Asia

Chronic neglect leaves Pakistan's hospital in limbo

According to Dawn and officials, several wards are currently running out of the outpatient department as the main building meant to house specialised pediatric services is still incomplete. Financial constraints have stalled progress, despite repeated assurances from successive governments. The impact has become particularly visible during the winter season, when a surge in respiratory infections has overwhelmed existing facilities. Doctors reported that multiple children often have to share a single bed, while shortages of oxygen equipment have put lives at serious risk. Medical staff revealed that in emergencies, pediatricians were forced to improvise by using three-way nasal prongs to save critically ill children. They warned that such stopgap measures cannot replace a fully equipped pediatric hospital capable of handling complex cases

2026-01-02T08:41:01.966475+00:00 IST

Pakistan’s traders brand 2025 a “year of economic collapse” as bu

According to The Express Tribune, the report states that commercial activity remained below 60 per cent throughout the year, with widespread shutdowns of small and medium enterprises across the country. Describing 2025 as a "year of closures," AKTA President Atiq Mir said thousands of traders were forced out of business, triggering a sharp rise in joblessness and deepening financial stress for working families. Investor confidence, the report noted, was badly shaken, while capital continued to flow out of the country.

2026-01-02T08:31:14.667309+00:00 IST

China's 6 vessels, 1 official ship encircle Taiwan

The MND said they responded to the situation accordingly.

2026-01-02T08:29:13.018121+00:00 IST

"India recalibrating neighbourhood policy with focus on support,

Jaishankar, while speaking at the inauguration of Shaastra 2026- IIT Madras Techno-Entertainment fest, Jaishankar said that India has "naturally invested" in countries that share cooperative relations.

2026-01-02T07:48:56.239794+00:00 IST

Jaishankar praised India's vaccine diplomacy during COVID

The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, with countries racing to secure limited vaccine supplies. Developed nations stockpiled doses far beyond their population needs, while smaller nations struggled to access even a few thousand. In this context, India stepped up with a sense of responsibility toward its own 1.4 billion citizens while extending a helping hand to the world. According to Dr. Jaishankar, providing even 100,000 to 200,000 doses to smaller countries was not just a gesture but was often a lifeline.

2026-01-02T07:30:40.199389+00:00 IST

"How India exercises right to defend itself is up to India," says

Jaishankar, while speaking at the inauguration of Shaastra 2026- IIT Madras Techno-Entertainment fest, said that India will do whatever is required to defend itself.

2026-01-02T07:28:59.777808+00:00 IST

Pakistani policies strangle border livelihoods as Turbat protests

According to The Balochistan Post, the demonstration, led by Border Movement leader Sardar Wali Yalanzai, began at Ghulam Nabi Chowk and concluded at Shaheed Fida Chowk, where protesters raised slogans against what they described as a state-imposed "economic blockade."

2026-01-02T07:12:01.814511+00:00 IST

Karachi's residents battle poor road infrastructure

In 2025, Karachi recorded 803 road fatalities. Yet, official data shows a 31.7% decline in deaths in the second half of the year, with fatalities dropping from 477 in the first six months to 326 in the latter half. Injuries also decreased, from 886 to 642 over the same period. Authorities credit this improvement to data-driven enforcement, the e-challan system, and the creation of the Karachi Road Accident Analysis Team, which identifies accident-prone areas and recommends preventive measures. Stricter regulations for commercial vehicles, including mandatory tracking systems, have also been implemented.

2026-01-02T07:09:19.828224+00:00 IST

India among few ancient civilisations to emerge as modern nation

"There are really very few ancient civilisations which have survived to become major modern nation states, and we are one of them. We have a sense of our past, which very few countries have," he said.

2026-01-02T06:36:46.256120+00:00 IST

Violence not limited to Hindus in Bangladesh: KP Fabian

Former Indian diplomat KP Fabian on Thursday emphasised that India must rely on diplomatic engagement to address the ongoing unrest in Bangladesh, particularly in light of reports of violence against minority communities. Speaking on the situation, Fabian expressed serious concern over incidents of violence affecting not only the Hindu community but also other minorities in Bangladesh. He noted that the unrest has created an atmosphere of insecurity and instability, which requires careful handling through diplomatic means.

2026-01-02T05:33:11.324781+00:00 IST

Deadly clashes as protests over economy spread across Iran

At least three people were killed and 17 others wounded Thursday night after demonstrators overran a police station in the city of Azna in Iran's western Lorestan province, according to the state-linked Fars News Agency

2026-01-02T04:48:21.118113+00:00 IST

Baloch leader warns China may deploy forces in Balochistan

In an open letter addressed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and posted on X on New Year's Day, Mir Yar Baloch said Baloch representatives view the growing strategic partnership between Islamabad and Beijing as "dangerous".

2026-01-02T04:43:51.594657+00:00 IST

Taiwan Security Chief Joseph Wu Thanks US

In a post on X.com, formerly Twitter, Wu said China's recent drills were aimed at intimidation and coercion, warning that such actions are destabilizing for the Indo-Pacific. "China's military exercises toward Taiwan and others in the region were designed to intimidate and coerce countries in the Indo-Pacific. They're provocative and escalatory," he wrote. He expressed appreciation to the US State Department for issuing a statement on New Year's Day calling on Beijing to reduce tensions.

2026-01-02T04:40:58.445873+00:00 IST

USA cautions China to pull back from Taiwanese waters

"China's military actions and statements toward Taiwan and other regional actors unnecessarily raise tensions," said Tommy Pigott, the U.S. State Department's principal deputy spokesperson, on Thursday, according to Focus Taiwan.

2026-01-02T03:33:30.414392+00:00 IST

India must rely on diplomacy: Former Diplomat KP Fabian

Speaking to ANI, Fabian on Thursday said, "It may not be the fourth attack. There have been many attacks on Hindus. There is anarchy in Bangladesh. India has to use diplomacy."

2026-01-02T00:59:04.964893+00:00 IST

“SAARC spirit is alive”: Muhammad Yunus

Yunus on Thursday said that "the SAARC spirit is alive and well", citing the strong presence and solidarity shown by South Asian nations at the funeral of former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia.

2026-01-01T23:11:45.911665+00:00 IST

Deadly blast in Sibi kills one, injures five, says police

"One person lost his life, and five others were wounded," Dawn quoted the SHO as saying, adding that security personnel and Edhi ambulances reached the scene immediately after receiving information about the blast.

2026-01-01T22:43:00.882519+00:00 IST

Earthquake of magnitude 3.5 hits Bhutan

The quake occurred at a depth of five kilometres, with its epicentre located at latitude 27.14° North and longitude 89.05° East.

2026-01-01T22:02:01.696479+00:00 IST

128 journalists killed globally in 2025, Middle East worst hit

A total of 128 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2025, making it another deadly year for journalism, with the Middle East and Arab World emerging as the worst-affected region, according to the final Killed List released by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

2026-01-01T17:09:55.757408+00:00 IST

12 dead, 11 injured as floods ravage Afghanistan

Heavy snowfall and flash floods in the last three days across several provinces of Afghanistan has resulted in the death of 12 people and left at least 11 others injured, Tolo News reported on Thursday citing the Afghanistan National Disaster Management Authority (ANDMA).

2026-01-01T16:47:05.888692+00:00 IST

Indian Embassy in Israel hails 2025 as year of landmark achieve

In a post on X, the Embassy noted key developments in bilateral ties last year, including high-level visits, the signing of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and a Defence Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and the finalisation of the Terms of Reference for Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

2026-01-01T16:03:24.775773+00:00 IST