Pakistan's former envoy Asif Durrani emphasized the need for a balanced approach in handling Afghans living in Pakistan, distinguishing between security concerns and legitimate business interests. He advocated streamlining issues to enable Afghan businesspeople to access basic services like bank accounts. The international community must also share responsibility in addressing the situation, with Afghans appealing to the broader global community for help. Former Federal Tax Ombudsperson Dr Shoaib Suddle noted that deportation is justified on specific grounds, but businesspersons and investors should be welcomed due to their economic contributions. Former ambassador Maj Gen Raza Muhammad stressed the importance of cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan, citing security challenges posed by terrorist groups like TTP and BLA.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1307311-afghans-may-appeal-to-international-community-for-accommodationDeveloping nations must be actively involved in the global economy, not marginalized. Dr Malik emphasized the need for courageous decisions to achieve a shared green future. He met with Qatar's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, to discuss strategies for equitable climate action and strengthen bilateral cooperation on environmental issues. They explored opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration in areas such as clean energy, wildlife protection, and carbon trading, leveraging Qatar's expertise in petrochemicals and recycling.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1307226-pakistan-seeks-global-help-for-green-transition-at-geneva-climate-summitA delegation from the Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by President Usman Shaukat, met with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi to discuss investment opportunities in the province and trade relations between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The meeting also touched on industrial development and challenges faced by the business community. Governor Kundi praised the role of the business community in the country's economic development, calling it the backbone of the national economy.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1307321-rcci-delegation-meets-kp-governorThe US State Department has been in contact with neighboring countries over a recent nuclear incident. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held phone calls with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, as Hindu nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to punish those responsible for the attack. Jaishankar told Rubio that the perpetrators should be brought to justice, while Pakistan claimed military action by India was imminent. The incident led to diplomatic efforts intensifying, with both countries suspending a water-sharing treaty and closing their airspace to each other's airlines, as well as exchanging fire across their border.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360625/vance-says-us-hopes-pakistan-india-tensions-dont-lead-to-broader-regional-conflictRwanda and Congo need to finalize bilateral economic agreements with the US before a trade accord can be signed, which would attract billions of dollars in investment from Western companies for mining projects and infrastructure development in both countries, including mineral processing facilities in Rwanda.
https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/africa/us-pushes-congo-rwanda-for-peace-accord-and-billion-dollar-mineral-deals-5025322Somalia's Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ali congratulated his counterpart on his appointment as Foreign Minister and briefed him on the escalating regional situation due to India's baseless propaganda and unilateral actions, including holding the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance. FM Ali emphasized the importance of resolving issues through diplomacy to maintain regional peace and security. He also held a telephone conversation with Slovenia's Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Tanja Fajon, briefing her on the situation while rejecting India's allegations and denouncing its unilateral actions as a violation of international law.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40360583/indias-false-propaganda-against-pakistan-diplomatic-efforts-to-apprise-the-world-intensifiedSouth Korean Minister Kang highlighted the pressing issues of rising sea temperatures, depleted fishery resources, and marine debris threatening marine ecosystems and fisheries. However, he emphasized international efforts to address these crises, including the BBNJ Agreement, which aims to preserve marine ecosystems outside economic jurisdiction, and APEC's Ocean and Fisheries Working Group, which has developed strategic roadmaps to combat IUU fishing, reduce marine debris, and promote sustainable development in the ocean and fisheries sectors.
https://en.antaranews.com/news/353689/apec-ministers-pledge-collective-action-for-ocean-sustainabilitySingaporean opposition candidate Kenneth Tiong criticized the government's willingness to sell strategic national assets to foreign players, citing examples such as the sale of Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing in 2009 and Neptune Orient Lines in 2016. Associate Professor Jamus Lim, a WP MP for Sengkang GRC, argued that the WP's "longstanding" ideas have improved lives, including better financial support for unemployed workers and higher pay for national servicemen. Tiong and fellow candidate Fadli Fawzi urged voters to give their vote to the WP on May 3, promising a change in government that would allow Singaporeans to "stand up and work for Singapore" without fear of retribution.
https://www.thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/05/02/singapore-ge2025-a-vote-for-wp-is-a-vote-for-the-future-say-its-candidatesUS President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed their stance on terrorism, with US supporting India against it. Tensions between the two countries have escalated since an April 22 attack in Kashmir that killed at least 26 people. Pakistan denied involvement but took measures to downplay ties, including suspending a water treaty and closing border crossings. In response, Pakistan expelled Indian diplomats and closed its border crossing, while India revoked visas for Pakistanis except for Sikh pilgrims.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/602736-pahalgam-attack-us-urges-pakistan-india-to-work-towards-responsible-resolution