Pakistan’s decision to implement a massive 20.2% increase in its defense budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, the largest hike in over a decade, is driven primarily by two major factors:
* Heightened Tensions with India:
* Recent Conflict: Just weeks before the budget announcement in June 2025, Pakistan and India experienced a significant military confrontation in May. This conflict, triggered by a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir which India accused Pakistan of supporting, brought the nuclear-armed neighbors to the brink of a fifth war. The hostilities involved fighter jets, missiles, drones, and artillery over several days.
* Perceived Threats: The Pakistani government views this increase as a necessary response to existential threats and to bolster its military capabilities following this serious escalation. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has even stated that Pakistan needs to “surpass India in the economic field” after “defeating India in a conventional war.”
* Regional Arms Race: India itself increased its defense spending by 9.5% earlier in the year, contributing to a regional arms race dynamic.
* Ongoing Internal Security Challenges:
* Resurgent Militancy: Pakistan has been grappling with a significant resurgence of militancy, primarily from groups like the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatist groups (BLA, BLF).
* Increased Attacks: According to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2025, Pakistan is now the world’s second most terrorism-affected country. In 2024, terrorism-related deaths surged by 45% and attacks more than doubled. The TTP is identified as Pakistan’s primary security challenge, with attacks on police forces particularly increasing. Baloch separatist groups have also significantly escalated their insurgency, targeting security forces, infrastructure, and foreign investments.
* Complex Threat Landscape: The government faces a complex security environment that requires sustained counter-terrorism efforts. This includes addressing cross-border linkages with militant groups and dealing with urban radicalization and politically motivated violence.
Economic Context:
It’s important to note that this substantial increase in defense spending comes at a time when Pakistan’s economy is under considerable strain. The overall budget for FY 2025-26 has seen a 7% decrease in overall spending, with debt servicing consuming a significant portion (nearly half) of the total expenditures. This prioritization of defense spending highlights the government’s perceived urgency of these security challenges, even at the expense of cuts in development spending, infrastructure projects, education, and healthcare. The government is attempting to balance security concerns with ongoing fiscal reform efforts, often under the terms of an IMF loan program.

The sugar industry in Pakistan is a complex web of powerful political families, business conglomerates, and influential individuals. This nexus has led to frequent scandals, accusations of cartelization, and significant political sway.
Key Owners and Influential Groups:
* Political Families: A significant number of sugar mills in Pakistan are owned directly or indirectly by prominent political families or their close relatives. This blurs the lines between business and politics, giving these families immense leverage.
* Sharif Group: The Sharif family, a prominent political dynasty (associated with Nawaz Sharif and Shehbaz Sharif), owns Ramzan Sugar Mills and has substantial interests in the sugar sector. Their business expanded rapidly during their time in government.
* Omni Group: Allegedly linked to former President Asif Ali Zardari, the Omni Group operates a significant number of sugar mills, particularly in Sindh province.
* Jahangir Khan Tareen (JKT/JDW Group): A former close confidante of Prime Minister Imran Khan, Jahangir Khan Tareen is a major player in the sugar business, with a substantial market share through his mills (e.g., JDW Sugar Mills).
* Other politically connected families, including those of former ministers and members of various political parties, also own sugar mills across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
* Major Business Conglomerates: Beyond political families, other large business groups also have substantial stakes in the sugar industry.
* Fatima Group: A prominent conglomerate that ventured into sugar manufacturing in 1989 with Fatima Sugar Mills Limited, now a major player.
* Jauharabad Sugar Mills Limited, Almoiz Industries Limited, Al-Abbas Sugar Mills Limited, Hunza Sugar Mills (Pvt) Limited, Premier Sugar Mills & Distillery Company Limited, Dewan Sugar Mills Limited, R.Y. Khan Sugar Mills Limited, Faran Sugar Mills Limited, Shakarganj Limited, Adam Sugar Mills Limited: These are some of the other significant sugar mill owners mentioned in various reports.
Influence and Scandals:
The influence of sugar mill owners in Pakistan is deeply entrenched and multi-faceted:
* Political Lobbying and Policy Manipulation: Sugar mill owners, often organized under the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA), are known for their strong lobbying efforts. They have historically influenced government policies related to sugarcane pricing, sugar exports, import tariffs, and subsidies. This influence allows them to create favorable market conditions for their businesses.
* Cartelization and Price Fixing: The industry is frequently accused of operating as a cartel, engaging in collusive behavior to manipulate sugar prices, create artificial shortages, and control market supply. Investigations, such as the Sugar Forensic Commission report in 2020, have revealed how mill owners allegedly cheated farmers, evaded taxes, and benefited from unjustified subsidies.
* Subsidies and Financial Gains: Sugar mills have consistently benefited from large government subsidies, often disguised as industry support. These subsidies, along with artificial price inflation, have led to significant profits for mill owners, often at the expense of consumers and farmers.
* Exploitation of Farmers: Mill owners are frequently accused of exploiting sugarcane farmers by delaying payments, offering lower-than-official prices, and manipulating weighing processes. The highly regulated nature of the industry, where mills often have monopsony power in their designated cane areas, exacerbates this issue.
* Tax Evasion: Reports have also highlighted widespread tax evasion by sugar mills, further contributing to losses for the national exchequer.
* “Sugar Mafia” Allegations: The term “sugar mafia” is often used in Pakistan to describe the powerful and politically connected individuals and groups who control the sugar industry and allegedly manipulate it for their benefit.
Recent Developments and Crackdowns:
In recent years, particularly during the Imran Khan government, there have been attempts to crack down on the “sugar mafia.” The 2020 Sugar Forensic Commission report implicated several powerful individuals, including close allies of the then-Prime Minister. More recently, in early 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif granted full authority to various agencies to take action against those involved in illicit profits and market manipulation within the sugar industry, with officials stationed at mills to monitor activities.
Despite these efforts, the deeply ingrained nexus between sugar mill owners and the political elite makes significant and lasting reforms challenging. The industry continues to be a hotbed of controversy, with its powerful owners maintaining considerable sway over economic and political affairs in Pakistan.

Carbohydrates are an essential part of a healthy diet, providing energy and vital nutrients. However, not all carbohydrates are created equal. They are often categorized as “good” (complex) and “bad” (simple or refined) based on their nutritional content and how quickly they affect blood sugar levels.
Here’s a breakdown:
“Good” Carbohydrates (Complex Carbohydrates):
These carbohydrates are minimally processed, rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are digested slowly, providing a sustained release of energy and helping to keep blood sugar levels stable. They also promote satiety, aiding in weight management.
* Whole Grains: These include oats, brown rice, quinoa, barley, whole wheat bread, and whole wheat pasta. They retain all parts of the grain (bran, germ, and endosperm), providing a wealth of nutrients and fiber.
* Vegetables: All vegetables are good sources of carbohydrates, especially starchy vegetables like sweet potatoes, potatoes (with skin), corn, and peas. They are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
* Fruits: Whole fruits (apples, bananas, berries, oranges, mangoes, etc.) are excellent sources of natural sugars, fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The fiber helps to slow down the absorption of sugar.
* Legumes: Beans (black beans, kidney beans, chickpeas), lentils, and peas are high in fiber, protein, and various minerals. They help regulate blood sugar and contribute to feelings of fullness.
* Nuts and Seeds: While also a source of healthy fats and protein, nuts and seeds (almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds) contain carbohydrates along with fiber.
“Bad” Carbohydrates (Simple or Refined Carbohydrates):
These carbohydrates have been processed, stripping away most of their fiber and nutrients. They are quickly digested, leading to rapid spikes in blood sugar and then a crash, which can contribute to weight gain and an increased risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
* Sugary Drinks: Sodas, fruit juices (even 100% fruit juice, due to lack of fiber), sweetened teas, and sports drinks are high in added sugars and offer little nutritional value.
* Refined Grains: White bread, white pasta, white rice, many breakfast cereals, and products made with refined flour (like pastries, cookies, cakes, and crackers) have had their fiber and many nutrients removed.
* Candy and Sweets: These are typically loaded with added sugars and offer minimal nutritional benefits.
* Processed Snack Foods: Potato chips, many pretzels, and other packaged snacks are often high in refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and sodium.
* Sweetened Dairy Products: Flavored yogurts and ice cream often contain significant amounts of added sugars.
Key Takeaway:
The distinction between “good” and “bad” carbohydrates largely comes down to how processed they are and their fiber content. Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in fiber, and limit highly processed foods with added sugars and refined grains. Focus on a balanced diet that emphasizes whole foods for optimal health.

Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), has several beneficial effects on bones, contributing to better bone health and potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis. These benefits are largely attributed to its rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols like oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol, as well as its healthy fatty acid profile.
Here’s how olive oil supports bone health:
* Anti-inflammatory Properties: Chronic inflammation is a significant contributor to bone loss and weakening of bone structure. Olive oil’s polyphenols and oleic acid have strong anti-inflammatory effects. By reducing inflammation throughout the body, olive oil helps protect bone tissue from damage and reduces the risk of bone-related diseases.
* Antioxidant Effects: Oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants, can lead to bone deterioration. The antioxidants in olive oil, including vitamin E and various polyphenols, neutralize free radicals and protect bone cells from oxidative damage. This protective effect is crucial for maintaining bone density and strength.
* Stimulates Bone Formation: Olive oil, particularly its compound oleuropein, has been shown to stimulate osteoblasts, which are the cells responsible for building new bone tissue. It can help turn bone marrow stem cells into bone-building powerhouses, promoting the formation of new bone and aiding in the balance of bone breakdown and rebuilding.
* Inhibits Bone Breakdown: Beyond building new bone, olive oil also helps to inhibit the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that break down old bone. This dual action of promoting bone formation and preventing bone resorption helps maintain bone mass and strength.
* Enhances Calcium Absorption: Some research suggests that olive oil can improve the absorption of calcium, a vital mineral for bone health. Better calcium absorption means the body can more effectively utilize this mineral to build and maintain strong bones, reducing the risk of fractures and bone diseases.
* Hormonal Balance: Olive oil consumption may positively influence hormone levels involved in bone metabolism.
* Improved Bone Mineral Density (BMD): Studies, particularly those observing populations following a Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, have found an association between higher olive oil intake and greater bone mineral density. This indicates that olive oil could be a beneficial dietary component for preserving bone mass and preventing osteoporosis, especially in older adults. Some studies have shown a significant reduction in the risk of osteoporotic fractures in individuals with high olive oil consumption.
In summary, olive oil’s multifaceted benefits, including its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, its role in stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone breakdown, and its potential to enhance calcium absorption, make it a valuable addition to a diet aimed at maintaining strong and healthy bones.

یہاں سوالات پوچھنے کے کچھ مؤثر طریقے بتائے گئے ہیں:
واضح اور جامع رہیں
اپنا سوال سیدھے اور مختصر الفاظ میں بیان کریں۔ غیر ضروری تفصیلات سے گریز کریں جو الجھن پیدا کر سکتی ہیں۔
مخصوص ہوں
اگر آپ کسی خاص چیز کے بارے میں پوچھ رہے ہیں، تو اس کی وضاحت کریں۔ مثال کے طور پر، “مجھے ایک گاڑی خریدنی ہے” کے بجائے، “مجھے ایک ایسی چھوٹی SUV خریدنی ہے جس میں ایندھن کی بچت زیادہ ہو” کہیں۔
سیاق و سباق فراہم کریں
اپنے سوال کے پیچھے کی وجہ یا موجودہ صورتحال کو بیان کریں۔ اس سے جواب دینے والے کو آپ کی ضروریات کو بہتر طور پر سمجھنے میں مدد ملے گی۔
ایک وقت میں ایک سوال پوچھیں
ایک ہی سوال میں بہت سے نکات کو شامل کرنے سے گریز کریں۔ اگر آپ کے کئی سوالات ہیں، تو انہیں الگ الگ پوچھیں۔
شائستہ اور احترام سے پوچھیں
ہمیشہ اچھے اخلاق کا مظاہرہ کریں۔ “مہربانی فرما کر” یا “کیا آپ مدد کر سکتے ہیں” جیسے الفاظ استعمال کریں۔
مثال کے طور پر:
کم مؤثر سوال: “مجھے کمپیوٹر کے بارے میں جاننا ہے۔”
زیادہ مؤثر سوال: “میں ایک نیا لیپ ٹاپ خریدنا چاہتا ہوں جس کا بجٹ تقریباً 1500 ریال ہو۔ مجھے تعلیم اور ہلکی گیمنگ کے لیے کیا آپ کچھ اچھے آپشنز تجویز کر سکتے ہیں؟”
کیا آپ کو مزید کسی خاص قسم کے سوال پوچھنے میں مدد چاہیے؟