World

Saudi Arabia officially abolished its controversial Kafala sponsorship system, marking a historic labor reform aimed at improving migrant workers’ rights. The reform grants foreign employees freedom to change jobs and leave the country without employer consent. The move follows years of criticism from global human rights groups and aligns with Vision 2030’s labor modernization goals.

Afghanistan’s Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid strongly rejected Pakistan’s accusations linking India to regional instability. Calling the allegations “illogical and baseless,” he emphasized Afghanistan’s sovereign foreign policy stance and its right to build relations with any nation independently. Mujahid reiterated Afghanistan’s desire for peaceful coexistence with neighboring Pakistan and underscored the importance of mutual respect and adherence to the Doha peace agreement.

Pakistani authorities demolished several houses in an Afghan refugee camp in Karachi, raising concerns about the treatment of displaced communities and bilateral relations with Afghanistan. The move has drawn criticism from human-rights observers and adds to Pakistan’s domestic and regional pressure. The demolition highlights complex refugee issues and urban security measures in Karachi’s informal settlements.

In the wake of heightened violence in Gaza, U.S. envoys met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a diplomatic effort to stabilise the region. The talks focused on de-escalation, humanitarian access and regional security. With tensions rising across the Middle East, the meeting underscores the United States’ role as mediator and the broader challenge of achieving lasting peace.

China stopped importing soybeans from the US in September 2025, a first since 2018. Imports fell to zero from 1.7 million metric tons the previous year due to high tariffs. South American shipments surged to compensate, with Brazil and Argentina seeing sharp rises. Analysts warn that without trade deal progress, US farmers could face billions in losses, while China may experience a supply gap before new crops arrive.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has rejected a U.S. proposal for talks, declaring that no Iranian nuclear sites were destroyed and accusing Washington of hypocrisy. His remarks reflect Tehran’s unwillingness to negotiate under current conditions and signal that regional tensions may rise. The declaration adds fresh volatility to Middle East diplomacy and underscores Iran’s defiant posture toward external pressure.

US President Donald Trump advised Ukraine’s President Zelensky to negotiate a peace deal with Russia, criticizing ongoing military aid efforts like the supply of Tomahawk missiles. Trump warned such military escalation could worsen the conflict. His comments have stirred mixed responses, reflecting differing views on balancing military support and diplomacy in the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting complex geopolitical considerations in 2025.

Mariam Solaimankhil, an exiled Afghan MP, fiercely accused Pakistan’s military of harboring and breeding terrorists responsible for attacks in Afghanistan. Her emotional statements ovoked strong reactions as she highlighted the severe impacts on Afghan civilians and ongoing instability. The accusations shed light on Afghanistan-Pakistan relations and call for international attention to cross-border militancy. The MP’s voice amplifies Afghan frustrations amid continuing violence and political struggles.

Former US President Donald Trump expressed reluctance to provide Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles following his call with Vladimir Putin. He cited concerns about escalating conflict and potential diplomatic fallout. His stance contrasts with other US officials advocating increased military aid. This episode has reignited debates on America's role in Ukraine and balancing military support with diplomatic solutions amidst the Russia-Ukraine war escalating in 2025.

US President Donald Trump claimed that resolving the Afghanistan-Pakistan conflict would be an “easy deal” and positioned it as his ninth highest diplomatic victory. Trump criticized current policies for prolonging regional tensions, suggesting his personal influence could quickly settle decades-long disputes. Critics questioned his oversimplified approach to complex geopolitics.