ASIA/PAKISTAN - "Justice, peace, truth: the Jubilee for Christians in Pakistan"

Islamabad (Agenzia Fides) - "We are living in critical times in Pakistan, where everything seems at risk. The economy is in a difficult situation, the cost of living has skyrocketed. At a social level, people are very worried: Christians are among the poorest segments of the population, who are suffering the most. Unemployment is high, and people are emigrating. In a situation where everything seems negative, the Jubilee of Hope brings us back to the heart of the faith and gives us consolation," says Fr. Asif John Khokhar, Vicar General of the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi and National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies (PMS) in Pakistan, in an interview with Fides, where he also shares how the country's Catholic communities are living the Jubilee Year.
In Pakistan, according to the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, all dioceses, parishes, and communities have organized spiritual initiatives aimed at people of all walks of life, adults and children. "People," he emphasizes, "are trying to fully embrace the spirit of the Jubilee: This time leads us to convey hope, and we fully recognize ourselves in this expression. In the challenges of each day, amidst difficulties, poverty, and suffering, we are pilgrims of hope, that is, we walk through them carrying Jesus Christ in our hearts."
"Today, the Pakistani faithful look in particular to Pope Leo XIV, who, with his particular attention to the Church's social teaching, offers us three words: justice, peace, and truth, which encourage us to penetrate to the heart of the Gospel," the Catholic priest said. "We believe that his words and his teaching will have a significant impact on our situation: he emphasized the Church's social teaching, and for us Christians who find ourselves in a minority situation, we adhere to the three words he emphasized - justice, peace, and truth - in order to be able to live in our context."
Father Asif explains: "We are ready to protect justice, which is the foundation of every nation. We believe and demand that justice and equality must be established and respected in all situations and at all levels in Pakistan. We believe and hope that everyone - the institutions, the religious leaders, and civil society - will promote this."
Regarding "peace," he notes: "We are promoters of peace, within and outside the nation." In this context, Father Asif particularly addresses the current tensions between India and Pakistan, which stem from the disputed region of Kashmir: "It is very sad to see violence, clashes, and deaths again. We must find a way to create a peace that respects the rights of both nations, with a lasting agreement that brings reconciliation," he hopes, "because people, societies, and economies suffer from war. It is better to sit down at the table before war than after war." "Furthermore, as Christians, as a small community, we are always promoting dialogue between communities, cultures, and religions, thus contributing to social peace in Pakistan," he emphasizes.
Regarding the Christian concept of "truth," the National Director says: "We stand firmly by the truth of our faith, which gives us an identity in a country with an Islamic majority. As Christians, we proudly and humbly contribute to Pakistan. We love our homeland. No one can deny or dispute that we have been involved in building the nation from its very beginning and have made a significant contribution to its growth and development. We want to continue to make our contribution, and we do so in exemplary fashion through many educational and social projects, always working for the unity and harmony of the nation, for the prosperity and well-being of all."
Among the initiatives that give new hope to Pakistan's believers, the Vicar General said, is the laying of the foundation stone for a new church dedicated to the Holy Rosary in Gujrat, in the Diocese of Islamabad-Rawalpindi. In recent days, Archbishop Joseph Arshad presided over the celebrations, as the local community celebrated the faith event, praying in particular "for the progress, stability, and peace of Pakistan." The archbishop expressed his gratitude to God and the local authorities for making it possible to build a new church for the community in Gujrat, which is home to "a vibrant, educated, and competent Christian community," with many young people who wilol be able to "contribute to the development of their families and the nation." (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 31/5/2025)

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