The UK is bracing for the expected arrival of Storm Austin, with strong winds and heavy rain forecast across southern England and Wales. Coastal areas could experience gusts exceeding 70 mph.

Kashmir’s Half-Widows: Suspended Between Hope and Loss
Thousands of women in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir continue to live in uncertainty as their husbands remain missing and their legal, economic and social struggles persist.
The stories of Kashmir’s half-widows highlight decades of unresolved disappearances and growing calls for truth, accountability and justice.

Pakistan Withdraws Two Trade Waivers, Raising Concerns Over Regional Connectivity
Pakistan has withdrawn two trade waivers affecting Iranian-origin imports and Central Asian goods transported through Iran. The decisions could increase compliance costs and create delays for regional shipments.
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Punjab Farmers Overuse Urea While Neglecting Phosphorus and Potash, Survey Finds
A survey of 400 smallholder farmers in Punjab has revealed an imbalance in fertiliser use, with urea application 25–30% above recommended levels. DAP use is 40–60% below recommendations, while more than 97% of respondents reportedly do not use potash fertilisers.

Pakistan Faces Organic Cotton Seed Shortage as SAWiE and OCA Join Forces to Scale Up Commercial Production
SAWiE Ecosystems and the Organic Cotton Accelerator are working to improve the commercial availability and quality of non-GMO cotton seeds in Pakistan.
The initiative targets approximately 40 tonnes of seeds across 100 acres, with a focus on quality testing, genetic purity and supply chain transparency.

EU Strongly Condemns Attacks on European Diplomats by Israeli Settlers in the West Bank
Brussels, (Unib Rashid): The European Union has strongly condemned recent attacks by violent Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, including incidents targeting European diplomats visiting settlements in the area. In a statement issued by the spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU said it strongly condemns the recent attacks carried out by violent settlers in the...

Repatriation of Balochistan’s Eleven Employees — Where Is the Chief Minister?
Eleven employees from Balochistan face an uncertain employment future after nearly 20 years of public service, prompting Dr Alamdar Hussain Malik to call for urgent intervention by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti.
The article urges provincial and federal authorities to work together to protect the employees’ applicable service rights, seniority and employment prospects.

27 October: The Plebiscite, the Voter Register and Kashmir’s Future.
On 27 October, Kashmir Black Day, Zainab Noor examines the long-pending UN-supervised plebiscite and argues that protecting the historical voter register is essential to a credible vote on Kashmir’s future.
The article explores the legal, demographic and diplomatic challenges surrounding Kashmir’s right to self-determination and proposes preserving documentary evidence of state-subject status.

WAKHAN CORRIDOR – Newly built Gravel Road.
Afghanistan’s 121-kilometre Wakhan road has reached the Chinese frontier at Wakhjir, creating a stronger physical link for bilateral trade and future regional connectivity.
With trade activity emerging and China–Afghanistan economic relations expanding, the route offers new commercial possibilities despite ongoing infrastructure and border-development challenges.

UK Airport Drop-Off Charges Spark Debate Over Air Pollution and Passenger Costs.
Airport drop-off charges in the UK are prompting debate over passenger costs, traffic congestion and air pollution. Environmental campaigners argue that the fees may discourage unnecessary vehicle journeys around airport terminals.
