Author: EchoAsiaNews

Global oil prices hovered around $100 per barrel on Monday, while stock markets showed mixed performance as the war involving Iran continued to disrupt energy markets and investor confidence. The conflict has entered its third week, with no signs of de-escalation, raising fears about disruptions to oil supplies passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy shipments. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe passage of oil tankers through the waterway. Energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments in the region. Oil prices surged sharply after the conflict began, with Brent crude trading…

The government has rejected reports suggesting that Hajj flights from Pakistan may be suspended due to rising tensions in the Middle East, terming the claims “baseless and misleading.” A spokesperson for the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony said that preparations for Hajj 2026 are continuing according to schedule and no decision has been taken to delay or cancel flights carrying Pakistani pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. The clarification came after some media reports linked possible disruptions in Hajj operations with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has affected regional air corridors and forced airlines to reroute several…

Fertitta Entertainment is in exclusive negotiations to acquire Caesars Entertainment in a potential deal valued at about $6.5 billion, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The negotiations, taking place within a 45‑day exclusive window, are being held at Fertitta’s headquarters in Houston, with the offer structured at $32 per share. Under the proposed terms, the transaction would involve an enterprise value of roughly $31.5 billion when accounting for Caesars’ substantial debt load. Caesars, a major player in the global gaming and hospitality industry, has struggled financially, reporting net losses for four consecutive quarters, a situation attributed in large part…

Pakistan all‑rounder Salman Ali Agha has been officially reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for violating the sport’s Code of Conduct during the second One Day International (ODI) against Bangladesh in Dhaka, disciplinary officials confirmed. The disciplinary panel found that Agha breached Article 2.2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which covers the abuse of cricket equipment or clothing, ground equipment, or fixtures and fittings during an international match. As a result, the ICC issued an official reprimand and added one demerit point to the player’s disciplinary record. The incident occurred in the…

Pakistan’s Foreign Office has strongly dismissed criticism from India regarding its military operations along the Pakistan–Afghanistan border, calling the remarks “shamefully hypocritical” and reiterating that its actions are lawful and aimed at combating terrorism. In an official statement, the Foreign Office responded to public statements made by Indian authorities condemning Pakistan’s ongoing military campaign targeting militant infrastructure across the border. Islamabad accused New Delhi of double standards by criticizing Pakistan’s counter‑terrorism efforts while overlooking similar security challenges within its own territory. The statement emphasized that Pakistan’s security operations are focused on dismantling militant sanctuaries and support networks responsible for frequent…

At least six suspected terrorists were killed in a joint counter‑terrorism operation by the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) and local police in the Lachi area of Kohat, security officials said. According to the district police officer, the operation was launched based on intelligence reports indicating the presence of militants preparing for violent activity. As security forces approached the locations, the suspects opened fire, prompting officers to return fire and engage them. The exchange resulted in the killing of six individuals identified by authorities as armed terrorists. Police and CTD teams also recovered weapons from the slain suspects at the scene,…

Three members of the Iran women’s national football team who had earlier sought protection in Australia have withdrawn their asylum requests and decided to return home, according to government officials. The move reduces the number of team members remaining in Australia under humanitarian protection to three out of an original group of seven. Authorities said the trio, two players and a technical staff member, informed officials of their decision after initially accepting humanitarian visas that allowed them to remain in Australia following the team’s participation in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. The players later departed Sydney for Kuala Lumpur,…

Senior economic officials from the United States and China held high-level trade discussions in Paris as both sides seek to stabilize economic relations and prepare the ground for an expected meeting between their leaders later this month. The talks are being led by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The meeting is part of a new round of negotiations aimed at addressing tensions in trade and economic policy before a planned summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Officials from both countries gathered at the headquarters of the Organisation for Economic…

A missile struck the helipad inside the U.S. Embassy compound in Baghdad on Saturday morning, Iraqi security officials said, causing smoke to rise above the sprawling diplomatic facility but with no immediate reports of casualties. Video footage circulating on social media showed a column of smoke emanating from the embassy grounds in the fortified Green Zone, a high‑security district that houses government institutions and foreign missions in Iraq’s capital. Two Iraqi security officials told the Associated Press that the missile impact occurred inside the compound near the helipad area, but details about the extent of damage were not released. An…

Yemen’s government has rejected newly imposed war‑risk shipping surcharges after international shipping companies notified importers of additional fees of about $3,000 per container bound for Yemeni ports, officials and traders said on Saturday. The move is raising fears of higher food and goods prices in the war‑torn country. Shipping firms have historically applied smaller “war‑risk” fees on vessels entering Yemeni waters, but the recent jump to roughly $3,000 per container has prompted strong pushback from the internationally recognised government in Aden. Transport Minister Mohsen al‑Amri said he instructed that existing ships already at Yemeni ports or inbound should not pay…