The decline of cotton production in Pakistan is not merely a shift in agricultural statistics; it represents the gradual collapse of an entire national economic structure. In 2004–2005, Pakistan produced 14.2 million bales of cotton, whereas in 2025–2026 this figure has dropped sharply to just 4.8 million bales. This is not a normal economic fluctuation but a structural crisis that...
Civilians Turned Into Human Shields: The Human Cost of Military Operations in Kashmir.
The conflict in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir continues to produce painful stories that raise serious questions about human rights, civilian safety, and the conduct of military operations. A recent incident in Kulgam district has once again brought international attention to the suffering of ordinary Kashmiris who find themselves trapped between militarization and fear. According to reports, Indian troops...
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on World Environment Day.
BRUSSELS, (Unib Rashid) – On the occasion of World Environment Day, Pakistan joins the global community in reaffirming its unwavering commitment towards environmental protection of the planet. The preservation of our environment is a shared global responsibility. Only through collective efforts, effective international cooperation, and sustained commitment can we ensure an environmentally sustainable and climate-resilient future. This year’s theme, “Climate...
Budget Proposals for SME Growth, Export Enhancement and Industrial Development.
Mashood Khan Director SMEDA said Pakistan’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy, contributing significantly to employment, industrial output, and exports. However, SMEs continue to face several challenges that must be addressed in the upcoming budget to enhance competitiveness, increase exports, and support economic growth.
Producing Veterinary Graduates Without Clinical Competency — A Growing Educational Crisis in Pakistan.
Pakistan is currently producing veterinary graduates through nearly 20 institutions offering the five-year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree program. On paper, this expansion appears to be a sign of progress in higher education. However, in reality, it has exposed a serious structural flaw in veterinary training: the inability of most institutions to produce clinically competent graduates with adequate hands-on...
Ambassador Kamran Akhtar Delivers Joint Statement on Islamophobia.
VIENNA, (Muhammad Amir Siddique) – At the 35th session of UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice CCPCJ35, at the UN in Vienna. His Excellency Ambassador Mohammad Kamran Akhtar delivered a Joint Statement on Islamophobia on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries. The Ambassador of Pakistan Expressed strong condemnation of Islamophobia, in all its forms and manifestations, while...
Kaja Kallas Awards EU Service Medals to Two Islamabad-Based Staff Members for 20 Years of Service.
Brussels/Islamabad, (Unib Rashid) – European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, has awarded service medals to two members of the European Union Delegation in Islamabad in recognition of their 20 years of dedicated service to the EU. According to a social media post shared by the EU Delegation to Pakistan, “Earlier this week, Kaja Kallas...
Kashmir’s shrinking religious spaces: Attempts to normalize the abnormal.
The continued restrictions on Kashmiri Muslims’ religious gatherings expose a glaring contradiction in the Indian occupation authorities’ callous approach towards religious freedoms in a region long plagued by conflict, instability, and political uncertainty. There is a consistent pattern of repression targeting political and religious rights of the majority community who happen to be Muslims. Pertinently, the Indian authorities frequently invoke...
Vienna – Pakistan and UNIDO Convene High-Level Engagement Dialogue on the Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) 2025-2030:-
VIENNA, (Muhammad Amir Siddique) – The Government of Pakistan and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) jointly convened a high-level Engagement Dialogue on Pakistan’s Programme for Country Partnership (PCP) 2025-2030 at the Vienna International Centre today. The event brought together representatives of UNIDO Member States, donor agencies, international financial institutions, development partners, private sector stakeholders, and the United Nations...
New student laws for foreign students in Belgium
Since 1 June 2026, Belgium has introduced stricter rules for non-EU students. Admission to a university alone will no longer be sufficient. Students will also need to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress throughout their studies. Under the new rules:Students must obtain at least 60 credits during their first two years.After that, they must complete at least 40 credits per academic year.Repeated...