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India’s persistent HRs violations in Occupied Kashmir become indelible stain on its global image: Prof Cheng

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NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, Dec 10 (APP): India’s persistent human rights violations especially in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) have become an indelible stain on its global image, demanding urgent intervention from the international community.

This was stated by Prof. Cheng Xizhong, Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute, a non-governmental Chinese think-tank on diplomacy and international studies based in Beijing.

In a statement, he said that the latest findings by UN special procedures experts, released in November 2025, have once again laid bare the systemic human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), casting a dark shadow over global human rights governance.

According to the report, Indian authorities have arbitrarily arrested and detained nearly 2,800 individuals, including journalists, students and human rights defenders, leveraging draconian laws such as the Public Safety Act and Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to justify indefinite detention.

Worse still, torture, custodial deaths, incommunicado detention and punitive demolitions have become endemic, while 8,000 social media accounts are blocked to suppress free speech—a blatant violation of fundamental liberties, he said.

Prof Cheng said that India’s 2019 revocation of Article 370 of the constitution, which stripped Kashmir’s special status, has exacerbated the crisis by attempting to alter the region’s demographic structure. Despite holding delayed legislative elections in 2024, the Modi administration reassigned key powers to a New Delhi-appointed official, undermining democratic autonomy promised by the Supreme Court.

The international community cannot remain silent. UN resolutions and human rights conventions mandate accountability. India must immediately release arbitrarily detained persons, restore communication and respect Kashmiris’ right to self-determination. Only through sincere dialogue and adherence to international law can lasting peace be achieved in this troubled region, he added.

Australian High Commissioner calls on minister for human rights to strengthen bilateral cooperation

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NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Mr. Timothy Kane, called on the Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Wednesday. Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, Mr. Abdul Khalique Shaikh, was also present during the meeting.

The discussion focused on enhancing bilateral collaboration to promote and protect human rights. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing inclusive, rights-based governance.

The High Commissioner acknowledged Pakistan’s recent progress in human rights legislation, policy reforms, and institutional strengthening. He appreciated the Government’s continued efforts to protect vulnerable and marginalized communities and affirmed Australia’s support for Pakistan in advancing shared human rights priorities.

The Minister welcomed the High Commissioner and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to uphold equal rights for all citizens. He highlighted the ongoing implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights, including initiatives to strengthen institutions, improve access to justice, and enhance compliance with international human rights treaties.

The Minister further briefed the High Commissioner on Pakistan’s strengthened treaty reporting processes through the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up, including recent submissions and preparations for upcoming reviews under CRC, CRPD, ICCPR, and CAT. He confirmed the Government’s strong commitment to fulfilling its international obligations.

During the meeting, the Minister also noted that national human rights bodies—including the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), and National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC)—continue to function effectively. Recent constitutional and legal developments aimed at strengthening rights protection were also discussed.

Child rights remained a key focus of the discussion. The Minister briefed the High Commissioner on recent progress, including the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2025, and strengthened mechanisms such as the Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery System for missing children.

He also underscored ongoing efforts to promote digital safety, including awareness campaigns, digital literacy initiatives, and collaboration with international platforms such as Meta’s Take It Down portal for reporting harmful content involving children. The Minister welcomed the Australian Government’s recent decision to restrict social media access for children under sixteen, describing it as a timely measure for safeguarding their wellbeing.

Both sides expressed strong commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation on human rights and reaffirmed their shared resolve to promote dignity, equality, and inclusion for all.

Corruption fight needs total reforms, says Riaz Pirzada

By
Kamran Muraad
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MULTAN, Dec 10 (APP):Federal Minister for Housing and Works Riaz Hussain Pirzada said that eliminating corruption required a complete transformation of the governance system, adding that the National Accountability Bureau had managed to regain public confidence in a remarkably short time.
Addressing a special seminar organised by NAB Multan on International Anti-Corruption Day, he criticised past accountability practices, stating that people were previously jailed on a “selective and discretionary basis,” but such misuse had now considerably decreased.
He proposed that young NAB officers be sent abroad for advanced training every six months to strengthen efforts against white-collar crime. He further remarked that if institutions such as the Auditor General’s Office and FIA had been strengthened earlier, the need for NAB might not have arisen.
The seminar also highlighted the role of youth in combating corruption.
NAB Multan Director General stated that more than 40 percent of Pakistan’s population comprised young people, who were the driving force for positive change. He shared that over the past three years, NAB Multan had taken action against more than 60 government officers and recovered over Rs 18 billion, in addition to major recoveries from TDA, CDA, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The event saw participation from teachers, government officials, civil society representatives, thousands of students, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, Huzaifa Rehman.
The seminar also emphasised Pakistan’s participation in the UN Convention Against Corruption and the awareness campaigns conducted nationwide with the support of UNODC.
Students presented speeches and presentations on the theme of a corruption-free Pakistan, reflecting strong enthusiasm for transparency and accountability.
At the conclusion, participants took a collective pledge to work towards a corruption-free society, while NAB officials reaffirmed their commitment to integrity and strengthening a culture of fairness for a brighter and more prosperous future.

Pakistan pledges continued phase-wise support for Sri Lanka’s cyclone recovery: Junaid chaudhry

By
NNPS Desk
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to providing phased and sustained assistance to Sri Lanka as the island nation continues to recover from the devastation caused by the recent cyclone.

The assurance was conveyed by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry during separate meetings with Sri Lankan Deputy Speaker, Mohomed Risvi Sali and Transport Minister, Bimal Rathnayake in Colombo on Wednesday.

Junaid Chaudhry said Pakistan would continue extending support across multiple stages, including immediate relief, longer-term rehabilitation and reconstruction, and future infrastructure development aimed at helping Sri Lanka rebuild resiliently.

The federal minister noted that the government of Pakistan views its assistance not as a one-off gesture but as part of a sustained regional responsibility to stand by a close friend in a time of crisis.

Conveying a message of solidarity from Pakistan’s prime minister, Junaid Chaudhry stressed that Islamabad remains deeply concerned about the scale of human and material losses caused by the cyclone.

He noted that Pakistan is fully engaged in relief efforts to help Sri Lanka manage the aftermath, highlighting that the Pakistan Navy is actively participating in on-ground operations in affected areas.

The Sri Lankan leadership expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s timely outreach and the practical assistance rendered so far. Discussions also touched on broader bilateral cooperation, particularly in maritime coordination, disaster-response mechanisms and transport sector strengthening.

Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said both sides shared a commitment to enhancing regional preparedness in the face of increasingly frequent climate-driven disasters.

“Pakistan considers Sri Lanka not only a long-standing friend but a key regional partner, and will continue to support the country through every stage of recovery as it works to restore normalcy for affected communities”, the federal minister added.

Nation cannot forget May 9; urges politicians to admit mistakes

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):Sindh Minister for Information and Transport Sharjeel Inam Memon on Wednesday said that the events of May 9 can never be forgotten and urged political leaders to acknowledge their past mistakes for the sake of the country’s stability.
Addressing a press conference at Sindh House in Islamabad, Memon said the individual who was “brought into power through rigging in 2018” not only stole the public mandate but also failed to deliver any meaningful governance during his three-and-a-half-year tenure.
Criticising the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s former government, he said its leaders still only speak about Shaukat Khanum Hospital and the university project, but cannot point to any major development initiative from their time in power.
He said the PTI era would be remembered as a “dark period” marked by political victimisation and attacks on democratic institutions.
The minister said it was ironic that the former prime minister was now being projected as a hero despite his past claims of having “ideal relations with the establishment.”
He questioned why the PTI leadership did not speak about democratic norms when they were in government, recalling incidents such as the Senate chairman’s election and the party’s stance during the no-confidence episode.
Memon accused the PTI government of gross human rights violations, including arrests of political opponents, media trials, and filing fabricated cases.
He recalled the arrest of President Asif Ali Zardari, and how Faryal Talpur was sent to jail on the night of Eid. “Their era was the worst form of authoritarianism,” he added.
Memon also criticised PTI’s alleged international lobbying, claiming that foreign media outlets, including in India, readily opened their doors for the party’s leadership and family members.
He also questioned why Israel—accused globally of severe human rights violations—expressed concern over the PTI founder’s arrest.
The minister said his party does not label anyone a traitor but appealed to PTI leaders to practice responsible politics and refrain from inciting youth towards hatred and destruction.
Memon stressed that the government remains open to dialogue and believes political issues must be resolved through talks.
However, he said PTI has repeatedly refused to engage. “We still want political reconciliation, but politicians must admit their mistakes. The nation cannot forget the events of May 9, nor the attack on the residence of Quaid-e-Azam,”he said.
He said the PTI founder was neither a ‘superman’ nor had he achieved anything extraordinary. “We cannot overlook what happened to the country,” he said.

Governor urges BPSC’s Acting Chairman to play role in making institutions better

By
Kamran Muraad
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QUETTA, Dec 10 (APP):Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhel on Wednesday urged the Acting Chairman of the Balochistan Public Service Commission (BPSC) and his entire team to play a full role in making the institution better and more transparent so that the path to delivering justice to the rightful owner could be paved.
He said this while talking to Acting Chairman of the Balochistan Public Service Commission, Ghulam Ali Baloch called on him at the Governor’s House, Quetta.
 Governor Balochistan Jaffar Khan Mandokhel said that institutions play a key role in maintaining merit in society and delivering rights to the deserving people.
He said that it is gratifying that students from remote areas of the province are securing prominent positions in competitive examinations despite limited resources.
The Governor said that the interconnection between universities and schools is the cornerstone of a strong education system.
Just as school students reach universities over time and bring with them a foundation of knowledge and skills, he said and added that in this way, universities provide small educational institutions with qualified teachers who are equipped with modern teaching techniques, new ideas and subject expertise.
He said it is also noteworthy that the fine arts departments of universities could play an important role in teaching fine arts and drawing to graduating students.
He said that it seems that by maintaining a balance in the relationship between universities and schools, significant improvements to be made in the overall education system, adding that therefore, it is important that the Balochistan Public Service Commission, through its competitive examinations and interviews, provide the province with qualified officers so that the desired results of development and prosperity could be achieved immediately.

APHC submits memorandum to UN Office on World Human Rights Day

By
Shumaila Andleeb
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP): The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to the United Nations (UN) office in Islamabad, urging the implementation of UN Security Council resolutions on Kashmir, self-determination rights, release of political prisoners, and highlighting Indian human rights violations.

The memorandum expressed serious concern over the continued enforcement of laws widely described as inhuman and incompatible with international human rights standards, such as those granting sweeping powers of arrest, search, and detention, and those shielding security forces from accountability.

“These laws create an environment in which violations can occur with effective impunity, undermining the fundamental principles of justice, due process, and civilian protection,” it said.

The memorandum mentioned that recent legislative and administrative measures have raised serious apprehension regarding demographic alteration of the disputed territory, that is contrary to international legal obligations governing regions under dispute.

Given the UN’s historic and legal engagement on the Jammu and Kashmir issue, and in line with the principles of the UN Charter, the APHC urged the UN Office to dispatch a UN fact-finding or assessment mission to Indian administered Jammu & Kashmir to independently examine the human rights violations.

It emphasized to engage the Government of India to ensure unfettered access for UN mechanisms, humanitarian organizations, and internationally recognized human rights institutions.

The memorandum demanded of the UN office to pressurize India for the implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions concerning Jammu and Kashmir, with the objective of protecting civilian rights and fostering a peaceful, just, and durable resolution consistent with the aspirations of the people.

In Neelum Valley, the APHC led a rally against the Indian human rights violations in IIOJK.

At the University of Kotli in Azad Kashmir, APHC held a seminar on ‘Kashmir Conflict & HRs Perspective’ which was attended by over 500 students and faculty members.

This was the first seminar held by APHC at UoK since 2020, where the key speakers included Convener APHC & Gen Secy ApHC besides the Vice Chancellor and faculty members of UoK.

FBR suspends Customs inspector for misconduct

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) on Wednesday suspended a Customs inspector at Islamabad International Airport following a complaint alleging extortion, harassment and gross misconduct.
A complaint was received by the Office of the Chief Collector (Airports), after a thorough inquiry into the matter, the Chief Collector of Customs recommended to the FBR that the Inspector should be placed under suspension with immediate effect and disciplinary proceedings be initiated under the Government Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 2020, said a news release.
Accordingly, the Inspector has been suspended from service and disciplinary proceedings against him have been initiated.
FBR remains committed to the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and discipline, and reiterates its resolve to protect national revenue and restore public trust.

China launches satellites for UAE, Egypt, Nepal in fresh commercial space mission

By
NNPS Desk
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BEIJING, Dec 10 (APP): China on Wednesday launched the Lijian-1 Y11 carrier rocket with nine satellites onboard, including three international payloads for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Egypt and Nepal.

After delivering the nine satellites to their preset orbits, the launch mission was declared a complete success.

According to the rocket developer CAS Space, most of the satellites, owned by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) will support applications including urban planning, disaster prevention and mitigation, water resources, and meteorology.

According to Global Times, the “UAE-813 Satellite” launched in the Wednesday mission was developed by the Shanghai-based Innovation Academy for Microsatellites of CAS. It is a hyperspectral Earth observation satellite. It carries primary payloads including a hyperspectral imager, a panchromatic camera, and an atmospheric polarization corrector, along with the construction of corresponding ground systems.

The core aim of the project is to build hyperspectral remote sensing capabilities, thereby providing effective support for environmental monitoring and scientific research, according to the CAS Space.

The SPNEX satellite, also aboard the Lijian-1 rocket on Wednesday in the flight mission, was jointly developed by the Egyptian Space Agency and the Egyptian Academy of Scientific Research and Technology. It carries plasma diagnostic and Earth observation payloads, with its primary mission of monitoring the impacts of climate change and ionospheric variations.

The Slippers2Sat (S2S) satellite is an educational project jointly launched by Antarikchya Pratisthan Nepal and the Amateur Radio Digital Communications Foundation. The project is dedicated to inspiring, motivating, and providing educational support to marginalized groups, low income communities and indigenous populations in Nepal.

The project’s main goal is to help Nepali junior-high students independently design and build Nepal’s third 1U CubeSat while demonstrating and promoting a software-based digital repeater system in amateur radio bands for global amateur-radio users.

CAS Space has now served a total of 32 satellite customers, 26 domestic and six international. Its launch-service footprint extends across China, Europe, North America, South Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, and other countries and regions.

IPP announces roadmap for new provinces

By
Kamran Muraad
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ISLAMABAD, Dec 10 (APP):The Istehkam Pakistan Party (IPP) on Wednesday announced its roadmap regarding the creation of new provinces in the country.
Chairing a meeting of the Parliamentary Party, Federal Minister for Communications and President of the Istehkam Pakistan Party, Abdul Aleem Khan said that new provinces would prove beneficial not only for the people but also for the ruling political parties, said a press release.
He stated that if three provinces were created in Sindh, the ruling party could nominate three Chief Ministers which would enable better distribution of powers and could usher in a new era of public service and development. President IPP Abdul Aleem Khan further said that the establishment of new IGs, new Chief Secretaries and new High Courts in the three proposed provinces would ensure good governance and help resolve public issues at the local level.
He added that new provinces should also be created in Punjab which would not only provide the ruling party an opportunity to nominate additional Chief Ministers but would also ensure swift resolution of public issues. He clarified that no existing province’s name would be changed instead the new provinces would be formed under the names North, South, West, and East.
President IPP & Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan emphasized that the focus must be on resolving public hardships rather than viewing the proposal through the lens of prejudice. He said the proposal for new provinces across Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and KP has been presented purely with the aim of public welfare.
While referring to Balochistan, he highlighted that the thousand-kilometer distance between Quetta and Gwadar causes immense difficulties for citizens, often requiring several days to reach the provincial capital. In such circumstances, the creation of additional provinces becomes essential to ensure solutions to people’s problems at their doorstep, he added.
He also noted that citizens in KP and Punjab require improved service delivery, and the formation of new provinces would be a correct and lasting step towards addressing public hardships. He stated that if a political party gets the opportunity to nominate three Chief Ministers instead of one, there is no harm in it, as resolving more public issues will only increase the party’s popularity.
Abdul Aleem Khan said that the creation of new provinces would serve as a milestone in putting Pakistan on the path to development. Members of the National Assembly Aun Chaudhry, Gul Asghar Baghore and Munazza Hassan participated in the Parliamentary Party meeting and shared their views regarding the formation of new provinces.
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