Afghanistan
Signing of the Second Phase of Wakhan Road Contract-Tolo News
The signing of the construction contract for the second phase of the Wakhan road in Badakhshan province has been warmly welcomed by the residents of the province. They say that building this road has been one of their long-standing demands, and they hope that with the completion of this project, their difficulties will be reduced. Click here to read…
UN Security Council extends UNAMA Mission in Afghanistan-The Khaama Press
The United Nations Security Council has announced the extension of the mission of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). This decision reflects the ongoing international commitment to supporting Afghanistan during challenging times. On Monday, March 17, the Security Council issued a message on X/Twitter, stating that the resolution to extend the UNAMA mission was unanimously approved for another year. Click here to read…
Media Restrictions and Journalist Violations in Afghanistan Rise by 24%: Report-The Khaama Press
The Afghanistan National Journalists’ Union and the Afghanistan Journalists Center have released reports ahead of National Journalists’ Day, March 17, shedding light on the situation of media and journalists over the past year. These reports present a concerning picture of the restrictions, rights violations, and challenges faced by the media under the rule of the Taliban administration. Click here to read…
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa calls for talks with Kabul to combat terrorism-The Khaama Press
The senior advisor to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has stated that Pakistan holds Afghanistan responsible for terrorism, but is unwilling to engage in diplomatic talks with the Afghan Taliban. Muhammad Ali Saif emphasized that dialogue with the Afghan Taliban is essential to address terrorism effectively. Click here to read…
Bangladesh
BNP cautiously optimistic of polls in December – The Daily Star
The BNP wants to put its trust in the interim government but cannot do so confidently until a specific timeline for the next general election is unveiled. Despite earlier assurances from the interim government that the polls would be held in December this year, varying statements from Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus have fuelled scepticism within the party leadership. Click here to read…
Govt reacts to Tulsi Gabbard's comments on Bangladesh – The Daily Star
The interim government has expressed concern over the remarks made by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on Bangladesh's situation. The statement is both misleading and damaging to the image and reputation of Bangladesh, said the chief adviser's press wing in a statement last night. In an interview with NDTV World, Gabbard said, "The long-time unfortunate persecution, killing, and abuse of religious minorities—Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics, and others—have been a major area of concern for the US government, President Trump and his administration.” Click here to read…
UN Secretary-General’s visit to Bangladesh: A diplomatic milestone – Dhaka Tribune
UN Secretary-General Dr António Guterres concluded his four-day visit to Bangladesh and departed Dhaka. His visit garnered significant attention across media, political, and social circles. However, there were also feeble attempts by certain quarters to downplay its significance. Click here to read…
BNP facing media trial: Tarique Rahman – Prothom Alo
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman today alleged that his party is facing media trial like 'one-eleven' period as a group is out to defame BNP. “BNP is being put on media trial as it is gaining massive public support to be victorious in the next general election if it is held in free and fair manner,” he said while virtually addressing a pre-iftar event at a Gulshan hotel. Click here to read…
Bhutan
Donald Trump to ban people from Bhutan, touted as one of the happiest countries in the world, from entering U.S; citizens in Buddhist nation in shock as reasons not clear – The Economic Times
United States has placed Bhutan on its travel ban list, citing national security concerns and irregular migration patterns. The decision, which follows a 37% rise in Bhutanese visa violations, has sparked debates about its impact on U.S.-Bhutan relations. Bhutanese travelers now face stricter visa approvals, while officials from Bhutan are urging a review. As Bhutan joins other newly restricted nations, including Laos and Mongolia, many wonder whether diplomatic negotiations could lead to a reversal. United States has added Bhutan to its travel ban list, raising concerns about diplomatic relations and the implications for Bhutanese travelers. This decision has sparked debates, as Bhutan, known for its peaceful policies and strong ties with international allies, finds itself facing new travel restrictions. Click here to read…
Maldives
Complaint filed at UN Human Rights Office over government's effort to control the Supreme Court – Adhadhu
A complaint has been filed at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights alleging the government of intimidating and influencing the Supreme Court justices. The case was filed by Justice Husnu Suood who recently resigned after accusing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham of intimidating judges. In his case, Suood said the suspension of three Supreme Court justices was aimed at halting the constitutional case on an amendment that empowers political parties to disqualify MPs for leaving the party. Suood and Justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir were suspended shortly after the government-controlled parliament approved a bill to remove two justices and shrink the Supreme Court bench to five members. Click here to read…
Muizzu now says bill unconstitutional after previously condemning MP who violated whip – Adhadhu
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said the bill to remove two Supreme Court justices is unconstitutional despite previously expressing anger and condemning when a ruling party lawmaker abstained from voting for the bill. The bill, which was passed on February 26, was moved by ruling People's National Congress (PNC) MP Abdul Sattar Mohamed. The PNC leadership, including Muizzu, had instructed MPs to support the bill. Muizzu also condemned PNC MP Ahmed Azaan when did not vote for the bill. However, Muizzu sent the bill back to parliament along with a letter which was read out during the sitting today. He claimed that the bill was unconstitutional. Click here to read…
Myanmar
Entire border with Myanmar to be fenced in ten years, say government officials – The Hindu
The 1643-km-long border with Myanmar will be entirely ringed with an “anti-cut, anti-climb” fence in the next ten years, according to government officials and a parliamentary panel report. The project to fence the Myanmar border was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in February 2024 and the work has gathered pace in the past three or four months, officials said. From April 1-December 31, 2024, an amount of ₹114.09 crore has been spent on constructing the fence and company operating bases for the Assam Rifles, the central armed police force (CAPF) that is responsible for guarding the Myanmar border. Click here to read…
Mizoram sheltering 41,000 from Myanmar, Bangladesh: CM Lalduhoma seeks help from Centre – India TV
Mizoram is currently sheltering approximately 41,000 displaced individuals from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur, as the state grapples with a significant humanitarian challenge. Chief Minister Lalduhoma, addressing the ongoing crisis, stated that the state government is struggling to meet the basic needs of these displaced persons due to limited resources. He called on the Centre for continued support to alleviate the mounting burden on the state. "We are sheltering around 41,000 displaced people, including refugees from Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Manipur. We are responsible for providing food, shelter, and education for their children, but our resources are stretched thin. The situation is becoming increasingly difficult, and we urgently need continuous support from the Centre. Given Mizoram's long international border, we also need more immigration checkpoints," Lalduhoma remarked. Click here to read…
Pakistan
Pakistan-Afghan jirgas agree on ceasefire, reopening of Torkham border-The Express Tribune
A significant breakthrough occurred on Monday as Pakistani and Afghan jirgas reached a mutual agreement on a permanent ceasefire and the reopening of the Torkham border. The discussions, which took place in a joint meeting, resulted in an understanding to temporarily halt controversial construction activities on the Afghan side of the border. Click here to read…
Second large oil, gas reserves discovered in Waziristan-The Express Tribune
Pakistan has made a significant breakthrough in its energy sector with the discovery of a second major oil and gas reserve in the Waziristan Block, according to an official statement. Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) informed the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) in a letter that new hydrocarbon reserves have been found in the Spin Wam-1 well, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Click here to read…
Balochistan govt to set up counter-terror wing in Levies Force- Dawn
The Balochis¬tan government will esta¬blish a counter-terrorism wing of the Balochistan Levies Force to enable the security force to face all challenges relating to acts of terrorism in different parts of the province. The Director General of Balochistan Levies Force, Abdul Ghaffar Magsi, on Monday announced the establishment of a Special Counter-Terrorism Wing within the Levies Force. Click here to read…
Sri Lanka
Adani Group still keen on renewable power project in Sri Lanka – Daily Mirror
The Adani Group is still keen to get Adani Green Energy’s $1-billion renewable energy power project in Sri Lanka back on its agenda, sources said. In February, the company had said it had decided to withdraw from the project, but it has maintained a foot in the door, as both sides are likely to come to an agreement on the tariffs to be charged, sources with knowledge of the ongoing developments said. Click here to read…
Govt. to initiate steps for offshore petroleum exploration – Daily Mirror
The government is to undertake offshore gas exploration after the selection of a consultant firm to handle the international tender process in this regard, an official said yesterday. In Sri Lanka, a national policy on natural gas was gazetted in September 2020, outlining domestic demand creation strategies and providing operators with options to commercialise offshore gas. A new Petroleum Resources Act No. 21 of 2021 has also been introduced to regulate the process. Click here to read…
Opposition to move adjournment debate on new Constitution – Daily Mirror
The Opposition is to move an adjournment debate on a new Constitution today. Opposition MP Ajith P. Perera told the media that the adjournment debate is due to the government's failure to come up with its stand on a new Constitution. Click here to read…
