Dissent

Rabia* is applying to be admitted to a prestigious medical school in Karachi. Aside from the usual paperwork for admission, she must also submit an affidavit to the university administration declaring that she will not partake in any political activity on the campus. Known among students as the ‘non-political’ affidavit, this is an oath signed by the student to use the premises for studying only and not for politicking. Rabia’s father also has to sign the same affidavit, turning it into a joint declaration that in case she gets involved in any political activity in the varsity, she may be “immediately expelled”. If Rabia were to violate the non-political undertaking in future, she would face a number of adverse disciplinary actions. These range from temporary suspension of the student for a week, during which the student is not be allowed to enter campus premises temporarily, to rustication or permanent expulsion from the institute. “The nature of the action is subject to the sev...

What are women’s human rights? Women’s rights are the fundamental human rights that were enshrined by the United Nations for every human being on the planet nearly 70 years ago. These rights include the right to live free from violence, slavery, and discrimination; to be educated; to own property; to vote; and to earn a fair and equal wage. As the now-famous saying goes, “women’s rights are human rights.” That is to say, women are entitled to all of these rights. Yet almost everywhere around the world, women and girls are still denied them, often simply because of their gender. Winning rights for women is about more than giving opportunities to any individual woman or girl; it is also about changing how countries and communities work. It involves changing laws and policies, winning hearts and minds, and investing in strong women’s organizations and movements. Global Fund for Women exists to support the tireless and courageous efforts of women’s groups who work every d...

Three Pakistani documentaries have won big at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM). Short films on T2F founder Sabeen Mahmud, celebrated dancer Sheema Kirmani and  Indus Blues  were awarded prizes at an event held in the Canadian city. After Sabeen , a documentary surrounding the lives of those who were dear to the slain activist, won Director’s Choice Award for Courage in Cinema. But German film-maker Schokofeh Kamiz, the man behind the documentary, had interestingly never met Mahmud. “I never met Sabeen. The first time I heard about her was the day she was killed and that’s also how the film starts. I wanted to convey both my fascination of her and my attempt to understand this impressive woman who cared about everyone, especially the youth,” Kamiz told  Firstpost . Taimur Rahim’s  With Bells On Her Feet  highlights Kirmani’s struggle during the Ziaul Haq regime. It bagged two accolades: Best Short Fil and the Audience Choice. ...

“In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual.” ―  Galileo Galilei

“Just because you are blind, and unable to see my beauty doesn’t mean it does not exist.” – Margaret Cho