![IMEC, launched at the G20 Summit, aims to counter China’s BRI and enhance global trade. But can it deliver on its promises, or is it just diplomatic posturing? [Image via Press Information Bureau, Prime Minister's Office, Government of India]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/India-Middle_East-Europe_Economics_Corridor.webp "India-Middle_East-Europe_Economics_Corridor")
IMEC, launched at the G20 Summit, aims to counter China’s BRI and enhance global trade. But can it deliver on its promises, or is it just diplomatic posturing?
![The closed Torkham gate at the Afghanistan-Pakistan border, seen from zero point in Nangarhar province, February 23, 2023. [Image via AFP/File].](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/4576823-893623385.webp "Torkham closure enters day two.")
TORKHAM, Pakistan—The Torkham border crossing, a vital trade and transit route between Pakistan and Afghanistan, remained shut for a second consecutive day on February 24,
The political transition in Bangladesh has reshaped its India ties. With Hasina in exile and Muhammad Yunus leading, what’s next for Dhaka-New Delhi?
With an RSS-backed Chief Minister at the helm, Delhi’s position is evolving into the ideological nucleus of Hindu nationalism
![Taliban Justice Minister resigns, citing corruption, as top officials flee, exposing leadership struggles within the regime. [Image via RASC News]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image_2025-02-19_21-16-01-860x516-1.webp "image_2025-02-19_21-16-01-860×516")
Taliban Justice Minister resigns, citing corruption, as top officials flee, exposing leadership struggles within the regime.
![Tensions rise in Jammu & Kashmir as Gujjar tribals clash with forest officials over a nursery project, fearing displacement. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-51740041204-0.webp "image-51740041204-0")
Tensions rise in Jammu & Kashmir as Gujjar tribals clash with forest officials over a nursery project, fearing displacement.
![Pakistan seeks $1bn IMF climate fund as finance minister eyes credit rating upgrade and broader tax reforms for stability. [Image via Tahir Sherani/Dawn]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/20145445c395a5c.webp "20145445c395a5c")
Pakistan seeks $1bn IMF climate fund as finance minister eyes credit rating upgrade and broader tax reforms for stability.
![Pakistan reapplies for GSP+ renewal, with approval tied to progress in human rights, environmental, and social commitments. [Image via Business Recorder]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/21072813959dee1.webp "21072813959dee1")
Pakistan reapplies for GSP+ renewal, with approval tied to progress in human rights, environmental, and social commitments.
![Kashmir's farmers resist land takeover as highways and townships reshape the region under India's development drive. [Image via AFP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/da57bee529c666ce36984aece9bb7f60617dd5ab.webp "da57bee529c666ce36984aece9bb7f60617dd5ab")
Kashmir’s farmers resist land takeover as highways and townships reshape the region under India’s development drive.
![COAS General Asim Munir’s UK visit strengthens Pakistan-UK military ties, focusing on modernization and security cooperation. [Image via ISPR]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/14193.webp "14193")
COAS General Asim Munir’s UK visit strengthens Pakistan-UK military ties, focusing on modernization and security cooperation.