Afghanistan
World Bank Reopens Kabul Office after Talks with Finance Ministry-Tolo News
Following negotiations between the Ministry of Finance and representatives of the World Bank, the organization's office in Kabul has reopened. The World Bank announced that it will begin repaying its debts to Afghan companies. According to an official statement, the bank owes $50 million to logistics and construction companies in Afghanistan. These payments will be made to the companies in three phases. Click here to read…
Pakistan Imposes 10% Fee on Afghan Transit Goods, Sparking Criticism-Tolo News
Pakistan’s Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has imposed a 10% processing fee on dozens of categories of Afghan transit goods entering the country. Pakistani media reported that this electronic fee will apply to five new categories of goods, including agricultural tools, cranes, electronic waste, and data-processing machines. However, the Afghanistan–Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce has described the imposition of this 10% fee by the FBR as harmful. Click here to read…
Muttaqi to visit China for Trilateral Meeting Tomorrow-The Khaama Press
Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, is scheduled to travel to Beijing on May 20, 2025, to participate in a trilateral meeting involving China, Pakistan, and the Afghanistan. According to Dawn on Monday, May 19, the summit aims to address regional peace and security concerns, particularly amid the ongoing military stalemate between Pakistan and India. Discussions will focus on bilateral and regional issues, including stability and cooperation. Click here to read…
Maldives
Agreements with India for Ungoofaaru terminal and 12 ferries – Adhadhu
Adhadhu has learnt that the 13 agreements signed between India and the Maldives on Sunday are for the establishment of a ferry terminal in Raa Ungoofaaru island and to build 12 ferries for the RTL service. The government announced the value of the MoUs, but did not disclose details. The total value of the agreement is MVR 100 million. Adhadhu understands that one of the agreements was for the construction of a ferry terminal in Ungoofaaru. The remaining 12 agreements were for building ferries. Under the agreements, the ferries will operate in Raa and Baa atolls. Click here to read…
President Muizzu Calls for Urgent International Action to Halt Gaza Aggression – PSM News
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has issued a forceful appeal to the international community, urging immediate and decisive measures to halt the escalating aggression against the people of Gaza, Palestine. His statement comes amid intensifying violence by Israeli occupational forces, which he described as targeting the "extermination" of the Palestinian population. In a social media post, President Muizzu denounced Israel's continuing assault on Gaza, condemning the deliberate targeting of innocent civilians. "Strongly and unequivocally condemn the continued targeting of innocent civilians by Israel in Gaza, as the genocidal assault by Israel intensifies," the president stated. Click here to read…
Myanmar
Myanmar Thanks Russia For Su-30 Fighters & Attack Helos; Junta Chief Meets China’s Xi For The 1st Time – The Eurasian Times
Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces (Tatmadaw), Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, said Myanmar is grateful to Russia for the fighter jets and attack helicopters. Earlier this year, as EurAsian Times reported, the Myanmar Air Force took delivery of its six Su-30 SMEs from Russia. The twin-seater, two-engine fighter jet came as the country reportedly faced issues with its Chinese-made JF-17 jets. The six Russian jets were acquired under a 2018 contract valued at $400m, financed through a Russian loan. The final two fighter jets were commissioned on December 15, 2024, at Meiktila Air Base in Mandalay. Lieutenant General Alexander Fomin, Russia’s Deputy Defense Minister, informed the Russian news agency TASS that these Su-30 jets will serve as Myanmar’s primary aircraft for safeguarding territorial integrity and countering terror threats. The Su-30SMEs are stationed at Naypyidaw Air Base, enabling coverage of the entire country. Click here to read…
Junta chief says US yet to deliver $9 million pledged for earthquake aid but US Gov says money being spent – Myanmar Now
The head of Myanmar’s military regime told Russian state media earlier this month that the country had not received the millions of dollars the United States had promised to support humanitarian efforts in Myanmar following a deadly earthquake in March. However, a U.S. State Department official told Myanmar Now that the assistance is not pledged but “is being distributed through humanitarian partners in Burma and is going towards emergency shelter, food, medical support, and water”. The official would not disclose how much has actually been spent and declined to name their humanitarian partners. Click here to read…
Pakistan
12 India-backed terrorists killed in K-P, Balochistan operations: ISPR-The Express Tribune
On May 17-18, nine Khwarij affiliated with the Indian proxy network Fitna Al Khwarij were eliminated in multiple engagements across Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, said the military's media wing on Monday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), a major intelligence-based operation (IBO) was conducted by the security forces in the Lakki Marwat District. During the operation, the troops effectively engaged the Khwarij hideout, resulting in the elimination of five Indian-sponsored terrorists. Click here to read…
China accelerates Mohmand Dam project after India's Indus Water threat-The Express Tribune
China has said it is accelerating construction on the Mohmand Dam in Pakistan in response to India’s recent threats to cut off water supplies, according to a report publuished on the South China Morning Post website. The dam, located in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, has been described as a “flagship” project by Pakistani authorities and is a key component of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) under Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. Click here to read…
Pakistan denies Indian claim of using Shaheen missile in Operation Bunyanum Marsoos-The Express Tribune
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically denied India’s claim that Pakistan used Shaheen missile during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, calling the reports “unfounded and irresponsible. The allegations stem from a video shared by the Indian Army’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, which purportedly showed Pakistan firing a Shaheen missile amid recent cross-border hostilities. Click here to read…
Navy thwarted Indian aircraft carrier threat, says Shehbaz-Dawn
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday visited Karachi to pay tribute to the Pakistan Navy, which successfully safeguarded the sea lines of communication and ensured absolute maritime sovereignty through a layered seaward defence. In his address, the prime minister said India’s aircraft carrier Vikrant retreated after sensing the preparedness of the Pakistan Navy. “Indian Navy’s (aircraft carrier) Vikrant had reached close to Pakistan by 400 nautical miles, but after suffering immense losses inflicted by Paki¬stan Air Force and Pakistan Army (elsewhere), Vikrant retreated, sensing the preparedness of the Pakistan Navy to respond vigorously,” he added. Click here to read…
