World

IMRAN KHAN THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE FINAL INNINGS? By Peter Davis Few names evoke a sense of legend in South Asia quite like Imran Khan. A man who defied the conventions of sport, philanthropy, politics, and charisma, Khan’s story reads less like a biography and more like a tapestry of ambition, aura, struggle, and belief. In his life, he has been celebrated, envied, worshipped, and vilified, often all at once. But through each phase, one thing has remained constant: Imran Khan’s ability to captivate hearts and command attention. The Charisma of a Sporting Icon Imran Khan emerged in the cricketing world at a time when Pakistan needed heroes. With his chiseled looks, leonine walk, and fierce determination, Khan was more than just a fast bowler or a captain, he was the embodiment of a nation’s hope. On the field, he had the kind of gravitas that even opposing captains couldn’t ignore. He didn’t just play cricket; he performed it. As the captain of Pakistan, Khan led his team with a blend of strategy and sheer willpower that made even the skeptics believe. The 1992 Cricket World Cup victory is etched into the consciousness of an entire generation. It wasn’t just a win; it was a moment of collective national pride and ecstasy. Khan, with his characteristic stoicism, lifted the cup like a conqueror, giving Pakistan its finest sporting achievement. It was not just cricket, it was destiny fulfilled. He was a sporting colossus whose presence extended beyond the pitch. Tall, articulate, with Oxford education and aristocratic bearing, Khan became a fixture in the British and global social scenes. He was the darling of the tabloids and the muse of many. British high society swooned. The West loved him. And their best men, the sirs, the barons, the dukes, watched in envy as their women looked toward Imran with admiration that bordered on obsession. The Aura that Bewitched the West Imran Khan’s appeal wasn’t limited to cricket lovers or political followers. He was a cultural phenomenon. In London’s elite circles, he was the main attraction, a golden lion among men. His masculinity was dignified, never brash. Women adored him not merely for his looks, but for the sense of purpose he seemed to carry. There were whispers of envy, tales of aristocrats, titled men, and captains of industry who couldn’t fathom why their dinner guests would lose themselves in Khan’s conversation. He moved gracefully within the highest echelons of global society. His romantic connections, though occasionally the subject of gossip columns, were rarely scandalous. He carried his charm with an almost regal discipline. It was not flirtation, but fascination. His appeal transcended superficiality, it was tied to something deeper, something rooted in a calm conviction and untamed idealism. A Love Story Straight from the Pages of Fantasy Imran Khan’s personal life has long fascinated the world, marked by glamour, introspection, and heartfelt sincerity rather than scandal. In the late 1980s and early ’90s, Khan was romantically linked with prominent figures, including the German television personality Kristiane Backer, who later embraced Islam during their relationship. Yet none of his early relationships stirred the world quite like his marriage to Jemima Goldsmith in 1995. At just 21, she converted to Islam before their wedding in Paris, and together they presented a rare portrait of a union that defied borders and challenged norms. The marriage symbolized more than love; it was a union of worlds, tradition and modernity, East and West, cricket royalty and British aristocracy. They had two sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, and for nearly a decade, they lived under intense public scrutiny. Despite their separation in 2004, Jemima remained a respected figure in Pakistan, and the marriage, in retrospect, is remembered with warmth and wistfulness. Imran later married British-Pakistani journalist Reham Khan in 2015, though the relationship ended within a year. In 2018, just before becoming prime minister, he wed Bushra Bibi, a spiritual guide and Sufi scholar. The union reflected Khan’s growing embrace of inner transformation and religious depth, far from the bright lights of Western society, it marked a turning inward, a man retreating from noise toward clarity. The Philanthropist With a Purpose Just when the world assumed Imran would drift into a life of glamorous retirement, he took a road less traveled. His mother’s death from cancer left a lasting wound. That wound became his mission. In the early 1990s, he began raising funds for what many thought impossible, a state-of-the-art cancer hospital in Pakistan that would provide free treatment to the poor. The dream materialized in the form of Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital, which opened in Lahore in 1994 and grew into one of South Asia’s leading charitable medical institutions. It was unprecedented. Who builds a world-class hospital in a developing country, staffed with highly trained professionals, and runs it with transparency? Imran Khan did. The public response was staggering. People sold their jewelry, donated their life savings, and offered their time. They didn’t just believe in the cause, they believed in the man. He also established Namal College in Mianwali, seeking to offer world-class education in Pakistan’s neglected regions. For many, this phase of his life was his most noble: the cricketer had evolved into a servant-leader, a man who used his fame not for indulgence but for transformation. The Reluctant Politician, The Idealist Warrior With fame, wealth, and success on his side, Imran Khan could have comfortably lived a life of luxury between London and Lahore. But something pulled him back. The call of his homeland, the cries of the powerless, the anger at injustice, it all beckoned. He answered. In 1996, he launched his political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). At first, few took him seriously. “Cricketer turned politician” was a sneer more than a description. But Khan was not a man of half-measures. He endured political ridicule, electoral defeats, betrayals, and isolation with the same fierce resolve that had once made him an indomitable captain on the pitch. It took over two

GLOBAL ECONOMY ON EDGE The Iran–Israel Conflict’s Ripple Effect By Desk Reporter As tensions between Iran and Israel escalate, the world watches not only for military consequences but for the seismic tremors now rippling through the global economy. From soaring oil prices to mounting inflation risks and the shadow of another global recession, the conflict is reshaping economic forecasts far beyond the Middle East. A New Era of Economic Uncertainty Oil as the Spark Global oil prices, already volatile, have surged dramatically in recent weeks. The prospect of disrupted shipping lanes—particularly through the Strait of Hormuz—has set off alarms across international markets. “A $10 increase in oil prices typically reduces global GDP by approximately 0.5%.” Such a spike also inflates consumer prices, hitting oil-importing nations the hardest. Analysts warn of a looming $100–$130 per barrel scenario, which could sustain elevated inflation for over a year in many economies. Markets in Flux Global financial markets have reacted nervously. While some stock indices show signs of recovery, the appetite for risk has faded. “Investors are flocking to gold and other safe havens, anticipating prolonged volatility.” With stagflation—a rare mix of stagnation and inflation—back on the radar, central banks may find themselves boxed in. Recession: A Historical Echo Looking back to past oil shocks of the 1970s and 1990s, the correlation between conflict-driven price surges and economic slowdowns is clear. “If oil hits $130, global growth could shrink by 0.4 to 0.5 percentage points.” Even without a full-blown embargo, the mere threat of escalation is enough to trim growth forecasts, disrupt investment, and freeze hiring across sectors reliant on cheap energy. Who Will Pay the Price? While the bombs may fall in the Middle East, the economic pain is indiscriminate. “A moderate oil spike could raise global inflation by 0.5 percentage points, hitting billions worldwide.” In Gaza, the devastation is immediate—GDP down 80%, unemployment near 80%, and 2.2 million facing food insecurity. But in far-flung corners of the world, from Nairobi to London, fuel, food, and transport costs are already climbing. The UK: Exposure Without Control The UK stands especially vulnerable to the economic aftershocks. With nearly 100% of oil imported, Britain is at the mercy of global prices. “A $75–80 oil price could push UK inflation up by 0.2 percentage points.” Households are bracing for higher utility bills, pricier groceries, and stalled wage growth. Business productivity is also likely to dip as transport and supply-chain costs rise. “The Bank of England has little room to maneuver—caught between inflation pressure and slowing growth.” Diplomacy’s Double-Edged Sword At the geopolitical level, much rests in the hands of UN veto powers—the US, UK, France, China, and Russia. Their ability to shape peace efforts or stall resolutions could prove decisive. “Veto power can block escalation—or hinder resolution.” The right combination of diplomatic pressure, ceasefire negotiations, and economic incentives might calm markets and stabilize critical trade corridors. Key Takeaways Inflation: Expect upward pressure globally, especially in oil-dependent economies. Recession Risk: Moderate now, but growing especially if conflict expands or oil surpasses $120/barrel. Population Impact: Direct hardship for millions in the Middle East; indirect cost-of-living increases for billions worldwide. UK Fragility: High exposure through imports, low policy flexibility, and fragile household finances. Diplomatic Leverage: Peace initiatives by powerful nations could make or break economic stability. The Road Ahead In the short term, global markets will remain volatile. Fuel and food prices are likely to stay elevated, and central banks must remain cautious. Over the medium term, the risk of stagflation looms if the conflict expands. “Effective diplomacy, especially by veto powers could prevent a financial crisis and restore global confidence.” Governments must stay vigilant, balancing inflation control with support for vulnerable sectors. The world economy, like the region itself, stands on a knife’s edge.

TRUMP’S MIDDLE EAST INVESTMENT PUSH HOW QATAR, SAUDI ARABIA & THE UAE ARE COMPETING TO INVEST IN THE U.S. & WHY IT MATTERS FOR BOTH SIDES By Desk Reporter Former President Donald Trump’s return to the international stage has been marked by a bold, economically-focused tour of the Gulf region that has already yielded commitments totaling nearly $2 trillion in investment from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Unlike traditional diplomacy laden with political symbolism, this tour was all business. The primary goal? To open the floodgates for capital from some of the world’s wealthiest sovereign wealth funds and private investors into the U.S. economy. In doing so, Trump has reignited what seems to be a silent but fierce economic rivalry among Gulf states each determined to solidify its relevance on the global stage through U.S. partnerships. The investments announced cut across industries such as defense, aviation, infrastructure, and, notably, artificial intelligence (AI), signaling a new era in Middle East-U.S. economic engagement. Saudi Arabia, the largest and arguably most influential Gulf state, has pledged a staggering $600 billion. Part of this commitment includes a $142 billion defense agreement, as well as billions of dollars earmarked for energy and AI technologies. One of the most significant moves came through the Kingdom’s AI startup, Humain, which secured funding to acquire 18,000 AI chips from Nvidia—fueling one of the largest data centers ever planned in the region. These developments underscore the nation’s intention to use its financial muscle not just for wealth preservation, but to drive future-facing initiatives in tech and innovation. These investments align tightly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—a national roadmap aimed at diversifying the country’s economy beyond oil and creating new revenue streams, jobs, and industries. The United Arab Emirates, never one to lag behind in matters of economic prestige, committed an additional $200 billion in investments during Trump’s tour, building on a pre-existing $1.4 trillion investment portfolio. The UAE’s ambitions are encapsulated by its plan to build the largest AI data center outside the United States, located in Abu Dhabi. This project not only showcases the UAE’s serious commitment to AI, but also its strategic vision to become a global tech hub. These moves are part of the country’s Centennial 2071 plan, a long-term agenda aimed at preparing the UAE for a post-oil future, focusing on education, innovation, and economic sustainability. Qatar, often the dark horse in Gulf competition, announced a $500 billion economic pledge to invest in the U.S. over the next decade. This includes a $96 billion order for Boeing jets—a strategic move that not only supports American manufacturing jobs but also deepens Qatar’s ties with U.S. industries. This commitment forms part of Qatar’s own National Vision 2030, which aspires to transform the state into an advanced society capable of sustaining its development and providing a high standard of living for its people. The substantial Boeing deal is also emblematic of Qatar’s desire to expand its presence in aviation and logistics, while maintaining its strategic alliance with Washington. Beneath these astronomical figures lies a quieter story of regional competition. While all three nations have shared interests in diversifying their economies and expanding their geopolitical influence, each is also vying to be seen as the U.S.’s most reliable and influential partner in the region. This competition is driven by multiple factors: the need to secure favorable bilateral trade conditions, to attract U.S. technology and know-how back to their own economies, and to ensure a hedge against future geopolitical uncertainties. In essence, economic investment is being used as a diplomatic tool a way to remain indispensable to American strategic interests. This competition is also deeply tied to each nation’s domestic priorities. For Saudi Arabia, the investments are an extension of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s broader modernization efforts. Success in the U.S. market helps to validate the Kingdom’s rebranding efforts, particularly in the face of past international criticism. The UAE, which already punches above its weight in global financial markets, sees technological leadership—particularly in AI and clean energy as central to maintaining its influence in a post-hydrocarbon world. Meanwhile, Qatar views its U.S. investments as a necessary cushion in a turbulent geopolitical environment, especially given past tensions with its neighbors and its relatively smaller population and resource base. From the U.S. perspective, the benefits are immediate and tangible. Firstly, there is job creation. Large-scale defense deals, infrastructure projects, and manufacturing orders like Boeing’s can inject billions into local economies, providing work for thousands of American employees and supporting entire supply chains.  Secondly, the influx of capital into sectors such as AI, biotech, and renewable energy helps accelerate U.S. leadership in technologies that will define the global economy in the coming decades. The AI chip orders and data center collaborations with Gulf countries will likely be managed in partnership with American firms, further entrenching the U.S. as a global innovation leader. Thirdly, these partnerships offer a strategic counterweight to increasing Chinese economic influence in the Middle East. By encouraging Gulf states to deepen their financial and technological ties with the United States, Washington can subtly limit China’s growing footprint in the region without direct confrontation. This economic alignment also benefits the American public in less obvious but important ways. A stronger, more diversified partnership with Gulf nations means a reduced likelihood of economic shocks linked to oil prices or regional conflicts. It also enhances the U.S.’s capacity to negotiate from a position of strength in multilateral trade forums and security alliances. Some critics have questioned whether such deals are sustainable or simply headline-grabbing PR exercises. Yet, the scale, complexity, and sector-specific nature of these agreements suggest otherwise. These are not simple real estate purchases or luxury investments—these are infrastructure-defining projects, co-ownership of technologies, and multi-decade commercial partnerships. The Gulf’s sovereign wealth funds are known for their long-term investment horizons and risk-averse strategies. Their interest in America is not speculative; it is deeply strategic. In summary, Trump’s recent Gulf tour marks a powerful convergence of interests. The Gulf

GLOBAL INFLATION TRENDS IN 2025 A Downward Shift with Regional Challenges and Cautious Optimism for the Future By Desk Reporter As of April 2025, the global economy is witnessing a notable easing of inflationary pressures after the turbulent surges of recent years. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), global headline inflation is expected to decline to 4.2% in 2025, down from 5.8% in 2024. This decline marks a major step toward stabilization after years of disruption caused by the pandemic, supply chain breakdowns, geopolitical tensions, and energy crises. It reflects a world slowly regaining its economic balance, though challenges remain, and the path forward is uneven across different regions. Advanced economies are leading the way in this recovery, benefiting from earlier and more aggressive monetary tightening, healthier financial systems, and stronger institutional frameworks. Inflation across these countries is forecasted to average around 2.0% in 2025, aligning with targets set by central banks like the U.S. Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank (ECB), and the Bank of England.  The United States, in particular, has managed to bring inflation closer to its long-term goal through a combination of interest rate hikes, reduced government spending, and softer consumer demand. In the Eurozone, inflation has similarly eased due to a combination of monetary restraint and falling energy costs, especially as alternative energy sources and improved supply chains stabilized the post-crisis markets. Meanwhile, emerging markets and developing economies are navigating a more complicated landscape. Inflation in these regions is projected to average close to 5.0%, a significant decrease from previous highs but still above pre-pandemic norms. Currency volatility, slower access to vaccines and healthcare during COVID-19, ongoing geopolitical risks, and structural economic weaknesses have all contributed to slower disinflation. In countries across Latin America, parts of Africa, and South Asia, food and energy prices remain sensitive to global shocks, making inflation harder to control. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) reports a similarly positive, though cautious, outlook. Headline inflation across OECD countries is projected to fall from 5.4% in 2024 to 3.8% in 2025. Much of this improvement is attributed to cooling energy prices, improvements in supply chains, and a gradual normalization of consumer behavior after years of erratic spending patterns. However, the OECD warns that inflation for services, such as housing, education, and healthcare, remains stubbornly high, suggesting that core inflation — excluding volatile food and energy prices — could stay above desired levels for longer than policymakers would prefer. Despite the overall easing trend, regional disparities remind us that the fight against inflation is far from over. In the United States, the IMF has flagged potential risks stemming from escalating trade tensions, particularly due to new tariffs imposed on Chinese imports and countermeasures by trading partners. These actions have injected uncertainty into global supply chains and could cause inflationary pressures to resurface, with U.S. economic growth forecasts trimmed to 1.8% for 2025. Analysts warn that should trade wars intensify, inflation could once again climb toward the 4% mark, undermining recent gains. Europe’s outlook is cautiously optimistic but not without its challenges. The European Central Bank (ECB) initiated a series of gradual interest rate cuts in early 2025, reducing its benchmark rate to 2.25% to support still-fragile growth without reigniting inflation. Inflation across major Eurozone economies like Germany, France, and Italy has fallen more consistently than anticipated, but policymakers remain wary of acting too quickly, recalling the painful lessons of premature policy loosening in past cycles.  The ECB’s messaging stresses vigilance, balancing growth support with a firm commitment to price stability. The United Kingdom faces a unique and more daunting situation. Although inflation has been falling, it remains higher than the Bank of England’s 2% target. Fiscal pressures, labor market imbalances, and energy market instability have kept core inflation sticky.  The IMF has urged the UK government to implement either substantial spending cuts or tax hikes to control ballooning public debt and to support the Bank of England’s monetary policy efforts. Growth forecasts for Britain have been revised downward to just 1.1% for both 2025 and 2026, raising concerns about a prolonged period of economic underperformance compared to peers. Emerging and developing markets continue to wrestle with persistent inflationary risks. In Türkiye, inflation remains stubbornly high at around 18.8%, driven by a weak lira, political instability, and energy import costs.  Similarly, parts of South America — notably Argentina and Venezuela — struggle with chronic inflation problems tied to currency crises, while African nations face external debt vulnerabilities that threaten to amplify inflationary pressures if commodity prices shift unfavorably. These challenges highlight the fragility of many developing economies’ recoveries and the need for robust policy frameworks and external support to ensure price stability. Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, the outlook for global inflation remains cautiously optimistic but clouded by significant risks. One of the most immediate threats is the escalation of global trade tensions. The new tariff measures implemented by major economies could ripple through global supply chains, increase import costs, and create bottlenecks that push prices upward once again. Additionally, the ongoing effects of climate change, including extreme weather events impacting agriculture and energy production, could create new supply shocks that add volatility to food and fuel prices. Central banks are expected to proceed cautiously in the coming months. While some, like the ECB and the Bank of Canada, have already begun gentle rate cuts, most central banks will likely maintain a higher-for-longer approach to interest rates until a sustained and broad-based stabilization is visible. The Federal Reserve, for example, has signaled that while it is open to cuts later in the year, it remains laser-focused on preventing any resurgence of inflation, particularly in the services sector. The next phase of global disinflation will also hinge heavily on geopolitical developments, energy markets, and technological changes. Innovations in supply chain management, the increasing use of artificial intelligence, and advances in renewable energy could all help suppress inflationary pressures in the long term. However, if conflicts in key regions like