Author: Admin

There’s something unsettling about watching the world’s largest democracy learn the tricks of the world’s most authoritarian regimes, and doing it with a smile. That’s what makes the clash between Elon Musk’s X and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government more than just a corporate dispute. It’s a test case for whether democratic countries can slowly choke free speech without tearing up their constitutions. India’s new weapon is the “Sahyog” portal. On paper, it’s a system to remove harmful or illegal online content. In reality, it’s a fast-track censorship machine, letting almost any government body, from city police to federal ministries,…

The recent flash floods in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa have unleashed unprecedented destruction in many parts of the province. Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan, was also paralysed by the onset of heavy rains and urban flooding. Drainage lines were blocked, traffic systems collapsed and a large part of the city remained in the dark due to prolonged power outages. These events have added to the long list of climate-related disasters that have struck Pakistan in the year 2025. Summers in Pakistan began with an intense and protracted heatwave with temperatures reaching as high as 52 degrees Celsius and a death toll of…

Just when I thought I was out… they pulled me back in. Or, as they say, it is in the nature of bizarre things that you cannot look away. When I wrote last week about Modi's black box (newsflash: it is getting blacker), I thought this week I would move on to better things. But not a chance. Things got more bizarre and fascinating in India. Last week, the assumption was that given India's massive bureaucracy and diplomatic muscle, the country would be saved by the bell and somehow manage to dodge the twenty-five per cent additional tariffs as a penalty…

Sabrina Carpenter spills secrets of Barry Keoghan breakup in new albumSabrina Carpenter appeared to reveal details of her split from Barry Keoghan through her new album Man’s Best Friend. The release quickly sparked speculation among fans who believed several songs on the project were inspired by the actor and their troubled romance.Although the singer did not mention Barry by name, listeners were quick to connect the songs to her most recent relationship.  The closing track Goodbye stood out most, where Sabrina sang, “Broke my heart on Saturday. Guess overnight your feelings changed. And I have cried so much I almost fainted.” The…

ISLAMABAD: The price of petrol is likely to slash by Re0.61 for the next fortnight from September 1. According to sources, the prices of other petroleum products are also expected to see downward revision as high-speed diesel (HSD) price may go down by Rs3.13 per litre. Similarly, the price of kerosene is expected to drop by Rs1.57 per litre, and light diesel oil (LDO) may become cheaper by Rs2.61 per litre. Officials said the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) will finalise its pricing calculations and forward the working paper to the Ministry of Petroleum, which will then share it…

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar addressing a press conference on August 29, 2025. — X@ForeignOfficePk ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Friday said Pakistan is going through “one of the most active phases in its recent diplomatic history.”Speaking at a media briefing at the Foreign Office, he shared details of his visits, policy talks, and international meetings held during July and August. He explained Pakistan’s foreign policy goals, focusing on peace in the region, better global connections, revival of trade, and standing firmly on key international issues.Dar pointed out Pakistan’s…

Thailand’s Constitutional Court on Friday dismissed Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra for an ethics violation, the latest blow to the powerful Shinawatra family and a move that has set off a scramble to form a new government. Paetongtarn, 39, Thailand’s youngest premier, becomes the sixth Shinawatra-linked leader removed from power by either the courts or the military in nearly two decades of bitter political rivalry. The court ruled she violated ethics in a leaked June phone call in which she appeared to defer to Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries. The decision…

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is likely to introduce new regulations for online marketplaces by proposing amendments to the Income Tax Rules, aimed at bringing the digital economy into tax net. In a major step towards bringing the country’s digital economy into the tax net, the FBR has released a draft proposing amendments to the Income Tax Rules 2002. Also Read: SECP, SBP salary powers curtailed According to the FBR’s Statutory Regulatory Order (SRO), all online marketplaces will now be required to submit seller-wise transactional details for digitally ordered goods and services to the FBR in forms A1 and A2. Names…

ISLAMABAD: Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda announced a $3 million emergency grant on Friday to support flood relief efforts in Pakistan. The grant, sourced from the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund, will assist with emergency relief efforts following Pakistan’s request. “Pakistan is experiencing devastating flooding that has displaced families and communities, and ADB stands firmly with Pakistan during this crisis,” said Kanda. “When disasters strike, we respond quickly to help communities rebuild with dignity. This emergency support reflects our enduring commitment to Pakistan’s people through both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development,” he added. The ADB president is…

Skipper Salman Agha hit an unbeaten half century and fast bowler Haris Rauf grabbed four wickets as Pakistan upstaged Afghanistan by 39 runs in the tri-series opener in Sharjah on Friday. Agha hit a 36-ball 53 not out with three sixes and as many boundaries which lifted Pakistan to 182-7 in their 20 overs. Pacers Rauf took 4-31 and Shaheen Afridi 2-21, while spinners Mohammad Nawaz (2-23) and Sufiyan Muqeem (2-25) dismissed Afghanistan for 143 in 19.5 overs before a noisy capacity 16,000 crowd at the Sharjah stadium. Afghanistan matched Pakistan with opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 27-ball 38 with a six…