VIF Neighbiourhood News Digest: 6th September, 2018

PAKISTAN
Task force formed to get ill-gotten money from abroad: Dawn

September 6, 2018

Taking a step forward to fulfil its promise of retrieving ill-gotten wealth of Pakistanis in foreign countries, the government has formed a high-powered task force comprising officials of the Federal Investigation Agency, National Accountability Bureau as well as intelligence agencies. In this regard, the government has decided to enforce an anti-corruption rule which offers informers 20 per cent of the looted wealth recovered through information provided by them. The rule exists in accountability laws but has seldom been enforced. The government also made another significant decision to introduce uniform curriculum not only in public and private schools but also in religious seminaries (madressahs). Click here to read... [2]

Pakistan, US agree to make fresh start: Dawn

September 6, 2018

Pakistan and the United States have decided to give reset in ties another shot after the positive initial engagement on Wednesday resulted in an understanding between the Trump administration and the new Pakistani government on delivering on each other’s expectations. The positivity shown by the two sides after their meeting deeply contrasted the clouds of negativity under which US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo arrived in Islamabad. Mr Pompeo, who was accompanied by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Joseph Dunford, stayed in Islamabad for nearly five hours during which he met Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, and Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Bajwa. Click here to read... [3]

BANGLADESH
Bangladesh election likely on December 27: minister: Reuters

September 5, 2018

Bangladesh's finance minister said on Wednesday an election could be held on Dec. 27. "The Election Commission will decide the date but I heard the commission wants to hold the election on Dec. 27," Abul Maal Abdul Muhith told reporters. The commission said last week the election could be held at the end of December. It was not immediately possible to reach the commission chief late on Wednesday for comment. The main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), led by former premier Khaleda Zia, has said it will not contest the election while its leader is in jail. Click here to read... [4]

SRI LANKA
Rajapaksa leads Sri Lanka protests, calls for government change: Al Jazeera

September 5, 2018

Tens of thousands have gathered on the streets of Sri Lanka's capital to call for the government to go. Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa - who suffered a surprise defeat in the presidential election three years ago - is leading the protest. President Sirisena's government was viewed as an opportunity for a fresh start in the South Asian nation, but the protesters say that it is weak and has failed to fulfil its promises. Click here to read... [5]

NEPAL
Nepal’s proposed participation in BIMSTEC military drill divides the ruling party: Kathmandu Post

September 6, 2018

All is not well within the Nepal Communist Party as leaders of the ruling political group appear sharply polarised over the issue of Nepal’s participation in a joint military drill of BIMSTEC member states scheduled to commence in India next week. A number of NCP leaders say the military exercise of countries on a platform meant for economic cooperation and extending connectivity seems irrational and could impact a landlocked country like Nepal that already faces severe geopolitical vulnerabilities. Click here to read... [6]

CHINA
Xi stresses exchanges on policies, vision: China Daily

September 6, 2018

President Xi Jinping hailed the Republic of Congo as an all-weather friend on Wednesday as he called for greater efforts by the two sides to deepen mutual political trust and strengthen bilateral communication on issues of policy, vision and strategy. Xi's remark came as he met in Beijing with Republic of Congo President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who is on a state visit to China. Click here to read... [7]

AIIB eyes sustained growth in spite of volatility: People's Daily

September 6, 2018

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is targeting sustainable and robust growth through greater cooperation with countries in and beyond Asia despite volatility in global financial markets, especially emerging markets, said the bank's chief. "We are focused on Asia, but we are also looking to support non-Asian countries," said Jin Liqun, president of the 2-year-old multilateral development institution. Click here to read... [8]