Neighborhood News Digest- 13 August 2024

Afghanistan

UN: 63% of Afghanistan’s population is under 25-The Khaama Press

The United Nations Population Fund in Afghanistan (UNFPA) recently highlighted that approximately 63 percent of Afghanistan’s population is under the age of 25. This statistic underscores the significant youth demographic in the country. On the occasion of “World Youth Day,” UNFPA emphasized the importance of engaging this young population in meaningful ways. Such engagement, they noted, is crucial for ensuring that humanitarian and development efforts in Afghanistan are both effective and sustainable. Click here to read… [2]

Mujahid: We Are Investigating Pakistan's Violation of Afghan Airspace-Tolo News

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, in response to some reports, said that the Islamic Emirate is investigating the issue of Pakistan's fighter jets patrolling Afghan airspace. Mujahid said that if Afghanistan's airspace is violated, they will respond seriously. This comes as recently unconfirmed reports have emerged regarding the patrolling of Pakistani fighter jets in the airspace of Kunar and Nangarhar provinces in Afghanistan. Click here to read… [3]

Mujahid: Mahmud Shah Habibi not imprisoned in Afghanistan-The Khaama Press

Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Taliban administration, denied the statements made by the U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan regarding the alleged imprisonment of Mahmud Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American citizen, in Afghanistan. Mr. Mujahid, in an interview with Ariana News on Sunday, August 11, confirmed the imprisonment of two American citizens in Afghanistan but refuted the U.S. envoy’s claim concerning Mahmud Shah Habibi. Click here to read… [4]

August 15 declared public holiday by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs-The Khaama Press

The Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Afghanistan has declared August 15 as a public holiday, marking it as the “Victory of the Afghanistan Jihad against Occupation.” In a statement released on August 11, the ministry stated that this day has been declared a nationwide holiday in Afghanistan by order of Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Taliban. Click here to read… [5]

Bangladesh

Interim govt to get necessary time for polls – The Daily Star

Seven political parties, including the BNP and Jamaat, yesterday said Prof Muhammad Yunus-led interim government can take the time necessary for creating an atmosphere conducive to holding a free and fair election. Click here to read… [6]

Food inflation tops 14pc for first time in 13yrs – The Daily Star

Bangladesh's worsening economic crisis has spun off a price shock with food inflation crossing 14 percent in July for the first time in 13 years. Part of the reason was a nationwide supply chain disruption caused by weeks of deadly protests that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. Click here to read… [7]

As August 15 approaches, Awami League prepares to re-emerge – Dhaka Tribune

The Awami League is preparing to pay tributes at the portrait of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on August 15, commemorating the 49th anniversary of his assassination. Click here to read… [8]

Adviser: Hasina's stay in Delhi will not impact Bangladesh-India ties – Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain has said that the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina's stay in New Delhi will not affect the bilateral relationship between Bangladesh and India. Click here to read… [9]

US says it had no role in ousting of Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina – Prothom Alo

The United States had no role in ousting Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who recently quit her position and fled the South Asian nation, the White House said on Monday, calling allegations of U.S. interference "simply false." Click here to read… [10]

Bhutan

Tourism must serve Bhutan, not the other way round-Kuensel

Bhutan as a country is an experience by itself and there are many opportunities to curate wonderful experiences for tourists by taking advantage of our rich culture and environment. Click here to read… [11]

Maldives

Minister Zameer begins official visit to Bahrain– Adhadhu

Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has departed on an official visit to Bahrain, on the invitation of the country's Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. During this visit, scheduled to take place from 11 to 15 August, Zameer will engage in high-level discussions with the Foreign Minister of Bahrain. According to the Foreign Ministry, the discussions will focus on reviewing the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries and explore avenues for future cooperation in areas of mutual interest. This year marked the 44th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Maldives and Bahrain. Click here to read… [12]

Muizzu calling Israel’s genocide against Palestinians a “war”, sparks backlash – Raajje

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has sparked public outrage and backlash after calling Israel’s genocide against innocent Palestinians, a “war”. Muizzu took to social media platform ‘X’ on Sunday morning condemning Israel’s bombing of the Al-Tabi’in School in Gaza City, which killed more than 100 displaced Palestinians forced to seek refuge at the school, in its wake. Strongly condemning Israel targeting yet another school in Gaza, Muizzu stressed that horrifying images show martyred and injured women, children, and the elderly. Click here to read… [13]

Pakistan

Coalition partners hail, PTI keeps mum over Faiz Hameed court martial-Dawn

While the government has hailed the military’s decision to uphold the rule of law by initiating court martial proceedings against former spymaster Faiz Hameed for his alleged involvement in victimising the owner of a private housing society, the PTI preferred to stay rather reserved, calling it an internal issue of the army. Click here to read… [14]

Interior minister Mohsin Naqvi slams drive against state institutions- Dawn

Federal Minister for Interior Moh¬sin Naqvi has made it clear that no one will be allowed to run a nefarious campa¬i¬¬gn against state institutions. The interior minister said that state institutions were a proud asset of the country and the organised propaganda against state institutions was like betraying the country. Click here to read… [15]

Authorities mishandled Baloch protests, PM told- Dawn

National Party (NP) chief Dr Abdul Malik Baloch met with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday as part of efforts to mediate between the government and the protesting Baloch Yakjehti Commi¬ttee (BYC), which recently held large demonstrations in Gwadar and other parts of Balochistan to press for their demands. Talking to Dawn, NP secretary general Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi said that Dr Baloch blamed authorities for “mismanaging” the protests in Gwadar, which created a law and order situation in the province. Click here to read… [16]

Imran warns of protests if CJP's tenure extended-The Express Tribune

PTI founder Imran Khan has warned that if the government dragged its feet on honouring the Supreme Court's ruling in the reserved seats case or attempted to meddle with the incumbent chief justice's tenure, the party will hit the streets in force. The incarcerated leader accused the government of allegedly attempting to alter the Constitution in a bid to maintain a two-thirds majority and reappoint CJP Qazi Faez Isa. Click here to read… [17]

Sri Lanka

Ranil, Sajith, Anura, Namal geared up for 100-rally marathon for presidency – Daily Mirror

The four main political candidates - Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sajith Premadasa, Anura Kumara Dissanayake and Namal Rajapaksa will begin their campaign rallies soon after nominations end on August 15 with each party eyeing to complete 100 rallies each. Click here to read… [18]

Indian contingent arrives in Sri Lanka for ’Mithrashakthi’ exercise - Daily Mirror

An Indian Army contingent participating in the annual joint military exercise 'Mithrashakti' arrived at the Mattala Airport yesterday. The exercise 'Mithrashakti' is set to take place from 12 to 25 August 2024 at Maduru Oya. Click here to read… [19]

Sri Lanka permits 12 foreign vessels this year despite research vessel ban; No Chinese ships docked – Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka has granted security clearance for at least 12 foreign vessels to dock at its ports this year, despite imposing restrictions on foreign vessels, the Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read… [20]

Long-term political will crucial for SL’s power sector reforms: ADB – Daily Mirror

The success of Sri Lanka’s power sector reforms depends heavily on the government’s ability to maintain strong political will over the long term, according to Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Takafumi Kadono. Click here to read… [21]