Iran Presidential Election: The Race to Succeed Raisi. The end of official mourning for Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi has sparked a battle for succession, with up to 20 credible names proposed. All candidates in the Iran presidential election must be cleared by the 12-member Guardian Council. The regime is torn between ensuring continuity and allowing open competition to boost turnout and legitimacy. The election on June 28, triggered by Raisi’s death in a helicopter accident last Sunday, has the potential to reveal political divisions within the regime. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei aims to avoid this to maintain stability. While…
Author: Muhammad Idrees
The PTI-led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government revealed the KP Budget 2024-25 on Friday. This Rs1.7 trillion budget marks the first time a provincial government has presented its budget ahead of the federal budget, set for June 7. The KP Budget 2024-25, introduced by Finance Minister Aftab Alam Afridi, focuses heavily on social protection, law and order, and economic growth, with a development outlay of Rs416 billion. KP Budget 2024-25 Highlights Surplus and Expenditure The KP Budget 2024-25 shows a surplus of Rs100bn, with expenditures pegged at Rs1.65tr. This represents a 21% increase from the Rs1.3tr spent in the current fiscal year…
Afghanistan’s oil and gas mines are drawing significant attention from major companies in Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. The Afghan Ministry of Mines and Petroleum reports increased interest from these countries in investing in Afghanistan’s lucrative oil and gas sectors. Homayoon Afghan, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that the ministry welcomes foreign companies eager to invest in Afghanistan’s oil and gas mines. Recently, two large companies from Russia and Uzbekistan have expressed their interest. This surge in interest highlights a growing trend of Central Asian companies focusing on Afghanistan’s rich natural resources. Mr. Afghan noted the rising interest in Afghanistan’s oil and…
Grand Jirga in Zhob brought together key figures in Balochistan. The event took place in Zhob district. Members of FC Balochistan (North), tribal leaders, and military and civil officials attended. Major General Chaudhry Ameer Ajmal, the IG FC Balochistan (North), led the jirga. He emphasized the importance of security and border management. The discussions were intense and covered critical issues. Tribal leaders praised successful operations against terrorists. They showed strong support for the Pakistan Army and FC Balochistan. Their commitment to peace and stability was evident. They called on the civil administration to enhance the police and levies force. Improving…
Gulzar Imam Shambay has marked one year of collaboration with the Pakistani state. This is a significant change in his stance. Gulzar Imam Shambay, who once masterminded militant operations in South Balochistan, was arrested in 2023. The arrest was the result of a highly sensitive intelligence operation. Born in 1978 in Panjgur district, Shambay was initially a contractor and local newspaper reporter. In 2009, he joined the terrorist group. Gulzar Imam Shambay even traveled to India on fake documents in 2017. There, he received training and funding for terrorism in Balochistan. Shambay served as the deputy of Brahamdagh Bugti in…
Surge in terrorist activities from Afghanistan has led to increased concerns in Pakistan. Terrorists from Afghan soil are attempting to cross the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, targeting security forces and innocent civilians. In response, Pakistan has launched extensive counter-terrorism operations along the border. A key focus is on the general area of Sambaza in Zhob District, Balochistan. These operations have been ongoing since April 21, 2024. According to an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the security forces have successfully neutralized 29 terrorists over the past month. Effective engagements and precise actions have been critical to this success. On May 14, 2024,…
Chaman Protests have brought life in the border town of Chaman to a standstill for nearly two weeks. The protests, sparked by new border crossing regulations and actions by security forces, have forced the closure of public and private banks. Offices like the passport office, deputy commissioner, and Customs have been shut since earlier this month. This shutdown followed clashes between protesters and security forces. Protesters, including traders, political leaders, and daily wage workers, have blocked the Quetta-Chaman national highway. This crucial highway connects Pakistan with Afghanistan. Hundreds of trucks and vehicles loaded with goods for Afghan transit trade are…
Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a helicopter crash near the Azerbaijan border has ignited widespread speculation. Many believe his demise was an assassination. They suspect Israel, Iran’s arch-enemy, played a role in this fatal incident. Nick Griffin’s Perspective Nick Griffin, a former Member of the European Parliament, suggested that beyond the obvious Gaza, Hezbollah, and Iran-Israel tensions, Mossad (Israel’s national intelligence agency) could be involved. He remarked, “It would not be a surprise…”. On X, Griffin pointed out that Raisi and his Azerbaijani counterpart had recently inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi hydroelectric dam. This project was hailed as a symbol of “long-term…
An audit report has revealed staggering irregularities amounting to Rs2.4 billion in Balochistan Dam Project. The Balochistan Dam Project has to construct of 100 dams in Balochistan. The audit report highlighted significant delays, with only 26 out of the planned 100 dams completed by 2021. Originally, the completion was scheduled for 2018. This delay led to an increase in construction costs by Rs261 million. The audit report also noted that expenses for the project implementation unit and supervision soared by Rs133.6 million. Additionally, an extra payment of Rs112.6 million was made to non-shareholders. Contractors were also found to be undercharged…
Mohammad Mokhber will lead Iran after a tragic helicopter crash killed President Ebrahim Raisi and his Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The helicopter, carrying top officials, crashed while navigating mountainous terrain in heavy fog. They were en route to Tabriz after inaugurating the Qiz Qalasi Dam on the Iranian-Azerbaijani border. Under the Iranian constitution, the death of a sitting president triggers specific protocols. Mohammad Mokhber, the First Vice President, will assume the presidency in an interim capacity. He is 69 years old and has close ties to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Mohammad Mokhber is a seasoned political figure with significant influence…