Author: EchoAsiaNews

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday congratulated Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on his appointment as the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, expressing hope that under his leadership the neighbouring country would move toward peace, stability and prosperity. In a letter and social media post, the premier offered his deepest condolences on the death of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other family members, whose deaths were confirmed following coordinated strikes reported to involve the United States and Israel. Shehbaz Sharif said the tragic event had “deeply saddened the people of Pakistan, who stand in solidarity with…

Pakistan has successfully raised $507 million through the auction of next-generation 5G spectrum, marking a major milestone in the country’s digital transformation. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) concluded the first stage of the long-awaited auction, selling 480 MHz out of 597 MHz of available frequencies to three major telecom operators. The auction included multiple bands essential for 5G services, including 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3500 MHz, and was conducted over three competitive rounds. PTA Chairman Hafeez Ur Rehman described the auction as a “historic milestone” and said the process was transparent and highly competitive. Federal Minister for…

The United States has officially designated Taliban-ruled Afghanistan as a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention,” accusing the Taliban government of unjustly detaining American citizens and using them as leverage for political concessions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the decision and demanded the immediate release of Americans believed to be held by the Taliban, including Mahmood Habibi and Dennis Coyle. Washington says the Taliban has been detaining foreigners without due legal process, a practice the US describes as “hostage diplomacy.” Rubio said the Taliban continues to use “terrorist tactics such as kidnapping individuals for ransom or policy concessions,” warning…

US President Donald Trump said the ongoing war with Iran could end “very soon,” even as fighting between US-Israeli forces and Iranian-backed groups continues across the region. Speaking in interviews and public remarks, Trump said the military campaign against Iran is “very complete, pretty much” and “far ahead of schedule,” suggesting the conflict may conclude sooner than originally expected. The war began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian military and strategic infrastructure, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran and its allies. Trump said US forces have struck thousands of targets…

A leading Muslim civil rights organisation has said that a surge in Islamophobia in the United States is partly linked to policies introduced by Donald Trump targeting immigration and pro-Palestinian protests. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) reported a record 8,683 complaints of anti-Muslim and anti-Arab discrimination in 2025, the highest since the group began documenting such incidents in 1996. The figure slightly exceeded the 8,658 complaints recorded in 2024, according to the organisation’s latest report. CAIR said the increase was driven in part by government actions against pro-Palestinian demonstrations and stricter immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. The group…

Authorities in Dubai have introduced a new law aimed at strengthening building safety standards across the emirate, with penalties of up to AED2 million for violations. The legislation was issued by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who also serves as Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. The measure seeks to enhance safety in residential and commercial buildings and reduce risks to residents and property. Under the new rules, building owners must conduct regular inspections and maintenance checks to ensure structures meet required technical and safety standards. A Quality and Safety Certificate must be obtained following a…

Bangladesh has secured additional diesel supplies from international suppliers, including China and India, as the government moves to stabilise fuel availability amid major energy disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Officials said the country currently has sufficient diesel stocks to meet about one month of national demand, while arrangements are underway to secure additional shipments to cover the following month. Bangladesh relies heavily on imports for its energy needs, with around 95% of its fuel supply coming from abroad, making it particularly vulnerable to global supply shocks. According to energy officials, the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has already…

The government of Sindh has announced a set of austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and government spending as Pakistan faces rising energy costs linked to the ongoing US–Israel–Iran conflict. The measures were approved during a provincial cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. Speaking after the meeting, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the government had decided to implement strict conservation steps to manage resources amid global fuel supply disruptions and rising petroleum prices. Under the new policy, fuel consumption of government vehicles will be reduced by 50% for the next two months, while 60% of…

Veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime hawk on U.S. foreign policy, has drawn international scrutiny for comments suggesting that the ongoing U.S.–Israel military campaign against Iran could yield significant economic gains for the United States. Speaking on Fox News on Sunday, Graham said that once the Iranian regime is toppled, the United States would reshape the Middle East and “make a tonne of money,” comments interpreted by critics as signalling economic motives tied to oil and regional influence. Graham linked the conflict to control over global energy resources, noting that Iran and Venezuela together hold about 31 percent of the…

Volunteers, doctors and former patients have begun restoring Al‑Tijani Al‑Mahi Hospital for Psychiatric and Neurological Diseases, one of Sudan’s oldest mental health facilities, more than two years after it was severely damaged and looted during the country’s civil war. The initiative comes as Sudan’s already fragile healthcare system continues to collapse under persistent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has driven millions into displacement and left many medical facilities in ruins.  The hospital, founded in 1971 and long regarded as a regional centre for psychiatric care, was stripped of equipment, furniture and infrastructure…