South Asia
Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia Challenge Mecca Joint Defence Pact, Putting Pakistan to a Tough Test
Recent attacks on Saudi Arabia have raised fresh questions about the effectiveness of the Mecca Joint Defence Pact signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. At the same time, the developments are highlighting the strategic and security challenges Pakistan could face as it seeks a greater role in West Asia.
To block the long march towards Islamabad demanding the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, the administration has set up container barricades across all entry points to the capital.
Authorities have erected barricades made of a large number of containers on key roads and entry points into Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, ahead of a planned long march by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The measures have disrupted normal traffic in the capital and are also putting pressure on the country’s cargo transportation and supply chains.
Two Pakistani citizens were killed in firing by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) in the border area of Punjab province.
Two Pakistani citizens were killed and another was injured after the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) opened fire along the India-Pakistan international border. The incident took place on Friday, October 2, in the Kasur border area of Pakistan’s Punjab province. The incident has raised fresh concerns amid recent tensions between the two countries.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Meets U.S. President Donald Trump at Reception for World Leaders on UNGA Sidelines in New York
On the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump met with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at a reception hosted in New York for world leaders. According to information released by Pakistan’s Press Information Department (PID), the two leaders met during the reception hosted by President Trump.
Kazakh President Tokayev Calls Putin the Most Acceptable Political Figure, Voices Support for His Leadership
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong and experienced political leader, expressing support for his leadership of Russia.
Sheikh Hasina’s December Return Announcement, Ajit Doval’s Reported Secret Dhaka Visit: What Geopolitical Equation Is Bangladesh Navigating?
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s announcement that she plans to return to Bangladesh in December, reports of a discreet visit to Dhaka by India’s National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, and a possible visit to India by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have sparked discussion about a new geopolitical equation in Dhaka–New Delhi relations.
India Follows a ‘Zero-Tolerance’ Policy Against Terrorism—Prime Minister Narendra Modi
India is currently following a “zero-tolerance policy” against terrorism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said. He made the remarks during the 138th episode of his monthly radio programme ‘Mann Ki Baat’, ahead of the 10th anniversary of the 2016 surgical strike.
President Donald Trump Says Talks With Chinese President Xi Jinping Made Significant Progress on All Issues
U.S. President Donald Trump said his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping had made progress on all issues, although he did not provide details about the specific areas where the two sides reached an understanding or made progress.
At UN, India’s Foreign Minister Jaishankar Hints at Pakistan as a Terrorist State in Response to Journalist’s Question
India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a sharp response to a Pakistani journalist’s question on terrorism on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. When the journalist accused India of sponsoring terrorism in Pakistan and asked when the Indian government would stop, Jaishankar replied, “A terrorist country is asking me that question. Come on.”
President Donald Trump Welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping to the United States with an Unprecedented Reception at the Airport
US President Donald Trump personally welcomed Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland at the start of Xi’s visit to the United States. To mark the beginning of the three-day state visit, Xi was given a grand reception featuring a 100-foot (approximately 30-meter) red carpet, an honor guard, a military band, a ceremonial cannon salute and a flyover by two B-1 bombers.
From Delegation Walkouts and Heated Speeches to Gaza, Iran, Cuba and the International Order — What Happened on Day One of the 81st UN General Assembly
The first day of the high-level General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22 unfolded amid diplomatic tensions, delegation walkouts and contrasting statements on Gaza, Iran, Cuba and the future of the international order. According to the United Nations, this year’s General Debate is being held from September 22 to 26 and on September 28. The theme of the session is “Restoring trust, managing transformation: a United Nations that delivers for all.”
Pakistan’s Former PM Imran Khan’s Sister Aleema Khan Arrested as Tensions Rise Ahead of September 27 Nationwide Protest and Islamabad March — Government Warns of Rs120 Billion Daily Loss
Political tensions are rising in Pakistan ahead of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s nationwide protest and planned march towards Islamabad on September 27. Police have arrested Aleema Khan, sister of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, in Lahore. At the same time, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has warned that prolonged protests and sit-ins could cause economic losses of around Rs120 billion per day.
Deadly Attack on Police Headquarters in Pakistan’s Kohat — At Least 31 Killed, Including 16 Police Personnel- Over 100 Injured
At least 31 people have been killed in an explosion and gun attack at a police headquarters in Kohat, in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Among those killed were 16 police personnel, while more than 100 people were injured. A senior police official told AFP on Saturday that fighting was still ongoing.
Chinese President Xi Jinping to Visit the United States on September 23- President Donald Trump May Personally Welcome Him at the Airport
U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly expected to personally welcome Chinese President Xi Jinping on the runway at Joint Base Andrews when Xi arrives in Washington on September 23. The move is being viewed as an unusual departure from long-standing U.S. diplomatic protocol.
16 Killed, Including 5 Police Officers, in Blast Near Mosque in Kohat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, During Friday Prayers- At Least 54 Injured
At least 16 people, including five police officers, were killed in a deadly blast near a mosque in Kohat city of Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province during Friday prayers. At least 54 others were injured, according to local officials cited in various reports.
India to Continue Buying Russian Oil Amid US Sanctions and 100% Tariff Threat — ‘Energy Security of 1.4 Billion People Is the Top Priority’
India has said that ensuring the energy security of its 1.4 billion people remains New Delhi’s top priority, even after the US Congress passed a bill that could give President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and gas.
In extremely turbulent times, President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi must stay together’ — Russian House Director Dr. Elena
Next year, India and Russia will mark 80 years of diplomatic relations. Highlighting the longstanding bilateral ties, Dr. Elena Remizova, Director of the Russian House, said that amid the current turbulent international situation, people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, education and business cooperation between India and Russia should be strengthened further alongside cooperation among BRICS members.
Saudi Arabia carried out 54 airstrikes in Yemen within 24 hours after attacks on its military bases, Houthis claim
The Iran-backed Houthi group has claimed that Saudi Arabia carried out 54 airstrikes in western Yemen over the past 24 hours, following drone and missile attacks by the Houthis on Saudi military installations. The claim was made by Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree and reported by AFP on Monday.
Pakistan Stands by Saudi Arabia After Houthi Attacks, Shehbaz–Mohammed bin Salman Talks Focus on De-escalation and Regional Stability
Pakistan has expressed full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia following recent Houthi attacks on the kingdom. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed Islamabad’s firm support for Saudi Arabia’s security during a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, while also reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia.
Iran War Reshapes Global Agenda as 18th BRICS Summit Focuses on Regional and Global Peace
Against the backdrop of the Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and growing global economic uncertainty, the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit has opened in New Delhi, bringing together leaders and senior representatives from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.