OWSA Contributor

In a strongly worded statement issued on July 2, the Lahore-based HRCP warned that recent efforts by authorities to block its public events and intimidate staff represent an unprecedented assault on its mission since the organisation was founded in 1987.

Trump’s message also came with a warning: any retaliatory tariff by Bangladesh would be matched with further US tariff increases. “Whatever the number you choose to raise them by will be added onto the 35 per cent that we charge,” he stated.

The Afghan carpet industry is a significant part of the country's economy and cultural heritage, providing livelihoods for millions and contributing significantly to exports.

Drawing on a year-long consultation process with civil society, journalists, human rights defenders, electoral officials, and social media companies, Khan identified three intersecting trends that are accelerating the crisis.

At the border, families endure sweltering temperatures often topping 40°C, armed with the few belongings they could manage to pack. They find shade under blankets, while signs of malnutrition are evident in children, and many mothers appear worn down and anxious.

Debt service payments by developing countries have soared by $74 billion in a single year, from $847 billion to $921 billion.

Though Nepal has introduced climate budget tagging to track climate-related public spending, gaps remain in strategy, transparency, and alignment with national climate goals.

Meanwhile, UNHCR alongside partners is working to address the urgent needs of those arriving – food, water, shelter, protection. However its programmes are also under severe strain due to limited funding.