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Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to escalate, with both governments pointing fingers at each other. Islamabad has once again held Kabul responsible for the worsening relations, citing internal divisions within the Taliban leadership as a key obstacle. Taliban Split Creates UncertaintyPakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the Afghan Taliban is divided into two factions. One faction seeks to ease tensions with Pakistan, while the other maintains a hardline stance. This internal split has made it difficult for Pakistan to establish a coherent security framework or address groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Dar emphasized that every time Pakistan attempts to negotiate with Kabul, one Taliban faction agrees while the other immediately opposes the...

Pakistan’s recent 27th Constitutional Amendment, which significantly increases military powers at the expense of the judiciary and civilian government, has drawn international attention. The law is widely seen as enhancing the influence of Army Chief Asim Munir, particularly if he assumes the newly created position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). However, political maneuvering behind the scenes suggests the path may not be straightforward. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his brother, former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, are reportedly strategizing to curb Munir’s rise, potentially blocking him from taking on the CDF role or even removing him from his current position as Army Chief. Power Play in IslamabadFollowing recent by-elections, the ruling PML-N (Shehbaz Sharif’s party) has ...

The ongoing trade freeze between Pakistan and Afghanistan has sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s economy, causing fruit and vegetable prices to skyrocket while poultry businesses suffer heavy losses. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has successfully diversified its trade, mitigating economic damage at home. Trade Halt Hits Pakistan HardRelations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have plummeted following cross-border gunfire in October, disrupting trade at key border points. Initially, it was assumed that Afghanistan would bear the brunt of the economic fallout. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif even claimed Kabul’s economy would collapse. However, the reality has been the opposite: Pakistan is struggling as key industries dependent on Afghan trade face shortages and rising prices. Accord...

Pakistan is grappling with uncertainty over the appointment of its first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a position created under a constitutional amendment. The deadline to appoint the country’s inaugural CDF has passed, yet no official notification has been issued. This delay has fueled political tension and created an unprecedented situation within the military hierarchy. Current Army Chief Asim Munir’s position and future remain unclear amid this ambiguity, raising questions about command and control. Expert Concern Over Rising RisksSpeaking to ANI, Tilak Devasher, former member of India’s National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), expressed serious concern over the situation. He warned that Munir, seeking to assert his authority, could potentially take actions that escalate tension...

Taiwan has long been claimed by China as its territory. Recently, the Japanese Prime Minister suggested the possibility of military action concerning Taiwan, sparking outrage in Beijing. The escalating tensions between China and Japan over Taiwan have now reached alarming levels. Experts warn that a single misstep between these two economic giants in Asia could trigger a military confrontation, potentially spiraling into a global conflict. According to The Sun, experts have highlighted that the current verbal exchanges between Chinese and Japanese leaders reflect a dangerous security situation in the region. Professor Ashok Swain of Uppsala University told The Sun, “While the chances of an all-out war are low, the situation could deteriorate unexpectedly.” Taiwan at the CenterMili...

Islamabad: Maulana Fazlur Rehman, senior Member of the National Assembly (MNA) and head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, has sharply criticized Pakistan’s military and government for their handling of relations with Afghanistan. Known for his influence among clerics and the country’s Islamic educational circles, Rehman did not hold back in blaming Pakistan’s policies for ongoing tensions across the border. Speaking to Pakistani traders seeking the resumption of trade with Afghanistan, Rehman expressed frustration over the government’s priorities. Last month, Pakistan halted cross-border trade following military tensions, which adversely affected markets and business sectors in the country. Criticism of Pakistan’s Afghanistan Policy Addressing the traders, Rehman said, “Pakistan’s policy t...

Canberra: Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tied the knot with Jodie Hayden in a private ceremony at The Lodge, his official residence in Canberra. At 62, Albanese became the first Australian Prime Minister to marry while in office. This is his second marriage, following his divorce from former NSW politician Carmel Tebbutt in 2019. Albanese has a son, Nathan, from his first marriage. Albanese had proposed to Hayden on Valentine’s Day last year, and their wedding had been widely anticipated ever since. Several key members of his cabinet attended the ceremony, including Jim Chalmers, Penny Wong, Katy Gallagher, Richard Marles, and actor Rice Muldoon. Hayden’s 5-year-old niece Ella and her brother Patrick also served as witnesses. The couple has received congratulations from acro...

Colombo: Cyclone Ditwah has unleashed massive destruction across Sri Lanka, leaving at least 123 people dead and around 130 still missing, according to government officials on Saturday. The toll is expected to rise as rescue teams have not yet been able to reach several devastated regions. The cyclone-triggered flash floods and landslides have displaced more than 44,000 people, who have now been shifted to temporary shelters set up across the country. Sri Lanka has been grappling with severe weather for over a week, but conditions deteriorated dramatically on Thursday and Friday as Ditwah intensified, inundating residential regions and triggering landslides in hill districts. Officials estimate property damage worth billions of rupees, with many homes, roads, bridges, and public faci...

Dhaka: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia continues to remain in a critical and fragile medical condition, a day after she was admitted to Evercare Hospital in Dhaka. Senior leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) confirmed that a special medical team is closely monitoring her health round the clock, while prayers are being offered across the country for her swift recovery. According to BNP officials, Nobel laureate and Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus had sent his legal adviser Asif Nazrul and special aide Monir Haider to the hospital on Friday night to review the condition of the BNP chairperson. After returning, Nazrul wrote in a late-night Facebook post around 1 a.m., “I visited Evercare Hospital and have just returned. Begum Khaleda Zia’s physical conditio...

The United States has announced an immediate suspension of visa issuance for all individuals traveling on Afghan passports, following a deadly shooting targeting two National Guard members. In a parallel move, the Trump administration has also halted all asylum application decisions until further notice—marking one of the toughest immigration measures in recent years. Visa Freeze Announced After Attack on National Guard On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed through a post on X that visas for Afghan passport holders had been stopped without delay.“There is no priority greater than the safety of our nation and our people,” Rubio wrote, underlining the seriousness of the government’s response. The decision comes just days after two National Guard members were shot ...