The world is moving towards AI, digital economies, and smart cities and it is tempting to think that electricity is given in every part of the planet. But in the mountains of Kashmir, there is a village where darkness is still a part of everyday life. Their story is not of the distant past, but of the twenty first century....

EU Introduces Single Permit System for Skilled Foreign Workers.
Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – The European Union has introduced new rules aimed at addressing labour shortages across member states by attracting skilled foreign workers through legal migration channels. Under the newly implemented regulations, eligible non-EU workers already residing in Europe will be able to obtain a single permit granting both residence and work rights without having to return to their...

The Embassy of Pakistan co-organized a musical evening at Vienna.
Vienna, (Muhammad Amir Siddique) – The Embassy of Pakistan co-organized a musical evening on Sun, 14 Jun ‘2026 08:00 PM – 10:00 PMIn the Kulturcafé Henriette,Vienna Austria. Muslim Shaggan, highly accomplished Pakistani classic and semi-classic vocalist mesmerized the audience with traditional Pakistani Music. Which a large number of Austrian and international people participated. The special guest of the event was...

The conference “Prospects for Peace and Security in Europe and its Neighborhood” organized in the VIC of the United Nations.
VIENNA, (Muhammad Amir Siddique) – Universal Peace Federation in Austria and Chairman of the NGO Committee on Peace – Vienna, on July 12th 2026 opened the conference “Prospects for Peace and Security in Europe and its Neighborhood” organized in the Vienna International Centre of the United Nations by the NGO Committee on Peace. Representatives from international organizations and civil society...

EU Parliament Approves Major Asylum Reforms, Adopts EU-Wide Safe Countries List and Faster Processing Rules.
Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – The European Parliament adopted changes to the EU asylum procedure regulations to enable faster processing of asylum requests. With 408 in favour, 184 against and 60 abstentions, Parliament endorsed the creation of an EU list of safe countries of origin. MEPs also approved the deal on the regulation on application of the safe third country concept,...

US-Iran Agreement Welcome, Swift Implementation and Reopening of Strait of Hormuz Essential: Ursula von der Leyen.
Brusselsm (Unib Rashid) – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, praising all those who contributed to the diplomatic efforts that made the deal possible. In a statement issued following the agreement, von der Leyen said, “I welcome the agreement reached between the United States and Iran after sustained...

“Get Lost” Versus “Now You Get Lost”: An Uncalled-for Debate That Damages Institutions.
According to reports, the controversy originated when the son of a local Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) allegedly used the office washroom of the District Police Officer (DPO) Hafizabad. A disagreement reportedly followed, during which the DPO allegedly asked the young man to “Get Lost.” What could have been resolved through a simple conversation, administrative clarification, or institutional mediation...

The Liminal Agony of Half-Widows in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Fifty years ago during the Second World War, in Nazi Germany enforced disappearances were born as a practice against Jews and Communists. Over time, however, this inhuman practice transcended its historical origins and evolved into a global phenomenon, reappearing in different conflict zones under varying political contexts. One of its most tragic contemporary manifestations can be seen in the protracted...

Federal Budget 2026-27: A Budget for Debt, Austerity for the People, and Comfort for the State.
The Federal Budget 2026-27, despite official claims of stability and growth, presents a deeply concerning fiscal reality. Rather than reflecting economic transformation or meaningful relief for citizens, it signals continued dependence on borrowing, rising debt servicing pressures, weak structural performance, and limited fiscal space for development. In essence, it is rightly described as a Budget for Debt, Austerity for the...

EU’s New Asylum System Comes into Effect, Tougher Measures Introduced to Curb Irregular Migration and Strengthen Border Controls.
Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – The European Union’s newly reformed asylum and migration system officially came into force on June 12, introducing a comprehensive set of measures aimed at strengthening external border management, accelerating asylum procedures, and discouraging irregular migration. Known as the Common European Asylum System (CEAS), the reforms were approved after years of negotiations and consultations among EU member...
