Neighborhood News Digest- 15 May 2024

Afghanistan

Eight Govt Institutions Merged Into Ministries-Tolo News

Based on a decree from the leader of the Islamic Emirate, eight government institutions that were not previously under the management of ministries have now been merged into ministries. Zabihullah Mujahid, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, stated that this decision was made following the leader's decree to prevent institutional inflation, control excessive expenditures, and enhance effectiveness in operations. Click here to read… [2]

Nakamura’s Canal project completed in Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province-The Khaama Press

The water canal project, envisioned by the late Japanese doctor and humanitarian Tetsu Nakamura, has been successfully completed in Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province. Nakamura, who dedicated many years to development in the province, was tragically killed in 2019. Originally from Japan, Nakamura had been granted honorary citizenship in Afghanistan, reflecting the deep connections he forged with the country through his extensive humanitarian work. Click here to read… [3]

Saqib: Islamic Emirate Seeks Stronger Ties with Islamic Nations-Tolo News

The Acting Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs said that the Islamic Emirate seeks good relations with all Islamic countries. Speaking at the consultative meeting of Islamic world scholars in Istanbul, Noor Mohammad Saqib said that scholars are at the forefront of the current Afghan regime, where Sharia and justice prevail in all matters. Click here to read… [4]

Hundreds of Afghan migrants, including prisoners, deported from Pakistan-The Khaama Press

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations of Afghanistan announced the forced return of hundreds of Afghan migrants, including three prisoners. The ministry stated in a newsletter on Tuesday, May 14, that more than 500 migrants have returned to the country forcibly through the Torkham and Spin Boldak border crossings. Click here to read… [5]

Bangladesh

Dhaka-Sylhet-Tamabil Highway: Crucial projects held back by land issues - The Daily Star

The expansion work of the Dhaka-Sylhet highway has been severely hampered due to long delays in land acquisition and the moving of utility lines. Click here to read… [6]

‘US for lifting Rab sanctions’ – The Daily Star

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Donald Lu yesterday told the government they will support the withdrawal of sanctions against Rapid Action Battalion, Prime Minister's Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman F Rahman said. Click here to read… [7]

US, Norwary announce over $8.2m to support Rohingyas – Dhaka Tribune

Following visits to Cox’s Bazar, the United States and Norway have announced a new assistance fund of over $8.2 million to support IOM’s appeal under the 2024 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya Humanitarian Crisis. Click here to read… [8]

8,00,000C budget for 2024-25 fiscal gets PM's nod – Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina approved the Tk8 lakh crore budget when it was placed before her. The budget is scheduled to be presented in the parliament on June 6, sources of the Finance Ministry confirmed UNB on Tuesday. Click here to read… [9]

Bhutan

Tax reform vital for Bhutan’s economic growth – Kuensel

The country is grappling with significant challenges in its tax policy, tax administration system, and Information Technology (IT) infrastructure. These weaknesses impede the establishment of an efficient taxation system and the provision of improved tax services to the citizens. According to the Department of Revenue and Customs (DRC) records, Bhutan presently counts 116,000 taxpayers, including corporate, business, and personal income taxpayers. The current tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio is approximately 13 percent. Click here to read… [10]

President of CLCS was presented with Bharat Mitra Samman-Indology Award – The Bhutanese

The President of the College of Culture and Language Studies (CLCS), Lopen Lungtaen Gyatso, was presented with the esteemed Bharat Mitra Samman-Indology Award 2023. The recognition bestowed upon him by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), emphasizes his remarkable contributions to various facets of Indian history, art, culture, languages, and literature. Deep cultural ties as well as improved understanding between India and Bhutan have been created by Lopen Lungtaen Gyatso’s commitment to fortifying ties between the two countries. Click here to read… [11]

Maldives

Always operated on agreed procedures,’ says India High Commission on Maldives allegation of unauthorised military move – Mint

In a press conference on May 11, Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon recounted an incident where one of two helicopters operated by Indian military personnel in the Maldives landed in Thimarafushi without permission. However, India has dismissed claims made by Maumoon, asserting that Indian aviation platforms in the Maldives have always operated according to “agreed procedures and with due authorisation." Click here to read… [12]

Minister Saeed departs for UK to attend trade talks – Adhadhu

Economic Minister Mohamed Saeed has departed for the UK today to attend the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Round Table. In a press release, the Economic Ministry said Saeed's visit is aimed at seeking the assistance of UK financial sector participants to establish a vibrant financial market in the Maldives. ‘The focus of the discussions will be on the development of Maldives International Financial Services Authority and Development Bank,’ it added. Click here to read… [13]

Maldives calls on UN Security Council to reconsider admission of Palestine – The Edition

The Maldives yesterday called on the United Nation's Security Council to reconsider the admission of Palestine as a full member state in line with the resolution ‘Admission of New Member States to the United Nations’, which was adopted by the General Assembly on May 10. During the tenth Emergency Special Session, Maldives delivered a statement noting that the overwhelming support for the Resolution sent a strong message to the Security Council. Click here to read… [14]

Myanmar

USIP calls Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos a growing global threat - UCA News

Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos have been named in the latest report by the United States Institute for Peace (USIP) as the epicenter of human trafficking and organized crime “that is rapidly evolving into the most powerful criminal network of the modern era.” The report, released late May 13, was scathing of all three countries which are synonymous with human trafficking, slave labor, scam compounds and illegal gambling as Southeast Asian countries stole almost US$64 billion a year from around the world. Click here to read… [15]

Myanmar in talks with Russia to build deepsea port & oil refinery upsetting Chinese - Economic Times

Myanmar ruling junta’s decision to opt for Russia for building a Dawei deep seaport on the country’s east coast has riled China which was also eyeing to construct the port located close to the Thailand border. The Myanmar junta is keen for Russians to invest in the port project along with a special economic zone including an oil refinery, ET has learnt. Click here to read… [16]

Post-Coup Environmental Degradation Threatens Myanmar’s Stability - Eurasia Review

Myanmar’s 2021 military coup has given rise to significant uncertainty regarding the stability of the country. The seizure of power by the military has sparked armed resistance and an overall deterioration in the country’s economic conditions. In response to international sanctions, the junta has been compelled to rely on its natural resource reserves to fund its military expenditure. Click here to read… [17]

Nepal

Nepali Congress firm as ever on demand to form probe committee - Kathmandu Post

President Ramchandra Paudel delivered the government's policies and programmes on Tuesday after the Nepali Congress lifted the obstruction in the House of Representatives. However, the disruption continued afterwards. President Paudel read out the policies and programmes of the government in the joint sitting of the federal parliament. The Congress then blocked the proceedings of both the House of Representatives and the National Assembly and did not let the assembly table a motion of expressing gratitude to the President for delivering the government’s annual paper. Click here to read… [18]

Is judicial supremacy trumping constitutional supremacy in Nepal - Kathmandu Post

Nepal’s judiciary is often accused of engaging in judicial activism. The latest episode came on May 3. A division bench of justices Sapana Pradhan Malla and Saranga Subedi, while passing a verdict in a writ petition challenging government formation in Gandaki Province, said the Speaker should not be counted as a member of the provincial assembly in government formation. Click here to read… [19]

EU-Nepal Business Forum: Promoting European investment in Nepal as the two countries celebrate 50 years of relations - European Interest

The European Union Delegation in Nepal is organising the EU-Business Forum 2024 as part of the year-long celebration of 50 years of diplomatic relations with Nepal. The forum aims to promote more European investment in Nepal. Scheduled for 15-16 May 2024, the business forum will bring together over 300 in-person and more than 1,000 online participants. This includes EU and Nepali private sector companies, high-level Nepali government and EU officials, who will explore potential business partnerships and investment opportunities. Click here to read… [20]

Pakistan

Castles in the sand: politicians in Dubai leaks-Dawn

As may be expected, several elected officials and Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) have a significant presence in the Dubai leaks that cover property ownership up to the spring of 2022. Among the A-listers on the political landscape are President Zardari’s children, two of whom are elected representatives. Bakhtawar Bhutto-Zardari, a Dubai resident, and MNAs Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Aseefa Bhutto Zardari are listed as owners of four properties between them. Click here to read… [21]

PTI puts tough terms for talks with govt-Dawn

The opposition PTI on Tuesday signalled willingness to engage in reconciliation talks with the ruling coalition, but only if certain tough conditions, including withdrawal of all cases against founding party chairman Imran Khan, were met. “Invitations for talks have come from Rana Sanaullah, the political adviser to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as well as President Asif Zardari. I want to put this before the house on behalf of PTI, as to when Imran Khan has refused to hold negotiations?” said PTI’s Ali Muhammad Khan while taking part in the debate. Click here to read… [22]

All state enterprises except strategic entities to be privatised: PM-The Express Tribune

Pakistan will privatise all state-owned enterprises, with the exception of strategic entities, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday, broadening its initial plans to take only loss-making state firms private. Shehbaz directed all federal ministries to take necessary action in this regard and cooperate with the Privatisation Commission, adding that the move aimed at ensuring a business and investment-friendly environment. Click here to read… [23]

SC allows Imran to appear in court via video link in NAB amendments case-The Express Tribune

The Supreme Court (SC) granted permission to incarcerated former premier Imran Khan to appear before the court via video link in the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) amendments case. A five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Qazi Faez Isa presided over the hearing concerning the federal government's intra-court appeal (ICA) against the majority judgment declaring the amendments to the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO) 2002 illegal. Click here to read… [24]

Sri Lanka

India extends ban imposed on LTTE for five years – Daily Mirror

India on May 14 extended the ban imposed on the LTTE for five more years as it continues to foster a separatist tendency amongst the masses and enhance the support base for it in India, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Click here to read… [25]

Sri Lankans have right to commemorate war dead: Vijitha - Daily Mirror

Claiming that relatives and comrades have a right to commemorate the war dead, NPP MP Vijitha Herath said today that the government must take steps to protect their rights. Click here to read… [26]

Iran granted Uma Oya project due to huge recognition for MR: Hakeem – Daily Mirror

Claiming that the Uma Oya multipurpose development project was granted to Sri Lanka by the Iranian government because of the huge recognition for former president Mahinda Rajapaksa those days, Parliamentarian Rauf Hakeem said today the current government is looking to take the credit for it. Click here to read… [27]

SC holds training programme for officials of Sri Lanka’s top court – The Print

A delegation of 15 Sri Lankan apex court registry officials has completed a four-day training programme in the Supreme Court here in New Delhi, according to a release issued on Tuesday. Click here to read… [28]