Pakistan sells embassy building in US for $7.1m
The News | 13th July
Pakistan has finally sold a historic building in the US capital that has been vacant since 2003 for $7.1 million, it emerged Thursday.
A Pakistani businessman named Hafeez Khan took the property off the government’s hands.
The property classification of the Pakistan Embassy-owned building, which was up for sale for the past few months, was recently downgraded by the District of Columbia — a move that inevitably increased taxes on its assessed value.
The local authorities had changed the class status of this old now-crumbling building formerly owned by the Pakistani government.
Deputy Minister Claims ‘95%’ of Afghans Do Not Want Women to Work
TOLO News | 13th July
The deputy Minister of Public Work (MoPW), Din Mohammad Haqbin, claimed that 95 percent of the population of Afghanistan do not want women to work in the society.
Deputy Minister Din Mohammad Haqbin in an interview with TOLO news said that the Islamic Emirate in a decree is creating opportunities for widows to work.
“Out of 100 percent, 95 percent of Afghans do not want their women to go to work. Only five percent of the people are making statements on (women work’s), and they are trained by the foreigners, but these claims are inaccurate,” he said.
FM Shahid concludes official visit to India
Raajje | 14th July
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has concluded his official visit to neighboring India.
FM Shahid was seen off at the Indhira Gandhi International Airport by the High Commissioner of Maldives to India, Ibrahim Shaheeb and Joint Secretary, IOR of the Ministry of External Affairs of India Puneet Agarwal.
His visit came upon the official invitation of his counterpart, the External Affairs Minister of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
Upon arrival at New Delhi’s Indhira Gandhi International Airport on July 10, FM Shahid was received by High Commissioner of Maldives to India Ibrahim Shaheeb and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
To this effect, an ‘Exchange of Letters’ was signed by Italian Ambassador Andreas Ferrarese and Economic Affairs Division Secretary Dr Kazim Niaz here on Thursday.
Procedures, modalities, terms, and conditions as defined in the agreement signed in November 2006 between the two countries remained the same, said a press release issued by the Economic Affairs Division.
PAKISTAN
Business community sees IMF bailout ending economic volatility
Dawn | 14th July
While seeing a bumpy ride ahead, the business community believes the approval of a nine-month $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement will end a long-drawn-out period of economic uncertainty and volatility.
Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Irfan Iqbal Sheikh said securing the IMF programme was indispensable at this critical juncture of the country’s economic history.
Coalition put Pakistan on right track: PM
The Express Tribune | 13th July
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has commended his coalition government for steering the country in the right direction within a short span of time, despite facing political conspiracies from opponents.
In a televised address to the nation, Shehbaz declared that the coalition government will complete its tenure in August and hand over power to a caretaker setup, dispelling any speculation about an extension.
President for expanded ties with Philippines, Iran, Rwanda
The Nation | 14th July
President Dr Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan wants to expand bilateral ties with the Philippines, Iran, and Rwanda in the fields of trade, economy, investment, culture, and people-to-people contacts.
The President made these remarks while talking to the Ambassadors-designate of Philippines, Iran, and the non-resident High-Commissioner-designate of Rwanda, who separately presented their diplomatic credentials to the President at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Thursday.
SRI LANKA
A very warm welcome awaits Sri Lankan President in India, Indian Foreign Secretary says
Colombo Page | 12th July
Visiting Foreign Secretary of India Vinay Kwatra says “a very warm” welcome awaits Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe during his upcoming visit to India.
Foreign Secretary Kwatra noted that President Wickremesinghe is a well-known leader and a very strong supporter of the relationship between the two countries and India is hopeful of further strengthening ties with Sri Lanka during his visit.
Sinopec, BOI to sign agreement today
Daily Mirror | 14th July
Chinese state-owned oil and gas company Sinopec is to sign an agreement with the Board of Investments (BoI) of Sri Lanka today to conduct a retail fuel business deal in the country.
Earlier, Sinopec signed a contract to enter Sri Lanka’s retail fuel market.
Under the new deal, the Chinese giant will be given a 20-year licence to operate 150 fuel stations and will also be able to invest in 50 new fuel stations.
India urged to prevent racketeers from misusing its credit line to import substandard drugs to Lanka
The Island | 14th July
The Government Medical Officers’ Forum (GMOF) yesterday (13) pointed out that India couldn’t absolve itself of the responsibility for the alleged supply of low quality Indian medicines to Sri Lanka under the USD 1 bn credit line opened over a year ago. GMOF President Dr. Rukshan Bellana said so, referring to the third death due to low quality drugs reported on Wednesday (12) from the Peradeniya Teaching Hospital.
“We appreciate the Indian credit line that allowed Sri Lanka to procure a range of urgently needed medicines at a time when the government was not able to meet the basic requirements of the public but there cannot be an excuse for deaths and complications caused by Indian medicines,” Dr. Bellana said.
AFGHANISTAN
Malala Yousafzai Condemns Taliban For Reversing Women’s Education Rights
The Khaama Press | 13th July
The Nobel Prize-winning education activist Malala Yousafzai has spoken out against the Taliban’s reversal of women’s rights to education in Afghanistan.
Yousafzai has expressed her despair over the Taliban’s “complete reversal” of women’s rights and education in Afghanistan, the Independent reported.
“Ten years ago, millions of Afghan girls were going to school,” she told an audience at the United Nations House in Abuja, Nigeria.
ISIS planning to target senior Taliban leaders
Afghanistan Times | 12th July
Taliban’s Interior Minister has warned in a letter about imminent attacks planned by Islamic State (ISIS) militants against senior Taliban leaders, provincial governors, and various officials.
Abdul Mateen Qaneh, the spokesperson for the Taliban’s interior ministry, confirmed the authenticity of the letter on Tuesday. However, he refrained from divulging further details regarding the potential threats.
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh proposes Bimstec emergency relief fund, cross border digital payment system
Dahaka Tribune | 17th July
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Monday put forward the proposal of creating an emergency relief fund that may address the contingencies resulting from public health pandemic, natural disasters and humanitarian crisis among the Bimstec member states.
At the first-ever foreign ministers’ retreat in Bangkok, he also flagged that Bimstec may create institutions similar to Asean Humanitarian Assistance Centre (AHA), the foreign ministry said.
Bangladesh does not have reserves as per IMF conditions
Prothom Alo | 17th July
The net foreign exchange reserves would have to be USD 24.46 billion in June, according to one of the main conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), ahead of approving a loan programme for Bangladesh.
As per Bangladesh Bank, the gross reserve was USD 31.20 billion in June.
According to the IMF calculation system Balance of Payments and International Investment Position (BPM6), the reserve was USD 24.75 billion.
G-20 can play key role in global decision making
Bangladesh Post | 18th July
Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal on Monday said participating in G-20 is a unique opportunity for Bangladesh to be part of global decision making process.
“The slogan of this year’s G-20 Summit is ‘One World, One Family, One Future’. The ongoing global economic crisis has created challenges worldwide. We need to be more aware of this. To solve this crisis, we all must be sincere, where the G20 alliance has a very important role,” he said.
Kamal said this while speaking at a two-day G-20 summit that started today at Gandhinagar in Gujarat, India, said a press release here.
BHUTAN
UNCTAD’s SG calls for massive investment in Renewable Energy
Business Bhutan | 14th July
During the launch of the launch of the 2023 edition of the World Investment Report on July 5, 2023, Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General (SG) of UNCTAD, called all stakeholders to engage with the report and join in shaping a sustainable energy future for all. She also made a strong call for massive investment in renewable energy in order to ensure that developing countries can make the energy transition required.
Speaking about current global investment trends and prospects, the SG said that the prospects for international investment looked extremely gloomy last year, with rising inflation, fears of recession and turbulence in the financial markets causing investor uncertainty around the world, putting many investment plans on hold at the beginning of 2022.
Monsoon brings major roadblocks and floods across Bhutan
Kuensel | 13th July
With the onset of the monsoon, Bhutan reported a total of 27 roadblock incidents across the country yesterday, one of the highest reported in a 36 hours.
A total of 14 roadblocks were reported on the Primary National Highways (PNH), and 12 were on the Secondary National Highway (SNH).
The National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM), on July 11, issued a weather advisory stating that heavy rainfall and floods were expected on July 12 and 13.
MALDIVES
President Solih: Biggest priority of 2nd term will be ensuring opportunities for youths in politics
Sun | 14th July
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Thursday night, stated his biggest priority in a second presidential term will be to facilitate opportunities for later-generation youths to advance in the political field.
Speaking at a campaign rally held at K. Maafushi as part of his ongoing campaign tour of Guraidhoo constituency – President Solih emphasized on the importance of providing youths with the opportunity to have a say in matters of national concern.
Government launches digital service platform “oneGov”
The Edition | 11th July
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday, July 10, has officially launched the one-stop portal for all government rendered services, “oneGov”.
The “oneGov” portal was developed by TradeNet Maldives as part of the government’s Single Window initiative, completed within a two-year timeframe.
The “oneGov” portal currently offers services provided by five government bodies, including the Ministry of Economic Development, Ministry of National Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (MNPHI), Health Protection Agency (HPA), Ministry of Tourism, and the Fuvahmulah Council.
MYANMAR
Myanmar Junta Likely to Extend Military Rule Again
The Irrawaddy | 14th July
Myanmar’s junta leader indicated that military rule will be extended again after the current state of emergency expires at the end of this month, telling the cabinet on Thursday that “much remains to be done to restore stability and rule of law across the union.”
If extended, the country will be under military rule for another six months as permitted by the constitution.
The state of emergency was initially declared in February 2021, when the military ousted the democratically elected government of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Myanmar has been in chaos since then.
Myanmar regime further tightens foreign trade regulations
Myanmar Now | 13th July
The Myanmar junta has in recent weeks introduced more restrictions on imports and exports, as well as controls on the flow of foreign currencies, both of which have been detrimental to international trade, according to industry insiders.
The regime’s commerce ministry issued a directive on June 28 requiring border trade exporters to deposit either 20 or 35 percent of the value of their commodities to the ministry’s trade department, depending on their level of experience: those active more than three years can give the smaller deposit, and those with less than three years trading must give the larger one.
NEPAL
India puts up new hurdle to importing electricity from Nepal
The Kathmandu Post | 17th July
India is subjecting the approval process for importing Nepali electricity to more bureaucratic hurdles despite its earlier announcement to buy 10,000MW from Nepal over the next 10 years.
The southern neighbour, which has been refusing to grant export approval to hydropower projects involving China, has long been investigating whether there has been Chinese investment or any other involvement of the northern neighbour in the projects whose power is to be sold in the Indian market.
Non-Communicable Diseases responsible for 71 per cent deaths in Nepal
The Himalayan Times | 14th July
In the last few decades, Nepal has witnessed substantial change in disease patterns. According to Nepal Burden of Disease Study 2019, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are responsible for almost 71 per cent of total deaths, while communicable, maternal neonatal and nutritional (CMNN) diseases account for 21 per cent and injuries account for 8 per cent of total deaths.
The Housing and Population Census 2021 shows a similar trend. Of the total 198,463 deaths reported in the Housing and Population Census in the twelve months before the census, 98,736 deaths were due to NCDs.
US assistant secretary Donald Lu arrives in Nepal
Onlinekhabar | 14th July
Donald Lu, the United States assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asian affairs, has arrived for his one-day visit.
Lu is scheduled to meet Foreign Minister NP Saud after which he will meet Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
He is also holding a meeting with the US Embassy staff and a member organisation of the American Chamber of Commerce.
According to sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he is coming to Nepal to take stock of how the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) was being implemented in Nepal.