International community must challenge Pakistan's political instrumentalisation of religion: Report

IANS | August 15, 2026 3:20 PM

Islamabad, Aug 15 (IANS) Pakistan's history of state-backed terrorism and religious radicalisation has contributed significantly to reinforcing the perception of terrorism and violent extremism being associated with Islam in the minds of many people around the world. Holding the Islamic flag in one hand and a weapon in the other presents a stark contradiction, one that has repeatedly surfaced in Pakistan’s political and security discourse, a report has stated.

Jinnah’s obstinacy now echoes in Munir's ambition: Report

IANS | August 14, 2026 9:35 PM

Tel Aviv, Aug 14 (IANS) Pakistan may celebrate its independence and new found glory, but August 14 remains a day of mourning for unnamed millions of Indians — Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs alike — who perished as united India was torn apart, a tragedy born of Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s obstinacy and now echoed in Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir’s ambition, a report has stated.

China using Buddhism as tool for political control: Report

IANS | August 13, 2026 9:05 PM

Beijing, Aug 13 (IANS) The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has described religion as superstition, a relic of feudalism, and a distraction from socialist modernisation. However, China has been tolerating and actively promoting Buddhism as it has become Beijing's tool for political control, a report has detailed.

Pakistan: Minority rights activists demand end to discrimination, forced conversion

IANS | August 12, 2026 6:35 PM

Islamabad, Aug 12 (IANS) As violence against religious minorities continues unabated in Pakistan, the Minority Rights March and civil society representatives staged a protest outside Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi on National Minorities Day, condemning what they described as escalating discrimination and persecution of minority communities across the country, local media reported.

Char Dham Yatra crosses 47 lakh pilgrims in 114 days

IANS | August 11, 2026 9:44 PM

Dehradun, Aug 11 (IANS) Despite monsoon challenges, the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is set to create a new record this year. In just 114 days, more than 47 lakh devotees have undertaken the pilgrimage, exceeding last year’s corresponding figure by over 4.68 lakh.