South & Central Asia

Taliban refute Trump’s claim of Chinese control over Afghan base as ‘emotional’ 

Trump claimed during his election campaign speeches that Bagram was under the control of China’s People’s Liberation Army, and he reiterated it before his first Cabinet meeting last Wednesday

Activists say no Central Asian countries are ‘free’

Tajik national detained in US on terrorism charges

New gallery at Marine Corps Museum tells story of Afghanistan

A new gallery at the National Museum of the Marine Corps features the stories and experiences of U.S. Marines who served in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. From Triangle, Virginia, VOA's Noshaba Ashna has the story, narrated by Bezhan Hamdard. Roshan Noorzai contributed to this story.

India, EU, pledge to push free trade agreement, elevate strategic ties  

Analysts say global uncertainties and President Trump’s looming tariff threats are pushing countries to diversify partnerships 

Suicide bombing at Pakistan religious seminary kills senior cleric, others 

Attack happens during afternoon prayers at the Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province 

Nepal's Kathmandu rattled by strong quake

No casualties reported

Despite restrictions, Afghan women provide health care

Women face a ban from studying medicine since last December and must practice under Taliban's strict guidelines

Global splinters evident at G20 finance ministers meeting

At the end of the event, South Africa announced there had not been consensus for a joint communique

Pakistan's opposition alliance demands elections, political prisoners' release

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government is accused of suppressing political rivals, curtailing dissent and violating human rights

As tariffs expand, focus also on workarounds for Chinese goods

Chinese goods have a history of circumventing tariffs through techniques such as transshipment