PAKISTAN READER

The Indian Neighbourhood Today 
#256, 27 October 2026, Tuesday
Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Sreemaya Nair, and Urja R Kudalkar 

External
Bangladesh: Japan pledges support for Tarique Rahman’s nation-building efforts
On 27 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi praised Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law following their bilateral summit in Tokyo. She pledged Japan’s support for Bangladesh’s nation-building efforts and described the country as an important partner in advancing a free and open Indo-Pacific. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said both countries would strengthen their strategic partnership through government and private-sector initiatives. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B), which will be upgraded into a new framework titled “Sharing Prosperity BIG-B”. She highlighted Bangladesh’s strategic location between South and Southeast Asia and its growing economic importance to Japan. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi also emphasised cooperation to promote regional peace, stability and shared prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. The joint statement issued after the summit is expected to guide future bilateral cooperation.
(“Takaichi praises PM Tarique Rahman’s commitment to democratic values,” Dhaka Tribune, 27 October 2026)

Myanmar: Malaysia seeks answers over detention of repatriated Myanmar nationals
On 27 October, The Irrawaddy reported that Malaysia will seek clarification from Myanmar over reports that hundreds of recently repatriated nationals remain in military custody. Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan said the country’s charge d’affaires would investigate the allegations and verify the returnees’ conditions. Myanmar news outlet Democratic Voice of Burma reported that more than 400 ethnic Rakhine returnees remained in military custody after arriving in Yangon. They were among 1,476 people returned under a bilateral repatriation scheme, with another 3,524 expected in a second phase. Although Malaysia described the returns as voluntary, the United Nations and rights groups have raised concerns about safety amid Myanmar’s ongoing civil war and the risk of persecution, particularly for Rohingya returnees.
(“Malaysia to Seek Clarification Over Reports of Detained Myanmar Returnees,” The Irrawaddy, 27 October 2026)

Society 
Nepal: Lawmaker faces privacy backlash over smart-glasses videos of children filmed without adequate consent 
On 27 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that lawmaker Ashika Tamang has faced criticism for posting videos of children recorded using camera-equipped smart glasses. One video showed a boy holding a frog, while another featured a girl carrying what was described as an alcoholic beverage. Critics raised concerns about children’s privacy, particularly after the girl’s face was initially visible. Tamang later blurred the girl’s face and acknowledged that failing to protect the child’s privacy was a mistake. Rights advocates said consent from children or their guardians should be obtained before recording and publishing such content. Nepal’s Children’s Act 2018 protects children’s privacy, while the Individual Privacy Act 2018 sets restrictions on photographs. Legal experts said existing laws may apply to recordings made without consent.
(“Nepali lawmaker faces privacy backlash over videos of children filmed with smart glasses,” The Kathmandu Post, 27 October 2026)

Maldives: Food authority to inspect home-based commercial food producers
On 27 October, SunOnline International reported that the Maldives Food and Drug Authority (MFDA) announced it would conduct surveillance inspections of households that produce and sell food commercially, to strengthen compliance with national food-safety standards. According to a gazette notice, inspections will take place from 05 to 20 November, with inspectors visiting food-processing establishments and home-based producers registered under the regulation. The MFDA said households selling food often face public scrutiny over hygiene, and the inspections aim to ensure safer local production and maintain public confidence.
("MFDA to inspect households producing food for commercial sale," SunOnline International, 27 October 2026)

Afghanistan: The UN official calls for greater participation of women in peace negotiations
On 27 October, Afghanistan International reported that UN Women Deputy Executive Director Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda described Afghanistan as facing the world’s most severe women’s rights crisis during a United Nations meeting on women, peace and security in New York on 26 October. Gumbonzvanda highlighted restrictions on Afghan women and girls, including their exclusion from education, employment and public life. She also raised concerns about conflict-related sexual violence, civilian casualties and limited female participation in peace processes. According to her, women accounted for only five per cent of negotiators across 57 peace processes in 2025, while the United Nations verified 9,788 cases of conflict-related sexual violence that year. She called for women to participate in peace negotiations as decision-makers and urged increased funding for women’s organisations. She also stressed the need to address the effects of conflict on women’s healthcare and maternity services.
(“Afghanistan Faces World's Most Severe Women's Rights Crisis, Says UN Women,” Afghanistan International, 27 October 2026)

Economy and Energy
Nepal: Government advances plans for Himalayan tourism highway with first feasibility study 
On 27 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that Nepal has launched a feasibility study for its proposed Himalayan tourism highway, with fieldwork expected to begin shortly. The first phase will assess two road sections covering 150 kilometres: a 105-kilometre route linking Api Nampa, Saipal and Badimalika in Sudurpashchim Province, and a 45-kilometre stretch connecting Num in Sankhuwasabha to Pathibhara in Taplejung. The six-month study will examine technical, economic, social and environmental factors, including construction costs, alternative alignments and potential environmental damage. The government aims to improve access to religious and tourist destinations, attract domestic and international visitors, and stimulate local economic activity. Construction decisions will follow the study’s findings, with officials targeting progress towards construction in the next fiscal year.
(“Nepal plans first feasibility study for Himalayan tourism highway,” The Kathmandu Post, 27 October 2026)

Nepal: Floriculture trade projected to reach NPR 645 million as demand for flower garlands rises
On 27 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that Kathmandu Valley is expected to consume 5.18 million flower garlands during Tihar, generating significant business for Nepal’s floriculture sector. The Floriculture Association Nepal estimates demand at 4.5 million marigold garlands, 600,000 globe amaranth garlands, 20,000 chrysanthemum garlands and 60,000 mixed-flower garlands. Around 200,000 globe amaranth garlands are also expected to be exported. Sales of garlands alone are projected to reach NPR 480 million, while domestic production is expected to meet 88.89 per cent of demand. The wider flower trade, including 3.5 million marigold plants and 800,000 potted chrysanthemums, could generate NPR 645 million. The association has urged consumers to buy locally grown flowers to support domestic producers.
(“Kathmandu Valley to consume 5.18 million flower garlands this Tihar,” The Kathmandu Post, 27 October 2026)

Bangladesh: BIG-B expands cooperation in connectivity, energy, trade and maritime security between Dhaka and Tokyo 
On 27 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh and Japan agreed to upgrade the Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative to “BIG-B for Shared Prosperity” as part of their strategic cooperation. The revised framework aims to strengthen resilience amid global supply chain risks, technological changes and growing social challenges. The two countries also signed five cooperation documents covering economic relations, agriculture, fisheries, livestock and environmental protection. The upgraded initiative will focus on infrastructure development around Matarbari Deep-Sea Port, regional connectivity, energy security, trade, investment and industrial growth. Both sides will also promote skills development, public-private partnerships and export diversification. Cooperation will extend to disaster resilience, climate change and maritime security, including coastal patrols and port security. The agreement was reaffirmed during a summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Tokyo on 27 October.
(“Dhaka, Tokyo to upgrade BIG-B into ‘BIG-B for Shared Prosperity’,” Dhaka Tribune, 27 October 2026)

Maldives: Malé’s national airlines opens an office in Beijing
On 27 October, SunOnline International reported that Maldivian, the national airline, officially opened a new office in Beijing as part of efforts to expand its international presence. The office was inaugurated at a ceremony attended by Island Aviation Services Limited Chairman Ahmed Shafeeu, Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas, and Maldivian Ambassador to China Dr Fazeel Najeeb. China remains one of the largest source markets, with 327,531 tourists arriving so far this year, or 19 per cent of arrivals, and the airline currently flies to three Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, using Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
("Maldivian opens office in China to expand international services," SunOnline International, 27 October 2026)

Afghanistan: Authorities plan to expand banking access and introduce Islamic banking licences
On 26 October, Afghanistan International reported that Sediqullah Khalid, deputy governor of Afghanistan’s Taliban-controlled central bank, announced plans to lift all restrictions on bank accounts by the end of the current Afghan solar year, in March 2027. Speaking at Afghanistan’s first national banking conference in Kabul on 25 October, Sediqullah Khalid said public deposits had increased to five billion Afghanis this year. He also announced plans to install 100 automated teller machines (ATMs) and introduce electronic payment terminals at various locations. Sediqullah Khalid said six banks had fulfilled the requirements for Islamic banking and would soon receive licences. However, account holders continue to face withdrawal limits imposed following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Previous measures increased withdrawal allowances, but restrictions remain in place. The announcement signals a planned change in banking policy, although the restrictions have yet to be fully lifted.
(“All Bank Account Restrictions Will Be Lifted By March 2027, Says Taliban,” Afghanistan International, 26 October 2026)
 
Politics and Governance 
Sri Lanka: Opposition accuses government of undermining democratic principles
On October 27, Daily Mirror reported that the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) and its parliamentary allies urged Sri Lanka’s Speaker, Jagath Wickramaratne, to resign or allow a debate on the no-confidence motion against him. The opposition accused the government of undermining democratic principles by rejecting the proposed debate over allegations of personal misconduct. The motion, submitted on 09 October, was included in Parliament’s Order Book on 12 October. The opposition said the motion was not referred to the Attorney General despite an earlier proposal to seek his opinion. It also called for the Speaker’s resignation pending an investigation by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption. The opposition said it would continue pursuing the motion.
(“SJB urges speaker to resign or allow no-confidence debate,” Daily Mirror, 27 October 2026)

Maldives: Government bill proposes tougher penalties for acts against Islam
On 27 October, Adhadhu reported that an amendment submitted to Parliament seeks to revise the Penal Code to increase penalties for inciting religious hatred and committing acts against Islam by reclassifying them as Class four felonies. Section 617 currently classifies such acts as Class one misdemeanours, with a baseline sentence of four months and 24 days and the option of fines or bail. Under the proposal, premeditated acts would carry a baseline sentence of one year and seven months, rising to four years, narrowing the availability of bail and fines. The provisions form part of a broader government bill that also proposes severe punishments for acts deemed damaging to the national economy, measures seen as an attempt to stifle criticism of the Rasmalé project.
("Bill increases penalties for acts against Islam," Adhadhu, 27 October 2026)

Security
Myanmar: Sanctions campaign targets junta’s aviation fuel procurement network
On 27 October, Mizzima reported that The Sentry has called for coordinated international sanctions following a Justice For Myanmar investigation into the junta’s aviation fuel network. The investigation identified six authorised fuel imports worth USD 109.5 million between December 2024 and November 2025. Records allegedly show that aviation fuel was mislabelled as high-speed diesel and routed through proxy companies to conceal buyers, sellers and funding sources. The junta’s Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee reportedly authorised these transactions involving National Energy Prime Aviation Services Company Limited. The Sentry urged the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia to expand sanctions, while calling on Thailand, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and South Africa to investigate related financial networks. It also urged businesses to strengthen due diligence.
(“The Sentry calls for sanctions following a Justice For Myanmar investigation into the Myanmar junta’s aviation fuel network,” Mizzima, 27 October 2026) 

Environment
Sri Lanka: Cyclone Arnab intensifies; impact to ease from tomorrow
On October 27, Daily Mirror reported that the Sri Lanka Department of Meteorology said that Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Arnab over the west-central Bay of Bengal was expected to cross the Indian coast through Andhra Pradesh around 1130 hrs on 28 October. At 1130 hrs on 27 October, the storm was centred approximately 800 kilometres northeast of Kankesanthurai, Sri Lanka. Although no direct impact on Sri Lanka was expected, showers and thundershowers were forecast across several provinces, with rainfall exceeding 75 millimetres possible at some locations. Winds of 40-50 kilometres per hour were also expected in several areas. The public was advised to take precautions against strong winds and lightning. The storm’s impact on Sri Lanka was expected to decrease from 28 October.
("Arnab intensifies; Heavy rain, strong winds to hit several areas," Daily Mirror, 27 October 2026; "Impact of Cyclone Arnab on Sri Lanka to ease from tomorrow," Daily Mirror, 27 October 2026)

Maldives: Air quality reaches unhealthy levels across northern atolls
On 27 October, SunOnline International reported that air quality in large parts of the Maldives reached unhealthy levels on 27 October, with northern regions recording an Air Quality Index of 158 to 165, falling within the "Red Alert" category, according to IQAir data. Central regions recorded an AQI of 126, classified as unhealthy for sensitive groups, while Dhaalu Atoll stood at a moderate 60 and southern atolls remained within an acceptable range. Health professionals advised people with respiratory conditions, heart disease, or allergies to limit outdoor activity, and recommended face masks for those going outside.
("Air quality drops to dangerous levels across Maldives," SunOnline International, 27 October 2026)

Opinions and Editorials
Bhutan Editorial: “The politics of anti-terrorism laws,” Daily Mirror, 27 October 2026
“The NPP government claims that the PSTB (PSTA once it is passed by the Parliament), unlike the past terrorism-related Acts and Bills, would not be a threat to activists who protest over economic or any other sociopolitical issues. One has to appreciate that the new law, unlike the previous laws on terrorism,  contains a section exempting actions such as “engaging in any protest, advocacy or dissent or engaging in any strike, lockout or other industrial action” from the list of offences that were deemed to be terrorism … However, the proof of the pudding is in the eating -- the letter of the law and its practical application may diverge upon implementation. If you are arrested unfairly on terrorism charges under this law, you will eventually be released. However, the burden is on you to prove your innocence, during which time you will languish in a police cell or prison.”

Myanmar Opinion: Maung Kavi, “Hostage Diplomacy: How the Myanmar Junta Is Weaponizing Jailed Aung San Suu Kyi,” The Irrawaddy, 27 October 2026
“The regime led by the sham president Min Aung Hlaing has been trying to scam the world by using hostage diplomacy," said Debbie Stothard, founder and coordinator of the Alternative Asean Network on Burma … ASEAN and the international community shouldn’t be easily scammed this way. They shouldn’t be normalizing relations with a gangster who is the architect of genocide and war crimes … Civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is entirely innocent and is merely a political hostage unjustly detained by the regime for political reasons. Allowing her to receive books and gifts sent by King Charles and permitting a 20-minute phone call with her son is purely a political transaction by the regime.”