VIF Information Alerts - 13 March 2019

Terror funding case: ED looks at role of Pakistan High Commission in disbursing funds
Published: The Indian Express

13 Mar 2019

The agency, in its probe, has found that Kashmiri separatists have allegedly received at least Rs 7 crore from across the border to fund unrest in India. Identifying the money as proceeds of crime, ED has alleged that the funds were disbursed by conduits and the Pakistan High Commission in India. The agency has claimed this was substantiated through a document seized during searches at the residence of Ghulam Mohammad Bhatt, who worked as the cashier-cum-accountant with Watali.Click here to read... [2]

Pakistan, Turkmenistan ink Host Govt Agreement on Tapi
Published: The Nation

13 Mar 2019

Pakistan and Turkmenistan Tuesday inked the Host Government Agreement on the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) Gas Pipeline network. The agreement was signed by the Federal Secretary Petroleum Mian Asad Hayauddin from the Pakistani side and CEO of TAPI Pipeline Company Limited (TPCL) Amanov on behalf of TAPI company. Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Ghulam Sarwar Khan and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov were also present on the occasion.Click here to read... [3]

ECC reviews financing options for two big dams
Published: The Express Tribune

13 Mar 2019

ISLAMABAD: Amid euphoria over the construction of mega dams, the federal government has not yet arranged financing for $10 billion worth of much-trumpeted Diamer-Bhasha and Mohmand dams, which can further delay their completion.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the cabinet on Tuesday reviewed various options to finance the dams including asking provinces to share cost and collecting a significant chunk from electricity consumers through tariffs.Click here to read... [4]

2 Weeks of U.S.-Taliban Talks End With ‘Progress’ but No Breakthrough
Published: The New York Times

12 Mar 2019

Although more than two weeks of talks between the United States and the Taliban ended Tuesday without a breakthrough, two American officials said they were close to a final agreement on one crucial element to a framework for ending the long war: a Taliban promise to not allow terrorist attacks from Afghanistan. The officials also said they had made substantial progress on a second element, detailing a plan for the withdrawal of American troops.Click here to read... [5]

Army’s new vigilance unit to use Corps of Military Police personnel
Published: The Economic Times

12 Mar 2019

The Indian Army’s new Vigilance Investigation Unit will use Corps of Military Police (CMP) personnel to conduct independent investigations into corruption allegations when instructed by Army Chief General Bipin Rawat. The Defence Ministry recently approved a new branch for vigilance, which will have the Vigilance Investigation Unit under it. The branch will function under the army chief. Click here to read... [6]

Govt bans Chand-led party
Published: The Himalayan Times

12 mar 2019

Kathmandu - Following a series of explosions that took place at Ncell towers and other public places across the country, the government has banned the Communist Party of Nepal led by Netra Bikram Chand. The Cabinet meeting held in Baluwatar late this evening decided to ban the Chand-led CPN and its ‘criminal’ activities, a senior minister told THT after the meeting.Click here to read... [7]