'US plan to invest in Reko Diq mines overlooks violations of human rights in Balochistan'

IANS | January 2, 2026 6:58 PM

New Delhi, Jan 2 (IANS) The US government’s recent announcement of a $1.25 billion financial package for extracting copper and gold from the Reko Diq mining project in Pakistan’s restive Balochistan province was seen by state officials as a sign of international confidence in investing in the country. However, for the Baloch population, it feels like yet another moment when the world chooses minerals over human lives, according to an article in EU Today.

Rights body worried about autonomy of lawyers, judicial independence in Pakistan

IANS | January 2, 2026 4:24 PM

Islamabad, Jan 2 (IANS) The Human Rights Council (HRC) of Pakistan on Friday condemned the country's Punjab Bar Council (PbBC) for suspending the practising license of lawyer Mian Ali Ashfaq, describing the move as a “violation of the principles of justice, the independence of the law, and fundamental human rights”.