VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: 18th March, 2019

PAKISTAN

Musharraf shifted to Dubai hospital after 'reaction' from rare disease: Dawn
March 18, 2019

Former military ruler retired Gen Pervez Musharraf has been shifted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease for which he is already under treatment, his party said on Sunday. The former president was rushed to the hospital as an "emergency" on Saturday night after his condition suddenly worsened, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Secretary-General Mehrene Adam Malik said. Click here to read.... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Peace Jirga Will Reflect Greater Voice Of Afghans: Taheri: Tolo
March 18, 2019

A spokesman for the High Peace Council (HPC), Ehsan Taheri, on Sunday said that work has started on the selection of delegates for the upcoming consultative Jirga on peace. President Ashraf Ghani has assigned Umer Daudzai, head of the HPC secretariat, to organize the Jirga. According to Daudzai, almost 2,000 delegates will attend the Jirga and 30 percent of them will be women. “The voice of the faithful people of Afghanistan will be raised at the Loya Jirga regarding the explanation of a mechanism for peace and reconciliation and also the establishment of a framework for peace talks,” Taheri said. Click here to read.... [3]

NEPAL

Congress lashes out at proposed law to further empower PM: Kathmandu Post
March 18, 2019

The main opposition Nepali Congress has lashed out at the Bill on Work, Responsibility and Rights of National Security Council that was registered at Parliament last week, saying that the proposed legislation is against the democratic norms and the spirit of the constitution. The party has warned the government against moving towards the direction that is detrimental to the democratic constitution. A special meeting of the party concluded on Sunday that the bill infringes upon the authority of the Security Council vested by the constitution. Click here to read.... [4]

CHINA

China issues white paper on anti-terrorism, human rights protection in Xinjiang: People's Daily
March 18, 2019

The State Council Information Office on Monday issued a white paper on the fight against terrorism and extremism and human rights protection in Xinjiang. Click here to read.... [5]

Fund mulled to support Belt, Road projects: China Daily
March 18, 2019

China Investment Corporation, the country's sovereign wealth investment fund, is seeking global partners to jointly establish a special cross-border investment instrument which will further finance Belt and Road projects, said a senior company executive. Click here to read.... [6]