VIF Neighboiurhood News Digest: July 11, 2019

PAKISTAN

IMF blames PML-N, PTI for inadequate policies: Dawn
July 11, 2019

The International Monetary Fund has implicitly blamed two political governments of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf for misaligned policies and inadequate policy action, respectively, for the critical economic challenges the country is facing. In its staff report on $6 billion bailout to Pakistan approved by its executive board earlier this week, the IMF has given a background of how the economic difficulties emerged and how corrective measures were delayed. Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Peace Process Should Be Fully Afghan-Owned: Karzai: Tolo News
July 10, 2019

The Afghan peace process “must be fully Afghan-owned and Afghan-led,” former President Hamid Karzai said at the 8th World Peace Forum in China on Tuesday, according to Xinhua report. “Progress is there between the United States and the Taliban, and hopefully, it is one that will ensure lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan,” Karzai said. The US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad concluded the seventh round of talks with the Taliban negotiators on July 9 in Qatar. He was cited by reports as saying that the Afghans are closer to reaching peace than any time in the past. Khalilzad said on July 8 that he had “lots of progress” on four key issues under debate in the negotiations. Click here to read... [3]

BANGLADESH

Former UN chief says Bangladesh cannot continue hosting Rohingya: Al Jazeera
July 11, 2019

Bangladesh is overwhelmed by the huge Rohingya population living on its territory and cannot be expected to continue hosting the persecuted minority indefinitely, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled from Myanmar to neighbouring Bangladesh after an army crackdown in 2017 that UN investigators have said was executed with "genocidal intent" and included mass killings, gang rapes and widespread arson. Click here to read... [4]

CHINA

China's social security funds to be replenished with state capital: People’s Daily
July 11, 2019

China will replenish social security funds through the injection of state capital this year to make the funds more sustainable. Policies to reduce employers' contributions to social insurance schemes will be further implemented to ensure that pensions are paid on time and in full. Click here to read... [5]

Arms sales to Taiwan a blow to Sino-US ties: China Daily
July 11, 2019

By approving the potential sale of arms worth $2.2 billion to Taiwan, the US State Department has not only further strained cross-Straits relations, it is also trying Beijing's patience. And by passing a series of acts and resolutions related to Taiwan this year, the US Congress has dealt a serious blow to Sino-US relations, as well as undermined peace and stability across the Straits. Click here to read... [6]