Return of Gun Culture in Pakistan’s Northwestern Province
Taimoor Khan Civilian gun ownership is rapidly increasing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with experts linking the trend to rising insecurity, fear of violence, deep-rooted social traditions, and the state’s growing reliance on arms licensing as a source of revenue. Official data show that between January 2024 and March 2026, more than 400,000 people applied for arms…
Pakistan-Mediated US-Iran Draft Agreement May Be Announced Within Hours
A possible breakthrough agreement between the United States and Iran, reportedly mediated by Pakistan, could be announced within hours, according to claims circulating from sources cited by Al Arabiya.According to the reported draft terms, the proposed agreement includes an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire covering land, sea and air operations. Both sides would also commit to…
Pakistan’s Economy Shows Recovery Signs Despite Missing Growth Target
By Riaz Hussain Peshwar: Pakistan’s economy posted stronger growth during the current fiscal year, with the country’s overall economic size reaching $452.1 billion and major sectors showing steady recovery, according to fresh estimates approved by the National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Wednesday.The committee provisionally estimated the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 3.7 per…
Press Freedom Under Pressure: Pakistan Reaffirms Commitment Amid Rising Challenges
By Riaz Hussain : May 3, 2026 — World Press Freedom Day – On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, Pakistan’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to protecting press freedom, even as concerns mount over increasing regulatory pressures, legal constraints, and rising threats to journalists across the country. In separate messages, President Asif Ali Zardari…
KP Steps Up Climate Action with High-Level Resilience Committee Amid Rising Temperatures
Peshawar: The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has unveiled a strengthened climate strategy with the formation of a high-level Climate Resilience Committee, as the province faces intensifying environmental pressures linked to climate change and rising temperatures. Officials say the move reflects growing urgency after a series of extreme weather events, including floods, heatwaves, erratic rainfall, and…
Islamabad Talks: Centre Stage Set for US–Iran Peace Negotiations
By H. Nawaz Afghan : Islamabad has emerged as the focal point of high-level diplomacy as the United States and Iran engage in crucial peace negotiations aimed at easing tensions and converting a fragile ceasefire into a lasting agreement. Senior delegations from both countries have arrived in Pakistan’s federal capital under tight security arrangements. The…
Rising Attacks and Mistrust Push Lakki Marwat Toward Crisis
Zakia Marwat Lakki Marwat, a strategically significant district in southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, is witnessing a sharp deterioration in its security environment as militant attacks surge, exposing critical weaknesses in the region’s law enforcement and governance structures. Recent incidents, including the killing of seven police personnel—among them a station house officer—have underscored the severity of the…
ECMPR Completes Students’ Rights Awareness Campaign in Malakand
CBN247 : The Experts Centre for Market and Policy Research (ECMPR) Pakistan has successfully completed a project for school students in Malakand division. The project titled “Popularizing Individual Rights and Responsibilities among School Students in Malakand Division” reached 10 schools. The students were engaged through interactive sessions on individual rights and responsibilities, freedom of expression,…
Pakistan Afghan Taliban Agree to Resolve October Tensions; Says China
The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to pursue a comprehensive resolution to the tensions that arose following a conflict last October during peace talks in Urumqi, China. The ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a press conference that both countries also pledged not to take any actions that would…
Fuel Price Shock to Ignite Inflation Surge, Interest Rate Hike Looms
Riaz Hussain : Pakistan is bracing for a fresh wave of inflation and tighter monetary policy after a record increase in petroleum prices, with analysts warning that Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation could exceed 15% in the coming months. The surge follows a steep hike in petrol and diesel prices as the government struggled to…