In 2024, the United Kingdom received the highest number of asylum applications from Pakistan, with Afghanistan in second place—displacing Syria and Iran, which topped the list in previous years. British Chancellor Rachel Reeves stated that the newly elected Labour government is committed to reducing asylum processing delays and ending the costly practice of housing applicants in hotels. This move is expected to save the UK approximately £1 billion annually. Between 2011 and 2020, the UK received an average of 27,500 asylum applications per year. However, by 2024, the number has tripled to 84,200, prompting the government to declare the situation a crisis and prioritize reform.

Former President Donald Trump has announced the launch of a new website—TrumpCard.gov—for registration in his proposed $5 million U.S. residency program, dubbed the "Golden Visa." The initiative offers a premium alternative to the traditional green card, aimed at attracting investors and job creators. Trump stated that thousands of people have already expressed interest in gaining access to "the greatest country and market in the world." He claims the program could help reduce the U.S. national deficit while bringing in high-value immigrants.

A tense calm has descended over Los Angeles following a night of curfews and mass arrests. However, multiple U.S. cities are already bracing for renewed protests. According to the BBC, federal authorities have arrested around 400 individuals in Los Angeles so far. Among them, 330 are undocumented immigrants, while 157 have been detained on charges ranging from assault to attempted murder of police officers and obstruction of federal operations.

A passenger aircraft reportedly crashed at India’s Ahmedabad airport on Thursday, with 242 passengers on board. Thick plumes of smoke were seen rising from the Adani-operated airport premises, causing panic in nearby areas. The type of aircraft and the extent of casualties or damage remain unconfirmed. Social media footage showed smoke engulfing the skyline of Ahmedabad's upscale neighborhoods. Roads surrounding the crash site have been sealed off as a safety measure.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday for a one-day official visit. During the trip, he is scheduled to meet with the President of the UAE, accompanied by his delegation. The prime minister is joined by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, and Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has termed the visit as significant, highlighting its importance in strengthening bilateral ties.

82-year-old chess legend Rani Hamid, who frequently travels abroad to compete, faced difficulties while attending the Delhi Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament. Due to her age, she is always accompanied by a partner. This time, her companion was chess player Aciya Sultana.
However, Indian immigration denied Aciya entry and sent her back to Bangladesh.
Sources indicate that Aciya had previously entered India on a medical visa but participated in chess tournaments instead of undergoing treatment. She stated that she didn’t receive treatment as her doctor was unavailable. Although Aciya expressed willingness to pay a fine if her participation violated visa conditions, she was nonetheless deported.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has deployed more military personnel to Los Angeles to suppress ongoing protests against his harsh immigration policies than the number of American troops currently stationed in Iraq and Syria combined.
Approximately 4,000 National Guard members and over 700 active-duty Marines have been deployed in the city, bringing the total to about 4,800 troops. In comparison, the U.S. has 2,500 troops in Iraq and 1,500 in Syria.

Despite India blaming Pakistan for inciting the deadly April 22 attack in Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir has been formally invited to the United States. The invitation was extended for him to attend U.S. Army Day celebrations on June 14. Meanwhile, a top U.S. military official praised Pakistan as an “exceptional partner” in operations against ISIS-Khorasan. The U.S. has also signaled a possible mediation role between India and Pakistan regarding Kashmir during the upcoming G7 summit.

British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds has reaffirmed the UK’s support for Bangladesh’s initiatives to recover illicit funds siphoned abroad. During his meeting with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, Reynolds expressed backing for the interim government’s ongoing economic reforms, particularly efforts to stabilize foreign reserves and restore the banking sector. Special envoy Lutfey Siddiqi also proposed launching bilateral free trade agreement talks between Bangladesh and the UK.

The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) has frozen all assets belonging to Saifuzzaman Chowdhury, former Land Minister of Bangladesh. As a result, Chowdhury is no longer permitted to sell or transfer these assets. The action follows a formal request from Bangladeshi authorities, submitted after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government. UK authorities acted upon the request, marking a significant step in international cooperation on corruption-related matters.

Protests against anti-immigration operations are no longer limited to Los Angeles—they have now spread to at least 15 cities across 11 U.S. states. From New York and Chicago to Atlanta and Philadelphia, thousands have taken to the streets. In response, Los Angeles has imposed a curfew in its downtown area, and former President Donald Trump has deployed military and marine units. Mass arrests are underway as the unrest continues to grow.

The Trump administration has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration, now targeting the arrest of 3,000 undocumented immigrants per day. Previously, the goal was 1,000 arrests daily, but the figure has now tripled. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has especially ramped up operations in five Democrat-majority cities. Reports indicate that authorities are even tracking phone calls to locate undocumented immigrants.

Human rights activists in India have expressed serious concern over the deportation of Bengali Muslims to Bangladesh after branding them as 'foreigners.' According to a Reuters report, Assam authorities have deported 303 people since May. Many of those expelled were declared 'foreigners' by local tribunals, despite being long-time residents of Assam, with family ties and property in the state. The Chief Minister of Assam has warned that deportations will intensify in the coming months.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has announced that Turkey will manufacture and export 48 KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia as part of a newly signed defense agreement between the two nations. Erdoğan added that Indonesia’s own technological expertise will be integrated into the production of the fifth-generation KAAN jets, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries. “This deal reflects the progress and success of our national defense industry. It will benefit both Turkey and Indonesia,” he stated.

Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has stated that the nation has decided to temporarily suspend Awami League’s political activities in the interest of national security and political stability. Speaking during a discussion, Yunus declared that Bangladesh is on track to hold its most transparent and fair election in 17 years. He accused the Awami League of involvement in killings, disappearances, and financial crimes, questioning whether it should even be considered a political party. He claimed that the chapter of the Awami League’s rule ended on August 5 with Sheikh Hasina’s departure from the country. “Until the trials are completed, Awami League’s activities will remain suspended,” he asserted.