Catholic in Karachi: Living as a Christian in an Islamic Country

Summary

Ayyaz Gulzar, journalist and Catholic youth leader in Pakistan, describes the challenges and persecutions the Church faces in the Islamic Republic, which includes the county’s blasphemy laws. He also talks about the many successes and joys he has seen—and some surprises, for example Muslim women praying the ‘Hail Mary’ for Our Lady’s help during childbirth.

We recorded this conversation during the floods of the summer of 2022 which have been described as the worst in the country’s history.

  • Articles by Ayyaz Gulzar in UCA News (Union of Catholic Asian News):
  • Caritas Pakistan
  • Jesus Youth, Pakistan, Facebook Page
  • Here is an excerpt from the National Geographic documentary, Inside the Vatican, that shows the humility, wisdom, and charm of Cardinal Joseph Coutts whom Ayyaz described in our interview

Your Host

Krzysztof Odyniec

Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of Medieval and Early Modern Europe; he is also the host of the 'Almost Good Catholics' podcast.

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