A new reliance on virtual life in the COVID-19 era has laid bare the lack of internet access for much of the country, write Shah Meer Baloch and Zafar Musyani in The Diplomat In a widely shared video posted to social media, more than half a dozen Pakistani police personnel are seen running after a girl and screaming, “Catch her! Catch her!” …

Herald Report Islamabad: A digital rights watchdog has expressed concern at the difficulties being faced by students in attending online classes due to lack of Internet facilities in the rural area of Pakistan and mountainous regions of Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir. The organisation has urged the government to provide an appropriate recourse for the students who are unable to access e-learning modules during …

Globally over 75m jobs are at risk in tour and hospitality sectors, 48.7m in Asia-Pacific and 75,000 in Pakistan   High Asia Herald Report As adventure tourism season in Pakistan draws closer and the country reeling from the devastating impact of coronavirus pandemic, the tour operators in Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral are still hoping against hope. Although Pakistan has eased lockdown and …

Covid-19 pandemic affecting human rights, weakest segments of society invisible and unheard, notes HRCP in its flagship report High Asia Herald Report Islamabad: Pakistan’s human rights record is worrisome as curbs on dissenting views increased. The outbreak of Coronasvirus will have far-reaching effects on people’s economic and social rights fundamental rights, says a report. “Widespread social and economic marginalisation have …

AKDN and AKRSP are with the government of Gilgit-Baltistan in its fight against corona. Photo credit: AKDN Bureau Report GILGIT: The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has joined hands with the Gilgit-Baltistan government in the containment and relief activities against the coronavirus spread in the region. In this regard, the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), on Monday handed over …

by Inayat Abdali   GILGIT: The administrations of Nagar District and Yasin Tehsil in Ghizer District as preemptive measures have banned all kinds of public and religious gatherings in their respective jurisdiction to contain the spread of coronavirus. According to a notification, issued by the Nagar Deputy Commissioner, the administration in pursuance of the Gilgit-Baltistan government decision and after consultation …

The AWP leader’s sister has written an open letter to the CM about a ban on family members’ visit to jail and violation of prisoner’s rights   Herald Special Correspondent   Family members of Baba Jan, a political prisoner serving a life term at Damas jail in Ghizer District of Gilgit-Baltistan, have complained against new restrictions on the prisoner, drawing …

Over 500 students stuck in Wuhan plead for evacuation; Gilgit asks Islamabad to delay reopening of Sost border HAH Report The outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan province of China has panicked people around the world especially in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), as a large number of students are currently studying in various Chinese universities and institutes. According to media reports, 82 people …

High Asia Herald Report LAHORE: A protest was held at Lahore Press Club on Sunday (19 Jan 2020) to demand the release of 14 political prisoners of Gilgit-Baltistan, sentenced to life imprisonment in the Hunza Riots Case of 2011.  The protest will be held every two weeks. The protest was organised by students and youth activists from GB on the …

Death toll surges to 110 in recent devastating snow and weather-related incidents