Afghanistan

Pakistan has carried out strikes inside Afghanistan, according to reports framed around a joint message from Pakistan and Türkiye. The strikes and Ankara's role in the messaging are drawing wide attention, with observers watching for how Kabul responds and whether the two NATO-era partners are signalling a coordinated regional stance. Details on casualties and targets remain limited.

India and Afghanistan are trending together around cricket, with discussion focused on the Asian Games 2026 and what happens if a cricket final is washed out. Sports outlets are explaining the rules and scenarios for awarding gold medals in rain-affected matches, and fans are debating how India and Afghanistan would fare in such conditions.

India are preparing to meet Afghanistan in cricket at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, with the match drawing wide international attention. Captain Shreyas Iyer has admitted there is pressure to win gold but says it is 'good pressure'. A washout elsewhere has set up a potential India-Pakistan collision course, adding to interest. Pakistan face Hong Kong in their quarter-final on Monday.

UN Women is highlighting efforts to expand Afghan women's access to banking and financial services under the banner 'Banking on Potential'. The initiative focuses on helping women entrepreneurs and households in Afghanistan overcome barriers to finance, a critical issue given restrictions on women's work and economic participation under Taliban rule.