The metropolitan and provincial capitals of Pakistan i.e., Lahore and Quetta once again were brutally attacked by the extremist forces. The claim of suicide attack in Lahore killing 13 and injuring 53 was taken by Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan Jamaatul Ahrar. This banned group has warned the government of their new campaign against the government departments across [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA’s member Bytes for all, Pakistan published a report and publication ‘Shrinking Spaces: Arbitrary measures by authorities impact rights to assembly and association online’ with a joint output of  Association for Progressive Communications. It aims at documenting baseline information about the fundamental rights to association and assembly in online spaces by studying various cases over the [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 12 January 2017) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is deeply concerned over the sudden disappearances of human rights activists in Pakistan. Pakistan is one of the most dangerous countries for journalists and human rights activists.1 In the past two weeks, at least five activists who are known for expressing [ Read more ]

The National Commission for Justice and Peace, a rights based organisation of Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, strongly condemns the tragic attack on the police training centre that has killed over 61 people and more than 165 are injured. His Excellency Bishop Dr. Joseph Arshad, Chairperson of NCJP (Bishop of Faisalabad) and Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Yousaf [ Read more ]

The National Commission for Justice and Peace, a rights based organization of Pakistan Catholic Bishops’ Conference, strongly condemns the two horrific incidents of suicide bombing in Kyber Pakhtunkwa province i.e., Mardan District Court bombing and a Bombing in a Christian Colony near Warsak Dam, Peshawar today September 2, 2016. The prompt response bythe Law Enforcement [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 17 August 2016) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is deeply concerned over the approval of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Bill 2016[1] by the Parliament of Pakistan on 11 August 2016. The approval comes despite protests from organisations working on fundamental human rights, including the right to privacy and [ Read more ]

32nd Regular Session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: Thematic reports by the High Commissioner – General Debate Oral Statement Delivered by Rosanna Ocampo On behalf of the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) Tuesday, 21 June 2016 Mr. President, FORUM-ASIA welcomes the High Commissioner’s practical recommendations for the creation and [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 12 May 2016) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) strongly condemns the reports of torture leading to the death of Aftab Ahmad, a member of Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM). FORUM-ASIA urges the government of Pakistan to conduct a prompt, full, impartial, and independent investigation into the death and take actions [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 11 May 2016) – The assassination of human rights defender Khurram Zaki is a big loss for the human rights movement in Pakistan and a grim reminder of the extremely difficult conditions human rights defenders face in the country, says the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) today. FORUM-ASIA calls on Pakistani [ Read more ]

The city of Lahore once again had to face the harsh and tragic outbreak of the extremist forces in a deadly and brutal attack on innocent families visiting the park to celebrate the spring season and the festival of Easter. A few days back the government took an initiative to declare Holi (Hindu festival) and [ Read more ]