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An International Monetary Fund (IMF) team is scheduled to begin a visit to Pakistan on February 25 to assess the country’s progress on economic reforms and review its ongoing loan program, the IMF announced Thursday.

The visit, which will include discussions on the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), comes as the IMF acknowledges that policy efforts undertaken by Pakistan have “helped stabilise the economy and rebuild confidence,” according to IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack.

Kozack highlighted Pakistan’s fiscal performance as “strong,” noting a primary fiscal surplus of 1.3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) that is “in line with programme targets.” She also pointed to contained headline inflation and Pakistan’s first current account surplus in 14 years, recorded in fiscal year 2025.

The IMF mission, led by Iva Petrova, will remain in Pakistan until March 11. Discussions will focus on the implementation of the $7 billion EFF and the $1.1 billion RSF facilities. A key component of the visit will be a review of budget proposals for the upcoming fiscal year 2026-27, with particular attention paid to provincial finances.

The IMF also recently released a Governance and Corruption Diagnostic report for Pakistan, which proposes reforms aimed at simplifying tax policy, ensuring fair public procurement processes, and increasing transparency in asset declarations.

Pakistan’s performance under the EFF program through the complete of December 2025 has largely met expectations, despite a recent revenue shortfall. Authorities believe a recent ruling by the Federal Constitutional Court in favor of the government regarding a super tax will help mitigate this shortfall.

Successful completion of the review is expected to unlock approximately $1 billion (760 million Special Drawing Rights) under the EFF and an additional $200 million under the RSF by the end of April.

The world is entering its most dangerous period since 1945, according to prominent U.S. Historian Robert Kagan, as the United States under the current administration appears to be dismantling the international order it built over eight decades. Kagan warns that the shift isn’t due to a lack of capacity, but a deliberate choice to abandon its role as a global security provider, leading to a future defined by escalating competition and conflict. This assessment comes amid growing concerns about the domestic situation within the U.S., including recent events involving the use of force by ICE agents.

Kagan’s analysis, detailed in recent interviews and writings, paints a stark picture of a nation potentially succumbing to authoritarianism with surprisingly little opposition. He suggests that the current trajectory represents a fundamental break from the post-World War II era, returning the world to a state of affairs reminiscent of the period before 1945 – characterized by multiple great powers vying for influence and a lack of reliable alliances. The historian’s warnings about the potential for a new world disorder are gaining traction as the U.S. Navigates a complex geopolitical landscape and internal political divisions.

ICE Actions and Domestic Concerns

Recent events, specifically the killing of U.S. Citizens by ICE militia in Minneapolis, have amplified concerns about the direction of the country. Kagan expressed surprise at the level of military brutality witnessed in American streets, admitting he hadn’t fully anticipated such a scenario. He noted a disturbing pattern of complacency among Americans, with some actively supporting the changes, others in denial, and still others believing the situation won’t escalate further. This lack of widespread resistance is what Kagan finds most alarming, echoing his earlier warnings about the subtle creep of fascism. He wrote almost a decade ago that fascism wouldn’t arrive with overt displays of force, “but with a television huckster, a phony billionaire, a textbook egomaniac.”

The situation in Minneapolis, while shocking to many, appears to be part of a broader trend. In October 2025, border control agents were documented confronting demonstrators in Portland, Oregon, as reported by Reuters.

A Shift in U.S. Foreign Policy

Kagan’s assessment aligns with a broader shift in U.S. National security strategy, as outlined in recent policy documents. The Trump administration has signaled a move away from providing global security, opting instead to focus on defending its own interests, even if it means disrupting the existing international order. This change, as detailed in an article in The Atlantic, means that access to resources, markets, and strategic bases will no longer be guaranteed through alliances but will require to be actively contested and defended. This will likely necessitate increased military spending, as the U.S. Will be forced to rely solely on its own strength.

This new approach represents a significant departure from the past 80 years, during which the U.S. Played a dominant role in shaping a liberal international order. For decades, the U.S. Benefited from the cooperation of allies in Europe and Asia, and challengers to the order were constrained by the combined economic and military power of the U.S. And its partners. Now, Kagan argues, the U.S. Is entering a world where it will have few reliable friends and will face increasing competition from other major powers.

Preparing for a More Dangerous World

Kagan believes Americans are ill-prepared for this new reality, both materially and psychologically. The country has grown accustomed to a world where its dominance was largely unchallenged, and the prospect of a more competitive and conflict-ridden future is unsettling. He suggests that the relative peace enjoyed during the Cold War and the post-Cold War era has lulled Americans into a false sense of security. The current situation, he contends, is far more dangerous than the Cold War, and requires a fundamental reassessment of U.S. Foreign policy and national security priorities.

The historian’s warnings are echoed by others in the foreign policy community. A short video on YouTube highlights Kagan’s point that normal geopolitics now resembles the world before 1945. This shift necessitates a reevaluation of long-held assumptions about international relations and a willingness to confront a more uncertain and dangerous future.

As the U.S. Navigates this evolving landscape, the implications for global stability are profound. The dismantling of the liberal international order could lead to increased regional conflicts, a resurgence of great power competition, and a decline in international cooperation. The next few years will be critical in determining whether the U.S. Can adapt to this new reality and avoid a descent into a more dangerous and unstable world.

What remains to be seen is whether the American public will heed Kagan’s warnings and demand a change in course. The coming months will likely reveal whether the current trajectory is sustainable or if a course correction is possible. Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Catania, Sicily – In a bizarre attempt to evade surveillance, a man in Catania has been fined for training his dog to illegally dump bags of rubbish, authorities say. The unusual case highlights a growing problem with illegal waste disposal in Italy and the increasingly inventive measures being taken to combat it.

Footage released by the city of Catania’s municipal police shows a small dog trotting along Via Pulacara in the San Giorgio district, carefully carrying a bag of waste in its mouth before depositing it by the roadside. The incident, captured by surveillance cameras installed to deter fly-tipping, has sparked both amusement, and outrage.

“Inventiveness can never become an alibi for incivility,” the Catania municipal police stated in a Facebook post accompanying the video. The authorities believe the dog was deliberately trained to carry out the task, allowing its owner to avoid being filmed committing the offense. This “cunning” tactic, they added, is “doubly wrong” as it pollutes the city while exploiting an animal.

Illegal dumping remains a significant issue across Italy, particularly in the southern regions. In 2023 alone, more than 9,300 waste-related offences were recorded – a 66% increase compared to the previous year, according to recent data. Municipalities are responding by deploying a range of surveillance technologies, including cameras and “camera traps,” to identify and penalize offenders.

Surveillance Measures Increasing Across Italy

The city of Catania’s efforts are part of a broader trend. In Palermo, officials report that 93% of fines for illegal dumping are now issued based on evidence obtained from surveillance cameras and traps, demonstrating the effectiveness of these technologies. The strategy is often linked to broader initiatives aimed at improving waste collection and maintaining urban cleanliness.

Under Italian law, the unauthorized abandonment of waste, including household rubbish, can result in fines ranging from €1,500 to €18,000, with the possibility of criminal charges. The man in Catania has reportedly been identified and fined for his role in the scheme.

The incident has drawn attention to the lengths people will move to avoid penalties and the challenges faced by authorities in enforcing environmental regulations. The case also raises ethical questions about the utilize of animals in illegal activities.

Here’s the video released by the Catania municipal police:

🐶🗑️ Via Pulacara, un cane “portatore” di rifiuti. 📹 Le telecamere della Polizia Locale hanno ripreso l’incredibile scena. L’inventiva non può mai essere un alibi per l’inciviltà! 😠 #Catania #ambiente #poliziamunicipale pic.twitter.com/wJqJq9wJ9q

— Comune di Catania (@comunecatania) February 20, 2026

The Growing Problem of Illegal Dumping

The issue of illegal dumping isn’t unique to Catania. The environmental and economic costs associated with improper waste disposal are substantial, prompting increased investment in monitoring and enforcement. The use of technology, such as wildlife-style camera traps, is becoming increasingly common as municipalities seek to deter offenders and maintain cleaner public spaces.

The city of Catania shared the footage on its official Facebook page, prompting widespread discussion and condemnation of the man’s actions. The incident serves as a stark reminder that respecting urban decorum and protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

As municipalities continue to deploy advanced surveillance systems, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be enough to curb the persistent problem of illegal dumping and ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future for Italian cities.

What are your thoughts on this unusual case? Share your comments below and let us recognize what you think should be done to address illegal dumping in your community.