Afghanistan

Afghan Assets Made $70 Million in Interest: Mehrabi – Tolo News

Shah Mohammad Mehrabi, Central Bank supreme council member and board member of the Afghan Trust Fund in Switzerland, said that the $3.5 billion fund–including $36 million and $34 million in interest–should be used for achieving monetary stability and reducing volatility in the Afghan currency exchange. Click here to read…

Taliban Seeks Iranian Foreign Ministry’s Approval after Appointing Envoy to Tehran – News18

The Iranian foreign ministry could hand over the administration of the Afghan embassy in Tehran to the Taliban, news agency Khaama Press reported citing an Afghan diplomat. The Khaama Press also said that the handover process will be completed in the next few days. The development comes shortly after the Taliban-run foreign ministry stated in a letter that Mohammad Afzal Haqqani has been appointed as a designated ambassador to Tehran. The letter said that Haqqani will be in charge of the diplomatic mission in Iran as the first secretary of the embassy. Click here to read…

Pakistan Reopens Border Crossing With Afghanistan That It Shut Over Shelter To Terrorists – Outlook

Pakistan on Saturday reopened a border crossing with Afghanistan that it closed earlier over a tussle with the Afghan Taliban over terrorism. Earlier, Pakistan closed the Torkham border for vehicular traffic for the last six days amidst bilateral tensions. It was opened on Saturday, allowing the movement of over 7,000 trucks stranded. Click here to read…

Afghan women launch Women’s Revolution in Kabul to fight for fundamental human rights – Devdiscourse

According to one of the organizers, Donya Safi, the movement aimed to “protect the basic rights of citizens, particularly women, as access to basic rights is a serious requirement for the citizens.” We started this campaign to fight the injustice and inequity against women, reported Amu TV, according to Khaama Press. Click here to read…

Enrollment Drops By 70% in Universities, Educational Centers – Tolo News

The union of universities and educational centers said that the recent restrictions on female education has severely affected the universities. The media director of the union, Mohammad Karim Nasiri, said that the number of participants has dropped by 70 percent. “If we speak generally, enrollment has dropped from 60 to 70 percent in the universities. Prior to this many people were registering,” he said. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Severe dollar crisis hobbles Bangladesh businesses – Aljazeera

There is a severe shortage of greenbacks in Bangladesh due to its dwindling foreign reserves and a sharp drop in the value of its taka currency against the dollar. In the past six months, Bangladesh’s foreign reserves have dropped below $32bn from $39bn while the value of the taka has fallen by 27 percent from 84 to the dollar to 107. Click here to read…

Russia thanks Bangladesh for abstaining in UNGA on Ukraine resolution – India Today

Russia on Saturday thanked Bangladesh for abstaining from voting in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that underscored the need to reach “comprehensive and lasting peace” in Ukraine, days after Moscow protested Dhaka’s decision not to allow the docking of Russian ships under Western sanctions. Click here to read…

US, India, and the election in Bangladesh – Daily Star

In recent months, there have been quite a few visits from countries that are deemed to have the potential to wield significant influence on Bangladesh politics, especially around elections. A number of top US officials visited Bangladesh for talks with government officials, civil society members and senior journalists over the last few years. The Indian foreign secretary visited on February 15. The Chinese foreign minister, on his way to Africa, stopped by in Dhaka in January for a brief meeting with his Bangladeshi counterpart at the airport. Usually, newly appointed Chinese foreign ministers begin their stint with a tour of Africa. This time, however, the minister seemed to consider Bangladesh important enough for a brief stopover on his first trip abroad. Click here to read…

Bhutan

India pledges to invest Rs 2 billion in Bhutan’s Gyalsung Infra Project – Economic Times

On Saturday, the first tranche of the grant that was presented will be used for the DeSuung for Gyalsung (DFG) programme as a special India-Bhutan Friendship Project. The DFG seeks to engage about 11,000 DeSuups in the Gyalsung infrastructure construction project through a hybrid skilling and on-the-job training program over the next two years. Click here to read…

To Woo Indian Tourists, Bhutan to Sell Gold at Duty-Free Rates – the Wire

According to the latest prices, 10 grams of 24-carat gold in India costs Rs 57, 490 while it costs around Rs 40,200 in Bhutan. However, tourists will have to pay the sustainable development fee and stay at least one night at a hotel certified by Bhutan’s department of tourism. Click here to read…

Bhutanese economy, moving forward – Kuensel

The Water Male Tiger Year 2022 was challenging for the Bhutanese economy. As the economy was getting better from the headwinds from two years of the pandemic, the new variant of Omicron threatened the economy once again at the beginning of last year. This was followed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on March 24 last year marking one year as of yesterday. This dimmed the global economy including Bhutan’s forecast, coupled with the persistent inflation, particularly for food and energy. Click here to read…

Bhutan to implement “Health in all policies” strategy to ensure public well-being – ANI

‘policies”>health in all policies’ is an approach where impacts on health are considered in all decision-making and across all sectors and policies, the Bhutan live reported. according to the centres for disease control and prevention of Bhutan, the approach considers potential health outcomes when making policy decisions about transportation, education, housing and other areas that affect communities. Click here to read…

Impact of War in Ukraine: Perspective from Bhutan – Friedrich Naumann Foundation

Its economic lifeline dependent on India, Bhutan is vulnerable to any repercussion the war has on its immediate neighbour. The shortage of fuel was the first of these repercussions, causing long lines of motor vehicles to form at fuel stations even as the government sought to allay public concerns. India’s announcement of halting its wheat exports created fear of a potential shortage of food. At the same time, Bhutan’s close relations with India and the latter’s strategic relations with Russia made for a delicate situation. Eventually, Bhutan learned some invaluable lessons. Click here to read…

Maldives

MATI launches two books to commemorate Golden Jubilee of Maldives tourism – Raajje

The Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) has launched two books to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Maldives Tourism. The books were launched at the 33rd Annual General Meeting of MATI held at Kurumba Maldives on 19th February 2023. Minister of Tourism Abdulla Mausoom, Chairman of MATI, Mohamed Umar Maniku, Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem, Secretary General of MATI, Ahmed Nazeer, CEO and MD of MMPRC, Thoyyib Mohamed took part in the launching ceremony. Click here to read…

Maldives-UAE discuss ways to strengthen defense cooperation – Raajje

Maldives and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have explored expanding defense cooperation. Maldives Defense Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has met with the UAE’s Chief of Staff of Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Engineer Issa Saif bin Ablan Al Mazrouei. She met with the UAE’s Chief of Staff of Armed Forces, on the margins of the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2023) on Friday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Japan to ‘Appropriately Handle’ Project Benefiting Myanmar’s Military – HRW

During a televised parliamentary budget session on Wednesday, February 22, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said his government will “appropriately handle” a development aid project in Myanmar that is benefiting the country’s abusive military. Yoshimasa Hayashi, the Japanese foreign minister, echoed the prime minister’s public pledge to take appropriate action. Click here to read…

Myanmar continues to be in FATF Black List; UAE, Turkiye in Grey List – India Today

Myanmar along with Iran and North Korea continue to be on the ‘Black List’ of the FATF with the global watchdog on terror financing and money laundering on Friday terming the three countries as “high-risk jurisdictions”. In a statement, issued after the second plenary of the FATF in Paris under the presidency of T Raja Kumar of Singapore, the Financial Action Task Force also said the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkiye, Jordan, South Africa and 20 other nations will be in its ‘Grey List’ and they will be under increased monitoring. Pakistan was removed from the ‘Grey List’ in October last year. Click here to read…

No Myanmar refugees involved in drugs trafficking in Mizoram, says minister Lalchamliana – Times of India

None of the Myanmarese refugees in Mizoram have been found to be involved in drugs and narcotics trafficking to date, home minister Lalchamliana said on Saturday. Lalchamliana said barring 10 or 20 people, 31,050 displaced Myanmar nationals taking refuge in the state have been profiled and temporary identity cards have been issued to them. Click here to read…

Nepal

‘Prachanda’ government in danger in Nepal: 4 ministers including deputy-PM resign – Sangri Today

Four ministers of Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), including Deputy Prime Minister Rajendra Singh Lingden, have resigned from Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s government formed two months ago in Nepal. Actually, Prachanda’s government has announced going out of the coalition and supporting Ramchandra Poudel of the opposition party Nepali Congress for the post of President. Angered by this, the RPP ministers decided to quit the government on Saturday. Click here to read…

Nepal reports lowest growth in 7 years in Q1 – Dajji World

23 fiscal year which began in mid-July 2022, the lowest year-on-year growth in the past seven years, the National Statistics Office (NSO) has reported. The country logged a growth of 3 per cent over the same period of the 2021-22 fiscal year and has targeted an 8-per cent growth for the current fiscal year, Xinhua news agency reported. Click here to read…

China’s ambassador steps up political engagements ahead of crucial presidential elections in Nepal – Dajji World

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, has stepped up his high-level political engagements in Kathmandu as political parties in parliament stepped up their dialogues on who should be elected the next president of the country. Nepal is electing its new president on March 9 and political parties in parliament will have to file their nominations by February 25. Ahead of nominations for the crucial presidential elections, parties have started their internal debates to see potential nominees. Click here to read…

A potential debt trap in Nepal – Devi Discourse

The risk here is that a country’s national debt could become too high when Nepal needs heavy investment in quality infrastructure. When that happens, spending without proper calculation of income or direct contribution to the national output can be disastrous. As a result, increased interest payments can divert funds from other much-needed government projects, or there is a less private investment because of high-interest rates. Budgets are tightened and confidence in the economy weakens. For the fiscal year 2022–2023, Nepal’s government is only permitted to raise a maximum of 256 billion Nepalese Rupees (about USD 2 billion) in internal loans. The decision to limit external borrowing comes at a time when several countries, including Sri Lanka, were facing debt distress. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan govt halts clearance of bills, salaries amidst economic crisis – Deccan Herald

The cash-strapped Pakistan government has directed the accountant general to cease the clearing of bills, including salaries, owing to the current economic crisis, according to a media report on Saturday. The Ministry of Finance and Revenue also instructed the Accountant General of Pakistan Revenues (AGPR) to halt the clearing of all the bills of the federal ministries/divisions and attached departments until further notice, The News International quoted official sources as saying. Click here to read…

Imran faces 36 cases in ECP, Lahore & Islamabad – The Express Tribune

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan faces a whopping number of 36 cases currently pending against him in various courts of Islamabad, Lahore and in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). These include disqualification, pre-arrest bail, criminal proceedings, protective bail and defamation cases. One case pertains to terrorism as well and the PTI chief is yet to be granted pre-arrest bail in that one. Click here to read…

Pakistan economic crisis: Now country’s healthcare system gets hit, medicines supply deteriorate – Mint

Amid Pakistan’s external debt servicing obligation for the ongoing fiscal year 2022-23 rovers over $23 billion, of which $6 billion has been repaid and $4 billion rolled over, reports are arriving that country’s healthcare system has been badly hit and its struggling for essential medicines. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s Weekly Inflation Crosses 40 Percent For 1st Time In 5 Months – NDTV

Consumer prices rose significantly in the outgoing week on the back of onions, chicken, eggs, rice, cigarettes and fuel, official data showed on Friday, driving the weekly inflation to over 40 per cent for the first time in over five months, the Dawn reported. Though week-on-week inflation eased slightly, it still remained high as bananas, chicken, sugar, cooking oil, gas and cigarettes became costlier, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported. Click here to read…

China, Iran, Uzbekistan come to Pakistan’s rescue from economic crisis – Mint

Amid this unstable economic situation, Iran is promoting trade with Pakistan, while China has granted a new $700 million loan to the country. This week, Pakistan has received a new $700 million loan from China to help shore up its foreign exchange reserves, in another step to help the South Asian nation recover from an economic crisis, according to Reuters. Iran has established six border markets to promote trade with crisis-hit Pakistan, said Iranian Consul General Hasan Noorain as quoted by pkrevenue. Uzbekistan has also inked a $1 billion deal to increase bilateral trade with Pakistan at the 8th meeting of the Pakistan-Uzbekistan Inter-governmental Commission on Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technical Cooperation (IGC) held in Tashkent on Friday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India & Sri Lanka review defence & security cooperation at annual defence dialogue – Economic Times

Top defence officials of India and Sri Lanka have held the seventh edition of their annual dialogue during which the two sides reviewed the bilateral defence and security cooperation and identified new avenues for engagement. The two-day meeting of the 7th edition of the Annual Defence Dialogue (ADD) between India and Sri Lanka, which began in New Delhi on Thursday was chaired by Defence Secretary Giridhar Armane and his Sri Lankan counterpart General Kamal Gunaratne. Click here to read…

Sri Lankan opposition-led protest march comes under police tear gas water cannon attack – The Week

Sri Lankan police on Sunday fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a protest march organised by the country’s main opposition coalition here against the delay in local body polls. The Election Commission on Friday formally announced that the local body elections would not be held on March 9 as planned, and a fresh date will be notified on March 3. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Dysfunctional Banking System Contributed to Crisis: Alakbarov: Tolo News

The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Humanitarian Coordinator, Ramiz Alakbarov, said that there are several factors that have contributed to the nation’s economic decline– “one of that is dysfunctionality of the banking system.” Alakbarov said that there has been a 20 percent reduction in income in Afghanistan since August 2021. “Since last August, we have seen a 20 percent reduction in income and output; 65 percent reduction in public spending and 50 percent decline in households,” he said. Click here to read…

US Representative to Undertake Regional Visit to Consult on Situation of Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

According to a press release from the US Department of State, and the US official’s Twitter handle, West will visit the regional countries from December 1- December 8 to consult with interlocutors. The US special representative for Afghanistan stated that during his visit, he will engage with US and Afghan partners to defend Afghans’ rights and address common security concerns. Click here to read…

Resistance Front Commander Allegedly Surrenders to Authorities in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The state-run Bakhtar News Agency reported on Thursday, December 1, citing security sources in Panjshir province of northern Afghanistan that a National Resistance Front (NRF) commander relinquished to the new government. “Twelve rebels led by commander Baz Mohammad and his brothers Mohammad Arez and Nek Mohammad joined the Islamic Emirate,” Bakhtar reported quoting security officials in Panjshir province. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

50 model mosques to be inaugurated this month upon PM Hasina’s approval – Dhaka Tribune

Fifty model mosques are scheduled to be inaugurated during the last week of this month if Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approves. The information was revealed in the meeting of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Religious Affairs held at Sangsad Bhaban in Dhaka on Thursday. Besides, preparations are being made to inaugurate 50 more model mosques at the end of next February. Click here to read…

Exploring new opportunities with Malaysia – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh and Malaysia already enjoy a strong relationship, with thousands of migrant workers and expats from Bangladesh going to Malaysia on a yearly basis. However, as has been editorialized numerous times in this newspaper, we must look to build upon and expand our relationship with other nations, especially those with whom we already have a strong bond. Click here to read…

Gaibandha by-election: Irregularities well-orchestrated – The Daily Star

The Election Commission recommended punishment for 134 officials involved in Gaibandha-5 by-polls after its probe found their involvement in irregularities and negligence in performing duties. Click here to read…

Bhutan

ACC finds risks in dredging and surface collection– Kuensel Online

The 2021-2022 year was mired with controversies in the allotment of dredging sites and surface collection in Samtse and Phuentsholing. Some proponents even complained to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) seeking investigation since they suspected possible policy corruption within the government agencies. In its annual report 2021-2022 released to the media on November 29, ACC highlighted some key findings from the system study conducted on the management of surface collection and dredging of RBM. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives and Korea celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations – Raajje

Maldives and Korea have celebrated 55 years of diplomatic relations A “cultural and sports” event was held on Wednesday night to mark the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Korea. The ceremony featured various traditional Korean games and activities. Speaking at the ceremony, Korean Ambassador Jeong Woonjin said this is the first such event since the outbreak of the coronavirus. The 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Korea marks a new chapter in the relationship, he said. Click here to read…

Foreign reserves decline by US$ 40 mln – Avas
The Maldives’ official reserves fell by US$40.7 million in October. The central bank, Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA)’s statistics show that the reserves have been declining month by month since April this year. The figures show that the government’s official reserves stood at US$499.6 million as of October. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Sentences Seven Students to Death – the Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s junta on Wednesday handed down death sentences to seven Dagon University students in Yangon who took part in anti-regime protests. Dagon University Students’ Union confirmed that Ko Khant Zin Win, Ko Thura Maung Maung, Ko Zaw Lin Naing, Ko Thiha Htet Zaw, Ko Hein Htet, Ko Thet Paing Oo and Ko Khant Linn Maung Maung were sentenced in closed trials by a military tribunal. The seven were arrested in April for alleged involvement in the shooting of Global Treasure Bank branch manager Saw Moe Win, a former military officer. Click here to read…

PH, Cambodia agree ‘patience’ is best way to deal with Myanmar – Philippine Information Agency

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen agreed that “patience” is key to dealing with the deepening crisis in Myanmar. The two leaders made this remark in a bilateral meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit in Phnom Penh. “So perhaps your advice Mr. Prime Minister as you have great experience in this matter, perhaps your advice to be patient, is the best that we can do right now. But we can still do more in terms of engagement in Myanmar. I’m in full agreement with you, Mr. Prime Minister, that that is the way forward,” Marcos told the Cambodian leader in the meeting. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta arms convoy from Indian border attacked

According to the Kalay People’s Defence Force (PDF) the Myanmar junta has been getting arms from India and transporting them from the border through Sagaing Region. According to the PDF, on 25 November a junta convoy carrying weapons from India travelled from Tamu Town, on the border with India in Sagaing Region, to Kalay, also in Sagaing. The arms convoy stayed overnight at the Ra-1 Prison Camp in Kalay City before continuing the next morning. They were attacked at 10:20 a.m. on 26 November, by Kalay PDF between 56 Mai Village and Mya Lay Mountain where the Kalay PDF mine squad had set mines. Click here to read…

Nepal

Dahal wants to be prime minister. Does he stand a chance? – The Kathmandu Post

Maoist chair Dahal, and Deuba reportedly have a gentleman’s agreement to lead the next government by turns; Maoist Centre insiders say Dahal wants to become prime minister for the first two and a half years. But Deuba is quietly making his own preparations to head the new government and is working to bring the Janamat Party and the Nagarik Unmukti Party, besides the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, on board. On Thursday Deuba separately met Janamat Party chief CK Raut and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party chair Mahantha Thakur. Raut also met Dahal on Thursday evening and discussed the possibility of joining the government. Click here to read…

Utility seeks bids to supply solar power to grid – The Kathmandu Post

Nepal Electricity Authority has invited proposals from developers for setting up solar plants connected to the grid so they can sell power through competitive bidding. The NEA plans to buy a maximum 100MW of power from such solar plants proposed to be developed by the private sector at 16 locations across the country. Up to 230MW of solar power plants could be developed in those locations. This is for the first time that the state-owned power utility sought to buy solar power through bids. Click here to read…

Re-polling underway in 10 polling centres of Dolakha – The Kathmandu Post

A meeting held by the Election Commission on November 27 had decided to conduct re-polling, citing unfair play and absence of a free and fearless environment at the polling centres on November 20. According to the district’s Chief Election Officer Dilliratna Shrestha, re-polling began at 7:00 am on Thursday. Click here to read…

Nepal election: Sher Bahadur Deuba as PM may make US and India feel more comfortable — but that doesn’t mean stability – Indian Express

In a strategically located country, the fact that both the US and India will feel more comfortable working with Deuba, given their past experience of his help in reducing China’s influence, which grew during Oli’s tenure. But that does not guarantee a stable government. The Opposition — UML and others — will be far stronger after the elections and hold the government to account. The era of imposed consensus and “fast-track” methods, which allowed governments to circumvent rules and procedures is likely to end. Click here to read…

Pakistan

No formal talks or agreement with TTP, says Rana Sanaullah: Dawn

A day after an attack claimed by the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) took the lives of four people in Quetta, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah denied the initiation of formal talks with the terror outfit and vowed a crushing response by security forces to nip the terror threat in the bud. Click here to read…

No criticism of new chief and army, Imran Khan directs PTI leaders: The News

PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan has directed his party leaders and social media team to ensure that there is no criticism of the army and the new COAS General Asim Munir. According to a PTI source, Imran Khan in a Whatsapp group of party leaders and PTI social media managers directed, “Please ensure there is no criticism of the new Chief and Army Staff.” Click here to read…

November inflation eases to 23.8pc: The News

Pakistan’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation eased to 23.8 percent in November 2022 from 26.6 percent in October, mainly due to a slowdown in house-rent, utility charges, food and transportation expenses, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported on Thursday. Click here to read…

‘$4b’ flood aid received so far: The Express Tribune

The Senate Standing Committee on Planning and Development was informed on Thursday that Pakistan had so far received financial foreign assistance worth over $4 billion to support flood relief activities in the country. Officials from Economic Affairs Division informed the committee that out of the total financial assistance, the international development partners had extended an amount of $3.64 billion in the form of loans and $435.03 million in the form of grants. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

President: Sri Lanka can be converted to a ‘Regional Hub’ of education in Asia – Daily News

We annually spend US$ 3 billion when our students go abroad for higher education. Developing the education sector is a step taken for the betterment of the future generations. We can earn US$ 10 billion if we develop the education sector as a Regional Hub. Click here to read…

Debate stresses need for Foreign Service Reforms – Daily News

Some attempts were made to divert the focus on Foreign Policy and Foreign Service earlier this week during the debate on the votes for the ministry in the Budget 2023. The diversionary tactics included the focus to shift towards recent malpractices of a third secretary in Sri Lanka Embassy in Oman and on the efforts to solve the ethnic issue and devolution of power. Click here to read…