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Somaiyah Hafeez

Somaiyah Hafeez

Somaiyah Hafeez is a feature story writer from Balochistan, Pakistan. She writes on mental health, science, women’s rights, politics, and culture.

Her work has been published in The Diplomat, The Guardian, Dawn newspaper, and The News on Sunday.

She can be reached via email or on Twitter @sommulbaloch

Posts by Somaiyah Hafeez
February 07, 2024

Do Pakistan’s Elections Matter for Balochistan?

By Somaiyah Hafeez
Amid violence, public protests, and electoral manipulation, enthusiasm for the polls among the Baloch is at an all-time low.

December 12, 2023

In Balochistan, Families Demand Answers for Forced Disappearances

By Somaiyah Hafeez
In a growing protest movement, family members are drawing attention to the long-standing issue of abductions in Balochistan.
October 24, 2023

Amid Pakistan’s Crackdown, Afghan Refugees Lose Hope

By Somaiyah Hafeez
“We came with such difficulty... We would not leave on our own. If we could survive in Afghanistan then why would we flee?”

August 03, 2023

The Journeys of Ustad Noor Bakhsh: A Baloch Musician Beyond Compare

By Somaiyah Hafeez
This summer Bakhsh performed in 10 countries in Europe to great acclaim, a journey that began with a viral video following a life of music and hardship.

June 13, 2023

Can Pakistan’s Law on Transgender Rights Survive?

By Somaiyah Hafeez
The 2018 Transgender Persons Act – one of the most progressive in the world – has been gutted by the country’s top Shariah court.

March 22, 2023

Pakistan’s Aurat March 2023: Another Year, Similar Challenges

By Somaiyah Hafeez
The march for women’s rights continues to face harassment from the authorities and the public, alongside internal political divisions.
February 20, 2023

‘No Safe Space in Pakistan for Women’: Rape Case Roils Islamabad

By Somaiyah Hafeez
Another year, another horrifying rape case – and still no action to protect Pakistani women.

January 12, 2023

Gwadar’s Trials and Tribulations

By Somaiyah Hafeez
The “crown jewel” of CPEC saw protests turn violent, followed by a security crackdown and internet shutdown.

August 03, 2022

Pakistan’s Deadly Floods Are an Annual Occurrence

By Somaiyah Hafeez
Why does Karachi flood almost every year during the monsoon season?

June 29, 2022

As Baloch Women Raise Their Voices, the State Cracks Down

By Somaiyah Hafeez
The rise in Baloch women’s activism – and terrorism – has accompanied a new willingness by authorities to target women with state-sanctioned violence.

April 22, 2022

How Imran Khan Betrayed Pakistan’s Missing Persons

By Somaiyah Hafeez
The former prime minister had been outspoken about addressing the issue of enforced disappearances. But even before his ouster, Baloch had long since given up hope that he would take action.
April 01, 2022

Meet the Khwaja Sira: Pakistan’s Transgender Community

By Somaiyah Hafeez
Pakistan’s transgender community has notched several historic successes in recent years, but discrimination remains rampant.

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