Motives Behind Sikh Couple’s Murder Must Be Uncovered, Minorities and Places of Worship Need Protection: Ramesh Singh
MARDAN: Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh has called on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the murder of a Sikh couple in Mardan and ensure stronger protection for minority communities and their places of worship throughout the province. Addressing a press conference in Mardan alongside minority MPA Suresh…
U.S., Iran Sign Historic ‘Islamabad Memorandum’ to End Standoff
Islamabad : The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran have signed the historic “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” (MoU), marking a major diplomatic breakthrough aimed at ending a crisis that had threatened regional stability and global energy security. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Thursday that the agreement had been electronically signed by the…
KP Mines Minister Calls for Free and Transparent Elections in Gilgit-Baltistan
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Mines and Minerals, Arif Ahmadzai, has stressed the importance of holding free, fair, and transparent elections in Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that a credible democratic process is essential for strengthening public confidence and ensuring regional stability.In a statement issued on Tuesday, the minister said that the people of Gilgit-Baltistan have historically played…
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…