Interviews & features 

Canadian doctoral researcher Hamza Ahmad Khan, who arrived in Pakistan earlier this month for academic work, was reported missing on February 19 after leaving his residence in the city’s Defence Housing Authority area late at night. Police registered a kidnapping case against unidentified persons after his friend filed a First Information Report (FIR, police complaint) alleging he had not returned home. The case drew attention from human rights groups and activists, who urged

Zahra Ahmed is a trainee clinical psychologist in Scotland. In this conversation, she speaks about representation, growing up Pakistani in the UK, and what it means to enter a field where people like her are still rare. Q: Can you tell us about your background and how you ended up in psychology? Zahra Ahmed: I actually wanted to be a teacher at first. But as I learned more about mental health, I realised how much stigma there is in our culture; we don’t talk about depression,

New UK immigration rules that will be raising English language requirements are beginning to hit Pakistani workers and families, particularly those who have recently moved or are in the middle of bringing relatives to the country. From the 8th of January 2026, applicants for major work visas, including the Skilled Worker route, must now prove B2-level English, up from the previous B1 standard. While the government says the change will improve integration and workplace communi

For Pakistani families, visas aren’t just paperwork. Behind every rejected application or delayed renewal is a family forced to adapt. Parents living apart from their children. Spouses starting marriages on FaceTime. Grandparents are growing old without seeing their grandchildren in person. This is what immigration policy looks like on the ground. For many Pakistani couples, marriage doesn’t automatically mean living together. Spouse visas can take months or years, with incom

Growing up Pakistani means learning very early that what you wear is everyone’s business. At home, it’s: “Dupatta lo.” “Change that, guests are coming.” “You’re Pakistani, not goray log.” Outside, it’s: “Why are you so covered?” “Are your parents strict?” “You’d look better if you dressed more normally.” So basically, you can’t win... Pakistani Girls Are Raised to Self-Police... Pakistani girls are taught to think three steps ahead before leaving the house. Is the top too tig