VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: October 20, 2020

PAKISTAN

Govt, opposition trade charges for making army controversial: DAWN

Prevailing political heat in the country entered the Senate on Monday when lawmakers from both sides of the aisle, during an intense debate on the current situation after the opposition’s launching of the anti-government campaign, held an indirect debate on the alleged political role of the army and blamed each other for making the institution controversial in the country. Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Doha: Contact Groups Discuss Disputed Issues: TOLO News

Members of the contact groups of both sides of the peace negotiations met on Monday night in Doha, capital of Qatar and discussed the disputed issues, says republic delegate Nader Nadery, adding that both sides agreed to continue the discussion. The contact teams of both sides will be reduced to 3 members each, said delegates. Previously, the Afghan republic team had 7 members and the Taliban had 5Click here to read... [3]

BANGLADESH

Meeting on implementing Asrayan-2 project held at PMO: Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Dr Ahmad Kaikaus presided over the virtual meeting attended by all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners of the country. PMO Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah and Project Director of the Asrayan-2 Project Md Mahbub Hossain also attended the meeting, among others. Click here to read... [4]

NEPAL

Oli administration’s decision on Covid tests and treatment breaches social contract: The Kathmandu Post

A day after the Ministry of Health and Population said that people themselves need to pay for Covid-19 tests and treatment costs if they are infected, Nepalis on Monday took to social media to chide the administration, wondering why citizens should pay tax to the government if it cannot ensure their fundamental right. Click here to read... [5]

SRI LANKA

Opposition Whip requests Speaker to postpone debate: Daily Mirror

Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella in a letter addressed to Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardene had requested him to postpone the debate on the 20th Amendment to the Constitution due to the COVID-19 situation in Sri Lanka. "The current seating arrangement in the House violates the regulations stipulated in the gazette notification pertaining to quarantine law issued by the Minister of Health recently. Holding sessions in Parliament itself is a violation of the laws stipulated. Click here to read... [6]