A journalist by profession. Also a member of Bargaad’s steering committee on education for minorities and was regional gate keeper of Punjab in Network of Women for Journalists for Digital Rights Foundation. Activist for Digital, Minorities, Animals and Transgender Rights. I write on issues related to these matters. Ive traveled and spent time abroad and now residing in Lahore trying to make a difference in the life of marginalised communities.
Latest posts by R Umaima Ahmed
Women marched in Pakistan despite resistance from authorities and religious groups
Despite encountering some obstacles, women in Pakistan were ultimately able to get permission and come out in large numbers on March 8th for "Aurat March", albeit with certain conditions attached.
Pakistan suffers widespread power outages amidst financial crisis
In January, Pakistan suffered a major power breakdown, plunging major cities into darkness and impacting millions of people. The disaster occurred amidst a rolling blackout meant to save costs.
Pakistani journalist's murder in Kenya may not be a case of mistaken identity
Pakistani journalist and anchorperson Arshad Sharif was shot and killed by Kenyan police in a case of "mistaken identity". However, in both countries, people are questioning the official narrative.
YouTube is temporarily blocked during former PM's political rally in Pakistan
After blocking Khan's speeches from satellite TV, the government seems to be trying to stop his campaigning from being heard online as well.
Pakistan drops 12 points on World Press Freedom Index 2022
A report by Pakistani rights organization Freedom Network reveals that journalists in Pakistan were subjected to violence, legal cases, abductions, detentions and threats last year, mostly from the state actors.
Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ousted by a no-confidence vote in parliament following a court battle
After much drama, Imran Khan was removed as Prime Minister of Pakistan after he lost a no-confidence motion on April 9, 2022.
Heavy snowfall kills tourists at a hill station in Pakistan
At least 23 people, including women and children have died in cars that were stranded due to heavy snowfall in the Murree hill station area near the capital of Pakistan.
As India grapples with COVID-19, Pakistan extends support, prayers
India's dire COVID-19 situation drew solidarity and support from Pakistan, its neighbour and longtime arch foe, as nations come closer together by the pandemic.
‘Aurat March’ organizers face intimidation and threats of prosecution in Pakistan
The organizers of this year's Aurat March (Women's March) in Pakistan faced disinformation campaigns, threats from Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and were even accused of blasphemy.
Pakistan bans TikTok for the second time
TikTok was blocked in Pakistan for 10 days in October 2020. Access was restored after the app's parent company ByteDance assured authorities it would bolster moderation.
‘Aurat March’ 2021 presents feminist healthcare manifesto in Pakistan
Saying that COVID-19 enabled a "Pandemic of Patriarchy," the marchers demanded the government increase the health budget to 5 per cent of GDP so that women may get better healthcare.
Three climbers go missing during winter attempt to scale K2 summit in Pakistan
Though chances of their survival are slim, the families of three missing mountaineers have been hoping for a miracle.
Pakistan's Supreme Court orders reconstruction of Hindu temple razed by a mob incited by Muslim clerics
A cleric of the religious right-wing political party Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) was arrested in connection with the incident.
After years of protests, the Islamabad Zoo will convert into an animal sanctuary
A happy ending for 2020, a year when Pakistanis debated animal abuse like never before.
Pakistan to introduce tougher punishment for rape—including chemical castration
The laws address several aspects of the criminal process and include an expansion of the definition of rape, which was welcomed by activists. Other points, however, received mixed reactions.
In Pakistan, social media platforms risk bans under new ‘draconian’ rules
New rules vesting the government with the power to regulate online content and ban entire platforms drew criticism from human rights groups and tech companies.
Freedom in sight for Kaavan, ‘the world's loneliest elephant’
Animal rights activists have long highlighted the poor treatment and handling of the animals in Pakistan zoos.
Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok with conditions
Pakistani social media users strongly reacted to the ban on TikTok and criticized the telecom regulator.
In Pakistan, women stage nationwide protest in response to shocking rape incident
The protests' organizers also expressed opposition to public hangings, a call that often resurfaces in Pakistan whenever a rape incident gains media attention.
In Pakistan, a man accused of blasphemy was shot dead in a courtroom. His killer was hailed as a hero.
Extrajudicial killings of people accused of blasphemy aren't uncommon in Pakistan.
Journalist's abduction raises concerns about media freedom in Pakistan
On July 21, renowned Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan was abducted in Islamabad. Though he was released about 12 hours after, fingers are being pointed at state security agencies.
