Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:78 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimes www.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes TUESDAY. OCTOBER 16. 2018 -Mizan 24, 1397 HS

AT Monitoring Desk the clash lasting several hours. However, it was briefly opened on Sunday evening to let stranded people cross over. Afghan KABUL: A key crossing point troops engaged in a skirmish with Pakistani forces who were between Afghanistan and Pakistan erecting a fence along the cross point in Kandahar. The exchange in Chaman remained closed on of fire last for hours and ended in the evening. After the incident, Monday in the wake of tensions Pakistani border authorities closed the Friendship Gate near and firefight between soldiers of Chaman, leaving thousands of people stranded on both sides of the two countries over the ‘unten- the Pak-Afghan border. Pakistan has been erecting a fence along able and unilateral border fencing’, its western border and insists that the initiative is to stop illegal Zamanews has reported. The gate influx of terrorists from Afghanistan, a move and a claim Kabul in Chaman was closed on Sunday has not denied. Pakistan has already informed the Afghan gov- after troops of the two sides ex- ernment of its decision to build a border fence. changed fire about 60 km north of However, Afghan officials in the Spin Buldak area raised objec- the border town of Chaman with tions to Islamabad’s decision.

AT News Report

KABUL: The Andar district of the insecure province of Ghazni has fallen for the second to Taliban insurgents, said MPs from the province, warning that most of the areas except the provincial capi- tal were under serious threat. Law- makers representing Ghazni in the parliament said Monday that the fall of Andar could... P3

AT News Report KABUL: As Afghanistan prepares to hold parliamentary elections for its 14 million voters on 20 October, Reporters Sans Frontiers (RSF) calls for more protection for its journalists, who are the guarantors of free, transparent and democratic elections.With 13 journalists... P3 AT News Report

KABUL: Afghanistan National Security and Defense Forces in cooperation with the NATO forc- es raided Taliban hideouts in southern Ghazni province, killing 31 militants on Sunday night. At AT News Report KABUL: The October 20 parliamentary least 31 Taliban fighters were election is unlikely to be held in at least five killed in Andar district of Ghazni districts of Nangarhar province due to high security threats, pro- province, after afghan forces con- vincial security officials said. Provincial Police Chief, Gholam ducted clearance operations sup- Sanayee Stanekzai said Monday that despite security forces’ ported by Resolute Support hard work to provide security of the polling stations, high secu- ground and aerial forces, said Thun- rity threat was still dominant in some districts. Districts of der Corps Press Office in a Sherzad, Hesarak, Achin, Nazian and Khogyani were under high statement.One armored vehicle of threats, while Mohmand Dara, Ghani Khil and Bati Kot districts Afghan forces, which seized by were facing middle threats that would still affect the election, enemy, one Mazda vehicle full of Stanekzai added. 394 centers were open for people to register for explosive, three motorbike and voting in Nangarhar, according to provincial election commission some ammunitions... P3 office. “Some polling stations in the districts of... P3 TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

For Procurement of Works forRehabilitation of Jaghartan Canal Irrigation Scheme in Injel District of Herat Province Invitation for Bid No: MEW/ PCU/ IRDP/ H-526 / NCB Date:16 -Oct -18

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 ofAfghanistan,Ministry ofEnergy &Water has received a grant from the International Development Association toward the cost ofIrrigation Restoration and Development Projectand it intends to apply part ofthe proceeds ofthis grant to payments under the Contract for the Sub project given in para 3 below. 3.The Project Coordination Unit,acting on behalfofthe Ministry ofEnergy &Water,now invites sealed bids from eligible and qualified bidders for the Rehabilitation of Jaghartan Canal Irrigation Scheme in Injel District of Herat Province Invitation for Bid No: MEW/PCU/IRDP/H-526/NCB.The construction period is 20months which includes slack period of 6 months for flood/adverse weather conditions and resolving community/farmers needs/disputes etc. 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 Eng. Nasir Ahmad “Ahadi”, Procurement Officer, Project Coordination Unit, Afghanistan 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 required annual volume of construction work for the successful bidder in any of the last five years – 111 Million Afs. (a)Experience as prime contractor in the construction of at least one works of nature and complexity equivalent to this work during the last five (5) years – 56 Million Afs. (b) Proposals for the timely acquisition (own, lease, hire, etc.) of the essential equipment as given in the bidding document. (c) Contract Manager with five years’experience in works of an equivalent nature and volume, including no less than three years as Manager. (e) Liquid assets and/ or credit facilities, net of other contractual commitments and exclusive of any advance payments which may be made under the Contract 23 Million Afs. For detailed post qualification verification please refer to Section I - Instructions to Bidders and Section II- Bid Data Sheet ofthe bidding documents. Amargin ofpreference for eligible national contractors/ joint ventures shall not be applied. 7.Acomplete 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 ofa nonrefundable fee of5000 AFN. The method ofpayment 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 on 06- Nov -18 at 10 AM in the meeting room 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 AM of 17- Nov-18(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 17- Nov-18 10.All bids shall be accompanied by a “Bid Security”ofamount: 4 Million Afghanis. 11. The address referred to above is: Eng. Nasir Ahmad ”Ahadi” Procurement officer IRDP Project Coordination Unit PCU/KBL Mobile: +93(0)700686110),

DACAAR TENDER NOTICE DACAAR ITB 31 PRF-1394/1704-50/DFD2.2/23-2401/09.2018 Date: September 24, 2018

Sealed offers are invited from qualified companies for supply of 420 Head. Female Goats for DACAAR Regional Office in Kandahar Province. Please get the detailed tender documents from websites at www.dacaar.org/www.acbar.org/ www.acci.org.af or DACAAR Main Office in below mentioned address. The offers should reach to DACAAR till October 14, 2018 4:00 P.M. The tender opening session will be held on October 17, 2018 at 10:30 AM in DACAAR Main Office. Your participation in the bid opening session is highly appreciated.

DACAAR Address: DACAAR Logistics Unit DACAAR Main Office , House No. 403, Street No. 12, Paykobe Naswar, Qala-e-Fathullah, Kabul - Afghanistan. Email: jamal@dacaar. org or [email protected]

DACAAR TENDER NOTICE DACAAR ITB 38 PRF-1651 to 1654 0001-00/FSK05.01/10.0101 (ECHO Project) DACAAR ITB 39 PRF-1651 to 1654 0001-00/FSK05.01/10.0101 (ECHO Project) DACAAR ITB 40 PRF-1655-1656 - 0001-00/FSK05.01/10.0101 (ECHO Project) DACAAR ITB 41 PRF-1655-1656 - 0001-00/FSK05.01/10.0101 (ECHO Project) DACAAR ITB 42 PRF-1655-1656 - 0001-00/FSK05.01/10. 2018 (ECHO Project) Date: October 15, 2018 Sealed offers are invited from qualified companies for supply of, Wooden Materials, Dettol Soap, Towel, Tarpaulin and Plastic Jerry Cans for DACAAR Main Office in Kabul Province.

Please get the detailed tender documents from websites at www.dacaar.org/www.acbar.org/ www.acci.org.af or DACAAR Main Office in the below mentioned address. The offers should reach to DACAAR till 4:00PM November 04, 2018. The tender opening session will be held on November 05, 2018 at 10:30 AM in DACAAR Main Office. Your participation in opening session is highly appreciated.

DACAAR Address: DACAAR Logistics Unit DACAAR Main Office , House No. 403, Street No. 12, Paykobe Naswar, Qala-e-Fathullah, Kabul - Afghanistan. Email: [email protected] OR [email protected] TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16 , 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

KABUL: The current coverage of sion (IEC) Media Committee, Af- the election campaign, candidate ghan Independent Journalists As- access to media, the accuracy of sociation (AIJA) and Centre for information and other issues have Protection of Afghan Women Jour- come up for discussion at a round- nalists (CPAWJ) directors were table in Kabul. also in attendance. An ECES/ Violence, media’s legal obliga- PROSES electoral expert gave a cess. tions and ethics, further editorial keynote presentation on electoral “Islam promulgated voting in challenges facing the closing of the integrity and the importance of the 6th century where people were campaign, the silent period, count- media as a champion to promote used to elect their leader by an- ing and complaints period were more credible and transparent elec- nouncing allegiance to him, which also discussed at the event. tions. The European Center for is exactly a process of election,” The EU-funded European Electoral Support (ECES) is a non- he said. Centre for Electoral Support profit private foundation head- Brushing off Taliban’s allega- (ECES), through the Project in quartered in Brussels, with a glo- tion, Sayyad said, “We know our Support of Enhanced Sustainabil- bal remit. It promotes sustainable religion better; our religious schol- ity and Electoral Integrity in Af- democratic development through ars have immensely protected the right of voting by rendering huge KUNDUZ CITY: Out of 220 poll- polling stations. The government ghanistan (PROSES), arranged the the provision of advisory servic- ing stations set up in northern should ensure security of at least discussion. Media stakeholders, es, operational support and man- sacrifices.” No one should come to the fore Kunduz province, people have the polling stations where people who took part in the discussion, agement of large projects. ECES registered as voters in only 98 sta- have taken their voter cards, so included directors/heads of news has been operating in Afghanistan to teach us our religion principle, the IEC head told reporters, refer- tions and among these 30 stations they are able to participate in the of major radio stations, television since last July the fully EU-fund- face high security threats. democratic process,” he said. channels, print and online media ed project PROSES (Project in ring to the Taliban’s allegation of none-Islamic and US-designated Rassoul Omar, Independent He expressed concern that can- outlets Ariana News, Killid Radio, Support of Enhanced Sustainabil- AT Monitoring Desk Election Commission (IEC) head didates would be seriously affect- Pajhwok Afghan News, Radio ity and Electoral Integrity). This through a statement said they elections. would do everything to disrupt There is no other way but to for Kunduz, told Pajhwok Afghan ed by closure of polling stations. Television of Afghanistan (RTA), 18-month technical assistance KABUL: The process of election News voter registration process Majeedi asked security offi- Salam Watandar Radio, Shamshad project is supporting the 2018 par- election, as according to them it is conduct the process of elections is absolutely principled in Islamic nothing but a propaganda execut- in a bid to put a halt to the current did not take place in 122 polling cials to take serious security mea- TV, Tolo News and 8am Daily liamentary elections through a se- teachings, the Independent Elec- stations of the province due to se- sures for safety of voters during News) representatives were among ries of ongoing training and capac- ing by the US. miseries as Afghanistan went tion Commission told the Taliban Briefing newsmen on Monday through coups, wars and destruc- curity problems. the Election Day. the participants. The Independent ity-building activities focused on group after the extremists labeled “There are a total of 220 poll- Haji Akbar Kheyabani, a resi- Electoral Complaints Commission democracy and election stakehold- in Kabul, IEC Head Gulajan Ab- tion in the past decades. the forthcoming election as west- dul Bade Sayyad said elections has Moreover, he called on reli- ing stations in Kunduz, but peo- dent of Kunduz City, said it was (IECC) spokesperson, chairman of ers, including civil society organi- ern propaganda, threatening to sab- ple visited only 98 of them,” he difficult to hold elections outside the Independent Election Commis- sations and the media. (Pajhwok) Islamic principles, thus all the Af- gious scholars to spread public otage the national process of vot- ghan masses must exercise their awareness on elections from its said. He added 18 of the polling Kunduz City and in district cen- ing. democratic rights of voting, and perspective of Islamic rule and reg- stations faced medium and 12 oth- ters. Earlier the Taliban group widely take part in national pro- ulations. er high security risks. “Security is not good even on “The voting process may the outskirts of Kunduz city, Tal- probably not take place in these iban have also warned people polling stations for being very sen- against participating in the polls,” sitive,” he said. he said. Some other residents of Omar did not say where these Kunduz expressed similar views high risk polling stations exist, but and asked the government to en- said most of them are in districts. sure foolproof security on the Elec- PUL-I-PUL : Unidentified arson- fices, he said, adding no one had He said the list of all polling tion Day. Kunduz police chief, ists have set alight the campaign been arrested so far in connection stations had been shared with se- Col. Abdul BaqiNuristani, said they office of a Wolesi Jirga runner in with the attack. Police have JALALABAD: Traders in eastern trepreneurs Global Support Orga- businesses attended the talks. He curity organs in order to ensure had launched operations in areas central Logar province, an official launched an investigation. Samiul- Nangarhar province have urged nization here. Dr. Sher Ali Moham- added they would support candi- their security on the Election Day. under high security threat. “We said on Monday. Noor Moham- lah, a shopkeeper in the area, said Wolesi Jirga candidates to address mad, the organization member, said dates who offered best policy Zabihullah Majeedi, a Wolesi have launched operations to im- mad Obaidi, Mohammad Agha dis- some other candidates’ posters problems the business community the purpose of the roundtable to which could address traders’ prob- Jirga candidate in Kunduz, told prove security and people would trict chief, told Pajhwok Afghan were torched. There was no im- has been facing after winning the Oct hear economic policies of the Wole- lems. Syed Jamal Pacha, a Wolesi Pajhwok that bad security situa- be able to participate in polls, we News the incident happened in mediate claim of responsibility. 20 elections. The businessmen raised si Jirga hopefuls. He said Chamber Jirga candidate said insecurity and tion had created problems for the are also busy deploying new secu- Pul-i-Kandahar area late on Sun- Khitab is the son of Naseer Ah- their demand during a roundtable of Commerce and Industry repre- corruption were main issues that upcoming polls. rity posts,” he said. He said no day night. Unknown men set on mad Durrani, minister of agricul- talks with Wolesi Jirga candidates. sentatives, mining company’s offi- threatened and damaged business- “The voter registration process one would be allowed to disrupt fire Khitab Durrani’s campaign of- ture and livestock. (Pajhwok) The event was organized by the En- cials and candidates associated with es and trade in Nangarhar. could not be launched in many the election process. (Pajhwok)

AT News Report KABUL: At least 14 militants were killed and two others wounded during a clampdown of security forces in northern Kun- AT News Report duz province, officials said Mon- day. Afghan army forces special KABUL: At least 30 Taliban ter- unit has conducted crackdowns rorists were killed during opera- against Taliban fighters in Alia- tions launched by security forces bad district of Kunduz, which as in southern Paktika province, ac- result 12 rebels were killed and cording to reports. two others wounded, said a state- ment issued by Kuduz press de- According to a statement Gen- partment. eral Command of Police Special Former Taliban officials on Sun- port Mission in Afghanistan (RS) Afghan forces also arrested Units (GCPSU) launched a suc- two other militants and handed day were optimistic about the meanwhile said they are here to cessful Counter-Terrorism opera- meeting between US Special Rep- help Afghanistan’s leadership cre- over them to intelligence forces tion to clear some of the areas from resentative for Afghanistan Recon- ate a safe country and help with for further inquiry, added state- terrorists and enemies of peace and ciliation Ambassador Zalmay the reconciliation process. Former ment. stabilityin Khoshamand district, Khalilzad, and Taliban officials in chief of the National Directorate Statement said that one AK- eastern Paktika province, which as Qatar said both sides have agreed of Security Amrullah Saleh mean- 47, One PK machine gun, three a result, 30 armed Taliban were wirelesses, two armored vehicles, to hold talks on the withdrawal of while Tweeted on Sunday in reac- killed yesterday. one Hilax vehicle, and 12 hard foreign forces from Afghanistan. tion to the possible agreement be- Statement said that also GCP- disc of computer with some am- Sayed Mohammad Akbar tween Taliban and US officials over SU seized four rocket launchers, munition discovered and confis- Agha, the former leader of the Tal- the withdrawal of forces, that was seven AK-47 rifles and some cated by Afghan forces during iban's Jaish-al-Muslimeen, said initially reported by Aljazeera, that amount of ammunition during op- operations. During operations 39 both sides will hold more talks in if the news is true, then it is the eration. stronghold, one prison and two the near future about the with- time for a resistance movement to AT Monitoring Desk Statement stated that 11 dif- tral Parwan to open an agro-indus- the province. hideouts belonged to Taliban de- drawal of foreign troops. stand against insurgency and Tali- ferent types of IEDs detected and trial park in Barikab district and President Ghani has been quite stroyed and the villages of Haji Agha said maintaining peace in ban to defend the people and the Baba, Amam Gul Bai, Sufi Khan two vehicles used by the militants President Ashraf Ghani who just first phase of Jabalus Saraj-Nijrab proactive in regards with big pub- Afghanistan was impossible, un- country. Rasoul, Bajawori and Salarzai were also destroyed in the opera- arrived in Parwan province on road. lic-utility and industrial projects less foreign forces left the coun- “If Aljazeera's piece is true & cleared from the insurgents. tion. Monday morning is expected to He said Ghani will review the re- in the recent weeks. try. “Taliban and Americans so far that the US has started to discuss Afghan forces destroyed In a separate report, two sus- inaugurate two uplift projects and construction of the Jabalus Saraj On Sunday, he participated in sign- only have talked on withdrawal of fate of Afg with the Taliban then it through controlled explosion 34 pected men detained with two AK- meet provincial functionaries. His Palace. President is set to meet with ing of a multi-million dollar deal foreign forces from Afghanistan. is time for the resistance constitu- mines and 82 rocket launchers 47 rifles, six mortars and some spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri elders, clerics, teachers, traders, with an Indian firm for electricity Peace can be maintained, but with ency to start preparations for de- said the president at the helm of a women, public representatives, generation and irrigation project in during operation as well, under- amount of ammunition during a lined statement. the presence of foreign troops, fending the dignity of the Afghan joint operation in Pul-e-Charki high-level delegation visited cen- youth and civil society activists in Kunduz. peace will not come to Afghani- people who have stood against area, Kabul city yesterday. stan,” said Agha. Resolute Sup- Taliban terrorism. (TOLONews) RSF pressesAfghan govt over protection of journalists 49militants...... P1 and two media workers killed threaten journalists, the media and Moini, the head of RSF’s Afghan- with regard to security and train- ...P12 shelled and bombed the en- since the start of January, 2018 has press freedom in Afghanistan, the istan-Iran desk. ing is essential.” emies’ positions and sanctuaries been the deadliest year for the RSF said on Monday. “There can be no democratic Amid pre-election tension and by artilleries and air forces. media since the Taliban govern- “The increase in targeted at- elections without the freedom to security threats, RSF visited Af- During these operations in the ment’s fall in 2001. tacks on the media and the deteri- inform. ghanistan from 14 to 27 Septem- past 24 hours, 14 Taliban fighters The war imposed by the Tali- oration in the security situation for This is why RSF calls on the ber to organize four trainings for a were killed and five wounded in ban and Islamic State (IS), which women journalists in the run-up Afghan government to renew its total of 70 journalists (including Poshtrod district of Farah, two mil- is also known as Daesh extremists to the elections threaten the Af- commitment and involvement in 32 women) who came from 13 dif- itants were killed, three wounded and abuses by warlords and cor- ghan people’s sovereignty and protecting journalists. The contin- ferent provinces and represented and some weapons and ammuni- rupt politicians now permanently democratic choice,” said Reza uation of the government’s efforts 53 independent Afghan media. tion seized in Khogianai district of Nangarhar, one rebels were killed AT News Report and four others wounded in Alia- In Afghanistan, nearly 41% of bad district of Kunduz, four in- Taliban recapture Ghazni’s Andar district Nearly 41% of Afghan children children under the age of five years surgents were killed in Dehyak dis- ...P1 help militants to take over former representatives from Ghaz- But the government dismisses the government’s reinforcement under the age of five years suffer suffer from a chronic form of mal- trict of Ghazni province. more parts of the province. ni in the parliament, say that An- fall of Andar, with the interior min- drove them back. Many districts from chronic form of malnutrition, nutrition called stunting. Studies Similar, Afghan air forces tar- They blamed the government dar was long under threat, but the istry saying that security forces are in danger of fall to the Taliban said UNICEF on Monday. indicate that handwashing with geted enemy hideouts, 25 insur- for remaining careless about the government did not pay attention. had left the district due to intoler- insurgents since then. The government in collabora- soap, can reduce stunting by 15 gents were killed, three vehicle and security in the province, saying They warn if the government able cold weather. Ghazni is lying on the Kabul- tion with UNICEF and partners per cent and prevent diarrheal dis- two motorbike belonged to the en- situation was still volatile despite did not make decision for retaking Taliban militants overran the Herat highway and is strategically joined hundreds of millions of peo- ease by up to 48 percent, and is emy destroyed in Ghazni, seven the government’s promises for im- Andar, more districts would like- provincial capital in August and important for both government ple today in celebrating the annual considered as one of the most cost Daesh affiliates were killed in proving the condition. Meanwhile, ly fall to the insurgents. controlled it for several days until and the armed group. effective and simple public health Pachiragam and Dara Pich districts Global Handwashing Day, empha- of Nangarhar and Kunar provinc- sizing the importance of handwash- interventions. In an event held to- es. In past 24 hours, 19 planed ing with soap as an effective, sim- day at the Malika Suraya High clearing operations, and 99 Spe- Election unlikely to be held in five Nangarhar districts ple, and affordable way to prevent School in Kabul as part of this cial Forces operations conducted ...P1 belonged to the enemy de- ings, laying mines on the road by recently, added statement. After the district, mentioned statement. disease and save lives. year’s commemoration, Govern- in different provinces; also, Air stroyed during crackdown, add- enemy and some other significant technical retreat, afghan forces The Taliban claim regarding Globally, about 55 out of 1000 ment officials, teachers, parents forces conducted 158 aerial opera- ed statement. Due to partly de- of civilian casualties the district ad- used to deceive Taliban fighters and capture of the district is baseless, children cannot make it to their and communities across the coun- tions supporting Afghan National struction of administrative build- ministrations shifted to a safe area incur heavy causality to them in noted statement. 5th birthday and diarrhoea is one try, made the call to ‘wash hands army including five strikes on ene- of the main causes. About 70 per with soap’ during the critical peri- my’s sanctuaries. ANAdiscovered cent of cases of diarrhoea could be od; after using the toilet, cleaning a and confiscated weapons and am- M M A cha m pion su rvives bru ta l sta bbin g associated with poor food hygiene baby, before handling food and munition in the operations as well. ...P12 Russia to attend a competition on Monday, but during returning in front ofhis house in the mentioned area faced unknown men attack and which can be easily addressed with before feeding children. Dr. Mo- ANA as the nation’s defense forc- severely injured from abdomen area. Currently Mr. Hotak is under treatment in emergency hospital and his health condition reported well. At the proper hygiene practices includ- hammad Ibrahim Shinwari, the es are ready to give sacrifice to bring same time in a statement Ministry of Interior (MoI), Minister of Interior ordered to Kabul anti-crime branch police forces to investigate the case ing handwashing with soap. Diar- deputy minister of general educa- lasting peace and security to the seriously and bring the prepatrators of the attack over Hotak free fighter before justice. Spokesman of Olympic Committee Aref Paiman expressed rhoea also contributes to undernu- tion stated, “Handwashing is a cru- people and are determined to erad- deepest concern due to attack over Hotak MMA champion and asked related organs to investigate the incident seriously. It is pertained to mention trition among children. cial behaviour for students. icate terror groups in Afghanistan. that Hotak is 31 years old, who has records of eight free fighting competitions, with one lose and seven win. TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Will lodge bribery complaint against Buddhika: ASP Liyanage Kumaraswamy and the government Sri Lankan Ambassador to Qatar A.S.P. Liyanage today said he he leads are often held up by the would lodge a complaint against Congress as examples of how the Deputy Minister Buddhika Pathirana with the Bribery Com- national party has been accommo- mission for allegedly aiding corrupt officials. The Ambassador said at dative of its regional allies a media briefing that the deputy minister was aiding and abetting It has been nearly five months months to go before elections. Our the Sri Lankan school in Qatar’s since HD Kumaraswamy became intention is to ensure the forma- former management, which he said the chief minister of Karnataka for tion of a non-Bharatiya Janata Par- was corrupt. He said he would the second time on May 23. The ty (BJP) government at the Cen- also file a defamation case against 58-year-old Janta Dal (Secular) tre under the leadership of Rahulji leader and the government he leads [Congress president Rahul Gan- the deputy minister. Previously, are often held up by the Congress dhi]. In Karnataka, I think that Deputy Minister Pathirana said at as examples of how the national JD(S)-Congress alliance can easi- a media briefing, that the Ambas- party has been accommodative of ly win 23-25 of the 28 parliamen- sador was running the Sri Lankan its regional allies. In an in-depth tary seats. The Bahujan Samaj Par- school in Qatar for money, instead conversation with Venkatesha ty (BSP) was a pre-poll ally of the of executing the diplomatic duties. Babu, Kumaraswamy spoke about JD(S) in Karnataka even before Ambassador Liyanage in return the political situation in the coun- you tied up with Congress, and is said Deputy Minister Pathirana try, the role of regional parties, and a part of your government. How- had surrounded himself with cor- the challenges of running a coali- ever, BSP chief Mayawati has rupt officials. “The previous offi- tion government. Edited excerpts: nixed an alliance with Congress in cials of the Sri Lankan School in What is your assessment of how some states, which is likely to ben- Qatar are corrupt and they receive things stand ahead of the 2019 Lok efit the Bharatiya Janata Party. Is the blessings of Buddhika Pathira- Sabha elections? The race for 2019 Opposition unity a mirage? na. I will complain to the Bribery is wide open. There are a few more (ANI) Commission against him over this. 'Land grabber' Myanmar clears a list of 8,000 Rohingyas Mansha Bomb sent by Bangladesh:foreign minister The Myanmar government team led by its foreign secretary will arrested from come to Bangladesh at the end of this month for a joint working group meeting in Dhaka, Ali said. “There is nothing new, it’s ongo- Supreme ing,” he said when asked at the press briefing on Monday. The for- eign ministry held the briefing to discuss Prime Minister Sheikh Court premises Hasina’s upcoming Saudi Arabia visit. The foreign minister said Myanmar had already cleared the list of 8,000 Rohingyas and Bang- ladesh is matching their villages of origin. “Now the effort will be to build housing in those villages in Myanmar so that they can live there once they return,” he said, adding that India is helping My- anmar in building houses. He said he had also requested China to help build houses, particularly in Ra- khine State’s Maungdaw, where most of the listed Rohingya refu- gees originated from. The Myan- mar army launched a crackdown on the Rohingyas on Aug 25 last year, forcing over 700,000 of the ethnic minority to cross the bor- Rohingyas living in Bangladesh tainable return of the Rohingyas to ensure their return with rights from 1,673 families to his Myan- der and take shelter in overcrowd- crossed a million. The internation- by giving them citizenship and in two years. Home Minister Asa- mar counterpart Lieutenant Gen- ed refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar. al community is pressing Myan- basic rights. Bangladesh reached a duzzaman Khan formally handed eral Kyaw Swe in February after a With this influx the number of mar to create conditions for a sus- deal with Myanmar late last year over the first list of 8,032 people meeting in Dhaka.

Police have arrested alleged land place the Mansha and his sons on grabber Mansha Bomb from the the Exit Control List (ECL). Supreme Court premises on Mon- A three-judge bench headed by day. The top court had rejected the Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar had bail plea of the accused who had directed authorities to vacate all come to turn himself into authori- land in possession of Mansha ties. The accused has now been Group. The bench was hearing a shifted to the Secretariat Police suo moto case regarding Mansha’s Station. arrest. Mansha had submitted a bail plea, Expressing displeasure over inter- who is accused in land grabbing, ference in police affairs by elected among other cases. He had plead- representatives, Chief Justice of According to the Nationalist Congress Party, the demand to be major player in a grand ed for a bail in the case. Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Sun- alliance for 2019 Lok Sabha elections was made during party chief Sharad Pawar’s SC orders arrest of ‘land grabber’ day likened them to ‘thugs’. Mansha Bomb placing him, sons Justice Nisar had said that all oc- meeting with Congress President Rahul Gandhi last Thursday. on ECL cupied land land grabbers in the On October 1, the apex court had province should be vacated. directed the interior ministry to (Tribune) PML-Nimproves PHU to seek Court showing in NA, PA The Pakistan Muslim League- PML-N only managed to improve of Appeal assistance Nawaz (PML-N) on Sunday man- it position after downplaying in- aged not only improved its posi- ternal rift between the local lead- tion in the National Assembly by ership. bagging four NA seats, it also ex- Major Tahir, who won NA-55 and against Vijayakala tended gains in the Punjab Assem- NA-56 seats, opted to vacate NA- bly by securing five seat, accord- 55 while retaining NA-56. The un- ing to results compiled by The derstanding was that from NA-55 Express Tribune. According to de- Amin Aslam would contest, who tails, PML-N had vacated only one had strong roots in the area. How- of the 11 NA seats up for grabs in ever Major(retd) Tahir went the by-election, whereas PTI had against this understanding and va- vacated six and the PML-Q vacat- cated NA-56, forcing Amin out of ed two seats. While elections on the electoral race. Later PTI chief two NA seats – NA-103 and NA- Imran Khan allowed Amin to hand 60 – were postponed. pick a candidate of his choice. Sub- PML-N put up a tough fight sequently, Amin chose Malik against the ruling party and not Khurram, who was not supported The Nationalist Congress Par- four seats in Maharashtra com- candidates. only managed to retain NA-124, by Major (retd) Tahir, which led While claiming that the legal ac- Dissanayake said, “According to ty (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar pared to two by the Congress The Pawar revelation comes the only seat it vacated, but also to the defeat of the ruling party. tion against MP Vijayakala Ma- the Article 3 (3) of the ICCPR, a has demanded 50% of the 48 in 2014 LS polls.The Congress after state NCP chief Jayant managed to win three more con- People have lost faith in PM Im- heswaran was not taken in a prop- person who shall, directly or indi- Lok Sabha (LS) seats in Maha- contested 26 compared to 21 by Patil said on Friday that there stituencies. ECP takes notice of ran, says Khaqan Abbasi er manner on her statement on the rectly support or advocate the es- rashtra from the Congress Par- the NCP. “Pawar has asked for was no such demand by the Saad Rafique’s comments on by- In Lahore too on NA-131, where resurgence of the LTTE, the Piv- tablishment of a separate State ty for the 2019 elections. Ac- 50% of the LS seats . Seat-shar- party. Sources within the Con- poll conduct Imran Khan won against former ithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) said within the territory of Sri Lanka, cording to the NCP, the demand ing talks are in progress and gress said the party would not On the other hand, PTI managed federal minister Khawaja Saad it would seek legal assistance at is subject to a Rigorous Imprison- to be major player in a grand would be finalised soon,” said agree to such a demand. “We to win only four seats, including Rafique by a thin margin of 680 the Court of Appeal against MP ment less than 10 years, Accord- alliance was made during NCP spokesperson Nawab lost the last elections owing to NA-60, where elections were post- votes, the party is said to have lost Vijayakala. Addressing a news ing to the Article 3 (4), bail can’t Pawar’s meeting with Congress Malik. The meeting was also at- the Narendra Modi-wave but poned after Hanif Abbasi’s arrest. due to its bad selection of candi- briefing today, PHU Propaganda be granted to such offences and it President Rahul Gandhi last tended by top Congress lead- we are still a major force in Ma- It only managed to win three of date, Hamyuin Akhtar Khan, Secretary Thushara Dissanayake can be only granted by the High Thursday. Last month, the ers Mallikarjun Kharge, Ashok harashtra,” said a Congress the six seats it had vacated. Two whose brother is a senator from said the Police had carried out a Court under special circumstanc- Congress and the NCP drew up Gehlot and NCP leader Praful leader. In the 2014 Lok Sabha of three seats – NA-35 and NA- PML-N, was not supported by wishy-washy investigation into es,” Dissanayake added. He said a plan to form the grand alli- Patel. Pawar, despite his ad- polls, NCP’s Supriya Sule, Vi- 131 — were vacated by Prime PTI’s local leaders, who wanted the Vijayakala’s statement. “Vijay- the B Report (B 95666/1/18) sub- ance, including 8-10 smaller vanced age, is playing an ac- jaysigh Mohite Patil, Udayan- Minister Imran Khan, whereas one Imran Khan to give NA-131 to akala’s statement has breached mitted by the Police to the court, parties, against the ruling dis- tive role to form a united oppo- raje Bhosale and Dhananjay seat – NA-56 –was vacated by Maj Waleed Iqbal. As a result, Hamyun Article 114, 115, and 120 of the had been complied without men- pensation of BJP and Shiv Sen sition against the BJP-led Na- Mahadik were elected from (retd) Tahir Sadiq. In NA-35, all failed to run a proper election cam- Penal Code, Article three of the tioning Article 3 of the ICCPR. “It ahead of next year’s LS and tional Democratic Alliance Western Maharashtra, while main opposition parties – includ- paign. But despite this, PTI still International Covenant on Civil & is apparent that the B Report has state assembly elections. Ac- (NDA), said the source. Pawar Ashok Chavan and Rajeev Sat- ing the PPP and PML-N – backed managed to give a tough competi- Political Rights (ICCPR) Act No been compiled in a shrewd way cording to a source, Pawar had recently called for a meet- av of the Congress were elect- MMA’s candidate Zahid Akram tion to PML-N stalwart Khawaja 56 of 2007 and the Article 157 (a) that it would facilitate Vijayakala seemed to have demanded 24 ing with local NCP leaders to ed from Marathwada. Durani. In NA-56, which was va- Saad Rafique. of the Sri Lankan Constitution,” to be granted bail,” he added. seats , citing that the NCP won narrow down a list of probable (Hindustan times) cated by PTI’s Maj (retd) Tahir, (Tribune) TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES News-in-Brief UNHCRurges Australia to Russian address worsening Legislator health condition of Boasts 'S-700' offshore refugees Air Defense The United Nations (UN) has urged Australian government to Could 'Shut address the collapsing health situ- ation among refugees and asylum- Down' the Planet seekers at its offshore detention It emerged earlier this month that centers in Papua New Guinea and Moscow had supplied S-300 air Nauru. Although according to a defense systems to Syria, raising Guardian report at the weekend, concerns in Israel and the United the Department of Home Affairs States. The move followed the of Australia said in a statement that it took refugee health and welfare accidental downing of a Russian "seriously," the UN refugee agen- Il-20 surveillance aircraft on Sep- cy renewed its call for refugees and tember 20. Vladimir Zhirinovsky, asylum-seekers to be moved im- a Russian MP who has lead the mediately to Australia where they nationalist Liberal Democratic can receive adequate support and Party (LDPR) since the 1990s, care. Speaking last Friday, spokes- has let slip that Russia allegedly woman for the United Nations had "S-600" and "S-700" air de- High Commissioner for Refugees fense systems. The earth-shat- (UNHCR) Catherine Stubberfield tering "revelation" came when the talked about a suicidal pre-teenage flamboyant 72-year-old legisla- girl who doused herself in petrol last month. She remained in Nauru tor was commenting on the re- although doctor suggested that she cent delivery of the S-300 mis- be evacuated. The girl is not the sile defense systems to Syria. "S- only one refugee who attempted 300 has interested them (the to flee to Australia only to end up United States)," he said Thurs- in detention centers in Nauru or day on a current affairs talk show Papua New Guinea. Since its in- hosted by journalist Vladimir troduction in 2013, a current poli- Soloviev. "They had [previous- If NATO’s language remains berg, US Secretary of Defense essary transparency or explana- Screwdriver and is associated with breach, and consistent also in not cy of Australia has put about ly] paid no attention whatsoever guarded, it is also shifting subtly James Mattis and US NATO Am- tion. A pattern of behaviour and the Russian designation 9M729. providing any corroborating ma- 3,000 refugees and asylum-seek- to some S-300. But now they're the Alliance’s collective stance over bassador Kay Bailey Hutchison all information over many years has The INF Treaty bans US or Rus- terial in the public domain to sup- ers forcibly to offshore process- scared, because Israel, the Unit- Washington’s accusation that flagged the issue of the claimed trea- led to widespread doubts about sian ground-launched ballistic- and port the allegation. Nor apparent- ing facilities in Papua New Guinea Moscow is in breach of the Inter- ty breach. In remarks made on 4 Russian compliance. Allies believe cruise-missile systems with rang- ly did it share a great deal of its and Nauru, where 1,450 still re- ed States' close ally, is scared — main. According to the policy, S-300s are nearby. Every jet — mediate-range Nuclear Forces October, Mattis said that Moscow that, in the absence of any credible es between 500 and 5,500 kilome- intelligence with at least some (INF) Treaty. Russia’s alleged de- was in ’blatant violation’. After answer from Russia on this new tres. The SSC-8 likely has a range NATO partners, certain of whom those who try to arrive in Austra- not just Israeli — every military lia by boats are to be placed on jet may be destroyed." "The velopment of a weapon that breaks years of denials and obfuscation, missile, the most plausible assess- in the order of 2,000 km, and may remained previously cautious, if Nauru or Manus Island of Papua Americans are scared in general, the treaty was on the agenda of and despite Allies repeatedly rais- ment would be that Russia is in well have already been deployed not sceptical, of Washington’s as- New Guinea. Seemingly hopeless they are scared that the world's. NATO defence ministers at their ing their concerns, the Russian violation of the Treaty. The Unit- with at least one Russian missile sertions. However, Washington to reach Australia ultimately, many latest gathering on 3–4 October in Federation only recently acknowl- ed States’ concern is over a cruise battalion in the Ekaterinburg re- has, it would seem, shared more of of those people there are in a poor Brussels. At the event, NATO edged the existence of the missile missile it designated the SSC-8, gion. The US has been consistent its intelligence with NATO part- state of health, both physically German police Secretary-General Jens Stolten- system without providing the nec- which has the NATO codename in its claim of a Russian treaty ners in efforts. and mentally. save hostage, capture suspect TrumpsaysSaudi king G er m a n y's M er kel vows to r estor e at train station tr u st a fter B ava r ia election losses deniesknowledgeof German Chancellor Angela Mer- kel vowed on Monday to restore trust in her government after her conservative allies suffered heavy missingjournalist losses in a regional election, which their far-right foes hailed as “an earthquake” that would rock the ruling coalition. Bavarian State Prime Minister and Christian So- cial Union (CSU) top candidate Markus Soeder takes part in an interview at a TV studio following the Bavarian state election in Mu- nich, Germany, October 14, 2018. German police rescued a hostage The Christian Social Union (CSU), after an hours-long standoff in a the sister party of Merkel’s own Cologne train station Monday Christian Democrats (CDU), morning. Police say a man en- slumped to its worst result in al- tered the pharmacy near a train most 70 years in Sunday’s elec- station at Breslauer Platz at 6:45 tion in Bavaria. The chancellor’s a.m. and took a woman hostage. other coalition partner, the centre- The crisis shut down the train left Social Democrats (SPD), saw station and delayed commuter its support halved. “My lesson trains in the area. A suspect was from this is that I, as chancellor, taken into custody. The woman must make sure that trust is won was treated for minor injuries. back. I will work on that with as Special forces units were on site WASHINGTON — President killed and dismembered Khashog- much vigour as I can,” she said at and people were urged to stay Donald Trump said Monday he gi after he entered the consulate an event of the BGA trade body. Bavaria. His strategy backfired as to ensure that the coalition can sion in 2015 to welcome some one away from the area. There were had spoken with Saudi Arabia's and that Turkey has audio and vid- CSU leader Horst Seehofer, who the CSU, which has ruled Bavaria continue to do its work in a stable million, mainly Muslim, asylum reports of gunshots but a police king, who "denies any knowledge" eo recordings of it. The kingdom is also interior minister in Merkel’s for almost six decades, bled votes manner despite some of the com- seekers, which has fuelled the rise spokeswoman said she wasn't of what happened to the Saudi has called the allegations "baseless" loveless coalition, had hoped his to the far-right Alternative for Ger- ments that were made yesterday,” of the AfD. Merkel said the CSU aware of any guns being used. journalist who disappeared after but has offered no evidence the anti-immigration rhetoric and crit- Police added there were no indi- many (AfD) party and the ecolo- Seehofer told reporters. had lost its absolute majority in entering the kingdom's consulate writer left the consulate. On Mon- icism of Merkel’s liberal asylum gist Greens in equal measure. On He was referring to angry CSU the Bavarian parliament even cations the attack was related to in Istanbul two weeks ago. Trump day, Trump tweeted that he "just policies would help his party fend terrorism. Germany is on high Monday, he appeared to extend an delegates who blamed their party’s though the regional economy was said he had dispatched Secretary spoke to the King of Saudi Arabia off a threat from the far-right in olive branch. “We will do our bit dismal showing on Merkel’s deci- doing well. (AP) alert for terror attacks almost of State Mike Pompeo to the re- who denies any knowledge of two years after a Tunisian Islam- gion. What did happen to Jamal whatever may have happened 'to ist drove a hijacked truck through Khashoggi, according to the king? our Saudi Arabian citizen.' He said a Christmas market in Berlin. Trump said, "He didn't really that they are working closely with That attack killed 11 people, in- know. Maybe I don't want to get Turkey to find answer. I am im- cluding the driver. into his mind, but it sounded to mediately sending our Secretary of me like maybe these could have State to meet with King!" White been rogue killers -- I mean, who House economic adviser Larry Pentagon chief's knows?" Trump has been under Kudlow declined to speculate on pressure to take action on the sus- what Trump might do after the future cast into pected murder of journalist president promised "severe pun- Khashoggi, a Saudi citizen who has ishment" in a "60 Minutes" inter- doubt after been living and writing in the Unit- view if the U.S. determines that ed States, including columns criti- Khashoggi was indeed killed inside cal of Saudi Crown Prince Moham- the Saudi consulate. Saudi Arabia Trump's remarks med bin Salman. Turkish officials has pledged to economically retal- say that they believe Saudi agents iate for any U.S. punitive action. U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis is one of the longest serv- ing members of U.S. President Donald Trump's cabinet, but a re- CHINA'SENVOYTOUS:'IT'SNOTOURWARSHIPS mark made by Trump Sunday has Egypt, Russia begin put Mattis's position into doubt. "I think he's sort of a Democrat, THATAREGOINGTOGULFOFMEXICO' if you want to know the truth," anti-terrorism The Chinese ambassador also re- interview on Fox News Sunday, is on the offensive? Who is on the South China Sea. When the US de- Trump said in an interview that aired Sunday on the TV show "60 vealed that it can be quite difficult Tiankai insisted that the very name defensive? This is very clear." stroyer approached one of the Minutes," adding that "But Gen- for foreign diplomatic officials to of the location where said incident Western Powers Will Never Give Gaven Reefs near the disputed is- eral Mattis is a good guy. We get military drill determine who among Trump’s took place clearly shows whose Up US Policy in South China lands, China dispatched a Luyang- along very well. He may leave. I advisers currently has the presi- vessel was “on the offensive” and Sea—Research Scholar The en- class destroyer to escort the Amer- mean, at some point, everybody dent’s ear. Cui Tiankai, China’s who was “on the defensive.” counter between the USS Decatur ican warship away. The South leaves. Everybody. People leave. ambassador to the US, has an- "Where the incident took place, and China's naval forces happened China Sea is one of the world's That's Washington." Trump said nounced that during the recent in- you were right to say it was in after the American destroyer was most sensitive areas. Beijing's ex- he and Mattis enjoyed a "very cident in the South China Sea, South China Sea. So it’s at China’s reported sailing in the disputed tensive territorial claims to the sea, good relationship," but the remark when a US guided missile destroy- doorstep," Tiankai said. "It’s not territory of the Spratly Islands. which include islands, banks, reefs nevertheless raised questions er barely managed to avoid colli- Chinese warships that are going to The warship is said to be acting and maritime ways, are challenged about Mattis's future as the U.S. sion with a Chinese warship, the the coast of California, or to the under the “freedom of navigation” by Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philip- defense chief. Chinese vessel was merely re- Gulf of Mexico. It’s so close to program that urges China to allow pines, Brunei and Taiwan, which Pentagon spokesman Robert sponding to an intervention “at the Chinese islands and it’s so other nations’ warships to pass also have counter claims. Manning said in a statement in China’s doorstep.” In an exclusive close to the Chinese coast. So who through the territorial waters of the (AP) response to Trump's remark Sun- day that "Secretary Mattis is la- ser-focused on doing his job -- ensuring the U.S. military remains Iran’s reformist papers say USsanctions violate human rights the most lethal force on the plan- et." Trump's remarks came days Several Iranian reformist newspapers on Monday published a after Mattis was asked by the me- rare joint editorial criticizing US sanctions against the country, dia whether he was going to "stick AP reported. The newspapers also asked “world journalists” around" after U.S. Ambassador to Egypt and Russia on Monday ing experiences of special units..., to defend Iranian human rights. The editorial was published in the United Nations Nikki Haley launched a joint military exercise and combat training for special and both Farsi and English in at least eight state-owned and pro- announced her resignation. to combat terrorism, according to counter-terrorism forces according the Egyptian military. The “De- to the latest training systems," the reform dailies. It said the US has “lied” about the purpose of Mattis said at the time that sanctions, which target the needs of ordinary people and cur- "things are going fine." Rumors fenders of Friendship-3” drill in- statement said. cludes members of parachute units The exercise comes as Egyptian tail access to medical supplies and equipment. “Trade restric- about a potential exit for Mattis, tions, blockades, embargoes, freezing of assets and other eco- often labeled a grown-up figure in from both countries, military President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi be- the Trump administration, have spokesman Col. Tamer Rifai said gan a three-day visit to Russia on nomic sanctions are incompatible with the Charter of the Unit- been circulating for weeks. Mattis in a statement. Monday for talks with his Rus- ed Nations,” the editorial said. was put into the spotlight by a The military exercise, which will sian counterpart Vladimir Putin. It called the US pullout from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran “an book published earlier that shed continue until Oct. 26, is being held A similar military training was held undiplomatic and immoral” policy. The agreement with world light on the inner workings of the at the Mohamed Najib military between Russian and Egyptian powers had been concluded to limit Iran’s nuclear program in Trump administration. base in northwestern Egypt. forces in the southwestern city of return for sanctions relief. The drill aims to “exchange train- Novorossiysk last year. (CNN) (AFP) TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16, 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 Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi Advisory editorial board 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 96: If the proposal for drafting a law includes imposition of new taxes or reduction of state incomes, it shall be included in the work agenda of the National Assembly on condition the compensation source shall also be forecasted in the text of the proposal.

New Delhi, Oct 15 (PTI) In ladesh–China–India– Myan- beginning of what we visual- closer coordination and coop- the first such initiative, India mar Forum for Regional Coop- ise as a long term trilateral part- eration between two countries and China came together Mon- eration (BCIM), to promote re- nership for the benefit of Af- on regional affairs and repre- day to provide assistance to gional peace, stability and ghanistan," Swaraj was quot- sents a positive development Afghanistan through a joint prosperity. ed as saying. in Sino-India relations. training programme for Afghan "Both of us (China and In- India is committed to partner "China and India have been diplomats. dia) support an Afghan-led and Afghanistan in its efforts to active supporters of Afghani- The Joint India-China Train- Afghan-owned peace and rec- emerge as a united, peaceful, stan's peace, and reconstruc- ing Programme for Afghan onciliation process. Both of us secure, stable, inclusive and tion process. This Joint Capac- diplomats,from October 15-26, uphold that Afghanistan economically vibrant nation, ity Building Programme is an began Monday as part of an should realise peace, stability she said. essential part of the interna- understanding reached be- and prosperity. Both of us are Talking about India's New tional efforts to assist Afghan- tween Prime Minister Narendra against terrorism. Development Partnership with istan and marks the start of Modi and Chinese President Xi "We are talking a lot about Afghanistan, she said it aspires China-India-Afghanistan co- Jinping in Wuhan. the regional connectivity initi- to bring prosperity to all 34 operation. Ten Afghan diplomats start- atives, such as International provinces of Afghanistan "It is a testament to the joint ed training at the Foreign Ser- North-South Transport Corri- through high impact communi- aspiration and endeavour of vice Institute (FSI) here after an dor, India-Afghanistan-Iran ty development projects. China and India, both being event where statements by Ex- transit and trade arrangement "Guided by the vision of major, responsible developing ternal Affairs Minister Sushma and China-Pakistan-Afghani- 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas', the countries, to contribute to re- Swaraj and Chinese Foreign stan cooperation. All of these Indian government has em- gional peace and stability," midst continuous, even alarming rate of violent and terror acts, Minister Wang Yi were read out have provided a solid founda- barked on an ambitious devel- Wang said. Afghan government of Ashraf Ghani is firm on his decision by the diplomats of the two tion for the current and future opment partnership programme The Chinese envoy, in his th countries. cooperation between China with commitment of over USD remarks, also said that Presi- of holding parliamentary elections on coming 20 of current China's Ambassador to India and India in Afghanistan," he 3 billion," Swaraj said. dent Xi and Prime Minister October whatever might be the situation or its outcomes. No doubt Luo Zhaohui, in his remarks at said. There were four broad pillars Modi will meet on the sidelines the inauguration of the pro- Noting that the training pro- of the programme -- building of the G20 meeting in Argenti- to commend interests and involvement of Afghans in the election gramme, said such a 'China-In- gramme is the first step for the infrastructure, developing hu- na next month. process, which also confirm their faith in democracy, rule of law and dia Plus' cooperation should be 'China-India Plus' cooperation man resource, enhancing con- Luo also Chinese state coun- extended from Afghanistan to in Afghanistan, the Chinese nectivity, and promoting trade sellor and Foreign Minister supremacy of parliament. But it is crystal clear that due to frequent other countries such as Nepal, envoy said this was just the and investment links, she said, Wang will visit India in Decem- deadly terrorist attacks during the election process majority of Af- Bhutan, Maldives, Iran and beginning. noting that the India-Afghani- ber to launch the first India- ghans have kept themselves away from the electorate’s registration Myanmar. Swaraj, in her statement that stan friendship dam in Herat, China high level people to peo- Describing India as a "re- was read out by FSI Dean Am- Parliament building in Kabul, ple exchanges mechanism. process. According to Afghanistan Independent Election Commis- gional major power", he said bassador J S Mukul, said the and operationalisation of the At the end of this week, Chi- sion data only 89, 18,107 persons have registered themselves as China and India can also join seeds for joint cooperation in Chabahar port were prominent nese State Councilor and Min- hands under the mechanisms Afghanistan were sown at the symbols of this partnership. ister of Public Security Zhao electorate for electing 249 members to Wolesi Jirga in October 20 of South Asian Association for meeting between Prime Minis- Chinese Foreign Minister Kezhi will visit India, he said, elections. Amongst them majority 16, 39,609 are from Kabul prov- Regional Cooperation ter Modi and President Xi when Wang, in his statement read out observing that China-India re- (SAARC), Bay of Bengal Ini- they met in Wuhan in April 2018. by the Chinese ambassador, lations were now on a fast ince and minimum only 57,951 are from central Ghazni province. tiative for Multi-Sectoral Tech- "Today, we see it blooming said the launch of the pro- track. PTI ASK ASK ANB Still hundreds of non Muslim families of Hindu’s and Sikhs are scat- nical and Economic Coopera- with the initiation of this train- gramme marks an important ANB tered in parts and parcels of Afghanistan but strength of registered tion (BIMSTEC) and Bang- ing programme. This marks the step forward as it reflects the (THEWEEK) electorates from both the communities is only 583. Very low even disappointing registration process confirms interests in the election process. In fact little before the election process, the militants have made invasion with help of their external financiers on Ghazni in third and fourth week of July, thus making uncertain people from all over this historical part of Afghanistan. And with commencing of elector- ates registration process, the militants stormed the registration offic- es with suicide bombers, bombs and other guns in Kabul, Jalalabad, Helmand, Faryab and several other main cities and towns throughout Afghanistan. Hundreds of people either killed or wounded in elec- tions related violent and terrorist acts. Beside others a number of candidates like Sardar Otar Singh have also been killed in these ter- rorist acts. Now when through US Special Envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, the US succeeded in a major breakthrough of holding direct talks with Taliban Qatar office, therefore, Afghan government needs to first focus on declaration of a ceasefire for ensuring completion of election process. If Taliban are reluctant to declare ceasefire, then in such a case going to polls could be considered a move push the civilians into another era of bloodshed. The Afghans from last four decades are ahead with worst kind of violence, aggression and im- ported hostilities. They couldn’t afford more bloodshed and hostili- ties on their motherland. On such grounds, Afghan government needs to re-visit the election process. Similarly at this crucial stage, Afghan government also needs to take the nation into confidence regarding first ever direct talks between US and Taliban, shift in US Afghan policies, reconciliation process and forthcoming Presidential elec- tion. And for the purpose, it needs to initiate steps for convening the traditional Loya Jirga-which always proved an instrument in pulling Afghanistan and its people out of crises and dangers. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Categories Fee Afghanistan Times Parliament 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. TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

More journalists have been killed Marai outlet has safety training for their in Afghanistan this year than in any It was the deadliest single attack journalists or takes protective mea- other country. And although the involving journalists in Afghanistan sures sufficiently seriously. Aman race to be the first at the scene re- since 2001. The first explosion was Farhang, who was injured on 5 mains competitive, the pressure is carried out by an attacker on a September, has been working with on media organisations to do more motorbike; the second followed 1TV for only the past five months. to ensure their reporters stay safe, about 15 minutes later. He told me that he hadn't had any reports the BBC's Najiba Feroz. Media captionThe 30 April attack training during this period of time On 5 September, Tolo News jour- used the tactic of a follow-up bomb- but had been sent to cover securi- nalist Samim Faramarz was report- ing ty incidents. Emad Roustaei has ing live on a suicide attack in the Despite the fact that the twin- been working with the same chan- capital, Kabul. A few minutes lat- bombings tactic has grown, Afghan nel since 2014 and only once un- er, a second attack at the scene media outlets still follow the rou- derwent training provided by the killed him and his cameraman. A tine practice of despatching jour- Afghan Journalists Safety Com- car bomber had targeted emergen- nalists within minutes and expect- mittee. He told me that a number cy services responding to the first ing them to broadcast live from the of times he had been sent to the incident. In total, 26 people died scene. So are news editors learning scenes of bombings when not safe- and 70 were injured, including five anything? After losing its two jour- ly equipped. "On 28 January, I was more journalists. nalists on 5 September, Tolo on my way to cover another story The hell of losing loved ones in News, Afghanistan's first and big- when I received a call from my news Afghanistan gest 24-hours news channel, issued editor who told me an explosion BBC reporter's terrifying days new guidelines on how to cover had just happened in the city and amid Taliban assault on Ghazni security incidents. Lotfullah Na- to go to the scene now. I was told Twenty-six-year-old Aman Far- jafizada, head of Tolo News, told that I was the closest person to hang, who was covering the news the BBC: "One thing we rethought the area. I didn't wear a flak jacket for 1TV, was among them. "I was is the distance that we should keep. and helmet and I went," Roustaei close to the scene of the first ex- In future, we might keep a longer says. The suicide bombing killed plosion and was trying to speak distance when we cover incidents at least 95 people and injured 158 to witnesses," he says. "Suddenly like a suicide attack, demonstra- others in the centre of Kabul. 1TV I heard a loud noise and I collapsed. tion and natural disaster. It's also head of news and current affairs, I tried to stand up but couldn't and important that our journalists Abdullah Khenjani, admits there saw lots of people struggling to should have all the protection gear have been some cases where it has move. Next, I found myself at the that is required, and for them to failed to take precautionary and hospital." This was the second at- stay in touch with our security protective measures before send- tack in four months using the same personnel." Mr Najafizada also ing journalists to cover security tactic - a follow-up blast that tar- spoke about boosting security risk incidents. When asked about safe- gets first responders, journalists assessments and providing intense ty training, Mr Khenjani says 1TV the Reporters Without Borders. tect Journalists' Asia programme required training and equipment so Borders says 60 journalists and among them. On 30 April in Kab- hostile environment training cours- does not have any budget for such The competition among many co-ordinator, Steven Butler, told they can do their job safely," he media workers have been killed in ul, some 26 people, including nine es for journalists. programmes, but that it will make media organisations in Afghanistan the BBC that precautionary mea- says. A vibrant and young media Afghanistan in the past 17 years. journalists, were killed in twin Costly competition sure to assess the security risk has been very costly. "We are un- sures should be taken by journal- is one of the great successes of Aman Farhang says he has learned blasts. One of those who died was But I've spoken to a number of before deploying journalists on the der pressure to be the first at the ists, their employers and security post-2001 Afghanistan. But the his lesson. "I will be extra cautious renowned photographer, Shah reporters and cameramen working ground. More journalists have been bomb scene and film or broadcast forces in Afghanistan. "All em- media groups face extreme chal- about my safety in future and Marai. with different media platforms in killed in Afghanistan this year than live the best shots," says Emad ployers of journalists need to make lenges and have always been un- won't go too close to a bomb scene, Remembering photographer Shah Afghanistan, and not every media in any other country, according to Roustaei. The Committee to Pro- sure that their journalists have the der threat. Reporters Without even if I lose my job." (BBC) Unaffordable higher How genetics and pollution education leadsto are threatening wild dolphins low graduation rates BY Meena Miriam Yust Dolphins are beautiful, highly in- telligent and uncannily human in BY Eleanor J. Bader dents are enrolling in college, just Hutchins said students rarely tell their interactions. Yet, they also 54.8 percent graduate within six their instructors what’s happen- have a language we humans cannot years, with 47 percent of commu- ing in their lives; but if a teacher is fully hear, and a culture that is in After two years of juggling full- nity college students and 31 per- attentive and asks, intervention some ways similar to our own, and time study with full-time work, cent of four-year college students can sometimes be arranged. “You in others, a complete mystery. Like Josefa, a student at Brooklyn Col- dropping out before finishing their get a student who got an A in first- us, they have circles of friends and lege, decided to take a semester off. studies. Economists predict that level classes and then suddenly gets acquaintances, with different greet- “I was exhausted,” she said, “and 2015 college grads will have to Fs…. Obviously, something hap- ings for different individuals, as if decided to move to Florida where work until the age of 75. If life ex- pened. Students almost never come by name. They travel swiftly with- I thought things would be cheap- pectancy stays at 84, this means in and … tell you that they’re in a home range of about 100- er.” This was in 2016. Josefa they will have just nine years of working two jobs because a fami- square kilometers but can go fur- quickly found a waitressing job and retirement. ly member was deported or that ther when they want to. They have secured an apartment. But she also Not surprisingly, the number one they were evicted and are now in a the sleek design of a jet plane fuse- learned that as a non-resident of reason for leaving is financial shelter. Their situations are typi- lage and the intelligence that comes Florida, attending a public college But the cost of remaining is also cally really complex but for most, would be even more expensive than with a 1,600-gram complexly struc- staggering: 70 percent of college financial instability is a primary tured brain. (The human brain is continuing at Brooklyn College. Six students graduate with debt, with issue.” Laura Kina, director of Crit- months after heading to the Sun- an average of $37,172 owed. This ical Ethnic Studies and a professor 1,300 grams.) Found in almost all shine State, she returned to New is up by $20,000 since 2005; of Art, Media and Design at DeP- the world’s oceans, they commu- York and once again registered for monthly payments, an average of aul University in Chicago, said her nicate with friends and family classes. “Right after I got back to $227 in 2005, soared to $393 a students face similar difficulties. through clicks and whistles, and changes was the alteration of DNA mon marine species.” To be sure, of the world’s orcas will be gone in the city, I started working in house- month in 2016. Economists wor- Although she mostly works with echolocation allows them to view that codes for a particular enzyme dolphins are facing similar toxic just a few decades. Some dolphin keeping,” Josefa told Truthout. ry that such financial burdens will graduate students, when she per- the world around them. They pass known as PON1. Scientists believe threats around the world. While species are already very close to “This became troubling because I have a demonstrable impact on ceives a problem or potential prob- on knowledge of culture and tools the enzyme’s metabolic processes metal pollution off the coast of extinction. The Yangtze River dol- didn’t work a set schedule…. It everyday life. To wit, they pre- lem, she meets with the student through the generations from were no longer needed for a life Argentina is assumed to have re- phin, also known as “baiji,” has meant I missed classes because I dict that 2015 college grads will and attempts to intervene. “I al- mother to daughter, a matrilineal underwater. Terrestrial mammals, sulted from decades-old mine lived in the river for 20 million had to go in whenever I was need- have to work until the age of 75. If ways look for resources — a schol- line that preserves and protects by contrast, maintained the intact waste, it is by no means unique to years. There were thousands in the ed. I felt my bills on top of me and life expectancy stays at 84, this arship that might be available or their heritage. Approximately 40 DNA and its enzyme, which hu- South America. Scientists examin- 1950s, but in the year 2000, there could not focus on school in the means they will have just nine other aid. If the student is in an species of dolphins exist. Many mans have to this day. But 53 mil- ing the waters of Lake Geneva, were a mere 13. By 2006, scien- way I wanted to, but I needed the years of retirement. In addition, emergency, or homeless, we help belong to the Delphinidae (ocean lion years later, the genetic change Switzerland, discovered high lev- tists pronounced the species ex- $70 or $80 I got for each apart- millennials are unlikely to be able the best way we can. I don’t al- dolphin) family, including the orca; has become marine mammals’ els of toxic metals including bro- tinct after an unsuccessful six- ment I cleaned and felt that I had to buy homes and some may de- ways know the ins and outs of others live in rivers. Collectively, Achilles’ heel, thanks to human mine, lead, mercury and cadmium. week hunt by conservationists. Its no choice.” Josefa receives finan- lay, or completely sidestep, child- what to do, but I know where to invention. The enzyme has a sec- The toxins came from plastics, current status is either extinct or cial aid—enough to cover the full there are approximately 90 spe- bearing due to financial concerns. go for resources. In some situa- cies of cetaceans, the order com- ond function — an ability to de- some of which had been banned or near extinction — in 2016, some cost of tuition—but explains that How Did This Happen? tions, I explain the college’s leave her $700 rent, plus utilities, phone prising whales, dolphins and por- fend against neurotoxins found in restricted decades ago, indicating amateurs believe they may have There are several reasons for this policy as an option.” According to pesticides. Without PON1, these the toxins remain in the environ- seen a baiji, although they are not bill, transportation and food costs, phenomenon. First and foremost Renee, a 37-year-old student at poises. Scientists analyzing the to say nothing of books and other is the cost of tuition. Between Utah Valley University (UVU), dolphin brain have determined animals are unable to break down ment for years. Plastic pollution certain. The baiji would be the first supplies, feels crushing. “My 1988 and 2018, tuition at public having an understanding teacher or that, like us, they possess a very the neurotoxin and can be poi- is especially pervasive in oceans dolphin made extinct by humans, family can’t help me,” she said. four-year colleges increased by an adviser is key. Renee returned to complex neocortex — a region of soned. Dolphins and other sea crea- that dolphins inhabit – estimated in this case through pollution, dam- “I’m completely on my own.” Jo- astounding 213 percent (from school in 2010, following a di- the brain linked to awareness, tures with the PON1 problem are at 150 million metric tons, with 8 building, overfishing and boat traf- sefa kept the cleaning job for 18 $3,190 in 1988 to $9,828 during vorce. A single parent of two chil- emotions, problem-solving and thus defenseless against agricultural million more tons added annually. fic. Dolphins face threats from cli- months—she said she was too the 2017-18 academic year). dren, now 11 and 14, she attended other human-like abilities. Further, runoff containing pesticides. Part Tellingly, a Malaysian dolphin was mate change as well. Twelve dol- busy to look for other work—and Meanwhile, tuition at private not- several colleges before enrolling at the limbic (emotional) system in of the reason the endangered in- found dead after digesting nine phins were washed ashore in one admits that she was often nearly for-profit colleges went up 129 UVU: Brigham Young University- some species is even more com- fant orcas off the coast of Califor- pounds of plastic bags. Chemicals week this summer in Florida, as a penniless after paying her rent. At percent (from $15,160 in 1988 to Idaho; Barstow College; and a pro- plex than humans. These sensitive nia are having trouble is this kind can have a lasting and sometimes result of a red tide disaster, due in one particularly low point, she $34,740 for 2017-18). If you’re prietary college she declined to creatures have made the headlines of pollution. Marine mammals by irreversible impact on the environ- part to rising temperatures, with said, “I had to tell my teachers that wondering how this occurred, name. “I’d gotten married at 21, in the past few months. An endan- the Florida coast are at risk as well, ment. Without containment, poi- six killed in 24 hours. Such num- I was missing class because I could you’re not alone, and several the- had two kids, and was a military gered orca known as Tahlequah as scientists sampling waterways sons that were banned years ago bers have usually been an annual not afford a MetroCard. Most ories have been floated to explain wife who had grown up in a mili- mourned the tragic loss of her baby, have found significant levels of seep out of landfills, into streams loss in the past. Dolphins face a understood and told me that as long the phenomenon. One hypothesis tary family,” she began. “I did not chlorpyrifos pesticide contamina- and oceans, permanently contam- particular and cruel peril in Japan. as I stayed caught up on work, it carrying her dead calf for a record blames the decline in federal fund- know how to move in a world that 17 days and 1,000 miles on what tion. Dolphins have also been dis- inating water. For some species, a The town of Taiji holds an annual would be OK. One teacher, ing for higher education. Another was not in a military context. I though, she reached into her pock- some have deemed a “tour of grief.” appearing from areas around the death sentence has already been dolphin “drive hunt” in which blames the bloat in the number of started college eight years ago be- globe they once inhabited, such as assured. Change has come too late more than 1,000 dolphins are mas- et and gave me her MetroCard. I college administrators, which went cause it seemed like the next step.” Stay in the loop never expected anything like this. up by 60 percent between 1993 It did not take long for her to feel Never miss the news and analysis off the coast of Argentina. There, for the orca variety of dolphin, also sacred each year. Hunters find a For me, it meant everything, be- and 2009. Between 1988 and 2018, unmoored. “I couldn’t work at a you care about. Shortly following where dolphins were once com- known as the killer whale. This is pod of dolphins and first create a cause the $30 I saved on subway tuition at public four-year colleg- job, do the parent thing and also Tahlequah’s tragedy, the Center for mon, only “a single resident pop- the sad revelation recently pub- clamor to disrupt the dolphins’ fare would pay for food for that es increased by an astounding 213 do the school thing,” she said. “My Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit ulation” is believed to be left. lished in the journal Science regard- sonar, upsetting the dolphins and week.” Josefa’s voice broke as she percent. Stagnant wages, of course, children’s father had just left and I against the National Marine Fish- Heavy metal contamination and ing polychlorinated biphenyls driving them into a cove, where recounted the interaction, and she also enter the mix. According to wanted to be there for them, tuck eries Service regarding the species overfishing are likely contributors (PCBs) and orcas. PCBs banned they are then killed one by one, as took a deep breath before continu- the College Board, average annual them in at night. To my kids, my of orca on the West coast of the the decline. Elevated levels of lead, more than 30 years ago have the water in the cove turns red. ing. She is now in a much better incomes vary by region, with fam- being in school seemed like they’d US that has become critically en- zinc, copper and cadmium have leached into the oceans, and killer Even when dolphins are captured place, she said: She recently got a ilies in the US South living on an lost both parents. I couldn’t do it.” dangered. The suit alleged that the been found in mollusks, crusta- whales as apex predators are “the and kept in captivity, they react job in a bank and works set hours, average of $66,510 a year, while When she re-enrolled at UVU in agency has neglected to establish ceans and sea lions, as well as ele- most PCB contaminated mammals to their surroundings. Dolphin In- for a set salary with benefits. Her those in the Northeast average 2013, the experience was similar- habitat protection for the orcas. vated levels of mercury, cadmium, in the world,” say the researchers, telligence and the Future of the goal is to finish her bachelor’s de- $81,500. Race is also at play, with ly unsettling. She said that people With only 75 of these orcas left, zinc and copper in bottlenose dol- who found some of the killer Animal Population gree in psychology and then pur- the average yearly income of Asian told her she had to work to the the population is the lowest it has phins. Metals pass from mother’s whales had 1,300 milligrams per That dolphins are highly emotion- sue a master’s in counseling so that households at $93,500 while Black bone in order to graduate. “I kept milk to the baby, resulting in the kilo of PCBs in their blubber – 50 al is well-known. Peter — a dol- she can work in a public school been in 30 years. Meanwhile, a families live on an average income asking myself why they were tell- combination of factors is threat- newborn dolphin having a weak- milligrams per kilo has been shown phin kept in captivity after being with struggling, low-income stu- of $49,370. For Latinx families, the ing me I had to suffer,” she said. “I dents. Josefa is far from alone. ening the very survival of these ened immune system and a lower in previous research to be suffi- moved to a smaller facility and average is $51,110; for white fam- felt a lot of despair.” Then, an on- probability of survival. The bot- cient to cause infertility and seri- permanently separated from the Nonetheless, her persistence ilies, $82,070. Needless to say, campus sexual assault in 2014 led animals. Genetics and Pollution makes her an anomaly since stu- paying for college tests all but the to another withdrawal. Two years A recent study published in the tlenose dolphin is believed to be a ous immune system problems. As regular keeper he loved — fell into dents facing similar challenges drop most economically secure among later, Renee returned to UVU. “I’d journal Science delivers a serious common species globally, and con- with metals, mothers pass the depression. Dolphins do not out at an astronomical rate. The us. Christine Hutchins, an assis- learned that UVU has resources for warning as to the likelihood that sequently, people are less con- PCBs on to their babies through breathe air automatically the way consequences of high drop-out tant professor of English at Hos- single moms,” she said. “The dolphins and other marine mam- cerned about the threat to the spe- milk. The researchers predict that humans do; each breath must be rates are potentially dire because tos Community College in New Women’s Success Center special- mals could be extirpated by pol- cies, yet in certain localities these “PCB-mediated effects on repro- made consciously. A dolphin who economic analysts predict that by York’s South Bronx, said students’ izes in helping women like me nav- lutants. The discovery concerns an dolphins are quietly disappearing, duction and immune function has lost the will to live does not 2020, 65 percent of US jobs will failure to complete coursework is igate academic scholarships and evolutionary change to DNA ap- as along the Argentinian coast. Sci- threaten the long-term viability of swim to the surface for his next require post-high school training often misread as disinterest or in- campus life.” Renee is presently proximately 53 million years ago, entists warn that the Argentina [more than] 50% of the world’s breath. This was the fate of Peter; or a degree. Right now, only one- ability. “You hear people say, ‘Oh, enrolled in two programs: a state which makes cetaceans particular- study “provides an example of killer whale populations.” They imprisoned and friendless at the third of US residents hold a bach- they’re not cut out for college.’ vocational rehabilitation course in ly sensitive and therefore vulnera- how the failure to recognize local forecast a population collapse of new facility, he did not swim up elor’s degree, let alone a master’s. This does not read the facts about technical writing and a bachelor’s ble. Their bodies underwent vari- population declines can threaten orcas near industrialized regions, for air and was found lifeless on And it’s not for lack of trying. Al- how complicated our students’ program in philosophy. ous gradual changes during this the national (and eventually the in- as well as in regions where orcas the tank floor. though increasing numbers of stu- lives are,” she told Truthout. (Truthout) evolutionary period. One of these ternational) status of a once com- feed on larger prey. In short, half (Truthout) TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Silent About The In his interview with 60 Minutes last night. President Trump made a number of self-in- criminating comments about Russia. He down- Khashoggi Case? played Russia’s certain role in conducting as- sassinations to a mere “probability,” defend- ing his skepticism by saying, weirdly, “I rely on them, it’s not in our country.” He shooed away evidence of collusion by insisting, “Do you really think I’d call Russia to help me with an election? Give me a break. They wouldn’t be able to help me at all. Call Russia. It’s so ridiculous.” In fact we know Russia helped Trump (by hacking and distributing Democratic emails), and that Trump eagerly exploited this help by making it a central cam- paign theme. We also know that trump had multiple avenues of contact with Russia, in- cluding asking them on national television to find Hillary Clinton’s State Department emails. But the most revealing statement he made was when asked about Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump has repeatedly evaded Nearly two weeks after the con- the witnesses at the Mykonos the question in the past. President Donald troversy about the disappearance Case, Abolghassem Mesbahi, was Trump: — is a bigger problem. The question is and possible death of Saudi Jour- a former Iranian Intelligence Min- about Russian election interference in 2016. nalist Jamal Khashoggi during a istry operative, who also disclosed Trump turns it into a diatribe about China. visit to the Saudi consulate in Istan- the government's plot to assassi- This is highly significant. The administration bul, Iran has not reacted to the case. nate Hadi Khorsandi, a prominent is very openly stoking tension with China and Tehran could have easily used such satirist based in London. One of centering China as America’s primary global a big international issue as propa- the witnesses at the Mykonos rival. Last week, Mike Pence delivered a high- ganda leverage against Saudi Ara- Case, Abolghassem Mesbahi, was profile speech challenging China across. bia; its regional rival and enemy. a former Iranian Intelligence Min- Even the Iranian state TV which is istry operative, who also disclosed controlled by the office of the Su- the government's plot to assassi- preme Leader Ayatollah Ali nate Hadi Khorsandi, a prominent Khamenei and IRGC-linked media satirist based in London. Although German chancellor’s allies outlets such as Fars and Tasnim observers thought the Mykonos News Agencies and Javan news- case would dissuade Iran from fol- paper have been conspicuously lowing other assassination plots in silent about Khashoggi's disap- Europe, Tehran continued with the suffer historic election losses pearance. Perhaps it is because mischief and killed several others Iran and Saudi Arabi's leaders share in various countries throughout the the view that they are entitled to 1990s. In the 1980s, Iran unabash- murder their opponents anywhere edly boasted about killing its op- in the world. On the other hand, ponents outside the country, but both states believe other countries from late 1990s Tehran tried to should not intervene when Tehran distance itself from the murders or Riyadh violate human rights. On although a series of assassination the other hand, Iran is currently in attempts took the lives of several the spotlight because of the in- Iranian politicians and artists in- volvement one of its diplomats in cluding former Prime Minister a plot to attack a gathering of the Shapour Bakhtiar in France and Iranian opposition group Mojahe- outspoken TV artist Fereidoun din-e Khalq (MeK) in Paris. Iran's Farrokhzad in Germany. In the Envoy calls for establishing silence about Khashoggi's possi- meantime, during the 1990s Te- ble murder, is in sharp contrast hran continued murdering intellec- direct Iran-Uzbekistanflight with its propaganda stunt to take tuals and writers inside Iran in a advantage of the execution of Sau- series of events that were later dis- Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Iran Bakhodir Abdullaev said that com- di Shi'ite opposition figure Sheikh closed as "chain murders." Yet an- mon history and culture has paved the way for increasing tourism Nimr in 2016. Back then, not only other possibility is that Iran's re- cooperation but lack of direct Iran-Uzbekistan flight is a major problem Tehran went full force, blaring its luctant stance in Khashoggi’s case which hinders the process. He made the remarks on Monday in a meet- propaganda against Riyadh, but is that Tehran does not attach any ing with the general governor of Markazi province Seyyed Ali Aghaza- mobs of pro-regime rabble-rous- political significance to a renowned deh in the city of Arak. 117 factories are active in Uzbekistan that are ers were allowed to attack and burn columnist while for instance in the jointly owned by Iranian-Uzbek investors, and most of these invest- German Chancellor Angela Mer- Greens, who were the big winners half to just below 10%, ceding the the Saudi embassy in Tehran. Pass- case of Sheikh Nimr, Tehran had ments have been made by businesspersons of Markazi province, added kel’s arch-conservative Christian with a record 18-19%. State pre- position of Bavaria’s second-larg- ing a judgement on the Khashoggi an opportunity to mark its strate- the envoy. Bilateral relations between Tehran and Tashkent have deep- Social Union (CSU) allies suffered mier Markus Soeder, 51, conced- est political force to the Greens. case would have reminded the me- gic depth. Nimr was a dissident ened since presidents of the two countries met last year, he said, adding historic losses in Bavarian state ed that the outcome was “pain- “Debacle for CSU and SPD,” ran dia of Tehran's similar behavior at Saudi Shiite cleric and Tehran want- that Uzbekistan is fully ready to enhance the level of cooperation with elections Sunday, delivering a harsh ful,” while CSU party chief and the online headline of Bild daily, a time when Iran certainly does not ed to agitate the Shia in the region. Iran in different fields. Aghazadeh, for his part, said that Markazi prov- blow to her fragile three-party co- national Interior Minister Horst while Der Spiegel described it as a like international attention on its From Tehran's point of view, even ince enjoys high potentials for enhancing industrial and agricultural alition government, AFP reported. Seehofer said, “It was not a nice “bitter defeat” for Bavaria’s tradi- policy of assassinating Iranian Turkey's elaborate position on the cooperation between the two countries. The metropolis of Arak has an The CSU scored 35%, a 12-point day for us.” The anti-immigration tional ruling party. opposition figures in other coun- case might be an attempt to claim international airport and also an airline which can prepare the grounds drop from four years ago in the Alternative for Germany (AfD), For the chancellor, who has been tries. Iran has been accused and in Ankara's political authority and its for establishing Iran-Uzbekistan flight, he added. Elsewhere in his re- affluent state it has ruled almost which is hostile to Muslims and in power for 13 years, the Bavari- some cases officially charged with ambition to have the upper hand marks, touching upon US sanctions against the Iranian nation, he said single-handedly since the 1960s. demands that “Merkel must go,” an election creates a new challenge assassinations, including the case in the region by humiliating Riy- that all countries except Saudi Arabia and the Israeli regime are against The poor result means it loses its won 11% and entered the 15th of several months after she managed involving an attack on Mykonos adh. At the same time, they do not these sanctions. It is expected that Iran’s neighboring countries support absolute majority and must scram- Germany’s 16 state assemblies. to forge a fragile “grand coalition” Restaurant in Berlin in September rule out the possibility of Ankara Iran in these circumstances, he added. ble for coalition allies – either the Merkel’s other national governing with the CSU and the reluctant 1992 where Iranian agents killed seeking some concessions from conservative Free Voters (11%) or partner, the Social Democrats SPD. Kurdish opposition figures, most Saudi rulers. notably Sadeq Sharafkandi. One of (BBC) Turkmenistanco-ops long-time ideological foes the (SPD), saw their support drop by (BBC) with World Customs N o r t h K o r e a r e f u se s t o p r ov i d e Organization A meeting between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign l i st s o f n u c l e a r si t e s t o U S Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WTO) Kunio Mikuriya has taken North Korea's leader Kim Jong- ing in Pyonyang agreed to direct sula improved this year since the place in Brussels, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry said in a statement. un refused to provide the list of working groups to discuss four leaders of North and South Korea The promising areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the the Asian nation's nuclear facilities point of a document signed in Sin- began bilateral talks that resulted World Customs Organization were discussed during the meeting. In to US State Secretary Mike Pom- gapore, according to State Depart- in a joint agreement to reach a peace particular, the Turkmen side expressed interest in studying and learning peo until the signing of a declara- ment said. The US secretary of state deal. In June, Kim and US Presi- the experience of the WTO in improving the organization of customs tion ending the 1950-1953 Korean said after his recent meeting with dent Donald Trump struck an control at the borders, the message says. Turkmenistan, with its mod- War, media reported citing sourc- the North Korean leader that he agreement requiring Pyongyang to ern infrastructural facilities, is becoming an important part of trade and es. When asked to provide at least can now see a path forward to- denuclearize in exchange for sanc- transport and logistics systems at the regional and international level. a partial list of nuclear sites, Kim ward the goal of denuclearizing tions relief and a halt to US-South The World Customs Organization is an intergovernmental international allegedly said that in the absence Pyongyang. Kim invited inspec- Korean military drills. However, organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The WTO focuses on of trusting relationship between tors to visit the Punggye Ri nucle- In July, US Director of National the development of international instruments, conventions on such is- Washington and Pyongyang, the ar test site to confirm it has been Intelligence Dan Coats said it was sues as classification of goods, estimation of customs value, rules of United States will not believe the irreversibly dismantled, and both unlikely that North Korea would origin of goods, customs duties, security of the supply chain, simplifi- list even if it gets it, according to Kim and Pompeo agreed to have dismantle its nuclear program cation of international trade procedures, the fight against customs of- the Japanese Yomiuri Shimbun working-level teams meet in the within a year. US media reported fenses and counterfeit goods (protection of intellectual property), and newspaper. The Korean War end- near future to discuss other unre- earlier that Pyongyang was con- the fight against corruption. The Parliament of Turkmenistan ratified ed with the armistice but a peace solved issues from the Singapore tinuing to develop its nuclear pro- last year an agreement on transit and transport cooperation ("Lapis treaty was never signed. Pompeo summit, according to State Depart- gram and trying to deceive the Lazuli"), which was previously signed at the level of senior officials of and Kim during their recent meet- ment. The situation on the penin- United States. the Foreign Ministries of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Geor- gia and Turkey It is expected that railways and highways will connect the city of Torghundi in the Afghan province of Herat with Ashgabat, then with the Caspian port of Turkmenbashi. The corridor will extend to Baku, then will pass through Tbilisi and will reach Ankara with Turkey'sdiplomaticsuccessprotects4MpeopleinIdlib branches leading to Poti and Batumi, then will run from Ankara to Istanbul. The project budget, which aims to facilitate transit logistics and to simplify customs procedures, is estimated at $2 billion. The Some four million civilians taking the blockade were also gathered in Iran, the guarantors of the Syrian project is designed to increase the economic integration of the region shelter in Syria's Idlib province -- Idlib. Idlib -- where armed groups cease-fire within the framework of and the volume of trade. with Turkey's efforts -- have been such as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham and Astana agreements. protected from a possible massa- Huraseddin also have a presence Following Turkish President Re- cre and migration risk imposed by along with the opposition -- has cep Tayyip Erdogan's proposal the Bashar al-Assad regime and its turned into the new target of the during the trilateral summit held in Kazakh President to arrive allies. Located in northwest Syria, regime and allies in the summer. Tehran on Sept. 7, Erdogan and Idlib has become one of the regions While the regime forces intensely Russian President Vladimir Putin to Helsinki on Wednesday hit by the greatest wave of vio- deployed military elements to Idlib agreed on additional measures to lence during the Syrian civil war. -- surrounding it from three direc- maintain the cease-fire in Idlib in a Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev is scheduled to ar- Therefore, it was declared a de-es- tions -- the regime head Assad and meeting held in Sochi on Sept. 17. rive in Helsinki on Wednesday on an official visit, said Office of calation zone following the Astana Russian officials made threatening Following the Sochi Agreement, a the Finnish President in a press release, reports Daily Finland. meeting by Turkey, Russia and statements towards the region. new phase started in Idlib -- the "The visit will begin with a welcoming ceremony at the Presiden- Iran on May 4-5, 2017. At the The regime and Russia launched regime and Russia ended their air- tial Palace. After the ceremony, President Sauli Niinistö and Pres- same time, being the "stronghold" airstrikes on Idlib on Sept. 4. Tens strikes and threats. ident Nazarbayev will hold discussions on bilateral relations as of the military opposition amid the of thousands of civilians began to Some 80,000 civilians who left their well as some international issues, including relations with the civil war, Idlib received a great migrate towards the regions near homes following the attacks re- United States, China and Russia. After the discussion, the Pres- number of refugees. Due to the at- the Turkish border or the Turkish turned to Idlib. The civilians, en- idents will hold a joint press conference," reads the message. tacks by the Assad regime and its army's observation points in the couraged by the Turkish army's In the afternoon, Nazarbayev will lay a wreath at the Hietaniemi allies, the civilians fled from vari- country. As the UN increased its presence at the observation points, cemetery and visit the technology company Nokia. ous parts of the country to Idlib, warnings on a possible huge civil- began to repair their houses dam- Niinistö and Nazarbayev last met in June 2017, when the Finnish increasing the population of the ian massacre, migration wave and aged by the attacks. President visited the Astana World Expo in Kazakhstan. province to nearly four million. In humanitarian crisis in Idlib, Tur- Despite the difficult conditions, The Presidents have also met previously when Niinistö visited addition, the military opposition key accelerated its diplomacy traf- the families began to send their Kazakhstan in 2015 and 2013. The last time Nazarbayev visited Finland was in 2009, which was which were forcefully evacuated fic. children to schools. The environ- a state visit hosted by the then Finnish President Tarja Halonen. from the many points that the re- Turkish officials conducted meet- ment of trust revived the social and (Trend) gime had recently seized through ings with delegations of Russia and economic life in the city. TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

As key representatives of the three chief villains of international finance and trade, the IMF, World Bank (WB) and the World Trade Organi- zation (WTO) met on the lush re- sort island of Bali, Indonesia, they warned the world of dire conse- quences in terms of reduced inter- national investments and decline of economic growth as a result of the ever-widening trade wars initiated and instigated by the Trump Ad- ministration. They criticized pro- tectionism that might draw coun- tries into decline of prosperity. The IMF cuts its global economic growth forecast for the current year and for 2019. This is pure scare- mongering based on nothing. In fact, economic growth of the past that claimed of having emanated from increased trade and investments has served a small minority and driven a widening wedge between rich and poor of both developing and indus- trialized countries. It’s interesting how nobody ever talks about the internal distribution of GDP growth that these handlers and instruments of empire and liars for the elite are boasting about; nobody ever seems to question the way these growth rates are calculated or perhaps just This photo provided by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and drawn out of hot air? Take the case Energy, shows an investment roundtable led by Minister Sung of Peru, a resource-rich country that Yun-mo (4th from R) with Europe-based companies at the Four boasted in the past. Seasons hotel in Paris on Oct. 15, 2018. (Yonhap) This photo provided by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, shows an investment roundtable led by Minister Sung Yun-mo (4th from R) with Europe-based companies at the Four Seasons Narendra Modi warns of high crude oil hotel in Paris on Oct. 15, 2018. (Yonhap) South Korea has clinched new in- Moon is currently on a tour of vestment deals totaling US$600 Europe that will run till Saturday. prices hurting global economic growth; million with firms in European The new investment deals put the Union countries, achieving the an- total amount of South Korea's Soughts review of payment terms nual target for foreign direct invest- 2018 foreign direct investment at changes almost all civil ment, Seoul's trade ministry said $20.27 billion, surpassing the $20 Monday. The Ministry of Trade, billion target, the ministry said. Industry and Energy said it secured Over a dozen companies in sec- the new deals with four EU-based tors such as chemical, renewable societyrepresentatives in companies at the investment energy and healthcare attended the roundtable it held in Paris. It came event that was presided over by on the sidelines of South Korean South Korean Trade Minister Sung President Moon Jae-in's four-day Yun-mo, including Total S.A., Economic, Social Council state visit to France that ends Tues- Renault and Volvo Trucks, the min- day. istry added. (AP) The Romanian Government has CES members were last selected changed 13 of the 15 representa- in 2015 by the Ponta cabinet, with tives of the civil society in the Eco- a mandate of four years. Besides nomic and Social Council (CES), representatives of the civil soci- Eur opean stocks one of the most important bodies ety, the Economic and Social Coun- in Romania that analyzes and is- cil also includes representatives of sues opinion on legislation chang- employers’ association and trade hit 22-month low as es and decisions of the Parliament unions. Pro Romania and Roma- and Government. The change was nia Together Movement, two par- made through a decision signed by ties led by former prime ministers New Delhi: Prime Minister Naren- gust has negated cut in taxes and ous such meeting, sources said. File prime minister Viorica Dancila, lo- Victor Ponta and Dacian Ciolos, dra Modi on Monday warned oil subsidy. With Saudi Arabia Oil image of Prime Minister Narendra Saudi tensions swirl cal Hotnews.ro reported. The PM both criticized the Government’s producers like Saudi Arabia that Minister Khalid A Al-Falih and a Modi. ReutersFile image of Prime apparently took this decision to decision, calling it an abuse. They high crude prices are hurting the UAE minister listening, Modi at Minister Narendra Modi. Reuters accelerate the adoption of the Gov- said the appointments of the new global economy and sought a re- his third annual brainstorming An official statement issued after ernment’s projects, which were members were made without a view of payment terms to provide with the chief executives of top the meeting said Modi noted that often delayed because the CES transparent selection process and a temporary relief to the local cur- global and Indian oil and gas com- "the oil market is producer driven members who had to issue their that respected members were re- rency. India, the world's third-big- panies underscored how crude oil and both the quantity and prices opinion needed time to study the placed for criticizing the Govern- gest oil consumer, has been over prices at a four-year high were are determined by the oil-produc- legislation, according to sources ment’s projects. the past two months battered by hurting global growth. Sources ing countries". "Though there is close to CES. “From now on, Meanwhile, the Labor Ministry high crude oil prices that have sent privy to the deliberations said enough production, the unique fea- things will be more fluid, will move replied that it made the proposal retail petrol, diesel and LPG rates Modi also asked chief executives tures of marketing in the oil sector faster,” the same sources said. for changing the CES members on to record high, posed inflationary why no new investments in oil and have pushed up the oil prices," it Each CES member gets a RON June 22 and that some members risks and together with a sliding gas exploration and production are said quoting the prime minister. 3,000 (EUR 645) monthly com- were constantly absent from the rupee threatened to upset its cur- coming to India despite the gov- Consuming countries, he said, face pensation but needs to be present CES meetings. rent account deficit. Also, unrelent- ernment implementing all the sug- economic challenges like serious at all four monthly meetings. The (AP) ing fuel price rise since mid-Au- gestions they made at the previ- resource crunch due.

World markets turned tail again on brokerage in Tokyo, Japan, Octo- Monday, as a bounceback in oil ber 15, 2018. REUTERS/Toru prices and rising tensions between Hanai Western powers and Saudi Arabia The official Saudi Press Agency added to a cocktail of concerns that (SPA) quoted an unnamed official battered global stocks last week. on Sunday saying the kingdom The International Monetary Fund abilities in the international finan- file retail traders and institutional attacks in the long-term. It is as cryptocurrency exchange in the US Japan’s Nikkei [.T] and China’s “will respond with greater action,” (IMF) has stated in a recently re- cial system.” Despite the 80 per- investors to allocate large amounts important to establish systems to alongside Coinbase, also recently main bourses [.SS] tumbled again if there are measures and that its leased report that the rapid growth cent decline in the valuation of the of money in the asset class. deal with the aftermath of hacking obtained insurance services from overnight as trade concerns per- economy “has an influential and of Bitcoin and crypto could im- crypto market, the industry has As the cryptocurrency sector con- attacks as integrating various meth- Aon to ensure that in an unlikely sisted, and Europe’s STOXX 600 vital role in the global economy.” pact the international finance sys- seen some of the most positive tinues to grow at an exponential ods to prevent hacking attacks,” event of a security breach, the ex- index hit a 22-month low as U.S. Traders read that as meaning driv- tem. The report entitled “World developments regarding the insti- rate, the IMF emphasized that it Jeon Ha-jin, the chairman of South change is able to cover user funds markets prepared to re-open after ing oil prices up further. Brent Economic Outlook: Challenges to tutionalization, regulation, and de- could create vulnerabilities in the Korea Blockchain Association and holdings fully. “Consumers are their worst week since March. crude responded by jumping 1 Steady Growth” published by the velopment of cryptocurrencies as financial system. Because cryp- said. looking for the same levels of in- [.N] The lack of confidence con- percent [O/R] which in turn saw IMF read: “Cybersecurity breach- an emerging asset class in the past tocurrencies are considered alter- South Korea bitcoin sured protection they’re used to tinued to boost traditional safe Saudi stocks .TASI recover the full es and cyberattacks on critical fi- nine months. native currencies with value, a In South Korea, the third largest being afforded by traditional finan- haven assets. The yen JPY= and 3.5 percent they had lost on Sun- nancial infrastructure represent an Led by existing companies like growing number of hackers have cryptocurrency exchange market cial institutions. Educating our in- Swiss franc CHF= both made day when the diplomatic tensions additional source of risk because Coinbase and Gemini, major finan- started to target digital asset trad- behind the US and Japan, exchanges surers not only allows us to pro- ground on a subdued dollar in the flared. Turkey's lira they could undermine cross-bor- cial institutions in the likes of ing platforms with sophisticated have begun to insure their funds vide such protections to our cus- currency markets [FRX/] while TRYTOM=D4 was another big der payment systems and disrupt NYSE, Cboe, and Goldman Sachs tools and hacking methods. “Steal- through trusted insurance provid- tomers, but it also sets the expec- gold XAU= hit its highest since riser on Monday, jumping 1.5 per- the flow of goods and services. have started to strengthen the in- ing cryptocurrencies is similar to ers like Samsung to add an addi- tation for consumer protection the end of July. [GOL/] cent to its highest since mid-Au- Continued rapid growth of cryp- frastructure of the cryptocurren- stealing cash, and exchanges will tional layer of security and inves- across the crypto industry,” Yusuf Germany's government bonds also gust after Trump cheered the re- to assets could create new vulner- cy market, allowing both high pro- continue to be targeted by hacking tor protection. Gemini, a leading Hussain. (AP) rallied and the euro climbed as high lease of a U.S. pastor who had been as $1.16 EUR= despite a humbling under house arrest in Turkey. In- regional election result for Chan- vestors hope his release can lead cellor Angela Merkel's conserva- to an improvement in strained tive Bavarian allies on Sunday. “I U.S.-Turkey relations. “The lira is ECONOMICSANCTIONSALONEAREUNLIKELYTOCHANGERUSSIA don’t think there is really any ap- likely to benefit at least modestly petite to dive back in (to stocks), during the period between now and The question of how Russia will uation in Ukraine as it is unlikely state apparatus made up from se- and the Saudi situation is just an- the CBT (central bank) meeting of evolve in the next decades is one that any further penetration by curity, intelligence and army agen- other ball for investors to have to 25 October where we anticipate of the most perplexing and at the Russian military will take place cies. It makes the question of in- juggle,” said CMC Markets’ senior the next 300 bps rate hike,” ING same time central questions in beyond the Donbass area. The sit- fluencing the Russians doubly dif- analyst Michael Hewson. “If the analysts wrote in a note. But the modern geopolitics. Nowadays, uation in Georgia is likewise sta- ficult. In other words, economic trend we saw last week continues, broader global picture was still cau- Western leaders and analysts are ble, as Russia is seen to have problems inside the country and it is going to be very hard for Eu- tious. Wall Street futures remained preoccupied with how to influence reached its limit of influence, name- western pressure through sanc- rope to rally... The outlook remains red albeit only just [.N], while Sau- Russia’s behavior in Eurasia. For ly deployment of military bases tions are only short-term solu- very uncertain,” Hewson added. di Arabia's riyal currency SAR= the last four years, economic and in Abkhazia and Samachablo. Seen tions. Russia’s history, however, The Saudi situation remained front was still testing the boundaries of political sanctions imposed by the from a strategic perspective, these provides some interesting insights and centre after Riyadh appeared its peg at 3.7514 to the dollar - its West against Russia’s actions in successes are only short-term. on how the Russian state is gener- to retaliate to U.S. President weakest spot rate since June 2017. eastern Ukraine and the Crimean Russia, with her military and eco- ally susceptible to crises. The for- Donald Trump’s promise of “se- The Saudi central bank maintains Peninsula served as a major com- nomic potential, will use to her eign policy realm is what has been vere punishment” if it turns out a peg of 3.75 riyals to the dollar, ponent in forcing Moscow to benefit international tensions crucial in causing changes in the that prominent Saudi dissident Ja- and usually the currency fluctu- change its geopolitical outlook. across Eurasia. Then what should politics of Russia and the subse- mal Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and ates in a range of about 3.7498- Sanctions and overall western also be made to influence Russia’s quent change of political order in Washington Post columnist, was 3.7503. Overnight, MSCI's broad- pressure did work in a way: the behavior, knowing how loyal the the country. Take the following killed while visiting his country’s est index of Asia-Pacific shares Russian economy took a toll, pov- Russians generally are to their au- examples. The war with Japan in consulate in Istanbul. People walk outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS erty levels have risen, while de- thorities? Political power in the 1904-1905 ushered in the 1905 past an electronic board showing had fallen 1 percent as Shanghai cade-long forecasts do not augur a country, unlike in western coun- Revolution when deep internal Japan's Nikkei average (top R) and .SSEC ended down 1.5 percent and fine future for the country. West- tries, does not emanate from the problems began. People were re- Japanese yen's exchange rate just off a four-year low. [.SS] ern pressure also stabilized the sit- people, but is rooted in the stable volting. (AP) against the U.S. dollar outside a (Reuters) TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES harassed 25 years ago and I'm still angry about it: Saif Ali Khan

The limbs of Rick Grimes (Andrew lyn Nacon), a medic-in-training, on Lincoln) are safe for now, but an- hand, the decision is made to sever other fan-favorite character isn't so Aaron's arm below the elbow. lucky. [This story contains spoil- Aaron is certainly not the first ers for season nine, episode two Walking Dead series regular to suf- of AMC's The Walking Dead, "The fer non-fatal dismemberment; in- As many women came forward Bridge."] Early on in the Walking deed, the late Scott Wilson's Her- with their own ordeals of harass- Dead comic book series from Rob- shel lost a leg early on in season ment and molestation since #Me- ert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard, three. But the loss of a hand, com- Too arose in India, several celebs something unthinkable happens to bined with Aaron's new bearded have stood in solidarity with the Rick Grimes: he loses a hand. For aesthetic for season nine, calls to victims. Saif Ali Khan also shared years, readers of the comics have mind images of Rick's similar inju- his episode of harassment that waited to see if such an incident ry from the comic books on which happened 25 years ago. “I have would come to pass in television the TV show is based. "We decid- also been harassed in my career, form on the AMC drama. Thus far, ed on this story point of Aaron not sexually, but I have been ha- no dice, though the latest episode losing his arm before I noticed how rassed 25 years ago and I am still of the series offered up a consola- much he looks like comic book angry about it,” Saif was quoted tion: the death of another fan-fa- Rick," showrunner Angela Kang by Hindustan Times. “Most peo- vorite character's hand in the form tells The Hollywood Reporter. ple don’t understand other peo- of Aaron, played by Ross Mar- "That part of it was just a crazy ple. It is very difficult to under- quand. In "The Bridge," Rick (An- accident!" In the comics, Rick los- stand other people’s pain. I don’t drew Lincoln) and other members es his hand during his very first want to talk about it because I am of the communities under his lead- meeting with the Governor, played not important today. Even when I ership work together to restore a on the AMC series by David Mor- think about what happened with bridge, in order to ease communi- rissey. Affable enough at first, the me I still get angry. Today, we have "Venom," a character from the Star Is Born," with Bradley Coo- Disney and Warner Bros. Sony Pic- by Box Office Pro. The film is cation and relationships between Governor's true colors emerge to look after women,” he added. comic-book world of "Spider- per and Lady Gaga, came in sec- tures, based in Culver City, Cali- based on the life story of Neil Arm- all of the disparate groups of sur- shortly after Rick arrives in Wood- “People are offended and they Man," topped the box office for a ond for the weekend with $28 mil- fornia, will soon be the only major strong, the first man to walk on vivors. Among the workers on the bury, greeting the future Alexan- want justice. What it is happening second weekend, breathing life into lion. "Venom," a symbiotic alien- movie studio outside Disney to the moon. It had a budget of $59 project: Aaron, whose arm is grave- dria leader with a machete to the is good and it gives you a sense Sony Pictures' superhero movie human duo, is part of Sony's plan have Marvel superheroes at its dis- million, before marketing costs, ly injured when it's pinned by lum- hand. For much of the comic book that something is happening,” the plans. The surprise hit, which to revive its "Spider-Man"-linked posal. Disney is acquiring 21st according to Box Office Mojo, and ber in an accident. With little time series, Rick's arm looks like this: Sacred Games star commented. overcame poor reviews, collected superhero movies. The company Century Fox, which had rights to has been lauded by film critics, to act and with only Enid (Kate- (ABC) After Sajid Khan’s former as- $35.7 million in theaters in the U.S has been working on features from certain Marvel characters such as with 90 percent recommending it, sistant came out with her allega- and Canada, ComScore Inc. esti- a universe of about 900 Marvel the X-Men. "Venom" was forecast according to Rotten Tomatoes. tions against the film-maker, which mated in an email Sunday. It beat characters tied to the web slinger - to add $30 million to its haul this Ryan Gosling plays Armstrong in eventually propelled him to step three new movies, including an a comic-book canon that the stu- weekend, Box Office Pro analysts the movie, which is based on the Priyanka Chopra, down as the director of the House- Oscar favorite "First Man," which dio has licensed from Walt Disney predicted. Sony said Sunday that astronaut's only official biography: full franchise. “You are removing landed third with $16.5 million for Co.-owned Marvel Entertainment. the movie had collected $378.1 "First Man: The Life of Neil A. someone (from the job) and it is a Universal Pictures. Thriller "Bad The success of "Venom," which million globally. Universal Pictures' Armstrong" by James R. Hansen. big deal. You are removing a per- Times at the El Royale" garnered has exceeded analysts' expecta- Oscar hopeful "First Man," which Armstrong - cast as an introvert Nick Jonas son, but everybody has worked on $7.2 million, and a "Goosebumps" tions, gives the studio a boost as it was criticized by some politicians rather than flashy hero - persists a project so you have to balance sequel - also from Sony - scored tries to compete with the more- for not being patriotic enough, in his ambitions as an astronaut things. (Santa Banta) $16.2 million. Warner Brothers' "A expansive superhero franchises at missed a forecast of $20 million despite grief. planning grand Aravindha Sametha crosses Rs 100 cr mark at Jodhpur wedding in November box office, beats Rangasthalam, Bharat Ane Nenu The celebrity couple of the moment, Priyan- ka Chopra and Nick Jonas, are planning a ctor Jr NTR’s Aravinda Sametha has grand November wedding in Jodhpur’s reportedly collected Rs 120 crore at Urmila Umaid Bhavan, according to a new report. the box office, according to early estimates. The film is likely to beat record Matondkar set by Rangasthalam and Bharat Ane Nenu. is a diva and Jr NTR’s Aravindha Sametha is port, the film’s collection dropped I look up to having a dream run at the box of- by 50% on day 2 due to lack of fice. The Trivikram Srinivas direc- early morning shows?and high torial has crossed the Rs 100 crore ticket prices. However, the film re- her: Sonali mark in its first weekend, making mained strong and has grossed a it the third Jr NTR?film to do so. record breaking number. This is Jr Kulkarni ?The film had collected Rs 60 crore NTR’s third highest weekend worldwide on day 1, according to grosser after Jai Lava Kusa at Rs the filmmakers while the website 130.90 crore and Janatha Garage Andhra Box Office had reported at Rs 134.80 crore. The film has the collection of the film in the also defeated the lifetime collec- Telugu states is around Rs 40 tions of earlier Jr NTR films and crore. According to a report in IB- has recovered 81.52 % of the in- Times, the film is estimated to have vestment for the distributors. collected Rs 120 crore in its first Aravindha Sametha stars Pooja weekend, beating the record of Hegde as the female lead while Jag- 2017 summer releases such as Ran- pathi Babu plays the role of the gasthalam starring Ram Charan villain. The film speaks about fac- and Bharat Ane Nenu starring tionalism and resulting violence Mahesh Babu. Rangasthalam had and its affect on the daily lives of reportedly collected Rs 90.5 crore people. It received good response and Bharat Ane Nenu collected Rs from the critics and audience with Priyanka Chopra and her fiance, and his fiance, Sophie Turner. 93 crore. Arvindha Sametha was Jr NTR’s performance being es- Trust actor Sonali Kulkarni to do actor and singer Nick Jonas, are “Even though Joe’s been engaged released in over 2000 screens on pecially appreciated. things differently. The Gulabjaam planning a wedding sooner rather longer, it wouldn’t be surprising if day 1. According to the same re- (Hindustan Times) actor has time and again proved than later. According to a new re- Nick got married first,” the report her versatility by taking up unique port, the celebrity couple could get quoted a source as saying. Priyan- projects and portraying a wide married in November in a lavish ka had hinted as much in an earlier variety of roles. Adding yet another Jodhpur wedding. “Nick and Priy- interview to InStyle. “I’m writing interesting film to her kitty, Sonali anka were recently in India and had a book, and planning a wedding,” Shah Rukh Khan's will be seen in and as Madhuri, even gone to Jodhpur. That was she said. Priyanka Chopra, left, which is Urmila Matondkar’s up- when they decided the gorgeous and Nick Jonas attend the Ralph coming Marathi production. Talk- Umaid Bhawan to be their dream Lauren 50th Anniversary Event Netflix production ing about what appealed to her wedding venue. They will have a held at Bethesda Terrace in Cen- about this film, Sonali says, “The limited guest list of 200 people tral Park during New York Fash- starring Emraan script was crazy, and I just fell in with only their close friends and ion Week. (PTI) love with it. As an actor, one is family in attendance,” Filmfare Nick and Priyanka’s globe-trot- always on the lookout for some- quotes a source as saying. The ting romance has been closely fol- Hashmi begins filming thing great. Generally, when I am wedding will be preceded by a lowed by the internet. They met approached for a film, I am told grand bridal shower, to be held in at the 2017 Met Gala in New York, things like, ‘This will get you an New York. “Since lot of Priyanka and remained in touch until ru- As the shoot for Netflix series Bard on Bilal’s book The Bard Of Blood, award’. However, when I was nar- of Blood commenced today, actor- the show is set against the back- and Nick’s Hollywood friends are mours of them dating first emerged rated Madhuri, there were no settled in New York, PeeCee is a few months ago. After being spot- producer and superstar Shah Rukh drop of the Indian subcontinent. pompous claims. Here, the story Khan said it is the most exciting The multilingual series will tell the quite excited to have her bridal ted with Nick at several outings, is the hero.” The Kachha Limbu shower there followed by a grand the couple visited India numerous thing to come out of his produc- story of an expelled spy, Kabir (2017) actor feels that the past tion banner Red Chillies Entertain- Anand who is recalled from his wedding in Jodhpur,” the report times, culminating in an official couple of years have been a turn- continued. Meanwhile, according ‘roka’ ceremony. They’ve kept ment, reported Business Standard. new life as a Shakespeare profes- ing point in her career. “Apart Famed actor Emraan Hashmi, who sor in Panchgani to save his coun- to a People.com report, it is very their fans updated with pictures from the several awards that I likely that Priyanka and Nick tie from Singapore, Mexico, London, is making his debut in the web se- try and long-lost love. bagged for Kachha Limbu. ries space with the show, began the knot before Nick’s brother, Joe Los Angeles. (Tribune) filming in Leh. He seems smitten by the beauty of the place. Red Chillies Entertainment’s Gaurav Verma said, “Big day! 18 months Bryan Adams wraps up India tour with gig in of hard work faces the camera to- day. First day of Bard of Blood Gurugram, says he’s little Indian by nature shoot with Emraan Hashmi, Rib- hu Das Gupta and my partners in From playing his rock anthems and in the Delhi-NCR region for the first time. Ad- this journey, Bilal Siddiqi and Shah love songs to crooning Kiki, Do ams, who was performing in India for the fifth Rukh Khan. Thank you Red Chil- You Love Me to expressing his time, wasted no time in getting the party started lies Entertainment and Netflix In- Ultimate love for India, Grammy with his hit “Ultimate love”. “My name is Bry- dia.” In response, Shah Rukh said, Award winning singer-songwriter an. It’s been a very long time since I wanted to “This is one of the most exciting Bryan Adams took the Indian mu- play here. We have been coming to India since stuff Red Chillies and your team sic lovers on a rock and roll joy- 1994 and every time I was here I used to ask our is doing. Love to you all.” Based ride with his music while playing promoters where is my New Delhi show’. TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES harassed 25 years ago and I'm still angry about it: Saif Ali Khan

The limbs of Rick Grimes (Andrew lyn Nacon), a medic-in-training, on Lincoln) are safe for now, but an- hand, the decision is made to sever other fan-favorite character isn't so Aaron's arm below the elbow. lucky. [This story contains spoil- Aaron is certainly not the first ers for season nine, episode two Walking Dead series regular to suf- of AMC's The Walking Dead, "The fer non-fatal dismemberment; in- As many women came forward Bridge."] Early on in the Walking deed, the late Scott Wilson's Her- with their own ordeals of harass- Dead comic book series from Rob- shel lost a leg early on in season ment and molestation since #Me- ert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard, three. But the loss of a hand, com- Too arose in India, several celebs something unthinkable happens to bined with Aaron's new bearded have stood in solidarity with the Rick Grimes: he loses a hand. For aesthetic for season nine, calls to victims. Saif Ali Khan also shared years, readers of the comics have mind images of Rick's similar inju- his episode of harassment that waited to see if such an incident ry from the comic books on which happened 25 years ago. “I have would come to pass in television the TV show is based. "We decid- also been harassed in my career, form on the AMC drama. Thus far, ed on this story point of Aaron not sexually, but I have been ha- no dice, though the latest episode losing his arm before I noticed how rassed 25 years ago and I am still of the series offered up a consola- much he looks like comic book angry about it,” Saif was quoted tion: the death of another fan-fa- Rick," showrunner Angela Kang by Hindustan Times. “Most peo- vorite character's hand in the form tells The Hollywood Reporter. ple don’t understand other peo- of Aaron, played by Ross Mar- "That part of it was just a crazy ple. It is very difficult to under- quand. In "The Bridge," Rick (An- accident!" In the comics, Rick los- stand other people’s pain. I don’t drew Lincoln) and other members es his hand during his very first want to talk about it because I am of the communities under his lead- meeting with the Governor, played not important today. Even when I ership work together to restore a on the AMC series by David Mor- think about what happened with bridge, in order to ease communi- rissey. Affable enough at first, the me I still get angry. Today, we have "Venom," a character from the Star Is Born," with Bradley Coo- Disney and Warner Bros. Sony Pic- by Box Office Pro. The film is cation and relationships between Governor's true colors emerge to look after women,” he added. comic-book world of "Spider- per and Lady Gaga, came in sec- tures, based in Culver City, Cali- based on the life story of Neil Arm- all of the disparate groups of sur- shortly after Rick arrives in Wood- “People are offended and they Man," topped the box office for a ond for the weekend with $28 mil- fornia, will soon be the only major strong, the first man to walk on vivors. Among the workers on the bury, greeting the future Alexan- want justice. What it is happening second weekend, breathing life into lion. "Venom," a symbiotic alien- movie studio outside Disney to the moon. It had a budget of $59 project: Aaron, whose arm is grave- dria leader with a machete to the is good and it gives you a sense Sony Pictures' superhero movie human duo, is part of Sony's plan have Marvel superheroes at its dis- million, before marketing costs, ly injured when it's pinned by lum- hand. For much of the comic book that something is happening,” the plans. The surprise hit, which to revive its "Spider-Man"-linked posal. Disney is acquiring 21st according to Box Office Mojo, and ber in an accident. With little time series, Rick's arm looks like this: Sacred Games star commented. overcame poor reviews, collected superhero movies. The company Century Fox, which had rights to has been lauded by film critics, to act and with only Enid (Kate- (ABC) After Sajid Khan’s former as- $35.7 million in theaters in the U.S has been working on features from certain Marvel characters such as with 90 percent recommending it, sistant came out with her allega- and Canada, ComScore Inc. esti- a universe of about 900 Marvel the X-Men. "Venom" was forecast according to Rotten Tomatoes. tions against the film-maker, which mated in an email Sunday. It beat characters tied to the web slinger - to add $30 million to its haul this Ryan Gosling plays Armstrong in eventually propelled him to step three new movies, including an a comic-book canon that the stu- weekend, Box Office Pro analysts the movie, which is based on the Priyanka Chopra, down as the director of the House- Oscar favorite "First Man," which dio has licensed from Walt Disney predicted. Sony said Sunday that astronaut's only official biography: full franchise. “You are removing landed third with $16.5 million for Co.-owned Marvel Entertainment. the movie had collected $378.1 "First Man: The Life of Neil A. someone (from the job) and it is a Universal Pictures. Thriller "Bad The success of "Venom," which million globally. Universal Pictures' Armstrong" by James R. Hansen. big deal. You are removing a per- Times at the El Royale" garnered has exceeded analysts' expecta- Oscar hopeful "First Man," which Armstrong - cast as an introvert Nick Jonas son, but everybody has worked on $7.2 million, and a "Goosebumps" tions, gives the studio a boost as it was criticized by some politicians rather than flashy hero - persists a project so you have to balance sequel - also from Sony - scored tries to compete with the more- for not being patriotic enough, in his ambitions as an astronaut things. (Santa Banta) $16.2 million. Warner Brothers' "A expansive superhero franchises at missed a forecast of $20 million despite grief. planning grand Aravindha Sametha crosses Rs 100 cr mark at Jodhpur wedding in November box office, beats Rangasthalam, Bharat Ane Nenu The celebrity couple of the moment, Priyan- ka Chopra and Nick Jonas, are planning a ctor Jr NTR’s Aravinda Sametha has grand November wedding in Jodhpur’s reportedly collected Rs 120 crore at Urmila Umaid Bhavan, according to a new report. the box office, according to early estimates. The film is likely to beat record Matondkar set by Rangasthalam and Bharat Ane Nenu. is a diva and Jr NTR’s Aravindha Sametha is port, the film’s collection dropped I look up to having a dream run at the box of- by 50% on day 2 due to lack of fice. The Trivikram Srinivas direc- early morning shows?and high torial has crossed the Rs 100 crore ticket prices. However, the film re- her: Sonali mark in its first weekend, making mained strong and has grossed a it the third Jr NTR?film to do so. record breaking number. This is Jr Kulkarni ?The film had collected Rs 60 crore NTR’s third highest weekend worldwide on day 1, according to grosser after Jai Lava Kusa at Rs the filmmakers while the website 130.90 crore and Janatha Garage Andhra Box Office had reported at Rs 134.80 crore. The film has the collection of the film in the also defeated the lifetime collec- Telugu states is around Rs 40 tions of earlier Jr NTR films and crore. According to a report in IB- has recovered 81.52 % of the in- Times, the film is estimated to have vestment for the distributors. collected Rs 120 crore in its first Aravindha Sametha stars Pooja weekend, beating the record of Hegde as the female lead while Jag- 2017 summer releases such as Ran- pathi Babu plays the role of the gasthalam starring Ram Charan villain. The film speaks about fac- and Bharat Ane Nenu starring tionalism and resulting violence Mahesh Babu. Rangasthalam had and its affect on the daily lives of reportedly collected Rs 90.5 crore people. It received good response and Bharat Ane Nenu collected Rs from the critics and audience with Priyanka Chopra and her fiance, and his fiance, Sophie Turner. 93 crore. Arvindha Sametha was Jr NTR’s performance being es- Trust actor Sonali Kulkarni to do actor and singer Nick Jonas, are “Even though Joe’s been engaged released in over 2000 screens on pecially appreciated. things differently. The Gulabjaam planning a wedding sooner rather longer, it wouldn’t be surprising if day 1. According to the same re- (Hindustan Times) actor has time and again proved than later. According to a new re- Nick got married first,” the report her versatility by taking up unique port, the celebrity couple could get quoted a source as saying. Priyan- projects and portraying a wide married in November in a lavish ka had hinted as much in an earlier variety of roles. Adding yet another Jodhpur wedding. “Nick and Priy- interview to InStyle. “I’m writing interesting film to her kitty, Sonali anka were recently in India and had a book, and planning a wedding,” Shah Rukh Khan's will be seen in and as Madhuri, even gone to Jodhpur. That was she said. Priyanka Chopra, left, which is Urmila Matondkar’s up- when they decided the gorgeous and Nick Jonas attend the Ralph coming Marathi production. Talk- Umaid Bhawan to be their dream Lauren 50th Anniversary Event Netflix production ing about what appealed to her wedding venue. They will have a held at Bethesda Terrace in Cen- about this film, Sonali says, “The limited guest list of 200 people tral Park during New York Fash- starring Emraan script was crazy, and I just fell in with only their close friends and ion Week. (PTI) love with it. As an actor, one is family in attendance,” Filmfare Nick and Priyanka’s globe-trot- always on the lookout for some- quotes a source as saying. The ting romance has been closely fol- Hashmi begins filming thing great. Generally, when I am wedding will be preceded by a lowed by the internet. They met approached for a film, I am told grand bridal shower, to be held in at the 2017 Met Gala in New York, things like, ‘This will get you an New York. “Since lot of Priyanka and remained in touch until ru- As the shoot for Netflix series Bard on Bilal’s book The Bard Of Blood, award’. However, when I was nar- of Blood commenced today, actor- the show is set against the back- and Nick’s Hollywood friends are mours of them dating first emerged rated Madhuri, there were no settled in New York, PeeCee is a few months ago. After being spot- producer and superstar Shah Rukh drop of the Indian subcontinent. pompous claims. Here, the story Khan said it is the most exciting The multilingual series will tell the quite excited to have her bridal ted with Nick at several outings, is the hero.” The Kachha Limbu shower there followed by a grand the couple visited India numerous thing to come out of his produc- story of an expelled spy, Kabir (2017) actor feels that the past tion banner Red Chillies Entertain- Anand who is recalled from his wedding in Jodhpur,” the report times, culminating in an official couple of years have been a turn- continued. Meanwhile, according ‘roka’ ceremony. They’ve kept ment, reported Business Standard. new life as a Shakespeare profes- ing point in her career. “Apart Famed actor Emraan Hashmi, who sor in Panchgani to save his coun- to a People.com report, it is very their fans updated with pictures from the several awards that I likely that Priyanka and Nick tie from Singapore, Mexico, London, is making his debut in the web se- try and long-lost love. bagged for Kachha Limbu. ries space with the show, began the knot before Nick’s brother, Joe Los Angeles. (Tribune) filming in Leh. He seems smitten by the beauty of the place. Red Chillies Entertainment’s Gaurav Verma said, “Big day! 18 months Bryan Adams wraps up India tour with gig in of hard work faces the camera to- day. First day of Bard of Blood Gurugram, says he’s little Indian by nature shoot with Emraan Hashmi, Rib- hu Das Gupta and my partners in From playing his rock anthems and in the Delhi-NCR region for the first time. Ad- this journey, Bilal Siddiqi and Shah love songs to crooning Kiki, Do ams, who was performing in India for the fifth Rukh Khan. Thank you Red Chil- You Love Me to expressing his time, wasted no time in getting the party started lies Entertainment and Netflix In- Ultimate love for India, Grammy with his hit “Ultimate love”. “My name is Bry- dia.” In response, Shah Rukh said, Award winning singer-songwriter an. It’s been a very long time since I wanted to “This is one of the most exciting Bryan Adams took the Indian mu- play here. We have been coming to India since stuff Red Chillies and your team sic lovers on a rock and roll joy- 1994 and every time I was here I used to ask our is doing. Love to you all.” Based ride with his music while playing promoters where is my New Delhi show’. TUESDAY . OCTOBER 16. 2018-Mizan 24, 1397 H.S Vol:XI Issue No:78 Price: Afs.20

30 polling NATO ponders Rahul Gandhi IMF, WB, and WTO: India China come Aravindha Scotland need Leigh stations Sametha alleged Russian natural leader of Scaremongering together to crosses Rs 100 Griffiths and Alex in Kunduz Opposition, says cr mark at box INF Treaty Karnataka CM threats on de-global- train Afghan office, beats McLeish to ‘resolve declared high ization and tariffs differences’, says Lee risk areas violation Kumaraswamy diplomats Rangasthalam, Bharat McCulloch Page 3 Page 5 Page 4 Page 9 Page 6 Ane Nenu Page 10 Page 11

AT News Report national issues were scheduled to be discussed in the Monday’s gen- KABUL: The parliament’s hall eral session. AT News Report tions against insurgents in differ- was empty on Monday and no Meanwhile, some of the legis- AT News Report ent areasofNangarhar, Ghazni, member was present to hold the lators have posted photos from the KABUL: At least 49 militants Khost, Kandahar, Herat, Faryab, general session. The parliament general hall on the social media KABUL: Afghan Mixed Martial Art (MMA) champi- were killed and12 others wounded Baghlan, Samangan, Balkh, Sar-e- administrative board has limited its showing them waiting for hours for onAhmad Wali Hotakwas severely injured after he was in multiple extensive military crack- Pul, Helmand and Nimroz prov- general sessions on for Monday’s the administrative board to hold stabbed multiple times in his abdomen by unknown gun- downswithin past 24 hours. inces. Statement said that in these because many MPs are busy for the sessions. men in Kabul Sunday night. Five menarmed with fire- In a press release issued here, operations49insurgentswere killed their campaigns to regain a parlia- Journalists covering parlia- arms and knives attacked the free fighter champion Ah- Ministry of Defense, (MoD) said and 12others wounded. Afghan ment seat, but yesterday’s session ment sessions, say that most of mad Wali Hotak last night in Bagrami area at around that Afghan NationalArmy (ANA) forces arrested four militants dur- was canceled because only a hand- the general sessions are canceled 11:10pm, according to his aide. Hotak and his friends in collaboration with Afghan Na- ing crackdown and handed over ful of them were present including because of the absence of the ad- were invited to a Wolesi Jirga election candidate who tionalPolice (ANP) and National them to judicial organs for further the deputy speaker Erfanollah Er- ministrative board, lack of agenda later went to his friends’ house in Bagrami the 12th PD Directorate of Security (NDS) per- inquiry.Afghan National and De- fan. Erfan said that some serious and other problems. to fare well. He was expected to leave for... P3 sonal has conducted joint opera- fense Security forces... P3