South Asia

The official death toll from the earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has risen to 800, with over 2,800 injured, while rescue workers struggle to reach remote areas affected by the disaster. The emergency comes on top of the nearly two million refugees forced to return from Pakistan and Iran in recent months. In addition to the lack of infrastructure, the shortage of female doctors, a consequence of the bans imposed by the Taliban after their return to power, is further complicating assistance.

The Peace Center Lahore unites Muslims, Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs, where people share iftars, perform joint celebrations, and carry out relief efforts during floods for a peace that requires concrete action, not just talk, understanding, not just the absence of conflict. The project puts forward a different Pakistan with communities that listen to one another, where friendships grow, and young people lead the change.

The Shanghai Co-operation Organisation condemns last April’s attack in Kashmir that sparked border fighting between India and Pakistan, but also terrorist attacks in Balochistan, which Islamabad blames on New Delhi. Modi, unlike his Pakistani counterpart Shahbaz Sharif, avoided expressing support for the Belt and Road Initiative. For China, despite tensions in South Asia, multilateralism remains the best option for building an anti-US bloc.

Hundreds of people attended the ordination of Fr Limon Biswas, a PIME missionary like Fr Antonio Marietti, who was the first to speak about Jesus in 1856 in Jessore, a village in the present-day Diocese of Khulna. Now he himself will leave as a missionary for Papua New Guinea. “I hope he will spread the Gospel with dedication and love,” said Bishop Boiragi.

A new environmental emergency has hit the strait separating the Indian coast from Sri Lanka, threatening to cripple local tourism and fishing. Carried by currents from India, mounds of plastic reach the Mannar region. Monsoon currents, which carry dust, are more difficult to collect, compounding the problem. Globally, the failure to ratify or implement agreements and treaties weighs heavily on the country.

Shamraiz Masih, 14, was cajoled and abducted. His mother, Rehana Imran, report the matter to the police, but the officers showed only apathy and disinterest. The court placed the child in custody with distant Muslim relatives. “This is not an isolated case,” says an activist.

Before his highly anticipated trip to China, the Indian prime minister is in Japan, a clear sign that he wants to counterbalance his overtures to Beijing. Economic co-operation is the focus of the visit, especially in high-speed trains and new technologies. Both sides are seeking a mutually beneficial partnership.

In India's largest textile manufacturing hub, 60 per cent of workers are from scheduled castes working in factories. 50 per cent tariffs imposed by the US place Indian manufacturers at a disadvantage compared to their competitors in Bangladesh, Vietnam, and Cambodia, who face lower tariffs. For Chief Minister Stalin, up to three million jobs are at risk.

Released on health grounds, the former Sri Lankan president is accused of using state funds for a private trip to the United Kingdom in 2023 to celebrate his wife's honorary award. His supporters say his arrest is a threat to democracy, and some in the international community are concerned over the treatment of the man who was called to save the country from financial default. But those who opposed him say that the law must be equal for everyone.

Sponsored by St. Nicholas Sunday School in Munnakkara, the event saw a simple object, adorned with images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and the saints, become an opportunity to rediscover the joy of Christian life. For Father Nishan, it provided an opportunity to experience “the spiritual and relaxing atmosphere of a family united in God.”

This is done for the first time since 1971, when the country gained independence through war. The agreement, which will last for five years and follows a meeting of senior Pakistani government ministers visiting Bangladesh, reflects a new balance of power following Sheikh Hasina's flight a year ago. In addition to visas, the two countries sign cooperation agreements in education, media, and trade.

The government has introduced a measure to facilitate the issuing of temporary driver's licences upon arrival at Katunayake International Airport. Following the 2019 church attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic, the tourism sector is experiencing a fragile recovery. The new provision risks undermining self-employed workers.