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Asia

USCIRF Calls for Urgent Reforms in Pakistan to Protect Religious Minorities

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has criticized Pakistan for its ongoing, institutionalized discrimination against the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, according to its September 2025 country update. Pakistan’s Penal Code explicitly prohibits Ahmadis from identifying as Muslims or practicing their faith openly. The report documents a series of violent attacks against Ahmadis in 2025, including the demolition of three Ahmadi mosques in Punjab within 10 days in February. In April, a mob of 400 gathered in Punjab to attack …

Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif Welcomes Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan aimed at ending the ongoing war in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of durable peace between Palestinians and Israelis to achieve regional stability and economic growth. In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Sharif expressed his belief that Trump’s leadership and efforts could pave the way for an urgent resolution to the conflict. “I welcome President Trump’s 20-point plan to ensure an end to the …

Pakistan Army Pays Tribute to Ahmadi Soldier Who Died of Cancer

Soldier Iqaan Bhatti, who passed away after battling cancer, was laid to rest with full military honors in Rabwah, Punjab. A military contingent attended the funeral, offering a ceremonial salute and paying their respects to the fallen soldier. Bhatti, a native of Mubarakabad near Bashirabad in Sindh, had recently relocated to Karachi with his family a year ago. He served as a soldier in Multan and continued to perform his duties despite his illness. Recognized for his dedication, Bhatti was …

PTI’s ‘Mission Noor’ Criticized for Perceived Ties to Ahmadis

In Pakistan’s politically charged landscape, the minority Ahmadi community has once again become a scapegoat, with political parties accusing one another of alleged ties to the persecuted group. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) ‘Mission Noor’ campaign has been at the center of this controversy, with leaders leveraging religious sensitivities to discredit opponents. The campaign, promoted as a peaceful, apolitical movement, encouraged participants to gather with their families on rooftops at 9 p.m., recite the Azaan (Islamic call to prayer), and pray for …

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 …