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Who Is Anjali Sud? Indian-American Leader Joins Harvard Board After Mark Carney

May 31, 2025, 1:08 pm

Harvard University has appointed Anjali Sud, the Indian-American CEO of streaming platform Tubi, to its Board of Overseers, one of its two highest governing bodies. She will serve a two-year term beginning May 30, 2025, stepping in to fill the seat vacated by former Bank of England Governor and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. After the Liberal Party elected Carney as their leader, consequently, he stepped down.

Harvard is appointing Anjali Sud at a time when it is working through intensified tensions with the Donald Trump administration. Her presidency comes during a defining moment, as the Board of Overseers has a key function in defining the university’s academic path, advising senior management, and carrying out external reviews of schools and departments.

Anjali Sud: Harvard Alum with Deep Roots in Tech and Leadership

Raised in Flint, Michigan, to Punjabi immigrant parents born in 1983 in Detroit, Anjali Sud graduated from Harvard University and went on to earn an MBA from Harvard Business School. She comes with a rich background to the board, having been the former CEO at Vimeo and now at Tubi, which has close to 100 million monthly active users.

Harvard’s election platform profiles Sud as “an influential technology and media executive.” Fortune named her in 2018 to its “40 Under 40” for pioneering leadership. The World Economic Forum named her a Young Global Leader, and Hollywood Reporter recognized her as one of the “Most Powerful Women in Hollywood.”

Today, Sud serves as chair of the board for Change.org, additionally sits on the board of Dolby Laboratories, and also is a member of the executive committee at Phillips Academy Andover, where she actively backs financial aid initiatives.

Motivated by Purpose and Passion for Education

Before her election to the Board of Overseers, Sud discussed her motivation, “My parents immigrated to this nation with the hopes of providing me with an opportunity at the American Dream. I was able to accomplish that dream through the ability of a powerful education, and I would like to give back to the next generation.”

She continued, “Harvard has both the chance and the imperative to shape the future of higher education amid existential transformation. I would be privileged to assist Harvard in that transformation and facilitate innovative transformation.”

Trump Takes Aim At Bank Of America, Accusing It Of Discriminating Against Conservatives | Watch

January 24, 2025, 4:01 am

President Donald Trump, appearing in a virtual session at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Thursday, January 23, unexpectedly aimed a critical critique at Brian Moynihan, the chief executive of Bank of America. Here, he pointed out that it was limiting services to conservative clients, something for which Moynihan seemed unaware.

“I hope you start opening your bank to conservatives,” Trump said to Moynihan, adding, “What you are doing is wrong.” The comment, made during a Q&A session, stunned the audience and prompted an awkward response from Moynihan. He quickly shifted the topic to thank Trump for his role in bringing the FIFA World Cup to the US, an event his bank is sponsoring.

Responding to the allegations by the president, a spokesperson for Bank of America stated, “We serve more than 70 million clients and welcome conservatives. We never close accounts for political reasons and don’t have a political litmus test.” The spokesperson further clarified that the decision to exit client relationships is made based on the number of government regulations and not based on political beliefs.

NEW: Trump calls out Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan to his face, says banks should stop debanking conservatives during a virtual appearance at the World Economic Forum.

Lmao. Amazing.

The panel was clearly uncomfortable after Trump made the comment.

“I hope you start… pic.twitter.com/PZgH6LuDVQ

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) January 23, 2025

Trump also aimed similar criticism at Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase & Co., accusing the bank of treating conservative clients unfairly. JPMorgan, however, denied the claims, emphasizing that they adhere to legal and regulatory requirements and do not close accounts for political reasons.

The debate over lending practices has heated up since the policies by major banks such as Bank of America, which recently restricted its lending to companies selling assault-style guns. It later relaxed some of its policies, including lifting some restrictions on financing Arctic drilling.

Issues concerning “debanking” of people on account of political or religious grounds are contentious internationally. Similar debates on the UK concern the closure of accounts for political reasons.

Trump Seeks $1 Trillion Investment From Saudi Arabia, Warns Of Tariffs In Davos Address

January 24, 2025, 2:30 am

Trump Urges Saudis to Invest more in the USA

One day after speaking with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, US President Donald Trump called for the kingdom to raise its promised US investment from $600 billion to $1 trillion. During his remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Trump highlighted the strong US-Saudi relationship, stating, “I think they’ll do that because we’ve been very good to them.”

As noted by a readout from the Saudi government of their call, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman promised to invest $600 billion in the United States within the next four years. Trump also pleaded with Saudi Arabia and OPEC to lower oil prices, stating that he is “shocked” they hadn’t yet done so before the election. His pleas set off a slump in crude oil prices and a bounce in the US stock markets.

Aggressive Policy Agenda on Show

In his first major speech to world leaders since assuming the presidency, Trump bragged that his administration is moving at light speed in executing its policy, including pulling out of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and the World Health Organization, increasing production of domestic energy, and increasing tariffs on imports from other nations. He challenged business leaders, saying, “If you don’t make your product in America, you will have to pay a tariff.

Trump also accused US financial institutions, including Bank of America and JPMorgan Chase, of denying services to conservatives, a claim the banks strongly denied.

Focus on US-China Relations and Ukraine War

Touching on foreign affairs, Trump urged Chinese President Xi Jinping to assist in ending the war in Ukraine, claiming Kyiv was ready to make a deal. Trump criticized Russia’s lack of commitment to peace and threatened sanctions if the war continues.

Despite his nationalist policies, Trump was greeted warmly at Davos, and organizers and executives widely praised his direct approach. He ended by again promising to do everything possible to boost investment in the United States, promote trade negotiations, and put America first in industry.

Smriti Irani at Davos: Rethinking Productivity Through Health Innovation

January 22, 2025, 2:26 pm

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) held in Davos, former Union Minister Smriti Irani engaged in a conversation with NDTV about various issues, focusing particularly on the importance of viewing productivity from a health perspective. She highlighted a key concern — the world has long discussed productivity through the lens of skill sets, but has largely ignored how health plays a pivotal role in it. As the chief of the Alliance for Global Good-Gender Equity and Equality (AGG-GEE), launched in 2024, Irani emphasized that this health-centric view could revolutionize how we approach productivity, especially for women.

One of the dominant themes of WEF each year is inclusion, a subject that has grown more complex with the inclusion of diverse perspectives, particularly from women. Irani stressed that when the global conversation about inclusion arises, it should not only center around diversity but also the essential role that women play in shaping economies and societies. She pointed out that India’s narrative about inclusion and women’s contribution is no longer just about the nation’s demographic challenges. Instead, India should be seen as a leader in driving global change on topics like inclusion, climate change, and health innovations.

Irani made it clear that while India has made strides in addressing these issues within its borders, it is now time to take these learnings to the global stage. She emphasized that India is sharing its experiences and solutions at international platforms like the United Nations and the World Bank, collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and industry leaders to ensure that women-owned businesses and health innovations receive the funding and attention they need. Irani passionately argued that these efforts were not just about improving conditions for women within India but ensuring that the solutions could benefit the world at large.

A key part of the conversation focused on the economic power of women. Irani pointed out that women currently control a third of the world’s wealth, and this figure is expected to rise to 50% in the next five years. Yet, this massive economic contribution is often overlooked in discussions about women’s empowerment. Instead, discussions tend to focus on philanthropic issues, such as domestic violence. Irani argued that real empowerment comes from improving women’s capital capacity, which leads to safer environments both at home and at work. She stressed that these financial realities are a vital part of the inclusion agenda and that investment in women’s businesses and health-related innovations must be prioritized.

Smriti Irani also addressed a pressing concern at the heart of the WEF’s conversation — the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation on the workforce, especially women. AI and automation are expected to disrupt many industries, and Irani warned that women, particularly those in entry-level jobs, would be disproportionately affected by job losses. She questioned the readiness of policymakers and companies to address the displacement of talent, particularly in low-income economies, where the internet penetration is still limited.

The conversation around AI at Davos focused primarily on the next level of AI engagement. While generative AI, which produces content like music or art based on a prompt, has been in the spotlight, Irani highlighted the rise of AI agents. These agents, which combine various aspects of AI technology, are set to become a key part of the workforce in the near future. However, Irani warned that their arrival could exacerbate the displacement of talent, particularly in countries that are still developing economically. This issue of job displacement will no longer be seen as just a “female problem”; it will become a widespread concern for economies globally, especially those in low-income regions that have yet to achieve a high per capita income.

In discussing the link between health and productivity, Irani underscored the importance of investing in health innovations, particularly those aimed at women. Citing data that shows every dollar invested in maternal health yields a $30 return due to increased productivity and reduced mortality, Irani warned that global economies could lose trillions of dollars if they fail to address the health challenges that limit women’s productivity. She argued that this conversation about the impact of health on productivity has largely been ignored, and it is time for it to be addressed.

Irani’s work in championing women’s health and gender equality has been a cornerstone of her political career. She expressed a deep concern that the conversation around productivity tends to focus solely on skill development, leaving health innovations out of the equation. Irani’s goal, she explained, is to keep a clear focus on the need for greater investment in health innovations for women. She believes that improving women’s health not only leads to better productivity but also directly contributes to the economic well-being of nations.

The conversation surrounding productivity at Davos underscores the importance of a more comprehensive approach, one that integrates health as a crucial factor. Irani’s comments reflect a growing understanding that productivity is not just about how skilled workers are but also about their overall well-being. As women continue to play a critical role in the global economy, their health must be prioritized to ensure their ability to contribute effectively.

The WEF’s discussions around AI, gender equality, and women’s health innovation show a shifting perspective on how we think about productivity. Smriti Irani’s remarks serve as a wake-up call to policymakers, businesses, and global leaders that a holistic approach to productivity — one that includes health as a key component — is not only necessary but imperative for sustainable growth. As the world grapples with the challenges of AI, automation, and economic disruption, it is clear that taking care of women’s health and empowering them economically is a step toward a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

In conclusion, the shift toward viewing productivity through a health lens is a crucial move toward ensuring the well-being of the workforce, especially women. Smriti Irani’s insights at Davos highlight the need for more investment in health innovations for women, arguing that it will yield long-term economic benefits. The intersection of health, productivity, and gender equality must be central to global conversations if we are to create a future where women are not only equal participants but leaders in the global narrative.

The Great Login

July 27, 2024, 12:10 am

Religions meet where they take their source in God’, wrote Pope John Paul II. The truth of his statement was seen at a retreat earlier this month in the UK for religious and spiritual leaders. Thirty participants, including representatives of the Hindu, Islamic, Sikh, Christian, Jewish and Buddhist faiths, came together in meditative silence at the Brahma Kumaris Global Retreat Centre, Oxford.

Deep inner silence connects us to a mystical power that strengthens our ability to live with truth, and to develop virtues such as contentment, compassion, humility, and love. Beliefs differ about the nature of this power, and the practices that help us draw on it. The core experience is the same, however, and when we find our inner peace, we are always in a better place to bring about peace in the world around us.

It was a power known to the founders of the great faiths like Abraham, Mohammed, Jesus Christ, and the Buddha, and to sages and great leaders such as Ramakrishna, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nelson Mandela. It is an energy of truth, which has always run through human affairs.

And yet… it seems to be in very short supply today. So often, religions fight rather than bring light. Many people have put their faith in science instead, but this has little to tell us about consciousness and the inner being. The materialism driving modern economies has brought us to the brink of financial and environmental disaster.

As a way out of this crisis, leaders of the World Economic Forum are working towards a technocratic solution they call ‘The Great Reset’. But might a ‘Great Login’ be the better way forward?

This would be a spiritual reset, in which we stop trying to fix the fragmented system, and reconnect instead to the ultimate, non-physical Source of the greatness of the human spirit.

I used to be sceptical of all such ambitions, but have learned that experience of the divine, linked to clear understanding, really can uplift our character. Understanding is vital. We need to know that we are eternal souls, and that our true nature is of love, peace and happiness. Yes, all sorts of other stuff is there, but we have a parent – God, the Supreme Soul – waiting to welcome us with open arms when we are ready to let go even briefly of our identification with the physical body and its relationships. Once our minds have tasted the sweetness of this reunion with the unchanging One, we learn how to come back to that experience again and again.

Even while continuing to play our roles on the stage of the world, we build a different awareness inside. It is called a pilgrimage of remembrance. As in the video games that bind the attention of many young people, there are distractions, and pitfalls. This is because previously, like orphans struggling to survive in a harsh world, many of us developed ways of coping that limited our humanity. These included egotistical fancies as well as falsely critical attitudes towards ourselves and others.

Such negativity binds us in a limited consciousness, not aligned with our true self. So, for the Great Login to be successful, it has to be renounced. We have to hold in mind instead the goodness within the self, and see it in others. This opens up a channel of delightful communication between the soul and the Supreme. With practice, we can have that One as our Companion in all that we do.

The login only takes a second. The challenge lies in staying logged in. The reward is a heart filled with happiness, a mind like a diamond, and a life filled with the joy of selfless service.

Neville Hodgkinson

Neville Hodgkinson is a UK-based author and journalist, and a long-time student of Rajyoga.

Pakistan’s Gender Equality Decline: Near Bottom In Global Gender Gap Index

July 7, 2024, 7:41 am

In the latest Global Gender Gap Index by the World Economic Forum (WEF), Pakistan is near the bottom, with only Sudan ranked lower among the 146 nations surveyed. This represents a decline from its 142nd position last year, highlighting a worsening situation for women in the country, as reported by Dawn.

Women’s rights activists are urging both state and societal commitment to address gender disparities effectively. They emphasize the necessity of redefining the roles prescribed to women by Pakistani society and the government.

POST:

Pakistan’s gender gap index hits rock bottom, second worst globally

Read @ANI Story | https://t.co/IAxd4wmkpL #Pakistan #GenderGap pic.twitter.com/SP8WhVZxzP

— ANI Digital (@ani_digital) July 6, 2024

The annual index evaluates gender parity across four critical dimensions: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. Leading nations in gender parity include Iceland, Finland, Norway, New Zealand, and Sweden, according to Dawn.

“This year’s dismal ranking is not an anomaly; Pakistan has consistently lagged in the index for over a decade,” stated Bushra Khaliq, Executive Director of Women in Struggle for Empowerment (WISE), reflecting on Pakistan’s persistent challenges in achieving gender equality. Comparatively, neighboring countries have fared better in closing their gender gaps.

A breakdown of the rankings across sectors reveals stark disparities. In economic participation and opportunity, Pakistan ranks 143rd, with Bangladesh at 146th. In educational attainment, Pakistan is at 139th, trailing behind Bangladesh (125th). Political empowerment remains a significant challenge, with Pakistan at 112th, while Bangladesh ranks 7th.

According to the WEF report, Pakistan’s recent drop in the index primarily stems from setbacks in political empowerment, despite slight improvements in educational attainment. Gender disparities persist prominently in economic and political spheres, alongside gaps in educational attainment and health outcomes.

Farah Zia, Director of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, highlighted challenges faced by women in mainstream politics. “Recent political maneuvers have targeted women leaders and activists, undermining their role and impact,” Zia lamented, citing incidents of targeted incarceration and legal obstacles.

Despite a 33 percent quota for women in parliament, Zia noted that genuine representation remains elusive for women not affiliated with influential political families or urban centers.

Addressing economic roles, Bushra Khaliq acknowledged some progress in sectors like textiles and fashion but highlighted pervasive exploitation in the informal sector. “Women in Pakistan predominantly work in precarious conditions, limiting their economic empowerment,” Khaliq remarked.

The health sector presents alarming statistics, with high maternal mortality rates and inadequate reproductive health services plaguing women across Pakistan. Educational barriers further compound gender disparities, with approximately 25 million out-of-school children, predominantly girls, lacking access to basic education, according to Dawn.

Farah Zia underscored the impact of unchecked population growth on women’s development, critiquing government policies that prioritize population-linked incentives over sustainable human development. “The lack of discourse on reproductive rights has profound implications for women’s health, education, and economic participation,” Zia emphasized.

Both Zia and Khaliq pointed to entrenched patriarchal norms and societal resistance, exemplified by contentious reactions to events like the Aurat March. “Society’s resistance to women’s rights exacerbates gender disparities,” Zia stated, calling for concerted efforts to challenge and transform patriarchal mindsets.

In closing, activists urged robust commitments from the state and society to redefine women’s roles and ensure gender parity. “Progressive steps are essential for integrating women into the socio-economic fabric of Pakistan,” Zia asserted, advocating for comprehensive policy reforms and grassroots empowerment initiatives.

Critically appraising governmental departments’ roles, Khaliq highlighted the need for improved data transparency and collaboration with international organizations. “Accurate data reporting is crucial for measuring progress and advocating for policy reforms,” Khaliq emphasized, urging greater accountability and transparency.

As the global community grapples with persistent gender gaps, the WEF report underscores the imperative of inclusive economic policies and structural reforms to empower women fully. “Economic gender parity is not just a social justice issue but an economic imperative,” the report concluded, urging governments to prioritize gender equality as a catalyst for sustainable development and innovation, Dawn reported.

Riyadh Hosts Two-Day Special Meeting of World Economic Forum

April 28, 2024, 5:09 pm

Amidst geopolitical upheavals and intricate economic challenges unsettling a fragmented world, the World Economic Forum Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development will convene 1,000 global leaders from 92 countries over the next two days, commencing today. The aim is to foster global dialogue and devise practical, cooperative, and enduring solutions to common global challenges.

The meeting is structured around three key themes revitalizing global collaboration, forging a compact for inclusive growth, and catalyzing action on energy for development. Drawing on the momentum of the inaugural Growth Summit held in Switzerland last year, this gathering aims to advance forward-looking strategies for addressing interlinked crises, all while acknowledging and grappling with immediate trade-offs.

In a curtain-raiser release, the WEF articulated its intent to narrow the widening North-South gap on critical issues such as emerging economic policies, the energy transition, and geopolitical shocks. This commitment underscores the organization’s dedication to fostering dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders.

Through these concerted efforts, the World Economic Forum seeks to facilitate meaningful progress towards resolving shared global challenges, paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Amidst escalating geopolitical tensions and widening socio-economic disparities on a global scale, the call for international collaboration and purposeful dialogue has never been more urgent, remarked Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum. He emphasized the significance of the Special Meeting 2024 as an opportunity for leaders from diverse sectors and regions to translate ideas into actionable solutions, addressing the myriad interconnected challenges confronting societies worldwide.

Highlighting the importance of revitalizing international collaboration at this pivotal juncture, Faisal F. Alibrahim, Minister of Economy and Planning of Saudi Arabia, underscored the Kingdom’s role as a dynamic global platform for thought leadership, solutions, and action. Hosting this critical meeting in Saudi Arabia, he emphasized the nation’s commitment to mobilizing its diplomatic resources to chart a mutually beneficial path to prosperity for the global community.

Alibrahim stressed Saudi Arabia’s dedication to ensuring that progress in one part of the world does not come at the expense of others, affirming the nation’s determination to collaboratively shape a secure, stable, and sustainable shared future.

During the two-day special meeting, over 220 public figures from more than 60 countries will convene under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia hosts WEF special meeting for global development

April 23, 2024, 3:31 pm

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) has reported that Saudi Arabia is set to host the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting on Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development on April 28th-29th. This two-day event aims to bring together over 1,000 influential leaders, including heads of state, government officials, thought leaders from various sectors, and representatives from international organizations, academic institutions, and NGOs. The primary goal of this meeting is to tackle urgent global development challenges through meaningful discussions and collaborative efforts.

The agenda of the WEF Special Meeting revolves around three key themes:

Global Collaboration, Growth, and Energy for Development. By fostering productive dialogues and encouraging collective international action, the sessions aim to craft sustainable solutions to pressing issues. Through panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities, participants will engage in conversations geared towards enhancing global cooperation and driving inclusive growth.

The overarching objective of the meeting is to reinvigorate a sense of cooperation among global leaders and experts. By creating a platform for shared ideas and strategies, the event seeks to pave the way for a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable world. This gathering represents a significant convergence of minds and resources dedicated to addressing the complex challenges facing our global community.

Smriti Irani highlights importance of normalizing conversation about women’s health

January 18, 2024, 1:31 pm

Smriti Irani, the Union’s Minister of Women and Child Development, emphasized on Wednesday the significance of normalizing discussions about women’s health. One of the biggest issues, according to her, is that women’s healthcare systems and conversations have never been mainstreamed.

Speaking at a session linked to the Women’s Health Programme at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Smriti Irani said, “I think women’s healthcare systems or conversations never were mainstreamed and that has been one of the greatest challenges. How do you provide the solution to an issue that has never been spoken of? Mostly, there is a presumption that women do not want the psychological burden of their medical challenge to fall upon their family unit or hinder the economic progression of their contribution. And that is why they tend to either self-medicate or not medicate at all.”
She also spoke about the initiatives taken for women’s development after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014. She said that 110 million toilets have been built in India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“From the Indian experience, let me provide you a big context,” Smriti Irani said, discussing the steps taken for women’s development after 2014. Following the election of Prime Minister Modi in 2010–11, a World Bank report stated that inadequate sanitary facilities for women would have a negative six percent impact on India’s GDP. That being said, if women choose to urinate in public right now, they run the risk of having their security violated.”

“PM Modi’s leadership is critical in fractured world,” said World Economic Forum Founder

January 20, 2023, 3:21 pm

Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman, World Economic Forum, has said he met with the Indian ministerial delegation and many of its top business leaders. According to a statement from the forum, the founder and executive chairman said, “I commend the country’s decisive action on the climate case for renewables, its contribution to the global healthcare ecosystem, the focus on an economic model for women-led development, and its leadership on digital infrastructure. India remains a bright spot amid global geoeconomics and geopolitical crisis,” he said.

“The World Economic Forum looks forward under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the form said in a statement. India is promoting a just and equitable growth for all in the world during its G20 presidency, according to the statement.

Two-thirds of the $42 trillion in new wealth go to the richest 1%:Oxfam

January 16, 2023, 12:23 pm

Oxfam issued a report in conjunction with the World Economic Forum’s annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland, the top one percent of global income holders have taken over two-thirds of the $42 trillion in new wealth produced since 2020.

The disparity in the money shared by the top one percent is almost twice when compared to the bottom 99 percent of the world’s population, according to Oxfam’s “Survival of the Richest” report released on Monday.

In addition, according to Oxfam, half of the world’s billionaires reside in nations that do not impose inheritance taxes on their direct descendants, putting them on course to leave $5 trillion to their heirs—more than Africa’s entire GDP. Billionaire fortunes are increasing by $2.7 billion a day the report said.

“While ordinary people are making daily sacrifices on essentials like food, the super-rich have outdone even their wildest dreams. Just two years in, this decade is shaping up to be the best yet for billionaires — a roaring ‘20s boom for the world’s richest,” said Gabriela Bucher, executive director of Oxfam International.

“Taxing the super-rich and big corporations is the door out of today’s overlapping crises. It’s time we demolish the convenient myth that tax cuts for the richest result in their wealth somehow ‘trickling down’ to everyone else. Forty years of tax cuts for the super-rich have shown that a rising tide doesn’t lift all ships — just the superyachts.”

A 5 percent tax on the world’s multi-millionaires and billionaires could raise $1.7 trillion every year which is enough to lift 2 billion people out of poverty, according to Oxfam. Global business and political elites gather annually at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to address political and economic topics of interest to the whole world. This year’s summit will be attended by 52 heads of state and nearly 600 CEOs.

Predicament of Women in Pakistan: Ranks 145th out of 146 countries in Global gender gap

August 4, 2022, 5:12 pm

The Pakistan Human Rights Commission suggested that introducing a mere national action plan and comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation will not be enough to bring about change until they are implemented and practiced. The situation of human rights, especially for women, has been alarming in Pakistan.

On July 30, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, Pakistan’s human rights organisation released its 2021 report on trafficking and expressed alarm over the state of women and girls in the nation.

The HRC report of last year stated, “In order to identify the root causes and magnitude of trafficking, there should be a system to collect, compile, and report data on various dimensions of trafficking in persons in Pakistan. Officials of concerned departments and LEAS should be sensitised and their capabilities built to identify and report a crime.”

Additionally, it said, “Developing a comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation and National Action Plan will not make a difference until they are implemented or practised on the ground. There is a need to develop synergy and story coordination. All stakeholders to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and punish traffickers. “

The World Economic Forum (WEF) report, which painted a sombre image of the condition of women in Pakistan, classified Pakistan as the second-worst nation in terms of gender parity, according to a media source.

A survey conducted by the World Economic Forum declared that Pakistan ranks 145^th among 146 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report.

Data showed that Pakistan has over 107 million women and a gender gap of 56.4 percent.

Pakistani President Arif Alvi declared that his nation is determined to eradicate the threat of human trafficking by putting in place a strong coordination infrastructure that would allow for the prosecution of traffickers and the protection of victims.

He said, “Pakistan has embarked upon stringent anti-trafficking measures to enforce legal frameworks in line with international standards. Pakistan has enacted the Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, especially women and children. This law prescribes imprisonment of up to ten years for the perpetrators of such illegal acts. I would take this opportunity to extend my appreciation and acknowledgement to the federal and provincial governments and all other relevant stakeholders who came together to fight this crime. “

The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances in Pakistan has received 8,463 complaints regarding enforced disappearances since March 2011. The activists claim the actual figure is greater, HRW reported.

Human rights activists also held the law enforcement agencies responsible for forced disappearances in Pakistan.

Authorities in Pakistan employ forced disappearances as a technique to startle anyone who demands individual or societal rights or challenges the nation’s all-powerful military establishment. Major cases of enforced disappearances have been reported in the nation’s Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan regions, which are home to strong separatist groups.