Diversity

In Dera Ismail Khan, the chain of violence took an even more horrifying shape when a transgender individual was allegedly gang-raped by four men, bound with ropes and assaulted before registering a complaint – highlighting not just deadly acts, but wider sexual violence targeting the community.

The latest nationwide survey reveals a seismic shift in the age profile of Sri Lanka, with the share of children shrinking and the elderly proportion growing – signalling a departure from decades of youthful-growth to one of rapid ageing and dependency pressures.

Although Pakistan’s blasphemy laws are officially intended to protect religious sentiments, the report highlights a deeply troubling pattern: false or manipulated accusations are being lodged with the purpose of evicting vulnerable owners or extracting money.

Religious minority prisoners in Pakistan are subjected to systemic discrimination, harsh treatment and denial of basic rights compared to their Muslim counterparts.

The council also criticized the government for excluding minorities from all reform commissions, which were set up to recommend measures aimed at combating discrimination and promoting social justice.

Terming forced religious conversion and forced marriage of Christian and Hindu minor girls to older Muslim men as the most concerning issue, the report notes that there are few legal options available to the victims.

Beyond gender, structural reform discussions aim to shift from a unicameral legislature to a bicameral one – a vision that most parties accept in principle.

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.