'Family Reunion'
If you are in Lahore and living in Model Town or Cantt, have you noticed the restaurants and market places that are open late at night. It’s been so interesting to see how spaces that were previously seen as sleepy areas are now waking up to food, coffee and general hangouts. I was crossing Model Town late last night and noticed the busy marketplaces versus the street exits that are closed in the evening. Does make me wonder what local residents feel about the increasing night life.
Today, I’ve included the sentencing of Dr. Mahrang Baloch that was reported yesterday but is important to be included today, PM Shehbaz’s ‘family reunion’ with the Iranian President and Ronaldo shows all us 41-year-olds that age is just a number (I don’t know if life fatigue would agree with that but just for today).
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An anti-terrorism court in Quetta has sentenced Dr Mahrang Baloch and fellow Baloch Yakjehti Committee leader Sibghatullah to life imprisonment over inciting the killing of a security official during a Gwadar protest. Both had been in jail for two years and were facing multiple charges including terrorism, murder, and incitement to violence. Baloch is one of the most prominent faces of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, a movement that campaigns against enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in Balochistan. A doctor by profession, she rose to international prominence through long marches, sit-ins, and highlighting the cases of missing persons.
The new budget for 2026–27 has officially been approved by the National Assembly after the opposition walked out. Some changes were made before it passed: the govt removed the proposed 20% tax on low-sugar mineral water and hydration drinks, gave all local airlines tax relief on importing or leasing aircraft and parts, and changed how electric vehicles (EVs) will be taxed. For EVs, cars worth under $75,000 will have no excise duty, while more expensive ones will face 30–40% tax. Mobile phone import taxes can be paid in instalments, and private equity and venture capital funds will get tax exemptions to encourage investment.
Punjab has started issuing special driving permits to teenagers aged 16 to 18, allowing them to legally ride motorcycles and scooters up to 125cc with parental consent. Applicants will have to pass traffic sign and road tests, pay a fee of Rs500 to Rs1,000, and provide a smart card or B-form. Officials say helmets will be mandatory, and permits can be cancelled for serious or repeated traffic violations.
Cristiano Ronaldo silenced his critics with a stunning brace in Portugal’s 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, becoming the first player in history to score in six different FIFA World Cups. The 41-year-old responded to recent criticism after Portugal’s opening draw by declaring “I’m back” after the match. His two goals also made him the second-oldest scorer in World Cup history, proving that even at 41, Ronaldo remains one of football’s biggest game-changers.
Over the past 24 hours, President Donald Trump said Washington is now focused on securing what he called a “fair deal” with Tehran, insisting that the two sides are “getting along well.” At the same time, Trump reacted angrily after the US Senate voted 50-48 in favour of halting further military action against Iran, calling the move “poorly timed” and accusing lawmakers of making negotiations harder just as Iran was, in his words, under pressure and ready to make major concessions. He made it clear that despite congressional resistance, he intends to push the process through “one way or the other.”
The pressure to end the war is not lost on Trump. Other than the US Senate vote, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 24 percent of Americans believe the war was worth its cost, while 63 percent think the newly signed truce is unlikely to bring lasting peace. Trump’s approval rating has dropped to 34 percent, the lowest point of his presidency.
NUCS OR NO NUCS?
One of the biggest points of confusion now is the nuclear file. Trump has said that inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency will be allowed into Iran “at the appropriate time” to inspect damaged nuclear facilities, presenting it as a key breakthrough. US officials believe Iran has made significant concessions here, and Vice President JD Vance reportedly played a central role in laying the groundwork during talks in Switzerland.
But Tehran’s position is far more cautious. Iranian officials have pushed back on the suggestion that inspection access has been finalised, making it clear that several technical and political details remain unresolved. Four working groups have now been established to focus separately on sanctions, nuclear issues, reconstruction, and implementation. This shows the agreement remains very much a work in progress.
Iran draws a red line on missiles
While negotiations continue, Iran has made one thing absolutely clear: its ballistic missile programme is not up for discussion. During his visit to Islamabad yesterday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian firmly stated that Iran’s missile programme was not included in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and “will never be.”
Pezeshkian argued that Iran’s missile capabilities are what prevented the country from being “destroyed” during the war and stressed that Tehran will never compromise on its defensive capacity. PM Shehbaz agreed, reinforcing that the Islamabad MoU focused on broader peace arrangements and not military disarmament.
Pakistan and Iran deepen ties after Islamabad’s mediation role
President Pezeshkian’s visit to Pakistan highlighted how central Islamabad has become in the diplomacy surrounding the conflict, especially since before Pezeshkian landed, it was being reported that he was coming to ‘thank Pakistan’ for its role in the mediation. Both sides praised each other’s roles in stabilising the region, with Pezeshkian calling Pakistan’s support in the US-Iran negotiations “responsible and visionary.”
PM Shehbaz went a step further and said the meeting was like a “family reunion” and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, progress, and diplomacy. Pezeshkian also held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Field Marshal Asim Munir.
In a significant symbolic gesture, Shehbaz also announced he will travel to Tehran next week to pay respects to the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and reaffirm Pakistan’s solidarity with Iran.
Small signs of thaw
In a smaller but notable move, the US eased travel restrictions on Iran’s World Cup squad, allowing the team greater flexibility ahead of its next match. While symbolic, it reflects the wider attempt to reduce tensions and create space for diplomacy.
Iran has secured access to billions in previously frozen assets, though Tehran insists it is under no obligation to spend those funds on US goods despite Trump’s claims.
If you believe what you’ll get tomorrow is good for you, it will be. Manifest its beauty before you receive it.
Looking for a series to watch on the events of Karbala? Imam Omar Suleiman’s series about Karbala and the people involved is an excellent watch.
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