Neighbourhood News Digest – 7 February 2025

Afghanistan

Pakistan, China Discuss Afghanistan’s Integration, Regional Stability – Tolo News

In a recent meeting in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pakistani President Arif Alvi emphasized the importance of integrating Afghanistan into the international community and supporting its sustainable development. They agreed to maintain close communication and coordination on Afghan issues and to play a constructive role in assisting Afghanistan's progress. The Taliban-led government reiterated its commitment to preventing Afghan territory from being used against other countries. Political analysts believe that regional nations like China, Pakistan, Russia, and Iran can significantly influence Afghanistan's recognition and integration into the global community. Click here to read... [2]

UN sounds alarm over Pakistan's new Afghan deportation plans – Voice of America

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have expressed concern over Pakistan's recent plan to deport nearly 3 million Afghan refugees and asylum-seekers. This plan includes relocating Afghans from Islamabad and Rawalpindi to designated camps before repatriation to Afghanistan. The UN agencies are seeking clarity on the plan's modalities and timeframe, urging Pakistan to uphold human rights standards and due process, especially for those holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC). They warn that forced returns could place individuals at increased risk and emphasize the need for mechanisms to provide international protection and support for Afghans with longstanding ties in Pakistan. Click here to read... [3]

Bangladesh

Yunus planned to kill me, says Sheikh Hasina in speech – The Hindu

On February 5, 2025, protesters in Dhaka demolished the historic residence of Bangladesh's founding leader, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, located at Dhanmondi 32. The attack coincided with an online address by his daughter, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been ousted and fled to India in August 2024 amid mass protests. In her speech, Hasina condemned the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, labeling it unconstitutional, and urged citizens to resist. She lamented the destruction, stating, "They can demolish a building, but not the history. History takes its revenge." The incident reflects ongoing political tensions and unrest in Bangladesh. Click here to read... [4]

BNP urges govt to control nationwide unrest – Dhaka Tribune

On February 7, 2025, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) expressed deep concern over widespread vandalism and arson across the country, urging the interim government to enforce law and order to restore stability. BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi emphasized that failure to control the situation could jeopardize the nation's stability. He attributed the unrest to provocative actions and comments by the ousted autocrat and associates, which have incited public anger, leading to the destruction of related symbols nationwide. Rizvi criticized the interim government's perceived inaction over the past six months in bringing these individuals to justice, suggesting it has emboldened illegal activities. Click here to read... [5]

Bhutan

Bhutan and FAO launch “One-Child, One-Egg” initiative – The Times of India

At the Bengal Global Business Summit on February 5, 2025, Bhutanese Minister Younten Phuntsho emphasized that establishing railway connectivity between Bhutan and West Bengal would be transformative. He highlighted Bengal's emergence as a global investment hub and invited investors to explore opportunities in Bhutan's clean energy and agro-processing sectors. Phuntsho also noted the shared cultural heritage between Bengal and Bhutan, suggesting collaboration in the wellness and tourism industries. The summit featured around 200 foreign delegates from 40 countries, all expressing interest in strengthening bilateral relations and economic ties with Bengal. Click here to read... [6]

Maldives

Aim is to reduce government debt: President Muizzu – Adhadhu

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said the government aims to reduce its debt and find a solution to the country's financial problems this year. In his address to the opening session of the People's Majlis on January 6, Muizzu spoke about the country's economic situation. "Although the economy is growing and government revenue is increasing, there are still many challenges facing the state finances. I want to put an end to the systematic arrangement that has been a tradition of running the state expenditures in excess of revenue for years,” he said. He said strong measures have been formulated to address the issue and the implementation of these measures is progressing swiftly. Click here to read... [7]

President Takes Uncompromising Stand on Independence, Sovereignty – PSM News

In his recent Presidential Address inaugurating the Parliament, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Maldives' independence and sovereignty. He outlined initiatives to enhance the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), including doubling the Coast Guard's capacity with additional vessels and marine bases, establishing the Special Boat Squadron for specialized operations, and launching the MNDF Air Corps to modernize aerial surveillance. Plans are also underway to set up air stations in the country's north and south, bolster the Marine Corps, and upgrade the Girifushi training center. Additionally, President Muizzu emphasized efforts to strengthen the Maldives Police Service, aiming for a police presence on every inhabited island by year's end, and intensify actions against drug trafficking and gang violence. Click here to read... [8]

Myanmar

Over 260 from Myanmar seek shelter in Manipur – The Hindu

In early February 2025, approximately 260 refugees from Myanmar, fleeing ongoing civil unrest, sought shelter near the Manipur border in India. The influx has raised concerns among local authorities and communities about the provision of adequate resources and security. This situation underscores the broader regional impact of Myanmar's internal conflict, which has previously led to significant refugee movements into neighboring Indian states such as Mizoram and Manipur. The Indian government faces challenges in managing these cross-border migrations while ensuring the well-being of both refugees and local populations. Click here to read... [9]

China Must Explain Defense of Myanmar Junta – The Irrawaddy

China's support for Myanmar's military junta has come under scrutiny following the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army's (MNDAA) capture of Lashio in August 2024. This event marked a significant blow to the junta's control. Subsequently, reports emerged of China pressuring the MNDAA to withdraw from Lashio, allegedly detaining MNDAA leader Peng Daxun to facilitate negotiations. Critics argue that China's actions prioritize its economic interests and regional stability over the aspirations of Myanmar's people for peace and prosperity. They contend that by supporting the junta, China undermines the public's pursuit of a democratic and autonomous Myanmar. Click here to read... [10]

Nepal

Budget trimmed by 9 percent, citing low spending capacity – The Kathmandu Post

In a mid-term budget review presented on February 7, 2025, Nepal's government announced a 9% reduction in its annual budget, adjusting it from the initial Rs1.86 trillion to Rs1.69 trillion. This decision stems from the realization of low spending capacity, as only 35.89% (Rs667.6 billion) of the budget was utilized in the first six months of the fiscal year, despite a 17.66% increase from the same period last year. The revised allocations designate Rs1.02 trillion for recurrent expenses, Rs299.5 billion for capital expenditure, and Rs363.93 billion for financial management. Economists warn that such reduced spending could hinder infrastructure development and economic growth, potentially affecting Nepal's goal to graduate from least developed country status by 2026. Click here to read... [11]

Pakistan

'Want all issues, including Kashmir, to be resolved through talks': Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif – The Times of India

On February 5, 2025, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed a desire to resolve all outstanding issues with India, including the Kashmir dispute, through dialogue. Addressing the legislative assembly in Muzaffarabad, he urged India to move beyond its August 5, 2019, stance—referring to the revocation of Article 370, which ended Jammu and Kashmir's special status—and to fulfill promises made to the United Nations. Sharif emphasized that dialogue is essential and reiterated Pakistan's unwavering moral, diplomatic, and political support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination under United Nations Security Council resolutions. Click here to read... [12]

Trump’s Gaza plan ‘deeply troubling, unjust’: FO – The Dawn

On February 6, 2025, Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) labelled U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal to relocate Gaza's population and redevelop the area as "deeply troubling and unjust," asserting it violates international law. The FO emphasized that Palestinian land rightfully belongs to its people and reaffirmed support for a two-state solution in line with UN Security Council resolutions. The statement called for the return of displaced Palestinians, an end to Israeli occupation, and immediate humanitarian aid for Gaza. This response aligns Pakistan with other nations condemning the proposal, which has faced widespread international criticism.