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- Makkah’s new security equation
- The high cost of endless war
- Polio, prejudice and political failure
- Pakistan, partners and perception
- The promise of independence
- Sindh governor looks to youth to lead future
- Maryam vows reforms to strengthen women’s rights
- Zardari calls for stronger Pakistan-UN partnership
Author: admin
By Asghar Ali Mubarak The dusty corridors of power in Islamabad are bracing for a moment of high-stakes diplomacy that could reshape the Middle East. On July 11th, Pakistan is set to host a pivotal new round of talks between the United States and Iran, a development that has captured the attention of a world weary of conflict and hungry for stability. This is not merely another meeting in a long series of negotiations; it is a critical attempt to salvage a fragile peace process that has been teetering on the brink since the death of Iran’s former Supreme Leader,…
The passage of the Journalist Protection Bill marked an important moment for Pakistan’s democratic institutions. By making threats, intimidation and violence against journalists non-bailable offences, Parliament sent a clear signal that attacks on members of the press should no longer be treated as ordinary disputes or overlooked as an unfortunate occupational hazard. For a profession that has long operated under the shadow of pressure, harassment and violence, the legislation represented a recognition that journalism deserves stronger legal protection if it is to perform its role in a democratic society. For decades, Pakistani journalists have worked in circumstances that have often…
By Atiq Raja Peace is often celebrated when wars end, treaties are signed, or ceasefires take hold. Yet history repeatedly reminds us that lasting peace is rarely secured by a single agreement. It is sustained by something less dramatic but far more enduring: trust. The greatest challenge facing the modern world is not a shortage of diplomacy or resources, but the persistent absence of confidence between individuals, communities and nations. That is why Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) remain among the most valuable tools for preventing conflict and preserving stability. Trust cannot be imposed overnight. It develops gradually through consistent actions…
By Dr Pir Ghulam Nabi Jillani The government’s decision to reduce petrol and diesel prices by only Rs1.97 per litre has left many people disappointed, particularly after weeks of official statements that created expectations of far greater relief. Under the latest notification issued by the Ministry of Energy, petrol has been priced at Rs297.53 per litre and high-speed diesel at Rs309.50 per litre, while kerosene has become even more expensive with an increase of Rs4.09 per litre. Although any reduction is preferable to another increase, the latest adjustment is too small to make a noticeable difference in the daily lives…
The prospect of renewed dialogue between the United States and Iran offers a rare moment of cautious optimism in a region that has endured decades of mistrust, confrontation and recurring crises. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s remarks that Washington and Tehran have agreed to continue discussions on a range of issues, with another round of talks expected in Doha after the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, suggest that diplomacy, however fragile, has once again found an opening. The simultaneous engagement of regional and international actors, including Saudi Arabia, China, Bahrain, the United Kingdom and…
By Prof Dr Sheikh Akram Ali The memory of July 2024 has become one of the defining political moments in contemporary Bangladesh. For many Bangladeshis, it represents far more than a successful protest movement. It stands as a reminder that when ordinary citizens unite around a common purpose, they can reshape the course of national history. The events of that month transformed a campaign against the government job quota system into a broader demand for political change, ending sixteen years of uninterrupted rule under Sheikh Hasina. Regardless of political affiliation, the developments of July have left a lasting imprint on…
By Dr Nazia Sher For decades, Balochistan has possessed one of Pakistan’s greatest untapped economic assets in its fisheries sector. Stretching along more than 770 kilometres of coastline on the Arabian Sea and blessed with rich marine biodiversity, extensive inland water resources and strategically located coastal communities, the province has long had the potential to emerge as a regional centre for fisheries and aquaculture. Yet this enormous potential has remained largely unrealised because of weak governance, outdated legislation, inadequate infrastructure and the absence of a coherent long-term strategy. While neighbouring countries have transformed their fisheries into major contributors to exports…
By Shakeel Hussain Literature and society share an inseparable and mutually enriching relationship. Literature does not exist in isolation; rather, it emerges from the social, cultural, political, religious and historical circumstances in which writers live. At the same time, literature influences society by shaping people’s ideas, values, beliefs and attitudes. Through poetry, fiction, drama, essays and other forms of creative expression, literature records the experiences of humanity, reflects the realities of life and inspires individuals to imagine a better future. It is for this reason that literature has often been described as the mirror of society, faithfully reflecting both its…
