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Asia

Islamabad Hosts Groundbreaking Interfaith Dialogue Meeting

The Pathfinder Interfaith Harmony Initiative (PIHI), a flagship project of the Pathfinder Group, held its first Advisory Council meeting on September 13 at AmaaniBagh, Angoori, Islamabad. Bringing together leaders from Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, and Jewish communities, the event marked a historic step toward fostering interfaith dialogue, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence in Pakistan. The meeting, chaired by Ikram Sehgal, Co-Chairman of the Pathfinder Group, featured discussions on promoting understanding across religious lines. Brig. (Ret.) Mujahid Alam, CEO of …

Any Aggression Against Either Nation Will Be Jointly Defended: Saudi-Pakistan Pact

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan have signed a landmark Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement, pledging that any aggression against either country will be considered an aggression against both, officials said Sunday. The pact was finalized during Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s state visit to Riyadh on September 17, following talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al-Yamamah Palace. The agreement aims to enhance defense cooperation and strengthen joint deterrence, reflecting a shared commitment to regional security and stability. “This …

Islamic Cleric Muhammad Ali Mirza Detained Under MPO, Charged With Blasphemy

Authorities in Jhelum have detained Engineer Muhammad Ali Mirza, a prominent religious scholar, under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO) ordinance for 30 days and later booked him on blasphemy charges, police and district officials confirmed. The cleric, who resides in Machine Mohallah of Jhelum city and has a significant online following with over 3.1 million YouTube subscribers, was apprehended following allegations of making controversial remarks during an interview that went viral on social media. Jhelum Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Meesam …

Rabwah Man Under Investigation for Distributing Child Pornography

Authorities at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) have registered a case under Section 22 of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016 against Usman Ahmed, a Chenab Nagar resident, for allegedly creating, storing, and distributing child pornography online. The case stems from a report forwarded by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) on September 20, 2024, which highlighted the sharing of pornographic content via a Gmail account and a mobile number registered in Pakistan. …

Rabwah Students Lead in Aga Khan Board 2025 Results

Students from Rabwah have delivered stellar performances in the Aga Khan University Examination Board (AKU-EB) 2025 annual examinations, securing top positions in both overall and group-wise categories at the Higher Secondary School Certificate (HSSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) levels. The AKU-EB, known for its emphasis on critical thinking and skill-based education, celebrated students across Pakistan, with Chenab Nagar standing out for its exceptional results. Overall High Achievers from Rabwah HSSC (Higher Secondary School Certificate) 1st Position: Madeeha Naseer, Nusrat …

Trump Announces US-Pakistan Trade Deal

President Donald Trump announced Wednesday the United States has reached an agreement with Pakistan to jointly develop the South Asian country’s oil reserves, marking a significant step in economic cooperation between the two nations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the partnership will focus on developing Pakistan’s “massive oil reserves.” The process of selecting the U.S. oil company to lead the project is underway, according to Trump. He suggested the collaboration could eventually supply oil to neighboring India. …

Imran Khan’s Sons Visit U.S. Lawmakers to Advocate for Father’s Release

The sons of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Kasim and Sulaiman Khan, have embarked on a campaign across the United States to garner support for their father’s release from prison. They are meeting with prominent members of Congress, accompanied by Dr. Asif Mahmood, a U.S.-based physician and human rights advocate. Khan, who was ousted from office in 2022, is currently serving a 14-year sentence on charges widely criticized as politically motivated. His sons are urging U.S. lawmakers to intervene …

U.S. Lawmakers Demand Pakistan Cease Targeting Ahmadis and PTI Supporters

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission convened Tuesday to examine Pakistan’s intensifying political repression, with testimony from human rights advocates and international experts. Witnesses highlighted the persecution of religious minorities, particularly Ahmadis, and the ongoing crackdown on supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Commission convened was led by Co-Chairs Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.) and Rep. James P. McGovern (D-Mass.), to examine Pakistan’s intensifying political repression. The hearing also featured remarks from Rep. Ilhan …

Bodies of Pakistani Hindu Couple Found in Indian Desert

The decomposed bodies of a young Pakistani couple were discovered last week in the desert region of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, about 15 kilometers from the India-Pakistan border. Authorities suspect the pair succumbed to extreme heat and dehydration after illegally crossing into India. According to Jaisalmer police, the deceased were identified as 17-year-old Ravi Kumar and his 15-year-old wife, Shanti Bai. Identification documents and a phone with a Pakistani SIM card found near the bodies helped confirm their identities. The couple hailed …

Pakistan Army Reaffirms Commitment to Interfaith Harmony and Equal Rights

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), emphasized Sunday that followers of all religions in Pakistan are equal citizens with full constitutional rights. Speaking at an event in Karachi, he stressed that national unity is built on equality and harmony. “The Constitution guarantees equal rights to all citizens, and no individual or group has the authority to declare jihad. This is solely the prerogative of the state,” Lt. Gen. Chaudhry said. Addressing representatives from various …

Forced Conversions of Hindu Minors in Sindh Spark Outrage

The alleged conversion of three Hindu sisters and their male cousin to Islam in Sindh’s Sanghar district has triggered an outcry from the local Hindu community, who claim the conversions were coerced and orchestrated. The incident came to light on Wednesday when the four individuals — including minors aged 13 and 16 — left their home without informing their families. By the evening, they released video messages claiming they had willingly embraced Islam. However, their parents and community leaders have …

Senator Pervaiz Rasheed Condemns Religious Discrimination, Calls for Equal Rights

In a passionate speech during the fifth day of the Senate’s budget session on June 18, 2025, Senator Pervez Rasheed condemned the alleged police investigation of an elderly woman’s religious beliefs during Eid-ul-Adha, calling it a gross violation of human dignity and constitutional rights. Rasheed referred to a video showing the woman being interrogated by authorities in her own home. “In what state is authority given where an individual has to answer as to where the sacrificial meat in their …