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SATURDAY . MARCH 14 . 2015 -Hoot 23, 1393 HS www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes

Obama lauds Afghan leaders for peace efforts AT Monitoring Desk KABUL: The US President Barack Obama the other day held a video conference with President Ashraf Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. A press re- lease issued by President s media office said that during the contact aware of the fact that transparent the three sides discussed the cur- AT Monitoring Desk election was a key demand of the rent situation in Afghanistan and Afghan people and bringing re- their efforts to improve Kabul- KABUL: Confessing that the new forms in electoral bodies was one Islamabad ties. government had not done what it of the fundamental issues in for- The source said that President pledged ahead of its formation, the mation of the national unity gov- Obama commended Ghani and Chief Executive Abdullah Abdul- ernment. The national unity gov- Abdullah on their leadership in lah, said Friday that the people of ernment was formed after the con- promoting an Afghan peace pro- Afghanistan should not worry troversial presidential election in cess to end the conflict and their about their future, as the govern- June 2014. President Ghani had initiative to improve Afghanistan- ment was committed to overcome promised to bring reforms in elec- Pakistan relations. The leaders the current challenges and lead the toral bodies. However, there is no discussed the ongoing efforts of country towards progress and sign of improvement in this re- Afghan forces to improve securi- improvement. gard in first six months of their ty, and the importance of coun- Hinting at the agreement that tenure. On the same occasion, the tering extremist threats from established the national unity gov- deputy chief executive, Moham- groups like Al Qaeda. President ernment, Abdullah said that the mad Mohaqiq, said that he was Ghani and Chief Executive Abdul- government was committed to concerned about delay in forma- lah are scheduled to arrive in the bring reforms in electoral bodies tion of the proposed commission US later this month, their first trip as it was established based on an for bringing reforms in election to the country after coming to agreement of which reforms in commissions. He added that the The ex-President Hamid Karzai said that Afghanistan s success against the menace of extremism and terrorism lies in national unity. power last year as a result of con- election commission was the ba- CEO wanted the problem to be troversial presidential elections. sis. He told a session commemo- resolved, adding that the presi- The source said that President th AT News Report of Wahdat-e-Mili party, Abdul attack on a Khanqah (a place Karzai called on people to support rating the 20 death anniversary dent was also ready to issue a de- Obama encouraged to accelerate of Abdul Ali Mazari that the long- cree for formation of reforms com- Ali Mazari, Hamid Karzai said Af- where Sufis worship) and abduc- the government of national unity KABUL: The ex-President Hamid ghanistan was on the right track tion of 30 passengers in Zabul, in its efforts to bring lasting peace Afghan progress towards forming suffering Afghans had finally mission. He added that the elec- an inclusive national unity gov- found the opportunity to get rid toral system would be fixed based Karzai said that Afghanistan s to development. Afghanistan is Hamid Karzai said roots of ter- to Afghanistan. He urged Afghan success against the menace of ex- in a better situation, than it was rorism and extremism lie beyond youth to excel in different fields of ernment, and expressed his expec- of challenges and miserable situa- on demands of the nation in an tation that their visit to Washing- tion which was a legacy of decade attempt to make the upcoming tremism and terrorism lies in na- five years ago and I am confident Afghanistan s borders. Our suc- education to steer the country to- tional unity. Talking to a gather- that the country was on course cess against militancy lies in na- wards development. Hamid Karzai ton would demonstrate their mu- of conflicts in this country. polls credible and acceptable for th tual commitment to a strengthened He said that they were well the common masses. ing on the occasion of the 20 for a brighter future, Karzai add- tional unity and our support to called on religious scholars and trib- death anniversary of the founder ed. Hinting at recent incidents of the government, he stressed. al elders to promote education. US-Afghan strategic partnership. President Ghani thanked the 6 DAYESH ALP personnel US government for its support to We want to see strategic NSC calls Preemptive steps Afghanistan during the past 13 MEMBERS DEAD among 14 dead in years and as well as for the sacri- IN NANGARHAR Ghazni firefight torture urged to stop fices of American troops sacrifices changes in our neighboring in the country in war on terror OFFENSIVE GHAZNI CITY: Seven Afghan unacceptable; IS EMERGENCE and ensuring security here. Hint- JALALABAD: Six militants, as- Local Police (ALP) personnel and state s policy: Qanuni ing at capability and skills of Af- sociated with the Islamic State as many insurgents have been SEEKS END TO IN KUNAR ghan security forces, Ghani said group, have been killed and 12 killed in a clash after a group of Ulumi seeks end to the wrangling in the NUG so that that the national security forces others wounded during an opera- rebels stormed security post in peace process could be made effective ASADABAD: A number of resi- TRAFFIC JAMS dents of different districts on have quitted the defensive tactic tion in the Ghanikhel district of the Deh Yak district of southern and now they have the responsi- eastern Nangarhar province, a se- Ghazni province, the deputy gov- AT Monitoring Desk ni voiced concerns over assassi- KABUL: The National Security Thursday asked the government ernor said on Friday. Muhammad to adopt preemptive measures to bility of engineering military op- curity official said on Friday. Nau- nation of prominent political fig- Council (NSC) the other day de- erations against militants. During man Hatifi, spokesman for the Ali Ahmadi told Pajhwok Afghan KABUL: Only tactical changes in ures and said that the government cided traffic on city roads would stop the emergence of the Islamic 201st Selab Corps, told Pajhwok News that militants mounted the policy of neighboring country are should spare no efforts to arrest not be stopped for high-ranking State (Dayesh) in eastern Kunar the same occasion, Chief Execu- Afghan News the offensive was attacks on the district security not enough for brining lasting those involved in the serial kill- government officials except in province. At a well-attended gath- tive Abdullah, thanked the US for launched on the basis of intelli- check-posts at 3:00am and the peace to Afghanistan, said the ex- ings. To bring long-lasting peace some emergency situations. ering arranged in Asadabad, the cooperation with Afghanistan in gence reports regarding the cross- ensuing firefight left six rebels and Vice President Yunus Qanuni on and stability to Afghanistan, the National Security Advisor provincial capital, tribal elders, different sectors. He hinted at two ALP men wounded. Shafiq Friday. Talking to a gathering to religious leaders and people from improvements made in different border infiltration of militants for Minister of Interior, Noor-ul-Haq Mohammad Hanif Atmar present- different walks of life called nip- recruiting rebels. Afghan comman- Nang, the governor s spokesman, commemorate fourth death anni- Ulumi, said that wrangling in the ed a list of action plans for im- fields in the country and said that said four Taliban and seven po- versary of the former police chief ping the evil in the bud. Haji Mo- the government and the people of dos took part in the operation, licemen were killed in the gun bat- government of national unity proving defence and security hammad Rozi, a former jihadi which inflicted heavy casualties of Kunduz province Maulana (NUG) should be resolved. Once across the county. The reports Afghanistan had a united vision tle. Two ALP men and eight rebels Sayedkhel, Qanuni said that only commander, told participants that on the militants, he added. The wounded, he added. The incident the miner internal differences were approved by the NSC, said Taliban s existence in Afghanistan about durable security and peace official also acknowledged the loss took place in Alam Kala locality tactical changes in neighboring within the government were re- a statement from the Presidential was a project, which was about in the country, and both the gov- of two special forces personnel in of the district, he said. Abdullah, state s policy were not enough, solved, then we can expect that Palace. to be replaced by Dayesh with ernment and the people consider the firefight. Hazrat Hussain whose home is close to the area, for strategic changes were re- peace parlays to yield positive The NSC also decided traffic the support of different countries. peace as their priority. Mashriqiwal, provincial police said the exchange of fire lasted till quired to brining long-lasting peace results, he added. should not be closed for officials, We don t want Afghans to be spokesman, confirmed the opera- morning but he had no details to Afghanistan. He warned that Experts believe that the gov- something the citizens had com- killed on different pretexts. Mangal Bagh-led tion. A resident of the locality said about casualties. However, the war would extend to Pakistan if it ernment should practice more plained about many times. Offi- Now the backers of Taliban three civilians were also killed in militants have not yet comment- remained reluctant to bring stra- caution in its relations with Islam- cials were also urged to obey traf- paint this terror group as Daye- splinter group clash.(Pajhwok) ed on the incident. (Pajhwok) tegic changes in its policy. Qanu- abad. fic rules and avoid creating traffic sh, which is a great joke on the jams. NSC insisted torture was long-suffering nation, he noted. returns to TTP fold unacceptable under any condition Cleric Maulvi Najibullah Haqyar and presented a set of plans to said the government should re- ban it. The council asked the or- spect religious figures and jihadi gans concerned to implement the commanders for the sake of last- its decisions on banning torture. ing peace and security in the coun- Some suggestions and mea- try. sures were also taken in order to Jamaluddin Sayar, a provin- reduce the number of casualties cial council member, said another among security personnel, added catastrophe was in the making in the statement. (Pajhwok) the shape of Dayesh. (Pajhwok) Lashkar-i-Islam (LI) led by Mangal Bagh merged into the Kandahar police chief TTP, a media report said on Friday. Jamaatul Ahrar spokes- pours scorn on HRW report man Ehsanullah Ehsan the TTP would comprise members of his LI. Gen. Raziq insisted the report had been prepared in understand- ing with Taliban and did not have even an iota of truth. He said KABUL: As part of its reorgani- the United Nations and other international organisation, claiming to sation plan, a dreaded splinter be neutral, had always been on wrong side . group has announced returning to the fold of the banned Tehreek-i- KANDAHAR CITY: Gen. Abdul government and the United States Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Lashkar- Raziq, police chief for southern enabled powerful and abusive in- i-Islam (LI) led by Mangal Bagh Kandahar province, on Thursday dividuals and their forces to com- merged into the TTP, a media re- rejected the Human Rights Watch mit atrocities for too long with- port said on Friday. Jamaatul Ahr- (HRW) report that accused him out being held to account. ar spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan and other high profile officials of The report based on 125 in- the TTP would comprise mem- human right abuses. terviews HRW has carried out bers of his LI. Dawn quoted Eh- Gen. Raziq insisted the report since August 2012 profiles eight san as saying the head of the new had been prepared in understand- strongmen linked to police, in- set-up was yet to be named. The ing with Taliban and did not have telligence, and militia forces re- TTP disintegrated last year when even an iota of truth. He said the sponsible for serious abuses in a faction led by Omar Khalid United Nations and other inter- recent years. Khurasani revolted against Mul- national organisation, claiming to The eight men named were lah Fazlullah and formed Jamaat- be neutral, had always been on Hazara leader Abdul Hakim Sho- ul Ahrar. South Waziristan-based wrong side . Others Afghan offi- joyi, former Takhar police chief militant leader Khan Said alias cials were also accused of human Khair Mohammad Timur, Afghan Sajna also abandoned the The Pa- rights violations in the freshly re- Local Police Commander Azizul- kistani Taliban alliance, which had leased HRW report that had been lah from the Urgun district in Pa- been founded by Baitullah Meh- rejected as baseless and a plot to ktika province, Atta Mohammad sud in December 2007. While defame Afghan leaders. The Noor, the incumbent acting gov- greeting the Mujahideen of Pa- HRW report released on March 3 ernor of northern Balkh province, kistan on their unification, Eh- calls on President Ashraf Ghani Najibullah Kapisa, the National san said the decision was taken at and his government to prosecute Directorate of Security chief for a meeting attended by Mullah officials and commanders whose Takhar, Mir Alam, a former com- Fazlullah, Omar Khalid Khurasani serious human rights abuses have mander with the Jamiat party, and Mangal Bagh. The develop- long gone unpunished. Asadullah Khalid, the former head ment comes at a time of full-blown The report titled Today We of the National Security Director- military offensives in North Shall All Die: Afghanistan s ate, and General Abdul Raziq, the Waziristan and Khyber Agencies, HERAT: Two elderly men sit outside a mud-built hut on the fringes of Herat. Such mud-built huts speak much about the insurgent strongholds near the the grinding poverty in the war-hit Afghanistan. (AFP Photo / Aref Karimi) Strongmen and the Legacy of Im- Kandahar provincial police com- punity, said the previous Afghan mander. (Pajhwok) Afghanistan border. (Pajhwok) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.

SATURDAY . MARCH 14, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Future uncertain, Lack of progress on peace talks raises questions

espite initial optimism sur Mujib Rahimi said on Thursday. iban strongman Atta Mohammad Afghanistan enjoy rounding the announce "There are some hopes in the re- Noor has demanded the Afghan Dment of possible peace gion about the peace negotiation government accommodate all of the talks with the Taliban, the ensuing talks, however, a particular office country's political factions in talks weeks have seen little to no tangi- or a joint commission for conduct- with the Taliban. "The process fleeting elite status ble progress made, with no delega- ing the talks haven't been made and should be transparent and people tion, no location and no date se- also practical steps haven't been should be informed about the talks, lected for any such negotiations as taken about the venue of the talks." including those involved in war of yet, according to comments Former Taliban commanders like with the Taliban and it would in made by representatives of Chief Syed Akbar Agha, meanwhile, have the interest of Afghanistan," he Executive Abdullah Abdullah on confirmed that the Taliban leader- said. Although Noor's comments Thursday. Meanwhile, although ship are interested in meeting, but are toward the extreme end of the some sources have said China has have not agreed to any details. "As spectrum, there are others who already been chosen as the venue I know, Taliban leaderships are have also raised questions about for the talks, a number of former willing to talk, but they haven't fi- the level of inclusivity President Taliban commanders on Thursday nalized anything regarding with Ashraf Ghani is willing to allow in maintained that the militant group whom and where they will negoti- the negotiation process. has in no way agreed to attend ate," he said. The Taliban expert "The president failed to make talks with anyone or in any place said the militant group would not the peace negotiation process a in particular. It was originally ex- allow itself to bent to the will of national process," MP Shahla Far- pected that peace talks would be- Pakistan, this, in despite of the id said on Thursday. "In the talks, gin at the start of March, with reputation it has in Afghanistan of the issue of peace should be a na- news that U.S. officials were al- being a proxy arm of the Pakistani tional oriented process rather than ready meeting with Taliban lead- intelligence services. "If Pakistan being a personal issue; people and that Syed Ahmad Gillani Political analysts have said ers in Qatar to discuss the terms imposes peace negotiation talks on imagine that president moves the would be appointed as the head of one of the key goals of the talks fghanistan opener Usman their chances, but were bitterly dis- of the talks. But that timeframe the Taliban, they will not accept peace talks alone and this will not the High Peace Council (HPC) in should be to get the Taliban to en- Ghani s path from the nets appointed by the patchy start that has come and gone with little news it," Syed Akbar Agha said. make the process successful." order to lead up the negotiations. dorse the Afghan Constitution, Ato the dressing room can be resulted ina loss. Someone wants the of progress. "Except promises and On the other side of the aisle, Government sources, on con- The President and Chief Executive agree to respect human rights, par- traced by the trail of sweat drip- affable Stanekzai to look at posi- a number of preliminary measures, further complicating matters, Act- dition of anonymity, have main- are then reportedly to decide to- ticularly women's rights, and, more ping from the helmet he is holding tives. But your pacers were very visible developments haven't been ing Governor of northern Balkh tained that China has already been gether over any terms of agreement generally, to preserve the gains of in his hands. The 18-year-old impressive against Australia. David made," Abdullah's spokesman province and historically anti-Tal- chose as the venue for the talks, with the Taliban. the past 14 years. (TOLONews) looks drained and exhausted but Warner had nice things to say about he stops for a chat. With a strained Hamid Hasan s yorker, reminds a look on his face, he wants career reporter. It doesn t work. You Dostum vows redress for counselling. In all his innocence, should have seen Hamid bowling a Haunted by the Bamiyan Buddhas the boy from Jalalabad is keen to yorker before injury. He had those know if he can play some club 146 kph toe-crushers, I tell you no Taekwondo protestors cricket in India. When you are a one in this World Cup would have First Vice President General Ab- ecution and Hashimi should allow teenager, and bitten by the bat- been able to face him, he says. So, dul Rasheed Dostum visited the the Afghanistan Taekwondo Feder- ting bug, political equations or he hasn t lost hope. He talks about taekwondo protest in Zarnegar ation to continue its activities." cricket board dynamics are the the several under-19 just-promoted Park of Kabul on Thursday, prom- The Taekwondo Federation has harsh realities that aren t allowed boys, the expected easy qualifica- ising the demonstrators, who have taken the side of the athletes over entry into into your dreamy tion to the World T20 in India and been in the park for over a month, the corruption issue, positioning it- minds. Afghanistan s World Cup the ultimate aim to get Test status. that their grievances would be ad- self in explicit opposition to the will get over in little over 24 hours We actually are a very good longer dressed as soon as possible. "We Olympic Committee. "Many days and the fear of isolation has start- version side, he says. But Tests are will solve this issue no matter have been passed since the strike ed to worry the associate nation. far away for a nation that is strug- what," Dostum told the protest- began and Mr. Hashimi still persists Five star hotels, top-class train- gling to retain its place at the ODI ors, who numbered at least 500 on in his selfishness," Taekwondo Fed- ing facilities, packed stadiums, World Cup. Talent in abundance Thursday. "We are ready and I eration chief Najib Sikander said on translated interviews to the world Later, Afghanistan coach Andy would like to repeat that we are Thursday. "Now you judge the is- media, soon everything would Moles that articulate Englishman responsible, and we will definite- sue, what can we do, the govern- fade away once they board the whose quotes can make it to Holly- ly resolve this issue." The protest ment must abide by its decision re- Sydney-Dubai-Kabul flight this wood s inspiring sports movies began about a month ago when garding the matter and implement it." members of the National Olympic The demonstration group, which has weekend. With the 2019 World with last-minute goals without Taekwondo Team resigned their grown dramatically in size since it Cup to accommodate just 10 na- much editing too said something positions and demanded redress began back in February, includes tions, Afghanistan along those lines. Moles, Afghani- for what they said was corruption former Olympians as well as nor- will continue to be the story of stan cricket s best spokesman, has on the part of the National Olym- mal athletes who have come out in struggle. It wouldn t move for- a finger on the pulse of the cricket pic Committee. They claimed solidarity. "We gathered here to an- ward from the cricket healing a world and has a knack of giving head- members of the committee, par- nounce our support to the athletes war-torn nation narrative. In case lines. Afghanistan needs fixtures, ticularly its president, Fahim Ha- who are on strike and will continue the ICC doesn t change its mind, not facilities, says Moles is ex- simi, were involved in embezzling supporting them until the last drop big-time cricket for everyone in pected to feature on many sports money, stealing earnings from ath- of our blood," one demonstrator in the Class of 2015 would mean pages around the world. And below letes and forging signatures in or- Zarnigar Park told TOLOnews. looking back longingly at the Aus- it will be the coach s optimism about der to do so. The Coach of the Na- Lawmakers have also joined the tralian autumn. Friends and fami- his team and a plan too. One thing tional Taekwondo Team, Bashir demonstration. "Unfortunately, it is ly will get bored of tales from that we ve got that some of the oth- Tarakai, who has helped the team always personal relations that have Dunedin, Canberra, Perth, Napi- er Associate sides don t have, we ve earn numerous Olympic medals, the final word," MP Shukria Bar- Afghan boys play soccer in front of the empty seat of one of two Buddha said that the fundamental demand akzai said. "Our elders and the deci- er and, finally, Sydney. Though, got a group of 20 or 25 players from statues destroyed by the Taliban in 2001 in Bamiyan Province. against England on Friday, they u-19 levels underneath this group. of the protestors was that the sion makers should allow all associ- have a chance to be Goliaths, path- And in that group there are proba- Olympic Committee be repri- ated in any field to serve the peo- When Dadali walks past the site shipping Buddha, had been de- Cause For Celebration manded and prevented from any ple." Meanwhile, members of the finders, legends. But still for the bly I would say 8 to 10 very, very further illegal activity. "We want Olympic Committee have rejected ICC they will remain the Associ- exciting youngsters, three of them where Afghanistan s ancient Bam- tained by the militant group. When is was all over the Tali- ates, a curse that belittles tri- being good seamers, he said. Later, iyan Buddhas once stood, his Eventually he was employed to ban had a lavish feast. They umphs and scoffs meritocracy. he would add how the Big Teams heart bleeds which is under- take part in the demolition, which slaughtered nine cows in front of Not surprisingly, the Afghans, should think of playing Afghanistan standable, considering he helped he says was overseen by foreign- us, Hussain says. Then they enjoying the ephemeral joys of in the UAE to acclimatise to local destroy them. ers who spoke Arabic, or per- started celebrating the destruction their Elite status, didn t want their conditions before playing away se- Over the course of three weeks haps Chechen. of the statues dancing, clap- last World Cup training session ries in the sub-continent. If we can, in the spring of 2001, Dadali was Dadali, who was in his early ping, and shooting into the air. to end. At Australia s cricket ca- through this tournament, win friends forced by the Taliban to take part 30s, also wasn t a willing partici- For him, the loss literally hit home. thedral not my words, that s by impressing people, then Afghan- in the effort to turn the towering pant in the destruction. The farmer Ongoing war and poverty had left what a local journalist referred to istan is not just a war-torn area. It s statues into rubble. Merza Hus- and some 80 other men from near- him and his family homeless, and the SCG at the press conference a promising group of cricketers. If sain, a Hazara who lived in a rock by villages were rounded up and they had sought refuge among the they wanted to stay on forev- we can persuade people to give us cave between the two Buddhas, put to work after the Taliban s hundreds of caves created by Bud- er. Bowlers wanted to keep run- the opportunity to play against was there, too, as were dozens of tank and artillery shelling failed dhist monks near the statues. ning on pitches that gave outstand- them in the UAE where we played other locals. The 53-meter Solsol to do the job. They took us to Hussain regrets his role in the ing return on investment, batsmen our home games, then I think that and the 35-meter Shahmama had the top of the hill and told us to destruction of the Buddhas, but didn t tire of facing the challenge will be the best way that our play- stood for at least 1,500 years, and tie the ropes around our bodies has rebuilt his life and now runs a and everyone in the squad ers can move forward and get bet- were a testament to Afghanistan s and slide down, Dadali recalls. bicycle-repair shop in Bamiyan. pre-Islamic history. But the rise I told them that I couldn t do it, Dadali, now 45, says his to say that the illegal meddling of the allegations and maintained their couldn t have enough of all the ter. But the best moment of the Mr. Hashimi has badly damaged innocence. They have said the griev- sliding and diving on the press conference was when Hamid of the Taliban and its fundamen- because it was too dangerous and heart bleeds when he sees the talist brand of Islam left them vul- I was too afraid, but they told me remains of the Buddhas. the national team, therefore, the ances of the athletes should go throw velvet green field. Looking at the Hassan was asked: After the Aus- president should put pressure on convention channels, such as the bouncy, chirpy bunch at SCG, it tralian game, some of your players nerable. The militant group brand- they would push me off the cliff Afghan authorities, along with ed the two Buddhist monuments if I refused. He was horrified the UN s cultural agency, Hashimi," Coach Tarakai said. "It special committee appointed for the was tough to imagine how they said they were scared. Do England should have been proved to the settlement of athletes' issues and a would adjust to the spartan sur- hold any fears for you? Very cold- as idols that Muslims had a when he saw two men die one UNESCO, plan to reconstruct the president that this guy is law- delegation from the International roundings back in Kabul. Watch- ly Hassan replied: Say that again? duty to destroy, and in 2001 Tal- who fell to his death while rap- Buddhas, but Dadali does not ex- breaker who disregards the laws." Taekwondo Federation. "A delega- ing the boys in red, break into yet The reporter did and Hassan would iban leader Mullah Mohammad pelling down and another shot pect to be around to see it. National Taekwondo Team mem- tion from the International Taek- Omar ordered their demolition. dead for refusing to try but He has decided to leave Bam- ber Mahmoud Haidari called for wondo Federation and the com- another hearty laugh, you ask the come with the punchline. Scared? plaints commission, which was ap- team s media manager, Basheer Afghan never scared, never scared. Chipping Away As the world Dadali was left with no choice but iyan to start a new life in Kabul, prosecutions against those in- looked on helplessly, the Taliban to do what he was told. We would even though he knows the memo- pointed by the president for the set- Stanekzai, if this has been a hap- Press conferences would be so drab volved in the corruption. "We tlement of athletes' problems, should py World Cup for Afghanistan. without players like Hamid. World initially struggled to demolish the dangle from ropes to dig holes in ry of destroying the monuments want to stress the point that those intervene in the issue and express You expect a rigorous nod but he Cups would be so poor without Buddhist monuments carved into the statues and plant explosives, will haunt him wherever he who were involved in corruption, their views regarding the matter," shakes his head in disapproval. Afghanistan. How much you want- the sandstone cliffs overlooking he says, estimating that the entire goes. in a real sense, were thieves; they Olympic Committee representative Listening to him, it s clear that the ed ICC s decision-makers to pad up the Bamiyan Valley. But that was process took about 25 days. Written by Farangis Najibul- committed an act of aggression Rafi Ferdows said. "The National before locals were brought in to Eventually, Solsol and Shah- lah, based on a report by Bamiy- against the Afghan people and Olympic Committee is always there coaches feel that the team wasn t against Shapoor Zardan before they to offer support to all federations consistent. They did win against sat to have a rethink on the number help. Hussain says he and other mama were gone, and only mounds an-based RFE/RL Radio Free Af- embezzled million of Afs from the Hazaras, a Shi ite ethnic minority of debris and gigantic cavities in ghanistan correspondent Abbas national treasury," he said. "There- after these two bodies announce Scotland but it was too close. of teams for the 2019 World Cup. fore, they must be brought for pros- their verdict." (TOLONews) Against Bangladesh, they fancied (World Cup Express) that the Taliban accused of wor- the rock remained. Naderi M o t her d em a n d s just ice a ft er so n s m ur d er er s fr eed fr o m p r iso n Naween Gul, an elderly mother faith left in the judicial system, and and the preliminary court sentenced them to from western Ghor province, seeks none in Parliament, the Gul family 12 years in jail each, but then upon appeal, justice for her 23-year-old son, a has been forced to desperation. they received 18-year sentences. Once the case shepherd boy, who was murdered Naween has pleaded for help from was transferred to Kabul, however, Rezazada's by two men eight months ago. The President Ashraf Ghani, threatening pressure is said to have been enough to get a killers were recently released from to self-immolate if her calls go un- number of judges to overturn the ruling. "They prison reportedly thanks to pres- heard. "I will burn myself, I will burn killed my brother and we are devastated by sure exerted by a well-connected myself because of these MPs." Eid MP Ikramuddin and his support for them," MP. Ms. Gul said that her son's Gul, another one Naween's sons, Eid Gul said. "They put pressure on the chief murderers where freed after says that his 23-year old brother of the court and they released my brother's Badghis MP Ikramuddin Rezazada was killed by "powerful people." murderers and they are walking around in our lobbied on behalf of them to cor- Describing the horrific scene of his neighborhood." Mr. Ikramuddin, meanwhile, rupt judicial officials in Kabul. The brother's death, Eid recounts the men has categorically denied the claims made against appeals court that judged the men dragging him 60 meters and then kill- him. TOLOnews was unsuccessful in getting had sentenced them to 18 years in ing him with a sickle and a knife. The a comment on the subject from spokespeople prison for their crime. Without any murders were arrested shortly after, at the court in Kabul. (TOLONews) Pressure on government to secure RELEASE OF 31 HOSTAGES MOUNTS elatives of the 31 innocent Thursday. "In their presidential has all the resources, they should go and give people kidnapped nearly campaigns, our leaders used to say whatever the kidnappers want, and bring back Rthree weeks ago in Zabul that no Afghan is less than another our family members," another relative of one province staged a protest on Afghan, but why have they for- of the hostages Naseema told TOLOnews. Thursday in Kabul. The family gotten it now then, and do not ask Meanwhile, at a gathering in Balkh province, members of the abducted, who about our hostages?" asked Nazar Muhammad Mohaqeq, the Second Vice Pres- were ostensibly targeted for being Muhammad, a relative of one of ident of Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah, ethnic Hazaras, criticized the Af- the hostages. Amid contention and arguably the most powerful leader of the ghan government for not doing over the formation of the remain- Hazara community in Afghanistan, expressed more to find a solution and get their ing cabinet, implementation of elec- his own dissatisfaction with the governments loved ones home safely. toral reform prior to the next par- response to the situation. "These days, some- "Citizens' Safety is the respon- liamentary elections and getting the thing that has increased on Facebook and oth- sibility of government" and "Liv- ball rolling on Taliban peace talks, er social media sites is people cursing the gov- ing freely are the rights of every many feel the Afghan government ernment and questioning what the government citizen" were the slogans chanted has short-shifted the Hazara hos- has done to get these hostages released," Mo- during the protest in the capital on tage situation. "The government haqeq said. (TOLONews) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . MARCH 14, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES BAMIYAN When will the Afghan Air Force WOMEN S CAFE: A room of one s own be ready to fight the Taliban? for Afghan women It will take another year for Afghan ground forces to be able to call in indigenous close air support on a grand scale. The Afghan National Security overreliance of Afghan forces on The Diplomat s Sanjay Kumar reports on a Forces will be without its own U.S. close air support. fixed-wing close air support this The most often secluded women s cafe in Bamiyan, Afghanistan. fighting season, according to the heard request from Afghan com- commander of U.S. Forces in Af- manders is I need close air sup- ghanistan, Gen. John F. port, I need close air support, he Campbell, who testified last week noted, according to military.com. in front of the U.S. House of Rep- What I tell the Afghans resentatives Armed Services Com- is, Don t plan your operations mittee on the current situation in wholly dependent on close air Afghanistan. Gen. Campbell not- support. You have the capability. EMERGENCY ed that the first out of 20 Embraer The Taliban doesn t have close air EMB 314 Super Tucanos, aka A- support, the Taliban doesn t have CALLS 29s, will be delivered by the end up-armored Humvees, the Taliban of 2015. The Brazilian-made A- doesn t have D-30 howitzers. So Police 29 Super Tucano is a turboprop a part of it is just leadership, again. aircraft specifically designed for So when I get a request that says, counter-insurgency operations Hey, I need close air support, 100 - 119 and can be equipped with a wide the first thing I ask them is, Do array of bombs (including preci- Afghan Air Force newly graduated pilots at Shindand you have a Quick Reaction Force sion guided munitions) and ma- Air Base, Afghanistan. out there? Have you fired your Hospitals chine guns. One hour of flying mortars? Have you fired your ar- time usually only costs $1,000, a that years ago, he said, yet we the sides, Campbelltold the tillery? Have you taken your Mi- FMIC Hospital big cost advantage for the cash- are where we are. Quite frank- Armed Services Committee. The 17 (Russian helicopters) that have Behind Kabul Medical strapped Afghan Air Force. The ly, we can t get it out there quick ANSF are also using Mi-24/35 forward-firing machine guns on University: United States Air Force, respon- enough for them, he stated when attack helicopters but they are them? You have a few Mi-35s. sible for the training of Afghan talking about the controversial air- rarely operational. In his testimo- Have you used them? As I 0202500200-+93793275595 pilots, allocated $427 million for craft procurement process. Afghan ny Gen. Campbell emphasized stated here, Campbell is convinced The Bamiyan Women s Café is business and society. This makes the A-29 Super Tucano planes. forces will still have some indige- that aviation is one of the most that the Taliban will not be able to tough to spot, tucked away in a the café a very unique place, not Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital Only a handful of aircraft will ar- nous close air support during this critical capability gaps of the Af- defeat the ANSF on Afghanistan s tiny corner of the historic Afghan only for Bamiyan, but for the rive in 2016, with the majority year s battle with insurgent forc- ghan National Security Forces battlefields in the near future. Pule Bagh-e- Umomi city. Even if you re looking for it, whole country. Kabul hosts many being delivered in 2017 and 2018, es. We re working MD530s, during this year s fighting season, However, there is still a tough fight there s a good chance you might progressive and liberal women, 070263672 according to Campbell. In hind- which is a Little Bird that has set to begin in a few weeks. Dur- ahead in which air power will be miss the lively little shop. That s but a place like the café would be sight, I wish we would ve started two .50-caliber machine guns on ing the hearing Campbell noted the badly needed. (The Diplomat) too bad; it s one of the most dy- almost unheard of. Women in the namic places for the women in capital are organized, but operate Khairkhana Hospital Bamiyan. Though women largely clandestinely. Women should be Heavy snowfall in 0799-321007 play second fiddle to men in Af- more open about their demands Industrialists say police ghanistan s Islamic households, and needs. They should not care 2401352 their exposure and public role un- what others think about them. You bribes, ban on heavy loads Badghis kills 7, wounds 5 appreciated, Bamiyan Women s cannot satisfy everyone. You Heavy snowfall in Badghis prov- 240 others in Ab Kamare dis- Indira Gandhi Children Café openly defies that stereo- should be happy with yourself, in capital hurting business ince killed seven people and trict?." Badghis officials said that type. It s an effort by local Kazimi says. She hopes the café wounded five children, local offi- the affected people have been Hospital, Wazir Akbar women to assert their presence in will help project a positive image cials said. According to the pro- transferred to other areas for aid. a society dominated by men. of Afghanistan to the rest of the vincial Deputy Governor Qama- "We have not received any aid Khan, Kabul 2301372 Bamiyan Women s Café is the world. ruddin Shakeb, in the past 10 days from the government or other or- first shop of its kind in Afghani- Kazimi says she isn t afraid the heavy snowfall and rainfall ganizations, so we had no choice stan, openly inviting the area s of being so outspoken and bold, have blocked the routes to most but to leave our homes," one Ibn-e- Seena normally oppressed women to even in a society where feminism districts. He said that 440 houses Badghis resident said. According Pul-e-Artan, Kabul come out and find A Room of invites the attention of insurgents. have collapsed and nearly 2,000 to reports, dozens of families of One s Own, an ode to a revealing Times have changed, Kazi- livestocks have been killed. Badghis province are living with- 2100359 new essay on the country s gen- mi notes. 10 to 15 years ago, "A?bout 200 houses in Qala-e- out shelter and are waiting for help. der divide by the Café s owner, women used to live in closets in Now district have collapsed and (TOLONews) 23-year-old author Qandi Gul Bamiyan, but it s not the case any- Wazir Akbar Khan Kazimi. In Afghanistan, you more. Education is changing the Hospital have all kinds of restaurants: fam- mindset of Afghan women. We re Senator blames corruption ily eateries, cafés for men; but becoming more liberal and open, 2301741, 2301743 there aren t any eateries for wom- she explains. Before starting the in public works ministry for en where they can be themselves, café, Kazimi worked in the Min- Ali Abad Kazimi says. She recently gradu- istry of Women s Affairs in Kab- Salang Highway deterioration Shahrara, Kabul ated with a degree in media stud- ul. Bamiyan is about 250 kilome- The Chair of Parliament's Upper budget was in fact used for the high- ies from Kurukshetra University, ters northwest of Kabul. Most House Complaints Commission, way, but that potentially the sys- 2100439 just over a hundred miles north of travelers prefer making the trip Zalmai Zabuli, on Wednesday ac- tem of maintenance could use some India s capital, New Delhi. by air; Taliban militants dominate cused top officials at the Ministry improvement. "Whatever he ana- My education in India was many of the roads in this part of of Public Works, including Acting lyzes and evaluates is his personal Malalai Maternity eye-opening. It helped me under- the country. Without regular com- Truck drivers and business owners have maintained Minister Noorgull Mangal, of cor- view; annually, we spend millions Hospital stand what women s freedom mercial flights, reaching this beau- the new regulation on load size and entry into the capital ruption, and demanded an imme- of dollars on Salang highway in meant. Girls in India are very lib- tiful valley is fairly difficult. There has simply opened up opportunities for corruption. diate investigation by the Attor- order to make it possible to drive," 2201377/ 2301743 eral, they are very mobile, they is no security issue in Bamiyan, Manufacturers and factory own- pushed the factories to verge of ney General's office. Senator he told TOLOnews. "We know can pursue any path without ob- once a flourishing center of Hindu Zabuli's comments came during a these expenses are non-economic, stacles. I want the same things for and Buddhist art, but volatility in ers based in Kabul accused the collapse, because raw materials Banks Afghan National Police (ANP) aren't available and the machines visit to Salang highway, which is but until we find a more efficient Afghanistan, Kazimi adds. the rest of Afghanistan adversely the main transit route used to con- solution for the road and for its Kazimi also believes that Af- impacts the surrounding moun- guarding entry points into the capi- are stopped at Kabul's doors," Da Afghanistan Bank tal of extorting truck drivers car- Afghan Industrial Union deputy nect north and south Afghanistan. reconstruction, there is no alterna- ghan women have a greater role tainous area. Afghanistan s se- He went so far as to call the acting tive." to play in the country s nascent curity is a major concern for us. It rying equipment and raw materi- head Abdul Rahim Faizan said. 2100302, 2100303 als needed for industrial opera- According to manufacturers, minister and his deputies "thieves" Salang highway is a frequent economy. Women in my coun- directly impacts our tourism, for stealing public money from the subject of grievance among com- try want to improve themselves, Kazimi says. She hopes to expand tions. They claimed that unless the lack of standardized resources Kabul Bank they paid bribes, their trucks and facilities for the storing of budget Parliament allocates for the mercial truck drivers, commuters demonstrate their talents to the the franchise of women s cafés in construction and maintenance of and everyday travelers alike. 222666, 070285285 world but there is no avenue to other parts of the province. I would not be allowed to enter the products, and unloading of goods city. and machinery has also contributed the Salang highway every year. "We Pock-markerd with gapping and hone their skills. At the Wom- have plan to set up one café near have found the most corrupt destructive holes, submerged in Azizi Bank en s Café, she offers patrons an the site of the Bamiyan Buddha Meanwhile, the Ministry of to the problems faced in commer- Interior (MoI) has rebuffed the ac- cial transport into the capital. "We people in the public works minis- mud, and fully underwater in some 0799 700900 opportunity to do just that. My and another at Band-e-Amir, try; every year they take the bud- places, the highway is notorious café is an attempt to give the wom- Bamiyan s most beautiful natural cusations and asserted that heavy are facing a lot of problems, there Pashtany Bank load trucks have been barred from are no cranes and other necessary get for construction of the Salang for its horrid conditions. "In the en their space, it also serves as a lake. On March 8, International highway, but instead of going into past we would reach Baghlan prov- platform for women to bring their Women s Day, Kazimi organized the city by the National Security equipments here so that we can 2102908, 2103868 Council in light of their common relocate the machines," a factory construction the money goes into ince in four or five hours, but now handmade productsto the café and an event to distribute coupons to their pockets," Zabuli said on due to bad roads it takes seven to sell here. Bamiyan Women s Café Afghan businesswomen, which use by militant and terrorist owner named Ahmad Nawid said. groups. "Also there are no ports in Kabul Wednesday. "We will refer them eight hours to get to Baghlan prov- Air Services opened eight months ago, with will act as a club membership and to the Attorney General and they ince," one driver along the Salang assistance from a German NGO promote affinity with the café. However, truck drivers and to relocate the machines." business owners have maintained In addition, non-commercial must be interrogated. We will tell highway named Mohammd Zarif Safi Airways called HELP. Within a couple of Whether she knows it or not, Ka- the president that 'your public told TOLOnews Wednesday. Win- months, Kazimi assumed control zimi seems to be laying down the the new regulation on load size and drivers, often carrying tag-along entry into the capital has simply passengers into the city, report that works minister along with his ter months are thought to be the 020 22 22 222 of the business. She s been run- foundation of a coffee house cul- deputies are thieves.'" In response worst for the highway, particularly ning the place on her own ever ture in Afghanistan, where minds opened up opportunities for cor- they often have to pay bribes to ruption. According to a number of enter the capital as well. "We are to the Senators comments, Acting the Salang tunnel, which is dete- Ariana since. The café employs seven can meet and exchange ideas. As I Minister of Noorgull Mangal has riorated by water, snow and ice. If women. The café has an air of tran- departed, a group of young female drivers, if one pays a 20,000 AFN stopped in squares and police ask 020-2100270 bribe, then police will allow their for money, if we refuse money, rebuffed the allegations and calmly it continues to deteriorate at is quility, a stark contrast with much skiers entered the café in track painted the heat from Parliament present pace, some say, it could of the war-torn country. Tradi- pants and suits and head scarves, truck to enter the city, regardless they stop us," a driver named of its load. Mohammad Amin said. as an expression of personal views. be shut down for the rest of the Kam Air tional Afghan decorations and ordered coffee and french He suggested the money from the season. (TOLONews) are interspersed with local imag- fries. They had just returned from "If the vehicle owner gives The National Security Coun- 0799974422 es and motifs. Afghan food isn t the slopes after participating in them money they are allowed to cil decided last month to prevent the only thing on the menu: Indi- Afghanistan s skiing champion- enter the city, otherwise, trucks are heavy loaded trucks from entering Hotels an dishes are also popular among ship. Afghanistan is more than stopped here for days," one truck the city, asking drivers to empty Hundreds of patrons, demonstrating Kazimi s what meets the eye. There is a driver named Abdul Majid said. their trucks before entering. "As Safi Landmark affinity with the country where world which lies away from the The decline in commercial traf- per the decision of the National she spent four formative years. attention of the international com- fic into the city has hurt the Security Council, no heavy loaded Zabul residents rally The café also displays handmade munity. Qandi Gul Kazimi wants capital's industrial sector, the Af- truck is allowed to enter the city, 020-2203131 products made by local women. to showcase that world. For her, ghan Industrial Union has said. however, there are some excep- SERENA The space also allows femal een- that s the only way to put down "The stopping of trucks carrying tions," MoI deputy spokesman AGAINST HRW trepreneurs to discuss issues of the insurgency. (The Diplomat) raw materials and machines has Najib Danish said. 0799654000 A protest meeting was held in Qalat, the provincial capital, to con- demn the report. Local elders, religious scholars and youth, who at- New Rumi Restaurant tended the gathering, slammed the document as flawed and groundless. Afghanistan s women racers 0776351347 QALAT: Hundreds of residents mad Noor, the incumbent acting of southern Zabul province, at a governor of northern Balkh prov- Internet Services protest meeting, on Friday reject- ince, Najibullah Kapisa, the Na- ed the latest Human Rights Watch tional Directorate of Security chief UA Telecom (HRW) report as a bundle of lies. for Takhar, Mir Alam, a former 0796701701 / 0796702702 The HRW report released on commander with the Jamiat par- March 3 calls on President Ashraf ty, Asadullah Khalid, the former Ghani and his government to pros- head of the National Security Di- Exchange Rate ecute officials and commanders rectorate, and General Abdul whose serious human rights Raziq, the Kandahar provincial Purchase: abuses have long gone unpun- police commander. ished. The report Today We A protest meeting was held One US$ = Shall All Die: Afghanistan s in Qalat, the provincial capital, to Strongmen and the Legacy of Im- condemn the report. Local elders, 57.54Afs punity said the previous Af- religious scholars and youth, who One Pound Sterling= ghan government and the United attended the gathering, slammed 85.95Afs States enabled powerful and abu- the document as flawed and sive individuals and their forces groundless. One Euro = to commit atrocities for too long Ghazi Mohammad Zarrgi, a 62.30Afs without being held to account. tribal elder, told Pajhwok Afghan 1000 Pak Rs = Based on 125 interviews News former National Director- HRW carried out since August ate of Security (NDS) chief, Asa- 559Afs 2012, the report profiles eight dullah Khalid and Kandahar po- Sale: strongmen linked to police, in- lice chief, Gen. Abdul Raziq had One US$ = telligence, and militia forces re- played a significant role in ensur- sponsible for serious abuses in ing peace in the country. While 57.74Afs recent years. The eight men named taking a swipe at the HRW find- One Pound Sterling= were Hazara leader Abdul Hakim ings, he said Afghan officials con- 86.75Afs Shojoyi, former Takhar police tribution to stability should be One Euro= chief Khair Mohammad Timur, acknowledged and misleading Afghan Local Police Commander propaganda against them coun- 62.90 Afs Masooma Alizada (left) and Frozan Rasooli (right), members of Afghanistan's Women's National Cycling Team, Azizullah from the Urgun district tered effectively in the supreme 1000 Pak Rs= 567Afs preparing a bicycle before training on the outskirts of Kabul on Feb 20, 2015. -- PHOTO: REUTERS in Paktika province, Atta Moham- national interest. (Pajhwok) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . MARCH 14 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Modi pushes Tamil autonomy India summons Pak envoy, says during Sri Lanka visit Islamabad did not produce present the evidence before the court…The way the case has been evidence against Lakhvi handled by Pakistani agencies. Our concern is Pakistan should deal with terrorists in a manner in which India on Friday blamed Pakistan release LeT terrorist and Mumbai sence of S Jaishankar, who is trav- the whole global community is for an Islamabad court ordering attack mastermind Zakiur Rehman elling with the Prime Minister. The looking at,” Rijiju said, adding release of Mumbai terror attack Lakhvi, saying Islamabad did not matter was also “raised at high lev- “There is no bad or good terror- mastermind Zakiur Rehman Lakh- produce the evidence against him els” in Pakistan through Indian ists, a fact which has been globally vi, “Pakistan did not present the despite having enough of it. The High Commission, official sourc- accepted”. India’s reaction came evidence before the court,” Minis- officiating Foreign Secretary Anil es said. Blaming Pakistan for the within hours of the Islamabad High ter of State for Home Kiren Rijiju Wadhwa summoned Pakistan High Islamabad High Court order to re- Court declaring as void the deten- told reporters here. An “extreme- Commissioner Abdul Basit to lease Lakhvi, Minister of State for tion order of the LeT operations ly upset” India today summoned South Block and conveyed India’s Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters commander Lakhvi, who was also the Pakistan High Commissioner unhappiness over the order in that Islamabad did not produce the the 2008 Mumbai terror attack here and lodged a strong protest strong words. Wadhwa is officiat- evidence against him despite hav- mastermind, and ordering his im- against a Pakistani court order to ing as the Foreign Secretary in ab- ing enough of it. “Pakistan did not mediate release. India and US researchers UK releases Bangladesh’s clash over swine flu strain human rights and mutation democracy report Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena (L) shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at NEW DELHI: India has disputed the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on February 16, 2015 ©Roberto Schmidt (AFP/File) US scientists' findings that the The British Foreign Office has re- Narendra Modi urged Sri Lanka's years of growing dependence on me and my country that you visit- deadly swine flu virus has acquired leased its report on Bangladesh new leaders to give greater auton- China. He said India would help ed us," he said. When Gandhi vis- more virulent mutations in the chronicling the pre-and post-par- omy to its Tamil minority after a develop a regional petroleum hub ited in 1987, he was famously as- South Asian country and rejected liamentary elections events. It says long ethnic war, as he began the in the north-eastern port city of saulted with a rifle butt by a Sri their concerns over how authori- the build-up to the elections on Jan first official visit by an Indian pre- Trincomalee, and offered a $318 Lankan naval rating while inspect- ties are monitoring an outbreak of 5 last year was tarnished by seri- mier to the island in 28 years on million credit line to improve Sri ing a guard of honour. Modi was the disease. H1N1 influenza, also ous levels of violence, intimidation, Friday. Tamils should be able to Lanka's railways. Colombo became also accorded a guard of honour in known as swine flu, has killed more enforced general strikes, and trans- live "a life of equality, justice, peace highly dependent on Beijing for in- Colombo -- although authorities than 1,500 people in India this year, port blockades. The 20-Party alli- and dignity in a united Sri Lanka," frastructure financing under Raja- have since ensured dignitaries in- compared with 218 in 2014. India ance led by the BNP objected to Modi said in Colombo after hold- pakse. Since his loss to Sirisena in specting the troops do not get with- says the strain is the same as the the “constitutionally valid” elec- ing talks with new President a January election, the pendulum in striking distance. Gandhi had one that killed an estimated toral arrangements, and did not Maithripala Sirisena. He called for has swung back towards India gone to Colombo to sign a pact 284,000 people in the global pan- contest the election due to their the "early and full implementation" with the new president making at- that sought to end a guerrilla war demic of 2009-10. Researchers concerns that the election would of a 1987 constitutional provision tempts to renegotiate the terms of by Tamil separatist rebels who had from the Massachusetts Institute not be free and fair. Half of parlia- that envisaged political autonomy some loans. Modi, who is on a effectively enjoyed a safe haven in of Technology (MIT) said in an mentary seats were uncontested, for the Tamils, who are concen- three-nation tour of Indian Ocean India since the mid 1980s. The article on Wednesday that the ge- and the Awami League won a sec- trated in the island's north. Indian islands did not refer directly to main rebel group, the Tamil Tigers, netic information of two Indian ond successive term. The election Prime Minister Narendra Modi China's growing influence in the repudiated the peace accord that strains, deposited in public data- day was marked by violence as 21 arrives at Bandaranaike Interna- region. But he said he and Sirisena set up the Tamil devolution plan bases in the past two years, re- deaths were reported, and over 100 tional airport in Katunayake, Sri had agreed to set up a task force to and India ended up fighting the vealed new mutations that could school-based polling centres burnt Lanka on March 13, 2015 Indian focus on an "ocean economy" that militants they had once trained and make the virus more deadly 10 down. File Photo File Photo “We Prime Minister Narendra Modi could have strategic interests for armed. Around 1,140 Indian sol- home remedies to avoid swine flu repeatedly condemned all forms of arrives at Bandaranaike Interna- both. "This is how it should be diers lost their lives during the 32- But India's National Institute of violence and encouraged political political parties to work together be a serious problem. NGOs con- tional airport in Katunayake, Sri between neighbours. We should month deployment in Sri Lanka Virology said in a statement late parties to work together,” the re- to strengthen democratic account- demned a post-election spike in Lanka on March 13, 2015 ©Ishara meet regularly," said Modi, who is and Gandhi himself was assassi- on Thursday that the findings port said. On Jan 6, the then For- ability, and to build wider confi- numbers of reported extrajudicial S. Kodikara (AFP) Sirisena has in Sri Lanka just weeks after Sirise- nated in 1991 by a female Tiger were "incorrect". "We found that eign and Commonwealth Office dence in future elections, the report killings and enforced disappearanc- promised to work on reconcilia- na made India his first foreign port suicide bomber while campaigning the strain analysed in the said pub- minister for human rights Syeda said. After the elections, it added, es allegedly carried out by law en- tion between them and the Sinha- of call since his election in Janu- in Tamil Nadu. After the war end- lication and the sequence data of Warsi deplored acts of intimida- the BNP committed to peaceful forcers. Allegations of involvement lese majority after ousting former ary. "It helps us to understand each ed in 2009, relations remained protest, although political tension by the Rapid Action Battalion in the original H1N1 virus ... did not tion and unlawful violence from all president Mahinda Rajapakse, other better." Modi, who will ad- strained and Sirisena's predecessor at the end of the year led to the re- the death of seven men in Naray- show any of these mutations," the parties. She urged all of Bang- who oversaw the brutal military dress the Sri Lankan parliament Rajapakse caused unease in New ladesh’s political parties to work emergence of widespread political anganj drew domestic and interna- suppression of a Tamil separatist later Friday, is the first Indian Delhi by forging close ties with institute said. The government together to address political ac- violence. There were significantly tional criticism. Warsi called for rebellion in 2009. Rajapakse won prime minister to visit the island Beijing. India, which traditionally agency also said the strain analy- countability. “We also raised our fewer enforced general strikes and prompt, transparent and impartial praise for ending the 37-year civil since Rajiv Gandhi in 1987, and is regarded Sri Lanka as within its sed by the US scientists had no concerns with both the government transport blockades in 2014 and, investigations when she met the war that had ravaged the island and seeking to reassert New Delhi's sphere of influence, was furious relevance to the current outbreak. and opposition parties privately.” overall, the country experienced a Bangladesh High Commissioner in killed at least 100,000 people, influence in its backyard. Sri Lan- last year when Rajapakse allowed The MIT researchers called for Warsi raised concerns with visit- period of relative calm. File Photo London in May last year. “As yet, mostly Tamils, but has also faced ka's Tamils share close cultural and two Chinese submarines to dock greater surveillance to determine ing Bangladeshi ministers, as did File Photo However, there has been none of the three investigations accusations of overseeing wide- religious ties with those across the in Colombo. whether the mutations were cur- former Minister of State for Inter- no political dialogue between the established to find those guilty spread rights abuses. Modi, who Palk Strait in the Indian state of Sri Lanka's new rulers last month rently present in India. "There is national Development, Alan Dun- country’s two largest parties: the have delivered findings, and no will on Saturday become the first Tamil Nadu, and New Delhi was also ordered a suspension of Chi- a real need for aggressive surveil- can, and former Parliamentary BNP and Awami League, the Brit- charges have been brought.” The Indian prime minister to visit the closely involved in the civil war. na's biggest investment project, a lance to ensure that the anxiety and Under-Secretary for State for In- ish government observed in the re- government has proposed revi- northern Tamil stronghold of Jaff- Sirisena said after their meeting he $1.4 billion new city on reclaimed hysteria are brought down," said ternational Development, Lynne port. It cited reports by the NGOs sions to the Foreign Donations Act na, also pledged further economic wanted to "turn a new page in our land just next to Colombo's main Ram Sasisekharan, one of the re- Featherstone, during visits to Bang- that impunity of all Bangladesh’s pending parliamentary approval cooperation with Sri Lanka after relations". "It is a great honour for sea port. search paper's authors. ladesh. All three ministers urged law-enforcing agencies continued to and a new broadcast policy. Karachi may sink into 58 more MQM suspects presented before Pak court Nepal KARACHI: The Rangers on Fri- ing party leader Amir Khan on a ees were placed under preventive on a physical remand of 14-15 International day presented 32 Muttahida 90-day remand under Ranger's cus- detention for three months under days. A heavy contingent of Rang- the ocean by 2060, Qaumi Movement (MQM) activ- tody. Read more: Rangers get 90 Section 11EEEE (1) and in com- ers raided Nine Zero, the headquar- Trade Fair ists, who were detained during days to quiz 28 MQM men The pliance of Section 11EEEE (3) of ters of Muttahida Qaumi Move- Wednesday's raid on MQM's Nine Rangers personnel brought the ATA they were produced along ment (MQM), in Karachi's Aziz- Pak senate warns Zero headquarters, before an anti- blindfolded suspects to the anti- with copies of notification, deten- abad neighbourhood on Wednes- opens terrorism court (ATC) in Karachi. terrorism court amid tight securi- tion orders and jail warrants for day morning, prompting a protest ISLAMABAD: The Senate's direct threat due to sea levels ris- KATHMANDU: The fourth Ne- Also read: Rangers raid MQM HQ ty. They produced the suspects the court’s information. After es- by party activists and a subsequent pal International Trade Fair threw Standing Committee on Science ing. This needs timely mitigation in Karachi, detain member of Rab- before ATC and submitted that in tablishing the identity of the sus- call for a day of "peaceful mourn- and Technology issued a letter to measures,” Inam told open its doors on Thursday with ita Committee The ATC sent 32 exercise of power conferred by the pects, the court asked the Rangers ing" across the country. A number 340 domestic and foreign stalls Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ear- thethirdpole.net. Like all other del- men on a 90-day remand under provincial government on Nov 9, to keep them in their custody. of party workers, including mem- lier this week, expressing fears of tas in the world, sea intrusion is a Rangers' custody while the other 2013, they detained the suspects Meanwhile, the police presented ber of MQM's Rabita Committee vying to lure visitors with their the seriousness of sea intrusion reality in the Indus delta, too, he 26 were remanded into the custo- upon receiving credible information 26 MQM activists including con- Amir Khan, were detained during displays of varied products rang- along the coastal areas of Sindh and said, suggesting that latest images dy of police for 14-15 days in cas- about their involvement in offenc- victed murderer Faisal Mota and the raid. The raid was denounced ing from garments, footwear, herb- Balochistan which can result in the be obtained with help from the Pa- es pertaining to illicit arms pos- es relating to target killing and ter- Ubaid K-2 before the ATC and re- by MQM leaders including party al products, handicrafts, building sinking of Badin and Thatta in a kistan’s Space and Upper Atmo- session and explosive substances. rorist activities punishable under quested their remand for the pur- chief Altaf Hussain who said the and construction materials and period of 30 years, followed by sphere Research Commission to A day earlier, the ATC sent 28 of the Anti-terrorism Act, 1997. pose of questioning. The court Rangers' search operation was akin pharmaceuticals to decorative Karachi. The letter stressed that if assess the threat and take correc- the detained MQM men, includ- Therefore, they said that detain- handed over the 26 men to police to "terrorism". items, plastic products, food and the matter was not treated urgent- tive steps accordingly. Many coast- ly, Karachi could sink come 2060. al areas in Badin and Thatta had beverages. Organized by the Fed- It also demanded of the Ministry already been submerged due to ris- Mahinda eration of Nepalese Chambers of of Water and Power, Navy, Na- ing sea level, he added. However, Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) tional Institute of Oceanography he avoided sharing the exact scien- Difficult for EU to stop at Bhrikuti Mandap Exhibition and other national institutions to tific data for the basis of his claim. Rajapaksa Hall, the fair aims to promote Ne- carry out research studies to pre- In his briefing to the Senate panel, blames India pal’s trade in the global arena and vent such a situation from arising. he also said that a significant part sourcing garments from enhance growth of exportable Recommendations: The letter rec- of Karachi’s Malir area had already goods, particularly those listed in ommends that the issue should be been affected by seawater and the for his the Nepal Trade Integration Strat- forwarded to the Council of Com- city would not be safe unless steps election defeat Bangladesh: Trade adviser egy (NTIS). Minister for Com- mon Interests (CCI). It also rec- were taken to rectify the situation. merce and Supplies Sunil Bahadur ommends the federal government The NIO chief also warned that COLOMBO: Former Sri Lankan A European Union trade adviser Thapa inaugurated the expo. Inau- to allocate 50 per cent funds to coastal cities in Balochistan prov- gurating the fair, Thapa said that Sindh for the province to adopt ince, including the port city of president Mahinda Rajapaksa has in Dhaka says they are heavily safety measures in Zulfiqarabad. Gwadar, where China is planning blamed India, the US and Europe- dependent on Bangladesh’s ready- the country had not been able to It says that the National Disaster to operate an international sea port, an countries for his humiliating made products and a shift from this benefit much despite having a wide Management Authority (NDMA) would face a tsunami threat due to defeat in the January election. ”It market is “not very easy”. Zillur range of exportable items due to was very open, Americans, the and Provincial Disaster Manage- rising sea levels. An official from Hye Razi, who is set to retire lack of promotion and branding. Norwegians, Europeans were soon, made the observation at a “From herbal products to tea, cof- ment Authority (PDMA) should the Balochistan government also openly working against me. And take necessary steps to prevent told the Senate committee that business networking programme fee and honey, we have lots of prod- RAW (India’s Research Analysis of the biggest bilateral chamber, possible damage to high-risk areas more than two kilometres of coast- Wing),” Rajapaksa told the Hong Bangladesh-German Chamber of ucts that can much foreign curren- in future. It further suggests that al land had been submerged due to Kong-based South China Morning Commerce and Industry (BGCCI), cy,” he said. “However, we are not the concerned authorities strictly sea water intrusion in the last 35 Post in an interview. ”Both the US at a Dhaka hotel on Thursday. He getting the optimal advantage from follow the Water Apportionment years. According to the national and India openly used their em- gave a “personal reflection” based them.” He added that the expo Accord, 1991, of the Indus River assessment report on coastal ero- bassies to bring me down,” Raja- on his “lifetime” experience of would help producers to market System among the Provinces of sion in Pakistan, prepared by paksa said ahead of Prime Minis- working with the EU. Razi said their goods and services. Thapa Pakistan. This report originally ap- IUCN, the climate change minis- ter Narendra Modi’s maiden visit during the worst fiscal year in Eu- said that the government had been peared on The Third Pole, and is try, United Nations Emergency to the country. (Read: Mahinda rope in 2008, Bangladesh and Qa- being reproduced with permission Force (UNEF) the mismanagement partnering with the private sector Rajapaksa’s country home in Lan- tar were the only countries that to promote Nepal’s products. Three coastal cities in Pakistan’s of development work was causing ka raided by Police) A media re- experienced growth. He said the Sindh province, including the coun- coastal erosion along the Minister Thapa also urged inter- port from Colombo soon after Ra- products Bangladesh was export- national traders to open their door try’s financial capital Karachi, Balochistan and Sindh coasts, japaksa’s defeat in the January 8 change” among the factory own- exports. He also stressed on agri- ing to EU such as shirts, t-shirts, wider to Nepali products. Similar- would be submerged by 2060 if making them vulnerable to storm election had said that a RAW offi- sweaters, and trousers were “very ers after the Rana Plaza collapse culture exports as he found that the current trends of sea erosion in surges and Arabian Sea cyclones. cial was instrumental in uniting ri- basic” items and the 28-nation bloc and Tazreen Fashions fire that to- the export volume was “not too ly, Keshav Raj Pandey, chairman the Indus delta and coastlines con- ”It is believed that if the present val political parties — the Sri Lan- sourced 25 percent of them from gether killed more than 1200 peo- big”. “The main problem was in- of the Trade Fair Committee at the tinue unchecked. That was the un- trend of sea level rise along the ka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the Bangladesh. “So a shift, as we al- ple. He highlighted Germany’s formation gap,” he identified. “For FNCCI, said that the expo would ambiguous message delivered by Pakistan coast continues for the United National Party (UNP) — ways apprehend, is not very easy. efforts to ensure factory safety and example”, he said, “a particular help to identify and enhance Ne- National Institute of Oceanogra- next 50 years, the sea level will against him during the polls. Ac- “To have one-fourth of their total workers rights in Bangladesh. The product was rejected because of pali products through a one-stop phy (NIO) chief Dr Asif Inam to rise 50mm(5cm) from the present cording to the report, the unnamed need from another source would EU is the largest export destina- colour sudan, red dye stuff, which platform. The event has brought parliamentarians last month. While level. If such sea levels rise is ex- official was also asked to leave the be very difficult,” he said. “In 2008 tion for Bangladesh. Among the 28 was put in chilli. “It was rejected together national and international Badin and Thatta would drown by perienced in the next fifty years country. India had rejected the re- when everybody had bad days in countries, Germany is the biggest because there is a zero tolerance buyers and sellers. “Local entre- 2050, Karachi, a sprawling city of due to a very small gradient in the port saying that all the normal ten- the EU, the demand was shrinking market for Bangladesh. Ready- policy in the EU on colour sudan. preneurs will have an excellent op- over 20 million people, would go Indus Delta, seawater will fre- ure of an Indian diplomat in Sri and buyers were looking for a made clothes, however, remained If they (exporter) were aware of under by 2060, Inam said at the quently inundate the upland areas portunity to learn from the inter- lanka is three years and all offi- cheaper, dependable source, and the major export item of Bang- that they would have used natural national exhibitors here,” he said. briefing to the Senate committee causing massive erosion,” the re- cials who have been transferred they all came to Bangladesh.” ladesh. EU Trade Adviser Razi chilli and it would not have been on science and technology. port says. Indus dams exacerbate during last year have completed There have been apprehensions said, “Bangladesh has a great pros- rejected.” “There is a gap between FNCCI has chosen Bangladesh as Experts attribute this doomsday delta erosion Large amounts of that. “It’s a normal transfer,” Min- that Bangladesh may lose market pect in leather, but we have not exporter and the standard they are the country partner for this year’s scenario to changes in weather pat- sediment is brought down from the istry of External Affairs Spokes- after the Rana Plaza collapse in done much work to change the using,” he said. BGCCI President event. It has 92 stalls exhibiting its terns and temperatures as well as Himalayas by the Indus River and man had said. Rajapaksa, who was 2013. GIZ Programme Coordina- policy.” Citing the EU records, he Shakhawat Abu Khair also spoke products and services at the inter- unplanned development in coastal deposited along the lower stretch- defeated by his ex-aide Maithri- tor Magnus Schmid, who is leav- said, the total earnings from the at the business networking pro- national pavilion. There are 28 areas. “Three cities of Sindh, Kara- es to form one of the biggest deltas pala Sirisena, at that time had said ing Dhaka ending his tenure, how- shipbuilding were less than one gramme, moderated by its Execu- stalls from India and 22 from Pa- chi, Badin and Thatta, are under in the world. that he did not know all the facts. ever, said he witnessed “a mindset year’s earnings from the footware tive Director Daniel Seidl. kistan. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . MARCH 14 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES EU unlikely to agree next week to prolong Russia sanctions BRUSSELS: European Union lead- July. "What will be the final point ers are unlikely to reach agreement we will see in the Council (sum- at their summit next week to pro- mit) but I don't think there is una- long economic sanctions on Russia nimity at all for the rollover of sanc- that expire in July, a senior EU of- tions, the sanctions that are due in ficial said on Friday. New sanctions July," the official, briefing report- on Russia are also off the table for ers on condition of anonymity, now because EU governments want said. EU governments did agree on to give a chance to a fragile cease- Friday to prolong sanctions against fire in eastern Ukraine. But some Ukrainian and Russian people and of the EU's 28 member states had companies accused of undermin- pushed for an early decision on ex- ing Ukraine's sovereignty, territo- tending sanctions on Russia's finan- rial integrity and independence. cial, energy and defense sectors The asset freezes and travel bans adopted in July last year over Rus- on 150 people and 37 organiza- sia's annexation of Crimea and sup- tions were extended for a further port for separatists in eastern six months, until September 15. Ukraine. While leaders will discuss Details will be published in the sanctions at next week's summit, EU's Official Journal on Saturday. the senior EU official said a major- The decision was a legal formality ity would probably want to hold after EU foreign ministers agreed over discussion of renewing the eco- in January to extend these sanc- nomic sanctions on Russia until tions. Turkey government steps back on controversial security bill The Turkish government took an Kurdish People's Democratic Par- unexpected step back on its con- ty (HDP) vehemently opposes the troversial homeland security bill, bill but is also negotiating with the taking the legislation out of parlia- government over an end to the ment and sending it back to a com- three-decade armed separatist mittee for further revision. The Kurdish insurgency. Expectations move appears to be a concession are growing of a major break- to the pro-Kurdish opposition in through in the peace process ahead parliament to avoid damaging a frag- of the Kurdish New Year on March ile peace process with Kurdish 21 and the government does not rebels. Over half the articles in the want to risk the fragile talks and 130-clause security bill have al- may now water the bill down. In ready been approved by parlia- landmark message last month, Ab- ment. But Interior Minister Seba- dullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of Shiite fighters known as Hashid Shaabi walk as smoke rises from an explosives-laden military vehicle driven by an Islamic hattin Ozturk has asked for the re- the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' State suicide bomber which exploded during an attack on the southern edge of Tikrit maining 63 articles in the bill to be Party (PKK), urged the separat- sent to a parliamentary committee ists to take a "historic" decision to The United States military has ed on social media, showing build- said that the U.S. was complicit in the ing this very closely.” The United ic State sympathizers. A U.S. se- before further debate, Deputy Par- lay down arms. With the intensity voiced concern over reports that ings being set ablaze. But attribut- abuses committed by Baghdad-spon- States says Baghdad did not seek curity official said civilian casu- liament Speaker Meral Aksener of talks increasing, HDP lawmak- Shiite militia have set fire to homes ing blame was tricky, they noted, sored militia groups. “The United aerial backup from the U.S.-led co- alties were believed to be very lim- was quoted as saying late Thurs- ers are expected to soon visit as they advance on the Iraqi city pointing to accusations against both States is now acting as the air force, alition in the Tikrit campaign. In- ited, since many local residents had day by the official Anatolia news Ocalan on his prison island on the of Tikrit, although they have not the Iran-backed militia and ISIS the armory, and the diplomatic cover stead, support on the ground has long fled the city. Prime Minister agency. The bill has proved to be Sea of Marmara with an greatly yet confirmed cases of abuse dur- fighters. “What we know is that for Iraqi militias that are committing come from neighboring Iran, Wash- Haider al-Abadi has repeatedly one of Turkey's most contentious expanded delegation. HDP MPs ing the major push against Islamic there are houses on fire,” said one some of the worst human rights abus- ington’s long-time rival in the re- told military commanders and mi- pieces of legislation in recent years Idris Baluken and Ceylan Bagriy- State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) mili- U.S. official, speaking on condition es on the planet,” Khedery wrote in gion. Tehran has sent an elite Rev- litia leaders to respect civilians and with the ruling Justice and Devel- anik are meanwhile holding talks tants. Iraqi security forces and of anonymity. The top U.S. mili- Foreign Policy magazine. ISIS fight- olutionary Guard commander to maintain property in territory re- opment Party (AKP) staging all in the Kandil Mountains area of mainly Shi’ite militia fought Sunni tary officer, General Martin Demp- ers stormed into Tikrit last June dur- oversee part of the battle. The sit- captured from ISIS. If Iraq’s Shi- night sessions to push it through. northern Iraq where the PKK's militants in Tikrit on Thursday, a sey, told Congress this week he had ing a lightning offensive that was halt- uation on the ground was far from ite-led government retakes Tikrit, The meetings have repeatedly de- armed units are based, Turkish day after they pushed into Sadd- “no doubt” the Iran-backed militia ed just outside Baghdad. They have clear. Journalists have witnessed it would be the first city clawed scended into punch-ups between media said. The secular opposition am Hussein’s home city in their and Iraqi security forces would re- since used the complex of palaces built property burning. In some cases, back from the Sunni insurgents and lawmakers. The AKP, co-founded however expressed fury over how biggest offensive yet against the take Tikrit. But he voiced concerns in Tikrit under Saddam, the executed militia fighters blamed retreating would give it momentum in the by President Recep Tayyip Er- the bill was being handled with the militants. U.S. officials said they about treatment of Sunni Muslims former president, as their headquar- militants from ISIS. In other cas- next, pivotal stage of the campaign dogan, has a majority in parliament deputy chief of the Republican were closely monitoring accounts there. Last month, former U.S. cen- ters. Another U.S. official urged cau- es, militia were suspected of tar- to recapture Mosul, the largest allowing it to push legislation People's Party (CHP) Sezgin Tan- from Tikrit, including video post- tral command advisor Ali Khedery tion but acknowledged “we are watch- geting properties of alleged Islam- city in the north. through. Opponents fear that the rikulu accusing the government of bill, which the government says is "political trickery". "Either with- necessary for the security of citi- draw the law or continue debate," Venezuela stages Iranian advisor zens during protests, will turn said Otkay Vural of the National- GCC unruffled by Houthi military drill Turkey into a virtual police state ist Movement Party (MHP). The ‘anti-imperialist’ with the police given sweeping new government drew up up the bill The Gulf Cooperation Council clarifies ‘ powers to arrest and even fire on after deadly pro-Kurdish protests rally against US (GCC) has said its member states protesters. The opposition pro- in October 2014 left dozens dead. had “enough capability to protect Baghdad President says US is [their] territories and sovereignty,” after thousands of Shiite Houthi capital of a "big monster" rebels reportedly held military US restates Assad must go after Obama admin- drills in northern Yemen, near the Iranian empire’ border with Saudi Arabia. Qatari istration imposed Foreign Minister Khaled al-At- remark as war enters 5th year sanctions on Vene- tiya, whose country currently Ali Younisi, Iranian President Has- Marking the fourth anniversary of the civil war, the United States made holds of the rotating GCC chair, san Rowhani's adviser on Ethnic a fresh call for embattled Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step zuelan officials. made the statements on Thursday and Religious Minorities affairs, down, as U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon on urged the Security Council to take after a GCC meeting in Riyadh. clarified a statement made Mon- “determined measures” to end the war. “For four years the Assad Venezuelan President Nicolas “A move here and there would not day - “Baghdad is now capital of Maduro and his supporters have affect the GCC states,” Attiya told the Iranian empire” - saying Te- regime has answered Syrians’ calls for freedom and reform with unre- staged an "anti-imperialist" rally a news conference. The drill in the hran never wants to damage its lenting brutality, authoritarianism and destruction,” State Department to protest against US sanctions on al-Buqa region in the Houthis' home neighboring country’s sovereignty spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. “As we have long said, Assad the country. Several hundred peo- province of Saada included heavy and independence, Al Alam web- must go and be replaced through a negotiated, political transition that is ple turned out for the rally on weapons acquired from the Yeme- site reported. Instead, Younesi said representative of the Syrian people.” Without the departure of Assad, it Thursday in central Caracas, the ni army, local tribal and Houthi that he was alluding to cultural sim- would not be possible “to fully stabilize” the country, Psaki said. “On ilarities with Iraq, Azerbaijan and capital, with Maduro making a sources said, according to Reuters. this somber occasion, we are reminded of all those who suffered and of defiant speech. "The terrorist Afghanistan, adding that “unifica- “This is normal because Yemen is tion” of these countries could halt the brave Syrians who stand up to tyranny and continue to struggle for threats we defeat, we have lured facing internal and external chal- a future of respect for basic rights, tolerance and prosperity.” The State the monster out of its lair and now expansionist agendas of powers lenges. They (the exercises) are in foreign to the region. He urged for Department’s calls come as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said the big monster doesn't know what preparation for any aggression,” cultural, economic and political to do with its threats. The mon- in a statement that Syrians felt “increasingly abandoned” by the world Houthi commander Mohammed cooperation between these coun- “as they enter the fifth year of the war that has torn their country ster is now naked to the world," tries, which happened to be part al-Bukheiti said. Western and re- apart.” The suffering continues “under the eyes of the international he said. Thursday's rally came af- gional powers are particularly con- of the Persian empire in the past. ter Venezuela's top diplomat called cerned about the security situation On Wednesday, the Iraqi For- community, still divided and incapable of taking collective action to US State Department Assistant in Yemen of the presence of one of consolidate his control over Aden since he fled there. Last week, he eign ministry condemned Youne- stop the killing and destruction,” he said. Last year was the deadliest yet Secretary of State Roberta Jacob- al-Qaeda's most active wings. Cer- sacked the commander of the city's military garrison, a Special Forces si’s statement, local Al Sumaria in the conflict, with at least 76,000 people killed out of more than son "petulant" and ill-mannered on News reported. The ministry de- 210,000 since it began on March 15, 2011 with peaceful demonstra- tain factions in the deeply divided contingent led by a general viewed as loyal to Hadi's predecessor, Ali scribed Younisi as making an “ir- Wednesday in response to her con- Yemeni army have allied them- Abdullah Saleh, who the United Nations says is ally of the Houthis. tions, inspired by the Arab Spring in Egypt and Tunisia. Ban’s appeal tention that sanctions were intend- responsible” statement, stressing selves with the Houthis against General Abdel-Hafez al-Saqqaf refused to step down, culminating in a that Iraq will not allow any coun- for action came as more than 20 rights groups accused the Security ed to change the government, not President Abd-Rabbu Mansour gunfight on Thursday in which one soldier and two members of a local Council of “failing Syria” despite three resolutions calling for peace topple it. The moves by President try to compromise its national sov- Hadi. The president has tried to militia loyal to Hadi were killed, according to Aden residents. ereignty. efforts, access for humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians. Barack Obama's administration have angered Maduro's socialist government, which has accused Washington of planning military attacks and wider Cuba-style trade 14 million children suffering from Syria and Iraq wars: UNICEF sanctions. State TV has been play- ing old footage of the US invasions As many as 14 million children in of Grenada and Panama. Maduro the war-wracked Iraq and Syria are has also asked parliament to grant suffering, with the ongoing conflict him six-month special decree pow- scarring their futures, the U.N. ers, given the "imperialist" threat, children’s agency said in a state- a move his detractors have con- ment released . “As the crisis en- demned as a power-grab and an ters its fifth year, this generation attempt to distract Venezuelans of young people is still in danger from shortages and recession. The of being lost to a cycle of violence US government, which endorsed a - replicating in the next generation short-lived 2002 coup against what they suffered in their own,” Maduro's predecessor Hugo said UNICEF director Anthony Chavez, has repeatedly denied it Lake. His comments were echoed is conspiring. Bolivian support A by U.N. Secretary-General Ban simultaneous rally was held in Ki-moon, who also stressed the Bolivia on Thursday, whose Pres- need to bring to an end to the con- ident Evo Morales is an ally of flict in Syria and stop the “night- Maduro. "We know what follows mare of suffering” for those in the sanctions. What follows is military region. The situation in Syria, occupation of a territory, deaths which is now in its fifth year, re- and it spreads. This threat will not mains the most desperate, the stay in Venezuela and we're sure press release noted, with 2.6 mil- that the empire wants to expand lion Syrian children still out of to all of Latin America which is school, and 5.6 million affected by under construction towards social- the violence. On the same day, aid ism. This is why we're protesting agencies said that 2014 was the here," said Valeria Silva, a congress- worst of the Syrian conflict so far woman who attended the pro-Ven- and that three United Nations Se- ezuela rally in Bolivia. "We've come curity Council resolutions aimed out to protest against the aggres- at alleviating the suffering had sion our brother country, the Ven- failed. In a report entitled “Failing ezuelan republic, is suffering from. Syria”, 21 human rights organiza- ture, including schools and health by the United Nations as “hard to vided in 2014, down from 71 per- ians. “It’s one-sixth of the cost of Bashar al-Assad alongside allies No government anywhere in the tions slammed world powers for facilities, and for limiting access to reach” for aid deliveries -- almost cent in 2013. Jan Egeland, secre- the 2013 Sochi Olympics - so how against a hodge-podge of divided world harms the dignity of the not implementing a series of UN civilians in need. The report, twice as many as in 2013. But as tary general of the Norwegian Ref- could Russia afford the Sochi rebel groups, started in March 2011 people and this is what the United Security Council resolutions on whose signatories included Oxfam, needs have increased, funding has ugee Council, which contributed to Olympics, but cannot afford size- with protests against the govern- States is doing to the Venezuelan the crisis. It criticized both rebels International Rescue Committee not kept pace. Only 57 percent of the report said that in the coming able contributions for this under- ment and descended into a civil war republic," said Jose Miranda Lu- and regime forces for indiscrimi- and Save the Children, said 4.8 the money needed to support Syr- year, the U.N. will need roughly funded operation,” he asked. Syr- that has killed more than 210,000 izaga, a protester. nately targeting civilian infrastruc- million Syrians live in areas defined ian civilians and refugees was pro- $8.4 billion in aid for Syrian civil- ia’s crisis, which pits President people This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY .MARCH 14 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES

We a r e a n a t ion a l in st it u t ion a n d n ot t h e voice of a gov t or a p r iva t e or ga n iza t ion AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Abdul Saboor Sarir Phone No: +93-772364666 E-mail: [email protected] Signals indicate that peace talks may start soon but talks still carry tremendous risks for all involved. Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal Graphic-Designers: Mansoor Faizy and Edriss Akbari Marketing & Advertising: Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press The constitution says

Article 98: The state budget and development program of the government shall be submitted, through the House of Elders to the House of People along with its advisory views. The decision of the House of People shall be implemented without presentation to the House of Elders, after endorsement by the President.

Continued… Editorial

Surge in kidnappings By Daud Khattak neighborhood. — During an unan- dominance in Afghanistan, others neighbor. Further, enmity with the nounced visit to Kabul on Feb. 17, such as former jihadi leader, Abdul Afghan Taliban, who are allies with Despite a swift denial by the Af- Pakistan army chief General Ra- Rab Rasool Sayaf, and the speak- the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, may Kidnappings have been on the rise. Well off people scantly dare to ghan Taliban, all the signs and state- heel Sharif was quoted by the mil- er of Afghanistan’s Upper House worsen Pakistan’s internal securi- roam freely outside their homes. The richest ones are being accom- ments emerging from Kabul and itary’s media wing, Inter-Services of Parliament, Fazl Hadi Muslim- ty, which has already jeopardized panied by their legions giving little chance to kidnapers to kidnap Islamabad show that a certain de- Public Relations, as saying that yar, doubts Pakistan’s sincerity in by rising attacks from Pakistani gree of progress has been achieved “Afghanistan’s enemy is the ene- bringing peace in Afghanistan. “I Taliban. Risks for the Taliban: For them. The government looks just an onlooker. Joblessness is soar- on opening a formal channel for my of Pakistan,” after he met with am in support of peace and stabil- over a decade, the Taliban’s reclu- ing. Security situation is deteriorating. And there is all talk and talk talks between the Taliban and the Ghani and Chief Executive Officer ity in Afghanistan, but I don’t have sive chief, Mullah Omar, enjoyed about peace talks. None knows what will happen. Will peace talks Afghan government. Since the vis- Abdullah Abdullah in Kabul. — On much faith in Pakistan’s honesty the undisputed leadership of Tali- succeed? Or political rhetoric would be presented as if achieved it of a two-member Taliban dele- Feb. 18, Ghani held meetings with over peace talks,” Muslimyar was ban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. gation to China in January, which several officials and leaders in Kab- quoted as saying by Reuters. In However, the major challenge to results? Amid this chaotic situation, the Deputy CEO of the Nation- was also initially denied by the ul in an apparent move to brief this backdrop, if anything goes his leadership emerged last year al Unity Government, Mohaqiq tells the nation that the Taliban have Taliban, a constant stream of ef- them on his government’s peace wrong on any side, it could cause a when a group of Taliban members been contacted to free the kidnapped passengers. Just contacted? forts has been underway with a initiative with the Taliban. — And serious blow to Ghani’s peace ini- announced allegiance to Abu Bakr Not released? Gunmen kidnapped as many as 30 people (Hazaras) key role being played by Pakistan on Feb. 23, Abdullah told a cabi- tiative, both with his relationship al-Baghdadi of ISIS. Among them and its powerful army along, with net meeting in Kabul that peace with Afghanistan’s western neigh- was a former Afghan Taliban com- en route to Kabul from Herat. They were intercepted in the Shah Joi Afghanistan and regional players talks with Taliban will start soon. bor, Pakistan, and with the war- mander, Mullah Rauf Khadim, district of southern Zabul province, last month. Since then none like China. All parties are working Whether it’s due to a change of ring Taliban. Risks for Pakistan: who was made the leader of ISIS knows about their whereabouts and fate. The Taliban deny their to overcome the trust deficit and mind or heart this time, the fresh In an apparent move to bring the in Afghanistan. Khadim, until he bring the Afghan Taliban face to effort is unprecedented since the Taliban to the negotiation table was killed in a drone strike earlier involvement in the kidnap of the passengers. The problem is our face with authorities in Kabul. To overthrow of the Taliban regime in with the Afghan government, Pa- this year, created an ISIS support political elites are locked in their political wrangling over highest gauge the level of efforts and the late 2001 that brought Hamid kistan has exerted a certain degree base in Afghanistan’s southern government slots and ministries. And when they are personally well- degree of seriousness on parts of Karzai into power in Kabul. The of pressure on their leadership, the province of Zabul. Locals told this off, besotted with orgies of life then who is left there on the ground all the three major players — Af- progress achieved so far is seen as majority of whom have families in writer that Khadim used to ques- ghanistan, Pakistan, and the Tali- a positive step both in Kabul and Pakistan and run their operations tion the existence of Mullah Omar. to take care of this troubled people that has been grinding in the ban — a Pakistani parliamentarian Islamabad. However, the peace from the Pakistani territory. For The same question is being asked unending series of troubles. What we see in terms of death and told this writer that “if things stay process, if it’s continued, also car- years, it was alleged that the Paki- by and discussed among Taliban destruction is partly the outcome of international intrigues while at well on the track, a formal an- ries tremendous risks for all in- stani security establishment sup- field commanders at a time when a the same time the fallout of our elite’s tomfooleries. Militancy is nouncement of talks is likely by volved. Let’s have a look at them ported the Afghan Taliban in the major part of the U.S. and interna- the end of March or early April.” one by one: Risks for Ghani: In a hopes of retaining a say in Afghan tional forces have withdrawn from plaguing. Civilians, policemen and troops are being killed ruthless- Despite a degree of alarm in Kabul Guardian interview in March, affairs, where Pakistan’s arch rival the country. ly. Corruption is eating up the foundations of almost all the govern- about President Ashraf Ghani’s former Afghan President Hamid India has also achieved much le- The peace initiative with the Af- ment institutions. Poppy cultivation, drug production and drug ad- outreach to Pakistan — particu- Karzai, in a reference to Ghani’s verage. Arm twisting may cost Pa- ghan government is also not sit- diction are all time high. Inflation has already hamstrung consum- larly the Pakistan army, which is reliance on Pakistan, said that “we kistan its decades-old alliance with ting well with a number of field seen as the key arbiter in Pakistan’s want friendly relationship, but not the Taliban, who are not only be- commanders, who believe their ers’ backbone. Back in 2014, there were 20 major incidents of kid- Afghan policy — some available to be under Pakistan’s thumb.” In ing used to maintain a strong say armed struggle is at the verge of nappings. Many of the kidnapped were set free after the kidnappers signals show a positive progress the same token, national security in Afghan affairs, but also as a bul- victory. Many feel that it is not received huge ransoms. Those kidnapped included government of- on peace talks: — In February, vis- advisor in the then Karzai-led gov- wark against any possible Indian useful to compromise at this stage, ficials, businessmen, private companies’ staffers and affluent civil- iting Chinese Foreign Minister ernment, Rangin Dadfar Spanta, invasion into Pakistan. An action according to an Afghan journalist Wang Yi told a Foreign Office brief- told the same newspaper that “the beyond the friendly push and who had spoken to Taliban com- ians. Those killed after being kidnapped included a minor girl, who ing in Islamabad that his govern- policy amounts to humiliating ap- nudge against the Afghan Taliban mander. Deal or no deal, reports had been kidnapped from a school in Jalalabad. Two other children ment is ready to facilitate the Af- peasement of a hostile power who may likely also develop bad blood about peace talks with the Afghan were kidnapped near a Hindu temple and later found dead. A son of ghan peace negotiations, which was would never change its ways.” among the Kashmir-focused jiha- government are likely to have some the first-ever public signal by Chi- While Afghan leaders such as dis, who like the Afghan Taliban, costs and the Taliban may lose a businessman was found dead after being abducted on the na to play a role in ending the de- Karzai and Spanta are wary of are being seen as the strategic as- some more commanders, mostly Torkham-Jalalabad highway. Workers of industrial companies and cade and a half old conflict in its Pakistan’s increasing influence and sets against a much larger eastern the aggrieved ones. traders have had observed protest demonstrations against the rise in kidnappings in western Herat province. There is too much to weep over and little to make us hopeful. But despite that our nation- al confidence is intact. This is our strength and it shouldn’t be sagged. However, citizens of the country, particularly the youth should mount pressure on the government. It is not the time for political wrangling but for unity and expediency. Prolonging the schism means prolonging the status quo—militancy, unemployment, inequitable distribution of wealth, poor-rich standoff, and illiteracy. Militancy and kidnappings have much in common. Militants are said to be involved in kidnappings. When the nation is looking forward impatiently for peace talks, security development and na- tional economic growth, the government should try to live up to the expectations. Just telling the nation that it has contacted the Taliban regarding the release of the 31 passengers is nothing but mere lip service. 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SATURDAY .MARCH 14 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Yemen at the breaking point By Martin Reardon ment, replacing it with a transition- trol of the capital city of Sanaa and tion of the Riyadh talks is Yemen’s al national council that they would, Hadi set to rule from Aden, events ruling party, the General People’s Following the meteoric rise to for all intents and purposes, con- on the ground in Yemen appear Congress or GPC, which is wide- power of Yemen’s Houthi rebels trol. The part about governing Ye- similar to what war-torn Libya is ly believed to have worked behind last September, there were two men that the Houthis seemed to going through right now - two op- the scenes to aid the Houthis in Pakistan is trying to combat terrorist organizations opposing schools of thought on have forgotten is that a unilateral, posing governments, neither of their rise to power. Battle lines what it really meant. On one end “my way or the highway” approach which can claim complete legiti- Tellingly, Hadi’s predecessor, online, with mixed results. of the spectrum, it was argued that doesn’t work there in the long run. macy or appears able to effective- former President Ali Abdullah the Houthis, who had legitimate, Given the deteriorating security sit- ly rule, occupying separate capi- Saleh, who was forced to resign long term grievances of economic uation on the ground and general lack tals and battling an entrenched ter- from office in 2011, leads the GPC. and political disenfranchisement of confidence in the Houthis’ abili- rorist threat that looks at both as Earlier this week, Saleh urged Hadi by the government, might just pro- ty to govern, the international re- the enemy. At Hadi’s request, Sau- to leave the country and go into vide the impetus needed for Ye- sponse was as expected - foreign di Arabia and the other Gulf states exile, which would conveniently men to finally address the wide- embassies began to close and their agreed earlier this week to host set the stage for his return to pow- spread corruption, poor gover- diplomatic staff evacuated. In a dra- talks in Riyadh between the dif- er in one capacity or another. So, nance, poverty, lack of education, matic escape from Sanaa late last ferent political factions in an at- are the battle lines drawn? resource depletion and a host of month, Hadi fled south to Aden, tempt to keep Yemen from splin- It’s easy to say just let Yemen other social and political injustic- where he has since withdrawn his tering. No date has been set yet, split, with Hadi in the south and es felt throughout the country. No resignation and established the port but at this point, an open dialogue the Houthis or Saleh in the north. one else seemed to be able to bring city as Yemen’s de facto capital. He on how to govern the country But that’s likely to lead to a pro- about positive change, so why not made no attempt to minimise the through a workable power sharing tracted and costly civil war, with give the Houthis a chance? On the significance of the Houthi takeover agreement is Yemen’s best, and control over Yemen’s energy re- other end of the spectrum, it was in Sanaa, publicly referring to it as a perhaps last, chance at preventing sources being a key objective for argued that too much Houthi in- coup. Hadi has called for all govern- a civil war. The United Nations both sides. It also over simplifies fluence - especially at the expense ment ministers to join him in Aden, and the West also back those talks. the very real challenges each would of other political entities with their and insists he remains committed So far, it appears both the Islah face in putting together separate own agendas - would further splin- to establishing a federal power shar- party - Yemen’s branch of the coalitions to govern the complex ter the country and perhaps even ing system - something the Houthis Muslim Brotherhood - and Al- social, economic and political land- put it on a trajectory towards civil are just as adamantly opposed to. Hirak, the southern secessionist scape, not to mention the implica- war. In light of recent events, that In fact, they are taking active mea- group, are among those political tions for regional security. There second school of thought appears sures to prevent those ministers still entities amenable to participation. is no quick and easy fix for Yemen, to be the more accurate forecast at in Sanaa from leaving. Earlier this Noticeably absent will be the but viewing the situation there this point. For Yemen’s sake, let’s week, Yemen’s Defense Minister, Houthis, who outright reject the from the lens of Libya, Syria and hope that doesn’t happen. ‘My Mahmoud al-Subaihi, did manage to notion of meeting in Riyadh, argu- Iraq, the best way forward is for By Mina Sohail (KP), 1,247 in Balochistan and 187 soldiers or promote a particular way or the highway’ Not happy escape from house arrest to join Hadi ing that Hadi lacks the legitimacy all the parties to be at the negotiat- in Islamabad. Rashid maintains view on the Gaza conflict. Then with President Abd-Rabbu Man- in Aden, but lost five of his body- to arrange talks anywhere since he ing table to work out an equitable Following the devastating attack that, “The government should locally, DG ISPR also has a Twit- on Peshawar’s Army Public bring seminaries under control. A ter account.” Aziz adds that while sour Hadi’s draft constitution, the guards fighting the Houthis en route. resigned from the presidency in power sharing agreement. Wheth- School on December 16, 2014, large number are under the control this can be one way of putting in- Houthis placed him under house Prime Minister Khaled Bahah re- January. In all likelihood, the er that takes place in Sanaa, Aden, where the Pakistan Taliban killed of militant groups and their ideol- formation out there, or countering arrest two months ago, and then mains under house arrest in Sanaa, Houthis’ adversarial relationship Riyadh or a more neutral site is more than 130 children, military ogy and don’t serve as function of certain views you have identified, forced him and his cabinet to re- and its not likely the Houthis will with the Saudis also figured prom- beside the point. Failing that, the and political leaders formed a Na- seminaries which is to produce re- it is just one perspective. There sign. The Houthis then announced let him slip away, too. Power shar- inently in their refusal to attend. consequences are too great, and tional Action Plan to counter ter- ligious scholars and not preach may be others. “There aren’t just unilateral plans to dissolve parlia- ing With the Houthis firmly in con- Joining the Houthis in their rejec- neither side wins. rorism. One point in the 20-point militants.” The government’s banned outfits but also people who plan called for the formation of a campaign to register seminaries in may not be militants but they are committee to counter online ter- the country and obtain data on their either sympathetic towards them rorism, in a country estimated to financial resources, teachers and or subscribe to and promote their have nearly 30 million Internet students has met with strong re- views. And this does need to be users. The Pakistan Telecommu- sistance. In many seminaries, tackled and it can’t just be done nication Authority (PTA) has been which are always affiliated with a by blocking. You block one page taking action against pages on so- mosque, a modern education is re- or account and another will be cre- cial media and online videos post- placed with a questionable inter- ated almost immediately.” Aziz ed by terrorist groups. There are pretation of religion that influenc- says she feels the country is still approximately 60 banned organi- es young minds. These seminaries figuring out how to respond to zations in Pakistan, according to then become fertile ground for ter- online extremism and needs to the National Internal Security Pol- rorist recruitment. Globally, the “sift through situations and come icy (NISP) document. Recently Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham up with adequate, proportionate the federal government has been (ISIS) is strengthening its grip by and effective responses.” The Pa- reluctant to confirm a reported ban recruiting online. “Look at our on- kistani government has banned on Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), but line numbers, this isn’t our main some websites but no concerted news reports say that the ban is problem,” says Farieha Aziz, Di- effort has been made to block all part of the National Action rector at Bolo Bhi, a Karachi based terrorist sites. The government has Plan. The Twitter account of nonprofit geared towards digital blocked access to YouTube and JUD chief Hafiz Saeed was sus- security privacy. “Blocking sites pornographic sites. It regularly pended two months ago but the will not solve any problem as ter- shuts down websites run by the organization’s website can still be rorists just recreate new accounts. Tehriki-i-Taliban, which quickly accessed and Twitter accounts This is just a face saving measure reemerges with new ones. With with his name still exist. Accord- for the government.” Aziz empha- YouTube and other blocked web- ing to Ahmed Rashid, author of sizes the need for a multi-dimen- sites being used through proxies in several books on Pakistan and Af- sional approach to deal with social Pakistan, blocking may seem use- ghanistan and veteran policy crit- media. “The mechanism requires a less, but Sagheer Wattoo, spokes- ic, questions the priorities. “So- lot of thought and we are not even man for the Ministry of Informa- cial media is a very big part of re- talking about it.” Aziz believes that tion and Broadcasting, disagrees. cruitment in the West. In Pakistan the Pakistani government should Wattoo says that “deterrence is the it helps produce a point be focused on disseminating a co- best defense.” He adds that a local of view amongst those on Twitter gent counter narrative. It needs to NGO filed a petition with the Is- and other such sites but doesn’t come up with its own websites lamabad High Court seeking to By Marwan Bishara TNT, oil and pieces of steel, the ing. Just as the deaths count sky- … But President Assad, who is have the power to recruit.” Rashid that explain a peaceful version of protect the rights of internet us- barrels are dropped from the air rocketed to an incredible 200,000 49, did not seem to have been worn says that access to social media is religion to provide a “soft” alter- ers. “After the attacks, a change Agree with him or not, accuse him on Syrian towns like Aleppo with Syrians, the proud tyrant headed away much, physically, by the limited in Pakistan, as opposed to native to extremist views. A recent came in all of us,” he says. “If we of destroying Syria; condemn him terrible cost to people and prop- to the ballot box. He presumably past few years." Could it be clear more developed societies in Europe news report in The Guardian says do not even deter terrorists orga- for the death of hundreds of thou- erty. Assad has been adamant from won 88.7 percent of the vote when consciousness? Assad categorical- where there are huge online follow- that the U.K. “is creating a special nizations from operating their sites sands, but Bashar al-Assad has the beginning that he would do only a few could or would want to ly denies the use of barrel bombs ings. “Before we get on to internet force of Facebook warriors, skilled online then things are likely to go been consistent throughout. Yes, what it takes to meet his desired vote. The inauguration ceremony that's been well documented. He and social media, what is needed is in psychological operations and haywire.” However, experts say he's a dictator. And yes, you might ends. And he waged a terrible cam- was a total success just as the en- also denies blocking humanitarian better state control of mosques and the use of social media to engage in that an online government policy say he's responsible for the break paign of death and destruction un- tire nation was falling apart, with aid to the Syria people despite seminaries,” says Rashid. “The real unconventional warfare in the in- will be severely crippled without der the pretext of fighting the ter- millions displaced, hurting and claims to the contrary by some 21 danger in Pakistan is from mosques formation age.” The Israeli and corresponding or supporting ac- up of his country for the sole pur- that continue to deliver Friday ser- U.S. militaries already have simi- tion in the offline world. Many pose of preserving his regime, but rorists. And with half of the coun- dying. It featured happy crowds aid organisations. In short, Assad mons calling for jihad and extermi- lar teams. The mosques deliver inflammatory Assad has shown to be a tenacious try under siege and the other half celebrating and cheering the trium- denies any responsibility for the nation of India and America.” Guardian continues: “Against a preaching and propagate extreme ruler. You might say he instigated displaced, Assad is unflinching. A phant leader - the saviour of his ongoing Syrian catastrophe. Is he Rashid adds that most Muslim background of 24-hour news, views, clerics breed sectarianism the violence and is undoubtedly democratic dictator What started people. I N C R E D I B L E. But in total denial? Or is he just as ob- countries have a centralized sys- smartphones, and social media, and fatwas are often issued against the architect of the civil war that's four years ago as peaceful protests hey, how bad could things get? stinate a leader as his father was tem where the sermon is drafted such as Facebook and Twitter, the minority Shia. Part of the govern- torn his nation, but Assad has been demanding limited justice and re- Alas, "Syria is entering the dark during three decades of dictator- and regulated by the state, unlike new British brigade will attempt ment’s strategy in countering ter- upfront about his intentions form soon turned into a national ages, literally and metaphorically". ship, reckoning that if one main- in Pakistan where, he says, “We to control the narrative. Soldiers rorism is to take steps that show through and through. Inside Syria upheaval demanding political As one group of scientists have tains one's position, the world will have a free-for-all system which is with journalism skills and famil- tangible progress. That means - The slow Plan B for Syria Since change. But instead of easing the concluded, 83 percent of the lights eventually come around? Alas, extremely dangerous. It is from iarity with social media are among monitoring – if not completely repression and reconciling with the in Syria "have gone out" since the some are indeed making the absurd here that most of the hate materi- those being sought.” “Psychologi- ending – public sermons that the beginning of the Syrian upris- al, posted online, actually finds cal-ops or unconventional warfare spread hate and eventually find ing this March four years ago, As- opposition, the Assad regime start of the conflict. And 2014 claim that since Assad is part of inspiration.” Yet addressing the is fairly common now. But the their way on social media in the sad made it clear that he will de- struck back with iron fist. In reac- proved to be the worst year yet the problem, he's part of the solu- mosque is but a fraction of the danger of that is that it can be pro- form of brazen video messages and fend his rule regardless of the con- tion, the protest movement armed for Syrian civilians according to aid tion. That is sure to send a mes- overall picture. There are a total of pagandist when it’s run by state clips. Mina Sohail is a freelance sequences. 'Apres moi le deluge' in defense and the conflict grew agencies. The nation's wealth, in- sage across the globe that if you 22,052 seminaries in Pakistan, institutions,” says Aziz. “For ex- journalist based in Islamabad. This He was straightforward; if he had ever more violent and chaotic. Is frastructure, institutions and much kill enough people, you might just 15,954 in Punjab, 4,264 in Sindh, ample, Israeli IDF has a Twitter column for first seen at The Diplo- to go, so does the country. The he in total denial? Or is he just as of its workforce have been "oblit- save your dominion. Perhaps, As- 1,400 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa account and uses it to valorize its mat. collapse of this regime would obstinate a leader as his father was erated". The death toll climbs, the sad is projecting certainty and mean the collapse of the state re- during three decades of dictator- casualties mount, the outrage steadiness just like other wartime gardless of the costs for Syria and ship, reckoning that if one main- grows louder, but Assad remains leaders do in difficult times. But I LETTER TO THE EDITOR Syrians. And when faced with the tains one's position, the world will defiant with an ever-growing pen- suspect, from looking closely into possibility of an international in- eventually come around? But for chant for violence. Clean and clin- his rhetoric and comportment, tervention to halt the violence, Assad, the Syrian uprising, dare I ical Four years, four million refu- Assad harbours absolutely no Help Afghan refugees Assad warned of an "earthquake" say the Syrian revolution, was a gees and hundreds of thousands of doubt about the rightness of his and "tens of Afghanistans". The "farce" - a "fake spring", a con- casualties have changed Syria for- path. That's the type of danger- Insecurity, joblessness and few other issues have pushed millions of Afghans to leave the country and man didn't sugarcoat or mince his spiracy against Syria for which the ever, but not Assad. He's the same. ous perhaps fascist mindset shared refuge in other countries, mostly neighboring Pakistan and Iran. Hundreds of Afghans have lost their lives words. He wasn't coy or implicit. Arab and the Europeans will "pay He remains fit, well-dressed and by ISIL leaders that's not only de- on their way to Europe. You will find a long line of people including children and women behind embassies He explicitly threatened to fight a heavy price". After all, Syria was well-shaved. As BBC's Jeremy stroyed a country, but also paved of Iran and Pakistan on daily basis. They wait in the line for hours to receive a visa for traveling to the two with all means at hand until the nothing like Tunisia or Egypt. Syr- Bowen reported last month: "I was the way for the undoing of the en- neighboring countries because of lack of job opportunity in the country. It is said that 1.6 million registered Afghan refugees are living in Pakistan while there more than one million Afghans refugees are living without end. Aside from the use of chemi- ia was governed by a nationalist expecting the president to exhibit tire region. Marwan Bishara is the stay document. In the aftermath of a deadly attack on a school in Peshawar city, the life became miserable cal weapons, the Assad regime im- popular regime that Assad led per- some sign of strain. But he had not senior political analyst at Al for Afghan refugees. Pakistani police searched their houses and sent most of them behind bars. They are proved on the barrel bombs strat- sonally. To prove his point, Assad noticeably changed since the last Jazeera. The views expressed in not terrorists and they have no hand in any terrorist activity. Pakistan should chase terrorists and the egy that has proved no less deadly changed the constitution and in- interview I had done with him, in this article are the author's own and perpetrators of Peshawar school attack somewhere else. Afghans hate terrorism and extremism. They love and perhaps more destructive than sisted on running for elections. And 2010." He added: "Western lead- do not necessarily reflect Al peace, education and improvement wherever they live in this planet. The Ministry of Refugees and chemical weapons. Packed with once again Assad proved unswerv- ers often age noticeably in office Jazeera's editorial policy. Repatriation was failed to chalk out a better plan for return of Afghan refugees to the country and providing them job opportunity inside Afghanistan. The new Refugees Minister should change the ministry from reluctant to vibrant. The minister should come up with new and effective plans in this regard. Otherwise, Afghan refugees will face more miserable future in Pakistan, Iran or any other country in the world, where they seek migration, stay documents, green cards and finally a day free from harass- Disclaimer: ment. Yama Samandari, Taimani, Kabul The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. [email protected] This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . MARCH 14, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Bloody blockade COLOMBO: Is Sri Lanka becom- ing a geopolitical battleground be- tween China and India? Over the cripples past five years, Sri Lanka's tradi- tionally close relations with near- Bangladesh by India soured as the government of former president Mahindra Ra- japaksa focused on strengthening economy ties with China in its bid for rapid economic development. But now, DHAKA: Noon had just passed after elections in January ushered and 52-year-old labourer Muham- in a new government under Presi- mad Babul was still standing with dent Maithripala Sirisena, Sri Lan- his bag of tools at a bus stop on ka's foreign policy is pivoting back the outskirts of Dhaka, waiting to towards India. Sirisena visited In- be hired for the day. Two months dia last month, meeting Prime ago, he probably would have been hired by 8am - working at con- Minister Narendra Modi and sign- struction sites, painting houses, or ing an agreement that laid the foun- doing plumbing work. But on Jan- dation for the two countries to ex- uary 6, an alliance of 20 opposi- plore and develop the peaceful use tion parties led by the Bangladesh of nuclear power. Sri Lanka re- Nationalist Party called an indefi- leases former army chief "Several nite, nationwide blockade to pro- months ago, the idea of Sri Lanka test the arrest of their leader, former under the presidency of Mahinda prime minister Khaleda Zia. The Rajapaksa signing a nuclear agree- blockade entails laying siege to the ment with India would have entry and exit points of Bang- seemed a dream," said Arjuna ladesh's major cities, and vehicles Fernando, an economist with the carrying goods have been halted or Council of International Relations, come under attack. Nearly 1,200 a Sri Lanka-based foreign policy vehicles have come under arson think-tank. "India had clearly dem- attacks, and at least 112 people onstrated the lack of trust they had have died as of March 3. Of those, for the Rajapaksa regime." Accord- 72 died in arson attacks, and the ing to Fernando, the extent to remaining 40 people, mostly op- which India opposed the Rajapak- position activists, were killed while sa government could be gauged by in the custody of law enforcement its support for US-sponsored res- agencies, according to Dhaka- olutions against Sri Lanka at the based human rights organisation United Nations Humans Rights Ain O Salish Kendra. The opposi- Council. "India has played the role tion has denied carrying out arson of big brother to Sri Lanka since attacks, blaming activists affiliat- independence in 1948. To have ed with the ruling party instead. voted in favour of a resolution Sri Lanka's former President Mahinda Rajapaksa (left) moved his country closer to China [Reuters] Since the blockade began, Babul against Sri Lanka was [an] indica- has worked just eight days. "I have tion they felt they no longer had a damaged during the previous re- recent elections, expressed con- sibility reports had been ordered. ic development in Sri Lanka. Lak- ests. According to the 1987 Indo- not made more than 4,000 taka defining influence over the nation," gime, and we are now looking to cerns that Sri Lanka was rapidly During the election campaign, shman Yapa Abeywardena, the Lanka Accord between the two [$52] since the political situation Fernando said. Wooing Chinese improve them. This does not mean moving towards "an emergent Wickremesinghe told the press the former minister of investment pro- countries, no port in Sri Lanka shall deteriorated," said Babul, the sole investment Sri Lanka, whose we will cut off ties with China. Indo-US axis". Changing allegianc- project would be cancelled as it motion, told Al Jazeera the former be made available to another na- earner in his family of five. Rela- armed forces face accusations of Ajith Perera, Sri Lanka's deputy es Later this year, Sirisena is ex- posed a threat to national securi- government appreciated the sup- tion's military. The apparent tives of arson victims attend a ral- having committed war crimes dur- minister for external affairs Many pected to visit the US, making it ty. Although the prime minister port China has extended to the breaking of this agreement came ly holding photographs of family ing the final stages of the coun- members of the former government only the second state visit to the insisted that the Sri Lankan gov- country for decades. Sri Lankan under intense criticism from India, members as they protest the at- try's 1983-2009 civil war, found are fearful that this pivot will be United States by a Sri Lankan head ernment would continue to culti- President Maithripala Sirisena as well as from Sri Lanka's then- tacks [EPA] A younger day labour- itself increasingly scrutinised in the accompanied by Sri Lanka prior- of state. The previous such visit vate relations with China, the halt- [GALLO/GETTY] "Having opposition. Amid Sri Lanka's rap- er, Shubho, 32, has been even less international arena. In an attempt itising relations with the West. took place in 1982. Since the new ing of its largest investment in the emerged from a three-decade-long prochement with India, China has fortunate. He said he has only to avoid this scrutiny and speed Dayan Jayatilleka, Sri Lanka's government took office, several country does not bode well. "Sri conflict, Sri Lanka was looking to stepped up its efforts to retain in- worked five days since the block- up the island nation's post-war former ambassador to France, told Chinese-funded projects have Lanka's relations with India were develop and China was ready to fluence in the country. The Chi- ade, and his four-member family development, Sri Lanka's former Al Jazeera the new government, in come to a halt, including the con- damaged during the previous re- help. During this time we never nese recently extended an invita- is currently surviving on loans. government turned to China. "An addition to cosying up to India, troversial Colombo Port City. gime, and we are now looking to altered our relationship with In- tion to Sri Lanka's president and These workers pointed out that the increasing number of loans were has sidelined China in favour of Funded by China, this project improve them," Ajith Perera, Sri dia. As with all nations, disagree- foreign minister to visit in March. usual employers - small construc- obtained from China due to their close ties with the US and UK. "It would have seen the China Com- Lanka's deputy minister for exter- ments arose - but we always rec- However, the dates of the presi- tion firms, or sometimes individu- lack of regulations that would have would have been both sagacious munications Construction Compa- nal affairs, told Al Jazeera. "This ognised India as our neighbour and dent's visit have yet to be finalised, al households - have halted work otherwise accompanied World and ethically correct for Foreign ny, a private Chinese firm, emerge does not mean we will cut off ties long-time ally," Abeywardena as the country prepares to wel- until the political stalemate in Bank or IMF loans," said Fernan- Minister [Mangala] Samaraweera with control of more than 108 hect- with China, however, it is a prior- said. India-China tensions in- come Indian Prime Minister Naren- Bangladesh eases. Meanwhile, do. "China's government is less to visit Beijing after his visit to ares of reclaimed land. Sri Lankan ity that Sri Lanka and India return creased during Rajapaksa's tenure dra Modi starting on Friday. The Bangladesh's economy is reeling, concerned about ensuring propri- our neighbour New Delhi … be- Prime Minister Ranil Wickremes- to a close relationship." Jeopardis- as Sri Lankan president. Late last prime minister's visit to Sri Lanka with trade organisations estimat- ety and more focused on establish- fore he visited Washington, DC," inghe, speaking to media, explained ing development? Members of the year, a Chinese submarine docked will be the first by an Indian head ing the country's economy has suf- ing their influence. Such an atti- Jayatilleka said. The former dip- that work had been halted on the Rajapaksa administration have crit- at Sri Lanka's Colombo Port, de- of state in 27 years - a clear sign of fered $21.7bn in losses as of tude was beneficial to the former lomat, who openly supported and project because environmental im- icised the new government's stance, spite India warning that such a New Delhi's renewed efforts to March 9. The government and the regime." Relations with India were canvassed for Rajapaksa during the pact assessments and financial fea- accusing it of jeopardising econom- move was inimical to India's inter- regain influence. (AL JAZEERA) 20-party alliance, as it has become known, are sticking to their respec- tive stances. If they choose to car- ry on with their daily work, most EU’s Juncker sees businessmen, traders and other professionals are left with no op- tion but to risk their lives. Falling lack of progress in exports On January 5, the 20-par- ty political alliance wanted to hold rallies to mark the anniversary of last year's parliamentary elections Greece bailout talks as "Democracy-Killing Day" in exam, the ministry has also formed Bangladesh. The international a committee that is expected to in- community criticised the 2014 spect the admissions process in elections, and the 20-party alliance private engineering schools and re- boycotted the polls. Instead of vise the legal requirements for permitting the protests, the Bang- opening private institutes. How- ladeshi government - led by the ever, imposing a standardized Awami League party - detained exam on private engineering Khaleda Zia in her office, and ar- schools could harm student intake rested many of the alliance's lead- and eventually school revenues, ers. In response, Zia declared a because students intentionally nationwide blockade starting from choose private schooling to avoid January 6. "The political unrest has going through the challenging state affected people across all segments system. “The foundational pro- and stakeholders of all sectors," gram doesn’t go for everyone. It’s said Professor Mustafizur Rah- stressful and intensive, and peo- man, executive director of the Dha- ple get depressed over it,” said ka-based Centre for Policy Dia- Seyma Menjour, an engineering logue. "Besides a socio-psycholog- student at ESPRIT. She was ac- ical insecurity, the economy is af- cepted in the two-year program fected through less foreign and lo- following her baccalaureate but did cal direct investment and lower not pass. She then transferred to number of export orders." Mu- ESPRIT. “I could be a genius in hammad Helal Uddin, the vice computer science, but not that great BRUSSELS: EU Commission er this year, Tsipras stressed the president of the Federation of in mathematics and physics. Why chief Jean-Claude Juncker com- need for a longer-term solution. - Bangladesh Chambers of Com- plained Friday about a lack of Tsipras looks to future - "I want merce and Industry (FBCCI), told do I have to excel in subjects I don’t Al Jazeera "the daily estimated fi- Private higher-education institu- neers, told Al Arabiya News. Criti- ed in this country. The social sta- like or I’m not good at in order to progress in talks on Greece's bail- to be sincere to you that I have out, but insisted there was no spent 90 percent of my time in nancial loss to the economy due to tions are increasing in both num- cisms Engineering students in na- tus of being an engineer attracts a be able to pursue computer engi- the blockade and strikes is 27bn ber and capacity in Tunisia, rais- tional schools have long criticized large number of students to pur- neering?” She added: “Not pass- chance of a failure that could drive order to discuss about the short- the country out of the eurozone. term deliberations with our part- taka [$344 millon]". Bangladeshi ing concerns over quality in a coun- private schools for admitting stu- sue this field,” Khelifa said. An ing the national exam doesn’t nec- exporters say their export revenue try known for its rigid education dents who have not gone through overcrowded labor market is an- essarily mean you’re not compe- "I am not satisfied by the devel- ners in order to find a compro- opments in the recent weeks. I mise," he said. "But I think now has fallen by 30-40 percent com- system. In Tunisia, free universi- the foundational years. However, in other concern for students in pub- tent enough to become an engineer. pared to last fiscal year. "Before ty access is guaranteed to anyone December, the Ministry of Higher lic schools. “The growing number What ESPRIT is providing us with don't think we have made suffi- it's time to think about the future." cient progress, but we will try to The short-term future of Greece's the blockade, I paid 13,000 taka who passes the government’s na- Education and Scientific Research of engineering graduates coming is an opportunity.” Youssef Chi- ($166) per shipment to the port. tional baccalaureate test at the end and the Ministry of Vocational from private schools creates a prob- boub, another engineering student push in the direction of a succes- beleaguered finances lies with the This has increased to 40,000 taka of high school. Based on the French Training and Employment signed an lem in the job market. We already at ESPRIT, said: “At the end of ful conclusion of the issues we eurozone, where powerful Germa- ($510) per shipment due to the Baccalauréat, although not as in- agreement that allowed vocational have around 10,000 unemployed the day, a given company will look have to deal with," he said ahead ny has towed a hard line against risks of attacks on highway," Saz- tensive, the Tunisian model has an training graduates to also qualify for engineers,” said Khelifa. “The so- at both our CVs and will choose of talks with Greek Prime Minis- the new government in Athens. zad Amin, the managing director average annual success rate of only an engineering degree. Vocational lution is clear: the national exam the profile it’s looking for.” He ter Alexis Tsipras. "I am totally "Greece has already started fulfill- of Peak Apparels, told Al Jazeera. 40 percent. Because it is a system training institutes are accessible to needs to be revised and made com- added: “It doesn’t matter anymore excluding a failure, I don't want a ing its commitments to the euro- Other factory owners pointed out said to be based on meritocracy, high school dropouts and those who pulsory for all students without where you graduated from; it’s up failure. I would like Europeans to zone so we are doing our part and there has been a drastic fall in the students are not always placed in have not passed the baccalaureate. exceptions,” he added. “We want to your level of competency and go together. This is not the time we expect our partners to do their number of orders from foreign their discipline or university of The agreement triggered a nation- equal opportunities among all stu- your experience. They’ll never be for division, this is the time for own," Tsipras said. Athens faces buyers, which are opting to deal first choice. Engineering is one of wide strike among engineering stu- dents, and an exam is necessary to able to impose the exam on us.” coming together," he added. an urgent cash crunch, having to with more stable countries instead. the study fields highly restricted dents from public schools demand- receive an engineering degree.” Re- However, Ali Njim, also a student Tsipras, the leader of the hard-left find 6.0 billion euros ($6.4 billion) The Bangladesh Garments Manu- to the top notch of baccalaureate ing that the ministry supervise the forms The Higher Education Min- at ESPRIT, said: “They kind of Syriza party who came to power in the next two weeks alone to pay facturers and Exporters Associa- graduates. Those with high scores admissions of engineering students istry ended the three-week strike have the right to protest. Practi- in January, is visiting Brussels and its creditors. Greece's government tion have said the turbulence is would be selected for a two-year and apply the national exam require- by promising students to toughen cally anyone can become an engi- Paris in the latest bid to drum up confirmed Thursday that it may causing the apparel sector to lose preparatory course in which they ment in private schools as well. up the requirements for engineer- neer nowadays.” Njim added: “Be- short-term cash for Greece to meet raid the country's pensions and about 375m taka ($4.9m) a day. learn high-level mathematics, “This was the chief reason behind ing degrees from private schools. fore, engineering students rarely re- huge debt repayments in coming social security system to raise the There can be no dialogue between physics and chemistry, among oth- the strike,” Khelifa said. “This exam A ministry official told Al Arabiya mained unemployed. Because weeks. Greece won a four-month money needed to meet the pay- the Bangladesh government with er scientific subjects. Students who follows really challenging prepara- News: “We’re going to apply a there’s a large number of engineers extension of its international bail- ments. Juncker ruled out "failure" terrorists when they are engaged pass the two years are put through tory years. Those who can’t sur- new rule in the coming academic graduating from private schools, in out in February -- despite Tsipras in the bailout talks as a poll in Ger- in subversive activities. Mahbubul another standardized national vive this educational system now year that disables students from addition to those from public initially saying he wanted a com- many said support for Greece re- Alam Hanif, joint general secretary exam, specifically tailored for en- have alternative ways to get around enrolling in engineering schools schools, unemployment is on the pletely new arrangement -- but it maining in the eurozone was fad- of Awami League Bangladesh Knit- gineering. Only half, and sometimes it and gain an engineering degree.” without passing the national exam rise. “Can you imagine being un- will not get any of the cash until ing in Europe's biggest economy. wear Manufacturers and Export- less than half, tend to pass this Some private schools, such as the or the specific exam.” The “spe- employed after all that effort be- new reforms are approved by its More than half of Germans polled ers Association (BKMEA) Vice exam and proceed to join a nation- Ecole Supérieure Privée d’Ingénierie cific exam,” the official said, will cause someone from a private eurozone partners. "Our intention by broadcaster ZDF believed President Mohammad Hatem Ali al engineering school. However, et de Technologie (ESPRIT), offer be identical to that of the national school took your place?” While a is to implement this (eurozone) Greece should leave the eurozone, told Al Jazeera, "we may not private engineering schools scrap their own equivalent of foundation- one. “We’re going to apply the same school such as ESPRIT is doing decision of the 20th of February with 80 percent believing Tsipras achieve the target of $27bn in ex- all that effort. Those who wish to al years for fresh baccalaureate grad- standards utilized by the public exceptionally well in terms of train- in a constructive way," the Greek and his government were not act- port revenue for 2014-2015". If so, pursue engineering can simply ap- uates. Those who have already fin- engineering schools.” he added. ing and engineering formation, not premier said after meeting Euro- ing reliably in negotiations with this would be the first time in sev- ply to their chosen program and ished three years of higher educa- “But we’re going to have two lists: all the other private schools are up pean Parliament president Martin eurozone partners. After his talks eral years that Bangladesh's apparel pay tuition fees. “It used to be tion in a given discipline can also a list of students going for public to standard, Njim said. “Some of Schulz. View galleryGreece's with Tsipras, Schulz said Greece sector would fail to meet its ex- only the state that graduates engi- pursue their engineering degree with- schools, and a list of students go- these schools are basically selling Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras (L) must get past the tensions with its port revenue target. 'No dialogue' neers. Now, people who want to out having to go through the two ing for private schools. “Those their degrees.” The number of li- is welcome … partners. "Prime Minister Tsipras Although the United Nations and pursue engineering simply apply preparatory years. Khelifa said the who underwent two preparatory censes given out to engineering Greece's Prime Minister Alexis is optimistic that the misunder- the US have urged a dialogue be- and get selected based on their pro- random admission of students in years at a private institution and schools needs to be limited, and Tsipras (L) is welcome by Euro- standings and confrontations could tween the 20-party alliance and the file. There is no exam,” Fakhred- engineering programs would “de- excelled in the national exam can those schools already operating pean Commission President Jean- be solved and let's be honest, it government to resolve the crisis, dine Khelifa, president of the na- grade” the quality of the degree. “An be accepted anywhere. The con- need to be supervised, he added. Clau … But with Greece likely to must be solved," he said. the ruling party is not interested. tional syndicate of Tunisian engi- engineering degree is highly respect- flict is over.” In addition to the (Al Arabiya News) seek a third bailout since 2010 lat- (AFP) (AL JAZEERA) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . MARCH 14, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Pakistan Egypt banks on Global stocks gain as weak signs investment summit agreement retail sales shift Fed thinking with Qatar for to boost finances LNG import fter four years of political turmoil, Egypt is staking its economic ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Fri- revival on an investment summit in the Red Sea resort of Sharm day signed an agreement with Qa- Aal-Sheikh this weekend. The government has won praise from tar for the import of Liquefied investors for making initial economic reforms and setting clear targets Natural Gas (LNG) in order to re- for further changes, but the jury is still out on whether Egypt can meet duce the cost of power generation. its lofty promises. Here is a look at how the economy's key indicators Talking to media representatives have changed since the fall of autocrat Hosni Mubarak in 2011 and what in Islamabad, Federal Minister for the government expects to achieve in the coming years. Economic growth Petroleum and Natural Resources Egypt’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew at four to seven percent Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that the before the Arab Spring, but slowed to below two percent in 2011. first shipment of LNG will reach Growth recovered to 5.6 percent in the last six months of 2014, a step Pakistan by the end of March. He towards plans for economic expansion to average seven percent by the claimed the power generation cost end of fiscal year 2018/19. Foreign direct investment Egypt hopes to through LNG will reduce by 40 attract investments worth $60 billion over the next four years. Africa’s per cent as compared to diesel. third largest economy saw inflows of around $8 billion before the 2011 The Minister also said that the uprising shrivel to half that in recent years as political upheaval kept LNG import price will be submit- most foreign companies on the sidelines. Budget deficit Egypt’s budget, ted before the Economic Coordi- long strained by costly energy subsidies and bloated public sector pay- nation Committee (ECC) for ap- rolls, ballooned to 14 percent of GDP last year. The government hopes proval. “Pakistan heavily relies on to get that down to 10 percent next year and 8.5 percent by fiscal year its import of furnace oil and diesel 2018/19. Interest rates The central bank surprised analysts with a 50 to fuel power stations and both basis point cut to the two benchmark rates in January, bringing the fuels are relatively expensive as overnight deposit rate to 8.75 percent and the overnight lending rate to compared to LNG, which is cheap- 9.75 percent. The bank raised the rates by 100 basis points in July in an er and a more efficient alternative. attempt to hold down inflation following an initial round of cuts to fuel LNG is also cleaner and consid- subsidies. Exchange rates The dollar has been selling at a cut-off price of ered environment-friendly," said 7.5301 pounds for more than a month in the central bank sales that give Abbasi. He added that LNG will the bank effective control over official exchange rates. Earlier in the year, initially be provided to Kot Addu the bank let the pound weaken in an effort to wipe out black market Power Company (Kapco) and four trading. It has also widened the band around the official rate at which power plants in Punjab for power banks can trade dollars and imposed a limit on dollar deposits in banks, generation. Abbasi also said that which traders say has dramatically reduced black market activity. For- Pakistan urgently needs to utilise eign reserves Egypt’s currency reserves plummeted in the months after its existing power generation to the 2011 uprising from $36 billion to critically low levels below the $15 capacity, while reducing its reliance billion needed to cover three months of imports for the most populous on costly, imported diesel fuel for Arab country. Reserves have stabilized above $15 billion for the past 18 electricity generation. Re-gasifica- months. But a boost in tourism and foreign investment is needed to tion of LNG will allow generation return reserves to earlier heights. Unemployment Joblessness is a chronic facilities to reach their maximum problem in Egypt. The official unemployment rate is about 13 percent, potential, using a cleaner and more but the real figure is thought to be much higher. The government is efficient fuel, and will support the aiming to get the rate below 10 percent over the coming four years. country’s push for greater energy security and diversification. The converted fuel will help the gov- ernment make an estimated sav- ings of about $1.0 billion per an- Britain applies to join num on its current fuel import bill SEOUL: Global stock markets last year, auto purchases dropped next week. But some analysts don't up 0.7 percent to 3,372.91. But of nearly $15 billion. Earlier this Chinese-led Asian bank mostly rose Friday after weak U.S. by the most in more than a year and think the Fed will put great stock Australia's S&P/ASX 200 fell 0.6 week, Engro Elengy Terminal Lim- retail sales alleviated jitters about Americans spent less at restaurants in the retail data and expect it to percent to 5,814.50. Stocks in ited (ETPL) — a subsidiary of the Federal Reserve's timetable for and home improvement stores. drop the word "patient" in refer- Southeast Asia were lower. ENER- Engro Corporation — said the gov- especially at a time when it is em- raising interest rates. KEEPING Many investors think it's only a ence to its timetable for raising in- GY: Benchmark U.S. crude was broiled in territorial disputes with ernment had failed to sign a deal SCORE: European stock markets matter of time before consumers terest rates. THE QUOTE: "Last down 11 cents to $46.94 a barrel for import of LNG with any sup- Japan in the East China Sea and posted tepid gains. Britain's FTSE start to spend again, particularly if night's U.S. retail sales data has in electronic trading on the New with Vietnam and other Southeast plier and would be liable to pay 100 was up 0.1 percent at 6,764.11 gas prices stay low and wages start shifted thinking" on the timing of York Mercantile Exchange. The $272,000 per day to Engro with Asian neighbors in the South Chi- and Germany's DAX inched up 0.2 to rise. FED MOVE: Analysts said U.S. rate hikes, "adding an element contract fell $1.12 to settle at na Sea. A Chinese foreign ministry effect from March 31, 2015. It had percent to 11,821.01. France's the weak U.S. retail sales under- of risk to the early rate hike sce- $47.05 on Thursday. Brent crude, said that as committed, the Engro’s spokesman, Hong Lei, said Beijing CAC 40 gained 0.2 percent to mined arguments that the Federal nario," Ric Spooner, chief market a benchmark for international oils welcomed Britain's application to $135 million LNG terminal was 4,996.14. Wall Street was poised Reserve will bring forward the tim- analyst at CMC Markets, said in used, turned lower, losing 28 cent ready to start up provided the gov- join the bank. "The bank will be to rise with S&P 500 futures up ing of its first rate hike since the a commentary. ASIA'S DAY: Ja- to $57 in London. CURRENCIES: founded on the principle of open- ernment strikes liquefied gas im- 0.1 percent at 2,059.40. RETAIL global financial crisis. Global stock pan's Nikkei 225 rose 1.4 percent The U.S. dollar made gains against port deal. “The terminal has been ness. We welcome all prospective SALES: U.S. retail sales fell 0.6 markets have dropped in the past to 19,254.25 and South Korea's other major currencies Friday. The countries to join," said Hong. "It completed in a record time and now percent last month after a 0.8 per- week on expectations that the Fed Kospi gained 0.8 percent to euro slipped to $1.0601 from we are waiting for the government will enable all prospective mem- cent decline in January, the Com- will raise rates soon after unexpect- 1,985.79. Hong Kong's Hang Seng $1.0628 the previous session. The bers to share Asia's growth oppor- to finalise LNG procurement deal,” merce Department said Thursday. edly strong U.S. employment fig- added 0.1 percent to 23,823.21 and dollar rose to 121.49 yen from Shaikh Imran-ul-Haq CEO of tunities." Speaking in Tokyo, the Despite a big drop in gas prices ures. Fed policymakers are meeting China's Shanghai Composite was 121.29 yen. World Bank president said Friday ETPL had said. “If the commodi- his Washington-based institution ty is not delivered by March 31, welcomes the new source of fi- Turkey's 2015, the government would be li- nancing for infrastructure develop- able to pay the capacity charges.” ing economies urgently need. "We Babacan says Talking about their bid regarding welcome the entry of the Asian World Bank halts the second Floating Storage & Re- BEIJING: Britain has become the Infrastructure Investment Bank," c.bank policy gasification Unit (FSRU) terminal first major Western government to said Jim Yong Kim, an American, at Port Qasim, Haq had said they apply for membership in a pro- at the Foreign Correspondents messages were hopeful about the result. He posed Chinese-led Asian regional Club of Japan. "We welcome it Yemen activities over had said that LNG import was in- bank that Washington worries will because of the extraordinary need should come evitable for the country as it would undercut institutions such as the for infrastructure." Beijing has that many project locations have address several energy scarcity is- World Bank. The British Treasury tried to soothe security concerns, from bank itself become inaccessible preventing full sues. The Universal Gas Distri- said Thursday it will join talks this insisting its initiatives are not fiduciary and management over- bution Company (UGDC) – a month on the Asian Infrastructure aimed at any potential foreign ri- Turkish Deputy Prime Minister security fears sight.” The Bank's office in Sanaa, company established by owners Investment Bank's structure and val. "The initiatives are not Chi- Ali Babacan said on Friday that the capital, was closed temporari- of CNG stations by pooling their governance arrangements. China na's solo, but a symphony per- messages regarding central bank ly in mid-February in response to own resources – conveyed to the proposed the bank in 2013 to fi- formed by all relevant countries," monetary policy should come only the deterioration in security. The government last month that it nance construction of roads and said Foreign Minister Wang Yi this from the bank itself, in an appar- Bank said it would continue to could open $60-70 million worth other infrastructure. It has pledged week, according to state television. ent attempt to quell concerns monitor the situation in Yemen, letters of credit (L/Cs) for import- to put up most of its initial $50 The British Treasury's announce- about government interference in highlighting that it remained “ful- ing three shipments of LNG that billion in capital. Twenty-one other ment said it would try to ensure policy. Markets have been un- ly committed” to supporting the would be enough to meet CNG governments including India, New the Asian bank "embodies the best nerved by President Tayyip Er- country's development needs and sector’s requirement for at least 45 Zealand and Thailand have said standards in accountability, trans- dogan's frequent attacks on the would resume its operations there days. The imports could be ar- they want to join. For now, the parency and governance." Joining central bank, including comments once suitable conditions are rees- ranged in 10 days, it had informed United States and its close allies will help Britain promote commer- that interest rates cause inflation tablished. The International Mon- the government. “We are not at Japan, South Korea and Australia cial ties with Asia, said the British and that those who defend high etary Fund, the Bank's sibling in- stage of opening L/C through our own resources, having gained re- are not part of the new club. The finance minister, George Osborne, rates are guilty of treason. The ful- stitution, which approved a $553 bank is one of a series of initia- in the statement. "Joining the AIIB minations have sparked worries quired financial strength and can million loan to Yemen last Septem- well be in a position to get the LNG tives by Beijing to increase its in- at the founding stage will create an about central bank independence, ber, said Thursday that it would fluence in global finance and ex- in March 2015; the target date set unrivalled opportunity for the helping send the lira currency to a continue its cooperation with the pand trade links with Asian neigh- U.K. and Asia to invest and grow series of record lows this year. by the government,” wrote UGDC bors and developing countries in The World Bank suspended its ruary, found that “the situation in country while closely monitoring chief executive officer Ghiyas A. together," said Osborne. Other Babacan, long seen as an anchor of the situation. The Shiite Huthi mi- Africa and Latin America. Wash- member governments include Sin- investor confidence, told an eco- activities in Yemen , citing a sharp Yemen had deteriorated to the de- Paracha to the petroleum minister. ington has expressed concern the gapore, Vietnam, the Philippines, nomic summit in the western city decline in the security situation as gree that the Bank was unable to litia seized control of Sanaa last Mr Paracha had told Dawn that new Asian bank will allow looser Mongolia, Laos, Cambodia, Oman, of Bursa that the central bank alone the country grapples with a Shiite exercise effective management over month. President Abedrabbo owners of 1,350 CNG stations had lending standards for the environ- Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Pa- should be responsible for commu- militia uprising. All projects fi- its projects.” The Bank, which has Mansour Hadi escaped from house contributed to the initial paid-up ment, labor rights and financial kistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Brunei, nicating its policy messages. How- nanced by the International Devel- pledged more than a billion dollars arrest in the capital last month and capital required for registration of transparency, undercutting the Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Malaysia ever, he also said the predictabili- opment Association, the Bank's to develop the impoverished coun- resumed power from second city the UGDC and around 200 more World Bank and International and Myanmar. In May, Chinese ty of monetary policy needs to arm for the world's poorest coun- try, said the disbursement of funds Aden. Aden, which was the capi- would be joining the initiative Monetary Fund. China is the top President Xi Jinping called for the improve. Erdogan said on Thurs- tries, and Bank-managed trust had been suspended. “This deci- tal of an independent South Ye- soon. He said he had led a delega- trading partner for most of its creation of a new Asian structure day his talks this week with Cen- funds have been halted, the Wash- sion was based on a significant men before its union with the north tion to Qatar to examine the LNG neighbors. They want to promote for security cooperation based on tral Bank Governor Erdem Basci ington-based institution said in a decline in the ability of Bank staff in 1990, is largely in the hands of supply chain and was impressed commercial ties but are uneasy a 24-nation group that excludes the had ended positively and with a statement. The World Bank said to communicate and coordinate troops and militia loyal to the pres- with their arrangements and sup- about Beijing's strategic ambitions, United States. consensus. that a review, begun in early Feb- with government counterparts, and ident. port for Pakistan’s LNG initiative. China just subtly told Wall Oil slips under $57 as IEA sees bigger glut Street to mind its own business year-on-year at an estimated 94 hinese President Xi Jinping. The word has finally come down million bpd, led by a 1.4 million from inside the ever-so-restrained People's Bank of China: One bpd increase from non-OPEC pro- Cmember of the bank's monetary policy team told Reuters that no ducers, the IEA said. "The market major intervention would be taken to pump more cash into the slowing will be more balanced in the sec- Chinese economy unless inflation dipped below 1%. In January, Chi- ond half, but there is still a mas- na's headline consumer price inflation hit 0.8%, then it bounced back up sive oversupply in the first half," to 1.4% in February. Board member and economics professor Qian said Barbara Lambrecht, analyst at Yingyi told Reuters that policymakers would be watching inflation fig- Commerzbank in Frankfurt. "We ures in March and April to see whether deflation was worsening. "If it's still expect oil prices to fall in the stable between 1 and 2%, it's very, very comfortable," he said. "But coming weeks due to rising inven- above 2%, there is a little bit of worry about inflation. Below 1 (per- tories," she added. News of a deal cent), there will be bit of a worry about deflation." Until then, all the to end a strike by U.S. refinery Wall Street analysts warning of the deadly combination of debt and workers helped support oil as it deflation, everyone calling for inter vention with every bad data point could help to increase demand for — they can stop wasting their breath. Wall Street has been talking about crude oil for processing in the this issue in earnest since last fall. Its argument is pretty basic. The world's biggest oil consumer. The Chinese economy is slowing as it transitions from one based on invest- deal could reduce U.S. crude stock- ments to one based on consumption. Until consumers have enough piles, which climbed last week to purchasing po wer, China's corporations make less money. Last fall, the highest level for this time of Societe Generale analyst Wei Yao argued that this problem went even year in more than 80 years. Still, beyond debt restructuring and government easing measures. "China's forecasts of a tighter market to debt problem lies with the corporate sector, and so PPI deflation can come may have to be revised cause more damage to debt dynamics than CPI deflation. The cure should should a deal be reached over Iran's be capacity consolidation and debt restructuring, rather than another nuclear work that allows Iranian stimulus package targeted to boost investment demand," she wrote. So oil exports, now limited by sanc- as deflationary pressures have continued, analysts have kept wondering tions, to increase. Iran and six when the PBOC will step in and do something. It's in note after note. LONDON: Oil fell below $57 a barrel on Friday after the International Energy Agency said a global oil glut was building and U.S. oil production world powers are aiming to com- "Widening PPI deflation and soft CPI inflation, especially after adjust- showed no signs of slowing yet. The IEA, which advises industrialized countries, said in its monthly report the United States may soon run out plete the framework of a nuclear ing for seasonal effects, point to persistent deflation risks," Barclays of empty tanks to store crude, which would put additional downward pressure on prices. Brent crude was down 62 cents at $56.46 by agreement by the end of March wrote after February's number came out. "In our view, the monetary 1141 GMT. U.S. crude was down 81 cents at $46.24. "U.S. supply so far shows precious little sign of slowing down," the IEA said. "Quite and reach a full agreement by June policy needs to be more 'proactive' in order to deal with the cyclical to the contrary, it continues to defy expectations." While OPEC output declined in February, global supply was up 1.3 million barrels per day (bpd) 30. challenges in the near term." This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . MARCH 14 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Kim Aamir Khan excludes SRK The week in lawn: unhappy HSY and Ayesha with TV deal from his 50th birthday? Reality TV star Kim Kardashian is upset that she will "only" make $15 million from her new TV deal. Hashwani make it work The 34-year-old star's mother and manager Kris Jenner recently ne- gotiated a new $100 million con- tract with E! for her family's real- ity shows, but her children are said to be unhappy with the way the cash will be split, reports femalefirst.co.uk. "Kim's only get- ting $15 million, but she thinks she should get more. After all, it's her who people are tuning in to see," a source told Heat magazine. Khloe Kardashian and Kendall Jenner, along with youngest sister Kylie Jenner, will each land $10 million but think they deserve more, es- pecially with the former "X Fac- tor" host being in line to join the panel of "Fashion Police". And Scott Disick is particularly "livid" that he and girlfriend Kourtney Kardashian -- who have three chil- dren, Mason, five, Penelope, two, and two-month-old Reign -- will split just $10 million between them. "Kourtney and Scott will get $10 million between them but Scott is livid. He says it's less, as Amongst the many faces of lawn lawn and some designs certainly the collection features trellises, the fee will be split between him this year, there is one that never appeal. Still, one prefers the ceramic pottery, Turkish pottery and Kourt, plus their kids," the fails to catch the eye. Milling about oomph of HSY’s luxury-pret and and Nida’s signature birds, sans the source added. Despite the unhap- A grand party is being planned for Aamir Khan who will turn 50 on March 14. The guest list has been revealed a kaleidoscopic of dewy beauties bridals to his print-play. Yet an- eyes! Lawn’s for the masses and it piness, it is unlikely any of the and includes several celebrities from Bollywood but has missed out on King Khan, reported The Times Of is a man, impeccably suited and other busy glittery launch intro- makes economic sense to make family members will walk away India. Salman Khan’s family, the Bachchans, Karan Johar, Anushka Sharma and several others have been absolutely glamorous. The show- duced Ayesha Hashwani’s collab- certain retail-friendly changes from their lucrative reality shows. invited personally by Kiran Rao. But for reasons unknown, Shahrukh Khan did not make it to the list. man to the tee, you see him on oration with the So Kamal group while staying true to design sensi- "Everyone is up in arms, but let's Apparently Aamir has booked a luxurious hotel in Lonavala for all the invitees. Read: Deeply disturbed by billboards, stepping out of a Rolls for Kamal lawn. The designer’s bilities. A few more weeks down face it, they can't leave the show. verbal violence in AIB roast: Aamir Khan The guests will be treated with sauna, steam and fitness facilities at Royce Phantom or lounging on a flair for luxury-pret was easily vis- the line, two of the most highly They have to sign in the next two the health spa, which is the specialty of the hotel. Guests will also be staying in air-conditioned guestrooms private boat zooming over the ible in her lawn line-up, resonating coveted lawn brands of the season weeks, so Kris is desperate to reign with private pools, furnished balconies offering panoramic view of hills and enchanting natural scenery. SRK waters of Dubai, a lawn-clad Me- in the tapering paisleys, embroi- are slated to release: Sania them in," the source said however will be missing out on the royal treatment! hreen Syed by his side. It’s an ad- deries and dark color palette. And Maskatiya for al-Karam and the vertisement that actually stands at the fashion showcase introduc- kingpin of all designer lawns, Sana out better than a model in three- ing the lawn, the fabric was styled Safinaz. In an exclusive preview, Paro to wait piece glory — we’ve seen that so a la quintessential Ayesha Hash- Sana Safinaz revealed their collec- Kriti Sanon quits ‘Singh is Bling’ tion for the year: a delectable mé- for Devdas lange of lawn, melded with chikan- kari, nets, organza and distinctive, head-turning embroidery. The Sana in Pakistan Safinaz lawn is an indisputable trendsetter; they brought in chi- kankari in lawn last year only to have everybody else follow suit this time around. Similarly, many years ago, they introduced plain lawn for lowers in a suit simply because it suited the generally heavy-set Pakistani woman. The 2015 Sana Safinaz collection is a fabulous summer fashion state- ment; there are flocked net dupat- tas that are absolutely irresistible, shirts embellished with kantha- style embroideries, Turkish motifs enlarged and positioned as neck- lines, sparkling bejeweled neck- pieces and chikankari, tweaked and perfected. One can tell straight- away that this line is going to be a ARACHI: “Better late than rage, pushing boundaries while re- never,” is the ideology Pa maining true to the design house’s kistani cinema owners elegant aesthetics. In a similar vein, K seem to be employing in regards Sania Maskatiya’s prints are a to the releasing of iconic Bolly- translation of the designer’s hit wood films in the country recent- lines on the ramp, trickled down ly. The latest movie to become a to the lawn-strewn high street. part of this trend is the 2002 ro- What’s even better is that – like mance-drama Devdas, which will Nida’s single-shirt line-up – Sania’s MUMBAI: Actor Kriti Sanon said she stepped out of Parbhudheva’s directorial Singh Is Bling as it was be gracing Pakistani cinemas for the three-piece lawn will be available first time on Friday, today. The in both stitched and unstitched constantly getting delayed and its dates were clashing with her other projects. “I’m not doing Singh Is Bling now. I think you all must have read. The film was getting delayed for many reasons,” the actor said on Sanjay Leela Bhansali film starring options. The rigmarole with tai- Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwariya Rai- lors can actually be eliminated al- Tuesday at the launch of Spring-Summer collection of an international store. “Now when the film is starting, its dates are clashing with my other projects, so I chose not to do it,” she added. The 24-year-old, who made Bachchan and Madhuri Dixit, is together! Drifting through Sania’s being imported by Distribution lawn moodboard, one sees glimpses her Bollywood debut with Sajid Nadiadwala’s Heropanti last year, said she was keen to feature in the movie. “I was preparing a lot for the film. Akshay Kumar and Prabhudheva are a team that you always want to be a Club (previously known as IMGC of her funky ‘Kuamka’ or bridal Entertainment). “We wanted to many times before and we don’t wani, in long, tapering capes and ‘Ara’ from recent catwalks. There part of,” said Kriti, adding she does not regret her decision to step out from the film. “It is a mutual decision. Producer Ashvini Yardi and I tried a lot to work out the dates, but nothing worked. Then, we mutually decided screen Devdas as it is considered a need to be told that today’s de- short tasseled shrugs. Lawn easily are Japanese pagodas, Egyptian hallmark film of Bollywood cine- signer lawn comes with embroider- trundles towards the boring when structures, wig-wams, fish, ducks that I step out of the film,” she stated. After her exit, Amy Jackson has been roped in to star opposite Akshay in the film. Kriti feels “Amy suits the role perfectly.” “Now, Amy Jackson is doing the film. Since I know the ma,” Sabeena Islam, the marketing ies, silk and chiffon add-ons. With structured into routine, convention- and birds (once again, without the manager of Distribution Club told the exception of crowd-pullers like al silhouettes. A few unique twists eyes – you gotta please the major- script, I can say she suits the role perfectly and I wish her all the best.” Meanwhile, there are reports that Kriti has signed Rohit Shetty’s film. Refusing to divulge any details, she said, “I’m really sorry as I won’t be able The Express Tribune Nadeem Sana Safinaz, Khaadi or Elan, and a great print becomes stand- ity!), dots and an array of filigree Mandviwalla, the managing direc- chances are that we won’t take out! In upcoming lawn releases, drifting about Sania’s canvas. to comment on that film right now. Wait for some more time and you will hear everything about the film… I will talk about the film when the time is right.” tor of Mandviwalla Entertainment, much notice of that lawn billboard heavyweight Elan comes out on Spurts of bright yellow, tangerines, seconded this, saying, “It is a very featuring a Brazilian beauty saun- the 19th of March, with prints tra- turquoises and greens mix in with good film to import in Pakistan be- tering through Thailand, Maldives, versing Oriental, Ottoman and lowers that vary from the plain to Johnny Depp cause first of all it is an iconic film Sri Lanka or even good ol’ Kara- Moroccan influences. exuberant dotted pieces reminis- Lindsay Lohan accused of and secondly, a lot of people have chi. Shero’s not just selling lawn, Designer Khadijah Shah has a cent of Sania’s hugely popular lux- injured on set never seen the movie in cinemas.” he’s selling a brand image. It worked knack for merging colors and prints ury-pret. And that, after all, is the photoshopping images He further added that Devdas is when he sauntered onto advertise- without over-embellishing and the point of designer lawn – for a de- not the only iconic film that was ments for Sunsilk, a bald man un- lawn, modeled by the sultry Rabia signer’s particular aesthetic to be LOS ANGELES: Actor Lindsay Lohan has been accused of photoshop- being imported to the country as cannily selling shampoo! And it Butt, looks like a hit in the mak- translated from the catwalk to ping her images before uploading them to popular photo sharing portal- there are “at least two to four films works for lawn. For HSY, suited ing. lawn’s affordable, comfortable instagram. The 28-year-old shared a picture of her bending over in a more like these that we can at least and primped, emulates the luxury Also on the horizon this week- realms for the masses. Very few tight black leotard dress, mirror.co.uk reported. Lohan has been criti- attempt to screen in the country.” that is an intrinsic part of his brand. end is Nida Azwer’s limited edi- designers resist the urge to overdo cised by fans who said the picture appeared distorted around her legs. One of them is Dilwale Dulhaniya His good friend and model Me- tion collection of stitched and un- embellishments and strike the del- https://instagram.com/lindsaylohan/p/0Gwa5-pcya/ The 28-year-old, Le Jayenge, which will also be re- hreen Syed stands next to him, stitched single-shirt lawn prints. icate balance between design and who is in Paris, was seen leaning slightly forward in the photograph as leasing soon. Apart from the cult wearing the lawn with a smatter- In an ongoing series that will be saleability – but it is this minority she placed a hand on her leg. What drew attention was the background of status of the film, Sabina also be- ing of diamond earrings and gor- stocked at Nida Azwer Atelier that’s making lawn such a fun, styl- the image which appeared to show the white door’s straight edges bent. lieves that this was the ideal time geous accessories, at scenic locales stores and multi-label boutiques, ish statement this summer. Lohan was also accused of phtotoshopping an Instagram image of her to release it. “Ongoing cricket in Dubai, exuding the glamour that waist in January. world cup has impacted the box you end up relating with the HSY office collections and I believe cin- lawn prints for Ittehad. With her emas can recover money by screen- doe-eyed, East meets West looks, ing old classics like these,” she the svelte Mehreen makes a fan- said. Mandviwalla, who is also im- tastic model for lawn, whether porting another Bollywood clas- she’s on the billboards for Ittehad sic, Sholay, spoke of how these and HSY or smoldering in the Gul movies tend to create a “recall val- Ahmed’s prints catalog. Back to ue” amongst audiences and it was HSY, what could also work for his necessary that cinema owners and prints is the fact that in the mass distributors do not promote and market for lawn, he’s a star who’s market them the same way as a well recognized by all and sundry, normal film. “You need to look at with a weekly talk show on local these films differently. It would be TV. While you may or may not be wrong to have very high expecta- an avid fan of Shero’s designs, all tions from a film which is being re- this does make you curious enough Actor Johnny Depp has injured released in Pakistan. You should to brave the lawn customer crowd his hand while shooting for `Pi- not expect back to back housefulls and see what the prints are all rates of the Caribbean: Dead Men and at the same time you cannot about. It’s what drew masses to Tell No Tales` in Australia and will market it like a regular film,” stat- HSY and Ittehad’s lawn launch, in be flying to the US for surgery. ed the Mandviwalla. To a ques- Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad. According to sources, production tion about whether such movies Shero’s just about friends with on the fifth installment of the `Pi- would fare better in single screen everybody and the celebs came in rates of the Caribbean` franchise, cinemas in comparison to multi- droves. Karachi sprinkled the pix- which began last month on Aus- plexes Mandviwalla replied with ie dust with fashion’s heavy- tralia's Gold Coast, is not expect- a “No” reasoning that audiences weights in attendance; Bunto Ka- ed to be overly impacted by that go to see movies in single screen zmi, Umair Tabani, Deepak Per- Depp's injury and the release date cinemas tend to be “cost effective” wani, Sanam Chaudhri, Wardha is still set for July 7, 2017, reports and “would not re-watch a movie Saleem, Tapu Javeri, Zahir Rahim- hollywoodreporter.com. The 51- that they have previously seen on toola and Mohsin Ali, among oth- year-old will reprise his role of DVD at home.” Not everyone ers. The Lahore launch at Raja Sa- Captain Jack Sparrow in the up- though seems to be sharing the hib was graced by Pakistan Fash- coming film, which will also star same excitement in regards to the ion Design Council stalwarts Brenton Thwaites, Kaya Scodelar- release of Devdas. Yasir Jaswal, the alongside Shaan and Meera. Are io, and Javier Bardem in pivotal director of Jalaibee, whose film will the prints worth the hype? To roles. `Pirates of the Caribbean: be releasing on March 20 said, “As some extent only. The line does Dead Men Tell No Tales` is co- a film director, I am unaffected by feature the embroideries and for- directed by Espen Sandberg and the release of this film and even as mal palette associated with luxury Joachim Ronning. an audience member it. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . MARCH 14, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather’s Mardy Fish made his return after clash could be an 18-month absence but was elim- inated by Ryan Harrison from the legendary, says first round of the ATP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. Once the Eddie Hearn world No 7 and a 2008 Indian Wells runner-up to Novak Djokovic, Matchroom Sport boxing promot- Fish hadn’t played competitively er Eddie Hearn believes the fight for nearly two years after heart between Manny Pacquiao and troubles. Fish had two match Floyd Mayweather will be one of points but couldn’t get the job the greatest ever. After months of done allowing Harrison to advance trying to negotiate a deal, the two 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 in two hours and 36 legends of the ring will finally meet minutes. Tennis Betting Bet £5 in a welterweight clash at the Get £20 Free Harrison avoided MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Fish’s pair of winning opportuni- May 2. Disputes over purse splits ties in the third set to force a tie- and blood testing had prevented breaker which he closed out with the fight taking place before now, an ace - he'll face Kei Nishikori but Hearn still thinks it will be a next. Fish said: "I worked extreme- momentous occasion in the Neva- ly hard to put myself in the best da desert. “It’s a huge fight. When position to not have to worry people were trying to make it, peo- about things when I was out there ple felt it was four, five years too if I was out of shape or if I didn't late but I don’t think so,” Hearn feel well or if it was going to be a told Sky Sports News HQ. Floyd long match or a hot match or some- Mayweather Jr and Manny Pac- thing like that, when a lot more quiao took to the stage for the press things creep into your head." Andy conference to hype the biggest fight Murray will face Vasel Pospisil in in boxing history. Floyd May- the next round after the Canadian weather Jr and Manny Pacquiao profited from Mikhail Kukush- took to the stage for the press con- kin's withdrawal through injury. ference to hype the biggest fight in American wild-card Tim Smyczek boxing history. “People have been navigated his way past Benjamin waiting for this fight for a long Becker, Borna Coric eliminated time. Are they at their peak? It’s Andreas Haider-Maurer while arguable, but probably not, but I Juan Monaco, Jarkko Nieminen don’t think it really matters. “You and Jurgen Melzer were also among saw the media attention that was the first-round winners. around the first head-to-head. They are talking of revenues of around $400m for this fight. “By the time the fight comes around, I Australian GP: Nico Rosberg leads think this fight will be one of, if Ricky Walden beats not the biggest, fights of all time, I Lewis Hamilton again in P2 really do. “This is a promoter’s dream but also a promoter’s night- Nico Rosberg and Lewis Hamil- mare. Putting these two together home favourite Aditya ton made it a Mercedes double 1-2 Hole-in-one and eagle was definitely a difficult task. Not in Friday practice after setting the just the egos of the fighters but pace once more in the second ses- also making sure the broadcasters sion at Melbourne's Albert Park. earns Morten Orum Madsen were happy. “There was a lot of As was the case earlier, Rosberg politics to overcome but it’s done Mehta in Indian Open set the pace with a 1:27.697 lap to lead at Tshwane Open and it’s great for boxing. These big go 0.1s faster than Hamilton. The fights can’t get made all the time Silver Arrows were over a second but as long as we throw one in ev- faster than the rest during session orten Orum Madsen produced a sensational finish to his opening ery few months, we give people one but the gap came down slight- round to earn a share of the lead with David Horsey at the hope the ones we want to see can ly when cars switched to soft com- MTshwane Open. Madsen, who finished third at last week's get done.” British boxer James De- pound tyres in P2. "It's better than Africa Open, started with a birdie on the 10th and picked up another Gale is promoted by Hearn and he being second quickest!" said Ros- shot at 16 in a back-nine 33 before rolling in a 30-foot putt for a three at believes the 2008 Olympic cham- berg after his Friday double. "It the first hole. Golf Betting Bet £5 Get £20 Free He responded to his pion will return from the USA a won't make that much difference only mistake of the round at the fourth with another birdie at the sixth, world champion as he prepares to because there is so little between and his wedge to the 135-yard eighth pitched beyond the flag and spun face Andre Dirrell for the vacant us but it's been a great day for the back into the cup for a superb ace. Madsen then knocked a sublime IBF super-middleweight belt. team. We've definitely shown we second to 12 feet at the next and rolled in the eagle putt to set a testing Hearn was unable to agree terms have a strong car. With Lewis, it's target in the clubhouse, a score which only Horsey was able to match with Dirrell’s backers after it went close, he's driving well, it's going after he returned a faultless seven-birdie round. “The last couple of to ‘purse bids’ but he is confident to be a big battle. I need to nail car weeks I’ve been hitting some shots really close and I actually said to DeGale will enjoy success State- set-up because I am not quite there my caddy last week that a hole-in-one is on the cards pretty soon,” side like a number of his British yet. It's a particular challenge here." Madsen told the European Tour website. compatriots. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger confirms Oxlade-Chamberlain injury

Kryie Irving scored a career-high start but Washington opened up a 57 points to lead Cleveland Cava- 27-point lead by the second quar- liers to a 128-125 win over San ter from which the Grizzlies never Antonio Spurs on Thursday. The recovered. Rudy Gobert scored 19 Australian-born player’s 55 against points as Utah Jazz beat Houston Portland in January previously Rockets 109-91. He also grabbed stood as the biggest haul in any a career-high 22 rebounds, regis- NBA match this season but Irving tering a double-double in the first extended his own record thanks to quarter. Indiana Pacers needed 11 overtime points against the overtime to beat Milwaukee Bucks Spurs. Irving notched nine in the 109-91 – Rodney Stuckey scored final minute of the fourth quarter, 25 and Luis Scola added 17. Ricky Walden saw off home favou- fend off veteran Peter Ebdon 4-3. going to miss balls that I don't usu- including a three-pointer to tie the rite Aditya Mehta 4-2 to reach the Next up for Williams is world No 6 ally miss." Meanwhile, Williams match at 110-110 before breaking Arsene Wenger has confirmed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be out for last 16 of the Indian Open in Mum- Judd Trump, who was given a scare is hoping to last the distance in the Cavaliers' four-match winless up to a month with a hamstring injury. The England winger limped off bai. The world No 8 was too strong by amateur Adam Duffy before edg- Mumbai - because he loves the lo- run in overtime. Betting Bet £5 during the second half of Arsenal's FA Cup win against Manchester for the Indian player, who reached ing through 4-3. Trump admitted he cal cuisine. "I've had two curries a Get £20 Free LeBron James added United at Old Trafford. "It's a hamstring injury," said the Arsenal man- the final of the tournament in has been struggling with a shoulder day since I've been here,” he told 31 points, five rebounds and sev- ager. "He'll be out for three to four weeks." Wenger confirmed: “It’s very 2013, to set up a last-eight encoun- injury and considered withdrawing World Snooker's website. “They en assists for Cleveland. Washing- frustrating for him but he’s played more games than ever this season. ter with China's Tian Pengfei. Bet- from the tournament. He said: "The are the best curries I've ever had, ton Wizards won 107-86 against a “In the last two months he was a bit in and out. But he has shown again ting Bet £5 Get £20 Free Former shoulder is better than it was in my better than anything back home. Memphis Grizzlies team weak- on Monday night what an important player he is for Arsenal and En- world champions John Higgins and first match, though it is still not per- “If my wife asks me next week if ened by rested players. Their gland. “And it’s shame that on Monday night in the final sprint he’s not Mark Williams also booked their fect. "I don't expect much tomor- want to go for a curry, I'll definite- fourth consecutive away game there.” Wenger also said that Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere are place in the next round. Scot Hig- row, I will just battle like I did today ly have to say no." Elsewhere, meant Marc Gasol, Zach Randol- unlikely to be fit for England’s games against Lithuania and Italy later gins won 4-2 against Jamie Cope and see what happens. I'm not going Graeme Dott, the 2006 world ph, Tony Allen and Mike Conley this month. The Frenchman added: “They will come too soon for Jack while Welshman Williams racked to play my best here. “I just need to champion, cruised to a 4-0 win over were handed a breather. Memphis’ and Alex. It's very difficult to say when Jack will be back. We have to up a final frame break of 127 to try to be patient because I know I'm David Morris. replacements got off to a quick respect his recovery." UFC: Alistair Overeem and Joseph Duffy open up before UFC 185 A celebrated two-sport heavy- Werdum who is now UFC interim The Irish lightweight needed 38 weight and the last man to defeat heavyweight champ, then beat seconds to beat McGregor in 2010 'Notorious' Conor McGregor and Brock Lesnar. The previous two - but while McGregor will now have opened up to Sky Sports years I beat Mark Hunt, Peter fight for the world title, Duffy's ahead of UFC 185. Alistair Over- Aerts and Badr Hari in MMA and UFC debut arrives against Jake eem, the goliath who has collected kickboxing. 2005 was very good, I Lindsey. Duffy said: I remember MMA and kickboxing accolades beat Vitor Belfort in the PRIDE fighting McGregor well. I recogn- without yet conquering the UFC, middleweight Grand Prix. I can go ise the man he is now with the man and Joseph Duffy, who defeated back to ’99 when I first fought in that I beat. But he’s evolved a lot, current poster boy McGregor be- MMA, and I started kickboxing he’s improved and so have I. If a fore either built their reputation, aged 17. I’ve not had many easy second fight with McGregor comes both compete this weekend in fights, these are all tough guys. I along, I can beat him again. I would Dallas, Texas in a card headlined recently lost three fights but that’s be ignorant not to realise that part by Anthony Pettis' world title de- happened before, I recall it in 2006- of the reason I’m now in the UFC fence against Rafael dos Anjos. 07, but if you compete at the top is down to the success over Alistair Overeem (4/9 with Sky you will sometimes lose. Now I’m McGregor. Bet) The Dutch colussus has focused on Roy Nelson who has That’s a great platform for me to fought a who's who of heavy- weaknesses on the ground and springboard from. McGregor has weights in two fight sports. He weakness in his stand-up game so broken through and reached a mas- meets Roy Nelson on Saturday, I’ll exploit him. Saying I’m the best sive fan-base, he’s generated a lot but looked back over a storied ca- heavyweight in the world is ex- of interest in Irish fighters. I’ve reer that lacks only the UFC title. treme but I’m the best version of been watching this wanting my Betting Bet £5 Get £20 Free Over- myself that I can be. Is that good own chance in the UFC. Now the eem said: There’s so many mo- enough to be the best in the world? time is right and the Irish public ments I can be proud of. I’ve de- I’m trying, so we’ll see. I’m 35 are behind me, too. I wouldn’t say feated a lot of big names and I’ve soon but I still have a couple of it’s inevitable I’ll fight him again got a string of belts hanging on my years left that I can do this. Saying but it’s something fans would be wall. 2010 was my championship I’m the best heavyweight in the interested in. year when I defended my Strike- world is extreme but I’m the best Fighting in Croke Park or the Avi- force title, won a K-1 title and then version of myself that I can be. Is va Stadium is every Irishman’s a DREAM title. I’m also proud of that good enough to be the best in dream but I don't want that fight 2011 when I defeated Fabricio the world? I’m trying, so we’ll see. to define me. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. SATURDAY . MARCH 14 . 2015 -Hoot 23, 1393 H.S Vol:IX Issue No:220 Price: Afs.15

Taliban contacted Pak agrees to reassess deadline for Afghan refugees repatriation AT Monitoring Desk hensive plan containing realistic for the refugees expiring on Dec to free kidnapped timelines for the repatriation of 31 and extension of the tripartite KABUL: The Pakistani govern- refugees. The earlier decision of agreement during the consulta- ment has agreed to review its De- not extending the Dec 31 deadline tions on the return policy. There cember 31 deadline for repatria- had been unilaterally taken by Pa- was further consensus on taking passengers: Mohaqiq tion of Afghan refugees and has kistan in January this year. It is timely decisions on the issues re- promised to organize a realistic believed that recent improvements lated to the future of refugees so KABUL: Deputy Chief Executive marked the 20th death anniversa- roadmap for implementing the in Pak-Afghan ties have made Is- that uncertainty towards the end Officer Mohammad Mohaqiq on ry of Hezb-i-Wahdat leader Ab- process in a better manner, said lamabad soften its position. of year could be avoided. In the Friday confirmed contact between dul Ali Mazari, Mohaqiq said the media reports on Friday. It is said that there are about meantime, in respect to docu- government officials and represen- kidnapped people were innocent Pakistan s Dawn reported that 1.6 million registered Afghan ref- menting unregistered refugees, it tatives of the Taliban and another civilians. Relatives of the victims Pakistan had shown flexibility to ugees in Pakistan. was decided that a six-member group for the release of kidnapped urged him at a recent meeting to extend the deadline. This decision The number of unregistered committee would work out mo- passengers. Unidentified gunmen play an effective role in securing was taken after a tripartite meet- refugees is believed to be close to dalities in this regard. The com- kidnapped 31 people, who were their release. They have blamed ing among senior Afghan, Paki- one million. The declaration said mittee has been given an ambitious on their way from Herat province me for not raising my voice for stani and UN officials as part of that the new policy on Afghan timeline of documenting over one to the capital Kabul, in the Shah these kidnapped individuals... the 25th tripartite meeting held in refugees is to be formulated latest million unregistered refugees in Joi district of southern Zabul prov- The deputy CEO said he had in- Islamabad. by August that would contain the four months. ince on February 23. formally sent a delegation to Quet- Pakistan s Prime Minister, return program based on ground Life became difficult for Af- Subsequently, Afghan securi- ta, the capital of Pakistan s south- Nawaz Sharif, said during a meet- realities and the absorption capac- ghan refugees after the deadly at- ty forces conducted a search op- western Balochistan province. ing with Afghan Refugees Minis- ity of Afghanistan. The policy is tack on a school in Peshawar city eration and killed and killed a num- He added the group, to which ter Sayid Hussain Alimi Balkhi It is said that there are about 1.6 million registered likely to be presented for approv- which left more than 130 children ber of militants, but there has been the kidnappers were linked, had that the two countries should Afghan refugees in Pakistan. The number of unregis- al at the next meeting of the tri- dead. no clue to the kidnapped individ- been told that innocent people had closely engage with the UNHCR tered refugees is believed to be close to one million. partite commission in Kabul in The Afghan government re- uals, The Taliban rebels have de- been seized. Another Karachi- for devising a realistic roadmap for August. The three sides also cently sent a delegation to Islam- nied having hand in the incident. based extremist group has also repatriation of the refugees. muniqué of the tripartite meeting, UNHCR have agreed to work to- agreed to discuss the issue of re- abad to notice the plight of Af- Addressing a gathering that been contacted. (Pajhwok) According to the joint com- Afghanistan, Pakistan and the gether for formulating a compre- newal of proof of registration cards ghan refugees living in Pakistan. Afghan educator top 10 finalist for global teacher prize KABUL SEEKS zizullah Royesh, an Afghan around the world, who has made an girls' education," Royesh said who cated society, saying Royesh was a 1994, which he moved back to Kab- educator, has been named extraordinary impact on their stu- is widely known for his efforts for role model for all Afghan educators. ul in 2001. "If awarded the Prize, Aone of the top 10 finalists dents and community. Royesh, who girls' education. "Boys follow their "I believe he is the one who helped Azizullah would use the funds to STRENGTHENED worldwide out of 5,000 nominees is the founder of Marefat High School father's principles but they are girls me choose my way," a student said, renovate and expand his school. He for prestigious Global Teacher of Kabul, is leading a school which who can bring changes." He insisted urging that Afghanistan needed such also aims to launch a professional Prize of Varkey Foundation. The had about 4,000 students in 2011, that Afghanistan has now become a personalities to defeat war by edu- teacher training academy so that ties with Islamabad award will be presented by the 44 percent of which were girls. He safe place for everyone, but acknowl- cation. "The important thing we Marefat's model of education can be former U.S. president Bill Clinton has been teaching both boys and girls edged still many challenges were learned from Royesh is hope," an- applied throughout the country," the AT Monitoring Desk peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan on March 16 at Global Education with new educational system and ahead of the country. "I think we other student of Marefat School foundation said in its website. The is interlinked and the leaderships and Skills Forum in Dubai. The methods, leading a number of stu- have come a long way as Afghani- said. "He has taught us to not give nine other finalists include three ed- KABUL: Afghan Ambassador in of the two countries are making one-million dollar award is a prize dents get scholarships abroad for stan has improved a lot since the up hope at any situation." Royesh ucators from U.S. and six others from Pakistan, Janan Mosazai called on serious efforts for restoring peace given each year by the foundation higher studies. "I think you cannot fall of Taliban regime." His students first established Marefat School in India, Haiti, Cambodia, UK, Kenya Pakistan s Punjab Chief Minister and harmony in the region. He to a very special teacher, from change the perspective regarding also praised his efforts for an edu- Pakistan after fleeing the Taliban in and Malaysia. (TOLONews) Shahbaz Sharif in Islamabad the said that Pakistan government led other day, said media reports. by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif According to Pakistan s Dai- and the people are determined to NDS claims detaining 9 Eyeing Islamic system, Taliban say ly, the two sides discussed mat- root out terrorism from the coun- ters of mutual interest, promotion try. He added that relations be- aware of the fact that the break- of Afghanistan-Pakistan ties and tween Pakistan and Afghanistan insurgents, kidnappers no contact with govt through has to be achieved before regional situation. Janan Mosazai had improved; however, there is the Taliban s spring offensive. said that Afghanistan wanted to need for promotion of trade and KABUL: The intelligence service four other men from Taloqan on KABUL: Rejecting reports re- US special representative for Af- Prime Minister s Advisor on Na- strengthen its relations with Pa- economic cooperation between on Friday announced detaining charges of kidnapping and killing a garding talks with the Afghan gov- ghanistan and Pakistan, on Tues- tional Security and Foreign Affairs kistan. He gave the proposal to the two countries. Kabul-Islama- five militants and four alleged kid- resident of Farkhar district. The de- ernment, the Taliban said on Fri- day held crucial talks Pakistan with Sartaj Aziz also confirmed on Tues- set up Afghan Consulate in bad relations entered a new phase nappers in northern Takhar prov- tainees, who have confessed to their day they had neither contacted the army chief General Raheel Sharif day that the Afghan government and Lahore which was welcomed by following the formation of the ince. The individuals were arrest- crime, killed the captive and authorities nor asked anyone else in Rawalpindi and appreciated Is- the Taliban were holding negotia- the chief minister. During the ses- new government in Afghanistan ed in separate operations by law- dumped his body into a canal in to carry forward the task. Earlier lamabad s positive role for peace tions. He informed Pakistan s Sen- sion, Shahbaz Sharif said that Pa- Baharak district. They allegedly sold and the deadly attack in Pesha- enforcement personnel, the Na- reports said the government and and stability in Afghanistan. The ate Standing Committee on Foreign kistan and Afghanistan had strong war city which left more than 130 the victim s car for $1,200. Accord- the Taliban were preparing to US would not be part of the up- Affairs that both sides have already tional Directorate of Security ing to the NDS statement, a Taliban historical, religious and cultural children dead. A number of Af- (NDS) said. However, the agency hold face-to-face talks within the coming talks, but it has fully backed formed committees to pursue the relations and a new era of Afghan- commander was apprehended along peace talks. But in a statement, the ghan critics believe that good im- gave no dates of the arrests. In a with an associate in the Tagab dis- next few days, thanks efforts by the fresh moves for the political istan-Pakistan relations had begun provements had been made in Af- Pakistan and other stakeholders. solution, said the report. The re- Taliban rejected all the reports as statement, the agency said: Three trict of Badakhshan province. The baseless and untrue. Their due to the mutual visits of the lead- ghanistan-Pakistan relegations but Taloqan residents, loyal to Tali- men were charged with involvement Reports said the two sides had port added that efforts were being spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid erships and senior authorities of the two countries need to improve ban commander Maulvi Aminul- in terrorism and transferring arms been in contact but it was the first made to arrange the talks in Kabul told Pajhwok Afghan News the the two countries. The Chief trade ties as it was the main route lah Tayeb, were held with an ex- to insurgent groups in Badakhshan. time they would sit across nego- in an effort to show that the pro- group had neither contacted the Af- Minister welcomed the proposal and an effective way to bring the plosives-rigged motorbike. Sep- They are currently under investiga- tiating table to discuss the future cess is Afghan-led and Afghan- ghan government nor entrusted the of setting up of Afghan Consulate people and the governments of the arately, NDS operatives arrested tion. (Pajhwok) of Afghanistan. Daniel Feldman, owned. All sides are very much job to anyone else. (Pajhwok) General in Lahore. He said that two countries closer. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.