International
Main Pakistani parties explore pacts to challenge Imran Khan’s electoral dominance
Pakistan’s main political parties are in a process of negotiation and alliances with the aim of forming a government, which could mean a strategy to counter the unexpected electoral victory of independents backed by Imran Khan, the imprisoned and popular opposition leader.
Although no political force obtained a majority in the recent general elections on February 8, the figure of Imran Khan stands out as the winner, achieving that nearly a hundred of his allies were elected, despite the fact that they were forced to present themselves as candidates. independents due to judicial restrictions that prevented the participation of his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
However, uncertainty remains in Pakistan over who will govern in the next five years, as no political force has enough representatives in parliament. The pro-Khan bloc of lawmakers, made up of approximately 93 members, is legally registered as independent candidates, forcing them to seek alliances to form a majority.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), the third political force with 54 seats, is evaluating its options, considering possible alliances with both the PTI and Nawaz Sharif’s Muslim League (PML-N), which has 79 seats. seats.
Political negotiations intensify amid meetings and discussions between different parties, while Imran Khan, from prison, stays informed about his party’s strategy. However, PTI sources suggest that an alliance with the PPP is unlikely to be formed.
The political scenario in Pakistan looks even more complex due to the challenge cases filed by the PTI, which could generate additional tensions and affect the stability of the future government.
The virtual refusal of the PTI to negotiate an alliance with other parties also puts at risk the allocation of 70 reserved seats, which could significantly influence the configuration of parliament and the distribution of political power in the country.
The outcome of these negotiations and alliances will be crucial for Pakistan’s political future, as it will define not only who will lead the government in the coming years, but also the balance of power between the different political forces in the country.
International
U.S. to Limit Visa Duration for Foreign Students and Journalists
The United States has announced new limits on the legal length of stay for foreign students and journalists, marking the latest tightening of immigration policies under President Donald Trump.
The changes, outlined in an administrative rule published on Thursday, are expected to take effect in September, unless Congress blocks the measure.
Under the new policy, holders of student visas will be allowed to remain in the United States for no more than four years.
Foreign journalists will be limited to 240-day stays—approximately eight months—with the possibility of applying for extensions of the same duration.
The policy imposes even stricter rules on Chinese journalists, whose visas will be capped at 90 days.
More than 100 international news organizations and press freedom groups, including Agence France-Presse (AFP), criticized the measure in an open letter, arguing that it would reduce both the quantity and quality of international coverage of events in the United States.
The Republican Party, led by President Trump, currently holds a majority in Congress and has pledged to curb both illegal immigration and certain forms of legal immigration.
Previously, the United States generally issued student visas for the full duration of an academic program, while foreign journalists could receive visas valid for up to five years.
Central America
Nicaragua Cuts Diplomatic Ties With Italy Over Red Brigades Dispute
The Nicaraguan government announced on Thursday that it is severing diplomatic relations with Italy following criticism from the Italian government over Nicaragua’s long-standing decision to shelter Alessio Casimirri, a former member of the Red Brigades convicted in Italy for the 1978 kidnapping and murder of former Prime Minister Aldo Moro.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani criticized the administration of co-presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo on Wednesday for continuing to provide refuge to Casimirri, who was sentenced in Italy to six life terms for his role in Moro’s abduction and killing.
In a statement issued Thursday, Nicaragua’s Foreign Ministry said it was ending all diplomatic relations with Italy, describing Tajani’s remarks as “unjustified, aggressive, and irresponsible.”
Tajani made the comments during a gathering of conservative leaders from Europe and Latin America held in Madrid.
“We have absolutely nothing in common with the positions of extremist governments such as Nicaragua, a country that continues to harbor dangerous Red Brigades terrorists like Alessio Casimirri,” Tajani said, according to Italian media.
The diplomatic break marks a new escalation in tensions between the two countries over the decades-old case involving Casimirri, who has lived in Nicaragua for many years despite repeated calls from Italy for his extradition.
International
U.S. Strikes Hit Areas Near Strait of Hormuz as Tensions With Iran Escalate
Several U.S. strikes targeted areas near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, according to Iranian state media citing local authorities, as hostilities between the United States and Iran intensified.
Officials in Iran’s Hormozgan Province said the island of Qeshm was struck multiple times by what they described as U.S. missiles during the evening. The reports were carried by the Iranian news agencies Fars and Tasnim.
Iranian state television also reported that the Bandar Abbas region, located on the Iranian coast overlooking the Strait of Hormuz, was the target of what authorities described as an “enemy U.S. air attack.”
According to local officials quoted by state television, no casualties have been reported following the strikes.
The reported attacks come amid renewed military tensions between Washington and Tehran, although U.S. authorities had not immediately commented on the reported operations.
U.S. to Limit Visa Duration for Foreign Students and Journalists
Nicaragua Cuts Diplomatic Ties With Italy Over Red Brigades Dispute
U.S. Strikes Hit Areas Near Strait of Hormuz as Tensions With Iran Escalate
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