South Asian countries announce policy shifts and public protest amid Gaza conflict
Several South Asian Muslim-majority nations have recently introduced policy changes and seen large public demonstrations in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Maldives:
The Maldives government has banned Israeli passport holders from entering the country. The decision, announced following approval by the parliament and ratification by President Mohamed Muizzu, is aimed at aligning the country’s foreign policy with its position on the Gaza situation. A national campaign, “Maldivians in Solidarity with Palestine,” was also launched.
According to Al Jazeera, tourist arrivals from Israel have declined by 88% in the first four months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Bangladesh:
Dhaka has reinstated a previous passport policy that excludes Israel from the list of valid travel destinations. The policy was reintroduced via a directive issued on April 7 by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Large-scale protests have occurred across the country, including in Dhaka, Bogra, Sylhet, and Cox’s Bazar, with demonstrators expressing opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza. Some protests turned violent, targeting commercial outlets believed to be associated with Western interests. Companies like Bata issued public clarifications on their corporate affiliations in response.
Pakistan:
Mass protests have taken place in cities including Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi. In some cases, commercial outlets were vandalized. Local authorities reported arrests following incidents involving property damage.
Pakistan’s parliament passed a resolution condemning the military actions in Gaza and calling for international accountability and Palestinian statehood. Prominent religious and political figures have urged continued protests while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining peaceful conduct.
These developments are a combination of policy measures, parliamentary actions, and public demonstrations across the region.
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