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.
