Afghanistan
Tajikistan again in spotlight as “terrorism hub” after New York arrest
Accused allegedly sent tens of thousands of dollars Islamic State extremists overseas and trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges in US.
US shows interest in bolstering ties with Central Asian states
Washington interested in widening access to region’s mineral wealth.
US aid cutoff raises fears of Afghan economic collapse
Afghanistan's economy is in freefall as the new Trump administration pulls the remaining US aid to the country.
US deportation of asylum seekers to Panama condemned by Iran
The United States has deported 119 asylum seekers of various nationalities to Panama, including Iranian nationals who claim they were transferred without notice or deportation documentation.
PANNIER: Prince Karim Aga Khan IV obituary
Spiritual leader who mingled with heads of state and royalty leaves behind tremendous amount of grassroots work that will benefit Ismaili Muslim communities for generations to come.
The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili, passes away at 88
Billionaire philanthropist invested his fortune in lifting up communities around the world, particularly the Pamiri peoples of Tajikistan.
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Inmates shot dead as Tajik prison guards battle “Islamic State” escape attempt
Prisoners launch attack wielding shanks and hand-made knives. Tajikistan again in spotlight as terrorist recruiting ground.
Pakistan, Bangladesh strengthen ties in post-Hasina era
For much of the 54 years since Bangladesh gained its independence from Pakistan, ties between the two countries have remained strained at best. Now things are starting to look up.
PANNIER: Taliban’s relations with Central Asia imperilled as Trump turns off aid taps
Afghanistan pays for electricity and food imports with US development assistance. No more?
India’s doubts over TAPI Pipeline persist amid security and geopolitical concerns
The TAPI pipeline project, upon completion, will span 1,814 kilometres, beginning at the Galkynysh Gas Field in Turkmenistan, the world’s second-largest natural gas reserve
PANNIER: Tajikistan, Taliban tone down the hostile rhetoric
Grudging acceptance that relations need to improve seen in Dushanbe and Kabul.
Central Asia emerges as new e-commerce hub
The Central Asian region, encompassing five countries with a combined population of 75mn — Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan — is poised for an e-commerce boom.
Growing Islamic finance in Central Asia to unlock GCC investment
The Eurasian Development Bank, the Islamic Development Bank Institute and the London Stock Exchange Group have joined forces to support the rapid development of Islamic finance in Central Asia.