UN envoy: No recognition of Taliban until women’s rights and constitution issues are addressed
The Khaama Press | 22ndJune
Roza Otunbayeva, the UN’s special envoy for Afghanistan, expressed deep concerns about the restrictions on Afghan women and girls, emphasizing their severe impact on half the population and broader consequences.
“United Nations’ engagement with Afghan women reveals a growing level of depression among those who, apart from being denied the right to education and restricted in their movements, also feel they are becoming less respected in their homes and less involved in decision-making”, Otunbayeva said.
The United Nations Security Council meeting began on Friday evening, June 21.
In meeting with Bill Gates, PM Shehbaz vows to eradicate polio from Pakistan
Dawn | 24th June
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday reaffirmed his resolve to completely eradicate polio from the country in a meeting attended by Bill Gates and officials of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF).
The meeting of the National Taskforce for Polio Eradication in Islamabad marks the second time Gates has visited Pakistan, previously meeting then-PM Imran Khan in February 2022 on the premier’s “special invitation”.
The premier had earlier met Gates in April on the World Economic Forum summit’s sidelines where he said that Pakistan was working tirelessly to eradicate polio from the country.
SL loses 10% of doctors due to brain drain
The Island | 24th June
Sri Lanka has lost 10% of its doctors due to brain drain aggravated by the current economic crisis during the past two years, Al Jazeera has reported. The Al Jazeera report has said: “Faced with spiralling inflation and poor pay, Sri Lanka’s doctors have migrated en masse to other nations in the past two years, crippling hospitals.”
The report quoting the Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA), the biggest trade union of government doctors in Sri Lanka, has said more than 1,700 doctors have left the country over the last two years, primarily for economic reasons. They constitute nearly 10 percent of doctors in the country.
PAKISTAN
Azm-e-Istehkam nothing like previous military operations, clarifies PM Office
The Express Tribune | 24th June
In the wake of opposition shown by majority of political parties in the country, the Prime Minister’s Office clarified on Monday that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam, announced recently for sustainable peace and stability, is being misunderstood.
The statement from the Prime Minister’s Office explained that the operation is being incorrectly compared to previous military operations such as Zarb-e-Azb and Rah-e-Nijat, which targeted no-go areas and regions challenging the state’s writ.
“These past operations required large-scale displacement of local populations and a complete eradication of terrorism from affected areas,” the statement read. “Currently, there are no such no-go areas in the country.”
The office emphasised that previous military operations had decisively dismantled the capacity of terrorist organisations to conduct large-scale operations within Pakistan.
As heatwave grips Karachi, experts advise staying indoors
The News | 25th June
The scorching sun continues to latch on to the port city, as its weather remains extremely hot and humid weather, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Tuesday.
According to the Met Office, the temperature in Karachi today is expected to remain between 38°C to 40°C, with an estimated 76% humidity ratio in the air. Sea breeze, on the other hand, continues to be blocked.
The lowest temperature in the city may fall to 30.5°C.
A day earlier, the port city recorded a “feels like” temperature of 51°C around 2pm with partial heatwave conditions persistent during the day.
Italian envoy launches radio education initiative for out-of-school children
The Nation | 25th June
Italian Ambassador to Pakistan, Marilina Armellin, has initiated an Interactive Radio Instruction (IRI) program to educate outof- school children in Pakistan. Recognizing the educational challenges in rural areas, the initiative aims to promote enrollment and provide practical information on sustainable development practices for schools.
In an exclusive interview with APP, Ambassador Armellin revealed plans to launch the groundbreaking “Radio Education” program next month. Developed in collaboration with local partners and supported by UNESCO, the initiative seeks to redefine access to learning for millions of underprivileged children across Pakistan.
SRI LANKA
World Bank approves $150 million to improve primary healthcare services in Sri Lanka
Daily Mirror | 25th June
The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved $150 million in financing for Sri Lanka to improve the quality and utilization of its primary healthcare services. The newly approved Sri Lanka Primary Healthcare System Enhancing Project will help improve quality of care and increase the use of primary medical care institutions, which provide essential health services to local communities.
Capacity challenges and absence of a formal referral mechanism have led to the underutilization of primary healthcare facilities and overcrowding in tertiary care facilities in Sri Lanka. The previous World Bank-supported Primary Healthcare Systems Strengthening Project had already enhanced 550 Primary Medical Care Institutions with essential equipment, medicines, health workers and basic laboratory testing facilities.
Ceylon Chamber of Commerce-Board of Trade of Thailand MoU renewal to help boost trade
Daily Mirror | 25th June
Trade between Sri Lanka and Thailand is set to witness a boost as the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) renews a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Board of Trade of Thailand.
In this regard, a seven-member delegation, led by Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand Chairman Sanan Angubolgul, met with CCC Chairman Duminda Hulangamuwa along with the senior representatives of the CCC, yesterday.
The MoU was signed in the presence of Ambassador designated to Thailand Wijayanthi Edirisinghe and Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka-Greater Mekong Business Council President S.M.D. Suriyakumara.
AFGHANISTAN
G7 countries oppose composition and agenda of third Doha meeting on Afghanistan: Report
The Khaama Press | 24th June
According to reports, G7 countries, including the US and UK, oppose the composition and agenda of the third Doha meeting.
Special representatives from some countries, including the US, might not attend the meeting, reports said.
On Monday, June 24, reports indicate that G7 members are dissatisfied with the performance of UNAMA chief Rosa Otunbayeva in Afghanistan, afintl.com reported.
Western countries’ disagreements extend beyond the composition and agenda of the third Doha meeting; they also want a special representative for Afghanistan appointed quickly and have asked the UN to expedite this.
Interior Ministry Reaffirms Commitment to Drug Eradication
TOLO News | 24th June
Following the statements of the Iranian Border Commander, assurances were given on counter-narcotics.
Abdul Mateen Qani, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, in response to the statements of the Iranian border commander, said that no drug threat from Afghanistan is directed towards other countries.
Qani emphasized the joint fight of countries against drugs and also said that the Ministry of Interior of the Islamic Emirate is committed to eradicating drugs in Afghanistan.
The spokesperson added: “The Islamic Emirate is committed to combating drugs and fortunately has been able to eliminate the spread of drugs from Afghanistan in a short time with limited resources. We can confidently say that currently, there is no drug threat from Afghanistan to neighboring countries and the world.”
BANGLADESH
PM Hasina: India visit brief, but very fruitful
Dhaka Tribune | 24th June
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said her recent visit to India was very successful, though it was brief.
“The visit was short but very fruitful. I think this visit will play a very pivotal role in strengthening the existing excellent relations between India and Bangladesh,” she said.
The prime minister said this while addressing a press conference at her official residence Ganabhaban to apprise the media of the outcome of her June 21-22 state visit to India.
She said that the visit opened new avenues of cooperation for the socioeconomic development of the people of two neighbouring countries.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina undertook the trip at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.
Japan seeks sign defence deal to sell arms to Bangladesh
Prothom Alo | 25th June
Japan included Official Security Assistance (OSA) during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Tokyo last year to boost defence cooperation with Bangladesh. The country has also offered to sign a specialised defence agreement with Bangladesh on arms sales and technology transfer.
The matter is likely to be discussed at the fifth foreign secretary level meeting of the two countries to be held in Dhaka Tuesday.
Foreign secretary Masud Bin Momen will lead the Bangladesh side while Ono Keiichi, assistant minister and ambassador for global issues, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will lead Japan in the talks.
Different bilateral issues will be discussed in the meeting while priorities will be on assessing the decisions made during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Tokyo, said the foreign ministry officials to Prothom Alo.
PM’s China visit to boost dev co-op: FM
Bangladesh Post | 24th June
Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud on Monday expressed his hope that the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to China will significantly advance the Dhaka-Beijing development cooperation between
He said PM Hasina is likely to pay her bilateral visit to Beijing any day between July
8 and 11.
Hasan was talking to reporters after a meeting with visiting Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Liu Jianchao at a city hotel in Dhaka.
“His (Liu) visit (in Dhaka) before our prime minister’s visit (to Beijing) is significant … we are also looking forward to the (PM’s) visit,” said the foreign minister.
Hasan said issues related to trade and security would be given priority during the planned visit to China.
BHUTAN
Bhutan’s roadshow in India set to boost summer arrivals
Kuensel | 24th June
The inaugural Indian Tourism Roadshow, held across four major cities in India, was aimed at increasing the number of Indian tourists visiting Bhutan.
The Department of Tourism conducted the five-day event from June 17-21 spanning Indian cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. The roadshow, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of tourism in Bhutan, was also aimed at boosting summer arrivals.
In May this year, 19,212 Indian tourists visited Bhutan, marking a 100 percent increase compared with April and May. In the first quarter of this year, 58 percent of the total 41,394 tourists who arrived in Bhutan were from India.
The government has pledged to achieve an annual inbound tourist count of 300,000 and to increase the percentage of dollar-paying tourists to 50 percent within the initial year, progressively increasing to 60 percent and eventually to 70 percent.
Hiring expatriate health workers imperative: Health Minister
Business Bhutan | 22nd June
Facing an acute shortage of health workers, the government has implemented temporary measures to address the crisis, including hiring expatriate health professionals at higher pay rates than national workers.
Health Minister Tandin Wangchuk acknowledged the shortage, stating, “It is true that there is a shortage of health workers in the country, and the government had to hire health workers.” He emphasized that the measure is temporary and that the government had no choice but to pay expatriate workers more due to the urgent need.
MALDIVES
Maldives to sign agreement to facilitate better prices for Maldivian fish products from EU
The Edition | 25th June
The Cabinet has recommended signing an international agreement that will facilitate more opportunities for Maldivian fish products exported internationally.
During the Cabinet meeting held yesterday, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu decided to submit the text of the Samoa Agreement with the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) to the Parliament for approval.
According to the President’s Office, the Samoa Agreement sets out the framework for EU relations with African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
FM Zameer in US amid mounting pressure over Maldives’ decision to ban Israel passports
Raajje | 24th June
Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has headed to the United States of America on an official visit, amid mounting pressure from the US over the Maldives’ decision to ban passports from Israel.
In a statement publicized on Monday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that FM Zameer’s trip is from June 24 – 27.
Zameer touched down in Washington D.C. on Monday evening.
Taking to social media platform ‘X’, the foreign minister expressed keenness to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and senior officials from the US government.
US commits to advancing partnership with Maldives to promote sustainable economic growth
Sun | 25th June
Maldives and the United States have engaged in discussions regarding advancing its partnership to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
The discussions took place in a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and the Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID), Samantha Power.
Zameer, who is on a four-day official visit to the US, met Powers in Washington on Tuesday.
MYANMAR
Myanmar Military Schools Swallow 15,000 Civilians in First Two Months of Junta Draft
The Irrawaddy | 24th June
The third batch of conscripts has arrived at Myanmar military training centers across the country, just two months after the launch of training for draftees, junta media reported on Saturday.
The regime says it is drafting around 5,000 people in each batch, which indicates that up to 15,000 civilians have been conscripted so far.
The junta enforced the conscription law on Feb. 10 following a string of heavy military defeats on multiple fronts across the country.
The batches are being called up for training at five-week intervals, with the first batch reporting on April 8, the second on May 15, and the third on June 22. Junta media have not said when the third batch will begin training.
New Bangladesh Army Chief Pushes ‘Defence Diplomacy’ as Myanmar Border Crisis Grows
The Irrawaddy | 24th June
Bangladesh’s new army chief has emphasized “defence diplomacy” as key to resolving the Myanmar border crisis, saying there was no possibility of conflict between the two militaries.
“When two forces communicate with each other, it is very difficult for a force to start a war suddenly. This does not happen,” General Waker-uz-Zaman told reporters at army headquarters in Dhaka after taking office.
However, he warned that, “We do not want to see any provocation. We do not have any issues with Myanmar apart from the Rohingya issue. We want them to take back the Rohingya. Aside from that, I do not see we have any kind of hatred or problem towards them.”
NEPAL
16th Meeting of Nepal-China Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism begins
The Himalayan Times | 25th June
The 16th meeting of Nepal-China Diplomatic Consultation Mechanism is in progress in Kathmandu since10:30 am today. Spokesperson at the Foreign Ministry, Amrit Bahadur Rai, shared that discussion are underway regarding overall areas of Nepal-China bilateral relations and cooperation in the meeting.Similarly, discussion would be held on exchanging cooperation in different sectors including education, health, infrastructure, agriculture, trade, investment, tourism and financial support and connectivity in the meeting.
Over 1,000 people infected with swine flu virus since January
The Kathmandu Post | 25th June
At least 1,072 people from across the country have been infected with A(H1N1), also known as the swine flu virus, since January, this year.
Data provided by the National Public Health Laboratory shows that 373 others were infected with the influenza B virus, 75 with the A (H3) virus, also known as Hong Kong Flu, 13 with co-infection of swine flu and coronavirus, and two with co-infection of influenza B and coronavirus.
What concerns public virologists and infectious disease experts in Nepal is that less than one-fifth of cases of influenza-like illnesses are diagnosed, and neither the doctors attending patients nor the authorities concerned bother to know the real cause of ailments.
They say that of the swab samples of 8,739 people with an influenza-like illness, only 1,743 tested positive for various kinds of influenza.
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