Since independence, Pakistan has grappled with multiple challenges, among them recurrent natural disasters such as floods. As of August 31, 2025, the country is facing one of its most severe flooding episodes in decades, with millions displaced across several provinces. What transforms this natural hazard into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe is structural failure. When systems…
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, the legal and legislative landscape around abortion has continued to shift dramatically. A wave of new rulings and state laws is testing the boundaries of abortion access, medication regulation, and states’ rights. Here are some of the most significant recent developments: Texas: Private Citizens…
Doha, Qatar – In a dramatic escalation, Israel launched a precision airstrike on September 9 in central Doha, targeting a Hamas leadership meeting hosted within Qatar’s diplomatic quarter. The assault killed at least six individuals—reportedly lower-ranking Hamas officials and a Qatari security officer—while sparing key figures, including Khalil al‑Hayya, who emerged unscathed despite his son’s…
Thanks to Special Efforts of PIO Mubashir Hassan and Dedicated PID Team Soon Times Correspondent Islamabad The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MOIB) has disbursed long-pending payments worth billions of rupees to print media houses, just before the close of the financial year. This important development was made possible through the tireless efforts of Principal…
By Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an: “Every soul shall taste death” (Surah Al-Imran, 3:185). This is an unchangeable truth accepted by all religions of the world. Yet, Islam elevates the one who dies a martyr’s death to a station beyond human comprehension. The Holy Qur’an declares: “And do not say…
Author: Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Target Publication Date: 8 March 2025, International Women’s Day War, displacement, and instability are fuelling the rise of preventable diseases across the Eastern Mediterranean Region. But even in the most challenging conditions, women continue to make the difference between life and death. Women play…
After almost half a century, as a student of history, I was struck by a picture that symbolized the transformation of relationships between two nations. The photograph captured Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir presenting souvenirs to a top military delegation from Bangladesh, a gesture of goodwill and friendship. This seemingly simple act carried…
The Young Doctors Association (YDA) of Pakistan has issued a stern warning to the government, threatening to initiate a nationwide protest and boycott of hospital services if the Balochistan government proceeds with its controversial decision to privatize 11 public sector hospitals. The association has also demanded the immediate release of all doctors who were recently…
In a landmark decision aimed at curbing the rising menace of drug abuse among youth, the Sindh Government has announced plans to introduce mandatory drug testing in colleges across the province. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote healthy lifestyles, safeguard the future of young students, and address the increasing societal concerns…
The inauguration of Donald J. Trump as the 45th President of the United States is set to take place on January 20, 2017, in Washington, D.C. This historic event marks the peaceful transfer of power from outgoing President Barack Obama to the newly elected leader. The day will feature a series of traditional ceremonies, public…
