The Pakistan

Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik announced on Thursday that the price of petrol was being raised to Rs458.4 per litre and that of high-speed diesel (HSD) to Rs520.35 per litre. He made the announcement while addressing a press conference alongside Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. Breakup of the new petrol prices Soon after his announcement, the energy ministry also notified the new prices, with petrol’s price being raised by Rs137.24 per litre and diesel’s by Rs184.49 per litre. The government also increased kerosene prices by Rs34.08 per litre to Rs457.80 per litre. Malik said the new prices would be effective from Friday. The latest hike comes amid a global fuel crisis resulting from the US-Israeli war on Iran, which began on February 28. It was  announced  around a week after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said he had rejected a third recommendation for an increase of Rs95 per litre in the price of petrol and Rs203 per litre in that of HSD since the war began. Previo...

As the world teeters on the edge of a significant military escalation, Islamabad has emerged as the epicenter of a high-stakes diplomatic gamble. The recent meeting of foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt signifies a coordinated effort to bridge the widening chasm between Washington and Tehran. With oil prices surging past $110 and the Strait of Hormuz effectively throttled, the success of this Pakistan-led Iran-US mediation is no longer just a regional concern it is a global economic necessity. Why is Pakistan acting as a backchannel between Washington and Tehran? Pakistan has a long, storied history of serving as a bridge between rival powers, most notably facilitating the 1971 opening between the U.S. and China. In 2026, its role is defined by necessity. As a neighbor to Iran with deep security ties to the West and the Gulf, Islamabad remains one of the few capitals that maintains functional trust with both the Trump administration and the Iranian leade...

The recent IDF Netzah Yehuda battalion suspension following the assault and detention of a CNN crew has sparked a fierce debate over military ethics and the rule of law in the West Bank. While the Israeli military’s top leadership acted with unprecedented speed, the incident highlights a deeper systemic issue: the growing intersection between radical settler ideology and formal military service. This move by Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is not just a disciplinary measure; it is a high-stakes attempt to salvage the military's professional image amidst mounting international scrutiny. The CNN incident: A catalyst for unprecedented military discipline The decision to suspend an entire reserve battalion just 48 hours after a media report is statistically rare for the IDF. In the village of Tayasir, the detention of journalist Jeremy Diamond and the physical assault of photojournalist Cyril Theophilos provided undeniable video evidence of"revenge being used as a military motive. By dismis...

The current escalation in the Persian Gulf has brought Middle East peace negotiations in 2026 to a critical crossroads. Despite recent strikes on Iranian nuclear and power facilities, a diplomatic coalition led by Pakistan, Turkiye, and Egypt is desperately seeking a cessation of hostilities. The situation is precarious, as retaliatory actions threaten global energy stability and maritime security. While military tensions remain high, the underlying supply chain constraints and the depletion of Western missile inventories may ironically force a pivot toward diplomacy. Understanding these dynamics is essential for gauging the feasibility of a lasting regional truce. Why are Middle East Peace Negotiations Stalled? The primary obstacle to progress is a profound lack of trust following direct strikes on Iranian infrastructure during active mediation windows. Israel's recent targeting of power plants and nuclear sites, despite a proposed moratorium, has signaled a preference for milita...

  The recent release of U.S. citizen Dennis Coyle from Kabul, facilitated by the UAE, marks a significant milestone in regional stability. For Pakistan, a stable and diplomatically engaged Afghanistan is not just a preference it is a prerequisite for secure borders. This successful transfer of a high-profile detainee demonstrates that humanitarian corridors can lead to broader political de-escalation. Why the Dennis Coyle release matters for Pakistan's border stability? Peace in Afghanistan directly translates to neighborly hope for Pakistan. When international mediators like the UAE successfully bridge the gap between Kabul and Washington, it reduces the risk of isolationism. For our border regions, this diplomatic success signals a shift toward structured engagement rather than conflict, which is essential for managing shared security concerns and trade routes. How does the UAE act as a bridge between Kabul and Washington? The UAE has positioned itself as a trusted global mediat...