Category: Columns

In a remarkable turn of events, Tabita Nazir Gill, a Christian nurse from Pakistan, was able to escape false blasphemy charges with the help of Bishop Iftikhar Indryas, a respected religious leader. Bishop Indryas ensured Tabita’s safe relocation to Canada, where she can rebuild her life free from persecution. This story highlights the challenges faced...

On June 28, 2023, at the third meeting of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress — the country’s top legislature — adopted “The Law on Foreign Relations of the People’s Republic of China”. Dubbed the country’s “first comprehensive foreign relations law”, the law was enacted on July 1st and would provide a framework...

Pakistan, a nation with a rich cultural heritage, faces significant challenges in its quest for women’s empowerment, particularly within the context of an illiterate society. Illiteracy rates in Pakistan, especially among women, remain alarmingly high, impeding progress toward gender equality and hindering the nation’s overall development. In this article, we delve into the complex interplay...

According to a report, Asma Gulfam, a 28-year-old Christian housecleaner in the Paka Ghara area of Sialkot District, Punjab was allegedly beaten and confined for a week by her employers after expressing her desire to leave her job due to pregnancy. The incident took place in early April, when Gulfam informed her employer, Huda Adnan,...

Shehersaaz and UN-Habitat jointly organized an event to mark the World Environment Day 2023 with theme “Solution to Plastic Pollution” at NUST University. A comprehensive discussion was carried out to highlight issues related to climate change. Country Program Manager – UN Habitat Pakistan, Jawed Ali Khan was the chief guest. He said that, “We have...

The Christian teenagers identified as Adil Baber and Simon Masih have been accused of blasphemy in Lahore. The allegations were levelled against them by the Police constable Zahid Sohail, soon after he had indulged in a fight with the young accusers on the 18th of May. According to the registered First Information Report (FIR) No...

I woke up in a hospital, with swollen eyes and sharp pain in my chest. With a million thoughts causing confusion, I asked my mom, “How is Bella now? Has she recovered? To which my mom replied, “Bella died an hour ago”. When my cat died, I felt a deep sense of loss. As if...

May 2023 marks the Silver Jubilee of the overt nuclearization of South Asia. In May 1998, India carried out a series of nuclear tests, and unlike in 1974 — when it used the euphemism “Smiling Buddha” to describe what it claims to be a peaceful nuclear explosion — it declared itself a nuclear weapons state....

Tragedy struck the Sangota Convent School in Mingora tehsil of Swat district as a police guard stationed at the premises was shot. It killed a young girl while injuring six others, including a teacher and fellow students. The constable responsible, identified as Alam Khan, has been apprehended, and authorities have assured the public that justice...