Blaze News - Pakistan

When the enforcers of the law become its violators, the very foundation of public trust crumbles. The recent arrest of a serving policeman, allegedly the mastermind behind a gang stealing luxury vehicles in Karachi's upscale neighbourhoods, is a damning indictment of the rot within the police force that enables, protects and, in many cases, promotes such individuals. The revelations are as predictable as they are disturbing. Karachi's residents have long suspected that elements within law enforcement are complicit in the very crimes they are tasked with preventing. But how does a criminal network thrive under police watch unless the police themselves are involved? The breakdown of law and order does not stop there. A transporter from North Karachi learned this the hard way when he was robbed at gunpoint last month - only to be further harassed and intimidated by the police when he sought justice. The Anti-Vehicle Lifting Cell may have arrested one of its own, but it is unlikely...

Is To say US President Donald Trump's foreign policy during his second term has been all over the place would be an understatement. His first few weeks in charge have seen him tear up traditional alliances and take U-turns on his own positions, both long-held and new. Moving away from his tariff wars and refusal to assist Ukraine in an actual war, Trump is now claiming that he wants to open nuclear talks with Iran in the hope of ensuring that the Islamic republic never gets a nuclear weapon. These talks would probably have been unnecessary if Trump, during his first term, had not taken the unprecedented step of withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. The deal ensured that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons for at least 15 years in return for removal of longstanding sanctions on the country and its return into the global financial system. Iran had been adhering to the deal, even giving up some of its highly-enriched nuclear materials; but Trump, who famously does not read hi...

The enigma of power sector circular debt is no less than a white elephant. Year after year, the government's piecemeal measures to get away with it force it further down a quagmire of debt. The root cause is an inflated and insane deal with the Independent Power Producers (IPPs) that has put the successive governments – as well as the general masses who are made to pay by their blood and sweat – in a quandary. The power sector circular debt today sits at Rs2.4 trillion, and is growing. There is, nonetheless, an emergency payment hovering over the heads to the tune of Rs1.5 trillion in principal amounts to eliminate the debt stock. Thus, the government's decision to borrow Rs1.25 trillion from the commercial banks is another recipe to stay afloat and does not come to guarantee a long-term solution. The new loan sought at less than 11% interest rate is said to be 5% cheaper than the existing liquidity facility that the government ensures for making timely payments for energy purc...

For generations, our farmers have relied on age-old techniques, but in recent years, the sector has struggled with declining productivity, water shortages and rising costs. As a researcher in renewable energy, I've often asked: why aren't we harnessing the power of technology and sustainable energy solutions to revolutionise our agricultural landscape? With the Green Pakistan Initiative (GPI) officially launched in Cholistan, we finally have a chance to answer that question. This ambitious project promises a paradigm shift in agriculture, integrating modern techniques, research-driven policies and renewable energy to enhance productivity and ensure food security. The initiative introduces a Green Agri Mall and Service Company, a 5,000-acre Smart Agri Farm, and an Agricultural Research and Facility Centre - all designed to support farmers with high-quality inputs, cutting-edge technologies and scientific research. More importantly, it recognises that a sustainable agricultural r...

HBO’s Harry Potter reboot is finalizing two major casting decisions. Janet McTeer is set to play McGonagall, while Paapa Essiedu is nearing a deal for Snape. The series, a decade-long adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s beloved books, is set to debut in late 2026 or early 2027. McTeer, known for Ozark and Albert Nobbs, would follow in the footsteps of Maggie Smith, who originally played McGonagall in the film series. Meanwhile, Essiedu, recognized for I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, is set to take on the role of Snape, previously portrayed by the late Alan Rickman. They are expected to join John Lithgow, who has been cast as Albus Dumbledore. Showrunner Francesca Gardiner has emphasized that the series will remain a “faithful adaptation” of Rowling’s books, with characters portrayed at their canonical ages—meaning Snape will be just 31 when introduced. Filming will take place at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, the same location as the original movies. The Harry Potter reboot aims t...

If there’s one issue that makes India bristle, it’s international scrutiny of its human rights record. For years, the country has positioned itself as the world’s largest democracy, but critics argue that this claim rings increasingly hollow as civil liberties face sustained attacks. At London’s Chatham House, where India’s global role was being discussed, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar fielded questions on Ukraine, the Middle East, the economy, and his country’s reliance on the US dollar despite its BRICS membership. But when the conversation turned to human rights, his composure visibly shifted. India’s top diplomat grew impatient—his response momentarily unsteady as he conceded that no nation was perfect. However, the hesitation was brief. He quickly returned to his usual stance, brushing aside concerns over human rights violations that have long cast a shadow over India’s democratic credentials. When The Express Tribune raised concerns from a dozen advocacy groups about de...

Social media star Trisha Paytas has revealed she is pregnant with her third child, sparking a wave of online jokes about reincarnation. The influencer, 36, shared the exciting news during a live stream of her Just Trish podcast, confirming that she and her husband, Moses Hacmon, will welcome their baby in July 2025. The announcement quickly gained traction on social media, with many referencing the viral internet joke that Paytas' children are reincarnations of famous figures. This theory first gained popularity in 2022 when she announced her first pregnancy shortly before Queen Elizabeth II’s passing, leading to memes suggesting her daughter, Malibu Barbie, was the Queen reincarnated. As soon as Paytas broke the news of her third pregnancy, users on X (formerly Twitter) revived the meme, speculating who might be “coming back” as her next baby. trisha paytas is pregnant….king charles count your days pic.twitter.com/pcT3oYKKUR — nadine (@miserywoes) March 6, 2025 UK Royals Have Gone...