But now, many young Christian graduates, both male and female, are aspiring to be professionals. Many of them hold degrees and teach in Christian institutes as well as work for NGOs. And there are also a small proportion of Christians working in big multinational companies.

Since it is unwise to generalise the state of Pakistani Christians by conversing with you alone, I'll try to desist from making a definite judgment. What views do you hold of your fellow co-religionists? Are they mostly poor, jobless, and uneducated as it is made out to be?

As I said earlier, a large part of them belongs to the lower-middle class. Most of them are illiterate and live in ghetto-like Christian colonies.

Let me give you a clearer idea of Pakistani Christians. Out of ten Christians, for instance, you'll find three who clean the sewers, sweep the streets, and work as alcohol buying agents; three who work as teachers in schools and colleges; two employed as clerks; one as a well-educated working professional; and the last as a high-ranking government official or as a senior doctor.

Of course, this is not an absolute representation of Christians, but you'll get an idea.

Yes, it helps in understanding the Christian society here. But is there a Christian leadership in Pakistan? Do Christians have a political organisation or a common platform from where they make themselves heard?

The leadership is in the form of our church leaders: Bishops, Priests, etc. Quite frankly, they have rarely stood up for Christian rights, especially for those who were victims of the state's legislative atrocities, but there have been some brave priests who did fight for our rights.

As for the political organisations, there are not many and the ones which do exist are unfortunately a bit too political and often known to over-politicise issues for there own benefits.

Were you upset when Pope Ratzinger recently quoted that Islam was spread by the sword? Or were you more upset by the violent reaction of the Muslims?

I had pretty much expected the reaction of the Muslims, but was upset about the Pope later shifting his stance. If he thought whatever he'd said was true, he should not have apologised to the Muslim community. Instead, he should have given a reasoned clarification justifying his statement and the purpose behind it. Either that or he should not have said anything which he couldn't justify or defend publicly.

That makes sense. Let's shift to more pleasant things, like who is your greatest living Pakistani hero?

I think (cricketer) Imran Khan is perhaps the best thing Pakistan could have asked for in this decade. And I say that in a sporting, social, and political context.

Another internationally prominent person coming to my mind is Salman Ahmed, the lead-member of the rock band Junoon. He has done far more than others to give Pakistan a more secular and realistic image. Otherwise, everyone thinks that we are a country swarming with terrorists and fanatics.