The suspension of USAID funding has left 530 Pakistani students from flood-affected areas struggling to finance their education, raising concerns over the future of the Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme. The affected students, currently enrolled in undergraduate programmes at 30 partner universities, were receiving financial aid under a USAID-funded initiative managed by the Higher Education […]
Marriage registration woes: A costly struggle for Pakistani religious minorities
For Suneel, a Christian resident of Gujranwala, the process of registering his children’s marriages turned into an unnecessarily costly and frustrating ordeal. Faced with a lack of clear instructions and guidance from the relevant authorities, he had no choice but to turn to an agent who charged him ten thousand Pakistani rupees-an amount far exceeding […]
Training held to strengthen journalists’ role in upholding fundamental freedoms
The Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) held a training workshop on Thursday to empower journalists, legal professionals and civil society members in enhancing their capacity to promote human rights, fundamental freedoms and media independence. The training session, held in Islamabad, brought together a diverse group of attendees, including civil society members, women journalists, […]
Empowering women through traditional crafts in Haripur
For Naseem Akhtar, a widowed mother of six from Haripur, a city in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, what began as a simple way to support her family has grown into a lifeline for hundreds of local women. Through her skill in traditional knitting and embroidery, Naseem has managed to sustain her household while creating a network of […]
The spicy tradition of Nathia Gali
Set against the stunning backdrop of Nathia Gali, the Chicken Patakha is more than just a meal. It is a culinary tradition. This dish renowned for its bold flavours and spicy kick lures travellers from all parts of Pakistan, all eager to savour the unique taste that defines the area’s culinary reputation. Sardar Nauman, a […]
Female ADC displaced as PTI MPA takes over office in Abbottabad
A female Additional Deputy Commissioner in Abbottabad was forced out of her office building because of continuous political pressure from a local PTI MPA. The displaced office was essential in managing relief and human rights operations in Abbottabad. Situated on the ground floor, it provided accessible services to everyone including those with mobility challenges. It […]
Neelum View Point turns into ‘distressing location’
The once-popular Neelum View Point on the banks of the River Jhelum in Kohala Valley has turned into a distressing location for tourists and locals due to the negligence of the authorities. The scenic valley nestled between the mountains of Galiyat and Kashmir, north of Murree and south of Muzaffarabad attracts thousands of tourists every […]
Discover the Quaid-i-Azam Memorial Rest House in Barsala on a scenic journey to Kashmir
Nestled amidst the green hills of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Kashmir is the historic Kohala Bridge known as the “Gateway to Kashmir.” Travellers crossing this bridge enjoy stunning views of the mountains and the tranquil waters of the Jhelum River. A short half-kilometer detour towards Muzaffarabad brings travellers to Barsala village. Here, a century-old colonial-style […]
ATC to announce Farhad’s bail plea verdict tomorrow
An anti-terrorism court on Monday reserved it’s verdict on post arrest bail request of poet Ahmed Farhad in a case of creating unrest in Pakistan administered Kashmir through social media. At the hearing, the prosecution represented by Assistant Advocate General (AAG) provided detailed arguments against granting the bail. The Assistant Advocate General argued that poet […]
Rawalpindi’s historic inn stands tall amidst changing times
Nestled behind a tree near the Rawalpindi railway station is Lakhpati Serai, a small inn built for travelers decades ago still housing over fifty passengers daily. When it first began serving weary travelers, the streets outside the railway station were filled with such overnight lodgings, with traditional rope beds (charpais) lining the roads at dusk, […]