Muhammad Ibrahim

ISLAMABAD: Pak Suzuki Motor Company has launched the Suzuki Fronx in Pakistan, entering the country&rsquo;s fast-evolving crossover segment with what the company says is Pakistan&rsquo;s first locally assembled XUV, as automakers respond to shifting consumer demand beyond hatchbacks and sedans. The Suzuki Fronx price in Pakistan starts at Rs5.999 million ($21,512), placing it in the premium compact crossover category, a segment gaining traction as Pakistani buyers increasingly seek SUV-inspired styling, higher seating positions, and added technology in urban vehicles. The launch is significant for Pakistan&rsquo;s automobile industry, where local assemblers are under pressure to diversify product lines amid changing consumer preferences, rising fuel costs and growing interest in hybrid and fuel-efficient mobility. The Fronx, powered by a 1.5-liter K-Series engine, comes in multiple transmission options, including manual and automatic variants, while offering features such as Apple CarPlay, cruise control, parking sensors, rear camera systems, and six airbags, features that signal rising competition in Pakistan&rsquo;s upper-tier passenger car market. At the launch event in Islamabad, early buyers pointed to both design and fuel efficiency as key buying factors. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s a very good effort by Suzuki,&rdquo; Sheikh Mohammad Irfan, a businessman attending the launch, told Pakistan TV Digital.&nbsp; &ldquo;This car is better; it looks better than all of them,&rdquo; he said, comparing the Fronx to Suzuki&rsquo;s earlier models including the Alto, Cultus, Wagon R and Swift. But Irfan also highlighted a broader trend shaping Pakistan&rsquo;s car market: fuel economics. &ldquo;Nowadays, due to petrol prices, people are moving towards electric cars,&rdquo; he said. While calling Suzuki&rsquo;s mild-hybrid system a positive move, he added, &ldquo;If they had made it a full hybrid, this car would have been the best.&rdquo; That reflects a wider industry transition, as Pakistan&rsquo;s auto buyers increasingly weigh fuel economy alongside resale value and after-sales support. Pak Suzuki&rsquo;s dealership network also sees the Fronx as a shift in product strategy. &ldquo;This is the first time that we are launching an SUV,&rdquo; said Sania Zahra, a sales representative at Suzuki Islamabad Motors. &ldquo;Before, we used to do hatchback cars, but now we are launching an SUV.&rdquo; She said customer turnout and early booking interest at the launch had been strong, underlining market appetite for crossover vehicles. For Pakistan&rsquo;s auto industry, local assembly remains central to the business case. Domestic production helps sustain industrial activity, parts localization, and employment at a time when imports remain expensive and supply chains volatile. &ldquo;If we buy things made in Pakistan, it is a benefit for our country,&rdquo; Irfan said, linking local vehicle production directly to economic activity. For Pak Suzuki, long dominant in Pakistan&rsquo;s small-car market, the Fronx launch is more than a product expansion. It is an industry test of whether the country&rsquo;s car market is moving decisively toward crossovers. A category that has already reshaped consumer demand across global auto markets.

Pakistan's first-ever XUV, the Suzuki Fronx (Photo: Facebook/@SuzukiPakistan).

Economy

Pak Suzuki launches the Fronx in Pakistan at Rs5.999 million, entering the crossover segment with what it calls the country’s first locally assembled XUV amid shifting consumer demand toward premium compact vehicles.

Suzuki Fronx launch tests Pakistan’s growing crossover car market 

DHAKA: On the bustling outskirts of Dhaka, where roadside dhabas (eateries) line every street, one small tea stall stands out, not just for its aroma but for the remarkable woman behind it. Samat Chamsunaha, modestly dressed and often seated with her toddler by her side, has been running her tea and paan shop for five years, serving up Tandoori Chai, Tandoori Malai Chai, Titul Chai, Matka Chai, and sweets. Speaking to Pakistan TV Digital, Samat said, &ldquo;Our Matka Chai is the most popular. Tandoori and Masala Chai are also loved by many. We started this business in a lot of empty space, but now it has become crowded, especially on Fridays to Sundays. When there are many people, it is difficult to move around.&rdquo; In a street dominated by male vendors, Samat is the only woman running a tea stall, a rarity that has not gone unnoticed by her customers. &lsquo;We love coming here&rsquo;A group of young friends told Pakistan TV Digital, &ldquo;We love coming here. She is quite hospitable and friendly, always smiling, and treats every visitor with great respect.&rdquo; Her warm demeanor and genuine hospitality have turned her shop into a community hub where families and youngsters gather, relax, and spend time together. &ldquo;In Ramzan, most of the shops are closed. Only two shops are open&mdash;Nanabai and Ramadukhan. During this month, it becomes even more crowded,&rdquo; she added, highlighting how her business continues to thrive even when others shutter their doors. Women&rsquo;s role in Bangladesh&rsquo;s economySamat&rsquo;s story mirrors the broader contribution of women to Bangladesh&rsquo;s economy. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, women&rsquo;s unpaid labor, including caregiving and household work, contributes an estimated $46.8 billion, roughly 14&ndash;17% of GDP if formally recognized. Women also make up 88% of total unpaid work, showing their crucial yet often invisible economic role. Moreover, female participation in the formal labor force has been steadily increasing, particularly in urban areas and entrepreneurial ventures, signaling social and economic transformation. Experts estimate that if women&rsquo;s participation in the labor market grows, Bangladesh&rsquo;s GDP could increase by up to 29%. Samat is not just serving tea; she is defying social norms and inspiring her community. Her humble stall has become a space where people feel valued and welcomed. Symbol of&nbsp;resilience By smiling through early mornings, managing a business and caring for her child, she embodies the quiet yet profound power of women&rsquo;s empowerment. As she said herself, &ldquo;This place is usually crowded, especially on Friday to Sunday. On Fridays, we see more visitors, and it boosts our sales on Saturdays. Sundays also bring in more customers, which increases sales on Sundays.&rdquo; Her words are simple, yet they reveal the resilience, dedication, and impact of women like Samat who quietly shape the economic and social landscape of Bangladesh. On this International Women&rsquo;s Day, Samat Chamsunaha is more than a tea seller; she is a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and community spirit, proving that even small ventures can inspire big change.

Bangladesh

On this International Women’s Day, Samat Chamsunaha is more than a tea seller; she is a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and community spirit, proving that even small ventures can inspire big change.

Cup of courage: Celebrating women’s resilience in Dhaka streets

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is pursuing alternative oil supply routes through Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Red Sea port of Yanbu as the widening Middle East conflict disrupts global energy flows and pushes international crude prices sharply higher.&nbsp;Officials say the move is part of Islamabad&rsquo;s effort to safeguard energy security after shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil trade, was effectively halted amid escalating hostilities linked to the US&ndash;Israel war with Iran.&nbsp;The disruption has sent shockwaves through global markets.&nbsp;&nbsp;Amid surging global crude prices, Pakistan raised petrol and diesel rates by Rs55 ($0.20) per liter this week, officials said. Authorities stressed the hike was unavoidable given disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz and rising international costs.&nbsp;International crude benchmarks surged this week, with Brent crude rising close to $93 a barrel and US crude climbing above $91, as traders scrambled to secure alternative supplies while shipments from the Gulf remain constrained.&nbsp;Nearly one-fifth of the world&rsquo;s oil supply normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz each day, making the closure one of the most significant threats to global energy flows in years.&nbsp;Against this backdrop, Pakistani officials say rising international prices left the government with little room to absorb the shock domestically.&nbsp;Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik said the government had already taken precautionary steps to preserve fuel availability while monitoring developments in international markets.&nbsp;&ldquo;Over the past few weeks, we have preserved petroleum reserves and maintained supply according to our available stocks,&rdquo; Malik said during a joint press conference in Islamabad.&nbsp;&ldquo;There is no doubt that we are going through extraordinary circumstances today,&rdquo; he added, noting that global fuel prices had increased sharply due to the conflict.&nbsp;Malik confirmed that Pakistan had approached Saudi authorities to explore the possibility of routing oil shipments through the Red Sea port of Yanbu in order to bypass disruptions in the Gulf.&nbsp;According to the minister, Saudi officials assured Pakistan that supplies could be facilitated through the port if required.&nbsp;Officials say such arrangements could provide Pakistan with an alternative energy corridor should instability continue to affect traditional maritime routes.&nbsp;Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said PM Shehbaz Sharif had personally reviewed the situation earlier in the day as the government weighed possible responses.&nbsp;&ldquo;The prime minister himself chaired a meeting today in which the situation was reviewed,&rdquo; Dar said.&nbsp;He said Islamabad was also maintaining diplomatic contact with foreign counterparts amid rising regional tensions.&nbsp;&ldquo;We have contacted the foreign ministers of other countries,&rdquo; Dar said, adding that Pakistan was working with partners to encourage de-escalation.&nbsp;&ldquo;We will have to see how long it takes to reduce these tensions,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the government was also examining the broader economic implications of the crisis, including its potential impact on Pakistan&rsquo;s imports and exports.&nbsp;&ldquo;We are also reviewing what impact the increase in prices will have on imports and exports,&rdquo; Aurangzeb said.&nbsp;He reassured the public that the country currently holds sufficient petroleum reserves and urged citizens not to panic as authorities formulate their response to the evolving situation.&nbsp;Aurangzeb added that PM Sharif had directed federal authorities to consult with provincial governments to ensure coordinated measures.&nbsp;Officials say Pakistan&rsquo;s strategy now focuses on securing alternative supply routes, protecting domestic fuel reserves and maintaining diplomatic engagement as the Middle East conflict reshapes global energy markets and threatens prolonged volatility in oil prices.

Business

Islamabad raises fuel prices amid global crude surge, citing disrupted Strait of Hormuz supplies. Authorities emphasize strategic alternative routes through Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port to secure energy, while monitoring economic impacts on imports, exports, and domestic stability

Pakistan seeks Red Sea oil route as Gulf crisis disrupts supply

ISLAMABAD: Recent security developments have reinforced Pakistan&rsquo;s long-standing assessment that Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Afghan Taliban operate as a mutually reinforcing nexus, where pressure on one group is met with retaliation by the other. The pattern was again visible this week after Pakistan launched <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-says-297-taliban-fighters-killed-in-afghanistan-strikes" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Operation Ghazab lil Haq</a>&nbsp;in response to unprovoked cross-border attacks. As <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/why-pakistan-struck-afghanistan" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistan struck Afghan Taliban targets</a> inside Afghanistan, TTP elements attempted to escalate violence inside Pakistan, including failed drone attacks in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistan&rsquo;s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed that TTP-linked terrorists attempted to launch drones in Abbottabad, Swabi and Nowshera, but said Pakistan&rsquo;s anti-drone systems intercepted all of them, preventing any loss of life. &ldquo;These <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-responds-afghan-border-fire" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">incidents have again exposed direct linkages</a> between the Afghan Taliban regime and terrorism in Pakistan,&rdquo; Tarar said in a statement. Terrorist groups&#39; messaging, released the same day, removed any remaining ambiguity. A TTP faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, publicly issued directives to its terrorist operatives across Pakistan to escalate attacks on security forces, portraying the violence as retaliation for Pakistan&rsquo;s military action against Afghan Taliban targets. The message openly described attacks inside Pakistan as an act of &ldquo;solidarity&rdquo; with the Afghan Taliban. An earlier internal directive attributed to TTP leadership went further, declaring that the &ldquo;Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stands with our mujahideen&rdquo; and ordering commanders to escalate attacks while amplifying propaganda through media channels. <a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pm-sharif-briefed-at-military-headquarters-as-pakistan-inflicts-heavy-taliban-losses" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistani officials</a> say this coordinated messaging reflects an operational reality that has persisted since the Taliban takeover of Kabul in 2021: Afghan soil has increasingly been used as a safe haven for groups targeting Pakistan. Islamabad maintains that the return of the Taliban to power removed constraints on terrorist networks, enabling training, planning and cross-border attacks with impunity. Security sources argue the sequence is now predictable. When Pakistan confronts terrorist infrastructure inside Afghanistan, TTP cells activate inside Pakistan. When TTP strikes Pakistani targets, protection and facilitation trace back across the border. Pakistan says repeated diplomatic engagements have failed to alter this behavior and that the Afghan Taliban regime has neither acknowledged nor acted against the presence of anti-Pakistan terrorist groups on its territory. As military operations and militant reprisals continue in parallel, Pakistani authorities say the distinction between the Afghan Taliban and TTP is no longer theoretical but operational. A shared ecosystem in which an attack on one triggers a response from the other.

Blogs

Pakistan says recent drone attempts, militant directives, and retaliatory strikes demonstrate a coordinated operational pattern, where pressure on the Afghan Taliban consistently triggers Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan attacks inside Pakistan, reinforcing concerns over cross-border safe havens.

TTP–Taliban nexus exposed as attacks and retaliation mirror each other

Ayesha Mir

DHAKA: Bangladesh swore in its new prime minister on Tuesday amid heavy security and widespread celebrations, following a landslide election that marked the country&rsquo;s first national vote since the mass 2024 uprising that ended years of &quot;authoritarian rule.&quot; The capital, Dhaka, was placed under tight security throughout the day, with major roads repeatedly opened and closed to accommodate high-profile movements. Traffic across large parts of the city was severely disrupted, leaving commuters stranded for hours. Following the oath-taking ceremony, supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) poured onto the streets, chanting slogans and holding celebratory rallies. Crowds also gathered outside the parliament complex, lining the road beyond the main gate to witness the historic transition. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, whose five-year term begins immediately, was sworn in by President Mohammed Shahabuddin at a ceremony held at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. Rahman, 60, is the son of former prime minister Khaleda Zia and former president Ziaur Rahman. He is Bangladesh&rsquo;s first male prime minister in 35 years. Since the restoration of democracy in 1991, the office had alternated exclusively between his mother and her longtime rival Sheikh Hasina. Rahman returned to Bangladesh in December last year after 17 years in self-imposed exile in London, shortly before his mother&rsquo;s death. He has pledged to restore democratic institutions in the South Asian nation of around 170 million people. The BNP and its allies secured 212 seats in the 350-member parliament, giving the party a decisive majority. An opposition alliance led by Jamaat-e-Islami won 77 seats, while smaller parties and independents filled the remainder. Of the 300 directly elected seats, voting was held in 299 constituencies. Seven women were elected directly in the 13th national election, six of them on the BNP ticket. An additional 50 seats are reserved for women and allocated proportionally among winning parties. Security, crowds and public mood Earlier in the day, the head of the Election Commission administered the oath of office separately to all newly elected lawmakers. The presence of multiple foreign delegations prompted extensive security arrangements, with checkpoints and police deployments across central Dhaka. Despite disruptions, the atmosphere around parliament was celebratory. BNP supporters waved party flags and described the day as the culmination of years of political struggle and disenfranchisement. Pakistan signals engagement Foreign dignitaries attending the ceremony included Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, an Indian delegation, and representatives from Nepal, Sri Lanka and other countries. Pakistan was represented by Planning and Development Minister Ahsan Iqbal, who said he was attending on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. &ldquo;I am here to represent the Prime Minister of Pakistan and the people of Pakistan at a very historic moment when Bangladesh is making a democratic transition and a new government is being sworn in,&rdquo; Iqbal told Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif would very much like to visit Bangladesh as early as possible,&rdquo; he added. Iqbal said Islamabad viewed the change in Dhaka as an opportunity to deepen bilateral ties, particularly in trade, investment and people-to-people engagement. &ldquo;There is tremendous opportunity to promote trade between Pakistan and Bangladesh,&rdquo; he said, noting that bilateral trade remains below $1 billion. &ldquo;We look forward to a new journey between Pakistan and Bangladesh, towards prosperity and stability, not only for our region but for our people.&rdquo; Cabinet takes shape A total of 25 full ministers and two state ministers were sworn in as part of Rahman&rsquo;s new cabinet, covering portfolios ranging from finance and home affairs to foreign policy, energy, climate change and social welfare. Key appointments include Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury to finance and planning, Salahuddin Ahmed to home affairs, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir to local government, and Khalilur Rahman, a technocrat, as foreign minister. The election was overseen by an interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, which took charge after Sheikh Hasina was toppled during the 2024 uprising. Hasina&rsquo;s Awami League party was barred from contesting the vote, and all its political activities were suspended during the transition. From exile in India, Hasina rejected the election as unfair. At home, she has been sentenced to death on charges of crimes against humanity related to hundreds of deaths during the unrest. The vote was largely peaceful and was deemed acceptable by international observers, restoring electoral legitimacy after years of disputed polls and political turmoil. With a strong parliamentary mandate, a newly sworn-in cabinet and public celebrations spilling into the streets, Bangladesh&rsquo;s new government begins its term under intense domestic expectations and renewed regional scrutiny.

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairman Tarique Rahman (R) takes oath as prime minister during a swearing-in ceremony at the National Parliament building in Dhaka on February 17, 2026. (AFP)

Tarique Rahman becomes 11th prime minister as Bangladesh swears in new government after landslide election, signaling democratic transition, regional engagement and renewed ties with neighbors, including Pakistan.

Bangladesh swears in new prime minister after landslide election

ISLAMABAD: In a speech delivered on the eve of the 24th anniversary of the tragic 9/11 attacks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Israel&#39;s adversaries across the globe, declaring that &ldquo;no place is safe&rdquo; for those who harbor or support the Palestinian group Hamas.&nbsp; The remarks followed Israeli airstrikes in Qatar, an unprecedented military action against a U.S. ally, which killed six people, including a Qatari security officer, and targeted senior Hamas leaders. The strike, carried out in Doha on Tuesday, drew swift international condemnation and escalated fears of a broader regional conflict. Netanyahu defended the move as a &ldquo;lawful act of self-defense,&rdquo; comparing Hamas&rsquo; October 7, 2023 attack on Israel to the 9/11 attacks on the United States. &ldquo;Just as the U.S. hunted down Al-Qaeda after 9/11, Israel will pursue those responsible for October 7, no matter where they hide,&rdquo; Netanyahu said. &ldquo;Expel them or bring them to justice. Otherwise, we will do it ourselves.&rdquo; He singled out Qatar as a &ldquo;safe haven&rdquo; for Hamas leadership, accusing the Gulf state of offering &ldquo;luxurious villas and full protection&rdquo; to individuals Israel considers terrorists. &ldquo;This is not harboring diplomacy; this is harboring terror,&rdquo; Netanyahu added. The remarks and the strike mark a dramatic expansion of Israel&rsquo;s doctrine of extraterritorial military operations, sending a message that Israel will act unilaterally, even in allied nations, if it believes its security is threatened. Saudi Arabia condemns &ldquo;brutal aggression&rdquo;The Israeli attack on Doha sparked a sharp rebuke from Saudi Arabia. In an annual address to the Shura Council delivered on behalf of King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned what he described as Israel&rsquo;s &quot;brutal aggression&quot; against Qatar and the broader Palestinian population. &ldquo;We will stand with Qatar without limit,&rdquo; the crown prince said. &ldquo;Arab, Islamic, and international action is urgently needed to confront such aggression. These actions not only threaten Qatar but endanger the entire region&rsquo;s stability.&rdquo; He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s commitment to the Arab Peace Initiative and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, calling Israel&rsquo;s recent actions &ldquo;flagrant violations of international law.&rdquo; Pakistan seeks emergency UN actionPakistan joined the chorus of international concern, labeling Israel&rsquo;s strike in Qatar a &ldquo;dangerous escalation.&rdquo; Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Wednesday that Islamabad has formally requested an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), along with Algeria and Somalia, to address Israel&rsquo;s &ldquo;brazen violation&rdquo; of international norms. &ldquo;The attack is an open challenge to international peace and security,&rdquo; Dar said on X. &ldquo;Israel has shown it is willing to attack any state it deems supportive of Palestinian resistance, even at the risk of global conflict.&rdquo; Dar revealed that Pakistan, in coordination with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has also called for an urgent session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva to hold Israel accountable for its strikes on Doha. Pakistan praised Qatar&rsquo;s decision to host an Extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit on September 15, offering to co-sponsor the gathering to forge a united response.Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also condemned the attack, describing it as a &ldquo;barbaric violation of every legal and moral boundary.&rdquo; Global tensions rise amid Gaza onslaughtThe timing of Netanyahu&rsquo;s threat, on the anniversary of 9/11, has raised alarms across the diplomatic world, with many interpreting the rhetoric as a direct challenge to the international system. Critics warn that Israel&rsquo;s expanding military actions risk triggering a wider regional war. The airstrike in Qatar came amid ongoing Israeli military aggression in Gaza, where over 64,600 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023, according to local health authorities. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, and ceasefire negotiations have stalled. Qatari officials condemned Tuesday&rsquo;s airstrike as a &ldquo;criminal attack&rdquo; and a &ldquo;flagrant violation&rdquo; of sovereignty and international law. A government spokesperson said the strike endangered the safety of both Qatari citizens and the thousands of foreign nationals residing in the capital. Despite global outrage, Netanyahu doubled down, stating that Israel would not apologize for defending itself. &ldquo;We are not seeking war with the world,&rdquo; he said, &ldquo;but we will not be constrained by borders when our citizens are under threat.&rdquo; As world leaders prepare for the upcoming Arab-Islamic Summit in Doha, the question now is whether Israel&rsquo;s unprecedented action will force a diplomatic reckoning, or ignite a new front in an already volatile region.

Security

Israeli strikes in Doha draws global outrage; Pakistan urges UN action, calling it a threat to regional peace.

On 9/11 Anniversary: Israel threatens to strike 'foes' anywhere after Qatar attack

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: The US Senate on Tuesday advanced a resolution to limit President Donald Trump&rsquo;s authority to conduct military action against Iran without congressional approval, marking the first time Democrats have cleared such a procedural vote after seven failed attempts. The joint resolution, introduced by Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and several other senators, directs the president to remove US armed forces from &quot;hostilities within or against Iran&quot; unless Congress formally authorizes military action through a declaration of war or a specific use-of-force authorization. According to the text of the resolution, lawmakers argued that Congress alone has the constitutional authority to declare war under Article I of the US Constitution and that Congress has neither declared war on Iran nor approved military force against the country. The Senate voted 50-47 to discharge the resolution from the Committee, with four Republican senators, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, Rand Paul, and Bill Cassidy, joining most Democrats in backing the resolution, while Democratic Senator John Fetterman voted against it, CBS News reported. The resolution further states that military action against Iran, including the enforcement of a naval blockade, would constitute hostilities under the War Powers Resolution. However, the measure includes provisions allowing the United States to defend itself against attacks, continue intelligence-sharing with allies, and assist partner countries targeted by Iran or its proxies through defensive support, according to the resolution. Speaking before the vote, Kaine said Americans were increasingly opposed to another conflict in the Middle East. &quot;They are deeply opposed to this war,&quot; he told reporters, according to CBS News. Kaine also linked the conflict to rising economic pressure on Americans, particularly fuel prices ahead of the Memorial Day holiday travel period. &quot;We&rsquo;re coming up on Memorial Day. A lot of people do a lot of driving, they&rsquo;re going to be paying a lot for gas,&quot; Kaine said, according to CBS News. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said the vote showed growing Republican unease over the administration&rsquo;s Iran policy. &ldquo;Momentum is building to check him,&rdquo; Schumer said. The resolution still has to pass a final vote and, even then, would face major obstacles in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives, which has already rejected similar efforts, and would almost certainly be vetoed by Trump if it reached his desk, AFP reported.

US Senator Tim Kaine speaks following the Senate's vote on the War Powers resolution, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC on February 13, 2020. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP)

Americas

Middle East

The Senate has approved a procedural step to limit unauthorized US hostilities against Iran. However, the resolution still has to pass a final vote in both chambers of Congress and likely presidential opposition. 

US Senate moves to restrict unauthorized hostilities against Iran

ISLAMABAD: The United Nations has warned of a growing and potentially grave threat of nuclear terrorism emerging from Afghanistan under the Taliban.&nbsp;According to a UN report, the Taliban regime has sheltered international terrorist groups to sustain its rule, allowing militant networks operating from Afghan territory to pose a serious danger to global security.&nbsp;The report raises particular alarm over 133 tablets of stolen uranium dioxide taken from Tajikistan, which could potentially be acquired by the banned al-Qaeda network in Afghanistan. &ldquo;I think the threat has never been so high as it is today,&rdquo; according to Mauro Miedico, Director of the UN Counter-Terrorism Centre (UNCCT). &ldquo;Terrorist groups and individuals engage much more strongly with new technologies. Terrorist groups have recruited experts, including AI specialists, and we have seen the use of drones in terrorist acts. This potentially makes it more possible that they will launch a dirty bomb via drone.&rdquo;&nbsp;The report notes that al‑Qaeda has repeatedly signaled intent to conduct nuclear attacks, and that incidents of smuggling and theft of radioactive material have been recorded in several countries.&nbsp;Experts cited in the report say the combination of foreign fighters, modern technology available to militant groups in Afghanistan, and the sanctuary provided by the Taliban creates a real risk of nuclear terrorism.&nbsp;The findings echo warnings previously issued by the United States, Pakistan, European states and Central Asian countries, which have repeatedly described terrorism emanating from Afghanistan as a major security threat.&nbsp;The UN has called for strengthened international cooperation, improved controls on nuclear and radiological materials across the region, and enhanced monitoring and interdiction efforts to prevent dangerous materials from reaching extremist hands.

Artillery shells have hit areas near the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine since the full-scare Russian invasion of the country in 2022. (File photo: United Nations/IAEA)

Afghanistan

The report notes that al‑Qaeda has repeatedly signaled intent to conduct nuclear attacks, and that incidents of smuggling and theft of radioactive material have been recorded in several countries.

UN warns of rising nuclear terrorism risk from Afghanistan under Taliban

STRASBOURG (FRANCE): EU lawmakers and member states reached a deal in the early hours of Wednesday to implement the bloc&#39;s nearly year-old trade pact with the United States, as President Donald Trump threatened new tariffs unless the pact is implemented by July 4. The 27-nation bloc struck an accord with Washington last July, setting levies on most European goods at 15%, but to Trump&#39;s frustration, it had yet to make good on its pledge to scrap levies on most US imports in return. Negotiators from the EU&#39;s parliament and capitals wrangled late into the night, finally emerging several hours after midnight with news of an agreement to move forward. &quot;This means we will soon deliver on our part,&quot; EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said as she welcomed the agreement and called for the implementation process to be finalized quickly. &quot;Together, we can ensure stable, predictable, balanced, and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade,&quot; von der Leyen said in a social media post. The EU agreement puts the bloc on track to meet Trump&#39;s deadline for ratification of the deal sealed in Turnberry, Scotland, between Trump and von der Leyen, and hopefully turn the page on more than a year of transatlantic trade battles. Short of that, Trump had warned the European Union should expect &quot;much higher&quot; tariffs -- and had already vowed to raise duties on European cars and trucks from 15% to 25%. The tariff blitz unleashed by Trump before the Turnberry accord, including hefty levies on steel, aluminum and car parts, jolted the bloc into cultivating trade ties around the world. But the EU cannot afford to neglect the &euro;1.6-trillion ($1.9-trillion) relationship with the US, its largest trade partner. No more &#39;sunrise&#39;&nbsp;The EU parliament gave the deal a conditional green light in March, after months of delay caused by Trump&#39;s designs on Greenland and a US Supreme Court ruling striking down many of the president&#39;s tariffs. Lawmakers were under pressure to renege on several amendments that the Americans considered unacceptable -- including a suspension clause that would scrap favorable tariff conditions for US exporters should the US breach the deal. The final text empowers the European Commission to trigger the suspension mechanism if the US fails to meet its commitments or disrupts trade and investment with the EU, including by &quot;discriminating against or targeting EU economic operators.&quot; It also gives the EU means to address spikes in US imports &quot;that cause or threaten to cause serious injury to domestic producers,&quot; with suspension again a possible outcome. But parliament also agreed to scale back some demands -- and the final text notably gave the US until the end of the year to drop surtaxes above 15% on steel components, rather than insisting on it as a precondition. Another fight was over so-called &quot;sunrise&quot; and &quot;sunset&quot; clauses under which the EU side of the accord would kick in once the US makes good on its pledges, and would expire unless renewed in 2028. The sunrise clause was removed altogether, while the sunset was pushed back to the end of 2029, according to a parliament statement. The head of parliament&#39;s trade committee, Bernd Lange, faced the challenge of hammering out a common stance between different factions that haggled until the last moment. Lange played down the concessions extracted from lawmakers, declaring after the deal was announced that &quot;parliament has prevailed with its demands for a comprehensive safety net.&quot; But Anna Cavazzini of the EU&#39;s Greens was less effusive, saying the &quot;deal puts the EU at a disadvantage&quot; while conceding &quot;it can secure a certain degree of economic stability.&quot; &quot;One can only hope that the agreement on the tariff deal will now calm the situation, so that other major issues in the EU-US relationship can be addressed,&quot; she said.

Europe

EU lawmakers and member states approve progress on a major US trade pact to avoid fresh Trump tariffs and stabilize the $1.9 trillion transatlantic economic relationship after months of tensions.

EU agrees to implement US trade pact after Trump threats

SYLHET:&nbsp;Spinner Taijul Islam took six wickets to lead Bangladesh to a 78-run win over Pakistan in the second Test and clinch a famous 2-0 series win on Wednesday. Pakistan, who started the fifth day on 316-7 chasing a record 437, were bowled out for 328 in the first session in Sylhet after Mohammad Rizwan hit a valiant 94. It was Bangladesh&#39;s first Test series win at home against Pakistan and a second successive sweep after their 2-0 triumph on Pakistani soil in 2024. The win marked another major milestone for Bangladesh, who secured four successive Test series victories for the first time in their history. &quot;It&#39;s difficult to explain the emotions of that final hour because Pakistan were batting really well and we were under pressure,&quot; Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto said. &quot;But compared to previous matches, we controlled our emotions better and avoided panic. &quot;Every player and member of the support staff contributed, and as captain I feel very proud of the team&#39;s work ethic.&quot; Wicketkeeper Rizwan kept Pakistan in the hunt for an unlikely win with a 166-ball stay after the visitors had slumped to 162-5 on day four. Rizwan put on an eighth-wicket partnership of 54 with overnight partner Sajid Khan, who made 28. Taijul broke through to dismiss Sajid for his 18th Test five-wicket haul, and pace bowler Shoriful Islam had Rizwan caught in the next over to end Pakistan&#39;s resistance. &quot;It&#39;s never good to lose games,&quot; said Pakistan skipper Shan Masood. &quot;In both matches we had significant chances, but we need to reflect on where we lost the game in batting, bowling and fielding if we want to move forward as a side.&quot; Taijul took the final wicket of Khurram Shahzad to return second-innings figures of 6-120 and trigger the Bangladesh celebrations. Taijul&#39;s four wickets on Tuesday had left Pakistan in deep trouble. Former captain Babar Azam counter-attacked with 47 before wicketkeeper Litton Das produced a stunning catch off Taijul. Captain Masood made 71, while Salman Ali Agha added 71 in a crucial 134-run sixth-wicket stand with Rizwan before Taijul broke through. Taijul, a left-arm spinner, also took 3-67 during Pakistan&#39;s first innings of 232. Litton, who was named player of the match, scored 126 in Bangladesh&#39;s first innings of 278. Veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim scored 137 in the second to guide Bangladesh to 390, with contributions from Mahmudul Hasan Joy (52) and Litton (69). The 39-year-old Mushfiqur was named player of the series for his 253 runs in two matches. Bangladesh won the opening Test by 104 runs.

Bangladesh's players celebrate after the dismissal of Pakistan’s Babar Azam during the fourth day of the second Test cricket match between Bangladesh and Pakistan at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet on May 19, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Cricket

With this win, Bangladesh completes a 2-0 whitewash, marking their second consecutive series win against Pakistan in red ball cricket.

Taijul takes six to lead Bangladesh to Pakistan Test series win

ISLAMABAD: Taliban authorities in southern Afghanistan&rsquo;s Kandahar province have imposed new restrictions on YouTubers and video content creators, warning them against producing and publishing videos on social media platforms, according to Afghanistan International on Wednesday. According to the report, officials from the Taliban&rsquo;s Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice recently summoned several YouTubers and social media activists in Kandahar and ordered them to stop creating video content.&nbsp; The move has alarmed young Afghan creators who say social media platforms such as YouTube have become one of the few remaining outlets for cultural expression and employment in the country. Youtubers spoke to Afghanistan International that they made videos about the city, historical sites, markets, traditions and people&rsquo;s lives.&nbsp; They said some of the videos also focused on social issues, including harmful customs, drug addiction and illiteracy. Other creators said their content had attracted thousands, and in some cases millions, of online views, helping showcase Afghan culture and daily life to international audiences. &ldquo;YouTube was one of our main sources of income, but now that making videos has been banned, we are effectively unemployed,&rdquo; another creator said. The restrictions currently appear to apply only in Kandahar province, though creators expressed concern that the policy could expand to other parts of Afghanistan. Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have steadily tightened restrictions on media and public expression. Under the Taliban&#39;s morality law, the publication of images of &ldquo;living beings&rdquo; is prohibited. As part of enforcing the policy, Taliban authorities have suspended state television broadcasts and shut down or restricted several local media outlets in different provinces. International rights organizations and media advocacy groups have repeatedly condemned the Taliban&rsquo;s restrictions on images and media content, calling on the authorities to respect freedom of expression and reverse policies limiting independent journalism and digital media activity in Afghanistan.

Freedom of expression - (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

The Taliban in Kandahar have banned YouTubers and content creators from making videos, further tightening media restrictions and threatening livelihoods and freedom of expression in Afghanistan.

Afghan Taliban tighten restrictions on youtubers and video creators in Kandahar

BEIJING: Beijing has agreed to work with Washington on reducing levies affecting tens of billions of dollars in goods, a commerce ministry statement said Wednesday, days after US President Donald Trump visited China. Under the auspices of a newly established trade council, &quot;both sides agreed in principle to discuss a framework arrangement for reciprocal tariff reductions on products of equivalent scale&quot;, covering &quot;$30 billion or more on each side&quot;, the online statement said. US President Donald Trump was in Beijing last week, where he held talks with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, over a variety of issues, especially the trade tariffs.

Asia

A statement from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said that Beijing and Washington agreed in principle to discuss a framework arrangement for reciprocal tariff reductions on products of equivalent scale.

China says to work with US on reciprocal tariff cuts for $30 billion of goods each

ISLAMABAD: Students across Afghanistan are growing discouraged as the Taliban expand religious schools while public education facilities continue to deteriorate, according to the daily Hasht-e-Subh. Images circulating on social media in recent days showed students sleeping inside classrooms, highlighting worsening conditions in public schools and sparking renewed criticism of the Taliban&rsquo;s education policies. Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, modern education has been systematically weakened while the group has prioritized religious instruction through madrasa networks. According to the daily, subjects such as mathematics, physics and chemistry have received less attention in some schools, while greater emphasis has been placed on ideological, political and military-related topics aligned with Taliban teachings. The concerns come as Afghanistan&rsquo;s education sector continues to face severe economic strain. Many families struggling with poverty are unable to keep children in school, while restrictions imposed by the Taliban have further discouraged students from pursuing education.&nbsp; International observers and education advocates have repeatedly warned about the growing imbalance between religious and public education in Afghanistan. An international survey found that the Taliban had built 15 religious schools for every one public school, despite the country&rsquo;s deepening education crisis. Afghanistan&rsquo;s public schools also continue to suffer from shortages of qualified teachers, learning materials and proper classroom facilities, particularly in rural areas.

Afghan schoolboys in Helmand (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Afghanistan’s public education system is deteriorating under Taliban rule as religious schools expand, classrooms decline, and students lose access to quality modern education.

Afghan Taliban’s focus on religious schools is discouraging students from education

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has emphasized the need for sustained &ldquo;confidence-building measures&rdquo; and expedited &ldquo;resumption of negotiations,&rdquo; reiterating Islamabad&rsquo;s deep concern over the ongoing war in Ukraine.&nbsp; Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, with the ensuing conflict resulting in a tidal wave of destruction that has left entire cities in ruins. Speaking at the UNSC, Acting UN Permanent Representative of Pakistan Ambassador Usman Jadoon, the ambassador said, &ldquo;The conflict has persisted for over four years, resulting in widespread devastation that has severely impacted human lives and livelihoods.&rdquo; He said that Islamabad was concerned about the prolongation of the war, condemning reports of increased attacks. Such actions prolong the conflict, erode trust, and obstruct meaningful progress toward peace, he said, stressing that civilians remained the primary victims.&nbsp; The ambassador reiterated that protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, and civilian infrastructure was a fundamental legal obligation under international humanitarian law, which all parties must uphold under all circumstances. Welcoming the recent ceasefire announcements, the ambassador said these measures can help build confidence and should be sustained to create an enabling environment for a complete ceasefire and lasting peace. He also urged both parties to &ldquo;prioritize diplomacy, demonstrate genuine political will, and move forward constructively toward a just and enduring solution.&rdquo;

Foreign Affairs

Acting UN Permanent Representative of Pakistan says Islamabad is concerned about the prolongation of the war, condemns reports of increased attacks.

At UN, Pakistan calls for confidence-building measures, revival of talks on Ukraine

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump will attend next month&#39;s G7 summit in France, a White House official told AFP Tuesday, despite tensions between Washington and its allies over a host of issues, from Iran to tariffs. Trump&#39;s attendance had not previously been confirmed at the meeting of the Group of Seven leading economies in the French Alpine lakeside resort of Evian, June 15-17. The White House said in January that France had changed the dates to accommodate Trump&#39;s schedule. Trump is holding a cage fight at the White House on June 14, his 80th birthday. The US president wants to discuss topics including artificial intelligence, trade and crime-fighting at the leaders&#39; summit, Axios reported. But the summit takes place against a backdrop of frictions between the United States and other G7 members, particularly over the war Trump launched on Iran in February. Trump has lashed out at US allies for failing to help open up the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway that Iran has effectively shut down, causing global oil prices to spike. Western allies, including the G7, have in return expressed concerns about the impact of the US-Israeli war on their economies, particularly at a time when they are dealing with tariffs imposed by Trump. Trump&#39;s attendance at a NATO summit in Turkey in early July has still not yet been confirmed. The Group of Seven countries are Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. Each country assumes the group&#39;s rotating leadership, organizing annual summits and ministerial meetings.

Trump has lashed out at US allies for failing to help open up the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway that Iran has effectively shut down, causing global oil prices to spike.

Trump to attend G7 summit in France: White House

Web Desk/AFP

Trump says will resume strikes on Iran if deal not reached within 'two or three ⁠days'; Araghchi says Iran will benefit from the lessons learned and the knowledge gained; Moscow notes Pakistan's active role in stabilizing the situation, creating conditions for lasting peace.

Articles by Muhammad Ibrahim