Eye on the News [email protected] Truthful, Factual and Unbiased Vol:IX Issue No:251 Price: Afs.15

THURSDAY . APRIL 16 . 2015 -Hamal 27, 1394 HS www.afghanistantimes.af www.facebook.com/ afghanistantimeswww.twitter.com/ afghanistantimes

Votes of MOSCOW India vows to make confidence set Elimination of VOWS TO for Saturday: Afghanistan WJ speaker terrorists financers cooperate in peaceful, prosperous: Abdul Zuhoor Qayomi war on terror KABUL: Four other ministers- AT Monitoring Desk designate explained their plans must for peace: Karzai Sushma Swaraj and programs to the Wolesi Jirga KABUL: Moscow is prepared (WJ) on Wednesday. The WJ will to cooperate with Afghanistan grant a vote of confidence to min- to normalize the situation in the isters-designate on Saturday. country as well as work with Assadullah Hanif Balkhi min- Kabul and international partners ister-designate of education in the fight against terrorism, the pledged to fight against corrup- Russian Foreign Minister (FM), tion and hire professional teach- Sergei Lavrov, said Wednesday. ers, improve living conditions of According to Russia s Sputnik, teachers and build their capacity. Lavrov said: We are ready to He said that training centers provide all-encompassing aid should be established in order to to Afghanistan in order to stabi- raise capacity of teachers. He also lize the situation in the country vowed to establish a mechanism which remains complex. We are for raising education level and in- ready to work closely with you crease number of religious semi- and with other foreign partners naries inside the country. in overcoming terrorist and drug I would control the quality threats. He expressed the re- and fee of private schools if re- marks in a meeting with the Pres- ceived vote of confidence from the ident Ghani s Advisor on National Wolesi Jirga, he said. Delbar Naz- Security, Mohammad Hanif At- ari minister-designate of women mar in Moscow. affairs pledged to find market for On Tuesday, Afghan delega- handy crafts of women inside the tion for the first time participat- country and abroad. She said that ed as an observer in a meeting Swaraj today hosted a dinner for Afghan First Lady Rula the efforts exerted by women of the Secretaries of the Security Ghani during which she assured her of India s continued rights activist and welfare organi- Council of the Shanghai Cooper- commitment towards assisting Afghanistan. zations for protection of women AT News Report The two leaders explored stan and the other side of Durand ation Organization (SCO) that rights haven t yielded desirable ways to bring lasting peace to the Line. To uproot of terrorism, took place in Moscow. The SCO AT Monitoring Desk dent, peaceful and prosperous results so far. She vowed to mon- KABUL: The ex-President Hamid region, particularly areas on both Karzai stressed that financial includes Russia, China and four country . We see this as being itor the activities of the activists Karzai in a meeting with the Chief sides of Durand Line. They hoped sources and ideological support former Soviet Central Asian re- KABUL: India s Foreign Affairs vital for India s security and the and NGOs working for women Minister of Khyber Pakhunkhwa that Kabul and Islamabad will find for terrorists should be curtailed. publics. The agenda of the meet- Minister Sushma Swaraj hosted a security of the wider South Asian rights. She also pledged to work (KP) Pervez Khattak and his ac- an end to wars and conflicts in the He reiterated his support for ing included the situation dinner for the First Lady Rula region, added Swaraj. for increasing participation of companying delegation on countries through peace talks. the peace process of Afghanistan. in Afghanistan. On Saturday, Ghani during which she assured Swaraj said the countries of women in judiciary, politics and Wednesday said that elimination Hamid Karzai expressed his War and military operations are Russian Deputy Defense Minis- her of India s continued commit- South Asia are undergoing rapid build capacity of women through of financial sources of terrorism deep concerns over slaughter of not a solution, but they create dis- ter Anatoly Antonov said the es- ment towards assisting Afghani- transformation. seminars. Nazari said that if re- is a must for bringing peace to the tribal elders, religious scholars, tance between governments and calation of the conflict in northern stan in becoming a peaceful and She said that the last 67 years ceived vote of confidence, she region. children and women in Afghani- people, Hamid Karzai added. Afghanistan threatens Russia and prosperous country, reports said of development experience in would establish a special strategy its allies due to the possible spread Wednesday. India has taught us the basic les- for elimination of violence against of the conflict to Central Asia. Efforts on to Afghanistan has been plagued According to the Economic son that if you empower the women. Mahmoud Baligh minis- Times, Swaraj said Noting that ter-designate of public works ex- AUAF to train 245 Afghan by the Taliban insurgency since women of any community, the plaining his plans to lawmakers ensure abducted the early 1990s. Afghanistan has a very special community is much more likely stressed on construction of new BUSINESSWOMEN passengers safe The militant movement is no- place for India, adding that the to allocate its resources wisely, roads, railways in accordance to torious for staging attacks country is proud to be called Af- feed and educate children better, regional and international stan- The American University of Af- offer programs to help improve release: NSC against civilians and authorities ghanistan s first strategic partner. invest in infrastructure that is pro- dards. He also pledged to work ghanistan (AUAF) is set to launch skills for women in business fields, in Afghanistan and Pakistan, seek- She added that India is com- ductive and choose a environmen- for maintenance of roads. Minis- a training course for Afghan busi- stressing that various challenges Some family mem- ing to establish austere sharia law mitted to assisting Afghanistan in tally sustainable development ter-designate of transportation nesswomen. Up to 245 women are such as security threats, social val- bers of the kidnapped on these territories. its quest to become an indepen- path . and civil aviation, Muhammadul- expected to benefit from this. ues, the nonexistence of business Training courses that will be fundamentals and access to passengers were briefed lah Batash, pledge to computer- about the ongoing ize transportation revenue collec- offered include financial manage- microcredit were among the main No insurgent hideouts left in Sangin: ANA tion system, fight against corrup- ment, accounting, communications, challenges that have hampered fe- efforts at the meeting. tion and establish a national com- leadership, management, market- male participation in the business ing and other business related pro- arena. "In previous years, the gov- KABUL: The National Security All insurgent hideouts were de- ried out over a period of almost who was fighting here was also mittee of road safety. Delisting Council (NSC) has reiterated all stroyed during the Zulfiqar mili- two months, resulted in a heavy killed during the operation," Saifi Afghan airlines form blacklist, es- grams. "The program will help ernment did not focus on the de- women enhance their knowledge velopment of women in the busi- options are being employed to tary operation which ended a week casualty toll for the Taliban, Saifi said, who also leads the 6th ANA tablishing mechanism to control ensure safe release of the 31 ab- ago in Sangin district, southern stated. He said that during the op- Battalion. Meanwhile, residents in price of plane tickets, establish- about business issues. We always ness sector, an issue that hindered try to help Afghan women extend women from becoming involved in ducted passengers. A statement Helmand, said the Afghan Nation- eration, ANA forces neutralized Sangin have asked the government ing civil aviation academy and from the Presidential Palace on to make sure the area is secure and completion of airport construction their experience in the business business. We expect the current field. AUAF will also offer these government to not ignore the role Wednesday said the thorny issue to prevent the return of militants. projects were in top priority of of passengers kidnapping was dis- "We want peace and security," a Batash s plans. Speaker of the women help in selling their prod- of women," head of the social ser- ucts," said head of the global cen- vice coordination center of MoWA cussed at length in the NSC meet- resident of Sangin told TOLOne- Wolesi Jirga, Abdul Raouf Ebra- ing held on Tuesday. Some family ws. "War has destroyed everything himi said that they will grant a ter for economic development at Mahrukh Yousafzai said. "We are AUAF Zakia Sulaiman. Officials working to pave the way for members of the kidnapped pas- here." The residents accused the vote of confidence for cabinet sengers were briefed about the Taliban of setting their mosques nominees on Saturday. It is worth at the Afghan Ministry of Women women to be involved in various Affairs (MoWA) and Ministry of sectors so that they may expand ongoing efforts at the meeting. and schools on fire which prevent- mentioning that the minister-des- During the meeting, the families ed their children from attending ignate of information and culture, Commerce and Industries (MoCI) their business activities. have also announced that they will (TOLONews) of the abducted persons were school. Abdul Bari Jahahani, was not al- asked to demonstrate patience and But some MPs from Helmand lowed to explain his plans for hold- the government was doing all to have claimed that the operation left ing dual nationality. Jahani is hold- release them. many civilian homes destroyed, ing citizenship of the United Most Afghan refugees Almost two months back, as and also resulted in heavy finan- States. According to sources, re- many as 31 passengers were on cial losses for civilian residents. nunciation of his US citizenship return home due to fear their way from Herat to Kabul However, Zulfiqar was the biggest is under process. The deputy when armed insurgents picked independent operation carried out speaker of the Jirga, Zahir Qadir, them from buses in Shah Joy dis- by the Afghan National Security said that the lawmakers will re- of arrest, harassment trict of Zabul province. Forces (ANSF) since taking over ject Jahani s nomination as cabi- The NSC discussed law and al Army (ANA) operation's com- more than 2,000 landmines, and the responsibility of security from net pick if his loss of US citizen- orty-one percent of the Af Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) is the order in Badakhshan and Helmand mander Hamid Saifi. The anti-in- killed more than 200 insurgents. NATO troops at the end of last ship was not completed till Sat- ghan refugees who returned next popular option, followed by provinces. (Pajhwok) surgent operation, which was car- "A top Taliban commander year. (TOLONews) urday. Fto their homeland over the Punjab, with 25pc and 23pc of ref- years cite fear of arrest or harass- ugees settling in these regions, re- Islamabad to ment as the leading reason for their spectively. return.This information was re- UNHCR reveals forceful repa- propose joint-anti leased by the United Nations High triation of refugees polio drive to Kabul Commissioner for Refugees (UN- Jacques Franquin, head of the UN- HCR) in its March 2015 Afghan HCR sub-office, in a gathering or- ISLAMABAD: In the backdrop Refugees Repatriation Fact Sheet ganised by UNHCR Peshawar for of stepped up bilateral contacts, for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the the launch of the fact sheet, said Pakistan is set to propose Afghan- Federally Administered Tribal Afghan refugees are being forceful- istan coordinated, simultaneous Areas (Fata).A total of 10,777 ref- ly repatriated after the brutal APS polio vaccination campaigns to ugees have been repatriated be- attack. Political and administrative tackle cross-border transfer of the tween January and March of this pressure has been cited as the ma- virus. Pakistan s Dawn.com quot- year, the majority of whom were jor cause of refugees fleeing to their ed a senior health official with from host communities. After the homes across the border.Franquin polio programme on condition of Army Public School (APS) attack went on to say that UNHCR is not anonymity that the issue would in December last year, the repa- only a humanitarian agency, but also be discussed at a meeting sched- triation of Afghan refugees has a protective agency with an inter- uled in Kabul on Thursday and spiked. Around 3,000 to 4,000 national mandate of protecting ref- Friday. In the past, the paper said refugees left for Afghanistan each ugees, and that the government of that the polio virus had been trans- month from January to March this Pakistan should honor the repatri- mitted between the two neigh- year; during the same time period ation agreement and cooperate with bouring countries which share a in 2014 (January to March), a to- the humanitarian agency to ensure long border. Although children are vaccinated at legal entry and exit tal of 761 refugees had left Paki- voluntary return of Afghan refu- points along the border, a large stan for Afghanistan.There are cur- gees to their homeland. However, number of people cross the bor- rently 965,301 Afghan refugees he did not clarify whether Pakistan der illegally each day. The official living in Pakistan% 53pc of these had agreed upon Dec 31, 2015 as a said though the crippling-disease live in host communities, while deadline for repatriation of refu- had been eradicated from most 47pc live in 64 refugee villages. gees, and said it was impossible to parts of the world while Pakistan UNHCR says repatriation of all repatriate all refugees by the end of and Afghanistan remained the last refugees may not be possible by the year. reservoirs for the virus. More- December 2015.The greatest in- But KP Information Minister over, the virus is transmitted be- flux of refugees occurred during Mushtaq Ghani, while talking to tween the two countries because the late 1970s and the 1980s. Dawn.com, denied that refugees of frequent movement of people According to the UNHCR report, were being pressurized into leav- across the porous border as Paki- a total of 2.3 million refugees have ing the country. We are only tak- stan is also hosting Afghan refu- been repatriated since 2002, with ing action against unregistered ref- gees. It is especially difficult to the highest number % 811,299 % ugees given the alarming law and vaccinate people who cross the repatriated in 2002, and the low- order situation in the country, es- border illegally, he said. The of- est % 6,394 % in 2014. The most pecially in KP, he said. Ghani said ficial said coordinated campaigns popular province of asylum for no heavy-handed tactics have been between Afghanistan and Pakistan refugees is KP, with 52pc of refu- used against registered Afghan ref- would be proposed at the meet- gees settling in both urban and ugees, adding that no one had forced ing scheduled. (Pajhwok) rural areas of the province. Azad them to leave Pakistan. (Dawn) BAKU: Azerbaijani troops are leaving for Afghanistan to participate in the NATO s Resolute Support mission. Photo by APA This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . APRIL 16, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES

AT News Report KABUL: Dozens of the Afghan Leaders of the Artisans Associa- dressing the concerns of business youths staged protest in support tion protesting the government's owners, which included com- of Afghan National Security Forc- tax policy announced on Tuesday plaints about rates as well as cor- es (ANSF) and blamed govern- that government officials had ruption within the MoF's tax col- ment for being silence over fate of agreed to amend the current income lection office. In the interim, how- kidnapped Hazaras by the insur- tax law in order to better enable ever, the Finance Ministry has said gents. private sector growth. it will continue to collect taxes in The protestors rally marched The agreement was reported- accordance to the current legal from Pul-e-Surkh area to marty- ly made after association leaders framework. red Farkhunda road and by given met with Chief Executive Abdul- Despite its initial defensive- flowers to the Afghan security forces encouraged them. It s worth mentioning that re- cently more than 33 Afghan Na- tional Army (ANA) were killed and wounded following an assault by the Taliban in Badakhshan province last week. Defense Min- istry spokesman, Gen. Zahir Az- imi also confirmed the incident occurred late on Friday night. The protestors had also enclosed their lips with tapes in a symbolic ac- tion to protest over silence of gov- ernment on abduction of 31 Haz- aras and chanted slogans of we are Badakhshan , bringing back 31 Hazaras and break the stra- tegic stillness . The 31 Hazara s of Shiite community were kid- napped in southern Zabul prov- been abducted by militants since Asylum seekers from Australia. on the Kabul-Kandahar highway hammad Mohaqiq, deputy to Chief lah Abdullah, members of the Na- ness in the face of criticisms from ince as they were travelling in two long time. As part of the nation- This nation-wide peaceful dem- by unknown militia and their Executive Officer Dr. Abdullah Ab- tional Assembly and representa- the business community, the MoF different cars on a key highway. wide peaceful demonstration, onstration was set up to be whereabouts are yet to be known. dullah and one of the senior Hazara tives of the Ministry of Finance has indicated it will abide by what- Despite several protest at home, hundreds of people gathered on launched in major cities of Aus- This is one of five instances of leaders speaking with the Associ- (MoF). The negotiations came af- ever plans the government decides the Afghan masses in foreign coun- Saturday April 11th in front of tralia and other diaspora commu- barbarity on minority ethnic Haz- ate press said there has been no ter certain controversial elements to act on when it comes to tax col- tries also marched peaceful dem- Parliament House in South Aus- nities across Europe, Canada, and aras in the past two months, but breakthrough in the release of the of the government's tax laws and lections. onstration and asked the Afghan tralia to call for an end to the ab- Pakistan. The 31 Passengers ab- the Afghan government has failed abducted men despite the Afghan collection practices prompted "We will conduct our work on government for immediately re- duction of 31 kidnapped Hazaras ducted on 24th of February this to stop such inhumane atrocities security forces launching an opera- widespread labor strikes around the basis of the instructions direct- lease of 31 passengers that had and forced deportation of Hazara year at Southern Zabul province, and to protect their civilians. Mo- tion a week after the kidnappings . the capital last week. ed to us, and the fundamental de- "The amendments are now 100 mand of the artisans is to bring re- percent confirmed," artisan asso- forms and changes to the income ciation head Mohammad Hassan tax law," MoF spokesman Abdul What s the future for women s rights in Afghanistan? Sepahi said Tuesday. "But discus- Qadir Jailani told TOLOnews. sions will continue about the mech- Nevertheless, whether offi- By Shadi Khan Saif progress of women has emerged usually performed by men. ety. within and in line with the local anisms on the basis of the plan we cials at the ministry will be as out of Farkhunda s death, she According to Siren, this was a I see the horrific incident of customs. It cannot be imposed [on proposed," he added. equally open to possible changes The mob-lynching of a 27-year- told Equal Times. Siren said wom- landmark moment where a young- Farkhunda s death as a stern reac- us] in fact, that would only cause The negotiations were said to related to its personnel, account- old girl last month provoked an en have always been fighting for er generation of activists took tion to some prior provocative more troubles for us, she said. have concluded with an agreement ability and transparency remains unprecedented show of anger and their rights, both before and dur- charge of the fight for gender incidents, she told Equal Times. Afghanistan has endured four to enact specific amendments ad- to be seen. defiance from Afghan women, but ing the darkest days of Taliban equality in Afghanistan. One of the incidents she re- decades of conflict, leaving deep even this watershed moment may rule. We do not want any more fers to was the artistic interven- its people deeply scarred. not be enough to end the oppres- But now, you can see so than what our religion and the tion by Kubra Khademi, a young For young women s rights ac- sive treatment of women in the many younger girls taking to the Afghan Constitution guarantees us woman who walked the streets of tivist and filmmaker Dil Afroz Australia s aid budget country, say activists. Zeerak, the international commu- Farkhunda Malikzada was nity has played an important part beaten to death before being set in therehabilitation and reconstruc- cuts could reverse on fire and thrown onto the tion of the country. banks of the Kabul River after she It has contributed a lot to- was falsely accused of torching a wards health, education andcreat- gains in Afghanistan, copy of the Qur an. ing jobs. But had our own people A crowd of men beat and system been truly free and Farkhunda with sticks and stones, fair, there would be no need for aid worker says kicked and stamped on her before, outsiders to do any good or bad dragging her body through the to us. We are being ruled by streets behind a car, running her warlords and powerful men who over and then setting her on fire. are always beyond the law. They Her horrific murder was can do, and they do do, whatever filmed on mobile phones by pass- they want in this country, she ersby. The incident took place near said. In a new report, Amnesty the Shah-e-Do Shamsher shrine International criticised the Afghan right in the middle of a bustling government for turning its back market place. Despite the defiant on the country s women s rights and callous response of those defenders. The report details the who commended the killing of a mounting violence faced by wom- blasphemer, the initial reaction en s rights activists, from threats to news of this unprecedented act to sexual assault and even assas- of brutality was shock. But as sinations and the almost com- soon as police investigations plete lack of justice. Salil Shetty, proved Farkhunda s innocence Amnesty International Secretary (she had been arguing with a mul- General, recently told a crowded lah about the fact that he was sell- press conference in Kabul that ing amulets to women at the streets in defiance of this culture but we will no longer be denied Kabul inmetal underwear to pro- with the troop withdrawal nearly mosque, something she said was of oppression, she said. our rights, she told Equal Times. test the harassment of women. complete, the international com- un-Islamic) there was a public In the wake of Farkhunda s Change can only come In a separate incident, a group munity seems only too happy to outpouring of anger, disbelief and death there were numerous pro- from within of young men wore women s sweep Afghanistan under the car- despair. Roshan Siren, a former tests both in Kabul and elsewhere However, Shukurya Jalalzai, burqasduring a solidarity march pet, despite the fact that the lib- Member of the Parliament and in Afghanistan, in which large num- director of the Organization for for International Women s Day. eration of women was cited as one leading women s rights advocate bers of women and girls marched Promoting Afghan Women Capa- For Jalalzai, these interven- of the key reasons for the initial Christina Northey in CARE Australia s in Afghanistan, believes Farkhun- while chanting slogans like, We bilities (OPAWC), is less optimis- tions and others like them are allied invasion. Lyneham offices during a short break from da s murder is a stark example of want justice and The death of tic about what the protests repre- sponsored by western donors, We cannot simply abandon her role as the organisation s country director the appalling violence and subju- Farkhunda is the death of human- sent, and even suggests that the who do not always understand this country and those who put gation that women face in Afghan- ity . At her funeral, female activ- lynching was, to some extent, local sensitivities, thus aggravat- their lives on the line for human in Afghanistan. Photo: Melissa Adams istan. A sort of consensus and ists even broke with tradition and connected to awkward attempts ing existing tensions. rights, including women, he said. unity for the protection and carried Farkhunda s coffin an act to impose change on Afghan soci- Change can only come from (Equal Times) Deep cuts to Australia s interna- isolated children and has provid- tional aid budget could jeopardise edbasic education to 135,000 stu- vital gains made educating young dents since 1998. girls in Afghanistan, a Kabul- Ms Northey said an educated based aid worker says. Afghan girl was more likely to stay Christina Northey has spent in school longer, marry later and more than two years in the Mid- have fewer children. dle East as Afghanistan country Female students had ex- director for Canberra-based aid pressed ambitions of becoming organisation CARE Australia. teachers and doctors. The organisation aims to re- Ms Northey, who was back move barriers to formal in Canberra last week, said an in- education for young girls as Af- terest in aid work in fragile na- ghanis deal with the devastating tions had previously taken her to affect of years of conflict, drought Angola, Zambia and Vietnam. and massive population displace- I m very much drawn ment. to working with people impacted Ms Northey said aid workers by conflict because I think it s one would find it very challenging to of the biggest social injustices we educate young people if the fed- are dealing with today in the eral government went ahead with world. planned $7.6 billion cuts to for- She said it was too soon to eign aid. tell what affect the ongoing with- Advertisement drawal of combat troops would I think the Australian gov- have in Afghanistan. ernment and Australian people For me the security context have been very generous and loy- continues to be a very dynamic al friends for Afghanistan, partic- context, and a challenging context ularly over the last 14 years, Ms and one that we as an internation- Northey said. al aid agency are following very To see further cuts to the aid closely, while continuing to hope budget to Afghanistan I think, re- for the best outcome for the Af- grettably, we would would start ghan people. to see then a reversal in some of She admitted her perceptions the gains we ve made over the of Afghanistan were turned on years. their head during her first weeks Now s not the time to cut in Kabul. the aid budget, it s actually time to Quite often what we see on consolidate and continue to grow the television are the grey, very the aid budget so we can build on high security walls. some of these really significant What people don t under- gains that we re seeing around get- stand is behind those walls are ting girls into schools. beautiful gardens filled with roses The looming cuts prompted and all kinds of flowers and vege- Ms Northey to share the good tables and lovely old Afghan news story of what had been homes. achieved in Afghanistan through There s certainly life behind A girl watches Afghan security forces pass through her village during a patrol in southern Afghanistan. Despite foreign aid. those walls, people are getting on the proclaimed end of combat by international forces, continuing violence has left record numbers of Afghan The organisation focused on with work, with family, people civilians killed or wounded, according to United Nations officials. culturally sensitive schooling for celebrate. (Canberra Times) This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . APRIL 16, 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES Expansion of AfPak trade ties stressed

19th century in the era of Amir Abdul Rahman Khan. Shah Bobo Jan (real name Halima) was Amir Abdul Rahman Khan s spouse and she was sym- bol of knowledge and famous among the people. Shah Bobo Jan herself built the palace adjacent to a mosque. She was a powerful queen. She built the palace for herself. This palace was also turned into ruins during the civil wars. Kabul By Akhtar M.Nikzad Municipality reconstructed the casion, the acting minister of Com- EMERGENCY palace recently. Now it is in the merce and Industries, Muzammil possession of the Academy of KABUL: Ministry of Commerce CALLS and Industry of Pakistan in col- Shinwari, said that 50 percent of Sciences of Afghanistan. Afghanistan s trade is done Koti Baghcha -e-Arg Pal- laboration with Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Indus- through Pakistan but Afghan in- Police ace: It was built in the era of Amir vestors are still faced with prob- Abdul Rahman Khan in 1887 in- tries (ACCI) held the third Made in Pakistan exhibition in Kabul lems in this field. About Afghani- side the presidential palace. Koti stan s exports, he said the coun- 100 - 119 Baghcha -e-Arg Palace, which was on Wednesday. The three-day ex- By Abdul Zuhoor Qayomi Famous as Queen Suraya Pal- vast royal park and was used for hibition, held in Inter-Continen- try s exports are so low in com- the biggest historical building, was pare with Pakistan. We will leave ace it was reconstructed by King recreation and reception. built with stucco decoration and tal Hotel, was inaugurated by Hospitals Amanullah within two years from Jahan Numa is counted as one high-ranking Afghan officials, Fed- no stone unturned to increase our abul City, the capital of Af miniature and wooden cornice. exports to Pakistan, he vowed. ghanistan, has seen many 1957 to 1958. of the glorious palaces of Kabul, The two-storey palace was eral Minister of Commerce and FMIC Hospital Bagh-e-Bala Palace: The renovated in Kandahari style by Pakistani Ambassador to Kabul. Pakistan Ambassador to Kabul, Kkings and generals roaring, built in round shape in Turkic Sayed Ibrar Hussain, said in Is- palace was built on top of a hill to the architectures came from Kan- Nearly 40 Pakistani compa- Behind Kabul Medical crying, smiling and dying. Some style with miniature walls. Its ceil- lamabad wants to expand Kabul- were invaders and several were the north of Kabul City. Bagh-e- dahar province. Later, it was ing was decorated with jewels. nies will exhibit their products in University: Bala Palace was built by Amir called Chehel Sotun (forty col- 60 stalls for three days. The prod- Islamabad trade ties through Pa- settlers. However, it is not only Once, King Amanullah Khan in an kistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan the rich history that makes Kabul Abdul Rahman Khan (1880- umns) Palace. Residents of Kabul official ceremony turned the pal- ucts include electronics, printing 0202500200-+93793275595 1901). The Amir wanted to spend City called it Palace of Hindaki materials, chemicals, furniture, Trilateral Transit Trade Agreement City prominent but historical pal- ace into a national museum in (APTTA). He added that Af- aces give an edge to the city as summer time in the palace. He carpets, foodstuff, handicrafts, Rabia-i-Balkhi Hospital compared to other capitals of the died in the palace. The palace has precious stones, safety equip- ghanistan and Pakistan are part- Asian states. It would not be ex- been beautifully restored and fur- ment, machines, telecommunica- ners and both want to take the Pule Bagh-e- Umomi aggeration to claim that Afghani- nished with some of the original tion tools, medicines, clothes, dec- partnership to the Central Asia stan s capital city has more pal- furniture still intact and at good oration materials and others which and then to the world. Federal 070263672 aces than any other capital city in condition. It is now Kabul s most all were made in Pakistan. Minister of Commerce, Khurram Asia. attractive restaurant. Speaking on the occasion, Dastgir Khan, termed Afghanistan Following are the prominent According to historians it was deputy chief of ACCI, Khanjan as Pakistan s decades old friend, Khairkhana Hospital palaces: used as a palace when the current Alokozai, said that political issues and underlined the need for boost- 0799-321007 Draul Aman Palace: It was day Presidential Palace was not have undermined trade ties be- ing trade and commerce activities built during King Amanullah built. Later on it was used as the tween the two countries, adding between the two countries. We 2401352 Khan s reign in early 1920s in state guesthouse. It was used as that the relations will improve fur- want to bridge bilateral trade gap Western style and standards by museum and then changed into a ther if the problems were solved. and extend commerce relations German engineers. It is located to desolate palace for years as the Hinting at improvement in and investment between the two Indira Gandhi Children the southwest of capital city and trees around the hills dried due to Kabul-Islamabad trade ties, he said neighboring countries, he is not far from Tajbeg Palace. poor irrigation system. Later on trade relations between Afghani- stressed. In reply to a query about Hospital, Wazir Akbar Ghazi Amanullah Khan built the more trees around the palace were stan and Pakistan have increased India s part in the APTTA, Dast- Khan, Kabul 2301372 palace to modernize Afghanistan planted after construction of the more than any other neighborhood gir said that Pakistan and India re- and keep pace with modern world Qargha Dam and the palace was and the Afghan government is in- lations have been tense in the past as he knew that one could not stick named as Bagh-e-Bala Restau- terested to expand further. The decade. He vowed that Pakistan Ibn-e- Seena rant after renovation. According chambers of commerce of the two will construct state-of-the- art land to his rigid doctrine. ports in Torkham and Chaman. Decades of wars destroyed to a history book Rahnumaie-e- Garden as well. 1924. countries are willing to hold the Pul-e-Artan, Kabul Kabul or Kabul Guide, written by Bostan Sara Palace: It was upcoming exhibition in northern We have to say that if India nor- the palace. After the fall of the Presidential Palace: Arg or malizes its ties with Pakistan, it Taliban s de facto regime, the dem- Muhammad Nasir Gharghasht in built by Amir Abdul Rahman Presidential Palace was built in Balkh province, and the other in 2100359 1996, King Abdul Rahman Khan Khan in European style in 1880 Pakistan. will be given part in the agreement ocratic government showed inter- the era of Amir Abdul Rahman which will provide more oppor- ests in restoration of the national destroyed the two buildings that and used it as a guesthouse for Khan to north and east-north of The exhibitions will result in were built in the era of Shah Jahan important guests, mostly foreign- expansion of AfPak trade rela- tunity to Afghanistan in trade af- Wazir Akbar Khan heritages to show soft image of the capital city after withdrawal fairs, he said. the country. Thus, the palace also and Aurangzeb to build the Bagh- ers. It was built in Zarnegar Park, of the British forces from Afghan- tions, he added. On the same oc- Hospital got attention of the government e-Bala Palce. The palace was built the center of Kabul City. Now it istan. The palace was built on 200 2301741, 2301743 but yet to be fully renovated. at the same place when rubbles is used by the Kabul Municipali- acres land by Kandahari architec- Tajbeg Palace: It was built and debris of the two buildings ty. tures. Some other palaces were EPAA lauds Afghanistan Times in 1795 in the era of Shah Zaman. were removed. National Archives: It is lo- also built inside the same palace Ali Abad Now it has been quietly changed Estory Palace: The building cated in Deh-e-Afghanan area of such as Haram Sara. Haram Sara into a ruin due to civil wars. is located to west of the Presiden- Kabul City. Cultural and histori- was used as an office by the king FOR COVERAGE OF ECONOMY Shahrara, Kabul According to some historians tial Palace in the Ministry of For- cal documents of Afghanistan are and as residency by the queens. Tajbeg is a Turkish word which eign Affairs. It was built during kept for public access. Salam Khana Palace: It 2100439 means the great , while for oth- the reign of Amir Abdul Rahman Building of National Archives was built nearby the eastern gate ers it is a Persian word. King (1880-1901) and was expanded which is counted as historical pal- of the presidential palace for offi- Babur used to use this word. The later on by different rulers of the ace was built in Charmgare Gar- cial ceremonies. First plenary of Malalai Maternity palace may be reconstructed in the country. Meanwhile, some other den in the era of Amir Abdul Rah- the national assembly was held Hospital era of Darrius and Kabul kings buildings were also built nearby man Khan, the late king of Af- here. which was destroyed due to inva- the palace. ghanistan. Delgushah Palace: Delgush- 2201377/ 2301743 sion of Moguls. The Timurids ren- Chehel Sotun Palace: The Although, there is no exact ah Palace which is the most beau- ovated it once again, but it was palace also known as Jahan Numa. information about the timeframe tiful palace was also built in the again destroyed in wars waged by It is located to the southeast of of construction but it is said that era of King Habibullah Khan, son Banks different kings. Chardehi area of Kabul City. The it was built in 1892. The king built of Amir Abdul Rahman Khan. The Tajbeg palace was recon- palace was built in 1297 (lunar it as an office for his son Prince King Habibullah Khan used to use Da Afghanistan Bank structed along with other build- year) during the reign of Ameer Habibullah Khan. However the the Delgushah Palace for special ings including Artel Bridge and Abdul Rahman Khan, the late king prince never went there after fall- guests, particularly foreign digni- 2100302, 2100303 Darul Aman Palace in Kabul by of Afghanistan. ing down from his horse on the taries. 22 German architectures in1922. It has been built on Daman way to his new office. Later on it Sangi Palace (Stone-Pal- Kabul Bank Shah Mahmoud Mahmoud, an Mountain, and could be seen from was used as state guesthouse. ace): It was built nearby the Afghan writer, has said that the remote area of Paghman dis- Shah Bobo Jan Palace: This Gulkhana Palace and was used for 222666, 070285285 Tajbeg Palace is one of the palac- trict. A river along with maple trees glorious palace is located in Shahr- stay of the secretaries to the kings, Azizi Bank es used as residency by Queen are adding to beauty of the pal- e-Now area near the Ministry of but it was also used as office, tele- Suraya, Shah Amanullah s spouse. ace. The palace stands inside a Interior. It was built at the end of communication center and depot. 0799 700900 KABUL: The Export Promotion tling markets, and industries Pashtany Bank Terrorist held in Balkh: Officials Agency of Afghanistan (EPAA) sprawl across areas that were once Afghan opiate on Wednesday commended Af- out of focus. The shock and thrill 2102908, 2103868 AT News Report was found guilty and confessed ghanistan Times for coverage of of the new is far and wide and to his crime in its primary inves- business-related issues. every day sees a story break. AT Air Services production increased KABUL: Afghanistan National tigation. He added that the culprit In a ceremony, held to distrib- remained key for the local and for- Directorate of Security (NDS) on had received suicide training from ute the appreciation letters, Act- eign readers to understating Af- Safi Airways Wednesday informed of detain- a Madrasas in Pakistan that was ing Minister of Commerce and ghanistan s changes. The paper fortyfold during US ing terrorist suspect in Balkh sent to Balkh province to carry Industries Muzammil Shinwari has tried its best to provide accu- 020 22 22 222 province. In a statement issued out its evil designs. and Chief of the EPAA Najla rate and unbiased news to its read- by Balkh NDS official as saying He was arrested at a time Habibyar thanked Afghanistan ers in the past over nine years. Ariana mission: Russian official that the perpetrator was captured when five days ago four suicide Times (AT) for reporting exten- Giving appreciation letter to along with explosive materials sively on the country s economic AT, Najla Habibyar said the AT Monitoring Desk ing problems. The main purposes attackers attacked the Attorney 020-2100270 of introducing foreign military from the third police district in General Office Compound sector and industries while re- newspaper has highlighted KABUL: Head of the Russian to Afghanistan, namely the de- Mazar-i-Sharif. According to (AGO) in Mazar-i-Sharif that as maining neutral. Afghanistan achievements of the export pro- Balkh governor spokesman, Mu- changes every day. Bombed vil- motion agency and the ministry Kam Air Security Council Nikolai Patrush- struction of al-Qaeda and Taliban, a result at least 10 people were 0799974422 ev said the other day that manu- were not accomplished, Patrush- nir Farhad the detained insurgent killed and 70 others injured. lages are transforming into bus- as well. facture of opiates in Afghanistan ev said. has grown fortyfold during the US Afghanistan is home to the Hotels Operation Enduring Freedom in largest opium poppy production Safi Landmark the country. anddistribution network in the Russia s Sputnik reported world, supplying more than 90 quoted Patrushez as saying that percent of the world s crop. 020-2203131 extremists in the country benefit The United Nations estimated from lax law enforcement and use that in 2014 Afghanistan produced SERENA their foothold in northern Afghan- 6,400 tons of opiates, 900 tons istan to enter neighboring coun- more than total documented 2013 0799654000 tries in Central Asia. production. The US Operation He expressed the remarks Enduring Freedom took place New Rumi Restaurant during a meeting of the Shanghai in Afghanistan from October Cooperation Organization securi- 2001 until December 31. 2014. As 0776351347 ty council heads. many as 10,000 NATO troops Unfortunately, the failed remain in the country as part Internet Services policy of Washington did not of the Resolute Support non- UA Telecom solve, but exacerbated the exist- combat mission. 0796701701 / 0796702702 Exchange Rate Purchase:

One US$ = 57.75Afs One Pound Sterling= 84.33Afs One Euro = 61.21Afs 1000 Pak Rs = 557Afs Sale: One US$ = 57.95 Afs One Pound Sterling= 85.13Afs One Euro= Afghanistan is home to the largest opium poppy production KABUL: A teenager is on his way to fetch water from a public water tap in Shuhada-e-Saliheen area of Kabul City. Often children, 61.81 Afs mainly boys, miss school as they are tasked with fetching water for drinking, cooking and bathing. Many children walk a distance, anddistribution network in the world, supplying more 1000 Pak Rs= 565Afs than 90 percent of the world s crop. carrying gallons at a time and bracing the scorching sun. Photo by M. Saddiq Yusufi This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . APRIL 16 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES No secret cooperation with Britain on Imran Farooq murder case: A 70-member marching contingent of the Grenadiers Regiment from the Indian Army will take part in Nisar 2015 Moscow Victory Day Parade ISLAMABAD: Federal Interior at Red Square on 9 May, Ministry Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan of Defence has announced. Raised held a press conference on Wednes- in November 1779, the Grenadiers day to clear what he said was "mis- Regiment has won six Victoria information" regarding the inves- Crosses before 1947, and three tigation of Muttahida Qaumi Param Vir Chakras since India’s Movement (MQM) leader Imran independence. This will be the first Farooq's murder case. Nisar assert- time an Indian military contingent ed there has been "no secret coop- will be participating in the Mos- eration with Britain regarding Im- cow Victory Day celebrations. ran Farooq murder case", adding This year’s parade marks the 70th that he as the Pakistani interior anniversary of the day of Nazi minister could not brief the Brit- Germany’s surrender to the erst- ish envoy over an ongoing investi- while Soviet Union in 1945. His- gation and that doing so would be torian Srinath Raghavan, author of an affront to his position and to a forthcoming book on India and the country’s dignity. "It is not my the Second World War, notes that job to brief any foreign ambassa- “the only time Indian Army and dor," he said. Nisar stated that his Red Army would have come to- meeting with the British High gether during the Second World War Commissioner Philip Barton at a was in the occupation of Iran in time when MQM Chief Altaf Hus- 1941.” The first Victory Day cele- sain was being interviewed by Lon- brations in Moscow were held in don police pertaining to a money- 1945 but apart from the 20th and laundering investigation was "pure- 40th anniversaries in 1965 and ly coincidental". He said that the 1985, Victory Day celebrations in meeting was pre-scheduled, just the Soviet Union did not feature a like any other routine meeting with military parade. This tradition of the British High Commissioner. an annual military parade at Red Also read: Money laundering case: Square started in 1995. The 2010 Altaf Hussain's bail extended till Victory Day marked the first time July He said the Imran Farooq mur- that foreign soldiers joined Rus- der probe has international impli- sian forces on Red Square for the cations and is a sensitive matter parade. Among other countries, hence, all information that has been troops from the US, the UK, shared with Britain was according France, Canada and Poland had to the decision of the government participated in the parade in 2010. and the prime minister. Nisar also With more than 26 international laid emphasis upon the role of Pa- leaders likely to attend, the 2015 kistani security agencies for the Victory Day Parade is expected to success in reaching Imran Farooq's be one of the biggest to be held in killers."Scotland Yard might be Russian history. As per Russian very efficient but for God's sake, news agency TASS, President of ers who attended in 2010 is ex- dian Army, Grenadiers regiment, years that India has started send- to participate as it didn’t wish to commemoration ceremony. In respect your own security insti- India, Pranab Mukherjee, will also pected to attend this year’s pa- Russia, Moscow Victory Day pa- ing its military contingent to for- be associated with Churchill’s war. 2009, a contingent from the Mar- tutions for leading Scotland Yard's take part in the Moscow celebra- rade. German President Angela rade, India, Russia military parade, eign parades. During the fiftieth To represent the Indian soldiers, atha Light Infantry Regiment had way in this case," he said. “The tions. Because of the recent annex- Merkel is however scheduled to Indian Army grenadiers, A view of anniversary of Japan’s surrender Pakistan, which didn’t even exist marched down Champs Elysees arrest of the central suspect in ation of Crimea from Ukraine by visit Moscow on 10 May, a day the tanks at the Moscow Victory in the Second World War in Hawai in 1945, was invited and honoured during the Bastille Day celebra- Imran Farooq murder case in a Russia, none of the Western lead- after the Victory Day parade. In- Day Parade It is only in recent in 1995, Indian government refused for its role in Japan’s defeat at the tions in France. major accomplishment,” he said. Take a look: Prime suspect in Im- ran Farooq murder arrested in Kara- chi: Nisar Nisar also said, "Since Make in India: Rafale deal may take off as a 2010 the world is questioning Pa- kistan’s judicial and investigative process, claiming that Pakistan is not serious in prosecuting killers" but that "we have been trying to joint venture between French, Indian firm take this case to its logical conclu- sion to the best of our abilities". NEW DELHI: The government the field for private players to step UPA deal while retaining the ven- BER COULD BE REVISITED out. Some defence experts say the projects cleared by the UPA - C- He maintained that the decision to could ask France's Dassault Avia- into the lucrative defence and aero- dor. However, the official an- Sources said that while the origi- lengthy process of global compe- 17 transporters, P-8I planes for start an investigation in this case tion to rope in an Indian partner to space business. A consortium ap- nouncement last week made no nal requirement of 126 fighters for tition has led to the stalling of many the Navy, C-130J special opera- was taken by Prime Minister jointly manufacture the next batch proach, in which a group of Indian mention about what happens to the air force stands, this number critical military acquisitions after tions aircraft - were government- Nawaz Sharif because Imran Fa- of its Rafale fighters in the coun- private companies come together the remaining planes, prompting could be revisited in the coming these got bogged down by accusa- to-government purchases. The last rooq was an important personali- try as a condition for landing the with HAL to constitute the Indian speculation in some quarters days after a reassessment. A high- tions of manipulations in testing large tender cleared by competi- ty and it was decided to cooperate remainder of the contract, a move ownership, was also being spoken whether the government could look er number of planes could encour- or discrepancies in commercial tive bidding was to purchase train- with Britain in this case "within it hopes will fulfil the 'Make in of during these discussions, the at fresh competitive bidding. But age the French side, which could proposals. Officials also say that er aircraft from Swiss firm Pilatus the limits of our laws and consti- India' dimension that could not be sources said, adding that the entire sources said the thinking in South otherwise have reservations on the view within the government is in 2012. However, that too ran into tution". “Both countries are coop- met in its off-the-shelf purchase plan was nebulous and could un- Block was that it did not make ceding the controlling stake in the that the L1 system - choosing the trouble as the BJP government re- erating with each other because of of 36 planes last week. Sources fa- dergo major changes. The matter sense to buy planes from a new Indian joint venture, to set up a cheapest product after it passes duced the order and gave a large the international agreements they miliar with the matter said there will be taken forward after Prime vendor as that would saddle the production base for the jets. Such the basic technical evaluation - is chunk of it to HAL. are signatories to,” he said. Nisar were initial discussions in the gov- Minister Narendra Modi returns Air Force with a 'mix and match an approach could counter criti- not ideally suited to acquiring stra- denied the notion that Pakistan is ernment on whether to press the from his foreign visit, the sources fleet' and having to operate multi- cism that the new Rafale deal does tegic and cutting edge systems for planning to hand over suspects in French firm to sign up an Indian said. They requested anonymity ple platforms, which was cumber- not give much to India in terms of the military. While the L1 process Imran Farooq case to Britain be- partner and form a joint venture because of the sensitivity of the some and operationally inefficient. technology transfer and production was promoted by the UPA gov- cause “there is no extradition trea- company in which the local firm issue. The selection of Dassault to Besides a fresh competitive bid- capabilities. Going about the re- ernment, most military acquisition ty with Britain on exchange of crim- could own up to 51 per cent stake supply 126 Rafale fighters to the ding scenario would take years, mainder of the contract though the plans did not see the light of day inals”. “I made it clear to the High and this firm could execute the con- Indian Air Force took place during severely delaying the Indian Air joint venture route could give the under the process. These include Commissioner that if we have to tract to supply the remaining the UPA regime in 2012, but the Force's plans to raise its flying Indian private sector a chance to two attempts to buy light helicop- extend additional cooperation in planes. Make in India: Rafale deal deal got bogged down by contro- strength up to 42 fighter squad- partake of the government's de- ters for the army, a proposal to this case, it will not be one-sided,” may take off as a joint venture be- versies and political indecision. rons. This will effectively rule out fence spending and develop man- purchase aerial refuelers for the air he said, adding that if Britain wants tween French and Indian firm The After weeks of uncertainty and the possibility of fresh competi- ufacturing expertise in an area that force and plans to acquire much- Pakistan to hand over certain peo- sources insisted that these were amid intense speculation that the tive bidding for the remaining con- has largely been the preserve of needed artillery systems. The ple, it will also have to hand over initial discussions and there was BJPled administration could even tract, which was also indicated by staterun firms. The scrapping of trend to cancel or do away with persons that Pakistan requires. He no certainty a final plan would cancel the contract, Modi, during Defence Minister Manohar Par- the old Rafale deal, along with the projects under competitive bidding maintained that Imran Farooq's have these contours. The Indian a visit to France last week, pulled rikar on Monday when he said a cancellations of similar projects, is continues with the NDA govern- murder case is not "political" but partner, according to these discus- a surprise and signed the purchase government-to-government route an indication that the L1, or low- ment with the cancelling of the light involves "a very grave crime". He sions, would not be restricted to of 36 planes off-the-shelf in a di- was better to acquire strategic de- est bidder based competitive bid- helicopter contract last year that further said that he will brief the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics rect government-to-government fence platforms rather than com- ding process, which was initiated saw Eurocopter and Kamov mak- nation within 10 days to update Ltd (HAL), potentially opening up deal, effectively junking the old petitive, global bidding. NUM- by the UPA regime is on the way ing it to the final zone. Most mega on progress in this case. Pakistan India, Germany to encourage teaching of each other's languages successfully India and Germany have agreed cordance with the national pol- a third language in Kendriya to encourage the teaching of each icy of each country." Human Vidyalaya Schools on the basis test fires other's languages within the Resources Development minis- of a memorandum of understand- framework of their national pol- try had in November decided ing signed between the KVS and Ghauri Missile icies in the backdrop of a row to discontinue teaching of Ger- the Goethe Institute in 2011. over Sanskrit replacing German man as an alternative to San- The decision by the two coun- as third language in government- skrit and cited "national inter- tries to promote the teaching of run Kendriya Vidyalaya Schools. ests" for its decision. Germany each other's languages is in line Prime Minister Narendra Modi had criticised the decision and with a series of measures agreed and German Chancellor Angela the issue was also raised by Merkel said in a joint statement Merkel during her meeting with during Modi's three-day visit to at the conclusion of their talks Modi on the sidelines of the G- strengthen their strategic part- on Tuesday that the two sides 20 summit in Brisbane in No- nership by expanding their co- agreed to support "respective ef- vember. Modi had assured her operation in a number of areas, forts and programmes in India at that time that his government including promotion of educa- and in Germany to broaden the will look into the matter and try tion and vocational training, sci- knowledge of each other's lan- to work out an amicable solu- ence and technology and skills guages among the youth in ac- tion. Sanskrit was introduced as development.

Pakistan successfully conducted a training launch of Ghauri Missile system on Wednesday, according Bangladesh, India border guards allow Bengalis to meet on new year to Inter Services Public Relations. Ghauri Ballistic Missile can carry They came in their thousands at 15-year-old Felani Khatun on Jan both conventional and nuclear war- the Amarkhana border in Pan- 7, 2011 by the BSF. Her lifeless heads upto a distance of 1,300 ki- chagarh Sadar Upazila on the first body had dangled haplessly for lometres. The launch was conduct- day of the Bengali New Year to hours at the Phulbarhi border. But ed by a strategic missile group of meet their relatives living across on Pahela Baishakh, that very the Army Strategic Forces Com- the border. On this day, every year, ominous fence facilitated scenes of mand that was aimed at testing the the BGB and BSF allow Bengalis bonhomie as thousands thronged operational and technical readiness across the geographical divide to there since morning to exchange of the command. Pakistan success- meet their relatives standing on ei- greetings and see people they hold fully tests first indigenous armed ther side of a barbed-wire fence. dear. The much-awaited meeting drone: ISPR The launch was wit- Seventy-year-old Sabita Shil want- started at 10am and lasted until nessed by senior officers from Stra- ed to stretch this rare moment in 2:30pm. Some of those who came tegic Plans Division, strategic forc- her life as she met her granddaugh- were seen exchanging gifts through es, scientists and engineers of stra- ter-in-law Chabi Shil, 28, after the fence. Locals say they were tegic organisations. While congrat- many years, on Tuesday. “Don’t separated from their relatives af- ulating the scientists, engineers and go away. Hang in here for some ter the Partition in 1947. Howev- all ranks of Strategic Forces, Di- more time. I have been craving to er, in the 70s they could almost rector General Strategic Plans Di- see you for long. “My days are freely cross the border and be in vision Lieutenant General Zubair numbered. Who knows, this might touch with their relatives. But all Mahmood Hayat expressed his be our last meeting,” she pleaded. that changed in 1980s when a full satisfaction over the excellent Sharifa Khatun, 65, could not hold barbed-wire fence was put up. standard achieved by the Strategic back tears of joy when she met her Years later, the BGB and BSF Forces. President Mamnoon Hus- brother Karim Mandal, 60, who agreed to reopen the border on sain and Prime Minister Nawaz lives in Jaipaigurhi, after a decade. Pahela Baishakh, allowing people Mohammad Ariful Haq remembered, “The BSF did not agree initially. But they eventually gave up to pressure from Indian citizens and agreed on Sharif congratulated the Strategic The barbed-wire fence has come on both sides of the fence to meet the yearly meet. “Security is ratcheted up on both sides and everyone leaves after the designated time.” Amarkhana Union Parishad Chairman Md Forces, scientists and engineers on to be a chilling reminder of border their loved ones. Panchagarh 18 Nuruzzaman said the yearly meeting manifested the “power of love”. “Thousands of people share their feelings. What’s the harm if they are given the achievement. killings after the fatal shooting of BGB Battalion Commander Lt Col a little more time?” This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . APRIL 16 , 2015 AFGHANISTAN TIMES 400 feared dead after migrant boat capsizes: Aid group Italy's coastguard rescued 144 from ship off Libya, but survivors tell Save the Children that hundreds were on board.

Survivors of a capsized migrant asylum and refugee issues at the terranean since Friday. "Those res- boat off Libya have told the aid UNHCR, said that due to conflict cued since last Friday included an group Save the Children that an in places like Syria and the Horn estimated 3,000 people in four estimated 400 people are believed of Africa, the number of people boats and 16 dinghies rescued on to have drowned. The Italian trying to find safety in Europe has Monday," the agency said in a coastguard had helped rescue 144 increased "enormously" since last statement. Earlier on Tuesday, the people on Monday and immedi- year. Spindler said that to end the European Union's top migration ately launched an air and sea search tragedies at sea, people smuggling official said the EU must quickly operation in hopes of finding oth- needs to be combated, and the ca- adapt to the growing numbers of ers. "According to their stories, pacity to rescue people at sea in- migrants trying to reach its shores. they all departed from Libya, more creased. "At the same time we need "The unprecedented influx of mi- than 550 people on the same boat to open the possibility for refu- grants at our borders, and in par- that capsized only 24 hours after gees to come legally to Europe so ticular refugees, is unfortunately they departed," Carlotta Bellini, a that they don't need to take these the new norm and we will need to Save the Children spokeswoman dangerous journeys," he told Al adjust our responses accordingly," in Rome, told Al Jazera. The coast- Jazeera. "And very importantly, the EU's commissioner for migra- guard said it assumed that there we need to help countries that are tion, Dimitris Avramopoulos, told were many dead given the size of hosting the vast majority of refu- lawmakers in Brussels. More than the ship and that nine bodies had gees in the world, countries such 280,000 people entered the Euro- been found. The deaths, if con- as Lebanon, Jordan, Sudan, Ethio- pean Union illegally last year. firmed, would add to the skyrock- pia, and Kenya ... We need to make Many came from Syria, Eritrea and eting numbers of migrants lost at sure they can continue to keep ref- Somalia and made the perilous sea sea: The International Organization ugees safe - because otherwise ref- journey from conflict-torn Libya. for Migration estimates that up to ugees will continue these journeys European coastguards have been 3,072 migrants are believed to have and risk their lives to find safety overwhelmed by the numbers. died in the Mediterranean in 2014, in Europe." The UN refugee agen- Since the weather has begun to compared to an estimate of 700 in cy, the UNHCR, said Italy's coast- warm, even more people have been 2013. Migrant rescue: All at sea? guard had saved about 8,500 mi- fleeing conflict and poverty, try- William Spindler, a specialist on grants and refugees in the Medi- ing to reach Europe. Obama, Congress sign deal over Iran nuclear talks U.S. President Barack Obama has An outline agreement on the fu- Barack Obama, Israeli Intelligence mise reached in Washington regard- Congress could fatally undermine any final nuclear agreement and of a final agreement to Congress as reluctantly agreed to allowing Con- ture of Iran’s nuclear program was Minister Yuval Steinitz said on ing congressional input,” Kerry a deal before a June 30 deadline for eliminated the requirement that soon as it is completed, and blocks gress to have a say on a nuclear reached on April 2. Since then the Wednesday. Meanwhile, U.S. Sec- told reporters in the Baltic Sea port a final pact. Senate Foreign Rela- Obama certify that Iran is not sup- Obama’s ability to waive many deal with Iran, following pressure White House had stepped up its retary of State John Kerry joined of Luebeck. “We are confident tions Committee Chairman Sena- porting acts of terrorism against the U.S. sanctions on Iran while Con- from Republicans and some in his efforts to persuade Democratic his counterparts from the Group about our ability for the president tor Bob Corker, who wrote the United States. The new bill requires gress reviews the deal. A deal with own party after they crafted a rare senators not to support the bipar- of Seven industrial powers at a to negotiate an agreement, and to bill, said the White House agreed the White House send Congress Iran is seen as an important legacy compromise demanding a say. The tisan bill that would give Congress meeting in northern Germany on do so with the ability to make the to the bill only after it became ap- regular, detailed reports on issues for the Obama administration. deal reached on Tuesday places a a say on a final deal. Israel is the gathering’s second day, flying world safer.” But Washington, as parent there was strong Democrat- including Iran’s support for terror- While Obama can lift sanctions he new element of uncertainty, just pleased with the deal achieved be- in overnight after discussing Iran well as negotiators from Iran and ic support. The bill that was ism, ballistic missiles and nuclear imposed, he would still need the days after an initial deal was reached tween the United States Congress with lawmakers in Washington. other members of the six-power passed cut from 60 to 30 days the program. The Obama administra- backing of Congress to lift those between the P5+1 nations and Iran. and the administration of President “Yesterday there was a compro- group, have expressed concern that time in which Congress can review tion is also required to send the text imposed by U.S. lawmakers. Removal from US blacklists Yemen’s Saleh, Houthi rebel leader US terror The United States placed two top figures in Yemen’s Houthi rebel- sponsor list is lion on its sanctions blacklist Tues- day, following suit after the Unit- fair: Cuba ed Nations approved global sanc- tions on the two. The U.S. Trea- S President Barack sury Department named Houthi Obama's move to drop leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi, and UCuba from a list of state leading backer Ahmed Ali Saleh, sponsors of terrorism was "fair", son of former president Ali Ab- the Cuban foreign ministry in Ha- dullah Saleh, to its blacklist, freez- vana has said. "The government of ing any assets they might have on Cuba acknowledges the fair deci- US property and forbidding Amer- sion of the president of the United icans from dealings with them. States to take Cuba off a list on “Using violence and other means, which it should never have been Al-Houthi and Saleh continue to included," said a statement signed undermine the political process in by Cuba's top official for relations Yemen and obstruct the peaceful with Washington. Empire - The transition of power,” the Treasury US and Cuba: Obsession Obama said. It said that the international on Tuesday submitted to Congress community has stressed through a "report and certifications" indi- the UN Security Council’s action cating that the US plans to remove “that the violent takeover of Ye- Cuba from the list of state spon- men by an armed faction is unac- sors of terrorism, a key step to ceptable and that a legitimate po- normalising relations between the litical transition -- long sought by two nations. The move follows the Yemeni people -- can be ac- the December announcement of complished only through political policy changes related to Cuba, in negotiations and a consensus which the US president instructed agreement among all of the par- the State Department to "under- ties.” The action follows the move take a review of Cuba's designa- by the U.N. Security Council ear- tion as a state sponsor of terror- lier Tuesday slapping an arms ism based on an assessment of the embargo on the Houthi rebels and available facts," a White House demanding they give up territory statement said. "After a careful seized in an offensive that forced review of Cuba's record, which was U.N.-backed President Abedrabbo informed by the Intelligence Com- Mansour Hadi to flee the country. munity, as well as assurances pro- The U.N. move also placed a glo- vided by the Cuban government, bal travel ban and asset freeze on the secretary of state concluded the two men.Ali Abdullah Saleh, that Cuba met the conditions for the former Yemeni president until rescinding its designation as a State 2011, has been on U.N. and U.S. Sponsor of Terrorism," said the sanctions lists since last Novem- statement. "The secretary of state ber. therefore recommended that the president make and submit to Congress the statutorily-required Bombings report and certification." Land- Libya’s Haftar ‘betting mark meeting Tuesday's announce- across UN says 21m children in ment came days after Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro met on military solution’ Baghdad kill on the sidelines of a regional sum- Mideast risk missing mit in Panama. The talks marked the first formal meeting between at least 20 the leaders of their countries in a A series of car bomb attacks in the half-century. Obama and Raul Iraqi capital Baghdad have killed out on education Castro in historic handshake Re- at least 20 people and wounded moving Cuba from the terror list scores more, security sources say. could pave the way for the open- At least five separate explosions ing of a US embassy in Havana on Tuesday hit targets across the and other steps. Cuba was desig- nated a state sponsor of terror in city including Yarmouk hospital in 1982 because of what the White western Baghdad, where four peo- House said was its efforts "to pro- ple died. Other bombs were deto- mote armed revolution by organi- nated near shops in Waziriyah in sations that used terrorism". The The military chief of Libya's UN-recognised government has expressed the north of the city, a car park in White House statement said that doubt about UN-backed talks in Morocco aimed at ending the country's Mashtal in the east, and a storage taking Cuba off the terror list does political split and said that he is "betting on a military solution" if a deal depot for buses and taxis in south- not change the fact that the US has remains elusive. General Khalifa Haftar's comments in a TV interview ern Baghdad. The AFP news agen- differences with the island nation's on Tuesday underscored the obstacles to any agreement between rival cy also reported an explosion in a government. Many Republicans governments in Libya. Haftar, who commands forces loyal to the To- residential area of Mahmudiyah, were critical of the announcement, bruk government, separately told the Associated Press news agency south of Baghdad. On Monday, with Florida Senator and 2016 pres- that he does not oppose negotiations outright. He said he would abide seven people were killed and 31 idential candidate Marco Rubio by decisions of his government, but said it was not clear how the polit- wounded in a car bombing in Bagh- saying it was a "terrible" decision. ical rivals could reach a deal. He would not agree to any ceasefire with dad's western neighbourhood of "Cuba is a state sponsor of terror- armed groups, he said. "Then the military solution is a must because it Bayaa. Tuesday's attacks came as ism. They harbour fugitives of is decisive ... when we are forced to, when we see our homeland torn Haider al-Abbadi, Iraq's prime min- American justice, including some- apart as it is happening now, between militias and terrorists, we resort ister, met US President Barack one who killed a police officer in to a military solution. We are betting on the military solution," Haftar Obama in Washington DC. The said. Haftar said he believes his forces could win such a battle even New Jersey over 30 years ago," White House said no formal re- Rubio said in a statement. "It's also though they currently control only a small area of Libya and no major quest for more military aid had cities. Air strikes In the latest violence, forces loyal to Haftar carried out the country that's helping North been made by Abbadi, but the US Korea evade weapons sanctions air strikes on Wednesday near the capital Tripoli, which is controlled by did offer $200m in help for those his rivals, officials said. On Monday, Haftar met Jordan's King Abdullah by the UN. They should have re- displaced by the Islamic State of mained on the list of state spon- and senior military officials, who gave Haftar their backing. The interna- Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group. tional community is pushing for a deal, fearing Libya's chaos could sors of terrorism, and I think sends destabilise its neighbours. Libya effectively split in half last year when There has been a decline in bomb a chilling message to our enemies forces allied to Haftar attempted to drive rival militias out of Tripoli and attacks in the capital since 2014, abroad that this White House is were defeated, leaving Libya's internationally recognised government when ISIL seized large swaths of no longer serious about calling ter- and elected parliament confined to the eastern cities of Tobruk and territory in the country's mainly rorism by its proper name." Until Sunni western, northern, and east- A new United Nations report says 21 million children in the Middle East and North Africa are out of school Bayda. The rival legally installed government, led by the Libya Dawn or at risk of dropping out despite improved access to education in the region over the past decade. The Tuesday, the communist island coalition, controls the capital Tripoli. The two sides have been negotiat- ern provinces. The ISIL advance UNESCO and UNICEF report released Wednesday says conflict, gender discrimination, child labor, poverty nation remained one of four coun- ing in Morocco to end months of fighting, the bloodiest since the 2011 has since stagnated and the group and other factors prevent children from attending school. The report says countries in the region have invested tries on the US list of nations ac- overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi. Bernadino Leon, the UN envoy, has has lost territory under aerial bom- in education over the past decade, which helped push up enrollment rates. But it says progress has slowed in cused of repeatedly supporting visited both sides in Tripoli and Tobruk, where he has proposed keep- bardment by a US-led coalition, recent years. To improve the situation, the U.N. agencies say states should address discrimination against global terrorism. The countries still ing Libya's elected parliament and setting up a unity government of and a ground offensive by the Ira- girls, work to lower dropout rates, boost pre-primary education and protect education for children affected by on the list are Iran, Sudan, and independents. A new round of talks is due to begin on Wednesday. qi army and allied Shia factions. conflict. The region includes 20 countries, stretching from Morocco to Iraq. Syria. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY .APRIL 16, 2015 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: Abdul Saboor Sarir Phone No: +93-772364666 E-mail: [email protected] By Michael Kinsley Email: [email protected] It has been an unbelievable 25 years www.afghanistantimes.af since George H. W. Bush started Photojournalist: M. Sadiq Yusufi us on the adventure that still isn’t over in Iraq and Afghanistan. There Advisory editorial board are American soldiers fighting and dying in the Middle East right now Saduddin Shpoon, Dr. Sharif Fayez, Dr. Sultana Parvanta, Dr. Sharifa Sharif, who weren’t even born when Bush Dr. Omar Zakhilwal, Setara Delawari, Ahmad Takal the Elder declared the Iraqi inva- sion and occupation of Kuwait to Graphic-Designers: be an intolerable situation and sent Mansoor Faizy and Edriss Akbari roughly half a million Americans halfway around the world to re- Marketing & Advertising: verse it. Twenty-five years down Mohammad Parwiz Arian, 0708954626, 0778894038 the road is not a bad moment to stop and ask, What the heck was Mailing address: P.O. Box: 371, Kabul, Afghanistan that all about? And what did we Our Bank Accounts: Azizi Bank: 000101100258091 / 000101200895656 accomplish for our pains, especial- Printed at Afghanistan Times Printing Press ly the sacrifices of individual Amer- ican soldiers? We now say “Thank you for your service” to anyone in a military uniform. This is a nice The constitution says new civic custom that hasn’t, to my surprise, turned into an inter- Article 118: est-group free-for-all. What about Supreme Court members shall have the following qualifications: policemen? And firemen? Or the 1. At time of appointment the age of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and its members shall not be less than forty year. immigrants who keep Southern 2. Shall be a citizen of Afghanistan. California shiny? Aren’t we grate- Continued… ful to them for their service? Sure, but we recognize that the military is different, and special. And I’ve never understood how it honors Editorial dead and wounded troops to per- petuate mistaken wars, in which their numbers can only increase. Kuwait wasn’t a democracy Keep politics at bay before Saddam Hussein’s army marched in, in 1990, and Kuwait isn’t really a democracy today. No the Little Satans closer by. George agreed under pressure to increase Middle East groups we used to Politics has always overshadowed economic growth opportu- doubt it’s a nicer place to live than Bush the Younger decided to fin- troop levels, just long enough, you know? Where is al-Qaeda? How nities in South Asia because for decades the former has been Iraq, either during the Saddam era ish the job his father had left half understand, to help wipe out the about the Taliban? Does anyone or during the subsequent Ameri- done and dispose of Saddam, not latest—and, seemingly, the remember the mujahideen? If you deemed vital than the latter. There is no denying to the bleak fact can protectorate. But then, immis- to mention find and destroy those worst—malefactor, the terrorist do, you’re really showing your age. that there are more arch rivals in South Asia than any other re- erating the Iraqi people—making famous weapons of mass destruc- group known as ISIS. The mujahideen were the freedom it hard for ordinary citizens to get tion. Nothing better exposes the ISIS is merely the most recent fighters we armed and trained in gion we could find on the world map. Most of the rivalries are food, energy, health care, and oth- disingenuousness (or, at best, the in a parade of horrible groups, Shi- order to drive the Soviets out of byproducts of the unhealthy politics trends and upper hand of er staples of life—was a purpose- confusion) of America’s motives ite and Sunni, religious and secu- Afghanistan—a shrewd bank shot, ful part of the American strategy. in the past 25 years than the pal- lar, murderous and even more mur- everyone agreed, until, after the the military establishment over civilian government in some And that part worked. So did the pable disappointment of Bush and derous, to which we have been in- Soviets slunk away, we counted SAARC countries. The quest for regional hegemony and superi- part about getting rid of Saddam his administration—notably Vice troduced through the years. They the leftover Stinger missiles in the Hussein—the main goal of George President Dick Cheney—at not sometimes are our friends, though freedom fighters’ broom closet and ority prevent the SAARC members from coming under one um- the Younger’s prosecution of the finding weapons of mass destruc- secretly helping the other side, or realized that many were now in brella for regional integration. It is regional integration that over- war. The other goal, which had de- tion. Iraq’s possession of chemi- they are sworn enemies of the im- the hands of unfriendly elements. comes political differences, extremism and terrorism as well as mocracy spreading from Iraq to cal, biological, and nuclear weap- perialist aggressor (that is, us), but And a lot of the mujahideen had Saudi Arabia to Syria and beyond, ons was supposed to be a bad still secretly taking bribes from the gone with them. increase trade activities between neighboring countries. Indeed, never came close to being realized. thing, remember? If they had al- C.I.A. They are often splinters It may be hard to believe, now it is welcoming to know that weather is changing on political Egypt bounced longtime ruler ready been destroyed or never ex- from some larger tree, either that the media are all-ISIS-all-the- Hosni Mubarak and gave democ- isted, then that was a good thing, “brand extension” by the original time, but the first reference to ISIS horizons now and a bright day is ahead as the regional players racy a brief whirl around the dance right? Bush became so desperate group or its sworn enemy due to in any major news outlet—at least could not afford more turbulence in their ties. Realizing this floor but didn’t care for the result, to find weapons of mass destruc- ideological or religious differences the first one referring to the now which was soon discarded in favor tion that, when a couple of suspi- that are impossible to fathom. notorious terrorist group and not very indubitable fact, a Pakistani delegation comprising of Chief of more military rule. The Arab cious mobile trailers turned up in Some members of these groups to Lord Grantham’s yellow Labra- Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak, Federal Minis- Middle East today offers various northern Iraq, he announced he’d even come from the West. The dor, on Downton Abbey—was in forms of government. There is found some at last, though we soon news article about the child of mid- the summer of 2013. This is not to ter for Commerce Ghulam Dastagir Khan and other high-rank- “royalty” of dubious provenance, learned that the trailers were for dle-class immigrant strivers in a criticize the media for being late to ing officials are in Kabul to explore venues for enhancing trade as in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait— making hydrogen to inflate artil- place like Cleveland or Liverpool the party, or to suggest that the and political relations. Implementation of CASA-1000 and TAPI generally pro-American but un- lery balloons. who inexplicably withdraws from threat to Americans posed by ISIS grateful and untrustworthy. There Bush’s eventual defense re- society and spends his days locked is currently being exaggerated. It is gas pipeline projects and expansion of the Afghan Pakistan Tran- are strongmen, but they can be lon- garding the intelligence failures was in his room reading the Koran and merely to note that the number of sit Trade Agreement (APTTA) were focal points of discussion. gevity-challenged. Some regimes basically “Look, everyone makes listening to rock music, only to analyses pouring out of Washing- last weeks, others last decades, and mistakes.” Which is perfectly true emerge and resurface at some bor- ton think tanks and experts avail- However, result is not so clear but encouraging, at least to some none is a totally reliable ally. Then and perfectly reasonable, actually. der crossing, trying to join a radi- able to CNN about who the heck extent. At this point, there is need for greater cooperation to there is government by no govern- But if the war was a mistake, even cal group that believes in, oh, I these people are and what they ment: the chaos of anarchy punc- an innocent or well-intentioned dunno, human sacrifice perhaps— want is pretty impressive, given expedite work on the mega projects that could feed the energy- tuated by atrocities in places like mistake, any justification for stay- news articles like that have become that almost no one had heard of starving industries of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. Most Syria, Libya, and much of Iraq. ing on and on has disappeared as a cliché by now. “He was such a them a year ago. And it is also to What you don’t find, a quarter- well. More than a decade later, why quiet, polite boy,” says a neigh- note how fast the cast of charac- importantly, these schemes shouldn’t fall prey to regional rival- century after this experiment be- are we still there? Max Boot, writ- bor. “He used to write long love ters in this drama can change, amid ries. Even in this geo-economic age we are in the shackles of gan, are many robust democracies ing in Time magazine, used the letters to Arianna Huffington and the anarchy we helped create— geo-politics and détente. Future of the region and fate of these in the region (except for the ones word “credibility” to explain why post them on Facebook.” (“Of which is another reason not to leap that were already there—Israel and we had to stay somewhere we nev- course I remember him, darling,” to the assumption that anything projects heavily rely on successful bargaining and deals that Turkey). The violent groups, need- er should have gone. I thought that, says Arianna. “I had to hire two further we might do would be of protect interests of all the parties. As a matter of fact, Islamabad less to say, don’t care much for after Vietnam, we had pretty much private guards to keep him away help. Twenty-five years of this! the United States and, in fact, have killed that notion. But no, it’s back. from me. But I gave him a blog And we were almost out of there has fixed eyes on the Central Asian countries to boost its export spent years quarreling over wheth- And yes, the number of Amer- anyhow. Why not?”) when ISIS came along, through a and find alternative to Qatar and other Arabian countries to im- er the proper target for terrorist icans in Iraq is relatively trivial, Where did ISIS come from? door we opened to them in the first port natural gas, but reluctant to provide the same opportunity to acts is the Great Satan far away or but President Obama has already What ever happened to the other place.—(VF News) India. Pakistan has been eager to include Tajikistan in the APT- TA but seemingly has no intention to convert the trilateral transit trade into quadrilateral. Likewise, Afghanistan has minimal ex- Don’t exploit us for drug trafficking port value as Afghan traders are struck by red-tapism and other issues in Pakistan. Snail-paced customs clearing process and corruption are the prominent barriers before Afghans. Hence, cooperation should not be unilateral. Say of all stakeholders shall have equal importance. The more we move towards re- gionalism, we will discover more opened doors for economic growth. Trade incentives to other South Asian countries by Pa- kistan would pave way for rapid transformation. Subscription Rates Categories Fee Afghanistan Times Annual Afg: 3600 at your door step For fast delivery service Six Months Afg: 1800 Afghanistan Times seeks the names, addresses of your International Organization $200 per year organizations and the number of copies you want. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.

THURSDAY .APRIL 16 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES The uncounted dead By Rafia Zakaria cal rifts and vendettas, are all borne of the uncounted and often unac- “I believe that the perception knowledged deaths that have caused by civilian casualties is one wracked the nation. The condition of the most dangerous enemies that in Iraq and Afghanistan is undoubt- we face.” These words were spo- edly similar. Yemen now stands ken in 2009 by then International poised to be inducted into this club Security Assistance Force com- of hapless nations. Whether it is While India stands to gain geopolitically if Iran manages to shed off Western sanctions as a result of the agreement mander, Gen Stanley McChrystal. by dereliction or design, a failure reached between Tehran and the P5+1 nations, leveraging the advantage will be a diplomatic tightrope for New Delhi. They are quoted again at the be- to count the dead does not in turn ginning of a report produced by a eliminate the wounds they leave By Jhinuk Chowdhury group called Physicians for Social behind on the body politic from Responsibility in collaboration whence they are wrest. The report As the streets of Tehran broke into with two others. The report, enti- comes at a useful time, when West- jubilation earlier this month fol- tled Body Count: Casualty Figures ern frenzy over the threat posed after 10 years of the ‘War on Ter- by groups like Daesh is at fever lowing the announcement of the ror’ — Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, nuclear agreement reached between pitch. From dissections of the begins with what has been one of tweets produced by the Daesh Iran and the P5+1 nations, the qui- the most ignored aspects of the members to verbose analyses of eter diplomatic corners of New conflict: the fact that the US and the varying motivations of their international forces have made Delhi too joined the celebration, ever inflating numbers of recruits, great efforts at counting their own every terror analyst is intent on calling the agreement a “success of bodies, but few such attempts diplomacy and dialogue” which coming up with the recipe that has have been made to count the total led yet another extremist group to respects Iran’s right to a peaceful number of others killed in this de- flourish. The answer, it seems, is nuclear programme while ending cade of conflict. The task of count- simply in the casualty figures cit- ing ‘the others’ who have died — ed in this report, which rests on crippling sanctions. India, which the Pakistanis, the Afghans and the reluctantly stood by the sanctions the singular cruelty of tremendous Iraqis — is predictably a compli- loss, in this case the deaths of near- on Iran, has a huge stake to lever- cated one. The authors of the re- ly 1.3m innocent people, whose age once (if at all) the EU and the port recognise this, and the quote blood stains the soil even if it does selected for its title page impress- US ease their sanctions on Tehran, not appear in the numbers. The es on readers the truth that the fail- writer is an attorney teaching con- provided it fulfills its obligations. ure to count these ‘other’ bodies While relaxing of current restric- stitutional law and political phi- has been deliberate. In Iraq, the losophy. This column was origi- tions on energy import from Iran report notes, the counting of dead naly published in Dawn. – the world’s fourth largest oil re- and injured soldiers ended in 2012, when the official withdrawal of serve, is certainly an advantage, coalition troops was concluded. In India also stands to gain geo-polit- Afghanistan, the collection of num- ical advantage in the wider Asian bers for US soldiers dead and in- Hillary region if (and as and when) the jured continues. Pakistan, which has never had an official presence Western sanctions on Iran are lift- of US soldiers on the ground, is ed. Accessibility to Afghanistan the biggest mystery, with few for the and the Central Asian Region publically available numbers avail- (CAR) has always been of great able at all. The omissions, of importance to India. More than course, are deliberate, for they all enable the lie that all these sites of world? anything, these two regions open US intervention are consequently up an easier trade route for India It is this interest that prompted New free trade zone for both the coun- ly closer tie with Iran can also have its ties with Israel, one of India’s “better off” than they were before. By Belen Fernandez with the larger access to the Mid- It is this gap of uncounted bodies Delhi’s decision to participate in the tries to enjoy preferential tariffs, certain domestic and diplomatic largest defense suppliers. Quite When Barack Obama was first dle East and further to parts of that the report tackles, and its con- development of the Chabahar port especially for India during its exports implications for India. India is clearly, it is an extremely delicate tribution is a formidable one. Its elected in 2008, many inhabitants Europe. India’s investments in the in southeastern Iran to improve geo- en-route to Afghanistan and Central home to about 10-15% of world’s diplomatic tightrope that India has authors — scientists, journalists, of the globe hoped that with the regions – both in terms of resourc- political leverage with respect to Asia – a step a number of experts Shia population. Experts fear the to tread in its policy towards col- activists and doctors — make the transition would come a more sympathetic US foreign policy. es and diplomatic effort, speak for Pakistan. Delhi viewed the Chaba- feel could be a game changer as this Shia-Sunni tension of the Middle laborating with Iran, because India argument that the methods of col- the kind of strategic importance lecting numbers of the total casu- After all, a member of a historical- har port as a viable alternative route will induce India to step up its in- East might spill over to India, which not only has significant relations ly persecuted cohort in the United Afghanistan and CAR have for the alties in these war-torn regions are to reach Afghanistan. The country vestment in Chabahar akin to what also has a large Sunni population, with a number of Iran’s rivals but suspect, because they rely on pas- States couldn't help but feel for the country. Apart from donating bil- has already committed an invest- China has done in Gwadar Howev- in case the country assumes a dip- the relationship with Tehran itself sive means of counting the dead. oppressed international masses, lions to Afghanistan, making it the ment of about $85 million towards er, competition is raging up. China lomatic posture too close to the hasn’t been too strain-free always. The term ‘passive’ refers to the right? Needless to say, such hopes were dashed to smithereens when fifth largest donor for the country, the construction of two berths at has apparently shown interest in Shia-dominated Iran. India has con- New Delhi has always felt Tehran, limiting of casualties to those re- New Delhi’s keen interest in CAR ported by “news agencies, hospi- Obama promptly gave George W Chabahar and the development of a Chabahar, offering credit to Iran to siderably broad-based diplomatic apart from being a tough negotia- tal registers, police records, etc”. Bush a run for his money in terms also drove it to devise what is container terminal. In October 2014, upgrade the port. India should be relations in the Middle East with tor and also many a times using As opposed to this, “active meth- of general disregard for human life. known as the “Connect Central Prime Minister Narendra Modi, re- mindful of its previous experiences key partners like Saudi Arabia and India’s energy vulnerability as a ods”, such as the ones used by the Besides failing to kick the old US Asia policy” in 2012 for wider affirmed New Delhi’s support for and avoid facing similar strategic the other Gulf Cooperation Coun- pressure tactic to ensure gains in report, “try to determine all vic- habit of slaughtering civilians, engagement at strategic, compre- tims in a certain area by investiga- Obama also worked hard to main- the Iranian Chabahar port project. blows as it did in 2010 by losing cil states – major sources of India’s New Delhi’s IAEA votes, has pre- tain the national image as a backer hensive economic, energy and nat- tions on the spot, eg by asking fam- For Tehran, the Gwadar port – a Tajikistan’s Ayni air-base to Russia energy import. Qatar, for instance, ferred China over India on some ilies after relatives have been of right-wing coups and other ural resources co-operation. How- mega port project located in Paki- after having made significant invest- happens to be India’s largest source deals, providing Beijing much bet- killed”. Citing an example of a Ger- meddlesome, profit-driven behav- ever, India doesn’t have direct ac- stan’s Baluchistan region which was ment to develop the base. Beijing also of imported natural gas. Saudi Ara- ter terms in its energy trade. man air strike in the Kunduz prov- iour. Not long after assuming of- fice, Obama had his first chance to cess to Afghanistan or CAR– land completed in 2006 with Chinese managed to bag stakes in Kazakh- bia in particular is important, con- Jhinuk Chowdhury is a freelance ince of Afghanistan, the report cites or sea, and has to reach out to the how a passive investigation re- remind Latin America who was support, downplays Iran’s role as stan’s massive Kashagan oil field, sidering the kind of influence Riy- journalist who writes on South ported only that 56 Taliban had boss by supporting the 2009 over- two regions via Pakistan. Given the ‘gateway to Central Asia’. The foiling India’s desire to broaden its adh commands over Islamabad. In Asian affairs. (Courtesy: Swara- been killed. When an active inves- throw of the ever-so-slightly-left- the state of bilateral relations with port region could also be made a footprint in Central Asia. An overt- addition to this, India is deepening jya) tigation was carried out, it was dis- ward-leaning Honduran President Islamabad, transiting through the covered that there had been in fact Manuel Zelaya. Enter Hillary Al- country becomes extremely chal- a 100 civilian casualties from the though the US repeatedly denied lenging. Iran, with its strategic lo- strike. The report’s own method- involvement in the affair, Obama's ology hence focuses on investiga- then-secretary of state belatedly cation, provides for a gateway or tions that use statistical methods let the cat out of the bag - acknowl- an alternative route to New Delhi, based on mortality rates of a cer- edging in her memoir last year that relieving it of the need to transit tain society when it was not in the she had strategised to prevent Ze- through Pakistan to reach Afghan- throes of war and then comparing laya's (lawful) return to office. it with mortality rates during con- istan and the CAR. More impor- Since the coup, Honduras has be- flict to come up with an active and come the homicide capital of the tantly, in Tehran, New Delhi can By Chris Doyle changes not least exposed by the essence it is a blame EU, blame carry, not least with President more precise number of casualties. world, with impunity for lethal find a partner that commands con- increasing success of the smaller immigrants movement that has suc- Obama. Its approach is to be close It says: “It is indeed possible to crimes also benefiting state securi- siderable goodwill in the region. At least since 1997, non-Brits need parties. Such parties are more than cessfully targeted many in Britain to the United States but which determine with sufficient precision ty forces on the receiving end of having their say as evidenced by a who feel alienated by the political United States? It is at best a wob- Iran has played a significant role only have made a cursory over- the rise in mortality of the general US aid. The secretary of state in view of Britain’s elections. Why seven-strong leaders’ debate on 2 classes. Hitherto it has received bly bridge to Europe buffeted by population during and after mili- in the reconstruction of Afghani- question was, of course, none oth- delve into the niceties of a two- April. Last time there were just only large protest votes in the Eu- storms of Euroscepticism. As U.S. tary intervention. From a change er than Hillary Clinton, who has stan. In 2001, Iran supported the horse race contested by the thor- three. Air of anti-politics What has ropean elections but with two re- power diminishes in the Middle in the mortality rate, ie the per- just announced her own bid for the Northern Alliance against the Tal- oughbred parties of the Conserva- brought this about? There is an air cent by-election victories it is East, so does Britain’s. Post Iraq centage of the population that died spot of imperial commander-in- iban regime which won Tehran the tives and Labour when there were of anti-politics of anti-Westmin- threatening both Conservative and 2003, Britain has lost much of its within one year, one can determine chief. Secretary of State Hillary ster. Firstly, despite the failure to Labour seats. What might this previous stature. Its failure to con- the aggregate number of persons allegiance of the Tajiks – Afghani- limited differences not least on in- Clinton meets Israeli president in ternational issues? Both parties win a referendum on Scottish in- mean? Firstly a country that had tribute any constructive solutions who would be still alive in absence Jerusalem Given Clinton's track stan’s second largest population have maintained close links to dependence last September, the prided itself on a first past the post to Syria, Iraq and Libya only rein- of war, and who thus directly or record, the global population may group that dominate key positions Washington and despite an increas- Scottish National Party (SNP) is, voting system that did not deliver force the point. The British elec- indirectly fell victim to that war. refrain from rallying behind the idea in the government. Apart from ingly Eurosceptic climate, there polls predict, about to run riot weak coalition governments is al- tions highlight many of the debates The mortality rate is an epidemio- that a US president belonging to a across Scotland, moving from 6 most certainly going to face anoth- that are besetting all European playing a key role during the Bonn was a limited risk to Britain’s logical figure that can be estab- historically oppressed gender will membership of the EU. Back in seats to 54 of Scotland’s 59 seats er five years. Secondly, as the world countries the outcome of which lished by active, standardised sta- I conference that was instrumen- be nicer to humanity. But that 2003, Britain engaged in a war on seats, hitting Labour hard. The faces major strategic challenges, have profound implications for the tistical methods with definable doesn't mean her supporters won't tal in establishing an interim gov- Iraq with the support of both the SNP may well have a deciding say Britain may well spend the next Middle East None of the major precision, even in war zones.” The do their darnedest to sell the image ernment in Kabul, Tehran also com- main parties. Both have pushed for in who forms the next government. five years inwardly navel gazing, parties have committed to the new system of counting bodies of Clinton as a die-hard women's What price will its leadership de- firstly about the possible break- NATO mark of spending two per- mitted reconstruction aid of $560 strong ties with Israel and neither produces alarming results. The ca- rights advocate, among other al- mand? The end of Britain’s inde- up of the United Kingdom and sec- cent of GDP on defense. Washing- sualties are not just a few hundred million in 2002 and $100 million leadership pushed for any serious leged progressive accolades. In a changes with major Middle East pendent nuclear deterrent is one ondly about whether it stays in ton is not impressed not least as or a few thousand more, but a stag- in 2006. The goodwill Iran has built possibility but ultimately the SNP the EU. If the Conservatives win, the Russian bear is flexing its mus- recent email to me, journalist Ra- powers. And indeed if you read gering hundreds of thousands nia Khalek debunked a few of these in Afghanistan will not only ex- the manifestos the major parties, will do anything to push towards they are committed to a referen- cle. An official report prepared for more. In Iraq, the report estimates, independence. A battle for British dum before the end of 2017 on Congress in March suggested misconceptions: "Clinton has pand Tehran’s influence eastwards listen to the leaders’ debates and the number of civilian casualties spent her entire career pushing follow the media’s coverage, you identity is in full swing. Is it part whether Britain remains in the EU. “some reassessment of the special between the 2003 and 2012 inva- but will also help transforming its of Europe and should it be one These two issues alone could over- relationship may be in order.” Clear policies that have destroyed the would believe that international sion have been close to a million, lives of countless women and chil- image into that of a responsible re- affairs matter not. Such issues cer- country? Secondly, Britain has a whelm British politics in the years positives Yet the reality is that for- or 5pc of Iraq’s total population. gional player. This is where both serious far right challenge. Most to come ‘Ugly trend of Islamopho- eign interventions are less and less dren, from her role in rounding up tainly still do not figure high on Furthermore, according to the re- votes for her husband's disastrous countries’ interests for a stable Af- voters’ concerns and the politicians EU countries have seen the right bia’ A battle for British identity is popular. The UK intervened in port, nearly 220,000 civilians have wing rise not least on a tide of anti- in full swing. Is it part of Europe Iraq and the occupation disastrous; welfare reform bill to her vote as a ghanistan merge. Both India and know it. The leader of the Labour died in Afghanistan and 80,000 in senator in favour of the US inva- immigrant and anti-Muslim fervor. and should it be one country? It is it got U.N. backing for a form of Pakistan. The methodology in the Iran are looking at providing Af- party, Ed Miliband, only visited sion that left Iraq, and its women, eight countries in the last five The United Kingdom Indepen- not just UKIP that is asking ques- intervention in Libya, but went too last two countries still relied on ghanistan and Central Asia alter- dence Party (UKIP) is threatening tions about just how many more far and failed. The decision not to in ruins." Watch it, Iran Nor should years, only Israel in the Middle conservative passive reporting and the world find much solace in Clin- native routes to the Indian Ocean. the Westminster political map. In immigrants Britain can take. UKIP intervene in Syria still divides Brit- East. But there are significant not on mortality calculations. The ton's counter-jihad plans, which has exposed a distinctly ugly trend ish politics. British politicians are total number of dead civilians from of vile Islamophobia that threat- no longer sure of the terms under she outlined in a 2014 interview the ‘war on terror’, therefore, is with The Atlantic's Jeffrey Gold- ens only to get worse. One senior which the country might exercise close to 1.3m, a number that is 10 LETTER TO THE EDITOR UKIP politician calls for British military force. Ever since Iraq times greater than that cited by the berg. Likening the struggle against Muslims to have to sign up to a 2003, there has been a national cri- experts and analysts who usually Islamic terrorists to the struggle code of conduct and rails against sis each time it is faced with this report on these demographics. against the Soviet Union, Clinton Europe for “an explosion of prospect. And this, the report’s authors con- acknowledged that, during the cold Substandard food items mosques across their land.” Other There are clear positives to that - clude, is a “conservative” estimate, war, "we supported really nasty parties are barely standing up to war should never be an easy and “the total number of deaths in guys, we did some things that we are not particularly proud of, from According to reports, sub-standard commodities have increased in Kabul markets in past few months. It is this and speaking out against it choice. Politicians will not look at the three countries named above Britain’s role in the world then is Syria, Libya and Yemen with any Latin America to Southeast Asia". not the first time that sub-standard and poor quality food items are crowding in Kabul markets; Kabul could also be in excess of 2m, also being redefined even if it is view to get involved. Britain may whereas a figure below 1m is ex- In the end, however, communism markets have been changed into a selling place for sub-standard and expired commodities. A reality show in not registering much with the elec- be a minor actor in larger coalitions tremely unlikely.” To those who collapsed: "We achieved it." Nev- a local TV channel followed the issue of sub-standard food products in Kabul markets last year which yield torate. Much of this is a natural but no more. And this is why the have been witness to the carnage ermind all the foreign bloodshed - good results. But there is a commission that copes with the challenge for the past one year. The commission post-imperial decline but also re- Middle East barely gets a mention. in any of the three countries, the or that whole link between the anti- Soviet war and the present jihad. is comprised of officials from ministries of Interior; Public Health; and Irrigation, Agriculture and Livestock sults from many self-inflicted None of the parties have any solu- new numbers are unlikely to sur- wounds. Is the UK really at the tions to any of the regions’ crises Regarding certain objectively "nas- as well as Attorney General Office, Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Independent prise. The extent of upheavals be- center of Europe? It may not even and fear further UK involvement. ing faced in countries like Pakistan, ty guys" on the contemporary Directorate of Security and Afghanistan National Standard Authority. The commission has collected tons remain in it. It is close to the U.S. Scratch harder, there are differenc- from changes in ethnic demogra- scene, meanwhile, Clinton had of poor quality food stuffs from Kabul markets, and has closed many shops in Kabul city. But this is not but how much influence does it es. phy to the creation of new politi- nothing but positive things to say. the way out of this challenge; the commission should control quality of commodities in the country’s ports and customs instead of domestic markets, and should stop import of sub-standard goods to the country. Besides that, Afghan traders should avoid importing sub-standard and expired food items as it could affect people’s health. Hossna Amarkhil, Khairkhana, Kabul Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author(s) Letter to editor will be edited for policy, content and clarity. All letters must have the writer’s name and address. You may send your letters to: and do not reflect the views or opinions of the Afghanistan Times. [email protected] This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . APRIL 16, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Sudan polls: Voters conspicuous sions for their countries. Yes, Obama thinks Putin sees the world through Cold War lens, and yes, by their their relations have gone from "frosty to frozen", but in reality absence their differences are not divided along the lines of the contradicto- It's exactly 8am local time (05:00 ry and transformative ideologies GMT) in Sudan and polls have just that governed the Cold War. As I opened. In many African countries, have long argued, the Cold War is polls and campaigns always makes passe. And Russia is an eclipsing good TV. The long queues of eager power in more ways than one. voters: from the very old to the Expect to hear more from China young, pregnant women; women and the P5+1 in the future. But carrying children on their backs and thanks to their apparent good just people from diverse back- working relationship, Secretary of grounds add character to every- State John Kerry and Russian For- thing. Those who voted or cov- eign Minister Sergei Lavrov have ered the 2010 elections will tell you helped broker a chemical weapons that's how the mood was - full ex- deal with Syria, a ceasefire in citement and passion, even if the Ukraine, and a nuclear deal with main opposition parties pulled out Iran. These and other diplomatic of the election at the last minute. initiatives might still be reversed, This time things are different. Ev- but they've already defused much erything seems so low key. So here of the past two years of pent up we are - 05:00 GMT - at St Fran- tension between the two capitals cis school located at a suburb in and showed how they could work Khartoum, the capital. It's also together to achieve certain diplo- where Omar al-Bashir was expect- matic breakthroughs. Indeed, Rus- ed to vote. There was no voter yet sia and the US have come a long when I arrived! All I could see were way on Iran and visitors to Mos- journalists with their cameras, sat- cow reckon the same applies to ellite trucks, tape recorders, pens Syria as Putin is less inclined to and notebooks. And that's why continue supporting Assad. Simi- when Ahmed Saeed Salman arrives larly, Moscow might be showing to vote about half an hour later, more interest in Libya, where it almost everyone, including myself agrees with the US on the need for swarm him to get a comment. He a political solution for the North said he is voting because he's a African nation that's descending patriot and it's his democratic right. into a full-fledged civil war. It A few other voters start showing Last week, the US media reported Cold War, citing the occasional re- bility. Russian officials claim that underwhelming at best. Raising Obama administration refers to as doesn't seem the US and Russia up as well. It's just a trickle though that the United States and Russia crimination between the White the de ivery of the sophisticated- "concerns" about the "unhelpful" a historic nuclear deal. And this will apply Yemen's approach to at a polling station that has 4,808 are involved in a "dangerous game House and the Kremlin. And it all but-defensive missile system to sale does not exactly add up to a week, Moscow has sided with Libya. In short, US and Russian registered voters. The highlight of of military brinkmanship in Eu- does seem confusing at times. One Iran will advance regional stabili- condemnation or denunciation of Washington and against Iran spiri- leaders reckon violent extremism, the day is the arrival of President rope", one that "raises the spectre day the US is thanking Russia for ty. While that's doubtful at best, the Russian move. All of which tual leader Ali Khamenei's inter- notably Middle Eastern or Islamic Bashir, but we need to see the "real" that either side could misinterpret evacuating its citizens from war- there's no doubt the sale will ad- begs the question why after ap- pretation of the interim deal. The extremism, poses the major threat people. I ask why the turnout a move by the other, triggering a torn Yemen, and the next day, it's vance Russia's own military and plying great pressure on Moscow Obama administration is aware to international peace and securi- seems so low. "This is just the conflict between two powers with complaining about dangerous Rus- economic interests in Iran and be- to refrain from delivering the mis- that it will continue to count on ty. They also seek to contain the first of three days of voting. It's a major nuclear arsenals despite a sian interception of a US recon- yond. The Kremlin's decision to siles, is the Obama administration Russia's help in getting a final nu- chaos and work with regional play- public holiday and many Sudanese sharp reduction from the Cold War naissance plane. Be that as it may, "promptly" transfer the S-300 making no fuss about the sudden clear deal sealed by the end of June. ers in the pursuit of carefully guid- have a tendency of waiting till the era". But in the real world, the US the US and Russia have maintained missiles does not violate existing Russian decision? The immediate It also realises that the delivery of ed regional stability. Nowhere has very last minute to cast their bal- has conducted a four-week war open channels of consultation and UN Security Council sanctions, answer came in less than 24 hours new anti-aircraft missile defence this been as pronounced as when lot," I'm told. I'm also told that games stretching from Estonia to coordination, and even a "non-co- but will pave the way for the sale at the UN Security Council. Con- systems does not threaten Israel Egypt's General-cum-President many of those who vote at St Fran- Bulgaria, to reassure its East Eu- ordinated coordination" in the of more conventional weapons that trary to initial expectations, Rus- and won't change the balance of Abdul Fatah el-Sisi played both cis polling station are top govern- ropean allies that it takes Russian Middle East and beyond. So have threaten another Middle East arms sia did not veto the draft resolu- power in the region, but could help sides for arms. Indeed, Obama and ment officials, security forces, oth- threats seriously. So is the operat- Obama and Putin finally agreed to race. The Russian defence minis- tion that imposes arms ban on Ye- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani Putin are increasingly pursuing not er civil servants and the elite, that ing word here "war" or "games"? disagree on certain core issues all try is also trying to sell Iran An- men's Houthi rebels but does not sell the benefits of a final deal at so dissimilar strategies towards if we go to other polling stations, Russia has been a helpful partner - the while synchronising their ef- tey-2500 anti-ballistic missile sys- extend the same ban on the rest of home. Cold calculus, not Cold War areas of conflict. Their relationship we might get more "ordinary peo- or at least not a spoiler - during the forts on the main threats facing tems, a similar but more advanced the country, as Russia would've The US and Russia are making is a combination of clash of inter- ple". So we head out still looking P5+1 negotiations with Iran that their nations? Moscow's pursuits system than the S-300. Russia lifts liked. Instead, it abstained allow- themselves visible once again when ests and reciprocated expediency. for voters. The second polling sta- culminated in what the Obama ad- The speed and boldness of this ban on delivery of missile defence ing UNSC resolution 2216 to pass it comes to the Middle East and Marwan Bishara is the senior po- tion we visit is even less busy than ministration refers to as a historic week's Russian decision to trans- system to Iran Washington's quest with a 14-0 majority. And there's the world's hotspots. But that's litical analyst at Al Jazeera. The St Francis. We hear there were nuclear deal. Since the Ukraine fer missiles to Iran underline Mos- The US has predictably voiced its more. Russia has been a helpful not to say the world is falling back views expressed in this article are some people early morning but not crisis, conservative ideologues and cow's firm pursuit of its geopolit- dissatisfaction with Putin's arms partner - or at least not a spoiler - on the old bipolarity. Yes, Obama the author's own and do not nec- very many. The electoral clerks so-called strategists on both sides ical interests regardless of the cost decision. But the Obama adminis- during the P5+1 negotiations with and Putin are two very different essarily reflect Al Jazeera's edito- seem bored, just waiting for some- have dwelled on the dangers of new to Middle East security and sta- tration's official reaction has been Iran that culminated in what the political animals with different vi- rial policy. (AL JAZEERA) body, anybody. One clerk is play- ing a game of solitaire on her phone. There's a bit of movement in the third polling station – a few elder- ly people are voting. I have not Despite conflict, demand for Qat still strong in Yemen seen many young people. We make some phone calls to people Civil war may be tearing Yemen ern city of Aden, strolled through in other polling stations in Khar- apart but every afternoon combat- an abandoned street chewing on the toum and other parts of the coun- ants set aside the struggle for the bitter morsels and storing them try and we're told that the situa- country’s future to stuff their into a wad bulging inside his cheek. tion is the same - "lukewarm". cheeks with wads of the narcotic “In a war situation like this, with Opposition figures and civil soci- green leaf, qat. The national pas- the stress and explosions, qat is ety groups who have boycotted time of chewing qat is one of the the one thing in our day that can the polls say that today is an in- few certainties in a nation turned give us a bit of peace and com- dictment of an election they have upside down by air strikes and fort,” he slurred. One in every sev- labelled a sham. Some activists street fighting. From lunchtime til en working Yemenis is employed have been distributing leaflets and sunset prayers, shelling inevitably in producing and distributing qat, even going door to door urging peo- dies down and fighters from both making it the largest single source ple not to vote. In some suburbs, sides put aside their Kalashnikovs of rural income and the second larg- there are notices on doors of peo- to enjoy the buzz. Craving for the est source of employment in the ple's homes that read "Dear candi- mild stimulant has kept the qat country after the agriculture and date, don't bother knocking on this trade going strong in an economy herding sector, exceeding even the door, I'm not voting". But we also otherwise devastated by war. public sector, according to the spoke to a top official of the ruling Farmers rise to cut it, traders brave World Bank. Offices and banks National Congress Party Mustafa bombs to transport it and addicts have closed, depriving residents of Osman Ismael who told us it's still scrape empty pockets to scoop up cash, but the qat souks still bustle early days and people will turn out a bag of the soft green leaves with loud bargaining as war rages. in large numbers to vote. He said chewed daily by millions of Ye- Qat is one of the only commodi- the elections are credible, a consti- menis. It costs between 2 to 14 ties still flowing into the city, as tutional right and calls for a boy- dollars a bag, depending on the fighting has struck water and pow- cott are just a sideshow by an op- quality. Three weeks of Saudi-led er infrastructure while scaring off position that wants to remain rel- air strikes aimed at stemming the suppliers of milk and meat. Aden’s evant. Whatever the case, whatev- advance of Iranian-allied Houthi qat basket is Dhalea. Getting there there and back every day. “Every day is an adventure. Getting from here to there involves air strike, clashes, checkpoints and every kind of danger,” er the eventual voter count, Presi- rebels have only increased Yeme- these days requires a two-hour he said. “God knows the trouble we face, but we cut the plant in the morning and return at night because our trade is the source of our livelihood dent Bashir seems to be headed for nis’ desire for the relaxing escape drive through a warzone contest- and dignity. This plant sustains my household.” Classified as a “drug of abuse that can produce mild to moderate psychological dependence” by perhaps what may be a controver- provided by qat. Mohammed ed by Shi’ite rebels, militiamen and the World Health Organization, qat’s physical symptoms can include hallucinations, depression and tooth decay. Surveys suggest that more sial, but easy victory. Azal, a government employee ren- Al Qaeda. Nevertheless, trader Ali Yemenis than ever - at least 80 percent of men, about 60 percent of women and increasing numbers of children under 10 - settle down most (AL JAZEERA) dered idle by battles in the south- Muhsin al-Jahafi plies the route afternoons to chew. The $40b canal project Iran to appoint first female ambassador dividing Nicaragua since 1979 Islamic Revolution

RIVAS: The tiny town of La Jun- ment and this project will violate poll from September 2014 revealed ta, located near Rivas in south- that. Silvia Gutiérrez, Sandinista that 41 percent of Nicaraguans western Nicaragua, is home to near- Renovation Movement politician support the canal and 21 percent ly 100 families, most of whom "They came and started taking are somewhat in favour. The ma- have farmed their land here for gen- measurements of everything," jority of supporters believe the erations. Soon that will change. said Jenny Gutiérrez, 33, a life- canal will help the country finan- The community will be swarming time La Junta resident. "They cially, but 55 percent of respon- with construction workers, and if didn't say a word to anyone." In dents admitted that they know all goes to plan, cargo ships float the last 450 years, this is the 73rd very little about the project. Even over what used to be cow pastures plan to build a canal through Nic- the Sandinista government some- in a few years. La Junta will be aragua. For many, the waterway's times seems confused about the one of the first towns demolished completion would fulfil a nation- to make way for a 300km trans- al dream. Land expropriation The canal's details. In a recent trip to oceanic canal that will bisect Nica- government says that by 2018, Spain, Talavera implied that he ragua. The project's backer, Chi- the canal will pull 403,583 peo- was uncertain about the canal's fi- nese telecommunications mogul ple from poverty and 353,935 nal route after a Nicaraguan stu- Wang Jing, expects to complete the people from extreme poverty, dent asked him to address com- $40bn project within five years. double the country's gross domes- plaints from the 60,000 people she Canal supporters claim that the tic product (GDP) and triple the claimed would be displaced. Tala- project could lift Nicaragua - the employment rate. Though the vera refuted her numbers, but of- poorest country in the Western government has not cited a source fered few facts to assuage her con- Hemisphere after Haiti - out of for the oddly specific statistics, cerns. "That means someone has poverty, but opponents point to Nicaraguan officials maintain that the route more clearly defined than the potential for environmental and the canal will bring benefits to the we do," he said. So far, there is no human rights abuses. Though La Central American nation. "The official tally of how many will be Junta and nearby towns have been canal will not pass through an area displaced by the canal. Based on surveyed for construction, no one with intense agricultural activity, the route released by the canal's has come to tell the residents it will not pass through critical development company, Hong where they will go when the canal coffee growing or ranching Kong Nicaragua Canal Develop- Iran will appoint its first female one of Iran's most high-profile fe- bassador was Mehrangiz Dola- Rouhani promised to improve comes. The people in La Junta zones," Telemaco Talavera, the ment Investment (HKND), vari- say they woke up one day to a spokesman for the Nicaraguan ambassador abroad since the Islam- male public figures, although it was tshahi, who served in Denmark in women's rights as part of his elec- fleet of police and Chinese engi- government's canal commission ous groups estimate that anywhere ic Revolution in 1979, the semi- not clear where she would be sent, the 1970s Human rights groups tion campaign in 2013, but neers in their backyards. We be- has said publicly. "It will only from 29,000 to upwards of 60,000 official Fars and Mehr news agen- the agencies said. This would make frequently criticize Iran's record on progress on domestic reform has lieve in development, but we don't affect a small part of the country people will need to relocate. Where cies said late on Monday, citing Afkham the second female ambas- women's rights, including a high been slow. His predecessor Mah- see how this is going to bring ben- and will reinvigorate the rest." It these people will be sent or how unspecified reports. The post sador in the history of Iran and the rate of domestic violence and girls moud Ahmadinejad appointed the efits to Nicaragua. We are a coun- is not only the government that they will be compensated still re- would go to Foreign Ministry first since the 1979 Islamic Revo- forced to into marriages at ages as Islamic Republic's first female min- try based on the agrarian move- backs the canal. A CID-Gallup mains unclear. spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham, lution. The only other female am- young as 10. President Hassan ister in 2009. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . APRIL 16 , 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Oil demand seen rising, but Iran calls for cut Demand for oil will be higher this year than previously thought, ac- cording to new forecasts from the International Energy Agency (IEA), released Wednesday. The ISLAMABAD: Amid legal vacu- IEA's expectation for a "notable um surrounding the sale of around acceleration" in demand for oil in 140,000 tonnes of imported lique- 2015 comes as Iran called on fel- fied natural gas (LNG) to a few low Organisation of Petroleum bulk consumers, a private compa- Exporting Countries (OPEC) ny’s bid to arrange import of 20 members to cut production. Oil is per cent cheaper commodity is re- currently trading at around half of ported to have been blocked. In- last June's price, making it harder formed sources told Dawn the Pa- for countries and companies which kistan State Oil (PSO) did not have produce the commodity to make a an LNG marketing licence but it profit. Despite the low price, some had not only imported but was producers have continued to ramp selling the product to various con- up supply, with Saudi Arabia - sumers, including fertiliser plants, OPEC's biggest oil exporter - bet- power plants and gas companies. ting that lower prices will make “This is illegal,” said a former pe- more-expensive U.S. shale gas pro- troleum secretary. A senior govern- duction less economically viable. ment official said the CNG indus- Some of the smaller Middle East- try represented by Universal Gas ern producers are feeling the im- Company had struck a deal with pact of low prices, however. Irani- an LNG supplier at less than $7 an Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh per million British thermal units called on OPEC to cut production (mmbtu) but it was not given clear- quotas by "at least 5 percent" on ance by the government and asked Tuesday, according to the coun- to route through PSO. “The final try's Oil Ministry website. It price differential between LNG comes after major global powers imported by PSO and the CNG agreed a framework deal with Iran sector amounted to more than $2.5 over its nuclear program, leading per mmbtu,” said the official. The to fears of further oversupply in LNG policy was approved in 2011 the oil market if sanctions on Iran which has neither been amended are lifted. Given this uncertainty, nor suspended so far, but the con- the IEA warned that it could be sumers of regasified LNG (RLNG) some time before the oil price re- were under pressure to import covers. "Advances in talks on Te- LNG through PSO in violation of hran's nuclear program not only section 10 of the policy. This call into question past working as- strangely results into 45pc price sumptions on future Iranian out- build-up of RLNG in the shape of put, but may already have encour- charges and profits of domestic aged other producers to hike sup- entities. An official of a fertiliser ply and stake out market share company said that even though the ahead of Iran's potential return," Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limit- the agency said in its report. "All ed (SNGPL) was providing domes- in all, that suggests the market re- tic natural gas to Pak-Arab Fertil- balancing may still be in its early iser, which had enabled first LNG stage." A colder-than-forecast first cargo by providing letter of credit, quarter and a "steadily improving the invoices for RLNG to Pak- global economic backdrop" should Arab were issued directly by the see global demand rise, however, Sui Southern Gas Company Lim- according to the IEA. It expects ited (SSGC) even though the Mul- demand to hit 93.6 million barrels tan-based fertiliser plant was not a day in 2015, -- up by 90 kilobar- a consumer of SSGC. This is also rels a day on its earlier forecast. a legal issue that would need to be has worked on three major LNG power plant’s gate. In contrast, the price for Kot Addu Thermal Pow- (FSRU) swiftly and use it as an group of private investors to set Yet supply still rose - by around 1 covered post-facto by the Oil and import projects so far, told Dawn RLNG price of 4Gas, which be- er Company, according to regula- LNG carrier to go back and bring up a special-purpose vehicle (SPV) million barrels a day in March, to Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) that the latest RLNG price at Kara- came a victim to court cases dur- tory approval, has stood at $10.85 another LNG cargo. This would to import LNG through spot pur- 95.2 barrels a day - with OPEC or the cabinet. In fact, the import- chi was comparatively higher than ing early days of the PPP govern- per mmbtu against RLNG’s esti- result in eight days of capacity chases. The group comprised a production recording its highest ed RLNG belonged to the Pak- envisaged under the two previous ment, had averaged 12.5pc of mated price of $14.3 per mmbtu. payments at the rate of $272,000 leading industrialist-cum-banker monthly hike in close to four years, Arab Fertiliser which paid for it import attempts. He said that first Brent. Another bid that fell victim This proved that the imported per day along with 3-4 times high- and a broker-turned-industrialist the IEA said. "Months into the but did not get full quantities as it cargo’s RLNG price at Karachi has to competing bidders — Gasport, RLNG was costlier than furnace er transportation cost (compared having directorships on the board process of market rebalancing from was partially diverted by PSO to worked out at 17.56pc of the Brent Global and Engro — and then oil. As if it were not enough, the to LNG ship) to the FSRU even of directors of gas companies that the oil price collapse, one might be other consumers, for some time to crude. The Brent price varied be- struck down again by the courts at RLNG price would further go up though it would not process LNG would have influence over LNG hoping for more clarity on supply Dawood Agritech and some IPPs. tween $57-60 per barrel over the the fag end of PPP tenure had also in view of a surprise decision of to become part of the price. The import, its distribution and partly and demand impacts. Yet, in some This is not allowed under Third last few days and RLNG price at priced RLNG at Karachi at 13.9pc the petroleum ministry and PSO sources said that the government consumption but the higher costs ways, the outlook is only getting Party Access (TPA) rules for LNG. Karachi has been set at $10.42 per of Brent. The official said the price to offload Engro’s Floating Stor- was now trying to get out of these would be shared by all the con- murkier," the agency said in a re- A petroleum ministry official, who mmbtu and $14.2 per mmbtu at of light sulphur furnace oil (LSFO) age and Regasification Unit legal complexities by allowing a sumers at the end of the day. lease. (CNBC) Five Saudia employees fired over improper handling of luggage

keen on raising interest rates in June despite recent weak economic data. That has pulled gold from a recent seven-week top of $1,224.10 an ounce, as a potential rate hike curbs the appeal of non-interest yield- ing assets But raising U.S. inter- est rates this year, as most Federal Reserve officials expect, would be "inappropriate" because it would delay the return of too-low infla- tion to the Fed's 2-percent goal, Minneapolis Fed President Naray- ana Kocherlakota said. U.S. gold for June delivery was off 0.1 per- cent at $1,191.40 an ounce. Gold "continues to struggle for any up- side ascendancy with a number of critical technical levels capping the market," MKS Group trader Jas- on Cerisola said, citing the $1,200 psychological level and $1,229, its Five Saudi Arabian Airlines’ em- ter retrieving it from the luggage hold. work, have been terminated. 200-day moving average. Premi- ployees at King Khaled Interna- The action of the handlers triggered a GACA also expressed its apolo- ums for physical gold on the tional Airport in Riyadh were Tues- strong reaction among social media gies following the incident and Shanghai Gold Exchange picked up day fired from their jobs following users. Many criticized the services stressed that it will not hesitate to to $2-$3 an ounce over spot from their poor and careless handling of being offered at the airports and also implement regulations that orga- just above a dollar earlier this week, passengers’ luggage at the convey- blamed poor handling for damages to nizes work at Saudi airports. It Gold edged lower on Wednesday by 0301 GMT, after touching its at this time. There's no clear direc- although analysts say a slowing or belt. The General Authority for their belongings. Some even called for noted that it will ensure providing as the dollar recovered from losses lowest in two weeks at $1,183.68 tion. I think we need a clearer cat- economy could cap Chinese de- Civil Aviation (GACA) announced more discipline and system at the air- efficient services to its passengers spurred by weaker-than-expected on Tuesday. Bullion fell as much alyst down the road and that will mand. "Coming from a low base in this after thoroughly investigating ports. GACA set up a committee to based on set procedures. The state- U.S. retail sales data. Data show- as 1.2 percent overnight but pared come in the form of the FOMC 2014, China's demand for gold the poor ground service at the air- investigate the matter and it reviewed ment also said that GACA is to ing China's economy grew 7 per- losses at the close as the dollar re- meeting in two weeks' time," said should still grow this year. But giv- port’s conveyor belt. The incident the video clip in question before ar- implement a new system for bag- cent in the first quarter, the slow- treated after data showed U.S. re- Howie Lee, analyst at Phillip Fu- en structural reforms and all this of mishandling the baggage came riving at the decision. On Tuesday, gage handling at the new terminals est in six years, suggested that tail sales rose 0.9 percent in March, tures. The Federal Open Market belt tightening because of the per- to light after a video clip went vi- GACA announced that the services of all airports. Leading Swiss com- physical demand from the world's just below market forecasts for a Committee (FOMC) next meets ceived slowdown, I don't think ral. The clip showed two baggage of two supervisors and three baggage pany Swissport will start operat- No. 2 consumer would remain tep- 1-percent increase. The dollar has April 28-29, with recent signals there'll be much demand for gold handlers passing luggage careless- handlers, who were found responsi- ing toward the end of the year and id this year. Spot gold was down since regained some lost ground. from most policymakers suggest- for jewelery or for investment," ly — literally throwing bags and ble for this callous action showing no that will end the monopoly, added 0.1 percent at $1,191.80 an ounce "The gold market is quite subdued ing the U.S. central bank is still said Lee. suitcases on the conveyor belt af- professional commitment to their the statement. Turkey’s Alkhair Capital plans expansion, eyes Islamic bond advisory

Turkish Islamic asset manager into force in July, a move that will (DPM) products and to advise cli- Alkhair Capital plans to launch also help fuel its expansion drive. ents on their sukuk investments, new funds this year and will start "We are increasing our headcount, Ilhan said. "Sukuk is a relatively a service to advise on Islamic we are adapting our company to new instrument for Turkish inves- bonds, or sukuk, its general man- the new legislation and expanding tors and we see a great opportuni- ager said. Three Turkish state-run our product base," general manag- ty in this line of business. We have banks are launching Islamic units, er Ali Ilhan told Reuters in emailed not been very active on DPM late- widening the reach of interest-free comments. "We are planning to ly, but this year we are planning to finance in the majority Muslim na- launch new mutual funds in the near offer different alternatives for Is- tion, but wealth management has future - probably in the third quar- lamic investors. lagged behind with only a handful ter." The firm currently manages " The introduction of a new elec- of products in the market. Alkhair three Islamic funds, which screen tronic fund distribution system, Capital, majority-owned by Bahr- their portfolios according to reli- known as TEFAS, will also allow ain's Bank Alkhair, is the only full- gious guidelines such as bans on for the selling of its funds through fledged Islamic investment firm in tobacco, alcohol and gambling, in third-parties, he added. New en- the country, with AZ Global and much the same way as socially re- trants are also likely. In Septem- BMD Securities offering some sponsible funds A wider pool of ber, Turkey's RHEA Asset Man- sharia-compliant products of their Islamic financial instruments has agement and Malaysia's CIMB- own. Last month, the firm raised emerged in recent years which has Principal Islamic Asset Manage- its capital to 5 million lira ($1.86 improved the sector's prospects, ment signed an agreement to ex- million) from 2 million lira, to meet and the firm plans to develop dis- plore joint opportunities in the new capital requirements coming cretionary portfolio management sector. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . APRIL 16, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES Bollywood Check out the biggest films and their religious deals in the history courted OF BOLLYWOOD! controversies

'Dharam Sankat Mein', which hit the theatres yesterday, deals with a man’s crisis relating to religious identity. We zero in on a few re- cent films that dared to venture into sensitive territories... Bollywood movies are generally perceived as an entertainment package with song, dance, romance and stunts as its basic ingredients. But every once in a while there comes a film which dares to break the stereo- With the music rights of Rohit Siddharth Anand's 'Bang Bang' typical mould — by exploring sen- Shetty's 'Dilwale' apparently be- is said to be the most expensive sitive or taboo topics that are oth- ing sold for a whopping Rs 19 film so far as its production cost erwise hastily swept under the crore, by far the highest for any was around Rs 147 crore. The re- carpet. Bollywood film, we take a look at make of Hollywood action come- A case in point is 'Dharam some of the biggest contracts in dy Knight and Day starred Hrithik Sankat Mein', which hit the the- the history of Indian cinema Roshan and Katrina Kaif in the atres yesterday. The comedy, Hollywood action star Sylvester to be an "accepting" father when Sophia was when she was 14. I warning and he ended up in a "bat- Rohit Shetty recently an- lead. 'Bang Bang' boasted of some which stars Paresh Rawal, Naseer- Stallone says he has barred his his eldest daughter was called by a realised I wasn't going to be an ac- tle" with Sophia's current boy- nounced about bringing together high octane stunts, on par with uddin Shah and Annu Kapoor, stirs three teenage daughters from dat- boy four years ago, reported Fe- cepting father. He said, 'Where's friend when they met for the first the famous jodi of Shah Rukh Hollywood action flicks, and the up issues that generally don’t make ing until they are in their 40s. The male First. Sophia?' I said, 'She's in Egypt and time. "I've finally met Sophia's first Khan and Kajol for his next ven- cost incurred on it seemed justi- for polite dinner table conversa- 68-year-old 'Expendables' actor - "I told my three daughters they she'll be there forever.' Everyone boyfriend. He's 18. We shook ture 'Dilwale', which has set off a fied as that was the most talked tions even though they need to be who has Sophia, 18, Sistine, 16, weren't allowed to date until their started yelling at me." hands and I said, 'No, you've got wave of expectations. The film has about aspect in the film. discussed and debated upon. The and Scarlet, 13, with wife Jennifer mid-40s but that's not going down The 68-year-old star said his to learn to squeeze harder than that already gone on floors and sources R147crore Production cost of film revolves around a staunch Flavin, realised he was not going well... The first time a boy called daughters have not listened to his pal.' We got into a hand squeezing tell us that Sony has bagged its Bang Bang, the highest for any Hindu (Rawal) who goes through music rights for a whopping Bolly film The action sequences an identity crisis when he discov- amount - over Rs 19 crore! included Hrithik driving an F1 car, ers he was born Muslim, but After a gap of five years, Shah water-skiing while being tied to a adopted by a Hindu family. The ‘Game of Thrones’ episodes Rukh Khan and Kajol will reunite sea-plane and doing fly board plot was considered so controver- SADQAY TUMHARE: on the big screen with 'Dilwale'. stunts. The makers had roped in sial and sensitive that the Censor leak on the Internet: HBO Without confirming the Andy Armstrong, action director Board reportedly invited a Hindu Can a victim of abuse amount, Gaurav Verma, chief rev- who worked on 'The Amazing Spi- priest and a Maulvi to supervise enue officer of Red Chillies Enter- derman 2' for the death-defying the film’s certification process and tainment, says: "Yes, we have part- stunts. Moreover, 'Bang Bang' was asked for some “offensive” scenes ever shed her past? nered with Sony Music for 'Dil- an adventure film which required to be deleted. Religion, apart from wale' and look forward to their the stars to travel across the world a few other issues, has always been support and contribution in mak- to join the dots and solve a mys- a sore point. But an increasing ing it a successful collaboration." tery. So, it was extensively shot in number of filmmakers are trans- R400-500 crore Salman Khan's exotic locations like Prague, US, gressing the boundaries of social satellite rights agreement with Star Thailand and Greece. S S Rajamou- acceptability on the 70mm screen. India to his films from 2013-17 li's 'Baahubali' is being touted as hitlist gives a lowdown on a few An outsized price tag for mu- the most expensive VFX film in such films from the recent past... Talking point: The film was mired in controversy as it was a satire on various sensitive issues like polit- ical beliefs, religion and supersti- tions which are so deeply rooted in the social consciousness of In- dia. Aamir played an alien, who is stuck on Earth and gradually un- WASHINGTON: Already the said. HBO had decided on the un- ravels the ugly face of human greed most pirated show in television usual simultaneous global release and misuse of religion to one’s ad- history, HBO's fantasy epic schedule because the series' fervent vantage. Hindutva groups took Sadqay Tumhare makes me feel and dies with the realization that her Games of Thrones was hit by a following has made it a hot prop- offence to certain scenes, while like Khalil ur Rahman Qammar’s son must bear the brunt of her venge- new leak Sunday just hours before erty. The 2014 season was illegal- some others pointed out that the characters are an endangered spe- ful actions. Shanno realises her the premiere of its hotly-anticipat- ly downloaded more than eight film “unnecessarily” mocked Hin- cies, liable to tragic extinction at mother will never agree to the match ed fifth season. million times, making it the most du beliefs and rituals, and por- any moment. The serial’s sad end- and sends Khalil away, never to see With the start of the new se- pirated show in the world for the trayed Hindus as either atheists or ing shouldn't come as surprise to him again. Read more: HUM TV ries due to air simultaneously at fourth year running, according to sic made headlines last year when India, surpassing 'Ra.One' (2011) fanaticsm, but didn’t touch other anyone familiar with this writer’s Awards 2015: 'Sadqay Tumhare' a 0100 GMT Monday in 170 coun- specialist news site TorrentFreak. the music of Salman Khan-starrer and 'Krrish 3' (2013). Over Rs 85 faiths. There were also concerns work (remember Afzal's cruel death clear winner After a few years Kha- tries, eager but unscrupulous fans Based on American novelist 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' was re- crore has been spent on the anima- that the film did not reach any con- in Pyare Afzal?) especially when lil tries to move on and marries Ruby were already downloading four George R.R. Martin's fantasy se- portedly sold for Rs 18 crore even tion and visual effects for the Rana clusion on the existence of religion, you keep in mind this story is au- and the story ends when he hears of leaked episodes. ries “A Song of Ice and Fire,” the before the film rolled. Daggubati-starrer, which is a peri- but simply questioned supersti- tobiographical. This may explain Shanno’s sad, untimely death. How “Sadly, it seems the leaked four saga is a feast of blood, sex and Rs 400crore: Ajay Devgn also od action drama. The film's pro- tions. why his often high-spirited ro- did the actors measure up? Her un- episodes of the upcoming season betrayal. inked a deal with Star for exclusive ducer Shobu Yarlagadda had been Talking point: It was centered mances end on melancholy notes. affected and sincere portrayal of Sh- of Game of Thrones originated It recounts the implacable fight TV telecast of his movies till 2017 quoted saying, "We are attempt- on a Muslim father and son duo, Engaged as children, cousins Sh- anno, a simple young girl from rural from within a group approved by for power among several families Music composer Pritam, who ing to make Baahubali as the most the former being a cleric and a true anno (Mahira Khan) and Khalil Punjab, successfully nestled a home HBO to receive them. We're ac- in an imaginary landscape of king- is working on Dilwale, says, "Mu- spectacular film ever on Indian follower of the Islam. He doesn’t (Adnan Malik) fall in love but their in many hearts. It is her connection tively assessing how this breach doms and continents inspired by sic suffered a setback in recent screen. There is a lot of complex like the fact that his son is friendly parents' turbulent past casts a with the viewers that gave the heart- occurred,” the cable TV network the history of the Middle Ages years, but now it's a great time for computer generated imagery and with a Hindu priest and much to long, dark shadow over their rela- breaking ending so much emotional music where big money is being VFX shots will be present in 90 his discomfort, the boy shows a tionship that can never be shaken power despite her very limited ap- invested. It doesn't make me feel per cent of the movie - that is about stubborn fondness for Hindu my- off. The drama takes a look at how pearance in the last episode. Ma- Review: Jalaibee sizzles and more or less burdened if the satel- 4500-5000 VFX shots. So when thology and teachings. This results an older generation's mistakes have hira Khan is that rare performer who lite rights of a film is sold for an you look at numbers like that, the in a conflict and the man loses his long lasting consequences for their rises beyond the mere technicalities leaves us wanting more exorbitant amount. I have to deliv- budget will naturally be very high." son, eventually realising that he offspring, altering everyone's des- of method acting fusing herself with er good music in any case. We com- Anurag Kashyap's 'Bombay Vel- needs him more than religion. The tiny in the process. In the past, the character. Throughout this seri- With a bright yellow Ford Mus- most everything right except for a posers don't directly earn anything vet' is another film which has ap- film was inspired by a novel of the Shanno’s mother Rasheeda al there was never a hint of Mahira tang 73 straddling the red carpet late start: we were handed free when the rights are acquired for parently spent heavily on VFX same name. Apparently, the Cen- (Samiya Mumtaz) was first co- Khan the superstar — just Shanno and glamorous tuxedo-ed actors jalaibees as a movie snack and pop- big or less amount." and the budget is said to have sor Board sent the film to a self- erced into a sexual encounter by from Bhopalwala. Also read: Save and be-gowned actresses hobnob- corn was served on the house too. Hitlist points out a few recent crossed Rs 130 crore. Producer revision committee post its certi- her then-fiancé Abdul Rahman and Mahira, 'Sadqay Tumhare' doesn't bing with the audience, last night's The red carpet was an unforgetta- projects and deals that ran into Madhu Mantena says, "I think it's fication screening since there was later seduced by her sister Inayat's quite pack a punch Strong perfor- premiere for the movie Jalaibee bly bright, colorful and fun affair. It astronomical figures... a great time for cinema where sto- no Muslim in the committee that much older husband (Khalil’s bio- mances from Rehan Sheikh as Amin, was like no other. Jalaibee is direc- was also nice to see other actors 40 per cent: Aamir Khan's ries are finding the money to be had watched the film. The then logical father) Mohammad Sadiq. Farhan Ali Agha as Abdul Rehman tor Yasir Jaswal's latest venture, a and models like Hamza Ali Abbasi, profit sharing deal with Yash Raj told and we are heading more to- Board chief Leela Samson gave it a And this all at the tender age of and especially Shamil Khan as Maq- fast-paced crime drama starring Rubya Chaudhary and Aamna Il- Films for 'Dhoom:3' wards the storytelling mentality. ‘U’ certificate and apologised to fifteen. In a fit of anger, jealousy sood, bolstered this well-made seri- Sajid Hasan, Ali Safina, Danish yas come up to support their con- the director as the film had been and disgust, Inayat leaves Sadiq al further. The rest of the cast in- Taimoor, Zhalay Sarhadi, Adnan temporaries. When it came time to shown to a couple of priests, albe- and her four children and marries cluded Saniya Shamshad as Humaira Jaffer, Wiqar Ali Khan as well as watch the film the crowd separated Box office: 'Ek Paheli Leela' it without her knowledge. Abdul Rehman. It is confusing, we and Tahira Imam as Inayat who have British-Indian model/film actor and trooped into four cinemas. And Talking point: The film had know! Through much of the sto- all done a commendable job. Of Sabeeka Imam and musician Uzair so began our Jalaibee experience... SRK play an autistic Muslim man, ry, Rasheeda is seen as a cruel, con- course, I expected the most from a Jaswal. The film's stars and their It's no secret that Pakistanis are RAKES IN RS 13 CRORE IN who suffers discrimination in the niving, twisted villain: the main fabulous actor like Samiya Mumtaz celeb friends came out dressed to obsessed with the mysterious Na United States and ends up losing obstacle to the young lovers union. who played Rasheeda, and for the the nines, and huge posters of the Maloom Afraad (especially these OPENING WEEKEND his stepson post the 9/11 terror However, by the end of the story most part her performance as the actors dominated the walls. days)... and Yasir Jaswal's latest attacks. He is mistaken for a ter- it is Khalil’s mother Inayat who manipulative Rasheeda was well 'Jalaibee's' mascot: '73 Ford Mus- directorial venture Jalaibee doesn’t rorist and undertakes a long jour- admits her own guilt in the affair above par. tang. The film's premiere got al- stray too far from the pack. ney across the US to prove his in- nocence to his wife (Kajol). My Name… faced a threat from a re- gional political outfit after the par- ty took objection to Shah Rukh’s comments supporting the inclu- sion of Pakistani players in IPL that year and demanded a ban on the film. Incidentally, two years later, New York airport security detained the star for ‘extended questioning’. Though the exact rea- sons for the extensive interroga- tion was not disclosed, allegations suggested racial profiling was at play. Talking point: It tackled an extremely sensitive subject of ter- unny Leone's 'Ek Paheli Lee as the music was a big hit. It has to rorism, subtly driving home the la' collects Rs 13 crore, more do extremely well to break even as point that it has no specific reli- than double of Paresh Raw- it is a costly film." gion or region. This much-ac- S al's 'Dharam Sankat Mein', in the On the other hand, 'Dharam claimed thriller was banned by the opening weekend Bollywood's Sankat Mein' starring Paresh Raw- censor boards of Islamabad and second quarter has taken an aver- al and Naseeruddin Shah managed Sindh, two primary Pakistani mar- age start with the Sunny Leone- to get about Rs 5.2 crore, despite kets for Bollywood films, as it was starrer 'Ek Paheli Leela' collecting an interesting story. based on an Indian spy’s mission about Rs 13 crore in the opening The comedy centers on a to catch a terrorist based in Paki- weekend and beating other releas- staunch Hindu man, who discov- stan. The film, which also featured es like 'Dharam Sankat Mein' and ers that he was born Muslim and two actors from the neighbouring 'Broken Horses' by a big margin. struggles with his identity crisis. country, was criticised for show- Exhibitor Rajesh Thadani says, Trade analyst Komal Nahata says, ing Muslims and Pakistanis in "Leela's big opening was due to "Vidhu Vinod Chopra's 'Broken poor light. Talking point: The com- Sunny Leone's presence. The Horses' proved to be a disaster at edy-drama carried a significant so- film's business grew over the week- the box office."Hollywood action- cial message without losing its wit end." thriller 'Furious 7', which had a big and humour. There are some who feel that opening in India, saw a major drop Revolving around an atheist, Leela's USP was its music. Trade last week and grossed just about it came as a breath of fresh air amid MODEL-ACTOR AINY JAFRI, WHO IS THE FACE OF THE BRAND, IN PIECES FROM THE COLLECTION, WHICH WILL BE AVAIL- analyst Amod Mehra says, "Leela Rs 10.5 crore. Its total collections a huge pile of masala movies. ABLE NATIONWIDE FROM APRIL 16. PHOTO COURTESY: LAKHANY SILK MILLS took a promising start on Friday stand at Rs 81 crore. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . APRIL 16, 2015 AFGHANISTANTIMES

DESPITE PERSISTENT ATTACKS, SANIA SINGLE-HANDEDLY DRAGGED INDIAN TENNIS FROM THE 1970S INTO THE 21ST CENTURY. —AP

Sterling stars as Liverpool MAINTAIN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE HOPES n this week’s Women’s Tennis fore Mirza, no Indian woman had was ranked No. 27 in the world, a series of injuries had effectively hit winners from the baseline and Association rankings, Sania been ranked in the top 100 in the won a WTA title, and made the ended her singles career. Those rarely ventured to the net – so, LIVERPOOL: Raheem Sterling of twists and turns to come still,” Mirza is the World’s No. 1 dou- world in singles, or won a WTA second week at a major, the 2005 who belittle her success in dou- unlike Paes and Bhupathi, she had helped Liverpool keep alive their said Liverpool manager Brendan I hopes of Champions League foot- Rodgers. MADRID: Valencia bles player. India went the whole title in singles or doubles. Mirza US Open (Paes’s highest singles bles are ignorant of the difference to reinvent her game to find suc- of the 20th century (and the first had no precedent not only in ten- ranking was 73; Bhupathi’s, 217). between the men’s and women’s cess in doubles. Anyone who ball next season with a comfort- turned up the heat on Atletico decade of the 21st) without a fe- nis but in sport in general. She grew She was one of only four Indians – games, and underestimate the ex- watches the Davis Cup or Fed Cup able 2-0 Premier League victory on Madrid in the fight for third place male No. 1 in any professional up in a world where the only icon- alongside the Krishnan father and tent to which singles and doubles knows that the best singles play- Monday against a Newcastle Unit- in La Liga when a 3-0 victory at sport – this month, the city of ic performance by an Indian wom- son, and Vijay Amritraj – to be gen- require different skill sets. Unlike ers do not automatically succeed ed side who finished with 10 men home to cross-town rivals Levante Hyderabad alone has produced an in any sport was PT Usha’s uinely competitive at the top of on the men’s side, the best wom- in doubles. Off the court, Mirza at Anfield. Sterling opened the scor- on Monday lifted the Singapore- two such winners, in the form of narrow failure to win a medal in international singles tennis. More en’s singles players often play has been attacked by Muslim fun- ing in the ninth minute when he owned club to within a point of Mirza and Saina Nehwal. the 400m hurdles at the Los Ange- importantly, she was the only In- doubles – and by becoming No. 1, damentalists – who believe that no downed a long cross on the left the champions with seven games Viswanathan Anand is often cited les Olympics – and that was in dian, male or female, to be a suc- Mirza joins a distinguished club, woman ought to be allowed to play edge of the area and dribbled past left. as India’s most underrated sports 1984, before Mirza was even born. cessful singles player in the mod- whose members include Martina tennis at all, given its sartorial de- two defenders before slotting a Paco Alcacer (L) of Valencia champion, but Sania Mirza has a Mirza’s detractors argue that she ern era of power tennis. For an Navratilova, Jana Novotna, mands – and by ultra-nationalists neat finish inside the far post. vies with Levante’s Loukas Vyn- good claim to the title. Through- underachieved in singles and has Indian sports fan to watch Mirza Arantxa Sanchez Vicario, Kim who are especially outraged by her Newcastle had a penalty claim tra during their La Liga match at out her career, she has been the only found success in the “soft in her singles heyday from 2005- Clijsters, Samantha Stosur, Lind- marriage to Pakistani cricketer waved away near the break when the Mestalla Stadium. — AFP subject of off-court controversies, option” of doubles – interestingly, 2007 was an intense experience – say Davenport, and Mirza’s cur- Shoaib Malik. She has been serial- Dejan Lovren tripped Ayoze Perez Paco Alcacer (L) of Valencia each time through no fault of hers. accusations that are rarely if ever with the sheer velocity of her rent partner, Martina Hingis. Also ly accused of being unpatriotic – in the area during a good spell for vies with Levante’s Loukas Vyn- There has been a persistent cam- thrown at Mahesh Bhupathi or groundstrokes, and her forehand read: I was used as “bait”: Sania in one instance, she was farcically the visitors, but Liverpool domi- tra during their La Liga match at paign – on social media and in the Leander Paes. Also read: Couldn’t above all, she seemed to single- Mirza While the athletic demands accused of disrespecting the nation- nated after the interval and Joe the Mestalla Stadium. — AFP comments sections of news sites she just find a nice Indian boy? handedly drag Indian tennis from of doubles – in terms of court cov- al flag and in another, Bharatiya Allen volleyed in the second in the Paco Alcacer nodded Valencia – to belittle her tennis achieve- These claims reveal a remarkable the 1970s into the 21st century. erage and stamina – are less than Janata Party MLA K Laxman’s 70th. Newcastle, who had Mous- in front from a Dani Parejo centre ments. To describe those achieve- pettiness and ignorance. Mirza’s Mirza’s second serve and relative- singles, doubles involves a great bigotedly asserted that as a sa Sissoko sent off for a second in the 16th minute at the Mestalla ments as being without precedent achievements in singles alone are ly poor mobility were all that deal of net-play, which has all but “daughter-in-law of Pakistan” she booking late on, were condemned before Lucas Orban crossed for would be an understatement. Also more than sufficient for a place in stood between her and the very disappeared from the singles game. was unfit to serve as a brand am- to a fifth straight league defeat as Sofiane Feghouli to head a second read: Malik lauds Sania’s feat Be- the Indian sporting pantheon. She top of women’s singles. By 2012, As a singles star, Mirza looked to bassador for Telangana. Liverpool closed the gap on for the home side nine minutes fourth-placed Manchester City to before the break. four points with six games remain- Substitute Alvaro Negredo ing following back-to-back league completed a resounding victory defeats by Manchester United and with a fine volleyed finish from Amir Khan has the style to surprise Galway beckons Arsenal. “We knew we had to put outside the area in the third minute [those losses] right, and I think of added time. Valencia, who Floyd Mayweather: Ricky Hatton tonight we did, so it’s a great re- missed out on a place in continen- for Cantlow sult for us,” Liverpool midfielder tal competition last season, con- Jordan Henderson said. “We’ve solidated fourth place on 65 for the ‘Pretty Boy’ from A tilt at the Galway Plate is on the ing Betting Bet £5 Get £20 Free still got ground to make up, but points, three points clear of Sevil- Michigan.Hatton said: "I think agenda for Cantlow following his Webber said: "Considering how we just have to keep going, keep la, ahead of their trip to Barcelona Floyd would run a mile from Amir recent sixth-placed finish in the bad the ground was at Fairyhouse, getting results.” on Saturday. “We knew that it was Khan not because of a fear factor, Irish Grand National. I thought he ran a very good race Fifth-placed Liverpool now going to be tough to move this team but because styles make fights. Paul Webber's 10-year-old, indeed. "He's always preferred have 57 points from 32 games, one that likes to sit back and strike on "Amir is boxing with a lot more who has not tasted success since good ground and the jockey (Tony point ahead of Southampton in the break,” Feghouli said. discipline lately. He's in and out landing a valuable Newbury hand- McCoy) said when he came back sixth, and are closing in on ailing “But we remained patient and and he's not getting involved. I icap in 2013, showed signs of a in that it was the ground that beat City who lost 4-2 at local rivals attacked them from the flanks. We think that type of style will cause revival at Fairyhouse having run him as he felt he had plenty more Manchester United on Sunday, are going to try make things diffi- Floyd massive problems. "But, below his best on each of his pre- to give. "He had a hard race that while struggling Newcastle remain cult for Barca and all we are think- when you're the best, pound-for- 13th with 35 points. ing about is winning the next pound, like Floyd Mayweather – “Manchester City have may- game.” The top three places carry and Amir's as big a name as is out be opened up the door a wee bit a berth in the Champions League there, and he's beaten pretty much and if we keep winning our games group stage, while fourth earns a everyone – he might be forced to we will see what will happen but I spot in qualifying for Europe’s elite fight Amir Khan. "He might be run- am sure that there will be plenty club competition. ning out of opponents. I say this all the time, and everybody laughs at me: I think he's got a good chance of beating him." As for the May- Chanderpaul holds weather-Pacquiao clash, which will unify three world welterweight titles, Hatton added: "Although I firms as WI make think Manny's got the style to beat him, I'm still going to go with May- Former world champion Ricky bouts to date, will next step into weather. "He always finds a way Hatton has backed Amir Khan to the ring on May 2 when he takes to win. He's a very, very clever steady progress topple Floyd Mayweather should on Manny Pacquiao in one of the fighter, Manny, but you'd have to the British fighter ever get the most anticipated bouts in boxing say the cleverest fighter in boxing chance to take on the unbeaten history. Hatton thinks Mayweath- is Mayweather." American. Khan has been trying er, 38, will come out on top when Book Mayweather v Pacqui- vious starts this season. day so he's gone off to (JP Mc- to secure a clash with Mayweath- the duo clash at the MGM Grand ao, Sky Sports Box Office, May The testing conditions were Manus') Martinstown Stud for a er for the last few years but all to Garden Arena next month but the 2, via your phone or online now. If thought to be against him at Fairy- little holiday now. no avail. Boxing Betting Bet £5 former world welterweight and you want to record the event, book house, and the likely better ground "We'll get him back nice and Get £20 FreeMayweather, who light-welterweight champion be- via your Sky remote from April at Galway has connections dream- fresh and train him towards the has won all 47 of his professional lieves Khan could cause problems 25. skysports.com/maypac ing of big-race success. Horse Rac- Galway Plate in the summer." Milos Raonic and Nick Kyrgios Olympic champion Dani King delighted to make Queen's Club debuts with confidence-boosting stage win ing champion Grigor Dimitrov at West Indies trailed England by 244 wicket of Devon Smith for 11, the Queen's, meaning five of the world's after a hitting a pothole and com- runs at close on day two of the left-hander edging to Jos Buttler. top 10 will be in the field. And ing off her bike during a training opening Test in Antigua after Buttler then pocketed another Kyrgios said he is looking forward ride near her home in Cardiff last Shivnarine Chanderpaul applied catch to remove Darren Bravo (10), to playing on grass. “I love playing November. Cycling Betting Bet the brakes to any potential batting who edged as he tried to let go a on grass, it suits my game and I’m £5 Get £20 Free But she made a slumps. delivery from Chris Jordan, to excited," he said. “Wimbledon last successful returned from injury at England will feel in control of leave West Indies at 42 for two. year was my best experience so far, the weekend, winning the first the test but new West Indies coach Kraigg Brathwaite and Marlon and every time I go to Britain I feel stage of the Tour of the Reservoir Phil Simmons will also be encour- Samuels steadied West Indies to comfortable. “I love it when the as the snow came down in aged by the way his team avoided 84 for two at tea but frustratingly Wimbledon semi-finalist Milos crowd gets up, and if I can get in- Northumbria. “I didn’t know what the kind of middle-order slump that for skipper Denesh Ramdin, nei- Raonic and Australian Nick Kyr- volved with the crowd that’s when to expect,” King told the Sports- has hampered them in recent years. ther batsman were able to capital- gios will make their debuts at the I play my best tennis. “Hopefully women show on Sky Sports News England were bowled out for ise. The hosts had earlier mopped Aegon Championships at Queen's they will see a guy who wants to HQ. “I didn’t know whether I’d 399 just before lunch then made up the England tail, claiming the Club this summer. Canada's Raon- entertain and go for shots no-one freak out. good inroads to reduce the Carib- ast five wickets for 42 runs. ic, ranked No 6 in the world, lost else goes for.” The tournament has “If I can get through condi- bean side to 99 for four. The last wicket pair of Chris to Roger Federer in last year's been upgraded to ATP 500 status, tions like that then I think I can get But the 40-year-old Chander- Jordan (21 not out) and James Wimbledon semi-final while 19- the third highest for men after through anything. paul (29*), supported by Jermaine Anderson (20) added 38, the third year-old Kyrgios burst onto the Grand Slams and Tour Masters, and “I’ve taken a lot from that race, Blackwood (30*), produced a biggest partnership in the England scene with a shock fourth-round will be reduced from 56 players to a lot of confidence on and off the characteristically disciplined in- innings, before Anderson mistimed victory over two-time champion 32. Queen’s Club in Kensington, Olympic track champion Dani out due to a horrific crash in train- bike just with my mental state I nings to take West Indies to 155 a shot from Marlon Samuels' off- Rafael Nadal. The duo will join west London, begins on June 15 and King admits her winning return ing. guess, as well as my physical con- for four at close. spin to Holder at short cover. Nadal, Andy Murray, Stan is the traditional curtain raiser to from injury has done wonders for The Wiggle Honda rider punc- dition so it couldn’t have gone any England's James Anderson, in Roach finished with four for Wawrinka, Marin Cilic and defend- Wimbledon. her confidence after five months tured a lung and broke eight ribs better.” his 100th Test, claimed the early 94. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF. THURSDAY . APRIL 16 . 2015 -Hamal 27, 1394 H.S Vol:IX Issue No:251 Price: Afs.15

Abdullah, Dastgir Amrullah Saleh: ISIS in Afghanistan IEDs hamper discuss bilateral trade PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE humanitarian efforts in The former head of the National their prisoners in orange jump- opportunities Directorate of Security (NDS) suits. Another reason Amrullah Afghanistan: Report Afghanistan s intelligence agency Saleh has given is that most of ISIS Amrullah Saleh says that Islamic leaders are Arabs who are in Iraq AT Monitoring Desk have been directly targeted, inad- State is not a reality and it is psy- and Syria and therefore they vertently caught up in the blasts, chological warfare . Amrullah Saleh won t be able to recruit many peo- KABUL: Expressing serious con- or otherwise affected by IED at- has told Radio Free Afghanistan ple in Afghanistan Another rea- cerns over use of the improvised tacks, and this is having a serious that whatever ISIS is doing Iraq son that Daesh won t be able to explosive devices (IEDs) in the impact on the situation in the and Syria, Taliban are doing that in establish a firm footing here is that conflict zones, a British nonprof- country, where humanitarian or- Afghanistan. In reality, Daesh it is a Salafi or Wahhabi organiza- it organization said that humani- ganizations play a significant role. (the Arabic name for IS) will not tion, most of whose leaders are tarian efforts were hampered by As per official statistics around be able to gain influence or spread Arab. Their leaders are in Iraq and the IEDs in war zones such as 2,320 nonprofit organizations roots here, because whatever Syria, and they are not able to at- [IS] movement . ISIS controls large Afghanistan. In its report released were registered by the end of Daesh has been doing in Iraq and tract and recruit many Afghans. swathes of land in Iraq and Syria the other day, Chatham House 2013. Humanitarian sector has Syria, the Taliban have been doing Amrullah Saleh has said that ISIS where they have carried out atroc- said the IEDs were posing great employed as many as 90,000 peo- the same in Afghanistan for the is rejected by the people of Af- ities. Taliban leadership has also threat to the nonprofit organiza- ple, most are Afghans. Likewise, past 20 years. The only difference ghanistan. To date, Afghanistan s ordered fighters not to let ISIS tions in the war-hit countries in- 3,000 foreign aid workers are reg- is that the Taliban never executed people have rejected the violent operate in Afghanistan. cluding Afghanistan. The report istered with the government. titled The Impact of IEDs on the The report further says, For- Humanitarian Space in Afghani- eign aid makes up a large part of Taliban shadow stan tells about threat posed by the Afghan economy. In January DISTRICT CHIEF France boosts WFP the IEDs to humanitarian opera- 2014 the government approved a tions in the countries that are $7.6 billion budget, $4.8 billion of AT News Report line project has reached its final AMONG 2 HELD caught by conflicts and chaos. which came from international stage which will provide more in- emergency response in donors. Additionally, aid is seen KABUL: Commerce Minister of JALALABAD: Police in eastern The report says that landmines vestment and trade opportunities pose greater risk of harm because as an important component of Pakistan Khurram Dastgir Khan for the two countries. He suggest- Nangarhar province arrested two local farmers and businesses be- called on the Chief Executive Of- university students over their al- Afghanistan the shrapnel hit people over a counter-insurgency work in the ed establishment of a joint exhibi- cause WFP is purchasing all the wide area. country. Given that aid is so ficer (CEO) Abdullah Abdulllah on tion of Afghan and Pakistani prod- leged involvement in insurgent food commodities locally, includ- Wednesday, discussing different activities.Police spokesman KABUL: In a fresh development, The major threat that the human- bound up in the international sta- ucts, and said they were ready for ing High Energy Biscuits, said itarian teams face is the use of bilization strategy for Afghani- mutual issues including Kabul-Is- any kind of cooperation in this re- Hazrat Hussain Mashraqiwal told the government France has an- Claude Jibidar, WFP s represen- lamabad trade ties and utilizing the Pajhwok Afghan News the detain- nounced a contribution of IEDs. Landmines are a major cause stan, humanitarian organizations gard aimed at expansion of ties in tative and country director in Af- of civilian casualties in Afghani- must operate in a very congested current opportunities for boost- ees had hands in anti-state activi- $424,000 to the World Food Pro- ghanistan. WFP would use the this field. Abdullah Abdullah termed ties in Batikot district. The pair gramme (WFP) to assist with stan. Afghanistan has consis- and politicized environment. ing commerce relations between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa delegation s funds to purchase wheat from There are NGOs from around the the two countries. During the was arrested in the Rodad district emergency response in Afghani- small-scale farmers and farmers tently seen high levels of casual- trip to Kabul as vital for strength- following a tip-off. Separately, stan in 2015. A statement released ties from IEDs. A significant pro- world; some have been there for meeting, Dastgir said there are ening Kabul-Islamabad ties, and organisations where possible and decades, others since the fall of several opportunities for invest- anti-narcotics officials said 15 ki- by the WFP said the announce- High Energy Biscuits produced in portion of these are civilian. Be- said it is required for both the coun- lograms of hashish have been re- ment was formalised at a signing tween 2009 and 2014 there were the Taliban regime in 2001, and ment and trade in the two coun- tries to use joint economic oppor- a local factory in Afghanistan s their scope and size vary enor- tries which should be used thor- covered from a car in the Sa- ceremony on Wednesday at the eastern city of Jalalabad. Speak- 15,484 civilian casualties [5,442 tunities while considering their na- markhel locality of Behsud dis- French Embassy in Kabul attend- deaths and 10,042 injuries] in mously. Much of the aid over the oughly. He said his country wants tional interests. He said that healthy ing on the occasion, Jean-Michel last decade and a half has come to expand its trade relations with trict. In Laghman, one Taliban ed by high-level representatives Marlaud, ambassador of France to 4,664 separate IED attacks, ac- economic and trade relations will fighter was killed during a clash from the government of France cording to data collected by the from the United States. In 2014 the Central Asia and then with not only create opportunities in the with Afghan National Army Afghanistan, said: France ap- US investment in Afghanistan Europe, and this will be possible and WFP. The new contribution plauds WFP s effective and time- UN Assistance Mission in Af- two countries but also it will have (ANA) soldiers. The clash erupt- from France, the statement hoped ghanistan (UNAMA). The Inter- eclipsed the inflation-adjusted fig- when peace and stability is en- positive impacts on improvement ed in the Alingar district when ly response to humanitarian needs sured in Afghanistan. This will would enable WFP to transport in Afghanistan, as shown during national NGO Safety Organiza- ure for the Marshall Plan as the of trade in South Asia and Central Afghan security forces convoy and distribute locally procured tion (INSO), which uses a differ- most expensive nation-building help Pakistan to enhance its trade Asia. Currently, a better ground came under militants attack, a the spring floods in 2014 and the relations with Afghanistan and co- food items to assist approximate- flow of refugees from Pakistan. ent casualty recording methodol- project ever undertaken. Since has been provided for investment statement from the 201st Selab ogy from UNAMA, found that 2002 some $104 billion has been operate with the country in other and trade in the two countries, and Military Corps said. Elsewhere, ly 45,000 people who may be af- But in the future, Marlaud said fields as well, including security, fected by natural or man-made those disasters would be more of- IEDs were responsible for 58 per spent in the country by the Unit- it should be used comprehensive- the National Directorate of Secu- cent of the civilian fatalities caused ed States alone. he added. He said the TAPI pipe- ly, he added. rity (NDS) had detained the Tali- disasters. This donation is most ten the consequence of global welcome not only because it pro- warming: climate change should by armed opposition groups de- Aid workers operating in the ban shadow district chief along conflict zones are considered non- with his six associates in south- vides life-saving food assistance thus remain a concern of the Af- spite making up only 27 per cent to people in the critical first 72 ghan authorities as much as sup- of security incidents, the report combatants and protected under Construction work on vital ern Ghazni province, the spy ser- the Geneva Conventions of 1949 vice said in a statement. hours of an emergency and be- port for disaster victims. underlines. According to the re- yond. It will also help support (Pajhwok) search, aid workers in Afghanistan and the related Protocols I and II Paktia bridge launched (Pajhwok) of 1977. Though, the United Na- tions Security Council in GARDEZ: Construction work on Nazeer Gul Mangal said. 2003condemned all forms of vio- a vital bridge is launched in the The completion of the project, Govt leaders urged to shun differences, maintain unity lence against those participating Ahmadaba district of southeast- Mangal said would considerably KABUL: The Young Activists in recent security incidents and The president and Chief Execu- ernment, he said was needed to an- in humanitarian operations and ern Paktia province, director rural reduce problems of people who Network for Reform and Change warned the government not to sac- tive Officer (CEO) have not paid swers the nation about the incident. called for even greater protection, rehabilitation department has said were faced with difficulties to (YANRC) urged the government rifice soldiers for their vested in- attention to the country s stabili- If they don t have a clear answer but humanitarian workers are still on Wednesday. cross over to the district or pro- leaders to shun difference and terests. Leaders of the network ty and issues of national interest. then they are accountable to peo- prone to targeted attacks in Af- Funded by the World Bank vincial capital during floods. Sayed ghanistan. maintain unity among their ranks said instead of focusing on resolv- Ehsani blasted the government for ple. The YANRC also urged the Few days ago dead bodies of (WB), the long-awaited work on Muhammad, a resident of Sayed- at a time when the country was ing vital issues in the country, the not having a defence minister, say- government to bring to justice local the bridge in Sayedkhel locality khel village, said the bridge would five Save the Children workers of the district would cost 12 mil- make people s access to the dis- passing through critical juncture. leaders were busy dividing posts ing the leaders differences over security officials who were accused were found in Uruzgan province lion afghanis, which would be trict centre by crossing over the YANRC on Wednesday ex- and ministries. Sayed Maisam Eh- the nominees were major reason of negligence during their duties. of the country. They were abduct- completed in ten months, Eng. large watercourse. (Pajhwok) pressed deep concerns over hike sani, YANRC deputy head, said: for Badakhshan killing. The gov- (Pajhwok) ed by the militants. This document was created with Win2PDF available at http://www.win2pdf.com. The unregistered version of Win2PDF is for evaluation or non-commercial use only. This page will not be added after purchasing Win2PDF.