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By Sudhir Ahmad Afridi In Pakistan, the phrase “local bodies” is often used casually in political discourse, yet it is a misnomer, a term that carries no constitutional weight and betrays a deeper truth about the state of democracy in the country. The Constitution does not recognize “local bodies”; it speaks instead of “local government,” a tier of administration designed to translate political slogans into tangible services and to allow democracy to breathe closest to the people. Yet, despite its centrality, this foundational pillar of governance remains weak, unstable, and deliberately hollowed out. Article 32 of the Constitution obliges the…

By Atiq Raja Milan, or Milano as it is known to Italians, sits at the heart of northern Italy as a city where history and modernity collide with effortless elegance. Often recognized worldwide as a global hub for fashion, finance, and design, Milan is far more than the sum of its luxury boutiques and high-rise offices. It is a living museum, a city where centuries of art, architecture, and intellectual endeavor coalesce into an urban experience that continues to shape not only Italy but Europe as a whole. Here, the past and present exist not in tension but in dialogue,…

The recent events unfolding in Venezuela have sent a shockwave through global politics, marking one of the most dramatic escalations in Washington’s pattern of interventions beyond its borders. The forcible removal of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from their residence in Caracas is far more than a sensational story for the evening news; it is a stark assertion of power that challenges the very principles of sovereignty and international law. For decades, the United States has projected military and political influence across the globe, often invoking lofty ideals such as the promotion of democracy or the fight against terrorism.…

By S.M. Inam In recent weeks, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in the Gulf have highlighted the enduring depth and strategic significance of its ties with two of the region’s most influential states: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Beyond ceremonial exchanges and formal diplomacy, these engagements reflect a careful cultivation of relationships anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, and a recognition of the complex geopolitical realities that define the Middle East today. They underscore the reality that for Pakistan, the Gulf is not merely a distant theatre of economic opportunity or political symbolism but a region of profound strategic consequence.…

By Atiq Raja Nestled at the foot of the Alps in northern Italy, Turin—Torino to its residents—stands as a city of understated grandeur. Unlike the overt theatricality of Rome, the Renaissance spectacle of Florence, or the watery romance of Venice, Turin invites visitors into a quieter, more contemplative experience. Its streets, lined with elegant arcades and dignified squares, exude a sense of calm authority, where the weight of history is present yet never oppressive. Here, Italy’s past and present coexist seamlessly: royal palaces and industrial landmarks, centuries-old cafés and modern galleries, all breathe life into a city that rewards those…

By Dr Anwar Iqbal Siddiqui As the first days of 2026 unfold, we are reminded, with sober inevitability, that time marches forward relentlessly. Life and time are inseparable companions, moving together in a rhythm older than memory itself. This rhythm is neither negotiable nor selective; it is the immutable law of nature. From the birth of the cosmos billions of years ago to the life of every individual today, the arc of existence is clear: every living soul is bound to taste death. This is not a grim prophecy but a fact as universal as the rising sun. All creation…

By Uzma Ehtasham In a world increasingly defined by geopolitical volatility, a recent telephone conversation between Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia offers a glimpse into the enduring networks of diplomacy that continue to shape regional stability. The discussion, conducted against a backdrop of mounting tension across the Middle East, was wide-ranging, covering security concerns, regional developments, and the evolving dynamics in areas of conflict that hold global significance. For Pakistan, a nation historically aligned with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the call reaffirmed more than just bilateral friendship; it…

The recent verdict of Islamabad’s Anti-Terrorism Court has stirred both attention and debate across Pakistan’s political and media landscape. The case, rooted in incidents of 9 May, concerned allegations of digital terrorism targeting state institutions—a charge that, in the age of social media and online influence, carries a weighty significance. After a trial that spanned months, with the prosecution presenting 24 witnesses in support of its claims, the court, presided over by Judge Tahir Abbas Supra, issued a verdict that underscores the seriousness with which the state regards threats to its digital and institutional integrity. In this trial, the prosecution…