SADF NEWSLETTER South Asia Weekly – On the Afghan-Pakistani Border
The Most Consequential Developments Are the Least Reported
In South Asia, the developments most likely to shape the region’s future are often the ones receiving the least international attention. While global media focuses on crises elsewhere, a volatile situation is unfolding between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with implications for regional security,...
SADF PODCAST Wars Beyond Borders: How Two Conflicts Are Reshaping South Asia
On 15 March, 2026, SADF held a podcast called "Wars Beyond Borders: The Impact of Pakistan-Afghanistan and Iran-US Conflicts on South Asia" with Dr. Indira Boutier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWMUPvBVkY8&t=5s
There follows a summary of the discussion:
Wars Beyond Borders: How Two Conflicts Are Reshaping South Asia
South Asia today finds itself caught between two escalating...
Press Release “The International Crimes Tribunals of Bangladesh: The New Government Must Stop the...
The South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF) expresses grave concern over the use of the International Crimes Tribunals of Bangladesh (ICTBD) to target the political leaders of Bangladesh Awami League (ALBD), Jatiyo Somajtantrik Dol (JaSod), Bangladesh Workers Party, journalists and the secular activists and human rights defenders, e.g., Shahriar...
Persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims
In this Substack article, Paulo Casaca examines the ongoing persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims, highlighting the systemic discrimination, violence, and institutional marginalization faced by the community. The piece calls for stronger international awareness and accountability in defending religious freedom and minority rights.
#ReligiousFreedom #Ahmadiyya #HumanRights #FreedomOfReligion #SouthAsia
https://paulocasaca.substack.com/p/persecution-of-ahmadiyya-muslims?r=1ld3q1
Bridging Borders: The SAARC Solution for Migration Governance – C277
As a development and humanitarian worker, I have observed countless migrant workers working in the middle east whose stories remain unheard. Their luck and overseas life decisions are often determined by their Kafeel (single sponsor who decides the residency and employment status of migrant workers in Middle East countries)....
Book Review: Spy Tiger – The 05 File – A child soldier turned double...
“The 05 File,” a self-biography of the life of Kagusthan Ariaratnam, co-written with award-winning journalist Michael Bramadat-Willcock, is an intimate look into the inner workings of the LTTE intelligence wing and the Directorate of Military Intelligence in Sri Lanka. It recounts the harrowing details of the recruitment of Mr....
SADF NEWSLETTER: SADF WEEKLY | Pakistan’s Three War Fronts
Afghanistan
The fall of Kabul at the hands of the Taliban was euphorically celebrated by Pakistan. The Prime Minister of the time announced stridently that Afghans had “broken the shackles of slavery,” while the normally circumspect chief of the Pakistani military secret services went public in Kabul celebrating...
Urgent Appeal Regarding the Arrest of Journalist Anis Alamgir and Escalating Threats to Press...
17.12.2025
Ms. Irene Khan
UN Special Rapporteur on the Promotion and Protection of the Right to Freedom of Opinion and Expression
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
United Nations.
Subject: Urgent Appeal Regarding the Arrest of Journalist Anis Alamgir and Escalating Threats to Press Freedom in Bangladesh
Dear Ms. Khan,
On behalf of the...
Letter to António Costa Regarding the UN Working Group on Shahriar Kabir
Ex.mo Senhor
Presidente do Conselho Europeu
António Costa
Rue de la Loi 175
1048 Bruxelles Belgique
Subject: Immediate EU Action Needed: UN Declares Shahriar Kabir’s Detention Arbitrary
Dear Mr. President,
I am writing on behalf of the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF) to urgently draw your attention to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention’s...
Press Release on Shahriar Kabir
UN Declares Shahriar Kabir’s Detention Arbitrary, Urges Immediate Release and Reparations
Stockholm, 21 November 2025 – The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD), in its Opinion No. 40/2025 taken at its 103rd Session (23-25 August), has ruled that the detention of Shahriar Kabir (who is arrested since 17...