Amir Peter, 60, was arrested on 19 July 2025, after a Muslim businessman accused him. The two had an argument. The Christian man died in hospital from serious medical complications. The victim's brother, Father Henry Paul, said that his brother was suffering from advanced dementia and the charges against him were false. The organisation Christians' True Spirit had called for his release on health grounds.
The government granted an additional week following protests, but confirmed assistance is still limited to three months. Families forced to leave “illegal” settlements in April complain that the resettlement plan is unbalanced. Human rights groups are also critical of the government.
Unlike previous years, no public commemorations were held at the site of the jihadi attack. Foreign diplomats organised a joint memorial at the Italian Embassy. The memory has been kept alive in more discreet ways. This morning, the Catholic Church offered prayers for the victims during Mass, invoking peace for their souls and healing for their families.
The Pettah market is in a state of neglect. Opened in 2014 with 70 shops, the tourist spot now has dilapidated stalls, sunken boats, a flood of garbage in Beira Lake, and marginalised people. "We are disappointed,” tourists told AsiaNews. Former retailers lament the authorities' negligence.
Following the conviction of the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, police dispersed new protests in Quetta and arrested several demonstrators. Nadia Baloch, the activist's sister, announced that she will appeal to the High Court, while observers warn that targeting nonviolent dissent risks fuelling an insurgency against the Pakistani government.
The girl, who was abducted on 12 June and found by the police, is at the centre of a legal battle over the validity of a marriage contract. Her family and lawyers are contesting the documents presented by the alleged abductor. After granting protective custody, the court ordered an age assessment. Voice for Justice call for a transparent trial and prosecution of those responsible.
