Afghanistan
Afghan Chamber of Commerce Warns Trade with Pakistan Will Collapse-Tolo News
The Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce has warned that the challenges imposed by Pakistan could potentially lead to a complete cessation of trade between the two countries. Khan Jan Alokozai, head of the chamber, has called on Pakistan not to intertwine trade with political issues. Click here to read…
Russia’s Top Prosecutor Seeks 'Taliban’s' Removal from Terror List-Tolo News
The Prosecutor General’s Office of Russia has submitted a formal request to the country’s Supreme Court to remove the name “Taliban” from its national blacklist. The Russian Supreme Court confirmed receipt of the request and announced that a closed-door session on the matter is scheduled for the 17th of this month. Click here to read…
Pakistan Resumes Deportation of Afghan Refugees after Deadline Ends-Tolo News
Pakistani media have reported the start of the deportation process of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. This development comes despite a report by the Associated Press yesterday, which mentioned a ten-day suspension of the deportation process. Click here to read…
Bhutan
Samrang trade route awaits green light from India – Kuensel
The much-anticipated trade route from Samrang in Samdrupjongkhar is set to open soon, following the final approval from the Government of India. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has been in discussions with Indian authorities to formalise the trade corridor, which could provide a much-needed economic boost to Samrang and neighbouring gewogs. Samrang, which shares an open border with Assam, has long suffered due to the absence of an official trade passage. Currently, goods must be transported through the Samdrupjongkhar checkpoint, adding significant costs and logistical hurdles for local businesses and farmers. Click here to read…
Maldives
President Departs to UK to Launch Maldives Tourism Promotion Campaign with Liverpool FC – PSM News
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has departed for Liverpool, United Kingdom, to participate in the commencement of a Maldives tourism promotion campaign in collaboration with Liverpool Football Club, as part of the co-branded initiative between Liverpool Football Club (Liverpool FC) and Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation Limited (MMPRC). On 13 March, MMPRC announced its partnership as the 'Official Tourist Destination Partner' for Liverpool FC. This collaboration launches a global campaign spanning three and half years, designed to amplify brand visibility and inspire more travellers to visit the Maldives. Click here to read…
Myanmar
Is Myanmar Earthquake Just Another Photo Op for Junta Boss Min Aung Hlaing? – The Irrawaddy
Just hours after Friday’s devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, junta boss Min Aung Hlaing made an appearance at affected areas in Naypyitaw, accompanied by his personal photographer, a former army officer best known for undersea photography, and other officials. The coup leader visited a site where injured victims were being treated, posing for photos for handpicked pro-junta media outlets and select foreign media. Click here to read…
Junta rejects quake ceasefire, death toll hits 2,719 – Myanmar Now
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the Myanmar’s ruling junta, has categorically rejected ceasefire proposals from ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) intended to facilitate desperately needed earthquake relief. Instead, he has declared a continuation of military operations, a move that directly undermines humanitarian efforts as the earthquake’s death toll escalates to 2,719 with 400 still missing and over 4,000 injured. Despite a temporary halt in EAO attacks following the earthquake, Min Aung Hlaing accused these groups of exploiting the pause to regroup and conduct military training. Click here to read…
Pakistan
Pakistan dispatches first batch of aid for Myanmar quake survivors-The Express Tribune
Following the instructions of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has started sending relief supplies to the earthquake victims in Myanmar. The first shipment of aid includes 35 tons of goods, including tents, tarpaulins, blankets, ready-to-eat meals, medicines, and water modules. Click here to read…
Balochistan’s Malik, Bugti condemn attack on BNP sit-in-Dawn
Former Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch and chieftain of Bugti tribes Nawab Aali Bugti have strongly condemned the suicide attack on a sit-in held by the Balochistan National Party (BNP). The two leaders said the attack was a “conspiracy” to worsen the law and order situation in Balochistan, which was foiled. On Saturday, a suicide bomber attempted to enter the sit-in site near the Lakpass area of Mastung district. Click here to read…
Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka sign deal to strengthen capital markets-Dawn
The Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE), Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), and Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) have signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation among the three bourses. The agreement, signed on Thursday in Colombo, aims to facilitate technology development and sharing, human resource collaboration, product development, regulatory coordination, investor protection, and knowledge exchange across the markets, according to a press release issued by the DSE yesterday. Click here to read…
