Farishtay Noor, a six-year-old girl from Pakistan, is believed to have been smuggled into Iran, as her family saw footage of children being pulled from an oil tanker. Smuggling along the Iran-Pakistan border, particularly of diesel, has been a lucrative activity, exacerbated by US sanctions and economic conditions in Iran. The Baloch ethnic group plays a significant role in this trade, often using familial connections to facilitate operations. Despite efforts by the Iranian government to curb smuggling, the black market thrives, with allegations of involvement by the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. Farishtay's father, Hazrat Bilal, is desperately seeking to find his daughter, amidst reports of human trafficking and a lack of satisfactory response from authorities.

Albanian police announced the discovery of an Iranian Revolutionary Guards-run terror ring targeting the Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK) in Albania, but no arrests have been made, leading to skepticism among local journalists and Iranian dissidents. The MEK, an exiled Iranian opposition group, has a controversial history and is supported by US and Israeli interests. The situation highlights Albania's geopolitical role in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, with concerns about espionage and regional stability. Former MEK members express distress over their uncertain future and lack of basic rights in Albania.

India and Pakistan have shown signs of reconciliation, with the UAE playing a significant but discreet diplomatic role. The two countries recently agreed to respect a 2003 ceasefire in Kashmir, facilitated by the UAE. Despite the UAE's involvement, both India and Pakistan have been reluctant to publicly acknowledge the peace talks. Analysts suggest that the UAE's influence is part of its broader strategy to project power, although its role is not as extensive as other mediators like Qatar. The article also highlights the complex issues of Kashmir and terrorism that hinder deeper third-party involvement. Key figures such as Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Michael Kugelman, and AS Dulat provide insights into the evolving diplomatic landscape.

The article explores the possibility of Pakistan recognizing Israel amidst the backdrop of recent normalization efforts by Gulf Arab countries. It highlights the complex dynamics involving Pakistan's alliance with Saudi Arabia, internal religious opposition, and covert interactions with Israel. Key figures like Prime Minister Imran Khan and other Pakistani leaders express varied stances, while the Pakistani military sees potential strategic benefits. The strained Saudi-Pakistan relationship, Iran's influence, and Turkey's rising role in Sunni Muslim leadership are also discussed, emphasizing the multifaceted geopolitical landscape.

Hundreds of Pakistani doctors in Saudi Arabia face job loss and deportation following the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties' decision to reject Pakistani postgraduate medical degrees. The abrupt change has left many doctors, who have worked in Saudi Arabia for decades, in shock and uncertainty. The decision is criticized for lacking prior notification and for potentially creating a shortage of skilled medical professionals in Saudi Arabia. The Pakistani government has been criticized for its lack of formal response, likely due to its economic dependence on Saudi loans. The Ministry of Health in Pakistan is investigating the matter, but its intervention is deemed unlikely to be effective.

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency is investigating journalists and political parties for changing their social media profile photos to that of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit. The investigation has raised concerns about press freedom and the influence of Saudi Arabia on Pakistan's media landscape. Journalists argue their protest was a peaceful token against Khashoggi's murder, while the Pakistani government is seen as appeasing Saudi Arabia for financial support. The situation highlights the growing censorship and control over media in both countries.

Despite a ban on 'virginity tests' in Pakistan, police and doctors continue to subject thousands of women to the practice, which involves a two-finger test to determine if a rape survivor's hymen is intact. The tests are used to assess a woman's sexual history and can influence court rulings on rape cases. The practice was banned by the president and declared unconstitutional by state and supreme courts, but it persists, with medical certificates and survivor accounts confirming its ongoing use. The justice system, including the police, health system, and judiciary, is criticized for failing women who have been assaulted. The Ministry of Health has not updated its practices following the ban, and survivors continue to face intimidation and harassment.

Pakistan's government claimed a diplomatic victory at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit with a resolution condemning India's actions in Kashmir. Despite this, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states continue to strengthen ties with India, as evidenced by recent diplomatic visits and defense cooperation. Pakistan faces economic challenges and dependency on Saudi support, while also dealing with visa bans affecting migrant workers. The article highlights the complex dynamics between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and India, with implications for regional stability and international relations.

A special investigations team in Pakistan revealed that Uzair Baloch, a notorious Karachi gangster, confessed to spying for Iranian intelligence agencies in 2014. Baloch, leader of the Peoples' Aman Committee, was charged with multiple crimes including espionage. His ties with Iranian intelligence highlight the complex relations between Tehran and Islamabad, exacerbated by sectarian rivalries and border issues. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' recruitment of criminal leaders like Baloch is part of a broader strategy. The revelations have significant implications for Pakistan's foreign policy and internal stability, especially given the sizeable Shia population in the country.

The Tablighi Jamaat, a global Islamic missionary movement, is under scrutiny in Pakistan for holding a mass gathering in Raiwind, which has been linked to the spread of coronavirus to various regions, including Gaza. Pakistani authorities have quarantined the town of Raiwind after several preachers tested positive for the virus. The movement's reluctance to cancel the event has drawn criticism from government officials and the public, while some argue that the government is using the group as a scapegoat for its own failings in managing the pandemic. The situation has highlighted tensions between religious practices and public health measures, with mixed responses from religious leaders and government officials.