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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…

Amid rising tensions, Pakistan’s military vowed unity with the nation, declaring an unbreakable wall of strength, resolve, and shared purpose. By ISPR ISLAMABAD: In a firm and deliberate tone, Pakistan’s military reaffirmed its resolve to stand united against external threats as Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the director general of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), declared that the Pakistan Army and the nation together would form a “solid wall” against any act of aggression. His remarks came amid a tense regional climate and reflected a renewed emphasis on unity and resilience in the face of mounting security challenges. General Chaudhry made…

The Prime Minister sought to reacquaint the nation with the enduring yet fragile political consensus formed by its foundational bargains (Catchline) By Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday placed national unity and provincial harmony at the forefront of the nation’s agenda, framing the country’s stability as dependent on a spirit of mutual sacrifice and fraternal bonds. Addressing a gathering at a workshop focused on the development and integration of Balochistan, the Prime Minister delved into the complex fabric of the federation, seeking to remind the nation of the compromises that have historically held it together. He…

By Sajjad Shah KARACHI: A senior Sindh minister has outlined a series of ambitious projects aimed at easing Karachi’s long-standing traffic gridlock, pledging that the provincial government is committed to transforming the city’s transport system through modern infrastructure and sustainable mobility. Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that providing a “state-of-the-art transport and modern road system” was one of the government’s top priorities, particularly for Karachi’s growing population that continues to grapple with congestion and limited public transit options. Citing recent developments, Memon pointed to the completion of the Senator Taj Haider Bridge—hailed as a “great project” for citizens—as…