According to The Times of Central Asia (TCA) on the 17th, Turkmen authorities held an event in cooperation with the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to promote the country’s tourism potential to global visitors. An international conference titled “Turkmen Travel–2026” was held over four days starting on the 14th at a hotel in the capital, Ashgabat, along with an exhibition. President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stated at the conference, “Turkmenistan places importance on expan

The United States and Iran were reported by multiple media outlets to be entering a second round of ceasefire negotiations on the 20th (local time) in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, which is acting as a mediator. However, Iran has drawn a line, stating that “no schedule has been set.” Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency reported on the 18th that “Iran has not agreed to begin a second round of ceasefire negotiations with the United States,” citing “the U.S. declaratio

Pakistan, which has been drawing attention as a mediator in ceasefire talks between the United States and Iran, is suffering from a severe power shortage due to disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply, with blackouts lasting more than half the day in many parts of the country. According to Bloomberg on the 19th (local time), Mohammad Rizwan (52), a resident of Lahore in northeastern Pakistan, experienced daily power outages at home last week. With electricity cut of

In the midst of ongoing war, conflict, and political instability in the Middle East, the work of sharing the hope of the gospel continues steadily. The Arabic ministry director of the Christian broadcasting network Trans World Radio (TWR) recently said in an interview with Evangelical Focus, “The hope of the world was born in the Middle East,” emphasizing that “the gospel of Jesus Christ is the most essential hope even in today’s turmoil.” He said, “Jesus Christ was born, die

On April 20 (local time), U.S.-based Christian Daily International (CDI) reported that around 25,000 Christians living in informal settlements in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, have gained temporary relief from the threat of forced eviction following a court decision. Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) ordered authorities to halt the imminent evictions and to finalize long-delayed regulations for legalizing the settlements within four weeks. However, the local Chri

India’s Chhattisgarh state has passed an extremely strict religious freedom bill under the justification of preventing forced and fraudulent conversions, raising growing concerns among local Christian communities and human rights groups. Christian leaders have criticized the new law, saying it is likely to be abused as a tool to suppress minority religions rather than to protect religious freedom. Christian Daily International (CDI), citing a source, reported that Governor Ra

According to Christian Daily International (CDI), on April 14 (local time), a key committee of the Punjab Provincial Assembly in Pakistan approved a bill aimed at preventing forced conversions and forced marriages targeting girls from religious minorities such as Christians and Hindus, signaling the start of full-scale institutional reform. This legislative move is seen as a measure to reduce the practice of child marriage and strengthen child protection systems. According to

At a hospital in Pakistan, more than 300 children were found to have been collectively infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The cause was unhygienic medical practices, including the reuse of syringes. According to a BBC report on the 14th, at a public hospital in Taunsa, Punjab Province, Pakistan, at least 331 children tested positive for HIV over the past year since November 2024. An investigation identified the reuse of contaminated syringes within the hosp

As U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a plan to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has suggested the possibility of blocking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, known as the “gateway to the Red Sea,” raising tensions in the Middle East once again. Although it has not yet materialized, Iran’s remarks are being interpreted as an attempt to expand the front with the United States to the Red Sea region. With direct negotiations in Pakistan having broken down, this could act as addi

A U.S. delegation arrived in Islamabad, the capital of mediator country Pakistan, on the 11th (local time) for ceasefire negotiations with Iran, according to Reuters. According to Pakistani sources, a U.S. government aircraft carrying senior American officials who will participate in negotiations with Iran landed in Islamabad that day. (omitted) With both delegations arriving at the location, talks are expected to begin soon. It is still unclear whether the two sides will hol