Afghan presidential hopefuls at a televised debate ahead of the April vote have pledged to tackle widespread corruption and hold peace talks with the Taliban.
RFE/RL correspondent Bashir Ahmad Gwakh looks into the positions of the five leading contenders on the key issues in Afghanistan.
Intellectuals, lawmakers and clan leaders from northwestern Pakistan's tribal areas have complained that they are left out of Islamabad's talks with the Taliban.
In a rare move, a provincial government in a restive Pakistani province is protesting to pressure the federal government to end kidnappings.
Former Pakistani generals and soldiers are nearly unanimous in calling for a treason trial for former military dictator Pervez Musharraf, who is fighting hard to avoid appearing before a special court.
Seven months after being voted into power for promising reforms, a provincial government in a restive northwestern Pakistani province is falling apart as it fails to improve security and services.
