AsiaNews reports the heart-wrenching story of survival and the struggle for freedom of a young father of two. For months, the factory owner kept him in conditions of slavery to exploit his labour without paying his wages. Freed thanks to the intervention of an NGO and a court ruling. Azhar Saeed: this is not an isolated tragedy, but part of a much wider injustice.

With Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the Gulf and Field Marshal Asim Munir acting as an intermediary between the United States and Iran, Pakistan is trying to carve out a role in regional dialogue. For Indian research analyst Namita Barthwal, Islamabad's activism reflects “Pakistan's own vulnerabilities” and the growing weight of the military in the country's foreign policy. Meanwhile, India is cautiously watching developments.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) is pursuing demolitions in katchi abadis, informal settlements, where many Christians also live. Police agents and vehicles have been deployed in large numbers at the G-7 settlement (Allama Iqbal Colony). Residents are protesting, complaining of the lack of advance notice and alternative housing. NGOs are challenging the authorities, claiming they are hostile toward minorities and people living in poverty.

Activists call this a "long-awaited step" that ends a process that began three years ago. The goal was to ensure that non-Muslim children could also study their own religious tradition in school. However, issues related to the practical application of the policy remain. Teacher recruitment, training, and budget allocations are among the "significant challenges”.

Talks between the United States and Iran to firm up a still shaky ceasefire began in the Pakistani capital today. However, the United Arab Emirates is withdrawing US$ 3.5 billion (over a fifth of Pakistan's reserves) to put political pressure on the South Asian country. For Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, “war and conflict cause immense suffering” and this needs “solutions to problems through wisdom, tolerance and dialogue.”

Talks between Washington and Tehran will take place in Islamabad on Friday after threats of escalation. China has applied pressure, consolidating its influence in the region. Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir has played a crucial role. Uncertainties remain regarding the actual reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the Israeli-Lebanon front. Pakistani Christians tell AsiaNews that they are praying for lasting “peace and prosperity”.