Blaze News - Pakistan

The United Nations human rights chief said on Thursday that his agency was “in survival mode” due to funding shortfalls, as he launched a $400 million appeal to tackle global rights crises in 2026. Volker Turk warned countries that at a time when global human rights are under significant assault, his office was facing dire funding shortages hampering its increasingly important and life-saving work. “Our reporting provides credible information on atrocities and human rights trends at a time when truth is being eroded by disinformation and censorship,” he told diplomats at the UN rights office headquarters in Geneva. “We are a lifeline for the abused, a megaphone for the silenced, and a steadfast ally to those who risk everything to defend the rights of others.” In 2025, the UN Human Rights Office’s regular budget — set by the UN General Assembly of member states — was $246m, but it ultimately received only $191.5m of that money. It also sought $500m in voluntary contributions, of which ...

The federal ombudsperson for protection against harassment in Islamabad has declared housing restrictions imposed on bachelors and single individuals as “illegal and unconstitutional.” Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Waqar ruled that any policy preventing individuals from renting a residential property is unlawful. The decision came while adjudicating a complaint filed by a woman who was refused a rental home solely on the basis of her single status. According to the ombudsperson’s findings, basic utilities such as electricity and water were deliberately disconnected in an attempt to harass the female tenant. Read More: Govt approves 85% increase in house rent ceiling for federal employees The ruling emphasised that marital status or gender cannot legally justify denying an individual the right to rent a house. The ombudsperson stated that such discriminatory restrictions violate fundamental constitutional principles, including equality, human dignity, and the freedom to reside. The observ...

Kasim Khan, the son of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, on Wednesday again accused the government of deliberately refusing to process his visa and that of his brother to prevent the siblings from meeting their father. Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023, currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023. The party has expressed concern in recent days over Imran's health and demanded treatment by his own team of doctors. Last year, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan had told reporters that Sulaiman Khan and Kasim would participate in a protest movement planned for August 5, 2025. Later, it was reported that Imran had stated his sons would not be coming to Pakistan to join the protest. The brothers had later held meetings with key individuals in the United States. Read More: Son voices fears for Imran's...

Contrasting scenes were witnessed across Rawalpindi on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, as widespread use of fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers, and aerial firing overshadowed the night, while a large number of citizens remained engaged in prayers at their homes, mosques, and imambargahs on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. People stayed awake the whole night until Fajr and offered Nawafil. A significant number of citizens also observed a voluntary fast on Wednesday to mark the occasion of Shab-e-Barat. Meanwhile, profiteering was also reported during the festivities. Large crowds visited graveyards across the city, where people offered Fateha at the graves of their loved ones. Prices of flower petals surged sharply, with petals selling at a record Rs600 per kilogram. Temporary stalls selling flowers, rose water bottles, and incense sticks were set up outside all 55 graveyards in the city. Incense packets were sold for Rs200, while bottles of rose water were priced at Rs180 eac...

Pakistan’s cotton industry is in a quandary after the United States unexpectedly reduced tariffs on Indian goods. This follows the European Union’s decision to grant almost duty-free access to Indian exports, raising concerns about a further decline in Pakistan’s exports. Cotton Ginners Forum Chairman Ihsanul Haq warned that unless the federal and provincial governments take immediate and targeted measures for the cotton and textile sectors, Pakistan would face a sharp decline in exports. He stressed that delayed policy action would widen the cost gap with regional competitors and weaken Pakistan’s position in global markets. He said according to the latest figures released by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) on Tuesday, as of January 31, 2026, cotton arrivals at ginning factories nationwide increased by 0.62% to reach 5.545 million bales. The report stated that during this period, 2.63 million bales arrived at ginning factories in Punjab, while 2.915 m...

In preparation for the upcoming Basant festival, historic rooftops in central Lahore have been booked for kite flying against charges ranging from Rs2.1 million to around Rs5.5 million. Meanwhile, the city administration has identified dilapidated structures and placed banners on them, prohibiting kite flying on their rooftops to ensure public safety. Only spacious and structurally sound rooftops have been approved for kite flying. These rooftops, decorated in vibrant Basant colours, while wall wear yellow paint, floral designs, and full arrangements for hosting guests. Extensive arrangements of food and beverages have been made for locals as well as visitors, coming from other cities and abroad. Separate menus have been prepared for day and night, featuring a wide variety of dishes including barbecue, broast, malai boti, pak gosht, mutton tikka, phutore, ladoos, hareesa, fish, as well as fruits and dry fruits to cater to the guests’ preferences. Read More: Basant buzz returns to Lahor...