The Editorial Desk

Views from The Thursday Times' editorial desk.

A montage is shown of incarcerated former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan (R), Muhammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia (C) and the former Pakistani first lady (L). — MONTAGE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Does a Trump comeback mean a free Imran?

Trump’s return stirs hope for Imran Khan’s supporters, but entrenched political dynamics and Pakistan’s judiciary make intervention complex and unlikely.

Trump’s re-election fuels Khan supporters’ hope for freedom. — Michael Reynolds/Pool via Bloomberg
A montage is shown of incumbent U.S. vice president, Kamala Harris. — ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP via Getty Images | MONTAGE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

The case for a Trump presidency: The Thursday Times’ view

Trump’s presidency was a whirlwind of economic success and bold foreign policy, shadowed by deep national division and enduring controversies. His impact remains hotly debated as he seeks a return to power.

A montage is shown of former U.S. president, Donald J. Trump. — Jeff Swensen/Getty Images | MONTAGE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Third time’s the charm

Third time’s the charm, as they say—and Nawaz Sharif seems determined to prove it. After making bold moves for peace with India in 1999 and again in 2015, he's setting the stage for another attempt in 2025. His optimism is hard to ignore, but will his latest push for dialogue finally break the cycle of rivalry?

A montage is shown of former Pakistani prime minister Nawaz Sharif with incumbent Indian prime minister Narendra Modi (L) and the late Atal Vajpayee (R). — MONTAGE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

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

PTI’s bold move: skipping Palestine talks to focus on… themselves

Imran Khan’s PTI skipping the APC on Palestine while he's in jail? Sure, because nothing screams “leadership” like ghosting a major diplomatic issue. Maybe he’s too busy plotting his next chess move with Israel, as some suggest. Clearly, supporting Palestine only matters when he’s the star of the show.

A montage is shown of former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan atop a backdrop of the Israeli and Palestinian flags. — MONTAGE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump head to head with 100 days left

With only 100 days left until the 2024 US presidential election, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are in a close race; Harris is focused on progressive issues, while Trump campaigns on economic nationalism.

A combined file photo is shown of US vice president Kamala Harris (L) and former US president Donald Trump (R). — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

It is time to either revamp, or abolish, Pakistan’s draconian blasphemy laws

Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws have caused more harm than good. They have fostered a culture of mob violence and lynchings, embedding religious extremism into society. The misuse of these laws to serve personal vendettas undermines our justice system and fuels ignorance. It is imperative to reform or abolish these laws to protect human rights and promote societal harmony.

An illustration is shown of mob violence. — ORIGINAL/THE THURSDAY TIMES
An illustration is shown of PML(N) senior vice president Maryam Nawaz. — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES