Year: 2025

Punjab Budget 2025-26 | Govt Approves Hike in Salaries

Amir Hamza Shaukat
Punjab Budget 2025-26 | Govt Approves Hike in Salaries

Punjab Budget 2025-26, government has approved a 10% salary increase for government employees and a 5% pension raise for retired personnel in the fiscal year 2025-26. The government has allocated Rs. 171.7 billion for foreign-funded projects, approved 5.9 percent increase in the volume of ongoing expenditure, the volume of ongoing expenditure was kept at Rs. 2,026.7 billion. The government has also approved 47.2 percent increase in development budget by allocating Rs. 1,240 billion. The Punjab government has increased allocation in education sector by allocating Rs. 811.8 billion, showing increase in…

Iran-Israel: Worst-Case Scenario? Middle East Conflict Latest

Amir Hamza Shaukat
Iran-Israel Conflict: Worst-Case Scenario? Middle East Latest Updates

Israel attacked Iran’s energy industry and defence ministry on the third day of an escalating Middle East conflict. Several Iranian missiles evaded Israeli air defences to hit a refinery and rip through a high-rise apartment block south of Tel Aviv. Israel would like the US to join its campaign. Only American weapons can attempt to reach parts of the Iranian nuclear project such as the Fordow uranium enrichment plant, which is bury deep under a mountain. Iran has called off talks with the US on the future of its nuclear…

Israel hits Iran nuclear facilities, Major Turmoil in Middle East

Ahmed Raza

On Friday, Israel carried out extensive strikes on Iran, claiming it targeted nuclear sites, ballistic missile production facilities, and senior military officials, marking the beginning of a sustained campaign to stop Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. Iranian media and eyewitnesses reported explosions, including at the Natanz uranium enrichment facility, while Israel declared a state of emergency in preparation for possible retaliatory missile and drone attacks. Iran’s elite Revolutionary Guards corps said its top commander, Hossein Salami, was killed and state media reported the unit’s headquarters in Tehran had been…

Pakistan Condemns Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon, Calls for Accountability

Ahmed Raza

Strong Reaction from Islamabad On June 6, 2025, Pakistan’s Foreign Office strongly condemned the Israeli airstrikes targeting southern Beirut suburbs and parts of southern Lebanon. The strikes hit densely populated areas such as Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, Ain Qana, and nearby villages. Pakistan called these attacks clear violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and several ceasefire agreements. Breach of Ceasefire and International Rules The Foreign Office pointed out that the airstrikes violated both international law and the ceasefire deal made in November 2024 between Israel and Hezbollah. The attacks came just before Eid…

Trump Open to Mediating Kashmir Issue, Says U.S. State Department

Ahmed Raza

U.S. Backs Trump’s Mediation Interest On June 11, 2025, the U.S. State Department confirmed that President Donald Trump is open to helping mediate the ongoing Kashmir conflict. Trump sees this as part of his wider effort to address longstanding disputes around the globe. At a press briefing in Washington, spokesperson Tammy Bruce said, “He tries to address conflicts that have lasted for generations, so it’s not surprising he wants to help with this.” Trump’s Role in Recent Peace Efforts This statement comes after Trump played a part in brokering a…

Pakistan Set to Receive China’s J-35A Stealth Fighters in Air Force Overhaul

Ahmed Raza

Big Boost for Pakistan’s Air Force Pakistan is preparing to upgrade its air force by adding up to 40 of China’s new J-35A stealth fighter jets. The agreement, made public on June 6, 2025, marks the first time China has exported a fifth-generation combat aircraft. Key Features of the J-35A The J-35A is built by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation, a part of AVIC. This advanced twin-engine jet comes equipped with stealth features, internal weapons storage, and AESA radar. Its long range and low radar profile make it a strong option for…

Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Portrait Removed from Bangladeshi Banknotes

Ahmed Raza

Changing National Symbols Bangladesh has taken the unexpected step of dropping Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s image from some of its new currency notes. This decision has stirred debate and drawn attention across political groups. Some see this as a lack of respect for a key figure in the country’s story, while others believe it helps make national symbols less political. The Legacy of “Bangabandhu” Known lovingly as “Bangabandhu” or the “Friend of Bengal,” Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was a leading force in the country’s independence in 1971. For years, his face appeared…

Pakistan Asks Trump to Help Restart Talks with India

Ahmed Raza

Islamabad – The Pakistani government has reached out to former U.S. President Donald Trump, seeking his support in setting up peace talks with India. This move reflects Pakistan’s renewed effort to open diplomatic channels as regional tensions continue. Seeking Mediation Diplomatic sources say Pakistani officials have quietly asked Trump’s team if he would help start a dialogue between Islamabad and New Delhi. This request follows a rise in cross-border tensions and a steady increase in instability. A senior official involved in the discussions shared that Pakistan believes Trump’s past interest…

PM Shehbaz Reaches Out to Opposition for Chief Election Commissioner Talks

Ahmed Raza

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reached out to the Leader of the Opposition, inviting him for talks about picking the next Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). This step marks a key moment as the country prepares for a leadership change in the Election Commission. Following the Constitution Pakistan’s Constitution, in Article 213, says the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition must work together to select a new CEC. With the current CEC’s term ending soon, the government wants to avoid any issues or gaps in leadership. To start the…

Trump Signs Travel Ban Impacting 12 Countries, Including Afghanistan, Haiti, and Iran

Ahmed Raza

New Executive Order Cites Security In Washington, D.C., former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order putting new travel restrictions in place for people from 12 countries. Trump said the decision was made to protect national security and keep America’s borders safe. Nations on the Restricted List The travel order blocks most travelers from Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, North Korea, Venezuela, Nigeria, Iraq, and Sudan. The entry ban is effective right away, but there are exceptions for certain diplomatic and humanitarian cases. Officials from Trump’s team…