Munir’s quest for absolute control risks pushing Pakistan deeper into unrest

Vicky Nanjappa | June 5, 2026 1:30 PM

New Delhi, June 5 (IANS) Pakistan is a democracy, but only technically. After Asim Munir took over as the chief of the Pakistan Army, he has managed to get almost all institutions under his control. While major agencies such as the ISI are under the control of the Pakistan Army, Field Marshal Asim Munir now proposes to get all the police forces under him.

Chinese govt's moves to silence critics in US spark alarm

IANS | June 5, 2026 1:04 PM

Washington, June 5 (IANS) The Chinese government's efforts to silence critics beyond its borders have come under fresh scrutiny in the US Congress, as lawmakers, state officials and democracy activists described what they called an expanding campaign of intimidation, surveillance and coercion targeting people living in America.

US probes Chinese involvement in manufacturing projects receiving tax incentives

IANS | June 5, 2026 12:18 PM

Washington, June 5 (IANS) The Trump administration is investigating reports of continued Chinese involvement in US manufacturing projects receiving federal tax incentives, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told lawmakers on Thursday, signalling heightened scrutiny of Beijing's role in sectors Washington considers strategically important.

China under fire in US Congress over fentanyl

IANS | June 5, 2026 11:50 AM

Washington, June 5 (IANS) A congressional hearing on Thursday sharply focused on China's role in the global fentanyl supply chain, with Republican lawmakers accusing Beijing of failing to curb the flow of precursor chemicals that fuel America's deadly opioid crisis, while witnesses called for stronger enforcement, sanctions and international cooperation.

US touts progress in reducing dependence on China

IANS | June 5, 2026 11:45 AM

Washington, June 5 (IANS) US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and senior Republican lawmakers on Thursday highlighted what they described as growing success in reducing US economic dependence on China, citing a shrinking trade deficit, expanding domestic manufacturing and new efforts to protect American industries from Chinese competition.