China's engagement largely declaratory than transformative amid growing Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict

IANS | December 29, 2025 8:05 PM

Kabul, Dec 29 (IANS) The Afghanistan–Pakistan conflict exposes the limits of China's diplomatic ceiling -- effective in financing infrastructure, sustaining political partnerships, and providing strategic cover to allied governments, but constrained when conflict management requires confronting allies, engaging fragmented actors, or dealing with nationalist politics resistant to "transactional solutions", a report said on Monday.

Yunus regime in Bangladesh heavily influenced by extremist radical groups: Report

IANS | December 29, 2025 7:57 PM

Dhaka, Dec 29 (IANS) Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government in Bangladesh, appears to be steering, or at least enabling, hardline Islamic agendas with ministers and bureaucrats, in the administration heavily influenced by extremist radical groups like Jamaat-e-Islami and Hizb-ut-Tahrir, a report stated on Monday.

World's patience with religious extremism in Pakistan wearing thin: Report

IANS | December 29, 2025 7:48 PM

Islamabad, Dec 29 (IANS) Under army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir's stewardship, Pakistan has pivoted sharply towards a theocratic and combative identity, promoting Islamist "resistance" abroad while failing to rein in radicals at home. The consequences of it are being felt in bloodshed, backlash and the new normal is that not just militants and sex offenders, even the Pakistani-origin social media propaganda is being considered as a security hazard in capitals around the world, a report has stated.

Transboundary drug trafficking: Pakistani smugglers exploit gaps in British oversight

IANS | December 29, 2025 5:46 PM

Islamabad, Dec 29 (IANS) The case of Sidrah Nosheen, the 34-year-old woman who has been sentenced to 21 years in prison in the United Kingdom for being a part of a gang that smuggled heroin from Pakistan, showcases how transboundary drug trafficking has evolved into a systemic threat, flourishing on gaps in immigration controls, allowing networks to function with a certain level of impunity.

15 Pakistani soldiers killed in wave of attacks by armed groups in Balochistan

IANS | December 29, 2025 5:16 PM

Quetta, Dec 29 (IANS) At least 15 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in a series of coordinated attacks across Balochistan over the past few weeks as three Baloch armed groups — the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF) and Baloch Republican Guards (BRG) — have claimed responsibility for strikes in several regions across the province, including Kech, Panjgur, Turbat, Surab and Naseerabad, local media reported on Monday.