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The Pulse
South Asia is a story of promise and peril where Asia’s conflicting forces of modernity and reaction meet head on. Home to a multitude of different cultures, ethnicities, and religions, The Diplomat's regional correspondents and experts will provide the insight you need to navigate one of the world's most consequential regions.
Post-Election Pakistan Is on a Knife-Edge
By Abdul Basit
The three main political parties must evolve a political consensus through a grand dialogue.
Pakistan Election Results Are Delayed
By Associated Press
Early trends indicate wins for independents backed by Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Is Afghanistan’s ‘Regional Cooperation Initiative’ an Opening for India?
By Anuraag Khaund
As the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate calls for developing a “region-centric narrative,” New Delhi can’t afford to be left out.
Revisiting the Murder of Pakistani Journalist Arshad Sharif
By Eve Register
The Pakistani journalist was killed in Kenya well over a year ago, in a case that has seen little progress.
Ex-Pakistani Premier Nawaz Sharif Strikes Confident Note in Vote Marred by Rival’s Imprisonment
By Riazat Butt and Munir Ahmed
Interestingly, his jailed rival Imran Khan’s supporters showed up in large numbers in Sharif’s traditional stronghold of Lahore.
India’s Uttarakhand State Passes Uniform Marriage Legislation
By Biswajeet Banerjee and Ashok Sharma
Muslim groups are opposing the uniform code, as it interferes with their own customs and laws.
Temple-Mosque Disputes Are Sprouting Across India
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Hindu nationalists say that Muslims should give up their claims to mosques on disputed sites to settle conflicts amicably.
Bombings at Pakistani Political Offices Kill at Least 30 a Day Before Elections
By Abdul Sattar and Munir Ahmed
Two separate attacks on election offices underscored the volatile security situation in Balochistan province.
South Asia’s Climate Crisis Demands Action, Not Just Pledges
By Hamael Kashif
Despite contributing very little to the problem, South Asia’s climate challenges are stark – and so far, the promised help has largely failed to materialize.
Pakistan’s Election: Who’s Running, What’s the Mood, and Will Anything Change?
By Riazat Butt
People on the street say they don't believe things will be different after this election.
UN Rights Body Concerned by ‘Pattern of Harassment’ of Imran Khan’s PTI
By Munir Ahmed and Jamey Keaten
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights urged Pakistani authorities to ensure a fully free and fair voting process.
Imran Khan Casts a Long Shadow Over Polling Day in Pakistan
By Umair Javed
He may be banned and his party in disarray, but Imran Khan will be an influential figure in Pakistan’s election.