By Sardar Khan NiaziIn international politics, the most dangerous wars are not those fought in self-defense but those launched by choice. This framework was designed precisely to prevent powerful states from imposing their will on weaker ones. States far removed from the immediate conflict may still find themselves dealing with its consequences. If the international order is to survive, its rules must apply even to the most powerful states. Anything less invites a future where restraint disappears — and where the next war of choice may prove far more devastating than the last.

Islamabad: The trend of rising inflation in the country continues even during the second decade of Ramadan. Weekly inflation has increased by 0.37 percent in the recent week and the annual inflation rate has been 4.70 percent. In the recent week, 13 essential commodities became expensive and 11 essential commodities decreased in price, while 27 essential commodities remained stable in price. The Federal Bureau of Statistics has released a weekly report on inflation. According to the weekly report, the prices of eggs have decreased by 8.13 percent, tomatoes by 10.04 percent, potatoes by 5.09 percent, onions by 6.08 percent, moong dal prices by 0.43 percent, gram dal prices by 0.50 percent, cooking oil prices by 0.37 percent and flour prices by 2.40 percent.

ISLAMABAD, (APP): India has suffered five rocket launch failures during last five years, resulting in an estimated total economic loss of around $335 million due to destroyed satellites and mission costs, while also causing significant embarrassment to India’s space program. The PSLV, long considered India’s reliable workhorse with only two failures between 1993 and 2017, has now faced back-to-back third-stage anomalies in 2025-2026, grounding it for investigations and highlighting institutional decline. Strategic implications are severe, as multiple failures involved national security payloads, including surveillance and navigation satellites critical for defense capabilities. Total for the five failures: ₹2,200-2,800 crore (approximately $265-335 million), equivalent to about 15% of ISRO’s 2025-26 budget of ₹24,000 crore, placing a heavy burden on Indian taxpayers. These repeated failures undermine ambitions for an $8 billion space economy by 2030, damage dual-use technology credibility (potentially affecting programs like Agni missile series using similar solid fuel technology), and contribute to international embarrassment for India’s space program.

– The latest Iranian missile barrage sparked a wave of explosions across Tel Aviv as firefighters worked to contain a blaze at a residential building near Israel’s commercial hub on Friday. Iran’s state broadcaster said Tehran had fired missiles “against targets in the heart of Tel Aviv,” after Israel’s military said it was working to intercept incoming Iranian fire late Thursday. AFP journalists in Tel Aviv heard two near-simultaneous waves of explosions reverberating across the city. Rocket trails also lit up the sky in Netanya, a city north of Tel Aviv on Israel’s Mediterranean coast. A projectile hit a building on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, forcing residents to evacuate.

Photo: ReutersGold prices declined in both international and local markets, while silver prices recorded an increase on Friday. In the international bullion market, the price of gold per ounce fell by $34 to $5,110. In Pakistan, the price of gold per tola decreased by Rs 3,400 to Rs 533,762. Earlier on Thursday, gold prices in Pakistan declined, tracking losses in the international market where bullion reversed earlier gains amid rising US Treasury yields and a stronger dollar. On Wednesday, gold prices had dropped by Rs10,000 per tola, settling at Rs539,962.

Regional security should be seen as an environment where diplomatic engagement can lead to sustainable outcomes. Transparent actions, respect for international law, and clear commitments to peaceful dispute resolution are the building blocks of a stable regional security architecture. Regional security must be approached with a sense of collective responsibility, ensuring that all stakeholders whether large or small, powerful or marginalized are part of the conversation. Meaningful negotiation is not just an ideal; it is the only viable pathway to regional security. It is time for regional powers to come together, engage in genuine dialogue, and choose a path that prioritizes long-term peace over short-term gains.

CEEC’s involvement in major projects such as the Suki Kinari Hydropower Project and the ongoing Azad Pattan Hydropower Project demonstrates how strategic investments in clean energy infrastructure can help reshape Pakistan’s energy mix. It reflects the continued evolution of Pakistan–China cooperation at a time when the country is striving to secure sustainable economic growth and long-term energy stability. Hydropower, in particular, represents a critical element of Pakistan’s future energy strategy. The establishment of CEEC’s Pakistan Headquarters, fully invested and constructed by the company, carries symbolic and practical significance. Such commitments reflect confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential and the durability of the Pakistan–China partnership.

WASHINGTON : – U.S. Senate Republicans backed President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran on Wednesday, voting to block a bipartisan resolution aiming to stop the air war and require that any hostilities against Iran be authorized by Congress. Trump’s fellow Republicans hold slim majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives, and have blocked previous resolutions seeking to curb his war powers. With control of Congress potentially shifting to Democrats in November’s ⁠midterm elections, a prolonged Iran war could concern voters. ‘IT’S A WAR’The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has already led to damage in Iran, Israel and throughout the Middle East, ⁠and claimed U.S. casualties. The House is expected to vote on a similar Iran war powers resolution on Thursday.

LAHORE/KARACHI: The ongoing war in the Middle East has intensified the regional aviation crisis, with more than 20,000 flights cancelled across eight countries over the past five days. According to flight schedules, flights from Pakistan to Middle Eastern destinations remained disrupted for the sixth consecutive day on Thursday, with a total of 145 flights cancelled. Aviation sources said that 35 flights from Karachi to Middle Eastern destinations were cancelled, while 29 flights from Lahore and 12 from Multan were also affected. In addition, two flights from Quetta to Middle Eastern countries were also cancelled. On Wednesday alone, 57 flights were cancelled and 46 others were delayed at the two airports.

ISLAMABAD:The Pakistan Army continues its operation Ghazab Lil Haq against Afghan Taliban and militant elements across the border destroying the brigade headquarters of the 205 Corps of the Afghan Taliban in Kandahar during a targeted strike on Thursday. Sources said the operation also targeted ammunition depots belonging to the Afghan Taliban, causing significant damage to their military infrastructure. Earlier, Attaullah Tarar, Pakistan’s Minister for Information and Broadcasting, stated that since the start of the operation, 481 operatives of the Afghan Taliban regime have been killed, 226 checkpoints destroyed, and 35 checkpoints captured by Pakistani forces. Security officials said the armed forces are continuing effective ground and aerial operations against Afghan Taliban fighters and groups described as Fitna al-Khawarij. Pakistan has also reportedly carried out a successful strike on the strategically important Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan as part of the ongoing operation.

KOHAT:Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has announced the discovery of significant oil and gas reserves in Kohat district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, describing it as the largest discovery in the sector so far this year. According to a notice submitted to the Pakistan Stock Exchange, the company confirmed that a major oil and gas reserve has been discovered in Kohat, marking an important development for Pakistan’s energy sector. OGDCL stated in the notice that the newly discovered reserves are the biggest find of the year in the country’s oil and gas exploration industry. The discovery is expected to strengthen domestic energy resources and could help reduce reliance on imported fuel if developed successfully. Further details regarding the size of the reserves and production estimates are expected to be released after additional technical assessments and testing of the well.

QUETTA:At least 556 more Pakistanis return from Iran as tensions escalated following United States and Israel joint attack on Iran in which Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with senior members of the Iranian leadership were assassinated. According to sources, 506 students and 50 pilgrims returned to Pakistan after crossing Taftan border. In the past two days, 940 citizens have returned home through Taftan border crossing. It is worth noting that through the Gabd Rimdan Border Crossing, another 136 citizens, including 25 students, have also returned, bringing the total number to 456. The students say that an atmosphere of fear has prevailed after the attack on Iran, and that they were able to return with the assistance of the Pakistani embassy.

Energy security is no longer a theoretical policy debate; it is an immediate operational priority. As regional tensions continue to cast long shadows over global energy markets, Pakistan finds itself navigating a precarious moment that underscores both its vulnerabilities and its diplomatic resilience. Diversification of supply sources, expansion of strategic petroleum reserves, investment in domestic exploration, and acceleration of renewable energy projects must become central pillars of national policy. Energy security cannot depend solely on goodwill, no matter how sincere. Ultimately, the meeting between the petroleum minister and the Saudi ambassador underscores a broader truth: energy security is national security.

For years, we were told that India stood as a steadfast friend of Iran. Yet the moment Iran faced adversity, that friend quietly repositioned itself in the embrace of Israel. Voices within India itself began to question the wisdom and morality of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s conduct. After subsequent escalations, Iran’s representative at the United Nations publicly thanked three countries, among them Pakistan. Those who today consider India an unshakeable friend would do well to study recent events carefully.

Meet the Sellers: From cup champs to potentially missing playoffs, Florida Panthers could be open for businessIt doesn’t look like the Florida Panthers are going to make the playoffs. 863 save percentage since the trade, and Connor Ingram has an .894 save percentage since he was called up. That includes a .919 save percentage in six games during the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals, although he was outdueled in the 2024 Stanley Cup Finals by Stuart Skinner. Signing with the Panthers this offseason, Kunin has two goals and four points in 44 games, with 23 points. Tomáš NosekAnother player who is listed as a player the Panthers could trade if they decide to sell is Tomáš Nosek.