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.

US Congresswoman seeks revocation of Chinese student visas over alleged China election interference

IANS | July 21, 2026 11:41 AM

Washington, July 21 (IANS) United States Republican Congresswoman, Anna Paulina Luna, has written to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, urging the immediate suspension and cancellation of all F-1 and J-1 student visas held by Chinese nationals currently enrolled at higher education institutions across the country, citing recently declassified intelligence detailing the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) efforts to interfere in American elections.