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Pakistan

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Pakistan
Pakistan
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Pakistan. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Capital
Islamabad
Head of State
President Asif Ali Zardari
Head of Government
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
A Pinaka multiple launch rocket system on display during India’s 76th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi, on January 26 last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
India

India’s military upgrade to counter regional threats gathers pace

While US$30 billion of defence packages for weapon buys and others have been approved, the pace of roll-out is worrying, analysts say.

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Video | Pakistan brewery exporting after near 50-year ban

Extreme weather

Asia’s year of costly climate disasters spurs calls for ‘decisive action’

China's military weapons

China-Pakistan jet deal with Libyan group ‘may help expand Beijing’s influence’

The agreement will supply the Libyan National Army with 16 fourth-generation JF-17 fighters.

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The JF-17 jet was jointly developed by China and Pakistan. Photo: AP
SCMP Highlights

Fujian enters service, J-10C impresses: 10 China military developments in 2025

From hardware on show at China’s military parade to anti-drone systems, here are some of the year’s most notable People’s Liberation Army stories.

SCMP Highlights

Philippines’ Chinese tourism woes, police officer goes viral: 7 Asia highlights

From India’s anxiety over US-Pakistan deals to South Korea’s visa policy debate, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

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India

India’s partial visa suspension signals unease over Bangladesh’s recent unrest

India halted visa services from its Chittagong mission after violent protests, underscoring its concern over security and stability.

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Protesters chant slogans around a fire in Dhaka on December 18 after the death of youth leader Sharif Osman Hadi, whose killing triggered unrest in the Bangladeshi capital and other parts of the country, including attacks on media offices, authorities said. Photo: AFP
China’s military

J-16s vs Rafales: Chinese air force puts jets to the war-game test

State broadcaster offers a look at a PLA exercise simulating an air combat scenario between Chinese and foreign forces.

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Australia

Bondi Beach attack sparks global misinformation crisis, and AI-driven hate

A leading counterterrorism expert warns that ‘agentic AI’ and political point-scoring are fuelling a toxic symbiosis between extremists.

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Bangladesh

Bangladeshi politician’s threat targeting India’s northeast deepens row

His claim of Delhi’s election interference comes days after a leader of the 2024 uprising in Bangladesh was shot in Dhaka.

Hasnat Abdullah (centre), a leader of the National Citizen Party, speaking at a rally in Dhaka on Saturday. Photo: EPA
India

India wary as US backs Pakistan with F-16 upgrades and mineral projects

Analysts say New Delhi faces an ‘uncomfortable truth’ as Washington and Beijing find rare common ground on stability in Pakistan.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left) and army chief Syed Asim Munir (right) meet US President Donald Trump in Washington in September. Photo: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Office/AFP
Australia

‘Terrified’ Sydney man with same name misidentified as Bondi gunman

After an online photo was shared thousands of times with ‘terrible’ comments, the young man pleaded for ‘help to stop this propaganda’.

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India-Pakistan tensions

Opinion | How Pakistan’s rising confidence could shape a cooperative South Asia

If Gulf investment, Chinese strategic interest and Pakistani willingness align, the region could shift from confrontation to collaboration.

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Afghanistan

5 killed in latest clash at Afghanistan-Pakistan border crossing

Each side has accused the other of launching ‘unprovoked’ attacks at the crossing between Chaman and Spin Boldak, in southern Afghanistan.

A mortar lies on the ground near a damaged house in Chaman on Saturday, following overnight cross-border fire between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Photo: AFP
SCMP Highlights

‘Schrodinger’s Pakistan’, Chinese travellers eye Singapore: 7 Asia highlights

From election loss for Malaysia’s Anwar to Pakistan’s young feeling sidelined, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Tourists take photos with the Merlion statue in Singapore. Chinese visitors say the city state is an “easy and comfortable” travel destination. Photo: Reuters
India

India’s Modi to pitch arms deal to Russia, Putin despite US efforts

Modi has maintained India’s long-standing ties to Moscow, while reducing its reliance on Russian weapons by acquiring more arms from the US and Europe.

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United Nations

Pakistan rejects UN warning over legal immunity for military chief

A constitutional amendment approved by parliament earlier this month shields Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other top officials from prosecution for life.

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India

In ‘Schrodinger’s Pakistan’, the young feel sidelined by the state

A constitutional overhaul that neuters the courts and empowers the generals is seen by many as a naked display of elite self-preservation.

Young Pakistanis shout slogans during a protest in Islamabad last year. Photo: AFP
War and conflict

Can mediators prevent war between Afghanistan, Pakistan as tensions spike?

Prolonged proxy warfare could create space for terrorist groups such as Isis-K to regenerate and plot overseas attacks, analysts warn.

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India

India, Afghanistan close ranks against Pakistan, marking South Asia power shift

Direct air cargo links reflect New Delhi’s efforts to reassert influence and could help Kabul reduce dependence on Islamabad, analysts say.

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China’s military

China’s private defence companies see opportunities amid growing conflicts

Ukraine war and Kashmir conflict highlight ‘broad stage’ for firms to meet demand for affordable and reliable equipment, insiders say.

While China’s state-owned defence conglomerates continue to dominate weapons development, private companies have increasingly entered the sector in recent years under the country’s military-civil fusion strategy. Photo: Handout
Afghanistan

3 Pakistani security officers killed in suicide bombing near Afghan border

One attacker detonated his explosives at the main gate of the paramilitary headquarters while a second was shot and killed in its compound.

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Paramilitary soldiers secured the entrance of their headquarters in Peshawar, Pakistan, on Monday after suicide bombers attacked it. Photo: Reuters
India

India still behind as China-made submarines boost Pakistan’s naval power

The Indian Navy’s self-reliance drive is being undercut by chronic ‘sluggishness’ in procurement, analysts say.

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India

‘Dramatic failure’: Tejas crash deals blow to India’s jet export ambitions

The mishap came as rival Pakistan signed a deal for export of JF-17 Thunder fighter, which it co-developed with China.

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India

Will US approval for arms sales to India pave the way for a trade deal?

The US$93 million arms supply could help reduce India’s goods surplus with the US as both sides seek to reach a trade deal, analysts say.

A Javelin missile fired by US soldiers during a live-fire training exercise in Fort Carson, Colorado, in 2022. Photo: AFP
India

Indian Air Force pilot dies in Tejas crash during Dubai Air Show demonstration

The pilot had flown across the site several times before the plane appeared to lose control and dive directly towards the ground.

Firefighters work at the site of a crash involving an Indian-made HAL Tejas fighter jet on Friday. Photo: Government of Dubai Media Office/Reuters

Boiler blast completely flattens Pakistan glue factory, killing 18

Witnesses said the explosion was so powerful that nearby homes collapsed and debris was hurled across the streets.

China's military weapons

China leveraged India-Pakistan conflict to test military edge: US panel

Report says Beijing tested modern weapons in the May clash and promoted their performance to boost its defence sales worldwide.

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