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By Our Staff Reporter Islamabad: New briefing documents far-reaching impact of enforced disappearance on families of the vanished  The Pakistani authorities must end their abhorrent use of enforced disappearance, said Amnesty International, in a new briefing today detailing the practice’s devastating impact on the families of those vanished. The briefing, ” living ghosts” documents how enforced disappearance–a crime under international law in which state agents deny holding an individual or refuse to provide information on their fate or whereabouts–not only violates the human rights of the individuals who are disappeared, but also impacts affected families’ mental and physical health, financial…

By: Ms Irram Nazish Middle class is viewed that class which segregates the lower and upper classes, commonly refers to rich and the poor, yet there is no consensus on the exact boundaries that differentiates them. The emerging middle class in Pakistan which has been considered vibrant in the growing economy has evolved partnership with authoritarianism in the country. The middle class in Pakistan has different interests and so different attitudes towards the political structure of the country. The significance of the middle class in the consolidation of economy and democracy is regarded a huge positive dynamic in societies. Nevertheless,…

By Our Staff Reporter Islamabad: On August 11, 2021, a dozens of human rights activists rallied in Islamabad against the forced conversion of minority girls, often as a precursor to marriage. The activists marched from Islamabad National Press Club toward the parliament and held banners and chanted slogans seeking government action to stop such conversions to Pakistan’s official religion, Islam. The Minorities’ Alliance Pakistan, a political party established in 2002, organized the protest which was covered by a large number of local and International media houses and news channels. Interestingly, some of the demonstrators held images of Shahbaz Bhatti, the…

By Zoraiz Klasra Islamabad: Responding to the news that Pakistan’s parliament has formally adopted a bill that will allow for the forced chemical castration of repeat rapists, Rimmel Mohydin, Amnesty International’s South Asia Campaigner, said: “This cruel and inhuman legislation not only violates Pakistan’s international and constitutional legal obligations. It will also do nothing to address the scourge of sexual violence. Rather than ratcheting up punishments, the authorities should address the deep-seated problems in the criminal justice system that invariably deny justice to victims. Chemical castrations will not solve a deficient police force or inadequately trained investigators. “Earlier this year,…

By Our Staff Reporter Islamabad: Hackers from Pakistan used Facebook to target people in Afghanistan with connections to the previous government during the Taliban’s takeover of the country, the company’s threat investigators claimed in an interview with Reuters. Disclosure by the management of Facebook came as Taliban’s regime completed 100 days since they took over Kabul. Media reports quoted Facebook authorities as saying that he group, known in the security industry as SideCopy, shared links to websites hosting malware which could surveil people’s devices. Targets included people connected to the government, military and law enforcement in Kabul, it said. Facebook…

Islamabad Telegraph Report Islamabad: Government of cricket turned Pakistani cricketer Mr. Imran Khan is being questioned for deliberately delaying appointment of chief of commission for Human Rights, a national body in Pakistan to keep check on status of Human Rights in country. Activists and former NCHR workers have accused Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government of delaying the appointment of leadership roles in the commission in order to avoid facing accountability for human rights violations— especially those committed at the hands of the country’s military. It Is worthy of mentioning here that after finding several faults with the government’s previous advertisements…

By Zoraiz Klasra Islamabad: A large number of Pakistanis, especially youth, attempt suicide each year. As per WHO estimate, 150,000 to 250,000 people attempt suicide each year. However experts in Pakistan are doubtful of the figure. Since majority of the cases are not reported to police stations, actual figure may exceed reported figure manifold. “Debt, economy, Unemployment, limited working opportunities, family disputes and toxic environments at work places/schools/houses, are the main cause prompting people to attempt suicide. It is unfortunate that more people chose to put end to their lives every year,” majority of scholars this correspondent spoke to, said.…

Islamabad Telegraph Report Islamabad: Pakistan hosted a meeting of the extended Troika, comprising Pakistan, China, Russia and the United States to discuss the latest situation in Afghanistan. The extended Troika met with senior Taliban representatives on the sidelines of the meeting. In the spirit of the discussion, as well as building on previous outcomes of Troika and extended Troika meetings, the four participating States: 1. Expressed deep concern regarding the severe humanitarian and economic situation in Afghanistan and reiterated unwavering support for the people of Afghanistan. 2. Recalled the relevant Afghan – related UNSC Resolutions, including respect for the sovereignty,…

By Zoraiz Klasra Islamabad: In a historic move, the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has confirmed that it has signed a ceasefire agreement with TTP, a militant organization which has allegedly killed thousands of Pakistan’s security men and civilians. Pakistan on Monday confirmed for the first time that a ceasefire has been reached with the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), with a senior minister of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cabinet saying that talks were under way “in line with the Constitution” and the ceasefire could be extended keeping in view the progress made in the talks. This was stated by…

By Our Staff Reporter Islamabad: INTERNATIONALRSF unveils nominees for 2021 Press Freedom Awards Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is unveiling the nominees for the 2021 RSF Press Freedom Awards, which will be awarded on 18 November. Journalists and media outlets from 11 countries have been nominated for the awards that will be given in three categories – journalistic courage, impact and independence. The 12 nominees (four in each category) consist of six journalists, four of whom are women, and six media outlets or journalists’ organisations. They include specialists in investigative journalism in countries where the right to inform is drastically curtailed or…