Human rights

Nur Jahan’s children now face not only legal scrutiny but the judgment of a nation mourning a mother who deserved better in her twilight years.

As global conflicts multiply, nations like India, with its demographic dividend and growing global influence, have an opportunity to lead by example in fostering stability.

The international community’s response – through statements, potential aid conditions, or sanctions – will be critical in determining whether such crackdowns face meaningful consequences.

For the disarmament community, this moment underscores the urgency of revitalizing the NPT. Without genuine steps toward Article VI commitments (disarmament), the treaty risks becoming a hollow shell, inviting withdrawals or parallel regimes that favour proliferation.

Analysts suggest a balanced outcome might involve India strengthening its own forced labour import monitoring mechanisms while securing phased tariff reductions and dispute resolution clauses that provide greater predictability for Indian exporters.

Nepal's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has explicitly implicated former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, along with his key cabinet members and senior security chiefs, for gross human rights violations during the deadly Gen Z protests in September 2025.

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.