The Senate on Thursday approved the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025, introducing stricter punishments for individuals who threaten divorce or contract another marriage on baseless allegations. Read More: NA passes Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill The legislation, already passed by the National Assembly, was cleared through a supplementary agenda after rules were suspended, bypassing the […]
women's rights
LHC affirms: marriage can’t continue if both spouses say no
The Lahore High Court has upheld a family court’s khula decree, ruling that a marriage cannot continue if both spouses reject it. Justice Ahmad Nadeem Arshad stated that no Islamic, statutory, or equitable principle allows forcing a wife to remain married against her will. The court emphasized that mutual unwillingness destroys the foundation of marital […]
Digital violence against women rising in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Violence against women is one of the most persistent human rights violations globally, and in Pakistan, it is increasingly spreading into the digital realm. Online harassment, cyber-stalking, deepfake pornography, doxxing, grooming, and coordinated hate campaigns now pose serious threats to women’s safety, psychological health, and social participation. Read More: How Cyber Harassment Silences Marginalized […]
Pakistan mourns educationist Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra
LAHORE – Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, one of Pakistan’s most esteemed educationists and social reformers, passed away on Monday, leaving a significant void in the country’s intellectual and social landscape. Known for her unwavering commitment to education, women’s rights, and cultural preservation, Dr. Zehra’s contributions shaped Pakistan’s academic and public discourse for decades. After completing […]
Miss Universe 2025 contestants walk out after Thai official humiliates Miss Mexico
BANGKOK – A controversy erupted at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant after several contestants walked out of a pre-pageant event in Thailand to protest the public humiliation of Miss Mexico, Fátima Bosch, by a senior Thai official. The incident occurred when Nawat Itsaragrisil, vice president for Asia and Oceania at the Miss Universe Organization (MUO) […]
SHC takes up petition against heavy taxes on sanitary napkins
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has admitted a petition challenging the imposition of heavy taxes on sanitary napkins, arguing that such hygiene products should be recognized as essential items and exempted from excessive taxation. The petition, filed by Alisha Shabbir, contends that sanitary napkins are vital for women’s health and should be categorized as […]
Latvia quits Istanbul Convention despite government opposition
RIGA — Latvia’s parliament voted on Thursday to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, a key international treaty aimed at preventing violence against women, after a ruling coalition partner sided with the opposition in defiance of the prime minister and president. The Istanbul Convention, established by the Council of Europe, recognizes violence against women as a […]
Saba Qamar opens up about emotional toll of playing rape survivor in Case No. 9
KARACHI – Acclaimed actor Saba Qamar has revealed how emotionally challenging it was to portray a rape survivor in her new drama Case No. 9, which tackles themes of trauma, justice, and resilience. The revelation came after a viral clip showed fellow actors Shamoon Abbasi, Nadia Khan, and Atiqa Odho praising Saba’s powerful performance in […]
Honor Killing and the Failure of Justice: Why Pakistan’s Laws Still Don’t Protect Its Women
In 2008, five women were buried alive in Jaffarabad, Balochistan — their only crime was allegedly dishonoring their tribe. A senator justified their murder as “centuries-old tradition.” No repercussions followed. Over a decade later, the story hasn’t changed much. In 2024 alone, more than 400 women were killed for “honor,” according to the Human […]
US welcomes Taliban’s command on women’s rights
KABUL: Reacting to the Taliban government’s command on women’s rights which said women should not be considered “property” and must consent to marriage, US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West Saturday said that Washington welcomed the decree recognizing a woman’s right to determine if and whom she marries. A woman is not a property, but […]