PM Shehbaz Sharif Arrives in New York News

PM Shehbaz Sharif Arrives in New York for 81st UN General Assembly

Pakistan’s top leader is back in the spotlight on the world stage. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in New York this week to take part in the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, and honestly, this trip comes at a pretty tense moment for global politics. Between rising tensions in the Middle East and ongoing disputes closer to home, the world will be watching closely to hear what Pakistan has to say. Let’s break down what happened, what’s coming next, and why this visit actually matters for regular people, not just diplomats in suits. Why This UN Trip Is a Big Deal You might wonder why a prime minister flying to New York is even news. Well, the UN General Assembly isn’t just another meeting. It’s the one place every year where almost every country on Earth sends its leader to speak directly to the world. Think of it as the planet’s biggest group chat, except everyone actually shows up in person. This year’s session carries a heavy theme: “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.” That phrase sounds fancy, but it basically means world leaders are being asked to fix broken trust between nations and figure out how the UN can still be useful when so many countries doubt its power. For Pakistan, this is a chance to speak up on issues that matter deeply to the country, like Kashmir, Palestine, and economic struggles that hit everyday families the hardest. How PM Shehbaz Arrived and Who Came With Him PM Shehbaz Sharif touched down in New York on Monday with a noticeably small delegation. That’s not by accident. The government has been pushing austerity measures, so the team trimmed down the usual list of officials who travel for these trips. He wasn’t traveling alone, though. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar joined him, along with Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, was there to receive the prime minister right at the airport, which is the usual diplomatic welcome for a leader arriving for such a major event. Here’s a quick look at the key details from the arrival: Detail Information Arrival Date Monday, September 21, 2026 Location New York City Received By Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Key Delegation Members Ishaq Dar (DPM & FM), Tariq Fatemi (Special Assistant) Address Date at UNGA September 25, 2026 Small delegations like this one are becoming more common these days. Governments everywhere are under pressure to cut costs, and sending fewer officials abroad is one easy way to show that at least some belt-tightening is happening. What Happens Next: The UNGA Schedule So when does the prime minister actually speak? Mark your calendar for September 25. That’s the day he steps up to the podium to deliver Pakistan’s official address to the General Assembly. The full high-level debate for this year’s session runs from September 22 through September 26, with one final sitting wrapping things up on September 28. During that window, dozens of world leaders take turns addressing the assembly, one after another, each getting their moment to lay out their country’s priorities and concerns. Take a look at the session’s basic framework below. Session Overview Item Details Session Number 81st UN General Assembly Official Theme Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All High-Level Debate Dates September 22 to September 26, 2026 Final Sitting September 28, 2026 Pakistan’s Address September 25, 2026 What Pakistan Plans to Talk About Now, here’s the part that really matters. What will PM Shehbaz actually say once he’s up there? Based on statements from Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the speech is expected to cover a wide mix of topics. First up is regional and global security. The prime minister plans to stress the value of dialogue and diplomacy over conflict, which makes sense given how much tension is brewing in the Middle East right now. Fighting between other nations in the region has already stirred fears about wider instability, especially around key routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Beyond security, PM Shehbaz is also expected to bring up two issues that Pakistan has raised for decades: Kashmir and Palestine. He’s likely to speak about what Pakistan calls the ongoing occupation in Jammu and Kashmir and push for the right to self-determination there. He’s also expected to voice support for Palestinians and their long struggle for statehood. And that’s not all. The speech is also set to touch on: That’s a lot to squeeze into one speech, but this is basically Pakistan’s yearly chance to put its concerns in front of the entire world at once. Meetings Behind the Scenes The public speech is only part of the story. A huge chunk of what actually gets done at the UN happens away from the main stage, in smaller rooms with just a handful of people. PM Shehbaz is expected to hold several bilateral meetings with other world leaders during his stay. These one-on-one conversations often turn out to be more important than the big speeches because that’s where actual deals, agreements, and understandings get worked out. He’s also expected to meet with the UN Secretary-General to discuss Pakistan’s ongoing role in supporting multilateral cooperation and upholding the UN Charter. On top of that, the prime minister plans to join several high-level side events focused on climate action and development. These smaller gatherings let leaders dig deeper into specific problems instead of giving broad speeches to a packed hall. The Bigger Picture: Why Timing Matters Here’s something worth noting. This year’s General Assembly isn’t happening in a calm, quiet moment. There’s active conflict overshadowing much of the agenda, and many expect that tension to dominate hallway conversations even more than the official theme does. For Pakistan, that creates both a challenge and an opportunity. On one hand, global attention is stretched thin because so much focus is on other crises. On the other hand, a

Old Wine in Old Bottles: The Reality of Dynastic Politics in Pakistan News Politics

Old Wine in Old Bottles: The Reality of Dynastic Politics in Pakistan

Every election season, Pakistan’s ticket lists tell a familiar story. Alongside fresh names sit sons, daughters, brothers and wives of people who held the same seats before them. That habit is what people mean by dynastic politics in Pakistan: political power passed from one family member to another, across generations, usually with a party’s approval. The pattern exists in many countries. In Pakistan it has a particular shape, because it grew up alongside long spells of military influence, patronage-based voting and parties that rarely hold real internal contests. This article traces where it came from, which families matter, how it works at election time, and what supporters and critics say about it. Where a claim rests on one report or one analyst, the text says so. What “Old Wine in Old Bottles” Means The English idiom is “old wine in new bottles,” meaning something old sold as if it were new. Critics of Pakistani politics tend to say the packaging doesn’t change either. In this reading, the wine is the political family itself: its name, its local following and its network of relatives, landholders, clients and supporters. The bottle is the structure that carries it, meaning parties built around one household, tickets handed out by leaders, voters who expect jobs and favours in return for loyalty, and an establishment that has often dealt with one family or another. What changes is the label, which is a new generation stepping into an old role. That is one interpretation, and not everyone accepts it. Supporters argue that family names are often the only thing holding a party together in a country where parties have been banned, split and pressured. Both views are covered below. The Express Tribune used the same phrase as the headline of its January 2024 report on family candidates in Sindh, and this article credits that report in the Sindh section and in the Sources list. How Political Families Took Root The roots go back before 1947. In Punjab, the Unionist Party of leaders such as Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan and Khizar Hayat Tiwana drew strength from large landholders. In Sindh, the Bhuttos of Larkana were already prominent, and Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto, father of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, served as a senior minister in the princely state of Junagadh. Analyst Raza Ahmad Rumi notes that a limited number of families have dominated Pakistan’s legislatures since 1947, mostly from rural landowning and tribal backgrounds. He adds that the main change in the twenty-first century has been the widening of this circle to include families from urban, religious and military backgrounds. In his account, clan, tribe, caste and biradari play a large part in electoral contests and are tied to clientelism. The military has also had a role. One academic paper argues that military rulers have sought to co-opt powerful political families to legitimise their own rule. The Ayub Khan era (1958 to 1969) shows how this can work in practice: his son Gohar Ayub Khan and grandson Omar Ayub Khan both went on to careers in politics, and Omar Ayub was the PTI’s nominee for prime minister during the 2024 government-formation talks. Land reforms in 1959 and 1972 were meant to loosen the hold of big landowners. Historians generally say their effect was limited, and rural influence continued to convert into votes. The modern political dynasties took shape in the 1960s to 1980s. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto founded the PPP in 1967 and was hanged in April 1979 under Zia-ul-Haq’s government. Nawaz Sharif rose during the same era, serving as Punjab’s chief minister from 1985 to 1990 before becoming prime minister three times. Through the 1990s, he and Benazir Bhutto alternated in power. Old Wine: The Families That Keep Returning The Bhutto-Zardari family Benazir Bhutto became prime minister in 1988 and again in 1993. After her assassination in December 2007, the PPP’s leadership passed to her son Bilawal, then a teenager, with her husband Asif Ali Zardari as co-chairman. Rumi describes the succession as having been set out in a handwritten will. He also cites Gazdar’s view that the Bhuttos combine a popular following with a legacy of martyrdom, drawn from the deaths of several family members. Zardari served as president from 2008 to 2013 and returned to the office in March 2024. His daughter Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari entered parliament a few weeks later. Dawn reported that eleven candidates filed papers for the NA-207 by-election, the returning officer rejected seven, and the remaining three withdrew on the last day, leaving her elected unopposed. The same report noted that the PTI accused police of detaining an independent candidate to give her a walkover. That is the PTI’s allegation, and I have not seen an independent finding on it. The PTI also described the outcome as “selection” when she took her oath. Tribune India counted the president, three members of the National Assembly and two members of the Sindh Assembly from Zardari’s extended family, and reported that the family now had more legislators than the Sharifs. The Sharifs hold plenty of office as well, with Shehbaz as prime minister and Maryam Nawaz as chief minister of Punjab. The Sharif family The Sharifs are an industrial family from Lahore. The Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif in the Panama Papers case in July 2017. His younger brother Shehbaz has led the party and government since then, serving as prime minister from April 2022 to August 2023 and again from March 2024. Maryam Nawaz became Punjab’s first female chief minister in February 2024. A Dawn commentary at the time said her selection followed the dynastic pattern of Pakistani politics while also being a first for women. Her cousin Hamza Shehbaz served briefly as chief minister in 2022. Media commentary has often speculated about rivalry between the two branches of the family, but that is commentary rather than something either has confirmed. Families beyond the two biggest names In Punjab, the Chaudhrys of Gujrat rose through Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi. His son Shujaat Hussain was briefly prime minister in

'Super Long March News

Jamaat-e-Islami’s ‘Super Long March’ Continues Towards Islamabad Over Petroleum Levy

Pakistan is watching a massive political moment unfold right now. Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), one of the country’s oldest religio-political parties, has launched what it calls the “Super Long March.” Thousands of workers, families, and supporters are moving toward Islamabad from every corner of the country. Their demand is simple: scrap the petroleum levy completely. If you’ve been following the news lately, you’ve probably seen headlines about trains packed with protestors, sealed roads in the capital, and tense talks between the government and JI leaders. This article breaks down everything happening, why it matters to you, and what could come next. What Is the Super Long March All About? The Super Long March is a nationwide protest movement led by JI chief Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman. It’s not a sudden decision. JI has been holding sit-ins and rallies across Pakistan for more than a month, pushing back against rising fuel prices. When talks with the government kept falling apart, the party decided it was time to bring the protest straight to the capital’s doorstep. The march isn’t happening from just one city. Caravans are converging from Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Lahore, and smaller towns in between. Some groups are traveling by train, others by road, but they all share the same destination and the same goal: forcing the government to remove the petroleum levy for good. Jamaat-e-Islami’s Super Long March Continues Towards Islamabad Over Petroleum Levy This phrase has become one of the most searched topics in Pakistan this week, and for good reason. People want real-time updates on where the march stands, whether it’s peaceful, and how the government plans to respond. As of now, the march is very much active. Caravans from Karachi already departed on the Rahman Baba Express, while groups from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa set off from the historic Bab-e-Khyber monument. Multiple convoys are expected to meet in Multan and Lahore before making their final push toward Islamabad later this week. What makes this different from past JI protests is the scale. This isn’t a single city sit-in anymore. It’s a coordinated, multi-province mobilization, and that’s exactly why it’s dominating news cycles across the country. Why the Petroleum Levy Has Sparked Nationwide Anger To understand why so many people are joining this march, you need to understand what the petroleum levy actually is. It’s a tax the government adds directly to petrol and diesel prices. Unlike other taxes, this one goes straight into federal revenue, and it’s become one of the government’s biggest income sources in recent years. The problem is timing. Fuel prices were already climbing because of global tension, including conflict involving Iran and repeated attacks linked to the Houthis near Saudi Arabia. Add a heavy government levy on top of that, and everyday people end up paying much more just to fill their tanks or run their motorcycles. How Much Are People Paying in Taxes? Right now, the government charges roughly Rs114 per liter in taxes on petrol and around Rs100 per liter on diesel. For a country where a large chunk of the population relies on motorcycles and public transport, that’s a heavy burden. Transport costs go up, food prices follow, and household budgets get squeezed from every direction. The Route: How the Long March Is Moving Across Pakistan JI didn’t just wing this protest. They released a detailed schedule weeks in advance, which shows just how organized this movement really is. Karachi to Multan by Train The Karachi caravan left from Karachi Cantt Station on the Rahman Baba Express. Supporters were welcomed at stops including Hyderabad, Tando Adam, Nawabshah, and Rohri, with a large public gathering held in Sukkur. From there, the group switched to the Shalimar Express, heading toward Multan with a planned stop in Ghotki along the way. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Joins In At the same time, another wave of protestors launched their journey from Bab-e-Khyber near Jamrud. Led by JI’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leadership, this group is moving through northern Punjab, aiming to link up with other caravans as they close in on Islamabad. Eventually, all these separate marches are expected to merge, with the final convergence point being the capital itself, likely around September 23 or 24. Who Is Leading This Movement? Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, the current JI Emir, is the face of this entire campaign. He’s been vocal at every stop, telling crowds that this isn’t about politics or personal gain. According to him, the movement exists purely to represent ordinary citizens struggling with inflation and rising living costs. He’s also taken aim at other government policies during his speeches, including the country’s monetary policy and its agreements with independent power producers, commonly known as IPPs. Rehman has argued that a simple reduction in the interest rate could save the country as much money as the petroleum levy generates, questioning why the burden always falls on regular citizens instead. Government’s Response and Ongoing Negotiations The government hasn’t been silent through all of this. In fact, there have already been multiple rounds of talks between JI representatives and government officials. Talks That Have Failed So Far Despite several meetings, both sides have struggled to find common ground. The government’s main defense has been its commitments to the International Monetary Fund, arguing that removing the levy entirely could jeopardize the country’s financial agreements. JI hasn’t accepted that explanation, insisting that the government has other ways to cut costs without taxing fuel so heavily. A Possible One-Year Suspension? Interestingly, there are now reports suggesting the government might offer a compromise. One proposal on the table involves suspending the petroleum levy for a full year, along with a broader relief package aimed at easing public frustration. However, this offer still needs approval from JI’s internal technical committee before anything becomes official, so nothing is confirmed just yet. Breaking Down the Petroleum Levy: A Quick Snapshot Here’s a simple table to help you visualize exactly what’s being charged and why it’s causing so much frustration. Fuel Type Levy Charged Per Liter Impact on Common Buyer Petrol Rs114 Higher transport

Send Gifts to Pakistan From Abroad Lifestyle

How to Send Gifts to Pakistan From Abroad: A Practical Guide

Living abroad can make birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, Eid celebrations, and other important occasions more difficult to manage. While sending a gift may seem simple, arranging delivery to someone in Pakistan from another country involves several practical considerations, including payment methods, delivery times, recipient information, customization, and the reliability of the local delivery service. Fortunately, online gifting has made the process of sending gifts to Pakistan considerably easier. Instead of shipping a parcel internationally, overseas customers can order a gift online and have it prepared and delivered locally in Pakistan. This guide explains how the process works and what to consider before placing an order. Why Send Gifts Through a Local Delivery Service? International shipping is not always practical for gifts such as fresh flowers, cakes, chocolates, or customized products. Shipping something from another country can involve longer delivery times, customs procedures, and additional costs.For non-perishable parcels, postal delivery services in Pakistan are one option, but fresh flowers, cakes and time-sensitive gifts are usually better handled by a local gift delivery service.  A local gift delivery service works differently. The customer places an order online, while the gift is sourced, prepared, and delivered within Pakistan. This can be particularly useful when the gift needs to arrive on a specific day. For overseas Pakistanis, an online gift shop in Pakistan can provide a convenient way to arrange a delivery without requiring a family member or friend to purchase and collect the gift locally. The available services vary between providers, so customers should check delivery coverage, preparation times, payment options, and the specific terms of the product before ordering. What Types of Gifts Can You Send to Pakistan? The right gift depends on the occasion and the recipient, but online gift services commonly offer several categories. Flowers and Bouquets Flowers remain a straightforward option for birthdays, anniversaries, congratulations, and other occasions. Since flowers are perishable, ordering from a local provider can be more practical than attempting to send them internationally. Cakes and Chocolates Cakes and chocolates are commonly paired with birthday and anniversary gifts. When ordering a cake, check whether the service allows customization of the design, message, flavour, or size. Gift Baskets and Hampers Gift baskets can combine several items into one delivery. Depending on the provider, these may include chocolates, snacks, flowers, personal-care products, accessories, or other items. Customized Gifts Personalized gifts can include names, photographs, messages, or occasion-specific designs. Because customization may require additional preparation time, it is important to check the production and delivery timeline before placing the order. How to Send a Gift to Pakistan From Abroad The basic process is usually straightforward, but paying attention to the details can prevent delivery problems. 1. Choose the Occasion and Gift Start by deciding what you want to send and when the recipient needs to receive it. For a birthday, for example, you might consider a cake, flowers, chocolates, a personalized gift, or a combination of several items. For a wedding or anniversary, a customized gift or curated hamper may be more appropriate. The important consideration is not simply the type of gift but whether the product can be delivered to the recipient’s location within the required timeframe. 2. Check Delivery Availability Before ordering, confirm that the service delivers to the recipient’s city and area. Delivery coverage can differ between cities, and delivery times may also vary depending on the product. Some services offer nationwide delivery while providing faster delivery options in particular cities. If you are ordering a customized product, allow additional time for preparation. A product that is available for same-day delivery may have different requirements once personalization is added. 3. Enter the Recipient’s Information Carefully Accurate delivery information is particularly important when the sender is outside Pakistan. Provide: If the gift is intended to remain a surprise, make sure the recipient’s phone number is still available to the delivery team if it is required for coordination. 4. Check the Payment Options Payment is one of the main practical considerations for overseas customers. Before completing an order, check whether the service accepts international debit or credit cards or other payment methods available to customers outside Pakistan. Also review the final amount at checkout and check whether delivery or customization charges are included separately. For example, Beezle currently states on its Pakistan delivery pages that international customers can order online and that international cards are accepted. Payment availability can change, however, so customers should always confirm the options displayed at the time of purchase. 5. Confirm the Delivery Date and Time Timing is especially important for birthday and anniversary gifts. If you need delivery on a particular date, check the available delivery slots before completing the order. Same-day delivery may also have an order cutoff, while customized products may require additional preparation time. Do not assume that a service offering same-day delivery in one city provides the same option everywhere in Pakistan. What About Midnight Birthday Delivery? Midnight delivery is useful when the goal is to have a birthday gift surprise arrive at the beginning of the recipient’s birthday rather than later in the day. Availability depends on the city, delivery area, product, and service provider. It is therefore important to confirm the exact delivery window before ordering. For customers sending a birthday gift surprise to Lahore, services such as Beezle list midnight birthday gift delivery in Lahore as an available option, alongside same-day and next-day delivery for eligible gifts. If the delivery is time-sensitive, it is worth confirming the order cutoff, recipient availability, exact address, and whether midnight delivery is available for the selected product. How to Avoid Common Gift Delivery Problems General online shopping tips still apply: check shipping charges and delivery times, and look for real contact details and customer reviews before you pay. A few simple checks can make the process more reliable. Double-Check the Address A missing house number, incorrect street name, or incomplete apartment information can delay a delivery. Ask the recipient for their complete address if necessary without revealing the purpose

Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Escalate After Cross-Border Airstrikes

If you’ve followed the news this week, you know Pakistan and Afghanistan are on edge again. Early on Monday, September 21, 2026, Pakistani jets struck targets inside eastern Afghanistan. That single night broke a fragile calm that had held for months. In this article, I’ll explain what happened, why it matters, and what could come next. I’ll keep it simple and stick to facts from trusted sources like AP, Reuters, and the United Nations. What Happened in the Latest Airstrikes Afghan officials say the strikes hit Nurgal district in Kunar province and Barmal district in Paktika province at around 3 a.m. The two sides tell very different stories about the results. Pakistani security officials say the jets hit militant hideouts and killed 28 suspected fighters, while Kabul says three civilians died and four others were wounded. Here’s the catch. Neither side’s numbers have been independently verified. That’s common in the first days of any conflict, so treat early figures with care. Afghan officials also said one home in Kunar was destroyed, killing a villager and two family members. In Paktika, a shop and an empty house were hit, but no one was hurt. Taliban government spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid condemned the strikes and promised a response. Reuters reported that the attack threatens to reignite tensions after nearly three months of relative calm. Arab Why Pakistan Struck: The Attacks That Came First Pakistan says the strikes didn’t come out of nowhere. Violence had already hit its northwest hard. On Friday, a suicide bomber attacked a mosque inside a police compound in Kohat, and eight gunmen stormed nearby offices. The fight lasted about 20 hours. At least 21 people died, mostly police officers, and more than 100 were wounded. On Saturday, Pakistan’s Information Ministry warned that it could strike militants inside Afghanistan. A day later, six security personnel, including two army officers, were killed in a shootout in Hangu. Then the jets flew. Pakistan blames militants it says are based in Afghanistan, and it accuses the Afghan Taliban government of sheltering them. It wants Kabul to take credible, provable, and lasting steps to shut down their camps and training networks. Who’s behind the attacks? No group had claimed the Kohat or Hangu attacks when the strikes happened, but suspicion fell on the Pakistani Taliban, known as the TTP. It helps to know the difference between the two groups. The TTP is separate from the Afghan Taliban but allied with them. The Afghan Taliban deny the charges and say militancy is Pakistan’s own internal problem. How We Got Here: A Short Timeline This crisis didn’t start last week. Here’s a quick look at the key moments over the past year. Date What Happened October 2025 Pakistani air strikes set off the deadliest clash between the two countries since the Taliban takeover, and Qatar and Turkey brokered a temporary ceasefire. Late 2025 Saudi-mediated talks collapsed and cross-border violence resumed. February 22, 2026 Pakistan carried out air strikes on alleged militant camps. February 26, 2026 Afghan Taliban forces attacked Pakistani army posts. February 27, 2026 Pakistan’s defense minister announced “open war” with the Taliban. April 2026 Peace talks began in the Chinese city of Urumqi. September 21, 2026 New Pakistani airstrikes hit Kunar and Paktika. The February round was the scariest so far. It followed a suicide bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on February 6 and a TTP assault in Bajaur on February 17. Pakistan then hit major cities, including Kabul and Kandahar, as well as Bagram airbase, and Kabul answered by targeting Pakistani military sites. After that, Monday’s strikes on border provinces look small, but they show the old problem is still alive. What Each Side Is Saying When two governments give two different versions of the same night, it’s easy to get lost. This simple comparison shows where they disagree. Topic Pakistan’s Position Afghan Taliban’s Position The militants Says the TTP and allied groups plan attacks from Afghan soil. Denies sheltering them and calls militancy Pakistan’s internal problem. The airstrikes Says they hit hideouts and killed 28 suspected militants. Says three civilians died and calls the strikes aggression. The way forward Wants credible, verifiable, and sustained action against militant sanctuaries. Says Pakistan is trying to distract from its own security failures and promises a response. Notice how neither side is talking past a shared fact. They don’t agree on who was hit, who is hiding whom, or who is to blame. That’s why outside checks, like UN monitoring, matter so much. The Human Cost for Ordinary Families Behind every headline are real people. The United Nations tracked the toll earlier this year. Its mission in Afghanistan reported more than 370 Afghans killed in the first three months of 2026, a higher figure for that period than it has recorded since 2011. The UN humanitarian office also said the conflict had displaced 94,000 people, and 100,000 people in two border districts were completely cut off by the fighting. Pakistan pays a price too. Militant attacks on its police and security forces have surged in recent years. Every funeral of a police officer adds pressure on leaders in Islamabad to respond. And every airstrike that kills a civilian adds anger on the Afghan side. That’s how this cycle keeps feeding itself. Border Closures, Trade, and Deportations You may not live near the border, but you can still feel these tensions in the economy. Torkham has been closed to trade and regular travel since February, and it now mostly serves the deportation of undocumented Afghans. Roughly 1,000 to 1,500 people are sent back through it each day. That’s a big deal for a crossing that used to move goods worth millions. Amu TV The human side is heavy. Refugees International says more than 146,000 Afghans were deported from Pakistan in the first months of 2026, on top of over one million in 2025. Many of these families arrive in Afghanistan with almost nothing. Meanwhile, traders on the Pakistani side are losing patience. They have threatened

Pakistan's Finance Minister News

Protests, Strikes Could Cause Rs120 Billion Daily Economic Loss: Finance Minister

Imagine losing Rs120 billion every single day. That is the number Pakistan’s Finance Minister has put in front of the public. Muhammad Aurangzeb warned on Sunday that long marches, sit-ins and strikes could cost the economy around Rs120 billion a day. He said this while the country is trying to move from simple stability toward real growth. In this article, I’ll walk you through what he said, where the number comes from, and who might feel the pain first. I’ll keep it simple and skip the jargon. What Did the Finance Minister Say? The message was recorded and shown on TV. It came ahead of the PTI’s planned protest march to Islamabad on September 27, which the government has vowed to stop. Jamaat-e-Islami also began its own march toward Islamabad the same day, to push the government to end the fuel levy. Aurangzeb called the possible damage “self-inflicted pain.” He said calls for marches, strikes and sit-ins were hard to understand, because economic stability had been won through difficult decisions. He also said keeping the economy growing is a shared job, and he urged everyone to settle their issues through dialogue. Where Does the Rs120 Billion Figure Come From? A big number like this raises a fair question: who did the math? The minister said the Planning Commission studied earlier protests and the current situation, and estimated a loss of Rs120 billion per day. The estimate is split across three areas. Here is the breakdown as reported: Table 1: Estimated Daily Loss by Area Area Estimated Daily Loss Services sector Around Rs86 billion Industrial sector About Rs25 billion Government revenue Roughly Rs17 billion Overall daily impact Around Rs120 billion Did you spot something odd? If you add the three parts, you get Rs128 billion, not Rs120 billion. The reports I read don’t explain the gap. One possible reason is that lost government revenue overlaps with the sector losses. When business slows, tax collection falls too. Either way, treat the figure as a rough estimate, not an exact bill. Why the Services Sector Takes the Biggest Hit Services carry the largest share of the loss, and that makes sense. The minister said the services sector would bear the biggest impact, including financial services, communications, retail, transport, wholesale and hospitality. Think about how these businesses work. A shop needs customers to walk in. A truck needs open roads. A hotel needs guests who can reach it. A bank branch needs staff who can get to work. When marches and sit-ins block roads or push people to stay home, all of this slows down at once. Nobody sends a bill for that lost work. It just disappears. What Happens to Exports and the IT Sector? Exports are another worry. The minister shared several numbers to show what is at stake: Table 2: Export and IT Numbers Mentioned by the Minister Indicator What Was Reported Average daily goods exports Nearly $90 million Worst-case export drop during strikes Up to half of daily exports IT exports and services projection Expected to rise from $4.6 billion to $5.5 billion IT exports in the first two months of the fiscal year Around $811 million IT damage in past worst-case situations Up to 80%, mainly linked to internet disruption The IT numbers deserve extra attention. The minister cautioned that disruptions to internet connectivity could be extremely damaging to IT exports. Software houses, freelancers, and call centers can’t work without a stable connection. If the internet slows down or goes off, the money stops flowing that same day. Foreign clients also notice, and they may take their projects elsewhere. The Economy Was Just Starting to Recover The timing matters to the government. The minister pointed to several good signs. The State Bank of Pakistan’s reserves reached $21.4 billion, while total liquid foreign exchange reserves were around $26.8 billion in the week ended September 11. He also said the country was recording a current account surplus, and remittances kept growing. At the same time, the outside world is not making things easy. Developments in the Middle East are pushing up freight and insurance costs and disrupting supply chains. Higher oil prices add more pressure. So the government’s message is simple. The economy is finally getting steadier, and internal disruption could undo that progress just when the outside world is already making trade harder. Who Is Protesting, and Why? To be fair to everyone, let’s look at the other side. The groups planning marches are not all asking for the same thing. Three groups announced long marches in Islamabad. Jamaat-e-Islami wants the petroleum development levy removed, Kissan Ittehad wants relief for farmers, and the PTI is calling for the release of its founder, Imran Khan. The PTI also says it wants to rally people for the supremacy of the Constitution. These are very different issues. Fuel costs and farm relief touch daily life directly. The PTI’s demands are political. It’s also worth remembering that the Rs120 billion estimate comes from the government’s own planning team. Not everyone will accept it, and reasonable people can disagree about how big the real cost would be. Still, most people agree that long shutdowns hurt business in some way. The real debate is about how to raise demands without paying too high a price. Who Really Pays the Price? Big numbers can feel far away, so let’s bring this home. The minister warned that losses from sit-ins and protests would eventually hit ordinary people, especially the poor. He said daily-wage workers would bear the immediate effects, and small retailers and businesses would also struggle. Picture a rickshaw driver or a street vendor. If roads are blocked for three days, they don’t get paid for three days. They can’t send a bill to anyone. Rent, school fees, and food costs don’t pause. For families living day to day, a shutdown is not a headline. It’s an empty dinner table. Small shopkeepers face a similar problem. They may lose sales when markets close, and perishable stock

PTI Protest Plans and Imran Khan Politics

Pakistan Politics 2026: PTI Protest Plans and Imran Khan Legal Updates

If you’ve been following Pakistani news this year, you already know one topic keeps coming back: Imran Khan and his party, PTI. Between court hearings, protest marches, and health concerns, 2026 has turned into a busy year for Pakistan’s political scene. Let’s break down what’s actually happening, in plain and simple terms. A Quick Recap: Why Is Imran Khan Still in Jail? Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister and founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has been behind bars since August 2023. He was removed from office after a break with the country’s powerful military establishment, and he says the legal cases against him are politically motivated. He has been imprisoned since August 2023 on charges he calls politically motivated after a fallout with the country’s military led to his removal from office. His supporters agree, and they’ve spent the past three years demanding his release.  By August 2026, Khan had spent three full years in Adiala Jail. That milestone became a rallying point for his party, and it set the stage for a lot of what we’re seeing this year. PTI’s Nationwide Protests to Mark Three Years in Jail On August 5, 2026, PTI held protests across Pakistan to mark exactly three years since Khan’s detention began. Supporters staged demonstrations across the country, with one of the largest protests held outside Lahore’s Aiwan-e-Adl, where members of the Insaf Lawyers Forum led a rally demanding his release. Lawyers, party workers, and ordinary supporters showed up in big numbers, and the mood was intense.  Party leaders like Salman Akram Raja and Asad Qaiser have been front and center at these events. Protesters kept chanting for Khan’s release while saying the demonstrations were peaceful, even though they viewed his imprisonment as unlawful. On the other side, analysts note that as long as Pakistan’s military and ruling parties see Khan as a serious political threat, there’s little reason for the state to ease up on him. One analyst pointed out that the state has little incentive to help Khan return to politics as long as he’s viewed as a major challenger.  This wasn’t a one-time thing either. PTI had planned this well in advance. The party announced its nationwide protest movement would launch on August 5, a decision made during a meeting of its parliamentary leadership. It’s clear the party sees these anniversary protests as a way to keep public attention on Khan’s case.  The September 27 Long March: What’s the Big Deal? After the August protests, PTI didn’t stop there. The party announced plans for a bigger move: a long march toward Islamabad on September 27, 2026. This one raised more eyebrows because long marches in Pakistan have a history of turning tense. The government wasn’t thrilled about it. A petition was filed asking the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to block the march. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice Sarfraz Dogar heard arguments from both sides before reserving its verdict on the matter. During the hearing, government lawyers pointed to past PTI protests as proof things could get out of hand. The Islamabad advocate general argued that government machinery had been used during the 2022 protest, and that protesters had used cranes to remove barriers set up by the administration. He also claimed that property had been set on fire at D-Chowk, and that a similar situation happened again during protests in 2024.  PTI’s side, understandably, saw it differently. The party maintains the march is meant to be peaceful and is simply about demanding Khan’s release and defending the constitution. So how did it end? The court didn’t ban the march outright. Instead, the bench made clear that no political party or public office-holder has the authority to shut down Islamabad’s roads or public spaces for political activity. In other words, PTI can protest, but not by blocking highways or disrupting daily life. The court rejected the plea to stop PTI from protesting altogether, but it directed provincial chief ministers to make sure state machinery isn’t misused in connection with the protest. The Islamabad administration was also told to make sure the march doesn’t cause major trouble for regular citizens.  This is a pretty balanced outcome. PTI keeps its right to protest, but with real limits attached.https://propakistan.pk/ Imran Khan’s Legal Battles: A Timeline of Trouble Khan’s legal troubles haven’t slowed down at all in 2026. If anything, they’ve piled up. Here’s a simple table to help you keep track of the major cases and events. Case or Event What Happened Toshakhana-II Case Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were sentenced over the purchase of a jewelry set gifted by the Saudi Crown Prince £190 Million Case Khan is serving a 14-year sentence linked to this corruption case Health Concerns Reports of eye problems and other health issues raised alarm among his family and supporters Hospital Transfer Dispute A contempt petition was filed after the government sent Khan to a state hospital instead of a private one On the health front, things got especially tense in August 2026. A three-judge bench had directed the government to transfer Khan from Adiala jail to the private Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad within two days for a medical examination. But instead of following that instruction exactly, authorities sent him to a state-run hospital. PTI wasn’t happy about it. The party’s legal adviser, Naeem Panjutha, confirmed that a contempt petition had been filed against the government, seeking action against the prime minister, law minister, and information minister. PTI argued the court order meant Khan should stay under proper medical supervision for a longer stretch, and supporters gathered outside the hospital to show support.  As for the Toshakhana-II verdict, Khan didn’t take it quietly. After the court sentenced him in the case, he called for a nationwide protest and said he would challenge the verdict in the Islamabad High Court. His legal team argued the ruling wasn’t backed by solid evidence, while PTI leaders described it as a political move dressed up as justice.  Government’s Side of

Lodhran School Chemical Explosion: 14 Children Burned, Police Take Action News

Lodhran School Chemical Explosion Leaves 14 Children Burned, Police Take Action

  Little kids are playing ball during recess, laughing and running around. Then, in a few seconds, everything changes. That is what happened in Lodhran on Friday, when chemical bottles broke inside a classroom and left 14 children with burns. In this article, I’ll walk you through what we know so far, what the police are doing, and what parents and schools can learn from this scary event. What Happened at the School in Lodhran? The incident took place at a private school near the Multan Road bypass. Fourteen students suffered burns on Friday after chemical bottles fell and broke in a classroom at Rehman Public School. The children were in a shared classroom during recess. Students from class one to four were playing with a ball while bottles of a laboratory chemical sat in an open cupboard.  You can probably guess the rest. A ball hit the bottles, they fell and broke, and the chemicals splashed onto the children nearby. Rescue workers described it as an explosion, while other reports say the bottles simply fell and shattered. Either way, the acid-like liquid reached young skin, and that is what matters most. Daily Times Early news reports don’t always agree on numbers. Most outlets say 14 children were hurt, and one report adds that nine of them were girls. Another outlet, however, counted 15 injured, including a teacher. Table 1: Key Facts About the Lodhran School Incident Detail What Reports Say Place A private school at Adda Permit, near the Multan bypass, Lodhran Day Friday Children hurt 14 students with burn injuries (one outlet says 15 people, including a teacher) Class levels Class one to four Cause A ball hit chemical bottles stored on a shelf Deaths None reported Most serious case A six-year-old boy with 27 percent burns, moved to the burns unit at Nishtar Hospital, Multan Police action A case registered against the school owner for alleged negligence How Rescue 1122 and the Hospital Responded Here is the good news in a hard story: help came fast. Rescue 1122 got the call at 10:52 am and reached the school within three minutes. That is quick, especially since the school sits about 3 km from the nearest rescue station. The team didn’t come alone. Eight vehicles were sent, including four ambulances, two motorbikes, a rescue vehicle and a fire tender. Rescuers gave first aid on the spot. Then they moved the injured children to the District Headquarters Hospital in Lodhran. Officials also showed up at the hospital. The Deputy Commissioner and the DSP Saddar visited to check the medical care the children were getting. As for the child with the most serious injuries, he was sent to Multan for specialist burn treatment. Burn care needs special skills, so this step makes sense.  Police Take Action Against the School Owner Now let’s talk about the police side. Police registered an FIR under sections 284, 285, 286 and 337-H of the Pakistan Penal Code, based on a complaint from an education department official. The complaint says the incident happened because of negligence and carelessness by the school owner. DawnDawn The case names the school owner, Chaudhry Muhammad Aslam, and other people who may be responsible. Reports also say the owner left the scene after the incident. At the time of the Dawn report, he had not been arrested. I want to be fair here. Being named in an FIR does not mean someone is guilty. It means the police have started a legal process. A court will decide the outcome after looking at the evidence. Still, the case sends a clear message that schools must answer for how they store dangerous items. Table 2: The Legal Sections in the FIR, Explained in Simple Words PPC Section What It Generally Covers 284 Careless handling of poisonous substances 285 Careless handling of fire or things that can burn 286 Careless handling of explosive substances 337-H Hurting someone through a rash or careless act This table is a general guide, not legal advice. A lawyer can explain how these sections apply to a real case. Why Chemicals Don’t Belong in a Classroom Cupboard Let me say it plainly. Kids in class one to four are between about five and ten years old. They run, throw balls and bump into things. That is normal. A classroom for them should never hold open shelves with chemical bottles. Science lab chemicals need proper care, and this is where basic safety rules matter. They should be locked away in a separate room or a sturdy cabinet, and only trained staff should handle them. Labels must be clear, and the bottles should be stored low and stable, so they can’t easily fall. Young students shouldn’t have any access to them at all. In this case, reports say the bottles were in an open cupboard in a joint classroom, and officials blame carelessness for what happened. The investigation will show whether school rules were broken. But one thing is already clear to me: this kind of accident is preventable. Dawn What Parents Should Know About Chemical Burns If you’re a parent, you may be wondering what to do if your child ever gets a chemical burn. I’m not a doctor, so please treat this as general safety information and not medical advice. Here is what health experts commonly recommend: Rinsing with lots of water matters because it washes away the chemical and stops the burn from going deeper. Every minute counts. That is one more reason the fast response in Lodhran was so important. A Safety Checklist Every School Can Use Whether you run a school, teach in one, or send your kids to one, this list is worth sharing. None of these steps are expensive or hard. They just need attention and a habit of putting children first. Questions Still Waiting for Answers Since this story is still developing, several things remain unclear. For one, we don’t yet know whether the school had permission to keep these chemicals. We

Pakistan Raises Petrol and Diesel Prices News

Pakistan Raises Petrol and Diesel Prices Amid Fuel Price Hike: Who Can Get It and When?

Petrol and Diesel Prices If you’ve filled up your bike or car this week, you already felt it. Fuel prices in Pakistan have gone up again, and honestly, it’s starting to feel like a monthly ritual at this point. But here’s the twist this time: along with the bad news of higher prices, the government has also rolled out some real relief for millions of small vehicle owners. Let’s break down what’s happening, why it’s happening, and most importantly who can actually get help and when. Why Are Fuel Prices Going Up Again? You’ve probably noticed that petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan don’t stay put for long anymore. That’s because the country moved away from its old fortnightly pricing system to a daily pricing mechanism. Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) now checks international crude oil prices, freight costs, and the rupee’s value against the dollar almost every day, then adjusts what you pay at the pump. This shift happened for a good reason. Tensions in the Middle East have kept shaking up global oil markets, and Pakistan wanted its local prices to reflect real-time changes instead of getting stuck with outdated rates. The problem is, when international prices spike, you feel it almost instantly at your local pump. As of Tuesday, September 15, 2026, petrol climbed by Rs4.42 per litre and high-speed diesel (HSD) jumped by Rs6.10 per litre. That’s the sixth increase in a row, and it’s putting real pressure on everyday budgets. Latest Petrol and Diesel Prices in Pakistan Here’s a quick look at how prices have moved over the past couple of weeks so you can see just how fast things are changing. Effective Date Petrol Price (per litre) Diesel/HSD Price (per litre) September 8, 2026 Rs358.77 Rs381.77 September 10, 2026 Rs367.75 Rs392.67 September 12, 2026 Rs375.82 Rs403.32 September 15, 2026 Rs380.24 Rs409.42 Looking at these numbers, you can see petrol has gone up by more than Rs20 per litre in just about a week. Diesel has climbed even faster, which matters a lot because diesel powers most of the trucks, buses, and tractors that move goods and people around the country. When diesel gets expensive, it doesn’t just hit drivers — it pushes up the price of vegetables, flour, and pretty much everything else that needs to be transported. On top of the base price, the government still collects Rs114 per litre in taxes on petrol and Rs100 per litre on diesel. So a good chunk of what you pay at the pump isn’t really about oil at all — it’s tax. What’s Really Driving These Endless Hikes? You might be wondering why this feels so relentless lately. A few things are stacking up together. First, there’s ongoing volatility tied to conflict in the Middle East, which keeps pushing international oil prices higher. Second, Pakistan’s daily pricing model means there’s no more waiting two weeks for a price change — it can happen overnight. Third, the rupee’s performance against the dollar plays a role too, since Pakistan imports most of its fuel. None of this is great news if you’re trying to plan a monthly budget. But it does explain why we’ve seen price hikes announced almost every other day this month instead of every two weeks like before. The Good News: A New Relief Scheme for Small Vehicle Owners Here’s where things get more hopeful. On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a fresh relief scheme aimed at cushioning the people who feel fuel price hikes the hardest — bikers, rickshaw drivers, and small car owners. The Prime Minister said the government understood the burden these rising prices were placing on ordinary people and wasn’t going to leave them to deal with it alone. This isn’t just a passing promise either. The scheme has real numbers, a real rollout date, and a real registration process behind it, developed jointly by the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication, NADRA, and provincial transport departments. Who Can Get the Fuel Relief? So, who actually qualifies for this discount, and how much can you save? Here’s the breakdown. Vehicle Type Monthly Petrol Quota Relief Per Litre Motorcycles, rickshaws, Chingchis (two- and three-wheelers) Up to 20 litres Rs100 Cars and vehicles up to 800cc Up to 30 litres Rs100 If you own or use a motorcycle, rickshaw, or Chingchi, you can get Rs100 off every litre for your first 20 litres each month. If you drive a small car with an 800cc engine or smaller — think Suzuki Mehran, Alto, or Bolan — you get the same Rs100 discount, but on up to 30 litres a month. That’s a solid saving, especially for daily commuters and people who rely on their bike or rickshaw to earn a living. It’s worth noting the government isn’t strictly requiring the vehicle to be registered in your own name. The person actually using the vehicle day to day can register and claim the relief, which makes things easier for families who share a bike or a small car. When Does the Relief Actually Start? Timing matters here, so let’s get specific. The scheme kicked off first in Islamabad, starting from midnight between Monday and Tuesday, which was 12am on September 15, 2026. For the rest of the country — including Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan — the government had originally planned a rollout a couple of days later. Since then, officials confirmed the nationwide rollout would happen at 11:59pm on September 16, 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a meeting to review how things were going and pushed authorities to keep the registration process simple so that as many people as possible could actually benefit from it. So if you’re outside Islamabad, don’t worry if you haven’t seen the discount yet — it’s coming very soon, and by the time you read this, it may already be active in your city. How Do You Register for the Relief? Registering is meant to be quick and doesn’t require downloading a

natural sweeteners Health

How are natural sweeteners changing the way Pakistanis think about everyday nutrition?

Do you know how much sugar you put in your tea and coffee every day? The number is higher than expected when every cup is added up. We most probably start the day with morning chai. Then we keep on drinking tea and coffee at work to keep our energy levels up and stay focused throughout the day. The WHO and the Government of Pakistan have announced that 34.5 million individuals in Pakistan are suffering from diabetes. This means that one in three adults in Pakistan has diabetes.  However, despite this increased concern for health, people’s perception of their regular food choices is also shifting. The new generation is becoming more health-conscious. They have greater access to information. This is encouraging them to look more closely at what goes into their everyday meal.  They are also becoming more interested in natural and healthier alternatives. It’s no longer just about keeping energy levels up but also about making healthier choices for everyday meals. This shift pushes them to move beyond conventional sugar and consider natural sweeteners. It also encourages them to integrate sweetness in our normal activities that fit better within a balanced daily diet.  What Are Natural Sweeteners? When we hear the word natural sweeteners, it sounds straightforward. Sweeteners that are derived from natural sources and are a healthier alternative to normal sugar. But once we start looking at products in the market, things become vague. Many products are labelled as natural, plant-based, low-calorie, and also sugar-free. But the main issue is that some of them add artificial additives. This is where the confusion starts. If a product says “natural,” does that automatically mean the sweetener itself is natural? So, what exactly is a natural sweetener?  In simple terms, natural sweeteners are sweetening ingredients that come from natural sources such as plants and other naturally occurring sources. These sweeteners have little or no calories. So they don’t impact blood sugar levels and fulfil the craving without compromising health. Stevia is one of the most common examples. It is a natural sweetener that comes from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana.  Why are natural sweeteners becoming part of our everyday nutrition? Natural sweeteners have evolved beyond being only an alternative choice for health-conscious customers. They are a part of the thinking of everyday nutrition across the world, including Pakistan. This is more than a simple sugar substitution. It also reflects changing consumer values, scientific progress, and cultural change.  Calories and Energy Balance  Calories are one of the clearest differences between traditional sugar and many alternative natural sweeteners. Table sugar provides approximately 4 calories per gram. For instance, if a person drinks 2–3 cups of tea or coffee each day and adds 1–2 teaspoons of sugar per cup. This contributes a surprisingly large amount of extra energy over time. With 3 cups a day, that’s around 96 calories from sugar alone, which is nearly 100 extra calories daily. That adds up to around 700 extra calories each week. So, if you don’t burn them through physical activity and adjust your diet, this leads to severe health problems. The Psychology of Sugar  Sugar is not just calories. The brain’s reward system responds to sweet sensations over time, shaping our choices for food. Therefore, daily habits such as drinking sweetened chai, eating midday snacks, and eating desserts reinforce a liking for sweetness. Chai is very much related to social and family traditions in Pakistan. So cutting down on sugar is not only a nutritional choice; it is a change in a familiar behaviour. We need a healthier sweetener alternative like Stevia.  Biochemical Benefits Beyond Sweetness  Stevia extract comes from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana. It has sweet substances called steviol glycosides. These molecules are intensely sweet, yet contain relatively little energy and have less influence on blood glucose than sucrose. They are more sweeter than sugar, so you only need small amounts to get the same level of sweetness. This makes stevia one of the best sugar alternatives. But it should be treated as one dietary option rather than a treatment for diabetes and other health conditions.   Glycemic Control and Diabetes Management Unlike sugar, steviol glycosides provide very few calories at the levels normally used for sweetness. So they have little effect on glucose intake. This makes stevia significant for the reduction of added sugar in the diet, particularly for those who need to regulate their carbohydrate consumption and blood glucose. There has been several clinical studies on stevia for postprandial blood glucose, insulin response, and HbA1c with evidence of possible advantages for some measures of blood sugar. However, stevia is a sweetener, not a diabetes treatment, and its role is best understood as part of a broader approach to glycemic management.  How does Stiva fit into daily life? Changing everyday eating habits does not always mean giving up on your favourite foods and drinks. Sweetness is part of everyday routines. Choosing an authentic natural sweetener is one small change that you can fit into your life. Therefore, Shaigan launched Stiva. It is a stevia-based, zero-calorie sweetener from Shaigan Healthcare. It is an alternative to conventional table sugar. It is made without artificial additives such as maltodextrin, sucralose, aspartame, and dextrose. This gives consumers an option for reducing regular sugar while still adding sweetness to everyday drinks and recipes. One of the main advantages of Stiva is that it has zero calories and convenient formats. Unlike products available in only one form. Stiva comes in sachets, jars and tablets. This allows consumers to choose according to how they use sweeteners. The sachets are useful for individual cups of tea or coffee and are easy to carry to work or while travelling. The 130g jar is more suitable for regular household use, including drinks and homemade recipes, while the 100-tablet dispenser provides a compact option for daily beverages. Conclusion For the younger generation, sweetness is not only about gratifying a hunger.  They are also paying more attention to how much sugar