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Here are top five news articles of the day shaping South Asia:
1— India rejects any allegations of involvement in Pakistan bombing, foreign ministry says
India said it rejected “any and every” allegation of involvement in a bombing at a mosque in Islamabad on Friday, that killed at least 31 people, saying such claims were baseless and pointless.
“The bombing at an Islamabad mosque earlier today is condemnable and India condoles the loss of life it has caused. It is unfortunate that, instead of seriously addressing the problems plaguing its social fabric, Pakistan should choose to delude itself by blaming others for its home-grown ills. India rejects any and every such allegation.”
2— Suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque on Islamabad’s outskirts kills at least 31 and wounds scores
A suicide bomber targeted a Shiite mosque on the outskirts of Islamabad during Friday prayers, killing 31 people and wounding at least 169 others, officials said, a rare bombing in Pakistan’s capital as its Western-allied government struggles to rein in a surge in militant attacks across the country.
3— Ceasing Imports of Russian Crude: India Pays the Piper
If you want to be in the dance, you have to pay the piper. In the modern global economy, the piper is Donald Trump’s America.
https://thediplomat.com/2026/02/ceasing-imports-of-russian-crude-india-pays-the-piper/
4— Taliban Condemns Deadly Suicide Bombing at Shia Mosque in Islamabad
The Taliban strongly condemned the suicide bombing at a Shia mosque in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, on Friday, which killed at least 31 worshippers and injured nearly 170 others.
The attack took place around 1 pm local time at Imambargah Khadijah-tul-Kubra in the Tarlai Kalan area of Shehzad Town, southeastern Islamabad, during Friday prayers. Police confirmed it was a suicide attack, with the bomber detonating explosives after being challenged at the entrance.
https://kabulnow.com/2026/02/taliban-condemns-deadly-suicide-bombing-at-shia-mosque-in-islamabad/
5– Hasina’s exit shakes Gopalganj’s political ground
For the first time in decades, Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League is absent from Gopalganj’s ballot ahead of February 12. Opposition parties, including BNP and Jamaat‑e‑Islami, now dominate the campaign with posters and rallies. Voters face a historic choice in a district long considered the Awami League’s stronghold.
https://dailytimes.com.pk/1447257/hasinas-exit-shakes-gopalganjs-political-ground/
