world

Dhaka/New Delhi: Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hailed India as her country’s most trusted friend, crediting New Delhi with playing a decisive role in preventing Bangladesh from descending into a Pakistan-style autocratic regime. Currently living in exile in India, Hasina issued a strong appeal to the Indian government to continue supporting democratic stability in the region amid fears of rising radical influence under the interim government in Dhaka. In an exclusive interview with CNN-News18, Hasina said India’s role in maintaining democracy and regional peace was not only crucial for Bangladesh but also for South Asia at large. “India has always prioritized a stable and democratic Bangladesh. We only ask that Delhi continues to support the right of the Banglad...

T Islamabad/Kabul: Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated sharply as the Taliban government prepares to suspend trade through Pakistani territory, a move that could deliver a severe blow to Pakistan’s struggling economy. Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, has directed traders and finance officials in Kabul to find alternative trade routes, claiming that Pakistan’s transit system has caused significant losses and market disruptions for Afghan businesses. Following this statement, panic has begun spreading across Pakistan’s commercial sectors. However, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif downplayed the development, saying the decision would have “no impact” on Pakistan. He even went on to call it a “blessing in d...

P Islamabad: In a provocative statement following a deadly suicide bombing in Islamabad, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif declared that the Pakistan Army is fully prepared to fight a two-front war—against India on the eastern border and the Afghan Taliban on the western front. Asif’s remarks, seen as a fresh round of sabre-rattling, come amid rising tensions and a string of terror attacks across Pakistan. Speaking at a public event, Asif said, “We are ready for war on both fronts. Allah has helped us in the past, and He will help us again. We will emerge victorious on both sides.” His statement followed Tuesday’s suicide blast in Islamabad, which killed 12 people and left 36 injured. A day earlier, another explosion was reported in Waziristan. The Pakistani government has ...

New Delhi / New York: In India, salaried workers often complain that their incomes don’t keep pace with rising rents. A similar situation now appears to be unfolding in New York City, prompting concerns from real estate tycoon Barry Sternlicht, chairman and CEO of Starwood Capital Group. Sternlicht warned that if the city imposes rent freezes as proposed by the newly elected Indian-American Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York could end up resembling Mumbai, one of India’s most densely populated and high-rent cities. Rent Freeze Proposal and Its ImplicationsMayor Mamdani has advocated for a freeze on rising rents, arguing that “if tenants’ incomes are not increasing, why should rents go up?” Sternlicht, whose portfolio includes both commercial and residential properties in New York, believes ...

Dhaka: Bangladesh, under the leadership of Mohammad Yunus, is reportedly planning to use the Lalmonirhat Airbase, located near India’s strategic Siliguri Corridor (Chicken Neck), for military purposes. This move appears to violate a previous commitment made by the Bangladesh Armed Forces. Breaking a Previous PromiseIn a press conference on 26 May 2025, then Brigadier General Nazim-ud-Doula had assured that the airbase would not be used for military purposes. General Nazim-ud-Doula was promoted to Major General on 1 September 2025 and now serves as General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 33rd Infantry Division and Area Commander of Comilla. Responding to a question in the Indian Parliament on 8 August 2025, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh confirmed that the I...

” Islamabad: A deadly suicide bombing outside the G-11 Judicial Complex in Islamabad has sent shockwaves across Pakistan. The explosion, which occurred around 12 PM on Tuesday, killed at least 12 people and injured dozens more. Eyewitnesses reported that the blast took place near the main building of the District and Sessions Court, where a suicide attacker detonated explosives near a police vehicle. Viral videos on social media show burning cars, thick smoke, and panicked crowds fleeing the scene. Security forces quickly cordoned off the area, and bomb disposal units are investigating. Defense Minister Calls It a Wake-Up CallPakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif described the attack as a “wake-up call” for the nation, warning that the country is in a state of war. He stated, “Tho...

Islamabad/Baku: Pakistan and Azerbaijan, long-standing allies, have recently strengthened their defense and military ties, taking them to a new level. In a show of solidarity, Pakistani troops and JF-17 Thunder fighter jets have arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the country’s Victory Day parade. The visit is accompanied by top Pakistani officials, including Army Chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan’s Information Minister, Ataullah Tarar, confirmed the development on Saturday. Azerbaijan observes Victory Day on November 8 each year to commemorate its victory over Armenia in the 44-day Karabakh war of 2020. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the victory. Tarar emphasized that the Pakistan-Azerbaijan friendship remains unbreakable, highlighting the...

New Delhi / Khartoum:Sudan, a nation once thriving on its oil wealth, has now been consumed by a bloody gold rush that has redrawn the country’s political and economic map — and pulled in a host of foreign powers. What began as a domestic struggle over dwindling oil revenues after 2011 has exploded into a full-scale resource war, with gold at its core and the world’s biggest players — from the UAE and Egypt to Russia and China — jostling for control. Once Africa’s third-largest gold producer, after Ghana and South Africa, Sudan’s goldfields have become both a lifeline and a curse. The lucrative metal now finances warring factions, arms deals, and international smuggling networks. But for the country’s poor miners and farmers, it has brought nothing but death and destruction — poisoning ...

Washington.In a major diplomatic signal, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that he may visit India next year, while showering praise on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump described Modi as “a great man and a true friend” and emphasized his commitment to strengthening Indo–U.S. relations. Trump said — “He (Modi) has almost stopped buying from Russia. He’s my friend and we talk regularly. He wants me to come to India… and I will. Prime Minister Modi is a great man.” When asked directly whether he would visit India next year, Trump replied briefly — “Yes, that’s possible.” 🔹 Trade Ties Enter a New Phase Trump’s remarks come at a time when trade negotiations between India and the United States have entered a crucial new ph...

New Delhi.India’s two closest neighbours — Bangladesh and Nepal — are heading toward crucial elections, and New Delhi is keeping a sharp diplomatic eye on every move.Under its “Neighbourhood First Policy,” India views both elections as pivotal to the region’s stability, security, and strategic balance, especially amid growing Chinese influence in South Asia. 🔹 Bangladesh: Hasina vs Khaleda — The Return of Political Fire Bangladesh is preparing for general elections early next year, and the political atmosphere is already charged.Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hinted at boycotting the polls, while her rival Khaleda Zia’s Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has already announced candidates for 237 constituencies. Violence erupted during recent political rallies, raising fear...