National

Imran Khan’s close aide quietly retires his defiance myth

Zulfikar Bukhari's remarks to Reuters, describing a freed Imran Khan as unwilling to confront army chief Asim Munir, don't just shift PTI's tone. Coming from one of Khan's closest aides, they quietly kill the "dut kar khara hai kaptaan" promise that has held the party's base together for two years.

A combined file photo shows PTI founder Imran Khan (L) and CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (R). — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Punjab’s new aircraft row: Politics or practical investment?

Punjab’s aircraft acquisition has become politically charged, yet aviation experts argue that replacing an ageing jet with a modern, lower-maintenance asset may be fiscally rational in the long run. The Thursday Times analysis explores the tension between optics and economics.

The Punjab government’s aircraft replacement should be viewed as a long-term aviation investment grounded in safety, asset value and operational efficiency rather than political controversy. — FILE
Month by month, Islamabad kept widening its diplomatic space, stabilising key economic indicators, and adding practical “state capacity” tools that strengthen foreign policy in ways speeches never can. — POOL
Pakistan reports shooting down Indian Rafale jet; French intelligence confirms aircraft loss. — MICHAEL MCCALL FOR THE THURSDAY TIMES
Bluesky, the decentralized platform, is fast becoming Pakistan’s go-to for uncensored conversations amid a landscape of restrictions. — MONTAGE/THE THURSDAY TIMES | Anna Barclay/Getty Images
A file photo is shown of CEO of the Pink Ribbon foundation, Omer Aftab (L) and Chief Minister for the Punjab, Maryam Nawaz (R). — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES
Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif is pictured along with delegation heads at the 23rd SCO Summit meeting in Islamabad on October 16, 2024. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES
India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar is attending the 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad, marking the first high-level visit to Pakistan for India in nine years. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES
A file photo is shown of deputy Pakistani prime minister Ishaq Dar. — BLOOMBERG

Pakistan, back on the world stage

Pakistan is making a bold comeback on the world stage with the 2024 SCO Summit in Islamabad, turning challenges into opportunities for regional influence and economic renewal. This is more than a summit—it’s Pakistan reclaiming its voice in global affairs.

A montage is shown of Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif meeting with various global world heads of State. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES
The Thursday Times is published by Thursday Media International