Hi everyone — I just launched my fundraiser to help cover urgent medical treatment for my severe H. pylori infection, which has been affecting my health and daily life for months. I’ve been unable to continue proper care due to financial difficulties, and I really need support to cover tests, medications, and recovery costs. If you’re able, please share or donate — every bit helps me get closer to healing and returning to a healthier life. Thank you so much for your kindness and support during this tough time. gofund.me/17cab13ac

Pakistan’s military is projecting “coordination” and “readiness,” but behind the optics, it’s a calculated narrative to maintain control and influence. While Asim Munir engages in diplomacy with Iran and hosts Abbas Araghchi, and forces stay on high alert with joint drills and deployments, the reality is clear: this posture isn’t just about security, it’s about shaping perception. No immediate war, but rising regional tension is being used to justify internal dominance. Public sentiment is shifting, and more people are questioning the military’s deep role in politics, instability, and pressure within Pakistan.

Pakistan is under global scrutiny as it attempts to mediate rising Iran–US tensions amid deepening regional uncertainty. The economy remains fragile, with the rupee hovering near 279 per USD while soaring oil prices fuel inflation and drive up transport costs. Security remains mostly under control despite isolated incidents, but extreme heat is intensifying across major cities. Daily life goes on, yet growing regional instability is eroding economic confidence and shaping public sentiment.

Many dismiss Donald Trump as reckless or uninformed, but he often uses an unconventional, disruptive style to keep global rivals off balance. Supporters argue this unpredictability can work in America’s favor, especially in negotiations and power politics. At the same time, claims about economic “stability” during periods of conflict are debated. Some point to strong markets or short-term resilience, while others highlight volatility, inflation risks, and long-term uncertainty tied to geopolitical tension. The reality sits in between his approach can create leverage, but it also carries real risks that don’t always show immediately.

Trump cancels Islamabad peace mission with Iran after envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff trip scrapped; Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi refused direct US talks and left after meeting only Pakistani officials. Trump says time wasted, cites chaos in Iran’s leadership, insists US holds leverage, invites Iran to initiate contact; talks now stalled despite a revised proposal.

Pakistan has been ranked among the top 10 countries facing an acute food crisis, according to a report highlighted by Dawn, underscoring growing economic and humanitarian pressure. Following the Gul Plaza fire in Lahore, compensation for affected traders has begun, offering some relief after significant losses. In the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, authorities have imposed a high alert, restricting movement to essential goods only, with courts and traffic operations disrupted. Amid rising energy concerns, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the creation of strategic oil reserves and accelerated transition toward electric vehicles to mitigate future shocks.

Iran–US peace talks are underway in Islamabad, placing Pakistan at the center of global diplomacy after the recent conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived last night, while U.S. President Donald Trump has dispatched his special envoy Steve Witkoff and senior advisor Jared Kushner, expected over the weekend. This marks the second round of negotiations mediated by Pakistan, focused on securing a ceasefire. Iran has made clear there will be no direct meeting with U.S. officials; communication will be conducted through Pakistani intermediaries. With tight security, road closures, and a nationwide high alert, global attention is fixed on Pakistan’s role in shaping the outcome of these critical talks.

Pakistan’s latest fuel price hike is likely to push inflation even higher, adding pressure on everyday life. Petrol rising from Rs. 366.58 to Rs. 393.35 ( Rs. 26.77) and diesel to Rs. 380.19 directly increases transportation costs across the economy. When fuel becomes more expensive, rickshaws, buses, trucks, and delivery networks all pass that cost forward. This creates a ripple effect: food items like vegetables, milk, fruits, and other essentials become more expensive because moving them from farms to cities costs more. Since fuel is a major input in Pakistan’s energy mix, the impact isn’t limited to transport—it feeds into production, logistics, and retail pricing. With inflation already in double digits (above 10%), this hike will likely: Push CPI inflation further up Increase cost-of-living pressure on households Reduce purchasing power, especially for lower- and middle-income groups Tighten overall economic conditions Because the government has limited fiscal space to offer subsidies, the burden transfers quickly to the public. A second increase in the same month also signals ongoing volatility in pricing, which makes inflation expectations worse—and that itself can drive prices even higher. In short: this fuel hike won’t just raise transport costs—it will cascade through the entire economy and make inflation more persistent.

Serious tensions have emerged between Pakistan’s military and intelligence agencies, reaching the highest levels. Sources claim there are deep disagreements on key issues, causing concern within senior government circles. Relations between the two institutions are reportedly strained and approaching a critical point. It is also alleged that the army chief has been consolidating power, increasing pressure on the public, and gaining significant influence over the civilian government. The situation is said to be worsening, with internal disputes intensifying. Some reports suggest that senior officials are aware of these developments and may support action in response.

As long as military dominance continues in Pakistan, true stability will remain out of reach. Political instability persists because elected leaders are not allowed to complete their terms or implement meaningful change. The poor are being pushed deeper into hardship, and limiting access to education only serves one purpose—to keep the public unaware and unable to challenge the system.

Pakistan’s inflation looked manageable just months ago—but the trend is turning. Rising from 5.6% in December to 7.3% in March, it has now crossed the central bank’s target range. The real shock is hitting now: fuel prices surging sharply are set to push inflation above 11%, the highest in nearly two years. For ordinary citizens, the impact is immediate and harsh. Transport costs are climbing, electricity and gas bills keep rising, and everyday essentials are becoming harder to afford. Any earlier relief has faded—household budgets are under serious strain again.

Pakistan is back in the global spotlight—caught between historic tensions with India and a high-stakes role mediating the US-Iran crisis. While diplomacy may boost its image, reality at home remains tough: inflation, energy shortages, and rising living costs continue to burden ordinary people.

Around the world, every country has an army but in our case, it feels like the army has a country.

Countries actually at war haven’t suffered as much economic damage as Pakistan has due to the so-called peace efforts of its military. The entire country was effectively shut down transport, businesses, everything resulting in an estimated loss of around PKR 75 billion in just two days.

Claims that Pakistan’s military controls 30–35% of the country’s land are not backed by credible evidence. While cantonments and military zones take up significant space in major cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, that doesn’t reflect the total national land area. However, it’s widely believed that some of the most prime and valuable urban land is under military control. Ideally, defense installations should be located in less populated, lower-value areas, since their primary role is security not occupying high-value commercial zones.

Pakistan’s FY 2025–26 defence budget stands at Rs 2.55 trillion, a 20% surge from last year, marking the largest increase in a decade. With military pensions added, total defence-related spending hits Rs 3.29 trillion. While the overall federal budget shrinks, defence takes priority raising serious questions about national priorities and public welfare.

April 2026 exposed the reality: in just 8 days, petrol in Pakistan shot up to Rs 458.41 and diesel to Rs 520.35, then dropped to Rs 366.58 and Rs 385.54—proving how unstable and manipulated the system is. Even after the “relief,” prices remain over Rs 100 higher than December 2025, while inflation has climbed from 5.6% to 7.3%, crushing the public under rising costs and economic pressure.

They can’t even run their own country, yet Asim Munir is busy mediating Iran–US talks while Shehbaz Sharif is touring the world hoping to secure handouts just to keep things going

Are you aware that whenever the army chief and accompanying officials travel, they receive travel allowances funded by taxpayers money that ultimately comes from ordinary citizens?

Since the creation of Pakistan, the military has dominated power. The time has come for it to step back and focus strictly on its professional responsibilities.