The advocacy group for artists who are at risk said it is appalled by the treatment of poet Hanan Awwad who was detained by Israeli soldiers in occupied East Jerusalem, Al Jazeera reports.

The worldwide association of writers, PEN International, said that Awwad – who is the president of PEN Palestine – was detained by soldiers at the Hizma checkpoint in East Jerusalem last Thursday who searched and physically assaulted her at gunpoint and shouted “terrorist”.

“Soldiers kicked and struck Awwad repeatedly and detained her for four hours, during which they interrogated her about the content of her writings,” PEN said in a statement.

Opinion

A changed world

A changed world

The phrase ‘security provider’ sounds impressive but there is little clarity on what it means for the country.

Editorial

Bannu attack
Updated 12 May, 2026

Bannu attack

The security narrative and strategy of the KP government diverges considerably from the state’s position.
Cotton crisis
12 May, 2026

Cotton crisis

PAKISTAN’S cotton economy is once again facing a crisis that exposes the country’s flawed agricultural and...
Buddhist heritage
12 May, 2026

Buddhist heritage

THE revival of Buddhist chants at the ancient Dharmarajika Stupa in Taxila after nearly 1,500 years is much more ...
New regional order
Updated 11 May, 2026

New regional order

The fact is that the US has only one true security commitment in the Middle East — Israel.
A better start
11 May, 2026

A better start

THE first 1,000 days of a child’s life often shape decades to come. In Pakistan, where chronic malnutrition has...
Widening gap
11 May, 2026

Widening gap

PAKISTAN’S monthly trade deficit ballooned to $4.07bn last month, its highest level since June 2022, further...