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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.
Pakistan’s Former PM Imran Khan Appeals Conviction in Graft Case, Seeks Release
By Munir Ahmed
Since his sentencing Saturday, Khan has renewed his call for mass protests, but has failed to gain traction among his supporters.
Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi Reinstated to India’s Parliament
By Associated Press
This will strengthen the opposition’s effort to corner Prime Minister Modi ahead of a no-confidence motion this week.
Why Did Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif Offer India Conditional Talks Now?
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan fears that with elections nearing in India, Modi will escalate tensions with Islamabad to draw electoral dividend.
Taking Stock of India’s Evolving Unmanned Undersea Capabilities
By Biyon Sony Joseph
India’s new autonomous underwater vehicles is a milestone for its efforts in the UUV sector.
India’s Modi Faces No-confidence Vote in Parliament
By Krutika Pathi
The no-trust vote is aimed at forcing the Indian prime minister to speak on the ethnic violence in Manipur in Parliament.
Is Prison the End of the Political Road for Pakistan’s Imran Khan?
By Riazat Butt and Munir Ahmed
Imprisonment could win the former prime minister and his party greater electoral support and strengthen his image as a fearless campaigner for the disadvantaged.
India’s Top Court Temporarily Halts Conviction of Rahul Gandhi
By Ashok Sharma
The opposition leader had been convicted of criminal defamation – and ousted from Parliament – for mocking Prime Minister Modi’s surname.
Pakistan’s Path to Climate Action Needs Strong Political Leadership
By Abdul Waheed Bhutto
Political leaders must demonstrate strong commitment, empower local bodies, and engage communities as partners in the fight against climate change.
Can INDIA Win in India?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
While much has been said about the name of a new opposition alliance in India, what matters are its growing ranks.
A Very Quiet Meeting in Doha: US Officials Meet With Taliban Representatives
By Catherine Putz
With little fanfare, U.S. and Taliban delegations met this week in Doha. Their agendas are telling in their differences.
Indian Court Allows Survey of a 17th-century Mosque to See If It Was Built Over a Hindu Temple
By Biswajeet Banerjee
The Gyanvapi mosque in the city of Varanasi dates to the 16th century, but Hindu petitioners claim a Hindu temple once stood on the site.
State Elections Hold the Key for the New INDIA Coalition
By Bilal Ahmad
In the run up to the 2024 elections, state polls will test whether the opposition grouping will unite and grow – or fall apart to infighting.