From June 26 to July 13, ongoing monsoon rains and flash floods have killed at least 105 people in Pakistan and injured over 211. The dead include 49 children, 38 men, and 18 women. Punjab province is the worst affected, with 44 deaths and 134 injuries. The extreme weather has damaged over 10 kilometers of roads, nine bridges, and hundreds of homes. Incidents include building collapses, lightning strikes, electrocutions, and drowning. Government agencies continue rescue and relief operations and have urged the public to remain vigilant.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday morning during his visit to China for the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. According to Mehr News Agency, Araghchi met Xi for a brief bilateral discussion ahead of the main group meeting. The meeting is seen as part of strengthening diplomatic ties between Iran and China.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reaffirmed that Iran will use every available diplomatic and political resource to protect its people's rights and remove the shadow of war. Addressing Iranians abroad, he said, “Iran stands for peace and diplomacy, not war.” Condemning recent Israeli and U.S. aggressions, Pezeshkian said Israel has continued killing innocent Iranians even during negotiations. He reiterated Iran’s commitment to its peaceful nuclear program and readiness for talks but warned that while Iranians are peace-loving, they will not submit to external pressures.

At least 78 Palestinians were killed in Gaza in a single day of Israeli strikes, many of them while trying to collect aid. In Rafah, five people were killed near a relief center, while the total death toll around the GHAF-operated center has now reached 838. In Khan Younis, nine people died in a camp for displaced persons, while four more were killed in Bureij refugee camp. Another 24 people died in attacks on Gaza City. Meanwhile, three Israeli soldiers were killed by a rocket attack on a tank. Since October 7, the total death toll in Gaza has surpassed 57,800.

Farida Akhtar, Adviser on Fisheries and Livestock, has warned that any attempt to suppress women will be met with resistance, saying, “Remember, July will return again.” Speaking at the closing ceremony of a rickshaw rally marking ‘July Girls' Day,’ she emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a safer country for women and children. Akhtar pointed out that patriarchy still hinders women’s progress, and failure to ensure women’s safety would be a failure of the state. She also acknowledged and thanked rickshaw pullers for their contributions.

Leaders of the National Citizens Party (NCP) visited the Charmonai Pir’s shrine in Barishal as part of their ongoing July March. On Monday night, the delegation, led by Nahid Islam, was welcomed by leaders of Islami Andolon Bangladesh. Later, the NCP leaders held a courtesy meeting with the party’s Senior Nayeb-e-Ameer, Mufti Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim. Faizul Karim remarked that their movement still upholds the spirit of the July Movement. Nahid Islam stated that visiting historically significant sites is a key part of their journey.

Bangladesh’s High Court has overturned the corruption convictions of Tarique Rahman and Zubaida Rahman, highlighting serious procedural irregularities in the trial. The full verdict criticized the acceptance of 42 witnesses within just two months and four days, and the delivery of the verdict in eight days, terming it judicial bias. It also noted legal violations, including the failure to serve notice to Zubaida. As a result, the court acquitted Tarique from a 9-year sentence and Zubaida from a 3-year sentence. The Anti-Corruption Commission had filed the case in 2007, and the trial court convicted them in 2023.

Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) President Rakibul Islam Rakib warned that if attempts to establish mob rule in Bangladesh persist and law and order do not improve, they will launch direct action against the interim government. He accused the non-partisan interim administration of fostering secret groups that disrupt educational institutions. General Secretary Nasir Uddin Nasir warned underground groups against spreading disinformation and conspiracies. Protests and rallies in Dhaka saw demands for immediate government action.

BNP’s Shafiqul Haque Milon has alleged that the recent Mitford murder in Dhaka was a premeditated attack stemming from business conflicts. He clarified that the victim was affiliated with BNP, yet authorities are unjustly targeting the party. Milon urged BNP activists to mobilize against conspiracies, warning that defamation of party founders and leadership will not go unanswered. He also highlighted Tarique Rahman’s 31-point structural reform initiative and called for a strong stance against fascist rule.

BNP leader Salim Ullah Selim has called for no conspiracies against the National Citizen Party (NCP), urging that the party be allowed to pursue its own course. He stated that Tarique Rahman’s door remains open to NCP leaders and pledged BNP’s support for their aspirations. He cautioned NCP leaders against aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami. Speaking at a rally in Chandpur, Selim stressed the need to stay active on the streets and respond firmly to political conspiracies.

On the night of July 14, a spectacular drone show featuring 2,000 drones lit up the sky over Dhaka’s Central Shaheed Minar as part of a public awakening event. The display visualized memories of enforced disappearances, killings, rapes, looting, and state repression. Events like the BDR mutiny, disappearances of Ilias Ali and Abrar Fahad, and the Shapla Square massacre were projected in the sky. Slogans and images highlighted ongoing oppression. Several advisers, teachers, and government officials attended the event, which concluded with musical performances.

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission of the US Congress is set to hold a hearing on Pakistan’s suppression of opposition parties and curtailment of free speech. The hearing will address issues like political repression, media control, and violations of freedom of expression, which experts say intensified following the ousting of Imran Khan in 2022. Representatives from Amnesty International, human rights lawyers, and Khan’s advisers are scheduled to testify. The proceedings will be broadcast live.

Jamaat-e-Islami central leader Muhammad Fakhrul Islam has declared that the July 19 national rally will serve as a historic rehearsal and political turning point towards building a fascism-free Bangladesh. Speaking at a rally in Sylhet, he warned against conspiracies targeting Islam and the Islamic movement, calling for effective interim government actions to stop extortion and state-sponsored terror. He urged the nation to unite around a seven-point demand, including electoral reforms.

A total of 131 foreign nationals, including 96 Bangladeshis, have been deported from Kuala Lumpur International Airport for failing to meet immigration requirements. Authorities cited reasons such as suspicious accommodation bookings, lack of sufficient funds, and failure to report to immigration officers. Many claimed plans to stay for a month but carried only 500 ringgit. In a screening operation conducted on July 11, around 300 individuals were checked. Malaysian officials reaffirmed their commitment to taking strict action against questionable entrants to safeguard national sovereignty.

The Chinese Embassy in India has described the issue of selecting the Dalai Lama’s successor as a "thorn" in India-China relations. Chinese spokesperson Yu Jing stated that matters related to Tibet are purely internal affairs of China and have become a burden for India. China’s frustration grew after Indian ministers attended the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday and following remarks from the Tibetan spiritual leader. While China emphasizes its role in selecting the successor, Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju said the Dalai Lama’s office will decide on the reincarnation, prompting objections from Beijing. The issue has gained diplomatic significance ahead of Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s upcoming visit to China.