Skip to main content

Is Trump’s Two-Week Timeline for Ending the Iran War Realistic?

The latest declarations from the White House have sent shockwaves through global markets, as President Donald Trump suggests the U.S. could wind down its military campaign against Iran within two to three weeks. However, as domestic petrol prices climb past $4 a gallon and the Strait of Hormuz remains a volatile chokepoint, many are questioning if this mission accomplished narrative is premature. The reality on the ground characterized by a lack of formal negotiations and a mowing the lawn military strategy suggests that ending this conflict will be far more complex than a simple withdrawal. The Stone Age Strategy: Defining the U.S. Military Objective President Trump has pivoted from seeking a diplomatic grand bargain to a strategy of pure attrition. By stating that a deal is no longer necessary, he has redefined success as the degradation of Iran’s capabilities to the point of being put into the Stone Ages.This shift signals an Israelization of American war aims, where the goal is n...
Post a Comment

Pakistani Stock Market Perspective 2026: Is KSE-100 Boom Real Growth or Speculative Illusion?


The KSE-100 Index has delivered jaw-dropping returns, surging over 425% since 2021 when it stood around 44,000 points closing at 172,170 on February 19, 2026 after a recent 3.74% dip. Market capitalization ballooned from PKR 6.5 trillion in June 2020 to PKR 19.69 trillion (USD 70.25 billion) by December 2025, with free-float at roughly USD 53 billion. Yet renowned chartered accountant Syed Shabbar Zaidi raises sharp questions in his latest analysis: does this rally truly mirror Pakistan’s economic health, or is it largely driven by speculation, high bank profits from government borrowings, and oil & gas gains tied to rupee depreciation and dollar indexation? The full opinion piece is available on Business Recorder.

Zaidi highlights stark realities Pakistan’s market cap-to-GDP ratio sits at just 17% (with 2025 GDP around USD 407 411 billion), compared to India’s 130% (market cap over USD 5 trillion) and the USA’s 100%. Listed companies have barely grown (535 today vs 659 in 2005), investor base remains tiny at 230,000 (vs India’s 120 million), and foreign investors turned net sellers of USD 393 million in 2025. Banking sector after-tax profits exploded (Rs 644 billion in 2024), while oil & gas giants like OGDCL, PPL and Mari Petroleum posted strong numbers on higher wellhead prices but these are not signs of broad productivity, he argues.

The piece calls for regulatory focus to shift the market from trader-driven volatility to genuine economic linkage. Discussions on X echo the debate, with users noting the scale gap: see Grok’s comparison of PSX vs Indian market cap and another take on why percentage gains feel amplified in Pakistan here. Zaidi’s perspective arrives at a timely moment as investors weigh sustainability amid ongoing volatility.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

No Ban On Airing Imran's Speeches, Pemra Tells LHC

 In a recent development, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) clarified to the Lahore High Court that there is no longer a ban on broadcasting former Prime Minister Imran Khan's speeches. This revelation came during the hearing of a petition filed by Imran, who had challenged Pemra's decision to prohibit satellite TV channels from airing his speeches and press talks. The initial ban was imposed swiftly after Imran criticized former army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, accusing him of shielding current rulers in alleged corruption cases. Imran argued that Pemra's ban was fueled by vengeance, leading to a legal battle that spanned eight hearings. During the recent court session, Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza stressed that Pemra should refrain from pressuring TV channels on the concerns raised by the petitioner. Surprisingly, Pemra's counsel, Haroon Duggal, stated unequivocally that there is no existing ban on broadcasting Imran Khan's speeches. This reso...
Post a Comment
Read more

Has Social Media Become the Loudest Voice for Justice in the Israel-Palestine Conflict?

  In a world filled with turmoil and suffering, social media emerges as a powerful force challenging narratives, demanding justice, and giving voice to the voiceless. The recent conflict in the Middle East has not only exposed the harsh realities faced by the Palestinians but also highlighted the evolving role of social media in shaping global opinions. The Unheard Voices of Palestine: A Cry for Justice As violence escalated, Palestinian voices struggled to be heard amidst a media landscape seemingly biased against them. The article delves into how mainstream Western media outlets inadvertently became mouthpieces for one side, prompting a surge in social media activism. Social Media as the Unfiltered Truth The narrative unfolds, revealing the dichotomy between mainstream media and the unfiltered truth found on social media platforms. Gripping accounts, poignant images, and raw emotions flooded these platforms, contrasting starkly with the restrained coverage from major news outlet...
Post a Comment
Read more

Democracy in Action: The Return of Nawaz Sharif and Calls for Prompt Elections

  In a dramatic turn of events, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan after four years in self-exile has sparked discussions on the political landscape and the urgency for upcoming elections. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, addressing the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan, emphasized the need for timely polls in the wake of the weekend’s events. The Call for Prompt Elections Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari’s statement, although not explicitly naming Nawaz Sharif, underlines the significance of recent developments and their potential impact on the political timeline. The call for “no further delay” in elections resonates with the idea that a swift electoral process is essential for the democratic process to unfold smoothly. Nawaz Sharif’s Return: A Game-Changer? Nawaz Sharif’s return to Pakistan on October 21 marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s political dynamics. After completing legal formalities in Islamabad, Sharif addressed a ...
Post a Comment
Read more