Neighborhood News Digest- 23 September 2024

Afghanistan

Newly Appointed Ambassador of Islamic Emirate Arrives in Uzbekistan-Tolo News

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the newly appointed ambassador of the Islamic Emirate to Tashkent has arrived in Uzbekistan. The deputy spokesperson of the ministry said that the new ambassador is expected to officially start his work in Uzbekistan in the coming days. Click here to read... [2]

Islamabad Emphasizes Maintaining Relations with Kabul despite Differences-Tolo News

Munir Akram, Pakistan's permanent representative at the United Nations, said that Islamabad is committed to maintaining relations with Kabul despite some differences. In an interview with an American media outlet, Akram said that Pakistan has consistently supported engagement with Afghanistan in international forums. Click here to read... [3]

UN Efforts to Provide Alternative Crops to Afghan Farmers-Tolo News

Indrika Ratwatte, the UNAMA deputy special representative for Afghanistan, said that they are working to provide Afghan farmers with alternative crops to poppy cultivation. During his visit to Badakhshan to review the work of UN partners, he mentioned that converting rain-fed lands into irrigated ones is one of the essential needs of farmers. Click here to read... [4]

Netherlands contributes €16.1 million to Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund-The Khaama Press

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Announced the Netherlands’ €16.1 Million Contribution to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund. On Sunday, September 21, OCHA expressed gratitude via social media platform X for the new contributions from the Netherlands to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund. Click here to read... [5]

Bangladesh

IMF may seek subsidy cuts, more revenue against $3b loan - The Daily Star

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is likely to give more reform recommendations to reduce subsidies and increase revenue collection for an additional $3 billion loan sought by the interim government, according to a top official of the multilateral lender in Dhaka. Click here to read... [6]

UN general assembly: Yunus to draw his vision of an inclusive nation – The Daily Star

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus will present at the 79th UN General Assembly the interim government's vision of building a democratic and inclusive Bangladesh where human rights will be upheld. Click here to read... [7]

Biden, Modi talk about Bangladesh – The Daily Star

The developments in Bangladesh came up during discussions between US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the former's personal residence in Wilmington, Delaware, yesterday. Click here to read... [8]

Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma meets BNP's Mirza Fakhrul - Prothom Alo

Indian high commissioner Pranay Verma has met BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Pranay Verma met the BNP leaders at the BNP chairperson’s office in Gulshan on Sunday and discussed the ways to further deepen the relations between India and Bangladesh. Click here to read... [9]

Two committees formed to withdraw politically motivated cases - Prothom Alo

The government has formed two separate committees at ministry and district level aimed at withdrawing politically motivated cases filed for harassment, asking all concerned to submit applications with FIRs and charge sheets if required within 31 December 2024. Click here to read... [10]

Bhutan

Bhutan owns over 13,000 Bitcoin worth USD 780 million-Kuensel

Bhutan has emerged as the fourth-largest government holder of Bitcoin globally, owning over 13,011 BTC worth USD 780.49 million, highlighting Bhutan’s notable position in the global cryptocurrency landscape. This information comes from a report by Arkham Intelligence, a public data application that allows users to analyse blockchain and cryptocurrency activities. Click here to read... [11]

How wise is ESP in light of political promise?-Kuensel

The government has launched the much-anticipated first phase of the Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP), sparking hopes for economic recovery. However, hurdles in accessing support exist, as many individuals face confusion and mixed messages regarding loan procedures. Click here to read... [12]

Maldives

President reaffirms Maldives' commitment to active role in UN system– PSM News

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, reiterating the Maldives' strong commitment to playing a more proactive role in the UN system, with a particular focus on addressing key issues affecting Small Island Developing States (SIDS). During the meeting, President Muizzu assured the Secretary-General that the Maldives, as a front-line state, would continue to advocate for robust international cooperation and solutions to these pressing global concerns acknowledging the unique challenges faced by SIDS, including climate change, sustainable development, and ocean conservation. He also briefed the Secretary General on the fiscal challenges facing the country, adding that the government is working on a fiscal reform agenda to bring down debt and fiscal conditions to a sustainable level. The President stressed the importance of support from bilateral and multilateral partners in this effort. Click here to read... [13]

Parliament unable to look into agreements with India– Adhadhu

The 20th Parliament held extraordinary sittings and committees, but the issue of agreements signed by the previous government with India was completed. The matter was submitted by Hithadhoo Medhu MP Ahmed Azaan on June 9 to the Security Services Committee (241 Committee). A sub-committee was formed on June 10. The sub-committee was tasked with conducting inquiries into the Hydrography Agreement between India and Maldives, Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) Agreement process and the Dornier aircraft agreement. Click here to read... [14]

Pakistan

OGDCL signs MoU with Chinese firm for gas development-Dawn

The Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Chuanqing Drilling Engineering Company Limited (CCDC), China’s largest oil and gas producer and a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation, signed a MoU on Sunday for development of shale and tight gas potential of Pakistan. Click here to read... [15]

Govt breaking legal norms for personal gain, says Fazl-Dawn

After dashing the government’s hopes of smoothly passing a much-touted ‘Constitutional Package’, the JUI-F went a step further on Sunday, dubbing the Shehbaz Sharif-led ruling coalition a “failure” and demanding that free and fair elections be held immediately. Click here to read... [16]

PM Shehbaz to address security, climate and global flashpoints at UNGA-Dawn

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will join world leaders at the United Nations next week to reaffirm Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to multilateralism and support for the role of the United Nations in fostering global peace, security, and prosperity. The premier is set to address the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York on Sept 27. Click here to read... [17]

Grand peace jirga backs Pakistan Army in fight against Fitna al-Khawarij-The Express Tribune

A Grand Peace Jirga of notables and tribal elders was held in Bannu, where participants reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Pakistan Army in its ongoing efforts to combat Fitna al-Khawarij, a term often used to describe extremist elements. The Jirga participants expressed deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by security forces in restoring peace to the region. Click here to read... [18]

Ali Amin Gandapur rejects calls for apology, announces rally in Mianwali for Sept 29-The Express Tribune

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur stated that he will not apologise, questioning, "Who should I apologise to and why?" He stated that apologies should come from those who have laid hands on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan. In a video address on Sunday, Gandapur criticised the government for spreading false narratives regarding access to rallies, asserting that no expectations can be held for the "small-minded." Click here to read... [19]

Sri Lanka

Anura Kumara Dissanayake sworn in as Sri Lanka's 9th President - Daily Mirror

Anura Kumara Dissanayake was sworn in as the ninth executive president of Sri Lanka at the Presidential Secretariat a short while ago. Click here to read... [20]

Modi congratulates President-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake – Daily Mirror

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi congratulated President-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake for being elected as the 9th Executive President of Sri Lanka. Click here to read... [21]

Indian HC meets President-elect Dissanayake – Daily Mirror

The Indian High Commissioner, Santos Jha, met with President-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the National People's Power office in Battaramulla this evening. This meeting followed Dissanayake's announcement as president by the Election Commission chairman. Click here to read... [22]

SJB will support Anura whenever needed: Sajith – Daily Mirror

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) will support new President Anura Kumara Dissanayake whenever needed, SJB Presidential candidate and Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said. "I congratulate Anura Kumara Dissanayake who emerged victorious at the Presidential election 2024. I hope he has strength to stabilise the nation and take it out of the crisis," he added. Click here to read... [23]

Parliamentary election will be needed soon: Anura Kumara Dissanayake – Daily Mirror

President-elect Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that a Parliamentary election will be required soon, though he did not specify a timeline. Dissanayake said this after being named President following the counting of preferential votes in the 2024 Presidential election this evening. Click here to read... [24]