A year of conversions and coronavirus in Pakistan
Let s hope 2021 brings more good news for our country and a cure for the pandemic of prejudice
Arzoo Raja is escorted to Sindh High Court in Karachi on Nov. 9. (Photo: Nadim Bhatti)
What an experience 2020 has been. While much of the world came to a stop at times during the pandemic, the Pakistan Church continued the battle against blasphemy and forced conversions.
The walls of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Lahore share the highlights of this year’s long struggles.
“Wear a mask, save yourself and others” and “We strongly condemn the kidnapping of 13-year-old Arzoo [Raja] and her forceful conversion and marriage to a 44-year-old person” state the banners at its entrance. Other banners express solidarity with Muslim siblings in condemning the blasphemous statements by French President Emmanuel Macron and atrocities in Kashmir.