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…
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…
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…
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…
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has released American detainee Dennis Walter Coyle on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, handing him over to his family in Kabul on Tuesday. Afghan officials said Coyle had been held for violating local laws and was freed after the Supreme Court deemed his detention period sufficient, following an appeal from…
Riaz Hussain : March 8, 2026, began as a morning of unimaginable sorrow—one that shattered my world forever. When the Dean of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute informed me of my son Roslan Riaz’s alleged suicide, it felt as though the ground slipped beneath my feet. I collapsed, unable to process the devastating news. My heart…
