India’s $52B Russian oil imports in 2024–25 challenge its claim of neutrality Since 1947, India has projected itself as a neutral player in global affairs. In reality, history shows deep ties with the Soviet Union and later Russia, alongside growing relations with the United States. The Russia-Ukraine conflict, however, has put this balancing act under intense scrutiny. While calling for peace, India became one of the largest buyers of Russian oil in 2024–25, importing $52 billion worth at discounted rates. Much of this oil is refined in Gujarat’s Jamnagar refinery, owned by industrialist Mukesh Ambani, and resold to Western nations…
Author: Farhan Ali
Afghanistan is more than a rugged landscape — it is a strategic crossroads. When it collapses, it becomes a vacuum for regional power plays. For over forty years, India has been accused of using this space to wage hybrid operations against Pakistan. During the Soviet occupation, India supported the Kabul regime, allowing Afghan territory to serve as a base for anti-Pakistan groups, including the BLA. After 2001, under the banner of reconstruction, India invested billions in Afghanistan, built major projects, and expanded its network of embassies and consulates — many located close to Pakistan’s borders. These facilities reportedly became operational…
The National Assembly has carried out a major reshuffle, removing three senior PTI leaders from key parliamentary positions after the Election Commission of Pakistan disqualified several party lawmakers. Opposition Leader Omar Ayub has been ousted from his role, stripped of the Opposition Leader’s chamber, and removed from the Public Accounts and Finance Committees. Zartaj Gul has been replaced as Parliamentary Leader, while Ahmed Chattha has been relieved of his duties as Deputy Parliamentary Leader. The changes extend beyond leadership roles. Memberships of 15 standing committees have been withdrawn from seven PTI lawmakers. Sahibzada Hamid Raza has been removed as Chairman…
Powering the Future: Why Solar Energy Is Essential for Gilgit-Baltistan In the age of digital progress, access to the internet is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity. Yet, in Gilgit-Baltistan, the lack of reliable electricity threatens this very connection to the world. With harsh winters freezing mountain streams, hydropower simply cannot meet the region’s energy needs year-round. But there is a solution. A smart, sustainable solution. Solar power. A hybrid solar system with battery backup can provide uninterrupted electricity to power phones, laptops, routers—the very tools that link GB to the digital world. This is more than energy.…
Climate Change Is No Longer a Distant Threat It is already reshaping daily life in Gilgit-Baltistan. Glaciers are melting, floods are rising, and the environment is changing fast. But in the face of these challenges, there is also hope. And that hope lies in education. The Power of Early Climate Education By teaching children about climate change early, we prepare them not just to understand the problem, but to become part of the solution. From tree planting and school eco-clubs to recycling drives and no-plastic days, students can lead the way. A Community-Wide Effort Gilgit-Baltistan’s schools, families, and communities have…
Pakistan Rejects Ukraine War Allegations, Calls Out False Claims of Involvement Pakistan has firmly denied recent allegations linking its citizens to the Ukraine conflict. These accusations surfaced after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that foreign “mercenaries” from Pakistan, China, and Africa were fighting in the war. In response, the Foreign Office (FO) released a clear statement rejecting the claims. According to the FO, Ukraine has not shared any credible evidence to support these allegations. The spokesperson confirmed that Pakistan has not received any official communication from Ukrainian authorities on the issue. The FO stated that no Pakistani national has been…
ECP Disqualifies Omar Ayub, Shibli Faraz, and Other PTI Lawmakers Following May 9 Convictions The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has officially disqualified several high-profile lawmakers from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. This includes National Assembly Opposition Leader Omar Ayub and Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz. The decision follows their convictions in cases related to the May 9, 2023 riots. The ECP issued notifications under Article 63(1)(h) of the Constitution. This clause bars individuals convicted of a crime from holding parliamentary office. The action was taken after an Anti-Terr0rism Court (ATC) in Faisalabad sentenced several PTI leaders to 10 years…
Trump Warns India of Further Tariffs Over Russian Oil Purchases Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to substantially raise tariffs on Indian imports. His warning follows India’s continued purchase and resale of Russian crude oil, a move Trump says undermines global efforts to isolate Moscow and stop the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking on his platform, Trump criticized India for benefiting economically from discounted Russian oil, accusing New Delhi of “profiting while others pay the price.” His remarks signal a shift in U.S. trade pressure, aiming not only to penalize Russia but also to discourage its top trading partners…
PM Shehbaz Sharif Urges Climate Action During Gilgit Baltistan Visit Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the rain- and flood-hit areas of Gilgit Baltistan on Monday, where he expressed serious concern over the increasing impacts of climate change on Pakistan. Speaking to the media during his visit, PM Shehbaz expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and the damage caused to property and infrastructure due to the recent heavy rains. He emphasized the urgency to implement long-term climate adaptation strategies. “Every year we are affected by climate change,” said the Prime Minister, recalling the devastating floods of 2022. He stated that…
A staggering Rs354.12 billion in financial irregularities have been uncovered across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s (KP) local bodies between 2002 and 2024, according to a detailed audit report issued by the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP). The report, highlighted by ARY News, reveals that during the fiscal year 2013–2014, irregularities worth Rs75 billion were recorded. In 2015–2016, further discrepancies of Rs70.52 billion surfaced. Despite the enormous financial gap, only Rs32.3 billion has been recovered to date. The audit attributes these irregularities to a fragile administrative framework in the local governance system. According to the AGP, many issues stem from delayed action, poor…