Asif Ali Zardari clinched his second term as President of Pakistan on Saturday, securing 411 votes from national and provincial lawmakers. His opponent, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, backed by Imran Khan's PTI party, received 181 votes. The Pakistan People’s Party leader previously held the post from 2008 to 2013.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday that a senior Indian diplomat, J.P. Singh, who is the official in charge of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran (PAI) related issues, met Taliban’s acting foreign affairs minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Thursday. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that the PAI joint secretary is leading a delegation for a visit to the Taliban-ruled country. During the visit, the group talked about India’s humanitarian aid to the Afghan people as well as Afghan traders’ use of the Chabahar Port.
On Friday, several groups of Afghan women held rare protests to mark International Women’s Day. The women, who were in small groups, demanded that various restrictions on their freedom be lifted. Women’s rights, including the freedom of movement and the right to education, have been increasingly suppressed since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
Torrential rains in Indonesia’s Sumatra island triggered flash floods and a landslide, claiming at least 19 lives, with seven individuals still missing. The worst-hit village, Koto XI Tarusan, saw rescuers recovering seven bodies, while three were found in neighbouring areas. Pesisir Selatan and Padang Pariaman reported six and three bodies, respectively. The National Disaster Management Agency revealed two villagers sustained injuries. Search efforts continue for the seven missing individuals.
Over the past five years, China significantly reduced its arms imports by 44%, ranking 10th among the world’s major foreign weapons buyers, as per the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). China’s shift towards domestic technology saw a notable decrease in arms imports. Russia remained the primary supplier, accounting for 77% of China’s purchases, with France at 13%. Despite tensions with Russia, Ukraine held the third position, contributing 8.2% to China’s imports by providing gas turbines and engines for various military assets.
China’s ambassador to Australia suggested on Monday that the suspended death sentence for Australian writer Yang Hengjun might not be carried out if he refrains from further crimes. If Yang complies with the terms of his imprisonment and commits no further crimes, “theoretically there is a chance he will not be executed,” Ambassador Xiao Qian said. Yang, imprisoned on espionage charges, received a suspended sentence, indicating no immediate execution. Xiao also played down concerns about Yang’s health, stating it was not as severe as portrayed by his family.