Afghanistan
UNSC Grants Travel Exemption for Muttaqi to Visit Qatar-Tolo News
The United Nations Security Council has granted a one-week travel exemption for Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of Afghanistan. The Security Council’s Sanctions Committee announced in a statement that Muttaqi’s travel from April 27 to May 4 for meetings with Qatari officials, has been authorized. Click here to read…
Afghanistan–India Trade Hit Hard by Closure of Attari–Wagah Border-Tolo News
The Attari–Wagah route, one of Afghanistan’s shortest and cheapest transit paths for trade with India via Pakistan, has been closed due to security tensions between New Delhi and Islamabad. This situation has also posed a serious challenge to Afghanistan’s trade with India. Click here to read…
Afghan Agriculture Delegation Travels to Iran to Boost Economic Ties-Tolo News
Sadr Azam Othmani, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, has traveled to Iran at the head of a delegation. The purpose of this trip is to participate in the "Iran Expo" International Exhibition, strengthen economic relations, facilitate the export and import of agricultural products, and encourage Afghan businessmen to invest in Afghanistan. Click here to read…
Delay in 1404 Budget Approval Sparks Economic Worries-Tolo News
More than a month has passed since the beginning of the solar year 1404, yet the budget for this year has not been approved. The Ministry of Finance, without specifying the reasons for the delay, stated that the budget is in its final stages and will be approved soon. Meanwhile, experts emphasize that any delay in approving the budget could slow Afghanistan's economic growth and delay the implementation of infrastructure projects. Click here to read…
Bhutan
Historic Royal visit of King of Thailand – Kuensel
In a special gesture of welcome, Their Majesties the Druk Gyalpo and Gyaltsuen personally received Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand at the Paro International Airport on April 25. Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand were accorded a warm welcome to by the people and nation of Bhutan, reflecting the close bonds of friendship shared between the two Kingdoms. His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua arrived in Bhutan this morning on a four-day State Visit, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana, at the invitation of His Majesty the King, marking the Thai Monarch’s first State Visit abroad. Click here to read…
Maldives
Muizzu departs on official visit to Malaysia – Adhadhu
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has departed on an official visit to Malaysia at the invitation of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Muizzu, accompanied by a senior government delegation, departed on April 27. During the visit, Muizzu will meet Anwar and hold official talks while several Memoranda of Understanding and Exchange of Notes will be signed between the two countries. "...focusing on enhancing bilateral cooperation, exchanging views on regional and global issues, and exploring new avenues for partnership between the two countries," the President's Office said. Muizzu will also attend a Business Forum organised by the Economic Ministry and engage with leading Malaysian investors. Click here to read…
President Pursues Expanded Partnerships in Landmark Malaysia Visit – PSM News
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu departed on Sunday morning for an official visit to Malaysia, marking his inaugural state visit to the nation. Extended at the invitation of Malaysia's Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim, the trip underscores the enduring commitment of both countries to strengthening their bilateral relationship. The President's Office highlighted the objectives of the visit, which aim to reinforce the historically close and amicable ties between the Maldives and Malaysia. Particular emphasis has been placed on areas of mutual interest, including efforts to streamline services for Maldivians residing in Malaysia and address their concerns effectively. Click here to read…
Myanmar
China repatriates 900 from Myanmar scam centres – Myanmar Now
China has repatriated more than 900 citizens it suspects of working in internet scam centres in Myanmar's borderlands, a Beijing ministry said. Myanmar's many-sided civil war—sparked by a 2021 coup—has enabled the rapid growth of lucrative internet fraud factories established in its loosely governed borderlands. Many people have said they were trafficked into often heavily fortified scam compounds to target victims with romance or business scams on social media, luring them into making untraceable cryptocurrency payments. Analysts say some are willing participants in the industry worth billions of dollars annually. Thousands have been repatriated in recent months after a pressure campaign from neighbouring China. Click here to read…
From Smog to Arsenic: Myanmar’s Toxic Trail Reaches Thailand – The Irrawaddy
Cross-border smog that has plagued Thailand for decades has now been joined by a potentially deadlier threat flowing from Myanmar. Recent tests showing arsenic contamination in the Kok and Sai rivers, which flow from Myanmar, have left residents of northern Thailand fearing for their lives. “Cross-border pollution has been harming Thailand for over a decade now because Thai authorities have done little to address it,” said Chainarong Setthachua, a lecturer and environmental expert at Maha Sarakham University. Click here to read…
Pakistan
As India dials up pressure, China backs Pakistan-The Express Tribune
China on Sunday put its weight behind Pakistan's efforts to safeguard its territorial integrity and sovereignty in the wake of brewing tensions with India after the Pahalgam attack as Beijing urged both sides to show restraint. "As an ironclad friend and all-weather strategic cooperative partner, China fully understands Pakistan's legitimate security concerns and supports its efforts to uphold its sovereignty and security interests," the top Chinese diplomat was quoted as saying by the Chinese Foreign Ministry in an official readout following the telephone call with Dar. Click here to read…
Nawaz advises PM to ease tension diplomatically-The Express Tribune
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday briefed PML-N President Nawaz Sharif on the decisions taken by the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting in the wake of the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) by India following a militant attack in the Pahalgam area of held Kashmir. According to a PML-N source, Nawaz Sharif wants his government to utilize all available diplomatic resources to restore peace between the two nuclear armed states. He said that Nawaz was not keen on taking an aggressive position. Click here to read…
'India behind London HC attack'-The Express Tribune
Federal Minister for Information Attaullah Tarar has condemned attacks on Pakistan's High Commission in London by individuals "backed by Indian state and agencies". The Pakistani High Commission in London was vandalised following protests by hundreds of Indian demonstrators outside the building. The incident led to property damage, with window panes shattered and saffron-colored paint thrown across the building's exterior and its plaque. Click here to read…
IIOJK attack: Pakistan secures diplomatic victory against India at UNSC-The Express Tribune
Pakistan has scored a diplomatic victory at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) after a statement on the Pahalgam attack avoided strong language and terminology previously used in similar incidents, notably the 2019 Pulwama attack. Notably, the statement included the phrase “Jammu and Kashmir” — a point of contention — and omitted the word “Pahalgam,” a term New Delhi had lobbied to include in an effort to frame the location as an uncontested Indian territory. Click here to read…
