Asia

• Myanmar: UN says many millions experiencing extreme poverty 15 October 2026
  More than 37 million people in Myanmar are experiencing multidimensional poverty or are at risk of falling into it, according to a UNDP report published on 8 October. About 17.9 million people currently experience such poverty, while another 19.5 million are vulnerable. The report explains that poverty involves overlapping disadvantages…
• India: proposal to introduce uniform Friday sermons in Kashmir draws huge backlash 15 October 2026
  A proposal to introduce uniform Friday sermons across mosques in Indian-administered Kashmir has provoked strong opposition from Muslim religious leaders and politicians concerned about religious freedom. The Jammu and Kashmir Waqf Board, headed by BJP-associated Darakshan Andrabi, initially said that a committee of scholars would prepare standardised sermons addressing social…
• Pakistan: at least 28 dead after school roof collapses in Peshawar 15 October 2026
  At least 27 pupils and a teacher have died, and more than fifty were injured, after a school roof collapsed in Peshawar, north-western Pakistan; it is feared that more children are still trapped beneath the rubble. The disaster occurred on 15 October at the private Al-Khair school, shortly after lessons…
• Southeast Asia: digital doors open the Gospel for islanders 8 October 2026
  Missionaries serving remote island communities across Southeast Asia are discovering new opportunities to share Jesus through social media and digital evangelism. International Mission Board missionary Amanda Clarkston, who has served in the region for 33 years, says traditional approaches involving village gatherings and personal conversations have become increasingly challenging. Many…
• Pakistan: high court orders case of Maria Shahbaz to be reopened 8 October 2026
  Lahore High Court has ordered the reopening of a police case against a Muslim man accused of abducting, forcibly converting and marrying Christian girl Maria Shahbaz. The court admitted a petition from Maria’s family seeking restoration of the case against Shehryar Ahmad, giving them another route to pursue criminal proceedings.…