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www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimes www.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes TUESDAY . MAY 03. 2016 -Saur 14, 1395 HS Yo ur Yo ur ad ad he re he re 0778894038 Karzai stressed importance of AT News Report “Both Taliban and Daesh militants against government, but they failed experience from last year’s war and two weeks ago. So far the Afghan were defeated by ANSF in every in their plot.” He added that Tali- were ready to defend the territory. National Army launched the KABUL: Taliban, the Haqqani ter- operation and now they launch ban and Haqqani network launch President Ashraf Ghani ordered Shafaq military operation against national unity rorist network and the Daesh ter- psychological war to divert peo- all their propaganda activities in last week the security organs to armed insurgents in multiple prov- rorist group are waging a psycho- ple’s minds,” Tawab Gorzan, Pakistan against Afghan govern- fight seriously against militants inces of the country. logical war against the people and spokesman for the National Secu- ment. Presidential Spokesman and suppress them in every nook According to Minapal, the government, an official said Mon- rity Council said. Dawa Khan Minapal said that Tal- and corner, an unprecedented operation has been efficacious day, claiming that the militants “Taliban and Haqqani terrorist iban failed to take six provinces move following a deadly suicide against armed terrorists and im- were unable to fight the national network use all possible propagan- and 60 districts last year, adding attack in Kabul that killed and in- posed heavy casualties for the en- security forces. da to change the public view that the security forces had good jured dozens of security officers emies.

Education officials in north-east- ern Badakhshan province on Monday said that nearly 400 teachers, in four districts, are drug AT News Report addicts and continue to teach stu- AT News Report less war in our country and the dents. Abdul Hai Entezami, head KABUL: Former President Hamid main culprits are organizing Af- KABUL: Afghanistan Chamber Karzai has expressed deep concerns ghan war in their safe places in of the provincial education depart- of Commerce and Industries ment, said they plan however to over the recent violence in the coun- abroad,” the statement added. (ACCI) on Monday termed ab- try, calling on Afghans to maintain Karzai called on those Taliban start discussions with these teach- duction, high taxes and visa issu- ers soon. "A survey which we and further strengthen their unity. fighters who claim to be Afghans ance challenges as the main barri- to get release from the aliens’ cap- conducted at Badakhshan border ers ahead of traders, urging the “The violence increased since the schools found there are 380 teach- April 19 terrorist attack in Kabul,” tivity, put an end to the war and government to take measures for fratricide and join the reconstruc- ers who are addicts, including male solution. The chamber’s deputy Karzai was quoted as saying by a and female teachers at schools, and statement his office issued Mon- tion of their ruin home. He also Khanjan Alokozai criticized 25 asked the government to turn they are currently teaching. In-fact percent increase in the rate of en- day. Once again Karzai strongly this will create problems, because ergy, asking for the revise over condemned the attack that claimed their propaganda and war machine psychologically they are ill," En- the decision to support domestic the lives of security officers as well toward the foreigners who have tezami said. industries. “If energy rate goes as civilians, adding that the current enflamed the war in Afghanistan. A member of the provincial coun- higher, the domestic industry will crisis has foreign roots and the im- “Afghans must strengthen their cil warned government that if fail to compete with imported posed war on us is organized in unity and solidarity, because the these teachers are not dismissed goods,” Alokozai said. He wel- abroad. “The violence and revenge current imposed war takes the "most of the students will become comed the cabinet’s approval of among Afghans is created outside lives of them in every part of the drug addicts," adding that most of the supportive tariff draft for the country. This causes an end- country.” the teachers, who are drug addicts, domestic industries, calling that a are in Zebak, Shaghnan, Ish- good measure to improve home- kashem and Wakhan districts of teachers is hashish. in real sense this exploits the fu- healthy teachers," a member of the made products. “The draft will the province. Officials indicate the "The addicts are not doing ture of the students. So govern- provincial council, Abdullah Naji remove tariff over machineries of ANP foil terror most common drug used among anything positive for the students, ment must recruit professional and Nazari said. (ToloNews) the factories,” ALokozai said. The custom taxes have been also decreased to 2.5 percent over produced goods, he noted. He attacks in Ghazni Pakistan’s interference in Afghanistan to continue: PkMAP warned that Afghanistan was at AT News Report the brink of economic crisis, ask- Omari district the other day, the AT Monitoring Desk Kakar furthered that interference ing the government to hold sup- KABUL: Afghan National Police statement mentioned. The min- in Afghan affairs is leading Paki- gents were killed in an operation KABUL: Well-known senator and portive programs to eliminate (ANP) has foiled militants’ at- istry said an investigation had stan towards destruction. Anoth- Taliban shadow launched by the security forces,” poverty. Taxes increased and tacks by defusing some improvise been launched for the attack plots senior leader of Pakhtunkhwa Milli er Afghan-Pashtun nationalist lead- Dost Mohammad Nayab, spokes- Awami Party (PkMAP) Usman governor among procedures have been complicat- explosive devices in Ghazni prov- and nobody had been arrested er of the Awami National Party man for Uruzgan province said. ed as much as previous, which ince, the Ministry of Interior said yet. Discoveries like this demon- Kakar said that Pakistan has no in- (ANP), Afrasiab Khattak also said He said that 22 others were tention to stop interference in Af- 45 killed can negatively impact over in- Monday. “Militants wanted to strate the ever-increasing capabil- that Islamabad has not fulfilled the wounded during the day-long op- vestment and economic growth in carry out terrorist attacks in the ity of ANP to protect the civil- ghanistan. “No one shall live with promises, it had given to President eration. Kandahar Police Spokes- the country, he added. He said this false belief that Pakistan will AT News Report PD2 of the province however, ians from indiscriminate impro- Ashraf Ghani when relations of the person, Zaiurahman Durani con- that ACCI has reported the chal- vised explosive devices’ attacks, help the Afghan peace process,” KABUL: Forty-five Taliban insur- firmed the death of 45 Taliban fight- their subservice activities two neighboring countries were at lenges often to the government, were foiled by security officials,” the statement concluded. The in- Mashaal Radio quoted him as say- lowest point last December. Re- gents including their shadow gov- ers including their shadow gover- but still not received positive re- ing. He said that Islamabad has no ernor for Kandahar province were nor for Kandahar in Kandahar- it said in a statement. Separately, surgency activities have had a calling the promises he said that sponse as expected. ACCI will the national police foiled a road- considerable increase across the intension to stop interference in Pakistan vowed to bring the Tali- killed on the Kandahar-Uruzgan Uruzgan highway, saying that Tal- keep trying to report the challeng- national issues of Afghanistan, “let highway, security officials said iban sustain heavy casualties in the side bomb placed by militants in country, including the capital ban leaders, living in Pakistan, to es to the government and seek Kashk village of the Khowaja Kabul during the recent months. alone cooperation” with Kabul. the table of negotiations. Monday. “These Taliban insur- operation. solution, he underlined. Afghans without President orders special passports won’t be budget for IDPs,refugees allowed to enter KABUL : President Ashraf Ghani es and preparation for families dis- has directed the authorities con- placed by the conflict and natural Pakistan after cerned to set aside budget for sur- calamities in order they could be veying the internally displaced extended support in-time. Refugee May 21 persons (IDPs) in the country and Ministry officials informed the PESHAWAR : Afghan citizens take special care of destitute fam- meeting about proposed memoran- ilies. The president issued the di- da of understanding with Iran on without valid travel documents rectives during a meeting of the registration of undocumented Af- would not be allowed to cross the High Commission on Refugees at ghan refugees and with Germany Torkham border into Pakistan af- the Presidential Palace on Sunday, on Afghan migrants. The president ter May 21, a newspaper report- a statement from the palace said. said measures should be taken in ed on Monday. The meeting discussed anti-cor- cooperation with the two countries “After the deadline, they will ruption policy, regulations of ac- to address problems of refugees not be allowed to cross the tivities of the Ministry of Refugee and the MoU should be discussed Torkham border unless they have and Repatriation, law on refugee carefully. The meeting also dis- passports and other documents, affairs and the plan to survey cussed surveying IDPs and asked the Tribune quoted the IDPs. After a debate and assess- the Ministry of Finance to arrange assistant political agent (APA) as ment, the meeting endorsed in prin- funds for the task. The meeting saying. Rahim Mehsud,hailing the ciple the Ministry of Refugee and was told that land plots meant for Afghan nationals as brothers, Repatriation’s anti-corruption pol- distribution among refugees had promised providing them with all icy. The president told the refugee been given to undeserving persons possible support. “The deadline ministry’s leadership delegation in Kabul, Laghman, Baghlan and has been extended for their conve- that they should have a clear and Balkh provinces. nience,” the administrator said. practical plan for resourc- The president asked the Indepen- es and anti-corruption. Ghani dent Directorate of Local Gover- Last month, officials from both called the issue of refugees as one nance (IDLG) to take necessary sides decided at a meeting in of the important national issues measures for protection and dis- Torkham to restrict the cross-bor- and called for allocation of special tribution to deserving families land der movement of Afghan nationals budget to assess problems of plots in cooperation with the pro- without legal documents. They set IDPs. The president said the gov- vincial governors concerned. April 30deadline. (Pajhwok) ernment should have clear resourc- (Pajhwok)

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On Friday, October 2, the city lay with the U.S. government, for- America’s combat mission in Af- port headquarters in Kabul on Nov. quiet, with just one building lit up warded the coordinates to Carter ghanistan would end in 2015, 25, 2015. against the dark sky. Most other Malkasian, an old Afghan hand and Molinie had noticed that many From the beginning, the U.S. international organizations had an adviser to top U.S. military of- military operations seemed to be military struggled to keep its sto- evacuated when the fighting began, ficer Joseph Dunford of the Joint outside the bounds of both Reso- ry straight. Officials initially de- but the Kunduz Trauma Center Chiefs of Staff. Malkasian emailed lute Support and Freedom’s Sen- nied that U.S. forces had attacked run by Médecins Sans Frontières Romero to inquire whether the tinel. It was never clear where one the MSF hospital at all, saying that remained open throughout the bat- hospital had been overrun by the mission ended and another began. the building might have sustained tle for the city. It was one of the Taliban. Romero told him no, but Long before January 2016, when collateral damage from an adjacent few buildings with a generator. this information appeared not to President Obama expanded the airstrike. Gen. John F. Campbell, Throughout the week, violence have traveled back to the special counterterrorism mission of Free- the top American commander in seemed to lap against the walls of operations forces on the ground, dom’s Sentinel to include the fight Afghanistan, stated that U.S. forc- the hospital without ever engulf- since on Friday, according to the- against the Islamic State, for in- es were taking fire when the air- ing it. All around the 35,620- Associated Press, a senior officer stance, there were already air- strike was called in. On October 4, square-meter compound, the site with the 3rd Special Forces Group strikes targeting ISIS in the east- Ash Carter, the secretary of de- of an old cotton factory, fighting wrote in his daily report that the ern province of Nangarhar. fense, admitted that “there was ebbed and flowed. Doctors and hospital was under Taliban con- When I asked Col. Michael American air in that area” nurses marked the intensity of bat- trol and that he planned to clear Lawhorn, spokesperson for both and that “there was definitely de- tle by the freshly wounded who the grounds in the coming days. NATO and U.S. Forces-Afghani- struction in those structures and arrived at the gate. According to Among the units accompany- stan, to explain the differing mis- the hospital.” The narrative shift- MSF, the hospital treated 376 ing the 3rd Special Forces Group sions of the two commands, he ed the next day when Gen. Camp- emergency patients between Sep- were Afghan commandos and the said: “Think of it as a big box bell said Afghan forces had come tember 28, when the city fell, and 6th Special Operations Kandak, marked RS and inside that you under fire and called in the airstrike. October 2. reporting to the Ministry of De- have a small box marked Freedom’s MSF called for an independent The last week had seen much fense; 222 and 333 national mis- Sentinel but inside that box you investigation, denouncing the at- bloodshed, but Friday was unchar- sion units, reporting to the Minis- have two smaller boxes marked tack as a war crime. After a six- acteristically calm: no fighting near- try of Interior; and a police special Resolute Support and another one week investigation, Gen. Campbell by, no gunshots, no explosions. “I unit already based out of Kunduz. marked counterterrorism.” When held a briefing in Kabul, on the day remember seeing a child flying a The men had not worked together I inquired how we might tell all before Thanksgiving, and present- kite,” recalled Dr. Kathleen Tho- before, and they were now in these different boxes apart, ed what was now the official ver- QUETTA: Messi’s youngest fan Dressed in a shirt signed by meet his youngest fan. He sent him mas, “and thought to myself, to- charge of leading the battle to take Lawhorn conceded, “It’s not al- sion of the events: The attack was from Aghanistan is in Pakistan the football sensation Lionel Mes- two signed shirts, which became day is a calm day.” That evening, back Kunduz city. “They just got ways clear under what authority the result of a cascading series of these days, Geo News reported. si himself, little Ahmedi said, “I Ahmedi’s most prized possession, while more than 100 MSF employ- thrown up there, into an environ- an action is taken.” The same was human errors and mechanical fail- Five-year-old Murtaza Ahme- am a left-footed football exactly his family claims. The Afghan foot- ees and caretakers slept in a base- ment they didn’t know much true, he said, of what happened in ures. di who became famous world over like Messi.” ball federation had promised to ment below the hospital, several about,” said a security analyst Kunduz. On September 30, 2015, he after pictures of him wearing a His father supports his arrange a meeting for them. An staff members remained awake, based in northern Afghanistan, who Back at the hospital, Poya had said, the Afghan forces and their Messi shirt made out of a striped dreams. “I want my child to get all Afghan federation spokesman, preparing for what the night might was formerly an adviser to the U.S. finally fallen asleep when he was U.S. advisers established them- plastic bag went viral, is living in the opportunities that Messi did. Sayed Ali Kazemi, said they hope bring. There were 105 patients in special operations forces in Af- suddenly awakened by a terrible selves at the provincial chief of Hazara Town with his father. I want him to become a football Messi can come to Afghanistan to the hospital, including three or ghanistan. The security analyst sound. Outside his window, the police compound. The Afghan The father-son duos who can star someday.” visit the boy, but otherwise they four Afghan government soldiers asked not to be identified by name, intensive care unit was on fire. He forces planned a clearing operation only speak Persian claim that they After pictures of Ahmedi wear- will arrange to send him to Barce- and about 20 Taliban fighters, two as did many of the dozens of indi- looked up and saw that a plane — and the U.S. forces agreed to have left Afghanistan for Quetta in ing a plastic Messi shirt went vi- lona, the Guardian reported. of whom appeared to be of high viduals who were interviewed for called a boongana by locals because support on standby. search of a better livelihood. ral, Messi expressed his wish to (The News International) rank. Hospital staff stepped out- this article in Afghanistan and else- of the dull hum the plane emits — According to Campbell, the side to take in the bracing autumn where. Some were not authorized was orbiting the hospital. How to aircrew believed they were com- air, something they’d lately re- to speak on the record; others, in- describe the barrage that followed? ing to the rescue of ground forces frained from doing for fear of stray cluding residents of Kunduz and Poya experienced the bombing as that were taking fire, a “troops in bullets. The night sky was open Afghan security personnel, feared an interminable terror, a series of contact situation.” They rushed to and clear. retaliation for doing so. deafening noises interrupted by take off, skipping the pre-mission Clear the air for vets on Some 7,000 feet above, an AC- The picture that emerges from terrifying silence. Death felt cer- briefing. 130 gunship was preparing to fire. these firsthand accounts, as well tain, so he called his father to de- Gen. Campbell said that the At 2:08 a.m., on October 3, a mis- as from interviews with several scribe where the family might find military had not followed its own sile began its descent, gliding high-ranking Afghan officials, is one his remains. He saw a colleague, a rules of engagement during the threat posed by Iraq, through a cloudless sky. of remarkable chaos and uncertain- 35-year-old pharmacist, shot dead Kunduz airstrike. A young patient waits to be ty, even by the standards of war. while trying to escape the com- Campbell said the crew was X-rayed with her father at Medi- Those on the ground said it was pound through its south gate. given a new mission after takeoff, cines Sans Frontieres (MSF) Kun- not clear who was in charge, and An AC-130 is a plane built an order to bomb a local office of Afghanistan burn pits duz Trauma Center where free those in charge seemed not to have around a gun. Its pylon turns al- the National Directorate of Secu- treatment is provided to patients had a clear understanding of what low for the Gatling-style cannon rity (NDS), the Afghan govern- regardless of their political affilia- was happening on the ground at to fire as many as 6,000 rounds ment’s primary intelligence agen- tion (ie. the side on which the fight any given point before, during, and per minute. It is the most lethal air cy, that had been taken over by in the war between the Taliban and after the fall of the city. platform: It flies longer, the Taliban. “During the flight,” he Government forces) and gives pre- Afghan special forces prepare carries more weapons, and is dead- said, “the electronic systems on- cedence to those wounded as a re- to launch an operation to retake lier than any other aircraft. The board the aircraft malfunctioned, sult of war. the city of Kunduz from Taliban same gunship was responsible for preventing the operation of an es- About two hours earlier, nurse insurgents in Afghanistan, Sept. 29, capturing Kunduz from the Tali- sential command and control ca- Mohammad Poya lay down on the 2015. ban and al Qaeda in the early days pability and eliminating the abili- concrete floor of the hospital’s At 10 p.m., Molinie returned of the U.S.-led NATO interven- ty of aircraft to transmit video, administrative office. Poya had a to his office to speak with Heman tion in Afghanistan. Then, as now, send and receive email, or send and few hours for sleep, but instead Nagarathnam, who was in charge up to 14 crew members on the receive electronic messages.” The dead bodies were on his mind. In of the hospital in Kunduz. It was plane would have been assisted by crew entered GPS coordinates for the morning he had visited the a quiet night and Nagarathnam a joint terminal attack coordinator the NDS facility, but the electron- morgue to find its refrigerators full. stepped out for a cigarette to take on the ground, who would have ic system brought the plane to an Earlier in the week, Poya had asked the call. The nightly check-ins had walked the crew through training empty field instead. From the the orderlies to pack the dead in as allowed Molinie to keep updated the 105 mm howitzer on the target empty field, they located the “clos- tight as possible. When there was on the goings-on around the hos- to aim, then fire. est, largest building” that matched no more space, he asked the clean- pital. Molinie knew, for instance, At 2:09 a.m. Molinie woke up the commander’s description. The ers to scrub the front porch of the that on Tuesday a local Taliban to a phone call. Nagarathnam was internal NATO investigation found morgue so that the excess corpses representative visited Nagarath- on the line telling him the hospital the aircrew did not observe hostile could be stacked there. What Poya nam to give his reassurance. He was on fire. Minutes later, anoth- activity. The burn pits where the U.S. mil- within the agency to better under- in service members exposed to hated most was carelessness. knew that the hospital lay in a er call informed him that the hos- Gen. Campbell said that the itary disposed of everything from stand the health threats posed by burn pits.’’ Many died undignified deaths in Taliban-controlled area, but that pital was being attacked from the military had not followed its own electronics to human waste to burn pits and other common pol- In the meantime, thousands of Afghanistan; the least the hospital Afghan soldiers were still crossing air. Molinie called his Special Forc- rules of engagement during the scrap metal in its Iraq and Afghan- lutants in Iraq and Afghanistan — veterans have made their concerns could do was to show the dead the the front line to bring in patients. es contact at the J3 operations de- Kunduz airstrike. The U.S. com- istan theater of operations ranged such as sand and dust. Among oth- known by signing up for the Air- respect that had eluded them in By Wednesday, however, worries partment who told him he didn’t mander who called in the strike did up to 2 acres in size. By necessity, er things, the legislation calls for borne Hazards and Open Burn Pits life. of a Taliban takeover had pushed know of any airstrikes in the area. not have eyes on the target; he was the pits, which sometimes relied ramping up research on these risks Registry that Congress ordered the Poya was especially worried soldiers to the provincial hospital, Molinie then called the U.N., several hundred meters away, in on jet fuel for incineration, were and developing best practices for VA to establish. About 65,000 vet- about the fighting that had en- which was in an area controlled by whose contacts at NATO said that the visual range of neither the NDS located inside military bases’ treatment that may be needed. erans have registered. In addition, snarled the streets around the com- government forces. RS was not aware of any opera- nor the MSF hospital. Nor was boundaries. Locating them outside The bill’s cosponsors include grass-roots groups such as Burn pound. With all major roads At one point that week, gov- tions either. Believing that it had the strike necessary for force pro- the base in hostile territory would Minnesota Democratic Sen. Al Pit 360 and others have sprung up blocked, the hospital was running ernment forces had regained the to be an Afghan military operation, tection. have made the workaday task of Franken, South Dakota Republi- to advocate for veterans who are low on supplies. Corridors over- city’s central square, before losing Molinie contacted the deputy in- In contrast to the U.S. mili- waste disposal too risky. can Sen. Mike Rounds, New York concerned about the chemicals, flowed with the wounded, and a it again to the Taliban. On Friday terior minister and the operational tary’s narrative, the Afghan gov- But as veterans have returned Democrat Kirsten Gillibrand and heavy metals and carcinogens. decision was made to triage pa- night, Nagarathnam relayed his commander with the Defense ernment’s response has been more home, questions have simmered Arizona Republican Sen. John Dr. Dave Hamlar acknowledg- tients earlier than usual to avoid concerns that the hospital was now Ministry. Molinie charted the se- consistent. Immediately following about the airborne health hazards McCain. Regrettably, the House es concerns that science has not wasting resources on those least located in an area vulnerable to quence of events in a logbook. The the attack, Afghan authorities came that may have been created by the version of the bill does not have proven the burn pits’ risk. Never- likely to survive. The last thought counterattack. They discussed the last item, at 2:53 a.m., reads, “Plane out saying the strike was justified pits. Veterans such as Melissa any cosponsors from Minnesota’s theless, he said, “It is something Poya remembers having before fi- 2,000 sandbags that he had ordered still around. Just bombed again.” because the hospital was a Taliban Gillett, who served in the Minne- delegation. Given the thousands of worth investigating.’’ Hamlar is an nally falling asleep was that they to defend the hospital against stray By the time the attack was stronghold. sota National Guard, report that it Minnesotans who have served in assistant professor in the Univer- would have to start turning away bullets. A little after 1:30 a.m., he over, the intensive care unit, the Afghanistan's interior minister was nearly impossible to avoid Iraq and Afghanistan, this legisla- sity of Minnesota’s Department patients. Earlier that Friday, at 1 went to bed. emergency room, and the operat- Hanif Atmar speaks during a press steadily breathing in the pits’ foul- tion merits their support. of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck p.m., Guilhem Molinie, the head For some time, Molinie told ing theaters were burned to a husk. conference at the interior ministry smelling fumes. She is one of a The legislation also merits the Surgery and a Minnesota Air Na- of MSF in Afghanistan, sat at his me, something had been bothering The corrugated tin roof had peeled in Kabul on June 6, 2010. Afghan- growing number of veterans who public’s support. While research tional Guard brigadier general. desk in Kabul to write an email to him. “It was never clear who was off, and only the walls remained istan's interior minister and secret believe their respiratory ailments conducted so far has not estab- Along with Gillett, he has advo- a contact in the U.S. 3rd Special in charge of what,” he said, in ref- standing, pockmarked with cannon service chief resigned after securi- are linked to this exposure and are lished a definitive connection be- cated for the “Center of Excellence” Forces Group, which had been erence to the metastasizing 15- fire. The aircraft had fired 211 ty failings at a demanding greater recognition of tween the burn pits and human bill. Klobuchar, a Democrat, has deployed to Kunduz after the fall year-old conflict. The current war shells, killing 42 patients and staff Hanif Atmar, then Afghani- their concerns. health problems, the highest-pro- an increasingly high profile in Con- of the city. “Questions in case in Afghanistan was being run by who had trusted in the hospital’s stan’s interior minister, speaks That makes U.S. Sen. Amy file review was done in 2011. The gress. Advocating for this impor- things go bad,” the subject line two distinct commands: NATO’s neutral and protected status. Pa- during a press conference at the Klobuchar’s recent involvement in report, which is from the respect- tant veterans’ health issue is an read. It wasn’t the first time that Operation Resolute Support (RS) tients had burned in their beds. Six Ministry of Interior in Kabul on this issue both timely and welcome. ed Institute of Medicine and was appropriate use of her growing week he had taken precautions. On and U.S. Forces-Afghanistan’s charred bodies awaited forensic June 6, 2010. Minnesota’s senior senator, along done at the VA’s request, did not clout. It will also push the VA — Monday, when a Taliban victory Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. investigation to determine their Maj. Abdul Kabir, an Afghan with North Carolina Republican find a conclusive link. It said “in- which was shamefully slow to re- seemed certain, Molinie called an Resolute Support was a non-com- identity; they had been burned air liaison officer who helped co- Sen. Thom Tillis, has introduced sufficient evidence prevented the spond to concerns about appoint- insurgent contact to reaffirm the bat mission with a limited man- beyond recognition. ordinate airstrike requests during legislation directing the U.S. De- IOM committee from developing ment wait times — to take these hospital’s neutral position. He did date to train, advise, and assist The AC-130 had destroyed the the fighting in Kunduz, told me partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) firm conclusions about what long- veterans’ concerns seriously and the same with the other side, send- Afghan security forces. Freedom’s main building of the MSF hospi- that no one had briefed government to create a “center of excellence” term health effects might be seen act on them. (startribune) ing a letter with GPS coordinates Sentinel, successor to Operation tal, but all other structures re- forces on a mission specific no- of the hospital to the Afghan Na- Enduring Freedom, was the latest mained intact. The trajectory of strike list. A NATO official who tional Security Council, Ministry version of America’s so-called war the damage neatly matched the worked on the joint Afghan- of Defense, Ministry of Interior, on terror. It was meant to hunt GPS coordinates that Molinie had NATO investigation said that the People’s benefit NSP facilities Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Min- down al Qaeda remnants, but with- sent around just three days earlier. previous rules of engagement did istry of Public Health, the U.S. out the rigor of public scrutiny, It was evident that the Americans not include the no-strike list, but Kabul (BNA) Numbers of people Embassy, USAID, and the U.N. Freedom’s Sentinel seemed to have were involved, but in the early that the item had since been add- in Kandahar province were bene- Office for the Coordination of spiraled beyond its already vague days, no one knew in what capac- ed. Kabir and others said they had fited from facilities of 98 welfare Humanitarian Affairs, the agency’s mandate. ity or to what end. noted no difference in the rules of projects of NSP yesterday. body tasked with responding to ident Barack Obama waves as Commander of U.S. and engagement after the Kunduz According to information and complex emergencies. The U.N. he takes the stage to address an NATO forces in Afghanistan, Gen- strike. Sediq Sediqi, the spokes- public relation of rural rehabilita- forwarded Molinie’s email to Col. audience of armed forces Decem- eral John F. Campbell stands be- person for the Ministry of Interi- tion and development ministry to Paul Sarat, the deputy command- ber 15, 2014 at Joint Base side a map of the northern Afghan or, said that 10 to 15 terrorists BNA, the projects have been com- er of NATO’s mission in the north, McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New city of Kunduz as he addresses a were hiding in the hospital. Na- pleted at the cost of 90 million as well as to Maj. Gen. Abdul Ha- Jersey. Obama will address the press conference at Resolute Sup- tional security adviser Hanif At- Afghanis in some districts of the mid, who headed the 209th Corps troops to thank them for their ser- port headquarters in Kabul on mar said the government would province and to use people’s de- of the Afghan National Army, vice and mark the end of the com- November 25, 2015. A deadly air take full responsibility, as “we are posits. which is responsible for the coun- bat mission in Afghanistan. ahead strike on a Doctors Without Bor- without doubt, 100 percent con- The projects include, con- try’s northern nine provinces. of the upcoming holidays. (Photo ders (MSF) hospital was vinced the place was occupied by struction of retaining walls, bridg- Molinie tried to reach out to Free- by Mark Makela/Getty Images) Gen. John F. Campbell, com- Taliban,” according to meeting es, social centers, graveling roads, dom’s Sentinel, the U.S. countert- President Barack Obama at mander of U.S. and NATO forces notes reviewed by the AP. Acting clearing canals, and drilling of errorism mission in Afghanistan, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lake- in Afghanistan, stands beside a Defense Minister Masoom wells. but was not successful; he as- hurst in New Jersey, Dec. 15, map of the city of Stanekzai also told AP that the NSP from beginning of its ac- sumed he had done enough. An- 2014. Despite President Barack Kunduz as he addresses a hospital was used as shelter for tivity till now, completed 2502 rigational network, power, canal, training and construction of social dres Romero, MSF’s head liaison Obama’s 2014 announcement that press conference at Resolute Sup- insurgents. (globalresearch) welfare projects in Transport, ir- center. TUESDAY . MAY 03, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

US military’s hazy ‘noncombat’ Afghanistan role creates confusion in hospital bombing JALALABAD : The outlawed poppy crop on 75 acres of land was destroyed as an eradication campaign was launched in the Surkhrod district of eastern Nan- garhar province, an official said on Monday. Counter-Narcotics Di- rector Idrees Sapi told Pajhwok Afghan News the banned plants were destroyed in the first day of the campaign, which would also MERGENCY be extended to other areas of the E province. CALLS Last year, opium poppies were cultivated on 1,017 hectares of land but the government eradicated 250 Police acres. But the area of land sown The exoneration of 16 U.S. ser- tions fighting with different rules with poppies this year is not 100 - 119 vice members for their role in a of engagement across a wide spec- known, deadly attack on a civilian hospi- trum of wars today, whether in Af- However, authorities believe tal in Afghanistan in October high- ghanistan, Syria or Yemen, armed the poppy cultivation level has Hospitals lights the perils of America’s con- groups cannot escape their respon- risen this year. Provincial Council tinued involvement in the coun- sibilities on the battlefield simply Secretary Zabihullah Zmarai FMIC Hospital try. The remaining U.S. forces in by ruling out the intent to attack a warned farmers would be able to Behind Kabul Medical Afghanistan find themselves protected structure such as a hos- harvest opium if the government caught between increasing attacks pital,” she added. delayed the eradication effort. University: by the Taliban while the Afghan During Friday’s briefing, Gen. He blamed the government for 0202500200-+93793275595 military remains unprepared to Votel defended the rules of engage- failing to conduct an effective erad- take on the fight, and rules of en- ment governing U.S. forces in Af- ication campaign. The authorities gagement that limit their actions ghanistan but noted that the rules had not provided growers with al- Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital in what the White House has for America’s noncombat role ver- ternative livelihoods or financial Separately, police recovered 50.5 kilograms of hashish in Behsud district and arrested two individuals. Pule Bagh-e- Umomi dubbed a “noncombat” operation. sus the facts U.S. and Afghan forc- support in exchange for poppy Police spokesman Col. Hazrat Hussain Mashraqiwal said the illicit substance was captured in at the Sa- According to the investiga- es face on the battlefield have cre- eradication. markhel check-point. (Pajhwok) 070263672 tion by command officials, offi- ated confusion within the fog of cially released by the Pentagon war. on Friday, the attack on the hos- “Unfortunately, we get into Khairkhana Hospital pital in Kunduz, 200 miles north situations like this that are con- 0799-321007 of Kabul, “was caused by a com- fusing. There is a lot on the ground. bination of human errors, com- It’s a fast-moving situation. And 2401352 pounded by process and equip- we have young leaders out there ment failures,” Gen. Joseph Vo- that are trying to make the right tel told reporters during a brief- decision in the heat of combat. And Indira Gandhi Children ing at the Pentagon. sometimes it comes up wrong,” A number of media experts believe Hospital, Wazir Akbar “The fact that this was an Gen. Votel said. the print media in the country has unintentional action takes it out Even with combat operations done almost nothing for children Khan, Kabul 2301372 of the realm of a war crime,” Gen. officially coming to a close, Amer- and teenagers over the past 15 Votel said, rebutting accusations ican forces find themselves repeat- years. Sardar Kabuli, 57, has been of a war crime made by officials edly going outside the wire with selling newspapers and magazines Ibn-e- Seena from the French medical aid group their Afghan counterparts. Con- for about 35 years and has over Pul-e-Artan, Kabul Doctors Without Borders, which gressional lawmakers took Defense the years collected newspapers. ran the hospital. Secretary Ashton Carter to task Kabuli said that in his opin- 2100359 The air crew of the AC-130U over the White House’s refusal to ion, the print media was far more Spectre gunship that carried out acknowledge that U.S. forces were professional 30 years ago com- the attack and the U.S. special still engaged in Afghanistan, as well pared to what it is today. Wazir Akbar Khan operations forces on the ground as in Iraq and Syria. “Whenever "The development of a soci- Hospital who called in the strike, which [the White House] talks about our ety belongs to these children and left 42 civilians dead and scores troops in the Middle East, they go teenagers. Today, our media offers 2301741, 2301743 wounded, “had no idea” the tar- to great lengths [to say] they will nothing to the children and teenag- get was a hospital, the four-star not involve American combat ers," he added. Ali Abad general explained. “They were at- troops fighting on foreign soil,” Some experts agreed and said tempting to do the right thing,” Sen. Daniel Sullivan, Alaska Re- 30 years ago, the print media Shahrara, Kabul he said. But Doctors Without publican, said in a pointed ex- played an important role in encour- Borders President Meinie Nico- change with Mr. Carter and Gen. aging literacy among children in the 2100439 lai said U.S. forces cannot escape Joseph Dunford, chairman of the country. any accountability for the dam- Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a hearing "Media was effective in im- Malalai Maternity age inflicted on Afghan civilians of the Senate Armed Services Com- proving the literacy rate back then. and aid workers, regardless of mittee last week. Mr. Sullivan went Many of those who worked in the Hospital whether the attack was intention- on to accuse administration and print media then are now great 2201377/ 2301743 al. “The threshold that must be Defense Department officials of writers," said Ghulam Mostafa crossed for this deadly incident going through rhetorical “somer- Dost, a writer and teacher. to amount to a grave breach of saults” to avoid acknowledging The experts believe that the Banks international humanitarian law is what “the entire country knows is print media mostly focuses on se- not whether it was intentional or not correct, to say our troops are curity and politics, and pays no Da Afghanistan Bank not,” Ms. Nicolai said in a Friday not in combat when they’re in attention to social issues. statement. combat,” in Iraq, Syria and Afghan- "All the print media outlets cial content and don't pay attention to social issues," said Kawa Jebran, a writer. It is estimated that there is 2100302, 2100303 “With multinational coali- istan. (Washington Times) that you currently see in Afghani- over 1,000 print media outlets in the country. Experts believe the media should move towards professionalism stan are biased and focus on spe- and government should also get involved in this sector. (ToloNews) Bakhtar Bank 0776777000 Governor orders dividual and bring kidnappers to justice. Azizi Bank crackdown on He directed police to cooper- ate with the municipality and oth- 0799 700900 kidnappers, er relevant organs in evicting land- Pashtany Bank land-grabbers grabbers. Deterrent action against kidnappers was a must to restore 2102908, 2103868 JALALABAD : The governor of people’s trust in the government, eastern Nangarhar province on he argued. Air Services Monday ordered local security Attaullah Khogyani, the gov- organs to adopt stringent measures ernor’s spokesman, said the meet- Safi Airways against kidnappers and land-grab- ing had decided to remove tinted bers. Thousands of acres of land glasses from vehicles, scrap tem- 020 22 22 222 have been grabbed in Nangarhar, porary licences and pre- where kidnapping cases have also vent non-custom-paid vehicles Ariana increased in recent months. Last plying in Nangarhar. week, an international aid worker Provincial Council’s Deputy 020-2100270 was abducted in Jalalabad. Chairman Dr. Lal Mohammad Addressing a meeting of the Durrani said the government Kam Air Security Council at his office, should take determined steps to Governor Salim Khan Kunduzi deal with kidnappers and land-grab- 0799974422 Sir Paddy Ashdown has accused claim in the first country he ap- being fingerprinted in Italy and try. According to the Mail, at least bers. He said all those arrested on the government of acting disho- plied in. Faced with being sent back then struggles to get across the three other interpreters who served ordered the provincial police chief to take decisive action to retake such charges be brought to justice. Hotels nourably in the case of an Afghan to Italy to claim political asylum Channel, we don’t know how he UK forces in war zones currently (Pajhwok) interpreter who reportedly killed there he killed himself, a fellow did it, and is then going to get sent face deportation because they were the lands grabbed by powerful in- Safi Landmark himself while facing deportation translator told the newspaper. Lord back. fingerprinted in mainland Europe from Britain. Nangyalai Da- Ashdown, who has championed Home Office 'to review' poli- before arriving in the UK. woodzai is understood to have the cause of Afghan war interpret- cy on returning Afghan military The chairman of the Commons Kabul's car-decoration 020-2203131 worked for the British army in ers for years, said their treatment interpreters defence select committee, Julian Afghanistan for three years, be- was scandalous. “It wrenches “As an act of shame in our Lewis, said he hoped the case SERENA fore fleeing the country after re- your heart out sideways. Here is a nation dishonouring the service would press UK authorities to craze hits the skids ceiving death threats from the man who served in Helmand, prob- these people have given, I can’t take a “more generous and enlight- 0799654000 Taliban. The 29-year-old, who ably on the frontline, who did it think of a worse one,” he told BBC ened attitude” towards former in- As the Afghan economy struggles, Kabul's once paid people smugglers to reach the day in and day out for British Radio 4’s Today Programme. terpreters, should Dawoodzai’s lucrative sticker business isn't what it used to be. New Rumi Restaurant UK, was told his request for asy- troops, no going back home every In March, David Cameron case be verified. lum in Britain had been rejected six months, whose family were not told the House of Commons a set He said: “Many people will 0776351347 when it was found he had been tucked away safe but was in the of conditions for Afghan interpret- share my bafflement and concern fingerprinted in Italy on arrival in community. “[He] then had to leave ers to be given sanctuary in Brit- that we seem unable to get rid of Internet Services Europe, according to the Daily Afghanistan because of death ain had been agreed while in coali- people who mean us harm and UA Telecom Mail. Under the EU’s Dublin reg- threats and because we would not tion with the Lib Dems. The PM unwilling to take people who have 0796701701 / 0796702702 ulation, aimed at preventing mul- honour our commitment to him, said there was also a scheme in served us loyally.” tiple asylum claims by individu- and travels across half the world place for Afghans who want to Dawoodzai reportedly told a als, Dawoodzai had to pursue his to get to us. Made the mistake of help rebuild their war-ravaged coun- fellow former interpreter he Exchange Rate worked with British soldiers based at Camp Bastion in Helmand prov- Purchase: ince. He had been staying at a hos- tel in Birmingham when his appli- cation was rejected after the Ital- One US$ = ian records were found. He was 68.26Afs reportedly arrested and held in a One Pound Sterling= detention centre for 18 days. On release he returned to the hostel 96.69Afs while his paperwork was pro- One Euro = cessed. 76.61Afs The interpreter told the news- 1000 Pak Rs = paper: “He was depressed and very If you're stuck in a traffic jam in nearly two decades, said his stick- down. He said his life was at risk the Afghan capital, the decor of er shop survived the years under 640Afs and no one cared … He believed surrounding vehicles will grab your the Taliban, because even the fight- that Britain would help him be- Sale: attention. ers enjoyed making their rides their One US$ = cause he had helped them. Now he Thousands of drivers in Kab- own. has killed himself – it is so desper- ul express themselves by decorat- "Taliban would come to us 68.46 Afs ate.” ing their vehicles with quirky and demand to put an English stick- One Pound Sterling= A Home Office spokesman stickers. From snazzy graphics to er on their car, they did not even 74.43Afs said: “We are very saddened by romantic overtures - personalising understand what it means but they this tragic case. As investigations car exteriors has been a habit here loved it," he said. But as the Af- One Euro= are continuing, it would be inap- since the 1970s. ghan economy struggles, the once 71.21 Afs propriate to comment further at Aman Hiran, who has been in lucrative business isn't what it used 1000 Pak Rs= 648Afs this stage.” (The Guardian ) the car-decorating business for to be. (Al Jazeera) TUESDAY . MAY 03, 2016 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Nawaz launches National Health Programme fo r 76 ,0 0 0 NEW DELHI/HONG KONG: In- cises, both fly the new version of So just as US attack subma- fam ilies in dia and the United States are in the P-8 aircraft, making informa- rines are seeking to track the Chi- talks to help each other track sub- tion sharing easier on highly sensi- nese nuclear armed submarines in marines in the Indian Ocean, mili- tive submarine tracking activities. the Pacific, the Chinese are ex- Balochistan tary officials say, a move that could The P-8 is Washington's most ad- pected to send their own attack further tighten defense ties be- vanced submarine weapon, submarines to the Indian Ocean in QUETTA: Prime Minister Nawaz tween New Delhi and Washington equipped with sensors that can greater numbers to scrutinize the Sharif on Monday launched the as China steps up its undersea ac- track and identify submarines by Indian patrols. state-run National Health Pro- tivities. Both the United States and sonar and other means. An Indian Collin Koh, a submarine expert gramme (NHP) benefiting about India are growing concerned at the naval spokesman declined to com- at Singapore's S Rajaratnam School 76,000 families in four districts of reach and ambition of the Chinese ment on the proposed anti-subma- of International Studies, said in- Balochistan. Underprivileged res- navy, which is taking an increas- rine warfare cooperation with the creased US submarine and surveil- idents of Quetta, Kech, Loralai and ingly assertive stance in the South United States. But an Indian naval lance activity was being seen Lasbela will benefit from the gov- China Sea and is challenging India's source, briefed on the discussions, across the region. ernment-funded programme. Sa- domination in the Indian Ocean. said the focus of the next set of "We will see the Indian Ocean lient features of the PM's Nation- New Delhi, shedding its decades- joint exercises to take place in the grow in importance, too, particu- al Health rogramme Treatment for old reluctance to be drawn into northern Philippine Sea in June larly around traditional underprivileged at both public and America's embrace, agreed last will be on anti-submarine warfare. chokeholds, such as the ap- private hospitals without delay month to open up its military Japan, a close US ally whose sub- proaches to the Malacca Straits Rs50,000 on PM's cards for treat- bases to the United States in ex- marines are believed to track Chi- and the Nicobar islands, so an im- ment of common illnesses change for access to weapons tech- nese submarines in the western Pa- proved US relationship with the Rs300,000 set aside for treatment nology to help it narrow the gap cific, will also be a participant in major submarine player in the area, of serious medical conditions Limit with China. The two sides also said the exercises. Two linked factors India, is very significant," Koh can be extended to Rs600,000 if their navies will hold talks on anti are driving the co-operation, say said. funds run out during treatment at submarine warfare (ASW), an area regional military attaches and se- Bolstering Indian capabilities hospital Toll-free number set up of sensitive curity experts. The prospect of Initially, the United States as for registering patients' complaints and closely held tactics that only active patrols by nuclear-armed the world leader in anti-submarine Speaking at the NHP launch at allies share. "These types of basic Chinese submarines has sparked warfare is likely to be bolstering Governor House, he said the pro- engagements will be the building intense surveillance activity Indian capabilities in the field. gramme would help eradicate var- blocks for an enduring Navy-to- around the China's southern sub- But in time, experts say each ious diseases from the province and Navy relationship that we hope marine base on Hainan Island, and country could be covering protect people from fatal diseas- will grow over time into a shared tion of anonymity. Indian naval Some are seen near India's through which more than 80 per- nearby waters. India, meanwhile, stretches of the Indian Ocean es. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, ASW capability," one US official officials say Chinese submarines Andamans and Nicobar islands cent of China's fuel supplies pass. is preparing to launch its first lo- through which two-thirds of the referring to the constitution of a familiar with India-US military co- have been sighted on an average that lie near the Malacca Straits, India and the United States, which cally-built submarine armed with world's trade moves. judicial commission to probe rev- operation said, speaking on condi- four times every three months. the entry to the South China Sea already conduct joint naval exer- nuclear tipped missiles. David Brewster, an expert on elations made by the Panama Pa- pers, said he was ready for ac- countability. Taking the opportu- nity to launch a verbal attack on Sri Lan ka sets up his opponents, Nawaz, without EU sho uld call o ut naming Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan, said: "You will pan el to in vestigate not only have to be patient until 2018, you will have to be patient Ban gladesh o n w o rkers’ rights even after the 2018 elections," hint- ‘Pan am a Papers’ ing at a win for his himself and his In April 2015, Cecilia Malmstro- workers’ rights. And it’s time for ers tried to unionise. The Bang- that authorities approved fewer than party in the next general election. Th e go ve rn m e n t, w h ich cam e to po w e r in Jan u ary em, the European Union’s trade the EU and other trade partners to ladesh government promised to half of the union applications filed The jibe comes just a day after las t ye ar o n a pro m is e to cle an u p co rru ptio n , h as commissioner, made a compelling make clear to Bangladesh that it amend its Labour Act to bring it in since 2013. An annual breakdown Imran at a rally in Lahore said that accu s e d fo rm e r pre s ide n t Mah in da Rajapaks e an d speech calling for respect for gar- means business. Unfortunately, line with international standards compiled by the Solidarity Center Nawaz, if proven guilty, won’t go h is fam ily o f s iph o n in g o ff billio n s o f do llars du rin g ment workers’ rights in Bangladesh the situation on the ground in Bang- under the Sustainability Compact, showed that in 2015 labour author- home but will be sent to jail. his decade in po w er, a charge he has den ied. in remembrance of the catastroph- ladesh remains grim, especially but that has not happened. The law ities approved 61 union registration Nawaz said that turmoil and ic collapse of the Rana Plaza fac- when it comes to workers’ rights requires an unreasonably high mini- applications, while rejecting 148. sit-ins were damaging to the ongo- tory, in which 1,100 workers died to form unions and bargain collec- mum membership of 30 percent of The Dhaka Joint Directorate of La- ing process of development in the [in 2013]. One year later, the is- tively. The European Commission workers to form a factory-level bour alone rejected 73 percent of ap- country. "Political culture has to sues she raised remain largely un- issued a statement on 24 April say- union; limits unions’ right to freely plications in 2015. Malmstroem change," he said, adding that erad- addressed. After Rana Plaza, Bang- ing “essential reforms” were still elect representatives; gives the gov- rightly said that Bangladesh must ication of corruption was a top ladesh and the EU agreed on the needed for “effective respect of ernment vague administrative pow- meet a “short-term” commitment to priority of the government. "We Sustainability Compact - a set of trade union rights.” In 2014 and ers to cancel union registration; and adopt Labour Rules, spelling out reg- have not taken kick-backs and in- commitments that the Bangladesh 2015, we interviewed dozens of severely limits the right to strike. A ulations to implement the Labour dulged in corruption during gov- government made on labour rights, Bangladeshi garment workers who January Bangladesh government up- Act. In September, the Bangladesh ernment", the PM said. PM inau- building safety, and labour inspec- said that factory officials or their date on the Sustainability Compact government appeared to meet this gurates development projects The tions. In last year’s speech, Malm- associates threatened and beat makes no mention of efforts to re- request. But the rules created new premier inaugurated several devel- stroem called on Bangladesh to workers when they tried to form form this law. Bangladesh authori- legal impediments to labour rights, opment projects, including a make progress on the Compact and unions. Women union leaders told ties have touted an increase in the with vague and arbitrary procedures 220KV transmission line from warned that the EU might revisit us about being beaten by factory number of trade unions registered for unionization. Moreover, there is Dera Ghazi Khan to Loralai and a whether to continue extending key hired thugs in the same rooms since 2013 as proof of their efforts. little transparency for how the gov- gas project for Qilla Abdullah and trade preferences if there was no where the factories receive over- But the truth is more sinister. Soli- ernment is applying these rules and different parts of Mastung, Kalat improvement. This is the time of seas garment buyers. Some said darity Center, a non-profit organi- making decisions that directly im- and Khuzdar. The prime minister Fo rm e r Sri Lan kan Presiden t Mahin da year when workers around Europe factory managers and their hired zation aligned with the US AFL- pact the lives of workers trying to also performed the groundbreak- Rajapaks a. (Pho to : AFP/ Ishara S Ko dikara) gather to celebrate and focus on thugs threatened rape if the work- CIO labour federation, estimates defend their rights. ing of seven projects, including three for the infrastructural devel- COLOMBO: Cash-strapped Sri up when the Panama Papers be- opment of Quetta. Nawaz at the Lanka announced it was setting up came publicly available on May 9. NHP launch said the China Paki- a special panel to chase after na- He accused the former government Next do o r Nepal: stan Economic Corridor (CPEC) tionals likely to figure in the "Pan- of failing to look into 46 Sri Lan- Nawaz won't 'go home' but would open new vistas of devel- ama Papers," a trove of leaked doc- kans whose names came up in a opment and prosperity in the coun- uments on global tax evasion. 2013 probe known as the Offshore Arrest o f a jo urn alist try and region, and that The government, which came Leaks, by the International Con- jail, if proven guilty:Imran Balochistan would be a major ben- Dixit had led a street cam paign to stop Lokm an Singh Karki to power in January last year on a sortium of Investigative Journal- from bein g appoin ted the CIAA chief, callin g him “corrupt eficiary of the mega project. promise to clean up corruption, ists (ICIJ) which is also behind the Nawaz was accompanied by an d un fit” on groun d s that a jud icial com m ission had foun d has accused former president Ma- Panama Papers. "Our panel will him gu ilty . Balochistan Governor Muhammad hinda Rajapakse and his family of look into names that will come up Khan Achakzai, Balochistan Chief siphoning off billions of dollars in the Panama Papers as well as mission, formed to investigate the Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri during his decade in power, a charge those already named in the Off- abuse of state authority and re- and other prominent government he has denied. The new adminis- shore Leaks," Karunanayake told sources to suppress the movement officials during the inauguration tration has also been weighed reporters in Colombo. for democracy in April 2006, had ceremony. The prime minister was down by huge foreign loans taken The Panama Papers have be- found him guilty. Karki was the briefed on law and order in the prov- out by the Rajapakse regime. Co- come a global scandal, sparking chief secretary during ex-King ince and development projects lombo last week secured an IMF investigations and resignations. Gyanendra’s direct rule and the which are a part of the CPEC at bailout of US$1.5 billion to head About 11.5 million leaked doc- movement. So, is there vendetta Governor House. Chief Secretary off a balance of payments crisis. uments, from the Panamanian law behind Dixit’s arrest? The arrest Balochistan Mr Saifullah Chattah Finance Minister Ravi Karunan- firm Mossack Fonseca, revealed has divided the legal, rights and in a detailed briefing said ayake said Colombo would inves- the large-scale use of offshore en- media communities — some ques- Balochistan was confronted with tigate "each and every Sri Lankan" tities to conceal assets from tax tioning the need to take Dixit into multiple challenges including ter- whose names were likely to come authorities. AFP Nepal’s journalist custody, others disapproving of rorism, sectarian and target killing his refusal to cooperate. Nepal’s and kidnapping for ransom. Secu- Kanak Mani Dixit civil society, like its political par- rity of CPEC, Gwadar and imple- LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-In- the precedents of accountability set by world leaders when allega- Kanak Mani Dixit, a well-known ties, remains publicly discredited, mentation of National Action Plan Nepal, northern India battle saf chief Imran Khan addressed a especially after its silence on sev- were amongst challenges facing the political gathering on Lahore’s tions of corruption were levelled face in the South Asian media and human rights network, was arrest- eral cases of high-level corruption province, added the Chief Secre- worst forest fires in years Mall Road as part of the party’s against them. and state violation of human rights tary. The meeting was told that The PTI chief then mentioned ed by the Commission for the In- NEW DELHI/KATHMANDU: en people and disrupted the lives recently launched anti-corruption vestigation of Abuse of Authority in post-monarchy Nepal. unwavering political will and ef- Nepal and parts of northern India of thousands, an emergency offi- drive across the country. The PTI the name of the prime minister and At the same time, the judicia- fective coordination between intel- (CIAA) recently on corruption are battling their worst forest fires cial said on Monday. chief thanked the people present said that Nawaz Sharif is adamant charges. Dixit’s judicial custody ry faces a threat to its indepen- ligence and law enforcement agen- in years that have devastated thou- The Uttarakhand fires have inten- there for braving the heat and show- that he has done nothing wrong dence. With the change of regime cies has resulted in elimination of sparked a row in Nepal, with local sands of hectares of woodland, sified in the past week, torching ing up at the gathering on his call despite being proven guilty of cor- and international media and human and system in 2006, supreme court high profile terrorists. The num- killed at least 18 people and sent a more than 2,000 hectares (4,900 and having a cause. ruption. judges were asked to submit be- ber of bomb blasts in the province rights organisations condemning pall of smoke across the southern acres) of forest. Indian Air Force At the start of his speech, Im- Imran alleged that Sharif fami- the arrest as an “act of vendetta”. fore a parliamentary committee for dropped from 483 in 2013 to 27 in Himalayas that can been seen from helicopters have been scooping and ran spoke for the rights of labour- ly had only one factory before their confirmation. In March 2012, 2016, while incidents of rocket fire Dixit is associated with NGOs space. In Nepal, 11 people have dumping water from reservoirs in ers and urged the need for provi- coming into power, but now — and his receipt of foreign funding Chief Justice Khil Raj Regmi took dropped from 372 to five over the died while trying to fight fires that an attempt to douse the flames, over as head of government as well, same period. Incidents of 90 high- sion of better living and health fa- after years of staying in power — — which he has staunchly defend- have razed 280,000 hectares but operations were hampered by cilities for them. the Sharif family owns dozens of ed — has also landed h