In a number of billboards posted across the Swiss city of Geneva, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/the-now-dead-us-taliban-talks-lacked-strategic-vision-248969">Pashtun</a> people are urging the United Nations to take action against Pakistan to stop the extermination of their people.

The Pashtuns, mostly residing in the Sindh and Punjab<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pakistan-rakes-up-kashmir-issue-at-unhrc-india-hits-back-248819"> provinces </a>of Pakistan, continue to face a cultural annihilation along with systematic violence, mistreatment, and intimidation at the hands of the Pakistani military establishment.

The billboards highlight an upcoming exposition on the genocide of the Pashtuns in Pakistan. The exposition, which will be held on September 17 and September 27 at the Hall Bungener in Geneva, is part of a movement to elevate the voices of the Pashtuns.

The Pakistani military establishment through various operations in the region has continued to wreak havoc and injustices on the entire community of the Pashtuns. 
&nbsp;Hundreds of civilians have been killed or forcibly disappeared.&nbsp;

The minority group has been forced either to relegate themselves to such atrocious conditions or abandon their homes.

Flocking to neighbouring cities in mass numbers, the displaced Pashtuns are stereotyped as terrorists when they attempt to settle elsewhere. At present, extrajudicial executions of the Pashtuns are on the rise.&nbsp;

The number of deaths and missing persons has skyrocketed. Neither the state nor external authorities and organisations have made a point to protest against these blatant human rights abuses on the global platform.

Until and unless the UN takes clear and definitive action against the<a href="close NEWS WRAP Get Handpicked Stories from our editors directly to your mailbox Your email WORLD ORDERSOUTH ASIAWORLDBUSINESSSPORTSVIDEOSENTERTAINMENTPHOTOSGLOBAL SUMMITLIVE TV Geneva: Pakistan Foreign Minister mentions Jammu and Kashmir as 'Indian state' File photo: Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi (C) addresses the United Nations Human Rights Council on September 10, 2019 in Geneva. Photograph:( AFP ) FOLLOW US ANI New Delhi Sep 10, 2019, 05.47 PM (IST) Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday referred to Jammu and Kashmir as an &quot;Indian state&quot; following his speech at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here. Speaking to reporters, Shah said, &quot;India is trying to give an impression to the world that life has returned to normalcy. If the life has returned to normalcy, then I say, why don't they allow you, the international media, why don't they allow the international organisations, the NGOs, civil society organisations to go into the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and see for themselves what the reality is.&quot; Till date, Pakistan, in all its official communication, has been referring to Jammu and Kashmir as &quot;Indian Administered Kashmir&quot; Qureshi's remarks came after his address at the UNHRC session, where he presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. Time and again Islamabad has been left red-faced after all its desperate attempts to internationalise the Kashmir issue fell flat with countries like Russia, UAE and US siding with India. While Pakistan has been running from pillar to post, New Delhi has maintained that Kashmir is a strictly internal matter. STORY HIGHLIGHTS Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation "> Pakistani government</a>, the Pashtun people will continue to suffer under Islamabad`s brutal discriminatory agenda. The UN and the rest of the international community must utilize its diplomatic resources to finally end the genocide of the Pashtun people once and for all.

The development has come at the same time when Pakistan has been continuing to cry foul over Kashmir during the ongoing 42nd UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

In a number of billboards posted across the Swiss city of Geneva, the Pashtun people are urging the United Nations to take action against Pakistan to stop the extermination of their people.

In a number of billboards posted across the Swiss city of Geneva, the Pashtun people are urging the United Nations to take action against Pakistan to stop the extermination of their people. The Pashtuns, mostly residing in the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan, continue to face a cultural annihilation along with systematic violence, mistreatment, and intimidation at the hands of the Pakistani military establishment. The billboards highlight an upcoming exposition on the genocide of the Pashtuns in Pakistan. The exposition, which will be held on September 17 and September 27 at the Hall Bungener in Geneva, is part of a movement to elevate the voices of the Pashtuns. The Pakistani military establishment through various operations in the region has continued to wreak havoc and injustices on the entire community of the Pashtuns. Hundreds of civilians have been killed or forcibly disappeared. The minority group has been forced either to relegate themselves to such atrocious conditions or abandon their homes. Flocking to neighbouring cities in mass numbers, the displaced Pashtuns are stereotyped as terrorists when they attempt to settle elsewhere. At present, extrajudicial executions of the Pashtuns are on the rise. The number of deaths and missing persons has skyrocketed. Neither the state nor external authorities and organisations have made a point to protest against these blatant human rights abuses on the global platform. Until and unless the UN takes clear and definitive action against the Pakistani government, the Pashtun people will continue to suffer under Islamabad`s brutal discriminatory agenda. The UN and the rest of the international community must utilize its diplomatic resources to finally end the genocide of the Pashtun people once and for all. The development has come at the same time when Pakistan has been continuing to cry foul over Kashmir during the ongoing 42nd UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) session here.

Billboards across Geneva calls for attention to Pakistan's cultural genocide of Pashtuns

Almost 200 Nigerian migrants were repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday following a wave of xenophobic violence that swept through the country and sparked sharp exchanges between the two countries.

A flight carrying 189 Nigerians landed in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos, with some of those onboard punching the air and singing their national anthem while waving pictures of burnt shops.

"I ran for my life, they would have killed me," said Samson Aliyu, a clothes seller who lived in South Africa for two years.

"They burnt my shop, everything," he added.

More than 600 Nigerians are expected to return from South Africa this week, the Nigerian government has said.

"We were expecting 317 but from the information we have 189 are on board," said Nigeria's minister for diaspora affairs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

"There was about a five hour delay courtesy of the South African authorities who actually frustrated this return of Nigerians," she said, blaming authorities in Johannesburg for failing to help Nigerians without travel documents.

Watch: Foreigners accuse south Africa of Xenophobia

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"There was a lot of frustration in getting them back home but we're glad that they will be here," she added.

Leading the returnees in singing the national anthem, Dabiri-Erewa promised the government would provide financial support.

Johannesburg and surrounding areas were rocked by a series of deadly attacks on foreigners last week, including many directed against Nigerian-owned businesses and properties.

At least 10 people were killed in the violence and hundreds of shops destroyed while more than 420 people were arrested.

No Nigerians were killed but the violence led to condemnation across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, fuelling diplomatic tensions between the continent's two leading nations.

The violence also prompted reprisal attacks against South African firms in Nigeria and the temporary closing of South Africa's diplomatic missions in Lagos and Abuja.

Almost 200 Nigerian migrants were repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday following a wave of xenophobic violence that swept through the country and sparked sharp exchanges between the two countries.

Almost 200 Nigerian migrants were repatriated from South Africa on Wednesday following a wave of xenophobic violence that swept through the country and sparked sharp exchanges between the two countries. A flight carrying 189 Nigerians landed in Nigeria's commercial capital Lagos, with some of those onboard punching the air and singing their national anthem while waving pictures of burnt shops. "I ran for my life, they would have killed me," said Samson Aliyu, a clothes seller who lived in South Africa for two years. "They burnt my shop, everything," he added. More than 600 Nigerians are expected to return from South Africa this week, the Nigerian government has said. "We were expecting 317 but from the information we have 189 are on board," said Nigeria's minister for diaspora affairs Abike Dabiri-Erewa. "There was about a five hour delay courtesy of the South African authorities who actually frustrated this return of Nigerians," she said, blaming authorities in Johannesburg for failing to help Nigerians without travel documents. Watch: Foreigners accuse south Africa of Xenophobia × "There was a lot of frustration in getting them back home but we're glad that they will be here," she added. Leading the returnees in singing the national anthem, Dabiri-Erewa promised the government would provide financial support. Johannesburg and surrounding areas were rocked by a series of deadly attacks on foreigners last week, including many directed against Nigerian-owned businesses and properties. At least 10 people were killed in the violence and hundreds of shops destroyed while more than 420 people were arrested. No Nigerians were killed but the violence led to condemnation across Africa, particularly in Nigeria, fuelling diplomatic tensions between the continent's two leading nations. The violence also prompted reprisal attacks against South African firms in Nigeria and the temporary closing of South Africa's diplomatic missions in Lagos and Abuja.

Almost 200 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa

The Trump administration announced plans on Wednesday to remove all flavoured e-cigarettes from store shelves in a widening crackdown on vaping, as officials warned that sweet flavours had drawn millions of children into nicotine addiction.

President Donald Trump and top US officials expressed concern about surging teenage use of e-cigarettes, and the move comes as health officials are investigating a handful of deaths and potentially hundreds of lung illnesses tied to vaping.

Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that, with Trump`s blessing, the US Food and Drug Administration was working on a "guidance document" that would lead to a ban of all e-cigarette flavours aside from tobacco flavouring.

"Once the FDA would finalise this guidance, we would begin enforcement actions to remove all such products from the marketplace," Azar told reporters during a meeting with the president and first lady Melania Trump in the Oval Office.

The ban would include mint and menthol flavouring as well as bubble gum, candy, fruit, alcohol and other flavours, he said.

Tobacco flavouring would be allowed to remain, subject to companies` filing for approval from the FDA. Even that would be at risk if the government determined children were attracted to it or that it was being marketed to them, Azar said.

The move is the most sweeping action yet by the US government to crack down on what it has called an "epidemic" of youth e-cigarette usage.

The FDA in March formally proposed guidelines that would prohibit the sale of flavoured e-cigarette products, except mint and menthol, in traditional retail outlets. Under that proposal, which had not been finalised, e-cigarette makers could still sell flavoured products online and in age-restricted stores, such as vape shops.

Wednesday’s proposal goes much further, banning the sale of all flavoured e-cigarette products across all retail channels, aside from tobacco-flavored products.

Despite the increased public attention around teenage e-cigarette use over the last year, HHS on Wednesday pointed to data showing that the problem has worsened. Preliminary data shows more than a quarter of US&nbsp;high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. That is up from 20.8% last year and 11.7 per cent in 2017.

Six deaths have been linked to vaping and US public health officials are investigating 450 cases of potential vaping-related lung illness across 33 states and one US territory. Health officials have cited patients’ use of cannabis liquids in many, though not all, of those cases, some of which only involved nicotine vaping.

"We have a problem in our country, it`s a new problem ... and it`s called vaping, especially vaping as it pertains to innocent children," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "There have been deaths and there have been a lot of other problems."

Surge in use by adolescents

Juul Labs Inc, which dominates the US e-cigarette market, has faced withering criticism over the last two years after becoming wildly popular among teenagers. The company has taken steps to try to reduce its appeal among youth, including pulling flavours except mint and menthol from traditional retail stores, suspending its social media accounts and toughening age verification online.

In December, Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc made a $12.8 billion investment in Juul, taking a 35 per cent stake.

Juul spokesman Ted Kwong said "we strongly agree with the need for aggressive category-wide action on flavoured products," adding the company "will fully comply with the final FDA policy when effective." 
A spokesman for Imperial Brands Plc, which sells the Blu line of e-cigarettes, declined to comment.

Kaelan Hollon, a spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co, which sells Vuse e-cigarettes in the United States, did not directly address the proposed flavor ban but said the company shares the administration`s goal of keeping products away from youth.

Wednesday`s move by the White House comes after more than a year of mounting pressure from lawmakers, public health advocates and parents looking to end marketing of products aimed at youth.

In recent months state and local governments have also stepped in. In June, San Francisco approved a ban on the sale of all e-cigarette products, and last week Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced plans to ban flavoured e-cigarettes in her state.

A nationwide investigation led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA has not definitively linked the illnesses to any specific e-cigarette product or ingredient, although health officials have expressed suspicions about the effects of inhaling vitamin E acetate, which is contained in some THC vaping products.

The FDA has urged consumers to avoid inhaling vitamin E acetate, buying vaping products on the street, using marijuana-derived oil with the products or modifying a store-bought vape product.

While e-cigarettes are marketed as tools to help smokers quit, health officials believe some companies are attracting a new generation of nicotine users.

Azar said recent data showed a surge in adolescent usage of e-cigarettes and that youth were drawn to flavours including mint and menthol. About 8 million US adults use such cigarettes and 5 million children were doing so as well.

"This is exceptionally harmful to our children," he said. "An entire generation of children risk becoming addicted to nicotine because of the attractiveness ... and availability of these vaping products."

E-cigarette makers will still have the chance to demonstrate their flavoured products serve a public health purpose.

All such companies are required to submit applications to the FDA by next May demonstrating their products and proposed flavours provide a net public health benefit. The FDA, after reviewing those applications, could authorise companies to sell flavoured products if the agency is satisfied with the proposals.

The Trump administration announced plans on Wednesday to remove all flavoured e-cigarettes from store shelves in a widening crackdown on vaping, as officials warned that sweet flavours had drawn millions of children into nicotine addiction.

The Trump administration announced plans on Wednesday to remove all flavoured e-cigarettes from store shelves in a widening crackdown on vaping, as officials warned that sweet flavours had drawn millions of children into nicotine addiction. President Donald Trump and top US officials expressed concern about surging teenage use of e-cigarettes, and the move comes as health officials are investigating a handful of deaths and potentially hundreds of lung illnesses tied to vaping. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said that, with Trump`s blessing, the US Food and Drug Administration was working on a "guidance document" that would lead to a ban of all e-cigarette flavours aside from tobacco flavouring. "Once the FDA would finalise this guidance, we would begin enforcement actions to remove all such products from the marketplace," Azar told reporters during a meeting with the president and first lady Melania Trump in the Oval Office. The ban would include mint and menthol flavouring as well as bubble gum, candy, fruit, alcohol and other flavours, he said. Tobacco flavouring would be allowed to remain, subject to companies` filing for approval from the FDA. Even that would be at risk if the government determined children were attracted to it or that it was being marketed to them, Azar said. The move is the most sweeping action yet by the US government to crack down on what it has called an "epidemic" of youth e-cigarette usage. The FDA in March formally proposed guidelines that would prohibit the sale of flavoured e-cigarette products, except mint and menthol, in traditional retail outlets. Under that proposal, which had not been finalised, e-cigarette makers could still sell flavoured products online and in age-restricted stores, such as vape shops. Wednesday’s proposal goes much further, banning the sale of all flavoured e-cigarette products across all retail channels, aside from tobacco-flavored products. Despite the increased public attention around teenage e-cigarette use over the last year, HHS on Wednesday pointed to data showing that the problem has worsened. Preliminary data shows more than a quarter of US high school students used e-cigarettes in the past 30 days. That is up from 20.8% last year and 11.7 per cent in 2017. Six deaths have been linked to vaping and US public health officials are investigating 450 cases of potential vaping-related lung illness across 33 states and one US territory. Health officials have cited patients’ use of cannabis liquids in many, though not all, of those cases, some of which only involved nicotine vaping. "We have a problem in our country, it`s a new problem ... and it`s called vaping, especially vaping as it pertains to innocent children," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. "There have been deaths and there have been a lot of other problems." Surge in use by adolescents Juul Labs Inc, which dominates the US e-cigarette market, has faced withering criticism over the last two years after becoming wildly popular among teenagers. The company has taken steps to try to reduce its appeal among youth, including pulling flavours except mint and menthol from traditional retail stores, suspending its social media accounts and toughening age verification online. In December, Marlboro maker Altria Group Inc made a $12.8 billion investment in Juul, taking a 35 per cent stake. Juul spokesman Ted Kwong said "we strongly agree with the need for aggressive category-wide action on flavoured products," adding the company "will fully comply with the final FDA policy when effective." A spokesman for Imperial Brands Plc, which sells the Blu line of e-cigarettes, declined to comment. Kaelan Hollon, a spokeswoman for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co, which sells Vuse e-cigarettes in the United States, did not directly address the proposed flavor ban but said the company shares the administration`s goal of keeping products away from youth. Wednesday`s move by the White House comes after more than a year of mounting pressure from lawmakers, public health advocates and parents looking to end marketing of products aimed at youth. In recent months state and local governments have also stepped in. In June, San Francisco approved a ban on the sale of all e-cigarette products, and last week Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced plans to ban flavoured e-cigarettes in her state. A nationwide investigation led by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA has not definitively linked the illnesses to any specific e-cigarette product or ingredient, although health officials have expressed suspicions about the effects of inhaling vitamin E acetate, which is contained in some THC vaping products. The FDA has urged consumers to avoid inhaling vitamin E acetate, buying vaping products on the street, using marijuana-derived oil with the products or modifying a store-bought vape product. While e-cigarettes are marketed as tools to help smokers quit, health officials believe some companies are attracting a new generation of nicotine users. Azar said recent data showed a surge in adolescent usage of e-cigarettes and that youth were drawn to flavours including mint and menthol. About 8 million US adults use such cigarettes and 5 million children were doing so as well. "This is exceptionally harmful to our children," he said. "An entire generation of children risk becoming addicted to nicotine because of the attractiveness ... and availability of these vaping products." E-cigarette makers will still have the chance to demonstrate their flavoured products serve a public health purpose. All such companies are required to submit applications to the FDA by next May demonstrating their products and proposed flavours provide a net public health benefit. The FDA, after reviewing those applications, could authorise companies to sell flavoured products if the agency is satisfied with the proposals.

Trump administration seeks ban on flavoured e-cigarettes to combat youth addiction

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed China`s decision to exempt some US anti-cancer drugs and other goods from its tariffs and announced a short delay to scheduled tariff hikes on billions worth of Chinese goods.

Stock markets in Asia rose on the news in early Thursday trade, as the concessions came days ahead of a planned meeting aimed at defusing the escalating<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-heightened-us-china-tensions-science-suffers-collateral-damage-228220"> trade war between the world`s two largest economies</a>.

Also read--&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-us-china-trade-war-the-levers-they-can-pull-224809">US-China trade war: The levers they can pull</a>

China`s decision to exempt some US goods was a "big move" by Beijing and a positive gesture before trade negotiators from both countries meet in Washington, Trump told reporters at the White House.

China on Wednesday announced its first batch of tariff exemptions for 16 types of US products, including some anti-cancer drugs and lubricants, as well as animal feed ingredients whey and fish meal, according to a Ministry of Finance statement on its website.

"They made a couple of moves ... that were pretty good," Trump said at an unrelated event on vaping. "I think it was a gesture, okay? But it was a big move."

On Wednesday, Trump wrote in a post on Twitter that the United States had agreed to delay increasing tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports from October 1 to October 15 "as a gesture of good will." The tariffs were set to increase to 30 per cent&nbsp;from 25 per cent&nbsp;on the goods.

Trump said he hoped to reach a trade agreement with China following more than a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of tariffs that have roiled global markets.

"I deal with them and I know them and I like them," he said. "I hope we can do something."

Asian stocks rose on Thursday, while China`s yuan currency was also up 0.27 per cent in offshore trade, as investors hoped for a thaw in US-China trade frictions.

Deputy trade negotiators are due to meet in Washington in mid-September, with minister-level talks to follow in October. Exact dates for the meetings have not been released.&nbsp;

The gestures may ease tensions ahead of the negotiations, but some analysts don`t see it as a signal that both sides are readying a deal.

"The exemption could be seen as a gesture of sincerity towards the US ahead of negotiations in October but is probably more a means of supporting the economy," ING`s Greater China economist Iris Pang wrote in a note.&nbsp;

"There are still many uncertainties in the coming trade talks. An exemption list of just 16 items will not change China`s stance," she said.

Indeed, the exempted list pales in comparison to over 5,000 types of US products that are already subject to China`s additional tariffs.&nbsp;

Moreover, major US imports, such as soybeans and pork, are still subject to hefty additional duties, as China has ramped up imports from Brazil and other supplying countries.

Beijing has said it would work on exempting some US products from tariffs if they are not easily substituted from elsewhere. The United States is by far China`s largest supplier of whey, which is an important ingredient in piglet feed and difficult to source in large volumes from elsewhere.

Analysts say that with its duties on soybeans and US-made cars, China is taking aim at a key political support base of Trump, mainly the factories and farms across the Midwest and South at a time of receding momentum in the world`s top economy.

China has imposed several rounds of duties on US goods in retaliation against US&nbsp;Section 301 tariffs, beginning last year in July and August with a 25 per cent&nbsp;levy on about $50 billion of US imports.

In all, the United States and China have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods in a bitter trade war that has raised the spectre of a global recession, with further tariffs slated to take effect in coming months.

The items on the two tariff exemption lists - posted on the ministry`s website - will not be subject to additional duties imposed by China on US goods "as countermeasures to US Section 301 measures," the ministry said in its statement.

The exemption will take effect on September 17 and be valid for a year through to September 16, 2020, it said. Beijing said in May that it would start a waiver programme, amid growing worries over the cost of the protracted trade war on its already slowing economy.

ING`s Pang noted the United States had also exempted imports of 110 Chinese products from tariffs in July, including high-value items such as medical equipment and parts.

Talks

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are expected to meet in early October in the US capital, but key officials are tamping down expectations for a major accord.

For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access.

Beijing and Washington were close to a deal last spring but US officials said China backed away from an agreed text over a reluctance to change laws to address US complaints.

The South China Morning Post reported, citing an unidentified source, that China was expected to buy more agricultural products in hopes of a better trade deal with the United States.

Senior White House adviser Peter Navarro this week urged investors, businesses and the public to be patient about the trade dispute.

Earlier on Wednesday, a survey by a prominent American business association showed the trade dispute was souring the profit and investment outlook for US companies operating in the world`s second-biggest economy.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed China`s decision to exempt some US anti-cancer drugs and other goods from its tariffs and announced a short delay to scheduled tariff hikes on billions worth of Chinese goods.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday welcomed China`s decision to exempt some US anti-cancer drugs and other goods from its tariffs and announced a short delay to scheduled tariff hikes on billions worth of Chinese goods. Stock markets in Asia rose on the news in early Thursday trade, as the concessions came days ahead of a planned meeting aimed at defusing the escalating trade war between the world`s two largest economies. Also read-- US-China trade war: The levers they can pull China`s decision to exempt some US goods was a "big move" by Beijing and a positive gesture before trade negotiators from both countries meet in Washington, Trump told reporters at the White House. China on Wednesday announced its first batch of tariff exemptions for 16 types of US products, including some anti-cancer drugs and lubricants, as well as animal feed ingredients whey and fish meal, according to a Ministry of Finance statement on its website. "They made a couple of moves ... that were pretty good," Trump said at an unrelated event on vaping. "I think it was a gesture, okay? But it was a big move." On Wednesday, Trump wrote in a post on Twitter that the United States had agreed to delay increasing tariffs on $250 billion worth of Chinese imports from October 1 to October 15 "as a gesture of good will." The tariffs were set to increase to 30 per cent from 25 per cent on the goods. Trump said he hoped to reach a trade agreement with China following more than a year of tit-for-tat exchanges of tariffs that have roiled global markets. "I deal with them and I know them and I like them," he said. "I hope we can do something." Asian stocks rose on Thursday, while China`s yuan currency was also up 0.27 per cent in offshore trade, as investors hoped for a thaw in US-China trade frictions. Deputy trade negotiators are due to meet in Washington in mid-September, with minister-level talks to follow in October. Exact dates for the meetings have not been released. The gestures may ease tensions ahead of the negotiations, but some analysts don`t see it as a signal that both sides are readying a deal. "The exemption could be seen as a gesture of sincerity towards the US ahead of negotiations in October but is probably more a means of supporting the economy," ING`s Greater China economist Iris Pang wrote in a note. "There are still many uncertainties in the coming trade talks. An exemption list of just 16 items will not change China`s stance," she said. Indeed, the exempted list pales in comparison to over 5,000 types of US products that are already subject to China`s additional tariffs. Moreover, major US imports, such as soybeans and pork, are still subject to hefty additional duties, as China has ramped up imports from Brazil and other supplying countries. Beijing has said it would work on exempting some US products from tariffs if they are not easily substituted from elsewhere. The United States is by far China`s largest supplier of whey, which is an important ingredient in piglet feed and difficult to source in large volumes from elsewhere. Analysts say that with its duties on soybeans and US-made cars, China is taking aim at a key political support base of Trump, mainly the factories and farms across the Midwest and South at a time of receding momentum in the world`s top economy. China has imposed several rounds of duties on US goods in retaliation against US Section 301 tariffs, beginning last year in July and August with a 25 per cent levy on about $50 billion of US imports. In all, the United States and China have slapped tariffs on hundreds of billions of dollars worth of goods in a bitter trade war that has raised the spectre of a global recession, with further tariffs slated to take effect in coming months. The items on the two tariff exemption lists - posted on the ministry`s website - will not be subject to additional duties imposed by China on US goods "as countermeasures to US Section 301 measures," the ministry said in its statement. The exemption will take effect on September 17 and be valid for a year through to September 16, 2020, it said. Beijing said in May that it would start a waiver programme, amid growing worries over the cost of the protracted trade war on its already slowing economy. ING`s Pang noted the United States had also exempted imports of 110 Chinese products from tariffs in July, including high-value items such as medical equipment and parts. Talks Chinese Vice Premier Liu He, US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin are expected to meet in early October in the US capital, but key officials are tamping down expectations for a major accord. For two years, the Trump administration has sought to pressure China to make sweeping changes to its policies on intellectual property protection, forced transfers of technology to Chinese firms, industrial subsidies and market access. Beijing and Washington were close to a deal last spring but US officials said China backed away from an agreed text over a reluctance to change laws to address US complaints. The South China Morning Post reported, citing an unidentified source, that China was expected to buy more agricultural products in hopes of a better trade deal with the United States. Senior White House adviser Peter Navarro this week urged investors, businesses and the public to be patient about the trade dispute. Earlier on Wednesday, a survey by a prominent American business association showed the trade dispute was souring the profit and investment outlook for US companies operating in the world`s second-biggest economy.

As ‘goodwill gesture', US will delay 5% boost in tariffs on Chinese imports: Trump

Some 2,500 people are still listed as missing in the Bahamas more than a week after Hurricane Dorian pummeled the Caribbean island chain, although that number may include evacuees who fled to shelters, authorities said on Wednesday.

Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis told the nation in a televised address that the death toll from Dorian remained at 50, but conceded that the large number of people missing meant that number would rise.

"The number of deaths is expected to significantly increase," Minnis said, adding the government was being transparent and would provide "timely information on the loss of life as it is available."

Emergency management officials told a separate news conference that the list of missing had not yet been checked against records of evacuees or the thousands of people staying in shelters.

"My friends are missing, a few of my cousins are missing over there, five in total, they lived in Marsh Harbour," said Clara Bain, a 38-year-old tour guide, referring to the Abaco town where officials estimate that 90% of homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed.

"Everyone on the islands are missing someone, it`s really devastating," she said.

Dorian slammed into the Bahamas on September&nbsp;1 as a Category 5 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of intensity, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to make a direct hit on land and packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 kph).

"Our sympathies go out to the families of each person who died," Minnis said. "Let us pray for them during this time of grief. We offer you our shoulders to cry on. You will never be forgotten."

More than 5,000 people evacuated to New Providence, the island where the capital, Nassau, is located, in the face of the worst hurricane in the country`s history. But there has since been a significant reduction in the number now asking to be relocated, according to emergency management officials.

Some 15,000 people are still in need of shelter or food, according to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency.

Officials have already put up large tents in Nassau to house those made homeless by the storm and plan to erect tent cities on Abaco capable of sheltering up to 4,000 people.

Minnis thanked US President Donald Trump and the American people for mobilizing support and urged Bahamians to pitch in with relief efforts by volunteering or donating money to legitimate charities.

The White House said on Wednesday the United States would not give temporary protected immigration status to people fleeing the Bahamas after the hurricane.

The status would have allowed Bahamians to live and work in the United States while their country recovers.

Private forecasters estimated that Dorian destroyed or damaged some $3 billion in insured property in the Bahamas or elsewhere in the Caribbean.

Commercial flights to Abaco, one of the hardest-hit areas, resumed on a limited basis on Wednesday.

Some 2,500 people are still listed as missing in the Bahamas more than a week after Hurricane Dorian pummeled the Caribbean island chain, although that number may include evacuees who fled to shelters, authorities said on Wednesday.

Some 2,500 people are still listed as missing in the Bahamas more than a week after Hurricane Dorian pummeled the Caribbean island chain, although that number may include evacuees who fled to shelters, authorities said on Wednesday. Bahamian Prime Minister Hubert Minnis told the nation in a televised address that the death toll from Dorian remained at 50, but conceded that the large number of people missing meant that number would rise. "The number of deaths is expected to significantly increase," Minnis said, adding the government was being transparent and would provide "timely information on the loss of life as it is available." Emergency management officials told a separate news conference that the list of missing had not yet been checked against records of evacuees or the thousands of people staying in shelters. "My friends are missing, a few of my cousins are missing over there, five in total, they lived in Marsh Harbour," said Clara Bain, a 38-year-old tour guide, referring to the Abaco town where officials estimate that 90% of homes and buildings were damaged or destroyed. "Everyone on the islands are missing someone, it`s really devastating," she said. Dorian slammed into the Bahamas on September 1 as a Category 5 storm on the five-step Saffir-Simpson scale of intensity, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record to make a direct hit on land and packing top sustained winds of 185 miles per hour (298 kph). "Our sympathies go out to the families of each person who died," Minnis said. "Let us pray for them during this time of grief. We offer you our shoulders to cry on. You will never be forgotten." More than 5,000 people evacuated to New Providence, the island where the capital, Nassau, is located, in the face of the worst hurricane in the country`s history. But there has since been a significant reduction in the number now asking to be relocated, according to emergency management officials. Some 15,000 people are still in need of shelter or food, according to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency. Officials have already put up large tents in Nassau to house those made homeless by the storm and plan to erect tent cities on Abaco capable of sheltering up to 4,000 people. Minnis thanked US President Donald Trump and the American people for mobilizing support and urged Bahamians to pitch in with relief efforts by volunteering or donating money to legitimate charities. The White House said on Wednesday the United States would not give temporary protected immigration status to people fleeing the Bahamas after the hurricane. The status would have allowed Bahamians to live and work in the United States while their country recovers. Private forecasters estimated that Dorian destroyed or damaged some $3 billion in insured property in the Bahamas or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Commercial flights to Abaco, one of the hardest-hit areas, resumed on a limited basis on Wednesday.

Bahamas says 2,500 missing after Dorian; Prime Minister warns death toll to rise 'significantly'

The British government`s plans for a no-deal Brexit warn of severe disruption to cross-Channel routes, affecting the supply of medicines and certain types of fresh foods, and say that protests and counter-protests will take place across the country, accompanied by a possible rise in public disorder.

The "Operation Yellowhammer" worst-case assumptions published on Wednesday were prepared on August&nbsp;2, the government said, nine days after Boris Johnson became prime minister, and form the basis of its no-deal planning.

The document, which looks at the worst that could happen if Britain leaves the European Union on October 31 without a deal, said public and business readiness for such an outcome would likely be low, in part because of continued political confusion in the run-up to Brexit day.

It said lorries could have to wait up to two and a half days to cross the English Channel and British citizens could be subject to increased immigration checks at EU border posts.

"Certain types of fresh food supply will decrease," it said. "There is a risk that panic buying will cause or exacerbate food supply disruption." 
It said the flow of traffic across the English channel could be reduced by as much as 60% on the first day after a no-deal Brexit. The worst disruption could last for up to three months.

Traffic queues could affect fuel deliveries, disrupting supplies in London and south-east England, and panic buying could cause shortages in other parts of the country, it said.

Cross-border financial services would be affected as would information-sharing between police and security services, according to the document.

Documents from Operation Yellowhammer were first published in the Sunday Times newspaper on August 18.

Michael Gove, the minister in charge of coordinating "no-deal" preparations, said then that the document was old and did not reflect current levels of preparedness.

He said on Wednesday that assumptions contained in the five-page published document were currently being reviewed, but they were the most recent complete iteration of the plans.

The opposition Labour Party said the document confirmed the severe risks of a no-deal Brexit.

"It is completely irresponsible for the government to have tried to ignore these stark warnings and prevent the public from seeing the evidence," said Labour`s Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer.

"Boris Johnson must now admit that he has been dishonest with the British people about the consequence of a No Deal Brexit."

In releasing the document, Gove was acceding to a request from lawmakers. But he refused to make public the advice of government advisers about Johnson`s decision to prorogue, or suspend, parliament from Monday until October 14.

Scotland`s highest court of appeal ruled that decision was unlawful on Wednesday, prompting calls for lawmakers to return to work.

Gove said the publication of advice given to ministers would be an "inappropriate and disproportionate" use of parliamentary procedure, and the individuals would have no right to reply. 
&nbsp;

The British government`s plans for a no-deal Brexit warn of severe disruption to cross-Channel routes, affecting the supply of medicines and certain types of fresh foods, and say that protests and counter-protests will take place across the country, accompanied by a possible rise in public disorder.

The British government`s plans for a no-deal Brexit warn of severe disruption to cross-Channel routes, affecting the supply of medicines and certain types of fresh foods, and say that protests and counter-protests will take place across the country, accompanied by a possible rise in public disorder. The "Operation Yellowhammer" worst-case assumptions published on Wednesday were prepared on August 2, the government said, nine days after Boris Johnson became prime minister, and form the basis of its no-deal planning. The document, which looks at the worst that could happen if Britain leaves the European Union on October 31 without a deal, said public and business readiness for such an outcome would likely be low, in part because of continued political confusion in the run-up to Brexit day. It said lorries could have to wait up to two and a half days to cross the English Channel and British citizens could be subject to increased immigration checks at EU border posts. "Certain types of fresh food supply will decrease," it said. "There is a risk that panic buying will cause or exacerbate food supply disruption." It said the flow of traffic across the English channel could be reduced by as much as 60% on the first day after a no-deal Brexit. The worst disruption could last for up to three months. Traffic queues could affect fuel deliveries, disrupting supplies in London and south-east England, and panic buying could cause shortages in other parts of the country, it said. Cross-border financial services would be affected as would information-sharing between police and security services, according to the document. Documents from Operation Yellowhammer were first published in the Sunday Times newspaper on August 18. Michael Gove, the minister in charge of coordinating "no-deal" preparations, said then that the document was old and did not reflect current levels of preparedness. He said on Wednesday that assumptions contained in the five-page published document were currently being reviewed, but they were the most recent complete iteration of the plans. The opposition Labour Party said the document confirmed the severe risks of a no-deal Brexit. "It is completely irresponsible for the government to have tried to ignore these stark warnings and prevent the public from seeing the evidence," said Labour`s Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer. "Boris Johnson must now admit that he has been dishonest with the British people about the consequence of a No Deal Brexit." In releasing the document, Gove was acceding to a request from lawmakers. But he refused to make public the advice of government advisers about Johnson`s decision to prorogue, or suspend, parliament from Monday until October 14. Scotland`s highest court of appeal ruled that decision was unlawful on Wednesday, prompting calls for lawmakers to return to work. Gove said the publication of advice given to ministers would be an "inappropriate and disproportionate" use of parliamentary procedure, and the individuals would have no right to reply.

UK's worst-case no-deal Brexit plan warns of food shortages, public disorder

The US Supreme Court on Wednesday granted a request by President Donald Trump`s administration to fully enforce a new rule that would curtail asylum applications by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-to-give-additional-120-million-to-help-venezuelan-migrants-247770">immigrants </a>at the US-Mexico border, a key element of his hardline <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-deny-citizenship-to-immigrants-who-use-public-benefits-us-242502">immigration policies</a>.

The court said the rule, which requires most<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/few-immigrants-fit-the-legal-definition-of-global-refugees-239846"> immigrants</a> who want asylum to first seek safe haven in a third country through which they travelled on their way to the United States, could go into effect as litigation challenging its legality continues.

Among the nine judges on the court, liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented.

The court`s ruling handed a victory to Trump at a time when much of his immigration agenda had been struck down by lower courts. "BIG United States Supreme Court WIN for the Border on Asylum!" Trump said on Twitter.

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BIG United States Supreme Court WIN for the Border on Asylum! <a href="https://t.co/9Ka00qK1Ob">https://t.co/9Ka00qK1Ob</a>
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The rule would bar almost all <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shock-investment-urged-to-stem-flow-of-central-american-migrants-245236">immigrants</a> from applying for asylum at the southern border. It represents the latest effort by Trump`s administration to crack down on immigration, a signature issue during his presidency and 2020 re-election bid.

The American Civil Liberties Union and others who challenged the administration`s policy in federal court said it violates US immigration law and accused the administration of failing to follow the correct legal process in issuing the rule, which was unveiled on July 15.

In her dissent, Sotomayor said that the government`s rule may be in significant tension with the asylum statute.

"It is especially concerning, moreover, that the rule the government promulgated topples decades of settled asylum practices and affects some of the most vulnerable people in the Western Hemisphere — without affording the public a chance to weigh in."

Eight days after the rule went into effect in July, California-based US District Judge Jon Tigar issued a nationwide injunction blocking it.

Then began a back-and-forth between Tigar and the 9th Circuit, which scaled back the injunction so that the Trump rule was blocked in the border states of California and Arizona while in effect in Texas and New Mexico.

Tigar ruled to restore the nationwide ban on Monday, but the 9th Circuit scaled it back again on Tuesday night.

They were both trumped by Supreme Court, which will allow the asylum restriction to remain in place until the underlying legality of the rule is determined at trial.

"This is just a temporary step, and we`re hopeful we`ll prevail at the end of the day," ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said. "The lives of thousands of families are at stake."

The Republican president`s administration issued the rule in an attempt to reduce the surging number of asylum claims primarily by Central American migrants who have crossed the US-Mexico border in large numbers during his presidency.

The rule would block nearly all families and individuals from countries like El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala from entering the United States as asylum seekers after crossing through Mexico. The rule would keep asylum protections for Mexican citizens.

White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said the Trump administration was "pleased" by the Supreme Court`s decision, which he said rejected an "erroneous" ruling by the lower court judge.

But Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the US House of Representatives` Judiciary Committee, and Zoe Lofgren, the head of the judiciary panel`s immigration subcommittee, called the court`s decision disappointing.

"Lives will be lost. This rule will result in those fleeing fear and persecution to be turned away at our doorstep and will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region," they said in a statement.

Government argued right to set policy

The rule drew legal challenges including from a coalition of groups represented by the ACLU who accused the administration of pursuing an "asylum ban" and jeopardizing the safety of migrants fleeing persecution.

In the administration`s request to fully enforce the rule, US Solicitor General Noel Francisco asked the Supreme Court to issue a stay blocking the injunction while litigation over the issue proceeds because the judge`s order interferes with the government`s authority to establish immigration policy.

The administration said the rule screens out asylum claims that are unlikely to succeed and "deters aliens without a genuine need for asylum from making the arduous and potentially dangerous journey from Central America to the United States."

The US Supreme Court on Wednesday granted a request by President Donald Trump`s administration to fully enforce a new rule that would curtail asylum applications by immigrants at the US-Mexico border, a key element of his hardline immigration policies.

The US Supreme Court on Wednesday granted a request by President Donald Trump`s administration to fully enforce a new rule that would curtail asylum applications by immigrants at the US-Mexico border, a key element of his hardline immigration policies. The court said the rule, which requires most immigrants who want asylum to first seek safe haven in a third country through which they travelled on their way to the United States, could go into effect as litigation challenging its legality continues. Among the nine judges on the court, liberal Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg dissented. The court`s ruling handed a victory to Trump at a time when much of his immigration agenda had been struck down by lower courts. "BIG United States Supreme Court WIN for the Border on Asylum!" Trump said on Twitter. BIG United States Supreme Court WIN for the Border on Asylum! https://t.co/9Ka00qK1Ob — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 11, 2019 × The rule would bar almost all immigrants from applying for asylum at the southern border. It represents the latest effort by Trump`s administration to crack down on immigration, a signature issue during his presidency and 2020 re-election bid. The American Civil Liberties Union and others who challenged the administration`s policy in federal court said it violates US immigration law and accused the administration of failing to follow the correct legal process in issuing the rule, which was unveiled on July 15. In her dissent, Sotomayor said that the government`s rule may be in significant tension with the asylum statute. "It is especially concerning, moreover, that the rule the government promulgated topples decades of settled asylum practices and affects some of the most vulnerable people in the Western Hemisphere — without affording the public a chance to weigh in." Eight days after the rule went into effect in July, California-based US District Judge Jon Tigar issued a nationwide injunction blocking it. Then began a back-and-forth between Tigar and the 9th Circuit, which scaled back the injunction so that the Trump rule was blocked in the border states of California and Arizona while in effect in Texas and New Mexico. Tigar ruled to restore the nationwide ban on Monday, but the 9th Circuit scaled it back again on Tuesday night. They were both trumped by Supreme Court, which will allow the asylum restriction to remain in place until the underlying legality of the rule is determined at trial. "This is just a temporary step, and we`re hopeful we`ll prevail at the end of the day," ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said. "The lives of thousands of families are at stake." The Republican president`s administration issued the rule in an attempt to reduce the surging number of asylum claims primarily by Central American migrants who have crossed the US-Mexico border in large numbers during his presidency. The rule would block nearly all families and individuals from countries like El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala from entering the United States as asylum seekers after crossing through Mexico. The rule would keep asylum protections for Mexican citizens. White House spokesman Hogan Gidley said the Trump administration was "pleased" by the Supreme Court`s decision, which he said rejected an "erroneous" ruling by the lower court judge. But Jerrold Nadler, the Democratic chairman of the US House of Representatives` Judiciary Committee, and Zoe Lofgren, the head of the judiciary panel`s immigration subcommittee, called the court`s decision disappointing. "Lives will be lost. This rule will result in those fleeing fear and persecution to be turned away at our doorstep and will only exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region," they said in a statement. Government argued right to set policy The rule drew legal challenges including from a coalition of groups represented by the ACLU who accused the administration of pursuing an "asylum ban" and jeopardizing the safety of migrants fleeing persecution. In the administration`s request to fully enforce the rule, US Solicitor General Noel Francisco asked the Supreme Court to issue a stay blocking the injunction while litigation over the issue proceeds because the judge`s order interferes with the government`s authority to establish immigration policy. The administration said the rule screens out asylum claims that are unlikely to succeed and "deters aliens without a genuine need for asylum from making the arduous and potentially dangerous journey from Central America to the United States."

US Supreme Court allows Trump to deny asylum to many Central Americans

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope to get a positive response from India over different unresolved issues, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-in-teesta-water-sharing-agreement-s-jaishankar-244424">Teesta water-sharing</a> one, before her visit to the neighbouring country earlier in October.

'We're optimistic that the unresolved issues between the two countries will be sorted out soon. We hope we'll get positive results over the aforesaid issues before my visit to India,'&nbsp;Hasina told the parliament on Wednesday.

The prime minister is scheduled to visit India on October 3-6, to attend the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 3-4 with the theme 'Innovating for India; Strengthening South Asia, Impacting the World', Dhaka Tribune reported.

Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will also be holding a bilateral meeting on October 5.

Hasina also said that she will talk to Modi over the water sharing issues between the two countries, including Teesta, during her visit to India.

Noting that Bangladesh has very healthy ties with India, she said new doors have opened in newer areas of mutual cooperation and development.

Hasina said Bangladesh and India have already signed agreements on security, trade, power, energy, communications, development assistance, environment, education, infrastructure development, culture, and health.

Besides, cooperation has enhanced on different other issues, including the blue economy, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, aerospace research, and cybersecurity, she added.

About the Teesta water-sharing deal, she said her government's diplomatic efforts are underway to sign the agreement. "The issue is being placed before the highest political levels of the two countries," she was quoted as saying.

Modi during his previous visit to Bangladesh had assured to resolve the Teesta issue with the assistance of the concerned Indian state governments.&nbsp;

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope to get a positive response from India over different unresolved issues, including the Teesta water-sharing one, before her visit to the neighbouring country earlier in October.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed hope to get a positive response from India over different unresolved issues, including the Teesta water-sharing one, before her visit to the neighbouring country earlier in October. 'We're optimistic that the unresolved issues between the two countries will be sorted out soon. We hope we'll get positive results over the aforesaid issues before my visit to India,' Hasina told the parliament on Wednesday. The prime minister is scheduled to visit India on October 3-6, to attend the India Economic Summit of the World Economic Forum scheduled to be held in New Delhi on October 3-4 with the theme 'Innovating for India; Strengthening South Asia, Impacting the World', Dhaka Tribune reported. Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will also be holding a bilateral meeting on October 5. Hasina also said that she will talk to Modi over the water sharing issues between the two countries, including Teesta, during her visit to India. Noting that Bangladesh has very healthy ties with India, she said new doors have opened in newer areas of mutual cooperation and development. Hasina said Bangladesh and India have already signed agreements on security, trade, power, energy, communications, development assistance, environment, education, infrastructure development, culture, and health. Besides, cooperation has enhanced on different other issues, including the blue economy, the peaceful use of nuclear energy, aerospace research, and cybersecurity, she added. About the Teesta water-sharing deal, she said her government's diplomatic efforts are underway to sign the agreement. "The issue is being placed before the highest political levels of the two countries," she was quoted as saying. Modi during his previous visit to Bangladesh had assured to resolve the Teesta issue with the assistance of the concerned Indian state governments.

Sheikh Hasina expects positive response from India over unresolved issues, including Teesta

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-fate-hangs-in-balance-amid-crucial-fatf-review-meet-in-bangkok-today-248745">Pakistan</a> has spent billions of rupees on proscribed terror outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), admitted the country's interior minister on national television.

Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the Imran Khan government has spent billions of Rupees on the terror outfit to attach them to the mainstream.

Speaking to journalist Nadeem Malik, during a talk show aired on a Pakistani private news channel Hum News, the minister said, "We have spent millions of rupees on JuD. We need to demotivate the members of the proscribed organisation and bring them down to the mainstream."

Earlier, during his maiden visit to the United States in July, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had made a similar revelation that his country still has about 30,000 to 40,000 militants "who have been trained and fought in some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir."

Khan had also said that before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government came into power, the governments did not have the "political will" to disarm militant groups operating on their soil. During a separate event, the Pakistani Prime Minister also said that they had 40 different militant groups operating within its borders.

Minister Shah's comments seem to be a face-saving measure ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Paris-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lobbies-for-support-ahead-of-fatf-plenary-action-248089">Financial Action Task Force</a>&nbsp;(FATF) in October.

The watchdog is expected to submit its final evaluation report on Islamabad's action plan to curb terror financing next month.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-efforts-to-act-against-terror-groups-money-laundering-questioned-at-asia-pacific-group-meet-in-china-219422">Last month</a>, the FATF's regional affiliate Asia-Pacific Group (APG) had put Pakistan in the enhanced expedited follow-up list, a category reserved for countries having major deficiencies in their anti-money-laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework and implementation.

In another major embarrassing admission during the talk show, the minister also stated that Islamabad has failed to get support from the international community over its stand on the Kashmir issue.

Shah, in his remarks, blamed Pakistan "ruling elite" including Khan for "destroying" the image of the country, a day after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, during the 42nd UNHRC session in Geneva, claimed that India has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into the largest "caged prison in this planet" after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the human rights were being "trampled with impunity" there.

Pakistan has spent billions of rupees on proscribed terror outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), admitted the country's interior minister on national television. Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the Imran Khan government has spent billions of Rupees on the terror outfit to attach them to the mainstream.

Pakistan has spent billions of rupees on proscribed terror outfit Jamat-ud-Dawa (JuD), admitted the country's interior minister on national television. Brig (R) Ijaz Ahmed Shah said that the Imran Khan government has spent billions of Rupees on the terror outfit to attach them to the mainstream. Speaking to journalist Nadeem Malik, during a talk show aired on a Pakistani private news channel Hum News, the minister said, "We have spent millions of rupees on JuD. We need to demotivate the members of the proscribed organisation and bring them down to the mainstream." Earlier, during his maiden visit to the United States in July, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had made a similar revelation that his country still has about 30,000 to 40,000 militants "who have been trained and fought in some part of Afghanistan or Kashmir." Khan had also said that before his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government came into power, the governments did not have the "political will" to disarm militant groups operating on their soil. During a separate event, the Pakistani Prime Minister also said that they had 40 different militant groups operating within its borders. Minister Shah's comments seem to be a face-saving measure ahead of the upcoming meeting of the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in October. The watchdog is expected to submit its final evaluation report on Islamabad's action plan to curb terror financing next month. Last month, the FATF's regional affiliate Asia-Pacific Group (APG) had put Pakistan in the enhanced expedited follow-up list, a category reserved for countries having major deficiencies in their anti-money-laundering and counter-financing of terrorism framework and implementation. In another major embarrassing admission during the talk show, the minister also stated that Islamabad has failed to get support from the international community over its stand on the Kashmir issue. Shah, in his remarks, blamed Pakistan "ruling elite" including Khan for "destroying" the image of the country, a day after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, during the 42nd UNHRC session in Geneva, claimed that India has transformed Jammu and Kashmir into the largest "caged prison in this planet" after the abrogation of Article 370 and that the human rights were being "trampled with impunity" there.

Pakistan has spent billions of rupees on JuD, admits its minister

Argentina's inflation rate is expected at 53 per cent in December 2019, but will fall back to 34 per cent the following year, according to projections in the forthcoming 2020 budget, treasury officials said on Wednesday.

The budget also predicts Argentina's economy, Latin America's third-largest, will contract by an average of 2.6 per cent in 2019, but will return to growth of 1 per cent in 2020.

The treasury officials, who shared the figures but asked not to be identified, said the budget would be sent to Congress on Sept. 16. The much anticipated fiscal plans will figure prominently into Argentina's efforts to stem an economic crisis that has plunged a third of its citizens into poverty and ratcheted up inflation.

Tight monetary policy had helped tame inflation in the months before the August 11 primary election. But the peso crashed along with the country's bonds after Peronist Alberto Fernandez trounced market-friendly president Mauricio Macri, sending consumer prices spiraling again.

The shock result spooked investors, who worry especially about Fernandez's running-mate, ex-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, recalling the interventionist policies she imposed during her two terms between 2007 and 2015.

The peso lost a quarter of its value against the dollar in August and the central bank burned up reserves to stem the decline. Macri ultimately imposed currency controls, and the peso has steadied over the last week.

The 2020 budget predicts the average exchange rate will weaken to 67 pesos per dollar in 2020, from 48 pesos to the dollar in 2019, the treasury officials said.

The current account deficit is expected to hit 0.9% of GDP in 2019, then revert to a surplus of 0.4 per cent of GDP in 2020.

The budget also forecast a trade surplus of $16.1 bln in 2019, increasing slightly to $17.5 bln in 2020, the officials said.

Argentina's inflation rate is expected at 53 per cent in December 2019, but will fall back to 34 per cent the following year, according to projections in the forthcoming 2020 budget, treasury officials said on Wednesday.

Argentina's inflation rate is expected at 53 per cent in December 2019, but will fall back to 34 per cent the following year, according to projections in the forthcoming 2020 budget, treasury officials said on Wednesday. The budget also predicts Argentina's economy, Latin America's third-largest, will contract by an average of 2.6 per cent in 2019, but will return to growth of 1 per cent in 2020. The treasury officials, who shared the figures but asked not to be identified, said the budget would be sent to Congress on Sept. 16. The much anticipated fiscal plans will figure prominently into Argentina's efforts to stem an economic crisis that has plunged a third of its citizens into poverty and ratcheted up inflation. Tight monetary policy had helped tame inflation in the months before the August 11 primary election. But the peso crashed along with the country's bonds after Peronist Alberto Fernandez trounced market-friendly president Mauricio Macri, sending consumer prices spiraling again. The shock result spooked investors, who worry especially about Fernandez's running-mate, ex-President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, recalling the interventionist policies she imposed during her two terms between 2007 and 2015. The peso lost a quarter of its value against the dollar in August and the central bank burned up reserves to stem the decline. Macri ultimately imposed currency controls, and the peso has steadied over the last week. The 2020 budget predicts the average exchange rate will weaken to 67 pesos per dollar in 2020, from 48 pesos to the dollar in 2019, the treasury officials said. The current account deficit is expected to hit 0.9% of GDP in 2019, then revert to a surplus of 0.4 per cent of GDP in 2020. The budget also forecast a trade surplus of $16.1 bln in 2019, increasing slightly to $17.5 bln in 2020, the officials said.

Argentina inflation expected at 53% in December 2019: Treasury officials

Calling Pakistan a "breeding ground" for terrorism, Secretary-General of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch, on Wednesday said <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approaches-international-community-over-kashmir-but-commits-genocide-in-balochistan-baloch-leader-248933">Pakistan is committing "systematic genocide"</a> of the minorities.

He also termed Islamabad a "rogue state" with no law and justice.

"We have suffered a lot. Our socio-cultural, economic rights have been denied. Balochistan has been plundered, they have looted our resources. Balochistan is rich in minerals and natural resources, yet the people suffer," Baloch told ANI.

"Pakistan is a breeding ground for terrorism. Pakistan is not only committing systematic genocide of Baloch people but also involved in the genocide of our Sindhi brothers, Pashtuns. It's also a threat to the world because it is a rogue state, there is no law, no justice," he added.

Along with Samad, many other activists have also called out Islamabad for committing Human Rights violations against the religious minorities.

This comes at the time when the Pakistan government has submitted a dossier in UNHRC over Kashmir.

At the UNHRC session, Foreign Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-altering-status-of-kashmir-is-illegal-says-pakistan-foreign-minister-in-unhrc-248833"> Shah Mahmood Qureshi</a> presented a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-pakistan-rakes-up-kashmir-issue-at-unhrc-india-hits-back-248819">false narrative on Kashmir</a> maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. However, Pakistan has been strongly reprimanded by Indian delegation.

Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan.

On Tuesday, the Baloch Human Rights Council organised a briefing on 'The Humanitarian Crisis in Balochistan' at a special tent at Broken Chair in front of the UN headquarters.

Before that, a protest was organised by the World Sindhi Congress (WCS) at a time when Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was speaking at the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries.

Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities.

During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries. They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

Calling Pakistan a "breeding ground" for terrorism, Secretary-General of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch, on Wednesday said Pakistan is committing "systematic genocide" of the minorities.

Calling Pakistan a "breeding ground" for terrorism, Secretary-General of Baloch Human Rights Council, Samad Baloch, on Wednesday said Pakistan is committing "systematic genocide" of the minorities. He also termed Islamabad a "rogue state" with no law and justice. "We have suffered a lot. Our socio-cultural, economic rights have been denied. Balochistan has been plundered, they have looted our resources. Balochistan is rich in minerals and natural resources, yet the people suffer," Baloch told ANI. "Pakistan is a breeding ground for terrorism. Pakistan is not only committing systematic genocide of Baloch people but also involved in the genocide of our Sindhi brothers, Pashtuns. It's also a threat to the world because it is a rogue state, there is no law, no justice," he added. Along with Samad, many other activists have also called out Islamabad for committing Human Rights violations against the religious minorities. This comes at the time when the Pakistan government has submitted a dossier in UNHRC over Kashmir. At the UNHRC session, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi presented a false narrative on Kashmir maintained by his country following the Indian government's historic move to abrogate Article 370. However, Pakistan has been strongly reprimanded by Indian delegation. Interestingly, while Qureshi was addressing the session, protests were held outside the UN Headquarters against the dire situation of Human Rights in Pakistan. On Tuesday, the Baloch Human Rights Council organised a briefing on 'The Humanitarian Crisis in Balochistan' at a special tent at Broken Chair in front of the UN headquarters. Before that, a protest was organised by the World Sindhi Congress (WCS) at a time when Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was speaking at the 42nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their countries. Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Last month, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada had raised the issue of suppression of religious freedom by China and Pakistan and slammed the two Asian nations for "persecuting and repressing" their religious minorities. During the meet on Safety of Religious Minorities, the US, UK, and Canada expressed concerns over the increasing, widespread and undue restrictions on religious freedom in the two countries. They also highlighted the discrimination suffered by the Uyghur community in China and of Christians, Ahmadis, Hindus and other minorities in Pakistan.

Pakistan is committing 'systematic genocide' of minorities: Baloch HRC Secretary

Palestinians in the Jordan Valley on Wednesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to steal their land after the right-wing leader pledged to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-vows-to-annex-west-banks-jordan-valley-if-re-elected-248927">annex the West Bank territory </a>if successful in an election just six days away.

Netanyahu's declaration was widely seen as a bid to siphon away support from far-right rivals who have long advocated annexation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, territory Israel captured in a 1967 war, ahead of a tightly-contested September 17 vote.

While some in Israel consider the country's control over the Jordan valley as a security necessity, Palestinians see it as theirs and want it for a future state.

In the village of Jiftlik, farmers tilled land for vegetable and seed production along a long a stretch of the fertile valley that juts up against the biblical Jordan River, surrounded by desert mountain ranges.

"We tell Netanyahu, and whoever follows him, you will not break the Palestinians' will," said Hassan Al-Abedi, a Palestinian farmer who lives in the village.

"It's our parents' and grandparents land. We will hold onto it no matter what it costs," 55-year-old Abedi said.

Netanyahu on Tuesday (September 10) announced he intended, "after the establishment of a new government, to apply Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea," drawing condemnation from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and leaders across the Arab world.

Around 65,000 Palestinians and 11,000 Israeli settlers live in the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea area, according to the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem. The main Palestinian city is Jericho, with around 28 villages and smaller Bedouin communities.

Palestinians in the Jordan Valley on Wednesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to steal their land after the right-wing leader pledged to annex the West Bank territory if successful in an election just six days away.

Palestinians in the Jordan Valley on Wednesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to steal their land after the right-wing leader pledged to annex the West Bank territory if successful in an election just six days away. Netanyahu's declaration was widely seen as a bid to siphon away support from far-right rivals who have long advocated annexation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, territory Israel captured in a 1967 war, ahead of a tightly-contested September 17 vote. While some in Israel consider the country's control over the Jordan valley as a security necessity, Palestinians see it as theirs and want it for a future state. In the village of Jiftlik, farmers tilled land for vegetable and seed production along a long a stretch of the fertile valley that juts up against the biblical Jordan River, surrounded by desert mountain ranges. "We tell Netanyahu, and whoever follows him, you will not break the Palestinians' will," said Hassan Al-Abedi, a Palestinian farmer who lives in the village. "It's our parents' and grandparents land. We will hold onto it no matter what it costs," 55-year-old Abedi said. Netanyahu on Tuesday (September 10) announced he intended, "after the establishment of a new government, to apply Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea," drawing condemnation from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and leaders across the Arab world. Around 65,000 Palestinians and 11,000 Israeli settlers live in the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea area, according to the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem. The main Palestinian city is Jericho, with around 28 villages and smaller Bedouin communities.

'You will not break us, Palestinians tell Netanyahu after Jordan Valley annexation pledge

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