The Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of the country's highest civilian honours, was presented to the Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi. His exceptional contribution to inter-religious harmony and social well-being was recognised. Fr Bonnie Mendes: ‘He has always invited us to look at the good that there is in Pakistan, even in the most difficult moments’.
Shahbaz, not his real name, was stabbed by his supervisor after refusing to convert to Islam. He was falsely accused of throwing pages of the Qur‘an in the trash. “This is a worrying trend,” Fr Lazar Aslam tells AsiaNews. An investigation by journalist Ahmed Noorani uncovers a racket based on false accusations involving lawyers, officials and judges. Activists are calling for justice and protection for victims.
Human rights activist Xavier William told AsiaNews that access to the only church in a Pakistani correctional facility has been restricted. Opened in 2009, the place of worship was used by about 200 Christian inmates. Former PM Imran Khan is among the prisoners held in the facility. For William, a balance must be found “between security and religious freedom;” he urges prison authorities to “review this decision”.
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.
