Widespread torture thrives on impunity in Pakistan's criminal justice system: Rights body

IANS | July 21, 2026 1:59 PM

Islamabad, July 21 (IANS) The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on Tuesday called on the Pakistani government to strengthen the country’s legal framework against torture and custodial abuse, warning that abuses remain “endemic” in the country's criminal justice system and are routinely inflicted in lockups, prisons, and interrogation rooms.

Global press freedom groups urge Thailand to halt deportation of Chinese journalist

IANS | July 21, 2026 1:48 PM

Paris, July 21 (IANS) Several leading international press freedom and human rights organisations have urged Thai authorities not to deport detained Chinese journalist Bai Zhaodong to China, warning that he faces a grave risk of enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, torture, and other cruel or inhuman treatment because of his reporting on corruption at the highest levels of the Chinese government.