An accountability court on Tuesday rejected a plea seeking the transfer of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fake-accounts-case-asif-ali-zardaris-remand-extended-till-august-8-239293">Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari</a> from jail to a hospital. 
 
The former president is currently on judicial remand till October 22 in the fake accounts case. Zardari had moved the court on October 4 seeking it to declare a hospital a sub-jail for him, Dawn News reported. 
 
However, on Tuesday, the court rejected the plea maintaining that the matter "does not fall in the court's jurisdiction". 
 
Judge Mohammad Bashir, while pronouncing the previously reserved decision, directed Zardari to approach the "relevant forum" for the matter. 
 
The judge in its three-page verdict declared that the court cannot declare a hospital a sub-jail, as sought in the plea. According to the verdict, jail authorities can declare a hospital a sub-jail through an executive order.

The court advised the petitioner to, therefore, approach the jail authorities with his request. 
 
The court also ordered the jail superintendent to act upon the recommendations of the medical officers or the medical board. 
 
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had arrested Zardari on June 10 after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the Islamabad High Court in the fake bank accounts case. 
 
On August 16, the court had sent the former president to Adiala jail on judicial remand. 
 
The case pertains to a massive money laundering scam that was being probed by the Federal Investigation Agency. 
 
The suspects include Zardari, Talpur, former Pakistan Stock Exchange chairman Hussain Lawai, Omni Group CEO Anwar Majeed and his sons and several other high profile persons. 
 
The case was later taken over by NAB on the Supreme Court's orders.

An accountability court on Tuesday rejected a plea seeking the transfer of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari from jail to a hospital.

An accountability court on Tuesday rejected a plea seeking the transfer of Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairman and former president Asif Ali Zardari from jail to a hospital. The former president is currently on judicial remand till October 22 in the fake accounts case. Zardari had moved the court on October 4 seeking it to declare a hospital a sub-jail for him, Dawn News reported. However, on Tuesday, the court rejected the plea maintaining that the matter "does not fall in the court's jurisdiction". Judge Mohammad Bashir, while pronouncing the previously reserved decision, directed Zardari to approach the "relevant forum" for the matter. The judge in its three-page verdict declared that the court cannot declare a hospital a sub-jail, as sought in the plea. According to the verdict, jail authorities can declare a hospital a sub-jail through an executive order. The court advised the petitioner to, therefore, approach the jail authorities with his request. The court also ordered the jail superintendent to act upon the recommendations of the medical officers or the medical board. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had arrested Zardari on June 10 after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the Islamabad High Court in the fake bank accounts case. On August 16, the court had sent the former president to Adiala jail on judicial remand. The case pertains to a massive money laundering scam that was being probed by the Federal Investigation Agency. The suspects include Zardari, Talpur, former Pakistan Stock Exchange chairman Hussain Lawai, Omni Group CEO Anwar Majeed and his sons and several other high profile persons. The case was later taken over by NAB on the Supreme Court's orders.

Court rejects plea seeking former Pakistan president Asaf Ali Zardari's transfer from jail to hospital

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. 
 
Indian Army is retaliating effectively. Further details in this regard are awaited. 
 
Earlier on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-hiranagar-sector-targets-civilian-areas-255571">Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Hiranagar</a> sector that continued till 5:30 am today. 
 
The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. 
 
"2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources had said. 
 
In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629.

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. Indian Army is retaliating effectively.

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. Indian Army is retaliating effectively. Further details in this regard are awaited. Earlier on Saturday, Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Hiranagar sector that continued till 5:30 am today. The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. "2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources had said. In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629.

Army jawan killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in J&K's Uri

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-china-ink-18-agreements-two-letters-of-understanding-255661">China and Nepal hailed the "beginning of a new era" in relations</a> Sunday as President Xi Jinping ended his visit with promises of a railway and tunnel connecting the two countries.

Xi, in the first state visit by a Chinese leader in 23 years -&nbsp;announced $493 million&nbsp;of aid between 2020-2022 "to uplift the living standard of Nepali people" during talks with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, an official said.

Kathmandu has also sought closer ties and much-needed energy and infrastructure investments from Beijing.

In a joint statement, the two countries said Xi's visit "marked the beginning of a new era in Nepal-China relations and served as an important milestone in the history of friendly cooperation".

During the visit, Nepali and Chinese officials signed&nbsp;at least 15 agreements, including a feasibility study for a cross-border railway project that would give Beijing access to the south through Nepal's open border with India.

"We will develop a multi-dimensional trans-Himalayan connectivity network and help Nepal to realise its dream to transform itself from a landlocked country to land-linked country," Xi said in his address during a banquet on Saturday evening.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-to-carry-out-feasibility-study-on-trans-border-railways-linking-nepal-xi-255565">They also undertook to carry out another feasibility study to construct a tunnel from China's Kerung to Kathmandu</a> and to repair existing highways, as well as to strengthen hydropower, security, trade and education links.

Prime Minister KP&nbsp;Sharma Oli's foreign affairs adviser Rajan Bhattarai said Xi showed "China is ready to help Nepal with [an]&nbsp;open heart on its goal of development and prosperity, [helping with]&nbsp;infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity".

Nepali Times editor Kunda Dixit said the key test would be if China's deals help boost the impoverished nation's economy.

"The big test of whether or not Xi's visit will benefit Nepal is if these infrastructure projects will help Nepal become more self-reliant and use access to China to sell our goods, not increase our dependence," he told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nepal-eyes-railway-deal-with-china-during-xi-visit-255507">China has intensified its presence in Nepal in recent years</a>, pumping millions of dollars into projects ranging from roads to hydropower plants.

In 2017, Nepal signed up to China's Belt and Road initiative, a vast global infrastructure programme, which includes the building or upgrading of highways and airports in the country.

China and Nepal hailed the "beginning of a new era" in relations Sunday as President Xi Jinping ended his visit with promises of a railway and tunnel connecting the two countries.

China and Nepal hailed the "beginning of a new era" in relations Sunday as President Xi Jinping ended his visit with promises of a railway and tunnel connecting the two countries. Xi, in the first state visit by a Chinese leader in 23 years - announced $493 million of aid between 2020-2022 "to uplift the living standard of Nepali people" during talks with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, an official said. Kathmandu has also sought closer ties and much-needed energy and infrastructure investments from Beijing. In a joint statement, the two countries said Xi's visit "marked the beginning of a new era in Nepal-China relations and served as an important milestone in the history of friendly cooperation". During the visit, Nepali and Chinese officials signed at least 15 agreements, including a feasibility study for a cross-border railway project that would give Beijing access to the south through Nepal's open border with India. "We will develop a multi-dimensional trans-Himalayan connectivity network and help Nepal to realise its dream to transform itself from a landlocked country to land-linked country," Xi said in his address during a banquet on Saturday evening. They also undertook to carry out another feasibility study to construct a tunnel from China's Kerung to Kathmandu and to repair existing highways, as well as to strengthen hydropower, security, trade and education links. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's foreign affairs adviser Rajan Bhattarai said Xi showed "China is ready to help Nepal with [an] open heart on its goal of development and prosperity, [helping with] infrastructure development and enhancing connectivity". Nepali Times editor Kunda Dixit said the key test would be if China's deals help boost the impoverished nation's economy. "The big test of whether or not Xi's visit will benefit Nepal is if these infrastructure projects will help Nepal become more self-reliant and use access to China to sell our goods, not increase our dependence," he told AFP. China has intensified its presence in Nepal in recent years, pumping millions of dollars into projects ranging from roads to hydropower plants. In 2017, Nepal signed up to China's Belt and Road initiative, a vast global infrastructure programme, which includes the building or upgrading of highways and airports in the country.

China's Xi promises aid, development in Nepal visit

Pakistan on Saturday expressed dismay at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-closes-its-consulate-in-pakistans-peshawar-over-raids-on-afghan-market-255373">Afghanistan's decision to close its consulate in Peshawar</a> over the market ownership dispute and urged the country to immediately review the move. 
 
The consulate was shut on Friday in protest against the raid by Pakistani policemen in an Afghan market and the removal of an Afghan flag from the place.

"We regret the announcement that the Consulate General of Afghanistan in Peshawar has been closed in protest at this point. We hope that this step would be immediately reviewed and that a private legal case would not be allowed to adversely affect the relations between the two brotherly countries," a statement by Pakistan foreign office read. 
 
The statement further said that Pakistan rejects "insinuations contained in the statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry regarding a market in Peshawar" and deeply regrets that a " distorted and misleading account of the issue and related events has been presented." 
 
The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.

Pakistan on Saturday expressed dismay at Afghanistan's decision to close its consulate in Peshawar over the market ownership dispute and urged the country to immediately review the move.

Pakistan on Saturday expressed dismay at Afghanistan's decision to close its consulate in Peshawar over the market ownership dispute and urged the country to immediately review the move. The consulate was shut on Friday in protest against the raid by Pakistani policemen in an Afghan market and the removal of an Afghan flag from the place. "We regret the announcement that the Consulate General of Afghanistan in Peshawar has been closed in protest at this point. We hope that this step would be immediately reviewed and that a private legal case would not be allowed to adversely affect the relations between the two brotherly countries," a statement by Pakistan foreign office read. The statement further said that Pakistan rejects "insinuations contained in the statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry regarding a market in Peshawar" and deeply regrets that a " distorted and misleading account of the issue and related events has been presented." The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.

Pakistan dismayed by Afghanistan's decision to shut consulate over market ownership dispute

One person was injured after a huge fire triggered by a gas leak burned down huts at a refugee camp in Jhapa district of Nepal on Sunday. 
 
The campsite fire burned down nine huts and caused a minor injury to one refugee, an official said. 
 
"The fire has been contained now. Gas leakage might have started the fire. We are accessing the damage," Nabin Baral, Ward Chair of Beldangi-2 where the camp is located told ANI over the phone. 
 
An investigation is underway to assess the damage caused by the blaze.

One person was injured after a huge fire triggered by a gas leak burned down huts at a refugee camp in Jhapa district of Nepal on Sunday. The campsite fire burned down nine huts and caused a minor injury to one refugee, an official said.

One person was injured after a huge fire triggered by a gas leak burned down huts at a refugee camp in Jhapa district of Nepal on Sunday. The campsite fire burned down nine huts and caused a minor injury to one refugee, an official said. "The fire has been contained now. Gas leakage might have started the fire. We are accessing the damage," Nabin Baral, Ward Chair of Beldangi-2 where the camp is located told ANI over the phone. An investigation is underway to assess the damage caused by the blaze.

Nepal: Gas leak causes fire and injures one at refugee camp

Sino-Indian Ties: Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities & Threats. Watch video to know more.

Gravitas: The India-china relationship - a SWOT analysis

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Wednesday announced that they'll extend conditional support to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-central-bank-seen-keeping-rates-on-hold-ahead-of-elections-254686">election campaign</a>. 
 
"The SLFP will sign two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to form a new alliance called Sri Lanka Freedom People's Alliance," said SLFP parliamentarian Nimal Siripala de Silva at a press meet here. 
 
Further explaining the terms, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said that the MoUs will be signed by the party within the next two days. 
 
"One agreement is to be signed between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. The other agreement will be signed by the SLFP with the presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa," Jayasekara said. 
 
Last week,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-faces-costliest-election-longest-ballot-paper-254467">the Sri Lankan Election Commission had announced that the Presidential elections are scheduled for November 16</a> and the acceptance of the nominations will be held on October 7. 
 
In August, Sri Lanka's main opposition party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, had named former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's younger brother and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as its presidential candidate.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Wednesday announced that they'll extend conditional support to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's election campaign.

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) on Wednesday announced that they'll extend conditional support to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa's election campaign. "The SLFP will sign two Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) to form a new alliance called Sri Lanka Freedom People's Alliance," said SLFP parliamentarian Nimal Siripala de Silva at a press meet here. Further explaining the terms, SLFP General Secretary MP Dayasiri Jayasekara said that the MoUs will be signed by the party within the next two days. "One agreement is to be signed between the Sri Lanka Freedom Party and the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna. The other agreement will be signed by the SLFP with the presidential candidate Gotabhaya Rajapaksa," Jayasekara said. Last week, the Sri Lankan Election Commission had announced that the Presidential elections are scheduled for November 16 and the acceptance of the nominations will be held on October 7. In August, Sri Lanka's main opposition party, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna, had named former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's younger brother and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa as its presidential candidate.

Sri Lanka Freedom Party extends conditional support to Gotabhaya Rajapaksa

The leader of Al-Qaeda's South Asian branch was killed in a US-Afghan joint raid in southern Afghanistan last month, Afghan officials confirmed Tuesday.

Asim Umar, who led Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) from its inception in 2014, was killed during a raid September 23 on a Taliban compound in the Musa Qala district of Helmand province.

Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security said Umar was a Pakistani citizen, though some reports claim he was born in India.

He "was killed along with six other AQIS members, most of them Pakistani", the NDS said on Twitter, adding that Umar had been "embedded" with the Taliban.

The raid was part of a lengthy and confusing overnight operation from September 22-23 for which the US provided air support.

Authorities said they would investigate reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during the operation.

The NDS said that among the six other AQIS members killed in the raid was a man identified as "Raihan", a courier for Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.

US Forces-Afghanistan declined to comment.

Under a stalled withdrawal plan negotiated between the US and the Taliban, Washington agreed to pull troops from Afghanistan if the insurgents abide by security guarantees and cut all ties with Al-Qaeda.

The US and the Taliban had been negotiating for a year to reach a deal that would have cut US forces in Afghanistan and could have paved the way to a reduction in violence, but President Donald Trump scuttled that agreement last month, citing Taliban violence.

Even if the deal had been finalised, observers doubted whether the Taliban would ever really separate from Al-Qaeda.

The US invaded Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to hand over Al-Qaeda's leader Osama bin Laden following the September 11, 2001 attacks against America.&nbsp;

The middle-aged Umar was relatively unknown when he was picked to lead the newly created AQIS in 2014.&nbsp;

The jihadist branch was established to try to rouse fighters in India, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

An Afghan Taliban source said in 2014 that Umar had worked with the Punjabi Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chapter in Pakistan's most populous province, for some years before linking up with Al-Qaeda.

Umar -&nbsp;an alias -&nbsp;was named by al-Zawahiri in a video message.

A Pakistani intelligence official said Umar had travelled to Syria, though it was not possible to confirm this.

The leader of Al-Qaeda's South Asian branch was killed in a US-Afghan joint raid in southern Afghanistan last month, Afghan officials confirmed Tuesday. Asim Umar, who led Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) from its inception in 2014, was killed during a raid September 23 on a Taliban compound in the Musa Qala district of Helmand province.

The leader of Al-Qaeda's South Asian branch was killed in a US-Afghan joint raid in southern Afghanistan last month, Afghan officials confirmed Tuesday. Asim Umar, who led Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) from its inception in 2014, was killed during a raid September 23 on a Taliban compound in the Musa Qala district of Helmand province. Afghanistan's National Directorate of Security said Umar was a Pakistani citizen, though some reports claim he was born in India. He "was killed along with six other AQIS members, most of them Pakistani", the NDS said on Twitter, adding that Umar had been "embedded" with the Taliban. The raid was part of a lengthy and confusing overnight operation from September 22-23 for which the US provided air support. Authorities said they would investigate reports that 40 civilians, including children, were killed in an airstrike during the operation. The NDS said that among the six other AQIS members killed in the raid was a man identified as "Raihan", a courier for Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. US Forces-Afghanistan declined to comment. Under a stalled withdrawal plan negotiated between the US and the Taliban, Washington agreed to pull troops from Afghanistan if the insurgents abide by security guarantees and cut all ties with Al-Qaeda. The US and the Taliban had been negotiating for a year to reach a deal that would have cut US forces in Afghanistan and could have paved the way to a reduction in violence, but President Donald Trump scuttled that agreement last month, citing Taliban violence. Even if the deal had been finalised, observers doubted whether the Taliban would ever really separate from Al-Qaeda. The US invaded Afghanistan after the Taliban refused to hand over Al-Qaeda's leader Osama bin Laden following the September 11, 2001 attacks against America. The middle-aged Umar was relatively unknown when he was picked to lead the newly created AQIS in 2014. The jihadist branch was established to try to rouse fighters in India, Bangladesh and Myanmar. An Afghan Taliban source said in 2014 that Umar had worked with the Punjabi Taliban, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chapter in Pakistan's most populous province, for some years before linking up with Al-Qaeda. Umar - an alias - was named by al-Zawahiri in a video message. A Pakistani intelligence official said Umar had travelled to Syria, though it was not possible to confirm this.

South Asia region Al-Qaeda chief killed in Afghanistan: Officials

A special court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the treason case against former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-probe-agency-again-fails-to-explain-transactions-in-pervez-musharrafs-frozen-accounts-228077">Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf</a> till October 24 following which it will hear the case on a daily basis. 
 
The three-judge bench of the special court, presided by Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth, accepted a plea by Musharraf's counsel to postpone the hearing on the grounds that the former military ruler was currently in hospital undergoing treatment for dengue, the Tribune Express reported. 
 
The court also directed the concerned parties to submit written documents prior to the next hearing. 
 
Musharraf's advocate Raza Bashir submitted that the former ruler had for Dubai in 2016 to 'seek medical treatment' and is now expected to make a comeback in the national politics by reviving his party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML). 
 
In 2013, a case of high treason against Musharraf was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, alleging that the army general-turned-president had unlawfully suspended the Constitution with the help of the military and instituted an emergency rule in 2007. 
 
The proceeding of the treason case began in May this year.

A special court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the treason case against former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf till October 24 following which it will hear the case on a daily basis.

A special court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the treason case against former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf till October 24 following which it will hear the case on a daily basis. The three-judge bench of the special court, presided by Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth, accepted a plea by Musharraf's counsel to postpone the hearing on the grounds that the former military ruler was currently in hospital undergoing treatment for dengue, the Tribune Express reported. The court also directed the concerned parties to submit written documents prior to the next hearing. Musharraf's advocate Raza Bashir submitted that the former ruler had for Dubai in 2016 to 'seek medical treatment' and is now expected to make a comeback in the national politics by reviving his party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML). In 2013, a case of high treason against Musharraf was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, alleging that the army general-turned-president had unlawfully suspended the Constitution with the help of the military and instituted an emergency rule in 2007. The proceeding of the treason case began in May this year.

Pakistan: Pervez Musharraf's case adjourned till October 24

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabias-crown-prince-mohammad-bin-salman-snubbed-imran-khan-called-back-private-plane-given-to-him-reports-254218">Imran Khan-led Pakistani government</a> has accumulated a record public debt of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports. 
 
The foreign debt incurred by Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from August 2018 to August 2019 stood at PKR 2,804 billion, while the internally accumulated figure stood at PKR 4,705 billion, Geo News reported. 
 
As per the State Bank of Pakistan, the total public debt stood at PKR 31.786 trillion at the end of June 2019. 
 
Additionally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-gen-bipin-rawats-claim-balakot-reactivated-imran-khan-advises-his-people-not-to-cross-loc-253951">the government has projected public debt</a> to increase by 47 per cent to PKR 45.57 trillion in five years. 
 
In April this year, Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar had said that Pakistan's basic debts have reached alarmingly high levels and that the country is near bankruptcy. 
 
The Pakistani PM has paid a visit to many countries seeking financial help for Islamabad's ballooning economic crisis ever since coming to power last year. 
 
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia and China, have provided bailout packages to Islamabad in a bid to save its crippling economy.

The Imran Khan-led Pakistani government has accumulated a record public debt of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports.

The Imran Khan-led Pakistani government has accumulated a record public debt of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports. The foreign debt incurred by Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from August 2018 to August 2019 stood at PKR 2,804 billion, while the internally accumulated figure stood at PKR 4,705 billion, Geo News reported. As per the State Bank of Pakistan, the total public debt stood at PKR 31.786 trillion at the end of June 2019. Additionally, the government has projected public debt to increase by 47 per cent to PKR 45.57 trillion in five years. In April this year, Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar had said that Pakistan's basic debts have reached alarmingly high levels and that the country is near bankruptcy. The Pakistani PM has paid a visit to many countries seeking financial help for Islamabad's ballooning economic crisis ever since coming to power last year. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia and China, have provided bailout packages to Islamabad in a bid to save its crippling economy.

Pakistan: Record debt accumulated in first year of Imran Khan's term

Students in Bangladesh staged protests and blocked major roads Monday after an undergraduate was beaten to death, allegedly by ruling party activists, for criticising the government over a water-sharing deal with India.

Protests broke out at several universities in Dhaka and the northern city of Rajshahi following the killing of Abrar Fahad of the&nbsp;Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology.

Students chanted slogans demanding "justice" and blocked major roads in the two cities. Teachers joined some of the protests.

Dhaka deputy police commissioner Munstasirul Islam told AFP that Fahad was beaten to death and that ruling party activists were in custody for questioning.

His body was found in his university dorm and media quoted other residents as saying that members of the student wing of the ruling Awami League had interrogated and beaten him.

Ashikul Islam Bitu, a vice-president of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), told NTV that Fahad had been questioned over alleged links to an Islamist party's youth group.

After examining CCTV footage, police detained nine men from the same dorm, at least five of whom were BCL activists, local police chief Sohrab Hossain said.

He added that the victim's father has filed a murder case.

Fahad put up a post on Facebook that went viral hours before his death. In it, he criticised the government for signing an accord that allowed India to take water from a river that lies on the boundary the two countries share.

The BCL has earned notoriety in recent years after some of its members were accused of killing, violence and extortion.

Last year its members allegedly used violence to suppress a major anti-government student protest.&nbsp;

Those protests were sparked by anger over road safety after a student was killed by a speeding bus.&nbsp;

Last month the BCL president and general secretary were sacked over allegations they tried to extort money from the head of a state-run university.

Students in Bangladesh staged protests and blocked major roads Monday after an undergraduate was beaten to death, allegedly by ruling party activists, for criticising the government over a water-sharing deal with India.

Students in Bangladesh staged protests and blocked major roads Monday after an undergraduate was beaten to death, allegedly by ruling party activists, for criticising the government over a water-sharing deal with India. Protests broke out at several universities in Dhaka and the northern city of Rajshahi following the killing of Abrar Fahad of the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Students chanted slogans demanding "justice" and blocked major roads in the two cities. Teachers joined some of the protests. Dhaka deputy police commissioner Munstasirul Islam told AFP that Fahad was beaten to death and that ruling party activists were in custody for questioning. His body was found in his university dorm and media quoted other residents as saying that members of the student wing of the ruling Awami League had interrogated and beaten him. Ashikul Islam Bitu, a vice-president of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), told NTV that Fahad had been questioned over alleged links to an Islamist party's youth group. After examining CCTV footage, police detained nine men from the same dorm, at least five of whom were BCL activists, local police chief Sohrab Hossain said. He added that the victim's father has filed a murder case. Fahad put up a post on Facebook that went viral hours before his death. In it, he criticised the government for signing an accord that allowed India to take water from a river that lies on the boundary the two countries share. The BCL has earned notoriety in recent years after some of its members were accused of killing, violence and extortion. Last year its members allegedly used violence to suppress a major anti-government student protest. Those protests were sparked by anger over road safety after a student was killed by a speeding bus. Last month the BCL president and general secretary were sacked over allegations they tried to extort money from the head of a state-run university.

Bangladesh student killing sparks university protests

Candidates registered for the upcoming <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-maithripala-sirisena-to-not-contest-sri-lanka-polls-next-month-report-254239">Sri Lankan presidential election</a> on Monday&nbsp;in Colombo.

According to the election commission, a record number of 35 candidates have registered.

Notable candidates include former defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the main opposition party, the Sri Lanka People's Front, and Sajith Premadasa of the ruling United National Front.

Rajapaksa, brother of pro-China former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said he is ready to repair ties with China, should he win the November election, one of his advisers has said.

Premadasa, 52, son of former president Ranasinghe Premadasa who was assassinated by a Tamil Tiger rebel suicide bomber in 1993, is popular among the rural poor.

The election is likely to be dominated by national security issues, after a wave o suicide bombings claimed by Islamic State killed more than 250 people in April, denting the island's critical tourism industry.

Candidates registered for the upcoming Sri Lankan presidential election on Monday in Colombo. According to the election commission, a record number of 35 candidates have registered.

Candidates registered for the upcoming Sri Lankan presidential election on Monday in Colombo. According to the election commission, a record number of 35 candidates have registered. Notable candidates include former defence chief Gotabaya Rajapaksa of the main opposition party, the Sri Lanka People's Front, and Sajith Premadasa of the ruling United National Front. Rajapaksa, brother of pro-China former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said he is ready to repair ties with China, should he win the November election, one of his advisers has said. Premadasa, 52, son of former president Ranasinghe Premadasa who was assassinated by a Tamil Tiger rebel suicide bomber in 1993, is popular among the rural poor. The election is likely to be dominated by national security issues, after a wave o suicide bombings claimed by Islamic State killed more than 250 people in April, denting the island's critical tourism industry.

Candidates register for Sri Lanka's upcoming presidential election

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has decided not to stand for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sri-lanka-sets-november-date-for-presidential-elections-250650">re-election in November polls</a> as the politically influential Rajapakse family nominated two candidates by final registration Sunday.&nbsp;

Sirisena's name was not on a list of 41 candidates who paid deposits by Sunday's noon deadline to contest the November 16 presidential poll, according to Election Commission records.

It means Sirisena will leave office the day after the election, cutting short his five-year term by 52 days.

A spokesman for Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) confirmed he was not seeking re-election.

Sirisena caused a constitutional crisis last year when he sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former president Mahinder Rajapakse.

The Supreme Court later ruled against Sirisena's action and reinstated Wickremesinghe.

Two of Rajapakse's brothers - younger sibling Gotabhaya and elder Chamal - have paid deposits to be candidates and challenge Sajith Premadasa, the deputy leader of Wickremesinghe's United National Party.

Gotabhaya -&nbsp;a former secretary to the ministry of defence during his brother's decade in power - is the front-runner but faces several court cases over corruption allegations and the validity of his Sri Lankan citizenship.

He says he has renounced the United States citizenship he obtained in 2003.

However, with doubts over his eligibility, the family is also fielding elder brother Chamal, a former speaker of parliament, as a backup.

Some 15.99 million men and women over the age of 18 years are eligible to vote in the election.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has decided not to stand for re-election in November polls as the politically influential Rajapakse family nominated two candidates by final registration Sunday.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has decided not to stand for re-election in November polls as the politically influential Rajapakse family nominated two candidates by final registration Sunday. Sirisena's name was not on a list of 41 candidates who paid deposits by Sunday's noon deadline to contest the November 16 presidential poll, according to Election Commission records. It means Sirisena will leave office the day after the election, cutting short his five-year term by 52 days. A spokesman for Sirisena's Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) confirmed he was not seeking re-election. Sirisena caused a constitutional crisis last year when he sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and replaced him with former president Mahinder Rajapakse. The Supreme Court later ruled against Sirisena's action and reinstated Wickremesinghe. Two of Rajapakse's brothers - younger sibling Gotabhaya and elder Chamal - have paid deposits to be candidates and challenge Sajith Premadasa, the deputy leader of Wickremesinghe's United National Party. Gotabhaya - a former secretary to the ministry of defence during his brother's decade in power - is the front-runner but faces several court cases over corruption allegations and the validity of his Sri Lankan citizenship. He says he has renounced the United States citizenship he obtained in 2003. However, with doubts over his eligibility, the family is also fielding elder brother Chamal, a former speaker of parliament, as a backup. Some 15.99 million men and women over the age of 18 years are eligible to vote in the election.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena abandons re-election bid

A group of senior Taliban were warmly welcomed by Pakistani officials as they arrived in Islamabad Thursday, where the foreign minister called for a resumption of talks with the US on the war in Afghanistan.

Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's co-founder who spent eight years in a Pakistani prison, was greeted with hugs and smiles by Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and spy chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, footage released by the ministry showed.

Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment -- particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which Hameed heads -- is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan.

Islamabad denies the accusation.

Pakistan has helped facilitate talks between the Taliban and Washington in Qatar over the past year seeking an agreement paving the way for a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for various security promises from the insurgents.&nbsp;

The two sides were on the brink of a deal -- with an announcement widely expected to be imminent -- when US President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead" last month, citing Taliban violence.

Threatened more attacks

The Taliban threatened more attacks, but both the insurgents and the US left the door open for negotiations to resume -- with most experts agreeing Washington will have to return to the table eventually.

Islamabad wants the talks to resume "to smooth the path for a durable, long-lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan", Qureshi was quoted as saying in the statement.

"War is not a solution to any problem. Talks are the only and positive solution to establish peace in Afghanistan," he continued.&nbsp;

The visit came as Zalmay Khalilzad, who headed the US negotiating team in Doha across the table from Baradar, also visited Islamabad this week, though it was unclear if he was still in Pakistan Thursday.

The US Embassy in Islamabad has said only that Khalilzad was visiting Pakistan "this week", while the State Department did not confirm his travel dates.

The Taliban's Doha-based spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, told AFP on Wednesday that the simultaneous visits to Pakistan were a "coincidence".&nbsp;

But when asked whether there was any possibility of the insurgents meeting Khalilzad, he replied: "Why not? It depends on the Americans."

The Taliban are still ready to sign the agreement which Khalilzad and Baradar had hashed out in Doha, he said.&nbsp;

"We stand for it. The Americans have backtracked and they will have to take the initiative."

Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan following the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

He was released from prison last October and appointed to head the insurgent's political office in a move seen as a tentative effort to aid the talks.&nbsp;

The Taliban have said that the Pakistan visit is the fourth leg of a tour that included Russia, China and Iran. A Taliban commander told AFP that Baradar and the 11 other militants will spend four days in Pakistan.

A group of senior Taliban were warmly welcomed by Pakistani officials as they arrived in Islamabad Thursday, where the foreign minister called for a resumption of talks with the US on the war in Afghanistan.

A group of senior Taliban were warmly welcomed by Pakistani officials as they arrived in Islamabad Thursday, where the foreign minister called for a resumption of talks with the US on the war in Afghanistan. Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's co-founder who spent eight years in a Pakistani prison, was greeted with hugs and smiles by Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and spy chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, footage released by the ministry showed. Pakistan was one of only three countries to recognise the Taliban regime, and its shadowy military establishment -- particularly the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), which Hameed heads -- is widely believed to back the bloody insurgency in Afghanistan. Islamabad denies the accusation. Pakistan has helped facilitate talks between the Taliban and Washington in Qatar over the past year seeking an agreement paving the way for a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in return for various security promises from the insurgents. The two sides were on the brink of a deal -- with an announcement widely expected to be imminent -- when US President Donald Trump abruptly declared the process "dead" last month, citing Taliban violence. Threatened more attacks The Taliban threatened more attacks, but both the insurgents and the US left the door open for negotiations to resume -- with most experts agreeing Washington will have to return to the table eventually. Islamabad wants the talks to resume "to smooth the path for a durable, long-lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan", Qureshi was quoted as saying in the statement. "War is not a solution to any problem. Talks are the only and positive solution to establish peace in Afghanistan," he continued. The visit came as Zalmay Khalilzad, who headed the US negotiating team in Doha across the table from Baradar, also visited Islamabad this week, though it was unclear if he was still in Pakistan Thursday. The US Embassy in Islamabad has said only that Khalilzad was visiting Pakistan "this week", while the State Department did not confirm his travel dates. The Taliban's Doha-based spokesman, Suhail Shaheen, told AFP on Wednesday that the simultaneous visits to Pakistan were a "coincidence". But when asked whether there was any possibility of the insurgents meeting Khalilzad, he replied: "Why not? It depends on the Americans." The Taliban are still ready to sign the agreement which Khalilzad and Baradar had hashed out in Doha, he said. "We stand for it. The Americans have backtracked and they will have to take the initiative." Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan following the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He was released from prison last October and appointed to head the insurgent's political office in a move seen as a tentative effort to aid the talks. The Taliban have said that the Pakistan visit is the fourth leg of a tour that included Russia, China and Iran. A Taliban commander told AFP that Baradar and the 11 other militants will spend four days in Pakistan.

Hugs and smiles as Taliban meet Pakistan officials

With two fingers missing from his right hand, Afghan writer Reza Khorami struggles to tap out stories on his keyboard.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-11-afghan-police-killed-in-taliban-attack-253019">Taliban</a> lopped off his forefinger in 2014 because it was covered in indelible ink showing Khorami had voted. The tip of the middle finger was also splashed with the purple dye, so was also amputated.

The crude punishment, part of the Taliban's war on Afghan democracy, did not deter a defiant Khorami from voting in Saturday's first round of the presidential election, which pitted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani against his top rival, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.

"I voted again in 2019 just to show that I have not surrendered to terrorism," Khorami told AFP this week in Kabul, where he writes fiction.

"They can cut our fingers, but they cannot kill our morale."

Khorami said he wanted the world to know what the radical Islamists did to him and possibly thousands of others like him.

Since Saturday's vote, several images have circulated online of voters proudly holding up a purple-stained finger on one hand alongside a scarred digit on the other, showing they braved the polls despite previous Taliban punishment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/join-us-in-peace-or-we-will-continue-to-fight-afghanistan-government-to-taliban-at-un-252920">Afghan</a> voters must dip a finger in ink -- which can take a week to wash off -- as a measure to stop people voting more than once.

But the obvious mark makes people vulnerable to reprisals from the Taliban, who repeatedly warned voters to stay away from the polls, and turnout appears headed to record lows this year as millions of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attacks-fraud-fears-dampen-turnout-in-afghan-election-252680">Afghans abstained</a>.

Khorami, 25, said he had voted for Ghani in 2014 in Ghazni province and was headed to take a university exam in Kabul when the Taliban stopped him.

"They took me to an undisclosed location, I spent the night there with two other people I did not know," he recalled.

"The next day, they took us to a mosque. An old man was sat there and he had a knife and some basic medications. They said: 'We won't kill you, but will cut off your finger as a lesson for other people who participated in the election'."

An emotional Khorami, recounting the horrors of what came next, said his fingers were then amputated without any anaesthesia.

"I fainted. When I woke up, I found myself in a desert," he said, describing how the trauma of the assault still haunts him daily.

Five years on, Taliban operatives called Khorami ahead of the polls, threatening to kill him if he voted again.

"I shared this issue with the media so the world should understand our challenges and know how people are fighting for freedom and becoming victims in such a difficult situation," he said.

While Saturday's election was marred by hundreds of small-scale <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-rocked-by-blasts-during-presidential-election-252567">Taliban attacks </a>at polling stations, the insurgents were unable to steal the headlines with any significant bloody assault.

Preliminary results are due October 19. If no candidate wins a majority, voting will go to a second round.

With two fingers missing from his right hand, Afghan writer Reza Khorami struggles to tap out stories on his keyboard. The Taliban lopped off his forefinger in 2014 because it was covered in indelible ink showing Khorami had voted.

With two fingers missing from his right hand, Afghan writer Reza Khorami struggles to tap out stories on his keyboard. The Taliban lopped off his forefinger in 2014 because it was covered in indelible ink showing Khorami had voted. The tip of the middle finger was also splashed with the purple dye, so was also amputated. The crude punishment, part of the Taliban's war on Afghan democracy, did not deter a defiant Khorami from voting in Saturday's first round of the presidential election, which pitted Afghan President Ashraf Ghani against his top rival, Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah. "I voted again in 2019 just to show that I have not surrendered to terrorism," Khorami told AFP this week in Kabul, where he writes fiction. "They can cut our fingers, but they cannot kill our morale." Khorami said he wanted the world to know what the radical Islamists did to him and possibly thousands of others like him. Since Saturday's vote, several images have circulated online of voters proudly holding up a purple-stained finger on one hand alongside a scarred digit on the other, showing they braved the polls despite previous Taliban punishment. Afghan voters must dip a finger in ink -- which can take a week to wash off -- as a measure to stop people voting more than once. But the obvious mark makes people vulnerable to reprisals from the Taliban, who repeatedly warned voters to stay away from the polls, and turnout appears headed to record lows this year as millions of Afghans abstained. Khorami, 25, said he had voted for Ghani in 2014 in Ghazni province and was headed to take a university exam in Kabul when the Taliban stopped him. "They took me to an undisclosed location, I spent the night there with two other people I did not know," he recalled. "The next day, they took us to a mosque. An old man was sat there and he had a knife and some basic medications. They said: 'We won't kill you, but will cut off your finger as a lesson for other people who participated in the election'." An emotional Khorami, recounting the horrors of what came next, said his fingers were then amputated without any anaesthesia. "I fainted. When I woke up, I found myself in a desert," he said, describing how the trauma of the assault still haunts him daily. Five years on, Taliban operatives called Khorami ahead of the polls, threatening to kill him if he voted again. "I shared this issue with the media so the world should understand our challenges and know how people are fighting for freedom and becoming victims in such a difficult situation," he said. While Saturday's election was marred by hundreds of small-scale Taliban attacks at polling stations, the insurgents were unable to steal the headlines with any significant bloody assault. Preliminary results are due October 19. If no candidate wins a majority, voting will go to a second round.

Meet Afghan writer who voted even after Taliban cut off his fingers

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-sri-lankan-elephants-found-dead-of-suspected-poisoning-252438">Sri Lanka </a>announced harsher penalties in a bid to protect wild elephants on Tuesday, as investigators probed whether seven jumbos found poisoned over the weekend were killed by villagers.

Wildlife and Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said he will impose tougher sanctions on offenders to boost laws enacted three years ago but not yet implemented due to administrative delays.

Elephants are a protected animal in the South Asian island nation and the new rules will increase the length of jail time and amount of fines for those found to have been cruel to the beasts.

Authorities will also be given wider powers to investigate offenders, Amaratunga said, though no further details were released.

Investigations into the deaths of seven elephants at a forest reserve in central Sri Lanka showed the animals had ingested poison, but it was not yet clear if they were murdered.

"The deaths were caused by poison, but we are still trying to establish if it was a deliberate act (of villagers)," Amaratunga said.

"We have found that many elephant corridors in wildlife reserves have been encroached by farmers. This has led to an increase in the human-elephant conflict."

Autopsies have been conducted on the elephants, which included six cows, but a final report had not yet been released, he said.

Amaratunga added that 293 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lanka-probes-elephant-cruelty-at-buddhist-parade-243423">elephants</a> were murdered in the first nine months of this year, while 93 people were killed by wild elephants straying into villages near wildlife sanctuaries.

Last year, 319 elephants were murdered while 96 people were killed by elephants, official data showed.

Amaratunga said the government will also set up a 500-acre (202 hectares) sanctuary to home 47 tamed elephants seized from owners who did not have licences to own them.

The owners are being prosecuted for stealing the elephants from national wildlife parks over the last decade and keeping them as pets. Capturing wild elephants is illegal.

Many rich Sri Lankans keep elephants as pets to show off their wealth, but there have been numerous complaints of ill treatment and cruelty.

Sri Lanka announced harsher penalties in a bid to protect wild elephants on Tuesday, as investigators probed whether seven jumbos found poisoned over the weekend were killed by villagers.

Sri Lanka announced harsher penalties in a bid to protect wild elephants on Tuesday, as investigators probed whether seven jumbos found poisoned over the weekend were killed by villagers. Wildlife and Tourism Minister John Amaratunga said he will impose tougher sanctions on offenders to boost laws enacted three years ago but not yet implemented due to administrative delays. Elephants are a protected animal in the South Asian island nation and the new rules will increase the length of jail time and amount of fines for those found to have been cruel to the beasts. Authorities will also be given wider powers to investigate offenders, Amaratunga said, though no further details were released. Investigations into the deaths of seven elephants at a forest reserve in central Sri Lanka showed the animals had ingested poison, but it was not yet clear if they were murdered. "The deaths were caused by poison, but we are still trying to establish if it was a deliberate act (of villagers)," Amaratunga said. "We have found that many elephant corridors in wildlife reserves have been encroached by farmers. This has led to an increase in the human-elephant conflict." Autopsies have been conducted on the elephants, which included six cows, but a final report had not yet been released, he said. Amaratunga added that 293 elephants were murdered in the first nine months of this year, while 93 people were killed by wild elephants straying into villages near wildlife sanctuaries. Last year, 319 elephants were murdered while 96 people were killed by elephants, official data showed. Amaratunga said the government will also set up a 500-acre (202 hectares) sanctuary to home 47 tamed elephants seized from owners who did not have licences to own them. The owners are being prosecuted for stealing the elephants from national wildlife parks over the last decade and keeping them as pets. Capturing wild elephants is illegal. Many rich Sri Lankans keep elephants as pets to show off their wealth, but there have been numerous complaints of ill treatment and cruelty.

Tougher penalties to protect Sri Lanka elephants after mass deaths

The speaker of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-seeks-indias-help-to-strengthen-its-hydropower-sector-250266">Nepal's parliament </a>stepped down on Tuesday after a female employee of the parliament secretariat accused him of rape.

Krishna Bahadur Mahara, a senior member of the ruling Nepal Communist Party said he was stepping down to allow an "impartial and independent investigation into the allegations that have come forward in media reports... until the probe is complete."

A former rebel leader during Nepal's decade-long Maoist insurgency, Mahara has previously served as deputy prime minister and has held several ministerial positions.

In a video interview published by local online news portal&nbsp;<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://hamrakura.com&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1570016429781000&amp;usg=AFQjCNE36Bx4Sw7PvaM3yxlS2Brzpzx5BA" href="http://hamrakura.com/" target="_blank">hamrakura.com</a>, the woman said that an intoxicated Mahara arrived at her rented home on Sunday night and persuaded her to drink alcohol before assaulting her.

"I had not thought it would come to this. He forced himself (on me)... he left after I said I will call the police," she said in the interview. &nbsp;

The woman also showed apparent bruises on her arms, hands and feet.

Police confirmed receiving a call from the alleged victim on Sunday night.

"We are taking forward our investigation and have collected evidence from her house. But she has not filed a case yet," said Shyam Lal Gyawali, spokesman for the Metropolitan police unit.

The evidence includes a bottle of whiskey and a pair of broken spectacles, allegedly belonging to Mahara. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The speaker's name started trending on social media in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-central-bank-issues-three-coins-to-commemorate-guru-nanak-devs-birth-anniversary-252579">Nepal</a> on Tuesday, with many demanding an investigation.

"We will stay watchful. The impartial investigation is must. Position, reach, victim shaming will not be valued," tweeted woman's rights activist Hima Bista.

Activists say more women are speaking up about cases of sexual violence, but also that many still go unreported in deeply patriarchal Nepal.

The speaker of Nepal's parliament stepped down on Tuesday after a female employee of the parliament secretariat accused him of rape. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, a senior member of the ruling Nepal Communist Party said he was stepping down to allow an "impartial and independent investigation into the allegations that have come forward in media reports.

The speaker of Nepal's parliament stepped down on Tuesday after a female employee of the parliament secretariat accused him of rape. Krishna Bahadur Mahara, a senior member of the ruling Nepal Communist Party said he was stepping down to allow an "impartial and independent investigation into the allegations that have come forward in media reports... until the probe is complete." A former rebel leader during Nepal's decade-long Maoist insurgency, Mahara has previously served as deputy prime minister and has held several ministerial positions. In a video interview published by local online news portal hamrakura.com, the woman said that an intoxicated Mahara arrived at her rented home on Sunday night and persuaded her to drink alcohol before assaulting her. "I had not thought it would come to this. He forced himself (on me)... he left after I said I will call the police," she said in the interview. The woman also showed apparent bruises on her arms, hands and feet. Police confirmed receiving a call from the alleged victim on Sunday night. "We are taking forward our investigation and have collected evidence from her house. But she has not filed a case yet," said Shyam Lal Gyawali, spokesman for the Metropolitan police unit. The evidence includes a bottle of whiskey and a pair of broken spectacles, allegedly belonging to Mahara. The speaker's name started trending on social media in Nepal on Tuesday, with many demanding an investigation. "We will stay watchful. The impartial investigation is must. Position, reach, victim shaming will not be valued," tweeted woman's rights activist Hima Bista. Activists say more women are speaking up about cases of sexual violence, but also that many still go unreported in deeply patriarchal Nepal.

Nepal's parliament speaker steps down after rape claim

&nbsp;At least 11 people have been killed and six are missing after Pune and its neighbouring areas were hit by heavy rain and flash floods, a government official said on Wednesday.

More than 28,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas and the local administration is on alert for more rain, Deepak Mhaisekar told Reuters.

Pune, which is around 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Mumbai, has received 113 per cent more rainfall than average since the start of the monsoon season in early June, a weather department official said.

Of the 11 deaths, five occurred in Pune when a wall collapsed, said Mhaisekar.

South Asia gets monsoon rain annually during the June-September months which causes fatalities and mass displacement.

India's monsoons, which deliver more than 70 per cent of the country's annual rainfall, are crucial for farm output and economic growth, but rainfall often weakens the foundations of poorly built walls and buildings resulting in deaths

At least 11 people have been killed and six are missing after Pune and its neighbouring areas were hit by heavy rain and flash floods, a government official said on Wednesday.

At least 11 people have been killed and six are missing after Pune and its neighbouring areas were hit by heavy rain and flash floods, a government official said on Wednesday. More than 28,000 people have been evacuated from low-lying areas and the local administration is on alert for more rain, Deepak Mhaisekar told Reuters. Pune, which is around 200 kilometers (124 miles) from Mumbai, has received 113 per cent more rainfall than average since the start of the monsoon season in early June, a weather department official said. Of the 11 deaths, five occurred in Pune when a wall collapsed, said Mhaisekar. South Asia gets monsoon rain annually during the June-September months which causes fatalities and mass displacement. India's monsoons, which deliver more than 70 per cent of the country's annual rainfall, are crucial for farm output and economic growth, but rainfall often weakens the foundations of poorly built walls and buildings resulting in deaths

At least 11 dead, thousands evacuated as flash floods hit western India

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-are-scared-deadly-dengue-outbreak-overwhelms-bangladesh-241461">dengue death toll</a>&nbsp;has increased from 68 to 75 in Bangladesh, said Health Emergency Operation Centre and Control Room at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Monday.

Adding that the number of patients currently undergoing treatment in government and private hospitals in the country was 2,018, DGHS also stated that a total of 461 dengue patients have been admitted to different hospitals across Bangladesh in the last 24 hours.

According to data, as many as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-faces-worst-ever-dengue-fever-outbreak-239918">75 people have died</a> across the country from January 1 till September 23. However, the unofficial death toll is reported to be at least 162 so far, reported Dhaka Tribune.

While 861 patients were currently receiving treatment in 41 government and private hospitals in Dhaka, over 1,157 people were undergoing treatment outside Dhaka, the DGHS said in a press release.

Since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/around-3931-patients-undergoing-treatment-as-dengue-wreaks-havoc-in-bangladesh-247190">January this year</a>, as many as 85,288 people have been affected by dengue in the country.

Among the admitted, a total of 83,046 have been released from their respective hospitals and clinics after treatment.

The dengue death toll has increased from 68 to 75 in Bangladesh, said Health Emergency Operation Centre and Control Room at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Monday.

The dengue death toll has increased from 68 to 75 in Bangladesh, said Health Emergency Operation Centre and Control Room at the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on Monday. Adding that the number of patients currently undergoing treatment in government and private hospitals in the country was 2,018, DGHS also stated that a total of 461 dengue patients have been admitted to different hospitals across Bangladesh in the last 24 hours. According to data, as many as 75 people have died across the country from January 1 till September 23. However, the unofficial death toll is reported to be at least 162 so far, reported Dhaka Tribune. While 861 patients were currently receiving treatment in 41 government and private hospitals in Dhaka, over 1,157 people were undergoing treatment outside Dhaka, the DGHS said in a press release. Since January this year, as many as 85,288 people have been affected by dengue in the country. Among the admitted, a total of 83,046 have been released from their respective hospitals and clinics after treatment.

Bangladesh struggles to contain dengue outbreak, death toll climbs to 75

According to government data from Wednesday, Sri Lanka's economy grew at its slowest pace in more than five years from April to June, as the Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed over 250 people hit the island nation's fastest-growing tourism sector.

The economy gained 1.6% in the second quarter of 2019, slowing from a growth rate of 3.7% the previous quarter and its slowest pace since the first quarter of 2014, the government data showed.

But the growth is still better than expected as analysts had predicted a contraction in the June quarter due to negative impacts of the attacks.

Accommodation, food, and beverage service activities, which have been rapidly growing due to a high tourist influx, fell 9.9% in the June quarter, compared to the same period a year ago.

Sri Lanka's economy is expected to slump to a nearly two-decade low in 2019, a Reuters poll showed. Tourism, foreign investment, and business activity has&nbsp;eased sharply in the wake of the bombings.

Sri Lanka's central bank has estimated this year's growth at 3.1% slowing from last year's 3.2%, its lowest since a contraction following a terrorist attack on the island nation's main airport in 2001.

Since the Easter attacks, the central bank has cut the key policy rates by 100 basis points, but the private sector credit growth, a bellwether of the economy, has yet to pick up.

Sri Lanka's service sector, accounting for more than half of the economy, grew at 4.1% in the first quarter of 2019, compared to 4.4% in the same period last year, based on the data issued by the Statistics Department.

The industrial sector, accounting for more than a quarter of the economy, grew by 1.4%, compared to 2.8% growth in the previous period while agriculture grew by 1.0%, compared to an earlier 5.6%.

Growth in 2018 hit a 17-year low of 3.2 per cent, from 3.4 in 2017, due to a political crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked his Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and dissolved the parliament. It was later ruled unconstitutional, and Wickremesinghe was reinstated.

The crisis created panic and uncertainty among investors, who dumped Sri Lankan government bonds and other assets, sending the rupee currency to record lows.

Tourism, which accounts for 5% of the country's gross domestic product, has suffered as travellers cancelled hotel and flight bookings.

According to government data from Wednesday, Sri Lanka's economy grew at its slowest pace in more than five years from April to June, as the Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed over 250 people hit the island nation's fastest-growing tourism sector.

According to government data from Wednesday, Sri Lanka's economy grew at its slowest pace in more than five years from April to June, as the Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed over 250 people hit the island nation's fastest-growing tourism sector. The economy gained 1.6% in the second quarter of 2019, slowing from a growth rate of 3.7% the previous quarter and its slowest pace since the first quarter of 2014, the government data showed. But the growth is still better than expected as analysts had predicted a contraction in the June quarter due to negative impacts of the attacks. Accommodation, food, and beverage service activities, which have been rapidly growing due to a high tourist influx, fell 9.9% in the June quarter, compared to the same period a year ago. Sri Lanka's economy is expected to slump to a nearly two-decade low in 2019, a Reuters poll showed. Tourism, foreign investment, and business activity has eased sharply in the wake of the bombings. Sri Lanka's central bank has estimated this year's growth at 3.1% slowing from last year's 3.2%, its lowest since a contraction following a terrorist attack on the island nation's main airport in 2001. Since the Easter attacks, the central bank has cut the key policy rates by 100 basis points, but the private sector credit growth, a bellwether of the economy, has yet to pick up. Sri Lanka's service sector, accounting for more than half of the economy, grew at 4.1% in the first quarter of 2019, compared to 4.4% in the same period last year, based on the data issued by the Statistics Department. The industrial sector, accounting for more than a quarter of the economy, grew by 1.4%, compared to 2.8% growth in the previous period while agriculture grew by 1.0%, compared to an earlier 5.6%. Growth in 2018 hit a 17-year low of 3.2 per cent, from 3.4 in 2017, due to a political crisis after President Maithripala Sirisena abruptly sacked his Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and dissolved the parliament. It was later ruled unconstitutional, and Wickremesinghe was reinstated. The crisis created panic and uncertainty among investors, who dumped Sri Lankan government bonds and other assets, sending the rupee currency to record lows. Tourism, which accounts for 5% of the country's gross domestic product, has suffered as travellers cancelled hotel and flight bookings.

Sri Lanka's second quarter GDP growth slumps to over 5-year low as Easter attacks weigh

Wion Exclusive: Pakistan's First Female Astronaut Namira Salim Hails ISRO's Attempt To Land On The South Pole Of The Moon.

Gravitas: Pakistani Astronaut Lauds ISRO: A Giant Leap For South Asia

In a bid to secure its plunging economy, Pakistan has been desperately trying to garner more investments and bailout packages from various entities.

The huge debt pile-up, however, would gradually force a slowdown in new projects that may push the country into a deeper economic crisis.

Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has decided to send its team this month for suggesting ways and means curtail the yawning budget deficit being faced by cash-strapped Pakistan.

Earlier in July, the global money-lender had approved a six billion US dollars&nbsp;loan to Pakistan, which is facing significant economic challenges in the backdrop of the country's large fiscal deficits and loose monetary policies.

The IMF team will discuss fiscal issues with special focus to restrict the target of primary deficit within the desired limits, according to Pakistani media reports.

In addition, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, has also reportedly announced that Beijing is planning to invest one billion US dollars in development projects in Pakistan, especially the CPEC that connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province.

"Pakistan borrowed $16B from abroad in the 2018-19 fiscal year to avoid running out of foreign currency. 42 per cent&nbsp;of that, or $6.7B, came from China. The government also approached IMF, which in July approved a $6B bailout," Jeff M. Smith, a research scholar from South Asia-Heritage Foundation, said on Twitter.

"The huge debt pile is forcing a slowdown in new projects," Smith added. Previously, the IMF had pointed out that dull progress in structural progress continued to hamper investment and allowed "inefficient state-owned entities (SOEs) to linger and a large informal economy to expand".

Citing Pakistan's finance ministry's documents, Express Tribune reported that foreign loan disbursements between July 2018 and April 2019 of the current financial year showed loans for the Karachi Nuclear Power Plants, known as K2 and K3, and China SAFE deposits as part of federal debt obligations.

Also, countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have given bailout packages to the cash-strapped country in a bid to tackle its ballooning balance-of-payments crisis.

The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between the revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected on an anti-corruption plank and a pledge to end austerity measures, had vowed to improve the depleting economic situation of the cash-strapped country.

In fact, the opposite has happened. In reality, prices of gas and oil products and electricity in Pakistan have risen considerably, burning a hole in the common man's pocket. Pakistan had received the first tranche of the loan worth $991.4 million from the IMF in May.

In a bid to secure its plunging economy, Pakistan has been desperately trying to garner more investments and bailout packages from various entities. The huge debt pile-up, however, would gradually force a slowdown in new projects that may push the country into a deeper economic crisis.

In a bid to secure its plunging economy, Pakistan has been desperately trying to garner more investments and bailout packages from various entities. The huge debt pile-up, however, would gradually force a slowdown in new projects that may push the country into a deeper economic crisis. Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has decided to send its team this month for suggesting ways and means curtail the yawning budget deficit being faced by cash-strapped Pakistan. Earlier in July, the global money-lender had approved a six billion US dollars loan to Pakistan, which is facing significant economic challenges in the backdrop of the country's large fiscal deficits and loose monetary policies. The IMF team will discuss fiscal issues with special focus to restrict the target of primary deficit within the desired limits, according to Pakistani media reports. In addition, the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Yao Jing, has also reportedly announced that Beijing is planning to invest one billion US dollars in development projects in Pakistan, especially the CPEC that connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province. "Pakistan borrowed $16B from abroad in the 2018-19 fiscal year to avoid running out of foreign currency. 42 per cent of that, or $6.7B, came from China. The government also approached IMF, which in July approved a $6B bailout," Jeff M. Smith, a research scholar from South Asia-Heritage Foundation, said on Twitter. "The huge debt pile is forcing a slowdown in new projects," Smith added. Previously, the IMF had pointed out that dull progress in structural progress continued to hamper investment and allowed "inefficient state-owned entities (SOEs) to linger and a large informal economy to expand". Citing Pakistan's finance ministry's documents, Express Tribune reported that foreign loan disbursements between July 2018 and April 2019 of the current financial year showed loans for the Karachi Nuclear Power Plants, known as K2 and K3, and China SAFE deposits as part of federal debt obligations. Also, countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have given bailout packages to the cash-strapped country in a bid to tackle its ballooning balance-of-payments crisis. The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan rose to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between the revenues and expenditures of the federal government. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected on an anti-corruption plank and a pledge to end austerity measures, had vowed to improve the depleting economic situation of the cash-strapped country. In fact, the opposite has happened. In reality, prices of gas and oil products and electricity in Pakistan have risen considerably, burning a hole in the common man's pocket. Pakistan had received the first tranche of the loan worth $991.4 million from the IMF in May.

More loans may lead to slowdown of Pakistan's crumbling economy

At least three people were injured in a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Shaheed Square here on Monday.

The incident was confirmed by Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz, according to TOLOnews.

The blast occurred in Kabul's Police District (PD) 4.&nbsp;

At least three people were injured in a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Shaheed Square here on Monday. The incident was confirmed by Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz, according to TOLOnews.

At least three people were injured in a magnetic improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Shaheed Square here on Monday. The incident was confirmed by Kabul police spokesman Ferdaws Faramarz, according to TOLOnews. The blast occurred in Kabul's Police District (PD) 4.

Afghanistan: 3 people wounded in IED blast in Kabul

The Taliban launched an offensive Friday against a key city in western Afghanistan, officials said, the latest in a surge of attacks as the US pushes for a deal that would allow it to begin withdrawing troops.

Dozens of Taliban fighters assaulted Farah city, the capital of Farah province, early in the day and seized an Afghan army recruitment centre, Farooq Barakzai, the spokesman for Farah's provincial governor, told AFP.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi meanwhile said a "massive operation" was underway in the province.

The remote poppy-growing region that borders Iran has been the scene of intense fighting in recent years, and there have long been fears that its capital is vulnerable.

Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the Taliban had suffered "heavy blows" and would be "eliminated very soon".

In May last year, the Taliban made a major attempt to capture Farah city but were eventually driven back by Afghan and US forces.

The Taliban have been stepping up operations in recent days even as they negotiate with Washington for a deal that would see the US pull troops from Afghanistan in return for various security guarantees.

On Saturday, the group attempted to seize the provincial capital of Kunduz in the north and sporadic fighting continued on the outskirts all week.

And on Sunday, they launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province.

The capital Kabul too has been rocked by back-to-back bombings this week that have claimed dozens of lives.

The Taliban launched an offensive Friday against a key city in western Afghanistan, officials said, the latest in a surge of attacks as the US pushes for a deal that would allow it to begin withdrawing troops.

The Taliban launched an offensive Friday against a key city in western Afghanistan, officials said, the latest in a surge of attacks as the US pushes for a deal that would allow it to begin withdrawing troops. Dozens of Taliban fighters assaulted Farah city, the capital of Farah province, early in the day and seized an Afghan army recruitment centre, Farooq Barakzai, the spokesman for Farah's provincial governor, told AFP. Taliban spokesman Qari Yousuf Ahmadi meanwhile said a "massive operation" was underway in the province. The remote poppy-growing region that borders Iran has been the scene of intense fighting in recent years, and there have long been fears that its capital is vulnerable. Interior ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi said the Taliban had suffered "heavy blows" and would be "eliminated very soon". In May last year, the Taliban made a major attempt to capture Farah city but were eventually driven back by Afghan and US forces. The Taliban have been stepping up operations in recent days even as they negotiate with Washington for a deal that would see the US pull troops from Afghanistan in return for various security guarantees. On Saturday, the group attempted to seize the provincial capital of Kunduz in the north and sporadic fighting continued on the outskirts all week. And on Sunday, they launched an operation in the city of Pul-e Khumri, the capital of neighbouring Baghlan province. The capital Kabul too has been rocked by back-to-back bombings this week that have claimed dozens of lives.

Taliban assault provincial capital in west Afghanistan

US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad has almost stuck a peace deal with the Taliban during the recently-concluded Eighth Round of talks at Doha.&nbsp;

Although violence by Taliban has not come down, the US displaying extraordinary zeal to end its 18-year-old military engagement in Afghanistan is bending over backwards to reach a face-saving deal when the country goes to elections next year. &nbsp;

Afghanistan has turned out to be the longest overseas operations of the US military and has cost it over 2,400 lives and nearly $1 trillion. As a result, war-weariness and fatigue have set in.

President Donald Trump is, therefore, banking on Islamabad to get the Taliban to the negotiating table, which explains Ambassador Khalilzad’s stopover at Islamabad en route to Doha. The deal apparently entails time-bound withdrawal by the US troops in return for an assurance by the Taliban that they will not allow the territory under their control to turn into a sanctuary for international terrorism.&nbsp;

According to reports trickling out, there is some disagreement between the US and the Taliban over the time frame of the withdrawal of 14,000 US troops from Afghanistan. However, Khalilzad appeared optimistic about the deal, which would serve Trump’s objective of getting US troops home, while allowing the Taliban to proclaim victory for ‘having driven out’ foreign troops from Afghan territory.

After the deal is finalised, it is expected to be followed by intra-Afghan negotiations in Norway. These negotiations are going to be a tough nut to crack, as the Taliban has consistently refused to accord any legitimacy to the Afghan government led by President Ashraf Ghani. &nbsp;

Although Khalilzad’s expected presence at these negotiations may ensure some forward movement, it is unlikely that lasting peace will come to Afghanistan. The whole process of negotiations with the Taliban has weakened the position of President Ghani and his government.&nbsp;

In a tribal society, negotiations are usually between equals, and the US, by negotiating with the Taliban without the presence of Afghan government, has not only given a veneer of respectability to Taliban, it has also raised their stature and simultaneously undermined the authority of the Afghan government. &nbsp;

This has demoralised the Afghan National Army, which has been the main bulwark against the Taliban. One needs to appreciate that the power change in Afghanistan has come about because the established authority has been militarily defeated due to the defection of its key military commanders.&nbsp;

In view of this precedent, it becomes even more important that anything that demoralises the military should be avoided. In any case, Taliban’s presence in the government means imposition of its own rigid obscurantist ideology on the Afghan populace.&nbsp;

Religious and sectarian minorities as well as women are accordingly concerned about their future under any regime that has Taliban as a component. Consequently, those with avenues have started making alternate plans.&nbsp;

The US decision to talk to Taliban has also transformed Pakistan’s fortunes. As most of the Taliban leadership is located on Pakistani soil and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the chief negotiator of Taliban at Doha, was in Pakistan’s custody for almost nine years, Islamabad is trying to occupy the centre stage again, which is quite evident from its belligerent rhetoric on Kashmir.&nbsp;

 
During Imran Khan’s recent visit to the United States, not only did Trump agree to the reinstatement of economic assistance and quadrupling of trade, he even volunteered to mediate on Kashmir. All this benevolence on Pakistan was showered primarily because the US had changed its stance on Afghanistan and the Pakistan Army, which has sheltered Taliban leadership for close to two decades, could well ensure a deal with the Taliban, and before Trump’s re-election. &nbsp;&nbsp;

US interlocutors, as well as most western analysts, mistakenly believe that it is feasible to isolate Al Qaeda, while cuddling up to Taliban. They often overlook the theological dimensions of relationship between Taliban and Al Qaeda.&nbsp;

Theologically, jihad mandates that it should be waged under a righteous leader and those waging it must control some fort, city or territory. Consequently, the Al Qaeda has never talked of jihad under the leadership of Osama bin Laden or Ayman al Zawahiri. They have always declared that they are waging a jihad under Amir ul Muminin (Commander of the Faithful), who was earlier Mullah Omar and is now Maulavi Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of Taliban.&nbsp;

Consequently, if there were to be prolonged peace between the Taliban and the West, then Al Qaeda’s jihad would lose theological legitimacy. So, as long as Al Qaeda survives, it will not allow sustained peace between the US and Taliban. While a peace deal may provide President Trump a fig leaf to pull out from Afghanistan, in the long run, it will turn out to be extremely counter-productive. &nbsp;

Any Taliban regime in the future is likely to be far more closely aligned with global jihadi movements and their aims and objectives are no longer going to be confined within the geographical frontiers of Afghanistan. It will start exporting its ideology to the neighbourhood, promoting radical outfits in different parts of South and Central Asia. This could pose a serious challenge to India. It is in India’s interest to crush Taliban in Afghanistan rather than deal with them at Wagah or Srinagar.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-taliban-s-seat-at-the-table-2783216">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad has almost stuck a peace deal with the Taliban during the recently-concluded Eighth Round of talks at Doha. Although violence by Taliban has not come down, the US displaying extraordinary zeal to end its 18-year-old military engagement in Afghanistan is bending over backwards to reach a face-saving deal when the country goes to elections next year.

US special representative Zalmay Khalilzad has almost stuck a peace deal with the Taliban during the recently-concluded Eighth Round of talks at Doha. Although violence by Taliban has not come down, the US displaying extraordinary zeal to end its 18-year-old military engagement in Afghanistan is bending over backwards to reach a face-saving deal when the country goes to elections next year. Afghanistan has turned out to be the longest overseas operations of the US military and has cost it over 2,400 lives and nearly $1 trillion. As a result, war-weariness and fatigue have set in. President Donald Trump is, therefore, banking on Islamabad to get the Taliban to the negotiating table, which explains Ambassador Khalilzad’s stopover at Islamabad en route to Doha. The deal apparently entails time-bound withdrawal by the US troops in return for an assurance by the Taliban that they will not allow the territory under their control to turn into a sanctuary for international terrorism. According to reports trickling out, there is some disagreement between the US and the Taliban over the time frame of the withdrawal of 14,000 US troops from Afghanistan. However, Khalilzad appeared optimistic about the deal, which would serve Trump’s objective of getting US troops home, while allowing the Taliban to proclaim victory for ‘having driven out’ foreign troops from Afghan territory. After the deal is finalised, it is expected to be followed by intra-Afghan negotiations in Norway. These negotiations are going to be a tough nut to crack, as the Taliban has consistently refused to accord any legitimacy to the Afghan government led by President Ashraf Ghani. Although Khalilzad’s expected presence at these negotiations may ensure some forward movement, it is unlikely that lasting peace will come to Afghanistan. The whole process of negotiations with the Taliban has weakened the position of President Ghani and his government. In a tribal society, negotiations are usually between equals, and the US, by negotiating with the Taliban without the presence of Afghan government, has not only given a veneer of respectability to Taliban, it has also raised their stature and simultaneously undermined the authority of the Afghan government. This has demoralised the Afghan National Army, which has been the main bulwark against the Taliban. One needs to appreciate that the power change in Afghanistan has come about because the established authority has been militarily defeated due to the defection of its key military commanders. In view of this precedent, it becomes even more important that anything that demoralises the military should be avoided. In any case, Taliban’s presence in the government means imposition of its own rigid obscurantist ideology on the Afghan populace. Religious and sectarian minorities as well as women are accordingly concerned about their future under any regime that has Taliban as a component. Consequently, those with avenues have started making alternate plans. The US decision to talk to Taliban has also transformed Pakistan’s fortunes. As most of the Taliban leadership is located on Pakistani soil and Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the chief negotiator of Taliban at Doha, was in Pakistan’s custody for almost nine years, Islamabad is trying to occupy the centre stage again, which is quite evident from its belligerent rhetoric on Kashmir. During Imran Khan’s recent visit to the United States, not only did Trump agree to the reinstatement of economic assistance and quadrupling of trade, he even volunteered to mediate on Kashmir. All this benevolence on Pakistan was showered primarily because the US had changed its stance on Afghanistan and the Pakistan Army, which has sheltered Taliban leadership for close to two decades, could well ensure a deal with the Taliban, and before Trump’s re-election. US interlocutors, as well as most western analysts, mistakenly believe that it is feasible to isolate Al Qaeda, while cuddling up to Taliban. They often overlook the theological dimensions of relationship between Taliban and Al Qaeda. Theologically, jihad mandates that it should be waged under a righteous leader and those waging it must control some fort, city or territory. Consequently, the Al Qaeda has never talked of jihad under the leadership of Osama bin Laden or Ayman al Zawahiri. They have always declared that they are waging a jihad under Amir ul Muminin (Commander of the Faithful), who was earlier Mullah Omar and is now Maulavi Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of Taliban. Consequently, if there were to be prolonged peace between the Taliban and the West, then Al Qaeda’s jihad would lose theological legitimacy. So, as long as Al Qaeda survives, it will not allow sustained peace between the US and Taliban. While a peace deal may provide President Trump a fig leaf to pull out from Afghanistan, in the long run, it will turn out to be extremely counter-productive. Any Taliban regime in the future is likely to be far more closely aligned with global jihadi movements and their aims and objectives are no longer going to be confined within the geographical frontiers of Afghanistan. It will start exporting its ideology to the neighbourhood, promoting radical outfits in different parts of South and Central Asia. This could pose a serious challenge to India. It is in India’s interest to crush Taliban in Afghanistan rather than deal with them at Wagah or Srinagar. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Any role for Pakistan-backed extremists in Afghanistan is bad news for South Asia

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over alleged ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).

He was summoned by Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan's Director General for South Asia and SAARC, over the alleged incidents.

This development comes amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-outcry-over-kashmir-height-of-hypocrisy-shamelessness-says-baloch-activist-242681">heightened tensions between India and Pakistan</a> after the former's action to reorganize Jammu and Kashmir and remove provisions in Article 370, which gave special status to people of the state.

New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 Ceasefire arrangement. However, Pakistan has regularly violated a ceasefire along the LoC.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over alleged ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). He was summoned by Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan's Director General for South Asia and SAARC, over the alleged incidents.

Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over alleged ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). He was summoned by Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan's Director General for South Asia and SAARC, over the alleged incidents. This development comes amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the former's action to reorganize Jammu and Kashmir and remove provisions in Article 370, which gave special status to people of the state. New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 Ceasefire arrangement. However, Pakistan has regularly violated a ceasefire along the LoC.

Pakistan summons Indian envoy over alleged ceasefire violation

Myanmar troops deployed to flood-hit parts of the country on Sunday to help with relief efforts after rising waters left thousands stranded and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-landslide-kills-41-many-more-feared-missing-242080">death toll from a landslide </a>jumped to 51.&nbsp;

Every year monsoon rains hammer Myanmar and other countries across Southeast Asia, submerging homes, displacing residents and triggering landslides.

But this year's deluge has tested the government's ability to respond after a fatal landslide on Friday in southeastern Mon state was followed by heavy flooding that reached the roofs of houses and the tops of street signs in nearby towns.

Hundreds of emergency response workers were still pulling victims out of the muddy wreckage in Paung township on Sunday.

"Three more dead bodies were found at 11:50 am. The total death toll has reached 51 people," the Myanmar fire services department said on its Facebook page.

Heavy rains pounded other parts of Mon, Karen and Kachin states, flooding roads, destroying bridges and forcing people to flee by boat.

As the rainy season reaches its peak, the country's armed forces are pitching in.

"Our regional military commands are working to help with the search and rescue process in disaster areas," Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told AFP.&nbsp;

"Helicopters will be used to supply food."

The bulk of the effort is focused on hard-hit Mon state, which sits on the coast of the Andaman sea.

"This year is the worst," a resident of Ye township told AFP.

"There are some casualties at nearby villages. But we can't reach those villages yet."

Pictures from the area show residents swimming away or bundling their possessions onto small boats and rowing to higher ground.

Floodwaters have submerged more than 4,000 houses in the state and displaced more than 25,000 residents who have sought shelter in monasteries and pagodas, according to state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar.

Vice President Henry Van Thio visited landslide survivors in a Paung township village on Saturday and "spoke of his sorrow" while promising relief assistance, the paper reported.

Myanmar troops deployed to flood-hit parts of the country on Sunday to help with relief efforts after rising waters left thousands stranded and the death toll from a landslide jumped to 51.

Myanmar troops deployed to flood-hit parts of the country on Sunday to help with relief efforts after rising waters left thousands stranded and the death toll from a landslide jumped to 51. Every year monsoon rains hammer Myanmar and other countries across Southeast Asia, submerging homes, displacing residents and triggering landslides. But this year's deluge has tested the government's ability to respond after a fatal landslide on Friday in southeastern Mon state was followed by heavy flooding that reached the roofs of houses and the tops of street signs in nearby towns. Hundreds of emergency response workers were still pulling victims out of the muddy wreckage in Paung township on Sunday. "Three more dead bodies were found at 11:50 am. The total death toll has reached 51 people," the Myanmar fire services department said on its Facebook page. Heavy rains pounded other parts of Mon, Karen and Kachin states, flooding roads, destroying bridges and forcing people to flee by boat. As the rainy season reaches its peak, the country's armed forces are pitching in. "Our regional military commands are working to help with the search and rescue process in disaster areas," Brigadier General Zaw Min Tun told AFP. "Helicopters will be used to supply food." The bulk of the effort is focused on hard-hit Mon state, which sits on the coast of the Andaman sea. "This year is the worst," a resident of Ye township told AFP. "There are some casualties at nearby villages. But we can't reach those villages yet." Pictures from the area show residents swimming away or bundling their possessions onto small boats and rowing to higher ground. Floodwaters have submerged more than 4,000 houses in the state and displaced more than 25,000 residents who have sought shelter in monasteries and pagodas, according to state-owned Global New Light of Myanmar. Vice President Henry Van Thio visited landslide survivors in a Paung township village on Saturday and "spoke of his sorrow" while promising relief assistance, the paper reported.

Myanmar troops help flood rescue after landslide kills 51

How can ASEAN shape the regional architecture? Can ASEAN resolve maritime disputes in the region? WION's @palkisu discusses with the ambassador of Thailand to India @Chutintorn_Sam on #WIONWorldOrder

WION World Order: How can ASEAN shape the regional architecture? Briefed by Thailand's Ambassador

How will ASEAN take the lead in reshaping the Indo-Pacific? WION's @palkisu discusses with Vietnamese Ambassador to India @SanhChauPham on #WIONWorldOrder

WION World Order: How will ASEAN reshape Indo-Pacific? discussed with Vietnamese Ambassador

Sri Lanka's parliament has blocked a visiting UN human rights expert from meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases, citing fears of foreign interference in the judicial system.

Clement Voule, an envoy of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-rights-recommendations-to-be-taken-seriously-maduro-229391">United Nations</a> Human Rights Council, travelled to the South Asian nation to discuss civil rights protections in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-need-patriotism-like-india-and-a-leader-who-is-trusted-by-all-sri-lankan-buddhist-monk-galagoda-aththe-gnanasara-thero-to-wion-236978">Sri Lanka</a>.

But opposition leader Mahinda Rajapakse told parliament on Tuesday that Voule's plans to meet with senior judges overseeing cases concerning military excesses during the former strongman's tenure amounted to foreign interference.

On Wednesday parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he had "intervened and stopped the meeting".

"I thank the opposition for bringing this to my notice, I have taken timely action," Jayasuriya added.

Sri Lanka faced international censure for its human rights record under Rajapakse, who was toppled in January 2015 elections.

Forces under his command were accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year war against Tamil separatists that ended in May 2009.

Rajapakse's administration resisted global pressure to examine allegations of major human rights violations during his tenure. His successor President Maithripala Sirisena came to power on a pledge to investigate wartime atrocities but has refused calls for an international probe.

UN expert Voule has so far met Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in the presence of foreign ministry officials. He is due to leave Sri Lanka on Friday.

Sri Lanka's parliament has blocked a visiting UN human rights expert from meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases, citing fears of foreign interference in the judicial system.

Sri Lanka's parliament has blocked a visiting UN human rights expert from meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases, citing fears of foreign interference in the judicial system. Clement Voule, an envoy of the United Nations Human Rights Council, travelled to the South Asian nation to discuss civil rights protections in Sri Lanka. But opposition leader Mahinda Rajapakse told parliament on Tuesday that Voule's plans to meet with senior judges overseeing cases concerning military excesses during the former strongman's tenure amounted to foreign interference. On Wednesday parliament speaker Karu Jayasuriya said he had "intervened and stopped the meeting". "I thank the opposition for bringing this to my notice, I have taken timely action," Jayasuriya added. Sri Lanka faced international censure for its human rights record under Rajapakse, who was toppled in January 2015 elections. Forces under his command were accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians in the final months of the island's 37-year war against Tamil separatists that ended in May 2009. Rajapakse's administration resisted global pressure to examine allegations of major human rights violations during his tenure. His successor President Maithripala Sirisena came to power on a pledge to investigate wartime atrocities but has refused calls for an international probe. UN expert Voule has so far met Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya in the presence of foreign ministry officials. He is due to leave Sri Lanka on Friday.

Sri Lanka blocks United Nations meeting with judges hearing war crimes cases

With summer holidays beginning in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/glacier-the-size-of-britain-could-disappear-and-drown-low-lying-coasts-study-234708">Britain</a> this week, officials are redoubling efforts at the border to stop young people from being dragged into forced marriages.

At a Heathrow Airport arrivals gate, an AFP reporter watched as officials from a special task force comprising police, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-agents-prepare-to-arrest-thousands-migrants-live-in-fear-235693">immigration agents</a> and charity workers intercepted a family disembarking a flight from Bangalore, India.

A young woman in the group raised red flags because of bruises on her arm, while a 13-year-old girl appeared especially timid both indicators of potential coercion.

After speaking to family members individually, officials were satisfied that the family was traveling to Britain for a funeral and the bruising was due to a traffic accident.

But the officials also learned that the young woman's parents had recently found her a fiance in their home state of Kerala and that he, too, may travel to Britain.

Trained task force officers took the woman aside to brief her on her rights and to press upon her that forced marriage is illegal in Britain.

"She's (now) aware of consent, and that she can withdraw her consent at any time," Detective Sergeant Kate Bridger of the Metropolitan Police told her team after they questioned 72 of the 250 people on the Air India flight.

'No winners here'&nbsp;

Britain outlawed forced marriage in 2014, with a maximum jail term of seven years for offenders.

Figures from the interior ministry's forced marriage unit show 1,764 reported cases in 2018 &nbsp;a 47 percent increase from the year before.

The reported cases are thought to be the tip of the iceberg.

Most cases involve Britons being married against their will overseas, mainly in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan.

So the task force targeted passengers on flights to and from the Indian sub-continent as well as Middle East hub airports.

"It's not just a South Asian problem... it cuts across lots of different cultures and communities too," task force member detective sergeant Trudy Gittins told AFP.

Men were also affected, she said, as well as members of the LGBT community with cases of gay men forced to marry members of the opposite sex by their conservative families.

Cases in Britain have ranged from a two-year-old promised in a religious ceremony to marry into another family, to an 80-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer whose carer forced him into marriage to inherit his estate.

A third of the victims are younger than 18, and three-quarters are girls or women.

West Midlands Police last year secured the first conviction in England for forced marriage, with a woman jailed after her 13-year-old daughter was raped by her "fiance", a relative in Pakistan.

"There are no winners here this was her mum," said Gittins.

Senior officers said the emphasis of this week's operation was on prevention rather than prosecution.

"Our focus is not to criminalize parents or members of the extended family," said the Met's acting chief superintendent Parm Sandhu.&nbsp;

"Our focus is to safeguard young people."

Like being 'buried alive'

The task force is targeting Britain's busiest airports, stations and ports as the school holiday season gets underway a time when cases typically spike.

As team members gathered in a windowless room in the bowels of Heathrow, Gittins told them that victims have described being forced into marriage as being "buried alive".

"I want you to feel that statement today," she urged her colleagues.&nbsp;

Some of those greeted by the task force on arrival at Heathrow welcomed the initiative.

"We were very surprised, it's not something we've come across before," said Karan Shah, 31, with his wife on a three-week visit to Britain.

The couple had an arranged marriage to which both had agreed, he said, adding that in many parts of rural India forced marriages do still occur.

"It's very unfortunate so I give this a big thumbs up," said Shah.

With summer holidays beginning in Britain this week, officials are redoubling efforts at the border to stop young people from being dragged into forced marriages.

With summer holidays beginning in Britain this week, officials are redoubling efforts at the border to stop young people from being dragged into forced marriages. At a Heathrow Airport arrivals gate, an AFP reporter watched as officials from a special task force comprising police, immigration agents and charity workers intercepted a family disembarking a flight from Bangalore, India. A young woman in the group raised red flags because of bruises on her arm, while a 13-year-old girl appeared especially timid both indicators of potential coercion. After speaking to family members individually, officials were satisfied that the family was traveling to Britain for a funeral and the bruising was due to a traffic accident. But the officials also learned that the young woman's parents had recently found her a fiance in their home state of Kerala and that he, too, may travel to Britain. Trained task force officers took the woman aside to brief her on her rights and to press upon her that forced marriage is illegal in Britain. "She's (now) aware of consent, and that she can withdraw her consent at any time," Detective Sergeant Kate Bridger of the Metropolitan Police told her team after they questioned 72 of the 250 people on the Air India flight. 'No winners here' Britain outlawed forced marriage in 2014, with a maximum jail term of seven years for offenders. Figures from the interior ministry's forced marriage unit show 1,764 reported cases in 2018 a 47 percent increase from the year before. The reported cases are thought to be the tip of the iceberg. Most cases involve Britons being married against their will overseas, mainly in Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. So the task force targeted passengers on flights to and from the Indian sub-continent as well as Middle East hub airports. "It's not just a South Asian problem... it cuts across lots of different cultures and communities too," task force member detective sergeant Trudy Gittins told AFP. Men were also affected, she said, as well as members of the LGBT community with cases of gay men forced to marry members of the opposite sex by their conservative families. Cases in Britain have ranged from a two-year-old promised in a religious ceremony to marry into another family, to an 80-year-old Alzheimer's sufferer whose carer forced him into marriage to inherit his estate. A third of the victims are younger than 18, and three-quarters are girls or women. West Midlands Police last year secured the first conviction in England for forced marriage, with a woman jailed after her 13-year-old daughter was raped by her "fiance", a relative in Pakistan. "There are no winners here this was her mum," said Gittins. Senior officers said the emphasis of this week's operation was on prevention rather than prosecution. "Our focus is not to criminalize parents or members of the extended family," said the Met's acting chief superintendent Parm Sandhu. "Our focus is to safeguard young people." Like being 'buried alive' The task force is targeting Britain's busiest airports, stations and ports as the school holiday season gets underway a time when cases typically spike. As team members gathered in a windowless room in the bowels of Heathrow, Gittins told them that victims have described being forced into marriage as being "buried alive". "I want you to feel that statement today," she urged her colleagues. Some of those greeted by the task force on arrival at Heathrow welcomed the initiative. "We were very surprised, it's not something we've come across before," said Karan Shah, 31, with his wife on a three-week visit to Britain. The couple had an arranged marriage to which both had agreed, he said, adding that in many parts of rural India forced marriages do still occur. "It's very unfortunate so I give this a big thumbs up," said Shah.

As holidays begin, UK looks out for forced marriages

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