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UN Human Rights Council to discuss Afghanistan on Aug 24

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Geneva, Aug 18 :The United Nations Human Rights Council announced Tuesday a special session on Afghanistan for August 24 to address the “serious human rights concerns” following the Taliban takeover.

The meeting, at the UN’s Palais des Nations headquarters in Geneva, is being convened following an official request by the representatives of Pakistan — coordinator of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation — and Afghanistan.

The joint submission has been supported by 89 countries so far, the UN’s top rights body said in a statement.

Calling a special session outside of the thrice-yearly regular meetings requires the backing of at least a third of the 47 members of the council — 16 states.

The request has thus far been supported by 29 of the 47, including Argentina, Britain, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico and Afghanistan’s neighbours Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Sixty other countries have so far backed the move, including Algeria, Belgium, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and the United Arab Emirates.

The Taliban took effective control of Afghanistan on Sunday when president Ashraf Ghani fled and the insurgents walked into Kabul with no opposition.

It capped a staggeringly fast rout of Afghanistan’s major cities following two decades of war that claimed hundreds of thousands of lives.

Tens of thousands of people have tried to flee the country to escape the hardline Islamist rule expected under the Taliban, or fearing direct retribution for siding with the US-backed government that ruled for the past two decades.

Hawks lift inaugural Kashmir Premier League title

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MUZAFFARABAD, Aug 18 Rawalakot Hawks won the first edition of Kashmir Premier after beating Muzaffarabad Tigers by seven runs at Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium on late Tuesday.

Asif Afridi held his nerves to successfully defend just 10 in the last over. Earlier, a scintillating half century by Kashif Ali helped Hawks post 169 on the board.

Tigers elected to ball first after winning the toss but failed to get early wickets as Hawks post 53 by 6.4 over. Mohammad Hafeez came up with a breakthrough, sending Umar Amin back on a LBW dismissal.

Usama Mir bowled Amin’s fellow opener Bismillah Khan without allowing to add a run that brought two fresh batsmen of Rawalakot Hawks at the crease. Hussain Talat also threw a catch to Anwar Ali on Mohammad Hafeez’s bowling in the 9th over.

Danish Aziz got out for just four while Sahibzada Farhan could score just just 28 off 21. Kashif Ali played a fantastic knock of 54 off 28 with 5 fours and  3 sixes while Mohammad Imran Randhawa tried to help his side with his unbeaten 17 off 12 balls. Rawalakot Hawks reached 169 in 20 overs while Usama Mir and Mohammad Hafeez claimed two scalps each.

To chase 170 runs Muzaffarabad Tigers got off to a flying start as the team crossed 50 inside the first six overs. Mohammad Hafeez got out on the fourth delivery of the sixth over after scoring 29. Zeeshan Ashraf produced another good partnership with Sohaib Maqsood for the second wicket stand. He lost his wicket for 46 in the 9th over when Tigers were 88.

He scored 46 off 26 with four fours and as many maximums. After dismissing Zeeshan, Shahid Afridi came up with another breakthrough when he got rid of the dangerous Sohaib Maqsood who scored just 15.

Hussain Talat sent Anwar Ali and Sohail Akhtar back to the pavilion from the other end. On the fifth delivery of the 18th over, Talat got his third wicket, this time dismissing Sohail Tanvir for 21.

He finished his spell with the figure of three for 18. Mohammad Irfan Jr. bolwed an expensive second last over and Asif Afridi had just 10 runs to defend in the last over. Asif bowled Inzamam for 12 off five and Usama Mir for a golden duck while Mohammad Wasim Jr., who remained off strike for most of the last over, got run out in the same over.

The all rounder scored 22 off 12 with one four and two sixes but could not change their fortunes in the last over as Asif Afridi successfully defended 10 runs. Asif Afridi got three wickets for 22 while Shahid Afridi also dismissed two important players of Tigers’ top-order.

Asif Afridi got man-of-the-match award because of his brilliant spell and a successful last over.

E-Paper 18-08-2021

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E-Paper 18-08-2021

Taliban Govt to be recognized after consultations: Fawad

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ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Tuesday said Pakistan would take decision about recognizing Taliban government in Afghanistan in consultation with regional and international powers specially China, Turkey and the United States of America.

Briefing media about cabinet decisions, he lauded peaceful change in Afghanistan, saying that Pakistan would not take unilateral decision about recognizing Taliban government and was in close contact with global powers in that regard.

Pakistan hoped Taliban would not allow the use of their land against Pakistan and any other country, he added.

Pakistan remained committed to an inclusive political settlement was the way forward, representative of all Afghan ethnic groups, he said.

He said Pakistan firmly believed that Taliban would adhere to respecting and protecting human rights in Afghanistan.

The minister Pakistan had earlier asked former President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani to establish a broad based government by including other stake holders in his government.

Prime Minister Imran Khan had also urged the former Afghan government to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan, he added.

He said at the very outset of the meeting, the prime minister felicitated the cabinet on completion of three years in government and stressed transforming the country on pattern of state of Madina.

The functions of sharing three years performance of the government had been postponed due to Ashura, he added.

Fawad said the prime minister had categorically told the cabinet that all stake holders should be consulted for finalizing electoral reforms as the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) was imperative for holding free, fair and transparent and dispute free elections.

The minister said the cabinet was told that the final decision about the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM) in next elections would be made within the next fortnight.   

He said Ministry of Science and Technology had given successful demonstration at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) about EVM use. 

The federal cabinet approved to revamp new local body election laws in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) within next 120 days, he added.

Under which the number of union council would be increased in proportion to population.

On each 20,000 population, a new union council would be constituted.

The prime minister had also directed the concerned to expedite finalization of Islamabad master plan, the minister added.

The cabinet has expressed its indignation over the decreasing standards of sports in the country and empowered Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination,  Fehmida Mirza for changing infrastructure of sports in the country besides preparing a new sports policy. Prime minister has directed to change the sports system altogether.

Fawad said the government had no control over sports associations, adding however their elections were not held usually on merit.

The prime minister has apprised the forum about the decisions taken in National Security Committee’s meeting held last day.

The cabinet lauded the efforts of Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood for introducing uniform curriculum in the country. The uniform curricula will help eliminating class differences in the society.

The prime minister stressed that the ‘Seerah’ of the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) should be taught to the students of grade eight and nine.

The cabinet was told that billion of rupees were being spent on security and protocol of various personalities.

The government is reducing the protocol expenditures. Prime minister has reduced the expenditures of prime minister house.

The cabinet was briefed that Islamabad Police were incurring Rs 954 million per annum on security of VIPs, Rs 304 million over the security of judiciary. A sum of Rs 454 million are being spent on security and protocol of minister and others in Islamabad.

The federal cabinet was briefed about the anti covid vaccination of government employees, the minister said.

Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafquat Mehmood told the cabinet that some 86 percent teachers and staff of educational institutes had already been administered anti covid vaccines. 

Over 97 percent staff of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had also been inoculated. 

Afghan leadership must work together in current situation

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The premier’s comments came during a meeting with a delegation of political leaders from Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD: “Great responsibility” rests on the Afghan leaders to work constructively together to lead Afghanistan on the path of sustainable peace, stability, and development, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday after the Taliban took over the country in a 10-day lightning offensive.

The premier’s comments came during a meeting with a delegation of political leaders from Afghanistan, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said.

“No other country is more desirous of peace and stability in Afghanistan than Pakistan,” the premier told the delegation.

PM Imran Khan expressed strong support and solidarity for the fraternal people of Afghanistan, linked to the people of Pakistan through immutable bonds of faith, history, geography, culture and kinship, the statement said.

Pakistan has also made it clear that although it welcomes the “peaceful” transfer of power in Afghanistan, it will not take a unilateral decision to recognise the Taliban government, the statement underscored.

The prime minister also highlighted the importance of all sides working to secure an inclusive political solution.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, PM Imran Khan assured the delegation of Pakistan’s steadfast support for efforts in this direction.

The delegation members thanked the prime minister for his hospitality and appreciated Pakistan’s support for the peace efforts, the statement said.

“They emphasised the multi-ethnic nature of Afghan society and the importance of an inclusive dispensation,” it said, adding that the delegation reiterated the desire to further strengthen the brotherly relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Afghan soil not to be used against others

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Taliban says full protection to foreigners; all foreign missions to be guarded; women will have full rights within Shariah law; West should not be worried; media will have freedom but nothing against Islamic values

News Desk

KABUL: The Taliban held their first official news conference in Kabul on Tuesday since the shock seizure of the city, declaring they wanted peaceful relations with other countries and would respect the rights of women within the framework of Islamic law.

“We don’t want any internal or external enemies,” the movement’s main spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said.

Mujahid, who until now had been a shadowy figure issuing statements on behalf of the militants, said women would be allowed to work and study and “will be very active in society but within the framework of Islam”.

The Taliban would not seek retribution against former soldiers and members of the Western-backed government, he said, insisting that “everyone is forgiven.” He added that the movement was granting an amnesty for former Afghan government soldiers as well as contractors and translators who worked for international forces.

“Nobody is going to harm you, nobody is going to knock on your doors,” he said.

Mujahid stressed that Afghanistan would not allow itself to harbour anyone targeting other nations. That was a key demand in a deal the militants struck with the Trump administration in 2020 that led to the ultimate US withdrawal under current President Joe Biden.

He said private media could continue to be free and independent in Afghanistan, adding the Taliban were committed to the media within its cultural framework.

Mujahid’s conciliatory tone contrasted sharply with comments by Afghan First Vice President Amrullah Saleh, who declared himself the “legitimate caretaker president” and vowed that he would not bow to Kabul’s new rulers.

The Taliban news conference came as the United States and Western allies evacuated diplomats and civilians a day after scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as Afghans desperate to flee the Taliban thronged the terminal.

As they rush to evacuate diplomats and civilians from Afghanistan, foreign powers are assessing how to respond to the changed situation on the ground.

Key points from Taliban’s first press conference: We seek no revenge and “everyone is forgiven”. We will honour women’s rights but within the norms of Islamic law. We want private media to remain independent but the media should not work against national interests. Afghanistan will not allow itself to harbour anyone targeting other nations. Afghanistan will be a narcotics-free country.

PAKISTAN VALUES BILATERAL RELATIONS WITH VIETNAM: MIRZA AFRIDI

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DNA

ISLAMABAD, Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi on Tuesday emphasized that Pakistan values its relations with Vietnam. “Pakistan and Vietnam can learn a lot from each other’s experiences in the field of trade and economic cooperation.”  he said during a meeting with the Ambassador of Vietnam.

Deputy Chairman Senate acknowledged Vietnam efforts to take steps for economic development. He said that cooperation can also be promoted in textile, agriculture and other fields. Mirza Afridi highlighted that diplomacy at the parliamentary level can take bilateral relations to new heights. He believed that accelerating the exchange of parliamentary delegations will further strengthen bilateral ties.

During the meeting, they emphasised on trade and economic cooperation between the two countries to further strengthen people-to-people contact

Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi reiterated that Vietnamese investors need to take advantage of Pakistan’s improved business environment. Mirza Muhammad Afridi highlighted that Pakistan is providing visa on arrival facility for citizens of Vietnam.

Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi acknowledged that Pakistan appreciates Vietnam’s rapid economic growth. The two countries need to promote cooperation in the fields of tourism and education. Special Economic Zones under CPEC are very important for regional connectivity and development.

Deputy Chairman also emphasized that Vietnamese investors can take advantage of investment opportunities in Balochistan, especially in Gwadar.

While speaking on the Kashmir Issue Deputy Chairman Mirza Afridi said that the international community should play its role in resolving the Kashmir issue. The Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and UN resolutions.

The Deputy Chairman Senate also extended his well wishes to the Government, Parliament and the people of Vietnam. He assured the Ambassador of all possible cooperation for further strengthening of Pak-Vietnam relations.

The Ambassador said that that we are proud of the friendship between Pakistan and Vietnam which spans over 50 years.  He said that the two countries have excellent cooperation at the international level. The ambassador believed that there is scope for further enhancement of trade and economic cooperation. He informed that contacts were being made with various chambers of commerce and business community to promote trade and explore opportunities for multi-dimensional cooperation and linkage.

AFGHAN SOIL NOT TO BE USED AGAINST OTHERS

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Taliban says full  protection  to foreigners; all foreign missions to be guarded; women will have full rights within Shariah law; West should not be worried; media will have freedom but nothing against Islamic values

KABUL, AUG 17: A Taliban spokesman has pledged to secure Afghanistan after the insurgents took over the country following a blitz that lasted over a week.

Zabihullah Mujahid made the comment on Tuesday at his first news conference. For years, he had been a shadowy figure issuing statements on behalf of the militants.

He said the insurgents sought no revenge and insisted that “everyone is forgiven,” even if they worked with the former government or with foreign governments or forces.

“We assure you that nobody will go to their doors to ask why they helped,” he said.

Mujahid also pledged on behalf of the militants to honour women’s rights, but within the norms of Islamic law.

His assertion comes after the Taliban’s earlier rule saw women’s lives and rights severely restricted.

The spokesman also said the Taliban wanted private media to remain independent, but stressed journalists should not work against national values.

Many Afghans have expressed fear that the Taliban will return the country the brutal rule they used when last in charge, and foreign officials have said they will wait to see if the insurgents make good on their promises.

Pakistan values bilateral relations with Vietnam: Mirza Afridi

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ISLAMABAD: Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi on Tuesday emphasized that Pakistan values its relations with Vietnam. “Pakistan and Vietnam can learn a lot from each other’s experiences in the field of trade and economic cooperation.”  he said during a meeting with the Ambassador of Vietnam.

Deputy Chairman Senate acknowledged Vietnam efforts to take steps for economic development. He said that cooperation can also be promoted in textile, agriculture and other fields. Mirza Afridi highlighted that diplomacy at the parliamentary level can take bilateral relations to new heights. He believed that accelerating the exchange of parliamentary delegations will further strengthen bilateral ties.

During the meeting, they emphasised on trade and economic cooperation between the two countries to further strengthen people-to-people contact

Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi reiterated that Vietnamese investors need to take advantage of Pakistan’s improved business environment. Mirza Muhammad Afridi highlighted that Pakistan is providing visa on arrival facility for citizens of Vietnam.

Deputy Chairman Senate Mirza Muhammad Afridi acknowledged that Pakistan appreciates Vietnam’s rapid economic growth. The two countries need to promote cooperation in the fields of tourism and education. Special Economic Zones under CPEC are very important for regional connectivity and development.

Deputy Chairman also emphasized that Vietnamese investors can take advantage of investment opportunities in Balochistan, especially in Gwadar.

While speaking on the Kashmir Issue Deputy Chairman Mirza Afridi said that the international community should play its role in resolving the Kashmir issue. The Kashmir issue should be resolved in accordance with the aspirations of the Kashmiri people and UN resolutions.

The Deputy Chairman Senate also extended his well wishes to the Government, Parliament and the people of Vietnam. He assured the Ambassador of all possible cooperation for further strengthening of Pak-Vietnam relations.

The Ambassador said that that we are proud of the friendship between Pakistan and Vietnam which spans over 50 years.  He said that the two countries have excellent cooperation at the international level. The ambassador believed that there is scope for further enhancement of trade and economic cooperation. He informed that contacts were being made with various chambers of commerce and business community to promote trade and explore opportunities for multi-dimensional cooperation and linkage.

SAUDI CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF, CJCSC DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST

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RAWALPINDI, AUG 17 /DNA/ – General Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili , Chief of General Staff of KSA called on General Nadeem Raza, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, at Joint Staff Headquarters, Rawalpindi .
During the meeting, both sides deliberated upon various areas of mutual interest, bilateral cooperation including defence and security, counter-terrorism and prevailing regional environment particularly with reference to Afghanistan and IIOJ&K. The dignitaries dilated upon measures to enhance the level and scope of military engagements between both countries and reaffirmed to continue to forge deeper ties. They agreed that both countries share great history of cordial relations and deep spirit of brotherhood which is being transformed into enduring partnership.
Chairman JCSC said that in pursuit of a closer military and strategic cooperation both countries share a common perception on all national and international issues.
The dignitary lauded the high professionalism of Pakistan Armed Forces and acknowledged their sacrifices in fight against terrorism.
Chairman JCSC thanked visiting dignitary for acknowledging Pakistan Army’s achievements in war against terrorism, sacrifices and contribution for regional peace and stability.
Earlier, upon arrival at Joint Staff Headquarters, a smartly turned-out tri-services contingent presented ‘Guard of Honour’ to the visiting dignitary.

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