Afghanistan has completed five years under Taliban rule, a period marked by sweeping social restrictions, particularly on women and girls, tighter controls over the media and the return of public corporal punishment.

The Taliban captured Kabul on August 15, 2021, following the collapse of the previous Afghan government and the withdrawal of US-led international forces. Five years later, the group has consolidated its control over the country, while Afghanistan's economy has recorded some signs of recovery.

However, the economic improvements have taken place alongside continued international criticism over human rights and restrictions on fundamental freedoms.

Taliban Seizes Kabul

The Taliban entered Kabul on August 15, 2021, bringing the previous government to an abrupt end.

Commercial flights were suspended as thousands of Afghans rushed towards Hamid Karzai International Airport in an attempt to leave the country. Images of people attempting to cling to a departing US Air Force C-17 aircraft became one of the defining scenes of the chaotic evacuation.

The Taliban initially promised that women would retain their rights within an Islamic framework and that people who had worked with the previous government or foreign forces would receive amnesty.

Those assurances were followed by a series of increasingly restrictive policies.

Women Face Severe Restrictions

Afghanistan has become the only country where girls are formally barred from secondary education and women are excluded from university education under Taliban policy.

The restrictions extend beyond education. Women have faced limits on employment, travel, access to public spaces and other areas of daily life.

According to United Nations findings cited in the report, the Taliban has issued more than 100 decrees affecting women since 2021.

A UN survey found that around seven in ten Afghan women described their mental health as bad or very bad. More than half said they left their homes only once or twice a month, while nearly three-quarters reported feeling unsafe outside without a male guardian.

Women also account for only a small share of formal employment compared with men.

Public Punishment Returns

Corporal punishment has also returned as a visible feature of Afghanistan's justice system.

According to Human Rights Watch, courts ordered corporal punishment in at least 18 cases between August 2021 and November 2022, with many involving offences classified as moral crimes.

In December 2022, 27 people were publicly flogged before a crowd at a stadium in Parwan province.

While corporal punishment existed under previous Afghan governments as well, rights organisations have criticised the Taliban for implementing such punishments more openly and regularly.

Media Freedom Under Pressure

Afghanistan's media sector has also undergone major changes since the Taliban takeover.

The Committee to Protect Journalists has described the country as one of the world's most difficult environments for journalists. Numerous Afghan journalists have left the country since 2021 amid security concerns and restrictions.

Among the measures reported during Taliban rule are restrictions on live political broadcasts, limitations on criticism of Taliban leadership and tighter controls over the selection of guests appearing on television programmes.

The Taliban has also expanded its own media presence. By 2025, it reportedly controlled or directly influenced a significant network of television, radio, newspaper and digital media outlets.

Economy Shows Recovery

Despite sanctions, international isolation and reduced foreign assistance, Afghanistan's economy has shown some signs of stabilisation.

According to the World Bank, real GDP grew by 4.8% in 2025, while domestic government revenue increased to around 19.8% of GDP.

However, the recovery has not translated into broad improvements in living standards. Per-capita income remains below pre-2021 levels, while limited banking access, electricity shortages, dependence on imports and a large informal economy continue to constrain growth.

The reduction in foreign aid has also placed additional pressure on households and businesses.

Opium Production Falls

One of the most significant changes under Taliban rule has been the dramatic decline in poppy cultivation.

Afghanistan was the world's largest source of opium when the Taliban returned to power. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime had estimated that the country accounted for a substantial share of global opium production.

After the Taliban announced a ban on poppy cultivation in April 2022, cultivation fell sharply. UNODC reported a 95% decline in poppy cultivation in 2023.

The reduction has been welcomed from a narcotics-control perspective, although it has also created economic difficulties for farmers who previously depended on poppy cultivation for income.

Russia Recognises Taliban Government

Afghanistan's diplomatic position has also evolved since 2021.

Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government, marking a significant development in the group's international relations.

The Taliban has said it maintains diplomatic contacts with around 40 countries and argues that it has met conditions required for wider recognition.

India has increased diplomatic engagement with Kabul without formally recognising the Taliban government. In October 2025, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited India, marking the first visit by a senior Taliban government official to the country.

China and the United Arab Emirates have also accepted ambassadors appointed by the Taliban, although neither country has formally recognised the government.

Five Years of Contrasting Developments

Five years after the Taliban's return to power, Afghanistan presents a mixed picture.

The authorities have maintained territorial control, increased domestic revenue and sharply reduced poppy cultivation. At the same time, restrictions on women and girls, pressure on journalists and the use of corporal punishment have drawn sustained criticism from international organisations.

The country's future remains closely tied to whether the Taliban can balance economic recovery with demands for greater rights and freedoms, while also seeking wider international acceptance.

For millions of Afghans, the fifth anniversary therefore represents not only a change in political leadership but also a profound transformation of everyday life.

Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said she is determined to return to Bangladesh by December despite acknowledging that she could be arrested, imprisoned or even killed upon her return. Her remarks come as legal proceedings against her continue and Bangladesh pursues her extradition from India.

Speaking in an interview with AFP, the 78-year-old leader said she was fully aware of the dangers awaiting her but insisted that her decision was driven by public support.

“I may be killed. I may be arrested. I may be sent to prison. I am fully aware of my fate. Still, I want to go back because my people are calling me,” Hasina said.

Return Plan Amid Legal Uncertainty

Sheikh Hasina has been living in India since August 2024 after fleeing Bangladesh following a student-led uprising that ended her 15-year tenure in office. According to the United Nations, the crackdown on anti-government protests resulted in up to 1,400 deaths.

Bangladesh has formally sought her extradition from India, although New Delhi has stated that the request is under examination. Hasina clarified that her intention to return is not linked to the extradition process.

"I am staying in India with due respect and dignity. Indian authorities have not discussed extradition with me. I myself have decided to return to my country," she said.

Multiple Cases Under Investigation

The former Prime Minister is facing several legal challenges in Bangladesh over alleged human rights violations and abuses committed during her time in power.

The latest development comes after Bangladesh detained an active army brigadier general over the alleged extrajudicial killing of a local politician during the country's 2018 anti-drug campaign. The arrest followed the International Crimes Tribunal accepting a complaint against 11 individuals, including Hasina, a former police chief and serving and retired military officials.

The tribunal is investigating allegations related to the killing of Cox's Bazar councillor Akramul Haque as part of a wider probe into alleged abuses during the previous government.

In November, a Dhaka court convicted Hasina of crimes against humanity and sentenced her to death by hanging. She has rejected the verdict, describing it as "political vengeance dressed up as law."

Hasina Rejects Rights Abuse Allegations

International human rights organisations have accused the former government of enforced disappearances, suppression of dissent, political killings and misuse of state institutions.

Hasina denied the allegations, maintaining that complaints were investigated during her administration and that those found guilty faced action.

She also defended the government's response to the student protests that ultimately forced her from office.

"My government showed the highest level of patience and tried to guide the student movement towards a peaceful solution," she said, adding that the agitation later transformed into "a planned operation driven by hidden instructions, organised violence, propaganda and the objective of overthrowing the government."

No Apology Over Protest Deaths

While expressing sympathy for families who lost relatives during the protests, Hasina stopped short of issuing an apology.

She said she felt for every affected family but argued that decisions taken by a government during a national crisis could not be judged by focusing on isolated incidents.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over the fairness of ongoing trials in Bangladesh. The organisation stated that while accountability for alleged abuses is necessary, legal proceedings must comply with international standards of fair trial.

Political Future Unclear

Hasina declined to confirm whether she intends to resume active politics if she returns to Bangladesh, where her Awami League party has effectively been banned.

"Power is not my destination," she said. "Service to the people is."

The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Union Government on a petition challenging a key provision of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana heard the petition filed by Ankání Biswas, a transgender advocate practising before the Calcutta High Court. The Court tagged the matter with other pending petitions questioning the constitutional validity of the amendment.

The challenge focuses on the proviso added to Section 2(k), which excludes people with different sexual orientations and “self-perceived sexual identities” from the statutory definition of a transgender person.

Advocate Challenges Exclusion

According to the petition, Biswas was assigned female at birth but later identified as a trans-masculine person.

The petitioner obtained a transgender identity card in 2023 and was recognised in official records as a third-gender person. The plea argues that the 2026 amendment creates uncertainty over whether such recognition will continue to remain legally valid.

Biswas has contended that the amended provision directly affects identity, professional records and access to legal and welfare protections.

Amendment Changes Definition

The original 2019 law broadly defined a transgender person as someone whose gender did not match the gender assigned at birth. It also recognised the concept of self-perceived gender identity.

The 2026 amendment narrowed that position by excluding people whose claim rests on self-perceived identity. Transgender groups and rights advocates have criticised the change, arguing that it introduces restrictive classifications and weakens legal recognition available under the earlier framework.

The Supreme Court will now examine whether Parliament can redefine the category in a way that affects people who already hold identity certificates.

NALSA Judgment Central

The petition relies heavily on the Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, commonly known as the NALSA ruling.

In that case, the Court recognised transgender people as a third gender and affirmed a person’s right to identify as male, female or third gender. It treated gender identity as an integral part of dignity, autonomy and personal liberty.

The judgment also rejected compulsory biological or medical testing as the sole basis for recognising gender identity.

Biswas has argued that the amended definition undermines this constitutional principle by allowing statutory classification to override an individual’s internal and self-determined identity.

Existing Cards At Risk

One of the most important questions before the Court concerns people who already received transgender identity cards under the previous law.

The petitioner has asked whether the amendment can retrospectively disturb rights and recognition granted before it came into force. The plea argues that uncertainty over legal status could affect employment records, professional enrolment, welfare benefits and access to government schemes.

Biswas has alternatively sought a clarification that the amended proviso will not affect people already recognised under the 2019 Act.

The petitioner has also requested the Centre to clearly state whether existing transgender identity cards will remain valid.

Wider Rights Implications

The case goes beyond the status of one identity card. It raises a larger constitutional question: whether gender recognition depends primarily on personal autonomy or on categories defined by the State.

Supporters of the amendment may argue that a clearer statutory definition is necessary to distinguish gender identity from sexual orientation and to prevent misuse of legal protections.

Rights groups, however, maintain that sexual orientation and gender identity are separate concepts and that excluding self-perceived identities may particularly affect trans men, trans-masculine people and others who do not conform to conventional categories.

The outcome may influence access to education, public employment, healthcare, official documentation and anti-discrimination protections.

What Happens Next

The Union Government will now have an opportunity to respond to the constitutional challenge. The Court may examine the language of the amendment alongside Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution and the principles laid down in the NALSA judgment.

The Bench will also consider whether the law can affect previously recognised identities and whether Parliament’s classification meets constitutional standards of equality, dignity and personal liberty.

The challenge to the Transgender Rights Amendment Act has therefore become an important public-interest case. Its outcome could determine how India balances legislative power with an individual’s right to define and preserve their gender identity.

The development comes at a time when the debate over the film has already reached the Punjab and Haryana High Court, while a separate controversy involving the disappearance of a convicted former police officer in the Jaswant Singh Khalra murder case has further heightened political and public attention.

In a social media post, Bittu uploaded several photographs showing heavily armed men carrying AK-47 rifles and drum magazines. Referring to the images, he said they were not from a modern-day photoshoot but from Punjab’s years of insurgency.

The minister questioned who these individuals were and recalled a period when, according to him, fear had gripped the state and civilians frequently became targets of violence. He said families who lived through that phase still remember the uncertainty and trauma associated with those years.

Bittu also stressed that violence and weapons could never represent Punjab’s future and argued that the state now needs peace, development and social harmony rather than narratives that revive memories of militancy.

His remarks come amid criticism and debate over Sutlej, a film involving Diljit Dosanjh that has sparked reactions from different quarters. While supporters have defended the project, critics have raised concerns over its themes and portrayal of historical events.

The dispute has now reached the courts. A resident of Mohali, Sarwan Singh, has filed a petition seeking the restoration of the film on OTT platforms. The matter is expected to draw legal scrutiny as stakeholders continue to debate issues related to content, historical representation and public sentiment.

At the same time, attention has shifted to another high-profile case linked to Punjab’s past.

Authorities are attempting to trace former DSP Jaspal Singh, who was convicted in the kidnapping and murder case of human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra. Officials confirmed that the Nabha Open Agriculture Jail administration has written to Hoshiarpur Police asking them to locate Singh after concerns emerged regarding his whereabouts.

Police officials in Hoshiarpur have acknowledged receiving communication related to the matter.

Jaspal Singh was serving a life sentence in the Khalra murder case and was released on bail in May 2023 after furnishing a personal bond. His release was linked to legal provisions arising from delays in the consideration of a remission proposal pending before the Governor.

According to prison officials, the Punjab government had forwarded a proposal seeking premature release of Jaspal Singh in September 2022. As no final decision was taken for an extended period, legal provisions and previous court directions were cited while granting him temporary relief.

The case has once again brought focus to the 1995 abduction and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent human rights activist known for exposing alleged illegal cremations during Punjab’s militancy period.

The Khalra case remains one of the most significant human rights cases in Punjab’s history. In 2005, a special CBI court convicted former DSP Jaspal Singh and several other police personnel. Subsequent proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana High Court resulted in modifications to some convictions and sentences, while life imprisonment remained in force for key accused.

The simultaneous emergence of the Sutlej controversy and renewed attention on the Khalra case has revived public discussion around Punjab’s militancy-era history, with political leaders, legal institutions and civil society groups closely watching developments.

Further proceedings in both matters are awaited.

The development comes amid a growing debate over censorship, historical representation and national security concerns linked to the film, which is based on the life of noted human rights activist Jaswant Singh Khalra.

According to reports, the review panel was formed after an appeal by BJP Punjab president Keval Dhillon. BJP leader RP Singh confirmed that the committee would study the film’s content, factual claims and overall presentation before making recommendations. The film had originally been developed under the title Punjab 95 but was later renamed Satluj before its digital release.

The film briefly appeared on an OTT platform before being taken down. Government sources have claimed that the project did not receive the required approval from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) in its original form. Officials have also cited concerns that certain portions of the film could potentially be misused by anti-India elements.

The removal has sparked sharp reactions from filmmakers, artists and free speech advocates, many of whom argue that the film tells an important chapter of Punjab’s history.

At the centre of the debate is Jaswant Singh Khalra, a human rights activist who became internationally known during the 1990s for raising allegations of large-scale human rights violations in Punjab during the militancy era. Khalra claimed to have uncovered records suggesting that thousands of unidentified bodies had been secretly cremated after alleged fake encounters.

His work attracted national and international attention but also placed him in direct confrontation with powerful institutions.

On September 6, 1995, Khalra was allegedly abducted from outside his residence in Amritsar. His disappearance triggered one of the most significant human rights cases in modern Indian legal history.

What followed was a long and determined legal battle led by his wife, Paramjit Kaur Khalra.

Within a day of the alleged abduction, she lodged a police complaint and began gathering witness accounts. As local investigations failed to provide answers, she approached the Supreme Court through a habeas corpus petition, seeking information about her husband’s whereabouts.

The case gradually exposed serious questions about the conduct of law enforcement agencies. Unsatisfied with the initial responses from Punjab Police, the Supreme Court eventually handed over the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in November 1995.

For years, Paramjit Kaur continued pursuing the case, coordinating with investigators, collecting evidence and encouraging witnesses to testify despite fears of intimidation.

Her persistence eventually produced results.

In 2005, a CBI court convicted several police personnel in connection with the abduction and murder of Jaswant Singh Khalra. The case continued through appeals in higher courts. In 2007, the Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld key findings and enhanced punishments for some of the convicted officials.

The legal battle finally reached its conclusion in 2011 when the Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s judgment, bringing closure to a struggle that had lasted nearly sixteen years.

Despite the convictions, Paramjit Kaur has repeatedly stated that many questions surrounding her husband’s final moments remain unanswered. She has also continued advocating for families whose relatives allegedly disappeared during the turbulent years of militancy in Punjab.

The renewed attention generated by Satluj has once again brought Khalra’s work and sacrifice into public discussion. While the newly formed review committee examines the film, the larger debate over historical memory, artistic freedom and accountability is likely to continue.

For many observers, the controversy is no longer only about a film. It has reopened conversations about one of Punjab’s most sensitive and contested chapters, and about the people who spent decades seeking answers through the legal system.

According to the New York Police Department, the man allegedly poured a flammable liquid over himself before setting himself ablaze outside the UN complex. Emergency responders rushed him to a nearby hospital with severe burn injuries, where he later died during treatment.

Video circulating on social media showed the man dressed in robes resembling those worn by Buddhist monks. Footage also appeared to show him placing a Tibetan flag on the pavement outside the UN headquarters shortly before the incident. Authorities have not officially verified the authenticity of all videos being shared online.

Investigators recovered pamphlets from the scene carrying the message, "China, Get Out of Tibet." Officials said the material suggests the incident may have been linked to the Tibet issue, although the exact motive has not yet been confirmed. The investigation remains ongoing.

A spokesperson for the United Nations said the incident occurred after official meetings at the headquarters had concluded and did not affect the organisation's operations or scheduled activities.

The incident has once again drawn attention to self-immolation protests associated with the Tibet issue. According to Tibetan advocacy groups, more than 150 Tibetans—including Buddhist monks, nuns, students and civilians—have died by self-immolation since 2009 in protests against Chinese rule in Tibet.

The first widely reported case occurred in February 2009 when a young monk, Tapey, set himself on fire. The number of such incidents peaked between 2012 and 2013 before declining following tighter security measures imposed by Chinese authorities across Tibet.

Tibetan organisations say these protests reflect opposition to Chinese policies, restrictions on religious and cultural freedoms, and demands for the return of the 14th Dalai Lama to Tibet. China, however, rejects these claims and has accused the Tibetan leadership in exile of encouraging such acts, an allegation the Central Tibetan Administration denies.

The Tibet issue remains one of the longest-running geopolitical disputes in Asia. China maintains that Tibet has been an integral part of its territory for centuries and says its administration over the region was formalised through the 1951 Seventeen-Point Agreement. Many Tibetans dispute that position, arguing the agreement was signed under coercion following the entry of Chinese troops into Tibet in 1950.

The Central Tibetan Administration, based in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, continues to manage the educational, cultural and social affairs of Tibetan refugees worldwide. Although often referred to as the Tibetan government-in-exile, it is not recognised as a sovereign government by India, the United Nations or any other country.

India officially recognises the Tibet Autonomous Region as part of China while providing asylum to the Dalai Lama and thousands of Tibetan refugees on humanitarian grounds. The Indian government has consistently maintained that its territory should not be used for political activities directed against China.

Authorities in New York are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. Further details are awaited.

The European Union is set to hold talks with a Taliban delegation in Brussels over the return of failed Afghan asylum seekers, a move that has reignited debate over the bloc’s migration policies and its engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers. The discussions come as several European governments seek stricter measures to address irregular migration and increase deportations of migrants who have no legal right to remain in Europe.

Belgium has approved short-term visas for five Taliban representatives to attend the meeting. While EU officials insist that the talks do not amount to formal recognition of the Taliban government, human rights organizations have criticized the decision, arguing that it undermines the European Union’s stance on human rights and accountability.

The meeting is expected to focus on practical arrangements for returning Afghan nationals whose asylum applications have been rejected. European authorities say the discussions are necessary because Afghanistan remains a major source of asylum seekers across the continent.

According to Belgian officials, the visas granted to the Taliban delegation are valid only within Belgium and do not permit travel across the wider Schengen Area. Authorities also confirmed that the visas are limited to a single day and were issued following security assessments.

Migration Policy Takes Center Stage

The talks reflect growing pressure on European governments to tighten immigration controls amid rising public concern over migration. In recent years, several EU member states have pushed for stronger deportation mechanisms, particularly for individuals who have exhausted legal avenues to remain in Europe.

European Commission officials have argued that engagement with Taliban authorities is necessary to facilitate the return of migrants. Earlier this month, EU Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated that Brussels has limited options when dealing with Afghanistan and must engage with those currently exercising authority in the country.

Data from European agencies show that EU member states received nearly one million asylum applications from Afghan nationals between 2013 and 2024. Approximately half of those applications were approved during that period.

Rights Groups Object

The planned meeting has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which say the EU risks compromising its principles by engaging with the Taliban while continuing to condemn its human rights record.

Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups have warned that returning Afghans to a country facing a severe humanitarian crisis raises serious legal and ethical concerns. Critics argue that many Afghans continue to face economic hardship, food insecurity, and restrictions on basic freedoms under Taliban rule.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have imposed strict social regulations, particularly affecting women and girls. International organizations have repeatedly criticized restrictions on female education, employment opportunities, and access to public spaces.

Officials familiar with the discussions emphasize that the meeting is focused on migration management rather than diplomatic recognition. However, analysts note that direct engagement with Taliban representatives reflects the practical challenges European governments face in implementing deportation policies.

The issue has become increasingly sensitive across Europe, where migration remains a major political topic. Rising support for right-wing and anti-immigration parties in several countries has added pressure on governments to demonstrate tougher border and asylum policies.

The outcome of the Brussels talks could influence future EU policy toward Afghanistan and set a precedent for how European institutions engage with governments that lack formal international recognition. For now, the meeting highlights the difficult balance between migration management, diplomatic realities, and human rights concerns.

Parastoo Ahmadi and eight band members face corporal punishment, travel bans, and a two-year performance prohibition following a viral YouTube musical session.

Judiciary cracks down on digital concert

TEHRAN: In a significant escalation of state control over artistic expression, an Iranian court has sentenced prominent independent singer Parastoo Ahmadi and eight members of her musical ensemble to 74 lashes each. The conservative judiciary in Qom province handed down the corporal punishment verdicts alongside strict bans on foreign travel and professional performance.

The legal action stems from a 27-minute "fictional concert" uploaded to YouTube, which quickly transformed from a digital musical showcase into a high-stakes political flashpoint.

Viral performance defies strict dress codes

The 29-year-old vocalist sparked immediate state scrutiny after appearing in the video without a mandatory hijab, wearing a sleeveless dress while fronting a four-piece male backing band. Singing Az Khoone Javanan-e Vatan ("From the Blood of the Youth of the Homeland")—a deeply resonant patriotic anthem—the performance struck a nerve across the country.

The video amassed over two million views within its first 24 hours online, rapidly drawing both domestic applause and fierce institutional backlash. While younger demographics and progressive factions hailed the upload as a poignant statement on personal autonomy, state prosecutors moved swiftly, classifying the digital broadcast as "obscene content" that actively undermined public decency standards.

Echoes of wider systemic unrest

This harsh judicial response marks one of the most visible crackdowns on female artists since the tectonic 2022 nationwide protests triggered by the custody death of Mahsa Amini. The current verdict signals that despite shifting societal attitudes on the ground, state authorities remain unyielding regarding the enforcement of Islamic dress regulations within the public and digital spheres.

The judicial trajectory for Ahmadi and her team followed a familiar pattern for independent creators in the region:

• December 2024: The video is tracked and logged by cyber-monitoring units.

• Early 2025: Security forces temporarily detain the musicians for intensive interrogation.

• Mid-2026: Final sentencing is handed down, halting the artists' careers.

History of corporal punishment for dissent

The resort to flogging for dress-code violations reflects an established, rigid legal framework. Just over two years ago, activist Roya Heshmati was subjected to an identical sentence of 74 lashes after consistently publishing images of herself online without a headscarf.

Recent Notable Enforcement Actions:

┌──────────────┬─────────────────────────┬──────────────────────────────────┐

│ Timeline     │ Target                  │ Legal Action / Outcome           │

├──────────────┼─────────────────────────┼──────────────────────────────────┤

│ April 2023   │ Two female citizens     │ Detained after public assault    │

│ January 2024 │ Activist Roya Heshmati  │ 74 lashes administered; fined    │

│ June 2026    │ Parastoo Ahmadi & Band  │ 74 lashes; 2-year artistic ban   │

└──────────────┴─────────────────────────┴──────────────────────────────────┘

Severe restrictions paralyze female artists

Under laws enforced since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, solo female vocal performances remain heavily restricted, if not entirely prohibited, in conventional public venues. As a result, creative communities have increasingly relied on international streaming platforms to bypass local censors.

However, as this ruling demonstrates, regional courts are treating digital uploads with the same severity as physical gatherings. The two-year operational ban effectively deplatforms the entire musical group, cutting off their livelihoods and preventing any legal distribution of their work.

Global scrutiny hits Tehran again

Human rights organizations have strongly condemned the sentencing, labeling the use of physical flogging against performance artists a flagrant violation of international human rights norms. With the international community closely tracking Tehran’s treatment of cultural dissidents, Ahmadi’s case is expected to remain a primary focal point for global advocacy groups monitoring freedom of speech in Iran.

A six-member fact-finding committee constituted by the Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) visited Raigarh on Wednesday to investigate the alleged custodial death of undertrial prisoner Sanjay Baghel. The team met the deceased's family members, jail officials, and senior police officers to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the case, which has sparked political and public attention in the district.

The committee, headed by Saraypali MLA Chaturi Nand, was formed by the state Congress leadership to conduct an independent assessment of the incident. Other members include Lailunga MLA Vidyawati Sidar, Bilaigarh MLA Kavita Pranlahare, Pamgarh MLA Sheshraj Harbansh, District Congress Rural President Nagendra Negi, and City Congress President Shakha Yadav.

According to party leaders, the committee's findings will be compiled into a detailed report and submitted to the Pradesh Congress Committee for further action.

Team Meets Family and Officials

The investigation team first visited the residence of Sanjay Baghel's relatives, where family members narrated their version of events and raised several allegations against the police and jail administration.

Following the interaction, the committee proceeded to the district jail and held discussions with the acting jail superintendent regarding the circumstances leading to Baghel's hospitalization and subsequent death.

Later, members of the panel also met the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to obtain official information and updates on the ongoing inquiry.

District Congress President and committee member Shakha Yadav said the panel would examine all available facts before preparing its final report.

Background of the Case

According to police records, 32-year-old Sanjay Baghel, a resident of Nawapara village, was arrested on June 10 in connection with a liquor-related case.

Officials said Baghel's health deteriorated after his arrest, following which he was admitted to a hospital. He died under suspicious circumstances on June 13 while undergoing treatment.

The incident triggered strong reactions from family members, who reached the hospital after receiving news of his death. Tensions briefly escalated as relatives demanded an explanation regarding the circumstances that led to his demise.

Family Alleges Assault

The deceased's relatives have alleged that Baghel was assaulted while in custody, leading to a deterioration in his health and eventually his death.

His father claimed that police had detained two individuals during a social event. According to the family, one of the detainees was allegedly released after money was paid, while Baghel remained in custody because no payment was made. The family reportedly submitted a complaint regarding the matter to senior police authorities.

These allegations have become a key focus of both the official investigation and the Congress committee's inquiry.

Police Action and Ongoing Investigation

Following the complaint, the SSP ordered departmental action against two police personnel, who were subsequently attached to the police lines pending further inquiry.

Meanwhile, Kotra Road police released CCTV footage from the police station to support their position. According to police officials, the footage does not show any evidence of physical assault on Baghel while he was in custody.

Authorities have maintained that the investigation is still underway and that all aspects of the case are being examined. Officials have stated that conclusions will be drawn only after the completion of the inquiry and review of all available evidence.

Report to Determine Next Steps

The Congress fact-finding team is expected to submit its findings to the state party leadership in the coming days. The report may influence the party's stance on the issue and could lead to further demands for accountability if irregularities are found.

As investigations continue, the case remains under close scrutiny, with both political representatives and law enforcement agencies awaiting the outcome of the ongoing inquiries.

Tensions have escalated across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) following days of protests against reserved legislative seats allocated to refugees from Jammu and Kashmir living in other parts of Pakistan. According to reports and protest organizers, at least 46 people have died and more than 1,100 individuals have been detained during the ongoing agitation, which has entered its fourth consecutive day.

The movement, led by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), has emerged as one of the most significant political confrontations in the region in recent years. Protesters are demanding the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the Legislative Assembly, arguing that representation should be determined by residents currently living in the territory. The unrest has disrupted normal life in several major towns, including Muzaffarabad, Mirpur, and Poonch, where markets, educational institutions, and government offices remain closed.

Authorities have imposed security restrictions and internet services have reportedly been suspended in parts of the region as the administration attempts to contain the situation. The developments come just weeks before assembly elections scheduled for July 27.

Dispute Over Reserved Seats

The controversy centers on 12 assembly seats reserved for refugees who migrated from Jammu and Kashmir and later settled in various regions of Pakistan. Protest groups argue that these seats distort local political representation and should be abolished.

The issue gained momentum after the PoK Supreme Court on June 7 rejected petitions seeking to end the reservation arrangement. The court reportedly held that the constitutional provision could not be withdrawn through the demands presented before it, triggering fresh demonstrations across the region.

Following the verdict, JAAC intensified its campaign, calling for mass protests and sit-ins.

Security Crackdown and Arrests

Administrative sources and protest organizers claim that security forces have launched a large-scale crackdown on demonstrators. Reports indicate that sedition cases have been filed against several JAAC leaders, including prominent figures associated with the movement.

The government had earlier imposed restrictions on JAAC under anti-terrorism provisions, a move that critics say further intensified public anger. Additional paramilitary personnel, including Rangers and Frontier Constabulary units, have reportedly been deployed in sensitive districts to maintain law and order.

Despite these measures, protest gatherings have continued, with demonstrations being reported in both urban and rural areas.

Internet Shutdown Raises Concerns

Communication restrictions have emerged as another major issue during the crisis. Internet services have reportedly been suspended in several locations, limiting access to information and affecting daily life.

However, speeches and messages from protest leaders have continued to circulate through alternative channels. Reports suggest that some broadcasts reached audiences despite connectivity restrictions, drawing attention to the challenges authorities face in controlling information flow during the unrest.

Humanitarian Concerns Grow

As protests continue, residents have reported shortages of essential goods, including medicines and food supplies. The closure of markets and transportation disruptions have affected normal economic activity across several districts.

Local observers say prolonged restrictions could further impact healthcare services, education, and small businesses if the situation remains unresolved. Authorities have not issued detailed statements regarding the supply situation, but concerns among residents continue to grow.

International Attention and Political Reactions

The unrest has attracted attention beyond the region. Demonstrations highlighting the situation have reportedly been organized by activists in cities including London and New York.

Political leaders and civil society groups have also voiced concern over reports of casualties and detentions. Calls for an independent investigation into the incidents have emerged from multiple quarters, with demands for greater transparency regarding the events unfolding in the territory.

More than 50 British lawmakers have signed a letter calling for diplomatic intervention as Pakistani security forces crack down on protesters in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, leaving 11 dead and over 70 injured.

Markets shut, protests widen

The situation across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir remains volatile. Markets in Muzaffarabad stayed closed on Tuesday, with shutdowns continuing in Bhimbar and Kotli. Hundreds of protesters have taken to the streets, defying a government crackdown on the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), the anti-government group leading the agitation.

Local sources said tear gas was fired at demonstrators following fresh clashes with JAAC workers. The unrest has triggered a communications blackout, making it difficult to verify ground-level developments independently.

Diplomatic pressure builds

Imran Hussain, the UK MP who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Kashmir, confirmed that over 50 lawmakers have backed a letter to the British Foreign Office. The MPs expressed concern over arrests, internet and mobile service disruptions, and the deteriorating situation in the region.

"The letter urges the British government to take diplomatic action," Hussain said. British Kashmiris, according to the June 6 letter, have been unable to contact relatives in PoJK amid the blackout.

What India said

New Delhi did not hold back. On Tuesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal accused Pakistan of circulating "fake news and videos" to divert attention from alleged human rights abuses in PoK. He expressed concern over reports of police brutality and said the international community must hold Pakistan accountable.

India has consistently maintained that territories under Pakistan's illegal occupation remain an integral part of Jammu and Kashmir.

11 dead, over 70 injured

The casualty figures tell a grim story. Seven civilians and four police personnel have been killed, officials said. More than 70 others have been injured in clashes between protesters and security forces.

Violence escalated after JAAC activists gathered outside a hospital morgue to protest the alleged killing of a member in police firing. Rawalakot Commissioner Sardar Waheed Khan told Reuters that four police officers and a passer-by died after protesters opened fire. Six protesters were killed in the subsequent security response.

Police have described the incident as a terrorist act, claiming JAAC-linked individuals used shotguns and other weapons. The regional government banned JAAC on June 5 under anti-terrorism laws and launched a crackdown on its supporters.

What's behind the PoK unrest?

Despite government claims that most of JAAC's 38 demands have been accepted, the group continues its agitation. Key demands include the abolition of 12 reserved assembly seats, along with broader economic and governance reforms.

Former Jammu and Kashmir DGP Shesh Paul Vaid accused Pakistani security forces of using excessive force against civilians. "The unrest reflects growing public dissatisfaction in PoJK," he said, arguing that protesters seeking their rights are being met with force instead of dialogue.

The coming days will determine whether diplomatic pressure mounts or the protests spread further.

Mob Justice in Surajpur: Man Paraded with Shaved Head Over Theft Suspicion

Viral video sparks outrage as couple subjected to public humiliation in Chhattisgarh; police initiate investigation into Pasta village incident.

SURAJPUR: In a harrowing instance of mob justice reported from Chhattisgarh’s Surajpur district, a 32-year-old man was allegedly thrashed, partially tonsured, and paraded half-naked through a village over suspicions of theft. The victim, identified as Mohammed Rahman Taj, was subjected to the ordeal in Pasta village under the Ramanujnagar police station limits, where locals accused him of stealing wires from a solar power system.

The incident, which took place in full public view, has drawn widespread condemnation after videos of the humiliation surfaced on social media. According to reports, the victim’s wife was also allegedly harassed and threatened with sexual violence when she attempted to intervene.

Village Panchayat turns violent

The confrontation began when the Pasta village Sarpanch’s husband and local residents summoned Rahman to the village for a "settlement" regarding the alleged theft. Rahman, a resident of Kalyanpur, arrived at the village with his wife, expecting a discussion.

However, the situation escalated rapidly as a mob gathered and seized the couple. Eyewitness accounts and viral footage indicate that the villagers forcibly shaved half of Rahman's head and placed a garland of shoes around his neck before parading him through the streets.

Allegations of physical assault

The victim’s wife alleged that the mob did not spare her during the chaos. Speaking to local media, she claimed that they were both physically assaulted and that the perpetrators issued death threats.

"We were called to the Panchayat by the Sarpanch's husband. As soon as we reached, they started beating my husband and humiliated him in front of everyone," she stated, adding that the attackers threatened her with rape when she pleaded for mercy.

Police launch formal probe

Following the incident, the victim's father approached the Ramanujnagar police station to lodge a formal complaint. He maintained that his son was framed under false charges and that the villagers took the law into their own hands based on mere hearsay.

The Surajpur police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. Preliminary findings suggest that locals had previously spotted the youth in the area and suspected him of reconnaissance for theft, leading to the targeted attack when he returned the following day.

Official stance on vigilantism

Responding to the allegations, the Sarpanch’s husband reportedly claimed that the "anger of the villagers" led to the incident. However, law enforcement officials have reiterated that vigilante justice is a criminal offense.

"We have received the complaint and the viral videos are being analyzed to identify the primary instigators," a senior police official said. Strict action is expected against those found guilty of rioting and outraging the modesty of a woman.

Rising concerns over mob fury

This incident highlights a disturbing trend of extrajudicial punishments in rural pockets of the state. Only recently, a similar case was reported from the Gaurela-Pendra-Marhwahi district, where a widow was stripped and paraded over a personal dispute.

Public interest story advocates and legal experts have called for more stringent patrolling and faster judicial intervention to curb such acts of mob fury that bypass the constitutional legal framework.

Future course of action

As the Surajpur administration moves to restore order in Pasta village, the police are expected to record the statements of the victims under Section 164 of the CrPC. The health condition of the victim is being monitored following the physical assault.

Further arrests are likely as the investigation broadens to include those who filmed and circulated the video, potentially attracting charges under the IT Act alongside sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).