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Bagh, PaJk — In the tragic Islamabad mosque blast on 6 February 2026, among the victims was Syed Zamin Abbas Jafri, son of Dr. Syed Aqeel Abbas Jafri, hailing from Namb Syedan, Dheer Kot, District Bagh, Azad Kashmir (PaJK).
Syed Zamin Abbas Jafri, a young Kashmiri from Namb Syedan, District Bagh, Azad Kashmir, who was martyred in the Islamabad mosque blast, remembered by his family and community.
The young Kashmiri lost his life while attending Friday prayers at the Khadija Tul Kubra Imambargah in Tarlai Kalan. His death is a stark reminder of the far-reaching impact of violence, touching communities far beyond the capital city.
The news of his martyrdom has shocked families in Azad Kashmir, and tributes are pouring in from across Kashmir and the diaspora. This tragedy highlights the shared grief of Kashmiri communities and underscores the vulnerability of citizens even far from conflict zones.
PULWAMA IAJK — In a narrative threading a Kashmiri village with one of Islam’s ancient spiritual capitals, popular content creator Umar Iqbal—known online as “The Umar”—has documented a pilgrimage to the shrine of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani in Baghdad, Iraq, drawing attention to the evolving digital storytelling of a new generation.
His journey, shared across social media platforms where he commands a combined following of several hundred thousand, highlights a search for spiritual meaning and cross-cultural connection, set against a backdrop of personal resilience and regional complexity.
Roots in Resilience: From Personal Loss to Digital Voice
Umar Iqbal’s story begins in Saimoh, a village in the Tral area of Pulwama district in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir—a region with a contested political status and a history of conflict. His early life was marked by the profound loss of his mother, an event he has openly credited with leading him into a period of depression.
Seeking an outlet, he turned to social media while pursuing a B.Sc. in Nursing in Bengaluru, India. Rather than focusing on regional politics, his channel, “The Umar,” carved a niche around motivational talk, Kashmiri cultural pride, poetry, and positive interactions with diverse communities across India. His authentic style—often involving street conversations about language and tradition—resonated, building a substantial digital footprint.
“I wanted to create content that heals, connects, and reminds people of our shared humanity,” Umar has said in previous interviews, distinguishing his approach from more sensationalist online trends.
A Spiritual Voyage to Baghdad
In early 2026, Umar’s content took an international turn. His social media feeds shifted from Indian streets to the historic landscapes of the Middle East, culminating in a visit to Baghdad. There, he filmed his pilgrimage to the shrine of Hazrat Abdul Qadir Jilani (RA), an 11th-century Persian mystic and theologian, revered as a foundational saint in Sufi Islam.
The shrine of Jilani, known as “al-Ghawth al-A’zam” (The Supreme Helper), is a major site of global Muslim pilgrimage, representing a tradition of spirituality that transcends national and sectarian boundaries. Umar’s footage showed him absorbing the atmosphere, offering prayers, and engaging with Iraqi locals, whom he thanked for their warmth and hospitality.
“To stand where such great souls walked is humbling,” he noted in one post. “It’s a journey for the heart.”
Redefining Narratives Beyond Conflict
Analysts observing digital culture in South Asia note that Umar’s appeal lies in his conscious departure from monolithic narratives often associated with his homeland.
“Young content creators from conflict zones are increasingly using platforms to assert multifaceted identities,” said Dr. Aanya Sharma, a media researcher at the Institute for Digital Cultures. “Umar Iqbal represents a cohort that discusses culture, spirituality, and personal growth, indirectly challenging the reduction of their homeland to a geopolitical headline. His trip to Baghdad isn’t just travel content; it’s a statement of accessible global Muslim citizenship.”
His journey has sparked conversations among followers about the possibilities of travel, the shared heritage of Sufism, and how digital media can serve as a bridge.
A Model for Purpose-Driven Content
While many influencers monetize controversy or glamour, Umar’s brand remains rooted in positivity and cultural authenticity. He represents a shift towards what some term “meaningful influence”—using reach to highlight universal themes of resilience, discovery, and heritage.
From the villages of Kashmir to the shrines of Baghdad, his digital narrative underscores a simple truth: in an interconnected world, stories of personal and spiritual search can forge powerful, positive connections across the very borders that often divide.
Muzaffarabad, Pakistan administrated Kashmir: Serious questions are being raised over the Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore Youth Loan Scheme in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, which was launched with the promise of providing interest-free loans of up to two million rupees to unemployed youth.
According to applicants and civil society voices, thousands of young people were asked to pay an application fee of Rs 2,000 or more in order to apply for the scheme. Critics argue that while the government announced financial support for youth empowerment, no clear timeline has been provided for the disbursement of loans.
Estimates suggest that if even 50,000 applicants submitted forms, the total amount collected in fees would exceed Rs 100 million, raising concerns about transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.
Youth representatives and social activists are demanding that the government either immediately release the promised loans or refund the application fees collected from applicants. They argue that the state’s responsibility is to create employment opportunities and support young people, not to financially burden the unemployed under the guise of welfare initiatives.
The government has yet to issue a detailed public response addressing these concerns.
Hunza is often celebrated as a breathtaking tourist destination, a valley of snow-capped peaks, apricot blossoms, and unmatched hospitality. Yet beneath the postcard image lies a deeper truth. Nestled in the northern reaches of Gilgit-Baltistan, Hunza is part of the wider disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, a region divided for decades but bound together by shared geography, culture, and history.
For the world, Hunza may appear on Instagram feeds as an untouched paradise. But for its people, life here is a daily balance of resilience and uncertainty shaped by political ambiguity, fragile ecologies, and the enduring struggle to protect identity.
This story is not just about landscapes; it is about people. It is about farmers tending their orchards, women opening classrooms in remote valleys, and communities striving to hold on to traditions in a rapidly changing world. Hunza’s narrative is part of the larger Kashmir story — one too often absent in mainstream coverage.
A Historical Crossroads
For centuries, Hunza stood as a vital crossroads of civilizations. Once a small princely state, it lay along the ancient Silk Road, linking Central Asia with South Asia. Traders, monks, and explorers passed through its valleys, leaving behind a mosaic of languages, ideas, and traditions.
During the colonial era, Hunza’s strategic position gained prominence in the “Great Game” between imperial Britain and Tsarist Russia. The valley’s fate — like that of the entire Jammu and Kashmir region — was shaped less by its people and more by geopolitical rivalries.
Today, Hunza lies within Gilgit-Baltistan, a region administered by Pakistan but claimed as part of the wider state of Jammu and Kashmir. Its people remain without full constitutional rights, navigating life between competing sovereignties. For them, identity is not a legal label; it is a living bond — tied to culture, memory, and belonging within the wider Kashmiri narrative.
Culture and People
What makes Hunza extraordinary is not only its geography but its people. The Hunzakuts, as they are often called, are known for their warmth, resilience, and unique traditions.
Language and Identity
Burushaski, Wakhi, and Shina are among the languages spoken in Hunza — each carrying centuries of history. These languages have survived despite little state support, testifying to the community’s determination to preserve its cultural heritage. Linguists often describe Burushaski as a “language isolate,” meaning it has no known relatives, which makes Hunza a living museum of linguistic history.
An elder from Hunza told The Azadi Times:
“Our language is our soul. If Burushaski dies, a part of Hunza will die with it. We teach it to our children not because the government supports us, but because it is our duty.”
Traditions and Festivals
From spring blossom festivals to traditional dances, Hunza’s culture reflects a fusion of Central Asian, Tibetan, and Kashmiri influences. In April, the valley bursts into color as apricot blossoms cover the landscape, celebrated with music, food, and community gatherings. Traditional polo matches — often played without rules in the old style — draw crowds from neighboring valleys.
Hospitality is not just a custom but a way of life. Strangers are treated as honored guests, often invited for tea or a meal even without prior acquaintance.
A young guide in Karimabad explained to The Azadi Times:
“We don’t see tourists as outsiders. For us, every guest is a blessing. Maybe that’s why people keep coming back to Hunza — not just for the mountains, but for the people.”
The Myth of Longevity
Hunza often makes headlines for the remarkable longevity of its people, with some reports claiming average lifespans of over 100 years. While such claims are exaggerated, there is truth in the fact that Hunza’s lifestyle — based on organic food, fresh mountain air, and daily physical activity — contributes to health and vitality.
Doctors working in Gilgit-Baltistan suggest that diets rich in apricots, walnuts, and locally grown grains have long played a role in community health. The image of Hunza as the “Valley of Eternal Youth” may be a myth, but it reflects a real admiration for the community’s healthy way of life.
Tourism
In recent years, Hunza has become a major tourism hub. Pakistan markets it as a crown jewel of its northern areas, and foreign travelers increasingly flock to its valleys.
The Boom
From Karimabad to the iconic Passu Cones, the breathtaking landscapes have made Hunza one of the most photographed places in South Asia. Guesthouses and boutique hotels have mushroomed across the valley, creating jobs and opportunities for the youth. Many young people now work as guides, translators, or entrepreneurs, offering everything from trekking tours to eco-lodges.
A local hotel owner shared with The Azadi Times:
“Ten years ago, there were only a handful of guesthouses here. Now every family is trying to open one. Tourism has changed our economy, but it has also changed our way of living.”
The Challenge
But this rapid boom also comes with challenges:
Environmental pressure: Unchecked construction threatens to scar the valley’s fragile ecosystem. Waste management has become a growing concern as thousands of tourists visit each year.
Cultural dilution: Traditional ways of life risk being overshadowed by commercialized versions designed for tourists.
Economic inequality: While some families profit from hotels and tour services, others are left behind, widening social gaps.
A young activist in Hunza told The Azadi Times:
“Tourism brings money, but it also brings problems. If we are not careful, Hunza will become a victim of its own beauty.”
Hunza’s story is not only one of beauty but also of a community struggling to balance modernity with tradition, economic opportunity with sustainability, and global recognition with local control.
Climate Change: The Looming Threat
Beyond politics and tourism, Hunza faces a challenge that could reshape its very existence — climate change. In this fragile Himalayan ecosystem, the effects of global warming are not distant forecasts; they are a lived reality.
Glacial Melt and GLOFs
Hunza is home to some of the world’s largest glaciers outside the polar regions, including Batura and Hopper. Rising temperatures are causing these glaciers to retreat at alarming rates. The threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) looms over entire communities. In Attabad in 2010, a massive landslide created a lake that submerged villages, displaced thousands, and cut off vital trade routes.
A farmer from Gulmit told The Azadi Times:
“We live with fear. Every summer, we wonder if the glacier above us will burst. For outsiders, it’s just climate change. For us, it is life and death.”
Water Scarcity
Once blessed with abundant glacial water, Hunza’s communities now face seasonal shortages. Changing weather patterns have disrupted traditional irrigation systems that sustained apricot orchards and terraced fields for centuries.
Young women, often responsible for fetching water, walk longer distances as springs dry up. This hidden burden on women rarely makes it into policy discussions.
Landslides and Earthquakes
The region’s fragile geography makes it prone to natural disasters. Landslides frequently cut off the Karakoram Highway, isolating villages for weeks. Earthquakes add to the anxiety of living in a seismic zone where every tremor could mean devastation.
Despite these challenges, Hunza has little access to climate adaptation funds or disaster relief mechanisms. International agencies highlight the risks, but meaningful action remains scarce.
As one local teacher remarked:
“The world talks about saving glaciers. But nobody asks how the people under those glaciers are surviving.”
The Geopolitical Lens: Hunza and the Kashmir Dispute
Hunza’s breathtaking landscapes often mask its strategic significance. Its location places it at the heart of the larger Kashmir dispute, making it not just a valley of beauty but also of contested politics.
A Corridor of Power
The Karakoram Highway, linking Hunza to China’s Xinjiang region, is more than a road. Under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it has become a geopolitical artery that global powers watch closely. Trucks carrying goods between Kashgar and Islamabad pass through Hunza’s narrow valleys, transforming a once-isolated region into an international corridor.
For governments, this is a success story of connectivity. But for locals, it often feels like development without representation.
Marginalized Voices
Hunza lies within Gilgit-Baltistan, administered by Pakistan but historically tied to the larger state of Jammu and Kashmir. Its people remain without full constitutional rights, caught between competing sovereignties.
A student activist from Karimabad told The Azadi Times:
“We are Kashmiri when it comes to history, Pakistani when it comes to administration, and stateless when it comes to rights. Nobody asks us what we want.”
International Diplomacy vs. Local Reality
In international discussions, Hunza is reduced to a strategic corridor — a point on a map where borders, trade, and power converge. Yet on the ground, it is home to families, farmers, teachers, and artisans who simply seek dignity and recognition.
The contradiction is stark: while Hunza is photographed as a paradise for global tourists, its people often feel invisible in decisions that shape their future.
As one elder in Passu reflected:
“Mountains do not vote. Rivers do not speak. That is why outsiders can use them. But people of Hunza have voices, and one day the world must listen.”
Voices from Hunza: Stories of Resilience
Hunza’s strength lies not only in its mountains but in its people. Their stories reveal a community determined to protect its heritage while embracing change.
In Karimabad, a young woman has taken the lead in educating local girls, challenging old barriers and inspiring a new generation. Her classroom is more than a space for learning — it is a symbol of Hunza’s quiet revolution in women’s empowerment.
In the Gojal Valley, farmers continue to nurture their apricot and walnut orchards despite growing water shortages. By preserving these centuries-old agricultural practices, they are keeping alive both the economy and the cultural memory of the valley.
Meanwhile, youth-led initiatives are reshaping Hunza’s future through eco-tourism projects. Determined to defend their fragile environment from unchecked commercialization, they are showing that development can go hand-in-hand with sustainability.
These voices remind the world that Hunza is far more than a backdrop for scenic photography. It is a living, breathing community — one that faces challenges with resilience, adapts with creativity, and continues to dream of a dignified future.
Hunza stands at a crossroads. It could either become a model of sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and environmental resilience — or it could be consumed by political neglect and ecological disaster.
For this to change, local voices must be heard in shaping the valley’s future. Internationally, Hunza deserves recognition not only as a tourist destination but as part of the unresolved Kashmir question, where communities seek dignity, rights, and representation.
Hunza Valley is more than a paradise for travelers; it is a living testament to resilience. Its snow-clad mountains whisper stories of endurance, its turquoise rivers mirror the struggles of survival, and its people embody the unyielding spirit of Kashmir’s forgotten frontiers.
For the global audience, Hunza is not just a destination but an inspiration — a call to protect fragile mountain ecologies, to value cultural diversity, and to listen to voices too often silenced in mainstream narratives.
MUZAFFARABAD, KASHMIR – In a devastating suicide blast at a mosque in Islamabad, a woman has been identified among the victims. The deceased has been named Gulshan Israr, a resident of Rawalakot, Azad Kashmir (Pakistan administered Kashmir).
According to reports, Gulshan had just arrived in Islamabad after performing Umrah and was present at the mosque when the tragic explosion occurred. The attack has left hundreds wounded and claimed the lives of many innocent civilians, including people from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir.
This horrifying incident is a stark reminder of the continued threats to places of worship and the innocent lives affected by acts of terror. Authorities have condemned the attack and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the blast.
Our deepest condolences go to the families of the victims, and we pray for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The people of Gilgit-Baltistan remain trapped in a constitutional limbo—administered by Pakistan but denied genuine autonomy, while their vast natural resources fuel Islamabad’s economy and Beijing’s strategic ambitions.
Elections Delayed, Democracy Denied
The much-anticipated Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections, announced for January 2024, have been postponed indefinitely due to severe weather conditions. The Election Commission has indicated these polls may now be held in April or May. Yet for the 1.8 to 2.2 million residents of this disputed mountainous region, the delay merely extends their wait for a representative government that remains constitutionally powerless.
This vast territory—home to some of the world’s largest glaciers and freshwater reserves—faces an acute energy crisis that exposes the hollowness of its “provisional provincial” status. Like its predecessor, the current caretaker administration has failed spectacularly to resolve the electricity shortage, and there is little indication that future governments will fare any better.
A Constitutional Anomaly: Administered but Not Integrated
Gilgit-Baltistan exists in a unique constitutional vacuum. While displayed nominally as a “provisional province,” the source of authority remains Islamabad, not the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Since 2009, the region has been governed through executive orders issued by the President of Pakistan—the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order—substantially amended in 2018 as the Gilgit-Baltistan Order.
This arrangement represents a continuation of colonial governance structures. Previously, the territory was controlled through the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR)—a draconian colonial-era legal framework—administered by a Political Agent. Gradually, some democratic rights were restored, but the neo-colonial grip has remained firmly intact, justified by Gilgit-Baltistan’s strategic location and immense natural wealth.
Following the partition of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan divided its administered portion into two distinct entities. While Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) was granted its own constitution and limited self-government, Gilgit-Baltistan was subjected to direct federal control through the FCR system. This divergence in governance models has persisted for over seven decades.
The Islamabad Connection: Remote-Controlled Politics
A persistent pattern defines Gilgit-Baltistan’s political landscape: the party ruling in Islamabad invariably forms the government in Gilgit-Baltistan. Overnight, political parties establish themselves in this region and secure electoral victories that mirror federal power dynamics.
The 2020 Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly elections saw Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) achieve unprecedented success. However, when PTI’s federal government collapsed, the Gilgit-Baltistan administration met the same fate as its counterpart in Muzaffarabad. While the AJK government fell due to its Prime Minister’s contempt of court conviction, the Gilgit-Baltistan government collapsed when its Chief Minister was disqualified over a fake degree.
Remarkably, both territories witnessed identical political maneuvers: forward blocs emerged from within PTI, and new governments were formed using PTI’s defecting members—backed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) coalition ruling in Islamabad. In both assemblies, the same individuals who voted to form the government were appointed Leader of the Opposition, while government-makers occupied opposition benches. This theatrical arrangement exposes the scripted nature of regional politics.
Strategic Assets, Human Neglect
In this neo-colonial power game, Gilgit-Baltistan’s land, glaciers, water resources, minerals, and its position as the gateway to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) receive meticulous attention. The human beings inhabiting this territory, however, remain an afterthought.
Official statistics place Gilgit-Baltistan’s population at 1.8 million, though some estimates suggest 2.2 million. Regardless of the figure, these people endure harsh living conditions that belie the region’s resource wealth:
Extreme temperatures dropping to minus 20°C during severe winters
Electricity availability restricted to 1-2 hours per day in 24-hour cycles
Forced dependence on alternative energy sources, primarily forest resources
Environmental degradation from burning wood and gas for heating, creating severe carbon emissions and ecological crisis
Despite covering 72,496 square kilometers, merely 2.5% of the area is forested, yet this limited resource bears the entire burden of energy substitution for the population.
Development Indicators: A Grim Picture
Government facilities for the population remain virtually non-existent:
Table
Copy
Indicator
Status
Literacy Rate
57% overall; below 52% for women
Healthcare Infrastructure
Only 28 hospitals across the vast territory
Medical Personnel
622 doctors and 829 nurses total
Cultivable Land
Merely 2% of total area
Female Population
Declining proportion (48% vs. 52% male) due to harsh conditions
In Diamer-Astore Division, tacit restrictions on girls’ education persist in majority areas. The difficult living conditions for women have resulted in a continuously declining female population ratio.
Beyond mining, tourism, and subsistence agriculture, employment opportunities are virtually non-existent. Consequently, a significant portion of Gilgit-Baltistan’s population is forced into economic migration to various cities across Pakistan.
Systematic Resource Expropriation
Government policies focus not on developing existing resources but on seizing them from local populations:
Land Reforms: Dispossession by Decree
The Land Reforms Act enables the government to take over village lands and lease them to external parties. This threatens to deprive communities of even wood access, while electricity remains unavailable.
Mining Concessions: Profits Diverted
Previously, mining investors were required to share profits with local villages. New legislation eliminates this obligation, further marginalizing resident populations.
Tourism Monopolization
Tourism represents significant potential: in 2023 alone, approximately 900,000 domestic tourists and over 12,000 foreign visitors traveled to Gilgit-Baltistan, excluding those visiting for glacier expeditions and trophy hunting. However, all major tourist centers have been transferred to Green Tourism Company—an entity operating under military oversight. The Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation’s entire infrastructure has similarly been handed over to this company.
In other words, this revenue stream has been captured by the state elite through indirect means, leaving nothing for Gilgit-Baltistan’s residents.
The Scale of Resource Wealth
Gilgit-Baltistan’s natural resource endowment is staggering:
Hydropower Potential: Over 45,000 megawatts of electricity generation capacity
Mineral Extraction: Approximately 15,000 tons annually under current conditions, set to expand dramatically under new legislation
Land Alienation: According to local media and Revenue Department estimates:
Ghanche: 85% of land now with non-locals
Shigar: 45% alienated
Skardu: 35% transferred
Hunza: 15% affected
Ghizar and Astore: 10% under external control
Large-scale allocation of land to non-local individuals—particularly foreign investors—and leasing of mountains continues rapidly. Gradually, local populations are being prevented from accessing lands they have utilized for centuries.
The Rubber Stamp Assembly
As preparations for elections continue, the outcome is predetermined: parties controlling power in Islamabad will once again form the government. However, this assembly possesses no genuine legislative authority—the final power to enact laws rests with the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
Even if elected independently, this assembly’s role would extend no further than that of a rubber stamp.
Resistance and the Struggle for Rights
Despite these constraints, Gilgit-Baltistan has witnessed prolonged, patience-testing struggles for resource control and constitutional, political, and democratic freedoms. This resistance continues in various forms today.
State retaliation against political and human rights activists has intensified through Fourth Schedule designations and other repressive legal instruments. Nevertheless, the struggle for restoration of popular rights continues with consistency.
Young people in Gilgit-Baltistan increasingly participate in serious discussions and dialogues regarding:
The region’s history
The Kashmir dispute’s background
Democratic and class-based solutions to Gilgit-Baltistan’s problems
The search for alternatives persists. The thirst for change exists. The potential for expansion in coming days is significant.
The Path Forward: Rights, Resources, and Self-Determination
The struggle for economic, political, and cultural rights in Gilgit-Baltistan connects to the broader resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Simultaneously, struggle within Gilgit-Baltistan’s current setup remains imperative.
It is the right and prerogative of Gilgit-Baltistan’s people to:
Benefit from their region’s resources
Exercise political and economic empowerment
Define their political and economic relationship with the Government of Pakistan on their own terms
Fundamental demands include:
Abolition of colonial laws and methods imposed on Gilgit-Baltistan
Termination of unrestrained resource plunder
Priority rights for local populations to benefit from tourism and mineral resources
Legislative authority for genuine constitutional and law-making powers
Dissolution of the Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan
Replacement of the Gilgit-Baltistan Order with establishment of a Constituent Assembly for Gilgit-Baltistan
Ultimately, a voluntary federation of all Jammu and Kashmir regions—including Gilgit-Baltistan—forming an independent, sovereign, secular, and socialist Jammu and Kashmir, exercised through the right of self-determination, represents the only path to liberation from scarcity, deprivation, and subjugation for this region’s inhabitants. Such a development could herald a socialist future for all of South Asia.
Rubal Nagi receives the $1 million Global Teacher Prize in Dubai for her contributions to education and community development. (Photo: AP)
Dubai, UAE – Indian educator and social activist Rubal Nagi has been awarded the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize for her outstanding contributions to education and community development. The announcement was made during the World Governments Summit in Dubai, which was attended by leaders from across the globe, according to the Associated Press.
Transforming Education Across India
Under the Rubal Nagi Art Foundation, she has established more than 800 educational centers across India. These centers provide structured education to children who have never attended school, while also supporting school-going students to enhance their learning.
Nagi has also created educational murals on the walls of slums, teaching children literacy, science, mathematics, history, and other subjects through creative visual displays.
Recognition by the Varkey Foundation
The Global Teacher Prize is awarded by the Varkey Foundation, founded by Sunny Varkey, who also established the profit-based educational network GEMS Education, operating dozens of schools in countries including Egypt, Qatar, and the UAE.
Sunny Varkey praised Rubal Nagi, stating: “Rubal Nagi is a shining example of teaching excellence, combining courage, creativity, empathy, and an unwavering belief in every child’s potential. By bringing education to the most underserved communities, she has transformed not only individual lives but entire families and communities.”
Plans for the Prize Money
Rubal Nagi revealed that she intends to use the prize money to establish an institution offering free professional training for teachers, furthering her mission to enhance educational opportunities for marginalized communities.
Global Significance
UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Education, Stefania Giannini, said the award “reminds us of the universal importance of teachers in shaping the future of children and societies.”
Rubal Nagi is the tenth teacher to receive the Global Teacher Prize since its inception in 2015. Previous recipients include educators from remote villages in Kenya, primary schools in Palestine, Canada, and most recently, Saudi Arabia’s Mansour Al-Mansour, all recognized for their exceptional contribution to education and community development.
Apple and OnePlus smartphones lead battery life rankings in 2026, offering extended usage for heavy users. (Photo: CNET)
Battery life has once again become a key factor for smartphone users. According to a comprehensive test conducted in 2026 by the technology website CNET, 35 smartphones were evaluated for battery performance. The results showed that Apple and OnePlus devices currently offer the best battery life.
While most smartphones today last a full day on a single charge, heavy users—such as social media enthusiasts, video creators, or those who forget to charge regularly—may still find this insufficient.
Advances in Battery Technology
Over the past decade, battery technology has seen little significant improvement, but recent developments are changing this trend. Several companies introduced silicon carbon batteries, which store more energy in a smaller space. As smartphones continue to become thinner, this allows for longer battery life without increasing device size.
CNET tested the devices using two standard methods: video streaming and a stress test, both starting from a full charge. Rankings were determined based on the average remaining battery after the tests.
Top Performing Smartphones
iPhone 17 Pro Max – Achieved the highest ranking, despite not having the largest battery. Its A19 Pro chip and iOS 26 energy management contributed to superior performance.
iPhone 17 and OnePlus 15 – Tied for second place. Interestingly, iPhone 17 had the smallest battery among the top phones, showing that battery size alone does not determine endurance.
Other top-five performers included iPhone 17 Pro, two Motorola models, and select OnePlus devices, most of which were priced under $1,000.
Leading Brands in Battery Life
Considering overall brand performance:
Apple – Leading in energy efficiency and battery management.
OnePlus – Several models with silicon carbon batteries delivering consistent performance.
Motorola – Solid performance across both flagship and mid-range models.
Samsung – Close competitor to Motorola in endurance.
Google – Pixel series provides reliable battery life for daily users.
CNET noted that 2026 is a breakthrough year for battery technology, as improved chips, advanced software, and new battery materials deliver longer-lasting smartphones.
Key Takeaways
Battery management and efficiency are more important than battery size alone.
Apple and OnePlus lead in real-world battery performance.
Affordable devices are increasingly matching the endurance of premium smartphones.
Consumers seeking long-lasting smartphones in 2026 should prioritize Apple and OnePlus devices for maximum battery life.
Image ALT suggestion: “Apple and OnePlus smartphones lead battery life rankings in 2026, offering extended usage for heavy users. (Photo: CNET)”
Subtitle suggestion: “iPhone 17 Pro Max tops CNET’s 2026 battery life test, followed by OnePlus devices.”
Emergency declared in all major hospitals of Islamabad following a deadly suicide bombing, as medical staff treat injured victims and security remains on high alert. (Photo: AFP)
At least 32 people were killed and more than 160 others injured after a suicide bombing struck a Shia Imambargah during Friday prayers in Pakistan’s federal capital, Islamabad, officials confirmed. The attack took place at Imambargah Khadijat-ul-Kubra in the Tralai Kalan area, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the city in recent years.
Rising Death Toll and Critical Injuries
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal confirmed late Friday that the death toll had risen to 32. According to officials, 28 bodies were brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) while four were transferred to the Polyclinic Hospital. Authorities stated that 149 injured victims were shifted to PIMS and 13 to the Polyclinic Hospital, with at least 29 individuals reported to be in critical condition.
Emergency measures were imposed across major hospitals in Islamabad following the attack, though hospital administrations reportedly struggled to manage the large number of casualties and distressed relatives seeking information about their loved ones.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Chaotic Moments
Witnesses said the attacker first opened fire on private security personnel stationed at the entrance of the Imambargah before moving deeper into the premises. According to eyewitnesses, the assailant managed to pass multiple security checkpoints and detonated explosives near the rear prayer rows, where worshippers had gathered for Friday congregational prayers.
Local residents claimed that no police officers were stationed outside the religious site at the time of the attack, with security largely managed by local volunteers.
Families Search for Missing Relatives
Scenes outside the Imambargah reflected grief and uncertainty, as families gathered in search of missing relatives. One local resident, identified as 26-year-old Rifat Hussain, said his father had arrived at the Imambargah for prayers but had not been located since the explosion.
“My father’s motorcycle is still parked outside, but we cannot find him,” he said, adding that he planned to search hospitals in hopes of finding information.
Government Response and Preliminary Investigation
Pakistan’s Minister of State for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, said authorities had gathered initial information about the attacker. He stated that while the suspect was not an Afghan national, there were indications of cross-border movement between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Chaudhry added that militant groups are increasingly targeting “soft targets,” including religious and civilian gatherings. He also said that a detailed investigation report would be presented by the Ministry of Interior within 72 hours.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif condemned the attack and suggested possible regional militant linkages, though no independent confirmation of such claims has been made.
National and International Condemnation
President Asif Ali Zardari described the attack as “a crime against humanity,” while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered a comprehensive investigation and directed authorities to take strict action against those responsible.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the bombing, stating that attacks on places of worship and civilians violate religious and humanitarian principles.
Security Tightened Across the Capital
Security has been significantly increased around the attack site, with elite security forces deployed across surrounding areas and senior police officials collecting forensic evidence. Businesses in nearby markets reportedly remained closed amid fears of further attacks.
Authorities continue rescue operations and investigations, while concerns over the safety of religious sites and public spaces remain high. The Interior Ministry is expected to release further details about the incident in the coming days.
