Reactions to US-Iran Ceasefire and Women's Empowerment in Pakistan

Reactions from the Asia-Pacific region to the US-Iran ceasefire deal have been largely positive, with officials from Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia expressing support. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Supaji Sutampan highlighted the importance of monitoring essential product supplies in light of the ceasefire. Indonesia's foreign ministry emphasized the need for diplomatic channels to promote de-escalation, while Malaysia urged all parties to respect the ceasefire to maintain global economic stability. The ongoing Iran crisis has adversely affected Thailand's tourism sector, leading to a significant drop in visitor numbers and increased operational costs for businesses reliant on tourism. Popular tourist attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ayutthaya, have reported a drastic decline in customers, with some facilities seeing up to 70% fewer visitors. The Thai government has revised its forecast for international visitors, indicating a shortfall from initial estimates. In Pakistan, Ruby Islam is challenging traditional gender norms by promoting motorcycle riding among women. Her initiative, Women on Wheels, provides free training to women, empowering them to ride and assert their independence. Ruby's efforts aim to inspire societal change, encouraging women to embrace riding as a form of freedom and self-expression. Ruby Islam's program has successfully trained around 30,000 women over the past decade, making motorcycle riding more accessible for females. The initiative not only teaches riding skills but also addresses issues of harassment, equipping women with strategies to respond to unwanted attention. Ruby's personal journey from student to instructor exemplifies the potential for women to redefine their roles in society.