
Cybercrime Gang Targets Non-Pakistani Victims
An article discusses a cybercrime gang whose victims were primarily not Pakistanis, implying an open invitation to criminals due to this specific targeting.
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An article discusses a cybercrime gang whose victims were primarily not Pakistanis, implying an open invitation to criminals due to this specific targeting.

A Pew report indicates that Indians are three times more likely than Pakistanis to favor the US, revealing stark differences in perceptions of global allies between the two nations and a growing bond between the US and Pakistan.

A Houthi attack on a cargo ship in the Bab el-Mandeb strait of the Red Sea resulted in the deaths of at least six crew members. This incident marks the first fatal Houthi attack on a commercial vessel in the region.

Nigerian police in Benue state have arrested five Pakistani nationals and recovered 35 mobile phones from them. The arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation.

Controversial elections are ongoing in the Pakistan-administered region of Kashmir. The electoral process has drawn scrutiny and debate.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed authorities to expand digital consular services for overseas Pakistanis. He emphasized that providing every possible facility to expatriates is a top priority, recognizing them as a valuable national asset.

Reports indicate that four Pakistani nationals have been gunned down in South Africa, with details surrounding the incident yet to be fully disclosed.

The Croatian Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MVEP) has refuted 'inaccurate claims' that it is liberalizing the visa regime for Pakistani citizens, following Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman's recent visit to Pakistan.

Overseas Pakistanis holding invalid, expired, or cancelled National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) will no longer be permitted to board flights to Pakistan, according to official sources.

An article explores why many Pakistanis are growing up without a language they can truly call their own, discussing the societal and cultural implications.
Search efforts continue for the five missing crew members after the debris of a Pakistani Boeing aircraft was collected.

Pakistan's Prime Minister has instructed the country's embassies abroad to actively work on creating employment opportunities for Pakistani citizens. This directive aims to boost overseas job prospects for the nation's workforce.

At least 40 people were killed and eight injured when an overcrowded bus plunged 70 feet into a ravine in Pakistan after its brakes failed.

Pakistan's Prime Minister has instructed the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) to create a comprehensive roadmap aimed at improving the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora, recognizing them as a valuable national asset.

Indian politician Owaisi sharply criticized BJP's Ram Madhav for engaging in 'Track 2' talks with Pakistan. Owaisi argued that Indian Muslims would be labeled as jihadis or Pakistanis for similar actions.

Two roadside bombs exploded in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing at least seven people and injuring several others. The blasts occurred in the Bannu district of the northwestern region.

Pakistan conducted airstrikes in Afghanistan, reportedly targeting terror suspects along the border, which resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, including 11 children, according to the Taliban. These attacks have escalated tensions between the two nations.

The Director General of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) stated that 10,000 Pakistanis entered the UK on student visas and subsequently sought asylum. He noted that illegal emigration is damaging Pakistan's reputation, with several countries raising concerns with Islamabad.

Pakistan's Foreign Office reiterated its clear position on the Abraham Accords, stating no policy shift, and also confirmed that 10 Pakistanis remain in the custody of Somali pirates, with contact established with the Somali government.

Two individuals have been arrested in Italy in connection with the deaths of four Pakistani migrant farm workers who were discovered burned alive inside a minivan. The victims were found after a fire engulfed the vehicle.
Forbes Asia has recognized seven Pakistanis across various fields in its prestigious 30 Under 30 list, highlighting their achievements and contributions.
A UK Member of Parliament has drawn criticism for allegedly making 'racist' remarks, claiming that 'millions of Indians and Pakistanis are taking our jobs'.
A deadly train bomb attack in Quetta has led to a somber Eid for Pakistanis in the city.

Pakistan's Parliamentary Affairs Minister stated that the issue of Pakistani nationals being deported from the UAE has been referred to a Senate panel, revealing that 3,494 Pakistanis were deported between January and April.

Pakistan's government is considering linking its Naya Pakistan Certificates and sovereign bonds to a regulated blockchain using Digitally Native Notes (DNNs) to facilitate swift settlement for retail investors, especially overseas Pakistanis.

Somali pirates have demanded a $3 million ransom for the release of hostages, including 10 Pakistanis, and have rejected third-party negotiations, asking the government to speak directly with them.
Many Pakistanis are finding the dream of performing Hajj increasingly out of reach due to rising costs, impacting their ability to undertake the pilgrimage.
Five individuals, including two Pakistani nationals, have been sent to judicial custody for 25 days as part of an NIA case concerning terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's interior ministry has denied reports claiming that Pakistani citizens are being deported from the United Arab Emirates, stating that no country- or sect-specific deportations are occurring under routine laws.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has ruled that special courts established for overseas Pakistanis can now hear a broader range of property-related disputes, extending beyond ownership and possession matters.
Pakistan has announced that 27 of its nationals, who were detained during a crackdown in Uganda, are scheduled to fly out and return to Pakistan today.

An oil tanker was hijacked off the coast of Somalia and subsequently taken into its territorial waters, with maritime agencies suspecting pirates are responsible for the incident. The crew reportedly includes Sri Lankan nationals.

Two individuals received six-and-a-half-year prison sentences for severe extortion in a Vienna Mafia trial. The verdict prompted immediate calls for appeal to higher courts.

A report indicates that foreign-born millionaires in Dubai are predominantly from India, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, leading the list of wealthy expatriates in the city.

A US delegation is set to travel to Pakistan for a new round of negotiations with Iran, as Tehran maintains that a final deal is still distant and continues to assert its leverage over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claims to be replenishing missile launchers faster than before.
Pakistani investors are reportedly betting on the Iranian riyal, driven by optimism for diplomatic advancements that could boost the currency's value.
A recent survey indicates that 93% of Pakistanis support a ceasefire role, with 75% expressing hope for peace in the region.

Speaking to NDTV, Azar said, "We don't trust the Pakistanis. And I think that, you know, don't get over-enthusiastic to the degree that the Americans trust them.

More than 80 migrants are missing after a boat that departed a Libyan coastal town capsized in the central Mediterranean, according to the UN migration agency. At least two bodies have been recovered from the approximately 120 people on board.
Overseas Pakistanis could be required to obtain mandatory Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) membership, incurring a fee of Rs10,000.

Today's Iran war news: Trump goes even more crazy as the F-15 rescue looks more like the tip of the iceberg of a big botched mission.

Storms in Afghanistan and Pakistan have resulted in the deaths of over 120 people.
The IMF is resisting a cut in the oil levy, despite the government's push for consumer relief amidst a global price surge. This is reported by Geo News.
Qatar has suspended its visa-on-arrival facility for Pakistani nationals, a decision reportedly made in the context of the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Director Marcel Barrena has completed filming his latest movie, 'El 47,' which celebrates multiculturalism through a cricket team composed of Pakistanis and Indians, and used the occasion to speak out against racism.
Pashtun Pakistanis in Balochistan have celebrated Eid by participating in traditional games, showcasing cultural festivities during the holiday.

Air ticket prices in Pakistan have jumped by up to 30% due to a travel rush for Eidul Fitr celebrations and increasing jet fuel costs, as overseas Pakistanis return home.

Laut pakistanischen Angaben wurden Militäranlagen und „Terroristenverstecke“ getroffen. Afghanistan dementiert das.

Pakistan will das Regime in Kabul zwingen, seine Verbindungen zu den pakistanischen Taliban zu kappen.

Pakistanische Gruppen sind zu Gesprächen in Kabul. Es handelt sich laut einem pakistanischen Geheimdienstmitarbeiter um einen ersten Kontakt ohne Verpflichtungen

As the Gulf airspace shuts down amid regional strikes, thousands of Pakistanis remain stranded abroad

Logistical hurdles mount for people fleeing Iran
Pakistanis at remote border describe scramble to leave Iran Kuwait Times

Most people wheeled bulky luggage over the frontier's foot crossing, while freight lorries formed a long line

First group safely crosses Gabd–Rimdan border
A potential agreement between Kabul and Islamabad is crucial to prevent widespread conflict across the region, from Turkey to India.

Pakistan's interior minister, Mohsin Naqvi, briefed the Prime Minister on successful talks in Rome and Poland, securing work permits and visa waivers for Pakistanis. The discussions also led to a reported 47% decrease in illegal migration to Europe.

Says the people and armed forces of Pakistan are always ready to protect the country’s security and sovereignty

Pakistani and Afghan border forces clashed on Thursday night after the Taliban launched what it called retaliatory strikes on Pakistani installations, sharply escalating tensions after days of…

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi reiterated a decision to issue over 10,000 work visas for skilled Pakistani workers, aiming to promote legal migration.

An Indian-origin restaurant owner in London claims he was forced to shut down his eatery after 16 years, citing repeated 'disturbances and attacks by Pakistanis' among other factors.

Islamabad said it carried out strikes along the border with Afghanistan early Sunday, targeting what it called hideouts of Pakistani militants it blamed for recent attacks inside Pakistan. The Afghan Red Crescent Society said more than a dozen people were killed. Pakistan didn't specify the locations targeted, but the Afghan defense ministry said in a statement “various civilian areas” in the provinces of Nangarhar and Paktika in eastern Afghanistan were hit, including a religious madrassa an...

ISLAMABAD: Around 31.9 million births registered with union councils (UC) in 2025 are yet to be added to the record in the National Database and Registration Authority’s (Nadra) central database, according to an annual performance report. The report was recently submitted by Nadra to the interior ministry, according to which a total of 227m individuals are registered with the authority. Overall, nearly 97 per cent of Pakistan’s population is now included in the registration system, according to the report, which also shows that 52pc of the registered individuals are males and 48pc are females. As for biometric data, Nadra’s system contains facial records of 170m people, iris data of seven million individuals and 1.68 billion fingerprints, the reports says. During 2025 alone, the report states, some 445m biometric verifications were carried out, contributing to “improved transparency” and “strengthening of digital governance systems”. According to the report, national registration increased by 4pc in 2025, registration of children under the age of 18 rose by 11pc, renewal of expired identity cards increased by 24pc and cancellation of identity cards following death registration surged by 900pc. Female registration also saw an 8pc rise during the year. The reports says that by end of the year, 938 registration centres were operational nationwide. The authority established 75 new centres 138 new counters, while another 126 counters were installed at existing offices. The reports say that 231 mobile registration vans remained active during the year, including 33 satellite-equipped units for remote areas. At the UC level, 62 registration counters were operational while six new counters were set up in five countries abroad to facilitate overseas Pakistanis. According to the report, the Pak Identity mobile application was used to handle 15pc of Nadra’s total workload. The app was downloaded more than 12m times, enabling citizens to access services without visiting registration centres. In 2025, the federal government approved the National Registration and Biometric Policy Framework to further strengthen the unified registration system. Amendments to national identity card regulations were also introduced, biometric child registration certificates were launched for children as young as three, and family registration certificates were granted formal legal status. According to the report, Pakistan’s identity registration system now has near-complete coverage, though efforts are still required to further improve the registration of women and young children in certain areas. Clear policy recommendations have been proposed to close the remaining gaps entirely, the report says.
A recent Pew survey indicates that Indians and Pakistanis predominantly view each other as their primary geopolitical adversaries, with unfavorable opinions widespread across the border.

A Houthi attack on a cargo ship in the Red Sea's Bab al-Mandeb strait has resulted in the deaths of six people, including three Pakistani nationals, marking the first fatalities in the region in over a year and drawing condemnation from Pakistan and international bodies.

Following weeks of protests in Pakistani-administered Kashmir, the government has imposed new restrictions requiring foreign media to obtain special permits for reporting outside major cities, effectively hindering independent journalism.

The United Kingdom has opened applications for Chevening scholarships and the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship for Pakistani citizens. The British High Commissioner urged applicants to base their submissions on personal experiences and warned against using AI-generated answers.

A methane explosion in a coal mine near Quetta, Pakistan, has killed at least 32 miners, with rescue operations underway for others trapped. The incident has led to widespread mourning in the Shangla district.

Three Indian men were lured to Thailand, kidnapped, and tortured for a ransom of Rs 69 lakh by a gang before being rescued by Thai police.

Pakistani crew members of the MT Honour 25, captured by Somali pirates, are reportedly suffering from severe illnesses and are victims of an 'ownership crisis' regarding their vessel.

The United Nations has called for an investigation into violence in Pakistani Kashmir, criticizing internet restrictions and warning against interference with freedom of expression and assembly in the region.

New regulations have been announced for individuals holding expired National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP).

President Trump has dismissed the remaining members of the independent U.S. election commission, a move criticized by voting groups as a power grab. Additionally, Trump announced the end of the truce with Iran, while also accepting further talks but warning of potential retaliation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised overseas Pakistanis as a valuable asset, noting that remittances reached $41.6 billion in FY2025-26, reflecting confidence in the government's policies.

India's Ministry of Home Affairs has designated 23 Pakistan-based individuals, including members of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), as terrorists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The individuals are linked to various terror activities, including attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

Veteran actor Rubina Ashraf has called on Pakistanis to ditch the 'toxic car culture' and reclaim their streets. She criticized poor urban planning and unsafe streets, advocating for a stronger civic sense among the populace.

A roof collapse at a tutoring center in Lahore, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of 14 children. The incident has drawn widespread attention and grief.
An explosion at a natural gas plant in Ras Laffan, Qatar, resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people and dozens injured, with 12 of the fatalities confirmed to be Indian nationals. Qatar's Emir called Indian Prime Minister Modi to offer condolences, while India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar also expressed sorrow over the incident.
A man in his forties attempted to bring 50 Pakistanis to Finland using fabricated employment contracts, with a subcontractor of a Turku shipyard reportedly involved in some of the fraudulent activities.
Pakistani attacks in Afghanistan have resulted in an unspecified number of deaths.

The Pakistani government is reportedly considering relaxing remittance caps in the upcoming budget to facilitate overseas Pakistanis facing difficulties in transferring investments and liquid assets abroad.

A survey conducted by Ipsos reveals that only two out of ten Pakistanis believe the country is heading in the right direction, with men and rural residents showing slightly higher optimism.

The return of Afghans has resumed amidst a crisis at the Torkham border, while a Jirga has threatened protests as the border closure continues to strand Pakistanis and disrupt trade and transport.

Seven Pakistanis have been featured on this year's Forbes '30 Under 30' Asia list, acknowledged for their significant contributions across various sectors, including technology and media.

Tensions between the United States and Iran have escalated following Iran's interception of a US drone near Bushehr and a naval standoff at sea. This comes as the US also implements new travel measures and drone bans related to the upcoming World Cup.

A suicide bomb attack on a train in Pakistan's Balochistan province killed at least 24 people and injured over 50 others. The blast derailed the train and was claimed by separatists.

The Pakistani government has denied claims that the United Arab Emirates is specifically targeting Pakistani citizens.

More than 164,000 Pakistani citizens have been deported from Gulf countries over the past five years. A political figure also criticized the government's failure to address opposition demands.
A generation of Pakistanis is growing up in Portugal, balancing Urdu and Portuguese languages, attending Portuguese schools, and navigating questions of religion and cultural identity.

The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to seek a criminal indictment against former Cuban President Raúl Castro, according to sources. This move is seen as part of increased pressure on Cuba.

A policy proposal aimed at making 5G-enabled handsets more accessible and affordable for Pakistanis has encountered a snag. The government is awaiting responses from key industry stakeholders before proceeding.

Pakistan has requested Singapore's assistance in repatriating its nationals and Iranians who are aboard vessels seized by the United States. The move aims to secure the return of the detained individuals.
As Pakistanis increasingly seek employment in Gulf countries, private firms are stepping in to provide cultural and conduct training to prepare them for their new environments.
Six individuals from Pakistan were apprehended by authorities while attempting to enter the holy city of Makkah without proper authorization.

Der iranische Außenminister traf am Freitag in der pakistanischen Hauptstadt ein. Sein Ministeriumssprecher betonte, es sei kein Treffen mit der US-Seite geplant

Pakistan's Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry has requested a detailed report on the purported hijacking of an oil tanker by pirates near Somalia, with Pakistanis reportedly among the hostages.

Two individuals from Pakistan have been shortlisted to join China's astronaut corps, marking a significant step in international space cooperation.
Öryggisráðstafanir vegna friðarviðræðna í Islamabad í Pakistan.EPA / SOHAIL SHAHZAD Vopnahléinu í Íran lýkur í kvöld, ekki annað kvöld.
A US intelligence report has reportedly identified Pakistan's army chief, Asim Munir, as a potential risk for a future Trump administration.

The United States and Iran are engaged in ongoing diplomatic discussions, with hopes for a potential peace deal or ceasefire growing. These talks involve mediators like Pakistan and address various issues, including Iran's request for the unfreezing of its assets.

Pakistan's Prime Minister's youth program is expanding its reach to 170 million citizens, offering 100,000 jobs through a digital hub and targeting a Rs250 billion disbursement for its business loan scheme.

Reports indicate that most of the Pakistani immigrants missing after a recent boat capsize off Italy had left their country disguised as Umrah pilgrims or on visit visas to other nations.

Stranka demokratske akcije danas je održala sjednicu na kojoj su donijeli 11 zaključaka, a nakon nje se obratio lider ove stranke Bakir Izetbegović koji je govorio o dolasku Donalda Trumpa Jr.
Overseas Pakistanis residing in the UAE could potentially be subject to a mandatory Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) membership, which would include a fee of Rs10,000.
Iranian attacks have reportedly injured six people in Kuwait and one in Abu Dhabi, with a UAE telecoms site also targeted. Three Pakistanis were injured in a UAE port incident, prompting Pakistan's Prime Minister to call for restraint.

Pakistani politician Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that Pakistanis are paying the price for an 'illegal war' on Iran and warned that the conflict could engulf the world, urging the government to utilize BISP.

Public service announcements call for carpooling, responsible consumption as Iran conflict drives up fuel prices

Facing limited job opportunities and low wages, young Pakistanis are increasingly exploring online gaming as a means to generate income and make ends meet.
‘Pakistanis won’t kill...’: Row over anti‑vaccine advocate calling out medical staff because they are foreigners

Usman Anees, a Pakistani concert pianist, is making history with his debut performance in Dubai, challenging the traditional dominance of Western, Russian, and Chinese pianists on the global stage.

Jemima Goldsmith, former wife of PTI founder Imran Khan, claimed the government is recommending his sons travel on National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (Nicop) to strip them of British protection.

Taliban blames Pakistan for attack that threatens to escalate neighbours’ conflict
Harman Singh Kapoor, an Indian-origin restaurateur in the UK, was arrested days after he announced the closure of his restaurant, citing alleged threats from Pakistanis and police inaction. Kapoor claims his Sikh faith was targeted.
As Middle East war jolts oil markets, Pakistanis rethink how they live and work Arab News

'I particularly call on our nationals in Qom to cooperate with us in their immediate repatriation,' ambassador wrote

Two Pakistani men have been sentenced to 11 and 3 years in prison for kidnapping and beating three young Indian migrants who arrived in Trieste via the Balkan route, demanding a 15,000 euro ransom.

Diplomats told to shelter in Riyadh
Islamabad facilitating thousands of stranded Pakistanis in Gulf amid Iran conflict, FM says Arab News

Pakistani nationals hauled suitcases across the border from Iran, describing missiles being launched and travel chaos as they scrambled to leave the country after the US and Israel launched strikes…

Pakistan's Foreign Office has issued an advisory for its citizens living in the Middle East, activating a crisis cell and urging vigilance amidst regional developments.

First group of evacuees safely crossed the Gabd–Rimdan border and re-entered Pakistan

Pakistani embassy in Abu Dhabi issues advisory for its citizens amid regional tensions Khaleej Times

(ANSA) - ROME, FEB 27 - Five landings occurred in Lampedusa, with a total of 144 migrants, between night and early morning. Coast Guard and Guardia di Finanza patrol boats rescued the small boats and dinghies carrying between 6 and 64 Bangladeshis, Egyptians, Syrians, and Pakistanis. According to those who arrived at Molo Favarolo, including women and minors, the boats set sail from Tajoura, Zuwarah, and Garabulli in Libya and from Zarzis in Tunisia. Yesterday, there were six landings on the ...

Afghanistan has launched offensive operations against Pakistani military positions along the border, the Taliban's spokesperson said on Thursday, in retaliation for recent Pakistani airstrikes.

Pakistanis, including tourists, travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) will now be able to do so with an e-visa, receiving confirmation by email rather than stickers in passports, according to a statement issued by the British High Commission on Wednesday. In July 2025, the UK government introduced an e-visa system for Pakistanis; however, it was limited to study or work visas. Applicants applying for general visitor visas were still required to obtain a physical visa. In the statement release...

An Indian restaurant in London has closed its doors after 16 years, with the owner attributing the closure to online harassment and alleged attacks by Pakistanis.

Sieben Terroristenlager und Verstecke der pakistanischen Taliban sowie des Islamischen Staates wurden laut Islamabad aus der Luft attackiert. Kabul meldete mehrere Tote

“Why did you start driving inDrive?” It’s my go-to icebreaker with drivers in Pakistan. Lately, the answers have been unsettlingly similar. “I used to work in the development sector,” one man told me. “Then I lost my job.” I’ve heard that line — or a version of it — too many times to dismiss as coincidence. Since the United States pulled the plug on its aid apparatus, the fallout has been immediate. On the surface, the shutdown of USAID is being framed as just another abrupt policy reversal — a bureaucratic casualty in an era of disruption. But look closer, and it reveals something far more profound: the cumulative weight of domestic and international tensions that have been simmering, both within and beyond the US for decades. Cycles of aid, cycles of distrust The first source of strain lies beyond US borders. From its inception as a Cold War instrument, American foreign aid has been shaped by an enduring tension between its declared objectives of development and altruism and its underlying strategic and political calculations. This duality has long been apparent to the recipient elites and the broader public alike. During the Cold War, many governments acquiesced, in part because Western donors faced little competition and alternative sources of assistance were scarce. That landscape has since changed. As non-traditional donors, most notably China and the Gulf states, have expanded their presence, and as domestic political incentives within recipient countries have shifted, scepticism toward USAID has become more explicit and politically salient. In countries such as Pakistan, where mistrust of American intentions runs deep, US assistance is often perceived less as generosity than as intrusion. What is now framed as a backlash against American aid is better understood as the culmination of a long-simmering tension and a legacy of mutual misperceptions between donor and recipient. Pakistan’s experience with US foreign aid agency illustrates this dynamic with particular clarity. American assistance to Pakistan has never been linear or predictable; instead, it has unfolded in cycles closely attuned to Washington’s shifting strategic priorities. During the Cold War, aid was channelled primarily through a security-alliance framework aimed at containing the Soviet bloc, with economic assistance tightly coupled to military cooperation. These flows declined sharply after the 1965 war, reinforcing perceptions of US aid as conditional, transactional, and reversible. Another peak in this equation followed in the 1980s, when General Ziaul Haq aligned Pakistan with the US in opposing Soviet expansion in Afghanistan. Yet with the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the subsequent imposition of US sanctions on Pakistan’s nuclear programme under the Pressler Amendment, assistance once again contracted. It was only after 9/11 that the aid surged anew, this time framed around counterterrorism and stabilisation. Even at its height, however, much of this assistance remained shaped by security imperatives, short funding horizons, and heavy reliance on contractors, rather than long-term institution-building. For many Pakistanis, therefore, the shutdown of USAID feels less like an abrupt rupture than the latest turn in a familiar cycle of engagement and disengagement. The second factor is bureaucratic pathologisation. Like many large organisations, aid agencies are susceptible to institutional dysfunction, and USAID has been no exception. In practice, particularly in contexts such as Pakistan, as commissioner on the Afghanistan War Commission Andrew Wilder has noted, its programmes increasingly came to be structured through a security lens rather than a development one. Key decisions were made in Washington, filtered through multiple layers of contractors, and ultimately deployed on the ground with limited scope for local input. At the same time, bureaucratic incentives privileged projects with easily quantifiable indicators, favouring what could be measured over what was substantively effective. These patterns were neither accidental nor new, nor are they unique to the US. Over time, however, they eroded both the legitimacy and the perceived effectiveness of USAID, among recipients abroad and critics at home. These institutional dynamics had tangible consequences on the ground. In Pakistan, USAID funding became heavily concentrated in sectors aligned with stabilisation and security objectives — such as service delivery in so-called “fragile” districts or rapid-impact infrastructure — often at the expense of slower, politically unglamorous investments in local institutional capacity. NGOs and development professionals structured entire career paths around USAID project cycles, only to see those opportunities vanish when priorities shifted or funding was abruptly frozen. The result was a hollowing out of local expertise and institutional memory. When aid was withdrawn, it left behind far fewer durable institutions than its scale and visibility might have led one to expect. The mismatch between stated development objectives and the underlying security logic was further compounded by an overreliance on quantifiable metrics to demonstrate impact. This tendency was reinforced by a development ecosystem shaped by the overproduction of economists and political scientists trained as methodological specialists rather than regional experts. Programmes designed in Washington often prioritised what could be easily counted — number of schools built, clinics refurbished, trainings delivered, or kilometres of roads completed — over whether such interventions meaningfully strengthened local institutions. In Pakistan, this logic was especially evident in sectors such as education, health, and local governance, where projects were assessed primarily through output indicators rather than sustainability or local ownership. Multiple layers of contractors further diluted accountability and blurred responsibility once funding cycles ended. Over time, this produced a paradox: USAID became both omnipresent and poorly understood — associated with large budgets and extensive reporting, but yielding limited and uneven institutional impact. That credibility gap left the agency especially exposed when domestic political support in the US began to erode. The third major factor behind the dismantling of the aid lies in the domestic backlash within the US against international cooperation. Opposition to foreign aid, multilateralism, and international institutions long predates Donald Trump, reflecting decades of polarisation over globalisation and America’s role in the world. By the time Trump entered office, hostility toward international engagement was already deeply embedded in US politics. In this context, shuttering a highly visible aid agency became a potent domestic signal; it becomes a way to demonstrate responsiveness to voters who view global commitments as costly, wasteful, or illegitimate. Dismantling USAID was therefore less a recalibration of foreign policy than an act of domestic political theatre. The US government’s official justification for shutting down USAID frames the move as a response to “China’s exploitative aid model” and a means of advancing American “strategic interests in key regions around the world”. It is true that China has dramatically expanded its development footprint and largely operates outside the traditional Western aid framework. But that explanation doesn’t hold up to deeper scrutiny. If Washington were genuinely seeking to compete with Beijing in the development arena, the more coherent response would have been reform and reinvestment, not withdrawal. Moreover, Chinese and US aid are not direct substitutes. They target different sectors, rely on distinct instruments, and frequently operate alongside one another in the same countries — Pakistan among them — without displacing each other. In Pakistan, Chinese assistance has concentrated on large-scale infrastructure and energy projects, while USAID has focused primarily on education and health. Chinese aid typically flows through bilateral, government-to-government channels, whereas US assistance has often bypassed the Pakistani state, working instead through NGOs and contractors. China’s rise may well be sharpening anxieties in Washington, but it does not, on its own, explain why the US would choose to erode its own institutional capacity in response. A looming domino effect The shutdown of USAID, then, should not be understood as a one-off policy blunder or an idiosyncratic choice tied to a single administration. Rather, it reflects the convergence of long-accumulating tensions: between the professed ideals and strategic deployment of aid abroad; between development objectives and bureaucratic practices within aid agencies; between international commitments and domestic political incentives at home. USAID’s collapse is best understood not as the cause of these pressures, but as their most visible manifestation. The consequences of this decision extend well beyond the fate of a single agency. They reveal the fragility of the broader international aid regime, which ultimately depends on the willingness of a small number of leading powers to absorb the political and financial costs of institutionalised cooperation. When that willingness erodes, institutions lose both credibility and purpose and eventually collapse. Signs of this erosion are already evident, as other major donors, including the United Kingdom and Germany, begin to scale back their own aid commitments. What is at stake, then, is not merely the dismantling of USAID, but the gradual unravelling of an international aid regime built on mutual trust and a sustained commitment to lifting the world’s poorest out of poverty.
Tens of thousands of Indian and Pakistani fans have converged on Colombo for a high-voltage cricket clash, leading to heightened security measures.

A Pew survey indicates that Indians and Pakistanis perceive each other as their greatest geopolitical threat, with mutual distrust persisting eight decades after independence, despite some positive sentiments from Indian Muslims.

Pakistan has condemned a Houthi attack in the Red Sea, which resulted in casualties including Pakistani citizens. The Deputy Prime Minister has ordered the repatriation of the remains of three Pakistanis killed in the incident.

Remittances from overseas Pakistanis rose by 13% to $3.6 billion in July, meeting government expectations and showing significant growth compared to the previous month.

A suicide bombing outside a police station in Pakistan's Swat region has killed at least 14 people and injured 18 others, with the attack occurring during an anti-militant rally.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was briefed by the foreign ministry on enhanced consular services for overseas Pakistanis, including the digitization of systems for document attestation and foreign payments.

An NIA court has acquitted six Pakistani nationals arrested in 2019 for allegedly smuggling 218kg of heroin. They were, however, sentenced to eight years rigorous imprisonment for entering India without valid documents.

Three individuals have been arrested in Thessaloniki for illegally transporting migrants, including Pakistanis and Afghans, hidden in the trunk of a crossover vehicle. The arrests highlight ongoing efforts to combat human smuggling.

The Pakistani army announced that it killed 24 members of the Pakistani Taliban in recent operations. This action targeted several Taliban fighters.

Seven migrant boat tragedies since 2023 have claimed the lives of 335 Pakistanis, who perished while attempting to reach Europe.
Eine pakistanische Frachtmaschine stürzt ins Arabische Meer. Nach zwölf Stunden Suche werden erste Trümmerteile gefunden. Was ist mit der Crew?

Rescuers have located the wreckage of a Pakistani cargo plane, a Boeing 737, that went missing over the Arabian Sea. A frantic search is now underway for the crew members.

One year has passed since the death of climber Klára Kolouchová on Nanga Parbat, with her Sherpa describing the tragic events. Reports of an explosion were denied by Pakistanis, and fellow climbers reflect on her love for the mountains.
Over 100 prominent individuals from India and Pakistan, including former officials and public figures, have jointly urged Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif to revive bilateral dialogue between the two nations.

A school roof collapsed in Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of 14 children and injuries to a teacher, according to authorities.

An aggressive crackdown by the FIA against illegal migration, targeting 'Dunki' death traps, has reportedly cut illegal migration by 47% and led to the repatriation of over 200 Pakistanis from Libya.

A Pakistan army helicopter crashed during take-off in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing all personnel on board. The incident occurred in the Muzaffarabad area.

A Visa study reveals that 82 percent of Pakistanis have embraced artificial intelligence tools for their shopping journeys, utilizing AI for tasks such as comparing prices, finding gift ideas, and checking product reviews.

As inflation outpaces salary increases, many individuals in Pakistan are resorting to side-hustles and additional jobs to sustain their middle-class existence.

Two Pakistani individuals have been arrested following an incident where four farm workers were found burned to death inside a mini-van. The arrests were made in connection with the tragic event.

Seven individuals from Pakistan, including researcher Maheera Ghani and entrepreneur Syed Ismail, have been recognized on Forbes' '30 Under 30' Asia list for 2026.

A British MP's comments suggesting 'Indians, Pakistanis take our job' have ignited a controversy, with social media users labeling them as racist and recalling Britain's colonial past.
A deadly train bomb attack in Quetta has cast a somber mood over the upcoming Eid celebrations for Pakistanis in the region.

Pakistanis are facing significant financial strain due to higher fuel and food prices, compounded by economic uncertainty linked to Middle East tensions, forcing them to cut expenses for the upcoming Eid al-Adha festive season.
Pakistanis are significantly reducing their purchases of sacrificial cattle for Eid al-Adha. This downturn is attributed to the severe impact of high inflation and rising fuel prices on household budgets.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly passed a resolution addressing the plight of Pakistanis in the Gulf, demanding local hiring in South Waziristan and awaiting an inquiry report on the Kohat gold auction.
Increasing expenses are making the pilgrimage to Hajj unaffordable for many individuals in Pakistan, potentially putting the religious journey out of reach.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) expressed deep alarm over the ongoing captivity of Pakistanis aboard the oil tanker MT Honour 2, which was seized by Somali pirates. The commission demanded urgent action from the government and relevant authorities.

Tensions between the US and Iran escalated in the Strait of Hormuz following reports of an attack on Iranian tankers, with Iran's president speaking out against exploitation. Iranian authorities later announced that the clashes in the strategic waterway had concluded.

A former advisor for Norway's Progress Party (Frp) has left the party after referring to Pakistanis as 'minus variants,' sparking controversy.

An advisor for Norway's Progress Party (Frp) is facing a personnel case after being revealed to have referred to Pakistanis as 'minus variants'. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre condemned the statements as 'pure racist'.

The Sindh governor, Nehal Hashmi, announced that the Pakistani government is actively working to secure the release of Pakistani citizens held hostage by Somali pirates, confirming contact with European Union organizations for assistance.

A multi-agency report, the 2026 Global Report on Food Crises, states that over 9 million Pakistanis face 'crisis' conditions, with devastating monsoon rains and flooding contributing to the situation.
Pakistanis deplore prolonged Islamabad lockdown due to US-Iran talks deadlock - Khaleej Times
Many Pakistanis are reportedly attributing the stalled talks to a US blockade rather than internal divisions within Iran.

The ceasefire between the United States and Iran is approaching its deadline, prompting a flurry of diplomatic activity, including Senator J.D. Vance's travel to Pakistan for potential talks. Both nations have issued warnings and threats, raising doubts about the extension of the truce and the prospect of renewed hostilities.

Pakistan's military chief, General Asim Munir, and other officials concluded a three-day visit to Iran, focusing on promoting dialogue and de-escalation efforts amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Their diplomatic mission aimed to foster regional peace and stability.

ENTRETIEN - Le conseiller diplomatique de François Hollande a négocié pour la France l’accord sur le nucléaire de 2015 avec les Iraniens.

More than 10,600 Pakistani nationals, including students, pilgrims, and other travelers, have returned from Iran in a recent influx.

An unsuccessful social media post by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has garnered significant attention and gone viral.

Five terrorists, including two high-profile Pakistani individuals categorized as 'A+', have been arrested in Jammu and Kashmir. One of the arrested had evaded authorities for 16 years and was involved in establishing the LeT network.
A new scholarship program has been announced for overseas Pakistanis, with details provided on how eligible candidates can apply for the financial aid.

Pakistan's Prime Minister expressed concern after three Pakistani citizens were injured in the UAE following a missile interception near Khor Fakkan, where a drone was also detected near a telecom site in Fujairah.

Pakistan is grappling with a significant petrol crisis, with fuel prices rising by up to 54 percent, driven by the ongoing Middle East war. Citizens and businesses are facing real challenges, prompting discussions on potential solutions like electrification.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that 109 Pakistanis were among at least 2,722 individuals from the Asia-Pacific region who died or disappeared last year while attempting to cross illegally into other countries.

The prolonged silence regarding stranded Pakistanis in Bangladesh for 54 years is testing the state's responsibility, justice, and moral credibility.

The Pakistani government is proposing property tax cuts and a self-declaration regime, along with lower withholding tax, as part of a plan to attract overseas Pakistanis.

More than 450 Pakistani pilgrims are reportedly stranded in Karbala, Iraq, and have appealed to their government for urgent intervention to facilitate their return.

At least 23 Asian nationals, including four Pakistanis, have been killed or are missing in the ongoing US-Iran war, leading to widespread grief among families, particularly during Eid.

Pakistanis are facing a sharp increase in fuel prices, which is impacting motorists and the broader economy, highlighting the deeper implications of energy costs beyond individual consumers.

On March 10, as the US-Israel war with Iran entered its second week, the Bahrain government announced the arrest of six persons hailing from Asian countries — five of them Pakistanis — on charges of filming, publishing and reposting “videos related to the effects of the treacherous Iranian aggression”. The Iran conflict — which broke out on February 28 after the United States and Israel launched joint strikes on the Islamic Republic and assassinated then-supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei,...

US says its firepower will ‘surge dramatically’ and IDF warns of ‘surprises ahead’, as Iran launches retaliatory strikes Middle East crisis – live updates Israel and the US have bombarded Iran and…

The two citizens died from missile debris during the interception of Iranian missiles

• ‘Cooperation’ with UK authorities has kept Islamabad off visa ban list so far • Rejection rate of asylum claims by Pakistanis at 70pc, but very few deportations • Shadow home secy pushes for tougher measures LONDON: As the UK bans visas to a handful of countries that have high asylum cases, Pakistan has come under renewed scrutiny after questions were raised about the low number of deportations. The development comes days after the UK put an ‘emergency brake’ on visas for the first time on...

MoFA says Special Facilitation Desks established at Pakistan's missions abroad to assist stranded Pakistanis
Pakistanis are returning home, crossing the Taftan border from Iran, likely due to the ongoing instability and conflict in the region.

Hundreds of thousands of travelers have been stranded by the outbreak of war with Iran.
Pakistanis in UAE, GCC asked to exercise utmost caution amid US-Iran war Khaleej Times

A new report indicates that four out of ten Pakistanis believe the country is heading in the right direction, with optimism particularly high among men, various income classes, and rural residents.

Directs authorities to ensure safe return of stranded citizens via Azerbaijan

Afghanistan's military corps in the east said in a statement that “heavy clashes” had begun Thursday night “in response to the recent airstrikes carried out by Pakistani forces" in eastern Afghanistan.

The United Kingdom has transitioned to a digital e-Visa system for Pakistani citizens, eliminating physical passport stickers while maintaining current processing times.
Harman Singh Kapoor, owner of Rangrez restaurant in London, is closing it after 16 years, citing rising costs, online harassment, and lack of police support.

Ramazan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, focusing on prayer, charity and deepening their connection with the Almighty. Homes and mosques come

After completing seven to eight years, a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship will be available
A video from Jammu prison shows inmates attacking police, leading to the escape of three individuals, including two Pakistanis.