Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:11 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimes www.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes THURSDAY . AUGUST 02. 2018 -Asad 11, 1397 HS

AT News Report concerned over that. These organi- in April, 2019, with a commission- zations claim that the government er, Sayed Hafizullah Hashemi, KABUL: Ministry of Higher announced the date of next year’s saying that they have enough Education declared on Wednes- presidential election “in a hurry” sources and budget that let them AT News Report they are tried publicly. But we ac- day results of 2018 university en- to get saved from pressures by the hold presidential and provincial knowledge that still there are prob- trance exam, proclaiming that international community, political council elections together. But KABUL: The chief executive of- lems,” said Maisam, adding that over 60,000 hopefuls had quali- parties and other circles. Yousuf Rashid believes that those candi- fice has admitted the report pre- the national strategy of fighting fied to be enrolled in state-run uni- Rashid, head of the Free and Fair dates who fail in the legislative elec- pared by the Special Inspector corruption was prepared and peo- versities and higher education in- Election Forum of Afghanistan tion, would not accept the results General for Afghanistan Recon- ple would see achievements in this stitutions nationally. A total of (FEFA), said Wednesday that he and this would affect on the pres- struction (SIGAR) that had called regard. The SIGAR has claimed in 175,698 hopefuls had registered was doubtful the presidential elec- idential election. Hashemi rejected corruption still a big challenge in its report that there is a good chance to pass varsity entrance exam this tion would be held on time. “The this thought, saying the commis- the Kabul administration. for those who are busy in illegal year, said higher education min- presidential election in Afghanistan sion was fully prepared and would But it said Wednesday that works in Afghanistan, because the ister Najibullah Khwaja Omari, is very sensitive, important and held next year’s election timely and serious measures had been taken government is performing poor out of whom 158,589 had questionable. Afghan politicians transparently. “We are not wor- for removing this phenomenon. because of the weak political de- participated.Over 60,000 of can- both inside and outside the coun- ried in this regard. We are ready to The SIGAR had accused the gov- termination. didates, 13,933 (%31.5) of whom try doubt the government’s this in- do it, just the matter of concern is ernment of Afghanistan of remain- The report also says that cor- are female,have passed the exam tent. The world community has its financial resources, budget has not ing careless against corruption. ruption has even barred security and will be registered to study in own questions. I think this is not been provided, security problems A spokesman for the chief ex- forces to expand their controlled- governmental higher... P2 easy, either the election gets post- are still steady and we call on the ecutive office, OmidMaisam, said areas. poned or is held timely but with government to pay attention to that the national unity government SIGAR has attacked the judi- AT News Report dogs have called the announcement the loads of problems,” said Rash- these problems. The commission was serious against corruption, ciary organs and has criticized it, of the next year’s presidential elec- id. The independent election com- is ready and will hold presidential claiming that it had considerable but the attorney general’s office KABUL: Some electoral watch- tion as hurrying, saying they are mission slated presidential election election at its time,” said Hashemi. achievements in this regard. rejected the criticisms as baseless He added that fighting corrup- and far from reality. tion would take long time and Separately, the Integrity Watch would not be removed in a short Afghanistan called on the people time. of Afghanistan and the Internation- “There is a resolute and seri- al Community to help the govern- KABUL: Wolesi Jirga members capital, demanding probe into re- wal took part. Qadir said the secu- security. ous determination in the national ment in fighting corruption. from eastern Nangarhar province cent attacks. rity situation in Nangahrar had He claimed propaganda centers for unity government and some senior Some members of parliament on Wednesday reiterated their The lawmakers held a meeting in deteriorated compared and the uni- Daesh were being run in Jalalabad, officials were dismissed for the praise government’s recent mea- claim about the presence of Daesh which Abdul Zahir Qadir, Haji ty government had failed to its as well as money was collected for first time and their cases were re- sures against corruption, asking for centers in Jalalabad, the provincial Hazrat Ali and Pir Bakhsh Gardi- promises regarding the province’s the insurgent group. (Pajhwok) ferred to judiciary organs and even continuing of such measures.

AT News Report KABUL: The United Nations mission in Afghanistan confirmed on Wednesday that an employee of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) was killed in Tuesday attack on the Depart- ment of Refugees and Returnees in Jalalabad. The United Nations expresses its deep sense of re- vulsion at this senseless attack that claimed the lives of at least 13 civilians. Among the 20 oth- ers injured was another IOM col- league. The UN wishes him and all the injured a speedy and full recovery. “I condemn this hei- nous crime which has taken the life of a brave colleague in Jalala- bad and left another grievously injured,” said IOM Director Gen- eral William Lacy Swing. “My heart goes out to the families of the victims, and all of us in IOM are thinking of our staff working in difficult conditions across the country on behalf of the Afghan people.” Our colleague’s life was taken while she was working in the noble cause of assisting some of the most vulnerable... P2 THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES UN staffer among 15 killed Notification for intention in Jalalabad attack ...P1 communities in Afghanistan. There is no justification for such acts of terror. She is one of thousands of Afghans who form the backbone of the daily work of the United Nations in the country to help the most in to contract award need, supporting development and contributing to the restoration of peace and stability. The Ministry of energy and water of Afghanistan(MEW)intends to award the This young woman, who was 22, lost her husband in a bombing in contract,Rehabilitation of Shergha Canal Irrigation SchemeIn Center of Khost Kabul three years ago. She leaves behind a six-year old daughter, now an province, Afghanistan.,under the contract No, K-275withM/ SAman Zabi orphan. ...P1 education institutions across the country, he remarked. The high- “We mourn the loss of our colleague and, in tribute, commit our- est score was 353 out of 360 which belonged to Tahmina,a hopeful from Construction Company Address: House # House # 104, Dewhbory, District # 3 selves to re-double our work to serve Afghanistan and its peoples,” said Kabul and a graduate of the Afghan Turk High School. Ranked second KBL.License No:D-28729in the amount of25,193,590.35Afs (Twenty-five Tadamichi Yamamoto, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representa- and third were respectively Mohammad Emad from Herat and Mukhtar million one hundred ninety-three thousand and five hundred ninety point tive for Afghanistan and head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghan- from Bamyan. According to the ministry,a large number of students got istan (UNAMA). the high marks, but due to wrong selection failed to find way to govern- thirty-five Afghanis).Bidders who want to appeal for reconsideration or have any The deliberate targeting of civilians and the places where they work, such as the department in Jalalabad, is an appalling crime. The architects mental universities, so they will be eligible to the private universities objection, they can submit their application within 7 days totheMinistry of Energy and institutes. and Water from the date of announcement. of this crime must be brought to justice. This notification does not constitute award of contract. The contract shall not be awarded until the notice provided elapsed and complaints, if any received, is addressed in compliance with appeal and review manual. DACAAR TENDER NOTICE Notification for intention DACAAR ITB 27 PRF-1064/1704-50/DFD2.13/23-2401/07.2018 Date: August 01, 2018 to contract award Sealed offers are invited from qualified companies for supply of PE Pipes and Fittings. The Ministry of energy and water of Afghanistan(MEW)intends to award Please get the detailed tender documents from websites at www.dacaar.org/www.acbar.org/ the contract,Rehabilitation of Sultan poor and Shamshapoor River bank www.acci.org.af or DACAAR Main Office in the below mentioned address. The offers should reach protection Scheme In Surkhrod District of Nangarhar Province, to DACAAR till 4:00PM August 21, 2018. The tender opening session will be held on August 22, Afghanistan.,under the contract No, JR-04withM/ SNaemi Safi 2018 at 10:30 AM in DACAAR Main Office. Your participation in bid opening session is highly Construction CompanyAddress:2 th Floor Umar Adel Market St # 3 Shah Shaeed Road KBLLicense No:D-3196-3in the amount of18,436,102 Afs appreciated. (Eighteen million four hundred thirty-six thousand and one hundred two Afghanis).Bidders who want to appealfor reconsideration or have DACAAR Address: any objection, they can submit their application within 7 days DACAAR Logistics Unit totheMinistry of Energy and Water from the date of announcement. DACAAR Main Office , House No. 403, Street No. 12, Paykobe Naswar, Qala-e-Fathullah, This notification does not constitute award of contract. The contract shall Kabul - Afghanistan. not be awarded until the notice provided elapsed and complaints, if any received, is addressed in compliance with appeal and review manual. Email: [email protected] OR [email protected]

(Project Coordination Unit) Irrigation Restoration and Development Project NATIONALCOMPETITIVEBIDDING Invitation for Bids (IFB) For

Procurement of Works forAziz Khan Kas Bank Protection Works at the u/ s of Darunta Dam(DD1\ Lot-1 in Qarghaee District of Laghman province Invitation for Bid No: MEW/ PCU/ IRDP/ DD1\ Lot-1 / NCB Date:02- August-2018 1. This Invitation for Bids follows the General Procurement Notice for this Project that appeared in Development Business published on 11 January 2011. 2. The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Ministry of Energy and Water Irrigation Restoration Development Project (IRDP) has applied for a grant from the International Development Association (IDA) and Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) toward the cost of Irrigation Restoration and Development Project, and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this grant to payments under the Contract for the Sub project packages/ lots given in para 3 below. 3. The Project Coordination Unit, acting on behalf of the Ministry of Energy & Water, now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the following package/lots The construction period is as mentioned against each lot which includes slack period of 8 months for flood/ adverse weather conditions and resolving community/ farmers needs/ disputes etc.

Package ID No &Name Lot No Lot Description Completion (ID) Period (in months) Construction/Rehabilita Lot-1 Darunta dam up stream of reservoir 24 tion of Aziz Khan Kas (Aziz khan Kats/Laghman ) lot #1, Bank Protection Works From wash to starting point of section at the in Qarghaee E-E including section A-A or cut offs) District of Laghman province

The bidders, at their option, may bid for one or more lots under a package. Each lot will be evaluated separately and the contracts will be awarded accordingly. 4. Bidding will be conducted through the National Competitive Bidding (NCB) procedures specified in the World Bank’s Guidelines: Procurement under IBRD Loans and IDA Credits,dated January 2011 and revised in July 2014and is open to all bidders from Eligible Source Countries as defined in the Bidding Documents. 5. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from Procurement Section, (email:[email protected] Mobile No: +93(0)700686110), Project Coordination Unit, Main office, Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 to 16:30Hrs from Saturday to Wednesday (Except public holidays). 6. Qualifications requirements include: (a) The minimum (b) Experience as prime (c) Liquid assets and/or required annual volume contractor in the credit facilities, net of other Requirement---> of construction work construction of at least contractual commitments Lo Lot Id for the successful one works of nature and and exclusive of any t bidder in any of the last complexity equivalent to advance payments which No five years (in AFN) this work during the last may be made under the five (5) years (in AFN). Contract (in Million AFN). 1 Lot-1 114 Million 57 Million 24 Million (d) Proposals for the timely acquisition (own, lease, hire, etc.) of the essential equipment as given in the bidding document. (e) Contract Manager with five years’ experience in works of an equivalent nature and volume, including no less than three years as Manager. For detailed post qualification verification please refer to Section I - Instructions to Bidders and Section II- Bid Data Sheet of the bidding documents. A margin of preference for eligible national contractors/joint ventures shall not be applied. 7. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders on the submission of a written Application to the address below and upon payment of a nonrefundable fee of 5,000 AFN. The method of payment will be Cash/Direct Payment. The Bidding Documents shall be collected by the bidders from the address below. 8. The bidders or their authorized representatives are invited to attend a pre-bid meeting which will take place on20-August-18 at 10 AMin the meeting room (Basement) at the address given below to explain the procedure of proper preparation and submission of bid, clarify issues and to answer questions on any matter that may be raised at that stage. 9. Bids must be delivered to the address below at or before 10 AMof 02- Sep-2018(if this date is announced an official holiday, then bids must be submitted next working day at the same time and venue). Electronic bidding shall not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened physically in the presence of the bidders’ representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below at 10 AM of 02- Sep-2018 10. All bids shall be accompanied by a “Bid Security” of amounts under: Lot No: Minimum Required Amount 1 4,000,000 Afghanis or equivalent 11.The address referred to above is: Eng. Nasir Ahmad “Ahadi” Acting Director and Procurement officer, Project Coordination Unit Ministry of Energy and Water, DarulAman Road, Kabul Email:[email protected] ;Mobile No:+93(0)700686110) THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

In their latest quarterly report SIGAR has painted a grim picture around issues in Afghanistan, particularly that involving corruption.

Special Inspector General for Af- the ACJC. “In addition, according ghanistan Reconstruction (SI- to DoJ, there is significant corrup- GAR) issued its latest quarterly tion within the ACJC, with nearly s militants launch attacks to derail report to the US Congress on 40 percent of the prosecutors as- Tuesday and stated that the US signed to it having failed poly- progress, we must support Afghans Department of Justice (DoJ) views graphs,” Sopko stated in the re- whose quiet resolve can be lost amid the situation in Afghanistan as port. SIGAR stated that accord- “consistent with a largely lawless, ing to DoJ, the Afghan attorney the noise of violence, writes Rabia Nasimi. weak, and dysfunctional govern- general has failed to respond to ment”. In his report John F. Sop- personal appeals made by several ko, Special Inspector General for senior US government officials to Afghanistan Reconstruction, stat- prosecute stalled high-profile cor- ed that there are “many corrup- ruption cases to show that no one tion cases languishing due to the was above the law. “Despite these lack of political will—rather than appeals, DoJ says the attorney capacity—of the Afghan govern- general continues to have a poor ment.” He said SIGAR shared the record of prosecuting powerful and concerns of donors that the Afghan influential corrupt actors. government may be going back to “DoJ has also observed that “business as usual” and simply the MoI has failed to execute law- “checking the box” when it comes ful warrants issued by the prose- to fighting corruption. cutors, despite being legally He singled out the Anti-Cor- obliged to do so. DoJ made per- ruption Justice Center (ACJC) sonal appeals to the MoI deputy established by President Ashraf on security affairs in December,” Ghani in May 2016 and said it had the report read. SIGAR points out shown little ability to function as that the ACJC’s jurisdiction cov- intended. At the ACJC, Major ers major corruption cases com- Crimes Task Force investigators, mitted in any province involving Almost two weeks ago at least 14 The will of Afghanistan’s Attorney General’s Office prose- senior officials or substantial mon- office and a sergeant assigned there level corrupt actors.” lease the results,” the report stat- people were killed in a horrific young citizens to pursue a life of cutors, and judges work to combat etary losses of a minimum of five who were accused of bribery According to DoJ, there is sig- ed. Likewise, 38 percent of the suicide bombing in the Afghan culture and creativity was high- serious corruption. million AFs (about $73,000). This worth the approximate equivalent nificant corruption within the MCTF agents assigned to the capital Kabul as they gathered to lighted when the prestigious Polar Sopko said that according to quarter however, only Afghan se- of $70.” SIGAR stated the Su- ACJC, the report stated. SIGAR ACJC failed polygraphs and con- greet Vice President Gen. Abdul Music prize was this year award- the DoJ, the Ministry of Interior, curity-forces personnel were tried preme Court referred this case di- noted that according to DoJ, near- tinued to work there. According to Rashid Dostum who was return- ed to the Afghanistan National In- despite expressing willingness, has by the ACJC. These individuals rectly to the ACJC even though ly 40 percent of the prosecutors DoJ, this practice is a significant ing home after 13 months in Tur- stitute of Music. Afghanistan’s not helped the ACJC execute included two sergeants (one of neither the monetary amount nor assigned to the ACJC have failed departure from the FBI’s vetting key. More recently, a barrage of pop sensation, Aryana Sayeed, search and arrest warrants. whom was fined about $360 while the rank of the defendants met the polygraphs. Of the 75 tested in procedure that was in place when terror attacks rocked Nangarhar – performed at the prize-giving cer- “According to DoJ, more than the other was acquitted), a second standard ACJC jurisdictional 2017, reports for 28 tested sub- they mentored the MCTF, in Jalalabad in particular - portray- emony to an international audience 100 ACJC warrants remain out- lieutenant (who received a three- thresholds. SIGAR also raised is- jects (or 37.3 percent) indicated which, passing polygraphs was ing a country in turmoil. and showed just how life in Af- standing. DOJ believes the prob- year prison sentence), and a lieu- sues in other cases referred to the deception. “Confronted with the mandatory. SIGAR stated that Yet to view Afghanistan in ghanistan is more than just vio- lem of powerful and corrupt ac- tenant general (who failed to ap- ACJC and stated there was a “trou- test results, the attorney general from January to March, DoJ re- this way is a mistake. These at- lence. tors ignoring warrants is so severe pear for trial). “This quarter, the bling trend at the ACJC of prose- displayed a “deep reluctance” to ports that the ACJC has experi- tacks aim to spread fear and vio- June saw jubilation across the that it has undermined the funda- ACJC primary court heard the case cuting low-level offenders while at use polygraph information for vet- enced reduced productivity and lence. They also deafen many to country when Afghanistan’s Crick- mental legitimacy and authority of of the head of the Herat passport the same time not pursing high- ting purposes, and declined to re- transparency, and.(ToloNews) the resilience of Afghanistan’s cit- et team played their first Test izens and the many positive ac- match against India. It was a proud tions being taken by people spear- step forward for the country, be- heading progress. ing granted Test status by the In- Former England players to face Afghanistan is a country ap- ternational Cricket Council – the proaching a crossroads, driven in 12th country in the sport’s 150- large part by the strong will of year history to compete at that Afghanistan in exhibition match young people to live in a place level. Moreover, the team achieved where culture, creativity and per- this status having overcome the The Wormsley cricket manager said they are “delighted” to host this exciting match haps, one-day, peace will prevail. obstacles of terrorism, displace- at what is often said to be the “most beautiful cricket grounds in the world.” Afghanistan is a nation of ment and war. Although it faced young people. Over 60 percent of much criticism, the temporary On Wednesday August 15, ahead Hyderabad, including the wickets Simon Tremlin, cricket man- its population is under 25 years ceasefire that took place between of their ODIs and T20 matches of Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers and ager at Wormsley said: “We’re de- old. I am a part of this generation the Taliban and government forces against Ireland, Afghanistan will MS Dhoni. lighted to host this exciting game and grew up in the UK after flee- during the festival of Eid in June, FEROZKOH: Some residents of The armed men harass passen- play a T20 exhibition match against The Sir Paul Getty XI will be which will be the last chance to ing the Taliban. Life under the Tal- was a fleeting snapshot of what western Ghor province on Wednes- gers in revenge for the Taliban’s The Sir Paul Getty XI at the world- led by ex-England opening bats- see Afghanistan play in England iban’s rule was cruel and repres- peace could look and feel like in day claimed illegal armed men ha- act of abducting students and the famous Wormsley Cricket Ground man, Nick Compton and includes this year. sive. The group’s ignorant ideolo- Afghanistan. During the three-day rassed and beat passengers on the ambulance, Ghor residents say. in Stokenchurch. Afghanistan are Owais Shah (England, Middlesex, “Cricket has been a huge part gy meant that simple things like truce, young men from opposing Ghor-Kabul highway. Sarajuddin, one of the passen- the rising stars in the world of Kolkata Knight Riders & Rajast- of Wormsley for the last 26 years music, sport and education were sides met and captured selfies with They say the harassment of gers who was beaten up by irre- cricket – they’re currently ranked han Royals), Kyle Coetzer (cap- and with Mike Gatting’s support severely restricted. one another. It was an indication passengers started after Taliban sponsible armed men on the high- eighth in the ICC T20 rankings and tain of Scotland) and in-form (president of Wormsley Cricket) However, things have changed of how peace, even if a long way militants recently hijacked an am- way, said: “I was traveling with 10th in the ODI rankings. Rashid Calum MacLeod, fresh from his we are expanding the breadth of since the Taliban’s removal from off, could someday materialize. bulance of Lal-wa-Sarjangal district other passengers when unknown Khan is the world number one 140 in the historic win over En- cricket played at what’s often re- power, and there is now greater Perhaps quiet to the ears of many, hospital along with a doctor, four armed men stopped us near Lal- bowler in T20s and he took the gland and a sparkling hundred for ferred to as one of the most beau- access to education than ever be- these examples provide signs that students including three girls and a wa-Sarjangal district center and IPL by storm this year with his Derbyshire in the Vitality Blast a tiful cricket grounds in the world.” fore. Every day, boys and girls progress is being made. While such driver on the highway. beat all of us.” (Pajhwok) performances for the Sunrisers couple of weeks ago. (ToloNews) have the opportunity go to school small victories of freedom may not and learn in a way that previous be as loud as pictures of destruc- generations didn’t have. And along tion, for many of Afghanistan’s with that, they also have the youth, their importance is greater chance to partake in extra-curric- and their impact deeper. As terror- Tens of MPs seeking reelection face criminal cases at AGO ular activities such as traditional ists launch further attacks to dis- folk choirs and after school sports. rupt and derail any such progress, ...P12 Evaluation, release of an official. cused of insulting a specific ethnic from Faryab, is accused of beating of Wolesi Jirga candidates. The outcome has been an empow- we must celebrate those whose alleged murderer and disappearing Tarakhel says: “My tribe says group and calling the ethnic group a school student. Conditions for a Wolesi Jirga ered generation of young people quiet resolve can be lost amid the two government Kalashnikovs. the Independent Election Com- “the tribe of suicide bombers.” 48: YousufSabir, a Kochis candidate who are looking to rebuild their noise of violence. And in doing so, Lalai Hameedzai: A lawmaker plaints Commission (IECC) is 32: Shakiba Hashemi, an MP MP, accused of assaulting a public According to the article 39 of country, not by taking up guns to support Afghanistan’s young citi- from Kandahar province is accused conspiring against me and trying from Logar, is accused of beating services official. the election law, only those peo- fight, but through exercising their zens in their efforts to steer the of beating another lawmaker Far- not to allow me to contest the elec- two persons named Haroon and 49: Fakori Behishti, an MP ple who are not convicted of civil and human rights. country towards a progressive fu- had Majidi, kidnapping of Sahel tion. Don’t make us victim of po- Faridoon in an illicit affairs and an from Bamyan, is accused of inter- crimes against humanity, other Just last month, a Peace Con- ture. Rabia Nasimi is 24 years old. Mansour Company’s head and dis- litical conspiracy otherwise my eloping case. ference in Bamyan courts. crimes and not restricted of exer- voy walked 700km over 40 days She works for the Afghanistan appearing government owned people had warned they would 33: Habiba Danish, an MP 50: Obaidullah Barakzai, an cising civil rights by the court, can in the height of summer across the Central Asian Association weapons. block roads and not allow govern- from Takhar province, is accused MP form Uruzgan, is accused of register as candidate for Wolesi Jir- country to Kabul. The group of (ACAA) an organization that Fereshta Anwar: a lawmaker ment officials to reach their offic- of beating a doctor. helping an escaping person and ga. approximately 70 young men ini- works to integrate refugees into from Nangarhar province accused ers, but I stopped them from do- 34: Abdul Hadi Jamshedi, an facilitating the person to marry a The article 44 of the election of killing her husband ing so. You may summon the Com- MP from Herat, has kept 22 woman. law says that people who are com- tially launched a sit in protest in British society. Rabia settled in the Fowzia Raufi: A lawmaker plaint Commission Head and ask Kalashnikovs, five pistols, seven 51: Sharifullah Kamawal, an manding illegal armed groups or are late March demanding an end to UK as a refugee, after fleeing the from Faryab province is accused him about the documents against walkie-talkies and some ammuni- MP from Kabul, has guaranteed members of these groups could not the war after a suicide bombing Taliban in Afghanistan with her of releasing former judge of Bal- me.” tion in his house he seized from the release of a prisoner and is ac- register as Wolesi Jirga candidates. killed 16 and injured 55 near a family. She is currently a PhD can- chargh district who had been de- The government official said: Taliban after a clash. cused of a crime. Independent Election Com- sports stadium in Lashkargah in didate in Sociology at the Univer- tained over taking bribe in a cor- “Do you have any evidence that 35: Haji Sher Ali Ahmadzai, a 52: Sayed Ikramuddin Ma- mission Helmand Province. sity of Cambridge. (ToloNews) ruption case your name has been removed from Kochi (nomads) MP, is accused of sumi, an MP form Takhar, is ac- Sayed Hafizullah Hashemi, Sahib Khan: A lawmaker from the candidates list, when you are beating a person and grabbing gov- cused of embezzlement in purchase IEC spokesman, said the Electoral Logar province is accused of dis- not aware of such an incident or ernment land. of five vehicles while on job in the Complaints Commission (ECC) appearing weapons. no one has summoned you, then 36: Sadiqa Mubariz, an MP Ministry of Labor and Social Af- would address all complaints un- Abbas Ibrahimzada: A law- don’t make unreasonable prob- from Maidan Wardak province, is fairs. der the election law they had re- maker from Balkh province is ac- lems. I have no authority to sum- accused of missing a pistol (belong- 53: Shukuria Paikan, an MP ceived so far against candidates cused of physical torture against mon the IECC head and create a ing to the government). from Kunduz, is accused of miss- seeking their reelection. security guards of appellant court crisis.” 37: Mohammad Arif Rahmani, ing a government pistol. He added if allegations against in Balkh Kamal Nasir Usoli: A lawmak- an MP from Ghazni province, is 54: Najia Babakrkhel, an MP these candidates were proved, the Obaidullah Raminzada: A law- er from Khost province is accused accused of misusing authority. (No form Paktika, is accused of miss- ECC would remove their names maker from Baghlan province, ac- of grabbing government land one from Ghazni has so far regis- ing a government weapon. from the list in consultation with cused of corruption while discharg- Allah Gul Mujahid: A lawmak- tered as candidate in the parliamen- 55: Abdul Qadir Zazai, an MP the IEC. ing duty at the Agriculture Minis- er from Kabul province is accused tary elections due to some elec- from Kabul, is accused of leveling What experts say try of torture of an individual, con- tion related problems there) (baseless accusation) against Yousuf Rashid, Free and Fair Fareba Ahmad Kakar: A law- struction of a patrol pump in Pul- 38: Samiullah Samim, an MP former Kabul mayor, Mohammad Election Foundation of Afghani- maker from Kandahar province, charkhi area, releasing an individu- from Farah province, is accused of Younus Nawandish. stan (FEFA) executive director, accused of violating the construc- al accused of a suicide attack and misusing authority. 56: Ramazan Bashardost, an told Pajhwok Afghan News that tion contract of Afghanistan-Iran organizing demonstration which 39: Mahmod Khan Sulaiman- MP from Kabul, is accused of pro- the IEC has not allowed election School in Kandahar which was resulted in the arson of an area in khel, an MP from Paktika, accused voking Habibia High School stu- watchdogs including FEFA to see handed over to the Ministry of Dehsabz district. of attempting to beat a person in- dents to take to the streets for pro- documents of candidates. Education Haidar Jan Naeemzai: A law- side the parliament building. test against the government. He said the IEC and ECC un- Mullah Ezzatullah Atif: A law- maker from Kuchi tribe is accused 40: Zamarak Padkhwabi, an 57: Dr. Zahir Saadat, an MP der the law could drop accused maker from Kabul province is ac- of land grabbing and releasing in- MP form Kabul, is accused of land from Panjsher province, is accused candidates from the list before the PAG statistics show 542 people suffered cused of grabbing 100 acres of an- mates on bail. liability of Stara-i-Shar and of carrying illegal weapons. electioneering begins. cestral land of an individual in Pa- Mohammad Hussain Mumtaz Mahal hotels and build- 58: Abdul Wali Niazi, an MP However, he said a candidate casualties last month -- 232 killed and 313 ghman district Mamozai. A lawmaker from Lagh- ing a fuel station on the property from Badakhshan, is accused of could not be removed from the list wounded. July 1, 10, 11, 29, 30 and 31 Gul Pacha Majidi: A lawmak- man province is accused of losing of Timor Shah Iqbal Yousufi. missing a pistol and two of its until allegations against him were er from Paktia province is accused government owned weapons 41: Delawar Imaq, an MP magazines full of bullets. proved. According to him, candi- were deadly days in Jalalabad, the capital of releasing an individual on bail in ShukriaEsakhel: A lawmaker from Baghlan, is accused of selling 59: Farhad Azimi, an MP form dates whose names are missing of Nangarhar, where over 70 people were killed a fraud case. from Baghlan province, is accused the vehicle of a killed person. Balkh, is accused of missing three from the preliminary list have the and 50 others wounded. Hameedullah Tokhi, A law- of losing a government pistol. 42: Kubra Mustafawi, an MP weapons. right to complain and their com- maker from Zabul province is ac- 27: Farhad Majidi, a parlia- from Kabul, is accused of insult- 60: Haji Agha Jan, an MP form plaints should be handled under the cused of killing two people in a ment member from Herat province ing the children’s primary court Kapisa, his bodyguard used a gov- election law. Attorney general of- KABUL: The Sikh minority suffered huge casualties in July for the first traffic accident. is accused of owing $200,000 tax head. ernment weapon in narcotics smug- fice Jamshid Rasoli, the attorney time in several years, the Civilian Protection Advocacy Group (CPAG) Mualvi Abdul Rahman Rah- on armored vehicles. 43: Abdul Qadir Kharoti, an gling. general office’s spokesman, when said on Wednesday. In a statement, the group said most of July’s casu- mani: A lawmaker from Balkh 28: Mir Rahman Rahmani, an MP from Paktika, is accused of 61: Humayon Humayon, an asked the documents available alties in 22 provinces of the country were caused by suicide attacks and province is accused of torture and MP from Parwan province is ac- missing a government weapon. MP from Khost, is accused of in- with Pajhwok said he has no in- airstrikes. Most of the deaths and injuries happened in Nangarhar prov- beating a worker of municipality cused of beating people using his 44: Sayed Mohammad Musa terfering in the parliament TV ar- formation in this regard. He said ince as a result of suicide attacks.Airstrikes also targeted civilians in and none-payment of rent bodyguards in Parwan. Junab, an MP from Badghis prov- chive. he would not share such details Paktia, Nangarhar and Kunduz provinces in July, when the number Parwin Durrani: A lawmaker 29: Ahmad Behzad, an MP ince, is accused of losing a govern- A reliable government source with the media, given the legal con- fatalities significantly surged. But the level of injuries fell, compared to from Kochi tribe is accused of pro- from Herat, is accused of beating a ment pistol. told Pajhwok Afghan News that straints, as to how many members June. CPAG statistics show 542 people suffered casualties last month viding the National Identity Cards traffic police officer. 45: Anwar Khan Oryakhel, an similar cases of 400 Wolesi Jirga of the National Assembly and can- -- 232 killed and 313 wounded. July 1, 10, 11, 29, 30 and 31 were deadly to Pakistani nationals. 30: Shakila Hashemi, an MP MP from Kabul, is accused of candidates had been prepared. The didates were at the Prosecutor's days in Jalalabad, the capital of Nangarhar, where over 70 people were Mullah Trakhel: A lawmaker from Logar province, is accused of handing over a government weap- source said it was unclear what the Office. However, another reliable killed and 50 others wounded. Kabul also saw high casualties during the from Kuchi people is accused of beating two persons. on to another person. government would do about such official of the same office, who outgoing month when 21 people were killed and 80 others wounded in releasing an individual on bail. 31: Sayed Anwar Sadat, an ex- 46: Asifa Shadab, an MP from cases but discussions about them wished to go unnamed, said a long suicide attacks, CPAG added. Airstrikes in Paktia, Kunduz and Nangar- Recently a video surfaced in MP from Faryab province and Faryab, is accused of missing a were underway. list of lawmakers and candidates har left more than 40 people dead. June saw 513 casualties -- 158 killed the social media showing Mullah current deputy head of National government pistol. According to the IEC, 2,449 was available at the AGO office and the rest wounded. (Pajhwok) Trakhel talking to a government Security Council (NSC), is ac- 47: Rangina Kargar, an MP people make it to the primary list accused of different crimes. THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Nepal should Doklam dispute resolved adopt 'Look South' policy through ‘diplomatic to accelerate maturity’, says Sushma Swaraj development: Ram he External Affairs Minister said the Wuhan informal Madhav summit was held without any agenda and without having National General Secretary of any objective to discuss any specific issue. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ram Madhav on Tuesday suggest- The India-China face-off over Doklam was resolved issue. Before the summit, the for- forts to enhance the people-to- ed Nepal to adopt 'Look South' through “diplomatic maturity without losing any eign ministers of the two countries people contact. The first informal Policy to accelerate development ground” and status quo has been maintained, External decided that the leaders should not summit between Modi and Jinping and said oceans could provide the Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said on Wednesday. be restricted to any specific issue, was held at the Chinese city of Himalayan kingdom economic op- Swaraj told the Lok Sabha that the main objective of she said. “The decision to host Wuhan on April 27-28. India and portunities to explore. Madhav the informal summit between Prime Minister Naren- Wuhan was taken not to resolve China were locked in a face-off in further said that the new sugges- dra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping (rpt Jin- any issue but to create a condu- the Doklam area of the Sikkim sec- tive measure would open up huge ping) at Wuhan was to ensure mutual comfort, mutu- cive environment. Three main ob- tor for over 50 days after Indian opportunities for Nepal. Mean- al understanding and mutual trust between the two jectives were to ensure mutual troops stopped the Chinese Army while, former Nepal Prime Minis- leaders and all the three objectives have been achieved. comfort, mutual understanding and from building a road in the area. ter Pushpa Kamal Dahal expressed “We have resolved the Doklam issue with diplomatic mutual trust. In all the three objec- China claimed it was constructing his happiness over the function- maturity without losing any ground. There is no tives, we have achieved success,” the road within their territory ing of the previously established change in the status quo (on the ground). There is not she said. Swaraj said as a follow which India had objected saying bilateral mechanisms between Ne- an iota of change. The face off at sight has been re- up to the Wuhan summit, the Chi- the territory does not belong to pal and India. The one-day event solved on August 28, 2017,” she said during Question nese defence minister is coming to China. To another query, Swaraj in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu ti- Hour. The External Affairs Minister said the Wuhan enhance military cooperation also made it clear that the bound- tled “Nepal-India Think Tank informal summit was held without any agenda and while the foreign minister will ar- ary dispute between Bhutan and Summit 2018” had four different without having any objective to discuss any specific rive later this year as part of ef- China was continuing. sessions on Indo-Nepal relations with an aim to foster greater col- laboration and knowledge-sharing among the think tanks of the two nations. Manjeev Singh Puri, Indi- an Ambassador to Nepal said that NRCissue will the mutual economic cooperation between India and Nepal would be strengthened with signing of latest agreements such as Arun III hy- destroy India’s dropower project and Integrated Check Post in Birgunj. The sum- mit was jointly organized by the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and relations with International Affairs and Nehru Memorial Museum Library. Bangladesh: Two more skeletal Mamata remains of female victims surface at Mannaar killing fields Skeletal remains of an adult and a child, both females, have surfaced on Tuesday at the mass grave be- ing excavated in the premises of West Bengal Chief Minister Mama- people and warned that it would former CWE building in the city ta Banerjee on August 1 sharpened lead to bloodbath and a civil war in of Mannaar. So far, 60 individuals, her attack on the BJP over the draft the country. “Bangladesh is not a including six children, have been National Register of Citizens terrorist country. After Indepen- spotted. Of these, thirty-three (NRC) in Assam, accusing the par- dence, many people from Pakistan have been fully exhumed. The ex- ty of playing vote-bank politics, came to Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar cavators have seen gunshot-like while also warning that the issue Pradesh, Punjab. From Bangladesh holes in the skulls exhumed a few will “destroy” India’s relationship too, people came to Tripura, West days ago. There are also injuries with Bangladesh. She said only 1% Bengal, Bihar and many other caused by sharp metals, indicating of the 40 lakh residents, whose States. They are not infiltrators or torture. The occupying military of names are missing from the draft terrorists. Is it a crime that Bang- genocidal Sri Lanka was stationed NRC, could be infiltrators, but ladesh and we (West Bengal) share in the locality since the 1990s. people are being “harassed” in the the same mother tongue? They The excavation was taking name of infiltrators. She said she (the Centre) think, anybody who place for the 44th day on Tues- has appealed to all opposition par- speaks Bangla is a Bangladeshi” day. The SL Magistrates Court in ties to send their delegation to As- she said. Her comments come in Mannaar is yet to determine how sam. The Trinamool Congress chief the backdrop of Assam govern- to proceed with the analysis of the said she has also urged former BJP ment publishing the draft NRC on skeletons, which remain boxed-up leader Yashwant Sinha to visit the July 30. The draft excludes 40 lakh While claiming that his party al- Sherry Rehman, Syed Qaim Ali had also reservations over the elec- ed. Bilawal extended greetings to at its custody. The SL Police, State. Ms. Banerjee said India has people from the list. “The BJP is ways struggled for strengthening Shah, Khursheed Shah, Nisar tion process,” he added. He said the entire nation on the 125th birth- which is duty-bound to take the very good relations with Bang- playing vote bank politics. The democracy and parliament, the Ahmed Khuhro, Senator Raza the PPP has to focus on delivery day of Mader-e-Millat Mohtarma next step, has been reportedly ladesh. “The NRC will destroy NRC will affect the whole world. Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Rabbani and Murad Ali Shah were in Sindh, where the party has once Fatima Jinnah that was observed working with an application re- relationship between India and Managing the borders is a respon- Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari present on the occasion. Bilawal again secured majority. “We are on Tuesday. In his message, he said questing the Magistrate to allow Bangladesh. Out of 40 lakh peo- sibility of the Centre,” she said. has said the PPP will use the par- said despite difficulties and pre- entering a new era where good gov- sister of Quaid-e-Azam Moham- sending a set of the remains to ini- ple whose names are not in the list “Central forces see how many in- liamentary forum to advance its poll pressures on candidates and ernance and better performance mad Ali Jinnah challenged dicta- tial analysis in Colombo. Know- of NRC, only 1% could be illegal filtrators are crossing into the coun- ideology and ideals. Bilawal, who workers, the PPP fared better in should be the hallmark of the new torship and valiantly led the na- ing that the people will oppose the infiltrators. But the BJP is trying try. But in the name of infiltrators, will be beginning his parliamenta- the 2018 general elections than provincial government. “We can- tion’s struggle for democracy. He move, the SL police have started to show that all those not included they (the Centre) are harassing ry career, was addressing a lun- 2013. “Some opposition parties not let down the people who sent said that Mohatarma Fatima Jin- to ‘leak’ information to media that (in NRC) are infiltrators,” she told people. I have appealed to all op- cheon held at Bilawal House for were considering boycotting the us to assemblies as we are facing nah struggled shoulder to shoulder an institution in the USA was also reporters at the Parliament. On position parties to send their dele- the newly-elected PPP parliamen- new parliament but the PPP con- great challenges on international with her brother during the free- under consideration. However, July 31, she had alleged that the gation to Assam. I have also urged tarians from across the country on vinced them to join the parliament and economic fronts while other dom movement for an independent Mannaar Magistrate is yet to de- NRC exercise in Assam was done Yashwant Sinha to go to Assam,” Tuesday. The PPP stalwarts like and fight for democracy, which is political parties are taking extreme Pakistan. cide on the steps for forensic anal- with a “political motive” to divide she added. Raja Pervez Ashraf, Faryal Talpur, a victory for democrats though we positions on key issues,” he add- (Tribune) ysis. US says committed to 11morekilledinrain-related work with SL to combat accidentsinUttar Pradesh, human trafficking The US is committed to working with civil society, ficking data collection and report- international organizations, and the Sri Lankan govern- ing system, and improving servic- deathtollrisesto106 ment to combat trafficking in persons in the country, a es and protections for trafficking diplomat of the US Embassy on Monday said. Robert victims. Our partners, comple- Hilton, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy said this menting the ILO’s work in these Two deaths each were while delivering a speech at an event organised by the efforts, are The Asia Foundation International Labour Organization (ILO) Office in and the American Bar Associa- reported from Far- Colombo in view of the World Day Against Traffick- tion,” he said. He said these activ- rukhabad and Bahra- ing in Persons. Mr. Hilton said the US Department of ities represent a commitment by ich districts. One State funds three grants in Sri Lanka with a total value the American government and by of approximately $2.5 million. “These grants engage the American taxpayer to the died in Lucknow, on a wide variety of activities including, for example, worldwide effort to defeat traf- Sitapur, Kanpur helping to strengthen the judiciary to investigate and ficking in persons. prosecute trafficking cases, building an effective traf- (AP) Dehat, Barabanki, Sultanpur, Lakhim- pur Kheri and Rae Reconstituted bench hearing Imran Khan Bareli districts. disqualification case dissolves With 11 more deaths on Tuesday, Charsadi embankment. Conse- swung into action after the rising The reconstituted bench hearing the Imran Khan dis- original bench hears the case. While the toll in rain-related incidents in quently, panic gripped Nakhara, level of the river started eroding qualification case was dissolved again on Wednesday the IHC registrar had already Uttar Pradesh went up to 106, Kashipur, Gharkuian and Pratapur the embankment. They said in- after one of the two judges was recused himself from the raised objections against the peti- Sanjay Kumar, relief commission- villages located near the embank- stead of boulders, the labourers case. Earlier, the Islamabad High Court’s (IHC) Justice tion, the request visibly displeased er said. Two deaths each were re- ment. An irrigation department en- were dumping soil bags and bam- Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui was removed from the bench hear- the judges. “We are not inclined to ported from Farrukhabad and gineer VN Shukla said repair work boo to check the rising water from ing the case. Justice Aamer Farooqi and Justice Miangul hear this case and we will not be Bahraich districts. One died in was on to protect the embankment eroding the embankment. The vil- Hasan Aurangzeb resumed the hearing, however, the part of the reconstituted bench to Lucknow, Sitapur, Kanpur Dehat, from erosion. Teams had been con- lagers had started shifting to safer plaintiff’s counsel argued that the earlier bench had is- hear the matter if one is made,” Barabanki, Sultanpur, Lakhimpur stituted to maintain watch on the places, he added. River Ghaghra sued the July 23 order and had shown interest in the Justice Farooqui remarked. “I’ll Kheri and Rae Bareli districts. The embankment and to organize relief was flowing above the danger lev- case. Imran’s acquittal in SSP torture case challenged recuse from the case myself,” he situation in the rural area of Kar- works. The villagers were also el at Eligin Bridge in Barabanki dis- The earlier bench had given the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf further added. Imran’s counsel, nailganj tehsil in Gonda district called to assist labourers in repair trict, Yamuna crossed the danger (PTI) chairman until August 1 to submit a reply in the Babar Awan appeared before the turned grim after the spate in river works. A native of Kashipur vil- mark at Mawi in Muzaffarnagar case. The plaintiff’s counsel also requested that a new bench and said there is no provi- Ghaghra damaged 100 metres of lage, Ram Badan Singh, expressed district, Sharada crossed the dan- bench be constituted either under the leadership of the sion to transfer case to another the temporary embankment con- dissatisfaction over the repair ger mark at Paliyakala in Lakhim- chief justice of Pakistan or a fixed bench be made or the bench as each judge is respectable. structed around the age-old Elgin- works. The irrigation department pur Kheri. THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief Philippine anti- graft official sacked for revealing Duterte probe details The office of the Philippine pres- ident has sacked a deputy om- budsman for revealing informa- tion about an inquiry into alleged unexplained wealth of President Rodrigo Duterte, saying that his intent was to discredit him. H R W r e q u e st s Arthur Carandang is liable for graft and betrayal of public trust for publicizing evidence he had p r o b e i n t o on the alleged undeclared wealth of Duterte and his family, accord- ing to a 10-page decision issued a l l e g a t i o n s by executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea. The investigation into Duterte by the Office of the Ombudsman, an independent o f t o r t u r e i n agency, followed a complaint by a prominent senator that Duterte had amassed as much as 2.2 bil- I r a q j a i l s lion pesos ($41.5 million) when he was a city mayor. Duterte de- nies that. The investigation, Human Rights Watch (HRW) yes- ture, noting that it requested an- which was terminated in Novem- terday requested Iraq investigate swers from judges but they did not claims that its forces are torturing reply to the claims. The rights ber last year, led to repeated an- Daesh suspects in prison, adding group noted that the UN Assis- gry outbursts by Duterte about The US military held a repatriation ceremony at Osan air base in South Korea that judges are convicting defen- tance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) the Ombudsman. Carandang was dants based on coerced confes- reported in 2014 that “judges reg- sacked because of “guilty of man- North Korea has returned 55 box- where the boxes had arrived the ficials have indicated that they be- Korean Peninsula", however re- sions. “Torture is rampant in Iraq’s ularly fail to take any action when ifest partiality” toward Senator es believed to contain the remains previous week. "There's no reason lieve the latest handover is a legit- ports this week indicate that North justice system, yet judges lack in- defendants raised allegations before Antonio Trillanes, a staunch crit- of US troops killed during the at this point to doubt that they do imate offer. "We look forward to Korea may be building new mis- structions for responding to tor- the court that they had been sub- ic of Duterte, with the intent to Korean War, but included just one relate to Korean War losses," said potentially pursuing [remains re- siles. The repatriation brings re- ture allegations,” said Lama Fakih, jected to torture in order to force broadcast information “adverse military identification tag, US of- John Byrd, a forensic anthropolo- covery] operations in North Ko- newed hope to families who have deputy Middle East director at confessions in relation to the to the president”, according to ficials say. A forensic expert said gist working for the Hawaii-based rea in the future and we're very waited decades for closure, al- Human Rights Watch. “Defen- crimes for which they were stand- Medialdea’s decision. initial tests showed the remains agency in charge of identifying the hopeful," said Rear Admiral Jon though the full identification pro- dants, including ISIS [Daesh] sus- ing trial.” It also said that Iraq’s were "likely to be American".The remains. He said officials have Kreitz, the deputy director of Ha- cess could take years. "It's hard to pects, won’t be able to get a fair Constitution prohibits “all forms boxes are en route from South been in touch with the family of waii's military laboratory. live your life not knowing what trial so long as the security forces of psychological and physical tor- Danish court Korea to Hawaii for extensive ex- the service member referenced in What deal has been struck? happened to your loved one," the can freely torture people into con- ture and inhumane treatment.” amination. North Korea previous- the identifying tag, known as a dog The return of US remains was daughter of one missing service- fessing.” Iraqi forces have arrested Furthermore, Iraq’s Constitution rejects ly returned the purported remains tag, and emphasised that it was too one of four points listed in a joint man told the BBC earlier. US Vice about 20,000 people on suspicion states that “any confession made of foreign soldiers that turned out early to confirm if that identity declaration after the June summit President Mike Pence will attend of affiliation with Daesh, which under force, threat or torture shall extradition of to be misidentified. matched accompanying remains. between US President Donald the arrival of the boxes in Hawaii. once controlled one third of the not be relied on, and the victim shall How will the remains be iden- In 2011, Pyongyang returned Trump and North Korea's Kim Why are US remains in North country. HRW said it reviewed a have the right to seek compensa- tified? On Wednesday, the US mil- purported remains of a British Jong-un. Mr Trump and Mr Kim Korea? More than 326,000 Amer- number of cases and found that de- tion for material and moral damag- alleged PKK itary held a repatriation ceremony fighter pilot, but they turned out also agreed to work towards the icans fought alongside soldiers fendants had been tried as a result es incurred in accordance with the official to at Osan air base in South Korea, to belong to a dead animal. US of- "complete denuclearisation of the from South Korea. of confessions obtained under tor- law.” (BBC) Turkey A Danish court decided on Wednesday to release a Kurdi- Suicidecar bomb sh man Turkey claims is an of- South Africaplans to ficial of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), detained since July 14 after Ankara is- sued an extradition request. Of- attack kills several amend constitution ficials said that 58 year-old Ce- mal Deniz cannot be extradited since Turkey does not fully comply with Danish conditions peopleinPhilippines toallowland seizure on extradition such as non-tor- ture under Article 3 of the Euro- An investigation is still underway, but pean Convention on Human ost land in the country remains Rights. "All the conditions in the the military suspects it was carried out Danish Extradition Act must be by the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf group. in white hands 25 years since met in order for us to hand over black-majority government a person for criminal prosecu- tion abroad. After a careful re- took power from white rule. view of the case, we have con- sidered that this is not the case and therefore he has now been released,” State Prosecutor Sune South Africa's ruling party will ty, which has been in power since without compensation can be ef- in white farmers being stripped of Løvtrups added, in a public push ahead with plans to amend the end of apartheid in 1994. "It fected." Most land remains in land to the detriment of the econo- statement. Deniz was arrested the Constitution to allow for the has become pertinently clear that white hands, making it a potent my, although Ramaphosa has re- upon his arrival to the city of expropriation of land without our people want the Constitution symbol of lingering inequalities 25 peatedly said any changes will not Rodbyhamn after traveling by compensation, President Cyril to be more explicit about expro- years on from the end of apart- compromise food security or eco- ferry from Puttgarden, Germa- Ramaphosa has said. The African priation of land without compen- heid. Since white-minority rule nomic growth. South Africa's econ- ny. Agents from a domestic in- telligence and security service National Congress (ANC) party sation as demonstrated in the pub- ended in 1994, the ANC policy has omy has barely grown in recent known as PET carried out the had said in May it would "test the lic hearings," Ramaphosa said on been "willing-seller, willing-buyer", years, with the growth outlook arrest, according to the Kurdish argument" that land redistribution Tuesday in a recorded address to whereby the government buys remaining much lower than the five ANF news agency, who de- without compensation is permit- the nation. "The ANC will go white-owned farms for redistribu- percent annual growth government scribes Deniz as a "Kurdish ted under current laws, a plan that through the parliamentary process tion to blacks. Progress has been is aiming for to make a dent in near- politician." According to a state- would have avoided the risky strat- to finalise the proposed amend- slow. record unemployment. Data ment released by Turkey’s Se- Government forces inspect the site of an explosion egy of trying to change the Con- ment to the Constitution that out- Investor concerns showed on Tuesday that South curity Directorate on the day of in Lamitan, Basilan province, southern Philippines stitution. The proposal was first lines more clearly the conditions Some investors are concerned Africa's unemployment rate rose the arrest, Deniz holds a leading on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. (AP) adopted in December by the par- under which expropriation of land that the ANC's reforms will result to 27.2 percent of the labour force. PKK position in Scandinavia and has been sought in 192 coun- tries around the world with an A bomb exploded in a van in the Unfamiliar dialect Interpol request to locate and restive southern Philippines on A soldier who witnessed the detain known as a Red Notice. Tuesday, killing 11 people at a attack said in an interview on pri- military checkpoint in an attack vate-run DZMM radio that the China prepares for an international officials blamed on militants with driver spoke in an unfamiliar dia- ties to Daesh. The blast took place lect and may have been foreign. Germany on Basilan, the island stronghold However, military spokesman of the Abu Sayyaf group notori- Colonel Edgard Arevalo said secu- lifts ban on ous for kidnapping and banditry, rity forces were investigating and order after U.S.leadership which was the home of the former there was no basis yet to conclude "emir" of Daesh in Southeast Asia, that the incident was a suicide At China’s Central Foreign Rela- Beijing’s estimation, these devel- reunions for killed last year by Philippine bombing or had been carried out tions Work Conference—an infre- opments have also increased the troops. A suspected bomber, a sol- by a foreigner. A destroyed struc- quently-held high level strategy possibility that China will face a refugees dier, five paramilitary troopers and ture is seen at the site of an explo- session for the nation’s foreign power transition with the United four civilians, including a mother sion at Barangay Maganda on the policy—convened on June 23, States in coming years—and in re- and her child, were killed and sev- outskirts of Lamitan city on the 2018, Chinese leaders outlined an sponse, Chinese officials are work- Germany on Wednesday re- en people were wounded in the southern island of Mindanao on array of foreign policy directives ing to establish a new dominance sumed family reunifications blast, an army spokesman said. July 31, 2018. Eleven people, in- designed to reinforce Chinese Pres- over the international order. Since for some refugees. The Vehicle bombings are extremely cluding troops and civilians, were ident Xi Jinping’s authority over 2014, multilateral international in- move is drawing ire from left- rare in the Philippines, despite killed when an explosion tore all foreign policy. As State Coun- stitutions have proven unable to ist groups who said a cap of decades of separatist and religious through a van at an army check- cilor Yang Jiechi stated, “The most overcome persistent slow econom- 1,000 people a month was violence that has destabilised the point in the southern Philippines. important outcome of this confer- ic growth, the challenges of climate too few, and from a far-right Mindanao region and lured foreign A destroyed structure is seen ence is that it established the guid- change, violations of long-stand- miltants. Presidential spokesman at the site of an explosion at Baran- ing position of Jinping thought on ing norms—such as Russia's sei- party opposed to immigra- diplomacy.” The event further zure of Crimea—and the seeming- tion altogether, Reuters re- Harry Roque condemned the gay Maganda on the outskirts of bombing as a "war crime," calling Lamitan city on the southern is- strengthened the activist foreign ly irresolvable crises of both tran- ports. it "an illegal use of force, even in land of Mindanao on July 31, 2018. policy outlined by Xi at the previ- snational terror and mass migra- In 2016, the government times of armed conflict." Tues- Eleven people, including troops ous foreign affairs work conference tion in the Middle East. To Beijing’s suspended the right to day's explosion happened mo- and civilians, were killed when an held in 2014. Since that previous eyes, the international order is de- bring in immediate family ments after troops stopped the explosion tore through a van at an conference,, key geopolitical de- teriorating at a moment when Chi- members for asylum seekers vehicle and spoke to the driver, army checkpoint in the southern velopments have added to the ur- na’s need for international stabili- granted limited protection to who was alone and probably det- Philippines. gency with which Chinese leaders ty and security is greater than ever. ease the burden on social onated the bomb, the military said. (AFP) view global governance strategy. In (BBC) workers handling a record influx of a million migrants. The ban did not apply to asylum applicants who were granted full refugee status. Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Conservatives and their So- cial Democrat (SPD) junior coalition partners agreed on a compromise to partially lift the ban from August 1, 2018. “The new rule allows us to Zimbabwe's president is warning against making "provocative state- that the presidential results were call on everyone to desist from achieve a balance between ments" as hundreds of angry opposition supporters protest in the cap- counted first and wonders why provocative declarations and state- our society’s integration ca- ital and riot police fire tear gas. "Now is the time for responsibility and they are being announced last. ments. We must all demonstrate pacity, humanity and secu- above all peace," President Emmerson Mnangagwa says on Twitter. Meanwhile, opposition challeng- patience and maturity, and act in a rity,” Interior Minister Horst European Union and US election observers are warning about the delay er Nelson Chamisa is again claim- way that puts our people and their in announcing the presidential results and urge their release as soon as ing victory over Mnangagwa and safety first. Seehofer said. possible. The electoral commission says it will advise "sometime to- says on Twitter that "No amount Now is the time for responsibility (AP) morrow" when it will begin announcing those results. It has five days of results manipulation will alter and above all, peace. from Monday's vote to release them. The lead EU observer points out your WILL. At this crucial time, I (AFP) THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 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: Mansoor Ahmad Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.afghanistantimes.af Despite the numerous initiatives and reforms undertaken by the present govern- Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi ment and its predecessors to save its troubled economy, Afghanistan is one of Advisory editorial board the 47 least developed countries according to UN Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir Graphic-Designers: Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0782344728, 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 Seventy-Two: The individual appointed as Minister shall have the following qualifications: 1. Shall have only the citizenship of Afghanistan; if the ministerial candidate has the citizenship of another country as well, the House of People shall have the right to approve or reject the nomination; 2. Shall have higher education, work experience as well as a good reputation; 3. Shall not be less than thirty five years of age; 4. Shall not have been convicted of crimes against humanity, a criminal act or deprivation of civil rights by a court.

By Farah Shujja prayer. But by including Thurs- at different public and private as well as, the value that high- day as part of the weekend, the organisations who share simi- er interaction has generated, Over the past decade, Afghan- country is losing around 52 lar concerns. One of my con- indicate that there are many istan has made tremendous days in a year, leaving only 157 tacts at the Ministry of Finance opportunities to create and progress in reconstruction, de- days in a year to do business commented, “The three-day grow wealth than ever before. velopment and lifting the per with the international commu- open window with internation- The nations that are success- capita income. However, the nity. Although there have been al counterparts result in delays ful are those who were able to country has a long way ahead efforts by Afghanistan’s Min- and missed deadlines, and adapt themselves to this new to totally embed itself in the istry of Labour and Social af- sometimes results in working architecture and outstrip tradi- global economy and become a fairs, as well as other business extra hours”. tional barriers to economics. proactive member-state, rather communities to shift the week- By including Thursday as We can’t see the present with than an aid-dependent one. end to Friday and Saturday, part of the weekend, Afghani- our traditional lens. Instead, to Despite the numerous initi- each time the government did stan is losing 52 days a year, gain an understanding of such atives and reforms undertaken not give its approval. leaving only 157 working days progress against the backdrop by the present government and The reason being that non- to do business with the inter- of globalisation, we have to its predecessors to save its Muslim countries — primarily national community depart from our past and ad- troubled economy, Afghanistan Jewish ones — observe their Another colleague working just to global rhythms and pro- fghanistan is going to hold presidential election on April is one of the 47 least developed weekend on Saturday and as a at one of Afghanistan’s mis- cesses in an interdependent 20, 2019—this would be the fourth time since the Taliban countries according to UN clas- Muslim country, Afghanistan sion abroad added that, “Af- world. sification. One important, yet should not. However, it should ghanistan’s missions abroad Those who argue against were toppled from power in 2001. But of course much little-known, reason for its fail- be noted that Islam does not work on the basis of host coun- this change should try to esti- work needed to meet that timeline. In the face of complexity for ure is its inability to align the prohibit Muslims from taking tries’ calendars, so if there is mate the cost of lost opportu- country’s business workdays Saturday off, or having the an important transaction which nities, and evaluate the price October 20 parliamentary and district council elections, which with international markets in same weekend as Jews and the mission abroad needs on our economy has to pay for have been marred by technical and organizational issues, the In- the world. For this reason, it is Christians. It should be high- Wednesday evening or Thurs- such decisions. We have to losing out on precious econom- lighted that many Muslim coun- day from Afghanistan, it has to strive to realise our collective dependent Election Commission (IEC) announced presidential ic opportunities that harmon- tries, including Pakistan, Bang- wait until Monday, losing four ideals by passing the test of co- poll without resolving current problems. Security, and funding ise activities with its interna- ladesh, United Arab Emirates, days in between.” Moreover, herence with the global com- tional counterparts. Egypt, and Turkey, etc, observe few private companies, as well munity. Creating a flexible men- as well as the short time frame between elections would present Afghanistan has designat- Saturday as their weekend hol- as, NGO’s in Afghanistan ob- tal model, along with collective ed Thursday and Friday as the iday. serve Friday-Saturday as their problem-solving attitudes, will the biggest challenges to the poll. But the biggest one is trust- weekend, whereas many other We can also look at anoth- weekend, which again results ensure we are integrated in the deficit between the commission and Afghan masses, including countries, including its neigh- er Muslim country, Saudi Ara- in other businesses within the global circuit of prosperity. Giv- bours and western countries, bia, which consistently is in the country being out of sync with en the overwhelming issues political parties. This is key problems to be resolved on imme- observe Saturday and Sunday news for its strict religious one another. It should also be and supporting information, diate move. Many Afghans cast shadow over free, fair, and trans- as their official weekend days. rules, but has switched to a Fri- noted that majority of Afghan- Afghanistan should move its It means Afghanistan’s busi- day-Saturday weekend. These istan’s exports are to countries official weekend from Thurs- parent elections that already marred by widespread fraud. We, nesses have only three work- countries quickly recognised having Saturday and Sunday day and Friday, to Friday and the Afghans demand greater transparency in our elections. There ing days overlapping with oth- the negative consequences of weekend, so from an economic Saturday, to help improve busi- er countries, which can be con- having out-of-sync business standpoint, it should align its ness relations with other states. are some criteria which is very necessary for election results to sidered a major barrier towards days with their international fi- workweek with the rest of the The writer works at the Of- be trusted. The first one is a biometric based voting, where the their progress. nancial markets, and aimed to world. fice of Senior Advisor to Presi- Friday remains a holiday in close the communication gap. In today’s fast-paced world, dent of Afghanistan on Inter- chance of fraud is 99 percent low. Second, monitoring of pro- Muslim countries, as it’s a holy I have personally spoken to the scale and scope of flow in national trade as an ‘export pro- cess by representatives of all parties, including foreign agen- day set aside for communal multiple professionals working information, goods and ideas, motion expert’ cies, like United Nation Assistance Mission in Afghanistan in a bid to further give creditability to its accuracy. Each step of the election process should be easily understood and open to scruti- ny by all stakeholders (voters, political parties, outside observ- ers and others). All results should be independently verifiable and auditable. Ghost voting must be stopped immediately, only eligible voters should be allowed to vote and those votes must Poverty be protected from any alteration of exclusion. This is the core duty of IEC that has to discharge its obligation honestly and trans- parently. Moreover, all eligible voters, regardless of location, group membership or disability, should have reasonable and equal opportunity to cast their ballot. Can IEC able to run such crystal clear elections? The answer is no so far. Free, and fair election is our demand, but it’s not possible sans biometric system. How- ever, a voter registration discrepancy also surfaced after the elec- tion commission earlier declared nine million had registered to vote, a figure some parliamentarians and politicos dismisses as exaggerated. Two options on the table – 1, to overcome trust- deficit by having a biometric based voting –and 2, is to invalid- ed registration process and resumed back once biometric system kicked off. This is best and only way to ensure transparency in elections. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

villages. As we arrived at the ly after sunrise in company of two By Marta Pascual town’s bazaar the driver, a heavily small donkeys and their owner, a Juanola bearded soldier, told us to get out Wakhi man called Mubarak Qad- of the car and drove off leaving a am, who was going to guide us cloud of dust behind. My partner throughout the trek. Life on the I had been dreaming of going to and I looked at each other with a land in Afghanistan We reached the Afghanistan for half a decade, ever mix of excitement and sheer panic first seasonal Kyrgyz settlement, since I attended a lecture by Span- as the curious eyes of bearded Chaqmaqtin, after four days of ish foreign correspondent Plàcid shopkeepers dressed in the tradi- camping along the Wakhan River Garcia-Planas as a first-year jour- tional khet partug scanned us from and navigating up narrow moun- nalism student. head to toe. Was Ishkashim as safe tain paths. The settlement, like I remember it clear as day. as everyone said? Could we trust most Kyrgyz villages, consisted of I was sitting in the faculty’s that none of those people would a handful of mud homes and felt overcrowded auditorium as he was sell us to Taliban or ISIS militants yurts scattered around a small projecting a photo of an old Af- in exchange for a few hundred dol- mountain stream, where several ghan shopkeeper splashing water lars? The town was riddled with furry yaks munched on dry grass over a dusty step. “This man is Afghan army men glued to old and small weeds. There was no washing his shop front after a sui- Kalashnikovs and, as reassuring as one to be seen. Unsure if the local cide bomber self-immolated earli- that was, my mind couldn’t stop Kyrgyz had already migrated to er that morning,” Plàcid said. thinking about the Taliban-con- their summer settlement, we set Young, unmarried girls wear bright red veils in the Wakhan corridor. Pic: Marta Pascual Juanola. “This is Afghanistan.” trolled district of Warduj being off to explore the village. As we What Plàcid intended to do only 20 kilometres away. Still en- were walking around, a white veil was discourage weak-stomached tertained by horrific thoughts of suddenly appeared from around a students from pursuing a career in kidnappings and public executions, corner, flapping in the wind. A conflict reporting, but instead it we made our way to a local guest- woman dressed in a bright red and sparked my curiosity and a desire house where we dropped off our golden dress was on her way to to travel to the country that was luggage before venturing out into pick up dried dung to fuel the fire. once part of the hippy trail. I could the bazaar again in search of some- The front of her dress was deco- never have imagined that five years one who could tell us where the rated with big nacre buttons and later my partner and I would be foreigner registration office was. many silver trinkets that rattled as trekking along the country’s Kara- As we were walking down the main she walked in the afternoon wind. koram, Pamir and Hindu Kush street, a dusty path flanked by Her veil, which hung all the way ranges, searching for one of the last small wooden shops, a middle-aged to her lower back, was pinned to a nomadic cultures in the world: the man wearing traditional Afghan small, round, hand-stitched hat Pamiri Kyrgyz. Afghanistan’s clothes and a mujahedeen hat ap- resting just above her forehead. Kyrgyz nomads live in the high- proached us. He introduced him- The harsh winds of the Pamir had altitude flats of the Wakhan corri- self in English as Safi Usmani, a taken a toll on her skin, which dor, a region created as a buffer former World Food Programme showed many years of labouring The mountain passes are treacherous, with days of travel be- zone between tsarist Russia and worker and a Wakhan tourist guide. outdoors in bitterly cold winter tween villages. PIC: Marta Pascual Juanola. The mountain passes are treacherous, with days of travel the British Empire in the 19th cen- After a brief chat he offered to help temperatures, but her sharp eyes between villages. PIC: Marta Pascual Juanola. tury. To this day the corridor re- us organise our official police per- showed she was probably young- mains one of the most isolated re- mits and a car transfer to Sarhad-e er than she appeared. I had never Broghil, the last village on the road imagined I would see such a bright ture other than a couple of metal challenged the elements to survive nomads had managed to establish ity to communicate and our un- gions in the world, and one of very chests. Later that day, as we in one of the world’s most deso- a network of shelters along the derstanding of human nature. I be- few areas within Afghanistan that to the Wakhan. A beacon of light in and intricate outfit in Afghanistan, our hour of need, Safi eased most a country where uniformed wom- walked around the village before a late corners. As days went on, we walking trails for caravans of local lieve there are places that gently has never been under Taliban con- dinner of rice, tea, bread and yo- discovered that even after toiling men to sleep on their way to buy change one’s outlook on life and trol. of our safety concerns and felt like en draped themselves in sky blue a familiar face in a town I hadn’t burqas. But in the Pamir, married ghurt, we observed the village’s all day, the nomads were still eager supplies outside the corridor. They that will forever try to lure one Shaky legs and oversized back- young Kyrgyz girls draped in their to laugh over unflattering pictures, have also built informal bathhous- back in. The Afghan Pamir, a warm packs yet learned to trust. One day after Kyrgyz women pin long white accepting his offer for help, we veils to their hats, while young red veils as they chased stubborn try to communicate using hand es around natural hot springs, and oasis inside one of the most dan- We crossed the border into the yaks across the river, back into gestures and share a cup of tea with imported cheaper Chinese goods gerous countries in the world, is Afghan town of Ishkashim in the were sitting in a Land Cruiser rac- unmarried girls wear bright red ing down sandy roads and peril- veils, instead. The Wakhan was their pens. Running in the endless us. Alluring and dangerous - the such as basic telephones and TVs, one of those places where I will late afternoon, armed with a pair flats of the Pamir, they herded the call of the corridor In a land that which they power through solar always long to return. Marta Pas- of shaky legs and our oversized ous mountain paths to embark on most definitely a place of its own, a 320-kilometre return trek to the where Islamic cloaks, rocket sheep, milked the yaks and pre- resembles a post-apocalyptic panels. As life turned tough, they cual Juanola is an award-win- backpacks. In less than an hour af- pared the food, while men set up movie set, where a rusty USAID have proven human resilience is ning photographer and journal- ter leaving the Tajik border control end of the Afghan Pamir. After two launchers and white turbans were days of driving across riverbeds yet to find their way in. As quick- Chinese-made car batteries to can every few kilometres was the greater than hardship, and that life ist who got her start at Fairfax we were inside a beaten-up taxi power a couple of light bulbs. We only sign of human life, the Kyr- at the end of the world is possible, Media’s Mandurah Mail. She decorated with pictures of Afghan and small farming villages, we fi- ly as she appeared, the woman nally hit Sarhad-e Broghil, where vanished inside a yurt, just as a had been in the Pamir for less than gyz ability to adapt to nature in even in one of the most ravaged is currently travelling over land hero Ahmad Shah Massoud, driv- twenty-four hours, but I was al- order to survive didn’t cease to countries on the planet. Visiting the and sea from South-East Asia ing past abandoned Soviet tanks Safi farewelled us and returned to group of young Kyrgyz men came Ishkashim. The next morning we to show us the guest room, a dim- ready fascinated by the resilience amaze me. Isolated from govern- corridor was a humbling experience to her childhood home in Cata- and away from the reassuring fa- and the beauty of its people, who ments and basic infrastructure, the that tested our endurance, our abil- lonia. miliarity of Tajikistan’s riverside departed towards the Pamir short- ly lit dusty space with no furni- U.S. talks with the Taliban could be a breakthrough Afghanistan is struggling to recover from damage in the Afghan war done by war and tumultuous politics.

By Javid Ahmad substantially over time. Although the institutions, including the World with Pakistan. At the same time, Afghan currency has depreciated by Bank, the IMF, and the Asian De- the Kabul government has enhanced As recently as four years ago, Af- more than 40 percent in the last velopment Bank, for future lend- its trade links with China and has ghanistan’s war economy was on the three years, the inflation has steadily ing. Additionally, the government begun to use a new transport corri- brink of collapse when unemploy- remained low. At Afghanistan’s cus- has set out a five-year financial dor in Andijan, a strategic through- ment soared following the departure toms system, an agency notorious management plan, called the Fiscal way in Uzbekistan, to supply Af- of thousands of American and for- for its corruption, several reforms Performance Improvement Plan, ghan products to the Chinese city eign forces that had, in effect, cre- were implemented that eliminated which maps out the country’s long- of Kashgar in a week time. More- ated a parallel economy. At the time, outdated systems. About half of the term path to fiscal sustainability. over, the Afghan government is the Afghan government had no func- customs officials, including the dep- The program focuses on major re- constructing hydroelectric dams tioning fiscal policy, formal corrup- uty minister, directors-general, and forms, including a clear articulation along its border with Iran. By doing tion and mismanagement beset its revenue directors, have been re- of national priorities, budget financ- so, the government is likely to cap- taxation and revenue collection ef- moved and replaced by younger ing, and investments in processes italize on its water resources by ei- By Pamela Constable government, which has always pub- regional capitals several weeks lat- forts, and the national budget was technical staff. The customs depart- that will eliminate corruption and ther reducing the free flow of water licly taken the lead in peace initia- er, and although she publicly insist- unbalanced and disorganized, spent ment has introduced a new Auto- improve efficiency. A second plan, into Iran or reaching an agreement tives with the insurgents. It was Af- ed that the current U.S. strategy was mostly on white elephant projects. mated System for Customs Data to the Afghanistan National Peace and with the Iranian regime to pay for ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — A first ghan President Ashraf Ghani who working, rumors spread that Wash- Budgetary shortfalls and economic collect customs duties, which is now Development Framework, has be- it. Estimates show that Afghanistan possible breakthrough in the 17-year offered a cease-fire in June, at the ington was holding or planning se- volatility were especially tough on operational in 98 percent of cus- come the government’s five-year can potentially make as much as $3 Afghan conflict came in June, when end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy cret talks with the insurgents. The the most vulnerable—the poor and toms locations. A second system, development narrative, aimed at billion a year if it sells its water to a brief cease-fire during a Muslim month, but his previous efforts at motives behind the Taliban’s par- the unemployed, who make up the Standard Integrated Government transforming Afghanistan from an Iran. To be sure, despite progress holiday produced a spontaneous cel- holding peace talks since taking of- ticipation in the talks are less clear. bulk of the Afghan population. To Tax Administration System, further import-heavy to an export-heavy made towards self-reliance, the Af- ebration by Afghan troops, civilians fice in 2015 have failed. Taliban Several analysts said that while the reverse this troubling course, the digitizes the tax administration pro- economy. To do so, the government ghan economy is still mostly do- and Taliban fighters. The nation- officials reportedly insisted that no insurgents are doing well on the bat- Afghan government has since em- cess. The Afghan government in- has focused on expanding agricul- nor-dependent. Despite a marginal wide yearning for peace became pal- Afghan officials attend the recent tlefield and have no immediate in- ployed a series of measures to kick- troduced a new tax law—the Tax tural productivity by investing in increase in the total government pable. Now, in a development that meeting. centive to talk, their leaders were start the country’s austere econo- Administration Law—which pro- water management, farm technolo- expenditures between 2014 and could build on that extraordinary It was even more extraordinary impressed by the conciliatory atmo- my and to ensure macroeconomic vides a legal framework for manag- gy, irrigation and storage facilities. 2017, donor grants provided to off- that the Trump administration pur- sphere of the June truce and may stability. Among the measures in- moment, a senior American diplo- ing a centralized taxation adminis- What comes next? Ghani’s plan for set the Afghan budget represented mat and Taliban insurgent officials sued a bilateral meeting with the in- sense a new opportunity to press clude adopting a more measured bud- tration. It also established a special the next four years is to intensify an estimated 18 percent of the Af- surgents, a step that amounted to a their demands on U.S. officials. Still, get process, reducing public spend- have reportedly held talks for the court to resolve tax disputes. Tax his reform agenda to cultivate new ghan GDP. In 2017, for example, first time, meeting in the Persian major concession and indicated how several Afghan observers with long- ing and making painful cost adjust- registration system has been digi- revenue streams, focusing on four donor grants funded nearly $4 bil- eager U.S. officials are to end the time links to the Taliban said the ments to manage public finances Gulf state of Qatar and agreeing to tized for thousands of small taxpay- main pillars to grow Afghanistan’s lion in local budgetary expenditures, hold further sessions. According to costly war. Taliban leaders have in- insurgents would probably remain better, increasing efforts for priva- ers, and the government created a sputtering economy: agriculture, ex- covering over 60 percent of Afghan- tization and public-private partner- Taliban officials, they discussed re- sisted for years that they will nego- adamant on positions that the U.S. geographic mapping system to prop- tractive industry, regional connec- istan’s total budgetary spending. prising the truce in August. Officials tiate only with the United States, government would not accept, such ships, levying new tiers of taxes, and erly record the GPS coordinates of tivity and human capital. The plan While down from 70 percent in expanding economic and trade en- in Washington have not acknowl- and their major condition for peace as imposing sharia law on the coun- small and large businesses for tax is to invest nearly $3 billion in the 2015, such budgetary shortfalls have is that all foreign forces withdraw. try and removing all foreign troops. gagements through boosting region- collection in the future years. Mean- mining and housing sectors respec- created critical fiscal gaps, mainly edged the meeting, but the State al connectivity. These sweeping re- Department confirmed that its se- Until recently, U.S. officials had in- Even if the Taliban were to join an while, the government has levied a tively, increase the Afghan exports because of a substantial spending sisted that all negotiations be “Af- Afghan government, the U.S. mili- forms, still ongoing, have been part 10 percent telecom tax, doubled the value by $2 billion, and generate increase in Afghan security expen- nior official dealing with the Afghan of President Ashraf Ghani’s ambi- region, Alice Wells, traveled last ghan-owned and Afghan-led,” and tary would likely seek to keep some business receipts tax from two-to- roughly $6 billion in annual reve- ditures. Meanwhile, festering unem- the Trump administration’s policy troops and bases because of the con- tious self-reliance agenda, shepherd- four percent on businesses with gross nues by 2022. Additionally, the gov- ployment and formal corruption week to Doha, the Qatari capital, ed by its Ministry of Finance. The receipts of over $8,500, approved ernment plans to complete the continue to pose considerable chal- partly to “commend the govern- has stressed military efforts — send- tinuing threat from the Islamic short-term payoffs of the govern- the value-added-tax law to be im- Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Paki- lenges to Afghanistan’s macroeco- ment” for its “ongoing support for ing a limited number of U.S. troops State. One Taliban official told news ment’s reform plan are impressive. plemented by 2020 on the taxable stan-India gas pipeline and wrap up nomic stability. These bleak indica- peace in Afghanistan.” Qatar has to train and advise Afghan forces agencies that the group’s delegation Despite gloomy predictions, the supply of goods and services, and the construction of three railway tors underline that the economic long hosted a Taliban political of- fighting the Taliban, while sending requested free movement in several Afghan GDP grew at a steady rate has increased its over-flight fees for projects—two from stations in achievements of the past few years fice. “Our view on this is if you can Special Operations forces to wage a areas that the insurgents control, and from 1.3 percent in 2014 to 2.5 commercial airliners. What’s more, Turkmenistan’s Serkhetabat and remain fragile unless they are sus- get a cease-fire that lasts a few days, joint parallel war against the Islam- that the U.S. visitors urged a second percent in 2018. The government the government has aligned the bud- Atamyrat to Afghanistan’s Tor- tained and stretched beyond the cur- perhaps you could get another one ic State and other foreign terrorist truce during the Muslim feast of Eid sustained its revenue growth by col- get with national priorities, leading ghundi and Aqina border towns, and rent government’s term. Beyond that lasts a bit longer, and that gives groups. But as the relentless war al-Adha, which falls in the third lecting a record level of revenues to an increase in public-private part- another from Uzbekistan to Af- economic progress, the most signif- the people of Afghanistan hope,” continues, causing record civilian ca- week of August. Analysts said the since 2015, consistently surpassing nerships. Additionally, the Afghan ghanistan’s Herat province. The icant achievement Afghanistan can State Department spokeswoman sualties and leaving large areas un- Taliban rebels have reasons not to the IMF revenue targets by consid- government adopted its first-ever, Afghan government also plans to potentially share with its partners Heather Nauert said Monday. Tali- der Taliban control or influence, seem too eager to make peace, erable margins. The government five-year rolling budget management complete the construction of the is to deliver the upcoming Afghan ban officials were more expansive. U.S. officials have expressed increas- though, such as fear of losing their revenues collection efforts grew plan, which provides better control fiber optics infrastructure ring to parliamentary elections, slated for One told journalists that the meet- ing frustration and willingness to hardcore fighters to the region’s from $1.3 billion in 2015 to $2.4 over government’s expenditure and reduce the Internet price to meet October 20. In the amorphous twi- ing in a Doha hotel had produced explore new approaches. Secretary more aggressive Islamic State forc- billion in 2017, representing a 14 improves ministries’ incentives for the growing internal demand. Mean- light of the Afghan war, Afghans are “very positive signals.” He declined of State Mike Pompeo said several es , known here by the Arabic acro- percent surge in dollar terms from implementation. As a result of these while, Afghanistan, now a member eager to break out of the current to call them peace talks but said the months ago that the administration nym Daesh. “They are scared that 2016. The major sources of reve- reforms, the Afghan government has of the World Trade Organization, is frustrating economic and political meeting was held to “initiate for- would be willing to participate in if they make a deal with the gov- nue growth include customs duty, completed several reviews of the rapidly expanding its economic ties cycle. There is no secret about what mal and purposeful talks,” the Reu- talks with the Taliban, and even dis- ernment, some of their fighters, sales tax, and income taxes, where IMF Staff-Monitored program, with the region. As such, as part of needs to be done for that to hap- ters news agency reported. “We cuss the future role of U.S. forces. who have no skills except pulling a customs duties recorded the most which helped allow for Afghanistan the Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit pen. agreed to meet again soon and re- The successful cease-fire in June trigger, may join Daesh,” said Wa- significant increase and constitute to be removed from the grey list of Trade Agreement, or APTTA, the Javid Ahmad, a nonresident fellow solve the Afghan conflict through provided an unexpected boost in heed Mojhdah, an analyst in Kabul over 47 percent of Afghanistan’s the Financial Action Task Force, a Afghan government intends to re- at West Point’s Modern War Insti- dialogue,” the official said. The hopes for reconciliation, and an who has longtime connections with national revenue. Revenue collec- global body that fights terrorism fi- vive two transport corridors—one tute, is a fellow at the Atlantic Coun- meeting was remarkable, notably for opening for more direct U.S. en- the Taliban. “Daesh is waiting to tion is projected to grow to over $3 nancing. These reforms have also from Herat to Kabul and another cil. The views expressed here are who was there and who was not. The gagement with the Taliban. Wells, a invite them.” Sayed Salahuddin and billion by 2020 that would help to helped the government to rebuild from Kabul to Lahore—meant to his own. Follow him on Twitter: Taliban said there were no officials deputy assistant secretary of state, Sharif Hassan in Kabul contributed increase the revenue-to-GDP ratio trust and credit with global financial boost its economic engagement @ahmadjavid . or representatives from the Afghan visited Kabul, Islamabad and other to this story. THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

A GROUP of “highly active” hack- government” sectors. Means of in- for targeting a range of organisa- ers based in Iran has been trying to trusion used to infiltrate target net- tions across the Middle East. “The steal vital information from gov- works consisted of infecting mal- group appears to be based in Iran ernments in the Middle East, in- ware on websites often visited by and seems to be eager to learn from, cluding Bahrain, it has emerged. the users, also known as watering and capitalise on, tools and tech- The group, dubbed ‘Leafminer’, hole style attacks, and using brute- niques used by more advanced has attacked networks in Saudi force login attempts, which fea- threat actors.” The report also said A woman votes at a polling station during Zimbabwe's Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, tures trying numerous passwords an investigation into Leafminer re- Bahrain, Egypt, Israel and Afghan- with the hope of eventually vealed a list, written in Farsi, of national elections Monday. With the majority of votes tallied, istan, according to a report issued breaching the network. “Syman- 809 systems targeted by the hack- Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF party appears to have won a by US cyber security firm Syman- tec has uncovered the operations ers. “Targeted regions included in majority, election officials said Wednesday. Photo by Jemal tec. However, an Information and of a threat actor named Leafminer the list are Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Countess/UPI | License Photo eGovernment Authority (iGA) that is targeting a broad list of gov- Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, spokesman told the GDN yester- ernment organisations and busi- Israel, and Afghanistan.” The re- day “no indication was found up ness verticals in various regions in port said the attackers were look- until now that Leafminer targeted the Middle East,” stated a threat ing for e-mail data, files and data- Zimbabwe's ruling the portal or any systems man- intelligence report by Symantec. base servers on their target sys- aged by iGA”. The cyber espio- Operations reportedly began in tems in financial, government, en- nage group’s targets includes the early 2017 but has increased since ergy, airlines, construction, tele- party appears headed “energy, telecommunications, fi- the end of last year. “Leafminer is communication and other sectors nancial services, transportation and a highly active group, responsible in the region. Symantec said it was able to identify Leafminer after dis- for election victory covering a compromised web serv- er that was used in several differ- Zimbabwe's ruling Zanu-PF par- The winner needs more than 50 ent attacks. “It (the cyber espio- ty has secured a majority in par- percent of the vote to win outright nage group) made a major blunder liament, election officials said and avoid a run-off in September. in leaving a staging server publicly Wednesday. In the first Zimbabwe- Official results of Monday's accessible, exposing the group’s an election since long-serving ruler vote still need to be certified. The entire arsenal of tools. “That one President Robert Mugabe was opposition party said the vote was misstep provided us with a valu- ousted, President Emmerson rigged in favor of a party that's able trove of intelligence to help Mnangagwa's party is poised to been in power since southern Af- us better defend our customers win. Unofficial results show Zanu- rica country gained independence against further Leafminer attacks.” PF has won 110 of 210 seats in in 1980. Mugabwe, who led the iGA said, in a statement to the the National Assembly's lower country from its 1980 indepen- GDN yesterday, that part of its house -- and the MDC Alliance, dence, was ousted in November job was to monitor any report is- ruled by front-runner candidate after being blamed for ordering vi- sued by security vendors such as Nelson Chamisa, has 41 seats, ac- olence against his own citizens, Symantec regarding any threat ac- cording to the Zimbabwe Elector- squashing free speech and rigging tors targeting the region. al Commission. Both men are elections. Mnangagwa was sworn Kazakhstan and Russia (ABC) among 23 candidates in the race. into office as his replacement. to consider creation of super heavy class U.S.-led space rocket complex coalition Kazakhstan and Russia plan to work out creation of a space rocket complex of a super heavy class, reads the concept of further coopera- tion at the Baikonur complex (until 2050) dated December 26, 2016. warplane "Performance of the national space programs of Kazakhstan and Rus- sia, as well as performance of space projects provides for consideration kills five of possibilities of creating a space rocket complex of super heavy class," reads the concept. The document also indicates plans to implement other equally impor- Islamic tant projects between two states at Baikonur. According to the Ministry of Defense and Aerospace Industry of Kazakhstan, creation of a space rocket complex of a super heavy class State "is only planned". While Kazakhstan and Russia have not yet begun to create this facility. (Trend) militants in Kirkuk UZBEKISTAN PARTICIPATES IN Five Islamic State (IS) militants have been killed in a new airstrike THE NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC by a U.S.-led international coali- tion warplane in southern Kirkuk province, a security source was TRAVEL AWARDS quoted as saying. “A jet fighter of intercontinental ballistic missiles formation that calls into question the U.S.-led international coalition The Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Moscow facilitated the (ICBM) at the same site that it the sincerity of North Korea’s stat- targeted a gathering of Islamic State inclusion of Uzbekistan in the list of participants of the National Geo- L awm a k er s sa y produced the Hwasong-15 ICBM ed willingness to denuclearize. Ear- militants in al-Shai area, 45 km graphic Travel Awards for the best tourist destinations and hotels of that can hit the United States. “I lier in July, several reports citing south of Kirkuk, leaving five mili- 2018 in “Gastronomic tourism” nomination. France, South Korea, Swe- read some additional classified U.S. intelligence said North Korea tants dead,” the Jordanian-based den, and Azerbaijan are represented along with Uzbekistan. Winners of N or t h K or ea materials this morning, and every- is working to conceal secret nucle- Al Arab Al Yawm newspaper quot- the contest will be announced based on online voting on the website thing, both the public and private, ar fuel production facilities. Around ed the source as saying. The source ngtawards2018/nat-geo/ru. The competition continues until October 5, would indicate they continue to the same time, several monitors gave no further details about the 2018. Facebook or VKontakte users can vote in the competition. As sh ows T r u m p move along in their program,” Sen. released satellite imagery showing incident. Iraqi Prime Minister reported by the Press Service of the State Committee for Tourism De- Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman North Korea continuing to expand Haider al-Abadi declared last De- velopment of the Republic of Uzbekistan, online voting will be held of the Senate Foreign Relations nuclear and missile facilities. Last cember full liberation of Iraq from from June 22 to October 5, 2018 in 25 main nominations. The results of Committee, said Tuesday. Asked week, however, new satellite im- IS militants, however, some IS dor- these nominations will be announced in November 2018, in Moscow. sh ou ld n ’t t r u st it if that concerns him as talks pro- agery showed North Korea has mant cells regrouped in the rural Gastronomic tourism in Uzbekistan is developing very rapidly. Rich- ceed, Corker said, “I think it’s just begun dismantling the missile en- areas and started to carry out at- a fact.” “Obviously we’ve got a gine testing facility Kim promised ness of taste and variety of dishes, the aroma of agricultural products Lawmakers on Capitol Hill said signs of cooperation by Pyongy- tacks against the security forces attract tourists. Participation in this competition will serve to dissemi- lot of work to do to change the Trump he would destroy. North and civilians. Iraq’s war against the Tuesday that intelligence showing ang, such as the return of remains trajectory of their program, but it’s Korea also returned 55 caskets of nate information about Uzbekistan among the participants of the com- North Korea is continuing to pro- believed to be of U.S. service mem- Islamic State has resulted in over continuing on today,” he said. “So remains believed to be of U.S. five million internally displaced petition and promote tourism among Internet users. duce missiles that could hit the bers from the Korean War. But [Secretary of State Mike] Pompeo troops killed or lost during the United States shows President North Korea never agreed to stop persons across Iraq and left more and others have a lot of work to Korean War, which was a commit- than 11 million in need of human- Trump should hold little trust in building missiles, and regional ex- do.” The White House on Tues- ment made in Kim and Trump’s Pyongyang’s promises. “I think perts said Pyongyang will contin- itarian assistance, according to the day downplayed the report about joint statement. The statement, UN Office for the Coordination of Terror cell plotting attack it’s troubling, and I think it goes to ue exploiting the ambiguities of the North Korea’s ICMB production. signed at the June summit in Sin- the issue that in these negotiations statement Trump and North Ko- Humanitarian Affairs. Nearly a half “This is a process,” White House gapore, committed North Korea to of the internally-displaced people on Russian military base we have to have our eyes wide rean leader Kim Jong Un signed at counselor Kellyanne Conway said working toward denuclearization, open,” said Sen. Dan Sullivan (R- their summit. The Washington have been repatriated so far. The on Fox News, before touting the which was left undefined, in ex- surge in violence between armed Alaska). “These guys cheated on Post first reported Monday night return of the remains and of three change for the United States pro- every single agreement, either Kim that U.S. intelligence agencies ana- groups and government forces has in Tajikistan eliminated hostages earlier this year. “Things viding unspecified security guar- also left thousands dead, accord- Jong Un or his dad or his grandfa- lyzing satellite imagery believe don’t change overnight.” But the antees. According to the Tajik State Committee for National Security, 14 mem- ther.” The news came after small North Korea is building one or two ing to government and United Na- bers of a radical group that plotted to carry out a series of attacks in the revelation is the latest piece of in- (CNN) tions reports. country, including an assault on the Russian military base, were cap- tured in February. Tajik authorities have told Sputnik that all 14 terror- ists, who had been planning to carry out their attack in March, have been captured by security forces and charged with terrorism, illegal border crossing and extremist activity. The leaders of the cell have been sentenced to 26 years in prison, while other members have been con- Iran sends ultimatum to demned to 7 years of imprisonment. The State Committee for National Security also reported that the leaders of the cell had received training Trump over nuclear talks in a camp near the Afghan city of Jalalabad and later fought in armed units of the terrorist group Daesh*, which was trying to spread its DONALD Trump needs to rejoin the Hamid Aboutalebi as saying that influence across the Central Asian region. international nuclear deal he pulled out for talks to happen, the US needs The news comes shortly after a deadly ramming attack in Tajikistan, of earlier this year if he wants to hold to rejoin the deal. Aboutalebi said: which claimed the lives of four foreign tourists. Daesh claimed respon- talks with Iran’s leader, an adviser to “Those who believe in dialogue as sibility for the incident, while Tajikistan's Interior Ministry said that President Hassan Rouhani has said. a method of resolving disputes in the suspects have been found and killed. The US president said on Monday that civilised societies should be com- he would meet with Rouhani without mitted to the means.” Speaking preconditions if the Iranian leader was during a joint news conference with willing. Iranian leadership has previ- Italy’s premier Giuseppe Conte, Four citizens of Russia detained ously ruled out one-on-one talks with Trump said he would meet with Trump after his decision to pull the the Iranians “anytime they want for illegal stay in aquatic area of United States out of the deal under to”. He said: “I’ll meet with any- which Iran was given relief from sanc- body. There’s nothing wrong with Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan tions in return for curbs on its nuclear meeting.” The United States has programme. Iran’s semi-official ISNA also vowed to boost sanctions un- Four citizens of Russia have been detained for trespassing the aquatic news agency quoted political adviser til Iran changes its regional. area of the Caspian Sea in Kazakhstan, reports the NSC RK. "The naval guards from Bautino port discovered a small vessel of Baida type with two Yamaha engines on August 1 at 02.50," reads the mes- Turkey-backed militants engage in fresh clashes sage. The trespassers attempted to escape but then surrendered. All of them over looting civilian's assets in northern Syria are citizens of Russia. The eldest one is aged 52, another is aged 36 and the youngest is aged 20. Ankara-backed militants clashed again over their share of the looted of civilians are leaving the Afrin region after mili- "They had 200 liters of water, a gas stove, food and spare parts, thus assets in Afrin region in Northwestern Aleppo on Wednesday. The tants started plundering their properties, insecurity they planned to stay in Kazakhstan's aquatic area for a long period. Ankara-backed militants that had plundered civilians' assets engaged in and infighting in the region. Local sources said that Investigation is under way," said the press-service. fresh infighting over their shares in Rajou region. A number of gunmen the Turkish troops and allied militants routinely ar- (Trend) have reportedly been killed or wounded in the infighting. A large number rest people, including the old, for different excuses. THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

China said on Wednesday that ceeds with the measures, warning “blackmail” wouldn’t work and that pressure tactics would fail. that it would hit back if the United “U.S. pressure and blackmail States takes further steps hinder- won’t have an effect. If the United ing trade, as the Trump adminis- States takes further escalatory tration considers slapping a 25 steps, China will inevitably take percent tariff on $200 billion worth countermeasures and we will res- of Chinese goods. The proposal olutely protect our legitimate would increase the potential tariff rights,” Chinese Foreign Ministry rate from 10 percent the adminis- spokesman Geng Shuang told a tration had initially put forward regular news briefing. Investors on July 10 for that wave of duties fear an escalating trade war between in a bid to pressure Beijing into Washington and Beijing could hit making trade concessions, a source global growth, and prominent U.S. familiar with the plan said on Tues- business groups, while weary of day. The tariffs target thousands what they see as China’s mercan- of Chinese imports, including food tilist trade practices, have con- products, chemicals, steel and alu- demned Trump’s aggressive tariffs. minum and consumer goods rang- Representatives of U.S. Treasury ing from dog food, furniture and Secretary Steven Mnuchin and carpets to car tires, bicycles, and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He have baseball gloves and beauty prod- been speaking privately as they ucts. While the duties would not seek to restart negotiations to de- be imposed until after a period of fuse the budding trade war, public comment, raising the pro- Bloomberg reported, citing sourc- posed level to 25 percent would es. A spokeswoman for the U.S. escalate the already bitter trade Trade Representative’s Office de- dispute between the world’s two clined to comment on the proposed biggest economies. The source said tariff rate increase or on whether President Donald Trump’s admin- any changes would alter the dead- istration could announce the tough- lines laid out for comment period er proposal as early as Wednes- before implementation. Asked day in Washington. The plan to about communication between the more than double the tariff rate two countries on the dispute, was first reported by Bloomberg Geng said China had “always up- News. China, which has accused held using dialogue and consulta- the United States of bullying, again tions to handle trade frictions”, but vowed to retaliate if Trump pro- that dialogue must be based. EU sl a p s sa n c t i o n s o n si x R u ssi a n I ran MPs g r o u p s ov e r summon Cr i m e a b r i d g e Rouhani as U.S. pressure squeezes economy

Iranian lawmakers have given Pres- lifeblood oil exports. ISNA said state television last week, a move commanders rejected the offer as ident Hassan Rouhani one month lawmakers also want to Rouhani that seems to have encouraged worthless and “a dream”. Address- to appear before parliament to an- to explain why, more than two many lawmakers to question him ing Washington, Hesamoddin Ash- swer questions on his government’s years after the landmark deal, Ira- about his economic records in the na, a Rouhani advisor, said in a handling of Iran’s economic strug- nian banks still have only limited parliament. The government had tweet on Wednesday that “You gles, state media reported on access to global financial services. managed in previous years to can- launched an economic war against Wednesday. It is the first time par- The nuclear accord curbed Iran’s cel calls for questioning Rouhani us by imposing sanctions. First liament has summoned Rouhani, nuclear program in return for lift- in parliament by convincing law- stop this war and then ask for talks. The European Union has imposed it is a further violation of Ukraine’s nexed Crimean peninsula, which in who is under pressure from hard- ing most international sanctions. makers to withdraw their ques- Without preconditions means asset freezes on six Russian firms sovereignty. A statement from the turn further undermines the terri- line rivals to change his cabinet Rouhani’s summons coincides tions. It seems such lobbying ef- without sanctions.” Rouhani ap- for their involvement in the con- EU Council, which sets the bloc’s torial integrity, sovereignty and following a deterioration in rela- with further shows of public dis- forts by the government have pointed a new central bank gover- struction of a new road-and-rail foreign and security policy, named independence of Ukraine,” the tions with the United States and content. A number of protests have failed this time. Although 80 law- nor last week and accepted the bridge linking Russia to the annexed six firms that will have their assets Council said. Ukraine’s foreign Iran’s growing economic difficul- broken out in Iran since the begin- makers submitted their questions government spokesman’s resigna- Crimean peninsula, which the bloc in the EU frozen. EU persons and minister Pavlo Klimkin said he ties. Lawmakers want to question ning of the year over high prices, for Rouhani, a Rouhani ally, vice tion on Tuesday, suggesting he ac- says is illegal. Russia seized Crimea entities will not be able to make welcomed the additional sanctions. Rouhani on topics including the water shortage, power cuts, and president for parliamentary affairs cepts a need to reshuffle his eco- from Ukraine in 2014 after funds available to them, it said. The “Important warning also for Eu- rial’s decline, which has lost more alleged corruption in the Islamic Hosseinali Amiri, called the pro- nomic team. In a separate letter to Ukraine’s pro-Russian president companies include three firms — ropean businesses not to go down than half its value since April, weak Republic. On Tuesday, hundreds cess “unconstitutional.” “Some Rouhani on Wednesday, 193 law- was toppled in an uprising. The PJSC Mostotrest, SGM and same slippery slope,” Klimkin economic growth and rising unem- of people rallied in cities across lawmakers, who were convinced makers welcomed these changes West condemned the seizure as an Stroygazmontazh Most OOO — wrote on Twitter. Russia criticized ployment, according to semi-offi- the country, including Isfahan, to take back their questions, were “as a good starting point” and illegal annexation and imposed controlled by billionaire Arkady the sanctions, saying they target- cial ISNA news agency. Rouhani, Karaj, Shiraz and Ahvaz, in pro- encouraged by other members of asked for the “maximum shake- sanctions on Moscow. After the Rotenberg, President Vladimir Pu- ed people living on the peninsula. a pragmatist who reduced tensions test against high inflation caused parliament to submit the questions up” in the government. Minister annexation, the Kremlin ordered tin’s former Judo sparring partner. “This is a policy of undermin- with the West by striking a nucle- in part by the weak rial. Parlia- again,” Amiri was quoted as say- of Cooperatives, Labour and So- the building of a $3.6 billion bridge Construction firm CJSC VAD, en- ing, directed against Crimea’s resi- ar deal in 2015, is facing a growing mentary speaker Ali Larijani was ing by Tasnim news agency. cial Welfare Ali Rabiei has also been to link the peninsula to Russia. The gineering firm GPSM and the Zaliv dents,” Russian Foreign Ministry backlash since U.S. President quoted by state television as say- Trump said on Monday that he summoned by lawmakers, state bridge, part of which was unveiled Shipyard were also named. spokeswoman Maria Zakharova Donald Trump pulled out from the ing that Rouhani will have one would be willing to meet Rouhani media said, and he has 10 days to by Russian President Vladimir “Through their actions they sup- was quoted as saying by TASS pact in May and said he will reim- month to attend a parliamentary without preconditions to discuss defend his efforts to tackle unem- Putin in May, has drawn strong ported the consolidation of Rus- news agency. pose sanctions that seek to throt- session and address the issues. how to improve relations, but se- ployment. In a letter to the head rebukes from the EU which says sia’s control over the illegally an- (AFP) tle Iran’s economy, including its Rouhani canceled an interview on nior Iranian officials and military of judiciary, about 200 lawmakers.

Europe says INDIAN COURT Canada frozen out amid Greece is a ISSUES U.S.-Mexico Nafta talks comeback Canada has been rebuffed in recent story. The IMF NOTICES attempts to engage on Nafta with U.S. Trade Representative Robert isn’t convinced Lighthizer amid talks between the TOAMAZON, Trump administration and Mexi- As Greece prepares to end nearly co, according to three people with a decade’s worth of international knowledge of the negotiations. The financial bailouts next month, Eu- FLIPKART FOR Canadian negotiating team, led by ropean policymakers have been Foreign Minister Chrystia eager to promote the country’s VIOLATING Freeland, has been told that Light- economic comeback story and the hizer is focusing on negotiations symbolic end of the region’s pun- with Mexico and isn’t interested ishing debt crisis. But the Interna- RULES in engaging with Canada at the tional Monetary Fund offered a moment, according to the people, dose of harsh reality on Tuesday. who asked not to be named dis- In a sobering report, it warned that Amazon and Flipkart have been accused of violating India’s marketplace model for e- cussing private conversations. The Greece will face an uphill battle to commerce by routing hot-selling products at much cheaper rates through proxy sellers. situation was first reported by the tame its staggering debt, sustain National Post newspaper. Freeland economic growth and support the traveled to Mexico last week, and rising number of citizens pushed New Delhi (Sputnik) — A court in venting them by routing hot-sell- to the Economic Times. As per In- the trip was motivated in part by Nafta modernization, and we’re Freeland, said Canada is commit- toward poverty after years of aus- India has issued notices to e-com- ing products at much cheaper rates dian FDI norms, e-commerce com- the U.S. decision to isolate Cana- now seeing it play out in front of ted to modernizing Nafta while terity. On Aug. 20, Greece will be- merce giants Amazon and Flipkart through proxy "controlled sellers" panies like Amazon and Flipkart da from the talks, according to one our faces,” Adam Taylor, princi- standing up for Canadian interests. come the last country to exit fi- for violation of Foreign Direct In- or "name lenders" and in the pro- are not allowed to have ownership of the people. While Mexico and pal and co-founder at trade advi- “We will continue to work toward nancial bailouts extended by the vestment (FDI) norms. The apex cess pushing out small sellers and over the stock and can also not di- Canada have repeatedly empha- sory firm Export Action Global, a good deal for Canada,” he said European Commission, the Euro- court of Delhi issued the notices brick-and-mortar retailers from the rectly or indirectly influence the sized the need to keep the deal said by phone from Ottawa. by email. While Trump in the past pean Central Bank and the Inter- on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) business. The Delhi High Court price of goods and services sold between all three countries, nego- “We’ve seen virtually overnight year repeatedly talked about how national Monetary Fund. The res- filed by a non-governmental orga- has asked Amazon and Flipkart to on their online marketplace; which tiating with Mexico and then Can- Mexico and the U.S. are moving difficult Canada and Mexico have cues were intended to prevent the nization (NGO). The PIL, filed by file their explanations of the mat- effectively means that e-commerce ada would be in keeping with Pres- forward and Canada looks left be- been since negotiations began last 19-country euro area from break- an NGO named Telecom Watch- ter by November 11 this year. The firms can function as a marketplace ident Donald Trump’s preference hind and then forced into a posi- August, he has had more positive ing apart when Europe’s sovereign dog, alleges that both Flipkart and plaintiff has sought legal proceed- to connect buyers and sellers, but for striking bilateral agreements. tion where it has to make a signif- things to say about Mexico recent- debt crisis started in 2010. The Amazon have been openly violat- ings against the two companies cannot influence prices. Earlier this “The Trump administration has icant set of concessions just to be ly. Although the three nations re- country’s economy is now slowly ing FDI norms for the marketplace under the Foreign Exchange Man- year, the Indian Cellular Associa- clear frustrations with the Canadi- readmitted to the talks, it seems.” main far apart on a few major growing again, and unemployment model of e-commerce and circum- agement Act (FEMA), according tion (ICA). an government’s approach to the Alex Lawrence, a spokesman for points, Trump said. has fallen from record highs. THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

We knew fans were excited about a new Incredibles movie after such a long wait, but we had no idea people were quite this excited. After a month and a half of release, Incredibles 2 has become the third movie for Disney this year, and the 36th movie of all-time, to cross the $1 billion mark at the global box office. Slightly more than half, or $574 million, of that total was made domestically, while the rest, according to Box Office Mojo, came from overseas markets. It's a Sushant Singh Rajput is all set to huge increase over the original film, embark on a historical journey which, even adjusted for inflation, starting from 540 BC to 2015 AD, didn't quite break the $400 million engaging his audience to an entire mark at the domestic box office, era spanning 2000 years celebrat- and has an official worldwide total ing the biggests of Indian geniuses. of $633 million. This put Incredi- With 12 biopics in one season, all bles 2 in some pretty fine super- of which will star Sushant Singh hero company, as it now sits along- Rajput, this series to be launched side Black Panther and Avengers: in 2019 is one of the first five en- Infinity War in the 2018 billion tertainment intellectual properties dollar club. Only one other movie of Innsaei, a venture recently has reached that level this year, launched by Sushant along with his Jurassic World: _Fallen Kingdom_, business partner Varun. The yet which is third place worldwide for to be named series will showcase the year at $1.2 billion. This is just different magnitudes and shades of another example of how Disney some prolific Indian personalities has been completely dominating that have left significant marks in the box office. The most impres- the world history with their efforts sive thing is that the studio is re- and intellect. It will manifest the sponsible for over a third of the lives of distinguished individuals 2018 box office, but has done so right from the great political strat- releasing only six films this year. egist Chanakya (540 BC) to re- In addition to three billion dollar nowned poet Rabindranath Tagore powerhouses, Disney has only arok and Coco. It will be interest- still Pixar's marquee franchise, are still in the domestic top ten, places before everything is said and dollars in business, it has a strong (1941) to our ex-president & an released A Wrinkle in Time, Solo: ing to see if Pixar can match this though a lot of fans are far from which means neither one is quite done. The two films will do battle potential to win the weekend and eminent scientist Dr APJ Abdul A Star Wars Story, and Ant-Man feat again next year. Next summer sure where a fourth film will actu- done adding to Disney's total for with yet another Disney film this add to Disney's mammoth box of- Kalam capturing interesting facets and the Wasp, though some of Dis- will see the release of Toy Story 4 ally go considering the third movie the year. Incredibles 2 will very weekend when Christopher Rob- fice year. of their journeys. Commenting on ney's 2018 business comes from and Toy Story 3 is another mem- seemed to end the story on a pret- likely overtake The Dark Knight in, the live-action Winnie the Pooh Disney could very likely see three this endeavour, Varun Mathur, holdover 2017 releases like Star ber of the billion dollar club, so it's ty definitive note. Both Incredi- for the number 35 overall spot and film, debuts. films in the top ten next weekend. Founding Partner. Wars: The Last Jedi, Thor: Ragn- certainly possible. Toy Story is bles 2 and Ant-Man and the Wasp could even try to jump a few more While it likely won't do a billion (AFP) Dhadak box office breaches Rs 100 crore mark worldwide, Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter film a hit Dhadak box office collection: Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi elena Gomez has lent her voice for the popular character Kapoor starrer has grossed Rs 100 crore worldwide, Mavis in the Hotel Transylvania franchise. shared producer Karan Johar,

Singer-actress Selena Gomez says Hotel Transylvania 3: Monster doesn’t work,” she said. She got music has been a dominating fac- Vacation. So, if you have a choice her first acting job when she was tor in her life, but acting has al- in the next 10 years in your career, seven on Barney and Friends, but ways been her first love. Asked if you would go for acting and voice- became a household name with she sees herself as a singer, a per- over, than recording? “Yes,” she Wizards of Waverly Place and former or an actor, she said: “I replied. Gomez, who found fame found stardom. Be it her profes- don’t know. My heart has always as a child through a Disney show sional life, career as a singer, deci- been in acting. But music has been Wizards of Waverly Place, doesn’t sion to take some time off, strug- extremely dominating in my life like to sing on her acting projects. gle with anxiety and depression, and I am grateful for both... I love “I don’t like blending the two, to dealing with fame, life-threatening both, but I would like to be more be honest. Though a huge fan of kidney transplant as a result of in acting,” Gomez said in response The Greatest Showman, I have to lupus or her relationship with pop to an IANS query over email from say that was really fun, but I don’t sensation Justin Bieber and singer Los Angeles while promoting her like blending it. I don’t know. Just The Weeknd -- Gomez has lived. Aishwarya John Abraham Rai reveals Dhadak starring Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi her life’s will be replacing Kapoor collects Rs 100 crore. mantra: Ishaan Khatter and Janhvi Kapoor Badrinath Ki Dulhania, both star- Aamir Khan in starrer Dhadak may have received ring Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt, criticism for being a glossier ver- which were both successful at the Believe in a sion of its original Sairat, but audi- box office. Sridevi’s daughter Jan- Sarfarosh 2 ences have accepted the two young hvi debuted with Dhadak in Bol- blessed life, stars with open arms. On Wednes- lywood and she couldn’t be hap- arfarosh 2 is likely to see John day, Karan Johar took to Twitter pier with the success of her film. experience it to share that his production ven- She took to Instagram and wrote, Abraham in the lead role. The original ture has touched the Rs 100 mark “Thankful, grateful, and blessed for film had Aamir Khan in the lead role. worldwide. He wrote, all of you, and because of all of “DHADAK!!!!! Wins hearts glo- you. #dhadak.” She shared a few bally !! 100 crore WORLDWIDE behind-the-scenes shots from the Sarfarosh (1999) was among those sequel of the film. However, Aamir stalment touched upon this topic in process. He said, “I am script- GROSS!!! A rare feat for a film film. Dhadak is a love story be- initial films that transformed Aamir will be replaced by John Abraham in passing. There is a possibility ing Sarfarosh 2 now, but it is too with newcomers! So proud of Jan- tween an upper class girl, Parthavi Khan’s chocolate boy image. With in the new film. Mid-Day has quot- that it will take off from there.” early to give out any details. We hvi and Ishan! @ShashankKhai- and middle class boy, Madhu who this film, he emerged as one of those ed a source saying, “Abraham and The director of Sarfarosh, John are in talks with a few actors. I tan.” This would be Shashank elope when their parents find out actors who valued substance more Matthan are in advance talks for Matthew Matthan, denied finalis- can’t confirm the cast.” Aamir Khaitan’s third consecutive box the truth. The film also starred than the commercial success. Now, the film. The sequel will revolve ing any actor for Sarfarosh 2. He, played ACP Ajai Singh Rathod in office hit for Dharma Productions Ashutosh Rana, who played the there are reports that the director around the Naxal movement and however, said that the scripting the film who is on a mission to as well. The director worked on role of Janhvi’s father in the film. of Sarfarosh will be back with the red corridor in India. The first in- process of Sarafrosh 2 is already bust a gang involved. Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania and (Hindustan Times) Venom: Tom Hardy struggles with a

Actor Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is gearing up for the release of nasty parasite situation in new trailer her forthcoming film Fanney Khan, says a vital message that the movie sends out is that people Tom Hardy has been infected by an insistent, dangerous sym- must believe in themselves and the magic that they have within. Aish- biote in his upcoming Marvel movie, Venom. warya has joined the promotions of the film that has Anil Kapoor and Rajkummar Rao in pivotal The second trailer of Tom Hardy-.starrer Marvel thriller he comes into contact with the Harrelson and Jenny Slate. roles. "This film gives message that Venom is out and unlike the first trailer, this one gives a symbiote, an alien object that Produced by Columbia Pic- you should believe in yourself. proper look at the much talked about alien being “sym- shares his body and in return gives tures and distributed by Sony Pic- Believe in all that you have within biote”. The action-packed trailer also gives a better look him superpowers. tures Releasing, Venom is sched- yourself because the magic is with- at Eddie Brock’s character which is played by Hardy. In Directed by Ruben Fleischer, the uled to release on October 5, 2018, in you. Believe in a blessed life as the dark-humored trailer, Brock can be seen struggling to film is based on the Marvel comic in US theatres with international life is beautiful, and therefore, ex- control his newfound violent urges. The story revolves character. roll out commencing the same perience it and smile with all that around Eddie, a journalist who “follows people who do The cast list includes Michelle week. you have to give it to life." not want to be followed”. Working on one of his projects, Williams, Riz Ahmed, Woody (ABC) THURSDAY .AUGUST 02, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Johanna Konta stunned Serena Williams in San Jose Virat Kohli not interestedinprovinghimself inEngland,onlywinningtheseries

Serena was handed the worst defeat of her career in San Jose Johanna Konta brushes aside Serena Williams in San Jose ritish number one Konta wins 6-1 6-0 in Silicon Valley Classic first-round tie

Joe Root has challenged his En- ers. "It's going to be hard, they've Michael Vaughan and has backed driving this team forward for the No 1-ranked Test bowler on In- mising my mindset already because gland side to deliver when it mat- got some world class players in him to transfer his white-ball form next few years in particular," he dia's last tour of England in 2014. when I walk out to bat, I have the Johanna Konta won 12 games in a ters by beating India, the world’s their side and we're going to have into the longer format. Jos Buttler added. "It is hard to explain how Kohli failed to make a single fifty bat in hand, not people on the out- row to brush aside 23-time Grand top-ranked Test team, in this sum- to be very consistent in perform- was able to do just that on his re- good he is, he has so many tricks, in that series and despite estab- side who write and predict things. Slam winner Serena Williams 6-1 mer’s five-match series. India will ing. If we can do that then we'll be turn to the Test side against Paki- he's so consistent and he's a prov- lishing himself as one of the world's "I need to be in the most convinced 6-0 in San Jose. Konta, ranked 48th stay as the world No 1 side re- deserved winners. "You can see that stan and after just two matches en world class performer, especial- leading batsmen in the four years and clear mental state that I can be in the world, took less than an hour gardless of the outcome while En- hunger from the guys in the dress- back in the red-ball team, he has ly in these conditions. He looks since, questions have continued to and that happens when I am just to hand Williams the worst defeat gland are fifth in the standings, ing room, I feel like we're in a good been named vice-captain for the strong, he looks fit and as long as be asked about his ability to deal focused on what I need to do. of her career, and book her place in having won just one of their last place going into it and now it's just series with Root confident he can that's the case, I imagine he'll carry with the moving ball in English "I have no complaints what- the second round of the Silicon nine Tests. However, Root is con- about delivering when it matters." help "drive the team forward". He on playing for a really long time. conditions ahead of this series. "I soever and I am not in the frame of Valley Classic. Her 53-minute rout fident that his players are ready to The debate over the inclusion replaces James Anderson, who has "It fills me with confidence having genuinely don't read anything, I mind to prove myself in any coun- of the younger Williams sister perform in the showpiece series of Adil Rashid has dominated the fulfilled the role for the past three him in the side, knowing that don't know what's going on," Kohli try, I just want to perform for the started with two games going to of the English summer. "We've got build-up to Wednesday's first Test series since Ben Stokes' arrest last you've got someone of that quali- said. team. Obviously, I want to score serve before the Briton won five five games against the world No 1- at Edgbaston but Root believes the September, but Root insists it is ty leading your attack." India cap- "My only focus was on my runs for the team and I want to on the bounce. The second set was ranked side and we can make a bit leg-spinner has been unaffected by not a reflection on the job done by tain Virat Kohli is well aware of preparation and where the team has take Indian cricket forward, that's even more clinical than the first, as of a statement if we play well and the criticism of former players the 36-year-old seamer. "Jimmy is the threat Anderson poses after he to head. "If I waste my energy on my only motive." Konta won two service games to win this series," Root told report- such as Geoffrey Boycott and still going to be a massive part in was dismissed four times by the all these things then I'm compro- (Sky Sport) love and dished out the bagel on the first of two break - and match - points. It was the most one-sid- ed loss of Williams' career, in which she served seven double faults and made 25 unforced errors compared to Konta's nine. The Briton will go on to play Sofia Kenin in the next round. After the match, 36- year-old Williams tried to shrug off the loss. "I don't know. I have so many things on my mind that I don't have time to be shocked about a loss where I clearly wasn't at my best," she said. Konta said: "It's an absolute privilege for me to be on the same court as her. "She obviously wasn't playing any- where near her best level but I was just trying to play the match on my terms and do what I can out here and put aside the incredible champion she is and play the play- Women's British er on the day. "I felt that I did bet- ter than her on the day, but it's still a humbling experience for me to be out here with her. "I had to stay Open: Ways to very much on every single point because against her it can turn watch live coverage around at any point." on Sky Sports

The Ricoh Women's British nus preview content. Sarah Open heads to Royal Lytham Stirk will host the live cover- & St. Annes this week, with ex- age throughout the week, with tended coverage live on Sky Solheim Cup stalwarts Trish Sports. All four days from the Johnson and Dame Laura Lancashire coast will be shown Davies joining Mickey Walker live on Sky Sports Golf, while and Henni Goya in our expert Sky Sports News will bring you team. Special features will be regular highlights, interviews available on the and reaction. There is 30 hours SkySports.com website and of live coverage across the four mobile apps, with news, inter- Jose Mourinho says he "didn't and new signing Fred caught the anything [from the tour]," he said. the spirit we need, because our first rounds, with the action avail- views, updates and video high- learn anything" from Manchester eye as Man Utd concluded their "I know what Ander Herrera, Juan two or three weeks in the Premier able from 11am over the first lights across our digital plat- United's pre-season tour because US tour with victory over Real Mata and Alexis Sanchez are. "I League are going to be really hard two days and from midday over forms throughout the week. he already knows about his play- Madrid. But his trip ended on a know the kids are very young and for us... we didn't prepare for the weekend. Ahead of the You can watch the action on ers. It has been a tumultuous trip high as United beat Real Madrid need time to grow up, I know my that." Mourinho hailed his play- fourth women's major of the the move via SkyGo, while non- to the USA for the United manag- 2-1 in Miami in the International players gave everything and in the ers effort after ending a gruelling year, there is also a special Sky subscribers can get a Sky er, who has had complaints about Champions Cup, although Mour- last 15 minutes, we are dead and two-and-a-half-week schedule hour-long, live show from the Sports Pass and watch all of the most things when asked, including inho does not believe he has gained they bring on Toni Kroos and Asen- with a victory, and set his sights range from 3pm on Wednesday golf without a contract with missing key players, extended hol- any knowledge about his included sio and Isco and I thought we on the new Premier League sea- - offering a whole host of bo- NOW TV. idays and transfers. Alexis Sanchez first-team players. "I didn't learn wouldn't resist but we did. "That's son.

avid Allen says his sensational knockout of Nick Webb has changed his life, as he plans a reformed future with the British title his Geraint Thomas reflects on a Dprimary objective. White Rhino stops Webb Dave Allen flattened 'whirlwind' Tour de France victory DavidAllensays Nick Webb with an overhand right to record knockout at The O2. The Doncaster fans' favourite produced the moment of his career on Saturday, Twenty-four hours after winning the Tour de France, the magnitude of stopping Webb with a devastating right hand in their heavyweight elimi- the achievement does not seem to have sunk in for Geraint Thomas. stoppageof nator for the Lonsdale belt, as part of an epic night of boxing at The O2. The 2018 champion sealed his maiden Grand Tour victory in Paris on For Allen, a man whose time in the sport has been etched with ups and the Champs-Elysees after a near-perfect performance over the three- downs throughout, it was a life-changing punch that now paves the way week race. "It's a massive whirlwind, it's been manic," said the 32- NickWebbwas for a gallant run in the division, and the 26-year-old has promised to give year-old, who attended a Team Sky homecoming event at Sky Studios the sport everything he has from here. It all came out at the end. I knew in west London on Monday. "It was just an unknown for me. It was what it meant and knew it would set me up for life. I'm from Doncaster the first time I'd raced for the win over three weeks so to do it was where house prices are the price of a bar of chocolate in London. David amazing. It wasn't really until the night before the time trial on the last life-changing Allen "It was everything that win, that one right hand changed my life," day when I actually thought I could pull it off." Thomas is the third he said, speaking on Sky Sports' Toe 2 Toe podcast. "It was just relief, all British cyclist - after Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome - and first those years that had gone before. "It feels like I've been around a long Welshman to win the Tour. Castles in Wales have turned yellow to moment time, I had the [Dillian] Whyte fight two years ago, and from there, [Luis] celebrate his victory, and the Cardiff-born rider admits the support he Ortiz, the Commonwealth title twice, [Tony] Yoka. received from Welsh fans in France spurred him on. THURSDAY . AUGUST 02. 2018-Asad 11, 1397 H.S Vol:XI Issue No: 11 Price: Afs.20

Former England Korea remains: US Doklam dispute China vows Afghanistan Joe Root finds one ‘dog tag’ retaliation if Trump Incredibles 2 Just says players to face resolved through continues to England can among war dead slaps 25pc tariff on Passed An Incredible make Afghanistan in ‘diplomatic maturity’, $200 billion of move behind exhibit ion match returned says Sushma Swaraj Box Office Milestone statement by by North Korea Chinese imports the times beat ing India in five- Page 3 Page 5 Page 4 Page 9 Page 6 Page 10 Test series Page 11

KABUL: The government and the Attorney General Office (AGO) have been collecting evidence of crimes some Wolesi Jirga members, also seeking reelection, have com- mitted, it is learnt. Documents ob- tained by Pajhwok show the dos- siers, detailing crimes of 61 law- makers, have been prepared. These lawmakers committed the crimes including misuse of authority, land By Farhad Naibkhail istan Times. He said that since one along with leadership handover clashes. He said that heavy casu- grabbing, kidnapping, embezzle- month the army forces were work- arms to and surrender to Afghan alties have been incurred to Daesh ment and corruption during their KABUL: More than 250 Islamic ing over the surrender of Daesh forces. Pointing to Daesh and Tal- during fighting and the group recent tenure. According to the State fighters and their command- fighters in the province, where fi- iban fights, he said that in conflict roughly marred in Jawzjan. documents to which Pajhwok got er laid down on Tuesday night nally lead to good conclusion and between both groups in the past He said that Daesh scourge access show these 61 lawmakers their arms and surrendered to Af- a large number of Daesh surren- three weeks 300 fighters were completely eradicated in Northern had been summoned by the AGO ghan forces in northern Jawzjan dered to Afghan forces. Addition- killed and 500 others wounded Province Jawzjan as 153 killed, from one to 28 times. The list of province, after a month of military ally over 100 Daesh fighters also from both side. Numbers of com- over 100 wounded and 134 de- these lawmakers is following. Qais suppressions, according to offi- are in contact with security forces manders of both sides were also tained. Hassan: A lawmaker from Kabul cials. IS leader in Jawzjan Maw- and want to surrender, he added. among killed and wounded fight- Also Daesh leaders Habib Rah- accused of usurping 120 acres of lawi Habiburrahman, his depu- He said that the most important ers, he noted. Taliban Spokesman man, Mufti Naimat along with 154 land of the Mirwais township in tyNematullah along with 250 thing is surrender of leadership of Zabihullah Mujahid in a statement gunmen take refuge with Afghan Kabul’s Binisar locality and kill- fighters, out of whom 330 Daesh for Jawzjan, which show confirmed fighting between Tali- governmental forces, he added. ing of three persons over a land women,surrendered their weap- end of Daesh subversive activity ban and Daesh since few days, Blaming U.S. air force for oc- dispute. Syed Hassan Anwari: A ons, military equipment and vehi- in the province. He said that still saying that 153 Daesh were killed, casionally supporting Daesh, he lawmaker from Kabul is accused cle to the army forces in Darzab the surrender Daesh fighters are over 100 wounded and 134 others said that due to this issue, the Tal- of misuse of authority and com- AT News Report tration on the day of parliamenta- district of Jawzjan province, with army forces in Darzab dis- arrested by Taliban. He said that iban fighters have conducted raids mitting administrative corruption. ry elections was agreed upon and Spokesman for Shaheen Army trict. This is the first time that a also 17 Taliban fighters were killed and assault against Daesh very He is dead Mohammad Hussain KABUL: Political parties have af- that the IEC undertook to evalu- Corps, Hanif Rezaee, told Afghan- large number of Daesh fighters and 13 others wounded during carefully in the province. Fahimi: A lawmaker from Sar-i- firmed that the government had ate technicalities of that proposi- Pul provinces is accused of tortur- reached a consensus with tion. Jami’ate Islami Party activ- ing policemen on Kabul-Mazar-i- UNAMA and IEC on a biometric ist, Nooruddin Akhlaqi, Hezbi Is- Sharif highway and taking away a voting system for the forthcom- lami member Humayoon Jarir, Kalashnikov which is the govern- ing elections. Representations of Wahdat Islami Party member Mo- ment property FatemaNazari: A political parties who met on Tues- hammad Nateqi, and IEC spokes- lawmaker from Kabul province day with representatives of the person Seyed Hafizullah Hashemi accused of torturing and beating government, United Nations As- all believed that in spite of this police. Mohammad Azeem sistance Mission in Afghanistan, unanimity, possibility of fraud in Mohsani: A lawmaker from and Independent Election Com- the forthcoming elections is high Baghlan province accused of mis- mission, confirm that their blue- as long as the current election sys- Members of the public say they hope a second ceasefire leads to a use of authority in the appoint- print for a biometric voter regis- tem exists”. ment of an officer at the Ministry permanent truce between government and the Taliban. of Defence to the post of brigadier general and head of the attorney As Muslims around the world pre- time they respond as positively istan. When there is no ceasefire, office combating crimes of inter- nal and external security. Nazefa JALALABAD: The security of pare for Eid al-Adha, people in to the voice of the nation as they then people would rather leave their Afghanistan are eagerly hoping for did during the three-day ceasefire country and live somewhere else,” Zaki: A lawmaker from Kabul Jalalabad, capital of eastern Nan- province accused of beating anoth- garhar province, was handed over another ceasefire between the Af- (over Eid al-Fitr) and respect the another resident said. ghan government and the Taliban. truce,” said Laila Jaffari, a member Meanwhile, members of the er lawmaker over difference of to Afghan National Army (ANA) opinion. Zahir Qadir: A lawmaker soldiers from today (Wednes- Some government officials of Afghanistan’s High Peace Coun- People’s Peace Movement (PPM) have also expressed optimism that cil (HPC). “We want a ceasefire, are also hoping a second ceasefire from Nangarhar province, accused day), provincial officials said. of misuse of authority, transfer of The decision came in the wake of a second ceasefire could be an- but not a ceasefire for two or three leads to permanent peace in Af- nounced. But ordinary Afghans days, because previously we saw ghanistan. drugs, inking illegal contracts and a string of deadly attacks in order obtaining lands and recovery of il- to ensure people’s protection. have said that to end the ongoing the three-day ceasefire and later Pacha Khan is one peace ac- bloodshed in the country, the two saw the outcome. We want a per- tivist who joined the movement legal Sim Boxes from his house- During the ongoing year so far, Ahmad Shah Ramazan: A law- nearly 10 group attacks have tak- sides must seal a permanent truce manent ceasefire to be announced seven months ago in Helmand. He so that no more blood is shed. in Afghanistan and urge both sides says that the Taliban is also tired maker from Balkh province is ac- en place. The latest one assault cused of threatening a profession- happened yesterday on the refu- “We want to address the Af- to work together for peace in Af- of war. “There was no war or vio- ghan Taliban who call themselves ghanistan,” said one resident in lence in areas where there was a al member of the Department of gee department. The attack that Monitoring and... P3 involved three assailants began at Muslims and Afghans, I hope this Kabul. “People are fleeing Afghan- ceasefire. (ToloNews) about 12pm on Tuesday when one of the attackers detonated his explosives-laden vehicle at the entrance to the refugee and repa- triation department. Then the two other attackers entered the department, sparking a five-hour standoff with securi- ty forces. The carnage came to an end at 5pm when the last attack- er was eliminated, said the gover- nor’s spokesman, Attaullah Kh- ogyani. At least 15 people were KABUL: A US firm working on a The contract was awarded in 2010 killed and as many others wound- power project in Afghanistan re- to work on the Kandahar Power ed, including two women. One ceived $1,313,191 in ineligible Initiative, later renamed the Kan- IOM employee was among the costs, an American newspaper re- dahar Helmand Power Project. The fatalities while another was irect US-Taliban talks ported on Wednesday. The Kan- project was aimed to improve the wounded grievously. The gover- are an important devel sas City Star, citing federal audits South East Power System and nor and the 201st Selab Military opment in efforts to end it obtained, said the Black & Ve- connect it to other grids. The Corps commander jointly decid- the 12-year-old con- atch company received the pay- scheme was a critical component ed to hand over the security of flict, says a former Afghan diplo- ments that were prohibited by the of Washington’s counterinsurgen- the city to ANA soldiers. Mean- mat. In an interview published on contract. Auditors, who scruti- cy strategy in southern Afghani- while, a number of the city resi- Wednesday, the ex-ambassador nised more than $1.3 million that stan, according to the SIGAR- dents urged the government to hailed the talks as the most seri- Overland Park-based Black & Ve- commissioned audit. “In all, the launch a clearing operation across ous diplomatic effort for peace in atch received in reimbursements, audit questioned $1,350,382 that the province. Political analyst the war-torn country. Omar Sa- recommended the firm return the Black & Veatch received, mostly Hamayoon Aman urged said se- mad, former ambassador to Can- money. For its part, the company consisting of the $1.31 million re- curity forces should launch a ada and France, told Sputnik: said it had returned $2,700 after a imbursement the audit thought house-to-house search and patrol “It’s definitely significant and it USAID review of the audit, which improper,” the daily said. markets and street. (Pajhwok) comes as part of a mini-review of had contracted Black & Veatch. (Pajhwok) US policy that is about a year old now.” He believed the Trump ad- ministration was studying differ- ent options after a year of push- ing its South Asia policy that was still implementable to some ex- tent. “What we’re seeing now is the opening of second track as part of this policy, whereby the US is trying to engage the Taliban into discussing issues that both sides would like to discuss.” Sa- mad warned there were risks in- volved as far as the next steps were concerned, because the ex- act agenda was still under wraps. An agreement on the agenda KABUL: Newly appointed Vice would not be easy because the President of World Bank for South country in the region Schafer has portunities with representatives Taliban wanted was to discuss Asia Hartwig Schafer visited Af- visited after he took charge. Dur- from NGOs, the women commu- withdrawal of the US troops in a ghanistan, promising continued ing his three-day stay in Kabul, he nity, private sector and internation- time period, he suggested. “They support to the Afghan people. met President Ashraf Ghani, his al partners. “I am delighted to vis- do not seem to be ready or will- Appointed on July 1, Schafer CEO Abdullah, Finance Minister it Afghanistan and see first-hand ing to discuss anything beyond has visited Afghanistan, Bang- Mohammad Hamayoun Qayoumi how the WB is helping the gov- that that has to do with the Af- ladesh, Bhutan, India, the and other government officials. He ernment serve Afghan people in ghan government on a political Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri held discussions about Afghanistan areas such as health, education, cit- settlement of the issue. Lanka. Afghanistan is the first development challenges and op- izen empowerment. (Pajhwok) (Pajhwok)