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By Zahid Hussain Karani In Turkmenistan’s theatre of power, few spectacles match the choreography of its energy politics. And in Herat, under the watchful desert sun, the script unfolded once more. Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov — exalted as Hero-Arkadag, the “protector” and still the defining figure of Turkmen political life — presided over the latest chapter of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline project. What could have been a routine technical milestone was transformed into a national ritual. The ceremony at Rabat Sanghi in western Afghanistan resembled less an infrastructure launch and more a state-sanctioned affirmation of Arkadag’s enduring place at the centre…

By Atiq Raja Every life moves to a rhythm, whether we hear it or not — a quiet pulse of repetition shaping who we are. In the unseen corners of our days, in the small things we do without thought, our future takes form. A life either evolves or loops endlessly around familiar mistakes. The difference is rarely luck; it lies in what we choose to repeat — in the discipline to shape our own rhythm rather than be swept along by habit. The danger is that our habits rarely come wearing warning signs. They arrive dressed as comfort —…

By S.M. Inam The continued suspension of bilateral trade with Afghanistan at key border crossings, as confirmed by the Foreign Office, presents a difficult but necessary calculus. While the economic disruption is undeniable, the prioritization of civilian life in the face of imminent security threats is a sovereign responsibility that cannot be abdicated. This decision, born from the stark realities of the previous week’s security situation, underscores a persistent volatility that continues to hamper the region’s potential. This context of caution inevitably extends to broader diplomatic considerations. The official stance that India’s reopening of its diplomatic mission in Afghanistan is…

In a quiet hutong alley in Jinhua, where the scent of simmered stewed meat spills from a doorway, a stencilled notice warns of imminent “urban renewal.” A few miles away, at the foot of the glittering, neo-futurist skyscrapers of Hangzhu and West Lake, young people queue for reimagining the old dynasty landscape. This is the new front line in China’s great urban transformation: the battle to build a city brand. For China’s metropolises, competitiveness is no longer just about GDP growth, foreign investment, or infrastructure. It is a more subtle, profound contest over narrative. It is about weaving six distinct…

By Mehrab Shah Afridi TORKHAM: The Torkham border between Pakistan and Afghanistan has remained shut for fifteen consecutive days, paralysing cross-border trade and passenger movement and inflicting severe economic losses on both sides. Traders, transporters, and local residents have warned of mounting hardship as thousands of cargo trucks lie stranded in scorching conditions, with perishable goods worth millions now spoiling. Former president of the Border Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Zahid Shinwari, said the prolonged closure is causing “devastating economic damage,” noting that Pakistan and Afghanistan share nearly $1 billion in annual trade, while the daily losses to Pakistan’s economy…

By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: Two police officers have been arrested following the custodial death of 22-year-old Irfan, who died while in the custody of Karachi’s Special Investigation Unit (SIU) on 22 October. A post-mortem examination confirmed multiple signs of physical abuse, sparking public outrage and renewed calls for police accountability. Authorities have registered a case against seven SIU personnel, including ASI Abid Shah and Constable Asif Ali, both now under arrest. DIG South, Syed Asad Raza, said the case could be converted to intentional murder if further evidence of brutality is uncovered, and additional officers may be charged as…

In a political landscape often characterized by unwavering support, the recent pronouncement from former President Donald Trump lands with the force of a seismic shift. His stark warning to Israel—that formal annexation of the West Bank would mean an end to American support—is more than just a headline; it is a potential recalibration of one of the world’s most entrenched diplomatic relationships. Trump, addressing the press with his characteristic bluntness, did not mince words. He advised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that while Israel might fight its individual battles, it cannot take on the entire world, a remarkable statement from a…

By S.M. Inam In the relentless Pakistani heat, where the hum of a fan or the chill of an air conditioner is not a luxury but a salve, the cost of energy is more than an economic indicator; it is a measure of respite. It is against this backdrop of simmering public anxiety that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has stepped forward with a proposed remedy for the nation’s beleaguered economy. The ‘Roshān Ma’ashrat’ or ‘Bright Economy’ package, with its promise of subsidized electricity for industry and agriculture, is being presented as nothing short of a lifeline. By locking in power…

By Atiq Raja Every transformation begins with a moment of realization—a quiet spark that alters the way we see the world. The journey from begging to building, from waiting for help to creating opportunity, is not about money or luck. It is about mindset. It begins the instant one grasps a simple truth: there is no free cup of tea in this world. Every smile, every favor, every gesture comes with a cost, whether visible or invisible, material or emotional. We live in a time that romanticizes sudden miracles—viral success stories, acts of charity, or unexpected windfalls that appear to…