Democracy

The rating places Pakistan among nations where freedoms of association, peaceful assembly and expression are systematically curtailed, despite constitutional guarantees and the country’s ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) in 2010.

Her story resonates far beyond Afghanistan, echoing in global conversations about women’s rights, freedom of expression, and the role of sport as a vehicle for empowerment. In a place where silence is enforced, her actions speak loudly.

Women for Afghanistan underscored that these discussions represent more than symbolic gatherings; they constitute concrete steps toward rebuilding national trust and laying the groundwork for a future political settlement that respects the rights and aspirations of all Afghans, particularly women and marginalised communities.

The 2026 report, based on interviews with roughly 100,000 people across 140+ countries, reinforces that happiness is not solely about wealth. Social support and trust in institutions often outweigh raw GDP in explaining national differences. Costa Rica’s surge into the top four proves that strong community ties and life satisfaction can propel mid-income nations upward.

The transition will require careful policy planning to ensure that the gains achieved over decades are not undermined by sudden changes in trade and development frameworks.

Structural weaknesses persist: low GDP per capita, exposure to external shocks and natural disasters, and governance metrics that lag behind ‘BB’-category peers.

As the capital awaits the court’s intervention, the case once again spotlights concerns over alleged extra-legal methods used against dissenters.

Human Rights Watch lambasts the “explosive mob vigilantism,” calling for safeguards against assaults on journalists (340 incidents in 2025) and minorities.