#Iran: We condemn the persecution of poet Farnaz Jafarzadegan. Arrested in January, she appears to be targeted for both her writing and her involvement in campaigns against violence against women. We call for all charges against her to be dropped: iranwire.com/en/news/153597-…

Exhibition opening tomorrow at Chilli Gallery in London, featuring new sculpture installations by Saud Baloch.

The BASAS Academic Freedom Observatory's new page is dedicated to press coverage of academic freedom in South Asia by the local media. Today, we present the situation in India. basas.org.uk/academic-freedo… @jaffrelotc @contemporarySA

I am deeply troubled by the recent attacks targeting members of the Baloch intelligentsia. On Saturday in Nushki, prominent Baloch scholar, poet and intellectual Ghamkawar Hayat was killed in a target killing. The earlier abduction of the Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Gwadar, both respected scholars and intellectuals, has further deepened concerns about the safety of academics and independent thinkers in Baloch society. The continued targeting of scholars, educators, and intellectual voices is alarming and will have serious consequences for the social and intellectual future of our society. At this critical moment, Baloch across all political and ideological differences should come together to protect education, dialogue, and the individuals who contribute to the growth and awareness of our society. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the family of Ghamkawar Hayat. I also appeal for the safe and respectful release of the Vice Chancellor and Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Gwadar, with dignity and without harm.

HRCP is deeply alarmed by the sharp deterioration in security across Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where citizens are increasingly caught between enforced disappearances, targeted killings, and militant attacks. In Balochistan, the alleged abduction of the vice-chancellor, pro-vice chancellor, and two other Gwadar University employees in Mastung, while travelling from Gwadar to Quetta, raises serious questions about the state’s ability to secure major highways and protect civilians. HRCP is equally disturbed by the killing of Professor Ghamkhwar Hayat in Noshki earlier today and reminds the government that when teachers and academics are abducted or shot dead, the consequences extend far beyond individual tragedies. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, deadly attacks in Bannu, Bajaur, and Lakki Marwat, including the bombing of a crowded market in Sarai Naurang, point to a worsening pattern of militant violence that continues to take lives indiscriminately, including those of civilians, police officers and security personnel. We urge the state to move beyond statements of condemnation and demonstrate that human life and public spaces can still be protected. The recovery of the missing university officials, credible investigations into all such attacks, and accountability for perpetrators are immediate and necessary first steps.

Balochistan is in complete chaos, and nobody is safe. Very disturbing to hear the news that prominent Baloch professor, poet, and scholar Ghamkhawar Hayat was shot dead in Nushki today. Hayat was killed just days after two professors were kidnapped from Mastung.

So sad! Balochistan’s security keeps getting worse every day. We only hear the news when a high-profile person is kidnapped or killed, but the fact is that ordinary people are forcefully disappeared and killed in targeted attacks every day. dawn.com/news/2000200/gwadar…

Dozens of professors face the axe at Teesside University with cuts possible as soon as next month. Management claims strong finances yet staff are being pushed out at speed. You don't strip decades of experience overnight without consequences. Read the full story ⬇️ ucu.org.uk/article/14498/Doz…

“Something entirely dependent on one person becomes a problem” thenews.pk/tns/detail/141203… I was part of this endeavour to archive women-run publications. Kudos to @TheNewsonSunday and #wajihaHyder for interviewing @MadelineClem8 of @teesideuni on this subject

Sorry to be missing this next week.. Congratulations to Durrie and all the artists.

Shazia Sadaf and Aroosa Kanwal's book-length study of “emergent Pakistani speculative fiction in English” probes how this writing “speaks to the world” and why it is valuable to listen - see my review at: cambridge.org/core/journals/… Thanks to @Mubbashir_R and @aminayaqin at CPS.

Saud’s work is being shown at the My Body is Dust exhibition, Asylum Chapel, London, 7-10 Feb. I wish I could be there. Hope others will make it.

The digital version of our Editing Women in the Archives Handbook is now available to download from the PAWPE website! Thanks to everyone involved! #Editingwomenarchive pawpe.wordpress.com/

It's been announced that we are the Modern University of the Year! 🏆 (Daily Mail University Guide 2026). There’s still time to start your journey with us this September – your future begins here! ✨ #teessideuni #teessideuniversity #modernuniversityoftheyear

Sharing a link to our video for prospective students - come and study with us at Teesside! liveteesac-my.sharepoint.com…

Upcoming Events – World Making Words - some more information on our Feminism, Publishing, Futures event @ Stirling University, Wed 11 June. Still time to register! worldmakingwords.blog/upcomi…