On 15 March 2015, the 21-year-old died to stop a suicide bomber at St John's Church, saving over 800 worshippers. In Youhanabad, thousands of people gathered to remember him. Fr Khalid Rashid Asi told AsiaNews that the state must learn from his example, and put an end to terrorism and extremism. His cause of beatification is progressing.
Last week in Sialkot, 22 members of the community were imprisoned even though they were innocent, following pressure from Islamic extremists. In Sargodha another 23 were put in jail because they were ‘caught’ praying in a house during the holy month for Muslims. Minarets vandalised by the police in Bahawalnagar. Ahmadi leaders appeal to the State to demand protection and respect for their rights.
Security forces say 155 people were rescued, while the Balochistan Liberation Army says it still has more than 200. The separatists want a prisoner swap within 48 hours. Over the past year, the armed group has shut down major highways and intensified actions against infrastructure, while Islamabad has failed to offer a political solution.
The Balochistan Liberation Army attacked the Jaffar Express, bound for Peshawar. In a statement, the separatist group warned the Pakistani government not to intervene militarily, threatening mass executions. The assault is part of a growing wave of violence by the BLA against the Pakistani state.
The directive applies to both Card holders and those without documents. From 1st April they will be forcibly expelled, but the advice is to ‘leave voluntarily’ before the deadline. Human rights groups are concerned. Meanwhile, at the Torkham crossing, tribal leaders from both sides have signed a truce.
A few days ago, Archbishop Travas presided over the consecration of the parish dedicated to St. Andrew. A sign of hope for the Catholic community in an area of the city marked by serious problems.
