In its communication, ACAA drew attention to reports of heightened tensions and incidents that have reportedly affected civilian populations. The organisation emphasised that the protection of non-combatants must remain paramount and called for continued adherence to established international humanitarian principles. It further underscored that the safety and dignity of civilians — particularly women and children — should remain a central consideration in any cross-border or internal security operations.

The charity also highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan refugee communities currently residing in Pakistan. For decades, Pakistan has hosted a substantial Afghan refugee population, reflecting the complex historical and geopolitical realities of the region. Recent policy measures and security-related developments, however, have created uncertainty for many families. In this context, ACAA stressed that migration management and any return processes should be carried out in a safe, orderly, and humane manner, in alignment with internationally recognised standards and practices.

Acknowledging recent remarks by UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, the organisation noted the significance of diplomatic engagement in addressing evolving regional circumstances. ACAA reiterated that sustained dialogue, de-escalation initiatives, and constructive international cooperation remain essential mechanisms for easing tensions and preventing further humanitarian strain.

According to ACAA, developments in the region are also deeply felt within diaspora communities abroad. The United Kingdom is home to a significant population of individuals of Afghan and Pakistani heritage, many of whom maintain close familial and cultural ties with relatives in the affected areas. The organisation observed that these communities are closely monitoring events and experiencing understandable concern for the wellbeing of their loved ones.

Reaffirming its humanitarian mission, ACAA stated that it remains steadfast in supporting vulnerable individuals and families through community outreach, advocacy initiatives, and practical assistance programmes. The organisation concluded by emphasising that stability, constructive engagement, and the protection of civilian life are essential pillars in addressing complex regional challenges.

According to the organisation, developments in the region are also resonating within diaspora communities abroad. The United Kingdom is home to a significant population of individuals of Afghan and Pakistani heritage, many of whom maintain close family and cultural ties with relatives in the affected areas. ACAA noted that these communities are closely following events and experiencing understandable concern for the wellbeing of their loved ones.

The humanitarian work of ACAA is closely linked to the lived experience of its leadership and team members. Among them is Darius Nasimi, whose family’s journey reflects both the hardships of displacement and the possibilities of rebuilding life through lawful integration and public service. His parents fled Afghanistan in 1999 after the Taliban seized control, undertaking a nine-month journey across Europe during which Darius was born.

The family travelled through Ukraine, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and Belgium before being placed inside a refrigerated lorry in Antwerp by traffickers seeking to transport them to the United Kingdom. Upon arrival in Dover, immigration officers discovered their hiding place. The freezing ten-hour journey had left the family in critical condition, and they were immediately rushed to hospital for emergency treatment.

In due course, the family was granted asylum and later became British citizens in 2004, settling in London. Darius Nasimi went on to graduate in philosophy from King’s College London. Today, he works with ACAA, contributing to efforts that support Afghan refugees who have been evacuated and resettled in the United Kingdom.

The charity was founded by his father, Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi, a scientist educated overseas who fled Afghanistan fearing persecution due to his liberal views and academic background. In the United Kingdom, Dr. Nasimi established ACAA to support refugees in rebuilding their lives through education, integration assistance, housing guidance, and community development initiatives.

Dr Nooralhaq Nasimi

In recognition of his humanitarian leadership and dedicated service to refugee communities, Dr. Nasimi has received national recognition in the United Kingdom, including being honoured with an award for his outstanding contribution to community cohesion and refugee support. The accolade acknowledged his sustained efforts in promoting lawful integration, social harmony, and constructive engagement between communities.

Two of Darius Nasimi’s three sisters currently serve in Government roles, reflecting the family’s strong commitment to public service and civic responsibility.

Reaffirming its humanitarian mission, ACAA stated that it remains committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families through community outreach, advocacy initiatives, and practical assistance programmes. The organisation concluded by emphasising that stability, constructive engagement, respect for lawful processes, and the protection of civilian life remain essential pillars in addressing complex regional challenges.

This report is presented in a balanced and responsible spirit, recognising the importance of humanitarian values, peaceful dialogue, and international cooperation in promoting regional stability and mutual understanding.

(Report sent by Mayukh Bhattacharyya)

Homecoming of Khaleda Zia’s son expected to reshape political momentum ahead of national polls

According to BNP sources, Tarique Rahman is expected to arrive in Dhaka from London on Christmas Day, December 25. Party leaders have described this as his return after a prolonged absence, with references made to both 14 and 17 years away from the country. If the plans proceed as scheduled, his homecoming will mark one of the most consequential moments for the opposition party in recent years.

Preparations within the BNP are already in full swing to accord Tarique Rahman a grand reception. Senior party figures had earlier hinted that he could be projected as the BNP’s prime ministerial candidate in the national elections expected to be held in February. Political observers believe that his physical presence in the country will significantly intensify the electoral contest and alter the dynamics of the campaign.

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir confirmed the development on Friday night, triggering a surge of enthusiasm among party leaders and grassroots workers. Following the confirmation, BNP leaders stated that supporters from across the country are expected to converge on Dhaka to welcome Tarique Rahman. The planned reception is set to stretch from the airport area through key city zones such as Gulshan and Banani, reflecting the scale of mobilisation anticipated by the party.

With Khaleda Zia’s health a matter of national concern and the general elections fast approaching, Tarique Rahman’s return is being viewed as a pivotal moment for the BNP. His arrival is expected not only to energise party ranks but also to sharpen political competition in what is shaping up to be a closely watched and highly charged electoral season.

Russian President Putin arrives in Delhi to a red carpet welcome. Boosting defence ties, insulating India-Russia trade from external pressure, and exploring cooperation in small modular reactors are set to be the focus of the summit between Modi and Putin. 

A policy memorandum on Tuesday directed the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to “place on hold,” effective immediately, all asylum applications, regardless of the immigrant’s country of nationality, pending a comprehensive review. The directive also places on hold all applications for Green Cards, US citizenship requests, and other immigration applications for immigrants from the 19 countries on which the Trump administration had placed a travel ban and are considered “countries of concern” by the White House.

These countries are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Burundi, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Laos, Libya, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Togo, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, and Yemen. The applications will be on hold “pending a comprehensive review, regardless of entry date,” the directive said. These are the same countries that were subject to a travel ban announced by US President Donald Trump in a proclamation issued in June this year.

The new guidance came in the wake of the tragic shooting of US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and US Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, by Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.

Displaced Palestinians gather to receive aid from a GHF aid distribution point in the so-called ‘Netzarim corridor’ area in the central Gaza Strip on July 30, 2025. (Eyad Baba/AFP)

Sources in Israeli media reported that Netanyahu met with a select group of ministers this week, reiterating that Hamas would be offered one final opportunity to agree to the ceasefire. Should they reject the terms, Israel is prepared to occupy strategic areas of the Gaza Strip, particularly along its perimeter. This development has intensified fears among the population in Gaza, which many describe as a region already devastated by war, starvation, and displacement.

Hamas, for its part, has accused both Israel and the United States of trying to coerce it into an unfavorable agreement “at gunpoint.” In response, President Trump argued that Hamas has repeatedly sabotaged peace efforts and suggested that the group is deliberately prolonging the conflict. As ceasefire talks stall in Cairo following the withdrawal of Israeli and American negotiating teams from Qatar, frustration is mounting in both Jerusalem and Washington.

A senior Israeli official disclosed to Channel 12 News that Israel submitted a formal document to mediators outlining its non-negotiable positions, including retaining control of the Philadelphia Corridor on the Gaza-Egypt border, denying the reopening of the Rafah Crossing, and rejecting Hamas’s sweeping demands for prisoner releases. These demands, Israeli officials argue, would leave them without leverage to secure the release of the final group of Israeli hostages.

Despite the apparent impasse, the United States is actively working to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, arrived in Israel on Wednesday to assess the situation. His visit comes in the wake of global outrage over rising deaths from malnutrition and ongoing violence near aid distribution centers. Witkoff, who had previously postponed a planned visit to Doha for hostage negotiations, is expected to meet with Israeli officials and may even enter Gaza to oversee the operations of the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

An Israeli flag flies from a main battle tank deployed at a position along the border with the Gaza Strip and southern Israel on July 29, 2025. (Jack GUEZ / AFP)

The GHF has been at the center of controversy, with allegations from Hamas that more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces near its aid sites. Local reports confirm frequent shootings around these centers as desperate civilians attempt to obtain food, often outside designated safe zones. While Israel accuses Hamas of hoarding aid and manipulating casualty figures, it has acknowledged some civilian deaths in such incidents. The Red Cross, too, has raised concerns, stating that many aid sites are located in or near evacuation zones, making them inaccessible and hazardous.

While ceasefire negotiations appear to have stalled, Israel has initiated daily “humanitarian pauses” in hostilities to allow more aid into Gaza. Nevertheless, aid agencies argue these measures are insufficient. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) noted that even with increased food deliveries, it could take weeks to stabilize the situation, as existing supplies are dwindling rapidly.

In parallel with military and diplomatic developments, there is growing support among Israeli lawmakers and ministers for the annexation and resettlement of parts of Gaza. On Wednesday, Ze’ev Elkin, a cabinet member from the New Hope party, suggested that the threat of annexation could be used as a pressure tactic against Hamas. He stated that losing land would be the “most painful” outcome for Hamas and urged an ultimatum to force a resolution.

That same day, 22 cabinet ministers and coalition lawmakers signed a letter urging Defense Minister Israel Katz to allow settlement groups to tour northern Gaza to evaluate potential sites for future Jewish settlements. Among the signatories were Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, and other far-right figures. These groups, including the controversial Nachala Movement, have been actively promoting Jewish resettlement in Gaza, with some activists organizing marches near the Gaza border to mark the 20th anniversary of Israel’s withdrawal from the territory.

Displaced Palestinians at the Nuseirat refugee camp haul food parcels and other items they managed to get from a GHF aid distribution point in the central Gaza Strip on July 30, 2025.(Eyad BABA / AFP)

The humanitarian toll of the war continues to mount. According to the Hamas-run Health Ministry, over 60,000 people have died in Gaza since the start of the conflict. This figure, however, remains unverified and does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. On the Israeli side, 459 soldiers have died in ground operations in Gaza and related border conflicts. Hamas still holds 50 hostages, 49 of whom were abducted during the October 7, 2023 attack that triggered the war, in which approximately 1,200 people in southern Israel were killed and 251 taken hostage.

In the face of this deteriorating situation, international actors including the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Egypt have joined Israel in air-dropping humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israeli officials praised the multinational effort and called on more countries to participate. In a statement posted on social media, the Prime Minister’s Office declared, “We secured the skies, secured the drops, and made sure the food got through. Any country that truly wants to help is welcome to join us.”

As political rhetoric hardens and conditions on the ground worsen, the prospect of a near-term breakthrough remains bleak. Officials in both Israel and the United States have expressed pessimism about the chances of reviving the negotiations, even as intermittent communication between the parties continues. With pressure mounting from all sides, the coming days could mark a pivotal moment for Gaza’s future — and for regional stability as a whole.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, Kolkata, July 17, 2025 :  In a carefully timed and strategically significant move, India has sent a powerful message to China amid ongoing diplomatic engagement, by successfully test-firing its advanced Akash Prime surface-to-air missile system at an altitude of 15,000 feet. This high-stakes demonstration of military capability came even as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar was in China attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting—highlighting India’s nuanced diplomatic and defense strategy.

The test, whose precise location remains undisclosed but is understood to be somewhere within the strategically vital Ladakh sector, has caught the attention of regional and international observers. Given its proximity to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between India and China, the timing and location of the test appear deliberate. The launch underscores India’s readiness to defend its borders with technological precision while simultaneously engaging in high-level diplomacy.

India’s defense authorities have confirmed that the Akash Prime air defense system, a significantly enhanced version of the existing Akash system, successfully neutralized two fast-moving aerial targets. This new variant is designed for deployment in high-altitude and extremely cold environments, capabilities that are essential for defending the nation’s northern frontiers. The missile trial marks a significant evolution in India’s air defense capabilities and reflects continued focus on self-reliance and technological superiority in the defense sector.

The Indian Army and Air Force already operate multiple regiments of the original Akash Air Defense System, which proved its mettle during Operation Sindoor—India’s successful response to Pakistani incursions involving Chinese aircraft and Turkish drones. In that operation, the Akash system played a key role by accurately intercepting incoming threats. The Akash Prime, with its upgraded targeting system, extended operational range, and improved all-weather performance, is now set to bolster India’s defense posture further with the addition of third and fourth regiments.

Described metaphorically by officials as the “grandfather” to the Akash system’s “brother”, the Akash Prime showcases a generational leap in India’s air defense technology. It can engage aerial threats with enhanced precision under the harshest of conditions—significantly improving India’s combat readiness along contested borders.

This show of strength comes at a crucial juncture in India-China relations, which remain complex and occasionally tense. Despite diplomatic overtures and multilateral engagements, including the ongoing SCO Summit, India has consistently asserted its strategic autonomy and defense preparedness.

The visit of Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to China, where he met his counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the SCO Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, further underscores the delicate balancing act India maintains. The SCO, established in 2001, has evolved into a key multilateral forum where India interacts with Central Asian nations, China, and Russia. It serves as a platform to address shared concerns such as terrorism, regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange.

India’s increasing engagement with the SCO reflects its recalibrated geopolitical priorities. While ASEAN remains central to India’s Act East Policy, the SCO presents a direct channel to collaborate with energy-rich and strategically located Central Asian nations. At the same time, it offers a neutral platform for engagement with China and Pakistan—both fellow SCO members—despite lingering tensions on multiple fronts.

India’s actions—testing a major defense capability while attending a major diplomatic event in China—send a dual message. On one hand, India remains committed to diplomacy and regional cooperation. On the other, it is equally prepared to defend its sovereignty with cutting-edge indigenous defense systems. This dual approach illustrates India’s evolving strategy of maintaining a firm defense posture while advancing its global diplomatic footprint in a rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape.

As the region navigates an increasingly complex security environment, India’s strategic messaging through synchronized military preparedness and diplomatic engagement highlights its resolve to play a decisive and independent role on the global stage.

Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | July 4, 2025 : Pakistan continues to reel under the grip of militancy as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) intensifies its violent campaign, plunging the nation into deeper unrest. On Wednesday afternoon, the troubled Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was once again the target of a deadly militant attack that killed five people, including two senior government officials, and left eleven others injured. The attack has sent shockwaves through the country, further exposing the deteriorating security situation in a region already plagued by years of extremist violence.

According to officials and reports from the Associated Press, the attack occurred in the Bajaur district—an area near the Afghan border known for its heavy tribal population and long history of militant activity. Militants reportedly launched a grenade attack on a government vehicle traveling along Naogai Road in the Siddiqabad Railway area of Khar tehsil. The explosion was devastating.

Among the deceased were Bajaur Assistant Commissioner Faizal Ismail and Sub-Divisional Magistrate Abdul Wakil. Two police personnel and a civilian also lost their lives in the blast. Bajaur Police Chief Waqas Rafique confirmed that the attack was deliberately aimed at a government convoy. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and swiftly transported the injured to a nearby hospital, where several remain in critical condition.

While no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, investigators suspect the involvement of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. The TTP, believed to be backed and ideologically aligned with elements in Afghanistan, has long been one of Pakistan’s most dangerous insurgent groups. Security forces are currently conducting a thorough investigation to trace the perpetrators and understand the precise nature of the attack.

This incident is part of a broader and increasingly alarming pattern. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, along with Balochistan and regions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, has become a stronghold for TTP and other extremist factions. These areas frequently witness ambushes, targeted killings, and bombings aimed at both Pakistani security forces and infrastructure projects.

Of particular concern is the threat these militants pose to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a strategic initiative involving multi-billion-dollar Chinese investments in Pakistani infrastructure. Several attacks in recent years have targeted Chinese nationals and CPEC-related assets, with TTP often being the prime suspect. The group’s continued operations threaten not only Pakistan’s internal security but also its international partnerships and economic future.

Balochistan, too, is facing an identity and territorial crisis amid growing insurgent sentiment, while the broader militant resurgence has left the Pakistani government struggling to assert control. With the frequency and scale of attacks on the rise, national stability remains precarious.

As Pakistan mourns yet another bloody attack, questions are being raised about the government’s strategy in curbing militancy and securing its restive regions. The revival and resilience of TTP continue to cast a dark shadow over Pakistan’s already fragile internal peace.

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, June 25, 2025, Kolkata :  Major Syed Moiz Abbas Shah of the Pakistan Army, who gained international attention in 2019 for claiming to have captured Indian Air Force Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, was killed in an encounter with militants in South Waziristan. The incident, confirmed by the Pakistan Army’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has once again cast a spotlight on Pakistan’s complex and controversial relationship with extremist groups it once supported.

The 37-year-old officer, a native of Chakwal district and a member of the elite Special Services Group (SSG), died during an operation against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants in the volatile Sararogha region near the Afghan border. Alongside Major Moiz, Lance Naik Jibran Ullah, 27, also lost his life in the fierce encounter. According to official statements, Pakistani troops neutralized 11 TTP militants and injured seven others in the operation.

Moiz’s death marks a grim twist in the narrative of Pakistan’s decades-long entanglement with militant outfits. Once hailed as a ‘hero’ by Pakistani media for his role in capturing Wing Commander Abhinandan following the 2019 aerial dogfight triggered by the Pulwama attack, Major Moiz became a symbol of Pakistan’s military triumph in the eyes of its public. An old interview with Geo TV, now recirculating online, features Moiz—then a captain—recounting how he saved Abhinandan from a violent mob after his MiG-21 was downed in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Funeral services for Major Moiz were held at Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi, with Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir attending and honouring his sacrifice. “Major Syed Moiz Abbas fought bravely in the face of resistance and ultimately laid down his life in the line of duty, upholding the highest traditions of bravery, sacrifice, and patriotism,” the ISPR quoted Munir as saying. His body was flown to his hometown, where he was buried with full military honours.

Moiz had been commissioned into the Pakistan Army in 2011 and later joined the SSG, Pakistan’s top-tier special operations force. At the time of his death, he was posted in one of the most restive and dangerous regions of Pakistan, battling the very forces once allegedly nurtured by the state itself.

The TTP, an umbrella organization formed in 2007 after the controversial Red Mosque siege in Islamabad, initially flourished with indirect backing from elements within Pakistan’s security establishment. Trained and radicalized in camps affiliated with groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Jaish-e-Mohammad, TTP militants have since turned their weapons against the Pakistani state. Once a “strategic asset,” the TTP has become a domestic nightmare.

Over the years, the TTP has been responsible for a string of deadly attacks including the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing, the 2009 assault on Pakistan’s military headquarters, and numerous strikes on military bases. Described by Pakistan’s leadership as “Fitna al-Khawarij”—a term from early Islamic history denoting violent rebellion—the group remains closely associated with global jihadist networks, including al-Qaeda.

Since 2024, more than 1,200 Pakistani military and police personnel have been killed in TTP-linked violence. In 2025 alone, at least 116 soldiers have died in such attacks. Major Moiz Abbas Shah is the latest in this mounting toll—a name once used to fan nationalist fervour now etched into the growing list of victims of the very militancy Pakistan once overlooked.

This incident has reignited intense debate about the contradictions in Pakistan’s security and foreign policy. Observers and analysts argue that the tragic death of Major Moiz encapsulates the consequences of long-standing state complicity with militant groups. A man once celebrated for capturing an Indian pilot has now fallen to bullets fired by those bred in the very shadows of Pakistan’s fragmented militant policy.