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…
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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…
Dhaka, Feb 10 (IANS) Bangladesh’s political parties, crippled by legacies of corruption, dynastic leadership, or tainted reputations, are currently ill-equipped to restore public trust on their own, while politicised state institutions lack the level of integrity or independence necessary to serve as the backbone of a restored democracy. Amid these limitations, civil society remains a space where Bangladeshis continue to organise, reflect, and mobilise around values rather than power, a report…
New Delhi, Feb 8 (IANS) Pakistan, despite all its boasting and bragging, remains enmeshed in financial crises, forcing its population to endure hardships and extreme circumstances. The country pulls no punches in blaming external factors and geopolitical forces for the troubles within, but a damning report by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has exposed its failures on multiple counts, ranging from fiscal indiscipline, erosion of governance and government accountability. According to the IM…
Washington, Feb 2 (IANS) A US-based disability advocacy non-profit welcomed India’s Union Budget 2026, saying new schemes focused on skills, jobs, and assistive support mark a major step toward empowering persons with disabilities.The Voice of Specially Abled People (VOSAP) said the budget strengthens efforts to bring Divyangjan into the economic mainstream through targeted programmes and policy support.“Our long-term roadmap, ‘Vision 2047 for Divyangjan,” has received a strong boost with …