Pakistan

Farmers’ association slammed as “unconstitutional” the new agricultural income tax imposed by the International Monetary Fund. Pakistani agriculture is already reeling from the collapse of cotton production, rising costs, and falling market prices. Farmers want alternative crops, demanding tax breaks equal to those for other sectors.

In Lahore, police charged Amir Masih under Article 295-C of the Penal Code without any investigation, relying solely on the First Information Report. The NGO Dignity First praises the upper house for approving a partial abolition of the death penalty, a first step towards reforming the judicial system.

The murder, which took place on the outskirts of Quetta, involved a couple that married for love, a union not accepted by the bride’s family. A local tribal council "allowed" the crime. The bride and groom were shot 19 and 38 times respectively. In 2024, at least 346 such cases were reported in the country. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (PPP) says no to reduced sentences. The Supreme Court Bar Association laments that women suffer the brunt of this form of violence.

Without renewed agreements with the government, domestic production could drop from the current 25 per cent (the lowest in South Asia), the Sri Lanka Pharma Manufacturers Association warns. Despite investments and growing capacity since 2015, the sector remains fragile, hampered by red tape. Repurchasing is essential for the development of the local market, manufacturers told AsiaNews.

A Lahore court acquitted Adil Babar and Simon Nadeem, wrongfully arrested for blasphemy in Pakistan in 2023. Despite the verdict, their families remain exposed to threats and discrimination. Janssen denounces the controversial conduct of the “blasphemy business group”. Justice Khan calls for a commission to investigate within 30 days the way blasphemy rules are used.

The Pakistani government has approved an ordinance to reform the Frontier Constabulary, turning it into a new paramilitary force with country-wide jurisdiction, renaming it the Federal Constabulary. It will operate in all provinces and territories, with internal security and counterterrorism duties. Opposition parties and advocacy groups fear that that it will be used to suppress dissent, especially ahead of protests announced by Imran Khan's party.

Arosa Azam, 26, an electronic engineering graduate, is inspired by diplomat Samuel Martin Burke. Success after four attempts and seven years of study. Her story has been celebrated by the Archdiocese of Karachi as a symbol of hope for young people from minority groups, reaffirming the importance of representation in government institutions.

The Pakistani government has decided to strengthen alternative justice mechanisms in the tribal province on the border with Afghanistan, promoting the traditional jirga system and integrating it into the national legal framework. In the past, relations with the provincial administration had been tense after the latter tried to independently involve the Afghan Taliban in security talks. Meanwhile, attacks continue in the region.

At the end of the summit of defence ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, India refused to sign the joint statement, complaining of the lack of a clear condemnation of Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism in the wake of the attack in Kashmir on 22 April. The armed clash between the two neighbours in early May opened a new phase of mutual accusations, but for now it is Pakistan that is reaping the benefits internationally.

The Supreme Court has ended Anwar Kenneth’s ordeal. Sentenced in 2002, the 72-year-old has suffered from obvious mental issues. In early 2025, lawyer Rana Abdul Hameed filed an appeal, with the support of Jubilee Campaign. The NGO’s advocacy director urges Pakistan to undertake immediate “comprehensive legislative reform”. The case had also been raised in the European Parliament as part of the ongoing human rights dispute between the EU and Pakistan.

On 11 June, Rashid, a Muslim, raped Fatima (not her real name) in her home, after harassing her for months. “I'm afraid to step outside,” said the victim; he was “trying to force me to convert”. For Joseph Janssen, president of Voice for Justice, this is a systemic emergency in “a society dominated by patriarchal” structures. The victim is receiving legal assistance and psychological support.

US President Donald Trump met privately with Pakistan’s powerful Army Chief of Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House putting the spotlight back on the frayed ties between India and Pakistan after tensions rose over Kashmir. While India’s Modi distanced himself, Trump once again took credit for avoiding a nuclear war. Multiple interests and Pakistan's ambiguous role between Iran, China and the United States are playing in the background.