Articles by A. S. John
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Irfan Ilyas Gill is neither a Shia nor a Sunni Muslim but a member of the Pakistan Christian Scouts who along with 30-40 other Christians has been voluntarily facilitating Shia mourners participating in the Ashura processions in Pakistan’s biggest metropolitan city Karachi for over 12 years. -
Pakistan passes law barring marriage of under-18 Christians, raising hopes for protection from forced marriages, conversions
The National Assembly of Pakistan has passed a law raising the legal marriage age to 18 for boys and girls belonging to the Christian community, bringing Christian marriage laws in conformity with Pakistan’s child protection and human rights standards. The bill titled ‘Christian Marriage (Amendment) Act, 2024’ -- presented by a Christian member of the National Assembly, Naveed Amir Jeeva, updates the Christian Marriage Act of 1872, which previously set the marriage age at 16 for boys and 13 for -
Pakistan’s ‘zero’ consideration for minorities in federal budget irks Christians
Pakistani Christians have expressed their concerns over the government’s ‘zero allocation’ for minorities welfare schemes under the newly released annual federal budget, funds critical for education and hope for a better live for poorer religious minorities. As per the budget documents reviewed by Christian Daily International, no funds have been allocated under the header "welfare of minorities initiatives/schemes". -
Presbyterian church of Pakistan leaders reconcile after years of division, pursue stronger witness through unity
In a significant turn of events, the Presbyterian Church of Pakistan (PCP) has emerged from years of division and legal battles to reunite its fractured ranks, raising hope for a stronger, more cohesive denomination. -
Pakistani Christians laud Senate’s approval of bill increasing minimum marriage age for Christians to 18 years
Pakistani Christians have lauded the Senate of Pakistan for approving the Christian Marriage (Amendment) Bill 2023 that increases the minimum marriage age for Christians from 16 to 18 years. -
Upcoming election renews Pakistani Christians’ demand for meaningful democratic representation in government
As Pakistan heads into general elections this Thursday, February 8, Pakistani Christians appear dejected over the electoral system for their parliamentary representation. -
Pakistani Christians laud lifting of compulsion on studying Islam in schools
Christians in Pakistan have breathed a sigh of relief over the government’s decision to make Islamic studies not compulsory for non-Muslim students in schools at all levels. -
Pakistan minorities seek promises of protection as election nears
As Pakistan gears up for general elections on February 8, the country’s religious minorities, including Christians, have launched a countrywide community engagement campaign as part of efforts to draw the attention of the mainstream political parties toward the challenges facing minorities.
