ANKARA – Turkey will work with Pakistan to help stabilise Afghanistan and prevent a new flood of refugees, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Sunday.
“Turkey is facing a growing migratory wave of Afghans transiting through Iran,” he said, alongside his Pakistan counterpart Arif Alvi.
“We will continue efforts to enable the return of stability in the region, beginning with Afghanistan,” Erdoğan said.
“To do that, we have to pursue and strengthen our cooperation with Pakistan.”
“We are determined to mobilise all the means at our disposal to succeed,” the Turkish leader said.
The comments came with the Taliban poised to take power on the outskirts of Kabul.
The Taliban resurgence comes after NATO troops withdrew following a decision by US President Joe Biden to pull out.
The Pakistan president was in Istanbul for the launch of a naval vessel built by Turkey for the south Asian nation that borders Afghanistan and is a key regional player.
Turkey has several hundred soldiers deployed in Afghanistan and has offered to take charge of security at Kabul’s international airport after the US completes its military withdrawal by the end of August, provided financial and logistical support are forthcoming.
Erdoğan has also proposed to meet the Taliban leader for talks.
The arrival of Afghan migrants on Turkey’s eastern border has become a hot political topic in Ankara, with the opposition pressing the government to take strong measures to stop the influx.
The government has responded by stepping up the construction of a border wall with Iran in recent days.
“With this wall, we will totally stop the arrivals,” Erdoğan said Sunday.
The Uzbek authorities are in touch with the Afghan govt for the safe return of the soldiers
DNA
TASHKENT: According To Uzbek foreign ministry officials a group of Afghan soldiers crossed the state border with Afghanistan in the number of 84 people crossed the line of the state border and was detained by border guards of the SGB, while violators did not resist and asked for help medical number, for three injured.
These Afghan citizens have been carried out the necessary filtration procedures and sanitary and epidemiological measures, some are provided with medical care, and food and temporary accommodation.
At the same time, the Afghan part of the Termez-Haroton bridge noted a cluster of Afghan government troops. These persons are taking measures to provide humanitarian aid.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan talks with the Afghan side to return Afghan citizens to their homeland and resolve the situation in the Termez-Khairaton bridge.
In addition, during August 14, citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan were returned from the service staff of the Termez-Mazar-Sharif railway section.
It should be noted that the protection of the state border is carried out in increased mode, all necessary security measures have been taken. The Termez will deploy the operational headquarters, which includes heads of security agencies and representatives of state authorities.
Ambassador of Indonesia Adam Tugio says ASEAN-Pakistan collaboration has the potential to bring tremendous benefits for both sides; keen to enhance think-tank cooperation; ASEAN study centres being established in various institutions
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Indonesia to Pakistan Adam Tugio gave an exclusive interview to Daily Islamabad POST. Ambassador Tugio talked about a variety of subject relating to bilateral as well multilateral issues. He specifically talked about trade and economic cooperation between the two countries and shared his vision as to how this cooperation can further be strengthened. The ambassador wished Pakistani people and Govt of Pakistan happy Independence Day. The Indonesian Independence Day is celebrated on August 17. Here is the text of the interview.
Indonesia is celebrating its 76th Independence Day on 17 August 2021. Please share with our readers the significance of the Day and how do you plan to celebrate the event amidst prevailing Covid situation?
For every sovereign nation, Independence Day is a source of pride and a symbol of national unity. The 17th of August is a day of great significant for Indonesians because we honor their founding fathers’ sacrifices for independence while also reaffirming our resolve to work hard in pursuit of wealth, peace, and progress. This important day also gives an opportunity to celebrate national accomplishments and consider future plans of action.
Today, Indonesia is a vibrant democracy as well as a diverse and pluralistic society. We cherish the values of freedom and tolerance based on the principles of unity and diversity. As the largest economy in Southeast Asia, under the leadership of Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Indonesia has shown steady economic growth even in this turbulent pandemic time and has made significant social progress.
The Independence Day is traditionally celebrated across Indonesia with great enthusiasm. From the presidential palace to remote villages, the festivities include flag hoisting ceremonies, parades, competitions and cultural performances that reflect the national identity. However, the pandemic situation has certainly affected the routine life activities and big gatherings on this occasion would probably be difficult. But, the spirit to celebrate is high as people are emotionally charged to reflect their association and love with their homeland. So, the celebration may be held virtually or at the limited scale this year but it would certainly not affect the vigor and sense of pride of the Indonesian people.
Covid has hit Indonesia hard like other countries. If you could briefly dilate upon the negative effects of the pandemic on the Indonesia economy and Government’s measures to cope with this predicament?
The global economy has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Small companies and the tourism sector have been hit hard by this pandemic. The impact of a pandemic is not confined to Indonesia. Following Eid Al-Adha, we have noticed an increase in the positive ratio. Around 25% of population have received inoculation as of August 1, but we observe that the virus is evolving. To prevent the virus from spreading, the Indonesian government has implemented social restrictions in areas where the number of cases is high, which are reviewed on a daily basis to allow responsible economic activity to resume once the health situation has been stabilised.
The Indonesian government has set comprehensive COVID-19 policies. The National Economic Recovery Programs (NERP) offers a stimulus of up to IDR 700 trillion or USD 48 billion last year and almost the same amount for 2021. The stimulus will be used to support public healthcare, enhance social safety nets, and provide incentives to MSME’s and business sector.
The health sector receives the largest allocation of USD 15 billion, followed by social protection with a total budget of USD 13 billion, MSMEs stimulus of USD 11 billion, and business incentive of USD 4,4 billion. After contracting to -5, 32 last year, the economy is rebounding in the first semester of 2021, achieving its highest annual growth rate in 17 years. The expansion rate surpassed experts’ expectations of 6.57 percent and was the best since the October-December quarter of 2004. The economy was bolstered by soaring exports, notably a 56 percent increase in commodities shipments, a resurgence in consumption and investment, and increased government expenditure.
Pakistan wants expansion and deepening of relations with especially the ASEAN countries. Do you think Pakistan’s “Look East” policy can pay dividends?
I fervently believe that active ASEAN-Pakistan collaboration has the potential to bring tremendous benefits for both sides. The ASEAN countries deeply appreciate “The Look East “policy of Pakistan and its strong desire to further expand the mutually beneficial cooperation. In the wake of ongoing geo-economic scenario, the importance of comprehensive ASEAN-Pakistan relations has also been increased significantly. The fast growing economy of the Asia Pacific region, which is the future hub of the world trade, offers a precious opportunity for cooperation and development. The Southeast Asian region is projected as centre of global trade activities with its combined population of over 649 million and a GDP exceeding USD 2.9 trillion or the fifth largest economy in the world. Moreover, Indonesia alone is a trillion dollars economy as well as the biggest economy in this region, which reflects the pattern of global trade trend towards this area.
Likewise, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), BRI initiative, Gwadar port are projects of immense importance in South Asia for the potential two-way investments. ASEAN has already gained substantive economic benefits from regional cooperation and peaceful conflict resolution strategies. Therefore, as ASEAN’s Sectoral Dialogue Partner, Pakistan could strengthen ties with ASEAN in the field of scientific research, education, IT, agriculture and through high-level interaction and connectivity with Pakistani diaspora living in Southeast Asia, which will certainly cement the bonds of friendship.
In the recent days, the Indonesian Embassy partnered with various think-tanks and organized webinars and conferences on Pakistan-ASEAN relations? How do you assess this activity? Besides, as the incumbent rotating chair of ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, what else do you have in mind to promote this relationship?
In fact, during my six-month tenure as Chairman of Asean Islamabad Committee (ACI), I have tried to enhance engagement with the think-tanks of Pakistan to create more awareness about ASEAN and to further explore the possibilities of enhanced collaboration. The Indonesian Embassy has arranged several events in collaboration with think tanks like ISSI and CGSS, online courses, webinars with Vice Chancellors of Universities in Pakistan, especially to highlight the available opportunities and expand cooperation. I am glad that we have been successful in attracting the students through our efforts and there is renewed interest to know more about Southeast Asia among the Pakistani students.
To further enhance the people-to-people contacts, the Embassy has also been working to promote the establishment of ASEAN Study Centre and Indonesian Corners at some leading Pakistani universities for the benefit of students and book lovers to learn more about ASEAN and Indonesian literature, culture and other topics of interest. The Embassy is also in the process of publishing a “Coffee Table Book” that highlights the striking similarities in our geographically distant apart countries.
During past few years, we have witnessed enhanced economic activity between Indonesia and Pakistan. Are you satisfied with existing trade and economic cooperation or you think still more needs to be done?
We have certainly seen a healthy trend in economic activities between Indonesia and Pakistan during the last decade but still it does not reflect the true trade potential. Since there is always a room at the top, therefore, existing bilateral trade level could go much higher as vowed by the top leadership of the two countries. Indonesia and Pakistan with their combined population of almost half billion are the two emerging economies of young and talented people which make the prospects of bilateral investment and economic cooperation very bright.
Meanwhile, the Covid-19 pandemic is another hurdle, which is hampering the pace of trade activities. We are not sure when it will end, therefore, the Embassy is utilizing digital information technology tools to implement the new normal strategy and to develop linkages between the Chambers of Commerce & Industry of both sides. The strategy aims to ensure flow of information on business opportunities through virtual multi business meetings, virtual Trade Expo and introduce new investment plans. Another attractive opportunity for Indonesian trade sector is the ongoing CPEC project in Pakistan, which could serve as a prospective hub to increase Indonesia’s trade and investment in south and central Asia. Several supporting factors, such as increasingly stable security conditions, pro-investor policies, a large population, big consumer market and talented millennial have also made Pakistan a promising investment destination for Indonesia. I trust that the real trade potential of our corporate sector is far above than the trade figures and what we need is more concerted efforts to materialize this potential.
Other messages you want to convey to the readers?
What a pleasant coincidence that our Pakistani brothers and sisters, like Indonesian, also commemorate their Independence Day in August. Let me take this opportunity, therefore, to extend my heartiest felicitations to the Government and the brotherly people of Pakistan on the auspicious occasion of the 74thAnniversary of Independence of Pakistan. At this time of jubilation, I wish to pay tribute Pakistani brothers and sisters for making significant socio-economic progress. Pakistan is a lovely country of talented people and big potential. I am very glad that Indonesia-Pakistan ties are accelerating and consolidating with a fast pace in all important areas of bilateral interest. May the wonderful cordial relations and spirit of cooperation between our two countries continue to develop for the mutual benefit of our two countries and peoples.
ISLAMABAD, AUG 15: Two PIA aircraft that had been stuck at Kabul airport with a total of 499 passengers on board, were finally permitted to fly and arrived in Islamabad, reported on Sunday evening.
One is a Boeing 777 which has 329 passengers, while the other is an Airbus 320 with 170 passengers.
According to PIA, three flights will be operated between Islamabad and Kabul tomorrow as well, as there is a large volume of Pakistanis and other nationals looking to leave Kabul.
Earlier, the aircraft were not being allowed the use of the runway to take off as the US military evacuated American diplomats.
Kabul airport sources told Geo News that two helicopters belonging to the US military were blocking the runway and over the past few hours, four C-130 cargo planes, also belonging to the US military, landed for evacuations of American diplomats.
Several US embassy cars were seen entering the airport.
The sources said that the Kabul airport’s air traffic control “has no control over what is happening”.
“All air traffic is being controlled by the US army soldiers,” they added.
According to the sources, one Emirates airline aircraft and another belonging to Air India, that had wished to land. circled the airport for an hour, before leaving without landing.
Among the passengers are diplomats from Pakistan and their families, as well as other countries.
The sources said that there were many people without air tickets who wished to get on board the PIA flights. Eight such people were allowed passage, whereas the others were turned away.
Earlier in the day, Ambassador of Afghanistan to Pakistan Mansoor Ahmed Khan had tweeted that the embassy is “engaged with PIA to accomodate Pakistanis on regular and additional flights”.
Foreign Minister stresses there is no favourite of Pakistan in Afghanistan
MULTAN: Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi here on Sunday said that Pakistan and the international community were on same page and wanted solution of Afghanistan’s conflict through a negotiated political settlement.
During a press conference, the Foreign Minister stated that Afghan leadership should sit together and resolve the conflict in a peaceful manner. Pakistan always stated that there was no military solution to Afghanistan’s problem, Qureshi said and added that it was also a test of Afghan leadership how they resolve the issue. He, however, added that Afghan people wanted peace, stability and protection of their rights. They did not want displacement, said Qureshi adding that the process of dialogue should move forward.
The Foreign Minister stated that he would visit neighbors of Afghanistan after Youm-e-Ashura and discuss Afghan situation in order to promote peace in the region. There is no favourite of Pakistan in Afghanistan, however, the country will continue to perform its positive role for peace, he expressed.
Responding to a query, the Foreign Minister remarked that Pakistan embassy in Afghanistan would continue to function. In case, anyone was found stranded, the embassy would provide facilitation, Qureshi said.
He said that the circumstances in Afghanistan were changing rapidly and Pakistan would continue efforts for peace and reconciliation.
To another question about the propaganda of Ashraf Ghani government against Pakistan, Qureshi stated that Pakistan was severely criticized by some elements in the Afghan government but Pakistan worked patiently to achieve the big objective of peace in the region. Pakistan demonstrated restraint to promote peace, said Qureshi and added that Pakistan would continue to play its role as a facilitator for peace.
Pakistan fenced and properly regulated the border. Similarly, we also made deployment for peace inside our border, the Foreign Minister maintained.
President Alvi, along with President Erdogan inaugurated 1st MILGEM Ship, PNS Babur, being built by Turkey
ISTANBUL: President Dr. Arif Alvi Sunday said that the relationship between Pakistan and Turkey was a force for regional peace and stability with their exemplary support towards peaceful co-existence and cooperative multilateralism.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of 1st MILGEM Ship, PNS Babur, built by Turkey here, the president said Pakistan appreciated Turkey’s invaluable role for international peace and stability.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, First Lady Samin Alvi and senior Turkish government officials attended the ceremony.
The president said the people and the government of Pakistan would continue to stand by Turkey for achievement the shared goals of peace and prosperity.
He said Pakistan and Turkey were faced by common challenges and threats and both the countries had deepened the security cooperation.
The president particularly congratulated the Turkish defence ministry for making great progress under the leadership of President Erdogan, defying all odds and challenges to change the destiny of Turkey.
He said Pakistan was one of the biggest markets of Turkish defence products.
He said the collaboration for construction of Milgem Class Corvettes would not only enhance the capability of Pakistan Navy rather it was great moment to further cement the bilateral ties.
He also appreciated the role of all stakeholders for timely achieving the major milestone despite COVID-19 challenges.
The president told the audience that in current world affairs, the morality was taking second position to vested interests, but he believed that a new world era was emerging where the morality would lead the nations. And that is where the role of Pakistan and Turkey becomes important, he remarked.
President Alvi said under the agreement, four Milgem corvettes would be constructed with first and third in Turkey and second and fourth in Pakistan.
He said the relationship between Pakistan and Turkey was not merely between the two governments rather the nations.
President Alvi said that the fake news phenomenon was not new rather it was an old issue.
He said in the current world, the knowledge was not free rather it flows as per the vested interests. However, he said as per the Islamic traditions, the flow of knowledge should be free for benefit of all.
He also thanked the Turkish president for inviting him to attend the inauguration ceremony.
In his remarks, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Pakistan played a vital role in ensuring peace and stability for Afghanistan, which had recently seen an increase in conflict.
He said both the countries would make all out efforts for Afghanistan to reach stability as soon as possible.
Therefore, Turkey’s relations with Pakistan will continue,” he added.
Erdogan said the solutions to the problems in the region could only be materialized with the support of Pakistan.
He said under first of the four Milgem Corvette was inaugurated for Pakistan Navy and as per agreement, two each would be constructed in Turkey and Pakistan.
He said the steel cutting ceremony had taken place in 2019 and the project would complete by 2025.
He said Turkish defence ministry has been cooperating with numerous countries but Pakistan had a special place among those states.
Erdogan said both the countries would take the bilateral relations to the desired level and make set an example for the world.
Abdullah Abdullah, Hamid Karzai and Gulbudin Hekmatyar to negotiate with Taliban; Taliban fighters enter Kabul ‘to maintain law and order’
News Desk
Kabul: President Ashraf Ghani fled Afghanistan on Sunday, a top official said, effectively ceding power to the Taliban as they reached the capital Kabul to seal a nationwide military victory in just 10 days.
“The former Afghan President has left the nation, leaving the people to this situation,” Abdullah Abdullah, who heads the peace process, said in a video on his Facebook page.
“God hold him accountable, and the people will have their judgement.”
He gave no indication where Ghani was going, but leading Afghan media group Tolo news suggested he was heading to Tajikistan.
Later, a Taliban spokesman said that Taliban fighters have entered Kabul in response to a “law and order issue”, media reported.
The group ordered its fighters earlier Sunday not to enter the capital, saying the remnants of the government’s forces were responsible for security.
But later, a spokesman tweeted that Taliban forces should enter areas deserted by Afghan forces in order to maintain law and order.
The Taliban issued a statement under the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” banner saying the group has now been permitted to enter Kabul.
Meanwhile, Afghan leaders have created a coordination council to meet with the Taliban and manage the transfer of the power, after the religious militia’s lightening offensive swept to the capital, Kabul.
In a statement posted on social media by former president Hamid Karzai, he said the body will be lead by the head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, Abdullah Abdullah, as well as the leader of Hizb-e-Islami, Gulbudin Hekmatyar, and himself.
The statement said the move was “to prevent chaos and reduce the suffering of the people,” and to manage peace and a “peaceful transfer.”
Ghani’s departure from office was one of the key demands of the Taliban in months of peace talks with the government, but he had stubbornly clung to power.
In just over a week, the Taliban have carried out a lightning sweep of the country, with troops incapable of holding onto territory without US military support.
The insurgents said they want a “peaceful transfer” within the next few days, two decades after US-led forces toppled it in the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The group ordered its fighters earlier Sunday not to enter the capital, saying the remnants of the government’s forces were responsible for security.
But later, a spokesman tweeted that Taliban forces should enter areas deserted by Afghan forces in order to maintain law and order.
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhary Fawad Hussain has said the United States did not take Pakistan into confidence before leaving Afghanistan adding this decision has created mess in our neighbourhood.
He further said digital media is the future of new era and the government is working on a plan to present Pakistan’s narrative to the world effectively through this technology.
Briefing the media about Digital Media Wing in Islamabad on Sunday, he said Digital Media Wing has published a report with glimpse of the hybrid war facing Pakistan. The minister said the Fifth-Generation War and Hybrid War are not a philosophy but a reality. He said to address the challenge of fake news and sectarian and hateful content we are setting up the Pakistan Media Development Authority.
The Minister said a big network, being operated by India to promote sectarianism in Pakistan, is spreading baseless news against Pakistan. The Minister said millions of users of social media are using different social media platforms in Pakistan and the future of advertising is digital ads.
He said it is important to bring digital advertisement under regulation as Google and Facebook are getting seven billion rupees from Pakistan in terms of advertisement. Fawad Chaudhry said there are 114 satellite TV channels, 183 million mobile users, 98 million subscribers of 3G and 4G internet services and 101 million subscribers of broadband services. He said country has 258 FM Radio channels and hundreds of millions of users in different social media sites.
Beirut: At least 28 people were killed and 79 injured when a fuel tank exploded in northern Lebanon early on Sunday, the health ministry said.
Military and security sources said that the army had seized a fuel storage tank hidden by black marketeers and was handing out gasoline to residents when the explosion occured.
Lebanon is suffering from a severe fuel shortage, leading to long lines at gas stations and extended blackouts. The disaster happened in the town of Altalil, in the Akkar region that is one of Lebanon’s poorest areas.
About 200 people were nearby at the time of the explosion, eyewitnesses said.
Caretaker Health Minister Hamad Hassan said the worst cases of burns probably needed quick treatment abroad to save their lives.
Army and security forces personnel were among the casualties, sources said.
Berlin: The German military will assist in the previously announced evacuation of German and local staff from Berlin’s embassy in Kabul, Defence Minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said on Saturday.
As the Taliban edges closer to the Afghan capital, Kramp-Karrenbauer said in a statement that Germany would “mobilise the first forces as soon as possible”.
“The security situation in Afghanistan continues to escalate,” she said, adding that the military would help the foreign ministry in repatriating German citizens and evacuating local staff “who are in need of protection to Germany”.
She declined to provide further details, adding only that “bringing those who need protection to Germany now has absolute priority”.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas had said Friday that Germany was reducing staff levels at its embassy in Kabul to an “absolute minimum” and that the evacuation would be carried out “in the coming days”.
The ministry estimates its remaining staff count at the embassy in the “high double digits”.
With Afghanistan’s second- and third-largest cities having fallen into Taliban hands, Kabul has effectively become a last stand for government forces who have offered little or no resistance elsewhere.
US Marines have been sent in to oversee an evacuation of embassy employees and thousands of Afghans, and their families, who fear retribution for working for the United States over the past 20 years.
A host of other NATO partners — including Britain, Denmark and Spain — all announced the withdrawal of personnel from their respective embassies on Friday.
