Politics

Pakistani actress Humaira Asghar Ali was found dead in her apartment in Karachi on July 8, 2025, with her body reportedly in an advanced state of decomposition. Initial investigations, including analysis of her phone records and social media activity, suggest that she may have died as early as October 2024.
Her last known social media posts were in September 2024 (Facebook on September 11, and Instagram on September 30). Neighbors also reported not having seen her since September-October of last year. Police found her phone was last active in October 2024.
Therefore, the last time anyone would have been in contact with her would likely have been around October 2024.

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.

Aleema Khan is the sister of Imran Khan, the founder of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. While she doesn’t hold an official, elected position within the formal leadership structure of PTI (such as Chairman or Secretary-General), she plays a significant role as a close confidante and representative of her brother, particularly during his imprisonment.
Her activities within the party often involve:
* Conveying Imran Khan’s messages and directives: She frequently speaks to the media outside of Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is imprisoned, delivering his instructions and views to the public and party members. This includes announcing protest plans and discussing the party’s strategies.
* Advocacy for Imran Khan: She is a prominent voice in highlighting the conditions of his imprisonment, claiming he is being denied basic facilities and legal rights.
* Political statements and commentary: Aleema Khan makes public statements on various political issues, often reflecting the party’s stance and criticizing the government or other political entities. She has, for instance, commented on a “minus-Imran” campaign, later clarifying it referred to the government’s attempts to isolate her brother.
* Allegations of power struggles: Reports indicate that she has been involved in internal power struggles within the PTI, particularly concerning her attempts to consolidate power and her relationship with Imran Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi.
In essence, Aleema Khan acts as a key informal leader and a crucial communication channel for Imran Khan, especially given his current incarceration.