Quetta, May 4 (IANS) Journalists in Pakistan’s Quetta have expressed their commitment to defending media independence, pledging to continue their struggle for freedom of expression and rejecting “black laws” restricting rights of press, local media reported on Monday. A large number of journalists carrying banners and placards highlighting their demands gathered outside the Quetta Press Club. Journalists shouted slogans against restrictive legislation, especially the Prevention of Electronic Cri…
Latest Civil Society News & Updates
Dublin, April 30 (IANS) A leading international human rights organisation has called on the Bangladeshi government to immediately withdraw the cautionary letter issued to a woman human rights defender, Rani Yan Yan, and to provide a clear explanation of the legal basis for its issuance and dissemination to multiple government offices. Ireland-based rights group Front Line Defenders urged the authorities to cease all forms of harassment and intimidation against Rani and to take all necessary meas…
Dhaka, April 25 (IANS) The ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government has allowed several structural legal reforms to be diluted, dismantled, or left vulnerable to the same fate since assuming power. Ordinances intended to address enforced disappearance, improve human rights conditions, and strengthen judicial independence have stalled amid political inertia, a report said on Saturday.According to an editorial report in Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, The Daily Star, Bangladesh’s civ…
Islamabad, March 31 (IANS) Highlighting the constraints being faced by Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab province, a recent report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has revealed that the civic space has been narrowed through bureaucratic, legal and financial pressures. “The need for regulation is neither new nor unreasonable. States are entitled to ensure transparency, financial accountability and compliance with the law. Yet, as the report…
Washington, March 30 (IANS) The United States on Monday resumed operations at its embassy in Caracas, reopening its diplomatic presence in Venezuela after years of limited engagement. The State Department said U.S. diplomacy with Venezuela had been handled since March 2019 through the Venezuela Affairs Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia.“Today, we are formally resuming operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, marking a new chapter in our diplomatic presence in Venezuela,” t…
Islamabad, March 10 (IANS) The leadership of Aurat March, civil society members and rights activists have slammed the Pakistani authorities for “manhandling and threatening them and forcing them to sign unreasonable affidavits”, local media reported on Tuesday. While addressing a press conference at the National Press Club, they demanded a probe into the incident and action against those involved in it. Their remarks came after several women’s rights activists, including Aurat March members,…
Kabul, March 9 (IANS) The Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan on Monday strongly condemned the unlawful detention of women activists and civil society members during the Women’s March in Islamabad organised on International Women’s Day. “Peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of Pakistan. Preventing women from participating in a peaceful march and arresting activists is a violation of democratic values and basic human rights,…
Srinagar, March 6 (IANS) After the situation throughout the Kashmir Valley remained peaceful on Friday, authorities said that normalcy has returned and all restrictions would be lifted from Saturday. Friday’s congregational prayers were held peacefully in all districts of the Valley, including Srinagar city.After the situation was reviewed at a high level security review meeting on Friday evening, top sources told IANS that restrictions will be lifted from the Valley on Saturday.”High speed inte…
Srinagar, March 4 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday interacted with members of civil society at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar and offered ‘Fatiha’ (prayers for the dead) for the Iranian Supreme Leader and others killed in the recent developments in Iran.The Office of the Chief Minister said in a statement: “The Chief Minister today interacted with religious leaders and members of civil society in Srinagar in light of recen…
New Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annpurna Devi will lead discussions on the creation of safe, dignified and harassment-free workplaces for women across sectors at a national conference beginning here on Saturday, an official said.At the ‘National Conference on Safety of Women at Workplace (SHe-Box)’, being organised by the Ministry, Minister Annpurna Devi will administer a National Workplace Safety Pledge, according to an official statement.An internati…