The killing of a sixth journalist in Pakistan highlights the increasing dangers faced by local media professionals. Analysts and reporters express concerns over rising threats, particularly near the Afghanistan border, leading to heightened fears for journalist safety.

The article discusses the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket, highlighting an upcoming T20 World Cup match in New York. The match is expected to draw significant attention from fans, with ticket prices soaring. Former players like Wasim Akram and Javed Miandad emphasize the passion and significance of the rivalry, while Sunil Gavaskar notes a shift in iconic rivalries towards India versus Australia. Despite Pakistan's recent losses to India, the matches remain highly anticipated, drawing millions of viewers and significant broadcast revenue. The International Cricket Council aims to schedule these matches early in tournaments to maximize viewership.

Research reveals insights into the rental market conditions faced by international students, highlighting key trends and challenges.

The Afghan government and Taliban peace delegations have reportedly finalized the agendas for intra-Afghan talks, focusing on fundamental issues based on public demand. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan visited Kabul, expressing Islamabad's commitment to supporting Afghanistan's peace efforts. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani emphasized a comprehensive political settlement within the framework of the constitution and the Islamic Republic for enduring peace.

Former President Hamid Karzai met with NATO Ambassador Stefano Pontecorvo to discuss the peace process in Afghanistan. Both parties expressed optimism about the meeting's outcomes. Karzai, a long-time advocate for intra-Afghan dialogue, continues to push for peaceful resolutions amidst rising violence and targeted killings. The article highlights divisions among Afghan leadership regarding the future political setup, with President Ashraf Ghani facing pressure to unify leaders and build consensus. Historical context is provided, comparing current efforts to past peace processes and interim government proposals.

Pakistan has expressed strong resentment over the arrest of Islamic State Khorasan Commander Aslam Farooqi by Afghan authorities, demanding his extradition due to his involvement in anti-Pakistan activities. This marks a significant shift as Pakistan has not previously demanded the extradition of militants from Afghanistan. The article highlights the historical context of Pakistan's stance on militants and political activists residing in Afghanistan, noting that the recent peace agreement between the US and the Taliban, along with successful military operations against IS in Afghanistan, is reshaping the regional insurgency landscape. The arrest of Farooqi could lead to further changes in the dynamics of terrorism and violence in the region.

Diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan are deteriorating, with both nations engaging in harsh exchanges and imposing sanctions that affect bilateral trade and travel. Afghanistan has closed its Consulate General in Peshawar over a property dispute, and Pakistan has temporarily stopped issuing visas in Kabul, though it resumed visa issuance for patients after one day. The situation is creating fear among diplomats and has led to increased unemployment among Pushtoons living along the Durand Line. This comes as Pakistan fosters closer ties with India by opening a new crossing point at Kartarpur and easing conditions for Sikh pilgrims, despite the removal of Indian Kashmir's special status.