PAKISTAN READER

The Indian Neighbourhood Today 
#253, 23 October 2026, Friday
Aishal Hab Yousuf, Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, and Sreemaya Nair

External
Nepal: Finance minister declares end of anti-India nationalism and calls for closer ties
On 23 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said the country’s era of associating nationalism with anti-India sentiment was over. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Wagle stressed the deep cultural, geographical and economic links between the two countries. He said the new government wanted to strengthen bilateral relations through trade, energy cooperation, transport connectivity and tourism. Wagle also indicated that Prime Minister Balendra Shah could visit India by the end of 2026, although no date had been confirmed. He highlighted India’s assistance during Nepal’s 2015 earthquake and recent floods, while emphasising the need for sustained economic cooperation. The remarks come as Kathmandu and New Delhi seek to improve relations under Nepal’s new political leadership.
(“The era of anti-India nationalism is over, Wagle says,” The Kathmandu Post, 23 October 2026) 

Nepal: Rabi Lamichhane says India trip is religious pilgrimage, not political visit 
On 23 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that Rabi Lamichhane, chair of Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), described his three-day visit to India as personal and religious, urging the public not to attach political significance to the trip. Travelling with his wife, Nikita Poudel, Lamichhane said he was fulfilling a vow made while in prison to visit Kainchi Dham in Nainital, Uttarakhand. He also plans to visit the Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, Assam. Lamichhane travelled from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi before heading towards the Gaddachauki border crossing. He said no political meetings were planned during the visit. The trip comes amid preparations for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s proposed visit to India, although Lamichhane emphasised that his own journey was unrelated to political engagement.
(“Rabi Lamichhane says India visit is personal, not political,” The Kathmandu Post, 23 October 2026) 

Bangladesh: 35 migrants repatriated from Italy, Greece and Cyprus
On 23 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that 35 Bangladeshis, including 19 from Italy, 10 from Greece and six from Cyprus, were repatriated from Europe, arriving at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport on a special chartered flight. BRAC's Migration Program provided the returnees with emergency assistance, counselling, and financial support under the Prottasha-2 project, jointly funded by the European Union and BRAC. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the European Union were present. Since the government signed standard operating procedure agreements with European countries in 2017, around 5,000 Bangladeshis have returned, mostly from Cyprus, Italy, Romania, and France.
("35 Bangladeshis repatriated from three European countries," Dhaka Tribune, 23 October 2026)

Maldives: President Muizzu urges Pakistani investors to build "another 60 years of prosperity"
On 23 October, SunOnline International reported that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu invited Pakistani businessmen to seize investment opportunities in the Maldives, addressing the Maldives-Pakistan Business Forum 2026 in Islamabad. Reflecting on 60 years of diplomatic ties, he said political trust was strong but economic ties had yet to reach their potential, noting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's pledge to raise trade to USD 200 million within two years. Muizzu called for investment in cold-chain logistics, food processing, healthcare, and renewable energy, and announced direct flights between Malé and Karachi. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
("President says Maldives and Pakistan must build 'another 60 years of prosperity'," SunOnline International, 23 October 2026)

Afghanistan: China Launches First Shandong–Hairatan Freight Train
On 23 October, Afghanistan International reported that according to Xin Huanghe, a news outlet from China, the first dedicated freight train from China’s Shandong province to northern Afghanistan's Hairatan had departed, carrying goods worth approximately CNY eight million. The shipment includes textiles, chemical raw materials, tools and construction machinery produced in Linyi. The train will travel through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before entering Afghanistan through the Termez border crossing and is expected to arrive at Hairatan port in Balkh province in around 20 days. Previously, goods from Shandong were transported to Afghanistan mainly by road or combined road and rail routes. Officials from China said the new route could reduce transportation costs and facilitate trade between China and Afghanistan.
("First Freight Train From China's Shandong Departs For Afghanistan," Afghanistan International, 23 October 2026)

Society 
Bhutan: Thai designer brings traditional textiles to contemporary fashion
On 23 October, Kuensel reported that Thai designer Fah Chakshuvej presented a fashion show in Thimphu, featuring 17 models wearing contemporary designs made from traditional Bhutanese textiles. Titled Bhutan in Motion, the collection showcased fabrics woven by four Bhutanese women, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern silhouettes. The designs included a maroon flower-patterned kira, a yellow kishuthara skirt paired with a full-sleeved shirt, and other interpretations of Bhutanese wedding and formal wear. The collection aimed to preserve the cultural beauty of Bhutanese textiles while presenting them in a contemporary style. Chakshuvej, a Bangkok-based designer who first visited Bhutan ten years ago, said the opportunity to work with local textiles and bring them to new audiences was particularly exciting. The project began with fabric research in April 2026.
(“Thai designer transforms Bhutanese textiles into contemporary fashion,” Kuensel, 23 October 2026)  

Bangladesh: Measles and dengue outbreaks escalate as deaths mount
On 23 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh was battling two public health crises at once. The measles outbreak had killed 1,214 children, with seven more suspected deaths in the last 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services, which recorded 218,870 suspected and 23,273 confirmed cases since 15 March. Separately, dengue cases in 19 coastal districts exceeded 45,000 as of 23 October, putting pressure on upazila hospitals in Khulna, Barisal and Chittagong, where over 40 per cent of hospitalised dengue patients this year were admitted. Nationally, 118,502 dengue patients had been admitted, with 361 deaths. Experts pointed to water storage, poor drainage, heavier rainfall and the spread of Aedes albopictus, and called for more research and tailored awareness campaigns.
("Measles outbreak: Death toll reaches 1,214 as seven die in 24 hours," Dhaka Tribune, 23 October 2026; "Dengue cases exceed 45,000 in 19 coastal districts," Dhaka Tribune, 23 October 2026)

Myanmar: Rank on the Internet Freedom Index plummets, state scores 9/100
On 22 October, The Irrawaddy reported that Myanmar ranked last globally for internet freedom in 2026, scoring just 9 out of 100 on Freedom House’s Internet Freedom Index for the third consecutive year. Since the 2021 military coup, authorities have tightened digital control through internet shutdowns, platform blocking, surveillance and restrictions on VPNs. More than 2,000 people have reportedly been detained for online criticism or support for anti-regime movements, using laws covering incitement, terrorism and telecommunications. Communication restrictions now affect 140 of 358 monitored townships, particularly conflict zones. These measures restrict not only political expression but also access to vital information about airstrikes, healthcare, education and financial services, making internet repression a broader public-safety concern.
(“Myanmar Ranks Worst in World for Internet Freedom,” The Irrawaddy, 22 October 2026)

Sri Lanka: Colombo’s population density identified as key factor in spread of TB 
On 23 October, Daily Mirror reported that Sri Lanka’s Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has identified Colombo City’s high population density as an important factor facilitating the spread of tuberculosis (TB), compounded by infected individuals failing to seek treatment. Parliamentary data show considerable fluctuations in reported infections. Cases declined from 871 in 2019 to 736 in 2020 before rising to 796 in 2021. They then increased sharply to 1,093 in 2022 and peaked at 1,130 in 2023. Although infections subsequently fell to 1,064 in 2024 and 968 in 2025, Colombo continues to face significant TB transmission risks. The figures highlight the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment alongside public health measures addressing transmission in densely populated urban environments.
(“Colombo’s high population density contributes to TB spread: Minister,” Daily Mirror, 23 October 2026)

Maldives: Cybersecurity agency warns of critical PHP vulnerability
On 23 October, SunOnline International reported that the National Cyber Security Agency and the Maldives Police Service urged users to immediately update systems running PHP after discovery of a critical vulnerability, dubbed "PHP 2 Shell," rated 9.2 under CVSS version 4.0. The flaw allows unauthorised attackers to execute code and gain full control of websites without credentials, with hackers actively attempting to exploit it, affecting platforms such as WordPress. Administrators were advised to upgrade to PHP versions 8.5.12, 8.4.27, 8.3.36, or 8.2.35 or later, verify server security and report suspected intrusions to the Police Cyber Crime Centre.
("Authorities urge to update PHP systems citing critical security vulnerabilities," SunOnline International, 23 October 2026)

Economy and Energy
Bangladesh: Government seeks USD 3.77 billion from World Bank for energy and food security
On 23 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that the government formally requested USD 3.77 billion from the World Bank for the current fiscal year, comprising USD 2.77 billion in project financing and USD 01 billion in direct budget support, to cover energy imports, food security, banking reforms, and infrastructure. The pipeline includes USD 350 million in guarantee support for long-term LNG imports, USD 450 million for financial sector reforms, and USD 300 million for emergency fertiliser imports. Bangladesh is also discussing an extra USD 10 billion over three years under a "Resilience, Reform and Investment Partnership" framework, which Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said had not yet been finalised. In parallel, the delegation negotiated with the IMF over a USD 4.5 billion loan package, with an IMF technical team due in Dhaka within two weeks.
("Govt seeks $3.77bn from World Bank for LNG, food security," Dhaka Tribune, 23 October 2026)
Politics and Governance 

Security 
Nepal: Critical PHP vulnerabilities force government websites offline to prevent cyberattacks
On 23 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that Nepal temporarily took government websites and online systems offline after two critical vulnerabilities were identified in PHP, a programming language used by nearly 70 per cent of websites whose underlying technology can be identified. The flaws could allow attackers to execute malicious code on affected servers remotely without logging in. The government’s Software Development and Operation Centre formed an emergency team to secure vulnerable systems, while the National Cyber Security Centre advised organisations to upgrade to patched versions. Some systems have since been patched and restored. Similar precautionary shutdowns affected government, school and hospital websites in several European countries, including Germany, France, the Netherlands and Finland. Authorities clarified that the shutdowns were preventive measures and did not establish that Nepali websites had been breached.
(“Nepal takes government websites offline over critical PHP flaws,” The Kathmandu Post, 23 October 2026) 

Myanmar: Boom of rare earth exports exposes limits of Junta Control
On 23 October, The Irrawaddy reported that Myanmar’s rare earth exports to China are surging despite the military regime exercising little control over the mines producing them. China imported 5,021 tons of rare earths in September, with Myanmar supplying 70 per cent. Myanmar is particularly important for heavy rare earth elements such as dysprosium and terbium, essential for high-performance magnets used in electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics and defence technologies. Kachin State contains most of Myanmar’s mines, which number over 600, but the Kachin Independence Army  (KIA) seized key mining centres from a junta-aligned militia in 2024. Production is also expanding in Shan State, where armed organisations including the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), United Wa State Army (UWSA) and National Democratic Alliance Army (NDAA) control mining areas and trade routes into China. This fragmented territorial control complicates the growing interests of the US and India in accessing Myanmar’s mineral resources. Although junta supporters portray rare earths as a leverage for securing international recognition, the central contradiction is that Naypyitaw cannot reliably control or deliver the resources the foreign powers seek.
(“Myanmar Rare Earth Exports Surge Amid Illusion of Regime Control,” The Irrawaddy, 23 October 2026)

Afghanistan: AFF switches from guerrilla attacks on Taliban to conventional frontline fighting 
On 23 October, Afghanistan International reported that the Afghanistan Freedom Front (AFF) has claimed the rocket attack on the Taliban's military and training facilities at Bagram airbase. The rocket attack caused several casualties and damage. The AFF said the attack took place on 22 October and was carried out based on intel collected by the group on the military base. According to AFF sources, 10 Taliban members were killed or wounded in the attack. They have also reported that there were no casualties among AFF fighters and everyone involved in the attack's operation had withdrawn to safe positions. The Taliban has yet to release a formal statement on the incident. The AFF has reported that its military operations against the Taliban have shifted to a conventional frontline fighting style from previously used guerrilla attacks. There have been recent clashes in the Zebak district of Badakhshan, Kamdesh district of Nuristan and parts of Kunar. The AFF has also made claims of already capturing some of the mentioned regions.
("Rocket Attack on Bagram Airbase Causes Taliban Casualties, says AFF," Afghanistan International, 23 October 2026)

Environment  
Maldives: MNDF drains floodwater from five areas of Malé
On 23 October, SunOnline International reported that the Maldives National Defence Force's Fire and Rescue Service began draining floodwater from several areas of Malé after heavy rain continued, with operations underway at West Park, IGMH, Maafannu Ferry Terminal, Skate Park and Salman Mosque. The Maldives Meteorological Service forecast showery weather with thundershowers, with winds of up to 45 mph in affected areas, and issued a yellow alert from Kaafu to Meemu Atoll warning of torrential rain, gusts, and rough seas.
("MNDF Fire and Rescue begins draining floodwater from five areas of Male' City," SunOnline International, 23 October 2026)

Opinions and Editorials
Myanmar Opinion: Thet Htar Maung, “China’s Myanmar Policy—Consistent but Fundamentally Flawed,” The Irrawaddy, 22 October 2026
“China continues to prioritise the Myanmar military, treating ethnic armed groups along the border as secondary entities it must keep in check and largely ignoring forces farther afield such as the National Unity Government (NUG), People’s Defence Forces (PDF) and Spring Revolution alliances. Yet the core problems remain unresolved. The war has not abated. Myanmar is not stable. In practice, the regime remains keen on military solutions alone—retaking lost territory with Chinese backing. China’s goal of stability in Myanmar, in other words, is further out of reach than ever. By trusting the military to deliver it, Beijing has handcuffed itself to failure.”

Sri Lanka Opinion:  Ravinatha Aryasinha, Bernard Goonetilleke, Prof Jayanath Colombage, and Nilantha Ilangamuwa, “Can a research centre on Katchatheevu resolve the Indo-Lanka fisheries issue?” Daily Mirror, 23 October 2026
“Katchatheevu was placed on the Sri Lankan side in keeping with the demarcation of maritime boundary lines under the agreement signed in June, 1974. Establishing a research facility will also provide a continuing Sri Lankan institutional presence on the island, consistent with Sri Lanka’s position under the existing India–Sri Lanka maritime arrangements. This issue needs to be resolved through dialogue between the governments in New Delhi and Colombo, while also engaging the Tamil Nadu government and the people of Jaffna. After all, this is a people’s issue on both sides of the Palk Strait. There is strong sentiment in Jaffna over the matter, notwithstanding the close and fraternal relations between the people on both sides. The real objective, however, is to find common ground without antagonising India. We have goodwill between the two countries, so why can’t we use it to resolve this issue?”

Sri Lanka Opinion: Dilum Alagiyawanna, “Sri Lanka’s renewable energy strategy revisited: From exporting electricity to powering an AI-driven economy – II,” The Island, 23 October 2026
“Sri Lanka must recognise that economic transformation will not occur exclusively inside large industrial estates, data centres or foreign-owned infrastructure projects. It will also take place in small factories, family businesses, agricultural processing facilities, research institutions, village enterprises and ordinary homes where independent professionals connect with international markets. Sri Lanka’s long-term economic strength will depend not merely on how much foreign capital it attracts, but on how effectively it enables its own people to become productive, innovative and internationally competitive. Our renewable-energy resources should help create those opportunities. Electricity exports should complement national development, not constrain it.”