VIF Neighborhood News Digest: February 11, 2020

PAKISTAN

PPP grills govt. over ‘escape’ of TTP leader: Dawn
February 11, 2020

The opposition Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) and an independent lawmaker from the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas on Monday sought an explanation from the government over the “mysterious escape” of former Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan from the custody of a security agency, demanding that the matter be referred to a parliamentary committee for investigation. Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Ghani Visits Mohaqiq, Offers Condolences: Tolo
February 11, 2020

Upon returning from Abu Dhabi, President Ashraf Ghani on Monday evening went to the second deputy chief executive Mohammad Mohaqiq’s house to extend his condolences for the death of Mohaqiq's son. Mohaqiq on Sunday confirmed that his son Mohammad Hussain Mohaqiq killed his other son Mohammad Baqir Mohaqiq, and cited Hussain’s “mental illness.” Click here to read... [3]

BANGLADESH

Banks can form Tk200cr fund to invest in stock market: Dhaka Tribune
February 11, 2020

Bangladesh Bank on Monday allowed scheduled banks to form a special fund of Tk200 crore with a 5-7% interest rate for banks to borrow from, to invest in the stock market in an attempt to boost the sagging capital market. The central bank issued a circular to the managing directors and chief executive officers (CEO) of all scheduled banks in the country in this regard on Monday. Click here to read... [4]

MYANMAR

Arakan Army denies holding Myanmar's ruling party official: Myanmar Times
February 11, 2020

The Arakan Army (AA) on Monday denied kidnapping a local official of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) in strife-torn Rakhine State. U Zeya Min, the NLD’s finance officer in Kyaukphyu Township, was allegedly seized by unidentified gunmen on Saturday while on his way home. Click here to read... [5]

NEPAL

A decision that benefits a few individuals cannot be a policy decision, judges and lawyers say: The Kathmandu Post
February 11, 2020

The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority’s decision to exempt two former prime ministers from corruption charges in relation to Lalita Niwas land grab has given rise to a question: what constitutes a policy decision? The anti-graft agency has said that investigations into the Cabinet’s policy decisions are beyond its jurisdiction, citing law. Click here to read... [6]

BHUTAN

Boulder business could pick up if Indian truckers are allowed: Exporters: Kuenselonline
February 11, 2020

Ever since the issue of overloading and under-invoicing surfaced in April last year, the boulder business in Gelephu has never been the same. While several attempts to restart the once-thriving business were made over the months, the business is yet to return to its former vibrancy. Click here to read... [7]

Sri Lanka

Ranil rebuffs Sajith’s request to reappoint Ajith Perera to WC: Daily Mirror
February 11, 2020

United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe reportedly told Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday that he was not ready to reappoint MP Ajith P. Perera to the Working Committee, but had no issue in giving assent to the accommodation of the other three members. Click here to read... [8]

CHINA

Coronavirus exposes fundamental flaws in China’s economic growth model, and Beijing cannot fix it: South China Morning Post

February 11, 2020

The outbreak of the novel coronavirus, which has killed over 1,000 people and infected over 40,000, has exposed fundamental flaws in China’s governance system and its growth model – the excessive concentration of power, information and resources in the hands of a powerful state. Click here to read... [9]

Xinhua Headlines-Xi Focus: Xi vows to win people's war against novel coronavirus: Xinhuanet
February 11, 2020

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Monday stressed resolutely winning the people's war against pneumonia epidemic caused by the novel coronavirus. Click here to read... [10]