PAKISTAN READER

The Indian Neighbourhood Today 
#252, 22 October 2026, Thursday
Aishal Yousuf, Namrata L Ghanghatkar, Priyanka Makhijani, Sreemaya Nair, and Urja R Kudalkar

External
Nepal: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari's first overseas trip since her nomination as a senior CPN-UML leader
On 21 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that former President Bidya Devi Bhandari would leave for China on 22 October to attend the Global Governance Forum 2026 in Xiong’an New Area, Hebei province. Invited by the Chinese government, she is scheduled to address the forum as a distinguished guest during its 23–25 October programme. Organised by the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs, the forum will bring together political, diplomatic, academic, business, media and youth leaders from around 100 countries. Discussions will cover international cooperation, global governance reforms, artificial intelligence, cyberspace, outer space, human rights, humanitarian assistance and cultural diversity. Participants are also scheduled to visit Xiong’an New Area, a major Chinese development project. The visit marks Bhandari’s first overseas trip since her nomination as a senior leader of the CPN-UML.
("Former president Bidya Devi Bhandari to leave for China on Thursday, The Kathmandu Post, 21 October 2026)

Bangladesh: HRSS seeks probe into execution of two nationals in Saudi Arabia over alleged diplomatic lapses
On 22 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) called for accountability following the execution of two Bangladeshi nationals, Nazrul Islam Abdul Bashir and Sweety Akter, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, on 14 October. The organisation expressed concern that Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic missions were reportedly not informed before the executions. HRSS called for the disclosure of charges, trial details, sentences, and legal assistance provided to the two individuals. It also demanded an impartial investigation into possible negligence or coordination failures by the relevant ministries and diplomatic missions. The organisation urged the government to obtain an explanation from Saudi authorities, support the families of the executed nationals and take legal action against responsible officials if negligence is established. It also called for an updated list of Bangladeshis detained abroad and access to qualified legal counsel for those facing serious charges.
("HRSS seeks accountability over execution of two Bangladeshis in Saudi Arabia, Dhaka Tribune, 22 October 2026)

Myanmar: Japan’s Yohei Sasakawa renews peace pledge as fighting with Arakan Army intensifies
On 22 October, The Irrawaddy reported that Yohei Sasakawa, honorary chairman of Japan’s Nippon Foundation, renewed his commitment to supporting Myanmar’s peace process during a meeting with President Min Aung Hlaing in Naypyitaw on 20 October. The visit comes amid intensified fighting in Rakhine State, where the Arakan Army is attacking Sittwe, the state capital. The military regime said Sasakawa also offered support for human resource development but provided no details on new initiatives or progress since his previous visit in August. Although the regime claims to support dialogue with ethnic armed organisations, it has excluded the Arakan Army from its talks. Sasakawa previously helped mediate ceasefires between the military and the Arakan Army, but fighting resumed in late 2023. Japan has suspended official development assistance since the 2021 coup and continues to call for an end to violence and genuine political dialogue.
 (“Japan’s Sasakawa Renews Myanmar Peace Pledge as Regime Battles Arakan Army,” The Irrawaddy, 22 October 2026)

Myanmar: China steps up political outreach as US renews talks with military regime
On 21 October, The Irrawaddy reported that China held talks with nine political parties in Yangon to assess public attitudes towards Beijing and strengthen bilateral cooperation, as the United States resumed direct engagement with Myanmar’s military-backed government. The Chinese delegation, led by Peng Xiubin of the Chinese Communist Party’s International Liaison Department, discussed peace, economic cooperation, agriculture and domestic issues. Some participants acknowledged negative public perceptions of China and urged Beijing to make its assistance more visible. The meeting followed two rounds of US–Myanmar talks in September and October. Party representatives also urged China to help reopen the Muse–Mandalay highway, a major trade route disrupted by conflict and restrictions on Chinese imports. The outreach highlights Beijing’s efforts to maintain political and economic influence amid growing international engagement with the regime.
(“China Moves to Cement Myanmar Influence After U.S. Talks With Regime,” The Irrawaddy, 21 October 2026)

Maldives: Dhaka explores bank branches in Malé to ease remittance flows
On 22 October, Bangladesh Post reported that Bangladesh Bank was exploring opening branches of Bangladeshi banks in the Maldives and introducing alternative currency settlement arrangements to help expatriate workers remit earnings through formal channels. Governor Md Mostaqur Rahman wrote to Maldives Monetary Authority Governor Ahmed Munawar on 08 October proposing three mechanisms: using the rufiyaa through the Asian Clearing Union, enabling rufiyaa travel payments for Bangladeshi nationals and a bilateral currency swap. Remittances from the Maldives fell about 16.4 per cent to around USD 118 million in fiscal year 2025-26. More than 100,000 Bangladeshis work in the Maldives, many pay in rufiyaa and are forced to buy dollars on the informal market, with BRAC Bank and National Bank having conducted feasibility studies. Any branch would need regulatory approval in both countries.
("BB explores opening local bank branches in Maldives to boost remittances," Bangladesh Post, 22 October 2026)

Maldives: President Muizzu's Islamabad visit yields 20 MoUs and trade target of USD 200 million
On 22 October, SunOnline International reported that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's state visit to Pakistan, the first by a leader of Maldives since 2015 and coinciding with 60 years of diplomatic ties, produced 20 Memoranda of Understanding and agreement to launch direct flights. In talks with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the two leaders agreed to raise bilateral trade from USD 13 million to USD 200 million within two years and to strengthen cooperation across healthcare, defence, education, finance, tourism, climate change and other areas. President Muizzu thanked Pakistan for its support for the Five Million Trees programme. President Asif Ali Zardari, hosting President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, said Pakistan was delighted by the visit after a long hiatus and expressed confidence that the agreements would take relations to new heights.
("President Zardari: Pakistanis delighted with first state visit by a Maldives leader in a decade," SunOnline International, 22 October 2026; "Maldives and Pakistan agree to strengthen regional and international cooperation," SunOnline International, 21 October 2026)

Maldives: Three Indian Navy vessels arrive in Malé for training deployment
On 21 October, SunOnline International reported that three Indian vessels, INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi, arrived in Malé as part of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron on a long-range deployment, according to the Indian High Commission. The visit includes professional exchanges, joint training with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and community outreach aimed at strengthening maritime ties. The MNDF formally welcomed the vessels, with the latest joint India-Maldives military exercise having been held in January, and both countries also taking part in the annual trilateral Dosti exercise with Sri Lanka.
("Three Indian navy vessels in Maldives for training program," SunOnline International, 21 October 2026)

Maldives: Malé and Muscat hold first round of political consultations
On 22 October, Oman News Agency reported that Oman and the Maldives held the first session of political consultations in Muscat, discussing ways to enhance bilateral relations in sustainable tourism, fisheries, the blue economy, renewable energy and cultural cooperation, alongside regional and international issues. The talks were led by Sheikh Khalifa Ali Al Harthy, Undersecretary of Oman's Foreign Ministry for Political Affairs, and Fathimath Inaya, Undersecretary of the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
("Oman, Maldives Hold First Session of Political Consultations," Oman News Agency, 22 October 2026)

Afghanistan: Russia to increase defence cooperation engagement with Taliban
On 22 October, Afghanistan International reported that during the Taliban's Defence Minister, Mullah Yaqoob, visit back in June, the Taliban and Russia reached an agreement on military-technical cooperation. At a press conference on 21 October, Russia's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said Moscow plans to diversify cooperation with the Taliban in counterterrorism, anti-narcotics efforts, and defence. She stressed that tackling challenges threatening regional security was a shared objective that requires constructive dialogue and cooperation amongst all parties involved. Reportedly, Moscow has taken the initiative to reduce tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan.
("Russia Plans To Expand Defence Cooperation With Taliban," Afghanistan International, 22 October 2026)

Society 
Nepal: Activist urges government to hold talks and address Dalit exclusion from rented accommodation
On 22 October, The Kathmandu Post reported that Dalit rights activist Deepa Nepali continued her 186-day sit-in at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu, spending the Dashain festival at the protest site. Her “Government, Is There a Room Vacant?” campaign demands action against caste-based discrimination, particularly the exclusion of Dalits from rented accommodation. Nepali said the government had not responded to her demands and called for accountability from state institutions. She stressed that the campaign was not directed at any particular landlord or incident, but aimed to challenge discriminatory attitudes in society. Former Constituent Assembly member Binod Pahadi and other Dalit rights activists joined her protest in solidarity. Nepali said she had hoped the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah would take concrete steps to address caste discrimination. She urged the government to invite protesters for talks, resolve the issue and take practical measures to end discrimination.
("Deepa Nepali’s 186-day protest goes unheard as government stays silent, The Katmandu post, 22 October 2026)
 

Economy and Energy
Bangladesh: Japan may push for India’s re-inclusion in Bay of Bengal industrial initiative
On 22 October, The Daily Star reported that Japan is expected to push for India’s re-inclusion in its Bay of Bengal Industrial Growth Belt (BIG-B) initiative during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to Tokyo from 26 to 29 October. The initiative aims to promote industrial development and regional connectivity around the Bay of Bengal. Foreign Ministry officials said strained Bangladesh-India relations following the fall of the Awami League government in August 2024 had affected Japan’s regional plans. Both Japan and Bangladesh have kept open the possibility of India joining the initiative when circumstances become favourable. The two countries are also expected to discuss upgrading their existing strategic partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Japan launched BIG-B in 2014, focusing on industry and trade, energy, and transport connectivity. The initiative includes infrastructure development linked to the Matarbari deep-sea port.
("PM’S Japan tour: Tokyo may push for re-inclusion of India in BIG-B," Daily Star, 22 October 2026)

Sri Lanka: IMF is yet to discuss with Colombo its alleged USD one billion import payment outflow
On 22 October, Daily Mirror reported that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said it has not yet discussed with Sri Lanka’s authorities about allegations that around USD one billion was transferred out of the country through fraudulent import payments. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake earlier claimed that the funds were remitted abroad for imports that never arrived, raising concerns over financial oversight and possible illicit capital outflows. While the IMF did not comment on the allegations themselves, it emphasised the need for Sri Lanka to continue strengthening governance and anti corruption measures. These reforms remain an important component of the country’s IMF supported programme, alongside legislation already introduced to combat corruption and financial fraud.
(“IMF yet to discuss alleged US$ 1 billion outflow with Sri Lanka,” Daily Mirror, 22 October 2026)

Politics and Governance 
Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi speaks to son for first time in more than five years
On 22 October, The Irrawaddy reported that Kim Aris, the younger son of detained Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi, spoke to his mother by telephone for the first time in more than five years. Aris said hearing her voice again meant more to him than words could express and thanked supporters whose efforts helped make the conversation possible. The 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate has been detained since the military coup in February 2021. The call follows recent steps by the military-backed government, including an August meeting with a representative of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the delivery of books sent by Britain’s King Charles III. Aris stressed that one conversation does not constitute regular family access and urged continued international pressure for her immediate and unconditional release.
(“Son of Aung San Suu Kyi Says He Has First Call With Her in 5 Years,” The Irrawaddy, 22 October 2026)

Security 
Sri Lanka: State invites civil society and public to pay fines to secure release of prisoners 
On 22 October, Daily Mirror reported that Sri Lanka’s government has invited public institutions, NGOs and other organisations to pay fines on behalf of eligible prisoners who remain incarcerated solely because they cannot afford them. Justice Minister Harshana Nanayakkara told Parliament that 1,454 prisoners are currently detained for unpaid fines, with the Prisons Department imposing no restrictions on initiatives to settle these amounts. Of these, 421 owe LKR 10,000–15,000, while 207 face fines exceeding LKR 100,000, with others falling between these ranges. Several organisations already operate programmes to assist selected inmates. The initiative comes as Sri Lankan prisons hold 10,611 convicted and 28,408 remand prisoners.
(“NGOs, public invited to pay fines and free eligible prisoners,” Daily Mirror, 22 October 2026)

Environment 
Bangladesh: Air quality remains unhealthy with AQI score of 157
On 22 October, Dhaka Tribune reported that Dhaka ranked seventh among the world’s most polluted cities on the morning of 22 October, recording an Air Quality Index (AQI) score of 157 at 0920 hrs. The air quality was classified as unhealthy, indicating that pollutant concentrations could pose health risks to the general population. Lahore in Pakistan ranked first with an AQI score of 294, followed by Delhi in India with 235 and Jakarta in Indonesia with 174. According to the AQI scale, readings between 151 and 200 are classified as unhealthy, while scores between 201 and 300 indicate very unhealthy air quality. Readings above 301 are considered hazardous. The report noted that Bangladesh’s AQI is calculated using five major pollutants: particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and ozone. Dhaka’s air quality typically deteriorates during winter and improves during the monsoon season. The World Health Organization estimates that air pollution causes around seven million deaths globally each year.
("Dhaka ranks 7th among world’s most polluted cities," Dhaka Tribune, 22 October 2026)

Maldives: Heavy rain floods streets across Malé
On 21 October, SunOnline International reported that heavy rain caused flooding in many parts of Malé City, with the Maldives Meteorological Service upgrading a yellow alert for Kaafu to Laamu Atoll to an orange alert from Vaavu to Kaafu, warning of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and winds up to 45 mph. Images shared on social media showed several streets inundated, with Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue teams working to drain floodwater. The National Disaster Management Authority urged vigilance, with heavy rain expected over the next 24 hours, advising residents to place sandbags at entry points, raise belongings, and call 911 in emergencies, while seafarers were told to avoid unnotified travel.
("Heavy rain floods streets in Male' city," SunOnline International, 21 October 2026)

Opinions and Editorials
Nepal opinion: Subeksha Poudel, "After Nepal’s recent disaster, it wants to test whether COP31 can deliver climate justice," 22 October 2026
"At COP31 next month, Nepal will have to press for more than financial pledges. It will need to seek accessible loss-and-damage finance, predictable support that does not add to its debt, and mechanisms capable of responding quickly when disasters strike. The US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has added pressure on the countries that remain committed to climate action, while traditional donors are increasingly directing resources towards defence, conflict and domestic priorities … “If COP is able to decide to decrease the use of fossil fuels and decrease the rise in global temperature, it would be the greatest achievement for Nepal,” said Manjeet Dhakal. “It would be a win if COP can address a simple way for countries like Nepal to get climate finance." … Shachi pointed to Barbados as an example of what countries could achieve beyond financial pledges. “Barbados did not win a big number,” she said. “It won a rule: the World Bank now pauses loan repayments for small states hit by disaster. Extending such clauses to mountain countries and LDCs would do more for Nepal over time than any single pledge.” "
 
Myanmar Opinion: Ana Brown, “Buying Gas or Buying Surveillance? Gas-Rich Myanmar’s Deal With Russia,” The Irrawaddy, 21 October 2026)
“The military is therefore not acquiring these capabilities in an abstract security environment. It is fighting an actual war … Russia does not need to sign a memorandum saying that it will help Myanmar locate ethnic armed organizations. No government writes agreements like that. It only needs to provide the infrastructure that makes locating them easier.”

Sri Lanka Editorial: ““Stop criminalisation of poverty and usurping people’s judicial power” - FCEJ,” Daily Mirror, 22 October 2026
“The intensifying crisis upon the lives of the poor and working people of the country is all too visible. Economic insecurity of households prevails with continued low wages, increasing wage theft and increased cost of living. This has led to the expansion of household debt and exploitation of the working poor by predatory financial institutions. Precarious informal labour has expanded, increasing harassment and exploitation in the workplace. These stresses are compounded by the impact of climate change on access to water, agriculture and fishing livelihoods and on working conditions in plantations and factories, thus increasing economic burdens on families recovering from recurrent climate crises.”

Sri Lanka Opinion: ”Sri Lanka’s renewable energy strategy revisited: From exporting electricity to powering an AI-driven economy,” The Island, 22 October 2026
“The fundamental challenge is not simply how much electricity Sri Lanka can generate or export. It is how effectively that electricity can contribute to national economic prosperity. A unit of electricity can be sold across a national border. Alternatively, it can support domestic manufacturing, agricultural processing, refrigeration, scientific research, digital services or thousands of small enterprises. The correct comparison is between the net national economic benefits of these different uses, taking account of production costs, domestic value addition, employment, investment requirements and environmental consequences. Gross export earnings alone cannot answer that question. Affordable energy should become a deliberate instrument of national industrial competitiveness.”