Ancient ‘sleeping Buddha’ found in Afghanistan
KABUL, September 8, 2008 (AFP) – An Afghan archaeologist has discovered the remains of an ancient 19-metre-long (62-foot) “sleeping Buddha” …
South Asia
Asif Ali Zardari sworn in as Pakistan president
ISLAMABAD, September 9, 2008 (AFP) – Asif Ali Zardari became Pakistan’s president Tuesday and faced immediate pressure to combat the Islamic …
Pakistan’s prime minister escapes assassination attempt: official
ISLAMABAD, September 3, 2008 (AFP) – Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani escaped an assassination attempt after shots were fired at his vehicle …
Sri Lanka business leader says trade barriers still hamper regional integration
Aug 28, 2008 (LBO) – South Asian nations should lower trade barriers to make a regional economic co-operation work and deliver the promised benefits to …
Pakistan coalition to meet on new president: spokesman
ISLAMABAD, August 19, 2008 (AFP) – Leaders of Pakistan’s ruling coalition were to meet later Tuesday to discuss a replacement for President Pervez …
Shine off India’s economy as gloomy data piles up
NEW DELHI, August 17, 2008 (AFP) – Until a few months ago, the most popular buzz phrase for India was “economic miracle”, with the nation …
Saudi intelligence chief in Pakistan amid Musharraf crisis
ISLAMABAD, August 16, 2008 (AFP) – Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief dashed to Pakistan for talks with the government over its plans to impeach …
Bangladesh’s ex-PM Zia to be freed soon: minister
DHAKA, August 9, 2008 (AFP) – Bangladesh’s military-backed government is close to freeing ex-prime minister Khaleda Zia, a minister said Saturday, …
Maldives adopts a new constitution
Aug 8, 2008 (LBO) – Maldivian President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom ratified a new constitution that ushers in key reforms and allows multi-party elections in …
Sri Lanka blamed for serious security lapse at South Asian summit
August 07, 2008 (AFP) – India said there had been serious security lapses during a visit to Sri Lanka by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh despite the island …
Maldives heads for democracy amid political intrigue
August 06, 2008 (LBO) – Maldives is set to ratify a new constitution this week which will bring multi-party democracy the Indian Ocean tourist paradise, …
Bangladesh eyes trade pacts with Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan after Doha collapse
DHAKA, 2008 (AFP) – Bangladesh is pursuing bilateral free trade deals with three neighbouring countries following the collapse of World Trade …
South Asia SAARC ‘food bank’ to be housed in Bangladesh: Sri Lanka official
Aug 04, 2008 (LBO) – A South Asian ‘food bank’ to counter rising prices and perceived ‘shortages’ would be housed in Bangladesh, …
Bangladesh, Bhutan call for freer trade for South Asia’s SAARC nations
August 3, 2008 (LBO) – Bhutan and Bangladesh, tried to fan the flame of free trade in South Asia as dismantling trade barriers went off the agenda, when …
South Asian SAARC summit to conclude amid regional rivalry
August 3, 2008 (AFP) – South Asian leaders will push for anti-terror measures and greater food security as they wrap up a summit Sunday, but efforts to …
Bhutan offers to host South Asian SAARC fund at Sri Lanka summit
August 3, 2008 (LBO) – The landlocked kingdom of Bhutan offered tax concessions to host a planned South Asia Association of Regional Co-operation (SAARC) …
Bhutan wins bid to host South Asian SAARC fund at Sri Lanka meet
Aug 03, 2008 (LBO) – Bhutan will host the secretariat of a South Asian regional fund that has already collected 307 million dollars in commitments at a …
Sri Lanka minister says South Asian telecom watchdogs should swiftly cut tariffs
Aug 03, 2008 (LBO) – South Asian telecommunications regulators should quickly move to bring down overseas telephone tariffs, Sri Lanka’s foreign …
India-Pakistan tensions to overshadow South Asia Summit
August 2, 2008 (AFP) – A summit of South Asian leaders was set to open in Sri Lanka on Saturday, with tensions between India and Pakistan likely to …
Sri Lanka leader calls for lower international phone tariffs in south Asia
Aug 02, 2008 (LBO) – Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa called for lower international direct dial (IDD) tariffs to better integrate the people of …