Monday, May 5th, 2025
SBP cuts down interest rate
Nazir Siyal KARACHI: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has lowered the key interest rate by 100 basis points (bps), bringing it down to 11% with the change taking effect from May 6, 2025. Explaining the move, the Monetary Policy Committee said, “Inflation declined sharply during March and April, mainly due to a reduction in administered electricity prices and continued downtrend in food inflation.” The committee added that the recent drop in core inflation also played a role. “Core inflation also declined in April, primarily reflecting favorable base-effect amidst moderate demandRead More
Aggression to be responded forcefully, says Atta Tarar
We have repeatedly proven through our actions that we are advocates of peace. We will go to any extent to defend our sovereignty DNA ISLAMABAD, MAY 5: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar has said that Pakistan had once again made it clear to the world that it was committed to regional peace, however, any Indian aggression will be responded to promptly and forcefully. This he said while talking to international and local media representatives during a visit to the Line of Control on Sunday. The Ministry ofRead More
Weaponizing Water: India’s Dangerous Gamble with Peace
by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal How wisely it has been said that if you are blessed with a good neighbor, life becomes easy and peaceful. This golden principle is equally true for individuals and for nations. Countries that enjoy cordial and friendly relations with their neighbors tend to progress steadily, ensuring prosperity for their citizens and stability for their governments. On the contrary, when neighbors are hostile or uncooperative, both peace and development remain elusive. Sadly, Pakistan has not been fortunate in this regard. Since its inception in 1947, Pakistan hasRead More
SAARC: A Regional Dream Deferred
The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), formed in 1985 with great promise, was envisioned as a platform for promoting peace, prosperity, and mutual development among the eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Nearly four decades later, the organization remains largely dysfunctional, unable to deliver on its core objectives. Despite being home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population, SAARC has not even come close to becoming an effective regional bloc like the European Union or ASEAN. The reasons for thisRead More
What Is the Likely Future of the Ukraine War?
As the war in Ukraine enters its third year, the prospects for a clear military victory remain bleak for either side. What started as a swift invasion by Russia in February 2022 has evolved into a grinding war of attrition, with devastating consequences for Ukraine, growing fatigue for the West, and significant long-term implications for global geopolitics. From the outset, Russia’s goal was to bring Ukraine to heel, potentially toppling its government and halting its westward tilt toward NATO and the European Union. However, Ukraine’s resilience, bolstered by billions inRead More
Afghanistan’s Sovereignty Is Not a Threat, It’s a Regional Imperative
Shamim Shahid PESHAWAR: This is not a hostile critique, but a heartfelt appeal from an Afghan who spent nearly three decades living in Pakistan, someone who has experienced the generosity of its people and understands the complexity of its society. It is a sincere, fraternal, and deeply felt expression of disappointment, one that echoes across Afghan society, especially among its younger generation. For over fifty years, every major political transition in Kabul has been projected negatively by Islamabad through the narrow lens of a self-imposed and consistently failed strategy. ThisRead More