Qamar Rafiq

The joy of witnessing Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration was quickly overshadowed by the harsh reality: Pakistan once again overlooked Christian representation at a landmark Vatican ceremony. Isn’t this completely irrelevant? We are a broken country, consistently missing key opportunities to demonstrate our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and fair representation of all faiths. It is disturbing […]

Nations are built on the foundation of dedication and commitment, especially when state institutions exceed expectations in service and integrity. Institutions such as judiciary, government functionaries, education systems, and economic structures must operate in the interest of the people and prioritize the nation’s well-being. When these institutions act with fairness, efficiency, and a commitment to […]

Despite enduring relentless persecution, mob violence, and economic downturns Christians have emerged as one of the most patient and tolerant religious groups in Pakistan’s history over the past seven decades. They continue to be peaceful and loving citizens, contributing to the nation with unwavering resilience and grace. Plunged into grinding poverty and often confined to […]

Vicious propaganda, violent protests, widespread misinformation, attacks on state institutions, and violations of diplomatic norms-these are not elements of a horror movie but defining characters of PTI’s politics, which have plunged Pakistan into a state of uncertainty. I find myself numb with confusion and horror at how PTI leaders are driven by a blend of […]

Words stung by mockery to target someone’s health are cruel and used to wound me. During the period of prolonged illness of the Late Kulsoom Nawaz, I was in London and compellingly following the daily stories to learn the updates on her health. Kulsoom was a woman I have never met, but she’s someone I […]

I’m in the children’s section of Marks and Spencer (M&S) to buy a uniform for my four-year-old son who will be going to school for the first time this week. This shopping experience has prompted the pure national tragedy of hundreds of extremely vulnerable Christian children who have stopped going to school after blasphemy riots […]

As we walk along the winding paths of history, it is not difficult to feel the sheer horror of forced conversion, religious aggression, misuse of blasphemy law and mob violence against faith communities. But unfortunately, almost everywhere in Pakistan, violence in the name of religion and government’s lack of interest are peddling religious minorities to […]

I have quit relationships, jobs and even some social beliefs – but by far, the most painful thing I ever quit was a hope that one of the most important institutions of Pakistan can maintain the judicial integrity to deliver justice to avoid both constitutional and political crises. Recent events have highlighted the brutal truth: […]

Bruises of terrorism, fault lines of a dysfunctional system, sea of external debts, custom-made political chaos, and vultures of internal and regional conflicts have left a flawless trail of my utter destruction. I have lived all of my life in a time of great menace in the experience of both tragedy and comedy. I am […]

I had been trying so hard not to cry, but my recent visit to Pakistan unfolded how the bespoke political instability has left Pakistan badly wounded. No regrets, others have spent more than seven decades judging who is more patriotic and who less is. I am haunted by the notion of struggling parents in such […]