Pakistan's political system fails to allow women to lead: Report

IANS | April 12, 2026 4:44 PM

Islamabad, April 12 (IANS) Women's presence in Pakistan's Parliament remains quota-driven. Presently, only one woman has been elected from a general seat, while others have become members through reserved seats, but the leadership positions, from Chairman to Leader of Opposition, remain dominated by men, demonstrating the failure of political parties, a report said.

15th Five-Year Plan eyes China's deeper presence in South Asia: Report

IANS | April 12, 2026 4:38 PM

Colombo, April 12 (IANS) The 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), a 141-page document, formally adopted during China's National People's Congress (NPC) Two Sessions in early March 2026 appears to be a strategic blueprint for deepening Beijing's presence across the developing world, more so in South Asia, a media report said on Sunday.

Pakistan: Markets stay shut in Rawalpindi, people's woes mount

IANS | April 12, 2026 1:56 PM

Islamabad, April 12 (IANS) People are facing series of problems, from buying edibles to daily essentials in Pakistan's Rawalpindi as the markets have remained shut at the behest of district administration, local media reported on Sunday.

Pakistan hikes electricity tariff in double whammy after fuel price rise

IANS | April 12, 2026 1:46 PM

New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has delivered a major shock to the country’s consumers with an increase in electricity tariffs by Rs 1.42 per unit under the monthly fuel cost adjustment, citing a variation in fuel charges for February 2026.