Author: EchoAsiaNews

At least five Palestinians were killed on Friday in Israeli drone and airstrikes targeting police posts and other sites in the southern and central Gaza Strip, local medical and civil defence officials said. The strikes occurred despite a US‑brokered truce that entered a new phase last month but has been repeatedly violated, according to reports from Gaza authorities and international news outlets. Gaza’s civil defence ministry, which operates under the territory’s health and rescue services, said an airstrike in the early hours of Friday morning killed at least two people and seriously wounded another in central Gaza. Shortly afterwards, a…

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has condemned an unprovoked attack by Afghan forces, calling it a “cowardly” act carried out under the cover of darkness, according to a statement released by the finance ministry on Friday. In the statement, Aurangzeb paid tribute to Pakistan’s armed forces for delivering a “befitting reply” to Afghanistan’s aggression, emphasizing that national defence is every Pakistani’s top priority. He stressed that the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will not be compromised. The finance minister also reassured citizens that the government is committed to maintaining peace and security, and that the military response was aimed at…

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in India on Friday for a diplomatic visit aimed at resetting bilateral relations and boosting economic cooperation, according to Al Jazeera and Reuters. The visit marks Carney’s first major official trip to India since taking office and comes after several years of strained relations between the two countries. Carney’s schedule includes meetings with business leaders in Mumbai to promote collaboration in trade, investment, energy, and technology sectors. He will also travel to New Delhi for high-level discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on advancing the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and other…

United Nations Secretary‑General Antonio Guterres has voiced serious concern over the recent sharp escalation in cross‑border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, urging both sides to exercise restraint and protect civilians, according to a statement from his spokesperson. In the statement, Guterres said he is “closely following with concern” reports of the intensifying fighting and reiterated that all parties must adhere to their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law to safeguard non‑combatants caught in the conflict. He also commended diplomatic mediation efforts by several nations and urged a renewed focus on peaceful dialogue and negotiation to resolve differences. The…

Russia’s government has urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to immediately cease hostilities and end the ongoing clashes, calling instead for peaceful and diplomatic solutions to their disputes, according to a report by the Russian state‑owned news agency RIA Novosti. In its appeal, Moscow stressed the importance of de‑escalation and resolving differences through diplomacy rather than continued military confrontation. The statement reflects Russia’s concern about the escalating conflict between the two neighbours and its potential to destabilize the wider region if left unchecked. This call from Russia comes amid intense border tensions and military exchanges that have drawn international attention, with…

Pakistan’s security forces have given an immediate and effective response to what the government describes as unprovoked fire by the Afghan Taliban regime along multiple points of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, the Ministry of Information said in an official statement on Friday. According to security sources, the confrontation intensified overnight after the Afghan Taliban opened fire across several sectors along the Pak-Afghan International Border. Pakistan’s security forces responded with coordinated military operations, including air and ground counter-strikes. Officials said Pakistan Air Force jets targeted a major ammunition depot in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, destroying it as part of retaliatory action. In statements…

According to security sources in Pakistan, intense counter-attacks under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq have resulted in significant casualties and destruction across multiple positions. Security officials claim that at least 58 Afghan personnel were killed and over 100 injured during the latest phase of the operation. Sources further stated that 12 Afghan posts were completely destroyed, while five posts were captured in what they described as effective counter-attacks. In addition, a large ammunition depot, three Afghan battalions, and a sector headquarters were reportedly destroyed during the strikes. Security sources also claimed that more than 30 tanks, artillery guns, and armored personnel…

The Government of Pakistan said on Thursday that security forces are giving an “immediate and effective response” to what it described as unprovoked firing by the Afghan Taliban along multiple locations of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). In a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said the Afghan Taliban regime had miscalculated by opening fire across the border, and that Pakistani forces had responded at once to counter the action. The statement said Pakistan’s security forces were delivering “punishment” to Taliban positions in several sectors, including Chitral, Khyber, Mohmand, Kurram and Bajaur, adding…

Bitcoin and broader crypto markets show signs of renewed activity amid volatility. Bitcoin has rallied past the $68,000 level, driven by strong institutional flows into bitcoin ETFs and a short squeeze that liquidated hundreds of millions in bearish positions, reflecting renewed risk appetite after recent selling pressure. Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded over $250 million in inflows, the largest daily surge since early February, indicating growing investor confidence in the world’s largest cryptocurrency. Altcoins and market rally dynamics: The surge in Bitcoin coincided with positive movements across many altcoins as the broader market capitalization climbed. Chainlink’s price rose on renewed market momentum,…

South Africa’s women’s cricket team clinched the ICC Women’s Championship ODI series with a hard-fought 16-run victory over Pakistan at SuperSport Park, taking an unassailable 2‑0 lead with one match remaining. Despite Pakistan’s spirited chase, the hosts held their nerve to seal the series. Batting first, South Africa got off to a solid start with Laura Wolvaardt (20) and Tasmin Brits (77) laying the foundation. Brits’ aggressive innings of 77 from 62 balls set the tone, while Sune Luus contributed a steady 57. Annerie Dercksen stole the spotlight, scoring 90 off 68 deliveries with six boundaries and four sixes. A…