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America's late-cycle moment

When Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates and one of the most influential figures in global finance, warns that the United States is approaching a phase of internal collapse, it is an elite admission that the system, which once appeared self-correcting, stable and permanent, is now struggling to reproduce its own legitimacy -- at home and increasingly abroad. For much of the post-war era, America’s domestic authority and global standing reinforced one another. Institutional coherence underwrote international credibility, while global dominance masked internal fracture. However, that alignment is now breaking down. As Washington’s ability to command consent within its own borders erodes, so too does the moral and political authority it once projected outward. In a recent essay drawing on his 2021 book Principles for Dealing With the Changing World Order, Dalio argues that the United States is moving from “Phase Five” of a long historical cycle defined by economic stress, institu...
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Fire erupts at factory in Karachi's Landhi Export Processing Zone

A fire broke out at a factory in Karachi's Landhi Export Processing Zone on Friday night, prompting a swift response from emergency services, government officials, and rescue teams. Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister for Rehabilitation Gianchand Esrani said in a statement that the Central Command and Control of Rescue 1122 was immediately notified, and fire and rescue teams, along with ambulances and fire brigade trucks, rushed to the site. Efforts to control the blaze are currently ongoing. “Ten fire brigade vehicles and two snorkel units are actively engaged in combating the fire using modern firefighting equipment,” Esrani said, adding that rescue teams were continuously working to protect lives and property. He also directed teams to maintain rapid and coordinated operations at the scene. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said fire tenders and snorkels were present on ground to tackle the situation with additional water bowsers also present. Another big challenge for our brave fire figh...
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CDA clarifies relocation of WWI memorial, denies demolition claims

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) on Thursday rejected reports suggesting the demolition of a World War I memorial, stating that the monument has been relocated as part of a conservation effort to ensure its long-term preservation, security and public accessibility. Earlier, media reports said the monument on Kuri Road, near Rehara village, was destroyed. In a statement today, the CDA said the memorial was carefully dismantled under established conservation protocols, with original bricks and materials preserved to allow accurate reconstruction at a new site. The authority maintained that the structure had deteriorated over time and that relocation was necessary to ensure its dignified upkeep and protection. "While the monument is not listed on the Department of Archaeology’s notified heritage inventory, the department was consulted and due process was followed," the CDA noted. It added that formal consent from the legal heirs was obtained before the relocation, includi...
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UN human rights agency in ‘survival mode’: chief

The United Nations human rights chief said on Thursday that his agency was “in survival mode” due to funding shortfalls, as he launched a $400 million appeal to tackle global rights crises in 2026. Volker Turk warned countries that at a time when global human rights are under significant assault, his office was facing dire funding shortages hampering its increasingly important and life-saving work. “Our reporting provides credible information on atrocities and human rights trends at a time when truth is being eroded by disinformation and censorship,” he told diplomats at the UN rights office headquarters in Geneva. “We are a lifeline for the abused, a megaphone for the silenced, and a steadfast ally to those who risk everything to defend the rights of others.” In 2025, the UN Human Rights Office’s regular budget — set by the UN General Assembly of member states — was $246m, but it ultimately received only $191.5m of that money. It also sought $500m in voluntary contributions, of which ...
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Ban on renting to bachelors ruled unlawful in Islamabad

The federal ombudsperson for protection against harassment in Islamabad has declared housing restrictions imposed on bachelors and single individuals as “illegal and unconstitutional.” Federal Ombudsperson Fauzia Waqar ruled that any policy preventing individuals from renting a residential property is unlawful. The decision came while adjudicating a complaint filed by a woman who was refused a rental home solely on the basis of her single status. According to the ombudsperson’s findings, basic utilities such as electricity and water were deliberately disconnected in an attempt to harass the female tenant. Read More: Govt approves 85% increase in house rent ceiling for federal employees The ruling emphasised that marital status or gender cannot legally justify denying an individual the right to rent a house. The ombudsperson stated that such discriminatory restrictions violate fundamental constitutional principles, including equality, human dignity, and the freedom to reside. The observ...
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Kasim accuses govt of 'deliberately refusing' to process visas, obstructing meeting with Imran

Kasim Khan, the son of jailed Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan, on Wednesday again accused the government of deliberately refusing to process his visa and that of his brother to prevent the siblings from meeting their father. Imran has been imprisoned since August 2023, currently serving a sentence at Adiala Jail in a £190 million corruption case. In addition, he faces pending trials under the Anti-Terrorism Act related to the protests of May 9, 2023. The party has expressed concern in recent days over Imran's health and demanded treatment by his own team of doctors. Last year, Imran’s sister Aleema Khan had told reporters that Sulaiman Khan and Kasim would participate in a protest movement planned for August 5, 2025. Later, it was reported that Imran had stated his sons would not be coming to Pakistan to join the protest. The brothers had later held meetings with key individuals in the United States. Read More: Son voices fears for Imran's...
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Faith, fireworks collide on Shab-e-Barat in Rawalpindi

Contrasting scenes were witnessed across Rawalpindi on the occasion of Shab-e-Barat, as widespread use of fireworks, sparklers, firecrackers, and aerial firing overshadowed the night, while a large number of citizens remained engaged in prayers at their homes, mosques, and imambargahs on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday. People stayed awake the whole night until Fajr and offered Nawafil. A significant number of citizens also observed a voluntary fast on Wednesday to mark the occasion of Shab-e-Barat. Meanwhile, profiteering was also reported during the festivities. Large crowds visited graveyards across the city, where people offered Fateha at the graves of their loved ones. Prices of flower petals surged sharply, with petals selling at a record Rs600 per kilogram. Temporary stalls selling flowers, rose water bottles, and incense sticks were set up outside all 55 graveyards in the city. Incense packets were sold for Rs200, while bottles of rose water were priced at Rs180 eac...
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