Civil society organisations from across South Asia, see full list of signatories below, are deeply concerned about the recent tensions between Pakistan and India. We call up on the Governments of the two countries to take immediate steps to further de-escalate the tension, to create an enabling environment for peace dialogue, and to protect human [ Read more ]

(Bangkok, 27 February 2019) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is deeply concerned over the rapid escalation of the tension between Pakistan and India, and urges both Governments to show restraint and caution to assure recent incidents do not accelerate into a full-out confrontation. No one benefits from renewed violent conflict [ Read more ]

End all forms of gender-based violence Lahore, 1 December 2018. As part of its campaign marking 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) organised a theatrical performance and dance recital to underscore the prevalence of violence against women and girls in Pakistan. Held at the Dorab Patel Auditorium [ Read more ]

(Kathmandu/Bangkok, 2 November 2018) – The Asian Forum for Human Right and Development (FORUM-ASIA) welcomes the historic decision by the Supreme Court of Pakistan to acquit Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who was sentenced to death on blasphemy charges in 2010. Bibi was accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammed by fellow labourers after a heated [ Read more ]

(Kathmandu/Bangkok) – 12 October, 2018: The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) strongly condemns the detention of Pashtun woman human rights defender Gulalai Ismail by immigration authorities at Islamabad airport and demands her immediate release without any delay. Media reports suggest that Gulalai Ismail returned to Islamabad from London and was told by [ Read more ]

(Kathmandu/Bangkok) – 11 October 2018: The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is gravely concerned over the expulsion notice issued to 18 INGOs by the Pakistan Ministry of Interior. On 2 October 2018, the 18 INGOs were asked to close their operations within 60 days informing that their registration applications had been rejected. [ Read more ]

FORUM-ASIA member National Commision for Justice and Peace (NCJP) from Pakistan published the sixth edition of their research on the education system in Pakistan, which includes policy making, curriculum and the textbooks taught at schools across the country. To download a PDF version of this report, click here.

FORUM-ASIA member Human Rights Commission of Pakistan recently launched a fact-finding mission report titled ‘Curbs on freedom of expression in Pakistan’. The report looks at the interference of the state in the work of journalists – including reporters, editors and anchors – working for both print and broadcast media in Pakistan. *** For a PDF [ Read more ]

PODA Election Observation Preliminary Report  General Elections 2018 7th August, 2018 (Islamabad):  On behalf of Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy (PODA) a team of 56 election observers (34 women and 22 men) observed 2018 General Elections in 20 districts of Pakistan including Bahawalnagar, Chakwal, Dera Ghazi Khan, Dadu, Ghotki, Hyderabad, Islamabad Jamshoro, Jacobabad, Jhelum, Khanewal, [ Read more ]

The alarming increase in incidents of violence based on faith and the discriminatory attitudes of police and administration in the year 2017 suggests that the religious minorities in Pakistan have little to hope for in the year 2018. Published by FORUM-ASIA’s member National Commision for Justice and Peace (NCJP), this ‘Human Rights Monitor 2018 – A [ Read more ]