South Asia roundup: Nepal deaths mount, Pakistan detains Imran Khan's sister
Several developments were reported across South Asia and beyond on Sunday, including deaths in a Mount Manaslu avalanche, the continuing impact of Nepal's flash floods, political moves in Pakistan, and diplomatic and climate-related announcements from Nepal and Bangladesh.
In Russia, officials said Ukrainian forces fired more than 1,000 drones overnight, including hundreds launched towards Moscow, as the Kremlin was wrapping up the third and final day of its parliamentary elections.
In Nepal, an Indian-German climber and his Nepali Sherpa guide died after an avalanche struck their tent at Camp 3 on Mount Manaslu, the world's eighth-highest peak, a company official said.
Nepal was also continuing to deal with the aftermath of last month's flash floods. The death toll crossed 1,450 on Sunday, while more than 6,000 people remained missing. Search operations continued on Sunday for around 6,000 people who were still unaccounted for nearly four weeks after the devastating floods, which have killed more than 1,400.
Separately, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has set up an environment diplomacy section to institutionalise and strengthen diplomatic efforts on climate change and environmental issues.
In Pakistan, authorities detained Aleema Khan, the sister of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, on Sunday ahead of a planned protest by his party next week.
Imran Khan also underwent a medical check-up at Adiala jail amid concerns about his health, a media report said on Saturday.
Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was set to visit Tehran on Sunday for talks with Iranian leaders and officials. Iran said the discussions would focus on bilateral ties. The visit comes amid escalated tensions in West Asia involving the US-Iran conflict and fighting between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthis, according to media reports.
In Bangladesh, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to deliver his maiden address to the UN General Assembly in Bangla on September 24. According to a media report, he will highlight the Rohingya crisis, climate change and his government's democratic agenda.
In Russia, officials said Ukraine fired more than 1,000 drones overnight, including hundreds launched towards Moscow, on Sunday.
The day's developments included tragedy in Nepal's mountains, continuing flood searches and rising deaths in the country, political and diplomatic activity in Pakistan, Bangladesh's preparations for the UN General Assembly, and Russia's report of a major overnight drone attack by Ukraine.
