We Are Church rejoices and sends congratulations and good wishes to Eva and her family
In the heart of Sahiwal, at Sacred Heart Church, a small but deeply meaningful event took place: little Eva received her first sacrament of Baptism. For her parents, Mehwish and Ashknaz, the ceremony was not only a spiritual milestone but also an act of courage and hope in a society where religious freedom for minorities remains fragile and constantly under threat.
Pakistan’s Christian community, along with Hindu and other religious minorities, lives under continuous pressure from social prejudice, religious extremism, and institutional neglect. Reports from human rights organizations consistently highlight forced conversions of minor girls, rising child marriages, lack of access to proper healthcare for minority women, and the widespread misuse of blasphemy laws. These realities have repeatedly led to mob violence, attacks on churches and homes, and deep psychological scars within vulnerable communities.
Against this backdrop, Eva’s baptism stands as a quiet declaration of faith and resilience. Mehwish and Ashknaz expressed immense joy as their daughter was welcomed into the Christian faith, yet their happiness is inseparable from concern for the world she will grow up in. They long for a Pakistan where Eva can practice her faith freely, feel protected by the state, and live without constant fear of discrimination or hostility.
They also dream of a Church that truly embodies equality, justice, participation, and service. A Church where the laity has an active role, a meaningful voice, and shared responsibility in decision making alongside the clergy. A Church that listens to its people, addresses social injustice, and works tirelessly for the welfare of its parishioners and the wider society.
Central to this vision is the urgent need to protect and promote education for girls. In a country where extremist violence once targeted Malala Yousafzai (Nobel Winner) simply for demanding the right to education, the message is clear: educating girls is both a moral duty and a powerful act of resistance. The Catholic community, in particular, must share responsibility for ensuring that young girls, especially those from families lacking financial means, receive quality education. We must come forward with support, scholarships, school access, and resources so that no Catholic girl is denied her future.
Little Eva’s baptism is more than a family celebration. It is a symbol of hope, resilience, and commitment to building a more just Pakistan where every child, regardless of religion or gender, can grow with dignity, security, and opportunity.
For Mehwish and Ashknaz, the baptism of their daughter is the beginning of that promise.
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