Data Dive – Decypher
Asia Headlines: Quick Recap
World watches as landmark Jimmy Lai trial set to begin in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s international reputation is under scrutiny as the long-delayed trial of pro-democracy activist and former media mogul Jimmy Lai begins. Lai faces life in prison if convicted of colluding with foreign forces under national security law.
China’s Real Estate Meltdown Is Battering Middle Class Wealth
The Chinese real estate crisis is having a significant impact on household wealth, with stock investments, salary packages, and investment properties all declining. The real estate meltdown is eroding wealth, affecting 70% of family assets tied to property.
Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Nawaf dies, Sheikh Meshal named as successor
Kuwait’s Emir, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah, died at the age of 86, and his successor, Crown Prince Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah, was named. The cause of death for Sheikh Nawaf was not revealed.
North Korea fires short-range missile, condemns U.S. for raising tensions
North Korea launched a 570-kilometer-long ballistic missile towards the sea off its east coast, amid condemnation of US-led military activities. The launch violated UN resolutions, and South Korea condemned it as a threat to international peace.
U.S. nuclear sub visits Busan as allies hash out deterrence guidelines
A US nuclear-powered submarine arrived in Busan to strengthen the joint defence posture with South Korea in the face of North Korean missile threats, demonstrating the US commitment to long-term deterrence in the region.
South China Sea: Philippines wants to start energy exploration projects in waterway, says Marcos Jnr
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that his country wants to resolve “exploration issues” in the South China Sea in order to start energy projects and address energy needs.
U.S. announces US$300 million arms sale to maintain Taiwan’s C4 capabilities
The State Department has approved a $300 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Taiwan, the 12th such sale under President Joe Biden’s administration.
Met museum returns stolen Southeast Asian artifacts
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York is returning 14 sculptures to Cambodia and two to Thailand that are associated with art dealer Douglas Latchford, who has been charged with trafficking looted antiquities.
Af-Pak De/Cypher
18 Dec, 2023
Monday
Pakistan rejects Indian SC’s Kashmir verdict
Pakistan’s Caretaker Foreign Minister, Jalil Abbas Jilani, has rejected India’s Supreme Court verdict on the status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling it a manifestation of a compliant judiciary under India’s ruling government. Read more: The Express Tribune
ATC grants bail to Imran, Qureshi in protest, vandalism cases
The Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in Islamabad has granted bail to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and former Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi in protest and vandalism cases. Read more: The News International
Police stays atop most corrupt institutions list in Pakistan: TIP’s survey
According to Transparency International Pakistan’s National Corruption Perception Survey 2022, the police are perceived to be the most corrupt sector in Pakistan, followed by tendering and contracting and the judiciary. Read more: Pakistan Today
ADB approves $155.5mn funding to boost female access to finance in Pakistan
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $155.5 million in financing for Pakistan in order to improve women’s access to finance and support women-led micro, small, and medium-sized businesses. Read more: Business Recorder
Tuesday
23 soldiers martyred; 27 terrorists killed in DI Khan terrorist attack: ISPR
In Pakistan’s Dera Ismail Khan district, 23 soldiers were killed in a terrorist attack on a security forces post. After being denied entry, the attackers used an explosive-laden truck, causing the building to collapse. Read more: Pakistan Today
ADB to help better access of women to micro credit
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $155.5 million in financing for Pakistan to improve women’s access to finance and improve women’s economic opportunities in Pakistan, where female labour force participation is 23%. Read more: Dawn
China agrees to review Free Trade Agreement, boost yuan-based trade
The Chinese government agreed to review the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Pakistan. In addition, China will provide $5 billion in yuan for immediate trade finance, reducing reliance on US dollars. Read more: Dawn
Ex-PM Khan condemns Indian judiciary’s Kashmir ruling from jail to stir political waters in Pakistan
Imran Khan, the former Prime Minister of Pakistan, has condemned India’s Supreme Court decision upholding the revocation of Kashmir’s special status, criticising the ruling as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. Read more: Arab News
Wednesday
With COAS in Washington, US reaffirms Pakistan’s ‘ally’ status
The State Department emphasised Pakistan’s strategic importance as a major non-NATO ally and NATO partner during Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir’s visit to the US. Read more: Dawn
Ex-PM Imran Khan, Qureshi indicted again in Cipher case for the second time
A special court indicted former Prime Minister Imran Khan and PTI Vice-Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi for the second time in a cypher case. Both pleaded not guilty, claiming that the indictment was false and illegal. Read more: Nation
Saudi Aramco to acquire 40pc stakes in GO Pakistan amid Asian expansion drive
Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer, is set to acquire a 40% stake in Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd (GO) as it enters Pakistan’s fuel retail market, marking Aramco’s first foray into the Pakistani market. Read more: Daily Pakistan
Nawaz gets clean slate after final acquittal
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has been acquitted in the Al-Azizia corruption case after his conviction on the basis of “photocopy evidence” was nullified. This removes legal barriers to him potentially running for office and holding public office again. Read more: Dawn
Thursday
Islamabad denies reports of talks with Pakistan Taliban
The foreign office of Pakistan has strongly denied reports of talks with the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP), refuting claims of dialogue with the group responsible for recent attacks. Read more: Arab News
ECP bans govts from transferring election officials
The Election Commission of Pakistan has prohibited transfers and leaves for election officials (DROs, ROs, AROs, and DEOs) until the upcoming general elections in order to maintain stability and prevent influence. Read more: Dawn
Special court allows in-camera trial of Imran, Qureshi in cipher case
In the cypher case, a special court approved an in-camera trial for Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan and Vice-Chairman Shah Mahmood Qureshi under the Official Secrets Act. Read more: The News International
$2bn Thar power plant achieves financial close
The Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB) announced the $2 billion financial close of Shanghai Electric Corporation, China’s largest Thar coal-fired power project in Pakistan. Read more: Dawn
Friday
3 cops martyred; 5 terrorists killed in Tank attack
Five terrorists, including a suicide bomber, used heavy weaponry to attack Tank City Police Lines in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Three police officers were killed and five terrorists were killed during the 14-hour gunfight. Read more: The Express Tribune
Firebrand Marwat arrested from outside LHC
PTI leader Advocate Sher Afzal Marwat was arrested outside the Lahore High Court (LHC) under the Maintenance of Public Order (MPO). Marwat, a lawyer for former Prime Minister Imran Khan, was detained following a protest against the Supreme Court’s decision on military trials. Read more: Dawn
Chinese investors to get special visa treatment
The Pakistani government has approved a special visa facility for Chinese investors in order to improve the investment climate. Read more: Pakistan Today
Centre looks to restructure provincial projects to free up Rs150bn
The federal government intends to restructure more than 335 federally funded provincial projects, in order to free up nearly Rs150 billion during the current fiscal year to reduce federal spending ahead of the final review of the ongoing $3 billion IMF programme in February. Read more: Dawn
Saturday
Toshakhana case: LHC issues notice to ECP on plea against Imran’s disqualification
The Lahore High Court issued notices to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in response to petitions filed by former PTI chairman Imran Khan challenging his disqualification in the Toshakhana case and opposing the ECP’s order for new intra-party polls. Read more: The News International
NAB arrests Fawad Chaudhry from Adiala Jail
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested former PTI leader and federal minister Fawad Chaudhry from Adiala Jail in a corruption case. Read more: ARY News
Pakistan, Japan launch ambitious project to boost ICT exports
Pakistan and Japan have launched “The Project for Strengthening the Business Collaboration of the ICT Industry in Pakistan,” a three-year project aimed at boosting Pakistan’s ICT exports to Japan. Read more: The Express Tribune
CPEC’s HPPs three projects get ADB’s financial support
The Asian Development Bank has signed a $250 million agreement to support three key projects in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as part of the Power Transmission Strengthening Project. Read more: Pakistan Today
Sunday
PM to visit Kuwait to condole death of Amir Sheikh Nawaf
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar is scheduled to visit Kuwait to express Pakistan’s condolences on the death of Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah. Kakar has also declared Monday, December 18, a National Day of Mourning in Pakistan. Read more: The Express Tribune
Pakistan expresses concerns over possession, use of modern weapons by TTP
Pakistan has expressed deep concern to the United Nations Security Council about the terrorist group TTP’s possession and use of modern and sophisticated weapons, calling for an investigation into how TTP obtained such weapons. Read more: Daily Pakistan
China, Pakistan sign MOU to boost textile cooperation
China and Pakistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen textile industry cooperation, with the goal of fostering deeper collaboration, knowledge sharing, and joint ventures. Read more: Pakistan Today
In a first, Lahore uses artificial rain to combat smog
For the first time, artificial rain was used to combat hazardous smog levels in Lahore, Pakistan. UAE cloud-seeding planes launched 48 flares over 10 areas of the city to encourage rain formation. Read more: Dawn
Social media disruption hits Pakistan as ex-PM Khan’s party holds virtual rally
Pakistan experienced a nationwide social media disruption coinciding with the online rally of former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party accused the government of impeding its election campaign out of fear of the PTI’s popularity. Read more: Arab News
Decypher Opinion: Can Pakistan overcome its Pollution problem?
On December 16th, in an attempt to reduce air pollution, Pakistan used artificial rain for the first time. This is one of many tactics the government has employed recently to address the growing pollution problem, including shuttering schools during periods of intense air pollution. Notably, the government took similar action in November, closing schools and markets for a few days to mitigate the severe air quality issues.
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Fact of the Week!!!
Bangladesh De/Cypher
18 Dec, 2023
Monday
Bangladesh needs immediate climate funding to navigate future challenges, writes PM
In an opinion piece for Context, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasised the urgent need for climate funding to address the effects of climate change, highlighting the country’s vulnerability despite contributing only 0.47 percent of global emissions. Read more: The Daily Star
Army likely to be deployed across Bangladesh for 13 days from Dec 29
In preparation for the general election on January 7, the Bangladesh Election Commission has decided to deploy Army personnel across the country for 13 days, from December 29 to January 10. Read more: New Age
Khaleda Zia shifted to CCU
Due to a deterioration in her health, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chairperson Khaleda Zia has been transferred from her cabin to the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) at Evercare Hospital. The medical board has recommended that she be transferred abroad for a liver transplant. Read more: Prothom Alo
Govt to import 52,000 tonnes of onion
Bangladesh’s government intends to import 52,000 tonnes of onions from India in order to stabilise local prices, which have risen since India imposed an export ban. Before the ban was imposed, LCs’ were opened in Bangladesh for importing some 52,000 metric tons of onion from India. Read more: Business Post
Tuesday
US provides tech supports to Bangladesh to upgrade Dhaka Airport
The US is providing technical assistance to upgrade Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport by improving airport security in order to expand international flights and establish Dhaka as a regional aviation hub. Read more: New Age
BNP leader Hafizuddin barred from travelling to India
BNP Vice Chairman Hafizuddin Ahmed was barred from travelling to India for knee surgery by immigration authorities at Dhaka’s airport. Although his wife was permitted to fly, Hafizuddin, citing illness, was denied. Read more: Dhaka Tribune
Raushan requests PM not to form alliance with Jatiya Party
Raushan Ershad, the Jatiya Party’s chief patron, urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina not to form an alliance or reach a consensus with the Jatiya Party, claiming that GM Quader illegally took control of JaPa, prompting her boycott of the election. Read more: The Daily Observer
No political programme but electoral campaign from 18 Dec: EC
The Election Commission (EC) has requested the home ministry to prohibit political programs nationwide, excluding electoral campaigns, from December 18 until the election. Read more: Prothom Alo
ERD signs 3 agreements worth $80.68m with Global Fund
The Ministry of Finance’s Economic Relations Division (ERD) signed three agreements worth $80.68 million with the Global Fund, focusing on health programmes in Bangladesh, with the goal of strengthening national efforts to control these diseases and aligning with Sustainable Development Goals. Read more: Business Post
Wednesday
PM Hasina invites Spanish entrepreneurs to invest in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina invited Spanish entrepreneurs to invest in any sector of Bangladesh for mutual benefits during a farewell courtesy call by Spain’s Ambassador Francisco de Asis Benitez Salas. Read more: Dhaka Tribune
Govt can’t be ousted by killing people: PM Hasina
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asserted that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) cannot overthrow the government, addressing a recent train accident caused by an uprooted rail track, she accused the BNP of resorting to terrorism in the past, aiming to destabilise the government. Read more: Daily Sun
919 patients diagnosed with dengue daily on average
According to data from the Directorate General of Health Services, an average of 919 dengue patients were admitted to hospitals in Bangladesh each day this year, with an average of 5 casualties per day. Read more: Prothom Alo
US provides $87m more for Rohingyas, host communities in Cox’s Bazar
The United States is providing an additional $87 million in humanitarian aid to the Rohingyas and host communities in Cox’s Bazar through USAID in collaboration with the World Food Programme to provide critical food and infrastructure assistance. Read more: The Financial Express
Thursday
US voices concern over mass arrests of opposition figures in Bangladesh
The United States has expressed grave concern about mass arrests of opposition figures in Bangladesh ahead of the country’s 12th national elections, urging the government to create a conducive environment for a free and fair election. Read more: BD News 24
PM Hasina greets new Polish PM Donald Tusk
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina congratulated Poland’s new Prime Minister Donald Franciszek Tusk, praising his dynamic leadership and emphasising Bangladesh and Poland’s historical ties. Read more: Daily Sun
Seat-sharing dilemma: A complex equation for AL?
The ruling Awami League is in a seat-sharing bind ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections on January 7, as talks with the 14-Party Alliance and the Jatiya Party have stalled due to internal dispute. Read more: The Business Standard
WHO reports 31,578 road accident deaths in 2021
A new World Health Organization (WHO) report estimates 31,578 road accident deaths in Bangladesh in 2021, marking a significant increase over seven years. The Bangladesh government has rejected the findings. Read more: New Age
Green Power: Twice as expensive here than in India, Pakistan
According to a new study by the Change Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, Bangladesh’s average renewable energy tariff is $0.155 per kilowatt-hour, more than double that of India and Pakistan, with unsolicited power plants contributing to higher tariffs. Read more: The Daily Star
Friday
Allies not to get over 7 constituencies: Quader
Governing Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader stated that the party won’t share more than seven constituencies with the 14-party alliance, addressing dissatisfaction among allies. Read more: Prothom Alo
Bangladesh discusses labour issues with US
Bangladesh Ambassador to the United States, Muhammad Imran, met with acting US Secretary of Labour Julie Su in Washington to discuss labour issues and government efforts to improve worker rights. Read more: Dhaka Tribune
Int’l CHT Commission condemns killing in Khagrachari
The International Chittagong Hill Tracts Commission expressed grave concern about the December 11 killings of four leaders associated with the United People’s Democratic Front, alleging security forces’ support for vigilante groups involved in the killings. Read more: New Age
IMF lowers forex reserves target for Bangladesh
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised Bangladesh’s minimum foreign exchange reserves target due to a rapid decline in reserves. Initially set at $26.81 billion for December, the new target is $17.78 billion. Read more: The Daily Star
Saturday
Bangladesh celebrates 53rd Victory Day
Bangladesh celebrated its 53rd Victory Day, marking the country’s liberation from Pakistani forces in 1971. President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid wreaths at the National Memorial to honour three million martyrs and freedom fighters. Read more: The Daily Star
Awami League to withdraw candidates in 26 seats for Jatiya Party
The Awami League has agreed to withdraw its candidates in 26 parliamentary seats, allowing the Jatiya Party to contest uncontested in those constituencies following a consensus reached between the two parties Read more: Prothom Alo
Partnership initiated to enhance climate resilience of micro and small women-led businesses in Bangladesh
The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has collaborated with Nari Maitree, a women-led organisation in Bangladesh, to improve the climate resilience of micro and small women-led businesses. Read more: ESCAP
Bangladesh reports zero dengue death, 179 new cases in 24hrs
There were no new dengue-related deaths in Bangladesh in the previous day, but there were 179 new cases reported. Currently, 1,680 patients are being treated, including 509 in the capital. Read more: New Age
Sunday
Bangladesh announces national mourning for Kuwait’s emir
Bangladesh will observe a one-day mourning period on Monday to honour Kuwait’s late Emir, Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, who died at the age of 86. The national flag will be flown at half-mast, and there will be special prayers held across the country. Read more: Somoy News
Fakhrul’s bail hearing at HC on January 3
The High Court has set a bail hearing for BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on January 3 in connection with the October 28 vandalism of the Chief Justice’s residence. Read more: The Daily Star
Demonstration in front of JaPa office, police deployed
Protests erupted outside the Jatiya Party office in Banani, Dhaka, as party leaders and members called for a boycott of the upcoming 12th National Parliament elections. Read more: Prothom Alo
President gives nod to army deployment in JS election
President Mohammed Shahabuddin has given preliminary approval for the deployment of armed forces in the upcoming 12th parliamentary election in Bangladesh scheduled for January 7, after a meeting with the Chief Election Commissioner Kazi Habibul Awal. Read more: Daily Sun
The BNP defers hartal to Tuesday in honour of late Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has moved its planned dawn-to-dusk hartal (strike) from Monday to Tuesday in memory of Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Sabah. Read more: BD News 24
Decypher Opinion: Sheikh Hasina’s party is set to be re-elected in January
Despite controversies, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to secure her fifth term in Bangladesh’s upcoming election on January 7th. The largest opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), is boycotting the election because its leaders are facing mass arrests and imprisonment. Sheikh Hasina has presided over economic growth and improved living standards during her 15-year tenure, but she has also been accused of suppressing democracy by exerting control over the press and the judiciary. The crackdown on the opposition has raised concerns about the fairness of the election, but international responses have been cautious in order to avoid pushing Bangladesh towards China. Despite economic challenges, Sheikh Hasina’s popularity remains high, and the IMF applauds the government’s commitment to its bailout programme.
Read the entire article on: The Economist
Analysis: Terrorism related incidents in 2023
Fact of the Week!!!
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