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THIS IS WORLD NEWS Giving children their childhoods back

There is no doubt that we are living through an unprecedented age for technological innovation. Artificial intelligence in particular has the power to completely transform our society. It is an opportunity we must take – and we are. Over half of all European investment in technology last year was into this country. And not just into London – right across Britain, technology firms are taking risks, building the future, creating wealth in their community. This hasn’t happened by accident. It has happened because the Government has been active. We’ve made decisions to take control of the situation and make sure the economic opportunity of technology works for working people. This is the point I always make about any issue to do with technology – there are always three choices. One, you can bury your head, pretend the world isn’t changing and hope for the best. To do this now would obviously be ridiculous, but the long history of British industrial policy shows it’s not as uncommon as it should be! Two, you can approach it by removing all barriers for the technology firms, never confronting them about any of the challenges, nor trying to direct their activity in any way. This approach too is clearly deficient. Or three, you can try to harness technology for the good of our country and make sure you are taking decisive action when problems arise. This is the context for the Government’s decision to ban access to social media for all children under sixteen, which we announced today. It is another example of us taking control of the future and shaping the forces for the benefit of Britain. Because of all the social issues caused new technology, child protection is both the most serious and the most important. I am simply not prepared to be a bystander when the safety and happiness of our children are at stake. And when it comes to social media, that is exactly what the decision is about. I come at it as a parent, as much as a Prime Minister. My role is no protection for the fears all parents have about social media and dangerous online content. And like any parent, all I want is the best for my kids. For me, hand on heart, that means I just want them to be happy and to be safe – that’s all I’ve ever wanted for them. But can we really say that social media is currently a happy environment for our children? Can we really say that it is always safe for them? I don’t think so. I think every parent can see, with their own eyes, that the reverse is true: social media is making them unhappy. It is making it easier for bullies – whether at their own school or simply trolling them from thousands of miles away – to harass and abuse them. It is exposing them to content that is dangerous or divisive. It may even be harming their mental health. It also feels clearly designed to be addictive. Features like the infinite scroll or autoplay videos are designed to lock in your attention for hours. And quite apart from anything more serious or malign, there is an opportunity cost for our children on this. After all, time is precious. Time spent scrolling, is time not spent doing homework, reading, doing something creative, playing with friends outside, or even going to bed at a decent time. These activities may not sound like much, but they are the vital building blocks of a growing personality. Social media threatens all that. It intrudes into ever corner of a child’s life. To be honest, I feel for children growing up now. We had our problems back in the early 1970s, but there was nothing like this in my childhood. I feel for parents too – it’s hard to know what’s the right thing to do. And all parents put pressure on themselves to do the right thing for their children, so I know how much concern this is causing for parents. That’s why I think they will welcome the clarity and decisiveness of this decision. I think they will welcome having a Government on their side, fighting for the happiness and safety of their children, against some of the most powerful companies in the world. Of course it won’t be easy. Getting the legislation, the supporting regulation, the proper enforcement process – that is all hard in a technological landscape that moves at such a ferocious pace. But parents should be confident that this ban can be effective for four reasons. First, we have taken our time to get this right. This decision emerges from a consultation that ran for several months. We have held numerous roundtables with parents, young people and the families of young people who have tragically suffered harm or even loss because of issues to do with social media. Thousands of parents have written into the consultation. We have looked carefully at other countries going on a similar journey, such as Australia. We have spoken with technical experts. No stone has been left unturned. This is a detailed piece of work, where we have taken seriously the responsibility of Government to listen to the people it serves. Second, the ban is not in isolation. In fact, in a number of areas, we are going further than a ban. We are cracking down on risky features on gaming sites or livestreaming platforms where, at the moment, strangers can contact any child unchecked. We are looking into device-level controls that would mean no child can use their phone to send a nude image. And when Grok (the AI feature of the social media platform X) started making nudes of children, women and celebrities without their consent, we challenged X and they backed down. Most of all, this ban builds on the Online Safety Act. That gives us some vital learnings about what does and does not work when it comes to age verification, that we will now apply to this ban. Third, we have deliberately used a legislative approach that allows us to adapt as technology changes. The enabling powers set out in the Children and Wellbeing Act mean we can move much more quickly and not have to return to primary legislation every time we need to catch-up with new technology. Fourth, we need to understand that a ban isn’t just a law, it’s also an expression of our values – a norm. This is crucial when it comes to the issue of enforcement. Of course, some children will find a technological work-around. But that doesn’t mean we should not take this step or that it won’t make a difference. We don’t, for example, think it would be sensible to remove the ban on children being able to buy alcohol, just because some teenagers are able to get hold of a few cans of beer. That would be ridiculous. So equally, we should not use total enforcement as the yardstick for success. The bottom line is that this will change behaviour. Laws are norms too – this will change the discussions parents have with their children and, over time, the expectations of children themselves. It empowers a different kind of conversation in homes across the country. Ultimately, that is my main hope for this ban – it’s not just about protection. I also hope it will encourage a better childhood, with children using their time in a completely different, dare I say it, more traditional way. That is why, at the same time as the ban, we are also announcing a new round of investment in cultural opportunities for children – in art, music, sport, debating and more. It’s about opportunity. That, at the end of the day, is what this Government is about. It is why so many of the investments we have made are about young people: in childcare, mental health support, new school-based nurseries, family hubs, tackling child poverty, apprenticeships, technical excellence colleges, special educational needs education, and a youth guarantee that will support every young person who can’t find work with a new opportunity to earn or learn. They aren’t just policies that aim to fix our problems. They are the building blocks of a completely different Britain. A country where everyone, no matter their background, feels respected for who they are. And where success for our children depends on hard work and their ability. Not their class, their race, or the community they grew up in. This is a landmark moment: a decisive step towards a safer, healthier life for our children and future generations. And it is rooted in Labour values. We are standing with families, charities, bereaved families and all those who have campaigned for change. Where tech giants have had countless opportunities to keep children safe, we are taking power back and putting it in parents’ hands. Those who have campaigned for change should be proud. And as a Labour movement, we should be proud that this Government is standing with families, protecting children, and building a stronger, fairer Britain where every child has the freedom, safety and opportunity to thrive. The social media ban is essential for that Britain. It shows that we can harness the opportunities of technology without losing sight of what matters most. It provides our children with the space, time and security to grow up in their own time. And it helps them to become the best version of themselves, able to go as far as their talent will take them. That is the definition of a Britain built for all. Keir.

Pakistan: The Candle of Peace by Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal In the grand tapestry of international affairs, where peace prizes have long been the preserve of singular visionaries or dedicated institutions, a remarkable chapter has now been inscribed in the name of an entire nation. On Thursday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif set his signature upon the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, formally establishing Pakistan as the trusted mediator between the United States and Iran. In that solemn act, history itself bent its course, awarding to Pakistan a distinction rarer than any laurel bestowed by distant committees; the mantle of peacemaker among mighty powers. When the conflict first erupted, the world beheld a blaze fed by ancient grudges and modern suspicions, threatening to consume the Gulf in fire and bloodshed. The waters of Hormuz themselves seemed poised to carry the sparks farther still. Many counselled caution or watched from afar, yet Pakistan chose a braver path. Like a candle thrust into gathering darkness, the nation stepped forward, undeterred by the powder keg at its feet. Such intervention demanded not merely diplomacy but courage of the highest order, the same resolve Pakistan had lately shown in answering provocation with measured strength. In May 2025, the country had already reminded the world that it would not shrink from defending its honour; now it offered that same fortitude in the service of concord. Pakistan’s good intentions and the tireless efforts of its leadership have paid off magnificently. True mediation, as the elders of the Panchayat have long understood, rests upon prestige and mutual trust. The disputing parties must believe the intermediary capable of justice and wisdom. Pakistan, by virtue of its geographic position, its deep understanding of regional currents, and the integrity of its leadership, possessed precisely these qualities. With patience and clear purpose, Pakistani diplomacy worked to extinguish flames that gunpowder had so easily kindled. The good intentions of the government and the tireless exertions of its envoys have borne fruit. A disaster that might have engulfed economies and nations has been averted, and the world breathes more easily for it—saved from possible catastrophe through this pivotal role of Pakistan. The document itself, bearing the signatures of the American and Iranian presidents alongside that of Pakistan’s Prime Minister as mediator, stands as a testament to this achievement. The signature of the Pakistani Prime Minister on this historic page is no less than a profound honor for the nation. Few honours could equal the quiet dignity of that page. By lighting this candle of peace, Pakistan has begun to dispel shadows that had lengthened across the region. Lighting this candle of peace will disperse the possible darkness of the region and the world. Oil supplies, so vital to the arteries of global commerce, now flow once more. With the resumption of oil supply, the world’s shaky economy will recover, and the genie of inflation will be bottled again in the countries affected by this crisis. The persistent unrest that troubled the Gulf waters has been quieted, and this candle of peace has also put an end to the ongoing unrest in the Gulf. The meddlesome intrigues that once disturbed its shores have met their correction. The mischief that Israel had been continuing in the Gulf has also been corrected. Not least among the outcomes is the clarity brought to old imbalances. The biggest success in this whole matter is that America has now thrown the spoiled child that it had been holding in its lap in the form of Israel on the ground, allowing wiser counsels to prevail. In this realignment, Pakistan has also extended a hand of renewed hope to the broader Muslim world. Pakistan has once again provided the Muslim Ummah with an opportunity to unite. The Ummah, so often divided by circumstance and design, finds before it a fresh opportunity for unity and purposeful cooperation. When brother nations stand together, their collective voice carries farther and their shared endeavours flourish. For Pakistan itself, the dividends promise to be both immediate and enduring. In addition to the good of the region and the world, closed paths of prosperity and development will also open for Pakistan. Paths long obstructed by tension now open toward prosperity. The suspended project of the gas pipeline between Pakistan and Iran may at last reach its completion, bringing energy and stability to millions. Iranian oil, secured at equitable terms, will ease domestic burdens. Pakistan will be happy to buy oil from Iran at cheap prices. Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Iran, long promising yet underfulfilled, stands ready to double and redouble, carrying development in its wake. Most precious of all, the peoples of this region may begin to regard one another less as strangers divided by borders and more as members of an extended family bound by faith, geography, and mutual interest. In addition, the people in this region will be united like a family and Muslim countries will proudly play their role in the world. In such an atmosphere, Muslim nations can assume their rightful place on the world stage, not as petitioners but as architects of their own destiny. None of this has come without cost or risk. To leap into the furnace of Gulf tensions required vision and sacrifice. Yet Pakistan’s leadership weighed the peril against the prize of peace and chose the harder, nobler course. The flame they have kindled will not easily be extinguished, for it draws its light from the timeless human longing for concord amid discord. In an age still shadowed by strife, the world has been reminded that courage paired with wisdom can still bend the arc of events toward justice. Pakistan, by its actions, has written its name not only in the records of diplomacy but in the brighter ledger of history’s peacemakers. The candle burns steadily; may its glow long endure. Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell Muhammad Mohsin Iqbal that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments. Pledge your support

The United States and Iran have reached a ceasefire agreement . US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif made the announcement jointly on Sunday (June 14). The announcement was also broadcast simultaneously on Iranian state media. Confirming the agreement, US President Donald Trump wrote on his social media account Truth Social, "The agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to everyone! I hereby give full authorization to open the Strait of Hormuz completely toll-free and at the same time lift the US naval blockade immediately. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!’A few minutes before Trump’s announcement, Prime Minister of Pakistan Shahbaz Sharif https://youtu.be/MAL0SCWeNqg?si=FP0CsEYwDVbZDu8P made a similar announcement on social media X-A (formerly Twitter). Shahbaz Sharif said, “After intensive discussions, we are very happy to announce that a peace agreement has been concluded between the United States and Iran.” Janab Sharif added that both sides have announced an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Formal signing in Switzerland on Friday.

Confirming the agreement, US President Donald Trump wrote on his social media account Truth Social, "The agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to everyone! I hereby give full authorization to open the Strait of Hormuz completely toll-free and at the same time lift the US naval blockade immediately. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!’ A few minutes before Trump’s announcement, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif made a similar announcement on social media X-A (formerly Twitter). Shahbaz said, “After intensive discussions, we are very happy to announce that a peace agreement has been concluded between the United States and Iran.” He added that both sides have announced an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon. Formal signing in Switzerland on Friday Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that the formal signing ceremony of the agreement will be held in Switzerland next Friday (June 19). Some preliminary discussions will be held in the interim period before the implementation of the agreement. Meanwhile, the White House is working on how the legal process of the agreement will be completed. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump said that he may sign the agreement electronically or that Vice President J.D. Vance will be present and sign it in person. In an interview with Fox News, JD Vance said, “This is a new horizon for peace. It took some time to find a path to peace, but tonight we have taken a huge step.” Pakistan Stuns the World With Its Role in Historic US-Iran Deal Posted byby Rizwan Khan Bhai 2 days ago 0 Comments

In a world increasingly shaped by conflict, economic uncertainty, and geopolitical rivalries, a rare moment of optimism has emerged from one of the most volatile regions on Earth. The preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran has been welcomed by world leaders as a major diplomatic achievement that could reduce tensions, restore stability in the Middle East, and help revive the global economy. Yet amid the celebrations, one nation is receiving extraordinary praise from across the world. That nation is Pakistan.

From the United Nations to Europe, from Asia to the Gulf, leaders have publicly acknowledged Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and helping create the conditions that made this diplomatic breakthrough possibleThe recent agreement between Washington and Tehran has placed Islamabad at the center of international diplomacy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was among the first leaders to announce the breakthrough, highlighting Pakistan’s involvement in supporting negotiations that ultimately produced a framework for peace. Global leaders have since echoed a common message. Thank you, Pakistan. This recognition represents more than a diplomatic success. It reflects Pakistan’s growing influence as a trusted bridge between nations with deeply complex relationships.The United Nations Applauds the Role of Pakistan United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres praised both the United States and Iran for reaching an agreement that includes an immediate ceasefire, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for future negotiations. More importantly, he specifically thanked Pakistan alongside regional partners for their constructive role in supporting the negotiations. Discover more Self-Help & Motivational Blogging Resources & Services Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence His remarks underscored the importance of diplomacy over confrontation and highlighted the value of regional cooperation in resolving global crises. World Leaders Unite in Praising Pakistan The international response has been remarkable. Leaders from Australia, Turkiye, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Britain, Japan, Canada, China, Kuwait, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, India, and the European Union all welcomed the agreement. Many specifically acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts in helping facilitate dialogue and encouraging peaceful engagement. Discover more Self-Help & Motivational Blogging Resources & Services Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as a hugely important step toward ending conflict and restoring stability. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan praised Pakistan’s exceptional mediation efforts. China publicly commended Pakistan’s diplomatic role. Canada expressed gratitude for Islamabad’s indispensable contribution. Even senior British diplomat Jane Marriott delivered a heartfelt message in Urdu. “Bahot Shukriya Pakistan.” Those words quickly resonated across social media and diplomatic circles alike. Read Also: Never Surrender Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters to the Entire WorldOne of the most important aspects of the agreement is the reopening and protection of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. This strategic waterway serves as one of the world’s most critical energy corridors. Discover more Self-Help & Motivational Blogging Resources & Services Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence A disruption in shipping through the Strait can affect oil prices, global trade routes, inflation rates, transportation costs, and economic growth across continents. By helping reduce tensions and supporting freedom of navigation, the agreement offers potential benefits that extend far beyond the Middle East. How Peace Could Boost the Global Economy via Pakistan The economic consequences of prolonged tensions between the United States and Iran have been felt worldwide. Investors, businesses, governments, and consumers have all faced uncertainty. A successful implementation of the agreement could provide: Increased market confidence Lower geopolitical risk Improved energy security Greater regional stability Stronger international trade flows Reduced pressure on global supply chains Financial analysts believe that long-term peace and stability in the region could positively impact global economic growth.

A New Chapter for Middle East Diplomacy The agreement is not simply about ending tensions between the two countries. It represents an opportunity to reshape the future of diplomacy across the Middle East. Discover more Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Blogging Resources & Services Self-Help & Motivational Regional powers, including Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkiye, demonstrated that dialogue remains one of the most effective tools for resolving complex disputes. Their collective efforts have shown that diplomacy can still achieve results even in the most challenging circumstances. Why This Moment Matters for Pakistan Pakistan’s role in this breakthrough could become one of the country’s most significant diplomatic achievements in recent years. At a time when global politics is increasingly polarized, Islamabad successfully positioned itself as a credible and constructive partner. The widespread international recognition received from world leaders strengthens Pakistan’s image as a country capable of contributing to regional peace and global stability.

The Nation's Ledger and Parliament's VoiceAs by Muhammad Mohsin IqbalJune approaches each year, the atmosphere within Pakistan’s Parliament begins to change. The federal budget, one of the most significant constitutional and political exercises of the state, is laid before the National Assembly for debate and approval. More than a statement of revenues and expenditures, the budget is a reflection of national priorities, economic realities, and the government’s vision for the future. It is the moment when fiscal policy enters the democratic arena and when elected representatives are expected to scrutinize, question, and shape the economic direction of the country. Since the birth of Pakistan in 1947, more than seventy federal budgets have been presented before Parliament. From the modest financial plans of the early years to the highly complex and data-driven budgets of the present era, each budget has served both as a mirror of prevailing economic conditions and as a roadmap for future governance. The journey began on 28 February 1948, when Pakistan’s first Finance Minister, Ghulam Muhammad, presented the inaugural budget in Karachi. Since then, successive governments, whether elected, interim, or military-backed, have used the annual budget to articulate their economic priorities and policy choices. Historically, the budget has been presented by the Finance Minister, though on certain occasions the responsibility has fallen upon the Prime Minister or acting finance ministers. Since the restoration of parliamentary democracy in 1985, budget sessions have become increasingly institutionalized and structured. These sessions offer an important opportunity for Parliament to fulfill its constitutional responsibility as the guardian of the public purse. Yet a careful examination of budget debates from 1985 to the present reveals a persistent challenge. Parliamentary rules provide extensive scope for members to examine taxation measures, expenditure priorities, macroeconomic assumptions, and development strategies. However, the actual debates often diverge from these subjects. Members frequently use budget discussions to highlight local grievances, political disputes, administrative shortcomings, or regional concerns rather than engaging directly with fiscal policy. This tendency is not new. During the general discussion on the Budget on 17 June 1975, Deputy Speaker Dr. Ashraf Khatoon Abbasi delivered a landmark ruling, stating that “Any matter may be discussed by members during general discussions on the Budget.” While this interpretation expanded parliamentary freedom, it also opened the door for discussions that often drift away from the budget itself. Research into parliamentary proceedings since 1985 suggests that less than forty percent of the time allocated to budget debates is spent discussing the actual budgetary proposals. The remaining discussions frequently revolve around political rivalries, governance issues, law and order concerns, and constituency-related matters. While these issues undoubtedly deserve parliamentary attention, their dominance during budget sessions diminishes the level of technical scrutiny that a national financial document requires. The pattern becomes more pronounced during periods of political transition. Budget sessions in 1988, 1993, 1999, 2008, and 2018 were significantly influenced by changes in government or broader political uncertainties. By contrast, sessions such as those held in 2002, 2013, and 2021 demonstrated relatively greater engagement with fiscal issues, aided by stronger committee involvement and more substantive participation by opposition members. The quality of debate has also depended heavily upon parliamentary leadership. Speakers who enforced procedural discipline and finance ministers who remained present to answer questions generally contributed to more focused discussions. Conversely, weak enforcement of rules often resulted in debates becoming excessively political. Another structural limitation has been the lack of technical and analytical support available to many legislators. Modern budget documents contain highly complex economic projections and fiscal assumptions that require specialized expertise for meaningful evaluation. The Budget 2026-27 itself presents both encouraging features and legitimate concerns. On the positive side, the government has sought to maintain fiscal discipline, reduce the budget deficit, continue social protection programmes, and achieve macroeconomic stability. The projected primary surplus and the effort to keep inflation under control reflect a commitment to restoring investor confidence and sustaining economic recovery. The continuation of support for lower-income groups through social safety nets and the government’s emphasis on economic growth targets are also notable strengths. At the same time, the budget faces criticism on several fronts. The ambitious tax collection target raises questions about implementation capacity, particularly given past revenue shortfalls. Development expenditure remains constrained compared to the country’s vast infrastructure, education, health, and climate-related needs. Businesses and salaried taxpayers continue to express concerns regarding the burden of taxation, while economists argue that a broader tax base remains essential for sustainable fiscal management. The dominance of debt servicing expenditures leaves relatively limited fiscal space for development initiatives and public welfare programmes. Despite these challenges, the budget debate remains one of the most important events on Pakistan’s legislative calendar. It provides the opposition with an opportunity to offer alternative economic visions and hold the government accountable. It enables treasury members to defend government policies and explain fiscal choices. Most importantly, it allows Parliament to communicate directly with citizens on issues that affect their daily lives, including taxation, subsidies, public investment, employment, and economic reform. As Pakistan confronts the continuing challenges of public debt, fiscal sustainability, economic competitiveness, and social development, the need for informed and evidence-based budget discussions becomes increasingly urgent. Parliamentarians must be equipped with stronger research support, analytical tools, and institutional resources to engage effectively with budget documents. Budget sessions should evolve from platforms of political theatre into forums of rigorous financial oversight. The history of budget debates since 1985 reveals a Parliament that has steadily evolved, though not without setbacks and diversions. The Federal Budget 2026-27 once again presents an opportunity for the National Assembly to rise above partisan considerations and focus on the economic future of the nation. The rules already provide ample room for meaningful deliberation. The greater challenge lies in the preparedness, commitment, and seriousness of those entrusted to speak on behalf of the people. If Parliament can reclaim the budget session as a forum for informed economic debate, it will not only strengthen democratic accountability but also contribute to the development of a national consensus on the economic direction Pakistan must pursue in the years aheadm your Digest Icon for Active Ankita Sinha BIG BREAKING NEWS 🚨 Former Pakistan PM & Ruling Party leader Nawaz Sharif says that he wants to improve relations with India. He said "Two Indian prime ministers visited Pakistan during my tenure. Modi sahab and Vajpayee sahab had come to Lahore. Infact, I was ousted from the Govt by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999 for opposing Kargil & underlining the importance of maintaining friendly relations with India." He regretted that Pakistan lagged behind its neighbours in economic growth development. Can Pakistan be trusted?https://www.quora.com/?qv_src=email