The article discusses the case of Rubina, a woman from Karachi, Pakistan, who won a court case allowing her to obtain a Computerised National Identity Card (CNIC) based on her mother's citizenship record, challenging the previous requirement of presenting a father's ID. The CNIC is crucial for accessing various government services and benefits in Pakistan. The National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) is working to include those previously excluded from the system. However, issues such as privacy concerns and data breaches have been raised, with vulnerable groups at risk. The government is said to be introducing a data privacy policy soon. The article highlights the broader implications for marginalized groups in Pakistan and the importance of inclusive digital ID systems.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) ruled that telecom network shutdowns in Pakistan are illegal, rejecting the state's security rationale. Pakistan has frequently experienced network suspensions during public events, often unannounced, which the PTA has implemented. Advocate Umer Gillani, with the support of four citizens, filed a public interest petition against this practice. The report 'Security V. Access: The Impact of Mobile Network Shutdowns in Pakistan' played a crucial role in the case. The verdict is seen as a global precedent against arbitrary network disruptions, which have left Pakistani citizens without access to essential services. The judgment did not address the telecom companies' responsibilities to consumers, despite their role in government-led human rights infringements. The article discusses the implications of the verdict and the responsibilities of telecom companies under international human rights standards.

The article discusses Pakistan's poor human rights record, with a focus on civil liberties and freedom of expression, particularly online. It highlights upcoming reviews by the UN Human Rights Committee and the UN Human Rights Council. The article mentions the abduction of bloggers and activists, the rise in blasphemy cases, and the misuse of laws like the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 to suppress dissent. It also touches on the government's crackdown on social media criticism, especially against the military, and the chilling effect on free speech ahead of the general elections. The writer, a journalist and digital rights researcher, criticizes the government's approach and calls for a more democratic handling of freedom of expression.

The article discusses the climate of fear and self-censorship in Pakistan due to the misuse of blasphemy laws and the rise of vigilantism. The author expresses concern over the shrinking space for critical and dissenting speech, citing personal experiences and recent incidents where individuals were targeted for their views. The article references the Rabat Plan of Action, a UN initiative that defines hate speech and was co-sponsored by Pakistan, yet remains unimplemented in the country. The author criticizes the Pakistani courts for their failure to deliver timely justice and highlights the trend of using blasphemy accusations to suppress progressive voices on social media. The writer, a journalist and digital rights researcher, calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws in line with global standards and the protection of freedom of speech.

The article discusses the implications of the proposed Pakistan Electronic Crimes Bill (PECB) on freedom of expression, privacy, and online campaigning in Pakistan. It highlights that the bill, which is under review by the senate's standing committee and sub-committee on information technology, lacks protections for journalists, whistleblowers, and could lead to increased censorship by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) without judicial oversight. The author criticizes the bill for potentially criminalizing satire, criticism, and investigative journalism, and for not adequately addressing issues of child pornography, unauthorized access to information, and digital surveillance. The article also references past incidents, such as the Mina stampede, to illustrate the potential for misuse of the bill to suppress dissent and mentions the use of spyware and phone tapping by intelligence agencies in Pakistan.

The article discusses the low participation of women in the Pakistani workforce, which stands at only 15.76 percent. It highlights the wage disparity, with women earning an average monthly wage significantly lower than the government's notified minimum wage. The article compares this situation with developed countries where women have equal working wages. It presents statistics from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showing the distribution of the female workforce across Pakistan's provinces, with Punjab having the highest percentage of working women but the lowest average wages. The article also touches on the cultural barriers women face, quoting gender activist Zoya Rehman from Bytes for All, who advocates for increased female workforce participation. It notes that rural women are more active in the workforce than their urban counterparts, despite earning less, and concludes with a call to recognize the economic and social benefits of women working outside the home.

The article discusses the impact of glacial retreat in South Asia, particularly in Pakistan, on water resources and food security. It highlights the dependence of Pakistan's freshwater resources on snow and glacial melting, which are sensitive to climate change. The country has faced severe droughts and floods in the past, which have had devastating effects on the population and agriculture. The article also points out human activities, such as the burning of 'dirty' fuels and military presence in Siachen, as contributing factors to the rapid melting of glaciers. Experts like Arshad H Abbasi and Dr Qamaruz Zaman Chaudhry are cited, emphasizing the need for regional cooperation between India and Pakistan to address the issue and ensure agricultural prosperity and food security.