Asia-Pacific Overview: July 2026
A Chinese installation in Scarborough Shoal sparked tensions with the Philippines, and the announcement of elections in Pakistani-administered Kashmir sparked deadly unrest.
Analysis
Staff
Pearl Pandya
Senior Analyst, South Asia
Pearl Pandya is the South Asia Senior Analyst at ACLED, having joined the organization in February 2022 as an India Researcher. In her current role, she oversees the South Asia research team and performs data review and analysis. Prior to joining ACLED, she worked on international law and human rights at the UN, and in local politics in India. Pearl holds a master’s degree in public international law from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a LL.B. from King's College London.
Spoken languages: English, Hindi and Gujarati Timezone: GMT
Content by this author
Why is the Afghan Taliban launching drone strikes in Pakistan?
The Afghan Taliban says it carried out drone strikes against ISKP targets inside Pakistan. What happened, and what does it tell us about the growing conflict between the two countries?
What can we expect from Trump and Modi's meeting?
ACLED’s South Asia Senior Analyst, Pearl Pandya, comments on the likelihood of a trade deal between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi ahead of their meeting on June 17
Are tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalating again?
ACLED’s South Asia Senior Analyst, Pearl Pandya, comments on the latest Pakistani attacks in Afghanistan’s border provinces.
Asia-Pacific Overview: June 2026
Post-election violence erupted in India, the Myanmar military made gains in northern Chin state, and Balochistan recorded one of the deadliest attacks in recent years.
Economic shockwaves from the Iran war fuel protests across South Asia
Mounting demonstrations over rising costs have been recorded in India, Bangladesh, Nepal, the Maldives, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
What does a suicide bombing in Balochistan reveal about Pakistan’s security situation?
ACLED’s South Asia Senior Analyst, Pearl Pandya comments on the suicide bomb in Balochistan and its signficance for the country's security situation.
Pearl Pandya on Pakistan-Afghanistan Tensions Following Deadly Attacks in Bannu and Naurang Bazaar
ACLED’s South Asia Senior Analyst, Pearl Pandya, comments on the recent surge in militant violence in northwestern Pakistan and the growing risk of renewed cross-border escalation between Islamabad and Kabul
Past events
Webinar | The eastern front: Regional reverberations of the Iran War on South Asia
Watch the recorded webinar examining how the Iran conflict is reshaping South Asia. This discussion explores the interplay between regional conflicts, the role of armed groups, and broader societal impacts.
Webinar I The battle for the borderlands: How the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan is challenging the state’s control
Watch the recorded conversation unpacking the increase in TTP activity since 2021, the Pakistani state response, and the civilian impact of their expanding operations.
