Report highlights gaps in legal protections, custodial abuse allegations in Pakistan

IANS | April 24, 2026 5:18 PM

Islamabad, April 24 (IANS) A new alternate report submitted to the UN Committee against Torture by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) showcases gaps in Pakistan's legal protections, local media reported. The report, submitted ahead of the review of Pakistan's compliance with its obligations under the Convention against Torture, exposes incidents of custodial abuse and inadequacy in the country's enforcement of the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention and Punishment) Act, 2022.

India, US make progress on key issues in bilateral trade talks

IANS | April 24, 2026 4:52 PM

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) India and the United States have made progress on key matters such as market access, non-tariff measures, technical barriers to trade, customs and trade facilitation, investment promotion, economic security alignment and digital trade in the latest round of negotiations held in Washington to finalise the details of the interim trade agreement between the two countries, the Commerce & Industry Ministry said on Friday.

Bangladesh faces deepening debt crisis

IANS | April 24, 2026 3:46 PM

New Delhi, April 24 (IANS) In the five fiscal years from 2026 to 2030, Bangladesh will need to spend a staggering $26 billion to repay external debt, which is expected to create a huge economic burden on the country, according to an article in the local media.