DHAKA: In Dhaka’s streets and campuses, the coming election is being discussed in unusually simple terms by many young voters: change vs. continuity. Across tea stalls, university lawns, and market lanes, Pakistan Narrative heard a recurring theme from first-time voters — this election, they say, is about building a “New […]
Author: Muhammad Nasir Butt
Bangladesh votes amid youth anger, political reset, and a recalibration of regional ties
DHAKA: Across the campus of University of Dhaka, corridors are layered with fresh graffiti anger, satire, poetry, all echoing the student-led uprising of July 2024 that ended the 15-year rule of the Awami League. Students sit in small circles debating politics, while red lanterns for Lunar New Year hang above […]
From Dhaka streets to Islamabad’s interest: Why this election matters for Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: With Bangladesh heading into national polls this week, the election atmosphere in Dhaka is not only about parties and voters, it is also about where the country positions itself in a shifting regional landscape. Conversations across tea stalls, campuses, and newsrooms suggest that many Bangladeshis see this vote as […]
Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar assumes charge as HEC Chairman
ISLAMABAD: Renowned scholar and distinguished academic leader Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar (Sitara-i-Imtiaz) assumed the office of Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan on Friday. Upon his arrival at the HEC Secretariat in Islamabad, he was received by Executive Director HEC Prof Dr Zia Ul Haq along with […]
NAB recovers Rs1bn in ISMMart scam, distributes Rs600m to victims
ISLAMABAD: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) has achieved a major breakthrough in the “ISMMart Group Scam,” one of Pakistan’s largest financial fraud cases, by recovering Rs1 billion so far and distributing Rs600 million among 3,400 affected victims in the first phase. A cheque distribution ceremony was held at NAB Headquarters, […]
Global market challenges hit Pakistan’s rice exports
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s high-quality rice exports have suffered a sharp decline amid global market challenges, prompting the government to announce a relief package for exporters. According to official sources, rice exports during July–December 2025 totaled $188 million, down from over $296 million in the same period of 2024 — a drop […]
Pak Navy conducts medical evacuation of Sri Lankan national on high seas
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy ships TABUK and MOAWIN successfully carried out a medical evacuation of a Sri Lankan national requiring urgent medical attention from an Indonesian-flagged vessel, MV Grey Palm, on the high seas, officials said on Saturday. The operation was launched after a formal request was received from the Sri […]
DPM Ishaq Dar arrives in Beijing, after diplomatic calls with UAE, Türkiye
Beijing: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar has arrived in Beijing, where he will co-chair the Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with his Chinese counterpart, the Foreign Office said. During the visit, the deputy prime minister will also participate in events commemorating the 75th anniversary of […]
Passport Directorate issues over 5.5 million passports in 2025
Islamabad: The Directorate General of Immigration & Passports has released its Annual Performance Report for 2025, outlining major reforms and service delivery improvements carried out under the directives of the prime minister and the federal interior minister. According to the report, 2025 marked a landmark year for the department under […]
Pakistan, India exchange lists of nuclear installations
Islamabad: Pakistan and India on Thursday exchanged lists of their respective nuclear installations under a long-standing bilateral agreement that prohibits attacks on each other’s nuclear facilities, the Foreign Office said. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, during the weekly media briefing, said the exchange was carried out under the Agreement […]









