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...
90% Imported Edible Oil: Failure of Agricultural Policies and an Annual National Loss of 6 Billion Dollars.
Pakistan is a country whose economy has consistently been projected as agriculture-based, yet it is currently facing an annual loss of approximately 6 billion US dollars in foreign exchange due to the import of edible oil, exposing a deep structural weakness in its agricultural and economic framework. Despite this heavy financial outflow, the country possesses vast fertile lands, one of...
Kaja Kallas and Ishaq Dar Hold Telephone Conversation, Welcome Progress on U.S.-Iran Understanding.
Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation once again today. During the call, the two leaders discussed recent developments regarding the U.S.-Iran understanding. Both sides welcomed the progress achieved through continued diplomatic engagement and expressed...
Brussels Announces Complete Ban on Shared E-Scooters from 2027.
Brussels, (Unib Rashid) – The Brussels regional government has announced a complete ban on shared electric scooters across the city from 2027, citing growing concerns over accidents, public nuisance, and improper parking on sidewalks. According to officials, one of the main reasons behind the decision is the obstruction caused by e-scooters being left on pavements, making it difficult for pedestrians—particularly...
The Refugee Seats Crisis: Why Abolishing 12 Seats Would Bury the Kashmir Cause.
The demand to abolish the 12 refugee seats in AJK’s Legislative Assembly deserves scrutiny that goes far beyond local politics. Every institutional symbol that links displaced Kashmiris to an unresolved dispute weakens India’s preferred narrative of permanence and finality. Removing those symbols from within, voluntarily, under street pressure does what decades of Indian diplomacy could not achieve at the United...