Mirroring Fragments of Rights: A Collection of Insights on Human Rights in Pakistan
This book is a powerful anthology of essays and reflections that examine the socio-legal and constitutional fabric of Pakistan through the lens of fundamental rights, gender justice, systemic reforms, and evolving jurisprudence. With each chapter, the author mirrors critical societal fractures and presents legal and policy discourses that demand urgent public attention and institutional reform.The book journeys through diverse and timely topics including the criminalization of ecocide, decriminalization of abortion, protection against torture, gender-based violence, population justice, access to education and the legal status of transgender persons in Pakistan. It also highlights under-explored issues such as consumer rights, discrimination and sexism in legal institutions, and the importance of building a preventive legal system rather than a purely punitive one.
About the Author:
Waiza Rafique is an internationally acclaimed and certified human rights specialist, legal reformist, and globally published author. With over a decade of diverse legal experience, she has emerged as a strong female voice in criminal justice, gender equity, and human rights law.
A British Chevening Scholar and recipient of prestigious honours including the Global Peace Award (United Nations 2025), Best Diplomat Award (Turkey 2025), Waiza has led transformative work across legislative, judicial, and policy spheres. Her expertise is certified and recognized internationally particularly in the UK, China, Thailand, Turkey, Nigeria, and Kenya.
She is the author of two books including Rape, Law and Third Gender in Pakistan (2021)—a pioneering legal text that has been translated into 12 European languages, and Mirroring Fragments of Rights (2025). She has published multiple research papers, legal commentaries, and op-eds featured across national and international media platforms.
About the Moderator:
Ali Mazhar is an accomplished Media, Communication, and Social & Behavioural Change (SBCC) Strategist with over two decades of diverse experience across development communication, public relations, media production, and academia. With an MPhil in Communication Studies, he has led strategic communication initiatives for international development partners, donor-funded programs, and public sector organizations. Ali is also an experienced educator, having taught Public Relations, Advertising, Script Writing, Development Support Communication, and Documentary Production at leading institutions including the University of the Punjab, National College of Arts, BNU, UCP and UMT. His work is rooted in a commitment to using media as a powerful tool for social and behavioural change.
Parallel to his professional pursuits, Ali Mazhar is a well-known literary figure and the co-founder of Ain Adab, a Lahore-based literary platform that celebrates the richness of Urdu literature. He is admired for his soulful poetry recitals, dramatic readings, and compelling storytelling that resonate deeply with audiences. His voice, marked by depth, clarity, and emotion, has made him a captivating presence at literary festivals, book launches, and cultural forums.
It is in the confluence of these two worlds—his strategic professional acumen and his deep literary sensibility—that Ali Mazhar truly stands out. Whether shaping narratives for development impact or breathing life into poetic expression, he brings authenticity, eloquence, and purpose to every stage he steps on. As a moderator, he offers a rare blend of insight and artistry, making conversations not just meaningful, but memorable.
This session is free and open to all. Just visit the venue to attend it.
The Black Hole
Plot 5H, Street 100, G-11/3, Islamabad.
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