The Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque in the Tarlai area, on the outskirts of the capital, was the target, resulting in at least 31 deaths and 169 people wounded, according to initial reports. This is the second attack in Islamabad in three months. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing, but observers are pointing the finger at the Islamic State.

Islamabad authorised its national team to take part in the Men's T20 World Cup, but not to the match against India on 15 February. The International Cricket Council has criticised the South Asian country of “selective participation” while Pakistan accuses the body of favouring India. The final is also at risk of being moved to a neutral venue.

In an already tense situation, a series of attacks claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) has resulted in scores of deaths among civilians and security forces, while ethnic tensions rise again in Iran. The Taliban in Afghanistan backed the operation. The violence stems from  tensions over mineral resources, while local hostility toward Islamabad has fuelled the escalation.

Lawyer and human rights activist Imaan Mazari was arrested along with her husband while on her way to court. Both are involved in a series of proceedings related to social media posts and demonstrations in front of judicial institutions. The arrest has sparked strikes by bar associations. Some observers speak of yet another worrying sign for the rule of law and freedom of expression in Pakistan.

During a meeting yesterday in Palam between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed to greater cooperation with future closer partnerships in business, energy, and space. The game of global alliances plays out in the background, with Israel and the Abraham Accords casting their shadow.

The court ordered the release of Aneeqa. Abducted in late December and subjected to a fake conversion, she was recognised as a child based on official records. Her abductor’s arguments were rejected and he was ordered arrested. According to The Edge Foundation, “Such rulings restore faith in the justice system and give hope to countless families facing similar threats.”