Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: July 29, 2025
Pakistan’s finance minister heads to US to finalise trade deal
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb visited the U.S. to finalize a bilateral trade deal, focusing on reciprocal tariffs, increased U.S. exports to Pakistan (e.g. oil), and investment incentives—following earlier “productive” discussions. (Reuters)
Insight
The talks underscore mutual intent to recalibrate trade relations: Pakistan seeks to reduce U.S. tariffs, diversify exports and attract investment; the U.S. aims to deepen ties amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. (Reuters)
Kyrgyzstan’s central bank raises key rate by 25 bps to 9.25%
Kyrgyzstan’s central bank raised its policy rate by 25 basis points to 9.25% to combat inflationary pressure amid an unstable global environment. (Reuters)
Insight
As a smaller emerging economy, Kyrgyzstan is tightening monetary policy to mitigate imported inflation and currency risk—reflecting broader regional caution under global uncertainty. (Reuters)
Afghans show solidarity as migrant returns from Iran surge
Facing a spike in forced returns from Iran, Afghan civil society figures are providing food and hygiene supplies to returnees at the border, demonstrating grassroots support amid humanitarian strain. (Reuters)
Insight
Grassroots solidarity highlights both the scale of forced displacement and gaps in institutional response capacity, emphasizing local resilience amid limited government assistance. (Reuters)
