Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, Sept. 21

ISLAMABAD -- Seven terrorists were killed during a clash with security forces in Pakistan's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, the military said.

The security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in Dera Ismail Khan district of the province on the reported presence of terrorists, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement on Sunday. (Pakistan-Terrorist-Security)

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KABUL -- The Afghan government has firmly rejected recent U.S. calls to reclaim Bagram Air Base, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to national sovereignty and urging Washington to honor the 2020 Doha Agreement's pledge against military interference, said a statement issued on Sunday.

"In accordance with Islamic principles and grounded in its balanced, economy-oriented foreign policy, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks constructive relations with all states based on mutual and shared interests," deputy spokesman of the administration, Hamdullah Fitrat, posted the statement on his X account. (Afghanistan-U.S.-Air Base)

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CANBERRA -- Australia formally recognizes the independent and sovereign State of Palestine, effective Sunday, according to a government statement.

"Australia recognizes the legitimate and long-held aspirations of the people of Palestine to a state of their own," said a joint media release by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong. (Australia-Palestine-Recognition) Enditem