Geneva, A UN expert has issued a stern rebuke following Tajikistan’s dissolution of 700 non-governmental organizations, urging the country to adopt a more collaborative stance toward civil society and human rights defenders.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, expressed deep concern over the mass closure of NGOs in Tajikistan, highlighting it as a troubling indicator of shrinking civil liberties within the nation. The Tajik Ministry of Justice’s decision over an 18-month span ending in November 2023 has sparked fears of an increasingly hostile environment for advocates working on critical societal issues ranging from anti-torture campaigns to electoral integrity.
Lawlor emphasized the essential role these organizations have played for over two decades in addressing diverse issues, including disability rights, educational access, domestic violence, environmental protection, and land rights. The clampdown, particularly following unrest in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, has led to a drastic reduction in operational civil society organizations, impacting a broad spectrum of human rights and public services.
The report sheds light on the pressures faced by NGO leaders, resulting in a wave of self-dissolutions amid coercive tactics. This contraction of civic space in Tajikistan, as outlined by Lawlor, undermines democratic principles and human rights, signaling an urgent need for the Tajik government to reassess its approach and facilitate a more enabling environment for NGO activity.
The UN expert has initiated dialogue with the Tajik government, advocating for the reversal of these NGO dissolutions to restore and protect civil society’s function in the country.
Karachi, The Mayor of Karachi, barrister Murtaza Wahab, has unveiled plans for the installation of two new water treatment plants in Manora, aiming to bolster the city’s water supply by five lakh gallons. During a meeting with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), the mayor encouraged the local business and industrial sectors to engage in public-private partnerships to address various urban challenges.
According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, Mayor Wahab highlighted the collaborative efforts required to tackle water theft issues implicating businesses, residents, and even the water board itself. He acknowledged the ongoing registration of water tankers, noting that three thousand have been registered to date, amidst a broader discourse on water resource management and municipal tax adjustments designed to incentivize cooperation from the commercial sector.
The discourse extended to the fire safety infrastructure, with Mayor Wahab revealing the procurement of new firefighting equipment, including three snorkels for the KMC fire brigade, to enhance emergency responses in high-rise incidents. Moreover, he articulated a vision for renewable energy adoption, proposing the development of solar parks on KMC land to address Karachi’s substantial electricity needs.
Infrastructure development was also on the agenda, with Wahab mentioning the construction of the new Jam Sadiq bridge in Korangi to facilitate smoother traffic flow within the industrial zone. He emphasized the critical role of the business community in urban improvement initiatives, urging for guidance and suggestions to refine industrial and commercial practices across Karachi.
The mayor’s address underscores a strategic pivot towards more sustainable urban development and enhanced public services, framing a participatory approach to city governance that seeks to integrate the expertise and resources of the private sector.
Islamabad, The National Weather Forecasting Centre has predicted rain with wind and thunderstorm across various regions of Pakistan, including Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, Kashmir, Punjab, Islamabad, and parts of Sindh, urging precautionary measures to mitigate potential impacts.
According to National Weather Forecasting Centre – Islamabad, the westerly wave is expected to affect different parts of the country starting from Balochistan on March 9, extending to upper regions by March 11, followed by another system on March 12. These weather conditions are anticipated to bring significant rain and thunderstorm activities, along with snowfall over the hills in the northern areas, impacting daily life and possibly causing disruptions such as flash flooding and road closures.
Particularly, heavy rainfall in areas like Gwadar, Turbat, and Panjgur may lead to flash flooding, while northern Balochistan might experience traffic disruptions due to snowfall. Similarly, regions in Murree, Galiyat, and upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with parts of Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan, could face road closures due to heavy rain and snowfall. Landslides are also a concern in susceptible areas during this wet spell.
The weather forecast includes specific warnings for potential impacts like damage to loose structures, advice for tourists to avoid unnecessary travel, and recommendations for farmers to safeguard their crops. Authorities across the country are advised to stay alert and prepare for necessary actions to prevent and respond to possible emergencies during this period.