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The possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran has once again focused global attention on one of the world’s most volatile regions. For decades, relations between Washington and Tehran have oscillated between confrontation, suspicion and intermittent dialogue. Every hint of progress has generated hope, while every setback has reinforced fears of renewed instability. Today, as reports emerge of intense diplomatic engagement and speculation grows about a possible agreement, the Middle East finds itself at another pivotal moment. Whether this moment ultimately becomes a turning point for peace or merely another missed opportunity will depend not on…

By Dr Zawwar Hussain The recent crude oil spill in Gwadar’s West Bay has unsettled not only environmental scientists but also policymakers who have long framed the Makran coast as central to Pakistan’s blue economy ambitions. What has unfolded along this once-pristine stretch of the Arabian Sea is more than an isolated ecological incident; it is a reminder of how fragile coastal systems can be when exposed to the intersecting pressures of maritime traffic, regional volatility and inadequate environmental safeguards. Initial assessments suggest that a significant portion of the shoreline, stretching across nearly 20 kilometres, has been coated in dense…

By Asghar Ali Mubarak The presentation of a national budget is often more than an accounting exercise. It is a statement of priorities, a reflection of political choices and, perhaps most importantly, a measure of how governments understand the daily realities faced by their citizens. Pakistan’s federal budget for 2026-27 arrives at a moment when the country is seeking to move beyond economic firefighting and towards a more durable path of growth. After years marked by inflation, fiscal pressures, currency instability and difficult negotiations with international lenders, the government is presenting this budget as the beginning of a new chapter.…

By Shakeel Hussain The idea of a free learning space has long occupied a central place in educational theory, particularly in the writings of John Dewey and Paulo Freire, both of whom rejected passive models of education in favour of critical thinking, dialogue and lived experience. In their view, education was never meant to be a process of rote absorption, but a dynamic exchange in which students are encouraged to question, interpret and reshape knowledge in relation to the world around them. On paper, modern educational institutions appear to embrace this philosophy. Universities and colleges frequently present themselves as spaces…

By Israr Ahmad Orakzai KOHAT: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Shafi Jan said that comprehensive measures were being taken to maintain law and order during Muharram in Kohat, with a focus on ensuring religious harmony, the smooth conduct of processions and the provision of essential facilities to mourners. He made the remarks while chairing separate jirga meetings with representatives of Sunni and Shia communities held to review Muharram arrangements and the overall security situation in the district. The meetings were attended by Deputy Commissioner Kohat Muhammad Nawaz Wazir, District Police Officer Shahbaz Elahi, retired Chief Justice Ibn…

The world is once again drifting towards a familiar but dangerous divide. The language may have changed, the alliances may appear more complex, and the centers of influence may no longer be confined to Washington and Moscow alone, yet the atmosphere increasingly resembles the tensions of another age. A new global contest is unfolding between competing visions of power, trade, security and influence. This emerging confrontation is not being fought through ideology alone, but through ports, energy routes, currencies, technology, sanctions and economic dependencies. In this unfolding struggle, countries like Pakistan find themselves standing at a difficult crossroads. For Islamabad,…

By Dr Nazia Sher Pakistan’s fisheries sector should be one of the strongest pillars of its emerging blue economy. With a coastline of over 1,000 kilometres and a resource-rich Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), the country has the natural foundations for a thriving seafood industry. Yet, despite this potential, fisheries contribute less than 0.5% of GDP, while annual marine production remains around 0.68–0.79 million tonnes, well below sustainable capacity (FAO, 2023). The gap between potential and performance is not ecological. It is institutional. The Pakistan Blue Economy Report (Planning Commission, 2026) identifies fisheries as a structurally underperforming sector shaped by fragmented…

By Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal The progress of nations is seldom measured merely by the laws they enact or the institutions they build. It is instead revealed in the quality of leadership that shapes those institutions and in the capacity of the state to adapt itself to changing historical demands. Institutions, no matter how formally well designed, remain inert without individuals who can interpret their purpose with wisdom, restraint, and imagination. History consistently shows that leadership is not defined by authority alone but by the manner in which authority is exercised: with tolerance, foresight, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to…

By Naz Pervin Different civilizations around the world celebrate festivals that are not only a source of joy and entertainment but also serve to preserve their history, culture, and national identity. China’s famous Dragon Boat Festival is one such unique celebration that symbolizes centuries-old traditions, patriotism, and cultural heritage. The festival is observed every year on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by Chinese communities across the world. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has also recognized the Dragon Boat Festival as an Intangible Cultural…

Economic Survey for 2025-26 arrives at a moment when the country remains caught between cautious optimism and deep structural anxiety. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has presented the latest economic figures as evidence that Pakistan’s economy is finally moving beyond crisis management towards stability and gradual recovery. The government believes the numbers reflect resilience after years marked by political turbulence, inflation, floods, debt pressure and global uncertainty. Yet behind the official optimism lies a more complex reality that deserves both recognition and scrutiny. The headline figure presented by the finance minister — a GDP growth rate of 3.7 percent — is…