PAKISTAN
'Religion has nothing to do with terrorism,' says PM Imran at UN conference on hate speech: Dawn
September 26, 2019
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday emphasized that religion has no link to terrorism and that it is "marginalization of communities [that] leads to radicalization". Pakistan and Turkey co-hosted a round table discussion on hate speech, a side event in the margins of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Click here to read...
AFGHANISTAN
UN Urges Safe Environment for Afghan Election: Tolo
September 26, 2019
In the run-up to the presidential elections on September 28, the United Nations in Afghanistan urged all stakeholders to play their part in creating conditions for citizens to vote in safety and to ensure the credibility of the electoral process is safeguarded. “Free from fear, intimidation and threats of violence, voters must be given every opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to cast a ballot and elect political representatives in a peaceful manner,” said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. Click here to read...
BANGLADESH
'Bangladesh's response to Rohingya crisis an example to world': Dhaka Tribune
September 26, 2019
United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller vowed to continue to work with Bangladesh. United States Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl Miller has said the US will continue to work with Bangladesh, NGO and international organization colleagues to help address the Rohingya crisis. Appreciating the generosity, compassion, and humanity of the government and the people of Bangladesh shown towards Rohingya refugees living in Cox's Bazar, Miller said: "Your response to this crisis has been an example to the world." Click here to read...
MYANMAR
US Embassy warns of possible attacks in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon, Mandalay: Myanmar Times
September 26, 2019
Major cities, including three of the largest in Myanmar could face potential attacks this month, the next, and coming months, US Embassy in Myanmar warned on Wednesday. A security alert posted on the US Embassy website cautioned that "Myanmar security forces are investigating reports of potential attacks" in the administrative capital Nay Pyi Taw today and on October 16 and 26. The alert also warned that attacks could happen in Nay Pyi Taw, Yangon and Mandalay in the coming months. Click here to read...
SRI LANKA
UN bans Sri Lankan peacekeepers: Daily Mirror
September 26, 2019
The UN peacekeeping department has decided to ban the deployment of non-essential Sri Lankan Army troops in UN peacekeeping missions citing the appointment of the new army commander who is alleged to have committed war crimes, a UN spokesperson has told the Foreign Policy News. It said Lt. General Shavendra Silva’s appointment as the chief of the Sri Lankan Army elicited criticism from the UN, the United States, and the European Union. Click here to read...
BHUTAN
Voters remind MPs of election pledges: Kuensel
September 26, 2019
Voters have reminded their Members to the Parliament of the government’s election pledges during the ongoing constituency visits. Some MPs have returned to Thimphu from their constituency visits while others are still in their constituencies. Some of the issues will be raised in the upcoming parliament session, according to MPs. Common issues raised during the constituency visits were related to the government’s pledge to provide free wi-fi services and allowing day workers in the border dzongkhags. Click here to read...
NEPAL
Hackers steal over Rs 47 million from Agriculture Development Bank in the biggest heist yet: The Kathmandu Post
September 26, 2019
Just weeks after busting a Chinese hacking group that had stolen millions from cash machines around Kathmandu, police, over the last two days, have arrested 12 people, including some hundi operators, for their alleged involvement in yet another bank heist. According to police, the group, operated by a man from India identified as Peter aka Kaley, has stolen Rs48.5 million from the Lahan branch of the state-run Agriculture Development Bank and Panas Remittance in Baneshwor. Click here to read...
CHINA
US bill on Hong Kong democracy, which has angered China, gets approval in House and Senate committees: South China Morning Post
September 26, 2019
A US bill written to support democratic freedoms in Hong Kong by increasing pressure on Chinese authorities moved closer to becoming law on Wednesday after receiving approval by two congressional committees. The Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act of 2019, which Beijing has branded as interference in its domestic affairs, moved through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee, setting the stage for votes in both chambers in the coming weeks. Click here to read...
Mainland authority: Taiwan losing 'ties' a trend: China Daily
September 26, 2019
The Taiwan affairs authority of the mainland said on Wednesday that it's a trend that more countries will build diplomatic ties with the Chinese mainland, after two Pacific nations decided to switch diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing based on the one-China principle. Click here to read...
