Category: Featured

Middle East Conflict: What about Iran’s Nuclear Program?

Amir Hamza Shaukat
Middle East Conflict: What about Iran’s Nuclear Program?

Israel’s assertion that Iran was nearing the capability to build a nuclear weapon sparked the conflict, which began with Israeli Defense Forces launching strikes on Iran’s Nuclear Program and targeting key figures in Iran’s military and nuclear programs on the night of June 12–13. Over the past 12 days, Israel has claimed responsibility for the deaths of several high-profile Iranian nuclear scientists. In response, President Trump authorized a major U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites, deploying a fleet of B-2 bombers to drop 14 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs each weighing…

Major Questions Raised! Iranian Retaliation, a sudden Ceasefire?

Amir Hamza Shaukat
Major Questions Raised! Iranian Retaliation, a sudden Ceasefire?

The Middle East has experienced a dramatic series of events from an unprecedented U.S airstrike on Iran using its most powerful non-nuclear weapons, to a swift Iranian Retaliation targeting the largest U.S. air base in the region, culminating in a tentative truce that many hope will ease tensions between Iran and Israel and restore regional stability. As the crisis unfolded overnight into Tuesday, both the region and the international community looked on with concern. Yet by morning, there was cautious optimism that what U.S. President Donald Trump referred to as…

Pakistan-UAE sign MoU, to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Amir Hamza Shaukat
Pakistan-UAE sign MoU, to Strengthen Bilateral Relations

During the 12th session of the Pakistan-UAE Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC), both sides reviewed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and agreed on specific steps to enhance cooperation in trade, banking, investment, and other key sectors. Held in Abu Dhabi, the meeting was co-chair by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The Joint Ministerial Commission also agreed on concrete measures to strengthen cooperation in culture, aviation,…

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…