ISLAMABAD: The third Aurat March to mark International Women’s Day in Pakistan kicked off nationwide on Sunday afternoon in the cities of Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Multan, Hyderabad and Quetta among others, amid some reports of clashes with counter protesters.
Fighting intense backlash and legal petitions in the week leading up to the march, demonstrators this year gathered from all cross sections of society and are women, men, children and transgender persons. The march manifesto’s primary demand this year is economic justice.
With a heavy police presence, specified areas i n every city turned into a colorful sea of placards and posters. Hundreds of people in different cities came out in support of the movement, chanting slogans that demanded more freedom for women and marginalized communities, including laborers, farmers and brick kiln workers.
“This is the beginning of a women’s movement in Pakistan and I think no political party or institution can now ignore this,” prominent rights activist Ammar Jan told Arab News at the Lahore demonstration.
“This movement is here to stay and to play a vital role in Pakistani society and politics,” he said.
In the northwestern city of Peshawar, where most women continue to observe customary seclusion and scarcely venture out without men, a small number of activists managed to gather even without the district administration’s permission for the event.
“Women in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the newly merged districts are confined to the boundary walls of their homes, which speaks volumes about injustice,” social activist Nadia Khan told Arab News at the Peshawar demonstration.
“They should be allowed to go to markets, attend schools and go to hospitals. Instead, all these are considered a stigma on the family name,” she continued.
“We are fighting for these rights, nothing more.”
In Karachi, men too came out in large numbers in support of the women’s day march at the city’s iconic Frere Hall, where performances and speeches were in full swing by the late afternoon.
“Today’s Aurat March is a much bigger, more exciting, dynamic and inclusive event. We have a wonderful mix of people standing here to demand their rights, saying we want a more inclusive and just society, where there is equality for everyone, no matter their gender or their faith,” Sheema Kirmani, a social activist and artist, told Arab News during the Karachi demonstration.
In Islamabad, police in riot gear lined the street separating the women’s march demonstrators and a separate group of protesters-- female members of the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) who held their march outside the National Press Club.
Clashes with members of a Jamia Hafsa counter protest-- who had also gathered in the same place-- erupted when demonstrators began throwing stones at the Aurat March participants, injuring at least one member of the women’s day march according to local media. The situation was soon controlled by police.
Earlier, Ismat Shahjahan, lead organizer of the Aurat March addressed the demonstrators in Islamabad and congratulated them on a successful event for a more inclusive Pakistan.
The days leading up to women’s day saw the organizers and participants of the march receive violent threats online from religious groups and other individuals, including legal petitions filed by some to stop the protests from going ahead. All such petitions were dismissed by the courts.
In 2019, the Aurat March faced intense opposition in the conservative, Muslim majority country of 210 million people when photos from the demonstration depicting women holding placards and demanding rights and freedoms went viral on social media and made international news. Critics of the movement declared the march and its slogans were culturally and religiously insensitive.
Various politicians also shared messages of solidarity for international women’s day, including Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi.
“I firmly believe that inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development can only be ensured by providing equal opportunities and a conducive environment to our women,” Khan said in a statement on Sunday.
“I reaffirm my pledge on this day to take all measures that would help our women to lead a safe, secure and prosperous life,” he said.
In a Twitter post, President Alvi said Pakistan must ensure equal opportunities in education, health and jobs for its women, including ensuring inheritance and safety in all spaces.
Aurat March held across Pakistan on International Women’s Day
Aurat March held across Pakistan on International Women’s Day
- Nationwide protests took place in specified areas with a heavy police presence
- Among other politicians, PM Khan and President Alvi sent messages of solidarity for Women’s Day
Pakistani consortium launches first Sharia-compliant Agri-Infrastructure Sukuks worth $7 million
- The funds will be used to bolster renewable energy efforts, enhance essential food items production
- The transaction reflects private sector’s commitment to facilitating sustainable financing solutions
KARACHI: A consortium of Pakistani corporate entities on Monday launched the country’s first, fully subscribed Rs2 billion ($7 million) Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk to bolster renewable energy efforts and enhance production of essential staple food items, with a ceremonial gong strike at the Pakistan Stock Exchange.
Sukuk are financial certificates, often referred to as Islamic bonds, that represent ownership in an asset or a collection of assets and are designed to be Sharia-compliant by adhering to Islamic law, which prohibits interest-based transactions (riba). Instead of interest, sukuk holders receive a share of the profits generated by the underlying asset.
The Shariah-compliant Sukuk is backed by a 100 percent principal credit guarantee from InfraZamin Pakistan, which mobilizes private investment in pioneering infrastructure. The financial certificate carries a long-term AAA rating by VIS Credit Rating Company and is fully subscribed by institutional investors, a major step toward sustainable financing via capital markets in the country’s agricultural sector.
The funds raised through the Sukuk, whose issuance is led by BankIslami Pakistan Limited as the mandated lead arranger, will be utilized to advance Sunridge Foods’ Balancing, Modernization, and Replacement (BMR) projects, focused on upgrading production facilities with sustainable and energy-efficient technologies, according to InfraZamin Pakistan.
“Key components of the BMR include the installation of 1MW wind turbines and a 0.5MW solar power plant to bolster Sunridge’s renewable energy efforts, alongside the construction of new silos and warehouses to substantially expand agricultural produce storage capacity,” InfraZamin said in a statement.
“Additionally, the proceeds will provide working capital support for Sunridge’s critical wheat and rice processing plants in Karachi and Lahore, facilitating increased production of essential staple food items.”
On the occasion, Deputy British High Commissioner in Karachi Lance Domm lauded the initiative as a significant step toward climate-resilient and sustainable economic growth through capital market innovation.
“This Sukuk represents a significant step in expanding access to climate-friendly, Shariah-compliant finance in Pakistan’s agri-infrastructure sector,” Domm said.
“It reflects growing confidence in the country’s capital markets and the role of partnerships in mobilizing private investment for development. The UK, through its support to InfraZamin and other financial institutions, remains committed to strengthening Pakistan’s financial ecosystem.”
InfraZamin Pakistan CEO Maheen Rahman highlighted the strategic importance of the transaction, saying it reflected their commitment to facilitating sustainable financing solutions that empower Pakistan’s agriculture sector.
“By providing a principal credit guarantee, InfraZamin strengthens investor confidence and unlocks capital market access,” she said.
Amir Shahzad, chairman and executive director of Sunridge Foods, emphasized the operational and environmental benefits of the development at the ceremony.
“At Sunridge Foods, we are proud to be part of this landmark issuance that channels Islamic finance toward strengthening Pakistan’s agri-infrastructure,” Shahzad said.
“This Sukuk enables us to modernize our production capabilities, invest in renewable energy, and significantly expand our storage and processing capacity for essential food staples. It is a testament to how purpose-driven partnerships can unlock sustainable growth in critical sectors like food and agriculture.”
The event at PSX underscored the collective vision of all stakeholders to foster innovative, Shariah-compliant financing avenues that drive Pakistan’s sustainable infrastructure and agricultural development, according to InfraZamin.
“We are pleased to play our role in the launch of Pakistan’s first Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk, marking a significant step forward in sustainable financing for the country,” said Rizwan Ata, president and CEO of BankIslami.
“This transaction highlights the growing recognition of Shariah-compliant finance as a core tool for driving economic growth while supporting sustainable development.”
PSX Chairperson Dr. Shamshad Akhtar emphasized that Pakistan’s intersecting crises of climate vulnerability and food insecurity demand bold, homegrown solutions. She commended the launch of the Agri-Infrastructure Sukuk as a defining example of how private sector leadership and financial innovation, particularly within Islamic finance, can mobilize capital toward climate resilience and agricultural development.
“[Such initiatives are] powerful catalysts for inclusive growth, food system transformation, and a sustainable future built on values, ingenuity, and collaboration,” she was quoted as saying.
PSX CEO Farrukh Subzwari reaffirmed the Exchange’s commitment to transforming the capital market into a platform for purposeful solutions, especially in addressing climate risk, food insecurity, and the structural gaps facing Pakistan’s economy.
“Banks, fund managers, corporates, regulators like SECP, and institutional investors must work together to build the ecosystem for sustainable finance,” the statement quoted him as saying.
“PSX will continue to serve not just as a marketplace, but as a catalyst for innovation, inclusion, and resilience— where ideas translate into impact and capital is mobilized for national priorities.”
At UN forum, Pakistan urges global financial reforms, debt relief to bridge SDG funding gaps
- The comments by Pakistani deputy PM came at a debate of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York
- Deputy PM Ishaq Dar will preside over key events at the UN Security Council during Pakistan’s presidency for the month of July
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday stressed the need for concessional financing and debt relief for developing nations to bridge funding gaps in meeting global sustainable development goals (SDGs).
The comments came during Dar’s address at a debate of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development’s (HLPF) Ministerial Segment in New York for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 SDGs.
The 2025 HLPF is themed around advancing sustainable, inclusive, science- and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and its SDGs, including good health and well-being, gender equality, decent work and economic growth.
Speaking at the forum, Dar said only 35 percent of the Agenda 2030 SDGs were on track and the compounding effects of the pandemic, food, fuel and finance crises as well as intensifying climate impacts had reversed the hard-won development gains and deepened inequalities.
“While national efforts are essential, these cannot succeed in isolation,” he said, calling for a “deep reform” of the international financial architecture to implement the SDGs.
“Developing countries need scaled up access to concessional and grant-based resources, meaningful debt relief, and scaled-up climate finance in order to bridge the SDG financing gap.”
The statement comes as Pakistan treads a long path to economic recovery while facing adverse impacts of climate change, with extreme weather events frequently affecting the South Asian country in recent years. So far this monsoon, more than 200 people have lost their lives in Pakistan as heavy rains continue to last parts of the country.
Dar said his country was scaling up climate action, targeting 60 percent renewable energy by 2030, and enhancing resilience through various initiatives.
“Our revised nationally determined contribution is nearing finalization,” he said. “We have also undertaken key macroeconomic reforms to stabilize our fiscal outlook and make the investment climate even more attractive.”
The Pakistani deputy PM said the Compromiso de Seville, a renewed global framework adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development this month, offered a clear roadmap to tackle the challenges of financing sustainable development.
The framework focuses on closing the $4 trillion annual financing gap for the SDGs, addressing debt crises, and reforming the international financial system.
“Its implementation must begin without delay,” Dar added.
Dar is on a week-long visit to the United States to preside over the key events in the UN Security Council during Pakistan’s presidency for the month of July, according to the Pakistani foreign office.
He is also scheduled to hold a meeting with UN secretary-general as well as president of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Pakistan confers military award on Saudi commander for strengthening bilateral naval ties
- The award was conferred on Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi at a special investiture ceremony held in Islamabad
- President Asif Ali Zardari expresses satisfaction over ongoing engagements between both navies, calls for further collaboration
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari on Monday conferred the Nishan-e-Imtiaz military award on Royal Saudi Naval Forces Chief Vice Admiral Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi in recognition of his contributions to strengthening naval ties between the two countries.
The award was conferred during a special investiture ceremony at the President House in Islamabad, which was attended by Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and other senior officials.
“The president congratulated Vice Admiral Al-Gharibi on receiving the award and acknowledged his efforts in promoting cooperation between the navies of the two brotherly nations,” the president’s secretariat said in a statement.
President Zardari later held a meeting with the Saudi commander and expressed Pakistan’s deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s support during challenging times. He expressed satisfaction over the ongoing engagements between the two navies and called for further collaboration, according to the statement.
The Pakistan president appreciated the participation of the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in Exercise AMAN-25 and AMAN Dialogue-25, held in Pakistan in February, noting that such joint activities contribute to promoting maritime cooperation and mutual understanding. He expressed appreciation for the trust placed by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in the Pakistan Navy’s training system and emphasized the importance of expanding training cooperation between the two navies.
“The President also praised the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which he said is steering the Kingdom toward transformation, progress, and long-term prosperity,” the statement read.
Saudi Arabia and Pakistan maintain close religious, cultural, diplomatic and strategic ties, particularly in trade and defense. The Kingdom is home to over two million Pakistani expatriates, who are the largest source of remittances to the South Asian country.
The Kingdom has provided substantial support to Pakistan during its prolonged economic challenges in recent years, including external financing and assistance with International Monetary Fund loan programs.
Pakistan PM condemns Balochistan ‘honor killing,’ calls for bringing perpetrators to justice
- A video clip of the couple’s killing last week went viral online, sparked public outrage
- Provincial authorities say they have arrested 12 suspects, including a tribal chieftain
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday condemned ‘honor killing’ of a young couple in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province and called for bringing the perpetrators to justice, following public outrage over a video clip of the incident that has gone viral online since last week.
In the video circulating on social media, more than a dozen men are seen gathered in a remote, mountainous desert area, with SUVs and pickup trucks parked nearby. A woman is ordered to stand facing away from the group before a man pulls out a gun and shoots her in the back. He then turns the weapon on a man and shoots him dead as well.
Several news outlets reported that the man and woman had just gotten married and were shot dead for marrying by choice upon the orders of a traditional tribal council formed to settle disputes. However, speaking to reporters at a news conference, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti said the victims were not husband and wife.
On Monday, PM Sharif spoke with CM Bugti over the phone and instructed him to hold investigation into the incident and punish those behind the killing in accordance with law, according to the prime minister’s office.
“No one is above the law and no one can be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” Sharif said. “All legal steps should be taken to bring the suspects to justice.”
Meanwhile, a judicial magistrate in Balochistan’s capital of Quetta on Monday ordered the exhumation of the body of the woman, local media reported. Police were still probing suspects to locate body of the slain man. The couple was shot dead in Dagari area on the outskirts of Quetta.
Bugti earlier announced the arrest of 12 suspects in the case, saying a tribal leader was also among the arrestees. He, however, said relatives of neither of the victims had filed a complaint.
“Not a single person is ready to come forward as a victim in this case or file an FIR [first information report],” he said.
On Sunday, Balochistan government spokesman Shahid Rind said the incident captured in the viral video had taken place in Balochistan a few weeks ago.
“This area [where the incident took place] has been identified,” Rind said. “Both families did not report the incident. We will have a case registered with the state as complainant.”
So-called honor killings are common in Pakistan, where family members and relatives sometimes kill women and men who don’t follow local traditions and culture or decide to marry of their own choice.
On Sunday, the Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC), a group of clerics and religious scholars, called the couple’s killing “un-Islamic, anti-Sharia and terrorism,” urging the registration of terrorism cases against the ones involved in such incidents.
Noor Mukadam’s murder: Zahir Jaffer to undergo medical evaluation ahead of filing mercy plea
- Mukadam, 27, was brutally murdered by Jaffer at his residence in July 2021
- In May, Supreme Court upheld Jaffer’s death penalty for the gruesome murder
ISLAMABAD: A medical board will evaluate this week Zahir Zakir Jaffer, convicted of the brutal murder of Noor Mukadam, as part of procedural requirements for his mercy petition before Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, a senior jail official said on Monday.
Mukadam, the 27-year-old daughter of a former diplomat, was brutally murdered by Jaffer at his Islamabad residence in July 2021, with investigations confirming she was tortured before being beheaded. A trial court sentenced Jaffer to death in 2022, a verdict later upheld by the Islamabad High Court in 2023.
In May 2025, the Supreme Court also upheld the death penalty, leaving Jaffer with the only option of seeking a presidential pardon under Article 45 of the Constitution, which allows the president to grant clemency by pardoning, reprieving or commuting a sentence.
“The [medical] board is expected to visit Adiala jail within this week, most likely in the next two to three days, to conduct the medical and psychological evaluation of the prisoner,” Jail Superintendent Abdul Ghafoor Anjum told Arab News.
Anjum said he had requested the director of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for the formation of the medical board after being informed by the convict’s counsel that he intended to file a mercy petition before the president.
“It is entirely a routine matter as whenever a mercy petition is to be filed for any prisoner, we are required to conduct a medical and psychological examination,” he said, adding the matter was being dealt with strictly in accordance with rules.
Officials at Adiala Jail sent two letters, dated July 8 and July 14, to PIMS, requesting the formation of the medical board.
“The appeal of above mentioned Confirmed Condemned Prisoner (Jaffer) was pending at [the] Supreme Court of Pakistan and the same has been dismissed,” read a letter, seen by Arab News.
“Now the mercy petition of [the] subject, cited confirmed condemned prisoner, has to be submitted before the Honourable President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. For that, the medical board and psychiatric board opinion is mandatory,” prison officials said in the letter, requesting PIMS management to schedule Jaffer’s examination within the jail premises.
PIMS constituted the medical board and named Dr. Shafqat Nawaz from the Psychiatry Department and Dr. Amir Naveed from the Neurology Department as its members, according to documents seen by Arab News.
“Following the board’s report, the confirmed condemned prisoner, Jaffer, may proceed to file a mercy petition in accordance with the rules,” Anjum added.
Mukadam and Jaffer, son of a wealthy industrialist, were widely believed to have been in a relationship which they had broken off a few months before her murder.
Her shocking murder, involving members of the privileged elite of the Pakistani society, triggered an explosive reaction from women’s rights activists reckoning with pervasive violence against women in Pakistan.
It also mounted pressure for a swift conclusion of the trial in a country known to have a sluggish justice system and where cases typically drag on for years.
