Days after the beginning of intra-Afghan talks in Qatar's Doha, US Special Envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad is scheduled to visit New Delhi on September 15 (Tuesday).

US Special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad to meet S Jaishankar

Pakistan is among a handful of countries to have witnessed a dramatic drop in the number of daily coronavirus cases, from nearly 7,000 to 200 over the past few months

Pakistan schools reopen after 6 months of lockdown

Pakistan in holding a joint session of the Parliament to pass two bills related to the financial action task force or the FATF.

WION Dispatch: PM Imran Khan plays politics with Oppn. as FATF verdict hangs over Pak

Two roadside bomb blasts rocked Kabul on Sunday morning, police said. The first blast took place in Bagh Dawood area of Paghman district, with no immediate report of casualties, according to police, it was followed by another blast in in Kot-e Sangi of the capital, leaving two wounded.

According to the reports, two civilians were injured in the blasts.

Meanwhile, Afghans from all walks of life have largely welcomed the much awaited face-to-face talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban in Doha, but were cautious about the outcome of the "complicated process" to bring about lasting peace in the war-torn country after decades of conflict.

The intra-Afghan talks opened in Doha on Saturday at a ceremony attended by senior officials from different countries, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, reports Xinhua news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two roadside bomb blasts rocked Kabul on Sunday morning, police said. The first blast took place in Bagh Dawood area of Paghman district, with no immediate report of casualties, according to police, it was followed by another blast in in Kot-e Sangi of the capital, leaving two wounded.

Two roadside bomb blasts rocked Kabul on Sunday morning, police said. The first blast took place in Bagh Dawood area of Paghman district, with no immediate report of casualties, according to police, it was followed by another blast in in Kot-e Sangi of the capital, leaving two wounded. According to the reports, two civilians were injured in the blasts. Meanwhile, Afghans from all walks of life have largely welcomed the much awaited face-to-face talks between the Kabul government and the Taliban in Doha, but were cautious about the outcome of the "complicated process" to bring about lasting peace in the war-torn country after decades of conflict. The intra-Afghan talks opened in Doha on Saturday at a ceremony attended by senior officials from different countries, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, reports Xinhua news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Blast in Kabul injures two civilians

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday.

The landslide swept away some 15 houses in Bhirkharka area of Barhabise Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, 120 kilometres east of Kathmandu, on Saturday night.

A security team comprising the Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been dispatched to the incident site for carrying out search and rescue operation, the official said.

The bodies of 11 people, including seven women, have been recovered from the site and search operations have been going on to rescue the missing people, according to the home ministry.

The landslide occurred due to incessant rainfall in the area for the past couple of days. Some 247 houses have been identified as risky due to landslide in the area which lies near Nepal-Tibet border.

The incident occurred as the government failed to act promptly despite the local residents demanding that they be shifted to safer areas.

This is the second landslide that hit Barhabise rural municipality area this monsoon.

At least 249 people have lost their lives and 49 others have gone missing in different incidents of landslide in Nepal this monsoon season. 
&nbsp;

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday.

A massive landslide triggered by torrential rains in central Nepal has killed at least 11 people, including seven women, and left 20 missing, an official said on Sunday. The landslide swept away some 15 houses in Bhirkharka area of Barhabise Rural Municipality in Sindhupalchowk district, 120 kilometres east of Kathmandu, on Saturday night. A security team comprising the Nepal Army and Nepal Police personnel have been dispatched to the incident site for carrying out search and rescue operation, the official said. The bodies of 11 people, including seven women, have been recovered from the site and search operations have been going on to rescue the missing people, according to the home ministry. The landslide occurred due to incessant rainfall in the area for the past couple of days. Some 247 houses have been identified as risky due to landslide in the area which lies near Nepal-Tibet border. The incident occurred as the government failed to act promptly despite the local residents demanding that they be shifted to safer areas. This is the second landslide that hit Barhabise rural municipality area this monsoon. At least 249 people have lost their lives and 49 others have gone missing in different incidents of landslide in Nepal this monsoon season.

Rain-triggered landslide kills 11 people in Nepal

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here.

ALSO READ: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/israel-hopes-india-china-will-sort-things-peacefully-326245">Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’</a> 
 
Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest.

Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017. 
&nbsp;

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The foreign ministers of Russia, India and China (RIC) would hold a luncheon meeting on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in Moscow, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is in Moscow on a four-day visit to attend the meeting of foreign ministers of the SCO of which both India and China are members. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is the host of the meeting of SCO foreign ministers being held in the Russian capital from Wednesday to Thursday. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will also hold bilateral meetings with relevant member states of the SCO and attend a luncheon for the RIC foreign ministers, Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a media briefing here. ALSO READ: Israel hopes India, China will ‘sort things peacefully’ Under the RIC framework, the foreign ministers of the three countries meet periodically to discuss bilateral, regional and international issues of their interest. Zhao, however, said he was not aware of the timing of the RIC foreign ministers' meeting. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc in 2017.

Foreign ministers of Russia, India, China to meet in Moscow: Chinese foreign ministry

Gambling was outlawed in mainland China along with other acitivities deemed vices by the communist party when it took over in 1949.

China's 1st rehab dedicated to gambling addiction

The Ministry of Health and Sports has issued stay-at-home orders in all 17 townships in Rakhine State and Yangon’s Thingangyun, Insein, North Okkalapa, Thaketa, Hlaing, Pazundaung and Mingaladon townships.

Myanmar elections: Low voter turnout expected due to COVID-19 rules

The death toll from a gas explosion that tore through a Bangladesh mosque has risen to 24, conditions of 13 injured people is critical while bodies of some of the injured are 70-80% burnt.

Bangladesh Mosque gas explosion death toll rises to 24, 13 in critical condition

An underground gas pipeline near a mosque exploded during evening prayers outside Bangladesh's capital Dhaka. At least people are 12 dead & 40 suffering serious burn injuries due to the incident.

At least 12 killed & 40 suffer serious burn injuries in explosion at Bangladesh Mosque

The first batch of Rohingyas from the cramped camps of Cox’s Bazar is set to visit Bhashan Char. The place is 123km away from Bangladesh. The team of 40 Rohingyas includes local leaders and family members of the 306 Rohingya refugees already sheltered at Bhasan Char.

First Rohingya team of 40 Muslims to visit Bhasan Char

An oil tanker burned out of control raising fears of oil spill in Indian Ocean. The ship was carrying 270,000 tonnes of crude from Kuwait to India when the engine room exploded on Thursday killing one crew member. The other 22 out of 23 crew members have been safely rescued whereas 1 died.

New oil spill fear in Indian Ocean due to fire in Sri Lanka oil tanker

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning.

Samanta Lal Sen, the coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, told journalists that "12 people till Saturday morning died after being admitted to the institute with major burns on their bodies."He said at least 37 injured were rushed to the institute on Friday night.&nbsp;

Most of the victims suffered from 60 to 70 per cent burns, and the health condition of 25 others is also critical.Fire officials suspected a gas leak when worshippers were about to leave the mosque after their Isha (night) prayers at around 9 pm (local time) on Friday.&nbsp;

All eight air-conditioners on the ground floor burst into flames when there were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey mosque.Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Police Station in Narayanganj, said huge blasts caused window glasses of the mosque fly onto the street and burnt ceiling fans, wires and electric switchboards.Kamrul Ahsan, a control room official at the fire service headquarters in Dhaka, said firemen managed to bring the flames under control after hectic efforts of around half an hour.The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence formed a committee to investigate the incident.

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning.

Twelve worshippers including a boy died and dozens of others suffered serious burn injuries after air conditioners of a mosque burst on Friday night in Bangladesh`s central Narayanganj district, an official said on Saturday morning. Samanta Lal Sen, the coordinator of the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, told journalists that "12 people till Saturday morning died after being admitted to the institute with major burns on their bodies."He said at least 37 injured were rushed to the institute on Friday night. Most of the victims suffered from 60 to 70 per cent burns, and the health condition of 25 others is also critical.Fire officials suspected a gas leak when worshippers were about to leave the mosque after their Isha (night) prayers at around 9 pm (local time) on Friday. All eight air-conditioners on the ground floor burst into flames when there were reportedly around 100 worshippers at the three-storey mosque.Shafiqul Islam, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Police Station in Narayanganj, said huge blasts caused window glasses of the mosque fly onto the street and burnt ceiling fans, wires and electric switchboards.Kamrul Ahsan, a control room official at the fire service headquarters in Dhaka, said firemen managed to bring the flames under control after hectic efforts of around half an hour.The Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence formed a committee to investigate the incident.

12 dead, dozens suffer burn injuries in Bangladesh mosque air conditioner explosion

Three Indian Coast Guard ships are headed for the Central-eastern Sri Lankan coast to help fight a fire on-board MT New Diamond, a Panama-flagged oil tanker.

Your Story: Indian Coast Guard ships en route Sri Lankan coast for firefighting | South Asia

Taiwan plans to issue new passports emphasising its independent identity and downgrading connections with China.

WION Dispatch: Taiwan resdesigns passport to avoid confusion with China

Asim Bajwa, A close aide of Pak PM Imran Khan is in the eye of a corruption storm. The spotlight is on his financial dealings in the last 20 years. They coincide with the political rise of this retired Army Officer. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a detailed report.

Gravitas: Asim Bajwa's 'shady' financial dealings

The monsoon floods in Afghanistan have taken more than 150 lives and has affected thousands of families, who have lost their family members and livelihood.

In the city of Charikar, overnight flooding took more than 100 lives as hundreds of buildings collapsed due to the heavy flow of the rains.

People rushed back to the city to find their&nbsp;family members, but sadly returned to debris and lists of missing and dead people.

While the rescue teams reached on the spot of destruction few hours later, the local residents of the city took shovels and spades and started helping the rescue teams in saving people trapped under the debris of the fallen buildings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heavy-monsoon-rains-trigger-flash-floods-in-afghanistan-and-pakistan-323241">Have a look|&nbsp;Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan</a>

"It is a catastrophe here with so many people dead and missing, including many children," said&nbsp;Safiullah Safi, a community leader.

As per the initial search and rescue missions, around 200 houses have been turned into debris and 600 livestock have been killed due to the heavy floods in the Parwan province alone.

The local authorities are now urging international organisations to step in and help the country which was already merely making ends meet due to a huge blow to the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of now, the local authorities have managed to provide food and first aid to around 1,000 families.

The floods had also reached Pakistan, which is conducting its own rescue missions after cities drowned over the week-long heavy rains.

The monsoon floods in Afghanistan have taken more than 150 lives and has affected thousands of families, who have lost their family members and livelihood. In the city of Charikar, overnight flooding took more than 100 lives as hundreds of buildings collapsed due to the heavy flow of the rains.

The monsoon floods in Afghanistan have taken more than 150 lives and has affected thousands of families, who have lost their family members and livelihood. In the city of Charikar, overnight flooding took more than 100 lives as hundreds of buildings collapsed due to the heavy flow of the rains. People rushed back to the city to find their family members, but sadly returned to debris and lists of missing and dead people. While the rescue teams reached on the spot of destruction few hours later, the local residents of the city took shovels and spades and started helping the rescue teams in saving people trapped under the debris of the fallen buildings. Have a look| Heavy monsoon rains trigger flash floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan "It is a catastrophe here with so many people dead and missing, including many children," said Safiullah Safi, a community leader. As per the initial search and rescue missions, around 200 houses have been turned into debris and 600 livestock have been killed due to the heavy floods in the Parwan province alone. The local authorities are now urging international organisations to step in and help the country which was already merely making ends meet due to a huge blow to the economy due to the coronavirus pandemic. As of now, the local authorities have managed to provide food and first aid to around 1,000 families. The floods had also reached Pakistan, which is conducting its own rescue missions after cities drowned over the week-long heavy rains.

Afghan floods: Rescue operation resumes; authorities call for international help

A delegation from the Afghan Taliban is arriving in Pakistan to discuss the ongoing peace process with the Pakistani leadership

Afghan Taliban visit Pakistan to discuss peace process

China's expansionist designs, it seems, are moving further unchecked in Nepal as it is slowly and gradually encroaching the land at multiple locations with the tacit support of the present dispensation headed by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.

China occupying land in seven border districts, says Nepal survey department

After two months of heavy floods across central and south-west China, officials have promised the dam can withstand the flows.

Concern escalates as China's largest dam hits highest level

The poll panel held a meeting on Tuesday regarding campaigning during a pandemic.

India's first polls amid pandemic | Bihar assembly tenure set to expire in November

In 2016, Pakistan was accused of dumping nearly one thousand dead bodies of activists and other Balochis.

Your Story: Baloch terrorists attack Pak army post

This meeting was earlier scheduled during pre-COVID-19 times, but seeing the widespread effect of the pandemic, India will only be able to confirm its participation in the meet after evaluating the current situation.

WION Dispatch: Russia to hold R.I.C defence ministers meet in September

Chinese President Xi Jinping is all set to visit Pakistan soon. The meet will be part of Pakistan China yearly high-level strategic council meeting.

WION Dispatch: Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Pakistan

Bangladesh's&nbsp;Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque has announced plans to&nbsp;construct a monument in the memory of the Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. The anniversary&nbsp;coincided with the 50th anniversary of the country's independence.

“We are constructing the monument coinciding with the 50th anniversary of our independence” crucially backed by India, a ministry spokesman quoted Haque as saying.

The statement was made when the&nbsp;Indian High Commisisoner Riva Ganguly paid a farewell visit to Haque. Both the leaders assured he media that the two countries are friendly neighbours and friends.

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“Some people are out to spread misleading information purposely to worsen the relations between the two next-door neighbours but the Bangladesh-India ties are not so fragile,” Ganguly said.

She also urged the Bangladesh government to translate the books based on Liberation War to Hindi, and expressed willingness to participate in Bangladesh's golden jubilee of their independence in 2021.

An official familiar with the monument project said the government has selected 3.5 acres of land at frontier Ashuganj of Brahmanbaia district bordering Agartala.

“The site which has been selected has historic significance . . . Indian army fought Pakistanis some decisive wars in 1971 along with our freedom fighters in Ashuganj,” the official said.

The monument's construction will begin this year and will be completed in the next two years, the minister claimed.

(With inputs from PTI)

Bangladesh's Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque has announced plans to construct a monument in the memory of the Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan.

Bangladesh's Liberation War Affairs Minister Mozammel Haque has announced plans to construct a monument in the memory of the Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 Liberation War against Pakistan. The anniversary coincided with the 50th anniversary of the country's independence. “We are constructing the monument coinciding with the 50th anniversary of our independence” crucially backed by India, a ministry spokesman quoted Haque as saying. The statement was made when the Indian High Commisisoner Riva Ganguly paid a farewell visit to Haque. Both the leaders assured he media that the two countries are friendly neighbours and friends. × “Some people are out to spread misleading information purposely to worsen the relations between the two next-door neighbours but the Bangladesh-India ties are not so fragile,” Ganguly said. She also urged the Bangladesh government to translate the books based on Liberation War to Hindi, and expressed willingness to participate in Bangladesh's golden jubilee of their independence in 2021. An official familiar with the monument project said the government has selected 3.5 acres of land at frontier Ashuganj of Brahmanbaia district bordering Agartala. “The site which has been selected has historic significance . . . Indian army fought Pakistanis some decisive wars in 1971 along with our freedom fighters in Ashuganj,” the official said. The monument's construction will begin this year and will be completed in the next two years, the minister claimed. (With inputs from PTI)

Bangladesh to build monument for Indian soldiers martyred in 1971 Liberation War

Rare footage and text messages secretly sent by a detained Uighur man show chilling evidence of human rights violations by China

Uighur man gives rare glimpses inside China detention camp

India on Thursday slammed China for making another attempt to raise the Kashmir issue on Pakistan’s behest at the UN Security Council

'Stop meddling in our internal matters', India slams China for raising Kashmir issue at UNSC

Heavy floods are occurring in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and India. The floods have killed scores of people, destroyed homes, drowned villages. Watch report.

South Asia hit hard by monsoon floods: Several villages drowned

The South Asian region is battling to contain the spread of novel coronavirus and no positive trends have emerged so far. Several countries under this region were or are still under strict lockdowns to curb the outbreak. And a disappointing reality has come to fore, according to which poaching incidents in certain South Asian countries rose during the lockdown period.

The poaching cases jumped sharply in India, Nepal and Pakistan, and Bangladesh was the only exception that saw a decline in illegal hunting of animals in the lockdown period, reports DW.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ministers-hit-with-virus-as-pm-imran-refuses-to-impose-strict-lockdown-311219">Pakistan ministers hit with virus as PM Imran refuses to impose strict lockdown</a>

The report says Pakistan and Nepal confirmed a rise in the poaching of birds and endangered species from April to May this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-violence-pose-serious-challenges-to-afghan-peace-process-ghani-311350">Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani</a>

Local forest officials in Baluchistan province said the poaching of birds had shot up as the area was an important resting point for migratory birds returning to Siberia from India.&nbsp;

In Nepal, six musk deer were found dead in the Sangarmatha National Park, in what is seen as one of the worst poaching incidents.&nbsp;

Various regions in India reported a spike in poaching cases and wild animals, leopards, desert antelopes, and rhinos were targetted, the report added.&nbsp;

A one-horned rhino was shot down in the Kaziranga National Park, in northeastern India.

Despite the government's efforts to curb poaching activities, these remain an attractive business for hunters and officials believe since economic activities have taken a hit due to lockdown restrictions, illegal hunting is on a rise.&nbsp;

Poaching also poses health risks to humans, causing diseases from wild animals.&nbsp;

"There is a risk of zoonotic diseases spreading through these animals, especially the ones being used for meat. The more you tamper with nature, the more chances there are of spreading diseases," Latika Nath, author and wildlife conservationist, said.&nbsp;

The South Asian region is battling to contain the spread of novel coronavirus and no positive trends have emerged so far. Several countries under this region were or are still under strict lockdowns to curb the outbreak.

The South Asian region is battling to contain the spread of novel coronavirus and no positive trends have emerged so far. Several countries under this region were or are still under strict lockdowns to curb the outbreak. And a disappointing reality has come to fore, according to which poaching incidents in certain South Asian countries rose during the lockdown period. The poaching cases jumped sharply in India, Nepal and Pakistan, and Bangladesh was the only exception that saw a decline in illegal hunting of animals in the lockdown period, reports DW. Also read | Pakistan ministers hit with virus as PM Imran refuses to impose strict lockdown The report says Pakistan and Nepal confirmed a rise in the poaching of birds and endangered species from April to May this year. Also read | Taliban violence pose 'serious challenges' to Afghan peace process: Ghani Local forest officials in Baluchistan province said the poaching of birds had shot up as the area was an important resting point for migratory birds returning to Siberia from India. In Nepal, six musk deer were found dead in the Sangarmatha National Park, in what is seen as one of the worst poaching incidents. Various regions in India reported a spike in poaching cases and wild animals, leopards, desert antelopes, and rhinos were targetted, the report added. A one-horned rhino was shot down in the Kaziranga National Park, in northeastern India. Despite the government's efforts to curb poaching activities, these remain an attractive business for hunters and officials believe since economic activities have taken a hit due to lockdown restrictions, illegal hunting is on a rise. Poaching also poses health risks to humans, causing diseases from wild animals. "There is a risk of zoonotic diseases spreading through these animals, especially the ones being used for meat. The more you tamper with nature, the more chances there are of spreading diseases," Latika Nath, author and wildlife conservationist, said.

South Asian countries report rise in poaching cases during coronavirus lockdowns

A political storm is brewing in Nepal, where calls for Prime Minister KP Sharma OIi’s exit are getting louder everyday.&nbsp;A wave which was seen as a party conflict has spread to the streets in Nepal. Since early June, large groups of people have been taking to the streets across Nepal, mostly young protesters.

Unafraid of the pandemic, people of Nepal, especially the youth are angry with Nepal's response to the pandemic, and are demanding a better strategy to counter the virus.&nbsp; Nepal currently has over 15,000 cases of COVID-19, with the number climbing everyday.&nbsp;The protesters feel that the Oli government is not doing enough, and are demanding better testing and quarantine strategies, while calling for the protection of healthcare workers. Additionally, they want an end to corruption.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/nepals-ruling-communist-party-meet-to-decide-pm-olis-future-postponed-to-wednesday-310991" hreflang="en">Nepal's ruling communist party meet to decide PM Oli's future postponed to Wednesday</a>

The protesters have been using social media to mobilise and to build pressure on the Oli government. Nepal's healthcare system has come under intense scrutiny recently. Allegations of corruption and misallocation of funds have been levied against members of the government.

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Taking kickbacks?

In April, several senior members of the Oli government were accused of taking kickbacks in connection with the purchase of Chinese personal protection equipment.

China was under fire for providing faulty equipment across the globe. Reports say that Nepal bought testing kits from China. The delivery of these kits was delayed, and they simply didn’t work. Two separate investigations are underway into Nepal's COVID-19 dealings with China.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/south-asia/nepal-ruling-nepal-communist-party-impasse-continues-310835" hreflang="en">Nepal: Ruling Nepal Communist Party impasse continues</a>

Even though Oli tried to distance himself from the corruption cases, members of his own party have started a campaign against him.

On Monday, the top committee of Nepal's ruling Communist Party was supposed to meet, but was postponed. The standing committee is set to reconvene on Wednesday.

Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal - known as Prachand - is pushing for Oli's resignation. Reports indicate that the numbers are on his side. But Oli recently met Dahal informally.

China - not too far behind! 

China's ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi met has been meeting with senior leaders of the Nepal Communist Party. On Sunday, she met former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who also wants Oli to resign.

Six days ago, Nepal alongside three other senior leaders had took on Oli during a party meeting, asking for his resignation.

A political storm is brewing in Nepal, where calls for Prime Minister KP Sharma OIi’s exit are getting louder everyday. A wave which was seen as a party conflict has spread to the streets in Nepal.

A political storm is brewing in Nepal, where calls for Prime Minister KP Sharma OIi’s exit are getting louder everyday. A wave which was seen as a party conflict has spread to the streets in Nepal. Since early June, large groups of people have been taking to the streets across Nepal, mostly young protesters. Unafraid of the pandemic, people of Nepal, especially the youth are angry with Nepal's response to the pandemic, and are demanding a better strategy to counter the virus. Nepal currently has over 15,000 cases of COVID-19, with the number climbing everyday. The protesters feel that the Oli government is not doing enough, and are demanding better testing and quarantine strategies, while calling for the protection of healthcare workers. Additionally, they want an end to corruption. Also read: Nepal's ruling communist party meet to decide PM Oli's future postponed to Wednesday The protesters have been using social media to mobilise and to build pressure on the Oli government. Nepal's healthcare system has come under intense scrutiny recently. Allegations of corruption and misallocation of funds have been levied against members of the government. Taking kickbacks? In April, several senior members of the Oli government were accused of taking kickbacks in connection with the purchase of Chinese personal protection equipment. China was under fire for providing faulty equipment across the globe. Reports say that Nepal bought testing kits from China. The delivery of these kits was delayed, and they simply didn’t work. Two separate investigations are underway into Nepal's COVID-19 dealings with China. Also read: Nepal: Ruling Nepal Communist Party impasse continues Even though Oli tried to distance himself from the corruption cases, members of his own party have started a campaign against him. On Monday, the top committee of Nepal's ruling Communist Party was supposed to meet, but was postponed. The standing committee is set to reconvene on Wednesday. Former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal - known as Prachand - is pushing for Oli's resignation. Reports indicate that the numbers are on his side. But Oli recently met Dahal informally. China - not too far behind! China's ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi met has been meeting with senior leaders of the Nepal Communist Party. On Sunday, she met former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who also wants Oli to resign. Six days ago, Nepal alongside three other senior leaders had took on Oli during a party meeting, asking for his resignation.

Nepal's anti-Oli sentiment deepens as youth mobilise protests

Ghulam Hussain was used to zipping through the streets of Lahore with his wife and three young children perched perilously on his motorbike, whenever they visited relatives or ran errands.

But now that Pakistan has launched a plan to move vehicles over to electric power, Hussain is excited about the prospect of no longer spending 4,000 rupees ($24) each month on petrol.

"It would be a substantial saving for me to switch to an electric motorbike," said Hussain, who works as a driver for a family in the upscale Gulberg district, earning about 20,000 rupees a month.

"Eventually I'd like to buy a small car for the family, as the children are getting older. I would buy an electric car, if they are affordable."

He will have to wait a while to find out.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/several-international-airlines-ground-pakistani-pilots-over-reports-of-fake-licences-309361" hreflang="en">Several international airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'fake licences'</a>

After a lengthy delay, Pakistan's ambitious electric vehicle (EV) policy was approved for implementation this month, but a late-stage change leaves cars out of its first phase.

Critics warn this means it will take longer for Pakistanis to reap the policy's environmental and financial benefits.

Covering buses and trucks, as well as two- and three-wheel vehicles, including rickshaws and motorcycles, the new policy introduces a raft of incentives to encourage manufacturers to start producing electric vehicles and customers to buy them.&nbsp;

Passed on June 10, the new policy was originally approved by Prime Minister Imran Khan in November, with the goal of cutting air pollution and curbing climate change.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-suspends-receiving-passengers-from-pakistan-over-covid-fears-309356" hreflang="en">UAE suspends receiving passengers from Pakistan over COVID fears</a>

It aims to bring half a million electric motorcycles and rickshaws, along with more than 100,000 electric cars, buses and trucks, into the transportation system over the next five years.

The goal is to have at least 30% of all vehicles running on electricity by 2030.

After pushback from traditional automakers, the first stage of the policy bypasses cars to focus on motorbikes and rickshaws - the most common form of transport in Pakistan's densely populated urban areas - as well as buses and trucks.&nbsp;

Malik Amin Aslam, climate change advisor to the prime minister, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that incentives for cars would be added to the policy "at a later stage", without specifying when.

Leaving out cars makes the new policy "like a wedding party arriving with no bridegroom", said Shaukat Qureshi, general secretary of the Pakistan Electric Vehicles and Parts Manufacturers and Traders Association (PEVPMTA).

"The rest of the world is adopting this technology and it is pollution-free. The sooner it comes, the better it is for everyone," he said.

Abdul Waheed Khan, director general of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association, which represents petrol-powered carmakers, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that the policy "states the broad parameters to which we agreed".&nbsp;

"We appreciate the direction and are awaiting further details," he added.

POORER FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND

Mian Ali Hameed, marketing director at Sazgar Engineering Works Limited, a leading rickshaw manufacturer, said his company was ready to start producing electric rickshaws before the end of 2020.

Hameed confirmed that Sazgar's e-rickshaws will be more expensive than traditional versions, costing about 400,000 rupees, compared with 250,000 rupees for a petrol-powered ride.

However, customers will soon see savings, as their petrol use drops dramatically and they spend less on maintenance like oil and filter changes, he explained.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/vietnam-grounds-pakistan-pilots-after-iatas-concern-over-irregularities-in-pilot-licences-309295" hreflang="en">Vietnam grounds Pakistan pilots after IATA's concern over irregularities in pilot licences</a>

"Customers could recover the (purchase) cost in one year, according to our estimates," he said.

One potential obstacle to the speedy uptake of EVs is a lack of charging infrastructure. To address that, the policy makes it cheaper for authorities and companies to install charging stations in cities and along motorways.

But Qureshi of the PEVPMTA noted that owners of electric motorbikes, e-rickshaws and small electric cars do not need to wait.

"You just plug them in at home, like a fan," he said.

Qureshi worries that leaving cars out of the policy for now will disadvantage lower-income families, estimating that switching to a small electric car could save up to 25,000 rupees a month in fuel costs.

"For many families in Pakistan, this much savings per month means a change in their lifestyles," he said.

GOOD FOR HEALTH&nbsp;

Addressing concerns about the cost of electric vehicles, climate advisor Aslam said the policy includes incentives for their owners, such as removing yearly registration fees and a 50% discount on motorway tolls.

In a country where large cities routinely suffer high levels of air pollution, the benefits to Pakistan's environmental health will also be significant, he added.

Each electric vehicle produces 65% fewer pollutants than traditional petrol-powered engines, he said.

According to the latest World Air Quality Report, Pakistani and Indian cities dominated the most polluted cities in 2019.

Much of that pollution is due to Pakistan's rapid motorisation, environmental experts say.

A World Bank study published in 2014 noted that the number of vehicles on the country's roads jumped from about 2 million in 1991 to more than 10 million two decades later.

The blue skies Pakistanis witnessed during the coronavirus lockdown showed "the extremely strong nexus between congested vehicle traffic and air pollution, especially in urban centres", Aslam said.

According to Syed Muhammad Abubakar, an independent environmental researcher based in Lahore, the transport sector produces more than 40% of the air pollution in Punjab province.

There is "no time to lose" in cleaning up the air in Pakistan's cities, especially in the midst of COVID-19, he said.&nbsp;

Pointing to a recent study by researchers at Harvard University, Abubakar noted that even a small increase in long-term exposure to air pollution particles can lead to an 8% jump in the rate of deaths caused by the respiratory illness.

"Pakistan must learn and take drastic measures to limit the increase in air pollution. Otherwise, the lives of many will be at risk," he said.

Ghulam Hussain was used to zipping through the streets of Lahore with his wife and three young children perched perilously on his motorbike, whenever they visited relatives or ran errands.

Ghulam Hussain was used to zipping through the streets of Lahore with his wife and three young children perched perilously on his motorbike, whenever they visited relatives or ran errands. But now that Pakistan has launched a plan to move vehicles over to electric power, Hussain is excited about the prospect of no longer spending 4,000 rupees ($24) each month on petrol. "It would be a substantial saving for me to switch to an electric motorbike," said Hussain, who works as a driver for a family in the upscale Gulberg district, earning about 20,000 rupees a month. "Eventually I'd like to buy a small car for the family, as the children are getting older. I would buy an electric car, if they are affordable." He will have to wait a while to find out. Also read: Several international airlines ground Pakistani pilots over reports of 'fake licences' After a lengthy delay, Pakistan's ambitious electric vehicle (EV) policy was approved for implementation this month, but a late-stage change leaves cars out of its first phase. Critics warn this means it will take longer for Pakistanis to reap the policy's environmental and financial benefits. Covering buses and trucks, as well as two- and three-wheel vehicles, including rickshaws and motorcycles, the new policy introduces a raft of incentives to encourage manufacturers to start producing electric vehicles and customers to buy them. Passed on June 10, the new policy was originally approved by Prime Minister Imran Khan in November, with the goal of cutting air pollution and curbing climate change. Also read: UAE suspends receiving passengers from Pakistan over COVID fears It aims to bring half a million electric motorcycles and rickshaws, along with more than 100,000 electric cars, buses and trucks, into the transportation system over the next five years. The goal is to have at least 30% of all vehicles running on electricity by 2030. After pushback from traditional automakers, the first stage of the policy bypasses cars to focus on motorbikes and rickshaws - the most common form of transport in Pakistan's densely populated urban areas - as well as buses and trucks. Malik Amin Aslam, climate change advisor to the prime minister, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that incentives for cars would be added to the policy "at a later stage", without specifying when. Leaving out cars makes the new policy "like a wedding party arriving with no bridegroom", said Shaukat Qureshi, general secretary of the Pakistan Electric Vehicles and Parts Manufacturers and Traders Association (PEVPMTA). "The rest of the world is adopting this technology and it is pollution-free. The sooner it comes, the better it is for everyone," he said. Abdul Waheed Khan, director general of the Pakistan Automotive Manufacturers Association, which represents petrol-powered carmakers, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation that the policy "states the broad parameters to which we agreed". "We appreciate the direction and are awaiting further details," he added. POORER FAMILIES LEFT BEHIND Mian Ali Hameed, marketing director at Sazgar Engineering Works Limited, a leading rickshaw manufacturer, said his company was ready to start producing electric rickshaws before the end of 2020. Hameed confirmed that Sazgar's e-rickshaws will be more expensive than traditional versions, costing about 400,000 rupees, compared with 250,000 rupees for a petrol-powered ride. However, customers will soon see savings, as their petrol use drops dramatically and they spend less on maintenance like oil and filter changes, he explained. Also read: Vietnam grounds Pakistan pilots after IATA's concern over irregularities in pilot licences "Customers could recover the (purchase) cost in one year, according to our estimates," he said. One potential obstacle to the speedy uptake of EVs is a lack of charging infrastructure. To address that, the policy makes it cheaper for authorities and companies to install charging stations in cities and along motorways. But Qureshi of the PEVPMTA noted that owners of electric motorbikes, e-rickshaws and small electric cars do not need to wait. "You just plug them in at home, like a fan," he said. Qureshi worries that leaving cars out of the policy for now will disadvantage lower-income families, estimating that switching to a small electric car could save up to 25,000 rupees a month in fuel costs. "For many families in Pakistan, this much savings per month means a change in their lifestyles," he said. GOOD FOR HEALTH Addressing concerns about the cost of electric vehicles, climate advisor Aslam said the policy includes incentives for their owners, such as removing yearly registration fees and a 50% discount on motorway tolls. In a country where large cities routinely suffer high levels of air pollution, the benefits to Pakistan's environmental health will also be significant, he added. Each electric vehicle produces 65% fewer pollutants than traditional petrol-powered engines, he said. According to the latest World Air Quality Report, Pakistani and Indian cities dominated the most polluted cities in 2019. Much of that pollution is due to Pakistan's rapid motorisation, environmental experts say. A World Bank study published in 2014 noted that the number of vehicles on the country's roads jumped from about 2 million in 1991 to more than 10 million two decades later. The blue skies Pakistanis witnessed during the coronavirus lockdown showed "the extremely strong nexus between congested vehicle traffic and air pollution, especially in urban centres", Aslam said. According to Syed Muhammad Abubakar, an independent environmental researcher based in Lahore, the transport sector produces more than 40% of the air pollution in Punjab province. There is "no time to lose" in cleaning up the air in Pakistan's cities, especially in the midst of COVID-19, he said. Pointing to a recent study by researchers at Harvard University, Abubakar noted that even a small increase in long-term exposure to air pollution particles can lead to an 8% jump in the rate of deaths caused by the respiratory illness. "Pakistan must learn and take drastic measures to limit the increase in air pollution. Otherwise, the lives of many will be at risk," he said.

Pakistan launches electric vehicle plan with cars in slow lane

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