Author: EchoAsiaNews

According to Reuters, Asian stock markets traded cautiously on Wednesday, following sharp losses in U.S. and European equities amid growing concerns that rapid advances in artificial intelligence could disrupt traditional software and services industries. Investors remained wary after heavy selling in data analytics, professional services, and software firms in Western markets. The decline intensified after Anthropic launched new plug-ins for its Claude Cowork agent last week, raising fears of widespread AI-driven disruption. However, selling pressure in Asia was relatively limited, as the region remains heavily focused on hardware manufacturing. MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan slipped 0.2%, while Japan’s Nikkei…

According to Reuters, the U.S. military on Tuesday shot down an Iranian drone that “aggressively” approached the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Arabian Sea, raising tensions between Washington and Tehran. The incident occurred at a time when diplomats were attempting to arrange nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. Meanwhile, Donald Trump warned that “bad things” could happen if no agreement is reached, as U.S. warships move closer to Iran. Following the report of the drone shootdown, oil futures rose by more than $1 per barrel. The U.S. military said the Iranian Shahed-139 drone was flying toward the…

Saif al‑Islam Gaddafi, the 53-year-old son of Libya’s late ruler Muammar Gaddafi, was killed on Tuesday in his hometown of Zintan in western Libya, according to multiple family sources, his lawyers and local media reports. Saif’s death was confirmed by his French lawyer, Marcel Ceccaldi, who told AFP that a group of armed men stormed his residence. Initial reports indicate that four masked gunmen entered the property and shot him, though no group has yet claimed responsibility and the identity of the attackers remains unknown. Abdullah Othman Abdurrahim, a political adviser to Saif al-Islam, also confirmed his death, ending years…

Pakistan’s security forces have killed 197 militants linked to India-backed Fitna al-Hindustan during large-scale counterterrorism operations in Balochistan, following a series of coordinated attacks that targeted multiple towns across the province over three days, security sources said. The attacks, carried out on February 31, brought normal life in Pakistan’s largest province to a standstill. Militants affiliated with the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) struck nearly a dozen locations in one of their biggest operations in recent years, resulting in the martyrdom of 17 security personnel and 31 civilians. Terrorists targeted civilians and security forces in Quetta, Mastung, Nushki, Dalbandin, Kharan, Panjgur,…

Gold prices surged on Tuesday in both local and international markets, recovering strongly after falling in the previous session. According to the All Pakistan Sarafa Gems and Jewellers Association, the price of 24-karat gold rose by Rs24,000 per tola, reaching Rs514,362. The price of 10 grams of 24-karat gold increased by Rs20,576 to Rs440,982. Meanwhile, 10 grams of 22-karat gold climbed by Rs18,862 to Rs404,248. Silver prices also moved higher. The rate of 24-karat silver per tola increased by Rs741 to Rs9,146, while 10 grams rose by Rs636 to Rs7,841. The rise followed a strong rebound in global bullion markets.…

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially confirmed that Islamabad has received an invitation to take part in upcoming diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran focused on de-escalating long-standing regional tensions. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi told reporters that Pakistan was invited to join the discussions, which are expected to be held in Istanbul, Türkiye, later this week. The meeting, reportedly scheduled for this Friday, will involve top officials from both Washington and Tehran, as well as several regional partners. According to regional diplomatic sources cited by Reuters, the principal goal of the talks is to avoid further…

The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a government funding package aimed at ending a partial federal government shutdown that began over the weekend. The measure passed by a narrow 217-214 vote and was sent to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature, effectively reopening most federal operations that had been stalled due to the funding lapse. The legislation, totaling approximately $1.2 trillion, funds most federal agencies, including the Defense, Education, Treasury, Labor and State departments, through the end of the current fiscal year on September 30, 2026. However, funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was extended…

Pakistan’s decision to boycott its scheduled February 15 match against India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues to generate controversy across the cricketing world. The move has intensified debate among fans, former players, and officials, as political tensions once again intersect with international sport. Critics argue that the boycott could damage Pakistan’s reputation in global cricket and affect its relations with the International Cricket Council (ICC), which is currently reviewing the situation. According to officials, Pakistan’s stance reflects broader diplomatic concerns, while the Pakistan Cricket Board has maintained that player safety and national interests remain its priority.…

Pakistan and Libya have agreed to deepen defence cooperation and military collaboration following high-level meetings between senior military leadership from both countries in Islamabad on Monday. The discussions focused on expanding professional military ties, enhancing security cooperation, and addressing shared regional security concerns. The visit by Libya’s armed forces commander-in-chief, Field Marshal Khalifa Abu-al-Qasim Haftar, along with senior Libyan leaders, was received by Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, at the General Headquarters (GHQ). The meeting emphasized sustained engagement between the two nations’ armed forces and explored avenues for joint training,…

Bitcoin’s price has continued to weaken in recent sessions, with the leading cryptocurrency trading near the $76,000 to $78,000 range. This marked one of the weakest levels for Bitcoin in nearly a year, as broad-based selling pressure gripped crypto markets and investors reassessed risk assets. During the sharp downturn, Bitcoin’s price briefly dipped toward $75,000 to $77,000, levels last seen in April 2025 before recovering slightly. Market data show that heavy liquidations of leveraged positions contributed to the recent slide, with over $2.5 billion in cryptocurrency liquidations recorded as traders were forced out of bullish bets. Analysts say weak liquidity…