In a major geopolitical development, Taliban-ruled Afghanistan has decided to restrict Pakistan’s access to cross-border river water by constructing a dam on the Kunar River. The directive came from Supreme Leader Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, who ordered the Ministry of Water and Energy to begin construction “as fast as possible.” This move comes just weeks after deadly border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan that claimed hundreds of lives and amid heightened tensions followin

Heavy fighting has erupted once again between Pakistani forces and Taliban fighters along the volatile border separating Pakistan and Afghanistan, leaving dozens dead and escalating one of the most serious confrontations between the two sides since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The clashes, centered around Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, have plunged relations between Islamabad and Kabul to a new low, with both governments trading accusations over who initiated the latest round

Paul Kapur, a noted American academic and expert on South Asian security, has been appointed as the new Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia in the United States government. Known for his hardline stance against Pakistan’s military establishment, Kapur’s appointment marks a significant shift in Washington’s regional approach, especially amid renewed tensions in South Asia. His selection comes as the US seeks to redefine its engagement with both India and Pakistan whil

The United States has approved the supply of AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) to Pakistan, marking a new phase in defence cooperation between the two countries. The US Department of War announced the inclusion of Pakistan as one of several international buyers under a recently modified arms contract with Raytheon, the American defence manufacturer responsible for producing the missile systems. According to the department’s notification, Raytheon received

Amid the continuing federal government shutdown, $2.1 billion in funding designated for Chicago’s infrastructure projects has been withheld. The announcement has cast doubt on the future of several major transit improvements that were expected to reshape the city’s transportation network and provide long-term benefits to residents. This freeze on financial support will have direct consequences for projects such as the planned extension of the Red Line, which was designed to reach fur

The Trump administration announced that it is withholding approximately $18 billion in federal funds meant to support two of New York’s most ambitious infrastructure projects: a new rail tunnel beneath the Hudson River and the expansion of the Second Avenue subway. The decision, revealed on Wednesday, comes against the backdrop of the federal government shutdown and adds another layer of political tension to already strained negotiations in Washington. According to the adminis

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that his administration had reached a settlement with Harvard University under which the institution would pay $500 million to resolve a dispute that has lasted for months. Speaking at the White House, Trump told reporters that the agreement was nearly finalized, adding that Education Secretary Linda McMahon was handling the last details. According to him, the settlement includes Harvard agreeing to operate new trade schools that would train stud

Saudi Arabia’s decision to sign a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Pakistan has stirred debates across South Asia and the Middle East. The pact, which promises that an attack on one country will be treated as an attack on both, resembles a NATO-style commitment. For Pakistan, struggling with economic and diplomatic challenges, this deal is seen as a significant political win and a potential deterrence against India. Yet, beneath the surface, exper

At the Doha emergency summit attended by leaders from over 40 Muslim countries, the idea of an Islamic Nato gained momentum, with Pakistan aggressively pitching for an Arab-Islamic task force. The meeting followed Israel’s strike in Qatar and brought together Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, and others under one forum. Pakistan, represented by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Is

The emergency Arab-Islamic summit held in Doha on Monday has triggered renewed calls for a NATO-style military alliance of Muslim nations. The push, spearheaded by Egypt, comes in the wake of Israel’s strike in Doha that killed Hamas operatives and a Qatari officer. While leaders differed on concrete action against Israel, the summit may have set in motion the groundwork for an Arab-Islamic defense pact. Egypt,

The International Cricket Council has turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s request to remove veteran referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after the controversial no-handshake episode in the India-Pakistan clash. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council, had alleged that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss not to engage in a handshake with India’s Suryakumar Yadav, sparking outrag

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has officially addressed the controversy surrounding the handshake row during the Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan. Following India’s 7-wicket victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates did not exchange handshakes with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha or the opposing team. This move sparked outrage from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which lodged a formal complaint with the Asian

India issued a sharp rebuttal to Switzerland during the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva after the Swiss delegation expressed concerns about the treatment of minorities in India. Representing New Delhi, Kshitij Tyagi, Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, described Switzerland’s comments as “surprising, shallow, and ill-informed.” He emphasized that as the current president of the UNHRC, Switzerland sho

The Indian government has made its position clear regarding sports engagements with Pakistan, especially in the context of upcoming international events. In a new policy unveiled by the Sports Ministry, the government declared that India will not participate in any bilateral sporting events with Pakistan, even if hosted at neutral venues. The policy, which has been implemented immediately, aims to limit interactions with Pakistan in sports following the strai

Pakistan has extended its ban on Indian aircraft using its airspace until September 23, further escalating the ongoing standoff with India. The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a fresh Notice to Airmen confirming the extension, which will apply to all Indian aircraft, both civilian and military, as well as those leased or owned by Indian carriers. This extension marks another chapter in the tit-for-tat measures that have defined the strained relationship betw

The City of Dallas is facing a high-stakes decision after the Trump administration issued a directive requiring cities to end Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs or risk losing federal funding. Dallas stands to lose approximately $305 million in federal grants if it continues to award city contracts or benefits based on classifications such as race, gender, or national origin. In response to this pressure, the Dallas City Council voted on June 25

Dassault Aviation shares saw renewed upward movement for the second straight day after India officially denied reports that any of its Rafale fighter jets were shot down during Operation Sindoor. On July 8, the company's stock opened slightly higher at €297.40, marginally up from the previous close of €297. The development follows weeks of pressure on the stock, which had declined by about 3 percent over the past month, largely due to speculation surrounding the Indian Air Force&rs

Austin is considering a new proposal to introduce a parks maintenance fee that could be added to residents' utility bills. The proposal, introduced by Council Member Paige Ellis of District 8, aims to address the city's growing park maintenance needs as the city expands. Ellis believes this fee will help Austin manage the rising demand for new park facilities, maintain older infrastructure, and fund new land acquisitions. According to the Austin Parks

In a significant diplomatic development, Pakistan’s attempt to interfere with an Indian parliamentary delegation’s visit to Malaysia has been firmly rejected by Kuala Lumpur. Citing “Islamic solidarity,” the Pakistani embassy had urged Malaysian authorities to cancel engagements planned by the Indian delegation. However, Malaysian officials ignored Islamabad’s appeal, and the Indian delegation’s full itinerary proceeded as s

During a high-level visit aboard INS Vikrant, India’s first indigenously built aircraft carrier, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh issued a powerful statement underscoring the unmatched capabilities of the Indian Navy. Speaking from the Arabian Sea, Singh remarked that if the Indian Navy had joined active combat during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan could have faced consequences far more severe than in 1971, potentially splitting into four parts. Referring to the Navy’s role i