Neighborhood News Digest – 22 August 2023

Afghanistan

Security Incidents in Pakistan Due to Internal Problems: Haqqani – Tolo News

The acting Interior Minister, Sirajuddin Haqqani, said that the recent incidents in Pakistan are due to its internal problems, which Islamabad itself should address. He warned that if Pakistan seeks to solve its issues by force through Afghanistan, the interests of citizens of both countries will be harmed.Click here to read… [2]

Bangladesh

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov to touch Dhaka before G20 meeting in Delhi – Dhaka Tribune

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is coming to Dhaka in September for "few hours" ahead of his joining the G20 summit in Delhi on September 9 and 10. Foreign Minister Dr Ak Abdul Momen confirmed the visit to Dhaka Tribune. This will be the first visit of any Russian foreign minister to Bangladesh after independence.Click here to read… [3]

Bhutan

LDC graduation is not problem -free, warns top UN official – Kuensel

As Bhutan is set to graduate out of the Least Developed Country category by year-end, UN’s Under-Secretary-General Rabab Fatima said that it will bring both opportunities and problems. After graduation, she said the sources of the country’s access to financing will diversify, including in the realm of private financing. It will also convey a strong positive signal to the international capital market on Bhutan’s steady progress on key macroeconomic indicators.Click here to read… [4]

Maldives

1,400m of new Hanimaadhoo Int’l Airport runway to be operationalized in September – Raajje

The first 1,400 meters of the new runway to be established under the Redevelopment of Hanimaadhoo International Airport project, will be operational in September. This was revealed by the Regional Airport Company Limited.Click here to read… [5]

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Threatens to Punish Those Holding Foreign Currency – The Diplomat

Myanmar’s military government junta is threatening legal action against anyone found to be in possession of foreign currency without the proper authorization, as it makes increasingly desperate moves to shore up the country’s economy. The Central Bank announced on Sunday that those in possession of foreign currencies without permission will face charges under the Foreign Currency Management Law, the junta-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported.Click here to read… [6]

Nepal

Strongest hint yet two ex-PMs will be spared in land scam – The Kathmandu Post

The government is apparently not ready to prosecute former prime ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal and Baburam Bhattarai over their roles in the Lalita Niwas land scam. The government was forced to record their statements after the Supreme Court on August 6 ordered an investigation into those involved in making decisions related to the transfer of land of Lalita Niwas, Baluwatar in the name of private individuals in addition to those involved in recommending the transfers.Click here to read… [7]

Pakistan

Alvi sacrifices rook ‘in bid to clear his name’ – Dawn

The controversy surrounding the passage of amendments to the Official Secrets Act and Pakistan Army Act refused to die down on Monday, as President Arif Alvi sent his secretary Waqar Ahmed packing back to the Establishment Division, whereas the latter called his removal from the post “not based on justice”.Click here to read… [8]

Sri Lanka

Defying President, Sri Lanka’s ruling party pushes for early election – The Tribune

The ruling SLPP party of Sri Lanka (SL) on Monday called for early conduct of local council elections, in an apparent act of defying President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s stance. “We will write to the Election Commission, requesting to discuss with the finance minister and make arrangements to hold the election early,” Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna general secretary Sagara Kariyawasam told reporters here, signalling his party's determination to expedite the electoral process.Click here to read… [9]