Pakistan witnessed another surge in political unrest as thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan clashed with police in their demand for his release. Tensions boiled over in Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where protesters faced tear gas as they fired projectiles using slings.

The protest escalated on Monday when a large convoy, led by lawmaker Ali Amin Gandapur and addressed by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, began its march from Peshawar to Islamabad. Bushra Bibi, who was briefly jailed earlier this year, urged supporters to remain steadfast, framing the movement as not just a fight for her husband but for Pakistan’s future.

“Until Khan comes to us, we will not end this march,” she declared. “This is about our country and its leader.”

In response, authorities fortified Islamabad with rows of shipping containers blocking major streets, earning the city the nickname “Containeristan.” Heavy police and paramilitary forces have been deployed, turning the capital into a fortress to prevent protesters from entering.

Social media platforms like WhatsApp and Instagram have been partially suspended, and mobile services may be cut if unrest escalates further. Residents of Islamabad are bearing the brunt of these disruptions, with schools closed, businesses stalled, and daily commutes severely impacted.

This latest wave of protests reflects the deepening divide in Pakistan’s political landscape. Khan, a once-popular leader ousted in 2022, remains a polarizing figure. His supporters, galvanized by his imprisonment, have staged relentless demonstrations, challenging the government’s ability to maintain order.

As the march continues, Pakistan’s political future appears increasingly uncertain, with no resolution in sight. Authorities and protest leaders remain at an impasse, leaving residents and businesses to navigate an environment of mounting chaos and tension.

The idyllic backpacker haven of Vang Vieng, Laos, known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant social scene, has been rocked by a tragedy after six tourists died last week from suspected methanol poisoning. The victims are believed to have consumed contaminated alcoholic drinks containing methanol, a toxic industrial chemical often used in counterfeit alcohol.

Nestled amid jagged peaks and lush valleys, Vang Vieng is a magnet for young travelers on the Southeast Asian backpacking trail. Its unique mix of breathtaking scenery and inexpensive thrills, including kayaking, tubing, and riverside parties, has made it a hotspot for adventure-seekers.

Tubing, one of the town’s most iconic activities, involves floating down the river on giant inner tubes, stopping at riverside bars for shots of alcohol and socializing before continuing downstream. However, this carefree pastime now faces scrutiny in light of the recent deaths.

The tragedy has cast a shadow over the vibrant tourism scene, with warnings about the dangers of unregulated alcohol spreading rapidly among travelers. Methanol poisoning, often linked to illicitly produced spirits, can cause severe health issues or death, even in small amounts.

Authorities in Laos have not yet confirmed the exact source of the contamination, but the incident has sparked an urgent call for greater regulation and caution. Travelers are being advised to avoid locally made spirits and stick to sealed, branded bottles to minimize risks.

The news has rippled through the backpacking community, prompting many to rethink their drinking habits while enjoying the area’s attractions. “It’s heartbreaking,” shared one traveler. “We’re here for fun and adventure, but safety has to come first.”

As investigations continue, Vang Vieng remains a testament to the dual nature of its allure—stunning beauty tempered by the need for vigilance in enjoying its offerings. For now, the mantra among tourists is clear: “Don’t drink the spirits.”

The COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, concluded with a landmark agreement to raise $300 billion annually by 2035 to help poorer nations tackle climate change. However, the deal, reached after 33 hours of extended negotiations, has faced sharp criticism from developing countries, which argue that the funding falls drastically short of their demands.

Developing nations had sought $1.3 trillion per year to address the climate crisis, a figure they argue reflects the scale of the challenge they face. While the agreement includes a commitment to mobilize $1.3 trillion from public and private sources by 2035, the immediate pledge of $300 billion annually was dismissed by many as insufficient.

India’s representative, Leela Nandan, called the amount “abysmally poor,” while Cedric Schuster, chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, highlighted the existential threat faced by low-lying nations. “Our islands are sinking. How can you expect us to go back to the women, men, and children of our countries with a poor deal?” Schuster asked.

The agreement acknowledged the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations, which have contributed the least to global emissions. Simon Stiell, head of the UN climate body, admitted the deal was imperfect but emphasized the need to press forward. “No country got everything they wanted, and we leave Baku with a mountain of work still to do,” he stated.

The summit nearly collapsed as talks dragged on past the deadline, but the final deal was met with applause in the early hours of Sunday morning. While some celebrated the funding increase, others voiced their frustration at the slow pace of global action.