Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) held an event to honor Joseph Francis, a recently deceased human rights activist. Francis was a founding director of the Center for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS) in Pakistan.
Joseph Francis dedicated over 40 years to defending marginalized communities in Pakistan. His work focused on combating forced conversions, challenging blasphemy accusations, and addressing discrimination. Naveed Walter, president of HRFP, noted Francis’s efforts to address minority issues both within Pakistan and on an international stage.
Those who worked alongside Francis described him as fearless, citing his willingness to contest elections and advocate for legal reforms. Emmanuel Asad, a social activist, emphasized Francis’s ability to bring international attention to human rights concerns in Pakistan. HRFP and its associates have expressed condolences to Francis’s family and acknowledged the significant impact of his career.
(With inputs from agencies.)
From 8 to 12 September 2025, in Sremska Kamenica (Serbia), the OSCE Transnational Threats Department/Strategic…
Addis Ababa, August 14, 2026 (ENA) — An Ethiopian delegation is participating in the Ministerial…
On April 22, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the case Hencely v. Fluor Corp.…
The National Assembly Finance and National Planning Committee has been directed to investigate the operations…
President William Ruto with his deputy Kithure Kindiki and first lady Rachel Ruto during the…
Health CS Aden Duale A press briefing dubbed ‘ask your government anything on healthcare’…