Convert hunted by Islamists seeks asylum
From radical Islamic extremist determined to convert “infidels” to his faith, to the leader of a Christian organization in Germany, Raza Muhammad’s journey has been fraught with danger at every step of the way.
Pakistan Christians end year of persecution hoping new government in 2024 will bring respite
As 2024 begins, Christians in Pakistan are winding up a year of violence and mayhem, with the hope of a new government to bring respite to their suffering after the national elections in February.
Canada’s Pakistanis condemn homeland’s violence
Canadian Christians of Pakistani heritage filled Celebration Square in Mississauga, Ont., in mid-August — not in joy but in sorrowful protest.
The Pakistani Catholic church strongly condemned the Muslim mob attack on churches and Christian properties Aug. 16 and demanded justice.
Catholics in fear following Koran burnings
It’s a burning issue from Sweden and Denmark to Iraq and Pakistan. Two Koran-burning incidents by individuals in the two Scandinavian countries have ignited furious reactions in Iraq, Pakistan and much of the Muslim world, leaving Christian minorities there even more vulnerable to extremist hatred.
UN report a call to action, say activists
A recent UN report on atrocities perpetrated in Pakistan against girls and young women from Christian and other minority faith communities should serve as a wake-up call, and prompt urgent action by the Canadian government, say Canadian activists.
Mosque suicide bombing targets police, dozens dead
Dozens of people, mostly police and security forces, were killed in a suicide bombing at a mosque in northeastern Pakistan.
Younis Gil is a small man who struggles with English. Years of stress, uncertainty and hard labour have left an imprint. But he squares his shoulders, straightens his back, meets your gaze and smiles. With his wife Saleema Bibi and surrounded by three of his adult children plus a son-in-law, he is a proud pater familias embracing a life that a few months ago was hard to imagine.
Pakistan blasphemy law ‘costing lives’
Canada can do more to counter Pakistan’s blasphemy law — a law that made refugees of the Younis family and thousands of others, whose lives are on hold in Bangkok and other places around the world — the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief told the All-Party Parliamentary Interfaith Caucus in an online presentation earlier this month.
Pakistani ministers gunned down in brazen attack
LAHORE, Pakistan -- The daylight attack by motorcycle-riding gunmen on two Church of Pakistan ministers, killing one and wounding another, has reignited fears among Pakistan’s beleaguered minority community.
Suffering of persecuted Christians around the globe 'is real,' say speakers
ALEXANDRIA, Va. -- Shakeel Raphael projected an image of his brother Nadeem Samson on the screen, prison bars superimposed over the man's sorrowful face.
Activists shocked after Asia Bibi disowns autobiography
LAHORE, Pakistan -- Human rights activists were shocked after Asia Bibi dissociated herself from her autobiography, due out later in September.
Asia Bibi seeks political asylum in France
MANCHESTER, England -- Asia Bibi is seeking political asylum in France less than a year after fleeing her native Pakistan for the safety of Canada.
Mobs have killed 70 accused of blasphemy in Pakistan
WASHINGTON -- Despite the blasphemy law that has roiled Christians in Pakistan, the government has not executed anyone found guilty at trial.
BANGKOK, THAILAND -- A plea has been issued for Canada to rescue a Pakistani Christian refugee who is in hiding after a viral video calling on jihadi fighters to kill him swept through Bangkok's refugee community.