Ali Amin Gandapur, the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), recently made a controversial statement. Declaring that he and PTI supporters would come to Islamabad armed with weapons and ammunition, Gandapur openly threatened to respond to the security forces with force. His provocative words have sent shockwaves across the nation and raised serious concerns about the future of democracy, governance, and law and order in Pakistan. Impact on National Unity Gandapur’s incendiary remarks are a direct challenge to the rule of law and national cohesion. Pakistan has long struggled with internal divisions, whether ethnic, political, or sectarian. Statements like his…
Author: Khanzada Gul
Demystifying the Issue of Missing Persons in Pakistan The issue of missing persons in Pakistan often sparks heated debates, with myths clouding public perception. While some claim law enforcement agencies are responsible for all disappearances, official data paints a more nuanced picture. Since 2010, the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (CoIoED) has registered 10,405 cases, resolving 78% of them. This level of transparency reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing the issue responsibly. For a closer look at such national challenges, visit our Pakistan News section. The Reality Behind the Numbers 1. Progress in Case Resolutions Out of the 10,405…
KABUL, Afghanistan – On the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the European Union (EU) highlighted the struggles of people with disabilities in Afghanistan. In a statement, the EU emphasized the serious challenges these individuals face, especially in accessing healthcare and rehabilitation. The EU’s message, shared on X, reaffirmed its dedication to assisting those with disabilities. It called on the global community to take steps toward building a more inclusive society for everyone. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) also raised concerns about children with cerebral palsy in Afghanistan. According to the ICRC, the condition is more common…
The recent statement issued by the banned terrorist group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) criticizing the Pakistani government’s actions against violent protests held by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) from November 24 to 27 in Islamabad, has sparked a renewed discussion about the complex relationship between these two entities. While on the surface it may seem perplexing, a deeper exploration reveals a web of shared interests and mutual benefits that arise from their interaction. The Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has consistently shown support for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). This alliance may seem puzzling, but it can be understood by examining the ideologies and…
The Taliban government in Afghanistan is removing books that they say go against Islamic and Afghan values. A special commission formed by the Taliban has made a list of 400 books they consider “un-Islamic.” These books are being taken from stores, libraries, and public spaces across the country. A local government official in Herat province and a bookseller told AFP that authorities have not yet visited every bookstore to check for banned books. However, they are actively removing certain books from circulation. The Taliban is also checking books that have been imported into the country, ensuring that anything “contradictory to…
Former and current senior US military officials involved in the Afghanistan withdrawal might face serious consequences. The transition team of President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly working on a plan to investigate the 2021 exit from Afghanistan. This includes creating a list of military leaders directly responsible for the chaotic pullout and examining whether they should be held accountable, including facing charges such as treason. Trump’s team is considering forming a special commission to look into the controversial withdrawal. The focus would be on the decision-making process behind the pullout and how it was carried out. They are particularly interested in…
Since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, Afghanistan’s women have been subjected to an unprecedented wave of repression. What began as a rollback of rights under the group’s previous rule has escalated into a systematic attempt to erase women from public life. Through harsh edicts and gender-based violence, the Taliban has imposed a regime of gender apartheid that affects every aspect of life for Afghan women and girls. The Widespread Erasure of Women’s Rights Under the Taliban, Afghan women have seen their rights vanish almost overnight. Public spaces are off-limits: schools and universities are closed to girls, most…
The Taliban has introduced new laws in Afghanistan aimed at “promoting good and eliminating evil.” Under these rules, women are banned from speaking loudly in public or showing their faces outside their homes. The United Nations has condemned these so-called “virtue sanctions” and raised concerns over their impact on Afghan society. A top UN official described the laws as a “disturbing vision for Afghanistan’s future.” The supreme leader of the Taliban, Hibatullah Akhundzada, has endorsed these rules. The Ministry of Virtue and Prevention emphasized that everyone in the country must follow these new laws. The Taliban’s morality police are now…
Afghanistan’s turmoil is starkly evident three years after the Taliban’s return to power. This week marks the third anniversary of America’s retreat from Afghanistan and the Taliban’s subsequent takeover. The U.S. had initially intervened in Afghanistan as a direct response to the September 11, 2001, terror attacks orchestrated by al-Qaeda. The objective was clear: combat international terrorism and create a new global order to enhance safety and security worldwide. However, as highlighted by Amin Saikal in his new book, “How to Lose a War: The Story of America’s Intervention in Afghanistan,” the world today is arguably more conflict-ridden and polarized…
Taliban Education Ban has deprived 1.4 million Afghan girls of their right to education, according to a recent report by a United Nations agency. Afghanistan stands alone as the only country in the world that restricts female secondary and higher education. The Taliban, who seized power in 2021, enforced the Taliban Education Ban on girls above sixth grade. They claim that female education conflicts with their interpretation of Sharia law. Boys continue their schooling uninterrupted, with no signs from the Taliban of reopening classrooms for girls and women. UNESCO reported that since the Taliban’s takeover, at least 1.4 million girls…