Neighborhood News Digest - 17 June 2024

Afghanistan

Afghan Interim Govt to Attend Third Doha Meeting-Tolo News

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, announced the participation of a delegation from the interim government in the third Doha meeting. Mujahid told TOLO news that the composition of the delegation representing the Islamic Emirate in Doha will be announced soon. He emphasized that after evaluations, they concluded that this meeting is in Afghanistan's best interest. The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate said: "The Afghan delegation will participate in the upcoming Doha meeting." Click here to read… [2]

In Eid Message, Islamic Emirate Leader Stresses Sharia, Security, Unity-Tolo News

On the eve of Eid al-Adha, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Islamic Emirate, said in an Eid message that the interim government seeks to establish political and economic relations with all countries within the framework of Islamic Sharia. The leader of the Islamic Emirate urged all citizens to "protect and serve" the Islamic system. Click here to read… [3]

Pakistani authorities ban Afghan entry into Peshawar during Eid and Muharram-The Khaama Press

Pakistani media have reported that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities have banned Afghan refugees from entering the provincial capital, Peshawar, during Eid al-Adha and Muharram. “Afghan refugees in Peshawar will face a complete entry ban during Eid-ul-Azha and Muharram,” said Capital City Police Chief Qasim Ali Khan, as reported by Pakistan Observer. Click here to read… [4]

Bangladesh

Govt strictly monitoring Myanmar border situation: Quader - The Daily Star

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the government is strictly monitoring the Myanmar border situation. Click here to read… [5]

Modi greets Hasina on Eid-ul-Azha – The Daily Star

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sent a letter to his Bangladeshi counterpart Sheikh Hasina, conveying his warmest greetings on the occasion of the Eid-ul-Azha. Click here to read… [6]

ISPR warns against rumours about St Martin's Island amid Myanmar conflict – Dhaka Tribune

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has urged people not to pay attention to rumors about Saint Martin's Island circulating on social media. The armed forces' agency made this request on Sunday while explaining the current situation in the Bangladesh-Myanmar maritime boundary adjacent to Saint Martin's Island. Click here to read… [7]

Bhutan

NA withdraws Impeachment Procedure Bill of Bhutan 2024-Kuensel

The National Assembly (NA) withdrew the Impeachment Procedure Bill of Bhutan 2024 yesterday. The Bill is expected to be deliberated in future sessions. The Legislative Committee’s chairperson, Kuenga, moved the motion to withdraw the Bill; it was supported by all the members. Kuenga said the Committee held comprehensive discussions on the Bill with relevant institutions. Click here to read… [8]

NA to deliberate legal marriage age-Kuensel

After seven years, the Marriage Act is being revisited in Parliament. This time, the amendment deliberation will focus solely on one section, pertaining to the legal age for marriage. The Marriage Act of Bhutan 1980, states that the legal age for marriage is 16 for females and 18 for males. This contradicts with other Acts and laws, which state that the legal age for marriage for both males and females is 18. Click here to read… [9]

Maldives

Chinese president urges strengthening bilateral ties with Maldives – PSM News

President of China Xi Jinping has revealed his wish to strengthen strategic ties with the Maldives. The remarks were made by the president of China, in a letter congratulatory letter delivered to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on the occasion of his birthday. The letter was presented to President Dr. Muizzu by the Ambassador of China to the Maldives Wang Lixin. Click here to read… [10]

Prime Minister of India sends eid greetings to President Muizzu – The Edition

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has sent greetings on the occasion of Eid Al Alha to President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, the Government and the people of Maldives. A statement released by the High Commission of India stated that the Prime Minister, in his message, highlighted the values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood to maintain a peaceful and inclusive world. Click here to read… [11]

Maldives Ambassador to UAE presents credentials – PSM News

Maldives Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Mohamed Hussain Shareef has presented his credentials to the President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The letter was presented during a special ceremony held at the country's presidential palace, Qasr al-Watan. Ambassador Shareef was welcomed by a military guard and the national anthem of Maldives was played as the Maldivian flag was hoisted. Click here to read… [12]

Myanmar

Nagas urge Home Minister Amit Shah to send back illegal Myanmar immigrants – Economic Times

Several Naga civil bodies in Manipur have urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to repatriate illegal Myanmar immigrants back to their country, citing concerns over their numbers surpassing local residents in certain districts. Click here to read… [13]

Thousands of Rohingya feared trapped in fighting in western Myanmar- Deccan Herald

Around 70,000 Rohingya who are currently in Maungdaw are trapped as the fighting draws closer, said Aung Kyaw Moe, the deputy human rights minister in Myanmar's shadow National Unity Government. Click here to read… [14]

Nepal

CPPCC Vice Chairman Bater calls on PM – Nepal News

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Vice Chairman Bater met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' at the latter's office in Singhadurbar on June 16. During the meeting, issues of bilateral relations, mutual cooperation and implementation of the bilateral agreements and consensus were discussed. Click here to read… [15]

Thai-Nepal Friendship Association formed – The Himalayan Times

In an attempt to enhance the relationship between Nepal and Thailand, Thai-Nepal Friendship Association has been formed under the leadership of Everest summiteers and business leader Kun Vitidnan Rojananpanitch. According to the association, an event was hosted by Nepal's ambassador to Thailand Dhan Bahadur Oli at his residence yesterday to officially recognize the new association. Entrepreneurs Kanchha Gurung (Gabo) and Kampanard Anukul from Thailand have been named as the vice-president of the new association. Click here to read… [16]

Pakistan

Budget 2024-25: Economy not out of the woods yet, parliament told-Dawn

In a written statement of fiscal risks submitted to parliament, required under the Public Finance Management Act 2019, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Secretary Imdadullah Bosal said that a combination of three risks — higher than the estimated interest rate, lower than non-tax revenue collection and higher subsidies — had the most significant impact on fiscal variables across the board. Click here to read… [17]

PM, Punjab governor meet amid PPP-‘N’ tensions-Dawn

Recently, the PPP, who is in a sort of an informal alliance in the Centre and Punjab — where PPP doesn’t have cabinet positions but supports PML-N led governments in both assemblies — has expressed reservations over the federal budget and Punjab’s controversial defamation law. The PPP didn’t fully participate in the budget session in the National Assembly as only three of its MNAs attended the session. Click here to read… [18]

Major reshuffle at LHC-The Express Tribune

The LHC has undergone a significant reshuffling following the appointment of Chief Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed and the fourth senior-most judge, Justice Shahid Bilal, to the Supreme Court. The number of judges at the LHC has decreased to 36, against the sanctioned strength of 60 judges, leading to a shortfall of 24 judges. After the Eidul Azha holidays, CJ Malik Shehzad Ahmed and Justice Shahid Bilal will officially assume their new roles at the top court. Click here to read… [19]

PPP to conditionally back Punjab budget-The Express Tribune

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) is poised to throw its weight behind the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in Punjab in order to keep the political system on an even keel after some quid pro quo, party insiders revealed on Sunday. Interestingly, while the PPP maintains it is not officially part of the government, the party’s parliamentary leader in Punjab has been spotted using a government office on Club Road, just two buildings away from the chief minister’s office and secretariat. Click here to read… [20]

Sri Lanka

Ukraine tight lipped on Sri Lankans fighting there – Daily Mirror

Ukraine remains tight-lipped despite repeated requests by Sri Lanka to submit details about Sri Lankans fighting there, a top source said. The Foreign Ministry and the Sri Lankan Embassy in Ankara, Turkiye which is concurrently accredited to Ukraine formally requested the Ukrainian authorities two weeks ago to provide details about Sri Lankans who are in the war front at the moment. Click here to read… [21]

Tax policy measures last push to get revenue to 15% of GDP: IMF – Daily Mirror

While businesses and individuals in Sri Lanka are likely to witness more pain as plans are underway to bring in more taxes, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) asserted the measures are essential to increase the island nation’s reserves. Click here to read… [22]

Feasibility study on proposal to establish land connectivity with India in final stages, says Sri Lankan President – The Hindu

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Sunday that the feasibility study on a proposal to establish land connectivity with India is in its final stages. Mr. Wickremesinghe, who was travelling in the northeastern district of Mannar to inspect the development work in the region, said that the preliminary work of the feasibility study was over and the final phase would be completed soon. Click here to read… [23]