Islamabad: While Pakistan celebrates the 149th birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah on 25 December, honoring him as the founder of the nation, strong dissent continues in Balochistan. Prominent Baloch leader Mir Yar Baloch has called Jinnah a “devil and deceiver,” holding him responsible for forcibly bringing Balochistan under Pakistan’s control in March 1948. Mir Yar Baloch, a long-time advocate for Balochistan’s independence, shared a social media post with Jinnah’s photograph labeled “Satan.” He wrote, “On 25 December 1876, a devil was born named Muhammad Ali Jinnah, whose ancestors belonged to Punja. He served as the employee and lawyer of the Khan of Kalat, Ahmed Yar Khan, representing Balochistan in Britain. He betrayed Balochistan and, on 27 March 1948, launched a military at...

Ottawa/New Delhi: After a prolonged period of diplomatic tension, India and Canada are set to revive discussions on a bilateral trade agreement. Relations between the two nations had deteriorated sharply during former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure in 2023, when negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) were stalled. Trudeau’s administration had also expelled Indian diplomats and halted discussions, citing concerns over Khalistan supporters in Canada. Renewed Momentum Under Prime Minister Mark CarneyThe tide is now turning under Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office in March 2025. In a recent interview, Carney confirmed that Canada has formally resumed trade talks with India. Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also stated that both countries are prepar...

Washington/Beijing/New Delhi: While recent months have seen a notable reduction in tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) between India and China, the Pentagon warns that this apparent calm is part of a calculated Chinese strategy rather than a genuine effort to resolve long-standing border disputes. The United States Department of Defense’s Annual Report to Congress on China’s Military and Security Developments – 2025 highlights that China continues to rapidly expand its military infrastructure along the LAC, maintaining a strong troop presence. Strategic Disengagement, Not PeaceThe report indicates that China’s reduced confrontations with India are temporary and tactical. Analysts emphasize that Beijing aims to buy time, manage international pressure, and prevent India from i...

Ottawa/Edmonton: The tragic death of 44-year-old Indian-origin Prashant Shrikumar in Canada has raised serious questions about hospital care and emergency response protocols. On 22 December, Shrikumar was rushed to Grey Nuns Community Hospital in Edmonton after experiencing severe chest pain. Despite his repeated complaints, he reportedly waited for eight hours before receiving treatment, ultimately succumbing to a cardiac arrest. Family Alleges NegligenceAccording to Shrikumar’s family, hospital staff initially conducted a check-up and then sent him to the waiting area, assuring him there was “nothing serious” and that he should remain calm. Shrikumar repeatedly reported unbearable chest pain and high blood pressure, but staff delayed urgent treatment. Several hours later, he was final...

Dhaka: With Bangladesh gearing up for its 13th national parliamentary elections on 12 February, political parties are entering a phase of intense alliance-building. The country’s Chief Election Commissioner, A.M.M. Nasiruddin, recently announced the official election schedule, setting the stage for pre-election negotiations. Reports indicate that Jamaat-e-Islami and the National Citizen Party (NCP) are in advanced discussions to form a coalition. While details of seat-sharing are still being negotiated, both parties are known for their staunchly India-critical stances, and the alliance, if finalized, could consolidate their influence in certain constituencies. Background of the PartiesJamaat-e-Islami has a decades-long history of anti-India positions and is often seen as aligned with...

Ottawa/Toronto: In a tragic incident, 20-year-old Indian doctoral student Shivank Avasthi was shot dead near the Scarborough campus of the University of Toronto. The shooting took place in broad daylight at Highland Creek Trail on Old Kingston Road, leaving students and the local community in shock. The Indian High Commission in Canada expressed deep grief over the incident, stating that it is in contact with the victim’s family and is coordinating with local authorities to provide all necessary assistance. “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic death of young Indian doctoral student Shivank Avasthi in the shooting near the University of Toronto Scarborough campus,” the High Commission posted on social media. Police Investigation UnderwayToronto police confirmed that the shooting ...

Washington: Renowned American political scientist and author Professor Francis Fukuyama has sharply criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies toward India, claiming they have undermined decades of strategic cooperation. Speaking to France 24, Fukuyama said, “For the past 30 years, the United States has sought to strengthen ties with India to counterbalance China. Donald Trump has thrown all of that away, driven by personal ego and a failed quest for the Nobel Prize.” Trump’s Policies Strain India-US RelationsFukuyama emphasized that Trump’s grievances stemmed from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s refusal to support his Nobel Peace Prize nomination. “Trump placed his personal ambitions above the long-term national interests of the United States, weakening an essential strate...

Dhaka: Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has strongly condemned the recent spate of attacks targeting religious minorities in Bangladesh, accusing the interim government led by Mohammad Yunus of perpetrating atrocities against non-Muslims. Hasina, now based in India after being forced to leave Dhaka in August 2024, described the current administration as illegitimate and claimed it is using its unlawful authority to carry out heinous acts, including setting people on fire. The criticism comes in the wake of two brutal mob lynchings of Hindu youths within a single week. On Wednesday night in the village of Hosen Danga in Rajbari district, a 29-year-old Hindu man, Amrit Mandal, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged extortion. Earlier, on 18 December, 25-year-old Dipu Chandra Das, a ...

Dhaka: The return of Tarique Rahman, son of the former Prime Minister Zia, has injected fresh energy into Bangladesh’s election atmosphere, stirring both excitement and anxiety across the political spectrum. With Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina absent from the scene, Rahman and his party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), appear well-positioned to make a strong electoral push in the upcoming February elections. Rahman is being eyed by his party as the next Prime Minister. However, the surge of BNP’s popularity is causing unease within Jamaat-e-Islami. According to an intelligence assessment reported by CNN-News18, Jamaat leaders fear that a BNP majority government could sideline their party, ending their longstanding role as political kingmakers. Once considered strategic partners, J...