Author: EchoAsiaNews

Pakistan: Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Wasim Khan has been appointed Executive Director of FIBA Asia and will formally assume the role in January 2027, the regional governing body for basketball announced. What Will Wasim Khan’s New Role Involve? Khan has already joined FIBA Asia as Executive Director-designate and has begun a transition process ahead of succeeding outgoing Executive Director Hagop Khajirian. As Executive Director, Khan will oversee the development and administration of basketball across Asia, with responsibility for coordinating activities involving 44 national basketball federations affiliated with FIBA Asia. The organization said the early transition is intended…

Bangladesh: President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned from office on Friday, citing deteriorating physical and mental health, according to a resignation letter seen by AFP, ending his tenure as the country’s largely ceremonial head of state before the completion of his term. Why Did Shahabuddin Resign? Shahabuddin confirmed his resignation in a telephone conversation with AFP after reports emerged that he planned to step down before his term was due to expire in 2028. “Yes, I have resigned,” the 76-year-old president told AFP, without providing further details. In his resignation letter addressed to the Speaker of Parliament, Shahabuddin said his worsening health…

India: The Indian government has asked leaders of the youth-led “Cockroach” protest movement for more time to respond to their demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following talks in New Delhi aimed at easing weeks of demonstrations over alleged examination paper leaks. What Happened During the Talks? The discussions marked the first substantive meeting between the government and protest leaders since demonstrations escalated over the alleged exam paper leaks that affected millions of students. The government delegation included federal ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, while protesters were represented by Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka of the…

Pakistan: Pakistan on Thursday rejected Amnesty International’s call for an investigation into its reported airstrikes in Afghanistan, urging the international community to instead examine what it described as the Afghan Taliban’s continued support for militant groups operating against Pakistan. Why Did Pakistan Reject Amnesty’s Report? Speaking at the weekly media briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi dismissed Amnesty International’s report, saying it contained serious allegations that were not supported by credible evidence. Andrabi said the Afghan Taliban continued to provide a “permissive environment” for militant organizations, including the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA).…

Pakistan: Pakistan on Thursday called on Amnesty International and the international community to examine what it described as the Afghan Taliban’s continued support and tolerance of militant groups, rejecting a recent report by the rights organization that called for an investigation into Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul. What Did Pakistan Say About the Amnesty Report? Speaking at a weekly briefing in Islamabad, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi rejected Amnesty International’s report, saying the allegations against Pakistan were made without credible evidence. Andrabi said the Afghan Taliban government continues to provide what he described as a “permissive environment” for militant organizations, including…

Pakistan: The Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Sindh on Thursday issued a province-wide alert as the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast rain and thunderstorms across several parts of Sindh from July 23 to July 25 due to strong monsoon currents entering from the Arabian Sea. Which Areas Are Expected to Receive Rain? PDMA Sindh Director General Syed Salman Shah said district administrations, relevant government departments, and emergency response agencies have been directed to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures. Heavy rainfall is expected at isolated locations in Hyderabad, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Sanghar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar,…

Pakistan: The Pakistan cricket team will tour England for a five-match One-Day International (ODI) series in 2027 as part of preparations for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Thursday. When Will the ODI Series Be Played? The series will begin on May 15, 2027, in Southampton, with the remaining matches scheduled across England. The full schedule is: The PCB said the series will provide important preparation for both teams ahead of the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia from October 4 to November 21,…

Pakistan: Mobile phone and internet services began returning to Mirpur and surrounding areas in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) on Thursday after a 45-day suspension, as the region prepares for its upcoming legislative elections. Why Were Services Restored? Connectivity had remained suspended across Mirpur for more than six weeks, disrupting communication, businesses, and daily activities. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari confirmed the restoration in a post on X, saying he had received information that internet and digital connectivity in Mirpur would be restored soon. Bilawal thanked the AJK PPP and the Election Commission of Azad Jammu and Kashmir…

Pakistan: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday said Pakistan’s security forces would continue operations against militant groups in Balochistan, reaffirming the military’s commitment to restoring lasting peace and countering what he described as foreign-sponsored proxies, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). What Did the Army Chief Say? Addressing participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, Field Marshal Munir said sustained efforts by the security forces and law enforcement agencies, supported by the public, would help bring lasting peace to the province.…

United Nations: The six candidates seeking to become the next United Nations secretary-general are set to participate in a televised debate on Thursday, one week before the formal selection process begins for the organization’s top post. Who Are the Candidates? The 90-minute debate will take place in the UN General Assembly Hall and feature questions from diplomats, UN staff, and civil society representatives. The event will be broadcast by Bloomberg. The candidates vying to succeed Secretary-General António Guterres, whose term ends on December 31, 2026, are: General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock said the debate offers an opportunity for member states…