KARACHI: Pakistan should now set a clear sovereign rating objective: S&P’s B+ within two years and Moody’s B1 within three to five years. S&P raised Pakistan to B in July 2026, while Moody’s has kept it at Caa1 since August 2025. The country deserves recognition for avoiding default and restoring stability, but ratings are earned … Read more

. The Taliban have now been in power for five years. Having established relative peace inside Afghanistan, the administration is struggling to keep its promises of embracing diversity and forming an inclusive government. The sole positive note is that the political landscape in the war-torn country has settled and is now free from external intervention. Yet, … Read more

Foreign ministers of eight countries say Israel bears responsibility for obstructing efforts to end the war in Gaza Palestinians walk past the rubble of residential buildings destroyed during the war, at Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, August 5, 2026. — REUTERS Pakistan and seven other Islamic countries on Sunday condemned Israel’s declared … Read more

While street vending provides livelihoods, children, women and elderly people are increasingly used to evoke sympathy When children approach motorists at traffic signals with flowers, pencils or toys, they appear to be selling small items to earn a living. But in many cases, the transaction is less about the product and more about appealing to … Read more

A picture showing the branch of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Election Commission. — FILE PHOTO A day after concluding the electoral process in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), the Election Commission has announced the schedule for elections to reserved seats, with polling set to be held on Aug 24. According to a statement issued … Read more