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Pakistan Apathetic to Rising Suicides

Around 50 million in Pakistan are suffering from mental issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic disorder, eating disorder and schizophrenia, which often lead to suicide. However, Pakistan has just 500 psychiatrists, translating it into just 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 people … writes Dr Sakariya Kareem

One in every four people in Pakistan is suffering from mental issues, which is forcing about 50–55 individuals to commit suicide every day. The suicide rate in Pakistan has reached an alarming level, ranking it thirds after Somalia and Djibouti. It was 9.8 percent in 2023. Yet, the mental issues are mostly shrouded in shame and silence in Pakistan thanks to bureaucratic apathy.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Pakistan witnessed 19,331 suicidal deaths in 2019 with the rate of 8.9 percent.mAccording to the WHO, about 130,000 to 270,000 people in Pakistan attempt to kill themselves every year. Poverty, academic pressure, unemployment, societal expectations, and economic uncertainties are considered major factors for suicidal ideation.

Pakistan’s government do not keep statistics on suicides in the country. So this makes understanding and addressing the problem difficult. “The lack of official epidemiological data from Pakistan and criminalisation of suicide also impairs the ability to understand the magnitude of the problem and then formulate targeted interventions,” reads a report by Pakistani researchers.

Shockingly, most of these suicides were committed by people under age 30, revealed another report by researchers from Islamabad-based Shifa International Hospital and Hong Kong University. Analysing police records showed their share was 89 percent while 13 percent were from the 10-18 age group.

The researchers picked holes in government preparedness and facilities. “Health services across Pakistan are ill-equipped to deal with self-harm and suicidal behaviours beyond physical management. Early identification and screening for suicidal risk are non-existent in both primary healthcare and private sectors,” they said in the report.

In its editorial, Pakistan’s reputed daily Dawn slammed the government for its inaction. “Sadly, such tragic incidents have become all too common in cities and towns across the country. However, there seems to be a notable lack of action, particularly on the part of the government,” it said.

Notably, the rising trend of suicide among teenagers was highlighted a decade ago. However, Islamabad failed in its duty to come up with measures to contain suicides. Interestingly, the rate of suicide is highest among married women in Pakistan, which is contrary to the general perception that marriage acts as a protective shield.

Unemployment is a crucial factor for young people to choose the path of killing themselves. The job situation became precarious after Covid-pandemic hit the country. Shahzeb Sahito was a daily wager. He ended his life because he could not find a job. “He tried very hard to find any work but failed. He was so depressed with his circumstances, that he set himself on fire,” said his brother. 

And now inflation is contributing to the problem heavily. A man killed his family members including an infant due to frustration over inflation. Similar events have become common in Pakistan nowadays. Karachi Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed Tariq carried out the autopsy of a kid whose entire family committed mass suicide due to unemployment and inflation.

“Cause given as joblessness and inability to make ends meet. Can’t even begin to imagine the helplessness of a family who sought refuge in death,” she tweeted.  

Islam region that is practiced widely in Pakistan terms suicides as a grave sin. It makes the ground realities about suicides and the factors responsible go unreported. Another reason for the underreporting is that suicide was treated as a crime in Pakistan until recently. It took 2022 for the state of Pakistan to decriminalise attempted suicide.

Around 50 million in Pakistan are suffering from mental issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic disorder, eating disorder and schizophrenia, which often lead to suicide. However, Pakistan has just 500 psychiatrists, translating it into just 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. It is among the lowest in the world, as per the WHO, thus leaving 90 percent of Pakistanis without access to mental illness treatments.

Pakistani health consultant Dr Mehreen Mujtaba blamed the bureaucratic apathy at all levels of government planning and implementation in relation to mental health problems. “Services to treat mental health in Pakistan are completely under-financed, without much budgetary allocation in public sector hospitals to developing robust outpatient and inpatient psychiatric units,” she said.


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Rights Group condemns mob attack on Christian family in Sargodha

The victims, Nazir Masih and his son Sultan Masih, owners of a small shoe factory in Gill Wala, Mujahid Colony, were brutally attacked by a mob on Saturday.

Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has strongly condemned the violent mob attack on a Christian family in Sargodha following false blasphemy allegations. The victims, Nazir Masih and his son Sultan Masih, owners of a small shoe factory in Gill Wala, Mujahid Colony, were brutally attacked by a mob on Saturday.

The incident began when Nazir Masih and Sultan Masih were accused of desecrating pages of the Quran and discarding them in front of their factory.

These accusations prompted individuals to incite a mob, including clerics and Islamic students, who then violently assaulted the Masih family and vandalised their business and home.

“HRFP’s fact-finding team quickly arrived at the scene to provide emergency reporting and assistance. They have highlighted that similar incidents of false blasphemy allegations against Christians are recurrent in Sargodha”, HRFP said in a press statement.

According to the victims, the Quranic pages were deliberately scattered in front of their factory, and the accusers swiftly mobilised a mob to attack.

During the mob attack, Nazir Masih, Sultan Masih, and their families were severely injured. Even as they were being transported to the hospital by ambulance, the mob attacked the vehicle, attempting to kill them on the spot. Despite this, the ambulance managed to escape.

Calling for justice for the Masih family, the HRFP said in a press statement, “HRFP is demanding protection and justice for the Masih family. Their team has gathered detailed information and evidence about the incident, visited the site, the police station, and the hospital, and interviewed involved individuals to ensure ongoing assistance.”

HRFP President Naveed Walter criticised the pattern of immediate mob violence following blasphemy accusations, questioning why the police are not called initially if a genuine offense occurs. He noted that mobs often follow the police and ambulances to inflict further violence, as seen in this case.

Walter emphasized the need for significant reforms to handle such situations before, during, and after they occur. He called for the repeal of blasphemy laws and stressed the importance of providing protection and justice for all blasphemy victims and their families, including those like Nazir and Sultan Masih who are falsely accused.

HRFP demanded immediate attention to this grave issue, calling for policy changes and the implementation of protective measures to prevent future incidents of violence against religious minorities in Pakistan. (ANI)

ALSO READ: DEFAMATION BILL: Pakistani Government’s New Weapon To Silence Critics

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Pakistan: Enraged Khyber Pakhtunkhwa residents storm grid to restore power

People in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa entered the grid station after holding a protest outside its gate with heavy police deployment to deal with any potential law and order situation.

Angry residents of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday restored electricity by storming into the Hazar Khawani grid station, after prolonged loadshedding led to protests amid the scorching weather, Pakistan-based Geo News reported.

People in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa entered the grid station after holding a protest outside its gate with heavy police deployment to deal with any potential law and order situation.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Fazal Elahi, who led the protest, said that the elders of the area will restore electricity at the grid station.

Speaking to Geo News, Elahi said that the protesters will go to all feeders and restore electricity. He said, “If our electricity is cut off, everyone’s electricity will be cut off.”

Peshawar Electric Supply Company (Pesco) officials said that Fazal Elahi and protesters surrounded and stormed into the Rehman Baba grid station. Pesco officials further said that the protesters forcibly switched on nine high-loss feeders including Yaka Tut, Hazar Khawani, Akhunabad and Newchamkani.

The officials said, “Losses due to power theft and non-payment of dues on these feeders are more than 80 per cent,” adding that an operation will reduce the losses on these feeders, Geo News reported.

Meanwhile, the residents of Lahore also face unannounced loadshedding with some areas facing continuous power cuts for one hour every hour during the day, Geo News reported, citing a citizen.

Batapur, Manawan, Shahpur, and Shahdara and other areas have been impacted by prolonged loadshedding while unannounced loadshedding has affected Kot Lakhpat and Ferozepur Road. The demand for power is 4200 MW, however, the quota is 4000 MW, Geo News reported citing sources.

According to sources, Sabzazar grid station is facing tripping due to a blaze. Furthermore, pressure on other systems has witnessed a rise after fire erupted at a grid station.

The sources said, “Loadshedding on feeders in rural areas went on for several hours.” Loadshedding has further made the life difficult for residents of Lahore due to the ongoing heatwave across Punjab and Sindh.

Earlier on May 15, women and residents of Chota Lahor tehsil of Swabi in Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan blocked roads against prolonged power loadshedding on Wednesday, Pakistan-based Dawn reported. Women stormed the local grid station and blocked the road against “cruel” loadshedding, which lasted for over 20 hours a day.

The protesters shouted slogans against Peshawar Electric Supply Company, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, who both belong to Dera Ismail Khan, according to Dawn report. The protesting women shouted slogans against the public representatives and called for an immediate reduction in the load-shedding duration.

The women first held a protest outside the Pesco offices and later reached the grid station and blocked the road to traffic there. The protesters said political leaders made claims during the election campaign. However, they did not resolve the electricity problem faced by the people of Dera Ismail Khan after they secured victory.

The protesting women said Ali Amin Gandapur and Faisal Karim’s residences received uninterrupted electricity supply from different sources. They added that they would hold such representatives accountable and would not vote for them in the next polls. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Rights Group condemns mob attack on Christian family in Sargodha

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Asia News PAKISTAN Politics

DEFAMATION BILL: Pakistani Government’s New Weapon To Silence Critics

Pakistan, a nation struggling with  crippling financial woes and rising inflation, moved a step back again with the Punjab government forcefully passing the controversial Defamation Bill 2024 despite opposition from journalists and a section of lawmakers …. writes Dr Sakariya Kareem

It is true that no matter which government comes to power in Pakistan, the country continues to gag its people.

Pakistan, a nation struggling with  crippling financial woes and rising inflation, moved a step back again with the Punjab government forcefully passing the controversial Defamation Bill 2024 despite opposition from journalists and a section of lawmakers.

The Punjab government, to muzzle the voices of dissent, approved the bill by rejecting the amendments proposed by the opposition amid protests by the PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council and journalists covering parliamentary proceedings.

As the house passed it through voice vote, the Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) members tore apart copies of the bill.

According to Pakistan media reports, vetted by the Special Committee-1 in the absence of standing committees, the bill was tabled by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman with the PML-N government rushing to vote on it ignoring the requests of the journalists.

The press gallery members walked out of the assembly to boycott the proceedings. They rejected the bill as a “curb on free media”, reported Dawn News.]

In its Editorial published on May 22, titled ‘Bulldozed bill’, Dawn criticised the ruling PML-N and wrote: “Where once the party was championing the people and their voices, it is now devising new means to silence them. “

After days of power struggle and a deal of settling seats, the PML-N in February returned to power following a controversial national poll as claimed by the opposition.

The Defamation Bill is seen by opposition and critics as a measure introduced by the Punjab government to silence the voices fighting against it.

In its editorial, Dawn said: “Defamation is a societal problem, not something that concerns the Punjab government alone. The journalists’ community had merely asked the Punjab government for a week to reconsider the law and arrive at a consensus. Meanwhile, the opposition had suggested certain changes to the law, some of which, it seems, could have improved it considerably.”

The Judicial Activism Panel (JAP), a self-styled public interest forum based in Lahore, described the bill as ‘draconian’ and asked the Punjab government to reconsider it.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan reflected similar sentiments when it said the bill throttles free expression.

“HRCP is also concerned by the haste in which this bill is being tabled. Five days is too short a period for any meaningful consultation with civil society and digital and mainstream media stakeholders on what is a complex legal proposal affecting an entire digital ecosystem of opinion makers,” the human rights body said in a post o X.

Pakistani experts believe disregard for the opposition and other dissenting voices is perhaps the reason why the governments in the country have failed to deliver over the years.

In its Editorial, Dawn News summed up a solution to solve the ongoing tussle by saying: ” The Punjab government must withdraw this dangerous bill and engage with other stakeholders. There is still time.”

The Joint Action Com­mittee (JAC), which consists of journalist and media owner bodies — the Pakistan Broa­dcasters Association (PBA), All Pa­­kistan Newspapers Socie­­ty (APNS), Council of Pak­istan Newspaper Edi­tors (CPNE), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) and Assoc­ia­tion of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND), earlier issued a joint statement where it expressed serious concern over amendments to the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) as well as the new defamation bill.

The Joint Action Committee, in the statement, said that media stakeholders were not against strengthening the defamation laws or regulating digital media after strengthening defamation laws, but the law in its current form “threatens the fundamental right to freedom of expression.”

The government of Pakistan recently launched a special cyber crime investigation unit — National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA) — under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, shifting the role from the Federal Investigation Agency (FDA). 

According to experts, the introduction of NCCIA poses fresh threats to journalists and activists in Pakistan as the PECA law, which was originally enacted to combat various forms of cybercrime such as cyber terrorism, unauthorized access, electronic fraud and online harassment, and to enhance the security of cyberspace for users and businesses, is used by the country’s authorities to suppress dissent and curb the freedom of press and speech.

PECA is a draconian law that contains vague and overly broad offenses, and it has been criticized by Pakistan’s human rights defenders and civil society organizations for criminalizing legitimate forms of expression based on supposed national security concerns and to protect majoritarian interpretations of Islam, according to Amnesty International.

ALSO READ: Tension Lingers in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir’s Muzaffarabad

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Crackdown Shatters Myth of ‘Azad’ Kashmir

Images of the ensuing crackdown were nothing short of dystopian – cities blanketed in tear gas, bloodied protesters being ferried away, cutting of internet, armed personnel brutally restraining and arresting civilians … writes Dr Sakariya Kareem

The scenes of chaos and violence unfolding in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) over the past week have shattered the illusion of the territory being “Azad” or “Free” Kashmir. As protests over economic grievances swelled across the region, Pakistan’s security forces responded with unchecked brutality, killing at least one police officer, injuring over 100 others, and subjecting civilians to tear gas shelling, baton charges, and mass arrests.

The underlying issues that sparked the protests – soaring food and fuel inflation, lack of economic opportunities, unaffordable electricity rates in the midst of vast hydropower potential – are systemic problems plaguing Pakistan as a whole. However, the state’s draconian response underscored the hollowness of PoK’s constitutional designation as “Azad” Kashmir. There was nothing free about the unrestrained suppression of dissent on display.

At the forefront of the protests was the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a grassroots organization representing traders and citizens demanding affordable electricity rates linked to PoK’s hydropower generation, subsidized wheat to combat rising food prices, and an end to lavish privileges for the ruling elite class. Their demands highlighted the gaping disconnect between the government and the economic pain being endured by ordinary citizens. Rather than seek a peaceful resolution through negotiation and reforms, the Pakistani authorities chose an all-too-familiar strongarm approach. Police conducted overnight raids to detain around 70 JAAC activists in the lead-up, eliminating key voices from the equation. When the JAAC still proceeded with plans for a massive march on the PoK capital Muzaffarabad on May 11, the state dug trenches and erected barriers to seal off access to the city.

Images of the ensuing crackdown were nothing short of dystopian – cities blanketed in tear gas, bloodied protesters being ferried away, cutting of internet, armed personnel brutally restraining and arresting civilians.[2] The violence reached a tragic nadir when a police sub-inspector named Adnan Qureshi was killed by gunfire amid the melees in Mirpur. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, his death exemplified the perpetual cost of Pakistan’s reflexive deployment of force as a crowd control tactic.[3]

The hypocrisy is staggering – how can any state brutalize its own civilians and deny them basic political and economic rights, while proclaiming itself a champion for the self-determination of the same population? Pakistan’s rhetoric about being a torchbearer for Kashmir cause rings hollow when its iron fist falls on the very people it claims to represent in PoK.

As the crackdown intensified, pro-independence voices within PoK grew more vociferous in their condemnation of Pakistan. Activist Amjad Ayub Mirza declared “The whole of Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir has been shut down by peaceful protesters who are being beaten up and shot at by the Pakistan police, Punjab police, the so-called Azad Kashmir Police.” His words underscored a fundamental reality – that segments of PoK’s population no longer view Pakistan as a credible advocate for their aspirations, having witnessed its oppression firsthand. Mirza went so far as to call for external intervention “to help and facilitate the independence of this occupied territory, including Gilgit-Baltistan.” The extraordinary plea signaled the fading credibility of Pakistan’s position.

If Pakistan still harbors any credibility on the Kashmir issue, it must embark on an urgent course correction in how it governs PoK. An immediate de-escalation, release of all political prisoners, substantive engagement with groups like JAAC to address economic woes, and rolling back regressive policies that preference the elite are paramount. Mere cosmetic concessions will not solve the crisis. Pakistan needs to overhaul its entire system of governance in PoK to make it truly representative and inclusive of the population’s voices. Dissenting views and calls for greater rights must be accommodated through reforms, not met with violent suppression that betrays the territory’s nominal status of being “free.”

The current protests follow a well-trodden path in PoK of the state mobilizing force to crush any semblance of dissent as an existential threat.[4] Hundreds have been subjected to enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture and mass intimidation by Pakistan’s military-intelligence apparatus for demanding self-governance or representation. For over 75 years, Pakistan has claimed to be a champion of the Kashmiri people’s rights to self-determination. Yet its actions in PoK over the past week, and throughout its occupation, have demonstrated that it remains the principal force subjugating the population it claims to liberate. 

By deploying violence to deny the JAAC’s basic economic demands, Pakistan has ceded what little moral high ground it had on the Kashmir issue. Images of its oppression in PoK have been broadcast globally, inviting the same degree of condemnation that any state would for violating human rights and civil liberties so brazenly. The path forward for Pakistan is clear – it must pursue substantive reforms to grant real rights and representation to PoK’s people. Restoring civil liberties, ensuring inclusive economic development, and allowing the territory’s population to have a voice in its governance and future are essential. 

Failing to course-correct will only further diminish Pakistan’s already declining credibility as a stakeholder in resolving the Kashmir dispute. The divided region has endured a multigenerational tragedy of lifetimes being stifled by violence, insecurity, and oppression from all sides. Inflicting more state brutality on the people of PoK is a disservice to the dreams of self-determination and azadi (freedom) that Kashmir has embodied globally. By doubling down on suppression in PoK, Pakistan will only reaffirm why global skepticism around its position on Kashmir continues to grow. Respecting the rights and aspirations of those under its occupation is not an option, but an imperative if Pakistan wants to have any legitimate stance on the issue going forward. The illusion of “Azad” Kashmir has been shattered – the path to restoring credibility must begin now.

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The Looming Crisis in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir

The Pakistani establishment appears unwilling to listen to the voices of the oppressed Kashmiris. Instead of addressing the legitimate grievances of the people, it has chosen to flex its military muscle, in a futile attempt to crush the spirit of resistance … writes Dr Sakariya Kareem

Pakistan’s heavy-handed approach to stifling dissent and protests in the regions under its illegal occupation has once again come to the fore. Recent reports from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) paint a grim picture of a desperate administration resorting to militaristic tactics to quell legitimate protests by the oppressed populace. As tensions simmer in PoJK over the deteriorating economic situation and dismal living conditions, the Pakistani government has made the ominous decision to deploy troops from Punjab Province to the region. Personnel from the Frontier Corps, Rangers, and the Quick Response Force (QRF) of Punjab have taken to the streets, in a blatant show of force aimed at intimidating the protesters.

The protests, scheduled for May 11th, have been organised by the United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) and the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), two prominent groups representing the aspirations of the people of PoJK. Their demands are not unreasonable – an end to unjustified taxation, relief from exorbitant electricity bills, measures to combat uncontrolled inflation, and ensuring adequate supplies of essentials like flour.

However, the Pakistani establishment appears unwilling to listen to the voices of the oppressed Kashmiris. Instead of addressing the legitimate grievances of the people, it has chosen to flex its military muscle, in a futile attempt to crush the spirit of resistance. The leaders of the UKPNP and JAAC have issued stern warnings to the Pakistani administration against the use of brutal force against peaceful protesters. They have made it clear that any such action will be met with international protests and demonstrations, drawing global attention to the plight of the people of PoJK.

The demands of the protesters go beyond mere economic concerns. They are seeking ownership of local land and water resources, as well as a fair share of the royalties from the hydroelectric power generated by dams located in PoJK and the neighbouring Pakistan-occupied Gilgit Baltistan (PoGB) region. This underscores the deep-rooted sense of injustice and exploitation felt by the Kashmiri people, who have been systematically deprived of their rightful share in the natural resources of their homeland. Despite the billions of dollars in remittances sent annually by the Kashmiri diaspora for the development of PoJK and PoGB, the people of these regions continue to suffer from severe underdevelopment, as these funds are allegedly siphoned off to Pakistani banks.

The leaders of the UKPNP, including Chairman Sardar Shaukat Ali Kashmiri and former JAAC spokesperson Sardar Nasir Aziz Khan, have highlighted the humanitarian crisis that has gripped PoJK for over four years, with the situation worsening with each passing month. The deployment of military forces is not a new tactic employed by Pakistan to suppress dissent in the occupied territories. According to PoJK activist Amjad Ayub Mirza, the administration had previously requested the deployment of 600 police personnel and six platoons of the Civil Armed Force (CAF) to maintain law and order and protect Chinese nationals following recent blasts involving Chinese citizens in April.

This heavy-handed approach not only violates the fundamental rights of the Kashmiri people but also exposes the fragility of Pakistan’s control over the occupied territories. A regime that commands the genuine loyalty and support of its people would not need to resort to such draconian measures to maintain its grip on power. The international community cannot remain a silent spectator to the unfolding crisis in PoJK. The actions of the Pakistani government constitute a gross violation of human rights, including the rights to peaceful protest, freedom of expression, and self-determination.

The United Nations and other global bodies must take cognizance of the situation and exert pressure on Pakistan to refrain from using force against peaceful protesters. The demands of the people of PoJK must be heard and addressed through dialogue and negotiation, not through the barrel of a gun. Furthermore, the international community should investigate the allegations of funds meant for the development of PoJK and PoGB being siphoned off to Pakistani banks. If proven true, this would constitute a grave injustice against the Kashmiri people, who have been denied the fruits of their own resources.

The road ahead for the people of PoJK is fraught with challenges, but their determination to fight for their rights is unwavering. The Pakistani government must recognize that its heavy-handed tactics will only serve to further alienate the Kashmiri populace and fuel the flames of resistance. It is time for Pakistan to abandon its policy of oppression and embrace a path of dialogue, respect for human rights, and genuine autonomy for the people of the occupied territories. Only then can the long-standing Kashmir dispute be resolved in a manner that upholds the principles of justice and self-determination, paving the way for lasting peace and stability in the region.

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Pakistan’s New Cyber Crime Unit Chokes Freedom Of Speech And Press

Pakistan’s new cyber crime unit under controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) law endangers freedom of speech and press, writes Dr. Sakariya Kareem

The Pakistani government recently launched a special cyber crime investigation unit under the controversial Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) 2016, shifting the role from the Federal Investigation Agency (FDA).

The new agency will be led by a director general with 15-year experience in digital forensics or public administration, as per reports.

According to an editorial published in the Dawn newspaper, the newly launched National Cyber Crimes Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which has been set up to replace the FIA’s cybercrime wing, raises substantial concerns about the motive behind it.

In the opinion piece, the Dawn mentioned that the NCCIA is mandated to handle offences under the PECA, which, activists allege, was used routinely by the FIA to silence dissent.

Experts say the introduction of NCCIA poses fresh threats to journalists and activists in Pakistan as the PECA law, which was originally enacted to combat various forms of cybercrime such as cyber terrorism, unauthorized access, electronic fraud and online harassment, and to enhance the security of cyberspace for users and businesses, is used by the country’s authorities to suppress dissent and curb the freedom of press and speech.

The Dawn, in its editorial, also raises concern about the exact objective of the NCCIA that the FIA could not achieve as the writer of the piece believes the reuse of the FIA’s main resources — personnel, assets, and existing cases — under a new banner (NCCIA) raises a fundamental question.

The Dawn, in a report published in December, 2022, termed the PECA as a weapon of the state to “harass, intimidate and silence critics.”

In the report titled “Project PECA I: How to silence a nation”, the Dawn mentioned that scores of politicians, journalists, activists and sometimes, even ordinary citizens, who dared pour out their frustrations on digital spaces have been hounded by law enforcement agencies ever since the law came into effect.

The Dawn also called PECA a tool for political victimisation as PECA has been routinely used against political workers, journalists, academics, activists and citizens since 2017.

Al Jazeera reported, citing the reports of a media rights watchdog, that Pakistan has been establishing a “chilling pattern” of using the threat of legal action to silence dissent.

The “crimes” Pakistani journalists were charged with included “bringing the armed forces into disrepute”, “bringing the judiciary into disrepute” and “bringing the intelligence agencies into disrepute”, according to the report.

The Doha-headquartered international media outlet reported that human rights groups and journalists have warned that journalists in Pakistan are facing increased strictures from the authorities not to cover certain topics, particularly allegations of the military’s increasing role in governance and politics.

According to IFEX, a nexus of more than 120 independent non-governmental organizations for free expression, as underlined is Section 37(1) of PECA, which empowers the authorities to regulate online content, the restrictions imposed on online speech include content that is against the “glory of Islam, security of Pakistan, public order, decency and morality and; integrity and defence of Pakistan.”

The IFEX opined that these categories were sufficiently broad and vague to target anything that might “challenge the status quo, which the state, via PECA, can then arbitrarily dub ‘unlawful’.”

According to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, Pakistan government’s amendment to the PECA, which was made in 2022, was the latest in a concerted campaign to restrict freedom of expression and stifle dissent.

Acting deputy regional director for South Asia at Amnesty International, Nadia Rahman, said, “PECA has been used to silence freedom of expression on the pretext of combating ‘fake news,’ cybercrime, and misinformation.” 

“The amendment not only violated the Pakistan Constitution, but also put anyone who questions the government or other state institutions at further risk. It particularly endangered journalists, human rights defenders, and political opponents who run the risk of prosecution for merely doing their jobs,” Rahman added.

Lahore High Court.

The amendment to PECA also made it incumbent upon courts to conclude trials within six months and furnish monthly progress reports of pending trials, and ordered federal and provincial officials to remove any obstacles that may hinder the progress of the proceedings, according to Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

Asia associate director at Human Rights Watch, Patricia Gossman, said that the PECA was introduced neither to protect the public from legitimate cybercrime concerns nor to respect fundamental human rights, and the new amendments to the law further embedded violations of basic rights with a thin veneer of legality.

However, Islamabad High Court later declared the ordinance unconstitutional, passing which Pakistan attempted to make the PECA more restrictive, and restrained the Federal Investigative Agency (FDI) from making any arrests under the ordinance, reports IFEX.

PECA is a draconian law that contains vague and overly broad offenses, and it has been criticized by Pakistan’s human rights defenders and civil society organizations for criminalizing legitimate forms of expression based on supposed national security concerns and to protect majoritarian interpretations of Islam, according to Amnesty International.

ALSO READ: Pakistan’s new cyber crime agency may target Imran Khan supporters

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Indian Navy Helps Pakistani Crew Onboard Iranian Fishing Vessel

INS Sumedha intercepted fishing vessel Al Rahmani and medical specialists provided medical assistance to the crew.

Indian Navy has responded to a distress call and provided critical medical assistance to a Pakistani crew member onboard an Iranian fishing vessel Al Rahmani, an Indian Navy spokesperson said.

The warship, INS Sumedha deployed for anti-piracy operations in the Arabian Sea, intercepted fishing vessel Al Rahmani in early hours of April 30, according to the statement released by Indian Navy Spokesperson on X. The ship’s boarding team and medical specialists boarded the fishing vessel and rendered medical acceptance to the crew member.

The Spokesperson stated, “In a swift response to a distress call, #INSSumedha, mission deployed for #antipiracy ops in the #ArabianSea provided critical medical assistance to an Iranian FV (with 20 Pakistani crew), for a near drowning case of one of its crew member.”

“Responding swiftly to the distress call, INS Sumedha intercepted FV Al Rahmani in early hours of #30Apr 24. Ship’s boarding team & medical specialists boarded the FV & rendered medical assistance to the crew member, who was experiencing laboured breathing with active seizures,” it added.

The Indian Navy Spokesperson said that the patient after medical management was conscious and relieved clinically.

“Post medical management, the patient was oriented, conscious and relieved clinically. Relentless efforts by mission deployed units of #IndianNavy symbolises its steadfast commitment towards safeguarding and assisting seafarers operating in the region,” Indian Navy Spokesperson posted on X.

On April 28, Indian warship, INS Kochi, responded to the maritime security incident involving an attack on a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker, MV Andromeda Star PM, Indian Navy said in a statement. (ANI)

The distressed oil tanker was intercepted by the Indian Navy ship and an aerial recce was carried out by the Indian Navy helicopter to assess the situation.

Additionally, an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was also deployed onboard the distressed vessel for residual risk assessment.

A total of 30 crew (including 22 Indian nationals) are reported to be safe and the vessel is continuing its scheduled transit to the next port, the Indian Navy said in its statement.

“The swift action of IN ship reiterates the commitment and resolve of the Indian Navy in safeguarding the seafarers plying through the region,” it added. (ANI)

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SHAKSGAM VALLEY: China-Pakistan Nexus and India’s Strategic Imperatives

New satellite images from the European Space Agency reveal a Chinese road has been built through the Aghil Pass and now stretches into the lower Shaksgam Valley. The Indian government has consistently claimed the Shaksgam Valley, which is currently controlled by China, as part of its territory. This includes the region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)…. writes Dr. Anjali Sehrawat

Satellite images show China is building a road in Shaksgam Valley, a part of Kashmir controlled by Pakistan and ceded to China in 1963. This raises security concerns for India, particularly given the proximity to the Siachen Glacier, a strategically important area visited by the Indian Defense Minister recently. The road branches off from a highway in China’s Xinjiang province and disappears into the mountains around 50 kilometers north of the Siachen Glacier. The groundwork for this road appears to have been laid between June and August of last year.

New satellite images from the European Space Agency reveal a Chinese road has been built through the Aghil Pass (4,805 meters) and now stretches into the lower Shaksgam Valley. This places the end of the road, or the “road-head”, worryingly close to Siachen, just 48 kilometers away. Given China’s rapid construction abilities, this distance is easily bridgeable. The Aghil Pass has historical significance as the border between Kashmir and Tibet. Construction seems to have begun in the summer of last year.

Ladakh, Jan 03 (ANI): Captain Shiva Chauhan of Fire and Fury Sappers became the first woman officer to be operationally deployed at the highest battleground in Kumar Post on the Siachen glacier, on Tuesday. (ANI Photo)

The road runs through the Trans-Karakoram Tract. Indian defence experts argue that any alteration in the status quo here infringes upon India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, fearing that such changes could disrupt the existing security dynamics in this mountainous terrain. India’s apprehensions are compounded by reports of increased military collaboration in the area. In 2021, Pakistan’s Gilgit-Baltistan province unveiled plans for a new road linking Muzaffarabad to Mustagh Pass, bordering Pakistan’s Shaksgam Valley. This road is proposed to connect with Yarkand in Xinjiang, suggesting a potential route through Shaksgam Valley to link with China’s G219 national highway.

Some experts believe these roads might be used to transport minerals, possibly uranium, from nearby Gilgit Baltistan to China’s Xinjiang province. There is also the worry that these roads could be used by Pakistani and Chinese militaries. The road’s location is significant. It enters the disputed territory at Aghil Pass, which historically marked the border between Kashmir and Tibet. This fact was even acknowledged by past Chinese rulers. India frequently cites Aghil Pass and the Shaksgam Valley in border negotiations with China, pointing to historical evidence to support its claim. This evidence includes Indian government maps, dating back to 1907, that consistently showed the area as Indian Territory. Interestingly, archival Chinese maps from the early 20th century also seemed to agree, according to a website by a scholar specialising in Tibet.

The Indian government has consistently claimed the Shaksgam Valley, which is currently controlled by China, as part of its territory. This includes the region of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In a 2019 speech, Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed this position, stating that the Indian constitution defines Jammu and Kashmir to include both Pok and Aksai Chin (another disputed territory with China).

However, the situation is complex. A 1963 agreement between China and Pakistan grants China temporary control of the Shaksgam Valley until the Kashmir issue is resolved. India has not signed any similar agreement with China regarding the valley. Despite China’s control, India has actively protested Chinese actions in the region. These protests include objecting to Chinese infrastructure projects and the portrayal of Aksai Chin as Chinese territory.

This infrastructure could potentially threaten Indian troops stationed in Ladakh in the coming years. This latest development adds to China’s ongoing strategy of pressuring India through incursions across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) – the disputed border between the two countries. While these incursions have been noted internationally, a recent study suggests they are part of a larger Chinese plan to establish a permanent military presence in the contested areas.

India has documented frequent border violations by China along their 3,488 km border. However, a more concerning development is happening in the PoK. According to Pardafas, a news portal from Nepal, China has been building military infrastructure and roads in the Shaksgam Valley as a strategic move to distract India from its land grab in PoK, a region over which India has territorial claims. China and Pakistan’s collaboration on building infrastructure in this 590 km long area disregards India’s rights and creates a direct military threat, as reported by Pardafas. Satellite imagery suggests this road construction may have begun in mid-2017, after a border stand-off between India, Bhutan and China.

There have been concerns that Pakistan might lease Gilgit-Baltistan, a region in the PoK, to China for 50 years, despite denials from both countries. This possibility gains weight considering China’s huge investments in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). There are already reports of Pakistan leasing land in Gilgit to China for CPEC projects and providing security for them.

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is a strategically vital region for India, but control of parts of it has been contested with Pakistan for a long time. India has avoided direct conflict to reclaim these areas, while Pakistan has used military force. China has complicated the situation by making deals with Pakistan on disputed land, supporting Pakistan in some ways but not others, and even funding projects within the contested territories. When India revoked J&K’s special status and reorganized the region, China sided with Pakistan and called Kashmir “disputed.” Currently, China seems to be mainly backing Pakistan publicly, helping them get international attention for the issue, and putting troops near the Ladakh border to put pressure on India. The long-term effects of China’s actions on India’s claim to the entire region are uncertain. There are two possibilities: Pakistan might formally take complete control of Gilgit-Baltistan, potentially allowing China’s military in, or China might itself take over the Shaksgam Valley, even though they agreed not to in a past deal. Both options would ignore India’s claim to these lands.

While there isn’t an immediate military threat to Indian troops on Siachen Glacier from China’s activity in Shaksgam Valley, the People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) actions are seen as provocative. The PLA has a history of aggressive behavior in the region, including blocking Indian patrols and deploying troops near the border. Additionally, China’s military exercises and airbase development near the Himalayas, along with Pakistan’s involvement, raise concerns about a potential threat to India’s national security.

The collaborative infrastructure projects between China and Pakistan in the Shaksgam Valley directly threaten India’s sovereignty and security, especially given their proximity to the Siachen Glacier. This necessitates a proactive defence strategy. India’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir’s territorial integrity faces challenges amid China’s strategic maneuvers and Pakistan’s military cooperation. The potential leasing of Gilgit-Baltistan to China for economic gains further amplifies regional tensions. The strategic significance of the Siachen Glacier underscores the urgency for India to fortify defenses and pursue diplomatic solutions. A robust defense strategy, strategic alliances, and diplomatic agility are imperative to safeguard India’s interests and counter evolving threats, ensuring regional stability and sovereignty.

 (Dr. Anjali Sehrawat is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Relations at Sushant University, Gurugram. She holds a doctorate in International Relations with a specialization in Central Asia from JNU, New Delhi)

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Wheat Crisis Hits Pakistan

Shortage of wheat, lower production and improper procurement affect Pakistan. Pakistan used to be a wheat-exporting country until a few years ago. However, it has begun importing wheat to meet domestic requirements now … writes Dr Sakariya Kareem

Wheat-producing farmers in Pakistan have taken to the streets over delayed procurement even as the majority of the population struggles to get enough wheat floor for their daily sustenance.  

Pakistan used to be a wheat-exporting country until a few years ago. However, it has begun importing wheat to meet domestic requirements now. Pakistan could produce 27 million tonnes when its domestic requirement was 31 million tonnes.

It imported 3.4 million tonnes of wheat worth USD 1 billion between July 2023 and March 2024. The imports caused huge losses to Pakistan’s exchequer, which is already under pressure due to unsustainably low foreign reserves.  

The situation does not seem good this year either. Untimely rains in the month of April have disrupted wheat production by increasing operation costs and lowering output. Before that, the lack of rain during the rainy season created problems.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif speaks in an interaction with foreign media in Islamabad, Pakistan, Aug. 30, 2022. (Photo by Ahmad Kamal/Xinhua/IANS)

Wheat production is likely to miss the target as the total production would be around 29.6 million tonnes. This has caused wheat prices to go up drastically, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and subsequent mass protests.

The historic shortage of wheat has led the people of Pakistan to demand the government to declare an ‘agricultural emergency’. Food supply shortage amid economic crisis has contributed heavily to the sufferings of people.

Most impoverished individuals are badly affected due to wheat shortage and mismanagement by the government said Misbah Rashid Khan, research associate at Islamabad-based think tank Social Protection Resource Centre.

Khan said “The recent situation has transpired into the distressing images of people in Pakistan vying for subsidised wheat, resulting in lengthy queues, chase of wheat trucks, and deadly stampedes. The situation in Pakistan is critical.”

The lack of enough diet supplies is also affecting mothers and their babies as wheat is the most important food crop in Pakistan. “Even the fats that are coming from the (wheat) paratha, they lack the essential fats,” said Dr Fyezah Jehan, chairperson of the Department of Paediatrics and Child Health at Karachi-based Aga Khan University Hospital.

Pakistan ranked 102nd out of the 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index. Undernourishment due to insufficient calorie intake is one major element, and wheat is the major source of calories in Pakistan.

“Wheat is the basic staple food for most Pakistanis and makes up the bulk of our calorie intake,” said Ghasharib Shoukat, the Head of Product at Pakistan Agriculture Research. The slower growth in wheat production has made Pakistan dependent on imports, he added.

As the production plummeted, people in Pakistan witnessed disrupted supplies and a sharp increase in wheat prices in the past two years. There have been long queues, fights and stampedes for subsidised wheat as well as protests against the government.

The shortage of wheat led to adulteration, black-marketing, theft, and smuggling of wheat, in which government officials were claimed to be complicit. Even government warehouses ran out of wheat. Over 40,000 tonnes of wheat was stolen from warehouses, leading to the suspension of 67 officers.

Pakistani parliamentarian Mushtaq Ahmed alleged that the Islamabad government and leaders were behind the wheat shortage. “I am surprised that enough wheat is available in the silos but who is stealing the flour and chicken; who is stealing the dollars. The hoarders and flour smugglers are sitting in parliament,” he said.

Wheat growers are under tension as the government is neither procuring their wheat crop nor ensuring fixed remuneration to them. This has affected the sowing of the upcoming cotton crop. “If their wheat produce is not purchased, they won’t have any money to cultivate the cotton,” said a farmer named Waqar Gondal.

Farmers held protests demanding proper and timely procurement and that too at fair remunerative prices. “We will not harvest wheat crop next year, if the exploitation of farmers continues, both from middlemen and the government,” said Kisan Board Pakistan’s Sardar Zafar Hussain Khan. “If the government did not come up with an immediate solution, then we may convert the protest into a sit-in.”