South Asia roundup: Purja found, Nepal eases curfew, India raps Pakistan

Newdelhi,UPDATED: Aug 2, 2026 17:28 IST

A series of developments unfolded across South Asia and beyond on Sunday, ranging from a deadly avalanche in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir to easing tensions in southern Nepal, a sharp statement by India on the Indus Water Treaty, political movement in Bangladesh, concerns raised by the Indian community in China, and a claim by US President Donald Trump on the conflict with Iran.

The updates included the recovery of veteran Nepalese-British mountaineer Nirmal Purja's body three days after an avalanche on Broad Peak, the relaxation of curfew in parts of Nepal after communal clashes, and the ruling Bangladesh ist Party authorising Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to choose its nominee for the presidential election. In Beijing, the Indian diaspora flagged visa and social media concerns, while in Washington, India's envoy Vinay Mohan Kwatra criticised Pakistan over the Indus Water Treaty and Trump said he would halt fresh US strikes on Iran if a deal to end the war moved ahead.

In Lahore, the body of veteran mountaineer Nirmal Purja was found on Sunday, three days after he and nine fellow climbers were swept away in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir's Gilgit-Baltistan.

In Kathmandu, authorities relaxed the curfew imposed in various parts of Madhesh and Koshi provinces after the security situation improved in the days following communal violence in the region.

In Washington, India's envoy to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, said, "The Indus Water Treaty was signed in the spirit of goodwill and friendship, and Pakistan spent half a century dismantling it." He said Pakistan had made every effort to undo that goodwill.

In Dhaka, local media reported that the ruling Bangladesh ist Party authorised Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to select the party's candidate for the country's presidential election.

In Beijing, members of the Indian diaspora raised concerns at the Indian Embassy's first Open House in recent years. They flagged abusive anti-India content on Chinese social media, a decline in work visas for professionals, and restrictions on employment for spouses.

In Washington, Trump said he would order American forces to hold off on new strikes against Iran, claiming that Middle East allies had reached the parameters of a deal to end the five-month-old war.

Taken together, the day's developments reflected a mix of tragedy, easing unrest, diplomatic friction, political decision-making, community concerns and a possible pause in military action.

With PTI Inputs

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