Systemic abuse, marginalisation, state repression by Pak govt driving insurgency in Balochistan

IANS | February 2, 2026 6:14 PM

Quetta, Feb 2 (IANS) The Baloch Liberation Army's recent attacks under 'Operation Herof Phase 2.0' demonstrate a stark escalation in Pakistan’s long-simmering conflict in Balochistan, a report has highlighted. The BLA claimed responsibility for strikes in 14 cities and 48 sites on January 31, including Quetta, Gwadar, and resource-rich areas like Chagai, causing casualties on both sides. The figures remained disputed as Pakistani authorities reported that dozens of fighters were killed while BLA stated that security forces suffered heavy losses.

IMF lowers Pakistan’s GDP growth forecast to 3 per cent

IANS | February 2, 2026 4:42 PM

New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) The IMF has lowered Pakistan’s GDP growth forecast to 3 per cent from 3.2 per cent, which is worrying news for a country with a rapidly expanding population, according to an article in the Pakistani media.

Pakistan govt addicted to IMF borrowing like a drug addict: Report

IANS | February 2, 2026 2:19 PM

New Delhi, Feb 2 (IANS) The Pakistan government has become addicted to IMF borrowing much like a drug addict and refuses to extricate itself from the self-made problem of creating cycles of foreign exchange shortages and bare sufficiency with IMF loans, according to a new report.

Bangladesh: Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina gets 10 years jail term in Purbachal plot scam

IANS | February 2, 2026 1:49 PM

Dhaka, Feb 2 (IANS) A Bangladesh court on Monday sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to 10 years’ imprisonment in connection with a corruption case linked to the Purbachal plot scam, while her niece and British Member of Parliament, Tulip Siddiq was given a four-year jail term, according to local media reports.