the Lenten season by a Capuchin friar from Lahore. The situation in the country mirrors "the negative impact" of global conflicts and general tension. Prayer "a glimmer of hope" in the midst of chaos. The renunciation of food a practice that "brings one closer to God". Almsgiving a material representation of mercy.
On Monday, the Pakistani Senate voted on the Christian Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2023. For Christians, the legal age of marriage goes from 16 to 18 years of age. The battle to protect young women and girls from the practice of child brides and forced conversion began in November 2022. Now many hope it can be extended to all religions.
The National Assembly held its first session today, despite opposition from Imran Khan's supporters. Maryam Sharif, daughter of the former three-time prime minister Nawaz Sharif, becomes the chief minister of Punjab, a role that makes her the family’s political heir, while her uncle is likely to be picked as prime minister tomorrow. For experts, the government will have to urgently address two issues: rising violence in some provinces and the search for economic stability.
Today's news: China's space agency names launchers that will put a man on the moon by 2030; Thousands of Filipinos take to the streets against Marcos' constitutional reform on the 38th anniversary of his father's ouster; Indians spend less on food, increase resources for TVs and fridges; New on-shore gas field discovered in Saudi Arabia.
Today's news: Imran Khan appeals to the International Monetary Fund demanding independent verification of the vote before negotiations; Taiwan's TSMC opened its first microchip factory in Japan; Egyptian economy collapses as tourism, gas and Suez Canal hit by war in Gaza; In Russia more victims of the repression of crimes of opinion under Putin than in the thirty years from Kruschev to Andropov.
Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) reported the case of Younas Masih, a Christian from Khurrianwala, who was the victim of unfounded accusations. A Christian couple who converted to Islam over a year ago accused the 68-year-old man. After an investigation, police released the Christian man but he and his family are still afraid.