Asia

MEA holds National Consultation on India's initiatives under Global Compact for Migration ahead of IMRF 2026

The consultation is part of India's preparatory process for the Second International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), scheduled to be held in May 2026.

2026-02-12T10:30:46.523044+00:00 IST

Pakistan: Karachi’s water breakdown exposes governance failures

Karachi is once again in the grip of an acute water crisis after repair activity on a major transmission line halted supplies to wide swathes of the city, a situation that has left residents angry and dependent on private tankers.

2026-02-12T09:25:21.597892+00:00 IST

Afghanistan-Iran trade tops $5 billion

The announcement highlights the growing economic ties and the expanding role of cross-border commerce in Afghanistan's provincial markets. The figure was disclosed at an event in Herat province, where local and Iranian officials gathered to mark the 47th anniversary of Iran's Islamic Revolution.

2026-02-12T09:23:15.057145+00:00 IST

Crude bomb explosion at Munshiganj polling centre

The explosion occurred at the Makhati Gurucharan High School polling station in Mollakandi Union of Sadar upazila, drawing rapid response from law enforcement but no confirmed reports of casualties.

2026-02-12T09:22:24.014921+00:00 IST

UN Security Council to vote on Afghanistan sanctions

The team's current term is set to expire on February 17, and Council members describe the upcoming vote as a pivotal decision in the international community's handling of Afghanistan.

2026-02-12T09:08:26.406977+00:00 IST

Despite direct investment, Afghanistan-Japan trade hits $97 mn

Japan exports machinery and parts to Afghanistan, mostly through third countries. Afghan exports to Japan include medicinal plants, dried fruits, and nuts, while imports include vehicles, machinery, and spare parts.

2026-02-12T09:06:52.909154+00:00 IST

Bangladesh records 32.88 per cent voter turnout recorded: EC

As voting continues to take place at 42,651 centres across Bangladesh, the Election Commission recorded a 32.88 per cent voter turnout, as reported by the Daily Star on Thursday.

2026-02-12T08:07:16.385077+00:00 IST

Governance failure exposed as Lahore struggles with food prices

The administration in Lahore has dismissed a dozen price control magistrates for what authorities termed persistent inefficiency, a decision that highlights the depth of public anger over unchecked inflation in everyday markets. The deputy commissioner ordered their immediate removal and revoked their official logins, effectively ending their ability to conduct inspections or levy fines, as reported by The Express Tribune.

2026-02-12T07:38:25.302924+00:00 IST

Bangladesh at crossroads as crucial election reshapes equations

The election is widely viewed as a defining moment for the country's future, particularly given the absence of the Awami League, a party that has ruled four times but is not participating in the current electoral process.

2026-02-12T07:20:29.129595+00:00 IST

Policy failures deepen chaos in Pakistan

According to Dawn, cultivators typically rely on last season's returns instead of dependable projections about demand, exports or global supply. When a crop fetches good prices one year, acreage surges the next. The market then becomes flooded, prices collapse, and farmers absorb heavy losses. Conversely, when planting declines sharply, the country is pushed toward imports, and consumers end up paying more.

2026-02-12T07:19:16.618049+00:00 IST

Bangladesh Polls: Jamaat candidate alleges foul play

Khaleduz Zaman, Jamaat-e-Islami candidate, who is running against BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman, said, "The situation is not good because without a polling agent, in a separate room, someone is sealing the papers. It is totally disappointing. I have seen this in some places. We were hopeful that Jamaat-e-Islami would win the election, but if this happens, how can we have hopes..."

2026-02-12T07:06:50.759666+00:00 IST

Renewed disappearance claims deepen scrutiny of Pakistan

Reports of four more alleged enforced disappearances in Karachi and across Balochistan have intensified criticism of Pakistan's security apparatus, with families accusing authorities of detaining men without acknowledgement and refusing to disclose their fate, as reported by The Balochistan Post.

2026-02-12T05:38:34.967461+00:00 IST

Birthday of new Bangladesh: Yunus after voting in national polls

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus today described the election and referendum as a moment of national joy and renewal.

2026-02-12T05:36:57.808266+00:00 IST

Bangladesh interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus casts vote

Yunus, who heads the interim government overseeing the poll, voted around 10:00 am (local time), joining millions of Bangladeshis participating in the country's first election in the wake of last year's political upheaval. The vote is widely seen as a pivotal step in restoring democratic governance after last year's uprising and changes in political leadership.

2026-02-12T04:53:31.233309+00:00 IST

‘People of Bangladesh waiting for this day": Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman on Thursday said that his party would work towards women empowerment once they form the government. He also called people to come out and vote in large numbers as the country goes into the 13th parliamentary elections.

2026-02-12T04:44:36.931124+00:00 IST

Will accept election verdict if polls are fair: Jamaat-e-Islami l

The comments came shortly after he cast his ballot at the Monipur High School and College polling centre in Dhaka.

2026-02-12T04:40:50.380404+00:00 IST

‘Victory of BNP is certain’: Tarique Rahman

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Tarique Rahman cast his vote on Thursday as Bangladesh goes into the 13th parliamentary elections. He urged people to exercise their right to vote and expressed optimism for the victory of BNP in the elections.

2026-02-12T04:22:33.096036+00:00 IST

First-time voters praise smooth process and calm atmosphere

From the early hours of the morning, long queues signalled strong enthusiasm among residents and those from surrounding areas eager to participate in the democratic process.

2026-02-12T04:14:58.896896+00:00 IST

Bangladesh Polls: BNP's Rahman casts vote

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday cast his vote as the country goes into the 13th parliamentary elections.

2026-02-12T04:04:16.684947+00:00 IST

Bangladesh parliamentary elections: Key leaders cast vote

With voting underway for the 13th parliamentary elections, key leaders of the Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen party (NCP) and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have cast their votes as reported by The Daily Star.

2026-02-12T03:16:25.128781+00:00 IST

Hoping for free and fair elections: Bangladesh voters

Many expressed optimism about the conduct of the polls and the future of the country. "I came early this time, wishing to vote early. We're hoping that the voting will be free and fair. Hopefully, we will see some good candidates and people who will work for the nation. We'll have a corruption-free nation," said one voter waiting in line.

2026-02-12T03:03:28.564584+00:00 IST