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THURSDAY . MARCH 19 . 2015 -Hoot 28, 1393 HS www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes

7 people killed, Protestors 46 injured in Will never seek sacking Peace talks but after militants Helmand blast of Bagrami district officials shun violence: Abdullah AT News Report compromise AT Monitoring Desk KABUL: Strongly condemning a KABUL: At least seven people suicide bombing in the capital of have been killed and 46 others, KABUL: Hundreds of protestors southern Helmand province, mostly civilians, wounded in a on national on Wednesday took to the streets Chief Executive Officer Abdullah suicide truck bombing in Lashkar- of the capital city Kabul and urged Abdullah said peace talks were gah, the capital of southern Hel- the government to sack a number possible only with those willing mand province, on Wednesday. of high-ranking officials of Kab- to renounce violence, killings and The acting governor of Helmand, ul s Bagrami district. bloodshed. The car suicide bomb- Mohammad Jan Rassoulyar, told interests: Ghani The protestors were more ing killed seven people and in- Afghanistan Times that the inci- than 300 people who started ral- jured 46 others in Lashkargah dent took place at around 11:00am ly in Ahmad Shah Baba Mina shortly after 11am, Helmand s when a suicide bomber rammed streets at around 9:00am local time. deputy governor Mohammad Jan his explosives-laden Mazda truck They prodded the government to Rassoulyar earlier told Pajhwok into the governor house in Lash- remove the district chief, police Afghan News. kargah city. At least seven peo- chief, revenue official and a num- Abdullah strongly condemned ple have been killed so far in the ber of other officials in Bagrami. the attack on the part of Afghani- blast and some 46 others, mostly The protestors blamed the stan s enemies as cowardly and civilians, wounded, Rassoulyar officials for helping land grabbers barbaric in a statement from his stop carrying out terrorist and in- peace and stability to the coun- added. The blast was very pow- and making fake document for office. human attacks and killing innocent try. He said no one could reach erful, as it has also damaged other state lands in a number of areas of He said the attack showed the people. He said anyone trying to their goal with terrorist attacks and nearby government buildings and the district. However, the admin- armed opposition was not ready get advantage with such terrorist seeking peace and continuing houses. Government officials istrative chief of Ahmad Shah for peace talks. Peace talks are acts was mistaken. bloodshed of Afghans could not were in a meeting, when the blast Baba Mina Township, Sayid only possible with those willing The Afghans seek a durable go together. We still insist on occurred. Spokesman for the gov- Shamsuddin Qarizada, rejected the to shun violence and bloodshed. and dignified peace, but they are peace, which we consider a long- ernor Omar Zwak, provincial di- allegations, and said he would be No one can obtain privilege with not ready to cut a deal in return. standing demand of Afghans, rector of agriculture, Nad Ali dis- willing to stand trial if the pro- such barbaric attacks, he said. Dr. The CEO said such attacks in the something that can ensure calm in trict chief and former administra- President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani said that national testors could support their claims Abdullah said if the insurgents ongoing circumstances did not the country and put to end vio- tive head of Greshk district were objectives would not be compromised. while bringing evidence. wanted peace, they should first benefit efforts initiated to bring lence. (Pajhwok) also among those injured in the blast. The Taliban accepted re- AT News Report country that tries to plot against sponsibility of the attack. the Afghan gerent, but he warned KABUL: Amidst concerns and that no one should think Afghani- media buzz about Afghan govern- stan as battlefield of their proxy No direct peace talks with Taliban yet: HPC 6 rebels ment s clandestine deal with a war . He called on Afghans to pay neighboring country for peace attention to stability and national Durand Line a national issue, not included in the agenda of peace dialogue killed in Kunduz talks, President Mohammad unity, besides overcoming the cur- Ashraf Ghani said Wednesday that rent wars and conflicts in Afghani- Abdul Zuhoor Qayomi achievements of the past 13 years. 13 years would not be sold out in He said that the government military op national objectives would not be stan. In the meantime, a number of Durand Line issue will not be in the peace deal with the Taliban, has convinced regional countries AT Monitoring Desk compromised. President Ghani analysts say that President Ghani embers of the High Peace agenda of the peace talks with the as Afghanistan wants peace talks to lend their support to Afghani- attended graduation ceremony of during his trips to neighboring coun- Council (HPC), who Taliban or Islamabad, as it is a with its dignity intact. stan s peace process. The entire KABUL: At least six militants army cadets in Marshal Moham- tries will have found that a number Mwere summed by Wolesi national issue, he added. The Secretary of the HPC, Ma- Muslim world acknowledges ter- were killed and two others wound- mad Qasim Fahim Defense Uni- of the countries were trying to plot Jirga (WJ), said that they haven t Minister of Foreign Affairs, soom Stanekzai, said there in the rorism as their common enemy. ed following a clearance operation versity. He said there were sever- against the National Unity Govern- started direct peace talks with the Salahuddin Rabbani, said that Afghan government for peace Thus, Kabul will spare no efforts in northeastern Kunduz province, al plots to discredit the National ment and undermine its credibility Taliban yet. Deputy Chairman of peace talks are in their initial stag- talks with the Taliban. President to convince Islamic world and re- said officials on Wednesday. Col. Unity Government. He said that among the masses. Wadir Safi, an the HPC, Hajji Din Muhammad, es and have not been started yet. Ashraf Ghani has studied the gional countries to lend their sup- Mohammad Nadir, an army offic- those who wanted to undermine analyst, was quoted by Radio Aza- assured lawmakers that they were He said that ground is now paved WJ s proposed mechanism for port to an Afghan-led peace pro- er, was quoted by Pajhwok Af- the morale of Afghan troops di, as saying that the government yet to start direct negotiations for talks. Official trips have been peace talks, he added. Stanekzai cess, Stanekzai maintained. ghan News, as saying that the was blaming others to hide its weak- operation was launched in a Gor should rethink because they with the Taliban. He termed peace made to different countries includ- assured lawmakers that the peace He emphasized that national Tepa area near the Kunduz city would never succeed to reach their nesses in its activities, as has not parleys with the Taliban as the ing China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey talks will not be conducted in se- interests will be taken into con- two days back, adding that two nefarious end. Ghani added that formed the cabinet in most than six only way to end wars in Afghan- and Uzbekistan to attract their crete from people of Afghanistan. sideration in any talks with the villages were cleared of militants the abduction of 31 passengers in months. The remarks come as the istan. He said that the government support for Afghanistan s peace All Jihadi leaders, political Taliban. in the operation their hideouts Zabul province was one of the Afghan government has paid all out will practice more caution and will negotiations, he said, adding that figures, civil society and repre- In the meantime, MPs mount- were destroyed. He said that six plots against the National Unity efforts to hold peace talks with the take national interests into con- bringing peace to Afghanistan is a sentative of women will be in- ed concerns over transparency of rebels were killed and two others Government. However, the pres- Taliban and lead this process to- sideration in the talks. He stressed time-consuming process. Rabbani formed of any development in the peace process and casted wounded in the operation. ident did not name any specific wards a result-oriented end. that peace deal will not endanger said that achievements of the past peace talks, he added. doubt on Pakistan s sincerity. 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. THURSDAY . MARCH 19, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Po lice chiefs n o t Pakistani Bank eyeing New Kabul Bank purchase

A committee from the Muslim country, and the government must pay ultimate attention to prevent- ing Afghanistan from facing chal- ened," said Amir Khan Yar, the b a r r ed fr o m Commercial Bank of Pakistan trav- lenges," Kabul University Finance Chairman of the Finance and Bud- eled to Kabul this week to explore and Banking Professor Said Ma- get Commission. On the other an interest in buying the New Kab- sood told TOLOnews on Tuesday. hand, the Afghan Private Banking g iv in g in fo t o ul Bank from the Ministry of Fi- "This is one of the key stages for Association has maintained that nance (MoF), which has owned the the government of Afghanistan, so the selling of the New Kabul Bank bank ever since it collapsed in 2010 they must pay attention." to a foreign bank would not be nec- r ep o r t er s: M o I in the wake of an embezzlement Meanwhile, lawmakers on the essarily against the law. "From a scandal. Finance and Budget Commission legal point of view, the selling of However, a number of finan- of the House of Representatives the New Kabul Bank to a foreign cial and economic analysts have have also expressed concerns about bank is not a problem," associa- cautioned the move, saying that if the possible bank sale. tion Chairman Ahmad Sear a major Afghan bank is sold to a "The selling of the New Kabul Quraishi said. "If the bank that is Pakistani one without sufficient Bank to the Pakistani bank is purchasing the New Kabul Bank transparency in the tendering pro- against the banking laws of Afghan- meets international standards, then cess then Afghan national interests istan and the government must not there is no problem." Efforts to could be at risk. act hastily, otherwise, the House get comments from the Ministry "Selling the New Kabul Bank of Representatives will take action of Finance (MoF) on the subject to this Pakistani bank will endan- and will not allow the national in- of the possible bank sale were un- ger the national interests of the terests of the country to be threat- successful. (TOLONews) Voices: First career, then marriage, Afghan sisters By Samira Kitman 600 original hand-painted calligra- quoise Mountain. My mother is KABUL: When I was 8 years old, phy and illumination works for the an illiterate housewife who has nev- I told my mother and my aunt I Anjum Hotel. I selected the colors er been to school. Sheprays that wanted to be a famous woman in using handmade pigments from I continue my business. When my my home country of Afghanistan. natural materials and supervised the father had a hotel wedding busi- They laughed and told me to just project. I hope one day to visit ness, he taught me accounting and get an education. We were living Mecca and see our work. Turquoise event planning. My family sup- The Ministry of Interior Affairs lice chiefs," Sediqi noted. Howev- in Pakistan when I shared my Mountain got a $650,000 commis- ports me, or tries to. But the Af- (MoI) has rejected the reports as er, Mujib Khelwatgar the execu- dreams. We returned home along sion for the hotel. It s one of the ghan culture doesn t support many baseless that the National Securi- tive chief of NAI, a media sup- with tens of thousands of Afghans Afghan crafts industry s biggest women like me. When I wanted to ty Council (NSC) has prohibited porting agency, acknowledged that when the Americans came in 2002 commercial commissions. My go to Mumbai, India, for a confer- the provincial police chiefs from the problem still existed to the re- and the Taliban was gone. I may company was a subcontractor and ence on exporting and importing giving information on security in- porters in eastern parts. "Based on not be famous, but I am living my earned $65,823. We created jobs for handicrafts, my father told me Af- cidents to the reporters. MoI our information, the reporters in dream. I am a young Afghan busi- more than 30 of my Afghan sisters ghan culture would not allow me to spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said on eastern provinces still cannot reach nesswoman. Last week, I was over six months. I want to be the go alone. I said, No, Dad. It s dif- Tuesdays that the NSC decision to the security officials and this honored as Best Woman Entre- female Bill Gates in my country. ferent now. And I went. I know I was misunderstood as only the can also happen in southern and preneur at the International But it s very important for me to am lucky. Many Afghan girls are spokesmen of police chiefs were northern provinces," Khelwatgar Women s Day event sponsored by help other people in Afghanistan. I not allowed to get an education. disallowed to provide information said, demanding the NSC to revise the Women s Center of wouldn t be where I am without Around the time they are 19, soci- on security events in order to avoid its decision. The reporters also af- the American University of Af- the free education I received from ety pressures them to get married. misleading information. These firmed that despite many efforts, ghanistan. In 2010, I started my Turquoise Mountain. It was estab- They are not allowed to choose statements were expressed after the police chiefs and their spokes- own company and foundation, lished in 2006 at the request of the their husbands. My parents and my some of provincial police chiefs men were not providing them in- Meftah-e-Hunar, to train young prince of Wales by Rory Stewart, a two brothers say it s my decision refrained from giving information formation after any insecurity in- women to become artists and member of Parliament. The largest whom I want to marry, and when. to the reporters on the account cident. "These days we are having make a living. My foundation has amount of financial support for Ninety percent of Afghan families that the NSC had disallowed them many problems because the secu- taught 90 young girls calligraphy Turquoise Mountain comes from are not like that. Both my brothers from giving information, something rity officials hardly talk to us," a skills and how to make miniature the U.S. Agency for International live in England. When I talk to them, that caused deep problems for the reporter in Kandahar Abdul Ali paintings. Last year, with the Development. I owe a lot of my they ask me how my business is reporters. "As we have nothing in Safdari said. Criticizing restrictions school that trained me Tur- success to a variety of foreign do- going or if I have a new contract or our formation by the name of pro- to the reporters, the media advo- quoise Mountain Institute we nors. I am also lucky to be the a new project. They don t ask vincial police chief spokesmen, it cacy groups have asked the gov- got a commission to provide the daughter of parents who support when I m going to get married. Af- is decided that the information to ernment to avoid adopting policies interior artwork for a five- my desire to be more than an Af- ghanistan is slowly changing, but the reporters should be given only that increased the problems of re- star hotel in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. ghan housewife. My parents were we have a long male-dominated his- When the Taliban was here, that by the interior ministry or the po- porters. (TOLONews) My company produced more than proud when I graduated from Tur- tory and a strong culture. I don t (Photo: Handout) number was zero. Thousands of want to change our society to be girls are going to university. My like the USA. I accept the rules of options. They do, thanks in part ext week, Afghan message to my younger Afghan sis- this society. But I want to change to the Americans, the Germans, President Ashraf Ghani ters is to not focus on weddings and the negative notion that marriage is the Japanese, the Canadians, the and Afghan Chief Execu- dresses. N the most important thing for young Italians, the British and others Focus on yourself. First study, learn, tive Abdullah Abdullah will visit girls. Because of a lack of aware- who have built schools, printed go to university. Find a career. Start Washington, D.C., as part of the ness about education and its op- textbooks and trained teachers. a business. Then get married. Kit- first official visit to the United portunities, too many girls marry One-third of about 8 million chil- man, 25, is an Afghan entrepreneur States by the newly created na- because they feel they have no other dren enrolled in school are girls. (USA Today) tional unity government, or NUG a power-sharing deal that created Abdullah s new chief ex- ecutive position after a months- Building a new US-Afghanistan economic compact WITH EXIT OF FOREIGNERS, long stand-off over a disputed run- off vote. In the months since their deal, security issues continue to dominate the news on Afghanistan demand for mineral water falls with reports of a weakened army, high-profile Taliban attacks on the ollowing the pullout of most say they sell pure water, coming really wants to improve the econo- police, and self-declared affiliates international combat troops from 80 meters deep wells and my, Arifi argued. of the Islamic State of Iraq and Ffrom Afghanistan, demand containing appropriate amounts of AISA paid less attention to Al-Sham, or ISIS, operating across for mineral water has declined by calcium, magnesium, sodium, po- domestic promotion and address- the country. While security in Af- 50 percent. Foreigners and peo- tassium and iron. Abdul Karim, ing requirements of industrialists in ghanistan is essential, the back- ple working with them have been who recently returned from the past 13 years, he acknowledged. bone of Afghanistan s future its major consumers of mineral wa- Ukraine after 20 years, said he I respect the AISA chief, but we economic growth and stability ter. Most of Afghans, suffering consumed many types of mineral have received little cooperation from has been consistently neglected. from poverty, view mineral water water. The mineral water really him. The visit of Ghani and Abdul- as a luxury. The Afghanistan In- has good quality. Gulabuddin, a He asked the agency to pave lah both of whom have herald- vestment Support Agency retailer in Taimani locality, said the ground for loans, reduce taxes, ed Afghanistan s economic poten- (AISA) says 85 companies have there were different kind of prod- distribute land plots and provide tial and warned of its pitfalls been granted licences for mineral ucts, however, his customers pre- electricity to industrialists. offers the United States and Af- water production since 2003. Of ferred Crystal. Purchasing power AISA s Deputy Director Mo- ghanistan a critical opportunity to them, 57 were established in Kab- A bottle of mineral water, weigh- hammad Ibrahim Shams confirmed elevate economic discussions. At ul. Abdul Karim Arifi, head of the ing half litre, costs 15 to 20 afgha- some problems, but said: We don t a time of security uncertainty, a Industrialists Union, said only 20 nis. Majority of the people do not accept the claim the agency has done renewed economic compact be- companies produced pure miner- have the capacity to buy mineral nothing to solve problems of the tween Afghanistan and its largest al water in Kabul. Declining de- water. Gulabuddin confirmed ma- industrialists and investors. Eight international donor would signal mand Arifi told Pajhwok Afghan jority of their customers were ex- industrial parks have been created strong support for the new gov- News with the drawdown of for- patriates and non-governmental in the country in the past 12 years, ernment and instill confidence in eign forces and closure of some organisations. Abdul Mansur, a while three other such parks are the Afghan people. Why the international organisations offic- Taimani resident, said people being set up, according to Shams, economy matters now An inter- SOURCE: AP/Rahmat Gul es, demand for mineral water had could not buy mineral water be- who claimed the industrial parks did national economic package is not A boy makes traditional sweets at a market in Kabul, Afghanistan. fallen. In addition, some factories cause of its high price. Water in not encounter power outages. new for Afghanistan. In 2011, the have cut production due to de- our area is salty. If the mineral Abdul Qadir Jilani, Ministry of Bonn Conference on Afghanistan Realizing Self-Reliance. The through the Internet and even those the region s economic future are creasing demand. The Natural water were cheap we would defi- Finance spokesman, said they had recognized Afghanistan s fragile agenda centered on economic and in rural areas use mobile communi- now in place through the Heart of Mineral Water Factory, which nitely consume it. When I m out always supported industrialists. economy and its deep financial social improvements necessary cations. These trends highlight the Asia process one of the many re- produced 20,000 cartons of wa- I buy mineral water. But at home Taxes on eight kinds of raw materi- needs that would continue beyond for a stable economic future. In it, potential for a young skilled labor gional conferences meant to galva- ter daily last year, has slashed its we have no choice but to use the al imports had been reduced, he 2014. The international commu- he also prioritized issues close to force that could be the engine of nize cooperation in Afghanistan s production by 50 percent in 2015. salty water. We are a 10-member maintained. nity pledged to support Afghani- donors hearts, such as women growth that Afghanistan desperate- neighborhood as well as other in- Established in Pul-i-Charkhi family and the cost would be too But the tax on water bottles and stan in its Transformation and youth empowerment, educa- ly needs. However, with more than itiatives such as China s Silk Road area in 2005 at a cost of $3 mil- high, reasoned Ahmad Sayar labels had not been changed because Decade, a 10-year commitment tion, and anticorruption. To be 70 percent of Afghanistan s popu- Economic Belt, Turkey s Silk Road lion, the plant provided job op- another resident. Domestic prod- such factories were already active from 2015 to 2024 to maintain successful, however, Ghani and lation working in agriculture and the Initiative, and the Central Asian portunities to 100 people, accord- ucts Arifi said if the government inside the country, the spokesman development assistance at or Abdullah must move beyond a absence of other economic oppor- Regional Economic Cooperation, or ing to Arifi, who also noted a 20 was willing to support the use of explained. For his part, Arifi said near the levels of the last decade. plan and a conference; they must tunities, market and security devel- CAREC. Just as these Afghan po- percent fall in production by the domestic products, he could halve the number of bottles produced in- The commitment sought to rein- actualize their reforms and initiate opments are unfortunately leading litical and economic trends are im- Tabiyat Mineral Water. Initially, down the price of mineral water. side the country was not enough force confidence that Afghanistan the programs. This reform agenda to a steady return to poppy pro- proving, U.S. assistance to Afghan- foreigners used to import mineral A half-litre bottle of water costs 8 and the labels printed in Afghani- would have a soft-landingfor its presents a unique opportunity for duction up 7 percent in 2014 istan is facing significant challeng- water, but after the establishment afghanis in the wholesale market. stan were of poor quality. Under economy as security responsibil- the United States and the interna- and a subsequent increase in the il- es. As U.S. troops drawdown, U.S. of factories in Kabul, they started He asked the government to re- Article 4 of the tax law, industrial ities transition from U.S. and tional community to reframe the legal opium trade. Given the youth development assistance to Afghan- consuming domestically-pro- duce the taxes on raw material and units have to pay 20 percent of its NATO troops to Afghan Nation- donor compact around these re- population, Afghanistan is also like- istan has also declined from $1.8 duced water. Gulabuddin, owner other imported goods. Last year, income in taxes to the government al Security Forces, or ANSF. In forms, while holding Ghani and ly to experience growing urbaniza- billion in 2013to $1.1 billion in of a general store in the Taimani he recalled, he had paid one mil- annually. Ministry of Commerce order to cement this commitment, Abdullah accountable for their tion, demands on government ser- 2014. The FY 2015 assistance has locality of Kabul, also confirmed lion afghanis in tax. Water bottles spokesman Musafir Qoqandi said international donors pledged $16 agenda. Indeed, Ghani and Abdul- vices such as health care and educa- not yet been allocated for Afghani- the production of mineral water and labels are imported and the 3,000 factories were functioning in billion from 2012 to 2015 at the lah bring a strong commitment to tion, and pressures for job creation. stan, according to FY 2016 Con- had witnessed a major decrease. company pays 10 percent tax to the country as a result of efforts by follow-up Tokyo Conference in reform. Both of their campaigns Large youth populations can also gressional Budget Justification. The Quality Arifi said Tabiyat and 19 the government. Production lev- the government in the past 13 years. 2012. This pledge was an impor- called for countering corruption be potentially destabilizing, partic- U.S. presence in Afghanistan in other factories produced quality els could increase and price fall if In an effort to encourage investors tant step toward putting a solid and rapid economic gains. Both ularly with a lack of economic op- both troops and embassy person- mineral water. Equipment being the government allocates land to and jump-start the economy, he monetary sum behind the politi- Ghani and Abdullah have served portunity. The economic programs nel has diminished markedly from used by the factory was pur- the factory. The government added, land plots had been distrib- cal commitments. This earlier in- in the Afghan government before and reforms discussed by Ghani and 432 in March 2012 to less than 100 chased in the US. Majority of for- should support industrialists by uted to industrialist in Kabul and ternational commitment sought to as finance minister and foreign Abdullah acknowledge the oppor- in 2014. U.S. civilians at Provincial eigners used to consume Tabiyat cutting taxes on raw materials and other provinces. But plots in Kab- transition Afghanistan through the minister, respectively. Prior to his tunities and threats presented by Reconstruction Teams, or PRTs, Factory s water. Factory officials jacking up the import duty if it ul are fewer. (Pajhwok) most crucial phase from 2014 to return to government in Afghani- these trends, particularly the need have consolidated into the embas- 2015. During this time, interna- stan, Ghani spent decades as a for job growth and private-sector sy in Kabul, meaning that econom- tional troops planned to draw- World Bank-trained development development. Regionally, nascent ic support programs outside of down to a train, advise, and assist expert and economist. In creating opportunities are appearing to de- Kabul will rely on contracted or mission, handing security to the Chief Executive Abdullah s new velop trade routes and resource nongovernment personnel. This ANSF. The extension of pledges position, the two leaders agreed wealth for both Afghanistan and its reduced U.S. support is reflected through 2015 sought to match this Abdullahwould be responsible for regional neighbors. China has slow- in other donor budgets as well, lim- transition timeline. But it also of- driving policy implementation. ly shifted gears over the past 10 iting Afghanistan s ability to seize fered a timely reflection point to These roles give both men the nec- years and now views Afghanistan the opportunities above. Conclu- assess Afghanistan s own commit- essary political capital and bu- as an investment and political part- sion ment to economic development reaucratic experience to pursue ner. Pakistan and Central Asian part- Ariella Viehe is a CFR Fellow and donor nations political sup- their ambitious reform agenda. Do- ners are seeking ways to build on with the National Security and In- port for Afghanistan. 2015 is a mestically, Afghanistan s trends the new connections with Afghani- ternational Policy team at the Cen- pivotal year for an Afghan econo- also support a prioritized focus stan for economic, not just military, ter for American Progress. Aarthi my that relies on donor support. on economic development. Sixty- purposes.The Gulf nations, China, Gunasekaran is a Research Assis- With pledges ending this year, eight percent of the population is and India see investingand partner- tant at the Center. Ghani and Abdullah have sought under 25. Many of these young ing with Afghanistan as the better The views expressed in this ar- to rally donor support and ad- Afghans grew up entirely in a war- alternative to isolation and war by ticle by Ariella Viehe are those of dress past concerns. At the Lon- centric environment, and a major- recognizing shared interests in agri- the author and do not necessarily don Conference on Afghanistan in ity possess varying levels of ba- culture, trade, and border represent the views of the U.S. De- December 2014, Ghani laid out an sic education. Those in urban ar- security.The much-needed frame- partment of State or the U.S. gov- ambitious reform agenda, titled eas are linked to the outside world works to integrate Afghanistan into ernment. 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. THURSDAY . MARCH 19, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Instead of working at office, ex-MoPH officials opted to be globetrotters: Feroz By Akhtar M. Nikzad advisors who should give advices the MoPH. IARCSC will now se- to high-ranking officials were per- lect capable people through a com- Kabul: The Minister of Public forming management duties, he petitive process, Feroz said. Cur- Works, Ferozuddin Feroz, brand- added. He said that the MoPH rently there are more than 450 ad- ed the former officials of the min- was performing its activities visors working in the ministry who Ex-president Hamid Karzai said that peace is impor- istry of as incompetent. Feroz based on short-term uplift receive immensely high salaries told a press conference the other projects, funded by donor organi- from some international organiza- tant but not under the thumb of Pakistan day that former officials in the zations and it lacked long-term tions. The minister said that MoPH Ministry of Public Health effective plans. He stressed that will soon get rid of these advisors. (MoPH) were globetrotters not the MoPH was committed to de- Despite receiving support from By Edriss Akbary managers . They always pre- vise effective plans for improve- the international community, Af- ferred sightseeing tours to foreign ment of healthcare service in the ghanistan has the highest mother Since the government has upped countries over serving their peo- country. He said that the minis- and child mortality rate in the re- the ante in peace talks with the ple, he said. Feroz said that more try will hire new advisors through gion, Feroz added. It is worth Taliban, many Afghan gurus on than 450 advisors in the ministry the Independent Administrative mentioning that despite millions of regional affairs lay emphasis on were performing management du- Reform and Civil Service Commis- dollars spent on improvement of specification of the agenda. ties and functions, for officials in sion (IARCSC). We reviewed healthcare service, hundreds of Af- Jawed Kohistani, a political the ministry were busy in foreign qualifications of those who have ghans go for treatment abroad, most- pundit while speaking to Radio tours. Let me confess that the applied for advisor s position in ly Pakistan and India. Azadi said that the Afghan gov- ernment should consider plans for Chamber of Commerce and Indus- the Taliban who are joining the 24 women receive tries (ACCI) in Kabul. peace process. He said that the Ex-President Hamid Karzai President Ashraf Ghani Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta The deputy chairman of the Taliban are uncertain on their fu- ACCI, Khanjan Alkozai, told re- ture therefore they seemed to be liamentarians and a number of civil negotiations are expected to be ship with Pakistan in the hope of BUSINESS TRAINING porters that 24 women received 10- willing on peace talks, however society activists say that the gov- held in near future, Mohammad enlisting its help in brokering a week training in the field of busi- now it depends how the govern- ernment should share peace talk s told Anadolu. peace deal with the Taliban. ness. They were taught how to ment successfully utilizes this progress with the people. Consultations are currently Last month, Pakistan s former develop business plans, he add- opportunity. It is important that These comments came at a underway within our council and military ruler Pervez Musharraf ed. He said that the training pro- discussions should be held on the time when the National Unity Amir-ul-Mumineen Mullah admitted in a Guardian interview gram was aimed at empowering agenda of Taliban s future and Government is all talk and talk Omar will soon decide names of that his country s intelligence agen- womenfolk. Afghan women have their legitimate demands be ac- about peace talk. President Mo- those who will be involved in the cy had links with the Taliban be- made considerable progress over the cepted. hammad Ashraf Ghani held a meet- delegation for the talks, he said. cause India and Pakistan were en- past 13 years in various areas in- cluding business. We have many Their future should be guar- ing with Jihadi leaders Abdurrab Its merit mentioning that af- gaged in a proxy war in Afghan- anteed in Afghanistan and their businesswomen in different parts Rasool Sayaf, Mohammad Ismail ter the formation of the National istan. It reflected the longstand- of the country, Alkozai added. He place in political and civil system Khan and Fazel Hadi Muslimyar Unity Government (NUG) in Af- ing view of Pakistan s strategic of Afghanistan be decided. Ko- said that the ACCI was committed (the Speaker of the Upper House) ghanistan, Pakistani officials vis- thinkers who have argued Afghan- to increase participation of Afghan histani added venue of peace ne- regarding peace process in the ited Kabul several times for pro- istan must not be allowed to be- women in the field of business. gotiations is not a matter howev- country a month ago. President moting peace talks and holding come too friendly with Pakistan s Head of the IEEW, Manizha We- er he said that Kabul and Islama- Ghani said that grounds were more separate meetings with Afghan arch-enemy India. Karzai s asso- faq, said that 15 of the 24 women bad look to promising venues. He fertile now than ever before for authorities. At a meeting with Pres- ciates spoke even more frankly will also visit the United States said there is no exact schedule peace in the country and it was ident Ashraf Ghani the Chief of about their anger at Ghani s Paki- soon to further hone their business about the start of peace negotia- upon the nation to use this op- Army Staff of Pakistan, General stan policy. and leadership skills through more tions however he quoted the Dep- portunity for achieving durable Raheel Sharif, said that Afghani- Dr. Rangin Dadfar Spanta, the AT News Report business training program conduct- training. She hoped that the 15 uty Foreign Minister of Afghani- peace. stan s enemy is also Pakistan s former foreign minister and na- women would share the knowledge stan Hikmat Khalil Karzai as say- ed by Institute for Economic Em- The prominent jihadi leaders enemy. During his meeting with tional security adviser to ex-pres- KABUL: As many as 24 women they gain in the US with other Af- ing that they will start very soon shared their viewpoints and rec- Ghani, both the leaders pledged ident Karzai said to the Guardian powerment of Women (IEEW) in graduated from peace through collaboration with Afghanistan ghan women. as currently the government is in ommendations with the President. support to each other in fight that the policy amounts to the hu- the process of forming a negotia- They also talked on how to en- against terrorism and promised to miliating appeasement of a hos- tion panel. He adds decision about sure lasting peace in Afghanistan restrict the use of their soil against tile power that would never change Public Policy Fellowship: Central Asia varsity the venue will be decided by the and reassured him of their coop- each other. Both countries also its ways. He is alarmed by government. Khalil Karzai also eration in this regard. President agreed to continue the ongoing Ghani s efforts to keep India, the holds Afghan officials graduation ceremony highlighted the role of China in the Ghani also paid visit to Pakistan operation against insurgents on region s superpower, at a dis- peace process. on November 2014 where he held their soils. Recently president tance. In a sign of Delhi s displea- AT News Report He called the Chinese govern- meetings with a number of key Ghani also went to Saudi Arabia sure, construction work has al- ment s role crucial in the peace and Pakistani authorities and dis- for seeking support of Saudi Ara- ready stalled on some key Indian- KABUL: The University of Cen- reconciliation efforts. Since Chi- cussed peace related issues with bia in peace talks. Both sides dis- backed development projects in tral Asia s Institute of Public Pol- na enjoys close ties with Pakistan, them. Ghani hailed Pakistan´s co- cussed the prospects for future Afghanistan, Spanta claimed. Dr. icy and Administration (UCA we persuade China to ask Paki- operation as Kabul seeks to lay Saudi-Afghan cooperation with Spanta and many others are IPPA) on Wednesday marked the stan for its sincere efforts in bring- the groundwork for peace with special reference to the possible shocked at what they see as graduation of first group of Af- ing peace to Afghanistan. Taliban insurgents, the latest sign peace negotiations with the Tali- Ghani s one-sided willingness to ghan officials who received train- Meanwhile, Sayed Jawad of improving ties between the two ban. militarily support Pakistan while ing in policy analysis at a ceremo- Husseini, another expert told Ra- countries. The peace process was one getting very little in return. There ny at the Ministry of Finance dio Azadi that the government Kabul welcomed of the key issues discussed by the is yet another views as well that (MoF). The course was offered should fully consider all possible Islamabad´s recent efforts in pav- two sides. In fact, the trip of Af- encourages disarmament move- through a partnership between ways for advancing peace talks, ing ground for peace and reconcil- ghan president to Saudi Arabia ment. UCA and the ministry which en- ademics, business community, civil ed the program as important for because the outcome of peace ne- iation , Ghani stated. After pres- comes at a time when the Afghan Those who hold this opinion abled 15 Afghan officials to attend society and media. capacity building of servants in gotiations is important for the ident Ghani s Pakistan tour, Qari government and the Taliban are call on the NUG to carry out a a program in Bishkek from Octo- CPPA offers a rigorous learn- policy analysis. He thanked the people as they are war-weary and Din Mohammad, the Taliban s reportedly preparing to hold disarmament mobilization cam- ber 2014 to February 2015. ing experience, bringing together UCA administration and the Aga impatiently seek an end to the representative in Qatar visited peace talks soon. Saudi Arabia paign where the government not According to a press release expert instructors and civil ser- Khan Development Network for war. He further added, That the Pakistan and discussed peace talks can play a vital role in bringing only should cover the Taliban but by the UCA, the ceremony was vants to study concepts and meth- facilitating this opportunity to ods in policy analysis to advance Afghanistan. The Finance Min- venue of talks is not a biggest deal, with Pakistani officials. After hold- peace to Afghanistan. Recently, also people with weapons in the attended by Abdul Razak Vahidi, what matters is the outcome of the Deputy Minister for Admin- evidence-based policy making, istry is expecting all program par- ing a secret meeting with Pakistani ex-president Hamid Karzai also countryside. The Taliban have said UCA Director General, Dr. ticipants to maximize this great negotiations. And if the peace talks officials in Islamabad, Qari Din said that peace is important but many reservations to join peace istration, Musa Kamawi, the di- take place in Kabul it will be bet- rector of Human Resources of the Bohdan Krawchenko. We are academic opportunity, utilize the Mohammad, a top aide of Omar, not under the thumb of Pakistan. process, but they should accept pleased to have been able to offer knowledge they have gained for the ter. Moreover, Saudi Arabia is also MoF, Noorjehan Mawani, diplo- returned to Qatar and gave an ex- The former president of Af- Afghan Constitution and put a the course to Afghan civil servants improvement of service delivery a suitable country. The political matic representative of the Aga clusive interview to Anadolu Agen- ghanistan made his remarks at a halt to the differences once set- Khan Development Network in partnership with the Afghan within Ministry of Finance and affairs experts believe that ground cy (AA). time when his successor, Ashraf ting on the table of negotiations Ministry of Finance, he added. transfer this knowledge to their for peace talks is conducive than (AKDN), representatives of em- We are ready for peace talks Ghani, has overturned the coun- as there is no life in war and no bassies and international organi- The deputy minister Vahidi con- colleagues and counterparts and any other times. Also Afghan par- with Afghan government. These try s traditionally hostile relation- death and destruction in peace. zations, government officials, ac- gratulated graduates and highlight- introduce changes, he added. 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.

THURSDAY . MARCH 19 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Primary suspect China in murder of Modi took up fishermen issue with welcomes PTI’s Zahra India’s Shahid arrested: Sri Lanka, says Sushma Swaraj initiative to Rangers improve ties KARACHI: Rangers officials on Wednesday claimed to have arrest- with Pakistan ed the primary suspect involved in the murder of slain Pakistan NEW DELHI: China has wel- Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Zahra comed India's fresh initiatives to Shahid Hussain. Acting on a tip- break the ice with Pakistan and off, Rangers personnel conducted said it is nudging Pakistan to im- a targeted operation in the sur- prove ties with India, raising hopes rounding areas of Teen Talwar in that it may prevail upon its ally to Clifton and arrested suspect, Kal- work toward easing tensions in the eem, who was wanted in several subcontinent. "India and Pakistan cases of murder, said a spokesper- have launched dialogue to ease ten- son from the paramilitary force. sions. We understand that it is not The Rangers spokesman said that an easy task but we appreciate that weapons were also seized from the Delhi has taken initiatives to launch suspect's possession. The sus- a process to improve relations with pect, who has been shifted to an Islamabad. China is working to- undisclosed location, is being in- wards influencing Pakistan for bet- terrogated further. Last year in Sep- ter ties with India," a senior Chi- tember, police had arrested a man nese official told ET ahead of PM suspected of involvement in the Narendra Modi's visit to Beijing murder of Zahra Shahid. Take a in mid-May. A senior Pakistani look: Police arrest suspect in PTI expert also indicated that China is leader Zahra Shahid murder probe in talks with Pakistan to find a way The PTI leader was gunned down forward in improving ties between in Defence Phase-IV on May 19, the South Asian neighbours. This 2013 on the eve of re-polls in Kara- is the first such statement from chi’s NA-250 constituency. Read: China, which, India believes, has PTI senior leader Zahra Shahid been arming and abetting Pakistan killed on eve of Karachi re-polls as part of its strategy to contain Before choosing her political ca- India and thereby maintain a dom- reer, she was associated with Kara- inant presence in South Asia. Ex- chi University’s international de- perts say China has been worried partment as its faculty member. about the growing spectre of ter- She taught there until the 1980s. rorism not only in Pakistan but also Zahra Shahid Hussain was the within its territory in Xinjiang re- former president of the party’s gion. The Chinese official also sug- Sindh Women’s wing and was also NEW DELHI: Prime Minister involving livelihood and humani- of both countries must meet at the ka's new journey of peace, recon- lieve that the early and full imple- gested that while his country was one of the founding members of Narendra Modi took up the prob- tarian concerns on both sides. In- earliest to work out a mutually ac- ciliation and progress," Ms Swaraj mentation of the 13th Amendment trying to influence Pakistan, India PTI. Examine: Murder of PTI lead- lems of Indian fishermen with Sri dia and Sri Lanka need to find a ceptable arrangement. Human Rights said. "India stands with Sri Lanka and going beyond it would con- should also take initiatives simul- er was targeted killing: police PTI Lanka during his visit to the is- long-term solution," she said mak- Panel Asks Haryana Government For in its efforts to build a future that tribute to this process," Ms Swaraj taneously to improve relations Chairman Imran Khan had accused land-country last week, External ing a suo motu statement in the Report on Hisar Church Attack The accommodates the aspirations of added. PM Modi was in Sri Lanka with its western neighbour. These Muttahida Qaumi Movement Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj Lok Sabha on PM Modi's visit to External Affairs Minister said PM all sections of society, including the on a two-day visit, the first by an remarks also bear significance as (MQM) Chief Altaf Hussain for said . "The problems of fishermen the Seychelles, Mauritius and Sri Modi's talks with the Sri Lankan lead- Sri Lankan Tamil community, for Indian prime minister in 28 years. they come ahead of the first Sino- Zahra's killing as Altaf had openly were also discussed during the Lanka. She informed the house ership covered a very wide range of a life of equality, justice, peace and He also visited Mauritius and the Indian Special Representative (SR) threatened PTI activists and lead- talks. The prime minister pointed that the Prime Minister told Sri issues. "He conveyed India's sincere dignity in a united Sri Lanka. Prime Seychelles during his March 10- dialogue under the Modi govern- ers through public broadcasts. Im- out that this was a complex issue Lanka that fishermen's associations support and good wishes for Sri Lan- Minister also declared that we be- 14 tour. ment at Delhi on March 23, when ran had also held the British gov- the regional situation as well as the ernment responsible for the ‘mur- boundary dispute will be dis- der’ of Zahra Shahid saying he had Delhi school cussed. The official refrained from warned them about British citizen preempting the outcome of the (Hussain) after his open threats to faces action next SRlevel dialogue, though, say- PTI workers’ lives. Rangers per- ISLAMABAD: British High place at the Punjab House, Nisar on MQM Headquarters in Karachi's raid at MQM headquarters includ- ing the "matter is sensitive" and sonnel have stepped up operations Commissioner to Pakistan Philip shared a copy of the case regis- Azizabad neighbourhood, Altaf – in ing the arrest of top target killers the two leaders (Modi and Xi) will in Karachi. Last week, paramili- Barton held a meeting with Feder- tered against Altaf in Karachi by an interview on Geo News – threat- and recovery of a huge cache of over BJP decide on the next course of action tary force personnel raided MQM al Interior Minister Chaudhry Rangers. On Tuesday, Rangers of- ened members of the paramilitary arms and ammunition. Last week, on the issue when they meet in headquarters in Karachi's Aziza- Nisar Ali in Islamabad on Wednes- ficials filed a case against Altaf force who were involved in the op- Rangers officials conducted an un- membership China in May. "A warm reception bad neighbourhood during which a day and discussed matters pertain- Hussain for threatening the para- eration. Take a look: Rangers file case precedented raid on the MQM's awaits PM Modi in China similar number of arrests were made. Fur- ing to Muttahida Qaumi Move- military force. Rangers spokesper- against MQM Chief Altaf Hussain headquarters. A number of party drive to the one Xi received in Ahmeda- thermore, arms and ammunition ment (MQM) Chairman Altaf son Col Tahir Mehmood, who filed The interior minister also informed workers, including MQM's Rabi- bad last September," he said. In- Hussain, according to BBC Urdu. the case against the political par- the British High Commissioner ta Committee member Amir Khan, NEW DELHI: Delhi government were also recovered during the has said it will take strict action dia has time and again expressed crackdown. During the meeting, which took ty, claimed that following the raid about other details of the Rangers' were detained during the raid. against Ryan International school its reservations about China's role over its move to promote BJP's in propping up Pakistan. The of- membership drive among teachers ficial, however, said his country's and students. Deputy chief min- goal is to improve economic con- Ex-Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse ditions of Pakistanis through its ister Manish Sisodia said on programme. Sharing his views on Wednesday the move was danger- the expanding India-US ties in the ous. "Schools will not be allowed backdrop of India's growing inter- TO CONTEST FOR PRIME MINISTER to promote political parties," he ests in the Asia-Pacific region and said. "We will seek response from Indo-US vision statement on Asia- school and if any truth is found COLOMBO: Former Sri Lankan World Cup 2015: India Odds-on Pacific and Indian Ocean Region, there will be strong action against the official noted that India as a president Mahinda Rajapakse has Favourites to Win Quarter-Final school," he said Managing direc- decided to contest for the post of Against Bangladesh Sri Lanka La- leader of Non-Aligned Movement tor Grace Pinto confirmed the pursues an independent foreign prime minister in the parliamenta- bour Party leader ASP Liyanage membership drive but said it was ry elections scheduled to be held told Xinhua that Rajapakse has policy and it is in India's interests after April 23. Mr Rajapakse, who already discussed the matter with "absolutely voluntary". While the to pursue such an approach to lost the presidential election in Jan- his party and had also gathered school management claims the drive emerge as a big power. Amid ef- uary, has decided to contest under support for the move from some is voluntary, teachers and student forts on part of India and China to the banner of the Sri Lanka Labour SLFP members. Mr Rajapakse had say it's not - in fact, some teachers expand economic partnership in- Party, a seperate political party and decided to contest under the Sri even claim their salary has been cluding increasing Chinese invest- not his own Sri Lanka Freedom Lanka Labour Party banner after held back pending their joining the ments in South Asia's biggest coun- Party (SLFP). Fishermen Injured failing to secure the full support party. Teachers and students as try despite the lingering border dis- after Sri Lankan Personnel Alleg- of the SLFP. Mr Rajapakse was well as parents told TOI they have pute, the Chinese government feels edly Pelt Stones South Africa vs replaced by current President received WhatsApp messages giv- that India needs to do more to ease Sri Lanka World Cup 2015 Quar- Maithripala Sirisena as the chair- ing them a toll-free number, red tape and provide incentives to ters: Team AB De Villiers Skip man of the SLFP following the 18002662020, for BJP member- overseas investors including those Nets, Focus on Team Building presidential election in January. ship. from China to attract FDI. Bangladesh India comes down heavily on Maldives, Polio worker opposition killed in calls for immediate course correction alliance NEW DELHI: With no early signs with the verdict written long be- former President Mohamed ity of the country's judiciary. of an end to the political crisis in fore he was charged with terror- Nasheed and former Defence Min- Meanwhile, Nasheed's Maldivian extends Maldives, India came down heavi- ism and remanded to custody. ister Mohamed Nazim was unfair Democratic Party (MDP) has de- attack on team ly on the Abdullah Yameen gov- "Every hearing in the court has and politically motivated. Ibrahim cided to launch a national civil dis- ernment and asserted that actions been a deathblow to the rule of Luthfy, human rights envoy of the obedience campaign to free the nationwide by his regime since the arrest of law...It is apparent that Yameen's Maldivian government to the Unit- former leader. Political sources former President Md. Nasheed government, despite being seen as ed Nations permanent mission to from Male told ET that an opin- in Bajaur was a 'sham and a travesty of jus- strong and stable, has seeds of in- the Geneva, also resigned recently ion poll conducted secretly by the strike tice' and sought early course cor- stability within itself due to citing similar reasons. Even the government itself revealed that its rection by the people in power in Yameen's narrow outlook which hardline Adhaalath Party (a former support among the public was be- DHAKA: Bangladesh ex-prime Male. Delhi that apprehends that has led to sustained efforts on the ally of Yameen) President Sheikh low 25 percent. It may be recalled minister Khaleda Zia`s 20- party Maldives situation could impact part of his coterie to neutralize Imran stated recently that that Prime Minister Narendra opposition alliance announced an regional stability feels that the other potential power centres and Maldives was 'not on right track', Modi had cancelled his pre-sched- extension of its ongoing 72-hour Nasheed's ongoing trial is an at- prospective threats," an official and that the government had been uled trip to Maldives on March nationwide strike in Bangladesh till tempt by President Yameen to claimed in the backdrop of the sev- violating individual rights of the 15 to send a strong message to the Friday morning, demanding the eliminate his political opponents eral President's aides and alliance people, with rampant corruption Yameen regime. safe return of a spokesperson. and prevent them from contesting partners joining Opposition ranks. within the government. Calling for Later while in Colombo he also met Khaleda Zia`s Bangladesh Nation- the 2018 presidential elections. The latest to quit the regime was immediate course correction to es- MDP leaders who sought Delhi's alist Party (BNP) spokesperson Coming out strongly in support Maldivian Defence Ministry Co- tablish rule of law in the islands of assistance to defuse the crisis. It is Barkat Ullah Bulu made the an- of the former President, senior dip- ordinator Mohamed Mushrif who Maldives, diplomatic sources sug- no secret that Delhi is worried nouncement at a press release, de- lomatic sources told ET that the resigned in protest of the govern- gested that the Yameen should es- with the current situation in the manding necessary steps for get- outcome (March 13) of the trial ment's "brutality." In a letter ad- tablish independence, transparen- Southern neighbouring country ting back BNP Joint Secretary (jail term of 13 years for Nasheed), dressed to Yameen -- Mushrif con- cy, interference, influence, compe- where it has deep security and stra- General Salahuddin Ahmed, Xin- has been of foregone conclusion tended that the prosecution of tency, consistency, and accessibil- tegic interests. hua reported. Ahmed`s family al- leged that some plainclothes men, who showed identity cards of the China boosts Nepal ties with $128m grant detective branch of Bangladesh po- PESHAWAR: Unidentified men tacked. Two lady health workers lice had picked up him from a China has moved to broaden its biggest source of foreign direct in- activists in the country. Just this attacked a polio team on Wednes- and a policeman were killed in house in Dhaka on March 10. already significant economic pres- vestment in the country. "This is week, Nepal's Police Chief, Up- day in Bajaur Agency's Nawagai Tuesday's attack. The polio team However, police authorities denied ence in Nepal by signing its big- the largest amount of support ex- endra Kanta Aryal, visited China tehsil, killing one worker and leav- in Mansehra was vaccinating chil- the allegation of detaining Ahmed gest ever grant assistance to the tended by the Chinese government on what Nepali authorities de- ing another injured. Assistant Po- dren on the second day of a three- who had recently been made BNP country, pledging $ 130 million to Nepal and this reflects the clos- scribed as a week-long "goodwill litical Agent (APA) Nawagai Fayaz day anti-polio drive in the district spokesperosn. Khaleda Zia on that will likely fund infrastructure est, friendly and cordial relations visit". A Chinese expert on Nepal Ali Sherpao said unknown gunmen when they were attacked. Know Tuesday urged the government to projects. China and Nepal on between the two countries," Ne- said it was no secret that security fired at polio workers Ruhullah and more: Gunmen kill two female bring Salahuddin Ahmed back to Tuesday signed a deal for the pro- pal's Finance Secretary Suman cooperation was focused on curb- Arifullah as they administered polio workers, policeman in his family or present him before vision of 800 million RMB grant Sharma said. The agreement was ing Tibetans' activities, both along polio drops to children in the Ka- Mansehra Pakistan is one of only court immediately. Hasina Ahmed assistance (around $ 130 million). announced in Kathmandu just as the border and within the exiled mangara area of Nawagai tehsil near three countries where polio re- , wife of missing BNP leader, also The Nepal Finance Ministry said China has obtained Nepal's sup- community. Nepal is home to more the Pak-Afghan border. Polio mains endemic. Attempts to erad- urged the government to take nec- the grant would help implement port on its new Silk Road economic than 20,000 Tibetans. This week, "mutually agreed development belt initiative. Nepal has joined Sri Tibetan groups said Nepali author- worker Ruhullah died on the spot icate it have been badly hit by mil- essary steps for getting back her projects", with the Kathmandu- Lanka and other nations in voicing ities had banned any public activ- while Arifullah received injuries, itant attacks on immunisation husband who was assigned to brief Sherpao added. The injured work- teams that have claimed 76 lives Rasuwagadhi highway among sev- formal backing for the belt and ities to mark the March 10 anni- media about anti-government pro- eral projects set to take off in the maritime silk road project, which versary of "uprising day". Tibet- er was rushed to a nearby hospital since December 2012. Militants grams including the strike. The for treatment. claim the polio vaccination drive coming year. This marks a more India is yet to endorse citing the an overseas groups said the Tibet- eign Minister Mahendra Bahadur The Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan is a front for espionage or a con- BNP and its allies declared on Sat- than five-fold increase in Chinese lack of adequate information. an Refugee Welfare Office had been Pandey will also visit Beijing this (TTP) took responsibility of the spiracy to sterilise Muslims. Last urday a 72-hour road, rail and wa- assistance, which amounted to Beijing's increase in economic as- denied permission to hold activi- week, in the lead up to the March killing. The attack on the polio year, the number of polio cases terway strike from Sunday morn- around 150 million RMB last year. sistance to Nepal has coincided ties, seen by them as a sign of in- 24 trip of President Ram Baran team today comes just a day after recorded in Pakistan soared to 306, ing amid its ongoing blockade cam- China has also, according to Ne- with its demand for greater sup- creasing restrictions imposed at Yadav, the Chinese Foreign Min- a polio team in Mansehra was at- the highest in 14 years. paign. pali officials, overtaken India as the port in cracking down on Tibetan the behest of China. Nepal's For- istry said. 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. THURSDAY . MARCH 19 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Gulf states say will not let Yemen become terrorism hub Gulf Arab states said on Wednesday that they would not allow Yemen to transform into a center for regional terrorism organizations, Al Ara- biya News Channel reported. In a statement issued by the Gulf Coop- eration Council (GCC), the Arab states also condemned “the actions taken by Houthi rebels to dissolve the parliament and the takeover of government institutions in Yemen.” The Arab Gulf bloc expressed its “rejection of the various acts of violence, for achieving political goals, intimidating the Yemeni people, suppressing their freedoms, and violat- ing their rights.” On Tuesday Houthi militiamen who control the Yemeni capital attacked the house of a senior army commander, killing one guard and detaining two more, an army source said. General Mohammed Rajah Laboudha was not home at the time. The source said the Shiite militia- men were “responding to a gun attack on Sunday on the convoy of the Huthi military commander, Abu Ali al-Hakam.” General Laboudha heads the Fifth Military Region, which covers the strategic Red Sea province of Hudeida, which has been partly held by the Huthis since they seized power in Sanaa on February 6. Tuesday’s attack came the day after the Huthis fired air force commander General Rashid al-Jund and one of his deputies, General Abdellatif al-Zuhairi, replacing them with officers close to Sanaa’s new masters. The sacking of the senior officers was announced by a Huthi security body that said the two officers would also face questioning for refusing to comply with orders from the militia. German activists riot at austerity protest in Frankfurt

German demonstrators have Some 10,000 people were expect- clashed with police at an anti-aus- ed for a rally in Frankfurt's main terity protests during the inaugu- square, the Roemerberg. Organis- ration ceremony for the European ers have chartered a special train Central Bank's new headquarters bringing demonstrators from Ber- in Frankfurt. Police said two po- lin and are busing in others from lice cars were set on fire and one around Germany and other Euro- officer was injured by stones pean countries. Frankfurt police thrown by demonstrators near the said most demonstrators are ex- city's Alte Oper opera house dur- pected to be peaceful, but that vi- ing the protest on Wednesday, ac- olence-prone elements could use cording to the Associate Press news the crowds as cover. The ECB, Masked Shiite fighters hold their weapons in Al Hadidiya, south of Tikrit, en route to the ISIS-controlled al- agency. Al Jazeera's Dominic Kane, along with the European Commis- reporting from Frankfurt, said at sion and International Monetary Alam town, where they are preparing to launch an offensive. least 500 demonstrators were de- Fund, is part of the so-called "troi- tained. Our correspondent also ka" that monitors compliance with The United States is concerned systems - are employed and the At the State Department, spokes- generation, Australian Foreign Min- paganda as she noted a parallel with said that the city deployed at least the conditions of bailout loans for about how heavy Iranian weapon- potential for civilian casualties or woman Jen Psaki noted that the ister Julie Bishop has warned, liken- Hitler’s drive to build a new order 8,000 police officers ahead of the Greece and other financially trou- ry might be used inside Iraq in its collateral damage,” a second U.S. United States has previously ac- ing the militants to fanatical follow- to last a millennium. “Daesh is at- protest. Video footage from the bled countries in Europe. Those latest criticism of the Islamic Re- official said, declining to comment knowledged Iran’s provision of sup- ers of Adolf Hitler. Bishop said the tempting to emulate this approach protests site showed some dem- conditions include spending cuts public’s involvement in the neigh- specifically on Iranian weapons. plies like arms, ammunition and air- pernicious threat of global terrorism with its declaration of a caliphate, onstrators running away from po- and reducing deficits, moves that boring country, a U.S. official told that civilian casualties or other craft to forces in Iraq. “We continue was one that “keeps me awake at claiming to establish a ‘pure’ form lice in riot gear, as tires piled up in are aimed at reducing debt but have Reuters. Reuters has previously abuses by Iraqi forces and Shiite to emphasize that it’s important that night” and urged a strong counter- of government that will attract the the middle of the street burn. Po- also been blamed for high unem- reported on the alleged presence militia against Sunni Iraqis could actions don’t raise ... sectarian ten- narrative to the messages of hate and fanatical supporters willing to die lice put up barricades and barbed ployment and slow growth. of Iranian rockets inside Iraq. But inflame sectarian tensions, which sions,” Psaki said, without delving division spread by violent extrem- for the cause,” she told the Insti- wire around the bank headquarters Greece's new left-wing government U.S. officials declined to comment helped pave the way for Islamic into specifics on Iranian weaponry. ists. “It is crucial that this is not tute of Regional Security. Austra- as they braced for demonstrations blames such policies for a "human- on specific Iranian weaponry af- State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) Iraqi forces backed with Shiite vol- portrayed as a struggle that can be lia and other Western countries are against government austerity mea- itarian crisis" leading to poverty ter The New York Times reported group’s advance through Iraq last unteers known as the Popular Mo- defeated militarily in far flung bat- grappling with hundreds of citi- sures and capitalism.Protesters for pensioners and the unem- it might include Fajr-5 artillery summer. U.S. officials are watch- bilization units are aiming to fully tlefields. This is a struggle against a zens who are leaving comfortable targeted the ECB because of the ployed. rockets and Fateh-110 missiles. ing with concern as Iraqi militias capture Tikrit. If Iraq’s Shiite-led malignant idea, a concept, an ideolo- lives to become fighters for ISIS in bank's role in supervising efforts ECB President Mario Draghi has One U.S. official, speaking on con- and regular forces stage an offen- government retook Tikrit it would gy,” she said in a speech in Canberra Iraq and Syria, with at least 90 to restrain spending and reduce called for more spending by gov- dition of anonymity, said the po- sive to retake Tikrit, the home city be the first city clawed back from late Tuesday. “We have no choice Australians known to be in the debt in financially troubled coun- ernments that are in good financial tential use of heavy Iranian weap- of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hus- the Sunni insurgents and would give but to be part of this struggle against conflict zone. She added: “It is even tries such as Greece. The Block- shape such as Germany - a call that onry would raise questions about sein. Last week, the U.S. military the government momentum in the extremism in all its forms, both home harder to explain why young wom- upy alliance said activists plan to has been mostly ignored by elect- the risk of civilian casualties. He voiced concern over reports that next, pivotal stage of the campaign: and abroad, this will take years, de- en from similar backgrounds would try to blockade the new headquar- ed officials. noted extensive U.S. efforts to en- Shiite militias have set fire to recapturing Mosul, the largest city cades, potentially a generation -- to be motivated to join an organiza- ters of the ECB ahead of a ceremo- The ECB said it plans to be "fully sure precision in its strikes. “Our homes as they advance on the Ira- in the north. Fight against ISIS may resolve.” Bishop said ISIS, also tion notoriously vicious in its de- ny on Wednesday inaugurating the operational" during the protest, al- primary concern is how any weap- qi city of Tikrit, although they have take a generation In a related story, known as Daesh, used social media grading treatment of women and building, and to disrupt what they though some employees may work ons - artillery, rockets or other not yet confirmed cases of abuse. the battle against ISIS may last a to obscure the truth and plant pro- girls.” term capitalist business as usual. from home. Almost every Senior ISIS commander Kerry holds third day of nuclear talks with Iran’s Zarif CAR mosque U.S. Secretary of State John Ker- killed in Libya ry held a third day of talks on destroyed in Wednesday with Iranian counter- One of Tunisia’s most wanted men, a senior commander of ISIS mili- part Mohammad Javad Zarif after tants in Libya, has been killed fighting with Libyan forces near the city the White House described the war: US envoy chances of clinching a nuclear deal of Sirte, Tunisian security sources said on Tuesday. The death of Tuni- are 50/50 “at best.” They will be Almost all of the 436 mosques in sian militant Ahmed Rouissi, who was fighting in Libya’s ISIS ranks, joined by negotiators from the oth- the Central African Republic have confirms the growing importance of foreign fighters in the Libyan con- er powers involved in the talks -- been destroyed by months of vi- flict, where two rival governments and armed forces battle for control. Britain, China, France, Germany cious fighting between Christians Western governments and Libya’s North African neighbors are increas- and Russia. On Tuesday, Iran’s and Muslims, the US ambassador ingly worried about Islamist militants, especially ISIS allies, extending nuclear chief Ali Akbar Salehi told to the United Nations said. Sa- their foothold in the chaotic country just across the Mediterranean from Iranian state television that Tehran mantha Power spoke to reporters Europe. “According to the information we have, we can say Rouissi has had reached a mutual understand- on Tuesday after a Security Coun- been killed in the most recent fighting in Sirte,” a Tunisian security ing with Washington and its nego- cil visit last week to the country, source said. Libya is in chaos with two rival governments - one interna- tiating partners on most issues in calling the devastation "kind of tionally recognized, the other set up in Tripoli after its forces took over nuclear talks The United States and crazy, chilling". She expressed the capital - that are fighting for control four years after a civil war Iran are working to produce a concern about an upcoming pos- ousted Muammar Qaddafi. In the turmoil, militants allied to ISIS this framework in the next two weeks sible security vacuum as Europe- year have claimed a string of high-profile attacks targeting foreigners, which could lays down the out- an Union and French forces pull including an assault on a luxury hotel in Tripoli, the storming of oilfields lines of a final deal by the end of out and a UN peacekeeping force and kidnapping of oil workers. June. is still not at full strength. At least 5,000 people have been killed since Central African Republic Hard right exploded into unprecedented vio- lence in December 2013. Nearly one million of the country's 4.5 shift delivers million residents have been dis- placed. Many of those who have upset election fled are Muslim. Power said 417 of the country's mosques have win for been destroyed. She visited the one remaining Muslim neighbour- Netanyahu hood in the capital, Bangui, and data from sources including the described the residents as "a terri- United States military, the United JERUSALEM: Prime Minister fied population". Some Muslim Nations, the Syria Observatory for Benjamin Netanyahu won a come- women, afraid of leaving the com- Human Rights and Iraqi Body from-behind victory in Israel's elec- munity while wearing their veils, Count which showed more than tion after tacking hard to the right are choosing to give birth in their 76,000 people were killed in Syria in the final days of campaigning, homes instead of hospitals, the last year, up from 73,447 in 2013. including abandoning a commit- ambassador said. UN peacekeep- Many of the most violent wars ment to negotiate a Palestinian ers, French forces and a European involved radical Islamist groups. state. In a pre-election blitz, Net- Union military operation have Around 21,000 lives were lost in anyahu made a series of promises tried to calm the violence But Iraq as the government fought with designed to shore up his Likud base Power said the last of the EU force ISIS, followed by Afghanistan with and draw voters from other right- of about 750 troops left the Cen- 14,638 and Nigeria on 11,529, ac- wing and nationalist parties. He tral African Republic over the cording to the analysis which the pledged to go on building settle- weekend, shortly after the Secu- think tank said could easily under- ments on occupied land and said rity Council visit. "That's a big estimate reality. “Assessing casu- there would be no Palestinian state drop-off in capability," she said. alty figures in conflict is notori- if he was re-elected. With 99.5 per- Meanwhile, the French forces cent of votes counted on Wednes- ously difficult and many of the fig- day, Likud had won 29-30 seats in have announced a "substantial ures we are looking at here are prob- drawdown" by the end of this the 120-member Knesset, com- ably underestimates,” said PS21 fortably defeating the center-left year. France had sent 2,000 troops Executive Director Peter Apps. Zionist Union opposition on 24 to its former colony. The UN “The important thing, however, is seats, Israel's Central Election peacekeeping force remains at that when you compare like with Committee and Israeli media said. about 80 percent of its planned like data for 2014 and 2013, you A united list of Arab parties came strength of about 10,000, Power get a very significant increase.” in third. It amounted to a dramatic said. The UN secretary-general Ukraine’s separatist conflict in the and unexpected victory - the last last month asked for more than east of the country propelled it opinion polls published four days 1,000 additional peacekeepers, onto eighth on the list, having been before the vote had shown the Zi- and Power said the council is largely conflict free in 2013. At onist Union with a four-seat ad- "very favorably disposed" to the least 14 separate wars killed more vantage. Although Netanyahu request. She said the combined than 1,000 people in 2014, up from must still put together a coalition forces have "averted a worst-case 10 in 2013. The research points to to remain in power, his victory all scenario," but the country's rov- a developing trend. Last year the but guarantees that he will be giv- ing armed groups remain armed. Australia and U.S.-based Institute en the first opportunity to form a The ambassador called that a deep for Economics and Peace reported government, putting him course to cause for concern and said disar- The death toll in the world’s most brutal conflicts climbed by more than 28 percent last year from 2013 with bloodshed in Syria worse than all a rise in conflict-related violence become the longest-serving leader mament is a "huge priority". others for the second year running, according to a study released on Wednesday. The Project for the Study of the 21st Century think tank analyzed every year since 2007. in Israeli history. 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. THURSDAY .MARCH 19 , 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] Email: [email protected] U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter seemed impressed www.afghanistantimes.af by Afghan troops in a recent visit to Kabul. 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 99: If, during the sessions of the National Assembly, the annual budget, or development program, or issues related to national security, territorial integrity and independence of the country is under discussion, the sessions of the Assembly shall not end pending decision of the matter. Editorial NSC decision on access By Jack Detsch contingent guarding the U.S. embas- the ANSF, but political leadership support as the summer fighting sy. Even with a decelerated timeline has lagged: President Obama urged season heats up, and there are ques- to information Over the weekend, the White in place, that leaves precious little his newly elected Afghan counter- tions about whether the military House announced that it would time to get Afghan troops prepared. part, Ashraf Ghani, to accelerate will be able to absorb and maintain scrap plans to cut the U.S. pres- Carter has pushed for the move, with the formation of his coalition gov- donations from the Pentagon, like In a society where the right to know is curbed, expecting healthy changes ence in Afghanistan this year, leav- the hopes of buying more time to ernment, which has failed to im- C-130H transportation aircraft, looks to be irrational. Positive changes don’t happen on their own. To talk ing about 9,800 troops in the coun- train Afghan troops, particularly in press the Afghan legislature. which could prove too complex try well into 2016. While that news light of offensives in Kandahar and Obama will host Ghani at the and costly for Kabul in the long- of change and suppression, particularly our part of the world, human rights may not come as a surprise, it could Helmand provinces. He’s also left White House on March 24, and term. Even Carter might concede be a boon to the Pentagon’s efforts the door open for talks with the Tal- will hope to see some progress by that a graduated timeline for the are not only violated by militants, assassinations, intimidations by non- to train and equip Afghan Nation- iban as a means to deal with the con- then. They’d do well to hurry that United States’ withdrawal will not state actors, but also by denying the right to information and unfair eco- al Security Forces (ANSF) for the flict, extending upon the legacy of process up. Violence continues to solve all of these problems. The fight ahead. When he visited Af- his predecessor, Chuck Hagel. So persist in Afghanistan: in 2014, the U.S. has already spent some $65 nomic structures that unleash massive and persistent inequalities. In a coun- ghanistan last month, just days how successful has training been so Red Crossreported that the num- billion in training and equipping the try like ours where media should be free at all costs because it has been after taking office, Secretary of far? Our own Franz-Stefan Gady ber of wounded combatants trans- ANSF, and the force is Defense Ashton was impressed by the professional- ported from the battlefield rose by stillplagued by attrition. What is one of the powerful and biggest instruments in demonizing the Taliban and Carter called training “the heart” of ism of the Afghan National Security 37 percent over the previous year. needed to retain those troops is a creating anti-Taliban awareness on massive scale looks to be under attack the U.S. mission in the country. Forces when he was embedded with There are serious questions about strong and united political leader- President Obama has pledged to a unit in eastern Afghanistan two Afghanistan’s ability to take the ship in Kabul. With Ghani now from the government. Now that media is considered to be an influential bring home the entirety of troops years ago. Indeed, the U.S. has al- fight to the Taliban and other mil- six months into the presidency, left in the country by the end of ready turned over more than 400 itant groups – the ANSF will we’re still waiting to see if that’s instruments in shaping minds and it has established as one the key institu- his term, with the exception of a bases used in the NATO mission to be without close fixed-wing air in the cards for Afghanistan. tions in helping the government to isolate the Taliban then why it’s right to know should be clipped. Yes, it is worth satisfaction that soon after media complaints, the ministry of interior (MoI) responded to the hue and cry A slim chance for dialogue in Yemen

and rejected that the National Security Council (NSC) has barred provin- when he was seriously injured in table for parliamentary elections. only announced the death of the cial police chiefs from sharing information with newsmen particularly By Manuel Almeida an explosion inside the presiden- Also as a consequence of the GCC GCC deal but have named it the tial compound. It was in Riyadh, initiative, a National Dialogue Con- main culprit for how things turned security-related information. MoI spokesman Sediq Seddiqi said Tuesday The events of March 18, 2011 where he received treatment for his ference (NDC) backed by U.N. out. Few of the key provisions of that the decision taken by the NSC was misinterpreted. He clarified that paved the way for the GCC initia- injuries, that the former president Security Council resolution 2051 the GCC initiative have been met tive under which Ali Abdullah signed the power-transfer agree- went on from March 2013 until by the government of Abd Man- only the spokesmen of police chiefs have been barred from providing in- Saleh eventually agreed to cede his ment brokered by the GCC in late January 2014 in Sanaa’s Moven- sour Hadi, although circumstanc- formation to newsmen on security events to avoid flow of misleading in- presidential post. That day, the November. The deal involved Saleh pick Hotel. It was tasked with ad- es were hardly in his favor. Al- Yemeni revolution took a tragic turn abandoning the presidential post dressing most of Yemen’s key chal- though seeing Ansarullah partici- formation. Chiding the restriction, media advocacy groups have called on when Yemeni security forces and that would be taken on by Vice- lenges such as the federation is- pating in negotiations or a transi- the government to avoid taking up policies that cause troubles to report- plainclothes snipers placed on roof- President Abd Mansour Hadi. sue, the Saada conflict in the North, tion process brokered by the GCC tops killed 51 people in an anti- Numerous commentators have not the Southern problem, reform of remains a remote possibility, the ers. Though, MoI spokesman attempted to assuage the concerns of media government rally in Sanaa. Soon only announced the death of the the army and security apparatus, movement’s intransigence and its however it looks to be just a temporary approach. Earlier the government before the massacre, Saleh had GCC deal but have named it the as well as drafting a new constitu- leadership’s ties to Iran could prove promised to defend the regime main culprit for how things turned tion. Given its very overambitious not to be the biggest obstacle to a passed such a media law that earned criticism from newsmen and now this “with every drop of blood.” In a out Popular referendum The pro- agenda and the context of crisis, negotiated solution. Instead, the happened. Therefore, an extensive debate between media representatives desperate attempt to placate pro- visions of the GCC initiative de- those expecting a swift and smooth ultimate spoiler could be Saleh’s testers, Saleh sacked his entire cab- fined a two-year transition period process were bound to be disap- clan and the support and power and government officials should be held to define who is authorized to inet (asking it to remain in place and the formation of a national pointed. Today, with the country he still has within the GPC, the speak to media and who is not because currently many police chiefs have until a new one was appointed). unity government composed by on the brink of full-scale civil war army and the security forces. Man- Yet a number of key tribal leaders ministers belonging to the ruling and the revivalist Zaidy group uel Almeida is a writer, researcher denied to talk on security issues. Any decision taken in haste by any gov- (including the powerful Al-Ah- General People’s Congress and Ansarullah (also known as the and consultant on the Middle East. ernment body wouldn’t be acceptable for media-men as it would be con- mar), generals, and government from the opposition Joint Meet- Houthis) and forces loyal to Saleh He holds a PhD in International officials resigned or declared sup- ing Parties. It called for presiden- in control of much of the North Relations from the London of Eco- sidered an assault on the right to know. If any state-structure attempts to port for the uprisings. During April tial elections, a new constitution through an awkward alliance, the nomics and Political Science and influence information-flow it would be as if the state doesn’t want to pro- and May, Saleh continued to re- to be subjected to popular refer- political transition process seems was an editor at Asharq Al-Awsat sist the GCC proposals to put an endum and the obligation of the to have collapsed altogether. Nu- newspaper. He can be reached on mote the culture of media freedom and the covert objective would be as if end to the crisis, until early June new government to submit a time- merous commentators have not @_ManuelAlmeida on Twitter. the government doesn’t want to be accountable. Its media’s positive role that earned the wrath of militants and many journalists were slain. If the government fears about the misuse of free speech by any individual or organization it should be dealt in that capacity instead of clamping down on entire media fraternity. Restrictions should be interpreted strictly and narrowly. They should be proportionate to the aim pursued as media in the country have been doing its job much maturely. Prior restrictions are ac- ceptable but only in emergencies and extremely exceptional circumstanc- es. Information shouldn’t be denied under the pretext or façade of national La interests as there is no concrete definition of national interests. Any prior w n upt io restraint requires a higher justification and calls for tight scrutiny. Sans Corr acceptable justification, any attempt that gags press freedom is consid- ered to be an act of democratic-dictatorship. To show responsibility, me- dia should start self-introspection so that there is no misuse of press free- dom. Subscription Rates Categories Fee Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 3600 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 1800 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $200 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. 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.

THURSDAY .MARCH 19, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Rocking the Afghan vote India’s neighborhood is changing — By Sareer Ahmad Barmak How should New Delhi respond? has been well-reported, Afghani- stan’s 2014 presidential and pro- Countries around India are undergoing significant political transformations. vincial council elections were marred by extensive technical dif- Will New Delhi be a beacon of regional stability? ficulties — unconfirmed numbers of eligible voters, inadequate secu- By Rohan Joshi er, there are encouraging signs that id and sustained economic architecture where “Indian strate- rity, vague district and village the National Democratic Alliance growth in India can act as a cata- gic needs and historical security boundaries, and interference from India’s neighborhood is in the (NDA), elected to power last May, lyst for further economic develop- concerns are taken on board along military and civilian government midst of significant change. In Sri understands these challenges and ment for its neighbors. To that end, with the concerns of India’s small- officials. Yet they also took a heavy Lanka, an unlikely coalition with intends to address them. In a sig- India must encourage its smaller er neighbors.” India’s financial toll on the system. Ac- former Minister of Health Maithri- nificant first step, the NDA dem- neighbors to participate in its econ- recent agreements with Mauritius cording to the Joint Task Force on pala Sirisena defeated Mahinda onstrated that it took India’s neigh- omy and provide asymmetric ben- and Seychelles to develop infra- Election Assistance, the direct cost Rajapaksa in the country’s presi- borhood seriously by inviting the efits where appropriate to incen- structure in the Agalega and As- of the first round of voting proved dential election in January. In the leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, tivize bilateral trade and market sumption islands will augment ca- to be especially high — approxi- Maldives, former president Mo- Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, access. India must move forward pabilities in addressing areas of mately $109 million — for a coun- hamed Nasheed, having been Bhutan, Maldives and Mauritius with a bold agenda for regional eco- mutual concern. It is also in In- try that falls amongst the poorest systematically harassed since a de to attend the inauguration of Prime nomic integration, with or with- dia’s interests to promote a plu- in the world. The task force noted facto coup in 2012, has been sen- Minister Narendra Modi in May out the participation of Pakistan. ralistic, representative and demo- that the average cost per voter (of tenced to 13 years in prison and 2014. India’s pressing need is to On the security front, many of cratic Afghanistan. While it con- the 13.5 million who voted) was sociated with hiring DFCs. At These confirmed records will pro- found guilty of terrorism. Afghan- regain lost credibility, leadership India’s neighbors benefit from In- tinues to provide much-needed $8.08. While this figure is lower present, there are around 200,000 vide the IEC with an exact figure istan’s future looks precarious as and influence in its immediate dia’s role as the dominant net se- economic aid and investment to than the global average for stable teachers working in public schools of eligible voters list at the village a unity government led by Presi- neighborhood. To that end, India’s curity provider in the region. Its that country, the notion that it and post-conflict democracies throughout the Afghanistan. The level. 3.Establish a National Voter dent Ashraf Ghani attempts to foreign secretary S Jaishankar em- armed forces have provided non- should relegate its activities exclu- ($8.41 per voter), it is much high- IEC estimates that 113,500 poll- Registration Center. The National make peace with the Afghan Tali- barked on visit to India’s “conti- military and military assistance to sively outside the security domain er than states that have established ing staff members (temporary staff Voter Registration Center (NVRC) ban. Islamist forces in nental” neighborhood, Pakistan and its neighbors at critical junctures. must be actively challenged. In- efficient voting systems ($4.01 per who are working in the polling sta- — which is managed by the IEC at Bangladesh continue to challenge Afghanistan, as well as Sri Lanka, The Indian Navy’s humanitarian dia’s own security has voter). The Independent Election tions on Election Day and are re- both the central and provincial lev- the secular fabric of the state, re- while Prime Minister Modi paid assistance to Sri Lanka and the been directly impacted in the past Commission (IEC), the main body cruited by DFCs) will be needed els — should be established prior sulting in upswing in attacks official visits to India’s littoral Maldives in the aftermath of the as a consequence of instability in that administers elections in Af- for the upcoming parliamentary to receiving the approved and val- against Hindu and Buddhist minor- neighbors – Mauritius, Seychelles 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the Afghanistan and New Delhi can- ghanistan, faced four major chal- elections. The abundance of teach- idated eligible voters list construct- ities. Those who champion the and Sri Lanka (he had visited Ne- Indian Army’s role in repelling an not accept terms from other coun- lenges in 2014: 1) the inadequate ers would more than cover that ed from the voter registries. The cause of freedom and tolerance are pal in August 2014). That Modi’s attempted coup in the Maldives tries on how it should be engaging recruitment of temporary non- need. As for the potential challeng- NVRC should develop a compre- being silenced, the visit was the first for an Indian in 1988 and the Indian with Kabul. Lastly, all too often, technical workers on the day of es in distributing the teachers to hensive database where all eligible heinous murder of blogger Avijit Prime Minister to Nepal since Navy’s response to a commentary on India’s engagement the elections; 2) a lack of balance each of the 7,000 polling stations voter details will be coded and en- Roy earlier this month being but 1997, Mauritius since 1987, Sey- planned coup in Seychelles in with its neighbors is held hostage in the distribution of polling sta- and the general lack of female tered, and ensure that only eligible the most recent example. These schelles since 1981 is a reflection 1986 come to mind. However, giv- to a narrative of Sino-Indian rival- tions across the country; 3) the teachers, this may be addressed by voters can vote by disseminating transformative events coincide of the extent to which India has en India’s large and disproportion- ry. But this is a false proposition absence of voter registration lists a presidential decree which gives the list to election centers. The with India having witnessed a grad- ignored its own neighborhood. C ate military power relative to its because relations between India’s at the polling centers; and 4) the these individuals the authority to NVRC will also reclassify voters ual but definite attrition of its in- Raja Mohan and SD Muni smaller neighbors, concerns of In- smaller neighbors with either In- lack of a reporting mechanism to fill the possible vacuum by hiring as they move to ensure that they fluence in the region over the last have argued that India’s aspira- dian “hegemonic designs” are but dia or China is not zero sum. It is determine turnout by the end of individuals upon need. 2.Create a are not deprived of their voting several years. In Sri Lanka, as in tions of “achieving the objective understandable, and a bridging of only natural for countries in the Election Day. As Afghanistan pre- voter registry. Problems in voter rights. This will enhance the cred- the Maldives, years of neglect left of becoming one of the principal the trust deficit is essential. To- region to leverage China against pares to hold elections for the par- registration have been a key rea- ibility and transparency of the elec- a vacuum that was readily filled powers of Asia will depend entire- day, India and its neighbors are India (or vice versa), but India is liament, and possibly for district son behind the miscarriage of elec- tion process in accordance with the by China. In Afghanistan, the dith- ly on India’s ability to manage its confronted with common threats already the dominant strategic and councils (for the first time), there tions in Afghanistan since 2004. improvements and reforms that ering of past governments result- own immediate neighborhood.” and challenges in the Indian sub- military partner for many of its is an immediate need to improve The partial census in 1979 — the have been requested by the gov- ed in India failing to capitalize on There are economic and strategic continent, from terrorism, piracy neighbors and enjoys close histor- the election system — an endeav- last official census to be carried out, ernment and people of Afghani- opportunities to further strength- considerations at play that make and an interest in ensuring the in- ical, economic and cultural ties with or that first requires a comprehen- which only gathered data on 67 stan. 4.Properly allocate approved en security cooperation between India reestablishing its leadership tegrity and security of the sea lines them. Therefore, fears of it being sive needs assessment, starting percent of the country — shows polling centers. Afghanistan’s ini- the two countries, and in the pro- and influence in its immediate of communication that transport supplanted by China are some- with the existing electoral struc- an estimated population of 15.5 tial polling center allocation was cess, bolster Afghanistan’s conven- neighborhood an imperative. Eco- much of the world’s energy sup- what exaggerated. Indeed, as tures and processes based on the million. To date, there has not been done in 2003, when there was no tional military and counter-insur- nomically, there are shared bene- plies. India’s capacity to address events of the past many years current electoral laws. As for the any accurate data collection effort population count and no accurate gency capabilities. A historic op- fits to closer economic these common threats and safe- have unfortunately shown, the discussions about canceling the to determine Afghanistan’s popu- boundary data for the country’s portunity to move past conten- integration between India and its guard regional interests can be en- greatest threat to India’s preemi- current election laws through pres- lation numbers and geographic dis- regions. Furthermore, the Indepen- tious land and water-sharing issues immediate neighbors. India hanced by actively cooperating nent position in the region comes idential decree, they are unneces- tribution. This has made it very dent Directorate of Local Gover- with Bangladesh was already accounts for about 80 per with its neighbors, while working from itself, rather than from a for- sary as the current laws can ac- difficult to improve the voter reg- nance, which is the main body han- left unrealized as a result of domes- cent of the overall economy of the to assuage their fears. In this re- eign power. commodate changes in the process- istration process, which was de- dling administrative affairs at the tic political wrangling with the Indian subcontinent and Indian gard, Sathiya Moorthy This column was seen at the es and procedures that would bring veloped with much haste and little sub-national level, was not yet es- West Bengal government. Howev- Ocean Region (IOR) littoral. Rap- rightlycalls for a regional security Diplomat. about significant improvement. thought for its sustainability. For tablished. Despite the directorate’s Working within the current frame- the 2004, 2009, and 2014 voter creation in 2007, the IEC has re- work of election laws — which registration processes, 20.3 million mained handicapped by a lack of includes a provision for develop- voter cards were issued for an es- information about the exact loca- ing a voter registry — will also help timated 15 million eligible voters. tions of polling centers in relation By Ibrahim Al-Marashi the IEC enhance its reform efforts Lessons learned from past voter to the surrounding population. and recommend technical im- While there is an ongoing battle for registration drives need to be ap- During the 2014 elections, several Tikrit, where the Iraqi and Iranian provements that will increase the plied to the e-Tazkera (Electronic sections of the voting population militaries and affiliated Iraqi Shia efficiency, transparency, and cred- National Identification Cards), — like those in prisons, hospitals, and Sunni militias are trying to ex- ibility of the process. To address while ensuring there is a way to or military barracks — did not have pel ensconced ISIL fighters, result- the technical challenges Afghani- ing in mounting casualties and the deregister the deceased and avoid access to polling centers. In future physical destruction of its urban stan faced during the 2014 elec- the issuance of duplicate cards — elections, polling sites need to be landscape, a simultaneous battle is tions, I propose the following rec- two issues that plague the current both fixed and mobile, and proce- being waged over a cyber-terrain ommendations. 1.Hire proficient voter registry scheme. Engaging the dures need to be in place to allow and media landscape, resulting in temporary election workers. In the Wakil-e-Gozars (Community poll center staffers to vote well the creation of protagonists that 2014 presidential and provincial both Iraqis and Iranians can root Representatives) at the municipal- before Election Day. One positive for. Recent images of Iraq's Angel council elections, the IEC encoun- ity and city levels, and cooperat- byproduct of the 2014 elections of Death, a fighter in one of the tered numerous problems with re- ing with the Community Devel- was the ability of the IEC to map Shia militias taking part in the fight gards to recruiting the District opment Councils (CDCs) — the locations of all the polling cen- for Tikrit, is the latest Ramboesque Field Coordinators (DFCs), who figure to emerge in what has be- through the Ministry of Rural Re- ters on Geographic Information come a decade-long conflict in Iraq. were responsible for managing dis- habilitation and Development — System software, which gave the International media has picked up trict election activities. After their at the village level can be very help- IEC a baseline for reforming the this story, as part of its fascina- employment, the DFCs faced in- ful in addressing the pitfalls in the distribution of polling centers. But tion with the rise of ISIL and its backfired in the PR insurgency Iraq's Shia and its Christian minor- Facebook, for their allegiance. The timidation by various factions who voter registration process. to ensure the proper allocation of use of new social media. Iraqi of- wars, as commentators in the US ities, targeted since the summer of message of the medium is that ter- were behind the introduction of fensive against ISIL in Tikrit on military gave press briefings to 2014. Shia militias have used cy- rorism is post-modern, where One of the roles of the Wakil- approved polling centers, it is im- hold The Angel of Death is news- show his poor handling of his fire- ber-space to wish Iraq's Christians ISIL's notions of "Jihad", "Caliph- fraud into the election process. e-Gozars is to attest to the validi- portant to have the approved list worthy because he represents a arm. Comedians also poked fun of a Merry Christmas and Christian ate", sexual slavery, the use of child Most DFCs, particularly those in ty of one’s application for a na- of registered voters so that the IEC high-profile cyber counter-attack. the fact that despite his traditional militias even use the logos of the soldiers, and the destruction of remote areas, did not have any other tional ID card. This process would can place the polling stations However the focus on this perso- garb, he was wearing either Adidas Shia militias on their own Face- Iraq's pre-Islamic heritage can be na brings up a greater issue of the choice but to succumb to the pres- assist in providing a list of names where they are needed. Meaning- or New Balance sneakers. New book pages. Iraq's Angel of Death communicated in 140 characters, conflation between cyber-space media environment ISIL emerged became newsworthy, partly due to or a single image, to be "Liked" in a sure exerted by powerful individ- to form the basis of a precise voter ful reforms in the Afghan election and actual violent conflict, where in Iraq in a new media environment, his huge fan base that emerged as a macabre, transnational referendum. uals and groups in the communi- registry. Wakil-e-Gozars could be system are crucial for strengthen- it has become more-and-more dif- where it could showcase its fight- result of the "Likes" he received Combatting terrorism has become ties, and quit. In future elections, tasked with completing this list for ing democracy and preventing elec- ficult to separate reality from its ers with new media like Youtube, on Facebookand his picture show- post-modern, whether it is Shia hiring public school teachers and each polling center, which would tion-induced political and civil mediated version in cyber-space. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. ing up on the Facebook page re- militias creating a hero to be equal- civil servants as DFCs could elim- Folk heroes or villains Since the One of its most prominent "post- portedly belonging to Iran's spe- ly Liked, to the State Department then be posted at the polling cen- strife that could push the country fall of Baghdad in 2003, the ensu- er boys" was Shakir Wahib, who cial forces, at a time when the Iraqi developing a campaign of tweets inate these challenges. They will ters on Election Day to validate to the verge of collapse. Elections ing chaos has produced a wide ar- the international media became fix- state should ideally downplay the to discredit ISIL. Of course, in be less likely to break the rules and the identity of the voters. Like- within a flawed regulatory frame- range of folk heroes or villains de- ated with, as he was one of the role of Shia Iran in fighting for a this emergence of new technolo- commit fraud as that would risk wise, the CDCs record the com- work will not only hurt the legiti- pending on one’s perspective. Be- few ISIL fighters who was filmed predominantly Sunni Tikrit. Social gies and the blurring of reality, there fore the cult around American Snip- their jobs as government employ- munity populations, which could macy of the state, but will also without a mask, even when he media has ... has allowed those is a reality beyond any doubt on er emerged, the Iraqi insurgents had killed three Syrian truck drivers. outside of the war zone to become the ground that includes Iraqis and ees. Assigning them to do the job be used as an accurate census for make the public lose faith in the their own Baghdad Sniper, a man His ISIL fan base called him the voyeurs to this conflict, and has Syrians who have been displaced would also eliminate the costs as- eligible voters in the countryside. process. named Nizar al-Jibouri, affiliated "Desert Lion", and in this regard, facilitated the creation of virtual and dispossessed since the Syrian with the Islamic Army in Iraq. This Iraq's Angel of Death emerged as personas to celebrate or condemn. civil war and the rise of ISIL. Loy- Sniper not only targeted American Iraq's hero to combat this Lion. Cyber-hero for Iraqis The emer- alties, whether to ISIL or the forc- soldiers, but filmed the deaths of The latest Ramboesque figure to gence of this cyber-hero for Iraqis es combatting ISIL, are not deter- LETTER TO THE EDITOR his victims. The insurgent group emerge in decade-long conflict in illustrates media theorist Marshall mined by social media, but by released several videos, including Iraq [Facebook] ISIL seeks to McLuhan's oft-quoted phrase, long-term processes of socialisa- the view from his sniper scope, dominate, shape and control cy- "The Medium is the Message". tion and identity formation. Nev- giving a first-person shooter video berspace, yet at the same time it Irrespective of the messages sent ertheless, what social media has Freedom of media game perspective. It even created has become a space to resist ISIL, by ISIL or Iraq's Shia militias, the done has allowed those outside of a docudrama video of a day in his Freedom of media was one of main achievements of former President Karzai’s government. During his through creating virtual heroes medium in and of itself also con- the war zone to become voyeurs life of being a sniper. The insur- such as the Angel of Death, even tains a message. The message of to this conflict, and has facilitated tenure, tens of radio and TV channels were established. Media outlets including TV and radio channels, gent group realised his kills were though he is a real person, Ayyub the medium in this case is that in the creation of virtual personas to newspapers and magazines improved well. There are more than 35 TV and at least 20 radio channels in not enough for the insurgency. It Faleh al-Rubaie, who discusses in the age of the easy edit and photo- celebrate or condemn. Ibrahim al- Kabul which provide different programs, but sometimes these programs go the wrong way and result in was the production value associ- an APF interview the banal aspects shop it becomes difficult to deter- Marashi is an assistant professor irritation not entertainment. There are a number of radio hosts, mostly girls, which host a number of ated with those kills that built up of his life, such as dropping his mine the reality on the ground in at the Department of History, Cal- his myth-like status. Even Abu kids off to school. The emergence Iraq. ISIL's telegenic fighter was ifornia State University, San Mar- programs that are not meeting the culture of Afghanistan. Moreover, these programs waste the time of our Musab al-Zarqawi, the Jordanian- of the Angel of Death in cyber- reported dead in 2014, but was able cos. He is the co-author of "Iraq’s young generation as they wait hours to connect their call host of such programs which are mostly girls. born progenitor of ISIL, brandished space has been newsworthy, but to resurrect himself by releasing a Armed Forces: An Analytical His- These girls speak with a different tone which is not suitable for youngsters to hear it. Another defect of his Rambo-like persona during the he also represents a greater Shi’a photo on the internet. The mes- tory." The views expressed in this these programs is that the anchors use English and Urdu words while they should speak in our beautiful early days of the Iraqi insurgency cyber-narrative that emerged after sage of the medium is that there is article are the author's own and do with videos of him firing off bursts national languages. Young boys talk with girl hosts and young girls call and talk with boy anchors in a the rise of ISIL, with Facebook a battle over the loyalty of the not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's from a rifle, which inadvertently pages stressing unity between youth, using their media such as editorial policy. number of radio channels. This is against our culture. Radio channels by preparing such programs are violating the right that has been given to them through the freedom of media. It seems that the Ministry of Information and Culture is not informed about the programs and about the radio channels. The programs should be controlled. They should broadcast programs that fit our culture and meet the Disclaimer: real demands of the Afghan society. Jamshid Noori, 4th Macroryan, 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. THURSDAY . MARCH 19, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Identifying Mexico’s days of my life. My life has changed in so many ways I would not know where to begin. We live many dead in destruction, and there is no end to it. Homes, schools, hospitals and everywhere we look we see along US destruction. Only a few of us are left here. We have nothing to do but sit and wait, sit and have the the border whole world turning its back on us. Wait for food, wait for safety Tucson, United States - The and wait for hope. We live in some- stench of death and decay hung one else's house because our house over the morgue at the Pima Coun- was destroyed, we do not have ty Office of the Medical Examiner windows we do not have anything. where dozens of white body bags In the first year of the revolution lay on metal trays on a warm Feb- we had high hopes; we felt that ruary afternoon. "We have 90 uni- freedom was finally coming our dentified remains at the facility way. As the second year ap- right now," Dr Greg Hess, the chief proached we had even higher medical examiner, told Al Jazeera, hopes, and we thought there were pointing at body trays on the right bigger plans for Syria, a new and side of the room. "Most of these free Syria. We hoped that Arab people we believe to be undocu- states and the international com- mented border crossers." About munity would come to our rescue 100km from Hess' office, thou- , but as a saying in Arabic goes, the sands of migrants have tried to ice has melted and the truth about cross the US-Mexico border these countries has been revealed. through the US state of Arizona, We were abandoned from day one. which cuts through the arid Sono- The third year brought along with ran desert where summer temper- it more blood, more tragedies and atures soar above 40°C. Many destruction. The fourth year poorly equipped migrants, hiking proved to us there is no one left for days on end, eventually suc- [to help us] but God. We lived cumb to the adverse conditions. through days that I cannot de- Since 2001, the Pima County Of- scribe, we lived in extreme fear es- fice of the Medical Examiner has pecially our children who are too received more than 2,200 recov- young to understand. We lived un- ered remains of suspected migrants der very harsh conditions, we have crossing the US-Mexico border. been living in a prison, we barely The morgue at the Pima County have any food, no heating and not Medical Examiner's office in Tuc- even the most basic things you need son, Arizona [Felix Gaedtke/Al in order to survive. We feel things Jazeera] Dr Hess unzipped a body are going back to normal; we still bag with an "Unknown" name tag have hope that people will feel to reveal the limited contents with- compassionate again that's what in. "Here, [this is] not uncommon. keeps us going. Internally dis- We have a skull and a little bit of placed women working in Dam- property. What are the odds that ascus [Al Jazeera] Umm Tawfiq, we will identify this person in a Muhajreen, Damacus, housewife very timely manner? Probably We had a house and we lived with very small," he said. In 2013, 168 At least ten million Syrians have been displaced since the start of the civil war in 2011. Syria/ Lebanon border [Diana Al Rifai/ Al Jazeera] dignity, my family and my home migrant deaths were recorded in were my life. When the revolution Pima County, and 95 of the bodies started we were overwhelmed and remain unidentified. The Medical I was teaching and studying for my stay silent. I used to see my par- get bored. We will continue work- are spent planning for Syria after a corpse without a head and bod- Examiner's Office routinely works Masters degree at al-Baath Uni- ents everyday, but after I decided ing and protecting our revolution. the war, working on empowering ies with no limbs. I have seen alot. excited about change. But then I lost my husband and my son. We with the Colibri Centre for Human versity in Hama when the first to dedicate my life to the revolu- We all expected the harsh reaction the women here and including them I got to a point where I forgot how Rights , an NGO that assists fam- wave of protests began. I always tion, I saw them three times a from Bashar al-Assad's regime, but in the transition phase. My day is to live the life I lived before, I do then lost our house, I basically lost everything one day at a time. The ilies to find remains of their loved dreamt of teaching at a university. week. Now it has been almost two we did not expect the world's re- dedicated to Syria, everyday. Aid not even remember it. I studied ones who disappear at the border- Since I was a child I dreamt of be- years [[since I last saw them]] be- action. We were let down by the arriving to al-Waer district in Homs economics, banking and finance - revolution gave us nothing, we did not get anything but destruction lands. The Colibri Centre was es- coming a professor, and my dream cause they live in a regime- con- media, we were let down by hu- [Al Jazeera] Anonymous, the aid all that I learnt has been deleted tablished amid the increasing dis- did come true, but only for a short trolled area. The revolution com- manitarian organisations and we worker, Homs I was a university from my memory.I feel like I nev- and blood. I lived under the worst covery of unidentified remains of while. When the protests broke pletely changed who I am. Life has were let down militarily. My day student in Hama, and I lived in er studied anything. I feel like I did conditions in the past four years border crossers since the early out in Homs, my friends and I changed dramatically. I have been depends on where I have been liv- Homs. I did not like Hama that much not do anything for my future at of my life. I lived in pain, I saw 2000s. In a tiny office, Chelsea rushed to the scene to take part. I separated from my family, we live ing during the past four years. I went back and forth for classes all, apart from the fact that I gained pain in other peoples' lives. I now Halstead, programme manager at attended the first protests in the in extreme fear and I have seen When I was In Quseir, we spent and then back home. My life was a diploma. I am very depressed, live with my four children in a cave the Colibri Centre, sifted through heart of Homs, with my face cov- death several times but now I am time documenting the battles, the simple. I played sports most of the four years have gone from my life that I call a room. I do not think folders of missing persons' reports. ered to avoid getting recognised [by used to it. I had to let go of my endless bombardment ,the shelling time. It has become normal to see a just like that. I imagined myself we should be living here. It is nei- "People started calling here to try regime security forces]. After at- dreams. I could not stay silent. and injuries. We would go to field burnt human body, a corpse with- graduating and moving to the Gulf ther safe nor hygienic but it is all I and find their loved ones who had tending several protests, we were Hadi al-Abdallah, Syrian activist clinics and document everything out a head and bodies with no limbs, region to work, like most of my can afford. I pay rent for it too. died while crossing. They couldn't stopped at a checkpoint, and the How would I summarise the past we could with the aim to expose I have seen a lot. Red Crescent co- friends. Now even if I want to go, Only God knows. Before the rev- call the police because there were soldier kept my ID card for almost four years? it felt like 40 years but [such atrocities] to the world. In ordinator, Homs branch I never no Gulf state will grant me a visa, olution we lived in oppression, and language issues or jurisdictional half an hour and went away. No we do not regret it. All we demand- Qalamoun and Yabroud I worked thought I would live a life like the so my life is pretty much limited after the revolution started we still issues, or because the person in one would tell me what the prob- ed was our own rights, our basic as a mediator between several op- one I am living now; four years of to here. Syrian living in al-Waer, live in oppression and we contin- question wasn't an American citi- lem was. That was when it hit me, human rights. This revolution was position forces, I tried to unite my life have gone by but it feels like Homs [Al Jazeera] Abu Khaled, in ue to do so everyday. I would even zen. In other cases, they were too security around Homs is only get- not a mistake. We were let down them. I was their middle man, they 20 years. In the beginning of the besieged al-Waer district, Homs I say slavery. Now we pay the price scared to call the police," Halstead ting worse and I could get arrested in many ways; The world did not heard me and I heard them. In uprising, I used to be shocked and used to own a mini market in al- for other peoples' mistakes. We told Al Jazeera. US law enforce- any day. It became dangerous to take the right decisions to end these northern Syria cities like Idlib and terrified when I saw injured or dead Waer district , the last rebel-held never lived in freedom, we still do ment officers often rely on data commute back and forth to Hama crimes. In the past four years we Aleppo suburbs, I also document people. But because of the many area in Homs. Our lives were pret- not live in freedom and I do not from SIM cards to try and identi- so I quit my job as a teacher. I had felt abondened on all levels but this and film the battles and the de- times this has happened, it became ty simple and we were happy, know if we ever will. fy bodies [Felix Gaedtke/Al to let go of my dreams- I could not will not make us stop, retreat or struction, but most of my days here normal to see a burnt human body, now I know they were the best (AL JAZEERA) Jazeera] Halstead and her small team at the Colibri Centre take detailed missing person's reports from families calling in, then cata- Syria claims logue and compare them with pro- files of unidentified remains that come into the Medical Examiner's downing of US drone Office across the hallway. In some cases, they successfully find a match and help return the skeletal Damascus: Syria's military shot But Al-Nusra fighters are active in remains and property to bereaved down a US drone over the coastal the province, which is home to the families. "Death is a social experi- province of Latakia, a stronghold Assad family's ancestral village and ence. Even though it's sad and it's of President Bashar al-Assad, state is a bastion of the Alawite sect of difficult, it's social and it's impor- media said . The US military con- Shiite Islam to which the president tant for the community," Halstead firmed that it had lost communica- belongs. According to the Obser- said. "When you don't have a body, tion with an unarmed Predator vatory, the strikes have killed more you don't have that socially agreed drone over northwest Syria on than 1,600 people, most of them upon narrative of what happened Tuesday and was looking into the jihadists. Elsewhere in war-rav- to this person. You don't get to claims it was brought down. If aged Syria, activists and the Ob- collectively pass them along to the confirmed, it would be the first time servatory reported at least six peo- land of the dead." Jasmin Morales' is one such family currently seek- that Syrian forces have attacked a ple had been killed in an alleged ing help from the Colibri Centre. US aircraft since the coalition fight- regime gas attack. - Gas attacks Jasmin's brother, Julio Cesar Mo- ing the Islamic State began raids 'war crimes' - The overnight inci- rales, disappeared in 2009 while against the jihadist group in Syria dent in Idlib, in the northwest, trying to cross from Mexico along in September. The claim came as prompted outrage from rights with Jasmin and their father. "My activists said Syrian regime forces group Amnesty International, brother wanted to find work. In had carried out an attack using chlo- which said it was further evidence the town where we used to live rine gas that killed six people, in- of government "war crimes." [Tierra Blanca in Veracruz, Mexi- cluding three children. Syrian state "Three children, their mother and co], there is not much work," Jas- news agency SANA reported the father, and their grandmother suf- min told Al Jazeera over the phone. apparent downing of a US drone focated to death after regime bar- Bodies of unidentified migrants are in a breaking news alert. "Syrian rel bomb attacks," the Observato- buried at a barren corner of the air defences brought down a hos- ry said. The monitor said doctors Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson [Felix Gaedtke /Al Jazeera] More tile US surveillance aircraft over in the village of Sarmin, southeast than half of Mexico's population north Latakia," it said, without of Idlib city, concluded that the lives in poverty and the country providing further details. While manner of death indicated a gas, has one of the highest murder rates Syria is not participating in the air possibly chlorine, had emitted in the world . Under these condi- strikes against the IS, it has so far from the barrel bombs. Activists tions, many such as Julio make the refrained from taking action against in Sarmin said chlorine gas had perilous journey north in search aircraft involved in the US-led co- been used and posted videos of a of a better life. Jasmin, her broth- alition's operations to take out the chaotic field hospital where dis- er, and their father spent a week in extremist group. Damascus has oriented victims coughed and held the Sonoran desert. At the end of said it was given prior warning gas masks over their faces as chil- the journey, they lost Julio after before the coalition began the dren cried in the background. A an encounter with US Border Pa- strikes, and Foreign Minister paramedic interviewed by an AFP trol agents one night. "To be hon- Walid Muallem said last year that journalist said first responders est, I don't know what happened to my brother because the desert Washington had pledged its raids rushed to the scene unprepared. is something ugly," Jasmin said. would not hit the Syrian army. The "This is the first time we've expe- "I'd love to find my brother alive, strikes in Syria have largely been rienced a poison gas attack," The 64-year-old Sisa Abu Daooh polishing shoes in a street in Luxor. (Al Arabiya Net) at least for my mother because she focused on Aleppo and Raqa prov- Motea Jalal said. "We grabbed the has the hope that he is still alive." inces, where the Islamic State has masks we had. They are for fires, An Egyptian woman who dis- 43 years to provide for her family. a white turban, or sometimes a family. (Al Arabiya Net) She add- Jasmin, however, acknowledged strongholds. But the campaign has not for gas attacks, but that's what guised herself as a man for 43 years (Al Arabiya Net) Her situation men’s hat known as a “Taqiyah” ed that she worked in an array of the reality that her brother could also targeted the group elsewhere, is available." He told AFP para- in order to make a living for her was complicated by a local culture and black masculine shoes. “I pre- jobs, from “polishing shoes, to be dead. "They [Colibri Center] and hit positions believed to be- medics retrieved the wounded and daughter after the death of her hus- opposed to women in the work ferred working in hard labor like construction to agriculture.” At the asked me for authorisation so they long to fighters affiliated with Al- tried to wash the chemicals from band was honored Tuesday by the place, which forced her to dress as lifting bricks and cement bags and moment, Abu Daooh says she is can look for him in the morgue. Nusra Front, the feared Syrian the bodies, adding that more than government as the “ideal mother” a man and work outside the home cleaning shoes to begging in the polishing shoes, which earns her a They told me it has been many wing of Al-Qaeda. IS fighters have 100 people were in need of treat- of Luxor governorate. The Social to support her baby daughter Hou- streets in order to earn a living for “decent income.” years since he disappeared. So, it been largely absent from the north- ment. The Organisation for the Solidarity Directorate of Luxor said da. She worked making bricks and myself and for my daughter and Her daughter Houda said: “my will be God's will. I don't really western province of Latakia, ac- Prohibition of Chemical Weapons it was awarding the “woman bread- polishing shoes in the street among her children,” she said. “So as to mom is the one who still provides know if he is in prison or dead, but winner” award to Sisa Abu Daooh other jobs. protect myself from men and the for the family. She wakes up ev- we want to know what really hap- cording to the Syrian Observatory said in January it had "confidence" pened." The border wall in for Human Rights, a Britain-based that chlorine gas had been used in for her years of hard work provid- Eventually, she married off her harshness of their looks and being ery day at 6 a.m. to start polishing ing for her daughter and her grand- daughter to a man who later fell ill targeted by them due to traditions, shoes at the station in Luxor. I car- Nogales, Arizona is heavily guard- monitor. View galleryA Syrian man attacks on three villages in 2014. ed and effective at keeping mi- breathes with an oxygen mask It did not assign responsibility, but children. and couldn’t work. So, being a re- I decided to be a man … and ry the work kits for her as she now The 64-year-old Abu Daooh lost sourceful woman, Abu Daooh dressed in their clothes and worked advanced in age.” Abu Daooh gave grants out [Felix Gaedtke/Al following … A Syri- its report noted that witnesses her husband while she was preg- kept up her work as the breadwin- alongside them in other villages thanks to those who had helped Jazeera] Mexican migrants didn't an man breathes with an oxygen heard helicopters before the attack, nant and after giving birth, she ner of her family. She donned a lo- where no one knows me.” her along the way. “Thanks to ev- always take the arduous Arizonan mask following an alleged regime which only government forces found herself without an income. cal “jilbab” - a loose, full-length Sisa Abu Daooh dressed as man eryone who has helped me. I hope desert route to cross into the US. gas attack on the village of S … possess. (AFP) isa Abu Daooh dressed as man for robe with wide sleeves – as well as for 43 years to provide for her to see Egypt in a better situation.” (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. THURSDAY . MARCH 19, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Tunisia to start economic rescue plan, sees 7pc growth in 5 years

Tunisia's new government will "We will start a rescue program, launch an emergency economic we will start reforms in health, plan that includes reforms in sub- education, in state subsidies and sidies and social funds to revive in the social funds," the prime min- growth to a projected 7 per cent in ister said in a late night broadcast five years, Tunisian Prime Minis- on Monday. Reform also include a ter Habib Essid said. Tunisia has government plan to lift the retire- been praised as an example of com- ment age as a way to ease pressure promise politics and democratic on state pension payments. Last transition since overthrowing au- year, the government said Tunisia tocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali in would raise the retirement age by a 2011 uprising, holding free elec- two years to 62 in 2015. tions and drafting a new constitu- But Tunisia's powerful tion. But the North African coun- UGTT labour union rejected it, and try faces pressure from its credi- has resisted other reforms such as tors to cut public spending and attempts to freeze public worker reform politically sensitive subsi- wage hikes as a way to curb public dies on basic foods and fuel that spending. Tunisia this month can- are a hangover from the previous celled a new tax imposed on trav- regime's statist policies. Newly ellers crossing Libya's border after elected premier Habib Essid said the measure triggered rioting, high- in one his first national speeches lighting the problems facing the that major projects, including road- government as it seeks to bolster way construction and a gas project shaky state accounts. Essid said in the south, will be launched soon his government was planning a de- to help create jobs, without giving velopment scheme for 2016 to details or timing of the develop- 2020 that targets growth of 7 per- ments. Essid said the national bud- cent. Tunisia's economic reforms, get deficit last year was about 7.5 including boosting development billion dinars ($3.8 billion). He said and jobs, will not be easy in a coun- the current deficit in state social try which is reliant on tourism, has funds, such the CNAM and CN- few natural resources, suffers from RPS programs for health and pen- high unemployment and offers gen- sions, was about 1.1 billion dinar. erous state subsidies. Removing US oil ban would create jobs beyond drilling: Report

The province has forcefully called for utilising the untapped domestic gas reserves first in order to ease the shortage before going for LNG purchase from overseas markets. PHOTO: AFP

LAHORE: The Sindh Energy De- cording to provincial authorities, port would be around $14. At es have the right to explore all en- ation cost up to 40% at current partment has written a letter to the Sindh has huge energy resources, present, the LNG import cost has ergy resources, including LNG LNG import prices compared to Council of Common Interests including low British thermal unit dropped to $7 due to reduction in import, as per Article 154. But it furnace oil. Next year LNG sup- (CCI), asking the inter-provincial (BTU) gas, which could immedi- international prices. Sindh is will- is not wise to import gas when ply will be doubled and com- body to review the mechanism es- ately bridge the shortfall up to ing to agree on a tariff rate of around ample local reserves are available,” pressed natural gas (CNG) stations tablished for the import of lique- 80%, especially in power produc- $7-8, which it believes will be good an official added. Qatar will sup- of Punjab, which are facing acute fied natural gas (LNG). The prov- tion. “It only requires a reason- enough to attract investors. Offi- ply 200 million cubic feet of LNG shortages, will be given a reason- ince has forcefully called for util- able tariff for the low BTU gas in cials suggest that it could be wiser per day (mmcfd) by the end of this able share. The low BTU gas needs ising the untapped domestic gas order to attract vital investment in to utilise domestic reserves, which month. separate supply pipelines since it reserves first in order to ease the exploration work,” said an official will not only guarantee continu- The government intends to pro- cannot be mixed with natural gas shortage before going for LNG while seeking anonymity. The fed- ous availability of energy and vide this gas to the power plants that is currently being used. The WASHINGTON: Lifting a 40-year- drilling boom of the last five years purchase from overseas markets. eral government is willing to offer prove cost-efficient, but will also in Punjab in a bid to ease the ener- imported LNG, however, only re- old U.S. ban on crude exports have put pressure on the Obama It expressed the concern just $4 per million British thermal units bring investment in the oil and gas gy shortage. The plunge in the in- quires re-gasification before being would create a wide range of jobs in administration and Congress to lift weeks before the first LNG ship- (mmbtu) for the low BTU gas, sector. “After the 18th Amend- ternational crude market will help injected into the system of Sui the oil drilling supply chain and the country's ban on oil exports. ment is due later this month. Ac- whereas the flat rate for LNG im- ment to the constitution, provinc- in bringing down the power gener- Northern Gas Pipelines Limited. broader economy even in states that Congress put the ban in place af- produce little or no oil, according to ter the 1970s Arab oil embargo led a report released on Tuesday. Some to fears of energy shortages, and 394,000 to 859,000 U.S. jobs could only a few lawmakers including Germany, France, Italy Algeria seeks more oil-exporter be created annually from 2016 to Republicans Senator Lisa 2030 by lifting the ban, according Murkowski and U.S. Representa- to join Chinese-led to the IHS report, titled: "Unleash- tive Joe Barton support lifting the cooperation on price drop ing the Supply Chain: Assessing the restriction. Many other lawmak- Economic Impact of a U.S. crude ers have been hesitant to support Asian bank OPEC member Algeria is seeking oil free trade policy." Only 10 per- relaxing the ban, fearing they could more cooperation among oil ex- cent of the jobs would be created in be blamed for any unrelated rise in BERLIN: Germany, France and Italy followed Britain on Tuesday in porting countries to help counter actual oil production, while 30 per- gas prices. In New York, a state announcing that they plan to join a proposed Chinese-led Asian regional a sharp fall in global crude prices, cent would come from the supply that maintains a ban on hydraulic bank, swinging Europe's biggest economic powers behind a project that its energy minister said. In Decem- chain, and 60 percent would come fracturing, or fracking, for natural is viewed with concern in Washington. Britain last week became the first ber, Algeria called for an OPEC from the broader economy, the re- gas, jobs for the drilling business major Western country to seek membership in the Asian Infrastructure production cut in response to a port said. The supply chain jobs have been created in big data ana- Investment Bank. Tuesday's announcement brings three more members more than 50 percent collapse in would be created in industries that lytics and database management. of the Group of Seven industrial powers on board. China proposed the the price of petroleum, and has support drilling, such as oil field The number of those jobs would bank in 2013 to finance construction of roads and other infrastructure. It since said it was in talks with trucks, construction, information rise if the ban was lifted, said the has pledged to put up most of its initial $50 billion in capital. Twenty- OPEC and non-OPEC producers technology and rail. Many of the report. In Illinois, jobs would be one other governments including India, New Zealand and Thailand have to trim the market surplus. Ener- jobs would be created in Florida, created in durable manufacturing said they want to join, but the U.S. and close allies Japan, South Korea gy Minister Youcef Yousfi met An- Washington, New York, Massachu- of engines and machine tools and and Australia have not. The United States has expressed concern the gola’s energy minister and Nige- setts, and other states that are not mining for fracking sand The re- new bank will allow looser lending standards for the environment, labor ria’s ambassador to Algeria on known as oil producers. "The jobs port, sponsored by energy com- rights and financial transparency, undercutting the World Bank and In- story extends across the supply panies including ConocoPhillips ternational Monetary Fund. The Europeans appeared at pains to counter Monday as part of the consulta- tions, according to state news agen- chain, right across the United , Exxon Mobil those concerns. A German Finance Ministry statement announcing the States," said Daniel Yergin, a vice and Pioneer Natural three European countries' plan to join the AIIB said that, working in cy APS. They would examine the partnership with existing development banks, it "could play an impor- impact of lower oil prices on econ- find a common solution to this situation,” APS said. Saudi Arabia has led chairman at IHS and an oil histori- Resources , assumed tant role to provide funds for addressing the large infrastructure needs in omies and “also look at opportu- a no-cut policy in OPEC and the organization refused to trim output at an. "It's not just an oil patch story, there would be no slowdown in Asia." "France, Italy and Germany, in close coordination with interna- nities to strengthen cooperation its November meeting. It holds its next meeting in June and comments it's a U.S. story." Record spare U.S. drilling due to campaigns by envi- tional and European partners, are keen to work with the AIIB founding among all exporting countries to from officials so far suggest it will not adjust policy. crude oil supplies caused by the ronmental or other groups. members to establish an institution that follows the best standards and practices in terms of governance, safeguards, debt and procurement policies," it added. Following the announcement, White House spokes- man Josh Earnest said the international community had a stake in the regional bank working, but was looking for prospective members to push for the bank to adopt the same high standards, oversight and safeguards that the World Bank and other infrastructure banks have adopted. He said there was no plan for the U.S. to join the bank In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said the AIIB is an "open and inclusive" organization and China welcomes the countries willing to be its founding members. "China will work together with all parties to forge a professional and highly efficient infrastructure invest- SINGAPORE: Gold dropped to ment platform that will be beneficial and reciprocal to all parties so as to near its lowest in more than four contribute to regional infrastructure construction and economic growth," months on Wednesday, reflecting Hong said. caution ahead of the conclusion of a Federal Reserve meeting that may stoke expectations for a mid-year hike in U.S. interest rates.Many Egypt, Arabtec near expect the Fed officials, who start- ed a two-day policy meeting on Tuesday, to drop the word "pa- agreement on $40b tient" from their forward guidance on interest rates, potentially pav- ing the way for a rate hike around housing project June, the first since 2006. But HSBC said upcoming U.S. infla- Egypt's housing ministry and over the percentage of completed tion data may not be strong enough Dubai's Arabtec have agreed some units that Arabtec should deliver to prompt a rate hike in June, and of the terms for a $40 billion to Egypt in lieu of payment for policymakers could wait until project to build one million homes land used in the project, a source September before taking any ac- across the country, and they will told Reuters on March 3. "There tion. "The removal of the word "pa- sign a final contract within 10 days, is no percentage that has been tient" from the FOMC's (Federal a ministry spokeswoman said . agreed on with Arabtec," Wafaa Open Market Committee) guid- Earlier this month, the housing Bakri, media advisor for the hous- ance may initially pressure gold minister said he hoped to conclude ing minister, told Reuters on Tues- prices, especially if it helps to fur- a deal for the mega development - day. Asked if the government ther boost the dollar," HSBC ana- seen as part of economic and po- would take the same percentage lyst James Steel told clients in a the positive and prices may trade higher." Spot gold was off 0.2 percent at $1,146.20 an ounce by 0729 GMT, a tad above Tuesday's trough of litical support to the country by agreed with Talaat Mostafa for the note. "That said, if a rate rise does $1,142.86 - its lowest since Nov. 7. Gold, a non-interest yielding asset, has dropped 3 percent this year on expectations for a U.S. rate hike. U.S. the United Arab Emirates - before Egyptian developer's Madinaty not occur in June or if inflation data gold for April delivery edged down 0.2 percent to $1,145.40 an ounce. While the U.S. economy has been strengthening as evidenced by a firming a March 13-15 investment confer- housing project, which was 7 per- does not move up to the 2 percent labour market, the housing sector remained weak, suggesting the Fed is unlikely to engage in an aggressive hiking cycle after an initial rate increase. ence. No announcement was made, cent, she said: "It will be more than target level, then investor senti- Data on Tuesday showed U.S. housing starts plunged to their lowest level in a year in February. SPDR Gold Trust, the world's largest gold-backed however. The two parties differed that." ment toward gold may change for exchange-traded fund, said its holdings dropped 0.4 percent to 747.98 tonnes on Tuesday. 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. THURSDAY . MARCH 19 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Nandita Das brings cineplay ‘Between the Lines’ to Lahore

Another cross-border endorsement KARACHI: Known to be the ‘beauty brand of film stars’, Oliv- ia Cosmetics Pakistan recently in- troduced their new product with It’s still chilly out here in Lahore, Bipasha Basu as their brand am- but a morning chat with seasoned bassador. The hair-removing cream actress, writer, director and activ- was launched under the Olivia ist Nandita Das from across the Beauty World campaign in malls border promised to invigorate. Das across Karachi, Lahore and Islam- was in Lahore for a screening of abad on February 27 this year, ac- her cineplay Between the Lines on cording to a press release. The Tuesday. The cineplay was product is made up of natural in- screened for a select audience at gredients, which not only smooth- The OLO Junction, and before that en your skin but also give it a fair she had a chat with media at a press glow. Samples of the products, gift meet. Dressed in a bright red and hampers and free makeovers were orange khaddar kurta pyjama and given at the launch event. It con- speaking fluent Urdu, Das exuded cluded with a grand lucky draw of affability and creativity — but she cash prizes. Bipasha, who has was also very modest. Photo cour- reigned over Bollywood, said, “I tesy author Recalling the year feel beautiful. Smooth skin is the 2012, when she was heading a film most important thing for every lady society for children and also work- who wants to look good and, with ing as a columnist, she stated that my personal experience, this hair it dawned on her that working removing cream is very effective women juggle too many responsi- and safe.” She added, “I am very bilities. "I decided to write a play glad to be associated with the brand on the many roles that a woman and am positive this product will plays at one time; it's all about be a favourite among Pakistani multitasking," explained Das. "My husband, who originally hailed women.” Olivia, one of the leading from the corporate world, also got beauty brands in the country, of- interested in acting when I wrote fers a wide range of products. An- the cineplay. We formed a produc- other Bollywood face Nargis Fa- tion company and did many shows khri has been a part of the brand’s across India when my husband earlier campaign. The list also in- suggested filming the play. We did cludes famous names of the local it as an experiment and shot it in a entertainment industry, with actor cinematic way, the way a shoot Mehwish Hayat as the current face works with cuts, retakes and cos- of one of their campaigns. “The tumes. One can observe new con- brand has always been known for tent emerging out of this hybrid its best products and the associa- genre," she added. Das also talked tion with film stars. Stars, such as about Kanwal Khoosat’s docu- Reema, Meera, Sana and Resham mentary Teesri Dhun, which opens have been the face of the brand in at the Alhamra Arts Council in Supermodel Gigi Hadid says she feels "insulted" by an allegation that she snorted cocaine at an event. After heading to Miami with boyfriend Cody Simpson to host the the past,” said Amir Maskatiya, Lahore on 19th March. Teesri event, Hadid came across a publication with a headline and photograph that suggested she was snorting cocaine, reports eonline.com. As it turns out, the story was far Olivia Cosmetics CEO. “We are Dhun is about the struggles trans- from the truth. "@OCEANUP you are the pits of the world. It's very sad that you need to go to those lengths for someone to maybe read your s**t blog. If u actually now working with beautiful Bol- gendered persons face as theu ne- watch the video there is nothing on the counter. 5 sec's before you see that image... It's not only impossible but insane to me," Hadid tweeted. She further went on to assure lywood stars, such as Nargis Fa- gotiate a third space in society. Das fans that she would never do such a thing, especially when her career was involved. "Besides for doing the supposed in general, I'd be an idiot to do that at a WORK khri, Aditi Rao Hydari and Shruti said she intended to collaborate EVENT in front of hundreds of people/press. I'm insulted," she said. At just 19 years old, Hadid has found success in the fashion and modelling industry. Be it walking Haasan. It is truly the beauty brand with Khoosat, who produced Tees- in fashion shows around the world or modelling for famous brands like Tom Ford and Maybelline, the young supermodel takes pride in her work. of film stars.” ri Dhun. She shared: "It is an inter- esting subject and I have come to see if it can be converted into a cineplay. In this way, the limita- Shraddha‘s special SURPRISE FOR MOM tions of watching a theatre play will also be overcome and people Shraddha Kapoor planned a party ter gift to give her mother than a across the globe can watch it with Actress Sofia Vergara says she and for her mother this birthday. Shi- night full of music and singing with just a click of a button." What her finance Joe Manganiello are yet vangi Kapoor's birthday was on her near and dear ones. Shraddha makes Das stand tall amongst her to decide any wedding date. In an ear- 12th March and Shraddha put in a found out organizers who organize contemporaries is her sheer com- lier interview, Manganiello, 38, had lot of time to make her mother's the karaoke and ensured all her mitment to advocacy for social ser- said that they have set a wedding date, birthday extremely special. She mom's favourite songs were there. vice. Das remains unfazed when and there was also news that their wanted to make sure that it meant She also looked into catering, dec- people mostly refer to her as an wedding had been postponed. But in something to her mother. fter a lot orations and other details. She even outspoken activist: "Art cannot an interview on TV show "Extra", of planning, Shraddha organized a made personal invitations to all the bring a revolution but it enters into Vergara has laughed off the talks, re- our minds softly and steadily and Karaoke party for her mom. Little invitees. 10 days of planning and ports aceshowbiz.com. "I don't know, does anyone know that Shivangi Shraddha was very excited. She changes our perceptions." Das also how can something be postponed talked about future projects, say- Kapoor loves singing. Coming planned everything to the T and ing: "I’m currently working on a when it has never been set? It's really from a family of singers she has wanted it all to be perfect. Their project based on Manto which will funny. It's always a lot of fun for girls been gifted with the talent, is fab- close family members and Shivan- definitely bring the countries [In- to plan the wedding. Yes all of my ulous at it and thoroughly enjoys gi Kapoor's childhood friends were dia and Pakistan] together. friends are planning," she said. it. While knowing this, what bet- present. Pamela Backing Anderson Kareena Kapoor most stylish actor benevolence accused of in Bollywood, says Pooja Chopra in fashion being ‘serial baby killer’

Actress Pamela Anderson's es- tranged husband Rick Salomon has accused her of being a "serial baby killer". The former "Baywatch" ac- tress was granted a temporary re- straining order against Salomon, who she filed for divorce from last month. Among the documents she filed to support her claim that his SLAMABAD: To endorse "erratic" behaviour left her con- adulation for children, cerned about her safety, were e- IKarachi-based fashion designer mails and text messages from her Sonya Battla visited the capital for former partner. In one e-mail, the second time for an exclusive Salomon, who is seeking to have fundraising fashion show their marriage annulled on the organised by SOS Children’s grounds of fraud, claimed the 47- Village in a hotel. Holding the year-old begged him to get preg- second fashion show in the nant when they were married the capital, Battla says they generated first time, in 2007, but then had a a sufficient amount and proceeds termination. He also wrote: "I did from the fundraiser will go not no she was a serial baby killer towards providing education for to her husbands... she should be the orphans living at SOS locked up.(sic)" According to Children’s Village. Talking about tmz.com, a text from Salomon to her visit to the city, the designer Anderson, who has sons Brandon, MUMBAI: Former beauty queen Pooja Chopra finds Kareena Kapoor the most stylish of all actors in Bollywood, and said she looks up says, “To be honest, SOS is what 18, and Dylan, 17, from her mar- brought me to Islamabad, or it to her for her elegance, glamour and style. “Kareena Kapoor is really stylish. She is a mix of glam, elegance, beauty and she is very pretty. riage to Tommy Lee, read: "You She carries everything really well and I like the way she carries Indian outfits,” the “Commando” actress said at the launch of a Spring would have been difficult to visit never disclosed to me that you amid all the work.” An exclusive Summer collection. Read: Proud to be 34: Kareena Kapoor “I really look up to her,” she added. Meanwhile, on the film front, Pooja is now (aborted) a baby when you were geared up to shoot for her film “Abhi Nahi Toh Kabhi Nahi”. gathering of fashion enthusiasts, married to kid rock. I heard you socialites and members of the begged him to get pregnant with international community attended him too. I also heard it might have the fashion show that featured also been twice with him." In her EXPERIENCE OVERRIDES box office success: Tina Desai Battla’s limited edition ‘Manora’ application for the restraining or- line. The show comprised silk- der, Anderson claimed that since Hollywood's "The Second Best Hotel in the film - made her acting personally, and for me, the experi- wear ensembles featuring the work she filed for divorce from the poker Exotic Marigold Hotel" collected debut with "Yeh Faasley". She rose ence of working on a film is far of internationally acclaimed visual player, his behaviour has "become an estimated $8.1 million in its to popularity after "Table No. 21", more important than just the busi- artist Naiza Khan. Battla has erratic, out of control and has opening weekend in the US, but in which she co-starred with ness," Tina told IANS in an inter- skillfully incorporated Khan’s caused me to fear for my safety". Indian actress Tina Desai, who fea- Paresh Rawal and Rajeev Khan- view. work of water colours into an She added that when her husband tures in it, says the experience of delwal. All of 28, she says she has "Most of what I've learnt is too assortment of silk fabrics. The is "upset", he calls her "cruel working for such a film is far more had an "eventful and great learning personal or controversial to share, collection focuses on part of the names" such as "s**t", "ugly old important to her than its box of- experience" while paving her way but nevertheless, experiences have seven-year project that Khan had bi***" and "crack w***e". The fice performance. Tina, who plays through Bollywood. "In terms of helped me understand things bet- pursued, investigating the island of temporary restraining order will Sunaina - an ambitious and inde- box office success, 'Table No. 21' ter and have been necessary for Manora, its history, architecture hold until a court hearing sched- pendent girl working at and man- was the most impactful, but the what my journey in future will be," and social ecology. uled for April 3. aging the affairs of the Marigold other films have helped me grow she added. 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. THURSDAY . MARCH 19, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Embrace the madness Alex Ferguson reflects on the fren- zy of basketball and betting action which occurs during the 'March Madness' tournament in the US. There are two things that are mad that against Barcelona. “The player in March: Hares and college bas- who wins the ball back must play ketball fans. March Madness is it forward immediately, to bypass one of the craziest tournaments in their initial press. The forwards all of sports, with over $9bn must be waiting for that moment, (£6.1m) estimated to be bet – both to offer themselves in the spaces illegally and legally - on outcomes we know will be there if their full- in the USA alone every year. Bet- backs are pushed forward. If you ting Bet £5 Get £20 Free What do not break and hold the ball happens? The NCAA Division against Barcelona, you never get One Men’s Basketball Champion- out. They have possession, pos- ship Tournament, to give it its full session, possession, and in the end and proper name, sees 64 teams, you are exhausted – and then you with each team given a one to 16 are in trouble.” Be up for the bat- seeding, based on their berth. The tle Jamie Carragher says Manches- top four teams gets a top seed, and ter City need a result against Bar- this moves down to minnows get- celona in the Champions League ting the 16 seed. After two pairs to save Manuel Pellegrini from the of 'play-in' games on Tuesday and sack. Jamie Carragher says Wednesday, the first round hap- Manchester City need a result pens this Thursday and Friday, the against Barcelona in the Champi- second round on this weekend. We ons League to save Manuel Pelle- take a deep breath, and then the grini from the sack. During Barce- third round is on Thursday and lona’s defeat to PSG in Septem- Friday, and the quarter-finals are ber, they recorded their lowest duel on Saturday and Sunday. The success rate (43 per cent) and few- semi-finals and final – played at est successful passes in their own Lucas Oil Stadium – home of the half (195) in their Champions Indianapolis Colts – are played on League run this season. Barcelona April 4th and 6th. It’s an exhaust- only won 49 duels during the en- ing, dramatic schedule with more tire game – their lowest in this sea- twists and turns than the average son’s campaign. It wasn’t a coin- cobra, featuring money, unprint- cidence but rather a product of able language and grown me like PSG’s pressing, as Guillem Bal- men jumping up and down on so- ague told Sky Sports. “If City fas and screaming: “Did you just want to approach the game like see that?” to no-one in particular. PSG did then that is the way to And before this fun and games unsettle Barcelona,” said Balague. takes place, America bets on who’s “There was pressure high and when going to be jumping on the sofa, they couldn’t recover the ball ear- and who’s not. But for a lot of the ly, PSG tracked back as a team. time, it’s not straight-up betting Manchester City need an against- City are to pull off a major shock field.” It’s a view that’s also been 3-5-2. “It is not the system that is As a result, even the continent's Everybody defended very com- on each result. It’s the business of the-odds triumph in Barcelona on in Catalonia on Wednesday… recently echoed by Sky Sports to blame, but the characteristics of finest must accept they won’t be pact with two lines of four and brackets, which fill out like a Wim- Wednesday night after losing the “The way they set themselves up pundit Gary Neville in his Tele- the players within it. I’ve played seeing too much of the ball on their then they had very fast players bledon draw, with people betting first leg of their Champions League has not done them any favours,” graph column. “City are unbal- in great teams that made 4-4-2 trip to the Nou Camp. But that up front to counter-attack and use on how the whole tournament will last-16 tie 2-1 at the Etihad Stadi- said former Manchester City strik- anced when they play 4-4-2 with work, but fundamental to its suc- doesn’t mean the task is hopeless. the space that Barca leave behind shape up before a basketball is um three weeks ago.The English er Niall Quinn of his old team ear- Yaya Toure, David Silva, Samir cess is not only showing the de- In February, mid-table Malaga their defence. That is the way. thrown in anger. It’s estimated that champions will need to beat Barca lier this month. “They're getting Nasri and Sergio Aguero in the sire to make things happen with won 1-0 at Barcelona despite en- They have to get at the Barca play- 70 million brackets will be filled in and score at least two goals in the found out by playing with two starting line-up,” claims Neville. the ball, but to be equally combat- joying just 27 per cent of posses- ers and have a clear idea of what this year. 70 MILLION. On a per- process if they are to progress to strikers against the best teams in “They leave themselves exposed ive without it.” So what are the sion. The more telling statistic was they want to do. sonal note, March Madness has the quarter-finals – something no Europe. It's alright playing two too often. The option, which I be- traits of a team that can beat Bar- that both teams had 11 shots on ” That’s precisely what Sevilla had been mixed for me. In 2001 when I team has managed against the Span- strikers when you’re dominating lieve Pellegrini has no option but celona… Barcelona have enjoyed goal with Malaga managing three when they went to the Nou Camp was at Concordia University in ish giants at the Nou Camp in over the ball and you're on the front foot to consider to have any chance the majority of possession in ev- shots on target compared to Bar- and won 2-1 in 2010. “The key Montreal, I walked away with the 12 months. So how do you beat all the time. But if that's not hap- against Barcelona in the second leg, ery La Liga and Champions League celona’s four. Malaga boss Javi idea we had was to pile the pres- pot after betting on Duke to win it Barcelona? With the help of the pening, then you need to be a dif- is a change of system.” However, game they have played this sea- Gracia said afterwards: “[You have sure on their defenders and not al- all. In 2007, my bracket between a Opta data and our team of experts ferent team. Neither Sergio Ague- Neville also acknowledges that son. In fact, they’ve averaged 70 to] control the game through good low them to bring the ball out of couple of friends, Matt and Tay- at home and abroad, we highlight ro nor Edin Dzeko want to drop there is more to the problem than per cent of possession domesti- defensive work, not through pos- the back,” said manager Manolo lor cost me an expensive dinner. In some of the key qualities needed if off and make another man in mid- switching between 4-4-2, 4-5-1 and cally and 65 per cent in Europe. session, because you cannot do Jimenez. 2008, Taylor was paying the bill as Matt and I gorged lobster. But every year I go in with a new hope: Heat too Manny Pacquiao starts I am going to win bragging rights UFC 185: Rafael dos Anjos for this year. I will this year, I promise myself. And every year – sparring ahead of Floyd like a lot of fans out there - I spend strong for too much sweating the small stuff. and Joanna Jedrzejczyk won Suddenly I care about the basket- Mayweather fight as ball prowess of Stephen F. Austin Cavaliers State University – a No 12 seed - championships and whether they’ll beat No. 5 Dwyane Wade scored 21 of his 32 Freddie Roach predicts points in the first half and Goran Utah. The pundits seem to think Dragic added 20 as the Miami Heat ‘St Manny’s Day’ so. I slide between risk and risk- handed LeBron James another loss averse, wanting to make the pick, in his former home with a 106-92 but worried about the bragging victory over the Cleveland Cava- rights. It’s strange, but a lot of liers. Hassan Whiteside had 16 March Madness brackets in offic- points and 11 rebounds and Mar- es haven’t been won by the type io Chalmers finished with 16 of background research that would points off the bench for the Heat, make the MI5 proud, they’ve been who won both of James' regular- won by someone who puts in their season trips to Miami this season $10, buys a sheet, and fills it out - his first two games back since there and then. And I suspect that leaving the team and returning to a lot of those offices will be pretty Cleveland last summer. Betting quiet around midday on Thursday Bet £5 Get £20 Free James scored when the first game between No.3 16 of his 26 points in the fourth Notre Dame plays No.14 North- quarter for Cleveland, who had eastern kicks off the tournament their four-game winning streak proper. The talk will stop, and the snapped. Kyrie Irving added 21. fun will start flowing. For me, this Chandler Parsons scored 31 points year’s investment in March Mad- for Dallas and Dirk Nowitzki add- ness is going to be really difficult. ed 22 with some big 3-pointers as EVERYONE’S going to be betting the Mavericks rallied from 15 on the University of Kentucky, down in the third quarter to beat Freddie Roach is so confident he drove Mayweather out of box- who have been unbeaten all sea- the Oklahoma City Thunder 119- Manny Pacquaio will beat Floyd ing. The sparring session was Pac- son long and are looking to make 115. Russell Westbrook just missed Mayweather he has already re- quiao's first contact training since history by finishing the whole sea- his seventh triple-double in 10 named May 2 'St Manny's Day'. Chris Algieri became the most re- son without a blemish on their Rafael dos Anjos earned a surprise tion since 2008 who is only now fight for the UFC's newest cham- games, finishing with 24 points, Roach finally let his man loose on cent of his 57 victims in Macau in record. They are the most talented win over Anthony Pettis to win reaching his prime, delivered a re- pionship. The 115-pound wom- 12 assists and eight rebounds. But two sparring partners at his Wild November, and Roach said: "You team in the bracket, and it’s not the lightweight championship at lentless performance that won him en's title was brought to Europe he picked up his fifth and sixth Card Gym on Tuesday as Pacqui- couldn't tell he'd been away from even that close. The Wildcats can UFC 185 in Dallas, Texas. And all five rounds against Pettis - earn- after a punch-perfect display from fouls 0.6 seconds apart trying to ao stepped up his training with just the ring. "Manny looked so fresh, drown you defensively, and even Joanna Jedrzejczyk of Poland be- ing a unanimous decision. The tone the Pole, whose overwhelming bring the Thunder back in the final over six weeks to go until boxing's and I'm very happy with what he if they’ve given you a glimmer of came the first European in the was set in the opening round when boxing skills halted Esparza in the minute. The Mavericks moved biggest fight in years. The Hall of showed me. Manny is on fire in hope with five minutes to go in modern era to capture a UFC title the Brazilian stayed glued to Pettis' second round. She becomes the into fifth place in the Western Con- Fame trainer was suitably im- the gym."Pacquiao was equally the second half, they suddenly hit by knocking out women's straw- chest, not allowing the champion first European champion in the ference. In Oakland, California, pressed, comparing the Filipino's pleased, saying: "After 13 days of another gear, and you’re left gasp- weight champion Carla Esparza. space to deliver his trademark kicks. modern era - Andrei Arlovski and Klay Thompson scored 26 points, St Patrick's Day preparations to strength and conditioning and box- ing for air and asking: "What in the The two victories ended the Unit- Dos Anjos completed nine of 10 take- Bas Rutten briefly held the heavy- and Stephen Curry had 19 points pre-season baseball training in the ing drills, plus weeks more of hell happened?" That means that ed States' dominance over UFC down attempts and smothered Pet- weight title a decade-plus ago. Pre- and nine assists as the Golden United States. Boxing Betting working out in the Philippines in we’re all in a bit of a quandry. Who championships, with the likes of tis on the ground at will en route to viously, Johny Hendricks earned State Warriors secured a playoff Bet £5 Get £20 Free "When Man- February, It was great to finally else is going to make the semi-fi- Ronda Rousey, Jon Jones and victory. He follows in the footsteps a decision win over Matt Brown spot before beating the depleted ny threw out the first punch it felt put on the headgear and spar. "My nals (called the “Final Four”)? Vil- Chris Weidman helping to keep of Anderson Silva, Shogun Rua and and Alistair Overeem out-pointed Los Angeles Lakers 108-105. The like opening day of Irish Spring sparring partners gave me good lanova, Duke, Wisconsin, Arizo- nine of the 10 belts inside the coun- Junior dos Santos as Brazil's UFC Roy Nelson. Sunderland's Ross Warriors sealed their post-season Training," said Roach, who then work. They were perfect for test- na, Kansas and Virginia have all try prior to Saturday night. Bet- champions. History Before the main Pearson and Ireland's Joe Duffy berth during a timeout late in the boldly wrote a new saint's day into ing the strategy Freddie and I have been touted to fill those spots, with ting Bet £5 Get £20 Free But Dos event, Jedrzejczyk wrote herself into scored knockouts over Sam Stout second quarter when they learned the calendar. "I am confident May developed to beat Floyd May- whispers about the multi-talented Anjos, a veteran in the organisa- the history books in just the second and Jake Lindsey, respectively. Oklahoma City lost 119-115 at 2 will be celebrated for years to weather. I was very happy with and multi-exciting Iowa State to Dallas. come as St Manny's Day - the day my stamina and speed." maybe make it, too. Elise Christie Jonathan Trott back in wins two England squad for tour Roger Federer sees off Andreas Seppi silver medals of the West Indies to reach last eight in California at world Jonathan Trott has been recalled to the England squad for next month's Roger Federer avenged his defeat tour of the West Indies. The Warwickshire batsman has been included in by Andreas Seppi at January’s championships a 16-man party along with three uncapped players - Yorkshire's Adam Australian Open, by beating the Elise Christie has become the first Lyth and Adil Rashid, and Durham seam bowler Mark Wood. Trott has Italian to reach the last 16 of the Briton to win two medals at a not played for England since a stress-related illness saw him leave the BNP Paribas Open in California. World Short Track Speed Skating 2013/14 Ashes tour after just one Test. Cricket Betting Bet £5 Get £20 The 33-year-old from Switzerland Championships. She won silver Free But he successfully captained the England Lions in South Africa needed just 82 minutes to register medals in the 500m and 1,000m in over the winter, scoring a double hundred in one of two unofficial 'Tests', a comfortable 6-3 6-4 victory at Moscow . Christie missed out on and his return gives England options at the top of their batting order. Indian Wells. Federer, a four time gold by finishing 0.273 seconds That also applies to the inclusion of Lyth, a left-handed opening bats- winner of the tournament, was al- behind Fan Kexin of China in the man whose runs helped Yorkshire win last season's County Champion- ways in charge against the world 500m and 0.052 seconds behind ship. The domestic champions provide six squad members in total as No 33 who had his serve broken South Korea's Choi Minjeong in leg-spinning all-rounder Rashid is named alongside fast bowler Liam three times during the contest. Sep- the 1,000m. The accolades are add- Plunkett, batsmen Gary Ballance and Joe Root and reserve wicket- pi managed to stave off three ed to Christie's European title and keeper Jonny Bairstow. Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali miss out through match points in the ninth game of World Cup victories in 2015. The injury, but both are expected to be fit for the home series against New 24-year-old Scot, who was con- the second set before succumbing troversially denied medals in three Zealand in May and Ali could yet be added to the touring party if his in the next, as the world No 2 re- events at last year's Winter Olym- side strain heals in time. There is no place for James Taylor, the Notting- corded his 11th win in 12 meet- again and erase it from the memory. "This was one of those matches where I was happy to get through and pics, was already the first British hamshire batsman whose performances were a rare highlight of the one- ings over his 31-year-old oppo- happy it was over." Also through is three-time winner Rafa Nadal who beat American Donald Young 6-4 6-2. woman to win an individual short day side's poor winter, nor last summer's opener Sam Robson. But Ben nent. And Federer was pleased to However, Nadal was clearly not at his best in a match that yielded nine breaks of serve. The opening set track speed skating world medal Stokes is recalled after missing out on World Cup selection, and Alastair beat a player who knocked him out produced a high number of unforced errors, and saw Nadal sneak over the line after leading 5-1. Nadal said: with a third-place finish at the 2013 Cook resumes his Test captaincy after his 11th-hour removal as one- in Melbourne earlier this year: "It "It's true that I had a few mistakes but I was able to find solutions. I've played a lot of good tournaments here. Championships. day captain. was good to play him right away "I am confident and I hope that I can play a good match in the next round." 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. THURSDAY . MARCH 19 . 2015 -Hoot 28, 1393 H.S Vol:IX Issue No:225 Price: Afs.15 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.