Byline.mv - Journalism. By People. For Everyone.https://byline.mven-usCopyright (C) 2026 Byline.mv https://byline.mv/public/images/logo.png https://byline.mv 512 220 Three actors who were arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in Villimale earlier this month have been released along with their accomplice. The actors have been identified as Ahmed Azmeel (Azey), Ismail Jumail (Jumaa), and Mohamed Vishaal (Roman). The fourth person who was arrested was identified as the younger brother of Azmeel, Shahil Mohamed. All four were arrested in an operation carried out on the 18th of this month. The Criminal Court had remanded them in custody for 15 days, and their remand is set to end on the 24th of this month. However, they have been released from custody. Police... https://byline.mv/19238 https://byline.mv/19238 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:27:15 +0500 The Supreme Court has appointed judges to four magistrates' courts across the country. The Chief Justice of the Civil Court, Mariyam Waheed, performed the swearing-in ceremony for the newly appointed judges. The Ceremony was held at the Supreme Court. The appointments were made on the advice of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). Former Lawyer Fathuhullah Ali was appointed as the Judge of the Magistrate's Court of Haa Alifu Hoarafushi. He has served as a lawyer for more than seven years. Dhiyaana Majeed was appointed as Judge of the Magistrates' Court of Baa Atoll, Goidhoo, while Hussain Ramzee was appointed as the... https://byline.mv/19237 https://byline.mv/19237 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 15:03:49 +0500 The National Pay Commission will appear before the Parliament's Public Accounts Committee to clarify complaints and concerns regarding the state pay harmonization system. The MP for Hulhumale' South Constituency, Dr. Ahmed Shameed, tabled the motion to summon the Pay Commission to the Committee. While the MP for Hanimaadhoo Constituency, Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, seconded the motion, the motion was passed with votes from the MPs present at the meeting. Employees from some agencies and institutions have submitted complaints about the challenges encountered in salary harmonization, and the Parliamentary Committee is set to seek clarifications about these complaints and challenges. The new... https://byline.mv/19236 https://byline.mv/19236 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 14:14:34 +0500 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu met with the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, last evening. The meeting took place at Aiwan-e-Sadr, the official residence of the President of Pakistan. Upon arrival, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed were received by President Asif Ali Zardari and Ms Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, First Lady of Pakistan and Member of the National Assembly. During the visit, President Dr Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed held separate official discussions with their respective counterparts. President Asif Ali Zardari welcomed President Dr Muizzu and expressed appreciation for his official visit to Pakistan, highlighting its importance... https://byline.mv/19235 https://byline.mv/19235 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:54:20 +0500 MALÉ, Maldives — Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian has met Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) Chairman Hussain Afeef and members of the association's board to discuss strengthening tourism cooperation and expanding travel opportunities between the two countries. The meeting focused on reinforcing longstanding bilateral tourism relations, enhancing travel cooperation and identifying new opportunities for mutual growth, according to the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. The discussions come as both countries continue efforts to strengthen tourism ties following a substantial decline in Indian visitor arrivals during 2024. Over 315,000 Indian Tourists Since May 2024 Official tourism figures show that approximately 315,252 Indian tourists... https://byline.mv/19234 https://byline.mv/19234 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 08:35:25 +0500 India and the Maldives have participated in at least seven major joint and multinational military exercises over the past two and a half years, alongside continued Indian support for Maldivian defence capabilities. MALÉ, Maldives — Three Indian maritime training vessels arrived in Malé on Wednesday, October 21, as part of an overseas deployment aimed at strengthening military cooperation, maritime security and professional exchanges between India and the Maldives. The visiting vessels — INS Tir, INS Sujata and Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Sarathi — form part of the Indian Navy's First Training Squadron. The Indian High Commission in the Maldives said the deployment... https://byline.mv/19233 https://byline.mv/19233 Thu, 22 Oct 2026 08:23:43 +0500 The Operator of Velaana International Airport, Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL), says the airport will open Terminal 2 to international check-in operations from 25 October 2026, with ten airlines moving their check-in to the terminal for the Winter season. It said that the move brings both of VIA’s passenger terminals into service for international travellers during the busiest months of the tourism year, giving passengers more space, more check-in counters and a smoother start to their journey. MACL said that from 25th October, passengers travelling with Neos, Aeroflot, US-Bangla Airlines, Centrum Air, Azur Air, S7 Airlines (Siberia), Shirak Avia, Kuwait Airways, Gulliv... https://byline.mv/19232 https://byline.mv/19232 Wed, 21 Oct 2026 14:21:42 +0500 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu was accorded a ceremonial welcome today at Prime Minister House, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Upon arrival at the Prime Minister's House, the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, received the President. The President joined the Prime Minister for an official photograph, after which both leaders took their places on the saluting dais. As part of the ceremonial protocol, the national anthems of both countries were played, and a presentation of arms was rendered, following which President Dr Muizzu inspected the Guard of Honour. After the military honours, President Dr Muizzu and Prime... https://byline.mv/19231 https://byline.mv/19231 Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:59:49 +0500 President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu says the Rasmale' Development Project would generate approximately 14,000 permanent jobs, alongside 54,000 employment opportunities throughout the development phase. The President gave this assurance during the eighth episode of "The Pulse" podcast series. Speaking on the podcast broadcast, the President stated that the project would transform the trajectory of the Maldivian economy and bring immense benefits to the nation. Addressing one of the most prominent allegations that foreigners would be permitted to own land, the President reiterated that Maldivian law strictly prohibits foreign ownership of land, clarifying that land would only be leased. He provided complete assurance that Israeli... https://byline.mv/19230 https://byline.mv/19230 Wed, 21 Oct 2026 13:46:16 +0500 Police have announced that roads near secondary schools in Male' City will be closed to public traffic tomorrow to accommodate students sitting the IGCSE English Listening test. Police said the roads will be closed from 09:15 to 10:30. They also urged all residents and users of the area to avoid all noisy and potentially disruptive activities, such as construction work, during the examination period. The Police went on to thank the public for their cooperation in such matters and apologized for any inconvenience to the public because of tomorrow's closure. A total of 8,111 students are sitting for their end-of-Grade 10... https://byline.mv/19229 https://byline.mv/19229 Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:58:25 +0500 Police have launched an investigation after the former Deputy Minister Hassan Zihan called for an arson attack against the Supreme Court, the President's Office, and the Parliament building. A media official from the Police said that a Facebook post by Zihan has been brought to their attention and that they are actively investigating the case. Police did not give any more information about their investigation. Zihan, who was also a First Lieutenant in the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), had questioned why Maldivians do not get to set the country's Supreme Court, President's Office, and Parliament Building on fire. His... https://byline.mv/19228 https://byline.mv/19228 Tue, 20 Oct 2026 13:30:03 +0500 President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed departed this morning on a State Visit to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The visit, which takes place from 20 to 22 October 2026, is being undertaken at the invitation of the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan. During the visit, President Dr Muizzu is scheduled to engage in high-level discussions, followed by the exchange of several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering various areas of cooperation. This State Visit marks the first high‑level engagement between the two countries in a decade and coincides with the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations, established on 26... https://byline.mv/19227 https://byline.mv/19227 Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:00:06 +0500 The Parliamentary Group Leader to the ruling PNC, MP Ibrahim Falah, says parliamentarians are ready to give up the specialized health insurance scheme set up for MPs, but that the scheme was less of a burden to the state budget than 'Aasandha'. Speaking during the debate on a petition signed by more than 7,000 members of the public seeking the abolition of health insurance for MPs, Falahi said he never believed that MPs should enjoy special privileges that ordinary citizens do not. He said that he would not hesitate to give up the health insurance. However, he said that the petitioners... https://byline.mv/19226 https://byline.mv/19226 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 15:07:52 +0500 Housing Minister Dr. Abdullah Muththalib says the government estimates that more than MVR 58.8 billion would be spent to complete the development and infrastructure projects currently underway in the country. Speaking at Parliament today, the Minister explained that about MVR 58,831,473,267 would be needed to complete the ongoing projects. Minister Muththalib said that the budget for this year is formulated on a 'programme budget' basis and there will be no specific amounts for individual projects. He added that instead, the Ministry of Finance will continue to provide funds in accordance with the schedule. The Minister also noted that the construction of five airports... https://byline.mv/19225 https://byline.mv/19225 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 14:47:08 +0500 Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has heavily fined a top foreign currency exchange outlet named "MS Finance Currency Exchange Pvt Ltd" following a flagrant violation of money exchange regulations. The company has been fined MVR 500,000. At the same time, the foreign exchange license issued to the company has been temporarily withheld. The government and the central bank have now begun taking strong measures to curb those who sell dollars at unofficial rates and make illegal profits. The law was amended to curb illegal activities, and a large amount of money was seized in special raids conducted by the police. With the amendments to... https://byline.mv/19224 https://byline.mv/19224 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 13:00:49 +0500 Police have arrested a local man for allegedly selling liquor on a large scale in Kaafu Atoll, Maafushi. They said they arrested the man on the 16th of this month in a joint operation by Counter Narcotics Intelligence and Maafushi Police. Police identified the man as 23-year-old Nabeeh Abduh Rasheed from Haa Dhaalu Kulhudhufushi. They said during the operation, Police raided the suspect's house in Maafushi and found 42 bottles of liquor. Police also said the court ordered the suspect to be remanded for 8 days. They added that they were further investigating the case. ... https://byline.mv/19223 https://byline.mv/19223 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:28:49 +0500 Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar, a senior Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) figure designated a global terrorist by the United States, has died following a reported fall in Lahore, Pakistan. Sarwar, also known as Abu Hashim, died on Sunday, October 18, at Markaz Qadsia, according to media reports. The Times of India reported that he fell from the building’s fourth floor. Accounts differed on the precise circumstances. ABP Live, citing an audio recording attributed to LeT deputy chief Saifullah Kasuri, reported that Sarwar slipped while climbing the mosque’s stairs and suffered fatal head injuries. The circumstances of the fall have not been independently established. The Times of India... https://byline.mv/19222 https://byline.mv/19222 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 10:41:13 +0500 Through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and bilateral institutional partnerships, Maldivians have access to training designed to improve professional knowledge, administrative skills and service delivery. India increased the Maldives’ annual allocation of in-person ITEC training places from 200 to 300 for 2024–25, according to the Indian High Commission. The expansion provides additional opportunities for working professionals to undertake specialised courses at Indian institutions. ITEC, administered by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, is a longstanding international capacity-building programme. It connects participants from partner countries with training institutions offering professional and technical education. For eligible participants, the funding helps remove a major... https://byline.mv/19221 https://byline.mv/19221 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:31:31 +0500 India has approved a rollover of a currency swap facility worth approximately USD 316 million to the Maldives, continuing financial support that has helped the country manage foreign exchange pressures and repayment obligations. The Indian High Commission announced the decision on October 16, following a request from the Maldivian government. The facility was arranged between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) under the SAARC currency swap framework, with the first withdrawal made on April 23, 2026. The rollover allows the Maldives more time before repayment. It extends existing financing rather than providing an additional USD 316... https://byline.mv/19220 https://byline.mv/19220 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:21:15 +0500 The President's Office says President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will undertake a State Visit to Pakistan from 20 to 22 October 2026, at the invitation of Pakistan's Prime Minister, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. During the visit, President Dr Muizzu is scheduled to meet President His Excellency Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister His Excellency Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and other senior Pakistani officials. He will also hold official talks with Prime Minister Sharif to strengthen the close relations between the Maldives and Pakistan. Following the talks, the two leaders will witness the exchange of several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering various areas of cooperation. The visit... https://byline.mv/19219 https://byline.mv/19219 Sun, 18 Oct 2026 22:38:32 +0500