Violence against women rattles MPs

Senators on Friday expressed deep concern over the rising incidence of violent crimes against women, demanding tougher enforcement and improved convictions after the brutal killing of a woman in Sindh, allegedly in the name of 'honour', triggered outrage in the upper house. The debate was sparked by the killing of Rubina Chandio in Sindh's Tando Masti as lawmakers condemned a persistent culture of impunity surrounding gender-based violence. Presiding over the session, PPP Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman said the conviction rate in such cases stood at only five per cent, adding that it was an alarming reflection of systemic failure. The issue was raised by Balochistan Senator Naseema Ehsan, who drew attention to the circumstances surrounding Chandio's killing. "Rubina Chandio was killed in Sindh. She was given neither a funeral nor a shroud," Ehsan told the Senate, adding that the woman was shot in front of a crowd and the case came to light after videos of the incident circulated on social media. "The culprits involved in this brutal murder should also be hanged publicly," she said. Calling the situation "deeply distressing and unacceptable", Rehman said Pakistan was witnessing a "dangerous surge in honour killings, rape, and other forms of gender-based violence". "The surge in these cases is deeply concerning. We cannot allow such brutality to become normalised," she said. She said the reported five per cent conviction rate was "an extremely alarming state of affairs". "When justice is delivered sporadically, it reflects a systemic failure," she said, adding that while the legislative framework existed, "what is missing is implementation with resolve and consistency". Rehman also pushed back against the assumption that such crimes were confined to impoverished or remote communities. "These crimes also occur within influential households. Wealth, status, and education do not erase patriarchal thinking - often, they provide stronger networks of silence and protection," she said. Urging sustained institutional oversight, she said such cases must be "continuously and rigorously taken up by the Senate Human Rights Committee". "True deterrence will only come when a few perpetrators are made unquestionable examples," she added. Acting in her capacity as presiding officer, Rehman referred the Rubina Chandio case to the Senate Human Rights Committee for immediate review. Responding to the debate, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry assured lawmakers of the government's support in pursuing accountability.

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Security forces kill 5 terrorists in Tank, Dera Ismail Khan IBOs: ISPR

Security forces killed five terrorists belonging to the "Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij” in two separate intelligence-based operations (IBO) in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the military’s media wing said on Friday. The state uses the term Fitna al-Khawarij for terrorists belonging to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the operations were conducted between Wednesday and Thursday, The first was carried out in the Tank district on the reported presence of terrorists. “During conduct of the operation, own troops effectively engaged the khwarij location and after intense exchange of fire, four khwarij, belonging to Indian-sponsored Fitna-al-Khwarij, were sent to hell,” the statement said. Read: 22 terrorists killed in Khyber IBO The other IBO was conducted in the Dera Ismail Khan district where one terrorist was killed in the ensuing fire exchange. The ISPR added that weapons and ammunition were also recovered, adding that the slain terrorists were actively involved in numerous militant activities in the area. “Sanitisation operation is being conducted to eliminate any other kharji found in the area, as relentless counter terrorism campaign under vision ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ (as approved by Federal Apex Committee on National Action Plan) by security forces and law enforcement agencies of Pakistan will continue at full pace to wipe out the menace of foreign-sponsored and supported terrorism from the country,” it concluded. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the security forces for the successful operations. President Zardari appreciated the professional capabilities of the security forces in eliminating the five terrorists. “Operations against the scourge of terrorism must continue until its complete eradication from the country,” the president was quoted as saying, adding that successful actions against "India-backed terrorist elements" reflected the nation’s resolve. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz said the security forces were achieving major successes in the fight against terrorism. Also Read: 22 terrorists killed in intelligence-based operation in K-P, military says “The entire nation stands with the Pakistan Armed Forces in this war against terrorism,” the prime minister said. He added that the nation was united against terrorism and would not rest until its complete eradication from the country. وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا ضلع ٹانک اور ضلع ڈیرہ اسماعیل خان میں بھارتی حمایت یافتہ فتنہ الخوارج کے خلاف کامیاب کارروائیوں پر سیکیورٹی فورسز کو خراجِ تحسین "عزمِ استحکام کے وژن کے تحت سیکیورٹی فورسز دہشت گردی کے خلاف بڑی کامیابیاں حاصل کر رہی ہیں۔ پوری قوم دہشت گردی کے خلاف… pic.twitter.com/v1XxsmaPdl — Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 8, 2026 Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi similarly praised the security forces. وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی کی خیبرپختونخوا میں فتنہ الخوارج کے دہشتگردوں کے خلاف 2 کامیاب کارروائیوں پر سکیورٹی فورسز کی ستائش وزیرداخلہ محسن نقوی نے 5 دہشتگردوں کو جہنم واصل کرنے پر سکیورٹی فورسز کی پیشہ وارانہ صلاحیتوں کو سراہا — Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) May 8, 2026 "The nation regards the successes of Pakistan's brave security forces with eyes full of appreciation. Operations will continue until the last Indian-sponsored terrorist and facilitator is eliminated," he said. سکیورٹی فورسز خیبر پختونخوا میں کامیاب آپریشنز کے ذریعے بھارتی سپانسرڈ دہشتگردوں کا صفایا کر رہی ہیں۔ پاکستان کی بہادر سکیورٹی فورسز کی کامیابیوں کو قوم قدر کی نگاہ سے دیکھتی ہے۔ آخری بھارتی سپانسرڈ دہشتگرد اور سہولت کار کے خاتمے تک آپریشنز جاری رہیں گے۔ محسن نقوی — Ministry of Interior GoP (@MOIofficialGoP) May 8, 2026  

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Balochistan Assembly approves congratulatory resolution on Marka-e-Haq's first anniversary

The Balochistan Assembly on Friday unanimously approved a congratulatory resolution commemorating the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, with lawmakers paying tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces for their role in defending the country and countering external threats. The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, received support from both treasury and opposition members during the assembly session. Legislators described the armed forces as a symbol of national strength and praised their sacrifices for ensuring the security and sovereignty of Pakistan. Addressing the house, CM Bugti said the country’s armed forces had demonstrated professionalism and determination in responding to Indian hostility and terrorism. He stated that Pakistan had delivered a clear message that any attempt to undermine the country’s peace and stability would be met with a strong response. He said the nation remained proud of the courage and dedication shown by soldiers and security personnel who continued to protect the motherland under difficult circumstances. Several lawmakers participated in the discussion, including Planning and Development Minister Mir Zahoor Buledi, PPP Parliamentary Leader Mir Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, Finance Minister Mir Shoaib Nosherwani, and members from opposition benches. بلوچستان سینٹر آف ایکسیلینس حکومت بلوچستان کے زیر اہتمام “معرکہ حق” کے عنوان سے ایک اہم تقریب کا انعقاد کیا گیا، جس میں صوبائی وزیر پلاننگ اینڈ ڈویلپمنٹ میر ظہور احمد بلیدی، معاونِ خصوصی برائے داخلہ بلوچستان بابر خان یوسفزئی، سول سوسائٹی کے نمائندگان، طلباء و طالبات اور مختلف… pic.twitter.com/90BuLIBypn — Babar Yousafzai (@BabarYousafzai_) May 7, 2026 Read More: 'No one can harm Pakistan; we are ready to respond to any aggression': DG ISPR on Marka-e-Haq anniversary Speakers highlighted the importance of national unity and stressed that the people of Pakistan stood shoulder to shoulder with the armed forces. They said the completion of one year of Marka-e-Haq reflected the country’s resilience and collective resolve against threats to national security. Members also acknowledged the sacrifices made by security forces in maintaining peace, particularly in sensitive regions, and reiterated their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at stability and development in Balochistan and across the country. The session concluded with lawmakers congratulating the nation on the anniversary and expressing solidarity with the armed forces for their continued services and sacrifices. Marka-e-Haq On April 22, 2025, escalation between Pakistan and India began when an attack in Pahalgam killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan for the incident. However, Pakistan categorically rejected the Indian blame. In response, India undertook a series of hostile actions the next day, on April 23, 2025, including suspending the 65-year-old Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), cancelling visas for Pakistani citizens, closing the Wagah-Attari border crossing, ordering the shutdown of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi, and reducing diplomatic staff at each other's embassies. Tensions further escalated in the early hours of May 7, 2025, when missile strikes hit six cities in Punjab and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), destroying a mosque and killing dozens of civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. In a swift military response, Pakistan’s armed forces shot down Indian warplanes, including three Rafale jets. The confrontation intensified again in the early hours of May 10, 2025, when India targeted several Pakistani airbases with missile strikes. In retaliation, Pakistan launched Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, damaging Indian military installations, including missile storage sites, airbases, and other strategic targets. On May 10, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached following intense overnight diplomatic efforts. Minutes later, the agreement was confirmed separately by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and the Indian foreign secretary.

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Expats may get relief in PTA phone taxes

Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Thursday apprised the Senate that the government was seriously considering proposals to provide relief in PTA mobile phone taxes for overseas Pakistanis to facilitate expatriates visiting the country. Responding to a supplementary question raised by Chaudhry Abid Sher Ali during Question Hour, the minister said overseas Pakistanis had repeatedly demanded relaxation in PTA taxes on mobile phones during overseas conventions held in Pakistan. He said mobile phones brought from abroad remained functional for a limited period of a few weeks, after which services were suspended unless the prescribed PTA tax was paid. The minister said different tax rates had been fixed for different mobile phone models and the issue of easing the burden on overseas Pakistanis was currently under serious consideration by the government. The minister said the government was making efforts to facilitate overseas Pakistanis, particularly at a time when Pakistan was witnessing improving economic conditions and growing international investment interest.

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6 killed, 13 injured as mortar hits residential area in K-P's Hangu

At least six civilians were killed and 13 others injured when two mortar shells fired by terrorists struck a populated area during a police search operation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa's Hangu district on Thursday, according to officials. According to police sources, a search operation was launched following intelligence about the presence of terrorists in the Zargari and Do Ruddi Banda areas. As the police party moved in, the assailants opened fire using small and heavy weapons. During the exchange, two mortar rounds landed on civilian dwellings, causing casualties. Read More: Renowned cleric Muhammad Idrees killed in targeted attack in Charsadda The dead and wounded were immediately taken to Civil Hospital Hangu. Medical Superintendent Dr Haleemur Rehman confirmed that six bodies and 13 injured persons were brought to the facility. He added that five of the wounded, who were in critical condition, were referred to hospitals in Kohat and Peshawar for advanced medical care. Police cordoned off the entire area and continued their operation against the militants. The attack sparked grief and anger among residents, who demanded enhanced security measures to protect civilian populations from the spillover effects of counter-militancy operations.

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CM Afridi issues directives to apprehend Maulana Idrees' killers, expresses concern over K-P's law and order

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday expressed deep concern over the prevailing law and order situation in the province and said that strict directives had been issued to relevant authorities to apprehend the killers of Maulana Muhammad Idrees. “I am personally reviewing progress on a daily basis. All available resources will be utilised to bring those involved in this incident to justice,” he said during his visit to Charsadda district to attend a prayer event for the cleric. The chief minister posed pointed questions: “Why are such incidents happening? Why are Pakhtuns still displaced and unsafe today?” He added that the enemies of peace made no distinction between any party, school of thought, or organisation, but systematically targeted every effective and capable figure. He also expressed sympathy and condolences to the grieving family, disciples and associates of the slain religious leader. Addressing the attendees, Afridi described the incident as a "monumental tragedy". “His religious, academic, and intellectual services will always be remembered,” the chief minister said. Read More: Renowned cleric Muhammad Idrees killed in targeted attack in Charsadda He noted that the massive turnout of people from all walks of life at the funeral prayer was clear evidence that Maulana Idrees was a figure who stood firmly for truth and righteousness. “The government and the people stand shoulder to shoulder with the bereaved family in this hour of grief,” Afridi added. Afridi traced the roots of the region’s instability to 2002. “Since then, this region has been plagued by persistent unrest, terrorism, and bloodshed. For the past 23 years, our people have been carrying coffins. This must end now.” He further stated that all political and religious parties, along with various schools of thought, had rejected policies formulated behind closed doors on the assembly floor. “Yet, powerful circles continue to impose such policies on the nation at gunpoint,” he lamented. Emphasising collective responsibility, the chief minister said, “This is not the fight of a single individual, party, or class. This is our shared battle. We can no longer afford decisions made in closed rooms because the people demand peace.”

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Senate panel flags security concerns

The Senate Standing Committee on Human Rights on Thursday reviewed conviction rates in human rights-related cases across provinces, alongside broader concerns over justice delivery, security and gender inequality in Pakistan. The meeting, chaired by Senator Samina Zehri, was briefed by the human rights secretary on conviction rates, which stood at 4 per cent in 2020, with officials claiming an improvement since 2021. Provincial data on rape conviction rates was also presented. Sindh recorded a 22 per cent conviction rate, followed by Balochistan at 12 per cent, Islamabad at 6.9 per cent, and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa at 6 per cent. Punjab reported the lowest conviction rate at 4 per cent. During the session, lawmakers raised concerns over delays in justice and inefficiencies in the legal system. Senator Khalil Tahir questioned why justice cannot be delivered within 24 hours if crimes can be committed within that timeframe. "Humanity has died. We only discuss such matters in drawing rooms and then move on," said the committee chairperson said. "In Punjab, a bus conductor raped a woman." Senator Abid Sher Ali said if a citizen hits a Pera Force official, the Anti-Terrorism Act is invoked. "But when a common man is fired at with 160 bullets, Section 7ATA is not applied," he added. Punjab prosecutor general said in cases involving attacks on uniformed forces, such provisions are applied. Abid Sher Ali said in such cases, even courts commit injustice by granting bail. "In our society, the powerful class gets its way." The committee also discussed the Jaranwala incident, where attacks on the Christian community and churches were condemned. Lawmakers emphasised the need to counter religious extremism. Abid Sher Ali called for ending "religious extremism". Senator Aimal Wali Khan criticised the policing system, stating that law enforcement had become deeply compromised. "If a judge is corrupt, takes bribes or money, we will speak against him . If anyone has the courage, they can summon us for contempt of court," he said. The human rights secretary briefed the committee on gender disparity indicators, stating that Pakistan ranked last among 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Index. He noted that 26 million children remain out of school in the country, with particularly high dropout rates among girls after primary education. He further highlighted that women's participation in the civil service had improved to around 44–47 per cent in recent years, while representation in the federal cabinet remains limited. He also noted regulatory steps requiring at least one female member on corporate boards.

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