A report on journalism in Balochistan has highlighted how pressure, intimidation and violence from multiple actors have caused the space for press freedom to shrink in the province. The report, titled State of Media Freedoms, Access to Information and Safety of Journalists and Media Professionals in Balochistan – The Way Forward, was released by Freedom […]
violence
Senate panel warns of systemic failures as violence against women rises
The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights on Thursday heard that reported cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in Punjab have surged over the past four years, raising concerns among lawmakers about weak law enforcement and shortcomings in the criminal justice system. A Punjab government representative told the committee that 30,757 GBV cases were reported in […]
PSCA, UN launch campaign against gender-based violence
The Punjab Safe Cities Authority (PSCA) and United Nations agencies jointly launched the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign with a dynamic high-level event on “Smart Cities and Technology for Digital Safety: Ending Digital Violence Against Women and Girls.” In line with this year’s 16 Days theme, which shines a spotlight on […]
‘Over 4,000 cases of violence against children reported in Punjab in first half of 2025’
Over 4,150 cases of violence against children were reported in Punjab during the year’s first half, according to a report issued on Monday. The statistics were revealed in the Sustainable Social Development Organisation’s (SSDO) Factsheet on Violence against Children (VAC) in Punjab, covering the period from January to June 2025. A press release issued by […]
Silence, Violence, Defiance
Israel’s occupation forces killed at least eight Palestinians on Friday. Among them were two teenagers in the occupied West Bank. It is a place where basic services barely exist and where young boys die before they get a chance to live. Witnesses said the teenagers were simply standing on the street when Israeli soldiers opened […]
UNFPA-led huddle pushes for ethical reporting on gender-based violence
A UNFPA-led initiative, funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands and implemented by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) on Monday brought together journalists from print, electronic, digital and social media platforms in Lahore to strengthen responsible media practices on gender-based violence (GBV), reproductive health (RH), and family planning (FP). At the Punjab Media Coalition […]
No to Domestic Violence
In a session that ratified a sweeping amendment, the National Assembly approved the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025, for Islamabad. At a time when headlines focused on power and prerogatives, lawmakers took the less glamorous path of protecting the vulnerable. That deserves recognition. The bill, tabled by PPP’s Sharmila Farooqi and modelled on […]
Rival Turkish kebab shop families jailed
Newport, Wales: Seven men from two rival Turkish kebab shop families have been jailed following a brutal street fight that erupted on Commercial Road, Newport. The confrontation, involving men aged 17 to 52, saw participants armed with metal poles, sticks, and other makeshift weapons. CCTV footage captured the shocking melee, with the Aksoy family, owners […]
Maryam Nawaz rejects allegations of 600 TLP workers killed
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz questioned reports that police killed 600 banned Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) workers. Speaking at a Lahore event, she asked, “If this happened, where are the bodies and evidence?” She said no video or proof has been shown to support the claims. She urged anyone with evidence to provide it so the authorities […]
Punjab approves historic child protection policy to safeguard children’s rights
LAHORE – In a major step forward for child welfare, the Punjab Cabinet has officially approved the province’s first comprehensive Child Protection Policy under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The policy, developed by the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, outlines a clear roadmap to prevent child abuse, neglect, violence, and exploitation. It was […]