Stories about Pakistan
Pakistan’s general elections: AI, internet shutdowns and disillusionment
On top of disruptions to the internet, Pakistani political parties have also been using emerging technologies, particularly generative AI and deep fake videos, to influence voter narratives and perceptions.
Pakistan’s political landscape: What to expect from the 2024 elections
On February 8, 2024, over 128 million Pakistani voters are scheduled to vote in a crucial election that has been marred by political repression and judicial harassment against the main opposition.
Looking forward to 2024: A year of crucial elections in South Asia
In 2023, pre-election implications were evident in certain South Asian nations as repressive laws stifled free expression and targeted critics. Opposition leaders faced arrests and judicial harassment, reflecting a concerning trend.
Undertones: Transwomen in Pakistan reclaim their ancestral heritage
While Western far-right narratives take root in Pakistan, the queer community endeavors to remind citizens that they have always been there
Pakistan's transgender community faces increased challenges ahead of elections
In May 2023, the Federal Shariat Court in Pakistan cancelled three sections of the the Transgender Persons Act, prompting the halting of gender-based registration of transgender people and limiting their voting rights.
Pakistani movie ‘Zindagi Tamasha’ is finally made available online after injunctions on its release
Pakistani Punjabi-Urdu film Zindagi Tamasha, originally scheduled for release in theatres in 2020, but halted after receiving threats from religious hardliners, was finally made available to viewers on Youtube.
Christian community comes under attack in Pakistan once again
On 16th August, over 19 churches and 80 Christian homes were vandalised by an angry mob reacting to an alleged incident of blasphemy in Jaranwala, a town in Faisalabad, Punjab province.
Ahead of election, Pakistan introduces new laws to stifle dissent
On August 9, 2023, the Pakistan National Assembly was dissolved to pave way for the upcoming election and dozens of bills were hurriedly passed that limit civil liberties and stifle dissent.
Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan arrested once again ahead of elections
"Another former prime minister convicted and disqualified from running for office in Pakistan. A sad reflection of lack of full democracy."
Heavy rains return to Pakistan, raising concerns about flood preparedness
Dozens of people had been killed in different parts of Pakistan due to rain and floods in the last week of June there are alerts of more rain in July.
Award winning environmentalist empowers women cotton pickers in Pakistan
Global Voices interviewed environmentalist Javed Hussain who received the prestigious ‘Gender Just Climate Solution Award’ for his work to secure the rights for women cotton pickers in Pakistan.
Pakistan invokes draconian Army Act to put protestors on trial
The political situation in Pakistan is escalating after the National Security Council decided to invoke the Army Act and Official Secrets Act to try civilian protestors.
Pakistan faces nationwide internet blockage: A digital crisis unfolds
The internet blockade imposed in Pakistan amidst the arrest of Imran Khan raises serious concerns about the state of democracy, freedom of expression, and access to information in the country.
Pakistan on edge: Protests continue as Imran Khan's arrest sparks outrage
Former Pakistani PM Imran Khan was arrested from a courthouse on Tuesday afternoon. The news of Khan's arrest has sparked heated demonstrations and raised concerns about political instability in Pakistan.
Pakistan's war on journalism: Abduction and arrest of prominent journalists
Journalists in Pakistan continue to face harassment, arrest, and abduction for their reporting on sensitive issues. In recent years, several prominent journalists and media workers have been targeted and killed.
Pakistan's recent Wikipedia ban sparks controversy over blasphemy laws and freedom of speech
The Pakistani government has repeatedly enforced several restrictions on accessing certain websites and online material, often citing reasons such as national security, blasphemy laws, and moral principles.
Women marched in Pakistan despite resistance from authorities and religious groups
Despite encountering some obstacles, women in Pakistan were ultimately able to get permission and come out in large numbers on March 8th for "Aurat March", albeit with certain conditions attached.
Pakistan suffers widespread power outages amidst financial crisis
In January, Pakistan suffered a major power breakdown, plunging major cities into darkness and impacting millions of people. The disaster occurred amidst a rolling blackout meant to save costs.
Climate change, digital authoritarianism and disinformation campaigns ruled in South Asia in 2022
With 2022 nearly over, situations in countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka were extremely difficult. So, what did this year hold in store for South Asia? Read on.
Undertones in Pakistan: Military, Women, Blasphemy
Researchers share some of the strongest narratives that have circulated in Pakistan this year
Pakistani journalist's murder in Kenya may not be a case of mistaken identity
Pakistani journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif was shot and killed by Kenyan police in a case of "mistaken identity". However, in both countries, people are questioning the official narrative.