Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has said that India has now become a threat to global peace. He made the remarks on Sunday in a statement delivered in Islamabad, expressing gratitude to the international community for showing solidarity after a recent terrorist attack in Pakistan.

Zardari noted that messages of sympathy and support from world leaders, governments, and international organizations have given courage and strength to the people of Pakistan and families affected by terrorism. He emphasized that these gestures demonstrate that the fight against terrorism and its violent ideologies is a global struggle. Reiterating Pakistan’s long-standing position, he said no single country can combat terrorism alone.

The president alleged that some neighboring countries are involved in terrorist activities, providing direct financial and technical support to groups operating against Pakistan. He warned that history shows when terrorist groups are given shelter or impunity beyond national borders, innocent civilians around the world ultimately suffer the consequences.

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari has accused several neighboring countries of carrying out terrorism against Pakistan. In a statement issued on Sunday, he alleged that some of these countries are directly financing and providing technical support to groups operating against Pakistan. Zardari emphasized that terrorism cannot be fought single-handedly and expressed gratitude to world leaders who showed solidarity after a recent terrorist attack in Islamabad that killed at least 33 people.

He stated that history shows when terrorist groups are given shelter, support, or impunity beyond national borders, innocent civilians around the world ultimately suffer the consequences. Zardari further claimed that some neighboring countries have become complicit by allowing such groups to operate against Pakistan, while others are providing them with financial, technical, and military assistance.

The Pakistani president also sharply criticized the Afghan Taliban administration, accusing Kabul of allowing terrorist groups to launch attacks inside Pakistan targeting security personnel and civilians.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing political pressure following the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Amid the controversy, Starmer’s close aide and senior adviser Morgan McSweeney has resigned, according to Al Jazeera. The U.S. Department of Justice recently released hundreds of thousands of new Epstein-related documents, which revealed details of Lord Peter Benjamin Mandelson’s close ties with Epstein, sparking intense debate and criticism in British politics.

In response, Lord Mandelson was removed from his post as the UK ambassador to Washington and later resigned from the Labour Party. Al Jazeera reported that McSweeney accepted responsibility for recommending Mandelson’s appointment and described it as a mistake that damaged public trust in the government and politics. He said he had personally advised the prime minister on the appointment and took full responsibility for that advice.

Earlier, Prime Minister Starmer publicly apologized for appointing Mandelson as ambassador. The British government also announced that all information related to the appointment would be made public and referred sensitive documents to a bipartisan security committee for review.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia has no plans to attack any part of Europe but is prepared to respond militarily if attacked. He made the remarks in an interview with broadcaster NTV, according to TASS. Lavrov emphasized that Russia has no reason to launch an assault on Europe but would deliver a full military response if European nations decided to act on threats of war against Russia.

In late December 2025, during his year-end press conference, President Vladimir Putin said Moscow is not at war with the West, though Western countries are fighting Russia through Ukraine. Putin reiterated that Russia never sought conflict with Europe but warned that if Europe initiated war, there should be no doubt about Russia’s readiness to retaliate immediately.

The statements from both Lavrov and Putin appear aimed at reinforcing Russia’s stance that it seeks no confrontation with Europe while signaling readiness to respond decisively to any aggression.

Thailand’s interim Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s Bhumjaithai Party has won the country’s general election, according to preliminary vote counts released on February 9, 2026. Early results show the party leading with a significant margin, securing an estimated 194 of the 500 parliamentary seats. The People’s Party is projected to come second with 116 seats. Following the announcement, Anutin said the victory belongs to the people of Thailand.

The election was called in December after Anutin’s coalition government collapsed just three months into his interim tenure. Despite no party expected to achieve an outright majority, Anutin’s position in power now appears almost certain. The leader of the People’s Party, Nathaphong Ruengpaniyaut, stated that his party is prepared to serve in opposition if Anutin forms the next government.

Thailand’s election outcomes are often unpredictable, and this year’s results have again defied expectations, reinforcing Anutin’s political standing amid a fragmented parliamentary landscape.

Gold prices surged to unprecedented levels, reaching an all-time high of $5,600 per ounce on January 29 before easing to just under $5,000 on Sunday. The surge reflects growing investor demand for gold as a secure asset amid fluctuating economic conditions and rising geopolitical tensions. Al Jazeera’s explainer details how gold’s value is determined by its weight in troy ounces and purity in karats, with one troy ounce equaling 31.1035 grammes.

Gold’s global pricing is set on spot markets in US dollars, primarily through exchanges in London and New York. Local prices vary due to currency conversion, dealer premiums, and taxes. For instance, India imposes a 3 percent GST on gold, while the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates levy none. The United States holds the world’s largest gold reserves at 8,133 tonnes, followed by Germany with 3,350 tonnes and Italy with 2,451 tonnes.

Over the past decade, gold’s price has quadrupled from $1,250 in 2016 to around $5,000 today, underscoring its enduring role as a safe haven asset during periods of market volatility and uncertainty.

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has called on the United States to show respect as both countries prepare for another round of nuclear negotiations next week following mediated discussions in Oman. Pezeshkian described the indirect talks as a step forward and reaffirmed that Iran’s stance is rooted in rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Tehran’s leadership emphasized sovereignty and independence, rejecting US military buildup in the region while expressing willingness for nuclear-only dialogue.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that Iran will not abandon nuclear enrichment for civilian purposes, even under threat of military action, and said he informed US envoys, as well as China and Russia, of the Muscat discussions. Iran’s top military commander warned that any attack on the country could ignite a regional conflict, though he stressed that Tehran does not seek war. The statements come ahead of the anniversary of the 1979 revolution, when nationwide demonstrations are planned.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to face domestic unrest, with protests over economic hardship and alleged state violence. Conflicting casualty figures persist, and human rights groups accuse security forces of mass killings, while authorities blame foreign interference and deny widespread arrests of medical workers.

A Hong Kong court has sentenced pro-democracy media mogul and critic of China, Jimmy Lai, to 20 years in prison. The sentencing was announced on Monday following his conviction in December 2025 on charges of colluding with foreign forces and conspiring to commit sedition. According to a brief court ruling, the decision was based on the seriousness of Lai’s criminal conduct. Lai has been in prison since 2020. When asked about a possible appeal, his lawyer Robert Pang declined to comment.

Jimmy Lai was a key figure in the 2019 pro-democracy protests that spread across Hong Kong. Following those demonstrations, Beijing introduced the National Security Law (NSL), claiming it was necessary for the city’s stability. However, critics argue that the law has been used to suppress dissent and imprison activists like Lai. He was arrested under the NSL in late 2020.

The sentencing underscores the continued enforcement of the National Security Law and its impact on Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement.

The Bangladesh Election Commission (EC) has announced that 1,000 drones will be deployed across the country to monitor the upcoming parliamentary election from the air. The initiative aims to prevent electoral violence and ensure strict surveillance in remote and sensitive areas, including the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar, the hill tracts, and border regions from Teknaf to Feni. Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazl Mohammad Sanaullah said the drones, operated with technical support from the Air Force, will function like satellites, transmitting real-time video and data to the EC’s central coordination cell in Dhaka.

According to EC sources, 21 law enforcement and intelligence agencies, including DGFI, NSI, RAB, and BGB, will be active on the ground to respond immediately to any detected sabotage, armed activity, or secret operations. A specialized e-monitoring app will coordinate the entire process. The drones will also track the movement of candidates’ supporters and voters in remote areas and help prevent external influence in Rohingya-populated zones.

Political analysts described the large-scale drone use as a major technological milestone in Bangladesh’s electoral history, expected to enhance voter confidence and a sense of security.

Police in Boalmari upazila of Faridpur recovered 40 live rounds of ammunition found abandoned in the Kaliyand area on Sunday evening between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. According to police sources, Manik Sheikh, a 50-year-old tea stall owner near Kaliyand Qaumi Madrasa, noticed two suspicious packets placed on a stool in front of his shop. After returning from evening prayers, he found the packets still there and informed Boalmari Police Station.

Sub-inspector Sharif Abdur Rashid arrived at the scene and seized the packets through official procedure. Upon opening them, police discovered two boxes marked with the Bangladesh Army logo and labeled “7.62×39 mm Ball Ammo,” containing a total of 40 rounds. The ammunition was taken to the police station for safekeeping.

Officer-in-Charge Anwar Hossain stated that the bullets were found abandoned and that an investigation is underway to identify those involved. Legal procedures are in progress.

Sarjis Alam, the chief organizer of the National Citizens Party (NCP) for the northern region and the 11-party alliance candidate for Panchagarh-1 constituency, called on journalists to remain neutral and uphold professionalism. He made the remarks on Sunday night during a discussion with journalists at the Panchagarh Press Club hall. Alam said that while journalists may have personal political preferences, they must act as mirrors of the district, state, and society when reporting.

He emphasized the importance of fair coverage during the upcoming election, which was only three days away, urging journalists to expose any attempts by political parties or individuals to influence the vote or violate election laws. Alam also pledged that if elected, he would work in parliament to establish a salary structure and ensure financial and social security for media professionals.

The meeting was chaired by Panchagarh Press Club President Mosharraf Hossain and conducted by General Secretary Sarkar Haydar, with several local political and professional figures in attendance.

At least nine people were killed and several others injured when a residential building collapsed in Tripoli, northern Lebanon, on Sunday night, according to officials cited by Al Jazeera. Lebanon’s Civil Defense Director General Imad Khreish said nine bodies had been recovered and six survivors were taken to hospital. The building consisted of two blocks with six apartments each, and residents estimated that around 22 people were inside when it collapsed.

Rescue operations are being conducted by Civil Defense teams with support from the Lebanese Red Cross and other emergency and relief organizations. Local residents have also joined efforts to clear debris. Tripoli’s Mayor Abdel Hamid Karimeh declared the city a disaster zone, citing unsafe buildings and years of neglect that have left thousands at risk, beyond the municipality’s capacity to manage.

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that security forces evacuated nearby buildings. President Joseph Aoun ordered all emergency services to assist rescue operations and ensure safe shelter for nearby residents, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam pledged housing allowances for those displaced. The report noted that many of Lebanon’s aging and war-era buildings pose serious safety risks.

Left-wing candidate Antonio José Seguro has won Portugal’s presidential election by a wide margin, defeating far-right contender André Ventura. The country’s election commission announced on Sunday that Seguro, leader of the Socialist Party, secured 63 percent of the votes, while Ventura, head of the right-wing Chega party, received 34 percent. A total of 97 percent of registered voters cast their ballots in the runoff.

The runoff election was held on February 7 after the original vote scheduled for January 18 was disrupted by severe flooding in Portugal’s central and southern regions. Voting had taken place only in the northern areas on that date, where about 37,000 people—roughly 0.3 percent of the electorate—were able to cast ballots. The election commission later postponed the remaining voting and combined all ballots in the final count.

The inclusion of votes from both rounds confirmed Seguro’s decisive victory, marking a strong mandate for the Socialist Party following the weather-related delays.

Israel’s security cabinet has approved new regulations aimed at tightening control over the occupied West Bank. According to the report, the measures will make it easier for Israeli settlers to purchase land in the territory and grant Israeli officials broader authority to enforce laws on Palestinians in the area.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the move, calling it a dangerous step that legitimizes settlement expansion and land seizure. In a statement, the office of President Mahmoud Abbas urged immediate intervention by the United States and the United Nations Security Council. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also denounced the decision, describing it as an attempt to impose illegal Israeli sovereignty and entrench settlements.

Meanwhile, Hamas called on Palestinians in the West Bank to intensify resistance against what it termed occupying forces and settlers. The new regulations have sparked strong regional criticism and calls for international response.

The article argues that India must revise its Bangladesh policy and abandon its strategic dominance approach if it seeks a sustainable partnership with Dhaka. It notes that Bangladesh’s February 12 national election offers New Delhi a genuine opportunity to rebuild relations on the basis of mutual respect and sovereignty. The piece stresses that India’s past support for Sheikh Hasina’s government went beyond normal diplomacy, leading to resentment among Bangladeshis who viewed India as an interfering actor rather than a partner.

The commentary highlights that India’s attempt to apply a Bhutan-style model of limited autonomy to Bangladesh was a strategic miscalculation, given Bangladesh’s large population, global economic integration, and diplomatic reach. It calls for India to respect Bangladesh’s internal political process, stop allowing exiled Awami League figures to operate politically from Indian soil, and accept the election outcome regardless of which party wins.

The article concludes that adopting an ASEAN-style framework of non-interference and equality could help India rebuild trust. It also identifies unresolved issues such as Teesta River water sharing as key tests of India’s sincerity in reshaping bilateral relations.