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Unquiet Lebanon

THE fate of Lebanon could determine whether the recently signed MoU between the US and Iran survives. True to form, Israel is doing all possible to ensure the nascent peace deal is destroyed before the proverbial ink dries, as it continues to mercilessly pound Lebanon . While a supposed ceasefire was announced on Friday, Israeli attacks in Lebanon continued yesterday, with a large number of casualties reported, as the Zionist state hit both the southern and eastern parts of the Arab state in apparent pursuit of its arch-foe Hezbollah. Tragically, a large number of non-combatants have also been killed in Tel Aviv’s murderous forays, with even steadfast supporters like US President Donald Trump expressing displeasure over its bloodstained tactics. But the Israeli leadership seems very clear on what it wants to do. For example, the Israeli prime minister has refused to end the occupation of southern Lebanon, while the extremist national security minister...
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Climate action takes a backseat in federal budget FY27

• Allocations in all climate heads face cuts, except for disaster management • Experts call for transparency in climate spending, structural reforms ISLAMABAD: Climate allocations in the next fiscal year’s federal budget again fall short of putting Pakistan on a path towards a climate-smart future and inclusive growth despite the immediate risks it poses to the country. Except for disaster management finance, allocations in almost all climate categories have decreased compared to the outgoing financial year. The mitigation funds have been reduced from Rs603 billion to Rs124 billion, while adaptation money has been slashed from Rs85bn to Rs70bn. The “green component” of subsidies also experienced budget cuts, with the energy sector’s allocation declining to Rs423 billion from Rs529 billion. Similarly, the food, industry, transport, and agriculture sectors also faced cuts in the proposed budget presented by the government on June 12. Giovanni Maurice Pradipta, who is a policy advis...
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Europe swelters under heatwave, France restricts alcohol consumption

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A punishing heatwave sweeping across much of Europe prompted a partial alcohol ban in France, nationwide warnings in Germany and the closure of a soccer fan zone in Spain, as temperatures climbed towards record levels. France was expecting 35 of its 96 departments or regions to declare red heatwave alerts on Sunday, with temperatures of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius expected from the southwest through the Paris region into Burgundy, with some areas possibly reaching 41°C. After a crisis meeting, Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu pre-emptively banned alcohol consumption on Sunday at the annual Fete de la Musique festivals and other public events to be held in those 35 regions on Sunday. Authorities in Paris ordered parks to remain open around the clock, however. A woman protects herself from the sun under an umbrella on the Trocadero square near the Eiffel Tower as temperatures rise in Paris during a second heatwave affecting a large part of France, June 20, 2026. — R...
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Pakistan’s moment

THOUGH uncertainty may surround the fate of the US-Iran MoU , throughout this episode — from the start of the war on Feb 28 to the electronic signing of the document this week — Pakistan has played a crucial role in securing a diplomatic off-ramp. Other states, such as Qatar, Egypt, Turkiye etc. have also played a significant part, but it is Pakistan that has secured top billing in this geopolitical drama. This country’s efforts, both public and those behind closed doors, have helped prevent the war from metastasising into an even more brutal conflict. Nations across the world have appreciated Islamabad’s proactive diplomacy. The US president has often expressed his fondness for this country’s political and military leadership, while the Iranian president has warmly recognised Pakistan’s role in securing the MoU. The fact is that despite its limitations, Pakistan has been punching above its weight for decades, bringing together disparate powers in a bid to ease global tensions. An of...
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Govt offers 20pc returns to woo buyers

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will offer a lucrative 18-20 per cent return, along with complete freedom for investors to buy and sell electricity in a competitive market, as it targets the privatisation of three of the most viable distribution companies (Discos) in October, November and December. “We will provide in the transaction structure terms and conditions that protect consumer interests but also ensure investor comfort. We will do it upfront as part of transaction structure, before bidding (of the first Disco), otherwise privatisation will not be possible,” Prime Minister’s Adviser on Privatisation Muhammad Ali told Dawn after a meeting of the Privatisation Commission board, which approved a restructuring plan for Faisalabad Electric Supply Company – the first of five Discos to be sold in 2026-27. Mr Ali said the Privatisation Commission had completed domestic soft marketing of three Discos of Faisalabad, Gujranwala and Islamabad in seven major cities, with chambers of commerce and in...
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BUDGET 2026-27: ‘Shocking’ climate budget cut draws warning from Sherry Rehman

• Calls for better coordination to tackle ‘climate polycrisis’ as funding drops to Rs2.48bn from Rs3.5bn • Terms monsoon preparedness ‘immediate’ priority • Questions need for proposed Climate Authority ISLAMABAD: Senate Standing Committee on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination chairperson Senator Sherry Rehman on Thursday called recent reductions in climate-related budget allocations “shocking,” warning that Pakistan is entering a period of heightened environmental vulnerability marked by worsening climate extremes. Presiding over a committee meeting, Rehman said the country is facing intensifying heatwaves, accelerated glacier melt, erratic rainfall patterns, increasing water scarcity, and deteriorating urban environmental conditions. She stressed that monsoon preparedness must remain an immediate national priority, calling for stronger institutional coordination to address what she described as a growing “climate polycrisis”. Expressing ...
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South Africa hold Czechs, keep World Cup knockout dream alive

Teboho Mokoena’s penalty kept South Africa’s dream of reaching the World Cup knockout stages for the first time alive after a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta on Thursday. Michal Sadilek’s early opener had the Czechs on course for just their second World Cup win as an independent nation. But Mokoena’s late spot-kick kept both teams in the hunt for the last 32, although they will almost certainly have to win their final Group A fixture to advance. Both sides move onto one point, two behind co-hosts Mexico and South Korea, who face off later on Thursday. South Africa next face South Korea, while the Czech Republic take on the daunting task of playing Mexico in the Estadio Azteca. Both sides started with disappointing performances and defeats on the World Cup’s opening day, but the Czechs quickly set about making amends. Patrik Schick is the biggest name in a Czech side lacking the star quality of previous generations but the Bayer Leverkusen forward missed a glorious cha...
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