ISKP bombing at Islamabad Shia mosque should raise concerns in Pakistan: Report

IANS | February 23, 2026 8:53 PM

Islamabad, Feb 23 (IANS) The Islamic State Khorosan Province’s (ISKP) suicide bombing targetting a Shia mosque in Pakistan's Islamabad, which claimed 36 lives and injured over 160 others during February 6 Friday prayers should raise concerns within the state on several levels as it indicates the possible emergence of another militant front in the country.

Balochistan on edge as water crisis deepens: Report

IANS | February 23, 2026 8:14 PM

Quetta, Feb 23 (IANS) A major water crisis unfolding in Pakistan's Balochistan along with a demographic explosion threatens to overwhelm the fragile ecology of the province, a report has highlighted.

Anger, frustration mounts in occupied Gilgit-Baltistan over Pakistan's extractive economic approach

IANS | February 23, 2026 7:29 PM

Islamabad, Feb 23 (IANS) Islamabad's handling of dissent in Pakistan occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB) has showcased the structural contradictions in the governance model of the region. Despite forcibly having administrative control since 1948, Pakistan has not given full constitutional status to PoGB, resulting in federal government and military-related institutions to have decisive authority over resources and political institutions of PoGB while restricting meaningful local representation, a leading Afghan media outlet has stated.

China: Doubts rise over military's effectiveness after large-scale removal of top brass

IANS | February 23, 2026 7:08 PM

Abuja, Feb 23 (IANS) As Chinese President Xi Jinping aims for an unprecedented fourth term as General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), analysts suggest he may be uncertain of his complete control over the armed forces. Without a clear succession plan, concerns persist about other aspirants positioning themselves to step into Xi’s role, with potential threats emerging from the senior Generals in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), a report said on Monday.