Pakistan Community Media Network - PCMN

Pakistan Community Media Network - PCMN Advocating community media/radio.

offering services in projects, production,training,digital media, podcast,campaigns & broadcasting community-centric content.Our partnerships extend to radios, education,academia, development sector, INGOs & donors We are raising voices for the introduction of community radios in our country & providing training, production and broadcasting of community centered media contents for development se

ctor organizations through media across Pakistan. Our network consist of local radio channels, INGOs, Local NGOs, Donors etc

Contact us :
[email protected]
[email protected]

23/06/2026

COMMUNITY NEWS LIVE: TODAY
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FIFA World Cup

COMMUNITY NEWS: Water availability shrinks as the investment gap increases in Pakistan: UN reportsIslamabad, June 2026 –...
17/06/2026

COMMUNITY NEWS: Water availability shrinks as the investment gap increases in Pakistan: UN reports
Islamabad, June 2026 – and spend 250 million hours every day on water collection globally, over three times more than men and boys. This disparity affects their education, health and income.

This is one of the key findings of the three water-related publications that were jointly launched today in Islamabad – as part of the extended celebrations of World Water Day – by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ( ), the World Health Organization ( ), the United Nations Children's Fund ( ) and the United Nations Development Programme ( ). The event also counted with the collaboration of the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources ( ), the Global Change Impact Studies Centre ( ), the Economic Cooperation Organization Science Foundation ( ) and UNESCO Water Chair on Knowledge Systems for at COMSATS University Islamabad.

The UN World Water Development Report 2026 presented today in Pakistan reports that 2.1 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, while 3.4 billion people do not have access to safely managed sanitation services – while 1.7 billion do not have basic hygiene services at home. In Pakistan, according to WHO and UNICEF estimates, around 55% of the population lacks access to safely managed drinking water and over 58% of the population living in rural areas does not have safely managed sanitation services.

“At the time of independence, each Pakistani had access to over 5,000 cubic meters of fresh water annually, now Pakistan is below 1,000,” said Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Water Resources Mian Muhammad Mueen Wattoo during the event.

“Water solutions should be inclusive, practical and embedded in local knowledge,” said Mohamed Yahya, United Nations Resident Coordinator in .

As water availability shrinks, the , and ( ) investment gap for urban areas has increased in Pakistan, while the deficit in rural areas has decreased, compared to the 2021/2022 period, according to the UN-Water Global Analysis and Assessment of Sanitation and Drinking-Water ( ) 2025 Report – also launched today.

According to the GLASS report, in Pakistan, the combined Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) budgets of the four provincial governments and the Islamabad Capital Territory increased from 225 billion to 265 billion Pakistani rupees (US$ 808 million to US$ 952 million) from 2022 to 2024 – an 18% nominal increase. However, due to high inflation over the same period, this represents a 20% decrease in real terms.

The “Guidelines for Science Policy Practice Interface ( ) for Achieving Water Security in Pakistan” –presented by UNESCO and Pakistan’s Council of Research in Water Resources during the event – provide guidance to bridging the gap between scientists, policymakers and practitioners for these challenges.

Under the global theme “Water and Gender”, the United Nations entities underlined that the global water crisis affects everyone – but not equally. Where people lack safe drinking water and sanitation close to home, inequalities flourish, with women and girls bearing the brunt.

The event brought together government officials, United Nations agencies, researchers, development partners, academia, civil society organizations, and water sector experts to discuss pathways towards climate-resilient and gender-responsive water governance.

A high-level round table chaired by Mr. Fuad Pashayev, Representative of UNESCO in Pakistan, focused on the key findings and recommendations emerging from the three publications. The session highlighted the growing urgency of addressing the interconnected challenges of water security, climate change, and social inclusion.

The round table featured contributions from Ms. Pernille Ironside, Representative of UNICEF Pakistan; Mr. Fahim Ahmed, Technical Specialist, UNDP Pakistan; and Ms. Ellen Thom, Deputy Representative, WHO Pakistan. Discussions explored global and national trends in water security, sanitation, public health, climate adaptation, and the importance of strengthening the science–policy–practice interface to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6.

Discussions were followed by a panel that brought together leading experts from research, policy, climate science, and regional cooperation institutions. They analyzed practical pathways for translating scientific evidence into policies and actions. Experts underscored the need for stronger science-informed policymaking, climate-resilient water management, improved water governance, enhanced cooperation among institutions, and greater participation of women in water-related decision-making processes to leave no one behind.
World Health Organization (WHO) UNICEF Pakistan UNDP Pakistan UNESCO Pakistan PCRWR IUCN
Government of Pakistan

COMMUNITY NEWS:Germany, UNDP, and Balochistan Government hand over climate-resilient houses to flood-affected families i...
16/06/2026

COMMUNITY NEWS:
Germany, UNDP, and Balochistan Government hand over climate-resilient houses to flood-affected families in Hanna-Urak

Quetta, Pakistan – The United Nations Development Programme ( ), with support from the Government of Germany through Development Bank and in partnership with the Government of Balochistan, handed over climate-resilient houses to families affected by the devastating 2022 floods in Hanna-Urak, Quetta District.

The handover marks an important milestone under the Flood Reconstruction and Coordination Programme ( ), through which UNDP is supporting the construction of 700 climate and disaster-resilient houses in . Designed to withstand future climate and disaster risks, the houses provide flood-affected families with safe shelter while helping reduce their vulnerability to future shocks.

The handover ceremony was attended by Mr. Mir Murad Baloch, Honorary Consul of Germany in Balochistan; Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan; Ms. Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan; and senior representatives from the Government of Balochistan, including Mr. Zeeshan Javed, Secretary Planning, Planning and Development Department (P&DD); Mr. Usman Khalid, Secretary Implementation, Planning and Development Department (P&DD); Mr. Naveed Ahmed Sheikh, Director Planning and Coordination, Provincial Disaster Management Authority ( ) Balochistan; Mr. Yousuf Hashimi, Assistant Commissioner Quetta; and community members to celebrate the progress achieved through the initiative and reaffirm their commitment to advancing resilient recovery efforts in Balochistan.

Highlighting Germany's continued partnership with Pakistan in advancing recovery and resilience efforts, Her Excellency Ms. Ina Lepel, Ambassador of Germany to Pakistan, said: “Today, we are inaugurating more than houses. We are celebrating a concrete step towards recovery and greater resilience. With the Flood Reconstruction and Coordination Programme, German Development Cooperation together with UNDP is supporting both immediate reconstruction and stronger institutions for the future”.

Highlighting the Government of Balochistan's commitment to resilient recovery, Mr. Zeshaan Javed, Planning Secretary, Government of Balochistan, welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of partnerships in addressing the province’s development and recovery challenges. He stated: “The scale of Balochistan’s challenges requires government, development partners, and communities to work together across all sectors. This initiative is a strong example of the impact that can be achieved through collaboration, supporting vulnerable communities while contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for the province.”
Built with resilience at their core, the newly constructed houses incorporate flood-resilient, seismic-resistant, and climate-adaptive features designed to withstand future hazards. For families who lost their houses during the 2022 floods, the handover represents not only access to safe, dignified shelter but also renewed hope for the future.
Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan, noted, "Recovery must go beyond replacing what was lost. It should also reduce future risks and create stronger foundations for communities to thrive. With financial support from the German Government, through KfW, and in partnership with the Balochistan government, UNDP is ensuring that these reconstruction efforts contribute to long-term resilience and sustainable development."

Beyond the handover, the initiative reflects a broader shift in post-flood recovery from short-term assistance to partnership-driven, risk-informed reconstruction that protects lives, preserves development gains, and strengthens the foundations for more resilient communities.
UNDP Pakistan KfW Bankengruppe German Embassy Islamabad

COMMUNITY NEWS:High-Level Consultation in Karachi, Advances Coordinated Action to Prevent and -Related of and ,...
16/06/2026

COMMUNITY NEWS:
High-Level Consultation in Karachi, Advances Coordinated Action to Prevent and -Related of and
, Pakistan : Ministry of Human Rights and UN Women organised a high-level consultative session to discuss the issue of femicide and killing of women in pretext of so-called honour in Karachi partnership with Sindh Human Rights Department and Sindh Commission on Status of women. The initiative has been taken in context of recent surge in cases of honour killings, and Government’s zero tolerance policy on violence Against Women.

The consultation brought together representatives from federal and provincial government departments, justice sector institutions, medico-legal services, human rights bodies, civil society organizations, development partners, UN agencies, and women’s rights advocates to discuss priority actions for preventing femicide and other gender-related killings of women and girls, strengthening accountability, and improving protection and access to justice.In his remarks, Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Sindh on Human Rights, reaffirmed the Government of Sindh’s commitment to ending violence against women and girls and advancing human rights across the province. He stated: “The Government of Sindh has consistently demonstrated its commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls through progressive legislation, institutional reforms, and partnerships with civil society and development partners. However, laws alone are not enough. We must strengthen implementation, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and foster a culture where violence against women and girls is not tolerated and never justified.”
Speaking at the event, Ms. Rubina Brohi, Chairperson, Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW), emphasized the importance of collective action and stated: “There is no justification for violence committed in the name of so-called honour. We must strengthen implementation of existing laws, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and work together to challenge the harmful norms that continue to put women and girls at risk. Every woman and girl has the right to live with dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law.”
Mr. Abdul Khaliq Sheikh, Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting coordinated national and provincial efforts to prevent gender-related killings of women and girls and strengthen accountability for such crimes. He stated: “Through this consultation and the commitments adopted today, we are reaffirming our resolve to strengthen prevention, improve accountability, and ensure that every woman and girl in Pakistan can live free from violence, fear, and discrimination."
Speaking at the consultation, Ms. Fahmida Iqbal Khan, Deputy Country Representative, UN Women Pakistan, said: “Every femicide is preventable. Ending these killings requires more than criminal justice responses—it requires changing the social norms that enable violence, strengthening institutions, and ensuring that evidence informs policy. Through our support to the National EVAWG Policy and Pakistan’s first National Study on Femicide, UN Women remains committed to working with government and civil society partners to prevent these crimes and advance the rights, safety, and dignity of women and girls across Pakistan.”
Presentations by Mr. Jameel Junejo, Secretary, Human Rights Department, Government of Sindh, and Dr. Sumaiyya Tariq, Chief Police Surgeon and Head of Medico-Legal Services, Sindh, highlighted trends in reported cases and institutional responses. Data presented during the consultation showed that 554 honour killing cases were processed and referred to relevant authorities between January 2024 and April 2026. Based on reported cases alone, these figures likely understate the true scale of the problem while highlighting persistent gaps in prevention, reporting, and accountability.
The consultation concluded with the adoption of the “No Honour in Killing” Joint Communiqué, committing stakeholders to strengthen accountability, improve protection and support services, enhance data and evidence systems, reject parallel justice mechanisms that sanction violence, and invest in prevention through community engagement and social norms change.
Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to ensuring that gender-related killings of women and girls are prevented, prosecuted, and never justified under the guise of so-called honour, and that every woman and girl in Pakistan can live free from violence and discrimination.
Ministry of Human Rights Unwomen Pakistan UN Women Pakistan Government of Pakistan National Commission on the Status of Women, Islamabad Ncsw Islamabad
Fahmida Khan

12/06/2026

Community News:
Invisibility inhibiting full enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism, says UN expert

The UN Independent Expert on the human rights of persons with , Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond

COMMUNITY NEWS: World Day Against Child Labour, the International Labour Organization (ILO) hosted a media briefing in I...
12/06/2026

COMMUNITY NEWS: World Day Against Child Labour, the International Labour Organization (ILO) hosted a media briefing in Islamabad to discuss the child labour situation in Pakistan and the collective efforts needed to address it.

An estimated 8.6 million children aged 5–17 are engaged in child labour in Pakistan, underscoring the need for accelerated efforts to tackle its root causes and ensure that every child has access to education, protection and opportunities to reach their full potential.
Recent evidence also indicates that around 25.1 million children aged 5–16 remain out of school, while 88 per cent of child labour is concentrated in rural areas. Child labour continues to affect children across a range of sectors, including agriculture, brick kilns, domestic work, waste-picking and other parts of the informal economy.
Speaking at the briefing, ILO Country Director for Pakistan Geir T. Tonstol emphasized that child labour is not only a child protection issue, but also a fundamental rights, decent work and development challenge.
“Child labour reflects poverty, informality, unequal opportunities, barriers to education and gaps in social protection. Addressing it requires more than enforcement alone. It requires quality education, decent work opportunities for adults, adequate incomes and stronger social protection for vulnerable families,” said Tonstol.

The ILO noted that child labour and school exclusion are closely linked. Children who are out of school face a greater risk of entering work, while children engaged in labour are less likely to complete their education. The Organization called for a comprehensive response involving government institutions, employers’ and workers’ organizations, civil society, development partners and the media.

The federal government has an important role in policy coherence, coordination and implementation of national and international commitments, while provincial governments play a critical role in legislation, labour inspection, child protection, education and enforcement. Employers’ and workers’ organizations also have an essential role in promoting responsible business practices, social dialogue and decent work.

The ILO highlighted that progress on child labour is closely linked to Pakistan’s broader development priorities and international commitments. Under the European Union’s GSP+ scheme, Pakistan’s preferential access to EU markets is linked to the effective implementation of 27 international conventions, including core labour and human rights standards.
“There is both a moral imperative and a strong economic case for ending child labour. Responsible businesses, buyers and consumers increasingly expect supply chains to be free from child labour and other unacceptable forms of work,” said Tonstol.
Through partnerships with government, employers’ and workers’ organizations, the continues to support efforts to strengthen policies, labour administration systems, awareness raising, social dialogue and interventions in sectors where child labour risks remain high.
Observed annually on 12 June, World Day Against Child Labour serves as a global call to action to eliminate child labour in all its forms and ensure that every child can learn, play and develop in a safe and supportive.
International Labour Organization International Labour Organization - Pakistan Search For Justice Ministry of Human Rights SPARC Sahil Ngo Rozan

11/06/2026

Community News:
Invisibility inhibiting full enjoyment of rights by persons with albinism, says UN expert

The UN Independent Expert on the human rights of persons with , Muluka-Anne Miti-Drummond, today expressed concern that persons with albinism remain largely overlooked in Pakistan’s efforts to deliver on its human rights and development commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals.
“Despite being highly visible because of their physical appearance, persons with albinism are too often invisible in policies, programmes and data that are intended to ensure that no one is left behind,” Miti-Drummond said in a statement at the end of a visit to the country.
While she recognised several positive initiatives by Pakistan, the expert said there is need for a more visible and integrated approach to the challenges and concerns expressed by persons with albinism, including a realignment of federal and provincial legislation and policies on disability rights, as well as in relation to education, health and employment.
Miti-Drummond noted that albinism remains generally misunderstood, resulting in misperceptions which lead to poor treatment, mischaracterisation and inadequate responses to the human rights and intersecting needs of persons with albinism.
”While much has been done to provide free education, health care and subsidised air and rail travel for persons with albinism, the lack of harmonisation between federal and provincial services has led to sporadic and inconsistent provision of support services,” she said. “Many who need support are unclear about existing policies.”
The expert expressed concern over the absence of disaggregated data on albinism across sectors. “Such invisibility in data gathering impedes efforts to determine the prevalence of albinism in , area distribution of persons with albinism and the specific challenges they face in their daily lives, including access to services, to be able to ensure their specific needs,” she said.
The impact of climate change on persons with albinism in Pakistan also emerged as an especially concerning issue given the severe rising temperatures of up to 55 degrees Celsius in parts of the country and the sensitivity of persons with albinism to skin damage from UV rays. “Persons with albinism are known to live in these impacted areas yet remain invisible in climate change adaptation, mitigation, and other policies,” Miti-Drummond said.
She commended the Pakistan Albinism Society for the great work in building a strong network despite inadequate resources and skill sets.
The expert urged the Government of Pakistan and donor partners to support the needs of persons with albinism, including enhanced data collection on albinism to strengthen evidence-based policy decisions that address specific needs and inequalities, and monitor progress on the implementation of human rights and development goals.
The Independent Expert will present a detailed report on her visit to the Human Rights Council in March 2027.
United Nations OCHA Pakistan World Health Organization (WHO) UN Human Rights - Asia

COMMUNITY NEWS: ILO and partners call for greener and more inclusive recycling systems on World Environment Day The init...
05/06/2026

COMMUNITY NEWS: ILO and partners call for greener and more inclusive recycling systems on World Environment Day

The initiative promoted collective action to address plastic pollution while highlighting the need for safer work, greater inclusion and improved livelihoods for workers engaged in waste collection and recycling.

Stakeholders at a World Day event in called for stronger recycling systems that protect the environment while promoting safer work, greater inclusion and improved livelihoods for waste workers. The event was organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO), in collaboration with the Islamabad Wildlife Management Board ( ) and the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination ( &EC), through a Sustainability Awareness Hike and Cleanup Campaign at Trail 5 in the Margalla Hills.

Organized under the ILO’s Waste to Worth: Promoting Sustainability and Decent Work in the PET Recycling Value Chain project, jointly implemented by the and United Nations Office for Project Services ( ) with support from The Coca-Cola Foundation, the initiative highlighted the importance of responsible waste management, recycling and the role of waste workers in advancing environmental sustainability. The event also brought together representatives from government, workers’ organisations, civil society, environmental groups and young people.

Plastic pollution remains a major global challenge affecting communities, ecosystems and livelihoods around the world. In Pakistan, an estimated 3.12 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, underscoring the need for stronger waste management systems and greater public awareness.

Waste workers play a critical role in supporting recycling systems, recovering materials that might otherwise end up in drains, rivers, open spaces and landfills. Yet many workers engaged in waste collection and recycling continue to operate informally and often lack adequate occupational safety and health protection, stable incomes, social protection and representation, despite their essential contribution to the circular economy.

Geir Tonstol, Country Director of ILO Pakistan, emphasized the importance of linking environmental sustainability with decent work. “ waste is not only an challenge. It is also a livelihoods issue. Behind every bottle collected and recycled are workers whose contribution helps keep valuable materials in circulation and supports a cleaner environment. A transition cannot be truly sustainable if it leaves workers behind. Strengthening recycling systems must go hand in hand with improving the safety, inclusion and recognition of the workers who make them possible.”

Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, highlighted the importance of recognizing waste workers as key contributors to environmental sustainability and Pakistan’s transition towards a circular economy. “Waste workers are essential environmental actors. If we want cleaner cities and a stronger circular economy, we must build systems that value their contribution, protect their dignity and ensure that recyclable materials are recovered ,” she said.

The event featured an awareness hike and cleanup activity along Trail 5, distribution of personal protective equipment and waste collection bags, a symbolic handover of a three-bin waste segregation system, and a tree plantation activity aimed at encouraging environmentally responsible practices.

The Waste to Worth: Promoting Sustainability and Decent Work in the PET Recycling Value Chain project supports environmentally sustainable and socially responsible plastic waste management in Islamabad. By strengthening PET recycling systems, promoting occupational safety and health, encouraging waste segregation and recycling practices, and advancing the inclusion of waste workers, the project seeks to contribute to a cleaner environment while creating safer and more decent work opportunities in the recycling sector.
International Labour Organization UNOPS Daily Soon Times
International Labour Organization - Pakistan







COMMUNITY NEWS: Pur Azm Pakistan Launched to Connect Millions of Young People to Skills, Employment and Opportunities Th...
05/06/2026

COMMUNITY NEWS: Pur Azm Pakistan Launched to Connect Millions of Young People to Skills, Employment and Opportunities

The Government of Pakistan, through the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme ( ), in partnership with UNICEF and Generation Unlimited ( ), launched Pur Azm Pakistan, a national platform designed to expand access to skills, employment, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunities for young people.
“Pakistan’s young people represent the country’s greatest strength and opportunity,” said Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Programme. “Through Pur Azm, we are building a coordinated national system that connects , skills, and employment. This reflects our commitment to ensuring that every young person can access meaningful pathways to opportunity and contribute to national growth and prosperity.”
Pakistan is home to one of the world’s largest youth populations, with nearly 67 per cent of its population under age 30. Yet an estimated 32 million young people are not in education, employment, or training. Pur Azm seeks to address this challenge by bringing together government, the private sector, development partners and young people to expand pathways to skills development, employment and entrepreneurship, particularly for girls and young people from underserved communities.
“Pakistan has a historic opportunity to turn its youth population into a powerful demographic dividend by enabling pathways from learning to earning at scale,” said Pernille Ironside, Representative in Pakistan. “Pur Azm Pakistan is a transformative step towards building the systems and partnerships needed to expand skills and economic opportunity for all young people, especially those facing the greatest barriers.”
The launch also marked the establishment of Friends of GenU Pakistan, a platform that brings together businesses committed to investing in the future of Pakistan's young people. Through partnerships that support skills development, entrepreneurship, innovation and work-based learning, the platform will help expand opportunities for young people to successfully transition from education to employment.
“ and Friends of GenU Pakistan demonstrate how government, business and young people can come together to build a scalable model for skills, entrepreneurship and employment, positioning the country as a global leader in unlocking youth potential for inclusive economic growth,” said Kevin Frey, Chief Executive Officer of Generation Unlimited.
The launch featured a Learn-to-Earn , showcasing youth-led , and solutions from across Pakistan, highlighting the talent, creativity and potential of young people.
A high-level dialogue on “Bridging Ambition and Opportunity” brought together policymakers, private sector leaders and young people to explore pathways to , green economy , reform, and entrepreneurship.
Pur Azm and Friends of GenU Pakistan will expand pathways to skills, employment, and for young people across the country. Together, they aim to help millions of young people successfully transition from learning to earning and contribute to Pakistan’s future growth and prosperity.
Daily Soon Times UNICEF Pakistan PurAzm Pakistan

05/06/2026

COMMUNITY NEWS: Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora meets Federal Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazir Tarar

* Discussions on issues related to rights, and promotion of rights

* Agreement to make cooperation between the federal government and the government more effective

* Senator Azam Nazir Tarar reiterates the government’s commitment to equal rights and opportunities for all citizens

* Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora welcomes the passage of the Restraint Act

* Efforts to strengthen the National Commission for Minority Affairs ( ) were appreciated

* Agreement to continue joint efforts to protect the rights of minorities and promote interfaith harmony

* Reaffirmation of the commitment to establish an inclusive, tolerant and rights-based society

Daily Soon Times Ministry of Human Rights Govt of Punjab

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