By Shamsul HaqThe Middle East is passing through one of the most critical phases in its recent history, with war, diplomacy, energy security and shifting strategic alliances increasingly intertwined. Against this backdrop, the defence agreement signed by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkiye in Makkah carries significance far beyond the three signatories. It could potentially contribute…
By Riaz HussainMARDAN: Child abuse continues to pose one of Pakistan’s most pressing child protection challenges, with hundreds of children falling victim to sexual abuse, abduction, violence and exploitation every month despite stronger legislation and growing public awareness.The issue has once again come under the national spotlight following a series of disturbing incidents across the…
By Shamsul Haq Every summer, as tobacco leaves begin to mature across the fertile plains of Mardan, Swabi and Charsadda, a familiar dispute resurfaces. Farmers demand higher prices for their crop, tobacco companies complain of overproduction and regulatory constraints, while the Pakistan Tobacco Board (PTB) finds itself accused by both sides of failing to ensure…
Reuter Oil prices rose on Friday as escalating military tensions between the United States and Iran heightened concerns over disruptions to global energy supplies through two of the world’s most critical shipping routes—the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea.Brent crude futures gained 70 cents, or 0.83%, to $84.93 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas…
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has reported a major transformation in global opioid markets following a dramatic decline in Afghanistan’s opium production. According to the 2026 World Drug Report, Afghanistan’s opium production has dropped by 95 percent since 2023, leading to a significant reduction in heroin supplies and rapidly shrinking existing…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Riaz Hussain Global oil prices climbed sharply on Monday as escalating tensions in the Middle East heightened fears of disruptions to energy supplies, while stock markets across Asia — including Pakistan — came under renewed pressure.Brent crude rose by $2.01, or 1.84 per cent, to reach $111.27 per barrel during early trading after touching its…
