The abject failure of the democratic system, in the last five years, to address the problems faced by the Muslims of Pakistan has led to widespread disillusionment within the country from democracy and civilian rule. This has created political and intellectual space in Pakistan for a debate on a new system and new leadership. While Imran Khan has attempted to fill the political space with the backing of the establishment,…

A prominent international policy group, the Wilson Centre has reported on the rise of forced marriages in Kazakhstan. There are specific historical and cultural attitudes that distinguish the abuse of women's rights in this region that set it apart from other nations. In the southern areas of Kazakhstan, many men who want to get married will simply ‘hunt' out a possible bride through social links or personal investigation and bypass…

On 12 February 2013, during the State of the Union Address, U.S. President Barack Obama announced, "Tonight, I can announce that over the next year, another 34,000 American troops will return home from Afghanistan. This withdrawal will continue. And by the end of next year, our war in Afghanistan will be over." Just before this announcement, Pakistan had already started the release of Afghan Talban which has increased its pace…

On Tuesday 12th February, many Pakistani newspapers including The News, Dawn, The Nation and Daily Times reported a conference held on Monday 11th February at Pakistan National Council of the Arts to commemorate National Women Day. It was attended by different human rights and women rights NGOs and was arranged by the Aurat Foundation, South Asia Partnership-Pakistan (SAP-PK), Strengthening Participatory Organization (SPO), Sungi Development Foundation and Sustainable Development Policy Initiative.…