By Ziauddin Ali Shah As Pakistan commemorates the 75th Independence Day, it is important to reflect upon the achievements, failures, developments and issues in Gilgit-Baltistan from different perspectives and see how, as a nation, we have reached this adversity. The region, administered by Pakistan, is home to the three largest mountain ranges and massif of snow-clad lofty peaks, scenic pastures, …

By Inayat Amir Islamabad: The Islamabad High Court has restrained the capital police from arresting a human rights defender, a journalist, and Baloch students on sedition and criminal conspiracy charges. The court put on notice the secretaries of interior and human rights ministries, the capital’s chief commissioner, and top cop to appear before the court on Monday and justify the …

Seeks unconditional apology, removal of defamatory comment from social media By Inayat Amir ISLAMABAD: Prominent journalist Asma Shirazi has served a defamation notice on Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf lawmaker Ali Nawaz Awan for making ‘false, malicious and defamatory comments’ about her on national television, it was learnt. In a message on the micro-blogging website Twitter, the Peter Mackler Award-winning journalist announced that …

by Inayat Amir As the move for granting provisional provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) looms large on the horizon, political leaders, activists, journalists and civil society members from GB huddled in Islamabad on Saturday to ponder on fresh developments and features of the proposed bill. Islamabad: Former political prisoner and AWP leader Baba Jan delivered a charged speech on the …

Slum dwellers demand protection of homes Islamabad: With clouds of uncertainty looming over their heads, residents of Rishma Colony, H-9 have called upon authorities the protection of their homes to be affected by the 10th Avenue project, by recognizing them as stakeholders in the project. Concerned residents along with the members of Alliance for Katchi Abadis and Awami Workers Party …

High Asia Herald Report Islamabad, Feb 17: Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) will set-up its regional culture centre in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) for the promotion of the unique but secluded art and culture of the mountainous region. A Memorandum of Understanding to this effect was signed here on Wednesday between PNCA Director-General Dr Fouzia Saeed and GB’s minister for …

Local people say they will not vacate their ancestral land without a settlement plan or resettlement by Punjab government; They demand increase in compensation rate for their land. HAH Report Rawalpindi: Affected people of Dadhocha dam organised a public meeting and peaceful protest march here on Sunday against forced displacement without rehabilitation, seeking a substantial increase in compensation rate for …

Raza Gillani Why have we spent the last four years, presumably the most crucial time of our lives, organising at various campuses across the country and its administered areas on issues pertaining to student life, gender, education, class, ethnicity, race, etc.? Why have we wasted our time in searching for those who share our principles, dreams, and resolve? Why have …

By Ghulam Amin Beg The old Indian narrative on Jammu and Kashmir of a democratic dispensation, constitutionally guaranteed local autonomy and unique status has disappeared overnight. Thanks to the fascist actions of Prime Minister Modi and the BJP government last year. The new status quo in Kashmir has created a new narrative for both pro-Indian and nationalist Kashmiris as well …

Noted journalist Matiullah Jan returns home nearly 12 hours after he was abducted from Sector G-6, a highly secured locality of Islamabad in broad daylight.

Student’s Solidarity Protest against Poor Internet connectivity & falsified policies of HEC regarding online classes organised by All Baltistan Movement in Skardu.#teamABM Posted by ABM (All Baltistan Movement) on Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Students from GB, Kashmir, ex-Fata districts, Seraiki and Balochistan regions demand suspension of online classes, waiver of fees Inayat Abdali, Iqbal Salik & Aunil Muntazir   Gilgit/Ghizer/Skardu/Islamabad: …

Worshipers entering the Memon Mosque in Karachi, Pakistan, on Sunday. The mosque remained open during a three-day lockdown of the city. Photo:Saiyna Bashir While Pakistan’s government and military are at odds over how to respond, doctors are protesting to get equipment and more testing, and clerics are refusing to limit mosque gatherings, says a report published in The New York …

by Mariam Bokhari & Ayesha Mushtaq When a global pandemic burns through a country it first tests both its leadership as well as its national public resolve. In Pakistan much more is being tested, including the limits of the healthcare system across the federation, and the state’s ability to mobilise responses and shape civic engagement. First things first. The one …

Marches will be held in Islamabad, Lahore, Faisalabad, Hyderabad, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta   High Asia Herald Report    The brave and resolute women of Pakistan take to the streets on March 8, for equal space, rights in the face of violent threats by the conservative groups and uninformed commercial media spreading hysteria, fear and obfuscation around trivial slogans and …

High Asia Herald Report Islamabad: The government’s top counsel on Thursday resigned from his post. He submitted his resignation to President Arif Alvi, media reports said. In his resignation letter, Khan said: “I note with profound regret that the Pakistan Bar Council, of which I am the Chairman, has demanded through its press release dated 19th of February 2020 that …