Human rights

Experts suggest the Eid address serves multiple purposes: rallying domestic support, discouraging dissent, and messaging the international community ahead of potential future talks. With Akhundzada rarely appearing publicly and operating primarily from Kandahar, his sermons remain key vehicles for policy direction.

For Hindus in Sindh, Christians in Punjab, and other groups nationwide, the wait for meaningful protection continues. The establishment of the NCMR offers cautious hope, but history suggests that transforming promise into protection requires sustained commitment beyond legislation.

Bangladesh’s measles tragedy underscores the fragility of public health gains amid political transitions.

The coming weeks will likely see intensified advocacy campaigns, potential UN discussions, and continued reporting from independent Afghan media outlets operating in exile.

The Sundarbans is not just a UNESCO World Heritage site or a tiger sanctuary – it is a living landscape where humans and wildlife have long coexisted, often at great cost.

As deliberations continue, the proposal highlights deeper questions about trust in Pakistan’s democratic institutions.

Critics of the proposal argue it may prioritize easing legal complexities for existing practices over long-term societal progress.

The motives behind the abduction remain murky, although they reflect a broader tactic of societal intimidation.