Report flags widespread abuse of minority girls and women in Pakistan

IANS | September 5, 2026 4:44 PM

Washington, Sep 5 (IANS) Minority women and girls in Pakistan continue to face severe gender-based persecution, including acid attacks, workplace harassment, blasphemy allegations and honour killings, while many remain vulnerable to sexual violence and exploitation in debt-bonded labour, particularly at brick kilns, a report has stated.

Vicious trap: Report warns Bangladesh against joining Mecca Pact

IANS | September 5, 2026 3:45 PM

Dhaka, Sep 5 (IANS) Amid growing concerns over Bangladesh joining the Mecca Pact involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, the central question is not the unity of the Muslim world, but where Dhaka’s interests lie, a report has stated, warning that joining the alliance could draw the country into security commitments that do not serve its own national interests.

Nepali and Chinese nationals rescued alive from flood-hit areas

IANS | September 5, 2026 3:10 PM

Kathmandu, Sep 5 (IANS) A Nepali woman and a Chinese national were rescued alive from two separate flood-affected areas on Saturday, 11 days after deadly floods struck areas along the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors in Nepal, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said.

Online abuse affects one in 16 children across Pakistan: UNICEF

IANS | September 5, 2026 12:57 PM

Islamabad, Sep 5 (IANS) Nearly 1.5 million internet-using children aged 12–17 across Pakistan experienced at least one form of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation and abuse in a single year -- equivalent to roughly one in every 16 children, according to a new study.