PAKISTAN
Seven killed, 20 injured in blast near Balochistan Assembly: Dunya News
9 Jan, 2018
At least seven people were killed and twenty others injured when a suicide bomber rammed into the truck of Balochistan Constabulary on Zarghoon Road today (Tuesday). The attack took place near the legislative assembly of southwestern Balochistan province of which Quetta is the capital. According to sources, a suicide bomber on a motorcyle targeted the security personnel when he failed to reach the assembly building due to strict security arrangements. Click here to read...
Pakistan, US discuss economic ties after Trump's tirade: Express Tribune
9 Jan, 2018
Pakistan and the US on Tuesday discussed the possibility of continuing economic relations days after Washington’s decision to withhold disbursements of the Coalition Support Fund which, according to Islamabad, is not aid. This came as US Ambassador David Hale held a meeting with Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Miftah Ismail.
Separately, Saudi Ambassador Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki also met Minister of State for Finance Rana Muhammad Afzal and discussed bilateral commercial relations.Click here to read...
AFGHANISTAN
Nangarhar deadliest Province for US troops in Afghanistan: ANI
9 Jan, 2018
Afghanistan's Nangarhar has been the deadliest province for the United States forces over the last year. The Tolo News quoted reports, as claiming that, "One-third of the 21 U.S. service members killed in combat last year died there, more than in any other single spot where troops were fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia and Niger." It is one of the few provinces in Afghanistan, where U.S. troops have been routinely accompanying Afghan forces into battle. According to the report, US warplanes have carried out hundreds of airstrikes, while its special forces conducted ground operations in the province.Click here to read...
BANGLADESH
Drug use, terrorism "critical challenges" for South Asia-Bangladesh Envoy: ANI
9 Jan, 2018
Emphasising the strong bilateral relations between New Delhi and Dhaka, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to India, Syed Muazzem Ali, has identified drug use, extremism and radicalisation of youth as critical regional challenges. In a wide-randing interaction with UNODC, the Bangladeshi envoy called for greater cooperation between South Asian nations to address pressing issues such as terrorism and the Rohingya crisis. Reflecting on bilateral ties, High Commissioner Ali said he was optimistic about the future of the Bangladesh-India relationship.Click here to read...
SRILANKA
President seeks SC determination on expiry of his term of office: Daily Mirror
10 Jan, 2018
President Maithripala Sirisena has sought a determination from the Supreme Court as to when his term will expire, an official said yesterday. The President is reported to have done so because of an ambiguity on the term limit after the enactment of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. Earlier, the Constitution said a President was elected for a term of six years but it has been restricted to five years after the enactment of the 19th Amendment. The Supreme Court has listed the case for January 11 and SC determination is to be communicated to the President on January 14.Click here to read...
India and SL to celebrate 70 years: Ceylon Today
9 Jan, 2018
The High Commission of India in Colombo is organizing a special cultural event titled 'Bollywood and Beyond' on 17 January in Colombo. The special event is being organized to jointly celebrate 70 years of India and Sri Lanka, termed as 'India and Sri Lanka @ 70'.'Bollywood and Beyond', a musical evening' will showcase the blending of Indian and Western classical music with Bollywood songs.Click here to read...
MALDIVES
Military ups ex-pres Maumoon’s security after receiving threats: Haveeru
9 Jan, 2018
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) have heightened former President Maumoon Abul Gayoom’s security after receiving threat reports. A close personnel of Maumoon told Mihaaru that security had been increased since Monday night at Endherimaage house in capital Male where he currently lives. He added that MNDF officers would be patrolling around the clock. The informant said that they were informed by MNDF that reports were received of threats to Maumoon. MNDF are yet to make any comments on the issue.Click here to read...
NEPAL
UML-Maoist meet forms 6-member taskforce for National Assembly election: Kathmandu Post
9 Jan, 2018
-A meeting of Party Unity Coordination Committee of CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre), formed to discuss the merger of two parties, has decided to form a six-member taskforce for National Assembly election and formation of provincial government. The taskforce will comprise three members each from UML and Maoist Centre. According to UML Chairman KP Oli’s secretariat, leaders Subas Nembang, Shankar Pokharel and Surendra Pandey will represent the UML while Maoist Centre leaders Ram Bahadur Thapa, Barshaman Pun and Matrika Yadav will be in the team. The government has announced the National Assembly date on February 7. Click here to read...
