Author: admin
By Syed Shamim Akhtar During his recent visit to Bahrain, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif sought to project an image of Pakistan as a country ready to embrace international economic engagement. Speaking to Bahrain’s business community, he highlighted the kingdom’s expertise and experience in global commerce and investment, framing the visit as an opportunity to translate long-standing cultural and religious ties into tangible economic partnerships. Agriculture, information technology, and other sectors, he suggested, offer fertile ground for collaboration, while Bahraini investors were invited to explore opportunities in Pakistan. The prime minister’s approach reflects a broader diplomatic push: a concerted effort…
By Mehrab Shah Afridi Pakistan stands at the precipice of a demographic crisis that threatens to strain every aspect of its social and economic fabric within little more than a decade. Recent projections, produced with the support of the United Nations Population Fund, UK Aid, and the Population Council, offer an unflinching view of a nation growing faster than its institutions can adapt. The statistics are stark, yet they risk being dismissed as abstract numbers; what they reveal is not just a challenge for policy makers but a reality that will shape the everyday lives of millions of Pakistanis. By…
By Atiq Raja Migration has always been one of humanity’s most enduring strategies for survival, growth, and hope. It is rarely a decision taken lightly, but for many Pakistanis today—particularly the country’s young, educated, and ambitious—the choice to leave is less a dream than a necessity. Love for one’s homeland remains deeply rooted, yet practical realities are forcing a reckoning. Political uncertainty, economic stagnation, social instability, and restricted opportunities have created conditions in which staying put can feel more like a risk than a choice. For countless individuals, leaving Pakistan has become a rational, even strategic, response to circumstances that…
Pakistan finds itself once again at a critical juncture, confronted with a security environment that is increasingly volatile, unpredictable, and tragically lethal. Recent developments underscore the alarming reality that cross‑border terrorism, facilitated from Afghan soil, continues to threaten not only Pakistan’s stability but also regional security and even global peace. This year alone, a series of counter‑terrorism operations has revealed the scale of the challenge: 1,873 militants, including 136 Afghans, were neutralized, reflecting the relentless determination of Pakistani forces to confront groups infiltrating from across the western frontier. Yet these numbers, as stark as they are, tell only part of…
By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: Members of the Afghan community living in the United States appealed to President Donald Trump not to suspend their immigration applications in the wake of the shooting that left National Guard personnel dead near the White House. The call came after an Afghan national was accused of opening fire on National Guard officers in Washington, prompting the Trump administration to immediately freeze all Afghan immigration requests. The decision sent shockwaves through Afghan families already waiting anxiously for their cases to be processed. Community leaders said the incident was the criminal act of an individual and should…
By Amjad Qaimkhani WASHINGTON: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has assigned India a “C” grade — the second-lowest rating — in its latest annual assessment, raising concerns over the reliability and timeliness of the country’s economic data. According to the report, India’s most recent publicly available figures, dating back to December 2011, were considered both outdated and inconsistent, signaling serious gaps that could hinder accurate monitoring of the economy. The IMF highlighted recurring issues with India’s methodology for calculating GDP, particularly the approach based on income, which experts have repeatedly criticized for its weaknesses. The report comes amid claims by…
By Moin Ullah Shah KARACHI: Police in Malir Cantonment arrested two men on Friday for their alleged involvement in the illegal sale of alcohol from a hotel, following what officials described as a credible tip-off. The operation, carried out by a local police team, led to the recovery of more than 88 bottles of liquor, which officers said were being sold discreetly under the cover of the hotel’s regular business. The suspects, identified as Shehbaz Ali and Tausif, were taken into custody at the scene. According to police sources, the two men had been operating the illicit trade for some…
By Riaz Narejo DADU: Members of the Hindu community in Dadu staged a protest on Saturday against controversial remarks made by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, describing his comments as provocative and irresponsible. The rally began at Allama I.I. Qazi Library Park, where participants carried placards and banners as they marched through various routes, eventually reaching the Dadu Press Club. Protesters condemned Singh’s remarks as an attack on Sindh’s integrity, emphasizing that the province is an integral part of Pakistan and will remain so. They insisted that no external force could challenge Sindh’s unity. Participants reiterated that the Hindu community…
By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi DERA ISMAIL KHAN: The anti-encroachment drive continued across Tehsil Dera Ismail Khan on the orders of Commissioner Zafar ul Islam, with authorities targeting both temporary and permanent obstructions along key commercial areas. Under the supervision of Assistant Commissioner Syed Muhammad Arsalan, officials cleared roadside encroachments from Fawara Chowk to Bannu Adda and in Sadar Bazaar. The operation aimed to remove obstacles that had long hindered public movement and caused significant traffic disruptions. The campaign involved a coordinated effort by multiple departments, including the Assistant Commissioner Revenue, DSP Traffic, Tehsildar Dera, TMA and WSSC staff, revenue officials,…