Neighborhood News Digest- 28 January 2025

Afghanistan

Shaheen: Islamic Emirate Seeks Resolution of Differences through Dialogue-Tolo News

Suhail Shaheen, the acting ambassador of the Islamic Emirate in Qatar, responded to the recent remarks of the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, saying that the Islamic Emirate seeks to resolve disputes through dialogue but will not accept pressure. Shaheen added that those who support the policy of pressure should learn a lesson from the recent struggles of the Afghan people. Click here to read… [2]

TAPI Pipeline advances 6 KM inside Afghanistan, Says Project Head-The Khaama Press

The head of the TAPI gas project has stated that the pipeline installation has progressed six kilometers within Afghan territory. Local Taliban officials in Herat have reported that Abdullah Youf, the head of the TAPI project in Afghanistan, informed Noor Ahmad Islamjar, the Taliban governor, about the acceleration of the pipeline installation process for the project. Click here to read… [3]

Araghchi Says Kabul Visit Marks Start of 'New Path'-Tolo News

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Kabul concluded at 10 PM (Sunday), Kabul time. During his visit, the Iranian Foreign Minister held meetings with his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi, the prime minister, and the defense minister. This was the first visit by Iran’s Foreign Minister to Afghanistan since the political changes of 2021. It may signal that the Islamic Republic, after a thorough assessment of Afghanistan’s situation over the past three and a half years, seeks to normalize relations between the two countries. Click here to read… [4]

4-Country Rail Corridor Agreement Extended for 2025-Tolo News

The Ministry of Public Works said that the quadrilateral rail-economic corridor agreement among Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and China has been extended for the year 2025. Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, the ministry's spokesperson, stated that the deputy minister of public works signed the agreement during his visit to Uzbekistan. Click here to read… [5]

Bangladesh

Direct political involvement in police brutality during July uprising: HRW – The Daily Star

The interim government is contending with powerful and politicised security forces that have long benefited from a system of impunity, pointed out Human Rights Watch in a report released today. "Nearly 1,000 Bangladeshis lost their lives fighting for democracy, ushering in a landmark opportunity to build a rights-respecting future in Bangladesh," said Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "This hard-won progress could all be lost if the interim government does not create swift and structural reforms that can withstand any repression by future governments. Click here to read… [6]

Workers bear the brunt of political fallout – The Daily Star

Tens of thousands of workers and officials have lost their jobs over the last six months following the closure of dozens of mills and factories mainly because of the owners' political affiliations. Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies (BILS) recorded 501 incidents related to layoffs, closures, and protests for wage hikes or back pay in 25 industrial and manufacturing sectors last year. Click here to read… [7]

ACC finds defects in EVMs, questions experts' endorsement - Dhaka Tribune

The Anti-Corruption Commission has commenced its investigation into the purchase of electronic voting machines (EVMs) by the Election Commission, to find out if there were any irregularities in the procurement process. Click here to read… [8]

BNP, Islami Andolan agree on 10-point consensus for quick, credible polls – Prothom Alo

BNP and Islami Andolon Bangladesh (IAB) have reached a consensus on a 10-point decision, including holding a credible national election in a short time after completing necessary ‘minimum’ reforms. The two parties also agreed not to take any decision that contradicts Islamic Sharia, and that no one will make any statements against Islam. Click here to read… [9]

EU keen to sign Comprehensive Partnership, Cooperation Agreement with Bangladesh – Prothom Alo

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed interest to continue ongoing collaboration with Bangladesh and explore new avenues to build partnerships, including through a possible Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. Click here to read… [10]

Bhutan

Online Scams Soar Across the Nation, Defrauding Over Nu 21 million – Bhutan Today

Online scams have surged to alarming levels across the nation, with authorities reporting defrauding over Nu 21 million over the past two years. Between 2023 and 2024, the Central Police Station in Thimphu registered 156 cases of online fraud, affecting individuals nationwide. Both urban and rural communities have been targeted, with Dzongkhags such as Thimphu, Mongar, and Gelephu witnessing a notable increase in fraudulent activities, particularly in 2024. The rise in scams highlights the urgent need for heightened vigilance and public awareness. Click here to read… [11]

Maldives

India reviews support to Maldives as Male's China FTA comes into force – PSM News

India is reconsidering its financial aid to the Maldives after the island nation implemented a free trade agreement with China, leading to potential revenue losses. India's previous support helped stabilize the Maldivian economy. However, future aid hinges on transparency regarding the Maldives' debt exposure and economic reforms by President Mohamed Muizzu. Click here to read… [12]

Maldivian launches direct flights to Shanghai – Avas

The Maldives’ national carrier, Maldivian, has commenced direct flights to Shanghai, China. Shanghai is the third destination to which the airline’s new wide-body aircraft is traveling to. The widebody aircraft’s first destinations were Chengdu, China, on 21 January, and Beijing on 24 January. The introductory fares for these three destinations are between 30 to 50 percent lower than standard prices, according to Maldivian. China remains the top source market for Maldives’ tourism. The direct flights to China are expected to further boost tourism. Click here to read… [13]

Myanmar

Indian MoS Margherita meets Ambassadors of Thailand, Myanmar, Dominican Republic – Business Standard

Minister of State for External Affairs, Pabitra Margherita held meetings with Ambassadors of Thailand, Myanmar and Dominican Republic as they are completing their tenure in India. Margherita held talks on further deepening the relations of India with these countries. Margherita said that he met Pattarat Hongtong, Ambassador of Thailand, as she completes her tenure in India. Margherita said that he discussed matters of mutual interest with Zaw Oo, Ambassador of Myanmar to India. Click here to read… [14]

Union Construction Minister discusses collaboration with China on urban development – The Global New Light of Myanmar

A Myanmar delegation, led by Union Minister for Construction U Myo Thant, who is in Chongqing, People’s Republic of China, met with the Vice Mayor and officials of the Chongqing Municipal People’s Government on 21 January. During the meeting, the Union Minister highlighted the 75-year diplomatic relations between Myanmar and China, discussed the Ministry of Construction’s efforts in balanced urban-rural development under the National Spatial Development Framework Plan, including the drafting and implementation of town plans and master plans for industrial zones, and expressed interest in exploring collaboration on urban development and modern technologies for road and bridge construction. Click here to read… [15]

Pakistan

Pakistan Railways lays off 18% staff as part of IMF reforms-The Express Tribune

Pakistan Railways has terminated 18% of its "unnecessary staff" as part of its efforts to improve performance and align with the reform agenda mandated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was informed on Monday. The move is a key step in implementing ambitious reforms required by the IMF under its $7 billion financial bailout program. Click here to read… [16]

Govt hints at ending talks if PTI skips today’s sitting-Dawn

After the PTI appeared to be in no mood to rejoin negotiations being held to defuse political tensions, the government committee’s spokesperson Senator Irfan Siddiqui on Monday said their committee would be dissolved if PTI did not attend the fourth round of talks scheduled for today (Tuesday). Click here to read… [17]

PTI demands parliamentary panel for new CEC appointment-The Express Tribune

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday reiterated its demand for the government to form a parliamentary committee to appoint a new chief election commissioner (CEC), a day after Sikander Sultan Raja’s term ended. PTI leader and opposition figure Omar Ayub wrote to National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, urging him to establish the committee to ensure compliance with constitutional requirements. Click here to read… [18]

Sri Lanka

UK Minister for Indo-Pacific to meet President Dissanayake – Daily Mirror

Inclusive economic growth, anti-corruption, human rights and national reconciliation are on the agenda as Catherine West, Minister for Indo-Pacific will meet President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and other key government ministers. Click here to read… [19]

President Dissanayake sets ambitious export target of US $ 36bn by 2030 – Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka’s export fraternity must intensify efforts to diversify its markets and product basket as President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed the industries and officials to work towards achieving an ambitious export revenue target of US $ 36 billion by 2030. With 2024 ending on a high note, recording the highest-ever export revenue of US $ 16.1 billion, plans are in motion to increase this figure to US $ 18.2 billion in 2025. The 2024 export earnings reflect a 7.06 percent growth compared to 2023. The previous record was set in 2018, when the export revenue, including merchandise and services, reached US $ 15.72 billion. Click here to read… [20]