VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: 29th August, 2018

PAKISTAN

Aitzaz Ahsan hopeful of winning presidential election with 'vote of conscience': Dawn

August 29, 2018

PPP stalwart and candidate for the presidential election Aitzaz Ahsan on Wednesday expressed hope that he would win the Sept 4 contest with the help of "votes of conscience". Talking to media outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) after acceptance of his nomination papers for the upcoming presidential elections, Aitzaz said, "The Constitution only binds a lawmaker to vote as per party policy when it comes to voting on the budget, a constitutional amendment, or the election of the prime minister and chief ministers."Click here to read... [2]

High treason case: Court to explore options to try Musharraf in absentia: Dawn

August 29, 2018

A special court on Wednesday resumed hearing the high treason case against retired Gen Pervez Musharraf and sought assistance in proceeding with the case if the former military dictator continues to abscond. Secretary Interior Yousaf Naseem Khokhar, present for the hearing, told the two-member bench led by Justice Yawer Ali that a letter had been written to Interpol for Musharraf's repatriation, but Interpol officials had refused to issue a red warrant, saying that Interpol does not deal in political cases. "How can the court decide the case if Musharraf avoids turning up on the next hearing?" Justice Ali asked.Click here to read... [3]

AFGHANISTAN

Pence, Ghani Discuss Trump’s Strategy in Afghanistan: Tolo News

August 29, 2018

The US Vice President Mike Pence spoke with President Ashraf Ghani by phone on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the White House. The two leaders discussed the impact of President Trump's South Asia strategy over the past year. Pence and Ghani discussed the current security situation in Afghanistan and efforts to initiate a peace process, the statement said. Pence reinforced the US and international commitment to partner with and support the Afghan government and security forces. “The Vice President and President Ghani also discussed the upcoming parliamentary elections that are scheduled for this fall and the need for political inclusion to enable the long-term stability and effectiveness of the Afghan government,” it added.Click here to read... [4]

SRI LANKA

Sri Lankan rupee hits record low; mild dollar sales ease pressure

August 29, 2018

The Sri Lankan rupee hit an all-time low of 161.30 per dollar on Tuesday, dragged down by importer dollar demand amid less inflows of the greenback, dealers said. The rupee will be under depreciation pressure with the year-end seasonal importer demand, dealers said. Absence of dollar conversions by exporters and outflows from equities also pushed the rupee lower, said analysts. Exporters are holding on to dollars as they expect the local currency to decline further, dealers said. The Sri Lankan currency is also hurt by weakness in the Indian rupee. India is Sri Lanka’s biggest trading partner and the country’s currency, which hit a record low on August 16, is one of the worst performers in Asia this year.Click here to read... [5]

BANGLADESH

Bangladesh buying 300 double-decker buses under India’s second LoC: Bdnews 24

August 29, 2018

Bangladesh is buying 300 double-decker buses from India under the neighbouring nation’s second Line of Credit. Transport regulator Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation has signed a contract with the India’s Ashok Leyland, the second largest manufacturer of commercial vehicles in India. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka Harsh Vardhan Shringla, and Road Transport and Highway Division Secretary Md Nazrul Islam witnessed the signing between the BTRC Chairman Farid Ahmed Bhuiyan and Global Head of Ashok’s International Operation Rajive Saharia in Dhaka on Tuesday. Shringla said development cooperation has emerged as “a key pillar” of the bilateral relationship.Click here to read... [6]

CHINA

Xi's speech boosts confidence in global economic stability: commentators: Xinhuanet

29 August, 2018

Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech on Monday reviewing the progress in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation has reaffirmed China's commitment to a path of common development and prosperity as well as improvements in the global governance system, commentators said. In the speech delivered at a conference held here marking the fifth anniversary of the China-proposed initiative, Xi said the BRI, while offering new cooperation and growth opportunities, answers the call for change in the global growth mode and governance system by providing new options, and leads to a healthier economic globalization.Click here to read... [7]

China committed to IP rights protection: People’s Daily

29 August, 2018

China firmly maintains strict protection of intellectual property rights, ensures the rights of all enterprises are safeguarded in accordance with the law, and works to build an inviting environment for business and innovation, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday. Xi reinforced the stance in a congratulatory message to the 2018 Belt and Road high-level conference on intellectual property rights, a two-day event that kicked off on Tuesday in Beijing.Click here to read... [8]

Tokyo's defense paper lashed for labeling Beijing a threat: China Daily

29 August, 2018

The Japanese defense white paper has again listed China and other neighboring countries as threats, which aims to foster an "insecure" atmosphere so Tokyo can enhance its military capabilities, according to a Chinese expert. The Japanese Cabinet approved the annual defense white paper report on Tuesday, saying the current security environment surrounding Japan has become increasingly tense, with various challenges and destabilizing factors becoming more tangible and acute.Click here to read... [9]