Pakistan has signed a memorandum of understanding with SC Financial Technologies, an entity affiliated with Trump-linked crypto platform World Liberty Financial, to explore the use of its USD1 stablecoin for cross-border payments.

Leaked audio of supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada and a disputed internet shutdown expose growing ideological and power struggles within Taliban leadership.

The international situation has been “increasingly deteriorating,” Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned, citing old conflicts reigniting and new emerging flashpoints.

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to introduce a pre-arrangement immigration clearance system that will allow Pakistani travellers to bypass lengthy procedures upon arrival in the UAE.

Pakistan’s passport has climbed five places in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, rising to 98th position and expanding travel access for Pakistani citizens.

The United States is withdrawing some personnel from bases in the Middle East, a US official said on Wednesday, after a senior Iranian official said Tehran had warned neighbours it would hit American bases if Washington strikes.

China’s trade surplus surged to a record $1.2 trillion in 2025 as booming exports to Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe offset a sharp fall in shipments to the United States amid higher tariffs.

Iran’s nationwide protests have turned into the deadliest unrest in decades, with activists reporting more than 2,500 deaths as authorities enforce internet blackouts and mass arrests. The violence has drawn international concern and sharp rhetoric from U.S. President Donald Trump.

India has said its presidency of BRICS 2026 will reflect the need to strengthen capacities, promote innovation, and ensure sustainable development.

Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are quietly pressing U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid military action against Iran, warning that regime change could trigger regional instability, oil supply disruptions, and economic fallout for the United States.

China has reaffirmed its claim over the Shaksgam Valley, defending infrastructure construction and the 1963 China-Pakistan boundary agreement, while India has rejected Beijing’s assertions, calling the agreement illegal and reiterating that the region is an integral part of its territory.

Iran has extensive evidence showing the US and Israel had a “big hand” in recent unrest in the country, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a meeting of foreign diplomats in Tehran on Monday.