Good afternoon,

Today’s news: Globally, updates from Afghanistan, Sudan, and Nigeria. Locally, PPP weighs PML-N’s proposed 27th Amendment reshaping, Lahori smog tops world pollution, and Pakistan to induct first Hangor-class submarine next year.

☕ Grab your chaye, let’s go.

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Around The World

Earthquake in Afghanistan. A 6.3 magnitude earthquake killed at least 20 people as it struck northern Afghanistan near the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. More than 320 others were injured by falling debris as well. The US Geological Survey said the quake’s epicenter was located 22 kilometers west-southwest of the town of Khulm, and that it struck at 12:59 am at a depth of 28 kilometers. The disaster adds to the list of deadly quakes to hit the country since 2021, while just two months ago, an earthquake in the east killed more than 2,000.

All eyes on Sudan. Millions of people across Sudan remain in dire need of humanitarian aid as key generals show no intention of ending the civil war amid ongoing violence and killings in North Darfur’s el-Fasher. International aid agencies have called on the Sudanese armed forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) to facilitate increased access to aid.

The RSF took control of the Darfur region last week, after ousting the rival Sudanese army from the city that was besieged for 18 months. Since then, reports and videos have circulated of RSF atrocities against civilians, including beatings, killings, and sexual assaults. The dead included at least 460 killed in the hospital.

The UN migration agency said on Sunday it estimates that more than 8,000 people were displaced from el-Fasher on Saturday and Sunday. A total of 70,894 people have been displaced since the RSF took control, while a roadmap by mediators has failed to produce a ceasefire so far.

Bring it on. US President Trump has threatened to carry out attacks in Nigeria in response to purported anti-Christian violence, saying he instructed the Department of War to prepare for possible action. Trump said the US would immediately cut off all assistance to the African country “if the Nigerian Government continues to allow the killing of Christians.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria has said it would welcome assistance from the US in fighting armed groups, as long as its territorial integrity is respected, while officials in Nigeria denied Trump’s claims of mass killings of Christians, noting that Boko Haram and al-Qaeda-linked groups target people of all faiths in Africa’s most populous country.

Pakistan

Law & disorder. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said a PML-N delegation led by PM Shehbaz Sharif sought the PPP’s support for a proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, which includes establishing constitutional courts, restoring executive magistrates, altering provincial shares under the NFC, amending Article 243 on the command of armed forces (👀), and transferring education and population planning back to the federation. 

The amendment, coming amid controversy over the 26th Amendment passed last year, is said to aim at further restructuring the judiciary. While Bilawal and Deputy PM Ishaq Dar had earlier dismissed talk of such legislation, the government appears to be reconsidering. The proposal has drawn mixed reactions as political parties explore cooperation on new legislation.

Blowing smoke. Lahore was ranked the world’s most polluted city by the Swiss monitoring group IQAir, recording an air quality index of 237, categorized as “very unhealthy”, as thick smog blanketed the city. The Punjab government has deployed anti-smog guns to curb pollution, though residents say such measures offer only temporary relief and are limited to upscale areas, while experts urge stronger action, such as providing free public transportation to reduce vehicular emissions.

Ship happens. Pakistan’s Navy will induct its first Chinese-designed Hangor-class submarine next year under an $5 billion deal for eight vessels by 2028, with the navy saying the project is advancing smoothly and will strengthen patrols in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. The agreement includes four submarines built in China and four assembled in Pakistan to boost local capability. 

The announcement follows Pakistan’s use of Chinese J-10 fighter jets to down Indian Rafales in May, underscoring China’s growing defense footprint in the region. Beijing is Pakistan’s largest arms supplier and has invested billions in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor linking Xinjiang to Gwadar Port, expanding its strategic reach toward the Middle East and effectively encircling India. 

What Else Is Happening?

🏆India won the Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time with a 52-run victory over South Africa on Sunday, led by brilliant all-round performances from Deepti Sharma and Shafali Verma.

🩺 The Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute has completed 1,000 liver transplants, along with 1,100 kidney and 14 bone marrow transplants, treating over 4 million patients since 2017, with 80 percent receiving free care.

🤖Robotics startup 1X has opened preorders for NEO, a 5'6", 66-lb consumer humanoid robot aimed at household chores, potentially beating Tesla’s Optimus to market. Learn more about NEO and what it can do here.