Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:XI Issue No:138 Price: Afs.20

www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimes www.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes TUESDAY. DECEMBER 18. 2018 -Qaws 27, 1397 HS

AT News Report

KABUL: Six civilians are feared dead in an aerial attack in Logar UN Secretary General António province, a provincial councilman Guterres on Monday submitted iban that would soon start to work. said, the government however his report on Afghanistan to the AT News Report claims those killed were militants. UN Security Council in which he Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of The Afghan air force targeted Hezb-e-Islami (Islamic Party) as provided an update on the activi- KABUL: The government-desig- a civilian vehicle in Charkh dis- ties of the United Nations in Af- well as representatives from Hezb- trict of the province, said Logar Emirati and Pakistani representa- nated Peace Consultative Board e-Wahdat, Jamiat and other par- tives in the latest attempt to bring ghanistan, including political, hu- held its first session on Monday, provincial council deputy head- manitarian, development and hu- ties believe that negotiations with Abdul Wali Wakil. Some elderlies a negotiated solution to Afghani- but none of the leaders of political Taliban militants would be the only stan’s grilling protracted conflict. man rights efforts, since the issu- and jihadi leaders attended. Presi- from the Mohammad Agha dis- ance of the previous report, on solution but through the political trict were en route home from a A delegation from Afghanistan dent Ashraf Ghani chose most of parties who can attract Taliban’s travelled to the UAE, Deputy September 10 this year. jihadi leaders as members of the meeting with the Taliban to ne- According to the report, par- confidence. The first session of the gotiate a deal to free a young man Spokesman of the Chief Executive board led by himself. The board is consultative board said only the Fraidon Khozontold Afghanistan liamentary elections were held as apparently appointed to consult under the militant’s captivity. He scheduled on October 20. In re- government would hold talks with claimed that six civilians were Times. Officials from the Afghan- and provide opportunities to hold Taliban, not the political parties. istan, United States, Pakistan and sponse to long delays and wide- talks with the Taliban. The politi- killed in the air strike. A resident spread operational difficulties, the Hekmatyar has reportedly left for of Dehnaw area also said all the the UAE held meetings on Sunday cal parties have said they had their Uzbekistan with the aim of peace ahead of the US-Taliban meeting. Independent Election Commission own team for peace talks with Tal- people killed in the airstrike were (IEC) extended voting in some talks with Taliban. civilians. The victims were Jamal Khozon said the Afghan delegation has held talks with the Taliban, polling centres for an additional Din, Abdul Mobin, Asadullah, day. Violence peaked on election Mohammadullah, Mohammada US, Pakistani, Saudi and Emirati day, causing the highest number of Jan and Dawajan, he said. Ac- representatives in Abu Dhabi.The By Farhad Naibkhail er meeting on Monday with US 12-member delegation is led by the civilian casualties in any single day cording to him, Taliban arrested a in 2018. In Kandahar province, man from a village for having links officials in the United Arab Emir- President’s Chief of Staff Abdul KABUL: The Taliban held anoth- ates involving Afghan, Saudi, and Salam Rahimi. The Taliban... elections were delayed for one with the government a few days P2 week following the death of two ago, and those peoplehad met high-ranking security officials in a AT News Report regional countries’ concerns when with the Taliban for setting the Taliban attack. Controversy over it makes deal with other countries. captive free. However, Logar po- the use of biometric voter verifica- KABUL: The Russian Federation Russian diplomat added that fight- lice spokesman, Shapor Ah- tion dominated both the pre-elec- expresses concerns over what it ers loyal to the Daesh terrorist madzai, said that Afghan air force tion and post-election phases, as calls “deals between Afghanistan group had been stationed in Af- targeted a Taliban vehicle in Da- the electoral management bodies and other states”, with Russia’s ghanistan’s northern provinces bara area of Charkh district and and political parties debated Ambassador to Kabul saying bordering Russia’s Central Asian six Taliban rebels were killed. AT News Report security organs to provide more lawmakers on Monday said that whether to count ballots cast with- “Daesh is a great threat for Cen- allies (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Taliban confirmed the airstrike. elaborations about some unknown unknown helicopters had landed out the use of the technology. The tral Asia”. Alexander Mantytskiy Turkmenistan), after being defeat- The group’s spokesman, Zabi- KABUL: Some members of par- helicopters recently landed in the in the areas under Taliban control, report states that the political lead- said Monday in Kabul that Afghan ed in Syria and Iraq. He called the hullah Mujahid said that... P2 liament want the government and Taliban-controlled areas. These but the government and... P2 ers began negotiations to... P2 government needed to observe the presence of Daesh in ... P2 TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Last week, the IECC invalided all votes for Kabul due to “widespread fraud” and irregularities in the process.

The Independent Election Com- plaints are investigated by the In- mission (IEC) on Monday said the dependent Electoral Complaints election management body has Commission (IECC). wrapped up the recounting pro- “More problems arose in the cess of votes for Kabul province provinces of Paktia and Baghlan. and IEC staff is now processing Recounting of votes for Kabul was the data registration of the results. completed yesterday,” said IEC The IEC said the election com- chief Abdul Badi Sayyad. mission will announce the election “Results for large provinces results for Nangarhar, Paktia and such Nangarhar will possibly be Baghlan provinces within the next announced in the next few days. few days, however election results But some other provinces such for Kabul will be delayed once Kabul... I think will have delays in again. the announcement,” added IEC The IEC said the registration commissioner, Maliha Hassan. process of presidential election Over 2,500 candidates were in candidates began on Saturday. the October 20 parliamentary elec- So far the IEC has announced tions race, for 250 seats in the low- election results for 29 provinces. er house of parliament. Kabul But the final results will be an- province has 33 seat reserved in nounced once all electoral com- parliament. (TOLONews)

KABUL: The Independent Elec- 2,323 votes tion Commission (IEC) on Mon- Nahid Farid has won 1,959 votes day announced results of the Oc- Sherin Shahabi has polled 1,773 Local 'lawbreakers' interferedinBaghlanelections:Candidates tober 21-22 Wolesi Jirga elections votes from Kunduz, Herat, Helmand and Helmand: Protesting candidates said the head of Independent Election Commission (IEC) in Baghlan has also confirmed ballot stuffing in the province. Kandahar provinces. Based on the preliminary re- Mohammad Zafar Sadiqi has A number of parliamentary elec- khizada, a candidate from Baghlan. Sayed Hafizullah Hashemi. sults, the wining candidates are: gained 4,041 votes tion candidates on Sunday accused “Fraud was reported not only The Hizb-e-Islami leader Gul- Kunduz: Mirwais Popal has won 3,573 “local lawbreakers” in Baghlan in Tala Wa Barfak but also in buddin Hekmatyar who addressed Abdul Raoof Ibrahimi has bagged votes province of fraud in support of Baghlan-e-Markazi, some areas of a press conference in Kabul on 2,986 votes Ghulam Wali Afghan has received their favorite candidates in the Pul-e-Khumri city and other dis- Sunday, made remarks on elections Eng. Kamal Safi has won 2,276 3,341 votes October 20 polls. tricts,” said Humaira Kohzad, a and accused the IEC of being in- votes Mirwais Khadem has got 3,164 The protesting candidates said candidate from Baghlan. volved in “corruption and fraud”. Shah Khan Sherzad has polled votes that at least 25 polling stations re- Meanwhile, the Independent Hekmatyar said all non-bio- 1,996 votes Mohammad Karim Atal has bagged mained closed in the province on Election Commission (IEC) said metric votes should be declared Eng. Mohammad Din Hamdard has 2,798 votes the elections day. the election management body will invalid. He added that that his par- got 1,905 votes Abdul Rashid Azizi has earned “We saw the interview of the probe reports of ballot stuffing in ty’s candidates got majority of Mohammadullah Baktash has 2,580 votes provincial head of the election com- the province. “If there are cases of votes in parliamentary elections. earned 1,699 votes, Nasima Niazai has received 1,463 mission in which he clearly said misuse or there are people who “Despite fraud in the elections, Haji Mohammad Omar Khan has votes that elections in Tala Wa Barfak consult lawmakers and conduct Hizb-e-Islami candidates have got earned 1,631 votes, Wajiba Sadat has received 818 district were not acceptable and the meetings for bribery and corrup- one-third of votes in recent parlia- Fazel Karim Iymaq has got 1,586 votes votes which from the district are tion, please inform the intelligence mentary elections,” Hekmatyar votes Kandahar: invalid,” said Azizurrahman Sa- institutions,” said IEC spokesman said. (TOLONews) Nilofar Jalali Kofi has gained 1,257 Sayed Ahmad Khadem has bagged votes 8,186 votes Dr. Fatima Aziz has received 1,042 Syed Muqtada Miran has got 7,419 votes votes Taliban meet US officials in UAE for peace talks Abdullah says only Afghan Herat: Mahmood Khan Nasrat has re- Habib Rahman Pidram has got ceived 7,041 votes ...P1 and the US have report- ghan officials are not expected to ment has neither denied nor con- govt. can broker peace deal 16,796 votes RohullahKhanzada has polled edly discussed a temporary cease- attend Monday’s meeting, their firmed previous meetings with the Mohammad Reza Khoshak 6,471 votes Watandost has won 16,140 votes Gul Ahmad Kamin has earned fire and the release of militants presence in the UAE is a signifi- Taliban, Washington’s special ...P12 Special Advisor for Afghan- ghanistan’s grilling protracted con- from the US detention in this round cant step in efforts to get the two peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad istan Reconciliation Ambassador flict. A delegation from Afghani- Omar Naseer Mujadidi has earned 5,082 votes of talks. This is the second meet- sides talking. So far, the Taliban previously said he has held sever- Zalmay Khalilzad in United Arab stan travelled to the UAE, Depu- 10,929 votes Mohammad Omar Sherzad has ing between Taliban and US repre- have refused to hold direct talks al meetings with all Afghans in- Emirates on Sunday. The Taliban ty Spokesman of the Chief Execu- Haji Mohammad Sadiq Qaderi has won 4,497 votes sentatives. The first talks were held with the Afghan government, call- volved in the protracted conflict, a held another meeting on Monday tive Fraidon Khozon told Afghan- received 10,171 votes Syed Ahmad Selab has received in Qatar in mid-November. The di- ing it a puppet of America and in- reference that would include the with US officials in the United Arab istan Times. Munawar Shah Bahaduri has 4,143 votes alogue was rudimentary and no sisting only on negotiating with the Taliban, who control or hold say Emirates involving Afghan, Saudi, Officials from the Afghanistan, polled 8,324 votes Eng. Mohammad ArifNoorzai has consensus was reached. While Af- US. While the US State Depart- in nearly half of Afghanistan. and Emirati and Pakistani repre- United States, Pakistan and the Nesar Ahmad Faizi Ghoriayee has got 3,976 votes sentatives in the latest attempt to UAE held meetings on Sunday received 7,612 votes Fareba Ahmadi Kakar has bagged Logar incursion: Civilians feared killed in ‘airstrike’ bring a negotiated solution to Af- ahead of the US-Taliban meeting. Naqibullah Arian has bagged 7,306 4,965 votes votes Malalai Ishaqzai has won 2,900 ...P1 US forces killed six civilians in an airstrike in Charkh district Sunday night. Charkh is located 30 Ghulam Farooq Majroh has gained votes kilometers south of Pul-I-Alam, the provincial capital. Most of its areas are under the Taliban control. Afghan security forces kill 61 7,004 votes Arezo Safi has received 1,848 Hamidullah Hanif has earned 6,946 votes militants in ‘pre-emptive raids’ votes The panel said the results an- Lawmakers seek clarity on “mysterious choppers” in areas... Shapur Popal has got 6,920 votes nounced were preliminary and they ...P1 security bodies remained silent. They called on the government to find out who the choppers belong to ...P12 militant including a local Khogiani and Mohmand Dara dis- Syed Azim Kebrzani has received could be referred to the Indepen- and why did they land in the areas controlled by militants. Meanwhile, the legislators decided to summon commander were killed and four trict of Nangarhar, five ISIS fight- 6,582 votes dent Electoral Complaints Com- ministers of public works, justice, counter-narcotics, transportation and telecommunications for spending others wounded in Khas district ers were wounded in Darapich dis- Ghulam Farooq Nazari has got mission (IECC) in case of objec- less than 70 per cent of their annual budget. of Uruzgan, six insurgents were trict of Kunar and a Taliban finan- 6,263 votes tions. killed and four others wounded in cial manager was arrested and two Rahima Jameh has bagged 3,686 Earlier, the IEC had announced Mizan district of Zabul and an- others wounded in Garamsir dis- votes initial results from 25 provinces, Kremlin shows discontent over Afghan ties with other allies other six insurgents were killed in trict of Helmand province, added Masooda Kurkhi has won 2,822 saying outcomes from the remain- capital of Logar province. the statement. Mention that Secu- votes ing provinces would be unveiled ...P1 northern Afghanistan as a cludes seven items of medicine. member countries should attend Similarly, four insurgents were rity Forces shelled and bombed Simeen Barakzai has received soon. (Pajhwok) great threat to the Central Asia, Russia and Afghanistan have concerns over this.” killed in Shindand district of Her- enemy’s sanctuaries and cache asking the governments of Afghan- friendly relationships for a long Mantytskiy said his country at, three militants were killed in with air strikes and artilleries, istan and the United States as well time,” Mantytskiy said. planned to hold the second ses- Owmana district of Paktika, Five which as a result threevehicles, as other NATO-member nations He added: “Afghanistan needs sion on Afghanistan peace. The ISIS fighters were killed and a three motorbikes, four caches along to pay attention to their concerns. to observe the rightful concerns of first session was held in Moscow group leader of Taliban along with with eight narcotic factories and Protesting candidates Russian Embassy to Kabul Central Asian states in its trade and in late November but President his four personal was wounded in some weapons destroyed. handed over the two-ton medicines political relations with other coun- Ghani did not send any represen- donated by the country’s Muslim tries. ISIS (a term used for Daesh) tative. in Khost want all community for Afghans to minis- has been defeated in Syria and Iraq Our next session should be try of public health. but is now active in northern parts basic and should not be just a ses- Trump says votes recounted “This has been donated by of Afghanistan. The group is a great sion. The timetable of the session Russia’s Muslims and retired army threat for Central Asia. Afghani- has not been decided yet, accord- he will review case against U.S. officers to Afghanistan and in- stan, the US and other NATO- ing to Russia’s ambassador. UN secretary general submits report on Afghanistan situation soldier accused of murder

...P1 form tickets for the pres- the report said: “The humanitari- the IEC advanced technical prepa- in Afghanistan idential elections, scheduled for an situation remained A/73/624 S/ rations, including the recruitment April 20, 2019. The appointment 2018/1092 2/16 18-20408 grave, of polling center staff, the compi- ...P12 could face the death penal- spect the integrity of this process of Zalmay Khalilzad as the US characterized by high levels of dis- lation of polling center-based vot- ty from our own government after and provide updates when Special Representative on Afghan- placement, an increase in conflict- er lists and the accreditation of elec- he admitted to killing a Terrorist appropriate.”An initial investiga- istan Reconciliation reinvigorated related trauma cases, and drought toral observers. In cooperation bomb maker while overseas,” the tion in 2014 was closed without peace efforts. The Russian Feder- conditions causing food insecuri- with the Electoral Complaints president added. any charges. But the Army re- ation hosted an international meet- ty for millions of Afghans. The Commission, the IEC also held Trump’s tweet followed an opened the investigation in 2016 ing on Afghanistan, attended by return of refugees from the Islamic provincial electoral forums in 33 KHOST CITY: After closing a key some candidates.” interview that Golsteyn’s attorney after Golsteyn allegedly described highway, failing Wolesi Jirga can- Ajab Noor Mangal, another representatives of the High Peace Republic of Iran continued at high provinces to raise awareness and his wife gave to Fox News ear- in an interview how he and anoth- Council of Afghanistan and the levels, placing further pressure on among voters and improve buy-in didates and their supporters have protesting candidate, they would lier in the day defending the sol- er soldier led the detained man off closed the Governor’s House main not lift the blockade of Gardez- Taliban. Relations between Af- resources in western Afghanistan.” among electoral stakeholders. The dier. base, shot him, and buried his ghanistan and Pakistan remained Political developments official campaign period started on gate against employees in south- Khost road and the governor’s of- An Army spokesman on De- remains.Golsteyn was leading a eastern Khost province. fice until the commission respond- largely cordial. Preparations accel- Based on the report, the polit- September 28, galvanizing politi- cember 13 said Golsteyn, a former team of Army Special Forces erated ahead of the Geneva Minis- ical sphere was dominated by elec- cal parties and candidates, who Green Beret major, had been troops at the time of the killing. The fresh blockade comes ed to their demands in a positive terial Conference, held on Novem- toral preparations for the parlia- began mobilizing support at the charged with murder in the death He said he believed the man was a amid already closure of the Gar- way. ber 28. mentary elections on October 20. provincial and district levels. of an Afghan man during his 2010 bomb maker responsible for a blast dez-Khost City highway by the “When votes of 91 polling sta- On the humanitarian situation In the months before the election, (TOLONews) deployment to the war-torn coun- that killed two U.S. Marines. protestors to reject preliminary tions were recounted, a huge dif- try. His attorney, Phillip Stack- results of the Wolesi Jirga polls. ference was found between the re- Mostly new faces find way to Parliament from Kandahar A commander will review the house, wrote in a tweet that Gol- The protesting people say the sults provided at the end of Elec- warrant and decide whether the steyn is charged with “premedi- elections were rigged in interest of tion Day and the result after the Green Beret, who was a captain at tated murder, a death-penalty of- specific candidates and all votes recount.” Supporters of these can- ...P12 the previous Wolesi Jirga be reelected. Kandahar’s people could not win,” he said. Hasyal the time of the incident, will face a fense for allegedly killing a Taliban should be recounted in the pres- didates also warned of widespread members who contested the polls and civil society activists say that said most of the winners were hearing that could lead to a court- bomb-maker during combat oper- ence of foreign observers. protests if the commission failed from Kandahar, only Mahmod people’s consciousness has im- youth and some of them were high- martial. ations in Marjah, Afghanistan.” Abdul Wali Wahidzai, a pro- to address their demands. Khan Nasrat and Fariba Ahmadi proved compared to the past and ly educated. “People are hoping Trump and other military and Stackhouse, during an inter- testing candidate who was unable Kamal Khan and Hayat Khan, Kakar were able to be reelected. they did not vote for their previ- they will do a better job this time,” administration leaders have in the view with Fox News, denied “a to be among the winners in the residents of Khost, said. “We want Sayed Ahmad Khadem and ous representatives for not repre- the activist said. past made remarks about military narrative... put out” by military preliminary list, said the Indepen- transparent votes to be separated Sayed Ahmad Selab were provin- senting them well in the Parliament. However, he complained criminal cases, actions that have authorities that said Golsteyn “re- dent Electoral Complaints Com- from fake votes.” They warned the cial council members of Kandahar Abdul Wasay Hasyal, a civil soci- some highly qualified and educat- led to legal appeals contending in- leased this Taliban bomb-maker, mission (IECC) had ordered a re- gate of the governor’s house would before finding their way to the ety activist and resident of Kan- ed figures who contested the polls terference in court proceedings. walked him back to the house...and count of all votes in Khost, but remain shut if their demands were Parliament. dahar City, said that the winning failed to win based on the initial Despite the lack of legal juris- assassinated him in his house.” However, other previous Par- candidates were new faces and results. Rafiullah, another resident diction in a military case, a presi- Golsteyn’s wife Julie, also on the local Independent Election fulfilled. IEC head for Khost Shah liament members from Kandahar they won despite massive rigging. of Kandahar city, was of the same dent does have wide authority to Fox, denied that her husband had Commission (IEC) was violating Jahan Sardari rejected the allega- including Haji Mullah Sayed Mo- Many candidates who were expect- view, and said winning candidates pardon criminal defendants. “killed someone in cold blood” and the order. He added: “Votes which tions of the protesting candidates hammad, Abdul Khaliq Bala ed to win failed, he added. “It were comparatively qualified this Army Colonel Rob Manning, said that “there are a lot of words are not biometrically verified about rigging in the interest of cer- Karzai, Abdul Rahim Ayubi, Ha- shows the people are wakened, time. “What important is for peo- a Pentagon spokesman, said on flying around that make this very should be declared invalid, we want tain candidates. He said the recount midzai Lalai, Attaullah Habib, tribal affiliations, money and pow- ple is the performance of their rep- December 16 that “the allegations difficult for us as a family.” response to our 28 demands that of all votes was above their au- Mohammad Omar Nangyalai, er no longer work because previ- resentatives and their better rep- against Major Matt Golsteyn are She said he is scheduled to re- we have submitted to the IECC thority and asked the candidates Khalid Pashton, ShekibaHashemi ous Wolesi Jirga members and can- resentation in the parliament,” he a law enforcement matter. The port to Fort Bragg in North Caro- and want clarification about votes to convey their demands to the and Bibi HamidaYousufi failed to didates had all these things but they added. Department of Defense will re- lina on December 17. cast by Waziristani refugees for central IEC office. TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

Abdullah Abdullah says concrete measures should be taken to prevent civilian casualties in military operations. President Ghani says district governors also play a crucial role in stability of the system.

flict, including recording the most Addressing a two-day conference civilian deaths during the same of district governors in Kabul on nine-month period since 2014. Sunday, President Ashraf Ghani UNAMA called on parties to highlighted the importance of dis- the armed conflict to better pro- tricts in governance and said a tect the civilian population and powerful system in districts would urges all parties to take concrete help ensure a strong relation be- steps toward a peaceful settlement tween government and the people. to the conflict in the interest of He said a strong system in dis- protecting the population. tricts would help empower the According to the report, from government’s system in the coun- 1 January to 30 September 2018, try. “A district is the first point of UNAMA documented 8,050 civil- contact between government and ian casualties (2,798 deaths and the nation,” Ghani said. “The sys- 5,252 injured), 1 reflecting the same tem will be weak if districts are extreme levels of harm to civilians weak, because the foundation of as during the same period in 2017. communication between govern- Civilian deaths increased by five ment and the nation starts from per cent while the number of civil- there,” Ghani said. ians injured decreased by three The district governors talked governors also play a crucial role a clear and national program should Chief Executive Abdullah Abdul- reducing civilian casualties and that rity forces should coordinate op- percent.” The mission attributed on bolstering security, governance in government as he welcomed rec- be undertaken for construction of lah on Sunday once again called on legal action is needed where a vio- erations with full accuracy to stop 52 percent of all civilian casualties and their connection with the cen- ommendations made by district all districts in line with the needs Afghan forces to take more mea- lation regarding the issue is noted. civilian toll. from aerial attacks to the Afghan tral government during the two-day governors during the conference. of the market. I want inclusive pro- sures to ensure the protection of Afghanistan’s Ministry of De- This comes after the UN As- Air Force, 45 per cent to interna- conference. “You are a symbol of national grams for all districts,” Ghani con- civilians' lives during their opera- fense (MoD) said the policy to sistance Mission in Afghanistan tional military forces, and the re- The President spoke further unity in Afghanistan and I am cluded. tions. “Security institutions reduce civilian casualties has been (UNAMA) in October issued its maining three per cent to unidenti- about the importance of “a strong proud of you,” he said as he point- This comes after Chief Execu- should consider the prevention of finalized and that it is being imple- quarterly report on the civilian ca- fied Pro-Government Forces. The governance” in districts, and said ed to district governors. “Your tive Abdullah Abdullah last week civilian casualties under any cir- mented during offensive and clear- sualties in Afghanistan in which it report urges forces to uphold their districts are the frontline of stabil- views are national-oriented views. called for more authority to be giv- cumstances,” he said. ance operations by the Afghan forc- said that in the first nine months commitments to take continuous ity of government’s system. You (district governors) reflect a en to local officials in the country. Negligence in this respect is es. Meanwhile, United Nations of 2018, UNAMA continued to steps to improve civilian protec- “Districts are the frontline of united Afghanistan, not a divided He said balance should be kept not justifiable, Abdullah said, add- Humanitarian Coordinator for Af- document extreme levels of harm tion in their aerial operations. the stability of the system and also one - a country which is a shared in mind towards the development ing that all are responsible towards ghanistan Toby Lanzer said secu- to civilians from the armed con- (TOLONews) the frontline of people’s wellbeing home of all Afghans.” of provinces. as well as they are the frontline of The President called on judi- The conference was attended national unity of Afghanistan and cial institutions to finalize the dis- by more than 250 district gover- it will be the frontline of peace,” tricts act in the near future. nors from across Afghanistan. he elaborated. Ghani said district “Within the next three years, (TOLONews)

Statistics show that from 3.5 million depositors, 300,000 of them use different types of debit cards for banking.

Officials from Afghanistan Banks Association said modern banking system has made a dramatic im- provement in recent years as ac- cording to them more customers are using debit cards and online banking system. According to the association, at least seven types Officials from Ministry of Public besides other types of drugs in- of debit cards are used in bank Health (MoPH), Ministry of In- cluding heroin, opium, hashish and deposits and transactions in the terior, Ministry of Counter Nar- alcohol and that it is a new con- country. The association said that cotics and the United Nations Of- cern. Mohammad Naseer Sharifi, at least 12 percent of Afghans fice on Drugs and Crime on Sun- head of Drug Demand Reduction QALAT: The ancient fortress tow- here," Ahmadzai says. "The gov- Sabawoon says Zabul has his- During the Soviet occupation have access to banking services, day held their annual coordination Program of the Ministry of ering above Qalat, the capital of ernment has paid little attention torical significance for the Taliban. of Afghanistan in the 1980s, Zab- of which eight percent have full meeting on decreasing drug de- Counter-Narcotics, said easy ac- Afghanistan's southern province of to Zabul, so people turning to the The province is located deep in the ul was a main gateway for the anti- acquaintance with electronic mands in the country. cess to drugs is one of the main Zabul, overlooks swaths of desert Taliban." conservative Pushtun belt from Soviet mujahedin fighters stream- banking system. The MoPH officials said the reasons behind a sharp increase in and scrubland that stretch to the 'A Lot Of Sympathy For The which the Taliban first emerged to ing into Afghanistan from Paki- Based on statistics of Af- number of drug addicts in the coun- number of addicts. “Even school rugged mountains straddling the Taliban' gain control of the country in the stan. "Many people from Zabul ghanistan Banks Association, try is increasing while efforts are students have turned to using tab- border with Pakistan. The testimony of Zabul's res- 1990s, and Taliban founder Mul- lived in Pakistan as refugees or go from 3.5 million depositors, ongoing for fighting drugs and treat- let-K and it is a new challenge for This barren, sparsely populat- idents is supported by a newly lah Mohammad Omar belonged to to Pakistan's Balochistan Province 300,000 of them use different ment of addicts. Afghanistan and for the youths,” ed land has long been a backwater. released survey by the Asia Foun- the Hotak tribe, one of the two as migrant laborers," Sabawoon types of debit cards for banking. The officials said that annual- said Sharifi. The Ministry of In- But under the unwatchful eyes of dation that found that 59 percent major tribes in Zabul. says. "The propaganda spread by “People’s trust has increased ly they treat over 40,000 drug ad- terior Affairs said they have arrest- the government and U.S.-led inter- of respondents in Zabul had "a lot "There are many Taliban from the Taliban settled in Balochistan in electronic banking, because it dicts and that their rehabilitation ed 900 drug sellers this year. national forces, Zabul has become of sympathy for the Taliban," Zabul who are in the leadership is another factor of their sympa- is carried out in a short time and centers have never remained emp- According to the ministry, a major hub of Taliban support in more than twice as high as in any and the rank and file of the mili- thy for the Taliban." Deep in Tal- with more transparency,” said ty due to a high number of drug mafia groups outside and inside the Afghanistan, where the militants province in the country. tant group," Sabawoon says, in iban country and forgotten by the Idris Alimi, head of communica- addicts. “Our beds in Kabul are country are behind drug dealing are waging a deadly 17-year insur- The survey of some 15,000 contrast to the lack of Zabul na- government, Zabul residents find tion department of the associa- always full… We have 2,000 beds. and smuggling. gency. adults, the largest annual poll of tives serving as ministers in the themselves in a bind. tion. “Some of these cards are Recently, we have had less addicts “No doubt, there are people The government's control bare- its kind in Afghanistan, also Kabul government, or as governor "The Taliban is destroying our used for payment of money and coming to us,” said Shahpoor who support this business (drug ly goes beyond the soaring fortress showed that the percentage of re- or security chief of the province. roads and bridges and killing civil- some others for internet banking,” Yusuf, head of MoPH’s Drug De- dealing) and are actively involved in Qalat, which is said to date back spondents in Zabul who expressed As a Taliban stronghold, Zab- ians," says Bismillah, a resident of said Abdullah Khetab, a banker. mand Reduction Department. An in drugs distribution,” said Mo- to when Alexander the Great in- pessimism about the country's di- ul has also witnessed intense fight- Qalat. "But the government has Meanwhile, a number of residents official of Ministry of Counter hammad Kabir Ibrahimkhel, a pro- vaded the region more than 2,000 rection is 66 percent, about 5 per- ing, Sabawoon says, and the prov- abandoned us, so people either stressed the need for expansion Narcotics meanwhile said that a vincial official of the Counter-Nar- years ago and is now manned by centage points more than the na- ince has been the scene of contro- join the Taliban or support them." of banking services in the coun- number of youths are using a drug cotics Department of the Interior the Afghan National Army. The tional average. Only 33 percent of versial U.S. and Afghan night raids (RFERL) try. (TOLONews) called tablet-K, also called K-Tabs, Affairs Ministry. (TOLONews) Taliban contest or control most of respondents expressed satisfaction and has suffered civilian casualties Zabul, where government forces with democracy, and only 33 per- in NATO air strikes, creating re- are under constant attack. cent expressed satisfaction with sentment against the government Poverty, No Jobs the provincial government, the and international forces. Despite official claims that lowest in the country. Afghan government forces in support for the Taliban is weak or Relatives sit beside the coffins the country's volatile south are forced under duress, support in of civilians from the Hazara mi- concentrated in key urban centers rural Zabul, at least, is high. nority allegedly killed by Islamic and are aimed at protecting key "I don't support the Taliban, State militants in Zabul in 2015. supply routes and clamping down because they are a barrier to Relatives sit beside the coffins on the opium trade, a key source progress and development," says of civilians from the Hazara mi- of income for the insurgency. Mansur, a resident of Qalat, a nority allegedly killed by Islamic There is only a limited government dusty town of around 45,000 peo- State militants in Zabul in 2015. security presence in Zabul, where ple. "But people in rural areas don't Historical Significance For Tal- the estimated population of have a choice. There's poverty and iban Graeme Smith, an Afghanistan 300,000 is mostly settled in rural no jobs, so people join the Tali- analyst and a consultant for the areas and is spread across hun- ban." International Crisis Group, warns dreds of villages. Faiz Mohammad Ahmadzai, a that "polling in the middle of the 'Propaganda' civil activist in Qalat, says the world's biggest war is nearly im- Zabul also shares a 60-kilome- province has been forgotten by the possible." ter border with Pakistan, which government, which he claims has But Ali Mohammad Saba- U.S. and Afghan officials have long focused its military and develop- woon, a researcher at the Afghani- accused of supporting and harbor- mental efforts in larger, more stra- stan Analysts Network, an inde- ing the Taliban, a claim Islamabad tegic neighboring provinces like pendent think tank in Kabul, says denies. The Taliban's leadership is Kandahar, Uruzgan, and Helmand. there are several reasons why there believed to be based in Pakistan's "Compared to those provinc- is more sympathy for the Taliban Balochistan Province, which bor- es, we have had very little progress in Zabul than other provinces. ders Zabul.

KANDAHAR CITY: Taliban’s military com- mander for Maiwand district has been killed during a raid in southern Kandahar province, an official said on Monday. Aziz Ahmad Atal, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the Afghan Air Force conducted the airstrikes in the Chawlawak area of the district late on Sunday. He said Taliban military com- mander Mullah Sharif was killed along with two associates during the overnight raid. Civilians suffered no casualties. The Taliban have not yet commented on the loss of their commander, who was also their shadow governor for the district. TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES First priorityistowaiveoff farmers’loans,says Faisal Raza Abidi BhupeshBaghel,Chhattisgarh’sCM-designate indicted for Bhupesh Baghel, who is said to be a key player behind the party’s impressive win in the state’s 'insulting, assembly elections, was picked as the new chief minister of Chhattisgarh on Saturday threatening' CJP

An Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) justice. Abidi had passed state- on Monday indicted former sena- ments against the CJP during a web tor Faisal Raza Abidi in a case re- TV show, and reportedly defamed garding the use of ‘inappropriate and insulted the judiciary. He was and derogatory language’ against shifted to the Secretariat police Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian station following his arrest. A po- Saqib Nisar in an interview. ATC lice officer had told The Express judge Shahrukh Arjumand heard Tribune that Abidi made the re- the case. Abidi’s counsel pleaded marks during an interview with a that his client needed medical treat- web-based platform Naya Paki- Bhupesh Baghel, who is said to be in the campaign rallies”. As the CM Yes, we will. There is no issue. If This suggests the tribals of Bastar What is the biggest reason for ment and should be shifted from stan, which was posted online on a key player behind the party’s of Chhattisgarh, what is your first any financial hurdle comes we will have discarded the model of Ra- the defeat of Raman Singh? In one jail to a good hospital as was his July 2. Former senator Faisal Raza impressive win in the state’s as- priority? Our first priority is to deal it and the promises will be man Singh. Now, we will look af- sentence, I can say that the Raman fundamental right. The court or- Abidi booked for ‘bad-mouthing’ sembly elections, will be the new waive off the loans of farmers as fulfilled. What are infrastructural ter things in Bastar with a differ- Singh government has lost the dered a medical checkup for Abidi, top judge In the interview, the chief minister of Chhattisgarh, the our party president Rahul Gandhi changes you are planning after ent perspective. The Maoist men- trust of the people of Chhattis- after which a decision over the former senator called the CJP a Congress announced on Sunday. had promised in the campaign ral- forming the government? We will ace is a politico-economic prob- garh. He failed in addressing the transfer to a hospital would be tak- ‘traitor’ because he took oath un- The decision to name Baghel as the lies. Second will be to procure pad- discuss about the changes after lem and which could not be eradi- needs of the farmers, peasants and en. The court after indictment also der the PCO [Provisional Consti- chief minister was taken at a meet- dy crops on increased minimum forming the government. But what- cated by security forces. If we deal workers, hence, people weaned summoned three prosecution wit- tution Order]. ing of the newly elected Congress support price (MSP) as promised ever we will do, it will be for the with it as a law and order problem, away from him. Massive corrup- nesses for testimony before the “During the contempt of court Legislature Party (CLP) on Sun- in our party’s manifesto. We will benefit of the whole of Chhattis- it can expand further. We have to tion took place in his reign. All court in the next hearing fixed for case against me, I told this judge day. The swearing-in ceremony is impose a ban on outsourcing in garh, not for a few people. What create trust among the tribals of these things went against him and January 3. Former senator Faisal that he was a traitor because he likely to be held on December 17 government jobs with proper plan- will be your strategy for the Mao- Bastar. We have to talk to them. the people voted against the gov- Raza Abidi arrested for ‘insulting took oath under PCO,” Abidi said (Monday). The new chief minis- ning to facilitate more job creations. ists movement in Bastar? Human ‘Baat ye hai kee aap bandookh se ernment. There is a narrative that and threatening’ CJP Anchor Shan- in the interview, adding that he had ter of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Congress government will also rights activists allege that tribals kisi ko maar to sakte hain... uskee you will do vendetta politics after zay Rehman who hosted the in- also filed a reference against the Baghel, while speaking to Hin- work on a new development poli- are killed in the name of anti-naxal vichardhara nahi maar sakte’. ( you becoming chief minister of the terview has already been declared chief justice in the Supreme Judi- dustan Times in an exclusive in- cy for tribal people. We would also operations... What will be your can kill anyone with a gun but you state. People from both your par- a proclaimed offender by the court. cial Council (SJC). The FIR was terview, said that his first priority address all the issues of govern- strategy? This time we have won cannot kill the ideology with it) . ty and BJP believe that you are Former senator Faisal Raza Abidi registered at the Secretariat police as the new CM is to “waive off ment employees including the Po- 11 seats of Bastar division while We have to streamline the tribals arrogant, rude and doubt about the was arrested from the premises of station in Islamabad after SC’s the loan of farmers as our presi- lice. Will your government be able only one seat we have lost that and have to counter the Maoist kind of politics you do. the Supreme Court in October for public relations officer Shahid dent Rahul Gandhi had promised to deliver these in next ten days? too a margin of just 2,000 votes. ideology. (Hindustan times) ‘insulting and threatening’ the chief Hussain submitted a complaint. High-level talks Sri Lank a: P M says team holds protection of constitution dialogue with guarantees democracy 22 outfits

A high-level political dialogue team formed under Som Prasad Pandey held talks with 22 disgruntled and armed groups, and collected around 29 pieces of arms and ammunition from them. The team is preparing to submit its report within 15 days. But the team failed to hold formal talks with Netra Bikram Chand-led Nepal Communist Par- ty which is accused of indulging in extortion and other criminal activities.The team didn’t show in- terest in holding talks with the CK Raut led-group, another disgrun- tled group. Pandey who is also a lawmaker of the ruling Nepal Com- munist Party (NCP) said his team had signed agreements with 22 dis- gruntled and armed groups. He said these groups expressed their com- mitment to join mainstream peace- ful politics. The Pandey-led team Prime Minister Ranil Wickremes- ister of the country should have should be given to conduct an illle- Bangladesh is facing anti-dumping Club. The government is working and industry policies. “With the had initially identified 45 disgrun- inghe delivering a special statement the highest confidence in gal General Election”.“I wish to duty from some countries includ- to rename the BTC as the Bang- amendment of the act, the com- tled and armed groups, including said the fundamental law of the Parliament.The Prime Minister translate and read the passage ing its neighbours but has failed to ladesh Trade and Tariff Commis- mission will be able to employ retaliate due to a lack of research sion. India imposed anti-dumping temporary researchers or consult- Netra Bikram Chand-led group and country is the Constitution. “It is cannot take forward the country found on page 85 of the Supreme now well over 87 years after we without the support of the major- Court ruling”. “It has been said by and information, analysts said yes- duty on Bangladesh's jute export ants to perform specific jobs.” the CK Raut group. The team received the right to vote or fran- ity. At the same time when a No some of the added Respondents, terday. “The commission is desig- nearly two years ago and Pakistan The commission will be em- could not hold formal talks with chise. Our people protected the Confidence Motion is passed in that by refusing the petitioner’s, nated to impose anti-dumping did the same on chemical exports powered in collecting data for the the Chand group as Chand refused Constitution for 87 years. We pro- Parliament against the Prime Min- applications will enable a General duty from 1995, but we have failed from Bangladesh. Ahmed said the purpose of research and will in- to meet the team members in per- tected Fundamental Rights and ister, the Prime Minister and the Election in pursuance of the Proc- to impose it on a single product,” commission could not employ re- vestigate maintaining strict confi- son, a condition set by the team whenever there was a threat, the Cabinet of Ministers should resign lamation marked “P1” and, there- said Md Zahir Uddin Ahmed, searchers because the law that gov- dentiality, Khan said, while mak- for holding talks with his group. people came forward to protect the and vacate the post they held. Ac- fore, justified because it will give chairman of the Bangladesh Tariff erns the commission doesn't allow ing a presentation in the seminar. Earlier, Chand’s party had set Constitution and their own rights,” cording to the Constitution, when effect to the franchise of the peo- Commission (BTC). Usually busi- it. But the government is now go- “As a result, businessmen will be conditions for holding talks de- the Prime Minister said. “That a new Parliament is appointed, ple. That submission is not cor- nessmen do not come forward and ing to amend the act, he said. “Then ready to give information and we manding that the government re- was what happened at the 2015 until the completion of four and rect. Giving effect to the franchise inform the commission about the our contribution to businesses will will be able to perform better,” he lease its cadres arrested across the Presidential election. You all joined half years, no one has the power of the people is not achieved by problems they face, he said. be very significant.” The BTC added. The BTC was the brain- country. “We did not hold talks hands to end an era where the Con- to dissolve that Parliament. That Court permitting a General Elec- Ahmed also blamed the lack of un- chief said political diplomacy is ob- child of the government set up to with the CK Raut group because stitution and human rights were could only be done by passing a tion held consequent to the disso- willingness of businessmen to give solete globally and trade diploma- deal with business and trade, but they want to divide the country. crushed. We passed the 19th motion with a two thirds majori- lution of Parliament which has information to the BTC for re- cy was continuing. “So, we have businessmen do not go to the com- Our mandate does not authorise Amendment to the Constitution ty,” Prime Minister Wickremesing- been effeted contrary to the pro- search purpose. His comments to increase efficiency in the public mission, said, Feroz Iqbal Faruque, us to talk to those groups that chal- with the aim of protecting and he said. “The wrong action com- visions of the Constitution. Such came at the seminar -- Bangladesh and private sectors to triumph in chief executive of Trans World lenge the sovereignty of the coun- strengthening the rights of the peo- mitted violating the provisions of a General Election will be unlaw- Trade and Tariff Commission and the negotiation of the internation- Resource Inc. “They should go to try,” he said. Pandey said although ple. I wish to emphasize here that the Constitution cannot be recti- ful and its results will be opened its role in the economic develop- al arena,” he added. Mostafa Abid the BTC for their trade-related ment of Bangladesh -- at the Insti- Khan, a member of the commis- problems instead of the National his team initially identified 45 dis- by acting contrary to the Consti- fied under the cloak of a General to question. A General Election is tution, democracy will not be pro- Election. The Supreme Court de- valid only if it is lawfully held. tute of Chartered Secretaries of sion, said the commission lacked Board of Revenue to get good re- gruntled/armed groups, the team tected,” he said. “The Prime Min- cision has stated that no room Thus, a General Election held. Bangladesh (ICSB) at the Dhaka evidence-based trade, investment sult,” he added. later found out that 25 groups did not exist anymore. The team held consultations with former minis- ter of peace and reconstruction Ram Kumar Shrestha and Rakam- ‘Carnageof unbelievableproportions’:Delhi HighCourt convictsSajjanKumar for 1984riots Chemjong, as well as former sec- 1984 Anti-Sikh Riots: The Delhi HC called the anti-Sikh riots case of 1984 “communal frenzy” after retaries of those ministries. The team had also consulted chiefs of the then prime minister Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her bodyguards as it sentenced Congress Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, leader Sajjan Kumar to life imprisonment in one of the cases. National Investigation Department and Criminal Investigation Bureau The Delhi High Court on Monday The case relates to the murder of those atrocities are still being “Seeds of hatred have grown high, before holding talks with the called the anti-Sikh riots case of of five members of a family during felt,” justice S Muralidhar and jus- bloodshed is everywhere/Poisoned groups. The team also read all the 1984 “communal frenzy” after the the anti-Sikh riots in the Raj Nagar tice Vinod Goel said while handing breeze in forest turned bamboo agreements that the previous gov- then prime minister Indira Gandhi area in the Delhi Cantonment on the 203-page judgement. The judg- flutes into snakes/Their venom has ernments had forged with various was assassinated by her body- November 1, 1984. “What hap- es also quoted a poem by Amrita turned the bright and rosy Punjab disgruntled and armed groups. The guards as it sentenced Congress pened in the aftermath of the as- Pritam on the violence after the all blue,” they said. “The killings leader Sajjan Kumar to life impris- sassination of the then Prime Min- Partition in 1947 in India and Pa- would continue in the streets of government which had formed the onment in one of the cases. As it ister was carnage of unbelievable kistan. She escaped to India with Delhi. Thirty-seven years later, the high-level talks team on August 25, reversed the trial court’s order ac- proportions in which over 2,700 her two children from Pakistan’s country was again witness to an- extended its deadline for 15 days quitting Kumar, the court also di- Sikhs were murdered in Delhi Lahore. “She was moved to pen other enormous human tragedy. more on December 10. Now the rected him to surrender by Decem- alone. The law and order machin- an “Ode to Waris Shah” in which Following the assassination of team will have to submit its report ber 31, 2018, and slapped a fine of ery clearly broke down and it was she spoke of the fertile land of Smt. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime by December 25. Rs 5 lakh on him and Rs 1 lakh on literally a ‘free for all’ situation Punjab having “sprouted poison- Minister of India, on the morning (BBC) all other accused in the case. which persisted. The aftershocks ous weeds far and near” and where of 31st October 1984. TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

News-in-Brief Malaysia files criminal China Rejects charges against Accusations of Goldman Sachs Hegemony against Project over 1MDB Strip and Route scandal CEO of Civil Aviation Organiza- tion (CAO) and Deputy Minister Malaysia on Monday filed crimi- China rejected today the accusa- nal charges against Goldman Sa- tions of the United States on the of Roads and Urban Development search of world hegemony with Ali Abedzadeh said that most Eu- chs and four other individuals as its project of the Strip and the ropean countries refuse delivering part of an investigation into a multi- Route, emphasizing that the main fuel to Iranian airplanes. He made billon-dollar scandal involving the objective is to promote common the above remark on the sidelines 1 Malaysia Development Berhad development. Hua Chunying, of 3rd International Exhibition of (1MDB) state investment fund. spokeswoman of the Ministry of Transportation and Related Indus- The US bank has been under scru- Foreign Affairs, reiterated in a tries and said, “two important tiny for its role in helping raise $6.5 press conference the purposes of events have happened in aviation billion (€5.7 billion) through three promoting the cooperation of industry of the country in recent bond offerings for 1MDB, a fund shared profit, progress and pros- months, one of which is related to launched in 2009 by former Ma- perity of the entire planet in the the skyrocketing exchange rate and laysian Prime Minister Najib context of this initiative, launched Razak to promote economic de- in 2013. 'The Strip and the Route exacerbation of US sanctions against Iran. In general, these two velopment in the country. Attor- has nothing to do with geopoli- ney General Tommy Thomas said tics nor is it a strategic tool of components have severely affect- competition. China intends to ed aviation industry of the coun- criminal charges were filed Mon- promote the joint construction of try.” There is not any limitation day against Goldman Sachs, ex- an initiative that stimulates the for taking off and landing planes bankers Tim Leissner and Ng world economy through equita- of foreign countries such as US Chong Hwa (also known as Roger ble and mutually beneficial co- planes, he said, adding, “in view Ng), Malaysian financier Low Take operation for all, 'he said. The of Civil Aviation Organization Jho (also known as Jho Low) and diplomatic official also referred (CAO), planes of all countries ex- former 1MDB employee Jasmine to the goal of achieving balanced cept Israel are allowed to take off Loo. All are accused of making false growth, increasing support and and land in the nationwide airports statements in order to "dishonest- tangible results of the project in within the framework of rules and ly misappropriate $2.7 million" the international community, es- regulations.” Elsewhere in his re- from the proceeds of the three pecially in poor nations. She as- marks, the deputy roads minister bonds. Thomas said the four indi- serted that Beijing's policy is to pointed to the appropriation of viduals are accused of conspiring establish ties based on the prin- to "bribe Malaysian public offi- ciples of friendship, sincerity, fuel to Iranian planes in foreign air- inclusion and non-interference in ports, he said, “presently, most cials in order to procure the selec- the internal affairs of its mem- European countries, Turkey and tion, involvement and participation bers. Finally, she urged the Unit- Lebanon refrain from delivering Turning to the skyrocketing be adjusted in coming months.” but in the recent two and three because, chartered selling of airline of Goldman Sachs in the bond is- ed States to take substantial fuel to Iranian planes but current price of airplane ticket, he said, With regard to the charter-based years, we have tried to minimize ticket will help improve tourism suances." Thomas also said that steps in support of developing nationwide airlines are managing “airline ticket increased as a result sales of airplane ticket, he said, “in charter-based selling of airline tick- industry, he said, adding, “for its Goldman also benefited by collect- countries instead of continuing to with the same existing capacities of skyrocketing exchange rate in the past years, a large portion of et.” In general, charter-based sales part, CAO also will support char- ing what he claims were inflated issue irresponsible and cynical in order to continue their flights.” the past months but such issue will airline tickets were sold as charter of airline ticket will not be removed, ter-based transaction. fees of $600 million. statements about China. Hua re- sponded in this way to the criti- cism of the North American ad- visor of National Security, John Bolton, against the Strip and the US military says it Route, which considers a weap- U K 's M ay on of the Asian giant to dominate the orb. This initiative is inspired has killed 62 militants by old commercial routes. Turkey detains t o w a r n in Somalia with air strikes 421 alleged followers of a g a i n s t Gülen movement in past week 'd a m a g e ' Turkish police detained 421 people between Dec. 10 and o f se c o n d Dec. 17 as part of a post-coup crackdown on followers of the Gülen movement, according to a statement released by the Turk- B r ex i t v o t e ish Interior Ministry on Mon- day. Meanwhile, Turkish pros- ecutors on Monday issued de- At least 62 Al Shabab militants Shabab militants under the request tention warrants for 111 people Prime Minister Theresa May on likely leave us no further forward." this would betray the 2016 result supporter. "Any effort to force were killed by six US military air of the Somali government and in over Gülen links in Çanakkale, Monday will warn MPs against She will warn that another ref- and undermine public confidence Brexit over the line without check- strikes over two days, the army's coordination with the African Balikesir and Ankara provinces. supporting a second referendum, erendum would also "further di- in politics. ing that it has the continued con- Africa Command (Africom) said Union Mission to Somalia (Ami- Thirty-five of the detainees were saying it would do "irreparable vide our country at the very mo- For 'People's Vote' sent of the British people will only on Monday. Dozens of militants som), which has the approval of military personnel. President damage" to British politics. "Let ment we should be working to unite Campaigners for a referendum reinforce divisions," she said. were killed in the strikes in the vi- the United Nations Security Coun- Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his us not break faith with the British it." Britain voted to leave the Eu- said May's comments Monday Dozens of MPs from all the cinity of Gandarsh in Somalia's cil. With these attacks, the US mil- ruling Justice and Development people by trying to stage another ropean Union in a referendum in showed that the idea is being tak- main parties also support a sec- south-central Banaadir province on itary has carried out at least 46 air Party (AKP) government pur- referendum," she is expected to tell 2016 and is set to leave on March en seriously. "A new public vote ond referendum, as do former Saturday and Sunday, Africom strikes so far this year against Al sued a crackdown on the Gülen parliament, according to extracts 29 next year, although May is would be different from the refer- prime ministers John Major and said. Four air strikes on Saturday Shabab, which is allied to Al Qae- movement following corruption from her speech released by Down- struggling to get parliament to ac- endum in 2016 because we now Tony Blair. There have also been killed 34 militants and two more da and Africa's most active Islamic operations in December 2013 in ing Street. "Another vote ... would cept a divorce agreement she struck know more about what Brexit reports that government officials on Sunday killed 28, they said. extremist group. Al Shabab con- which the inner circle of the gov- do irreparable damage to the integ- last month. May has faced calls means," said Margaret Beckett, an are considering giving the public a "Africa Command and our So- trols parts of rural southern and ernment and then-Prime Minis- rity of our politics," she will say, for a second referendum to resolve MP from the main opposition La- vote. mali partners conducted these air- central Somalia and continues to ter Erdogan were implicated. adding that a second vote "would the impasse but has argued that bour Party and "People's Vote" (CNN) strikes to prevent terrorists from stage deadly attacks in Mogadishu Erdogan also accuses the Gülen using remote areas as a safe haven and other cities. The US air strikes movement of masterminding a to plot, direct, inspire and recruit have picked up dramatically since coup attempt in July 2016. De- LEBANESE FORCES for future attacks," Africom said President Donald Trump took of- spite the movement strongly in a statement. They said no civil- fice and approved expanded mili- denying involvement in the failed DRAW WEAPONS AT LavrovdenouncesUkrainian ians were killed in the strikes. Al tary operations in the Horn of Af- coup, the Turkish government IDF SOLDIERS Shabab uses parts of southern and rica nation. Airstrikes also target a launched a witch-hunt targeting central Somalia to plot and direct small presence of fighters linked the group following the abortive OPERATING militaryprovocationinCrimea extremist attacks, steal humanitar- to ISIS. The US's only permanent putsch. Since then, some ian aid, extort the local populace military base in Africa is in Dji- 140,000 public servants have ALONG BLUE LINE to fund its operations, and shelter bouti, but they have several hun- been dismissed by government radicals, the statement said. The dred troops stationed in Somalia decrees and more than 600,000 A second confrontation between United States military is conduct- as well as a troop presence in oth- people investigated on terrorism Lebanese Armed Forces and the ing precision air strikes against Al er areas of Africa. charges. IDF was documented Monday (AP) during Israel’s Operation North- ern Shield to discover and destroy Hezbollah cross-border attack T u r k ish Ar m y in ch in g SYRIAN REGIME tunnels. A video released by Hezbollah-friendly media showed LAF troops holding their weap- closer t o S yr ia n FORCED130,000 ons, at times aiming them at IDF troops mere meters away as UNI- TOLEAVEHOMES FIL personnel worked to de-esca- in t er ven t ion d esp it e late the situation along the Blue IN2018 Line. The confrontation occurred ca lls fr om U S officia ls Syria's Assad regime and its allies as Israeli troops installed 200 have forced approximately meters of barbed wire and after 130,000 people to migrate -- Lebanese forces went on alert, Leb- through fierce attacks and block- anon’s National News Agency re- ades -- from cities it captured this ported. The IDF confirmed to The year. On the occasion of Interna- Jerusalem Post that troops had Russian Foreign Minister Serguei This is our country, our bor- ing with other nations that protect tional Migrants Day (Dec. 18), placed barbed wire along the bor- Lavrov denounced the preparation der and in no way allow Porosh- and stimulate his government how Anadolu Agency collected data der but in Israeli territory, denying by Kiev of a provocation in Crimea enko to try, as he claims, defend to carry out the provocation, said from local sources that suggests that Israeli troops had crossed the by the end of this year, while de- their interests and thus violate the the Russian head of Foreign Af- that 2018 -- for Syrians -- would Blue Line into Lebanese territory nying the possibility of a conflict rights of Crimean, obtained accord- fairs to the Komsomolskaya Prav- be remembered as a year of dis- and had that any violent incidents between his country and Ukraine. ing to international law, he said. In da newspaper. But such actions placement and forced migration. occurred with LAF troops. The For the last 10 days of the March 2014, the overwhelming should never lead to the launching Although opposition-held areas of year, the Ukrainian president, Pi- majority of the population of of an offensive that provokes a Damascus, Homs, Daraa and Qu- operation was carried out after consultations with UNIFIL, the otro Poroshenko, plans a military Crimea and in the special area of massive response from Russia, neitra were all designated "de-es- provocation on the Russian bor- Sevastopol spoke in favor of the Lavrov said, referring to the ad- calation zones" (in line with ear- military said adding UNIFIL lier agreements signed in Astana), troops were present at the time der, on the Crimean border, Lavrov departure from Ukraine and the vice that the West would have giv- this did not stop the regime from and there were no confrontations declared. Moscow will respond subsequent return to Russian ju- en to the Ukrainian head of state. attacking and blockading them, with Lebanese soldiers. Lebanon’s forcefully to Kiev, in case of pro- risdiction. We have information The minister considered that Last 48 hours, three high-level tions. An email to the State De- and forcing numerous residents to Naharnet said that “tensions vocative actions, he promised. that the Ukrainian leader is discuss- Moscow will avoid. phone talks conducted between partment went unanswered with leave their homes. Syrians in surged after dozens of Israeli the United States and Turkey. regards to reported Pompeo-Ca- these regions who remain opposed troops and three Poclain excava- Turkey's President Recep Tayyip vusoglu phone talk. The White to the regime were relocated to tors crossed the electronic border Erdogan and his U.S. counterpart House has not issued any readout refugee camps in the country’s fence in Kroum al-Sharaqi in Mays Donald Trump on Friday talked since the June 25th Trump-Er- north, where they continue to al-Jabal and started drilling works Japanrestaurant explosioninjuresdozens on the phone, and according to dogan talk, when reportedly face difficult living conditions. near the U.N.-demarcated Blue Turkish pro-government press, Trump congratulated Erdogan. According to data collected by the More than 40 people were injured scene of an explosion in Sapporo, the scene of an explosion in Sap- Syria Intervention Coordinators, Line, adding that “The move Sunday when a massive explosion Japan, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018. poro, Japan, Sunday, Dec. 16, both agreed to reach more efficient The only item we are sure a local NGO devoted to helping prompted the Lebanese Army and rocked a restaurant in northern Ja- Dozens of people were injured in 2018. Dozens of people were in- coordination between their coun- about these talks that Syria is the civilians, the regime and its allies UNIFIL peacekeepers to go on pan, according to local news re- the explosion Sunday night at a jured in the explosion Sunday night tries on military operations in Syr- top topic and impending military have forced as many as 128,926 alert in the area.” ports. A swath of Sapporo City, Japanese restaurant in northern at a Japanese restaurant in north- ia. On Thursday, again Turkish operation is the focus. Both the people to leave their homes in Earlier on Monday Lebanon’s the capital city of Japan's main Japan, police said. The explosion ern Japan, police said. The explo- press reported that Turkish For- U.S. State Department and the the period from March 14 of this National News Agency (NNA) northern island of Hokkaido, was occurred in Sapporo, the cThe sion occurred in Sapporo, the cThe eign Minister Mevlüt Çavusoglu Pentagon stated that such Turkish year to July 31. said that the IDF had launched a covered with smoke, shattered Associated Press First responders Associated Press First responders and his U.S. counterpart Secretary action is ''unacceptable'' to the U.S. 80,000 leave capital This year’s reconnaissance balloon over a high- glass and collapsed debris in the work at the scene of an explosion work at the scene of an explosion Mike Pompeo and American Chair- However, looking at pro-Erdogan forced evacuations first began in way linking the southern Lebanese aftermath of a suspected gas ex- in Sapporo, Japan, Sunday, Dec. in Sapporo, Japan, Sunday, Dec. man of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, media broadcasts from the Tur- the period from March 14 to May villages of Kfar Kila to Adaisseh. plosion, Japanese public broad- 16, 2018. Dozens of people were 16, 2018. Dozens of people were Joseph Dunford and Turkish coun- key-Syria border, signals tell us 10, when Syrians in Damascus' On Sunday the news agency re- caster NHK reported. Most of the injured in the explosion Sunday injured in the explosion Sunday terpart General Yasar Güler had that the Turkish Army is inching Eastern Ghouta, Eastern Qala- ported that the LAF installed two phone talks. The U.S. authorities closer to intervene Tel Abyad, mun, Qadem, Yelda, Babila, and injuries were minor, but at least night at a Japanese restaurant in night at a Japanese restaurant in mobile cameras to monitor IDF one person was in serious condi- northern Japan, police said. The northern Japan, police said. Flames do not even confirm if they indeed across from Urfa where the city is Beit Sahm were relocated. movements in the area. had phone talks, leave aside issu- dominated by Arab population. (WP) tion, according to the report. explosion occurred in Sapporo, the still were smoldering among the (BBC) First responders work at the cmore + First responders work at wreckage of the two-story. ing readouts on these conversa- "Experts" on this prominent. TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

We a r e a n a t ion a l in st it u t ion a n d n ot t h e voice of a gov t or a p r iva t e or ga n iza t ion AFGHANISTAN TIMES Editor: Mansoor Ahmad Faizy Phone No: +93-797070563 E-mail: [email protected] The US administration now thinks that it is better to leave Email: [email protected] Afghanistan with some dignity rather than doing the same after www.afghanistantimes.af some more years after feeling psychologically defeated. Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi By Col (R) Muhammad Hanif Advisory editorial board Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, Dr. Omar In view of no gains made dur- ing the last fourteen years Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal, Saboor Sarir fighting by the US and coali- tion forces with the Taliban in Graphic-Designers: Afghanistan and seeing that Bilal Yusufi and Basir Qazizada his own initial strategy of fight- ing in Afghanistan is not suc- Mar ket i ng & Adver t i si ng: ceeding, President Trump Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0782344728, 0778894038 seems to be convinced that it is economically and psycho- Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan logically not feasible for the US forces to keep fighting with the Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 Taliban in Afghanistan. This Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press assessment seems to have emerged after seeing no possi- bility of a victory in the fore- seeable future, as the Talibanis The constitution says more resilient and stronger than before and they are causing more harm to life and property Article 107: in Afghanistan and expanding The National Assembly shall hold two regular sessions annually. The term of both regular sessions shall their control over the Afghan be nine months every year, and when needed, the Assembly shall extend its term. Extraordinary sessions of territory. Hence, the US admin- the Taliban as a major stake- met Pakistan’s Prime Minister, players except India have gone the Assembly during recess shall be convened by Presidential order. istration now thinks that it is holder, we’re gaining momen- Imran Khan, held talks with in favour of talking to the Tali- better to leave Afghanistan tum, as all the regional players Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and ban with some dignity rather than except India have gone in he is also going to Russia and Since all the stakeholders in doing the same after some more favour of talking to the Taliban. Central Asian states in gaining Afghanistan seem to be poised years after feeling psychologi- Although it is yet not clear that their cooperation for starting for establishing peace in Af- cally defeated. President on what terms the US wants talks with the Taliban. ghanistan, it appears that talks Trump’s desire for peace with peace with the Taliban, because In the context of peace in Af- between the US along with oth- the Taliban in Afghanistan is the Taliban want to talk direct- ghanistan, the US administra- er stakeholders, and the Tali- evident from the fresh efforts ly with the US, they want the tion appears to be in a hurry, as ban might start quite soon. being pursued by the US Spe- withdrawal of all US and coali- Ambassador Zalmay Khalidzad However, what stances are pre- cial Representative for Afghan- tion troops from Afghanistan wants to have a peace agree- sented in the talks by the Tali- istan Reconciliation, Ambassa- and they also want to amend ment with the Taliban before ban, the US, the Afghan Gov- dor Zalmay Khalilzad and Pres- Afghanistan’s constitution. upcoming Afghan presidential ernment representatives and ident Trump’s letter handed The Taliban would also like to elections in April 2019 and other regional actors will be over by Zalmay Khalidzad to have solid assurances and there is news that the presiden- known during the dialogue. the Pakistan’s Prime Minister would not easily fall prey to tial elections may be delayed Also, since the Taliban have Imran Khan, during a recent some diversionary strategy of for some times. been engaged by the US direct- meeting with him. In the letter the US. On the other hand, the In this context, it is an encour- ly the success of the dialogue President Trump has sought US would like to retain some aging information that the US process and the seriousness of Pakistan’s help for convincing military bases in Afghanistan, officials are talking to the Tali- the US will be tested soon. hatever might be its outcomes but people from war stricken the Taliban to start talks with and ensure the prevalence of ban as they view the US However, for the peace process Afghanistan are attaching great hopes and expectation with a the US officials and the Afghan India’s political and military in- backed government in Kabul as to succeed, it would be neces- Government for seeking a long fluence there. a dysfunctional Western pup- sary that sincere efforts are fresh round of peace talks, commenced in Dubai United Arab term peace in Afghanistan, al- As published by the Voice of pet and have refused repeated done by all stakeholders with Emirates Monday. So far United States, Afghanistan government and though very recently the US America (VOA) on4 December offers to negotiate with it, al- the spirit of give and take. Taliban Qatar Political Office are participating in the talks. But it is officials have blamed Pakistan 2018, since his appointment in though in Ambassador’s talks As far as Pakistan is con- for giving refuge to the Taliban September 2018, U.S. envoy with the Taliban in Qatar in cerned, it will do its best to work being participated by representatives of Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and host leaders.In response to Presi- Zalmay Khalilzad has acceler- November 2018, the US has in favour of a peace deal as UAE as well. However, so far initiating of first ever results-oriented dent Trump’s letter, Prime Min- ated efforts to find an Afghan neither confirmed nor denied peace in Afghanistan is vital ister Imran Khan has said that peace pact that would allow for the possibility of holding direct for the stability and economic dialogues aimed at finding out a negotiated, durable and acceptable Pakistan will do whatever was the eventual withdrawal of the talks with the Taliban.. development of Pakistan and political solution to long standing conflict and building up a consensus possible to achieve peace in United States from the long war, The US President also felt com- Afghanistan. on ways and means for return of peace and stability in the country Afghanistan. which has already cost Wash- pelled to think in terms of peace Col (R) Muhammad Hani[The In the above context, the US ington nearly $1 trillion. Am- with the Taliban after witness- writer is an ex-Army Colonel, a which is worst kind of violence and terror from last four decades. President also felt compelled to bassador Zalmay Khalidzad ing that Russia and China led former Research Fellow of Is- Leading politico-religious figure and member of Afghanistan High Peace think in terms of peace with the has already met the Taliban peace efforts in Afghanistan, lamabad Policy Research Insti- Taliban after witnessing that representatives in their office accepting the Taliban as a ma- tute (IPRI), and Senior Re- Council Abdul Hakim Mujahid said that holding meetings with the Tal- Russia and China led peace ef- in Doha, Qatar, he has met the jor stakeholder, we’re gaining search Fellow, Strategic Vision iban representatives are very important for the trust building process. forts in Afghanistan, accepting Afghan President Ghani, has momentum, as all the regional Institute, Islamabad]. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid through a statement also con- firmed, commencing of peace talks in Dubai but he didn’t give further details. On the other side Pakistan said that they are committed for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesman tweeted that’ along with international community and oth- er stakeholders, Pakistan is committed to peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Moreover, according to Afghan officials this could be the first practical step that Pakistan—a state harboring terrorist groups— Peace process would take to convince Taliban join the peace talks. It is premature to say about tenure or duration of Dubai Peace talks but one thing is very clear that this time a visible shift is being felt amongst the stances of stakeholders. The US Special Envoy for Afghanistan Dr. Zalmay Kha- lilzad may be credited for convincing Taliban for joining the peace talks and for the first time face-to-face talks with the members of Afghani- stan High Peace Council and other leading figures. At the very outset of his assignments, Dr. Khalilzad had visited Kabul whereas he met with almost of top leaders including sitting President Ashraf Ghani and other high-ranking officials. All Afghan leaders have made a unanimous voice for peace and stability in the motherland which is now being listened and responded in rest of the world. Beside violent and terror acts being conducted by opposition Taliban fighters, couple of days back over 15 innocent civilians were killed and scores of other injured in the US and Afghan troops airstrikes in a village at Kunar province. The victims were included children and women. No one can justify such acts at any way. But the Afghans calling them Taliban or opposition are also re- sponsible for such violent acts. In fact, the opposition fighters are shel- tering in far flung mountainous regions among common Afghan fami- lies, therefore, these helpless families are being suffered in encounters and attacks between the two sides. Now in Dubai talks, the participants need to review the rich Afghan culture. The participants, especially those calling them as mediators and facilitators like Pakistan and Saudi Arab must make agree Taliban Political Office for declaring uncondi- tional ceasefire as in chilly cold it is hard for the victims and relatives to even burry the victims or bring the injured to hospitals. Subscription Rates Note: The following rates will apply from January 01, 2017. Fee Categories Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 5400 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 2700 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $240 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES Pak-USrelations and Afghanistan conundrum Pak-US relations did not develop because of mutuality of interests rather they were informed by political expediency

By Inamullah Marwat General Yahya’s era, relations between the two countries did not remain well during Prime Pak-US relations have been Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto’s back on track after a long spell era because of Bhutto’s social- of acrimony coming in the wake ist disposition and nuclear pur- of President Trump’s tweets at suits. the start of the year in which End of 1970s brought Pak-US he seemed nullifying Pakistan relations into close proximity in so far efforts in the war against the wake of Afghanistan’s oc- terrorism and which prompted cupation by Soviets. Forget- the incumbent government to ting the past grudges and po- deliver a message unequivocal- litically expedient to both for ly with all stakeholders on the differing interests- for the US, same page to the United States the aim was to defeat its rival in (US) that Pakistan wanted an Afghanistan and, for Pakistan, acknowledgement for their economic assistance and mili- stand by the US instead of be- tary expertise mattered most- ing fed mantra of “Do More”. both Pakistan and the US pur- The recent thaw in the bitter sued a proxy war against Sovi- relationship has been prompt- ets in Afghanistan for almost a ed by the recently sent letter decade and it culminated not Afghanistan’s last Universal Peri- slight decrease in the incidence of with other kinds of abuse, the gov- ernment had since banned the ex- than half of the cases in the 2014- on the part of the US President only in defeat of Soviets in Af- odic Review (UPR) was in Janu- torture at that time, as police and ernment has failed to hold the per- aminations, but officials have told 2016 period. Since then, insurgent Trump, seeking Pakistan’s sup- ghanistan but also the collapse ary 2014, when most internation- intelligence officials were under in- petrators accountable. Human Rights Watch that the prac- attacks targeting journalists have port in finding a solution to of the Soviet Union as well, re- al forces were preparing to with- creased scrutiny. However, by Recommendations tice remains widespread, and many increased. On April 30, a suicide Afghanistan conundrum sulting in end of the cold war. draw and hand over security re- mid-2015, as fighting with the Tal- Promptly and thoroughly investi- judges, prosecutors, and police bomber disguised as a photogra- through negotiations. However, post Soviets’ defeat sponsibilities to the Afghan Na- iban intensified, human rights ac- gate all allegations of torture of officials told us they routinely or- pher killed nine journalists in Kab- As Pakistan aided US-Taliban in Afghanistan, strains ap- tional Security Forces. Afghani- tivists reported that torture had detainees, enforced disappearanc- der “virginity tests.” In the sec- ul. Even though the government talks are set to kick off on Mon- peared in Pak-US relations in stan’s human rights situation has resumed to previous levels or had es, and summary executions and ond cycle, eight countries, includ- has vowed to investigate all cases day and it is hoped that the joint 1990s and sanctions were im- deteriorated since then, as fighting increased in many places. In its appropriately prosecute all those ing Bhutan, Chile, Croatia, Djibou- of threats and violence by securi- overture for stability gets pace posed upon Pakistan for alleg- has intensified between govern- 2017 report, the United Nations found responsible for committing, ti, Ecuador, Mexico, Portugal, and ty personnel, members of parlia- this time as an instability in edly pursuing nuclear program. ment forces and insurgent groups, Assistance Mission to Afghanistan ordering, or acquiescing in these Switzerland, made specific recom- ment and other officials, and in Afghanistan has been turning The US left Pakistan alone to including the Taliban and the Is- (UNAMA) found the highest lev- crimes. Enforce the existing legal mendations urging the Afghan gov- some cases has launched investi- out to be a bane for the whole deal with civil war in Afghani- lamic State of Khorasan Province els of torture of conflict-related prohibitions on the use of coerced ernment to ensure equal access to gations, it has consistently failed region in almost every aspect- stan coming in the wake of So- (ISKP), the Afghan branch of the detainees in police custody since confessions in judicial proceedings education for women and girls. In to prosecute the perpetrators. In be it socially, politically and viet’s defeat for power among Islamic State, which emerged in it began monitoring detentions in and take appropriate disciplinary its opening statement during the 2015, Human Rights Watch docu- economically- it is worth re- different warring groups. Pak- 2015. Civilian casualties have 2010. The UNAMA report said action against prosecutors and judg- review, the Afghan delegation stat- mented 15 cases of threats and vi- flecting on Pak-US relations at US relations were downbeat steadily increased. In 2013, at least that 39 percent of detainees were es who permit the use of such in- ed that “women’s rights and gen- olence against journalists by gov- this moment in the light of his- prior to 9/11 because of already 8,638 civilians were killed or in- subjected to beatings, electric formation. Provide compensation der equality remained a top prior- ernment officials; there have been tory to find out patterns in the jured; in every year since, civilian shocks, or near suffocation by the for all victims of torture in accor- ity for the Government. … Girls no prosecutions in any of the cas- imposed sanctions coming in casualties have surpassed 10,000. Afghan police and intelligence dance with Afghanistan’s Anti- currently represented about 40 per es. In addition, Afghan journalists bonhomie between the super the wake of nuclear tests by Widespread fraud and violence agents. Police in Kandahar prov- Torture Law. Promptly and thor- cent of the nearly 9 million chil- have reported that the government power, the US, and client state, Pakistan and due to Pakistan marred the 2014 presidential elec- ince tortured or mistreated a re- oughly investigate all allegations of dren attending school in Afghani- has failed to fully implement the Pakistan, for variation of inter- having a dictatorship instead tions, and the resulting impasse ported 91 percent of detainees, and appropriately prosecute all stan. About 30 per cent of the Access to Information Law, enact- ests dictated political expedien- of democratic government. ended with a deal between the can- including by “forcibly pumping those found responsible for the school teachers and 15 per cent of ed in 2014, making it difficult and cy, resulting in a fair-weather However, 9/11 made it impera- didates and the establishment of a water into their stomachs, crush- recruitment and sexual exploitation the university lecturers were wom- dangerous for the media to obtain friendship between the two tive upon both Pakistan and national unity government. Presi- ing their testicles with clamps, suf- of children. Invite the UN Special en.” By 2018, those percentages information from public officials. states and giving birth to a lot the US to work as allies in war dent Ashraf Ghani came into of- focating them to the point of los- Rapporteur on torture and other have fallen, and the situation for Recommendations of distrust. It’s important to against terrorism as for the US fice vowing to undertake a number ing consciousness, and applying cruel, inhuman or degrading treat- girls’ education is getting worse. Promptly and impartially investi- bring into spotlight the pitfalls to pursue the war sans Pakistan of reforms to tackle corruption. He electric current to their genitals, ment or punishment to visit Af- For the first time since 2002 the gate all attacks on journalists, and of Pak-US relations in the light would have been difficult, keep- also made commitments regarding among other practices.” In April ghanistan. number of Afghan children study- ensure that any officials or securi- of history as mistakes of the ing in view the way then Tali- specific human rights concerns in 2017, the UN Committee Against Women’s Rights ing is falling. A June 2018 UNICEF ty force personnel found respon- past are likely to surface again ban government had been pa- the areas of torture, women’s Torture reported that it was In the 2014 UPR, the Afghanistan report found that up to 3.7 million sible for obstructing, abusing, or in the upcoming talks if they tronized by Pakistan since 1996. rights, and media freedom. While “gravely concerned about the gen- delegation accepted numerous rec- children in Afghanistan – nearly assaulting journalists are appropri- are not heeded to and may turn The war seemed imposed on some of these reforms have result- eral climate and culture of impuni- ommendations[2] on improving half the children in the country – ately disciplined or prosecuted. the seemingly proximity into a Pakistan purely for the US in- ed in legislation or new policies, ty in Afghanistan as evidenced by implementation of the 2009 Law are out of school, and 60 percent Fully implement the Access to In- bitter relationship. terests in the beginning but these have had minimal effect in the large number of cases of alleged on the Elimination of Violence of those are girls. In six of the coun- formation Law. Going back to early years of Pakistan could not risk diplo- curbing abusive practices by state human rights violations’ cases in- Against Women (EVAW law), in- try’s 34 provinces–Helmand, Kan- Transitional Justice, Impunity and Pakistan’s existence, Pak-US security forces, the judiciary and volving senior State officials,” and cluding the measures recommend- dahar, Paktika, Uruzgan, Wardak the 2007 Amnesty Law matic isolation by not becom- other institutions. Torture of de- that it was concerned at the nu- ed to Afghanistan by the Commit- and Zabul–only 15 percent or less During Afghanistan’s second UPR, relations did not develop be- inga part of the US camp and tainees is routine, and the govern- merous reports, including from tee on the Elimination of Discrim- of girls are in school. The UNICEF three recommendations focused on cause of mutuality of interests refusing to support the US in ment has failed to hold perpetra- UNAMA, the International Crim- ination against Women in July findings are consistent with an amending the government’s amnes- rather they were informed by its war against terrorism. What tors—including senior police offi- inal Court, the Afghanistan Inde- 2013. During the review (A/HRC/ October 2017 Human Rights ty law and ending impunity, and political expediency. Pakistan Pakistan should have done af- cials—accountable. Afghan special pendent Human Rights Commis- 26/4), the Afghan delegation re- Watch report that found that while one from Belgium urging the gov- early overtures towards the US ter 9/11, if analyzed at the mo- police units have carried out forced sion (AIHRC) and human rights sponded to some of the questions deteriorating security is a signifi- ernment to prosecute officials im- reflective from Prime Minister ment, might turn out to be quite disappearances and summary exe- groups “that beatings, electric raised regarding the EVAW law, cant barrier to girls’ education, girls plicated in unlawful violence and Liaqat Ali Khan’s visit to the debatable but this is fact that cutions with impunity. Violence shocks, suspensions, threats, sex- stating that the government strong- were at increasing risk of missing to put an end to impunity. The US and later on signing of the Pakistan’s foreign policy had a against women, including rape, ual abuses, and other forms of ly believed in the implementation school due to discrimination government also accepted three pacts like SEATO and CENTO- walk on tightrope at that time murder, mutilation and assault— mental and physical abuses are of the law, and that perpetrators against girls within the school sys- recommendations to this effect: to in the wake of which Pakistan and it must have been quite is widespread, and the perpetra- largely and increasingly practiced of violence against women would tem; child marriage; lack of female amend the National Reconciliation, received a lot of military assis- tough for everyone at that time tors are rarely brought to justice. on detainees” by the National Di- be prosecuted and punished. The teachers; and lack of facilities in- General Amnesty and National tance and expertise- were pre- to be at the helm in policy mak- The number of girls in school is rectorate of Security (NDS), Af- government included none of these cluding boundary walls and toilets. Stability Law to allow for prose- dominantly informed to fend off ing. It has been now more than falling due not only to insecurity, ghan National Police (ANP), and recommendations in its written The Afghan government has 5,260 cutions of certain crimes, such war the security threat emanating a decade that Pakistan and the but to discriminatory practices, Afghan Local Police (ALP) in or- response. It did accept the recom- boys’ schools but only 2,531 girls’ crimes and torture (Sweden); rem- from the eastern border, India. US have been in relation to each lack of female teachers, and schools der to extract confessions. While mendation (Mexico) to invite the schools, and 60 percent of Afghan edy past human rights violations On the other hand, the US gen- other with respect to instabili- that lack boundary walls and toi- the Afghan government has ful- UN Special Rapporteur on violence government schools have no toi- through the establishment of a tran- erosity towards Pakistan with ty in Afghanistan. The issue at lets. While the media remain a vi- filled its obligation to bring national against women. In November 2014, lets, which deters girls, especially sitional justice strategy (Moroc- respect to economic and mili- brant part of Afghan civil society, legislation into conformance with the Special Rapporteur visited those who have begun menstrua- co); and release the Human Rights hand though in the beginning the government has failed to in- the Convention against Torture, in- Afghanistan and issued a report in tion, from attending school. Commission’s conflict mapping tary assistance in early years could have been turned unilat- vestigate and prosecute dozens of corporating the crime of torture in May 2015. In research carried Recommendations report and ensure adequate securi- was aimed at another interest eral yet it’s now mutual. Be- cases of violence against journal- domestic law, it has not enforced out in 2017 and 2018, Human Promptly investigate and appro- ty assistance for its staff (Nether- that was to make it capable cause of not catering to it head ists by security forces. the law. The government with- Rights Watch found that Afghan priately prosecute cases of vio- lands). The government of Afghan- enough to stand against com- on, it has cost both states in Torture, Enforced Disappearanc- drew its reservations to the Con- women seeking justice after facing lence against women, including so- istan has made no progress on any munist threat, which was in ret- humungous ways. Pakistan es and Summary Executions vention against Torture and rati- violence continue to face formida- called “honor killings.” EVAW in- of these. The International Crimi- rospection not a substantial has lost almost 70,000 person- During Afghanistan’s second cy- fied the Optional Protocol. How- ble obstacles. Police routinely stitutions should refer criminal of- nal Court prosecutor is seeking to threat to Pakistan, and perhaps nel because of backfiring of its cle UPR, several member states ever, amendments to the Criminal refuse to register cases and instead fenses of violence against women open an investigation into alleged to enlist Pakistan in the capi- dual policies vis-à-vis Afghan- made recommendations urging that Procedure Code allow security tell women who have been the vic- to the criminal justice system, not crimes in Afghanistan since 2003, talist block to impress upon the istan. On the other hand, the the Afghan government take steps personnel to hold suspects accused tims of domestic violence to re- to mediation or traditional dispute when Afghanistan became a mem- Soviets its widening influence US exclusive approach to find to eliminate torture and other cru- of terrorist crimes and crimes turn to their husbands. In May resolution mechanisms. Disciplin- ber of the court. Article 88 of the across the globe. a solution to Afghanistan with- el, inhuman or degrading treatment against internal and external secu- 2018 UNAMA reported that even ary action should be taken against ICC’s founding treaty requires Thus, Pak-US relations without out paying heed to stakes of or punishment (Denmark); elabo- rity for up to 70 days without re- the most serious cases of murder EVAW judges and prosecutors who members to adopt procedures un- mutuality of substantial inter- regional actors especially that rate a road map to improve prison quiring those suspects to be and rape often never reach the seek mediation in criminal cases. der their national law to ensure full ests backfired after a first de- of Pakistan has been turning conditions and to prevent mistreat- brought before a judge. Such pro- courts. Afghan authorities routine- End the abusive practice of “vir- cooperation with the court. Af- cade due to the US increasing out to be economic black hole ment of prisoners (Poland); deploy visions increase the risk of torture. ly turn victims away or pressure ginity examinations,” and disci- ghanistan has yet to do so. Rec- overtures towards India and for its economy with no divi- possible additional efforts to pre- Impunity remains the norm among them to accept mediation. Media- pline police, prosecutors and judg- ommendations Repeal the Nation- also because of Pakistan invok- vent cases of torture and ill-treat- the country’s security forces. The tion does not provide justice to es who order them. al Stability and Reconciliation Law dend in return. Overall, the re- ment and to prosecute perpetra- government has established human female victims of serious crimes, Enforce the Supreme Court ruling and take action to end impunity ing wrath of the Soviet Union lationship between the US and tors (Italy); and intensify the fight rights units in the relevant agen- offering victims only a promise decriminalizing “running away” for war crimes and crimes against after a US spy plane that had Pakistan vis-a- vis Afghanistan against impunity (Germany). In its cies, required personnel to partic- from her abuser not to repeat the and discipline police, prosecutors humanity. Impartially investigate taken off from military airbase has been plagued with skepti- response to recommendations ipate in training on human rights, crime. In some case, mediators and judges who continue to prose- and appropriately prosecute in Peshawar was shot down by cism and distrust coming in the made during the interactive dia- and reformed the law, but it has themselves inflict abuse, for exam- cute and imprison girls and wom- crimes against humanity and war the Soviets. As a result what wake of past transactions. logue, the Afghan delegation ini- not prosecuted any ANP, ALP or ple by ordering girls or women to en on such grounds. Take concrete crimes in Afghanistan’s national we see in General Ayub’s era is At this point, when Pakistan tially indicated that it would in- NDS officials for torture. Those be given as compensation for mur- steps to realize the right to prima- courts. Publish the Conflict Map- that Pak seemed neutral vis-à- and the US have resolved to tensify its efforts to curb torture responsible for the most egregious der, forcing women and girls to ry and secondary education for ping Report, and initiate a consul- vis its foreign policy by mak- mutually work together for and prosecute perpetrators; imple- practices, including senior police marry men who raped them, or girls by ending discriminatory prac- tative process involving represen- ing overtures towards beacons bringing stability in Afghani- ment, in the national legislation, officials in Kandahar such as Gen. excusing murder in the name of tices; recruiting more female teach- tatives from civil society and com- of then communist bloc in the stan, there is no gainsaying the provisions of the Convention Abdul Raziq, continue to enjoy “honor.” Despite a pledge from ers and providing financial incen- munities across Afghanistan to as- likes of China and Soviet Union fact that the bitterness of the against Torture; consider ratifying government support. Human President Ghani in 2016 to end the tives to encourage female teachers sist in creating an appropriate tran- instead of confining itself to past grudges might surface the International Convention for Rights Watch have received reports imprisonment of women accused to work in underserved areas; and sitional justice mechanism. Ensure capitalist bloc. For a long last- again and they would, but the Protection of All Persons from that ANP forces under Raziq have of running away from their fami- ensuring that all schools have ade- full cooperation with the ICC, in- ing solution to Afghanistan via keeping in view the mutuality Enforced Disappearance and the been responsible for forced disap- lies, Afghan police and prosecu- quate boundary walls, toilets, and cluding through legislation to reg- enlisting Pakistan’s support, of interest and future of Af- Optional Protocol to the Conven- pearances and summary execu- tors continue to jail women and access to safe water. Promptly im- ulate the relationship between Af- the US needs to assure Paki- ghans and the region at stake, tion against Torture; and respond tions in Kandahar. There have been girls for on charges of “moral plement the National Action Plan ghanistan’s domestic law enforce- stan that it regards its concerns they need to go beyond differ- positively to requests to visit made no official investigations into these crimes” that include “running to end child marriage. ment agencies and the court. [1] and wants to engage with it for by the Special Rapporteur on tor- incidents and no prosecutions. The away” from home, and committing Freedom of Expression and Me- Italy, Russian Federation, Spain, ences of the past and figure out ture and other cruel, inhuman or Afghan government is also failing or attempting to commit zina, or dia Freedom Egypt, Tunisia, Hungary, Latvia, a long term in a multifaceted a win-win solution for Afghan- degrading treatment or punish- in other areas to comply with its having sex outside of marriage. In the second UPR cycle, Afghan- Mexico, Tajikistan, Thailand, manner instead of leaving it in istan. For a long lasting solu- ment.[1] Only the recommendation obligations under international hu- Rape victims can be charged with istan accepted recommendations France, Czech Republic, Poland, lurch like it happened many a tion to Afghanistan via enlist- to respond positively to requests man rights law. Human Rights zina and imprisoned. These girls from Belgium, Lithuania and the United Kingdom, Sweden, Moroc- times in the past once its (US) ing Pakistan’s support, the US to visit made by the Special Rap- Watch has documented summary and women are subjected to inva- Maldives that the government en- co, Germany, Netherlands, Swit- interests were met The rela- needs to assure Pakistan that porteur on torture and other cruel, executions of civilians by NDS sive vaginal and anal examinations sure the right of free expression zerland, Uruguay, Estonia, Slova- tions between Pakistan and the it regards its concerns and inhuman or degrading treatment special police units in Nangarhar, performed by Afghan government and investigate and prosecute all kia, Austria, Denmark, Algeria and US generally remained close wants to engage with it for a made it into the government’s writ- Kabul and Kandahar, and has re- doctors, sometimes repeatedly on cases of violence against journal- Portugal. A/HRC/26/4, 136.82- but replete with a lot of skepti- long term in a multifaceted man- ten response. However, as of July ceived reports that other ANSF the same girl or woman including ists. Attacks on journalists have 84., 137 [2]Austria, Australia, Bel- cism during General Ayub’s er- ner instead of leaving it in lurch 2018, the government had not ex- special forces, including the Khost young girls, purportedly to deter- increased since Afghanistan’s pre- gium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croat- aas, at crucial times in the likes like it happened many a times tended an invitation to the Special Protection Force, have been re- mine whether a woman or girl is a vious UPR in 2014. In 2017, the ia, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Fin- of 1965 war and 1971 war, which in the past once its (US) inter- Rapporteur. In the first year after sponsible for extrajudicial execu- “virgin.” These tests have no sci- Afghan Journalists Safety Com- land, Germany, Greece, Iceland, was though not in General ests were met. the National Unity Government tions of civilians . The Afghan gov- entific validity and can constitute mittee (AJSC) documented 169 Iran, Ireland, Indonesia, Italy, Ayub’s era, the US left Pakistan The writer is an M.Phil. quali- took office in September 2014, ernment has continued to rely on sexual assault. In a 2016 report, cases of violence and threats Latvia, Lithuania, Malaysia, in lurch. Apart from the fleet- fied with major in International President Ghani announced a militia forces, some of which have the Afghanistan Independent Hu- against journalists—the highest Maldives, Mexico, New Zealand, ing bonhomie which came in Relations and is a columnist “zero-tolerance” approach toward killed and assaulted civilians. Af- man Rights Commission called number since the group was es- Norway, Philippines, Portugal, the wake of Pakistan helping based in Peshawar. He can be torture and launched a national ac- ghan security forces have been “virginity tests” a form of sexual tablished in 2009. Government Slovenia, Sweden, Tajikistan, Tur- the US to build diplomatic rela- reached at [email protected] tion plan to end it. Human rights complicit in the sexual exploitation assault that should be abolished. officials and security personnel key, Uruguay, and the US. (A/ tions with China in 1971 during activists in Afghanistan reported a and recruitment of children, and as Afghan officials claim that the gov- were responsible for slightly more HRC/26/4, 136.131-153) (dailytimes) TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES Get out of Nigeria, Army warns Amnesty International The Nigerian Army has called for the closure of the Amnesty Inter- national offices in Nigeria, alleging there is credible evidence the or- ganisation is working hard to de- stabilise the country. Amnesty In- ternational The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman said in a statement on Monday that the or- ganisation’s attempt to destabilise the nation was noted through fab- rication of fictitious allegations of alleged human rights abuses against the Nigerian security forces. Us- man also alleged the AI had en- gaged in clandestine sponsorship of dissident groups to protest, as well as unfounded allegations against the leadership of the Nige- rian military. Osinbajo urges Nige- rians to appreciate local talents A coalition of Civil Society Organi- sations (Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Enough is Enough, and BudgIT) have recently called for the prob- mentary by KCNA was at least ing of the Chief of Army Staff partially a response to the latest (COAS) over the funding of the round of sanctions levied against war against terrorism and other North Korea by the U.S. crimes in the country. The CSOs Last week, three officials, in- cluding Choe Ryong Hae, a close alleged the army had not made adviser to Kim who's seen as sec- commensurate achievement in the ond-highest-ranking official in the fight in line with the huge fund the As tens of thousands of North directly criticize President Donald stitute for Policy Studies. "They regime, were condemned for alleged federal government allocated to the Koreans, including current leader Trump. The commentary mostly want direct talks at the top level," abuses of human rights. fight. he COAS, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Kim Jong Un, paid a visit on Sun- took issue with stalled nuclear ne- Shin added. "They don't want to "The U.S. should realize be- Buratai, had however explained day to Kim Jong Il's mausoleum in gotiations. The commentary involve high-level officials." Park fore it is too late that 'maximum that some of the allocated funds Pyongyang to commemorate the "made sure to control the level of Hwee-rhak, a professer of politics pressure' would not work against has yet to be cash backed and that seventh anniversary of his death, criticism so as to not agitate the at Kookmin University in Seoul, us and take a sincere approach to it had not reached the army. Us- North Korean state media also U.S.," hinting North Korea still told ABC News that North Korea implementing the Singapore man said the Nigerian branch of AI used the opportunity to take a jab would consider a second summit "is extremely afraid to pursue hard- DPRK-U.S. Joint Statement," the that has hitherto been well respect- at U.S. foreign policy. Pyongyang between Kim and Trump, accord- line provocations." "In that sense," KCNA report said. Kim Jong Il is ed has deviated from the core val- criticized Washington in a lengthy ing to Shin Beom-chul, director of Park added, "the current U.S. strat- believed to have died from a heart ues, principles and objectives of by Korean Central News Agency, the Center for Security and Unifi- egy seems to be working on con- attack on Dec. 17, 2011. the original parent body in the but the state-run media arm didn't cation at the Seoul-based Asan In- taining North Korea." The com- (BBC) United Kingdom. 7 0 p c ch a n ce of N AT O -R u ssia C om b a t : "U S r ea dy t o figh t t o th e la st br it " PrimeMinistersof George Szamuely is a Hungarian- will be up to Trump to reverse this. born scholar and Senior Research Just as he, Trump, reversed Fellow at London’s Global Policy Obama’s policy on Iran by walk- Uzbekistan,Kyrgyzstanto Institute. He lives in New York ing away from the Joint Compre- City. I spoke to him about escalat- hensive Plan of Action, otherwise ing hostilities on Russia’s Ukrai- known as the Iran nuclear deal. So discussborder issues nian and Black Sea borders and expect ever-increasing US involve- Meeting of the Prime Ministers of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan about Exercise Trident Juncture, ment in Ukraine. AG: NATO’s will take place tomorrow, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the NATO’s massive military exercise Supreme Commander US General Republic of Uzbekistan reported, Trend reports referring to 24.kg. on Russian borders which ended Curtis M. Scaparrotti is reported According to it, the second meeting of the Council of Heads of just as the latest hostilities began. to have been on the phone with Border Regions of Uzbekistan and Plenipotentiary Representa- Ann Garrison: George, the Ukrainian President Petro Porosh- tives of the Government of Kyrgyzstan in the border regions will hostilities between Ukraine, enko “offering his full support.” be held in Osh city. The heads of the Cabinet of Ministers of the NATO, and Russia continue to Thoughts on that? GS: There has escalate in the Sea of Azov, the been a proxy war within Ukraine two countries will chair the meeting. Kerch Strait, and the Black Sea. since 2014, with NATO backing Earlier, following the negotiations of the working groups of Kyr- What do you think the latest odds Poroshenko’s Ukrainian govern- gyzstan and Uzbekistan, two more sections of the state border of a shooting war between NATO ment and Russia backing the dissi- have been demarcated. and Russia are, if one hasn’t start- dents and armed separatists who ed by the time this is published? speak Russian and identify as Rus- George Szamuely: Several weeks sian in Ukraine’s southeastern ago, when we first talked about Donbass region. But in the Kerch Turkmenistan:Firingof top this, I said 60 percent. Now I’d Strait the hostilities are between say, maybe 70 percent. The prob- Russia and Ukraine, with NATO lem is that Trump seems deter- behind Ukraine. A shooting war will industryofficialsgives pelled to respond, and then there’ll mined to be the anti-Obama. begin if it escalates to where NATO NATO would feel compelled to since the UK is sending more of be a war between Russia and respond as one if Russians fired its Special Forces and already has Obama, in Trump’s telling, “al- soldiers shoot and kill Russian sol- NATO or Russia and a NATO on soldiers of individual NATO the largest NATO military pres- more hints on crisis lowed” Russia to take Crimea and diers or vice versa. Whoever shoots nation. We don’t know whether nations - most likely UK soldiers ence in Ukraine. The state’s unyielding message in Turkmenistan is that all is well. As to “invade” Ukraine. Therefore, it first, the other side will feel com- ever, the relentless cascade of personnel reshuffles tells another story. The latest array of firings and public rebukes by President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov indicate that there is trouble in all the nation’s most essential sectors — industry, agriculture and energy. On December 15, Delusions, strategic Thousands of Hungarians Protest state media published a presidential decree announcing the dismissal of deputy prime minister in charge of industry, Kerim Durdymyradov. It has been a tough month for Durdymyradov. Officials in Turkmenistan mistake led Saudis to Against 'SlaveryLaw',PM's rule typically receive an escalating series of public warnings before being Around 10,000 Hungarians pro- shown the door. When Durdymyradov, who had only been in his job for invade Yemen: Iran tested in Budapest on Sunday one year, was issued with a “severe reprimand” on December 4, it was against a new labor law and what safe to assume the end was near, but he has got the chop in surprisingly they see as the increasingly author- fast order. This suggests something especially grave may have occurred. itarian rule of right-wing national- Sure enough, Berdymukhamedov has for some weeks been grumbling ist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. about the moribund state of the nation’s industry. Thoughts have been Sunday's protest, called "Merry focused in particular on the Garlyk potash processing plant, which has Xmas Mr. Prime Minister" by or- been touted as Turkmenistan’s golden chance to diversify in significant ganizers, was the fourth and big- ways away from energy exports. But Garlyk was mired in trouble even gest demonstration in a week by before it was officially opened in March 2017. leftist opposition parties, student The Turkmenistan State Statistics Committee has said that the in the groups and civilians against Or- first eight months of 2018, Garlyk produced only around 24,000 tons ban's government, Daily Sabah re- of potash fertilizer. The original target for this year had been 720,000 ported. Protesters waved Hungar- tons. “More than a year has passed [since the plant was commis- ian and European Union flags as sioned], but as of now, the work of this industrial giant has not been they walked from the historic He- brought to design capacity,” grumbled Berdymukhamedov at a Cabinet roes' Square towards parliament in meeting on November 5. One apparent explanation for this is that crispy winter cold, holding up ban- ners with slogans including "Don't work per year, leading critics to Brussels as he has built a system Turkmenistan struggled to keep up payments to Minsk-based Bel- steal" and "Independent courts!". label it the "slave law". The gov- that his critics see as autocratic, gorkhimprom, the Belarusian contractor responsible for completing the Iran says Saudi Arabia’s decision occupation and invasion.” He said The crowd swelled to around ernment also passed a law to set boosting his control over the $1 billion project. In a remarkable exercise of chutzpah, Berdymukhame- to invade Yemen is the result of it was obvious from the get-go that 10,000 by the time they reached up new administrative courts that courts and the media. Civil rights dov in November ordered the government to file arbitration proceedings the Riyadh regime’s “delusions” Yemen will endure and will do all parliament. Trade unions also will answer to the government and watchdogs said the new courts law against Belgorkhimprom, implying that it was their poor work that had about its military power and the it takes to defend itself against ag- joined the rally. "Discontent is oversee sensitive issues such as was the latest erosion of democrat- led to the disappointing results. “strategic mistake” it made by un- gression. “That is why we were growing," Andi, 26, a sociology electoral law, protests and corrup- ic institutions under Orban, who dermining Yemeni people’s ability certain from the beginning that a student who did not want to give tion issues. "This government ig- rose to power in 2010. He has since to defend themselves. Foreign military solution was always her full name, said, adding that nores us, workers," Tamas Szeke- tweaked the election system to Armenia acting PM’s spokesperson Ministry spokesman Bahram Qas- bound to fail in Yemen, no matter "they have passed two laws this ly, deputy head of the Hungarian favor his ruling Fidesz party and semi said Monday the fact that the the size of Saudi Arabia’s and the week which ... won't serve Hun- Trade Unions' Association said in has put loyalists at the head of responds to Belarus Saudi side has agreed to sit down UAE’s arsenal and how much garian people's interest". The new a speech, stating that "we must public institutions, while his allies with the Houthi movement for weapons their allies sent them,” labor law allows employers to ask raise our voice and give an answer". have enriched themselves. president’s statement peace talks speaks volumes about Qassemi continued. “And as you for up to 400 hours of overtime Orban has often clashed with (AP) the thinking process that led Saudi can see, today we are at a stage Armenia’s Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s spokesperson, Arabia and its allies to make their wherein both sides have come to Arman Yeghoyan, has commented on Belarusian President Alexander move. “I think the Saudi-led coali- the negotiating table to think of a Lukashenko’s most recent statement on why Pashinyan was not raising tion was preoccupied with this de- political solution for future,” he Scientistsaimtodimthesuntotackleclimatechange the matter of weapons supply to Azerbaijan before Russia, too. lusion that they could fulfill their added. Houthi officials traveled to Scientists are preparing to test a nited concern about such “geoengi- mate conference presidents went “Addressing Mr. Lukashenko’s statement, I consider it necessary to objectives in Yemen in no time,” Swedish capital, Stockholm, last radical new way of tackling climate neering” solutions to tackling cli- even further, declaring that deci- make several important notes,” Yeghoyan told Armenpress. “Sadly, Qassemi told Iran’s Arabic lan- week to partake in UN-brokered change by deliberately dimming the mate change. The fear is that such sive action is need in just two years. Mr. Lukashenko continues the practice of publicizing the content of guage network Al Alam in an inter- peace talks with groups loyal to sun. A team of researchers from schemes may have unintended Scientists have been issuing such closed meetings. “Sadly, Mr. Lukashenko has publicized—from yet view published Monday. “They Yemen’s fugitive former president, Harvard University plans to re- consequences, solving one prob- dire warning for decades without another closed meeting—solely what he himself had said, and has not made a strategic mistake and be- Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi. The lease a balloon into the skies over lem only to create many others. any obvious effect. Despite re- publicized what responses he received from the [acting] Prime Minister gan their operation without hav- new UN-led peace initiative aims the southwest United States in the Yet there is also mounting con- peated calls on governments to take of the Republic of Armenia. “During discussions with the Russian ing a true understanding of occu- for, as a first step, an end to the new year. Once it reaches an alti- cern that time is running out to deal action on CO2, emissions are ex- president—including, in particular, at the meeting mentioned by Mr. pation, invasion and Yemen’s his- maritime and aerial blockades that tude of 20km, the balloon will re- with climate change. At the UN pected to reach record levels this Lukashenko—[Acting] Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has always tory.” The diplomat blasted Riy- Saudi Arabia maintains on the im- lease a chalky material to bounce climate change conference in Po- year. Meanwhile, evidence of the raised the problematic matter of weapons being sold to Azerbaijan by adh and its regional allies – includ- poverished country. Iran has hailed the sun’s heat back into space. land last week, scientists insisted need for action continues to mount: Russia. “Armenia is set to continue discussions within the framework ing the UAE – for steaming ahead preliminary deals between Yeme- Only a tiny amount of material will that CO2 emissions need to be 17 of the 18 warmest years on with their plans despite advice ni parties, including resuming of the CSTO, toward ensuring the complete fulfillment of mutual allied be released, and the effects will be slashed by almost 50 per cent in record have occurred since 2001, from “people who knew the re- flights from Sana’a airport, ex- limited to a few square kilometres. barely a decade to avert disastrous with the last four being the warm- obligations of the member countries of the organization.” gion well and knew what awaits pressing hope that they would. Even so, the experiment has reig- consequence. Four former UN cli- est of all. TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

PMModi announces $1.4billionaidtobail out Maldives from economic crisis n his second meeting with Solih in a month, Modi asserted that New Delhi wanted to better trade ties with Male, saying there was a multitude of opportunities for Indian companies to tap in the island nation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on India was extending $1.4 billion as Monday announced a $1.4 billion budget support, currency swap aid for the Maldives following his and line of credit for the social and meeting with President Ibrahim economic development of Mohamed Solih to bail out the is- Maldives. This comes after former land country from an economic president Mohamed Nasheed said As the risks to the global econo- profits, leaving it well behind its to steepen the yield curve and give said. At the two-day rate review na and volatile financial markets. crisis. The two countries also inked last month that the new Solih-led my rises, the Bank of Japan is ex- U.S. and European counterparts in financial institutions some breath- ending on Thursday, the BOJ is “With interest rates falling four pacts, including one on visa government would pull out of the pected to join a chorus of warn- dialing back crisis-mode stimulus. ing space. The central bank will widely expected to keep its short- across the globe, it would make facilitation. In his second meeting “lopsided” free trade agreement ings from other policy-makers of Adding to the plight of narrowing tolerate negative long-term rates, term rate target at minus 0.1 per- sense for the BOJ to tolerate de- with Solih in a month, Modi as- (FTA) with China signed by the threat to growth from protec- margins for financial institutions, as long as the 10-year yield moves cent and the 10-year yield target clines in long-term rates,” said serted that New Delhi wanted to Yameen. In a statement aimed at tionism and signal its resolve to the 10-year yield hit a five-month within the range of around minus around zero percent. While the Mari Iwashita, chief market econ- better trade ties with Male, saying assuaging the concerns stemming keep the money spigot open. low of 0.025 percent on Monday 0.2 to plus 0.2 percent set in July, nine-member board is set to main- omist at Daiwa Securities. “The there was a multitude of opportu- out of China’s assertive activities At this week’s policy review, as investors flocked to the safety say sources familiar with the cen- tain its view Japan’s economy will focus would be on whether the nities for Indian companies to tap in the Indian Ocean, Modi said the BOJ is seen maintaining its ul- of Japanese government bonds. tral bank’s thinking. “The BOJ de- continue expanding moderately, it BOJ will acknowledge some weak- in the island nation. “We held suc- both sides would work together to tra-easy monetary settings even as Some analysts say 10-year yields cided to allow yields to move more may warn of heightening global ness in global growth.” Fears over cessful talks in a cordial atmo- further strengthen cooperation in years of heavy bond buying dries may fall below zero, a move that flexibly, which applies to both ris- risks including from the Sino-U.S. the potential fallout from the Sino- sphere. We vowed to strengthen the Indian Ocean region. “We will up market liquidity and hurts bank would undermine the BOJ’s efforts es and falls,” one of the sources trade war, slowing demand in Chi- U.S. trade war prompted. ties. We want greater trade ties with not allow our countries to be used the Maldives. There are increasing for activities which can be harmful opportunities for Indian compa- to each other’s interests,” Modi nies in the island nation,” the PM said. On his part, Solih said the said in a joint briefing with Solih two sides agreed to strengthen Canada looking after holding bilateral talks. On maritime security cooperation in Sunday, Solih arrived on a three- the Indian Ocean region through day state visit, his first overseas coordinated patrol and aerial sur- to end arms trip after taking over as president veillance. on November 17. PM Modi said (Sky Sport) contract with Qatar reportedly considering Saudis amid increasing its stake Khashoggi in Deutsche Bank case

Canadian Prime Minister Justin ing a mask depicting Saudi Crown Trudeau said his administration Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had inherited a 15 billion Canadian holds up his hands, painted with dollars ($11 billion) arms contract fake blood as he protests the kill- with Saudi Arabia it now wanted ing of Saudi journalist Jamal to scrap. "The murder of a jour- Khashoggi, during a candlelight vigil nalist is absolutely unacceptable outside Saudi Arabia's consulate in and that's why Canada from the Istanbul, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2018 very beginning had been demand- The announcement comes Recent sharp selloffs across glo- ened policy or prepared to with- rate debt in an overstretched mar- ing answers and solutions on that. amid pressure on the Saudi gov- bal financial markets are probably draw extraordinary crisis-era stim- ket and weakness in the European Secondly, we inherited actually a ernment to disclose what it knows the first of many, as investors ad- ulus. The “market tensions we banking sector. The BIS is an um- $15-billion contract signed by about the murder of dissident jour- just to a world of tighter monetary saw during this quarter were not brella group for the world’s cen- Stephen Harper [Trudeau’s prede- nalist Jamal Khashoggi at its con- conditions and the threat of eco- an isolated event,” Claudio Borio, tral banks and its reports are seen cessor] to export light-armoured sulate in Istanbul on October 2. nomic downturn, the Bank of In- head of the monetary and economic as an indicator of the thinking that vehicles to Saudi Arabia. We are According to Saudi authorities, ternational Settlements said on department at the BIS said. Mon- goes on behind the closed doors of engaged with the export permits some 21 individuals were arrested Dec. 16. The year has been a tough etary “policy normalization was its quarterly meetings. Recent to try and see if there is a way of following an investigation of the Qatar is considering increasing its hamed Al-Jaida, CEO of the state- one, with big drops in European bound to be challenging especially weeks also saw short-dated U.S. no longer exporting these vehicles murder, with 11 of them already stake in Deutsche Bank, newspa- owned Qatar Financial Center, told and Asian stocks and even U.S. eq- in light of trade tensions and polit- government bond yields briefly rise to Saudi Arabia," Trudeau told facing charges. Saudi officials have per Handelsblatt reported on Sun- Handelsblatt. Al-Jaida did not want uities recently slipping into the red ical uncertainty,” Borio added in over medium-term rates, a phe- CTV. The contact struck by the denied the involvement of the royal day. The Qatari royal family al- to name the company, but he con- for 2018 after a decade-long bull- the BIS’s quarterly review. Among nomenon known as a “yield curve government of Harper in 2014 to family, specifically of the crown ready holds a 6.1 percent stake in firmed that it was an institution in run. The last quarter saw increas- the challenges facing the global inversion”. A fairly reliable precur- supply 928 LAV 6 armoured per- prince, in Khashoggi's killing. Riy- Deutsche Bank, according to Deut- which Qatar was already involved, ing fears for world and U.S. eco- economy, Borio listed the possi- sor of recessions, the inversion sonnel carriers to Saudi Arabia will adh insists that he was murdered sche Bank’s website. Qatar con- Handelsblatt reported. This, and nomic growth as trade war noise bility of rising inflation, the “dark further spooked investors. cost Canada a billion in cancella- as a result of a "rogue operation". trols over 9 percent, once deriva- the fact that Christian Sewing, escalated and central banks tight- cloud” of lower-rated U.S. corpo- (AP) tion penalties. An activist, wear- (Spuntak) tive positions are take into con- CEO of Deutsche Bank, was the sideration, Handelsblatt said. only top manager of a German “We will invest in a large fi- group to take part in the Doha nancial institution in Germany. Forum over the weekend clearly Trump's trade war could cost This was discussed in the margins point to Deutsche Bank, the pa- of the Doha Forum and will be per said. A spokesman for Deut- announced shortly,” Yousuf Mo- sche Bank declined to comment. ever y middle-class Amer ican Beirut, hundreds family $453 and could of citizensprotest eliminate 292,000 US jobs President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, steel, aluminum, and more. Trump has also threatened to impose more tariffs on Chinese goods and imported cars from political stalemate around the world. According to a report from the Tax Foundation, Trump's existing tariffs will cost every middle-class family $146 — and the threatened tariffs could push that to $453 in a year. and economic crisis The tariffs will also be a drag on the economy and cost tens of thousands of jobs. Hundreds of Lebanese took to the to the "yellow vests" in Paris. streets yesterday, to protest Those taking part were citizens against the political stalemate that now frustrated by an economic President Donald Trump's trade cans — and lead to fewer jobs in income households, and reduce imported goods. "Tariffs can raise duce the after-tax value of both la- has - in fact - blocked all the at- crisis and increasingly serious pol- battles are projected to hit middle- the US. The think tank also esti- economic output, employment, the cost of parts and materials, bor and capital income; as tariffs tempts at the birth of a new gov- itics. Wearing red scarves and rais- class families hard, according to a mated that the economic pain of and wages," said Erica York, an which would raise the price of reduce the return to labor and cap- ernment, now seven months after ing flags of the same color, the new study, especially if the presi- the tariffs would get much worse analyst at the Tax Foundation. goods using those inputs and re- ital, they incentivize Americans to the political elections. A blockade demonstrators chanted slogans dent follows through on all of his in the event Trump follows While tariffs have the immediate duce private-sector output. Tariffs work and invest less, which leads sharpened by internal divisions against corruption, the lack of pub- threats. According to a report from through on all tariffs he has threat- effect of raising costs at a port of also result in consumers paying to lower output." Read more: and personal selfishness between lic services and the unstoppable the conservative-leaning Tax Foun- ened. "These tariffs will increase entry for goods, York said those more for goods than they would Trump's trade war with China is the various parties and the differ- growth of debt, which exceeded dation, current tariffs will cause a the tax burden on Americans, fall- effects can eventually filter to busi- have otherwise," York wrote. the biggest threat to the US econo- ent factions, on which the Patri- 150% of GDP. A demonstrator squeeze for middle-class Ameri- ing hardest on lower and middle- nesses and consumers purchasing "Price increases such as these re- my in 2019. arch Maronite Card Beshara Raï showed a sign calling for "Take to has recently intervened, according the streets: Enough words!". A cit- to whom the country is "hostage izen named Osama Assad says that to political militias". After Jordan, the lack of a government "doubles Chinese,PhilippinecompaniessignMOUfor $4.4bilsteelplant at Mindanao which in recent days saw impres- the risks" for the maintenance of sive public demonstrations that - the country system. Meanwhile, Singapore — Chinese and Philippine companies have signed a memo- Steel Project in two phases. tion and ramp-up period is sched- lion ($2.72 billion), the country's for the first time - were addressed the Communist leader Hanna randum of understanding to build a $4.4 billion integrated steel plant at The first phase, costing about uled to span from three to five Board of Investments said. "This openly against the monarchy, the Ghari confirms that the protest Misamis Oriental in northern Mindanao, the Department of Trade and $3 billion, will result in produc- years, the DTI said. The project will also help us reduce the trade public protests over the weekend continues and is set to increase in Industry said late Friday. Not registered? Receive daily email alerts, tion capacities of 4.5 million mt/ will reduce the Philippines' trade deficit by as much as $2.3 billion touched Lebanon. The leaders of the coming days. The divisions be- subscriber notes & personalize your experience. Register Now China's mt of hot rolled coil and 600,000 deficit as total domestic and ex- in Phase 1 and up to $4.4 billion in the Communist Party, promoted tween the various parties - espe- HBIS Group and Huili Investment Fund Management and the Philip- mt/year of slabs. Under phase two, port sales of slabs and hot rolled succeeding phases, as we will now the demonstrations in the streets cially Shiites and Sunnis - on the pine's SteelAsia Manufacturing Corporation and PHIVIDEC Industrial steel production capacity will rise coils from the project will amount produce critical items that we im- of the capital - that some compared war in neighboring Syria. Authority signed the memorandum to develop the Philippine Iron and to 8 million mt/year. The construc- to Philippine Pesos 144.279 bil- port..." TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES ‘Mortal Engines’ to lose more than $100 million at box office

“Mortal Engines,” a steampunk produced and co-written by “Lord fantasy adventure, is also an epic of the Rings” filmmaker Peter Jack- flop. With a budget of just over son, it’s based on Philip Reeve’s $100 million and tens of millions book series that’s not that widely in global marketing costs, execu- known in the U.S. It also lacks any tives at rival studios estimate that major movie stars and has a plot the movie will lose upwards of that’s difficult to convey in a tele- $100 million. Some even project vision spot or a poster. “Mortal that number could float to more Engines” focuses on “predator cit- than $125 million. “Mortal En- ies,” mobile urban centers on gines” has so far made a paltry $42 wheels. These roam around the million globally. The sci-fi epic planet preying on smaller cities, came into a crowded marketplace robbing them of resources in order at a competitive time of year, open- to sustain themselves. It’s a mys- ing against the well-reviewed “Spi- tifying bit of world building that der-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” was frostily received by critics. and “The Mule,” a Clint Eastwood “Everybody is having a tough go thriller that had a better start than trying to appeal to that YA mar- expected. “Mortal Engines,” on the ketplace,” Bock said. “It’s a gen- other hand, launched below esti- eration gap between studios and mates, generating just $7.5 million what they think young audiences when it debuted in North Ameri- like. TV is getting it right, and ca. “This is a true Christmas di- movies aren’t.” The hard-to-com- saster and a lump of coal for Uni- prehend plot was one reason sev- versal,” said Jeff Bock, an analyst eral studios, including Warner Bros. with Exhibitor Relations. “They and Fox, passed on the project. Miss Philippines was crowned Gray earned applause describing projects that I’d like to pursue.” women panel of judges made up that she hoped for a “new genera- took a big swing, and they struck “Mortal Engines” was co-financed Miss Universe on Monday in her work in the slums of the Phil- Gray – a student of music theory of business leaders and former tion of human beings who are raised out.” The film still has a few inter- by Media Rights Capital, which Bangkok after a trailblasing cere- ippine capital Manila. After win- – beat more than 90 contestants Miss Universe titleholders. Miss a lot better, more tolerant and re- national markets left to open, in- put up half of the money for the mony praised for featuring its first ning she told reporters she would from around the globe in the 67th Spain’s Angela Ponce made histo- spectful.” But issues of tolerance cluding China, where it is waiting film. Universal contributed rough- transgender candidate but marred like to expand her work with an instalment of Miss Universe, ry as the first transgender candi- and respect came centre stage dur- for a release date. However, it is ly 30% of the costs, according to by gaffes about the English-speak- organisation in the Philippines that which was held in the Thai capi- date in a competition once owned ing the competition when Miss playing in most major territories, insiders, with other studio slate ing ability of two Asian contes- promotes education on HIV and tal’s Impact Arena. During the by President Donald Trump, USA Sarah Rose Summers ap- including Russia, the U.K., Aus- partners such as Legendary and tants. Catriona Gray, 24, finished AIDS. “A few years ago I lost a competition, which was broadcast whose administration has attempt- peared to poke fun at Miss Viet- tralia, and Korea, and has failed to Perfect World, contributing the re- first ahead of the South African and close friend to health complica- live, candidates were asked ques- ed to block military recruitment of nam and Miss Cambodia on social find much traction in any of those maining cash. Its failure ends 2018 Venezuelan finalists in the glitter- tions with HIV,” she said. “So tions on press freedom, legalisa- transgender people. “I am a wom- media for not being able to speak locations, a fact that does not bode on a sour note for Universal, which ing televised event hosted by spreading awareness on that cause tion of marijuana, refugees and the an, already before birth, because English. The comments went viral well for its expansion. “Mortal has had a respectable year, field- American comic turned TV host and encouraging people to get the #MeToo movement. This year’s my identity is here,” Ponce stat- but Summers later posted an apol- Engines” has been a marketing chal- ing hits such as “Halloween,” “Ju- Steve Harvey and supermodel simple test and knowing their sta- event drew positive feedback for ed. She added she wanted her ap- ogy on Instagram, saying she did lenge for Universal, its distributor. rassic World: Fallen Kingdom,” and Ashley Graham. In the final round, tus is definitely one of my first themes of inclusivity and an all- pearance to be empowering and not “intend to hurt” her fellow. Although the CGI spectacle was “The Grinch.” AfterAamir Khan, Zero promises not just a strong lead Katrina Kaif says cast but also a powerful support cast Thugs of Hindostan's failure 'really hurt' "I know Aamir has spoken on the matter and it has really hurt deeply and personally," Katrina Kaif on Thugs Of Hindostan's failure Star Screen Awards: Small films emerge winner as Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone win red carpet

Director Aanand L Rai is known Khan's friend in the film and is seen husband. Brijendra Kala who has to bring out the best in the actors in a pivotal role. The actor who impressed the audience with his he has worked with. The filmmak- has earlier collaborated with the performances in films like PK, er not just presents a strong lead director for Ranjhaana and Tanu Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Rustom cast but also treats the audiences Weds Manu returns marks his third amongst others will be seen in with remarkable performances by association with Aanand L Rai. Aanand L Rai's upcoming next. the supporting cast in most of his Tigmanshu Dhulia has given Apart from that, digital sensation movies. Starring Shah Rukh Khan glimpses of his impressive perfor- and actress Mallika Dua will be along with Katrina Kaif and mance as Shah Rukh Khan aka seen on screen after Hindi Medi- Anushka Sharma in the lead, Zero Bauua Singh's father in the trailer um. Earlier, Aanand L Rai has treat- Weeks after Aamir Khan said he Krishna Acharya after the film's offers a strong talented ensemble of the film. Sheeba Chaddha will ed the audience with a powerful takes "full responsibility" for fate was decided by the box office cast with Zeeshan Ayyub, Tigman- be seen playing the loving and car- supporting cast in films like Ran- Thugs Of Hindostan turning out figures. "I would like to say that I shu Dhulia, Sheeba Chaddha, Br- ing mother of the trouble-maker jhaana, Tanu Weds Manu, Tanu It was a star-studded night at the Star Screen Awards 2018 as Bolly- to be a box office debacle, his co- take full responsibility for Thugs ijendra Kala and Mallika Dua. Bauua Singh, who protects his son Weds Manu returns. wood actors looked ready to sparkle in their red carpet best. While the star of the film Katrina Kaif said Of Hindostan not working with Zeeshan Ayyub plays Shah Rukh from the harsh scoldings of her (Santa Banta) award event itself belonged to Rajkummar Rao-starrer Stree, Ayush- that the film's failure has left her the audience," Aamir had said at mann Khurrana's Badhaai Ho and Andhadhun, leading stars such as "deeply hurt," reported news agen- the Cinestaan India's Storytellers Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt, Ranveer Singh and Deepika cy PTI. The 35-year-old actress, Contest last month and added that: Padukone walked the red carpet. The newly married couple Ranveer who plays a dancer in the period "I think we went wrong. I would Blame game: Rapper T-Pain's Singh and Deepika Padukone slayed in their matching black outfits as drama, however added that box like to take full responsibility for they walked the red carpet. Deepika, especially, chose to go for the office failures also serve as eye- that. You can be sure we tried our dramatic as Ranveer shared a picture on Instagram and wrote, “Damn openers: "I know Aamir has spo- level best." Thugs Of Hindostan, latest song copied from 'Aashiqui 2' it feel good to be a gangsta.” The actor walked away with the Best ken on the matter and it has really a period piece set in the early era Actor trophy on Sunday night for his portrayal of Alauddin Khilji in hurt deeply and personally. Dis- of the British Raj in India (1795), More often than not, it’s foreign Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat. Alia Bhatt, who won Best Actor appointment is always good as it is said to be Bollywood's most music that has seems to be copied for her performance in Raazi, looked like a princess in her beige outfit wakes you up little bit again." expensive movie, made on a bud- in India and Pakistan. But it looks that had a ruffled skirt with embellished bodice. Rajkummar Rao, who Having said that, Katrina highlight- get of Rs. 200 crores. The cast of like things have started taking a also won the Best Actor award for his performance in Stree looked ed that that there was no dearth of the VFX-heavy film was headlined turn. Late last week, American rap- dapper in an emerald green suit paired with black pants, white shirt effort from the film's team to put by Amitabh Bachchan. Trade ana- per T-Pain dropped a “surprise” and a bow-tie. Mouni Roy, who debuted in Bollywood with Akshay together Thugs Of Hindostan: "In lyst Taran Adarsh, who closely song titled That’s Yo Money. Un- Kumar’s Gold, chose to wear a blush pink coloured gown. case of Thugs Of Hindostan, it was followed the film's performance at fortunately, the single got blocked not for lack of trying, something the box office, evaluated Thugs Of on YouTube on copyright grounds just went wrong in case of Thugs Hindostan's ticket sales to be at after Indian film-maker Mohit Suri Of Hindostan. You need to have Rs. 145.29 crore by the end of the and composer Mithoon pointed guts and urge to try things and be third week. Thugs Of Hindostan, out that the melody used by the prepared it may or may not work," which opened to promising num- Grammy winner is the latters’s PTI quoted the actress as saying. bers at the box office on Novem- original work, featured in the 2013 Katrina's words are a reiteration ber 8, garnered the major chunk of film Aashiqui 2. “One more sur- of what Aamir Khan had said about the collections in its first week prise before the year’s over: Thats the ambitious project of Vijay with as many as Rs. 134 crore. Yo Money out now,” T-Pain tweeted on Friday. Mohit, who had helmed the Bollywood film, wrote, “Don’t know why, but this seems Aquaman box office: Jason Momoa film makes familiar. Aashiqui 2‘s Tum Hi Ho, T-Pain. It’s a melody from Mith- Rs 28 cr in India, Kedarnath braves deluge oon’s song.” Mithoon also tweet- ed, “Sir, the melody that you have Warner Bros’ Aquaman has opened to a healthy Rs 28 crore on its first weekend in used in your new song is my orig- India, signalling an uptick in the performance of DC films, after the lukewarm reception inal work for a previously released of Justice League. According to a Box Office Mojo report, Aquaman was the number Indian film. The label, T-Series, is one movie internationally this weekend, ahead of its US debut on December 21. The looking into this.” T-Pain woke up film has made $261 million (Rs 1800 crore), with the majority of it coming from China, to the news of his song having been where the film was released a full two weeks before the US and has made close to $200 removed from YouTube. He then million. The superhero film’s biggest international territories are Brazil ($7.7m), Russia tweeted, “Woke up to getting ($7.4m), Mexico ($7.9m), UK ($6.5m), Indonesia ($5.3m), Taiwan ($4.7m) and Philip- dragged by brown twitter. I defi- pines ($4.3m). Tracking suggests that the movie could open to $100 million in its first nitely didn’t produce this song. weekend in the US, which will be more than what Justice League made. (Tribune) TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18, 2018 AFGHANISTANTIMES

Steven Gerrard has told Ovie Ejar- ia he has made the wrong decision in quitting Rangers to return to Liverpool. The Anfield youngster has called time on his season-long move after growing "unsettled" in Glasgow. Gerrard held talks with the 21-year-old on Friday after the Londoner was left out of the squad which travelled to Austria for Thursday's Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna. But the former Liverpool skipper was unable to persuade Ejaria to stay at Ibrox amid reports the playmaker was struggling with the physical nature of Scottish football. "Look he's a Liverpool player so I first and fore- most have to respect the kid and the privacy," Gerrard said. "I'd like to thank Liverpool for the oppor- tunity to have him here for half the season. "Am I disappointed he's gone? Yes. Do I think it's the right decision? No, because I think he had an incredible opportunity here. "But I'm never going to stand in a player's way who is not hap- py and who is not settled because I have people who are desperate to wear the shirt and who would run through brick walls to wear it."It is what it is. I have to accept the decision. I'm sad about it, I wish him all the best. He's a nice kid, very quiet. He told me it was 100 per cent football reasons and I have to respect that." Gerrard was Liv- erpool's U18s coach before taking over at Rangers in the summer and he used his Liverpool links to good effect as he started his rebuilding project at Ibrox. As well as Ejaria, Rangers have also taken wideman Ryan Kent on a 12-month loan deal. Liverpool have already said in a statement. (Sky Sport) Ovie Ejaria scored two goals during his loan spell at Rangers Whyte vs Chisora 2: Herbie Hide TomLathamcarrieshisbat for 264no blazed a trail for British duo Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora asNewZealanddominateSriLanka Watch day four of first Test live from 9.55pm on Monday on Sky Sports Cricket New Zealand opener Tom Latham carried his bat for a magnificent 264 not out to effectively bat Sri Lan- ka out of the first Test on day three in Wellington. Latham's score - a world's best for an opener carry- ing their bat through a completed innings - helped New Zealand to a total of 578 at Basin Reserve and into a 296-run first-innings lead. Tim Southee (2-7) and Trent Boult (1-12) then reduced the vis- itors to 20-3 by stumps, with Herbie Hide tells Sky Sports about iams, over a decade before Chisora vous, I swear to God. "All the peo- Kusal Mendis (5no) and Angelo creating heavyweight havoc, de- hurled furniture at Whyte in front ple that he was nervous [of], apol- Mathews (2no) to return on Tues- manding respect, and winning of the stunned media. The venge- ogising, and I'm thinking 'yeah, I'm day to see if they can avoid an in- ified as he built on the century he Australia in Perth in November a more aggressive approach. world titles as he blazed a trail for ful Hide would later come across a bad man you know'." Standing at nings loss inside four days. De- completed on Sunday and brought 2015. Latham's score is the sixth- Only BJ Watling (0) from the Dillian Whyte and Derek Chisora. his adversary in a chance meeting 6ft 2in tall, giving away a sizeable spite the pace-bowling fireworks up his double with a controlled highest for New Zealand, with top seven failed to get going on a A table had been turned over, vio- in Spain, giving Williams the op- weight advantage, Hide had to use towards the end of play, the third push into the leg side for a single. Brendon McCullum's 302 on the placid pitch, with Taylor and Hen- lent threats had been made at a portunity to utter words of regret. other means to compete with the day belonged to Latham, whose He immediately broke into a same ground against India in 2014 ry Nicholls both scoring 50 and press conference, but years later "He was apologising to me, he was biggest men in boxing. He would knock carrying his bat topped the grin as he trotted through to com- still the benchmark. Latham Colin de Grandhomme hitting three an apology was being offered. actually shaking," Hide recalled. "I put heavy items in his pockets and 244no Alastair Cook managed for plete the run and become the 15th played the anchor role to a fluent fours and three sixes in his 49 from Hide, a combustible fighter with a looked at his arm, I looked at my weights around his ankles to ap- England against Australia at the New Zealand batsman to score a Kane Williamson on Sunday and 53 balls. Jeet Raval (43) and Will- concussive punch, had vented his arm, and his arms are as big as my pear more of a physical match, but MCG in December 2017. The left- Test double century and first since continued to accumulate on Mon- iamson (91) were both dismissed rage at British rival Danny Will- legs. And he was apologising, ner- Hide also possessed a dark. hander was concentration person- Ross Taylor scored 290 against day as the rest of the line-up took on Sunday. David Lipsky claims two-shot Geraint Thomas win at Alfred wins BBC Spor ts Dunhill Championship Per sonality of fences in cheekpieces in the Peter- borough Chase. "He has always had stacks of the Year award ability. He has always looked like a chaser, but he has never found that easy and he has never actual- ly jumped hurdles that well. "It's not that he's ungenuine, he just doesn't concentrate on what is in front of him the whole time." Brain Power is a general 25/1 shot for the Champion Hurdle, for which his stablemate Buveur D'Air is the odds-on favourite. Henderson added: "We might take Brain Power to Haydock David Lipsky claimed a second (Champion Hurdle Trial). . I'd be European Tour title with a two- pretty sure he will be running in shot victory at the Alfred Dunhill the Champion Hurdle." The Evan Championship. Lipsky survived a Williams-trained Silver Streak fin- back-nine wobble to card a four- ished strongly to grab the runner- under 68 at Leopard Creek Coun- Nicky Henderson's decision to verted to the smaller obstacles for of a length and three-quarters. up spot ahead of 4/1 favourite try Club and stay ahead of nearest Tour de France champion Geraint The other three names to make switch Brain Power back from what looked a sub-standard renew- Silver Streak finished strongly Western Ryder in third. Williams challenger David Drysdale. Over- Thomas has won the BBC Sports the shortlist were England bowler fences paid off as he claimed vic- al of this Grade Two event. Nico to grab the runner-up spot ahead said: "He has run well, but they night leader Scott Jamieson fin- Personality of the Year award, beat- James Anderson, sprinter Dina tory in the Unibet International de Boinville positioned the 7-1 of 4-1 favourite Western Ryder in didn't go fast enough for him. He ished three strokes back in tied- ing Formula 1 champion Lewis Asher-Smith and two-time Olym- Hurdle at Cheltenham. The Seven shot in midfield for much of two- third. The big disappointment of wants a fast-run race but the win- third on 11 under alongside Zander Hamilton into second place, with pic skeleton champion Lizzy Yar- Barrows maestro made a similar mile-one-furlong journey, giving the race was last season's Supreme ner is a good horse. Don't worry Lombard, with English duo Oliver England captain Harry Kane third. nold. Gareth Southgate was named call with subsequent dual Cham- him plenty of light at his hurdles Novices' Hurdle winner Summer- about the ground as he was fine on Wilson and Ben Evans in a share Team Sky rider Thomas be- as coach of the year following En- pion Hurdle hero Buveur D'Air a out wide. The New One - bidding ville Boy. Tom George's charge was that. "He will not win a Champion of fifth spot. "It's indescribable ac- comes the fifth cyclist to win the gland's run to the World Cup's couple of seasons ago and while it for a fourth victory in the race - bidding to bounce back from a be- Hurdle but he might get placed in tually," said Lipsky. "This was a award - the fourth in the last de- semi-finals. would fanciful to suggest Brain raced enthusiastically on the front low-par comeback effort in the one, and that's where we should tough year for me. I haven't played cade - and the fifth athlete from Team of the year went to the Power can go on to scale those end in the first-time visor - but fad- Fighting Fifth at Newcastle a fort- be going." The big disappointment that well and have really struggled. Wales. British Cycling chief exec- England netball side for their last- heights, he made a fine start to his ed quickly from the home turn and night ago, but trailed home last of of the race was last season's Su- To cap it off with a win at the end utive Julie Harrington said: "What second triumph over Australia at second stint hurdling in this pres- was pulled up by Sam Twiston- seven finishers. Henderson was preme Novices' Hurdle winner of the year is so special." Lipsky Geraint has achieved this year com- the Commonwealth Games in tigious contest. Brain Power was Davies before the final flight. The keen to credit owner Michael Buck- Summerville Boy. Tom George's began the day a shot off the pace pletely encapsulates what we are April. second in the Arkle Trophy here popular veteran was subsequent- ley, saying: "It was totally his idea charge was bidding to bounce back but moved ahead after firing four about - using success to inspire Their buzzer-beating victory in March, but fell on his final out- ly retired. Vision Des Flos led the to go hurdling and full credit to him. from a below-par comeback effort birdies in a front-nine 31, before people to get out on their bikes. also won the greatest moment ing of the campaign at Aintree. And field into the home straight, but I said this morning that was a good in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle adding another at the par-fourth "I'd like to offer my congratula- prize, while Italian golfer having finished well beaten on his the strong-travelling Brain Power call and as the race panned out, it a fortnight ago, but trailed home 10th to extend his advantage. The tions to Geraint on a brilliant year Francesco Molinari won world reappearance in the Shloer Chase soon took over and was good val- did seem a good call. "I would have last of seven finishers. American bogeyed the 12th and and thank him for his part in en- sport star of the year. at Cheltenham last month, he re- ue for the eventual winning margin given him one more chance over (Sky Sport) recovered from finding. couraging more people to cycle." (Sky Sport) TUESDAY . DECEMBER 18. 2018-Qaws 27, 1397 H.S Vol:XI Issue No:138 Price: Afs.20

Civilian European First priority is to Prospects of the Miss Steven Gerrard says waive off farmers’ Japan’s central bank to warn of renewed US efforts Philippines Liverpool starlet casualties countries refuse loans, says Bhupesh becomes the unacceptable: fueling Iranian Baghel, Chhattisgarh’s rising growth risks, for peace in Ovie Ejaria should CM-designate policy seen steady Afghanistan new Miss have stayed at Abdullah aircrafts Universe Rangers Page 3 Page 5 Page 4 Page 9 Page 6 2018 Page 10 Page 11

AT News Report government has the carte blanche advisory board for peace in Presi- asserted that government is the to broker a peace deal with the dential Palace on Sunday, Abdul- only institution authorized to con- Taliban, amid a second round of lah asserted that no advancement duct the negotiations. Abdullah’s KABUL: Chief Executive Abdul- talks between Taliban and the US in the peace process will be with- remarks come as the Taliban polit- lah Abdullah said only the Afghan in UAE. At the first meeting of the held from the Afghan people. He ical leaders met the U.S.... P2

AT News Report

KABUL: Afghan security forces killed 61 militants in ‘pre-emptive strikes’ against extremist strong- KANDAHAR CITY: The resi- holds across Afghanistan on Sun- dents of southern Kandahar prov- day, military authorities said, in ince have different views about raids which also left more than 23 winning Wolesi Jirga candidates, terrorists severely injured. The mostly new faces, from the prov- defense ministry said on Monday ince. Based on the primary results that security and defense forces the Independent Election Commis- in cooperation with the air force sion (IEC) has announced winners raided Taliban strongholds in em- from Kandahar are Sayed Ahmad battled Nangarhar, Khost, Kunar, Khadem with 8,186 votes, Syed Logar, Paktia, Paktika, Uruzgan, MuqtadaMiran with 7,419 votes, Zabul, Herat, Faryab and Helmand Mahmood Khan Nasrat 7,041 provinces, in which 61 insurgents votes, Rohullah Khanzada 6,471 votes, Gul Ahmad Kamin 5,082 were killed and 23 others wound- AT Monitoring Desk ed. According to the statement 13 being a Taliban bomb maker in Af- votes, Mohammad Omar Sherzad insurgents were killed and two oth- ghanistan. “At the request of many. 4,497 votes, Syed Ahmad Selab ers wounded in Zurmat district of KABUL: U.S. President Donald I will be reviewing the case of a 4,143 votes, Eng. Mohammad Arif Paktia,14 militants were killed, Trump says he will review the case ‘U.S. Military hero,’ Major Matt Noorzai 3,976 votes, Fareba Ah- three others wounded in Maiwand of a former U.S. Army officer Golsteyn, who is charged with madi Kakar 4,965 votes, Malalai charged with murder for the 2010 district of Kandahar, eight... P2 murder,” Trump wrote on Twitter Ishaqzai 2,900 votes and Arzo Safi killing of a man he suspected of on December 16. “He... P2 with 1,848 votes. Among... P2