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.
Farhan Masih, a 28-year-old man with mental health issues, was arrested on 26 January and detained for five months. After a neighbour accused him, the police did not even carry out a preliminary investigation. His mother told AsiaNews: ‘It's a miracle. No one else should suffer for believing in Christ.’ Activists: ‘Police aligned with extremists. Disciplinary action for the officers involved.’
