Author: Uzma Ehtasham

By Uzma Ehtasham The recent signing of a sweeping set of trade agreements and memoranda of understanding between Pakistan and Uzbekistan in Islamabad is more than a ceremonial exercise in diplomacy; it signals Pakistan’s renewed ambitions to assert its influence in Central Asia. The accords, encompassing a wide spectrum of sectors—from trade, information technology, agriculture, and food security, to mining, defence cooperation, climate change, sports, culture, pharmaceuticals, and anti-narcotics measures—reflect an effort to broaden the scope of bilateral collaboration and establish a framework for long-term engagement. Both nations also set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade to $2 billion,…

By Uzma Ehtasham The White House’s recent statement on Iran has reverberated far beyond Washington, sending a signal as unmistakable as it is disquieting: the United States is asserting that its approach to Tehran is not confined to diplomacy alone. Behind the carefully measured language of negotiations lies a spectrum of options that Washington appears prepared to deploy if it deems dialogue insufficient. This message coincided with high-stakes nuclear talks in Muscat, Oman, where American and Iranian officials met under the cautious scrutiny of international observers. Despite the careful choreography of the discussions, insiders suggest the meetings concluded without any…

By Uzma Ehtasham Pakistan is currently encircled by multiple crises, but none are as grave or as intertwined as the resurgence of terrorism and the deepening economic malaise. These are not routine challenges that can be managed through partisan point-scoring or short-term political maneuvers. They demand an unusual degree of seriousness, restraint and collective effort from the country’s political leadership. Without unity of purpose and coherence of action, the prospect of regaining control over either security or the economy will remain elusive. It bears repeating that terrorism and economic decline are not the burdens of a single province, one government…

By Uzma Ehtasham The world seems once again perched on the edge of a precipice. President Donald Trump’s latest threats against Iran, amplified through social media, are far more than rhetorical flourishes—they reveal a disturbing preference for intimidation over diplomacy. Reports that a “massive American naval fleet” led by the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln is moving toward the region, prepared to deploy overwhelming force if necessary, underscore a familiar pattern: coercion is offered as a prelude to dialogue. The inclusion of Venezuela in these warnings is no accident. It is a rehearsed refrain: military might is presented as the default…

By Uzma Ehtasham KARACHI: The Chinese Consul-General in Karachi, Yang Yundong, welcomed 2026 as the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar, noting its significance in traditional culture. Speaking at a formal gathering with local journalists at the Karachi consulate, he said the horse symbolizes freedom, passion, and boundless energy. He described the year as one of vibrant spirit, determination, and potential success. Consul-General Yang also reflected on the deepening ties between China and Pakistan over the past year. He highlighted practical cooperation in Sindh and Balochistan that reached new milestones. He praised the Pakistani media for reflecting…

By Uzma Ehtasham The Middle East has learned, through bitter experience, how quickly warnings harden into wars. Today, it once again finds itself poised at the edge of a familiar and terrifying precipice. Fresh signals from US president Donald Trump, hinting at a possible military strike on Iran, have injected a volatile mix of bravado and brinkmanship into a region already exhausted by conflict. The deployment of American naval forces and the announcement of combat exercises by the US air force are not neutral gestures. They are messages, read clearly in Tehran and across the region, that military options are…

By Uzma Ehtasham KARACHI: The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi, Yang Yundong, highlighted the enduring and “ironclad” friendship between China and Pakistan at the 2026 Chinese New Year Media Reception on Thursday.Speaking on the Year of the Horse, Yang said bilateral ties have grown stronger, more resilient, and increasingly comprehensive over time. He described the year as symbolizing vitality, determination, and success, and expressed hope that 2026 would bring progress and prosperity for both nations. He also noted ongoing cooperation in Sindh and Balochistan, citing new milestones achieved under the guidance of both countries’ leadership…

By Uzma Ehtasham A striking admission has appeared in some corners of the Indian media: Pakistan is no longer being regarded merely as a regional state, but increasingly as a formidable rival, while Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir is being portrayed as a guardian of nuclear deterrence and a symbol of strategic balance in South Asia. This recognition extends beyond military strength. It reflects an acknowledgment of Pakistan’s growing relevance on diplomatic, moral and ideological fronts, signaling a shift in New Delhi’s perception and revealing a deeper unease rooted in the consequences of its assertive policies. Nowhere is this anxiety…

By Uzma Ehtasham KARACHI: Traffic around Karachi Press Club came to a standstill on Monday amid a protest over the conviction of lawyer-activist Imaan Mazari and her husband, Advocate Hadi Ali Chattha. The couple was sentenced on Saturday to a total of 17 years in prison each under different sections of a case linked to controversial social media posts. Karachi police blocked roads leading to the press club, causing heavy disruption on II Chundrigar Road and across the Saddar area. Commuters reported delays of several hours as traffic slowed to a crawl. Authorities also prevented Zulfikar Junior, grandson of former…

By Uzma Ehtasham KARACHI: A delegation of journalists met Iran’s consul general in Karachi, Akbar Eissa Zadeh, to discuss current diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Iran. During the meeting, the Iranian diplomat briefed media representatives on the recent unrest in Iran. He said the country’s fragile economic situation was largely the result of what he described as unfounded sanctions imposed by the United States and western countries. These restrictions, he said, had prevented Iran from engaging freely in trade and economic activity, creating widespread frustration among the public. Eissa Zadeh said the protests had initially begun as peaceful demonstrations by…