Neighborhood News Digest - 01 April 2025

Afghanistan

Ünal: Billions Invested in Afghanistan's Mining and Energy-Tolo News

Cenk Ünal, the Turkish ambassador to Kabul, told TOLO news that Turkish investors have invested billions of dollars in Afghanistan, particularly in the mining and electricity sectors. Ambassador Ünal emphasized that Afghanistan has made positive strides, and if better investment conditions are created, not only Turkish but also international investors will be more inclined to invest in the country. Click here to read… [2]

Switzerland reopens Humanitarian Office in Kabul-The Khaama Press

Switzerland has opened its humanitarian office in Kabul to provide targeted aid to the people of Afghanistan facing severe distress. The Swiss Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the reopening of its Development and Cooperation Agency office in Kabul. On Monday, March 31, the Ministry issued a statement confirming that the office had officially reopened in mid-March. This move marks a significant step in Switzerland’s renewed engagement with Afghanistan after a period of closure due to the Taliban’s return to power. Click here to read… [3]

Begum Academy Launches Offline Learning App to Empower Afghan Girls-The Khaama Press

As the new academic year begins in Afghanistan, it also marks the third consecutive year that girls above the age of 12 have been denied access to formal education. In response to these ongoing restrictions, Begum Academy, a digital education initiative founded by Afghan entrepreneur Hamida Aman in November 2023, continues to expand its services to support learning opportunities for girls. Click here to read… [4]

Bhutan

Over Nu 60 million in unclaimed dividends – Kuensel

The Royal Securities Exchange of Bhutan Limited (RSEBL) has reported that Nu 60.5 million in dividends remains unclaimed by shareholders from 15 of the 18 listed companies. The amount of unclaimed dividend is not alarming, as these 15 companies collectively have paid out Nu 16.67 billion of the Nu 16.73 billion declared in dividends over the years. However, a substantial sum has accumulated over time, primarily due to outdated or incomplete shareholder information and a lack of financial literacy, an RSEBL official said. Bhutan Insurance Limited accounts for the largest portion of unclaimed dividends, worth Nu 16.64 million closely followed by Druk PNB Bank Limited with Nu 16.02 million. Other companies with unclaimed amounts include T-Bank Limited (Nu 7.93 million) and the Royal Insurance Corporation of Bhutan Limited (Nu 6.62 million). Click here to read… [5]

Maldives

Maldives to Donate from Zakat al-Fitr to Children of Gaza – Adhadhu

Maldives will donate USD32,425 from Zakat al-Fitr donations to the Palestinian children suffering in Gaza, the government has said. The government, for the first time, has decided to distribute Zakat al-Fitr equally to all those registered on the list of needy. In that regard, each individual on the list will receive USD292 payout as Zakat al-Fitr. Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed said the USD292 has now been distributed to all on the list of needy. In addition, the government has decided to donate USD32,425 from this year’s Zakat al-Fitr collections to the children of Gaza, Minister Dr Shaheem revealed. Click here to read… [6]

Myanmar

Myanmar’s hospitals, already under strain from regime, struggle to cope with quake’s aftermath – Myanmar Now

Four years of military rule have left Myanmar’s healthcare system too dysfunctional to cope with mass casualties from last week’s earthquake near Mandalay, according to many familiar with the situation. In Mandalay and Naypyitaw, the two largest urban areas affected by the quake, overwhelmed doctors are struggling to deal with the high influx of patients, local sources said. “The hospital is always packed with patients even under normal circumstances. During this time of emergency, there is hardly enough space or supplies to treat everyone coming in. But the staff keep doing their jobs, despite the lack of manpower,” said a woman in her 50s living in Naypyitaw, Myanmar’s capital. Click here to read… [7]

Myanmar earthquake death toll crosses 2,000: ‘Situation is dire’ – Hindustan Times

The death toll from a major earthquake in Myanmar has risen to 2,056, the junta said on March 31, 2025. More than 3,900 people were injured. A statement from a junta spokesperson said that 270 more people were still missing. It has also declared a week of national mourning and directed that national flags will fly at half-mast until April 6 “in sympathy for the loss of life and damages.” The announcement came as the tempo and urgency of rescue efforts wound down in Mandalay, one of the worst-affected cities and the country's second-largest, with more than 1.7 million inhabitants. Click here to read… [8]

Pakistan

Imran nominated for Nobel Peace Prize-The Express Tribune

Jailed former Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize over his rule and efforts for human rights and democracy. The announcement was made the other day by members of the Pakistan World Alliance (PWA) – an advocacy group founded last December – who also belong to the Norwegian political party Partiet Sentrum. Click here to read… [9]

Deportation plan comes under international scrutiny-Dawn

WITH Pakistan all set to enforce its Afghan deportation policy from April 1, its phased plan to expel all documented and undocumented refugees has increasingly come under scrutiny in the international media, with several foreign media outlets pointing out the grave risks faced by the refugees, particularly the women, upon return. By March 31, Pakistan plans to deport Afghan Citizen Card (ACC) holders, followed by the deportation of documented Afghans (those who have PoR) who — for now — have been allowed to stay in the country till June. Click here to read… [10]

Punjab govt forms council to help resolve issues faced by non-Muslim communities-Dawn

The Punjab government has notified a minority advisory council for assistance in resolving the issues and problems faced by the non-Muslim communities. The 38-member body, notified by the Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Depart¬ment, has the representation of Hindu, Christian and Sikh communities including women. Click here to read… [11]