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.
Conservative party treasurer Malik Karim has been appointed as an adviser on fundraising to the party chairman Nadhim Zahawi, a statement said.
Karim was appointed as treasurer by the prime minister in July 2021. He created a sustainable fundraising strategy for the Tories to prepare the party to fight elections, the statement added.
“I want to thank Malik for his hard work and full commitment throughout his time as Party Treasurer. He has been creative and effective in successfully executing major new events such as the inaugural Conservative Party City Dinner," said Rishi Sunak, prime minister and party leader.
Karim is the first person of colour to serve as treasurer of the party. He is a successful business leader and the founder and chief executive of Fenchurch Advisory, one of the country’s leading firms offering M&A advice to the financial services industry.
Zahawi said: “I look forward to continuing to work closely with Malik. I know we will all continue to draw on Malik’s experience and expertise as we become fighting fit for a General Election.”
Karim has a City career spanning almost four decades. Previously, he was a managing director of Credit Suisse/DLJ and was also a director of Kleinwort Benson.
He arrived in the UK as a refugee from Uganda in 1972 as part of the forced repatriation of Asians by dictator Idi Amin. He graduated from the University of Manchester with a BA and MA in Economics and qualified as a chartered accountant with Arthur Andersen.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve as Conservative party treasurer. Having remained to help provide continuity in Conservative Campaign Headquarters (CCHQ), this particular inflection point for the party feels like the right time to step away from the day-to-day responsibilities," said Karim.
"I will continue to serve our Party and look forward to working closely with Nadhim, his cabinet colleagues and CCHQ particularly to raise funds to fight the next General Election."
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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