Stories about Pakistan
China's impact on the Rogun Dam Project in Tajikistan
Tajikistan's Rogun Dam Project is one of the most ambitious hydroelectric projects in the world. Do the ballooning costs, environmental concerns, and human rights abuses outweigh the potential benefits?
Can Trump help Pakistan's Imran Khan?
The United States is often seen as meddling in Pakistan's internal affairs, but supporters of Imran Khan hope Donald Trump may throw his support behind the imprisoned former Prime Minister.
Terrorist threats loom ahead of SCO summit in Pakistan
The increase in terrorist attacks since 2013 is linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with groups such as the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) perceiving China as a colonial force.
Fear and intolerance: The impact of blasphemy allegations on Pakistan’s minorities
Pakistan’s 8.7 million minorities face escalating religious extremism and violence, including forced conversions, mob attacks, and blasphemy accusations, fuelled by the growing influence of extremist groups like Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP).
Solar power plant in rural Pakistan acquires land without consent
As the government prioritizes green energy over livelihoods, residents of Pakistan's Thal region in the Punjab province confront a heartbreaking loss of their ancestral lands.
Pakistan's intelligence agencies gain legal cover for surveillance
Despite Supreme Court rulings against illegal surveillance, Pakistan's decision allowing it's spy agency, ISI, to monitor nearly all digital conversations has sparked outrage among political leaders, activists, and legal experts.
Climate change takes toll on internally displaced women in Pakistan
The changing weather pattern dwindles hopes of building a family, forcing women to make desperate choices for survival. Women who face displacement while pregnant face unique and dangerous risks.
Hundreds succumb to extreme temperatures as severe heatwave engulfs Pakistan
This year, Pakistan experienced abnormal pre-monsoon weather and an unprecedented heatwave that killed hundreds. The intense heat, particularly in Karachi and nearby regions, impacted healthcare and emergency services significantly.
Faith turns fatal as blasphemy laws ignite unchecked extremism in Pakistan
The rise in lynching incidents, fuelled by political support for blasphemy laws, reveals a disturbing trend of unchecked extremism threatening lives and justice in Pakistan.
Minority journalists are under threat in South Asia
Journalists in South Asia face threats, censorship, legal obstacles, and physical and mental challenges. Minority journalists, however, encounter extra barriers and are especially vulnerable to increased risks and difficulties.
Quetta Tea? Yes please!
In the past few years, Quetta tea stalls have sprouted across urban centers in Pakistan, attracting people of all ages to enjoy a cuppa at any time of the day.
The latest defamation bill further tightens restrictions on free speech in Pakistan
The Punjab Assembly recently passed the Defamation Bill 2024, which aims at curbing the spread of fake news across print, electronic, and social media platforms against government officials and institutions.
Riots against foreign students in Kyrgystan undermine its people-to-people ties with South Asia
The Kyrgyz government reacted strongly to the incident, condemning violence, apologizing to the students, and promising that such incidents would not happen again.
Fossil fuels dependency exacerbates Pakistan’s power crisis
Pakistan is currently facing a severe energy crisis characterised by electricity shortages and frequent electricity cuts, which has a detrimental impact on household activities, industries, and the overall economy.
Pakistan administered Kashmir faces internet shutdown amidst protests
In May 2024, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir witnessed significant unrest, with daily life profoundly impacted by internet shutdowns and the violent suppression of protests by Pakistani security forces.
South Asia sizzles: Record heatwave and extreme weather blamed on climate crisis
A scorching heatwave is ravaging South Asia, impacting the lives of hundreds of millions. Schools have been forced to close and the risk of health hazards has risen dramatically.
Imran Khan's conflict with the military establishment in Pakistan, and his political future
Former Pakistan Prime Minister and jailed politician Imran Khan's recent tweet has stirred significant controversy on social media, sparking debates and speculation about his and his party's political future.
Women march for Palestine and against patriarchy in Pakistan
Women in Pakistan's major cities, such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Multan, rallied on International Women’s Day, demanding gender equality, justice, and safety, challenging patriarchal norms for the seventh consecutive year.
Another wave of blasphemy in Pakistan
Blasphemy allegations in Pakistan resurfaced, prompting a smear campaign against the Chief. He faced criticism for ordering the release of a minority Ahmadiyya man accused in a blasphemy case.
Pakistan's post-election scramble: Coalitions and concerns
Following the swearing-in of the Pakistan National Assembly's elected representatives, political parties are actively forming alliances as they prepare to decide on the Prime Ministerial post soon.
Silenced voices: The X and VPN ban after Pakistan’s elections
During the political uncertainty following the elections, the voices of Pakistani citizens have been stifled through Twitter and VPN bans.