Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
A fourth Indian was charged by Canadian authorities Saturday (11) in the 2023 killing of a separatist Sikh leader in Vancouver.
Amandeep Singh, 22, was already being held for unrelated gun charges before being charged with "first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder" in the slaying of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Three other Indian nationals were arrested this month.
The killing sparked a diplomatic row between Ottawa and New Delhi when prime minister Justin Trudeau linked Indian intelligence to the killing.
Nijjar -- who immigrated to Canada in 1997 and became a citizen in 2015 -- had advocated for a separate Sikh state, known as Khalistan, carved out of India.
He had been wanted by Indian authorities for alleged "terrorism" and conspiracy to commit murder -- allegations he denied.
He was shot dead on June 18, 2023, by masked assailants in the parking lot of the Sikh temple he led in suburban Vancouver.
Trudeau announced several months later that Canada had "credible allegations" connecting Indian intelligence to the slaying.
India dismissed the allegations as "absurd" and responded furiously, briefly curbing visas for Canadians and forcing Ottawa to withdraw diplomats.
In November, the US Justice Department charged an Indian citizen living in the Czech Republic with allegedly plotting a similar assassination attempt on American soil.
Prosecutors said in unsealed court documents that an Indian government official was also involved in the planning.
The shock allegations came after US president Joe Biden hosted Indian prime minister Narendra Modi for a rare state visit, as Washington seeks closer ties with India against China's growing influence.
US intelligence agencies have assessed that the plot on American soil was approved by India's top spy official at the time, Samant Goel, the Washington Post reported in April.
Canada is home to some 770,000 Sikhs, who make up about two per cent of the country's population, with a vocal minority calling for an independent state of Khalistan.
Taliban security personnel on a Soviet-era tank ride towards the border, during clashes between Taliban security personnel and Pakistani border forces, in the Spin Boldak district of Kandahar Province on October 15, 2025. (Photo: Getty Images)
Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to an “immediate ceasefire” after talks in Doha.
At least 10 Afghans killed in Pakistani air strikes before the truce.
Both countries to meet again in Istanbul on October 25.
Taliban and Pakistan pledge to respect each other’s sovereignty.
PAKISTAN and Afghanistan have agreed to an “immediate ceasefire” following talks in Doha, after Pakistani air strikes killed at least 10 Afghans and ended an earlier truce.
The two countries have been engaged in heavy border clashes for more than a week, marking their worst fighting since the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
A 48-hour truce had briefly halted the fighting, which has killed dozens of troops and civilians, before it broke down on Friday.
After the talks in Doha, Qatar’s foreign ministry said early on Sunday that “the two sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries”.
The ministry added that both sides would hold follow-up meetings in the coming days to ensure the ceasefire remains in place.
Pakistan’s defence minister Khawaja Asif confirmed the agreement and said the two sides would meet again in Istanbul on October 25.
“Terrorism on Pakistani soil conducted from Afghanistan will immediately stop. Both neighbouring countries will respect each other's sovereignty,” Asif posted on social media.
Afghanistan’s spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid also confirmed the “signing of an agreement”.
“It was decided that both countries will not carry out any acts of hostility against each other,” he wrote on X on Sunday.
“Neither country will undertake any hostile actions against the other, nor will they support groups carrying out attacks against the Government of Pakistan.”
The defence ministers shared a photo on X showing them shaking hands after signing the agreement.
Security tensions
The clashes have centred on security concerns.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Pakistan has seen a sharp rise in militant attacks, mainly near its 2,600-kilometre border with Afghanistan.
Islamabad claims that groups such as Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) operate from “sanctuaries” inside Afghanistan, a claim the Taliban government denies.
The recent violence began on October 11, days after explosions in Kabul during a visit by Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to India.
The Taliban then launched attacks along parts of the southern border, prompting Pakistan to threaten a strong response.
Ahead of the Doha talks, a senior Taliban official told AFP that Pakistan had bombed three areas in Paktika province late Friday, warning that Kabul would retaliate.
A hospital official in Paktika said that 10 civilians, including two children, were killed and 12 others injured in the strikes. Three cricket players were among the dead.
Zabihullah Mujahid said on X that Taliban forces had been ordered to hold fire “to maintain the dignity and integrity of its negotiating team”.
Saadullah Torjan, a minister in Spin Boldak in Afghanistan’s south, said: “For now, the situation is returning to normal.”
“But there is still a state of war, and people are afraid.”
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