Xinhua Asia-Pacific news summary at 1600 GMT, April 17

YANGON -- Former Myanmar President U Win Myint was released under amnesty on Friday, state-owned Myanmar Radio and Television (MRTV) reported.

Myanmar's President U Min Aung Hlaing granted amnesty to over 4,500 prisoners on Friday, the first day of the Myanmar calendar New Year, MRTV reported. (Myanmar-Former President)

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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, expressing hope that the development would pave the way for sustainable peace in the region.

In a statement shared on X, Sharif said the ceasefire was facilitated through diplomatic efforts and underscored the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts. (Pakistan-Lebanon)

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TOKYO -- Japanese prosecutors on Friday placed a Self-Defense Forces (SDF) officer under detention for expert evaluation following his forcible intrusion into the Chinese embassy, local media reported.

According to Kyodo News, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office ordered the detention of Kodai Murata, a 23-year-old second lieutenant in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, for psychiatric assessment to determine whether he is criminally responsible for his actions. (Japan-Chinese Embassy-Intrusion)

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ISLAMABAD -- Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday hailed the Lebanon ceasefire, terming it an important step towards reducing tensions and restoring calm in the region.

Emphasizing that Pakistan attaches high importance to regional stability, the president said in an online statement that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue, mutual respect for sovereignty and adherence to international law. (Pakistan-President-Lebanon) Enditem