VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: July 21, 2020

PAKISTAN

SC spots bias in NAB handling of political case: DAWN

The Supreme Court on Monday described the National Accountability Bureau’s (NAB) conduct in dealing with the Paragon housing society corruption case as a clear manifestation of utter disregard to the law, fair play, equity and propriety. “The present case is a classic example of trampling of fundamental rights, unlawful deprivation of freedom, and liberty and the complete disregard for human dignity as guaranteed by the Constitution,” wrote Justice Maqbool Baqar in an 87-page strongly worded detailed verdict in the Paragon City (Pvt) Ltd case. Click here to read.... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

8 Soldiers Killed in Maidan Wardak: TOLO News

At least eight Afghan National Army soldiers were killed in a suicide car bombing in Maidan Wardak on Monday afternoon, the Ministry of Defense confirmed in a statement. The ministry said that nine other soldiers were wounded in the attack that targeted a convoy of army forces in Sayed Abad district, a volatile region west of Kabul. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack and said it was a retaliation for "Afghan forces airstrikes on civilians." Click here to read.... [3]

BANGLADESH

First Indian ship carrying transshipment goods to reach Chittagong port Tuesday: Dhaka Tribune

The much-talked about transshipment of Indian goods to the country’s north-eastern states through Bangladesh waters is all set to begin in 24 hours. Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) Secretary Md Omar Faruk told the Dhaka Tribune that the Indian vessel named “MV Shejyoti,” carrying a total of 221 containers will arrive at the outer anchorage of Chittagong port around 8am on Tuesday. Click here to read.... [4]

MYANMAR

‘Ugly face’: U.S. and China trade barbs in Myanmar as South China Sea rift deepens: Reuters

China’s embassy in Myanmar on Sunday accused the United States of “outrageously smearing” the country and driving a wedge with its Southeast Asian neighbors over the contested South China Sea and Hong Kong, as tensions mount between the superpowers. Responding to U.S. claims Beijing was undermining the sovereignty of its neighbors, the Chinese embassy said U.S. agencies abroad were doing “disgusting things” to contain China and had showed a “selfish, hypocritical, contemptible, and ugly face”. Click here to read.... [5]

NEPAL

With more rains predicted, there are fears of loss of more lives and properties across the country: The Kathmandu Post

Every monsoon, Sher Bahadur Mahato is reminded of the incident that took place some two decades ago when the Narayani river changed its course and entered the riverside settlements displacing around 160 households. Whenever it starts to rain, the 55-year-old farmer from Ratanpur in Madhyabindu Municipality in Nawalparasi (East) fears history repeating itself. Click here to read.... [6]

SRI LANKA

Private buses to reduce operations by 50%: Daily Mirror

Lanka Private Bus Owners' Association President Gemunu Wijeratne yesterday said that they had decided to reduce the number of buses and bus journeys operated on certain roads by 50% from next Monday onwards. He told media that private bus owners were facing a financial crisis due to the reduction in income caused by the reluctance of the public to use public transport caused by fear among them of the 'second wave' in relation to the COVID-19 epidemic. Click here to read.... [7]