A few days ago, could anyone have imagined that Bashar al-Assad, the strongest ruler of Middle Eastern country Syria, would be forced to flee from the country and the five-decade dictatorship of the Assad family would collapse so suddenly?
According to Russian media, Assad is right now in Moscow with his family. The sudden ouster of the Assad regime is surprising for everyone as he had till now been able to forcefully crush all rebellions against him. Regional players were also convinced that there was no alternative to Bashar al-Assad in Syria.
As I entered the Karachi Expo Centre to attend the International Defence Exhibition And Seminar – IDEAS 2024, I felt as if I had arrived at a battlefield on the border, surrounded by giant warships, drones, heavy tanks, guns, automatic weapons and other defence equipment.The stalls were set up in a very impressive manner. There were crackles of bullets, the roars of the warplanes, and the national songs from different stalls. On this occasion, I was informed that delegates from 53 countries, including the US, Russia, China, Turkiye,
The Pakistan Telecom Authority (PTA) has officially informed that after the end of this month, all unregistered Virtual Private Networks (VPN) will be completely blocked across the country. In a briefing to the Senate Committee on IT and Telecom, the PTA chairman said that individuals and organisations related to software houses, call centres, banks, embassies, freelancers and others should register their VPN on the PTA’s website. After November 30, it will be impossible for ordinary internet users to access all banned websites, including the X (formerly Twitter).
After the ICC entrusted Pakistan with the responsibility of organising the mega event of Champions Trophy 2025, to be held in February and March next year, cricket fans were excited to know that the two traditional rivals, Pakistan and India, would be soon competing each other on Pakistani soil for the first time in almost three decades.
Donald Trump, after achieving a decisive landmark victory in the US presidential elections, has now emerged as the 47th President of the United States of America. According to media reports, he has managed to secure at least 295 electoral votes, well over the 270 required for winning the White House. His opponent Kamala Harris from the Democratic Party has urged her supporters to accept the results.
No one will be able to sit on the Raj Singhasan (throne) of the global superpower by the end of this year, the Vedic astrologists sitting in front of me predicted, emphasising that the post-election situation in the US would have critical impacts on the status of the only superpower of the world. Astrologically, both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are strong personalities. However, access to the White House will not be an easy step for either of them.
Countries observe the International Day of Diplomats on October 24 every year to recognise the significance of international diplomacy and tireless contributions of diplomats serving their national interests.
It is commonly believed that the mistreatment of Mongol ambassadors in the royal court of Khwarazm Shah had infuriated Genghis Khan so much that he destroyed the entire region to take revenge. Contrary to this, India, due to successful diplomacy by the Delhi Sultanate, remained safe from the wrath of the Mongols.
Ratan Naval Tata, the great visionary businessman of modern history, has passed away at the age of 88. People of every religion and nationality have shed tears in his loving memory and paid tribute with fine words.
Ratan Tata, also known an RNT, opened his eyes in a Zoroastrian family on December 28, 1937 during the British Raj. His parents belonged to the Tata Group, the richest business family in India and also famous in philanthropist activities, particularly related to the fields of education and healthcare.
Hosting the Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the most significant top-level international forum that consists of 10 member states and two observers from Eurasia, at the federal capital of Islamabad is indeed a great honour for Pakistan.
Historically, the top leadership of five countries, including the People’s Republic of China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan had entered into an accord on Deepening Military Trust in Border Regions in 1996, to form the Shanghai Five.
Exactly 34 years ago on October 3, 1990, East Germany and West Germany ended their differences and emerged on the map of the world as the Federal Republic of Germany. The day of German Unity is the only public holiday in Germany to celebrate the reunification of east and west.
Germany, famous for a nation of poets and philosophers, has a vibrant and rich cultural heritage, based on a variety of lifestyles and ethno-cultural diversity.
While reviewing the list of significant days celebrated globally, I came across a fascinating observance in the United States: National Good Neighbor Day, celebrated annually on September 26. This day highlights the importance of good neighbours and strong communities across the US.
According to the latest reports received from the tense region of Middle East, advanced technology has been used in recent attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Reportedly, hundreds of modern pager communication devices mysteriously exploded simultaneously in different areas on Tuesday. As a result of this, at least nine people, including an eight-year-old girl, have lost lives, while 2,800 people have been injured. In another wave of mysterious blasts related to communication devices, at least 20 more people were killed and 450 wounded in Lebanon.
Twenty-three years ago on September 11, 2001, the entire Pakistani nation was mourning the death anniversary of founding father Quaid-e-Azam and various memorial events were being held in this regard.
On the dark night of September 5, 1965 amidst the roar of cannons, bullets, and fighter jets, an attempt was made to invade our beloved motherland. However, the invaders underestimated the vigilance of the brave soldiers of the Pakistan Army, who were ready to defend the borders.
August 30 has a special significance in modern history. Exactly 102 years ago, the founder of the modern Republic of Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, managed to achieve a decisive victory against the Western colonial forces in the Battle of Dumlupinar on August 30, 1922. The day is also known as Turkish Armed Forces Day.
This year, on August 16, 2024, the Sun entered the zodiac sign of Leo. According to Vedic astrology, the Leo sign is associated with bravery, courage, self-confidence and leadership. During the time of the Sun under the influence of Leo, whatever is carried out has long-lasting and far-reaching effects.
A giant statue is being shown on TV screens, with some angry people climbing and trying to knock it down with hammers. This statue belongs to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, who played a leading role in separating the eastern part of Pakistan in 1971
A giant statue is being shown on TV screens, with some angry people climbing and trying to knock it down with hammers. This statue belongs to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of Bangladesh, who played a leading role in separating the eastern part of Pakistan in 1971
A few days ago, an interesting interview of senior politician Mushahid Hussain Sayed was aired on a private TV channel. Keeping a close eye on international politics and current affairs, he emphasized that this year, for the first time, national and presidential elections in different countries — from the East to the West
Since achieving independence from British imperialism, some of our circles have been continuously claiming that Pakistan has not achieved absolute sovereignty and we are de-facto slaves of imperialist forces like the US today. Two years ago, for the first time in our parliamentary history, the process of regime change was completed in an entirely democratic manner, but an attempt was made to give the impression that America was actually behind it.
The assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump has caused a significant uproar in the US political landscape, leading to a polarization of opinions and a deepening of the civic divide. Footage of Trump waving his fists with a bloodied face after the deadly attack was broadcast as breaking news by both US and international media.
A few days ago, an interesting interview of senior politician Mushahid Hussain Sayed was aired on a private TV channel. Keeping a close eye on international politics and current affairs, he emphasized that this year, for the first time, national and presidential elections in different countries — from the East to the West
Pakistan and the United States are considered to be natural allies at the diplomatic level due to many common values. Pakistan’s first prime minister Liaquat Ali Khan, despite an invitation from the Soviet Union, decided to visit Washington to establish cordial relations with the world champion of democracy, human rights and civil liberties. Since then, every Pakistani leader has tried hard to develop close relations with the US.
Every year on the occasion of Eid, numerous tourists from all over the country visit the northern areas. Unfortunately, this year a heartbreaking barbaric incident happened in the beautiful valley of Swat, also known as the Switzerland of Pakistan, resulting in spreading insecurity among tourists at a massive level.
This year, Eidul Azha passed in the shadow of fear and panic for the residents of Gaza because Israel refused a ceasefire without a formal agreement. As the Gaza war entered its ninth month, many anti-government protesters gathered outside the Israeli parliament, from where an impressive march towards the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was started..
I just returned to Islamabad after completing a three-day tour to the United Arab Emirates. During my stay in Dubai, I had various interactions with Pakistani immigrants and local Emirati citizens.
Many analysts, at national and international levels, were quite confident that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi would easily achieve the target of winning 400 seats in the election and the BJP would emerge as a majority party in the Lok Sabha after the results.
The tragic martyrdom of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, along with his colleagues, including the foreign minister, in a helicopter accident has shaken the entire world. While watching the breaking news on TV, I immediately recalled the scenes from Raisi’s recent visit to Pakistan last month when several events were organized in his honour at the official level.
Recently I was asked to give a briefing on the Gandhara Corridor in a high level meeting of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), attended by federal ministers and the military leadership as well as the representatives from all provinces, at the Prime Minister’s Secretariat.
Although Narendra Modi is in a good position to become the prime minister of India for the third time, astrologists are of the view that the results of the ongoing elections in India will be a surprise for everyone. The most controversial elections in the history of India will have extraordinarily complicated effects, as Modi’s dream of securing 400 seats in the Lok Sabha will be shattered.
First things first: on behalf of Pakistani minorities, I would like to congratulate Kamal Nath Sharma, a Hindu cadet who, due to his hard work, dedication and talent, recently completed his military training course at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul.
Undoubtedly, the most critical challenge Pakistan is facing to safeguard the ideological borders in the 21st century is in the form of the misuse of social media.
I think the Ministry of Interior has correctly identified the ground facts in its report submitted before the Supreme Court of Pakistan. That there was a genuine risk of riots and anarchy on Election Day (Feb 8) due to the misuse of social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) by some extremist elements is plausible.
After winning the national election, when Mohtarma Aseefa Bhutto Zardari reached the National Assembly to take oath, for a moment everyone felt that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed had entered parliament. Aseefa is the granddaughter of Pakistan’s first elected prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and daughter of the first female prime minister of the Muslim world, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
I have finally introduced the Gandhara Corridor Bill in the National Assembly after much homework. During my visits to foreign countries, I study how these societies live. After a comprehensive comparison with my beloved country, I have come to the conclusion that God Almighty has blessed Pakistan with all kinds of resources and four seasons.
The alleged suicide attack, due to which five Chinese citizens and a Pakistani driver lost their lives, is most terrible, horrific and condemnable.
At the government level, the prime minister and president of Pakistan personally visited the Chinese embassy in Islamabad to express condolences, whereas China has truly demanded that those responsible for the cowardly attack must be punished.
On March 10, I had the honour to attend the oath-taking ceremony of Asif Ali Zardari, the 14th president of Pakistan, at the President House.
On this occasion, newly elected Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, outgoing President Dr Arif Alvi, family members of Mr Zardari, foreign diplomats, members of parliament, party leaders and dignitaries were also present.
“If the general elections are held on February 8 then according to astrology, the Asif Zardari-led PPP will emerge as a kingmaker. I don’t see Mian Nawaz Sharif coming into power but on the back foot; the PPP will win in Sindh and Balochistan provinces; the destiny of the PTI will remain uncertain, whereas nobody will be able to stop Asif Zardari from getting the throne of Islamabad.”
The unique feature of yesterday’s election was the contesting parties’ heavy reliance on digital platforms. Be it instant messaging apps or social networking forums, it seems that the real battle between supporters of various political parties was fought in the digital arena.
During my visit to Skardu last September, my hosts asked me to come again during the winter snowfall, saying that the snow in Gilgit-Baltistan is amazingly beautiful.
The construction of an international airport in Skardu has also transformed the Himalayan valley into the centre of tourist interest.
On the eve of the new year, it is my annual practice to figure out what we lost and what we gained during the passing year. Undoubtedly, the year 2023 will be remembered as a year of uncertainty and trouble for Pakistan. If on the one hand, people were distressed by inflation and unemployment, then on the other our policymakers also seemed helpless in combatting the challenges that emerged throughout the year.
Twenty-three years ago on September 11, 2001, the entire Pakistani nation was mourning the death anniversary of founding father Quaid-e-Azam and various memorial events were being held in this regard.