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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.
Is the Worst Yet to Come for Imran Khan?
By Umair Jamal
As things stand, it seems neither Khan nor his political party will be permitted to contest elections.
India, Pakistan Brace for Severe Cyclone, Deploy Rescuers to Coastal Regions
By Sibi Arasu and Munir Ahmed
Cyclone Biparjoy is forecast to make landfall on Thursday, with its trajectory aiming at Pakistan's southern Sindh province and the coastline of the western Indian state of Gujarat.
Taliban Slam ‘Baseless and Biased’ UN Report About Rifts in Their Ranks
By Associated Press
The report said that power has shifted from Kabul to Kandahar, where the group’s supreme leader is based.
Will ‘The Democrats’ Reconfigure the Maldives’ Political Landscape?
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
A new party formed out of a rift in the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party could impact upcoming presidential elections in the Maldives.
Frankenstein’s Monster: Pakistan’s Military and Imran Khan
By Muhammad A. Basit
The Pakistani military supported and nurtured Imran Khan, but later realized it was a failed experiment.
US Company Signs Agreement to Enter Sri Lanka’s Retail Fuel Market
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
In addition to long-time player India, China’s Sinopec has also acquired rights to operate in the island’s retail market.
Border Clashes and Water Disputes Complicate Taliban-Iran Relations
By Parisa Abbasian
Both the Taliban and Iran have made gestures aimed at lowering border tensions, but each still blames the other for recent clashes.
Indian Wrestlers Demanding Arrest of Sports Official for Sexual Abuse Suspend Protests
By Sheikh Saaliq
The sports minister promised a swift probe into alleged sexual harassment by Wrestling Federation of India Chief and BJP parliamentarian Brij Bhushan Singh.
Pakistan, Iran Seal Energy Deal to Power Gwadar
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
Some Pakistanis are worried about Gwadar’s considerable reliance on Iranian electricity, especially in the context of U.S. opposition to trade with Iran.
A Breakthrough in Afghanistan-Pakistan Relations?
By Ureeda Khan
A new joint committee on border movement aims to address the problem of cross-border attacks.
Workers Worry as Sri Lanka Begins Reforming Labor Laws Again
By Rathindra Kuruwita
Labor reforms are touted as a panacea for economic woes but they essentially aim at facilitating dismissal of workers.
Pakistan Turns to Barter Trade With Russia, Iran and Afghanistan
By Umair Jamal
The decision is aimed at conserving dollars amid its crippling economic crisis.