Author: EchoAsiaNews

At a United Nations Security Council meeting on 12 March 2026, the United States and its Western allies clashed sharply with Russia and China over Iran’s nuclear programme, amid intensifying global tensions linked to the broader war involving Iran and a US‑Israeli military campaign. The session, chaired by the United States, saw members vote 11–2 in favour of maintaining oversight of Iran through the 1737 Committee, a sanctions enforcement mechanism, despite opposition from Russia and China. The two powers had sought to block the discussion on extending the committee’s work. The US Ambassador to the United Nations accused Moscow and…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amid ongoing regional tensions, following a high‑level meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Friday. In discussions held late on 12 March 2026, the two leaders reviewed recent developments in the Middle East and agreed to continue close cooperation to promote peace and stability across the region, according to an official statement issued by the prime minister’s media wing. Prime Minister Sharif conveyed respectful regards to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s longstanding support for Pakistan.…

U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that Iran’s government remains stable and is not at imminent risk of collapse, despite nearly two weeks of sustained air and missile strikes by the United States and Israel targeting Iranian military and leadership structures. The conclusion is based on multiple classified reports completed in the last few days, according to sources familiar with the intelligence. Officials familiar with the assessments say the regime continues to exercise control over the Iranian public and key state institutions, and that the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) remains central to governance and security operations. The intelligence evaluations follow…

Pakistan’s oil industry has urged the government to review the requirement that petrol stations install electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, arguing that the policy is commercially unviable under current market conditions. The Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC) said the mandatory linkage between issuing permits for fuel stations and the installation of EV chargers should be reconsidered. In a letter to Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, the council highlighted operational and financial challenges faced by oil marketing companies implementing the government’s New Energy Vehicles policy. Industry representatives said the sector supports the long-term shift toward cleaner transport but was not adequately…

The administration of Donald Trump estimates that the United States has spent about $11.3 billion during the first six days of its military campaign against Iran, according to a report cited by officials and lawmakers in Washington. Officials told members of Congress that the cost reflects extensive use of advanced munitions, airstrikes, and naval operations carried out since the conflict began in late February with coordinated U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iranian military infrastructure. The Pentagon had already reported that $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used in the first two days of the operation alone, highlighting the high financial…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it has made “considerable progress” in discussions with Pakistan over its funding programme but noted that talks will continue in the coming days before a final agreement is reached. According to IMF mission chief Iva Petrova, negotiations focused on the ongoing review of Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) programmes. The discussions assessed fiscal reforms, monetary policy measures, and steps to improve the viability of Pakistan’s energy sector. The IMF said Pakistan’s programme implementation has remained broadly aligned with agreed commitments through February 2026. Officials also discussed sustaining…

Passenger train services between China and North Korea are set to resume this week after a six-year suspension imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The international train, known as the K27 service, will depart from Beijing and travel through the Chinese border city of Dandong before crossing into North Korea and arriving in Pyongyang after a journey of more than 24 hours. Rail authorities say the route will operate four times a week, restoring an important cross-border transport link between the two countries that was halted in 2020 due to strict pandemic border closures. The service is expected to facilitate travel…

Two oil tankers caught fire in Iraqi territorial waters after suspected Iranian attacks, highlighting the growing maritime dimension of the ongoing war between Iran and the United States and its allies. Maritime officials say explosive-laden boats or projectiles struck the vessels near Iraq’s Al-Faw port, killing at least one crew member and forcing the rescue of dozens of sailors. The incident came as U.S. President Donald Trump insisted the United States had effectively “won” the war but signaled military operations would continue until Washington finishes its objectives. Iranian officials rejected that claim and warned the conflict could severely disrupt global…

Australia’s David Warner has been named captain of the Karachi Kings for the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the franchise announced on Wednesday, confirming his leadership role for a second consecutive term. The decision comes ahead of the tournament’s anticipated start next week, with teams finalising squads and leadership appointments. Warner, one of the most experienced international batsmen in the PSL, led the Kings during the 2025 season, earning praise for his tactical acumen and on‑field leadership. Karachi Kings management said they have renewed confidence in his ability to guide the side through the challenges of PSL 11.…

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its recent rally on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE‑100 Index gaining more than 1,900 points as investor confidence rose on the back of falling global oil prices and strong market sentiment, market data showed. The KSE‑100 index closed at 158,189.66 points after advancing 2,012.54 points, or 1.29%, from the previous session’s close of 156,177.12, marking a continuation of bullish momentum. Market analysts attributed the rally to improved investor sentiment following the State Bank of Pakistan’s decision to keep its key policy rate unchanged at 10.5%, which reassured traders and revived risk appetite. Declining oil…