![Nepal urges Ukraine to release seven Nepali nationals captured in Russia’s army, as FM Deuba seeks diplomatic resolution in New Delhi. [Image via The Kathmandu Post]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/thumb6.webp "thumb6")
Nepal urges Ukraine to release seven Nepali nationals captured in Russia’s army, as FM Deuba seeks diplomatic resolution in New Delhi.
India’s covert operations in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Myanmar fuel instability, raising questions about its regional dominance.
Indian Army faces scrutiny over politicization, corruption, and mental health crises, raising concerns about its neutrality.
![Balochistan shuts three universities over security concerns amid rising attacks, with campuses closed until after Eid. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/university-of-balochistan1742312288-0.webp "university-of-balochistan1742312288-0")
Balochistan shuts three universities over security concerns amid rising attacks, with campuses closed until after Eid.
![COAS Gen Asim Munir stresses governance, national security, and a unified stance, warning against a "soft state" approach. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Untitled-640-x-480-px1724249382-0.webp "Untitled-(640-x-480-px)1724249382-0")
COAS Gen Asim Munir stresses governance, national security, and a unified stance, warning against a “soft state” approach.
![Qatar supports Bangladesh's interim government reform initiatives as envoy meets CA Yunus to discuss trade, investment, and cooperation. [Image via CA's press wing]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/qatar-Yunus.webp "qatar-Yunus")
Qatar supports Bangladesh’s interim government reform initiatives as envoy meets CA Yunus to discuss trade, investment, and cooperation.
Petitions against Adani Green Energy projects withdrawn as new government of Sri Lanka reviews and renegotiates the deal.
![Maldives records over 100,000 tourist arrivals for the third month of 2025, with China leading as the top source market. [Image via Raajje]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/e356f3ac-af29-4e8b-a530-2e7d53133128.webp "e356f3ac-af29-4e8b-a530-2e7d53133128")
Maldives records over 100,000 tourist arrivals for the third month of 2025, with China leading as the top source market.
![UNAMA’s mission in Afghanistan extended for a year as the UN urges engagement, while Pakistan criticizes Taliban on terrorism. [Image via Tolo News]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/vlcsnap-2025-03-18-16h19m29s003.webp "vlcsnap-2025-03-18-16h19m29s003")
UNAMA’s mission in Afghanistan extended for a year as the UN urges engagement, while Pakistan criticizes Taliban on terrorism.
![PM Shehbaz Sharif to visit Saudi Arabia to boost ties, discuss investment, and address key regional and global issues. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/mohaimin-shah-2025-03-18t140920-0591742288977-0.webp "mohaimin-shah-2025-03-18t140920-0591742288977-0")
PM Shehbaz Sharif to visit Saudi Arabia to boost ties, discuss investment, and address key regional and global issues.