Over 4 lakh Afghans return home from Pak following crackdown November 20, 2023 at 02:36AM

Over 400,000 Afghans have returned to Afghanistan as part of Pakistan's crackdown on illegal foreigners. The majority of these individuals used the border crossings of Torkham and Spin Boldak to return home. While 1.7 million Afghans were living in Pakistan, only those without proper documents were targeted in the crackdown. The numbers of Afghans returning to their country have increased following the Taliban's takeover in 2021. Pakistan has also introduced new visa requirements for residents in the border town of Chaman, leading to protests and disruptions.

Foreigners, aid workers moved to safety from Myanmar fighting November 20, 2023 at 12:36AM

Foreigners, including UN agency staff, are being evacuated from Myanmar as an insurgency against military rule intensifies. Ethnic minority insurgents allied with a pro-democracy civilian government launched an offensive last month, trapping hundreds of foreigners in conflict areas. China is assisting in the evacuation of its nationals and other foreigners. The civilian government-in-exile said that anti-junta forces in Kayah State had temporarily paused their offensive to allow aid workers to leave.

Rohingya refugees not welcome in Indonesia November 19, 2023 at 11:12PM

A wooden boat carrying Rohingya refugees was denied entry into western Indonesia by local communities, despite pleas from the desperate men onboard. Over 800 Rohingya refugees have arrived in Indonesia's Aceh province in the past week. While sympathies exist among Acehnese locals, concerns over resources, conflicts, and smuggling networks have caused tensions. The refugees who were eventually allowed to land still face an uncertain future in Aceh, as locals may force them back to sea. Indonesia, not being a signatory of the UN Refugee Convention, is not compelled to accept Rohingya refugees.

Pakistani Judge removed from post after admonishing defence secretary for not complying with court order November 18, 2023 at 11:15PM

A Pakistani district judge has been removed from his post for admonishing the country's defence secretary for failing to comply with a court order. Judge Waris Ali, serving in Rawalpindi, was removed and declared an officer on special duty (OSD). The judge had ordered the defence secretary to submit a report on the military's businesses and their beneficiaries, but the defence secretary did not comply. The move highlights the powerful position of the Pakistani military establishment in the country.