UNESCO has reportedly issued a strong warning to Pakistan over alleged poorly executed “restoration” work using cement at the ancient archaeological site of Taxila. According to reports cited by Dawn, concerns have been raised that recent conservation activities carried out by Pakistan’s Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) involved modern construction materials, including cement and masonry, which may violate internationally accepted heritage preservation standards. UNESCO is said to have cautioned that such interventions could harm the site’s authenticity and historical value.

The controversy centers on work carried out at key sections of the Taxila complex, including Sirkap and Mohra Moradu, where modern repairs are alleged to have replaced or altered original ancient stone structures. Critics argue that the use of uniform, machine-cut materials contrasts sharply with the original irregular masonry, potentially affecting the site’s archaeological integrity.

Reports also suggest that UNESCO has warned Pakistan that continued non-compliance with conservation guidelines could result in the site being considered for inclusion on the List of World Heritage in Danger. A joint inspection involving UNESCO representatives and Pakistani officials was reportedly conducted in June to assess the condition of the site and review ongoing restoration practices.

Pakistani authorities, however, have rejected claims of damage, stating that the work is intended as stabilization and conservation rather than reconstruction. Officials maintain that the interventions are necessary to prevent further deterioration and are aligned with accepted preservation practices.

The issue has sparked wider debate over the management of Taxila, a UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed in 1980 and historically associated with the Gandhara civilization. The ancient city, once a major center of learning in the region, is widely recognized for its archaeological and cultural significance spanning the Mauryan, Indo-Greek, and Kushan periods.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from UNESCO.

Baloch activist Aomar Karim has begun a peaceful hunger strike outside 10 Downing Street in London, urging the international community to pay closer attention to the human rights situation in Pakistan's Balochistan region. The protest is aimed at highlighting what Karim describes as an ongoing crackdown on Baloch political activists.

In a message shared on X, Karim announced that the demonstration started on Thursday and would continue until 6:30 PM on Friday, 3 July. He said the hunger strike is an act of solidarity with the people of Balochistan and is intended to draw global attention to their concerns. Karim said the immediate trigger for the protest was the reported sentencing of Baloch rights campaigners Mahrang Baloch and Sibghatullah Shahji to life imprisonment. He also pointed to the continued detention of Beebow Baloch, Bebarg Zehri, and Gulzadi Baloch, describing these cases as examples of what he believes are serious human rights violations.

Karim argued that such developments should not be overlooked and called for greater international awareness of the challenges faced by Baloch activists. He maintained that his protest seeks to encourage governments and rights groups to take notice of the situation. The activist said he plans to remain outside the British Prime Minister's official residence throughout Thursday and Friday before relocating the demonstration to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) on King Charles Street later on Friday.

Karim also appealed to journalists, Members of Parliament, human rights organisations, members of the Baloch diaspora, and supporters of the cause to participate in the protest. He urged people to stand in solidarity with the Baloch community, saying that every show of support helps increase international attention.

Balochistan has for years been the focus of allegations involving enforced disappearances, prolonged detentions, and targeted killings. Human rights groups have repeatedly expressed concern over reports that some individuals disappear for extended periods, while others are later found dead or remain in custody without transparent legal proceedings. Critics argue that these issues have deepened public distrust, increased insecurity, and complicated efforts to promote stability, justice, and accountability in the region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Amnesty International has criticised Pakistan’s decision to sentence leading Baloch activists Dr Mahrang Baloch and Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee to life imprisonment, calling the verdict a serious violation of fair trial principles. The rights organisation alleged that anti-terror laws were being misused to silence peaceful voices and target human rights defenders.

Amnesty International’s Acting Regional Director for South Asia, Isabelle Lassee, said the convictions undermined the right to a fair trial and reflected what the organisation described as the authorities’ improper use of counter-terrorism legislation against activists. The condemnation came after an anti-terrorism court in Quetta sentenced Mahrang Baloch and Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee to life terms over allegations related to a 2024 protest, during which a security official was killed.

Amnesty claimed that the proceedings were conducted through a rushed and closed-door trial inside a prison facility, raising concerns about transparency, due process and compliance with international legal standards. The organisation said no substantial evidence had been presented directly connecting the two activists to the killing.

The rights group also raised concerns over the prolonged detention of Mahrang Baloch, who was arrested in March 2025 after taking part in a peaceful demonstration. Amnesty stated that she was later named in more than 20 anti-terrorism cases across Pakistan, making it increasingly difficult for her defence team to prepare an effective legal response.

Amnesty International said the activists were being punished because of their work highlighting human rights issues and called for their immediate release and the removal of cases linked to their advocacy activities. Mahrang Baloch and Sibghat Ullah Shah Jee are senior figures in the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a rights movement that campaigns against enforced disappearances, alleged unlawful killings and social and economic challenges faced by communities in Balochistan. They have remained in custody since protests in March 2025, along with several other activists facing multiple legal cases.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @MahrangBaloch_.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is likely to undertake her first official visit to India between July 1 and 3 next month, according to sources. However, due to logistical constraints, the trip is now expected to be centered in New Delhi. Officials indicated that while Guwahati was initially considered as a possible venue—and was even proposed to the Japanese side—the tight schedule and operational challenges of holding events outside the capital have made Delhi the more practical choice.

“Given PM Takaichi’s domestic commitments, the time window between her arrival and departure is quite limited. Considering this, along with additional logistical complexities associated with organising events outside Delhi, the visit is likely to be held in the capital,” sources said. The revised plan also allows both sides to include key engagement programmes aimed at strengthening bilateral relations.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had suggested that Guwahati could host the summit-level meeting between PM Takaichi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 1. He also mentioned the possibility publicly on social media, noting the proposed visit window from July 1 onward. Japanese media reports have also indicated that Takaichi may visit Assam in early July, accompanied by representatives from more than 50 Japanese companies and organisations, highlighting the economic dimension of the trip.

A report by NHK noted that during the upcoming discussions with PM Modi, both leaders are expected to focus on expanding cooperation in areas such as defence, trade, and investment, aligned with the Japan-India joint vision for the next decade announced during Modi’s earlier visit to Japan.

The two leaders had already discussed strengthening ties on the sidelines of the recent G7 summit in France, where PM Modi reaffirmed that India and Japan would continue expanding collaboration across multiple sectors, with a particular emphasis on economic growth. Sanae Takaichi, a close political associate of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, is the first woman to hold the office of Japan’s Prime Minister. Interestingly, Abe was once scheduled to visit Guwahati in 2019 for talks with PM Modi, but that trip was postponed.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @takaichi_sanae.

Israel and Iran have carried out direct strikes against each other for the first time since an April ceasefire, increasing concerns that the situation could escalate into a wider regional conflict. The Israeli attacks appear to go against advice from Donald Trump, who reportedly urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to respond militarily to Iran in order to protect ongoing peace negotiations from collapsing. Journalist Nosheen Iqbal discusses the developments with the Guardian’s senior international correspondent Julian Borger.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

In “Destination Anywhere,” Melanie Oliveiro interviews Julian Artopé, the founder and CEO of Zenyum, a company specializing in invisible braces and dental care products. He shares insights from his travels, beginning with Germany, his home country, and highlights Lake Ammersee near Munich as a must-visit destination. He then discusses his journey to Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island, where he experienced distinctive shrimp ramen and relaxed in a traditional onsen village.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The 48th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit and associated meetings in Cebu, scheduled from May 6 to 8, will bring together heads of state and senior officials from all ten ASEAN countries as well as Timor-Leste. The gathering takes place at a critical moment for the region, amid concerns that the Middle East conflict could disrupt global oil supplies, driving up fuel prices and increasing inflationary pressure on ASEAN economies. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the summit’s key issues in detail with Susannah Patton, a Non-Resident Fellow at the Lowy Institute.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

Justin McCurry reports on Japan’s prime minister known for her interest in heavy metal music and her proposal to revise the nation’s pacifist constitution. His coverage highlights political and cultural dimensions of her leadership and the broader debate over Japan’s defense policies and constitutional reform efforts in modern times and its implications for regional security and international relations today globally.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.