President Ghani Pays Tribute to Martyr Barakzai

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thekabultimes.gov.af Hamal 05 , 1398 HS Monday, March 25, 2019 Ongoing peace GBP 01 INR 1000 PKR 1000 EUR 01 IRR 1000 AED 01 promising for USD 01 students, as new AFN 75.45 AFN 100.30 AFN 1092 AFN 538 AFN 85.51 AFN 6.5 AFN 20.46 educational year arrives “Current year is the year of development, President Ghani pays peace & democracy,” President Ghani tribute to Martyr Barakzai KABUL: During a funeral further said. and will share the results with ceremony held on Sunday, Pres- The president said when I them. ident Mohammad Ashraf Ghani sympathized with him on his Afterwards, son of Martyr paid tribute to former Wolesi son’s martyrdom, even he con- Barakzai Hazrat Shah Bar- Jirga member Martyr Obaidul- doled me, the statement added. akzai spoke and while thank- lah Barakzai who was martyred Pointing at sacrifices made ing the president said Martyr in a terrorist attack in Kanda- by Martyr Barakzai family, the Barakzai had always made ef- har province, the Presidential president said the deceased fort for system’s revival and his Palace said in a statement. family has made many sacrific- country’s pride and we will con- While praying for his soul, es so far and currently one of tinue his way with all power. President Ghani extended his their sons is serving in nation- Later on, the president ac- heartfelt condolences to the al army ranks. companied Martyr Barakzai’s people of Kandahar, national Wishing paradise to Martyr coffin which was covered by the assembly and all Afghans, add- Barakzai, the president assured country’s flag to its special ing Obaidullah Barakzai was a his family to thoroughly inves- place. strong person, the statement tigate about the terror attack The Kabul Times

KABUL: President Moham- out the presidential decree on He added this year will be Afghanistan’s 100th Indepen- mad Ashraf Ghani spoke dur- appointment of Wahid Omar. the year of development, peace dence Day and 1000th anniver- ing introducing ceremony of his Afterwards, the president and democracy. sary of Dari language, cultural senior advisor on public and stra- wished paradise to those mar- ‘As heart of Asia, Afghani- values should be linked to in- tegic relations Wahid Omar, the tyred in terror attacks in Hel- stan should change into moving dependence and development. Presidential Palace said in a mand and Kandahar provinces and connecting heart. We He added villages, districts, statement. and immediate recovery to should not look at foreigners as municipalities and provinces’ The ceremony held in Cha- those injured. strangers but partners and for- representatives will share their har Chenar Palace and attend- Congratulating Wahid eign policy should not be reac- views on peace process during ed by a number of high ranking Omar on assuming office, the tive and sentimental, but stand government officials, media and president wished him success in on cooperation,’ the president Peace Consultative Loya Jirga. civil society representatives, all working aspects, adding the said. Later on, while thanking the according to the statement. law on access to information He stressed that ordinary president Wahid Omar said he At the outset, senior presi- should be formed and applied projects should be supported would not spare any efforts in dential advisor on cultural af- in cooperation and coordination through national budget for two performing his responsibilities. fairs Asadullah Ghazanfar read with all, the statement added. years, adding during marking The Kabul Times President Ghani sympathizes with Sayyaf, Amarkhil’s families Attention to historical monuments among KABUL: President Moham- mad Ashraf Ghani met with Ab- dul Rab Rassoul Sayyaf at his MoIC’s priorities, Minister Safi residence and extended condo- KABUL: During a visit from lences about his brother’s death different sections of historical Qazi Sayed Gharib Hashimi and monuments repairing and pres- prayed for soul of the deceased, ervation directorate, Acting the Presidential Palace said in Minister of Information and a statement. Culture Hasina Safi reviewed Likewise, the president the administration’s functions, went to the house of senior pres- Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) re- idential advisor Zia ul Haq Am- ported on Sunday. arkhil and condoled him the In a meeting held in the de- death of his mother. partment, its director Eng. Ab- The president also went to dul Ahad Abbasi briefed Acting the house of deceased Sebqat- Minister Safi about his entity’s ullah Mujadedi and once again performances and plans, ac- extended his condolences to his cording to the agency. family. The Kabul Times They also shared a series of problems in regard with lack of Calling attention to the try’s historical monuments, the equipment and facilities, finan- country’s historical monu- department should prepare a cial and budget and attention to ments among her ministry’s comprehensive plan in respect Protection of entities, civil values govt. recruit professional individuals priorities, Acting Minister Safi with historical monuments so in the department’s provincial said the related department to present that to the govern- priority in peace talks, VP Danesh posts. should arrange its plans and ment’s leadership for process- They also asked for free pro- surveys based on its financial ing. She also assured about her KABUL: Deputy US ambas- freedom of speech and human He added, representing the over the last eighteen years its curement process to accelerate resources to achieve effective ministry’s attention to address sador to Kabul Ms. Karen Deck- rights are the main demands of people of Afghanistan, the gov- main priority. the working affairs, BNA add- results. She stressed that to ap- the department’s problems. er on Sunday met with Second Afghans, adding a general con- ernment is decisive to restore Ms. Karen clarified that ed. propriately address the coun- The Kabul Times Vice President Sarwar Danesh, sensus has already been formed lasting peace as it calls safe- achievements made over the last during which she briefed him in this regard. guarding achievements made years are the results of sacrific- about recent peace talks es made by the people of Afghan- Germany extends forces progress held between the US istan and international part- and Taliban representatives, ners in war on terror and peo- Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) ple’s concerns are understand- reported. mission in Afghanistan able in this respect. During the meeting, both Likewise, VP Danesh stated sides stressed on transparency KABUL: Germany has ex- istan welcome and support the ghanistan. that the people and government in peace negotiations, deliver- tended its forces mission in Af- extension of that country’s forc- of Afghanistan as well as inter- Germany is among Afghan- ing precise information to all ghanistan by 2020, Chief Exec- es mission, the statement add- istan’s strategic alliances where stakeholders, particularly civil national partners agreed on utive Office (CEO) said in a ed. has played key role in support- entities and Afghan people, BNA achieving sustainable peace, statement on Sunday. According to the statement, ing Afghan armed forces and re- added. stressing that peace process Appreciating Germany’s as- Germany forces have played im- VP Danesh stressed that should be led by the people and sistances and cooperation over perative role in training and ad- construction of the infrastruc- protection of civil entities, po- government of Afghanistan. the last eighteen years, the gov- vising of the Afghan security tures, the statement concludes. litical system, constitution, The Kabul Times ernment and people of Afghan- forces under RS mission in Af- The Kabul Times �� Twitter.com/thekabultimes Monday, March 25, 2019 US stresses on common efforts towards peace in Afghanistan THE KABUL TIMES As efforts are underway in “The United States, China, ghans, the region, and the world, that role of regional countries national, regional and interna- and Russia agreed to continue they further underscored that is key for maintaining peace and tional levels for bringing peace further discussions. The exact any peace agreement should stability in Afghanistan, but in Afghanistan, US is stressing date and venue for the next uphold the rights of all Afghans, saying no peace talks will be on common efforts of regional meeting will be decided through in particular those of women, effective unless direct peace and world countries towards diplomatic channels. The par- minorities, and children, and talks between Afghanistan gov- peace and sovereignty of Af- ties will continue to seek com- assure Afghan soil is not used ernment and the Taliban group ghanistan. mon efforts and coordination on by international terrorist begin. Representatives of US, Chi- the Afghan peace process,” the groups or individuals against “Taliban should engage na, and Russia in a meeting statement said. any country,” the statement with direct peace negotiations have underscored their respect Furthermore, in a separate added. with Afghanistan government as for the sovereignty, indepen- statement the US State Depart- Meanwhile, Russia’s special holding talks with others won’t dence, and territorial integrity ment said Ambassador Kha- envoy for Afghanistan has also bring peace to the country,” an of Afghanistan. lilzad also met with EU repre- supported the parties’ discus- Afghan political expert Amin In a statement, the US De- sentative Roland Kobia to dis- sion regarding Afghanistan Khpalwak said. partment of State said, “repre- cuss Afghan peace process.Both peace process, asking for mak- He added that Taliban could sentatives of the United States, sides underscored their respect ing the process successful as not reach their goals through China, and Russia met in Wash- for the sovereignty, indepen- soon as possible. violence and fighting, saying ington, D.C., March 21-22, 2019. dence, and territorial integrity “Russia and China are in- the group should engage in di- The parties exchanged views on of Afghanistan. terested in succeeding of the the current status of the Afghan “The United States and the peace talks between US and the rect peace talks with Afghans if peace process and discussed European Union will continue Taliban group in Doha as soon they wanted to reach their goals common efforts to bring peace, their close coordination. They as possible as it is a good time as continued war in Afghanistan prosperity, and security to Af- encourage all countries to sup- for maintaining peace and sta- had no Islamic and religious ghanistan.” port the current peace process, bility in Afghanistan,” Russia’s legitimacy at all. They underscored their re- inclusive intra-Afghan talks, special envoy to Afghanistan Recent peace efforts have Editorial spect for the sovereignty, inde- and lasting development and Zamir Kabulov said. increased hopes among Afghans pendence, and territorial integ- reconstruction in Afghanistan.” Kabulov stressed that Af- who believe that efforts which rity of Afghanistan, as well as “They agreed that bringing ghans should be provided with are underway in national and Ongoing peace promising for students, Afghanistan’s right to make its an end to Afghanistan’s war and opportunity to decide on their international levels will final- own political, security, and eco- achieving peace must be the key future. ly help bring peace in the coun- as new educational year arrives nomic decisions, the statement objective, and that violence Meanwhile, a number of Af- try. added. should cease. To benefit all Af- ghan political experts believe New positive changes are expected in term of enough rain- Suraya Raiszada fall and climate changes and optimism about peace in the country paving the way for effective development in the field Concerns over increasing civilian casualties New 1398 solar year has be- nation for changing policy and pared to 2017. the country. of education and other areas, after years of insecurity and gun amid concern over increas- protection of civilians as the is- UNAMA attributed the ma- Afghan officials even Presi- drought that forced large number of people to leave their ing of civilian casualties in Af- sue results in increasing of vio- jority of civilian casualties –63 dent Mohammad Ashraf Ghani ghanistan as violence and fight- lence and that civilians will be per cent– to Anti-Government has expressed concern over in- residence and thousands of children remain out of schools. ing have intensified in recent again victimized as before,” Elements (AGEs), 37 percent to creasing of civilian casualties in The country’s Ministry of Education has earlier said that days in various parts of the coun- Mahmoudi added. Taliban, 20 percent to Daesh, the country, instructing the try. More civilians were killed and 6 percent to undetermined country’s defense and security over one million new students would be enrolled in schools, Afghanistan Independent in the Afghan conflict last year AGEs. Pro-Government Forces forces to adopt particular mea- the number of which, he said would reach up to 18,000 all Human Rights Commission than at any time since records caused 24 percent of civilian sures for protection of civilian (AIHRC) says the new solar have been kept, according to a casualties —14 percent by Af- casualties in the country. over the country. year began with civilian casu- United Nations report released ghan national security forces, In his new message, the According to the ministry’s statistic around nine million alties in Afghanistan and that a month ago by the UN Assis- six percent by international country’s President said: “Ter- the situation should change. tance Mission in Afghanistan military forces, as well as four rorists, who are the enemies of students are now going to schools across the country, while “During the first three days (UNAMA) and the UN Human percent by other pro-Govern- the country’s bright future and according to the country’s president, last year, up to 50 per- of the new solar year, civilians Rights Office. The report document armed groups and forces. development, are always attack- have sustained casualties in mented 3,804 civilian deaths in The warring sides have been ing on civil installations, cere- cent of schools in Afghanistan were without buildings, 3.5 Helmand, Kunduz and Kabul 2018. Among the dead were 927 repeatedly asked to act upon monies, occasions and public million children remained out school and nearly 1,000 schools and such incidents are serious- children, the highest recorded their commitments and respect sites to spread fear and terror, ly concerning,” chief executive number of boys and girls killed international humanitarian and to conceal their defeat in were shut countrywide. of AIHRC Mosa Mahmoudi said. in the conflict during a single regulations and pay particular the battlefield.” Condemning the attacks on year. attention to protection of inno- Meanwhile, acting spokes- Even, the ministry said some 300 Kabul based schools had civilians, Mahmoudi said that In total, UNAMA document- cent civilians in fighting. person to the ministry of inte- no buildings. But the government, according to the ministry, such attacks have shown that the ed 10,993 civilian casualties The increasing number of rior Nasrat Rahimi said that all warring sides were not acting (3,804 deaths and 7,189 injured), civilian casualties in recent ANDSF have been ordered to started construction of about 6,000 schools buildings last year, upon their commitments in con- representing a five per cent in- months shows that peace efforts pay particular consideration to expecting more than 2,000 schools to be provided with build- nection with protection of inno- crease in overall civilian casu- that are underway in national protection of the life of civilians cent civilians. alties and an 11 per cent in- and international level have not during their military opera- ings by the end of the current solar year. “There should be determi- crease in civilian deaths com- been able to reduce violence in tions. Lailuma Noori The ministry referring to its website said up to 49 million textbooks have been published last year and is expected to be distributed among the school children this year. However, lack of professional teachers, inadequate textbooks and schools with no buildings are still of the main problems facing the education sector. This is a matter of pleasure that the ministry said was committed to resolve the lack of school buildings by 90 percent within the current year and the process was vowed to be completed by the end of this year. The people of Afghanistan are optimistic about the current year and believed they could go to the government offices and to the farmland—both as fertility has been widely expected, after enough rain and snowfall witnessed since the beginning of winter. Schools, as the government of the Islamic Republic of Af- ghanistan said would be provided with buildings at the cen- ter and provinces of the country. In many areas, even under the Taliban control, children could access to schools, as the militants showed resilience after peace process started few months ago. People want their children to get educated under peaceful atmosphere and the workforces of the country used in the rehabilitation of the country’s infrastructures. All households should send their children to schools, including government-run and private education centers, to help the illiteracy rate reduced and the country develop. And the government, particularly the Ministry of Educa- tion should make effort to hire professional instructors. �� Twitter.com/thekabultimes Monday, March 25 , 2019 Peasants need marketing Meet Dr Mohammad Yousef Asefi: The for their products man who saved Afghan art from the Taliban This year’s farmers’ festival agro-fair and said that this ex- domestic markets. She asked was organized with the partici- hibition was the best farmer’s people to purchase domestic pation of government authori- festival in which peasants and products and improve national ties and common people with horticulturistsof all provinces economy. opening of agro-fair dancing and and districts had taken part. A source of the MoAIL said National Atan by peasants in Muhibullah a visitor of the they have undertaken big pro- Badambagh area, Kabul at a agro-fair said, it was a good grams for construction of green time that farmers are facing agro-fair and we are very hap- houses, wheat warehouses, problems including lack of mar- py. Our brother farmers came wheat packing and processing kets for their products and from all provinces and districts centers, construction of slaugh- green houses. Farmers request and made sincere efforts. I sup- ter houses and access of indus- the MoAIL to tackle their prob- port domestic agricultural prod- trialists and peasants to foreign lems. ucts. markets. Payment of loans to In their interviews with The Abdurrahman Naseri a peasants is major part of their Kabul Times repoter, they said, farmer from Kabul province programs. every year, the MoAIL organiz- said, we request the MoAIL to The MoAIL this year plans es new years festival in Kabul build green houses and process- to offer Afs 23000000 through and invite them to attend it to ing and packing centers in our microfinance banks under very exhibit their products but we districts, enable us to prevent easy terms. want the MoAIL to deal with our imports of foreign fruits and Addressing the agro-fair, problems. support domestic products. MoAIL Naseer Ahmad Durany In current years agro-fair in Anisa a female resident of said, last year drough inflicted Badambagh, Kabul, agricultur- Kapisa province who is involved heavy damages to our farmers al products, fruits, vegetables, in agricultural products, called and this year we plan to under- medicinal herbs, women hand- holding of agro-fairs as a good take important programs to re- icrafts, Saffron and dairy prod- step for marketing of domestic serve waters. ucts have been displayed in 230 products. Officials of the MoAIL and boothies for marketing. She asked the government a number of farmers believe A number of visitors of agro- to support them to sell their that recent snowfalls and rains More than 150 paintings abroad, but Asefi stayed at his select audience at the National ing his gallery to the public fair were happy for displaying products. If markets are avail- have reduced agriculture prob- hang centimetres apart across home in Kabul. Although he had Gallery. “I wet the sponge and about three years ago, but a pow- of these products for growth of able for us, we can sell our prod- lems and level of products would the walls, they also rest on the many close encounters with vi- removed the watercolour from erful bomb nearby literally shat- national economy. ucts. But now Iranian and Paki- increase this year. floor and lean against the wood- olence during the war, includ- a painting. Suddenly there was tered those ambitions. The force They welcome this year’s stani products are our rivals in Shukria Kohistani en columns of the two-floor pri- ing a missile attack that de- a girl underneath holding a bas- of the explosion, which he says vate gallery. These are all the stroyed part of his home while ket of flowers. They [the audi- was aimed at an American con- works of one of Afghanistan’s he and his family were inside, ence] were shocked, ‘where did voy, was so strong that it com- most prominent artists, but it was the Taliban’s barbaric she come from?’” he says, pletely destroyed the building’s most of them haven’t yet been attitude towards the arts that laughing. glass facade, ripped the insides seen by Kabul’s art enthusiasts. nearly broke him. “It really af- He was hailed a “hero” by apart and damaged many of his The owner of the gallery fected me psychologically. I those in attendance, which in- paintings. “It was terrible, but I and the artist behind the paint- couldn’t cope with it and ended cluded Hamid Karzai, then in- started again. I rebuilt it all.” ings, Dr Mohammad Yousef up ill,” he says. terim leader of -Afghanistan With the country’s security Asefi, 57, says the surge in the The new rulers viewed im- who went on to become Presi- declining even further, he still number of deadly attacks across ages of live creatures as immor- dent, and Dr Abdullah -Abdul- finds himself unable to open the Afghanistan, particularly over al and banned them: they start- lah, then Minister of Foreign gallery, but the devoted artist the past year, have heightened ed a campaign to destroy any art Affairs. The paintings Asefi keeps on painting in styles such people’s fear of public gather- that depicted people or animals, saved were not necessarily “im- as Realism, Pointillism, Ab- ings, which has put a dent in including photographs, sculp- portant” or the best work at the stract, Modern, and using knife- his plans to hold an official tures and paintings. “When the gallery, but he says they were cut – all for his eyes only. “The opening for the space. “I am Taliban first came to Kabul they part of -Afghanistan’s heritage energy and the goal that we have ready to open the gallery but destroyed all of my art in the and so had to be saved. in our work doesn’t come from who will come to see art when presidential palace, about 17 A couple of years after the being famous. What is impor- Regular physical exercise there are people being sense- paintings,” he says, looking vis- Taliban were removed from tant is for the art to survive – an lessly killed here?” Asefi asks. ibly upset at the recollection. power, Asefi decided to establish explosion can’t kill an artist.” His gallery, which is named As the Taliban’s rampage his own gallery in Kabul in the At the end of the interview, after him, will be one of Kab- continued, Asefi worried about hope of creating an accessible 15 minutes into our photo shoot, brings mental health ul’s largest art spaces, and one the other artworks, including and academic art space for all. a power cut darkens the gallery. of its few galleries: the only his own, sitting in the National He built a mixed-use, five-sto- He suspects the Taliban are be- Born in 1981 in Kabul prov- He added, in my first competi- chology has proved that sport is space larger than it today is per- Gallery and the Foreign Minis- rey, building in the capital’s hind it – vandalising power lines ince, Muraddudin Sadeqi is one tion I was nick outbut after four essential for each society. haps the city’s National Gallery. try. “They were all in danger of busy Macrorayan Four neigh- is one of their known tactics, of most successful I.T.F, Afghan- months intensive exercise, I He added, infact lack of sport A lack of support from the being destroyed,” he says. “So I bourhood and dedicated a prom- and a way of exerting pressure istan Taekwondo, holder of entered the field and overcame results in increasing nervous, government for the arts has re- started to think about what I inent space within it to his gal- on the government. The mo- black belt, chairman of I.T.F my rival and received a gold social and mental abnormalities sulted in only a handful of pro- could do to save our art.” lery. Although the rest of the ment serves as a gentle remind- Taekwondo athletes associa- medal. among people and sport plays grammes or spaces dedicated to After much deliberation and structure is occupied and func- er that, despite his defiance, the tion, united stars, as well as tech- During exercise, I never felt basic role in social relations. their pursuit. experimentation he devised a tioning, the gallery has not yet Taliban are not too far away and nical deputy of Taekwondo Fed- disappointment and failure and Touching qualities of suc- This thought turns Asefi’s plan to hide the live creatures officially opened. can still turn the lights off in eration and MoI athletes asso- continued exercise with self-re- cessful trainer, Sadeqi said, otherwise uplifting demeanour in paintings with watercolour Asefi was very close to open- his gallery. The National ciation. Talking on his sport ac- liance. In my success or failure successful trainers are those sombre. “When culture is gone paint, which could be wiped off. tivities, in an interview with I never became arrogant or dis- who establish moral and hu- from a society, humanity will be Asefi approached the Taliban The Kabul Times reporter, appointed respectively. This is manitarian relations with their gone with it,” he says, adding representatives at the Foreign Sadeqi said, due to enthusiasm my sport specifications. I won pupils. Trainers who have harsh that the consequences of not Affairs Ministry and convinced and interest to sport, in 1991 I two gold medals in Iran compe- ethics, their exercises produce investing in arts are forgotten them to permit him to “repair” started Taekwondo under Ustad titions and one gold medal in no positive outcome. Therefore by authorities and politicians. the paintings of the city. Citing Habib and at 11 I entered sport Tajikistan. sport exercise are based on “You cannot expect a gener- his lack of work at the time as competition field and my Talking on the role of sport friendly behaviors. ation that has only seen wars to an excuse for his request. He achievements include 38 gold in society, Sadeqi added, sport As his message, he said, be cultured. Galleries, art ex- managed to alter 42 paintings, and silver medals in domestic creates love, affection and sin- sport and regular physical ex- hibitions, cultural programmes hiding the figures and animals and foreign races. cerity in human body. ercise bring physical, mental, are needed for society to devel- by painting landscapes over Currently I am sport train- Healthy individuals guaran- psychological and social advan- op.” them. Next, he approached Kab- er in several private sport clubs. tee health of every society. Psy- tages. Nangialay Osmani You cannot expect a gener- ul’s National Gallery and al- ation that has only seen wars to tered 80 paintings there. be cultured. Galleries, art ex- A significant portion of Dr hibitions, cultural programmes Mohammad Yousef Asefi’s are needed for society to devel- work focuses on traditional Af- op. ghan life. Photo by Sarvy Ger- Asefi has spent the majori- anpayeh ty of his life advocating for arts Asefi was aware that he in his country and, at times, could end up beaten, jailed or even risked his life for the cause. even dead if his true motives He has been passionate about were discovered, but says he did the arts for as long as he can not care, and felt it was his re- remember, yet it was not until sponsibility to do what he could. he took painting lessons during “Art is bayt al-mal [national his military service that he rea- treasure]. It belongs to the -peo- lised he could not live without ple. I had to do something,” he painting. says. He went on to pursue a ca- He was taking other risks, reer in medicine, but continued too. He kept true to his style, to paint on the side. In time he and in secret, continued to paint was recognised as a serious art- Afghanistan’s landscapes, peo- ist and was commissioned to ple and animals as his subjects produce paintings for ministries at home. “If they found anyone and palaces, something that is painting figures, they would rip considered a great honour and up the paintings and beat the achievement. artist to within an inch of his When the Mujahideen and life,” he says. later the Taliban took over the When the Taliban were country, he watched many of his pushed out of Kabul at the end friends and colleagues leave of 2001, Asefi was able to reveal Afghanistan for peaceful lives what he had been creating to a �� Provincial News Monday, March 25, 2019 ISIS underground tunnel 49kgs of drug discovered in Nangarhar confiscated in Nimroz JALALABAD: An under- with releasing a statement said, According to the statement, It is said that, during the ZARANJ: Police of Nimroz cials of anti-narcotic of Nimroz two suspects in connection of ground tunnel of ISIS was dis- the ISIS used this tunnel to de- several heavy and light weap- military strike, the ISIS fight- province discovered and defused commandment discovered and the case, numerous of weapons covered in Nangarhar province. feat the military and target ons, quantity of explosives were ers was not present. 49kgs of drug in that province. defused 49kgs of narcotic drug were also seized from the de- Media’s office of Nangarhar them. also seized from the tunnel. The Kabul Times Abdul Rahimzai head of se- which wanted to smuggle it to tainees. curity command Dept. in Nim- Iran. roz province told BNA, the offi- He added, police arrested The Kabul Times

24 armed Taliban killed by coalition forces’ raid in Paktika SHARAN: Twenty-four Neka and Barmal districts of operations in various parts of the 35,000 students to be armed Taliban were killed in that province. country killed 23 armed oppo- Paktika province last night. He added, three other insur- sitions, wound 15 others. Fazel Khoda Ibrahimkhail gents have been arrested, five The operations were Thunder 203 army corps motorbikes and numerous of launched in Kunar, Badghis, spokesman told BNA, the insur- weapons were demolished in enrolled in Khost this year Farah, Balkh, Baghlan, Kun- gents were killed in joint clear- the operation. duz, Faryab and Helmand prov- KHOST CITY: Thirty-five ince. in improving the quality of tion affairs,” promised Fedae. ing operation of security forces Another report says, the na- thousand new students will be He said essential facilities learning,” said Roshan. He also vowed to address the with support of coalition forces tional army forces in the last 24 inces. enrolled in schools across would be provided to improve Governor Mohammad Hal- problems of teachers and in- in outskirt of Shahmardan, hours conducting joint clearing The Kabul Times southeastern Khost province girls’ education in the province, eem Fedae said he would strive crease coordination between this year, an official said on including the appointment of to protect the education sector private and public schools so as Sunday. three new teachers in every dis- from political interference. to strengthen the education de- Education Director Naseer trict. “I want education officials partment. Ahmad Roshan, addressing a “My Department remains to tell me about political lead- In Khost, 360 government gathering marking the begin- committed to monitoring the ers who pressure them in an and 115 private schools are op- ning of the New Year, pledged education process in Khost and unfair manner. I will stop them erational, with 350,000 stu- the construction of buildings paying attention to all factors -- whatever their position or sta- dents, 40 percent of them girls, for 100 new schools in the prov- that could play a positive role tus -- from middling in educa- studying there. Pajhwok

5 militants killed in Afghan Special Forces operations in Nangarhar At least five Taliban mili- “Afghan Special Force con- government armed militants tants were killed during an op- ducted a raid in Bishud district including Taliban have not com- eration of Afghan Special Forc- of Nangarhar killing 5 Taliban mented regarding the opera- es in eastern Nangarhar prov- fighters and destroying a land tions so far. Nangarhar is ince of Afghanistan. mine,” the sources said. among the relatively calm prov- According to informed mili- Also, an airstrike in Taktai inces but the militants have ex- tary sources, the militants were Valley, Achin district of Nangar- panded their foothold in some killed in Bihsud district of the har targeted two defensive of its remote districts during the 8 Taliban militants killed while importing IEDs to Kandahar province province. fighting positions. The anti- recent years. KP At least eight Taliban mili- According to local security Major General Tadin Khan con- surgents were transporting tants were killed and three oth- officials, the incident took place firmed this incident and tweet- bombs from Pakistan into #Kan- ers were wounded in a prema- in Salat area of Shorabak dis- ed on social media ” 8 #Taliban dahar. This is the fate of the ture explosion in southern Kan- trict on Friday. were killed and 3 others injured enemy when they try to hurt the dahar province of Afghanistan. The Kandahar Police Chief, in Shorabak district when in- people of #AFG! They have not said anything about their loss.” The same day, reports cir- culated of a civilian family who was traveling to a Nawroz celebration when they struck a Tal- iban roadside bomb in Shah Wali Kot, Kandahar which killed the driver and injured the four passengers of the car to include a woman and child. In reaction to the incident, Gen. Tadin Khan Khan said “This is a tragedy that innocent people have to suffer at a time of peaceful celebration.” The anti-government armed militants including Taliban have not commented so far. The Kabul Times �� Facebook.com/thekabultimes Monday, March 25, 2019 Afghan filmmakers scrambling Afghanistan takes major step to revive film industry damaged to address undernutrition by ongoing conflict Afghanistan took a critical services delivery throughout the ference in meeting their specific tribute as much to the future of step in efforts to fight one of the country and this is a chance to needs. their families, communities and Afghan cinema travels on and the artist. duced to Popular Culture in the the bumpy road that has been This of course generated a pas 17 years, with dozens of TV damaged by the ongoing spooky great opportunity and opened stations without prejudice, tsunami of the so-called war. doors for the Afghan filmmak- computers, Internet, cellular Cinema that is known to re- ers to reach farther and find phones, television sets are still flect cultural attitudes, trends, true audience. stoned and called the devil in and events of a country, the Af- With no attachment to the some parts of the country. ghan cinema so far has done government financially nor Lack of security, funding and fairly a good job in doing that. morally, free of censorship the overall support of the govern- You can sincerely see the reflec- low budget and ultra-low bud- ment and the closed minded so- tion of war and the political and get independent films and the ciety has been brutal to the Af- social conflicts that have gen- few that had been funded by in- ghan cinema. erated from it in different eras ternational organizations can Resulting discouragement and the one we are living now travel anywhere in the world which has forced many film- by today’s storytellers. Being it where they can reach audience. makers and artists to flee the if it is mostly about war and its Where in the past, films were country in hope of seeking bet- side effects, perhaps it is proper mostly shown in government ter opportunities elsewhere. to talk about the number one friendly countries. It also may have extremely topic of interest in our films. Forming capitalism, free- slowed productions, but has not Except digitalization, over- dom of speech, obviously would blocked the path of filmmakers all pretty simple and basic not carry free market along. What from filming as of yet. much different from the 70s and this means is that you have full Many filmmakers are 80s in terms of making that is control of your film. You can known to have used their per- claim to be somewhat the pro- showcase it as much as you want sonal and borrowed money from ductive decades, films origi- using different screening plat- friends and family to finance nates its content from the heart forms, or simply sit it on a shelf their films. of today’s society which has and archive it. This may sound Keeping a low-key produc- made it appealing to the audi- all very good in culture-orient- tion, mostly writing indoor ence to some extent, at least to ed society that actually do watch scenes, choosing random days

highest undernutrition rates in highlight the importance of Speaking on the day of countries. the world yesterday, with the these services. This strategy launch, on behalf of the One UN Children in the poorest launching a National Nutrition could therefore not have been for Nutrition – UNICEF, WFP communities are more than Strategy that provides the road- more timely and relevant, in our and WHO- UNICEF Deputy twice as likely to be stunted as map for partnership, invest- collective and concerted efforts Representative, Sheema Sen children than in the richest ments and action. to address malnutrition at all Gupta said "This strategy is a communities. Stunted children Nearly two million children levels, proving a solid roadmap heartening example of partner- are also more likely to contract under the age of five suffer from for ‘Optimal nutritional status ship between Government, the diseases and lack access to ba- ‘chronic undernutrition’, which for all citizens to reach their UN, Donors and the private sec- sic health care, and to not at- results in stunted growth and full potential in Afghanistan’. tor that will serve the best in- tend school. Girls who are stunt- delayed mental development. ‘We have wide political sup- terests of the people of Afghan- ed are more likely to give birth About 4 out of 10 children are port being at the highest level, istan." "We are grateful for the to babies who have a higher stunted and are likely to suffer being either the President of Af- enormous efforts made by the chance of becoming stunted. from irreversible physical, men- ghanistan, who endorsed nutri- Ministry of Public Health in Globally, one third of chil- tal and social development loss, tion as a major agenda, or, the tackling undernutrition by en- dren in rural areas are stunted, impacting significantly on CEO, Chief Executive Officer, suring that preventive and treat- compared with one quarter in school achievement and eco- who is leading the major nutri- ment nutritional services are urban areas. Targeting the nomic productivity. An estimat- tion meeting himself’, says reaching women and children." needs of the most vulnerable ed 1 in 10 children are wasted, Dewa Samad, Deputy Minister, Translating this strategy children is crucial in order to making them more vulnerable Ministry of Public Health Af- into concrete budgeted action is break the cycle of poverty. to disease and death. Approxi- ghanistan. an important next step if we are Proven, low-cost solutions mately 1.4 million children un- The UN in Afghanistan fo- to make gains in addressing can reduce stunting and other der five years of age require cuses on strengthening under- undernutrtion in Afghanistan. forms of undernutrition. These treatment for acute malnutri- standing and support (internal- Longer term development and include: improving nutrition for tion annually, including about ly and externally) for why nu- investments in prevention are mothers and adolescent girls; 600,000 who suffer from severe trition is a crucial investment essential to improve and sustain promoting exclusive breastfeed- acute malnutrition (SAM). An during the critical first 1,000 the nutritional outcomes of ing for the first six months of estimated 3 out of 10 adolescent days of a child’s life. This is families and communities. life as well as timely, safe, ap- girls (31%) are anaemic. Mod- important, not only for the Strengthening community and propriate and good-quality com- erate to severe anaemia can ad- health and wellbeing of women health systems is key towards plementary food thereafter; and versely affect growth and devel- and children but also for the creating the enabling environ- providing adequate amounts of opment, cognitive and learning overall development and econ- ment and enhancing the resil- vitamins and minerals. capabilities among young peo- omy of the country. ience and ability of households Rapid physical and mental ple. The good news is, that we Undernutrition is a symp- towards improved nutrition. development occurs starting in know what works. tom of limited access to quality In implementing the Na- pregnancy and until age 2. The In 2017, Afghanistan was the basic services such as health tional Nutrition Strategy, Af- damage caused by stunted 60th country to become a mem- care, safe water and proper san- ghanistan can secure the oppor- growth during this period is ber of the Scaling up Nutrition itation, as well as good hygiene tunity for children to be well largely irreversible. After 2 the foreign audience. Clearly films. But in a very religious and and not following an orderly Movement and the Afghanistan and nutrition practices. Poor nourished in life so that we can years of age, a child who gains a because of the political situa- conservative society where the schedule to avoid life threaten- Food Security and Nutrition feeding practices, such as dis- protect and secure its future – disproportionate amount of Agenda was launched – a multi continued breastfeeding, as well as the greatest investment and weight may face an increased tion that was alerted post 9/11, Clerics send out fatwa against ing situations especially with sector platform to address mal- as the lack of appropriate and the prosperity of this nation lies risk of becoming overweight and world is keen to know more TV, music, films and artists, you female actor on the scene. nutrition. Furthermore, the diversified foods have also been in its children. developing other health prob- about Afghanistan. cannot expect its simple mined Despite difficulties and ob- Nutrition Counsellor initiative principal contributing factors to Stunting – which results lems. The common people watch people who think war, corrup- stacles, filmmakers of the new – which has created more coun- the ongoing nutritional situa- from chronic nutritional defi- Prevention and treatment of TV and rely on the media’s news tion, poverty and overall misery generation have been trying selling opportunities for moth- tion. Although the basic avail- ciency and is measured in terms malnutrition require access to projection, where the sensitive that they are experiencing is their best to clean the dusty ers and caregivers – was ap- ability of food alone cannot ad- of a child’s height at a age – caus- good food and adequate atten- and intellectuals go to festivals, the work of destiny, to care less camera lenses and film a color- proved to be scaled up to all 34 dress this issue, the availabili- es irreversible physical and tion to health and care. Improv- provinces. Finally, nutritional ty and use of child appropriate mental damage. Stunted chil- ing access to safe water, promot- cinemas and galleries to get to about cinema or any form of art ful motion picture somewhat services are at the core of health nutritious foods can make a dif- dren cannot learn, earn or con- ing hygiene and preventing, know the Afghan culture trough for that matter. presentable to world cinema. treating diseases and support- the lenses of the filmmakers Despite to have had intro- KP ing the use of nutritious foods are equally important. Nutri- tion can be improved through education, social safety nets and other poverty eradication mea- sures. UNICEF and WFP work with governments and partners in many of these areas. Stunting negatively affects school attendance and perfor- mance. Recent data suggests that stunting and undernutrition can cause nations to lose at least 2 to 3 per cent of their gross domestic product. On the other hand, leading economists have estimated that every dollar spent to reduce chronic malnutrition can have a US$13 pay- off. reliefweb �� Strong 6.3-magnitude quake jolts eastern Indonesia A 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit off the coast of North Maluku province in eastern Indonesia Sunday, US seismologists said, but no tsunami warning was issued. The quake was 150 kilometers (92 miles) northwest of the coastal town of Ternate at a depth of 37 kilometers, according to the US Geological Survey. The quake was felt in Ternate but residents were unconcerned, a local said. “I was watching TV when the earthquake suddenly happened, the jolt was quite strong but thankfully it was quick so there was no panic,” Ternate resident Budi Nurgianto told AFP. Officials are still assessing the quake’s impact but there were no immediate reports of casualties. “We are still checking to see if there’s any damage,” said Rahmat Triyono, head of Indonesian weather agency BKMG's earth- Founded in 1962 quake and tsunami division. Indonesia experiences frequent seismic and volcanic activity due to its position on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates www.facebook.com/thekabultimes twitter.com/thekabultimes collide. Alarabiya

Hamal 05, 1398 HS Monday, March 25, 2019 thekabultimes.gov.af Italy endorses China's new Silk SDF Commander: Time to target sleeper Road plan despite US warnings cells following ISIS’s territorial defeat

Italy has joined China’s although his country remained project and championed by Xi, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), fully committed to its Western aims to link China by sea and an international infrastructure partners, it had to put Italy first land with Southeast and Cen- plan, dismissing calls from the when it came to commercial ties. tral Asia, the Middle East, Eu- United States to shun the “This is a very important day rope and Africa, through an in- project. for us, a day when Made-in-Ita- frastructure network on the The endorsement makes It- ly has won, Italy has won and lines of the ancient Silk Road. aly the first major Western pow- Italian companies have won,” he The US, which is currently er to back the initiative at a time added. engaged in a massive trade dis- ISIS’s territorial defeat now of a grueling trade war between During Xi’s visit, Italian pute with China, views the vast begins a new phase in opera- the United States and China. companies also signed agree- Asian country as a direct threat tions against the extremist Italian Deputy Prime Min- ments with Chinese firms worth to its economic dominance and group, which will target sleep- Thailand goes to polls as coup ister Luigi Di Maio inked the an initial 2.5 billion euros ($2.8 has expressed pessimism about er cells, according to a top Syr- memorandum of understanding billion). The deputy prime min- Xi's infrastructure plan. ian Kurdish Commander. on behalf of the Italian govern- ister said the contracts had a Earlier this month, Wash- Speaking at a press confer- leader eyes return to power ment during Chinese President potential, future value of 20 bil- ington warned Italy against sup- ence held on Saturday follow- - Thailand voted on Sunday vilian politics and makes it dif- come second, followed by Palang Xi Jinping's three-day visit to lion euros. porting the plan, denouncing it ing ISIS’s defeat in Syria by in a long-delayed election that ficult for any party to win a Pracharat, the party set up to the European country. The BRI plan, also known as a “vanity project.” US-backed Syrian forces, Syri- Prayuth Chan-ocha, the gener- majority in the 500-seat lower back Prayuth. Di Maio told reporters that as the One Belt One Road Presstv an Democratic Forces (SDF) al who led the coup against the house. A potential wildcard is Fu- Commander Mazloum Kobane, country's last elected govern- The prime minister will be ture Forward, a new party found- said that the focus of upcoming ment five years ago, hopes will the person who secures a ma- ed last year by car parts billion- Anti-Brexit marchers swarm London military operations in the ex- return him to power as a civil- jority in both the houses, while aire Thanathorn Juangroon- tremists’ former heartland ian prime minister. the 250-seat senate is largely gruangkit that wants to reform streets, demand new vote would be the elimination of Polling stations across the appointed by the military, the military, that has energised sleeper cells “which are a great country opened at 8am (01:00 which is likely to give Chan- people with its message of Anti-Brexit protesters lead the march, called the crowd 60 percent wanting to stop the threat to our region and the GMT) and remained open until ocha an advantage. change. In the sports hall of the swarmed the streets of central impressive and unified. Brexit mess.” More than four whole world.” 5pm (10:00 GMT), giving voters Nevertheless, campaigning Mater Dei School in central London by the tens of thousands “There is a huge turnout of million people endorsed an ISIS’s territorial defeat two hours longer to cast their has been spirited and Pheu Bangkok, a steady stream of on Saturday, demanding that people here from all walks of electronic petition this week in comes after a six-month opera- ballots than in previous elec- Thai, the party linked to the voters came to cast their ballot tions. former prime minister and ex- after the doors opened. Britain’s Conservative-led gov- life, of all ages and from all over favor of revoking Article 50, the tion which resulted in the death About 52 million voters are iled tycoon - Thaksin Shina- Wararat, a dermatologist ernment hold a new referendum the country,” he tweeted. “We act that formally triggered the of more than 630 civilians, ac- registered to vote, some seven watra - that has its power base who brought her one-year-old on whether Britain should leave are a Remain country now with Brexit process. Alarabiya cording to a monitoring group. million of them for the first in the rural northeast, is expect- daughter with her to the poll- the European Union. The Britain-based Syrian time. ed to win the most seats. Opin- ing station, said the election was The “People’s Vote March” Observatory for Human Rights The vote is taking place union poll results were banned in significant after so many years kicked off shortly after noon and said that during the months- der a new constitution that the final week of campaigning, of military rule. She had decid- snaked from Park Lane and oth- long operations, 209 children gives the military considerable but the Democrats under Ab- ed to back Future Forward to er locations to converge on the and 157 women were killed – influence over the country's ci- hisit Prayuth are expected to "give them a chance". AP UK Parliament, where the fate some of which were relatives of of Brexit will be decided in the the extremist group. coming weeks. The operation had also cost Many marchers carried Eu- the lives of 730 SDF fighters, UN: More than 130 killed in Mali ropean Union flags and signs while 1,600 extremists were praising the longstanding ties killed. between Britain and continen- Following Saturday’s de- ethnic attack on Fulani village tal Europe. feat, the US-led coalition con- Liberal Democrat leader gratulated the Syrian people More than 130 people were olence. uation of the area. Vince Cable, invited to help and the SDF, adding that the killed in an attack on a Fulani Witnesses told AFP news Earlier, the UN said the vis- SDF had made great sacrifices village in central Mali on Sat- agency the attackers burned iting ambassadors from the Se- in eliminating ISIS. However, urday, the United Nations has down nearly all the huts in the curity Council countries met on the coalition said “the fight is said, as a delegation visited the village. Saturday with Mali's Prime not over.” country. Guterres's spokesman said Minister Soumeylou Boubeye The coalition also stressed Survivors accused tradition- the UN mission in Mali, MI- Maiga and discussed with him on the importance of support- al Donzo hunters of carrying ing the UN Security Council out the deadly raid in Ogossa- Resolution 2254 to end the con- gou, according to Boubacar flict in Syria, as well as quoted Kane, the governor of Bankass US President Donald Trump as district which covers the village. he stressed on the importance "The Secretary-General is of continuing the work to en- shocked and outraged by reports sure the total elimination of that at least 134 civilians, in- ISIS. cluding women and children, Meanwhile, British Prime have been killed," Farhan Haq, Annual subscription fee of The Kabul Times Minister Theresa May de- a spokesman for UN Secretary- scribed the fall of the last bas- General Antonio Guterres, said For government organizations and individuals 4000 Afs tion held by ISIS as a “historic in a statement, adding that the For foreign organizations and diplomatic missions: 8000 Afs milestone,” as she paid tribute UN chief called on Malian au- to British forces and coalition thorities "to swiftly investigate For domestic commercial organizations: 6000 Afs partners. it and bring the perpetrators to NUSMA, provided air support to the volatile situation in the cen- For students: 3000 Afs “The liberation of the last justice". deter further attacks and assist- tre of the country. For six months half price (ISIS-held) territory is a histor- The attack was launched at ed with the evacuation of the Donzo hunters are part of ic milestone that would not have dawn on Saturday in the village injured. the Bambara, Mali's largest Address: Second Microrayan, Azadi Printing Press Building, been possible without their near the border with Burkina The massacre took place as ethnic group. The semi-nomad- second floor. commitment, professionalism, Faso, according to local officials. a delegation from the UN Secu- ic Fulani people are dispersed Contact No: 0202301675-0700163565 and courage,” she said in a The district has been the scene rity Council visited the Sahel throughout the Sahel region statement. AFP of frequent intercommunal vi- region to assess the security sit- and West Africa. Aljazeera ��