economy
Economy and the area of production, distribution, trade, and consumption of goods and services.
Trump's big defeat! Iran has accepted everything in the name of ceasefire, attacks on Gulf countries continue
Special Report: Investigative Journalist Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan: The Strait of Hormuz is not yet fully open. Iran has agreed to open the Strait conditionally under the two-week ceasefire agreement. So far, only a few Iraqi and Asian ships have been allowed to pass, while the Strait is not yet fully open for international shipping, especially ships of the United States and its allies. Iran's clear stance is that ships will have to contact Iranian forces and be allowed to pass in a controlled manner. Oil prices are still at high levels, although there has been some reduction after the announcement of the ceasefire. A two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States, Iran and Israel has been reached with the mediation of Pakistan. Iran claims that it has accepted all 10 of its key demands, including lifting sanctions on the IRGC, free oil trade and non-interference in the region. President Trump has called it a “double-sided ceasefire” and said that more talks will take place in two weeks. However, within hours of the ceasefire, confirmed reports of new attacks emerged. An Iranian missile and drone attack on the United Arab Emirates’ Habshan gas complex triggered air defenses. Three major power plants and water desalination plants in Kuwait were attacked, with confirmed damage. Multiple missile alerts were also issued in Bahrain. The Lavan Island oil refinery in Iran was attacked, which Iran claims was carried out by Israel or the US. Israel has continued its attacks in Lebanon and has clearly stated that the ceasefire does not apply to Lebanon. Despite this delicate situation, the Pakistani media is making a big fuss about the ceasefire, calling it a “historic success of Pakistan’s mediation.” Many major news channels and anchors have declared it a diplomatic victory for Pakistan and have created an atmosphere of celebration in their programs. However, the fact is that despite the ceasefire, military and air operations are continuing. Iranian attacks on Gulf countries and Israeli bombing in Lebanon are proof that the ceasefire exists only on paper, there is no peace on the ground. This joy of the Pakistani media is blind to the fact that tensions in the region are still very high and a single spark can turn the entire region into a fireball. This situation reflects that the countries claiming to mediate, including Pakistan, are actually celebrating only a superficial success while the real problems are yet to be resolved. Iran has declared the ceasefire as its victory because it has accepted its main demands, while the US and Israel are calling it a temporary pause. Meanwhile, the Gulf countries are under intense pressure. Their economy depends on oil and the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz has caused them severe economic losses. The hype being made by the Pakistani media over the success of the mediation is, on the one hand, highlighting the diplomatic efforts of the government, but on the other hand, it is turning a blind eye to reality. The attacks on the Gulf countries within a few hours of the ceasefire are clear evidence that peace is still far away. If the Strait of Hormuz is not fully opened and the attacks continue, this ceasefire will prove to be only a temporary respite. At present, the situation in the region is extremely complex and unpredictable. On the one hand, Iran is claiming victory, while on the other hand, the US and Israel are calling it a temporary strategy. It is the responsibility of the Pakistani media not only to celebrate but also to present the truth to the public. The success of the mediation will be considered real only when the Strait of Hormuz is fully opened, all military operations stop and permanent peace is established in the region. The current situation is that despite the ceasefire, military and air operations continue, the Strait of Hormuz is partially opening and the region is still at risk of a large-scale conflict. The current euphoria of the Pakistani media may soon collide with the harshness of reality.
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awanabout 7 hours ago in Journal
Donald Trump's arrogance has been crushed? The real truth behind Iran's victory and Israel's forced ceasefire?
Special Report: Investigative Journalist Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan Resident Editor: Daily First Times, Islamabad: A miracle has occurred on the horizon of global politics that has sent shockwaves through halls from Washington to Tel Aviv, and Iran, which has been grinding under the mill of economic sanctions and military threats for decades, has finally forced the president of the world's only superpower, Donald Trump, to his knees. This announcement is a clear announcement of a new world order where no one will have a monopoly anymore because Donald Trump, who came with loud claims of destroying Iran in his second term as president, has finally crashed into Tehran’s iron wall and shattered. Reliable sources are confirming that Trump has accepted all 10 basic conditions of Iran without question, including complete freedom of oil trade, lifting of sanctions on the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and firm guarantees of non-interference in the Middle East by the United States, which is being called the biggest defeat of Trump’s political life and a great victory of Iran’s unparalleled perseverance.
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awanabout 22 hours ago in Journal
Trump's abuse, threats and obscenity: Have the global media and mediators now become only the protectors of Israel's interests?
Special Investigation Report: Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan, Investigative Journalist, Social Guardian, Humanitarian, Resident Editor Daily First Times Islamabad The United Nations Security Council has once again failed to issue conventional and limited statements. While the countries that have emerged as mediators around the world are also busy trying to persuade Iran to surrender instead of putting clear pressure on US President Donald Trump’s illegal policies, obscenities, abuses and threats by calling them false and wrong.
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awana day ago in Journal
How I Made $150 From The Vocal Fiction Challenge Despite Not Being Good Enough To Even Make The Shortlist
The Vocal Fiction Challenge While The Vocal Fiction Challenge was running I entered a number of stories. The fact that I am not a published author and I am not on the North American landmass did mean I was unlikely to be considered.
By Mike Singleton 💜 Mikeydred 2 days ago in Journal
What Makes a Film Feel Real? Inside the Approach of Andreas Szakacs Productions
What makes a film feel real? Not just visually—but emotionally, physically, and psychologically. In an industry often driven by spectacle, where visual effects and scale dominate the screen, some filmmakers are moving in a different direction. They are choosing authenticity over illusion, building stories that feel lived-in rather than manufactured. Among the production companies working within this space is Andreas Szakacs Productions—a London-based independent company focused on realism, human experience, and location-driven storytelling.
By Andreas szakacs3 days ago in Journal
Trump's abuse and insults: A confession of the shameful helplessness of the American superpower in the face of Iran
Special Analysis — Journalist Malik Sarfaraz Hussain Awan: Trump's abuse and vulgar language are making his helplessness and political failure very clear. It is an established fact that when someone has no strength anywhere and fails to control his opponent, he resorts to abuse and insults. Donald Trump has now become a psychopath and this growing disease of his is not only seriously damaging the American state identity but has also led to disrespect for the presidency of the superpower. If we look in the mirror of history, the heads of the great states of the world have always represented the dignity and moral highness of their nation through their language, tone and style of speech. But when the president of a world power publicly resorts to abuse, threats, and vulgar language, it is a clear admission of his political, moral, and diplomatic defeat. Trump's statement about "sending Iran to hell" is not only an insult to religious sentiments, but it also reveals his deep disappointment and frustration. He has failed to subdue a nation that has bravely fought severe economic sanctions, pressure, and hardships for the past several decades. The traditional and limited response of the international organization, the United Nations, to the humanitarian actions of the Trump administration has proven the complete helplessness of this organization. This organization has now fallen below the global level and become the protector of the interests of only a few powerful countries. International laws are enforced only on weak and poor countries, while whenever any concrete action is attempted to be taken against serious crimes against human rights, the United States immediately thwarts it through its veto power. This illegal war imposed by the United States and Israel has now entered a very dangerous phase. The Middle East could turn into a fireball at any moment. The silence of the international community over Israel’s flagrant violation and blatant disregard for international law is clear evidence that the entire region is standing on a powder keg and a spark can ignite the entire region. Other countries in the region also seem to be busy trying to convince Iran to surrender to Trump in the name of limited and safe diplomacy. They are unable to put any pressure on the US President and Israeli interests. This regional hypocrisy is actually the result of fear, weakness and self-interest, where instead of stopping aggression, the oppressed are being advised to bow down. At the same time, Amnesty International and other international human rights organizations also seem to be limited to traditional condemnation. When children are separated from their parents in war zones, hospitals are bombed, and civilians are targeted, the limited and ineffective actions of these organizations cast a big question mark on their existence. By claiming to push Iran to hell in his threats, Trump is as if considering himself the master of heaven and hell. However, followers of all religions know very well who is the real master of heaven and hell and who will make the final decision on the future of mankind. This president, who claims to be a god in subdued words, today holds the most important position in America, whose abusive and indecent statements are creating intense hatred and anger all over the world. America has now become a former superpower that has lost its moral superiority and is now trying unsuccessfully to control the world only through economic terrorism, sanctions, and pressure. Depriving ordinary citizens of medicine, food, and basic necessities is a serious crime against humanity. The American people and the world should get rid of a mentally ill and semi-crazy person like President Trump and take practical steps to promote true humanitarian compassion, justice, and peace on a global scale. If this is not done, his policies will have extremely dangerous and worrying consequences. Because of Trump, many countries in the world are under severe economic pressure, where people are burning in the flames of war on one hand and dying from lack of basic necessities on the other. This destruction is not limited to humans alone, but due to Trump's war and economic measures, animals, birds, trees, water sources, forests, and the entire global ecosystem are also being subjected to silent massacre. The lust for wars has put the entire ecosystem of the earth in grave danger. If the whole world still remains limited to political statements and traditional condemnation and fails to put real pressure on Trump, the dream of world peace will be shattered forever.
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan3 days ago in Journal
President Trump's deadline is nearing its end, 48 hours left
Iran claims to have shot down a US fighter jet, Trump's new threat: Hellfire will be poured on Iran in 48 hours. The Strait of Hormuz is closed, global economic conditions are going from bad to worse.
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan4 days ago in Journal
Bankruptcy Risk in the Public and Corporate Sectors.
The Economic Paradox of 2026 As we navigate through 2026, the global economic landscape has encountered a startling and dangerous phenomenon: the sudden insolvency of sovereign entities and multinational corporations that once appeared to possess limitless resources. This trend is not merely a byproduct of external market volatility or unpredictable geopolitical shifts. Instead, it is the direct result of a deep-seated "economic cancer"—systemic corruption and the clinical obsolescence of institutional regulatory oversight. Understanding why these giants fall requires looking beyond the balance sheets and into the mechanics of how capital is being systematically drained from the heart of the global economy.
By Бахромжон Суванов4 days ago in Journal
Fifth week of US and Israeli attacks on Iran: Tensions rise further
(Writing and analysis: Journalist Malik Sarfaraz Hossein Awan) The fifth week of the ongoing US and Israeli military operation against Iran has ended today. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) today released video of airstrikes targeting drones, tanks and missile launchers in Iran. These attacks resulted in massive explosions in the central Iranian city of Isfahan, where thick smoke was seen rising. In addition, attacks were also carried out near the international airport in the city of Mashhad. US President Donald Trump, addressing the nation, said that the US is close to achieving its strategic goals against Iran. He announced that severe attacks on Iran will continue in the next two to three weeks and said, "We will send them back to the Stone Age where they belong." Trump also said that countries shipping oil through the Strait of Hormuz needed to show courage. The Iranian military responded quickly, threatening "devastating, widespread and more severe" attacks. Immediately after Trump's speech, Iran fired a large number of missiles towards Israel. Explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and other areas. Israeli air defense systems intercepted most of the missiles, but missile debris injured at least 5 to 14 people near Tel Aviv. It was the largest missile barrage from Iran on Israel in recent weeks. Iran also launched missile attacks on Gulf countries. Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia disabled several missiles. A fire broke out at an airport in Kuwait, which was extinguished. Iranian officials said their military capabilities were still there and they would take "more devastating" actions in response. According to confirmed figures so far, at least 2,076 people have been killed and 26,500 injured in the US and Israeli attacks in Iran. Iran has rejected any request for a ceasefire and said that the fighting will continue until the US and Israel withdraw. Analysis: Situation Overview and Possible Outcomes Today’s developments once again bring the complexity of the entire conflict to the fore in a bloody reality. Imagine smoke rising in the streets of Isfahan, people fleeing their homes, and sirens blaring at Mashhad airport. US President Trump’s address is not only a declaration of military confidence, but also a message that demonstrates his determination to completely weaken Iran. But the Iranian military’s swift and powerful response suggests that this war is far from over. Iran’s missile attacks on Israel and the Gulf countries are an example of a lively response that shows that despite technological superiority, subduing regional powers is not as easy as it seems. This situation is igniting a dangerous fire for regional stability. While the US and Israel claim to have achieved their strategic goals, the threats of further attacks on Israel by Iran’s proxy forces, especially the Houthis in Yemen, are dragging the entire Middle East into a wider circle. Oil prices are skyrocketing, the shadows of a recession are deepening in global markets, and millions of families are being affected. The pain of human losses is not just in the numbers, but in the cries of every injured child, the tears in the eyes of every martyred mother. Behind the 2,076 deaths and 26,500 injuries, there are thousands of stories that can never be told. Military experts say that if this fighting continues for two to three weeks, the pressure on Iran’s economy will be unbearable. The threat of a closure of the Strait of Hormuz could affect global oil supplies, which could shake the economies of Europe, Asia, and the United States. China and Russia are still silent, but if this conflict escalates, they could also come to the fore, which could change the balance of global powers. Iran’s military capability is not yet completely exhausted. It still has missiles, drones, and underground facilities that give it the power to fight a long war. On the other hand, the American and Israeli leaderships are also facing internal pressure. The American public is feeling war fatigue, while the barrage of missiles in urban areas in Israel is spreading fear. This war is not only military but also psychological and economic. If a diplomatic solution is not found immediately, this regional crisis could turn into a world war. This situation teaches us a harsh lesson that when the use of force is excessive, its consequences are always disastrous. The Iranian nation still has the courage to resist, while the United States and Israel will also have to take care of their own goals as well as human lives. The international community must intervene immediately. The United Nations, the European Union, and the Arab League must work together to develop a peace plan to prevent further bloodshed. The situation is changing rapidly. New news is coming in every hour. If this fighting continues, it will change not only the geopolitics of the Middle East but the entire world. Restoring peace now requires not just words, but urgent action.
By Malik Sarfraz Hussain Awan6 days ago in Journal
