Afghan trade halt hits Pakistan’s pharma exports
Pakistan's pharmaceutical exports contracted by over 30 percent in FY26, and continues to decline. Industry experts say this is largely due to disrupted trade with Afghanistan –…
Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye to meet European trio in Istanbul
A Turkish diplomatic source told Reuters that the seven countries would meet in the R-4+E-3 format for the first time at Turkiye’s initiative as wars involving Iran, Yemen and…
South Korea’s Arctic shipping trial points to shorter route, operational hurdles
South Korea’s first government-led Arctic shipping trial has shown the potential to cut the distance to Europe by about 35 percent, but participants said ice, severe weather and…
Nepali worker killed in drone attack on Saudi Aramco oil field
A Filipino national was also killed, while a Pakistani and an Indian worker were injured, Saudi Arabia’s energy ministry says.
No repatriation if refugees in Malaysia face persecution in Myanmar, says home minister
Malaysia's Home Minister said the government prioritised safety, welfare and human rights in the repatriation process – assuring that no individual will be repatriated if there…
A look back at Southeast Asia’s strongest fire and haze episodes
In 1982, 1997, 2015, and 2026, the climate phenomenon brought drier, hotter weather that worsened Indonesia’s fires. Most are started by farmers who burn land to clear it, an…
Seoul to raise North Korea land mine armistice violation with UN Security Council
The diplomatic move is intended to bring international attention to North Korea’s alleged armistice violations and could lay the groundwork for stronger Security Council action…
Philippine army rejects China claim it approved BRP Sierra Madre resupply
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has rejected China’s claim that it approved the latest resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre, asserting that Manila requires no…
Malaysia’s Sabah wants tighter border security amid Philippines arms build-up
Malaysia's PM Anwar had also earlier this year raised concerns over the Philippines’ US-backed military build-up on Balabac Island, located about 50km from Sabah's Pulau Banggi…
Haze crisis debate heats up ahead of ASEAN summit
For weeks, forest and peatland fires have continued to ravage large parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan amid an unusually severe El Niño-driven dry season, with toxic haze spreading…
