Majlis Podcast: Turkmenistan’s Afghan Dilemma

Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov made a rare and little publicized visit to three northwestern Afghan provinces at the end of June. Meredov’s trip was the latest evidence that Turkmen authorities are having to adjust their policies toward their southern neighbor in light of the breakdown in security in northwestern Afghanistan.

We’ve been discussing events in northern Afghanistan in the Majlis podcast and in Qishloq Ovozi for many months. But Meredov’s visit to Jowzjan, Faryab, and Balkh provinces was something unseen previously.

The trip, and what it means to Turkmenistan’s posturing toward Afghanistan, bears a closer look. So RFE/RL’s Turkmen Service, known locally as Azatlyk, assembled a Majlis panel to consider recent events in northwest Afghanistan and review how Turkmenistan has reacted and how Ashgabat might react in the future.

Moderating the discussion was Azatlyk Director Muhammad Tahir. Gennady Rudkevich, assistant professor of political science at Georgia University and a specialist in Central Asian affairs, joined the talk. And in the studio in Prague, Amin Mudaqiq, the director of RFE/RL’s Pakistani service, known as Radio Mashaal, participated. And I tossed in a few tidbits here and there, as well.

Mudaqiq started the discussion by recounting the recent fighting in northwest Afghanistan. Mudaqiq said the return of Afghanistan’s vice president, General Abdul Rashid Dostum, to the region has once again brought a modicum of stability to parts of northwest Afghanistan.

“Two months ago, the Taliban had almost encircled the provincial capitals of Faryab and Jowzjan and Sari Pul,” Mudaqiq explained. “I have relatives, I’ve been talking with them, they evacuated their families…because it was expected that the Taliban will overrun [their city] in hours.”

Mudaqiq said the situation changed after Dostum came back to northwest Afghanistan in the spring, the fourth time in less than a year that Dostum had returned to lead security operations against the militants.

The Taliban has been driven from some districts. But Rudkevich pointed out that a pattern has emerged where we see “Dostum coming in, Dostum clearing out the militants, Dostum leaving, the Taliban coming in.”

For Turkmenistan, one of the more alarming developments in northwest Afghanistan is the rise of a new group of Taliban, as Mudaqiq explained.

“To my surprise, [it is] the Turkmen commanders, Turkmen Taliban, who are the most resistant, the toughest fighters in this area,” Mudaqiq said. “These are the local Turkmen commanders, but they studied in Pakistan, they came [back] from Pakistan.” And he added that these Turkmen fighters are a departure from previous Turkmen groups.

“Traditionally, the young Turkmen would obey their elders, but right now they don’t obey their elders,” Mudaqiq said. “The elders are also not pushing so hard because they have their own grievances against Dostum.”

Mudaqiq also mentioned “local Taliban, local militants who are not ideological Taliban but [who] joined the Taliban either for their own security or [because of] their economic problems.”

Mudaqiq described these people as essentially hired guns and said they are often accepted back onto the government side after making vague oaths of allegiance. During Dostum’s offensives in the northwest, there have been several instances of Taliban commanders making peace with Dostum and joining the government side.

Rudkevich said this tactic might not pay off for long.

“If these local actors change sides so quickly and without punishment, apparently, then one day, whether it’s a month from now or a year from now or five years from now, we could have a situation where they decide that being on Dostum’s side, or being on the government’s side, is not in their interest,” he said. “And in that case, the fighting will end up in a very different direction than what it is right now.”

Part of the reason for Foreign Minister Meredov’s trip to northwest Afghanistan was probably to get a first-hand look at these events so the Turkmen government can better assess the situation south of the border. His planned visit to a border town where Turkmenistan is building a retaining wall along the Amu-Darya River was abruptly canceled when “unfortunately there was a mine blast, which hit his convoy, and he returned,” Mudaqiq said.

Officially, Meredov was there to discuss bilateral projects. He participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan railway in the town of Akina in Faryab Province and he discussed plans for Turkmenistan to export electricity to areas in northwest Afghanistan. Such discussions could just as easily, and more usually, have been held in Ashgabat or Kabul. Mudaqiq mentioned that Meredov’s meetings with local officials were all conducted behind closed doors.

Azatlyk already reported that the commander of the paramilitary “Arbaky” units and some local police officials were just in Ashgabat. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu also made the first-ever visit by a Russian defense minister to Turkmenistan at the start of June.

So it could be that Turkmenistan, which for some 20 years has prided itself on being a neutral country, is choosing a side in the Afghan conflict.

But Mudaqiq drew attention to Turkmenistan’s projects in northwest Afghanistan and suggested that Turkmenistan does have a policy toward this region.

“This electricity, this railway project, these road projects do not benefit only the government. [They] benefit the whole population, which includes the Taliban,” Mudaqiq said. “Turkmenistan electricity in Faryab is distributed in villages, which are under the Taliban, so when the Taliban starts a disturbance against Turkmenistan, they will lose electricity as well.”

Mudaqiq said Turkmenistan might be seeking to make the Afghan provinces across the border dependent on Turkmenistan so that no matter who is in control in northwest Afghanistan that party will need to have friendly relations with Turkmenistan.

It would be a better policy than simply trying to stay out of Afghan politics altogether, which has already proven to be impossible.

Rudkevich said, “[The Turkmen government} wants to have stable borders with Afghanistan, and it looks like they’ve seen the situation degenerate to such an extent that they’re willing to make some sacrifices in the neutrality policy.” But Rudkevich cautioned, “I can’t see them going much further without really jeopardizing the whole neutrality policy, which, again, has been what their whole identity is based on for the last 20 years.”

The panel agreed we are likely to see a very flexible policy from the Turkmen government toward neighboring areas in Afghanistan, but not a coherent strategy, as Ashgabat is in the position of having to react to Afghan events without being able to do much to influence the situation.

The panel discussed these issues in greater detail and looked at other topics that are shaping the situation in northwest Afghanistan and forcing policymakers in Ashgabat to regularly make adjustments to Turkmenistan’s ties with its southern neighbor.

Source: Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036.

Chairman, SECP presented an update to the Finance Minister

The Chairman, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) along with Chairman PSX, Mr. Muneer Kamal, today presented an update to the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, on the progress made with respect to the divestment of shares of Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX)

The Minister was briefed on expression of interest (EOIs) received from various national and international prospective buyers in relation to divestment of 40% shares of the PSX lying in the blocked account to be sold to Strategic Investor(s) (SIs), and local financial institutions as required under the Stock Exchanges (Corporatization, Demutualization and Integration) Act, 2012. Recently, the Divestment Committee of PSX’s shareholders mandated to carry out the divestment had extended the timeline for submission of EOIs till August 15, 2016 in view of recent changes including British decision to exit from the European Union, Pakistan’s inclusion in MSCI emerging markets and various important reforms witnessed by our capital market. In the interim PSX is formulating a marketing strategy, to be implemented soon after Eid holiday, to present its case to local and foreign prospective investors.

The Minster reiterated that the divestment should be speeded up and executed keeping the view the best national interest and development of the Pakistan capital market.

Chairman SECP also briefed Finance Minister on the progress made on draft Companies Bill, 2016. The Chairman SECP apprised the honorable Minister regarding the extensive consultative process undertaken by the SECP on advice of the honorable Minister and the quantum of feedback received from the general public, the professional bodies and the experts and the status of incorporation of the suggestions and the new concepts. The provisions added in draft Companies Bill were discussed in detail by Finance Minister with team of SECP and appreciated the work done so far by the Commission. Especially the concepts including exemptions to companies with lesser capital and inactive companies regarding audit and filing requirements were appreciated by him. He expressed hope that these concepts will go long way for documentation of economy. Finance Minister advised to place updated draft of the draft Bill again on website for further feedback by stakeholders.

Finance Minister advised Chairmen SECP to also add necessary provisions in draft Bill to facilitate agriculture sector growth and the regulation of real estate business. He further advised to strengthen law to deal with the situation arising with reference to off shore investments issues to preventfrauds and money laundering in corporate sector. He said that companies should be required to provide information to the Commission of beneficial ownership of securities and properties abroad. The Commission is to maintain a global register of beneficial ownership in this respect. He advised that in the changing economic land scape in the back drop of CPEC and theestablishment of free zones be kept in view to attract maximum investment in the Country and necessary provisions to support such endeavors may be provided in the new draft company law.

The Minister while appreciating the efforts of SECP, advised that the draft Bill along with the changes introduced post consultation, may be posted on the website of SECP for further feedback. He also stated that another meeting shall be conducted after Eid holidays to deliberate and come up with a way forward with respect to the draft Bill.

Source: Ministry of Finance

US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson called on Finance Minister

US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Richard Olson called on Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here Saturday morning.

The US Special Rep on the occasion exchanged views with the Finance Minister on the issue of Afghan Refugees and efforts by Pakistan to streamline movement of goods and people across Pak-Afghan border.

Ambassador Olson extended felicitations to Minister Dar on the recent economic achievements, including record tax revenue collection and highest level of Forex reserves. He said these accomplishments had become possible due to the commitment and hard work of the Finance Minister and his team for strengthening the economy.

Ambassador Olson while discussing matters relating to the Afghan Refugees and said that Pakistan’s contribution in hosting the Afghan refugees was acknowledged and commended by the international community. He said that safe, early and permanent repatriation of refugees to their homeland was a priority. He expressed support for efforts aimed at strengthening Pak-Afghan bilateral relations.

Minister Dar said that it was imperative to agree on a detailed roadmap for safe and honourable repatriation of Afghan Refugees. He apprised the US official of his detailed interaction with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees on the issue. He said that performance benchmarks needed to be put in place to ensure that the agreed timelines for repatriation can be met.

Source: Ministry of Finance

بیرون ملک 2000 سے زیادہ تعلیمی ادارے ٹیوشن ادائیگی کے لیے یونین پے کارڈز قبول کرتے ہیں – یونین پے انٹ‫نیشنل نے بیرون ملک تعلیم حاصل کرنے والے طلبہ کے لیے اپنی ادائیگی سروس کو بہتر بنا لیا

شنگھائی، چین، 1 جولائی 2016ء/سن ہوا ایشیانیٹ/– بیرون ملک تعلیم حاصل کرنے والے طلبا کے لیے یونین پے کی ادائیگی سروس ٹیوشن ادائیگی سے روزمرہ زندگی کے تمام پہلوؤں تک توسیع پا رہی ہے۔ یکم جولائی کو یونین پے انٹرنیشنل نے اعلان کیا کہ اب بیرون ملک 2,000 سے زیادہ تعلیمی ادارے ٹیوشن ادائیگی کے لیے یونین پے کارڈز قبول کر رہےہیں، جو امریکا، کینیڈا، آسٹریلیا، برطانیہ، نیوزی لینڈ اور سنگاپور سمیت مشہور مقامات کے معروف تعلیمی اداروں کا احاطہ کر رہے ہیں۔

سرکاری اعداد و شمار کے مطابق بیرون ملک تعلیم حاصل کرنے والے چینی طالب علموں کی تعداد 2015ء میں 500,000 سے تجاوز کر چکی ہے، سال بہ سال میں تقریباً 14 فیصد اضافے کے ساتھ۔ چین اب امریکا، برطانیہ، کینیڈا اور آسٹریلیا میں بین الاقوامی طالب علموں کا سب سے بڑا ذریعہ ہے۔ اس پس منظر میں یونین پے انٹرنیشنل ان طالب علموں کے لیے اپنی ادائیگی سروس کو بہتر بنا رہا ہے۔

باسہولت اور محفوظ آن لائں سرحد پار ٹیوشن ادائیگی

یونین پے کارڈز کے ذریعے آن لائن ٹیوشن ادائیگی اب آسان ہے۔ ترسیل زر کام کے تین دنون کے اندر مکمل ہو سکتے ہیں۔ یونین پے آن لائن ادائیگی مختلف حفاظتی و خطرہ سنبھالنے والے اقدامات کو قبول کرتی ہے تاکہ بین السرحدی آن لائن ادائیگی کی حفاظت کی ضمانت دی جا سکے۔

طلبہ اور ان کے والدین یونین پے ڈیبٹ اور کریڈٹ کارڈز کے ذریعے ٹیوشن ادائیگی کے لیے متعدد ٹیوشن ادائیگی پلیٹ فارمز پر لاگ ان ہو سکتے ہیں۔ مثال کے طور پر پیئرٹرانسفر شمالی امریکا، یورپ اور آسٹریلیا میں 700 سے زیادہ اور ویسٹرن یونین 400 سے زیادہ تعلیمی اداروں کا احاطہ کرتے ہیں۔ تائیوان میں پانچ اہم بینکوں کے ٹیوشن ادائیگی پلیٹ فارمز 70 فیصد مقامی کالجوں اور جامعات کا احاطہ کررہے ہیں۔

تیسرے فریق اداروں جیسا کہ ٹی ایم ایس اور ٹچ نیٹ کے ساتھ تعاون کے ذریعے یونین پے انٹرنیشنل 700 اداروں کے باضابطہ ادائیگی ویب صفحات کے لیے یونین پے کریڈٹ کارڈز کی قبولیت کو ممکن بنایا۔

طلبہ کی بیرون ملک زندگی کے تمام پہلوؤں کا احاطہ کرتی ادائیگی سروسز

یونین پے کی ادائیگی سروس اب بیرون ملک طلبہ کی زندگی کے تمام پہلوؤں کا احاطہ کرتی ہے۔ مشہور مقامات پر یونین پے کارڈز استعمال کرنا آسان ہے۔ مثال کے طور پر امریکا میں تقریباً تمام اے ٹی ایمز نقد نکلوانے کے لیے یونین پے کارڈز قبول کرتے ہیں اور 80 فیصد تاجر دستخطی ادائیگی کے لیے یونین پے کریڈٹ کارڈز قبول کرتے ہیں۔ ان تاجروں میں اہم ڈپارٹمنٹ اسٹورز، سپر مارکیٹیں اور ریستوراں شامل ہیں۔

یونین پے کی ادائیگی سروس مختلف تعلیمی ادائیگی منظرناموں کا بھی احاطہ کرتے ہیں: کیمپس میں پی او ایس ٹرمینلز پر ٹیوشن کی ادائیگی، درسی کتب اور رہائش کی ادائیگی۔ کئی کیمپس کتاب گھر، طلبہ کے خدماتی مراکز، طلبہ کی آرام گاہیں اور کتب خانے بھی یونین پے کارڈز قبول کرتے ہیں۔

یونین پے کارڈز کا بیرون ملک استعمال کئی فائدے رکھتا ہے: طلبہ کو بھاری مقدار میں نقد رقم لے جانے کی ضرورت نہیں، نہ ہی انہیں غیر ملکی کرنسی میں خریداری یا ادائیگی کی ضرورت نہیں۔ طلبہ کے والدین اب اپنے بچوں کے بیرون ملک اخراجات کے بارے میں جان سکتے ہیں۔ طالب علم 40 سے زیادہ ممالک اور خطوں میں یونین پے کارڈز کے لیے درخواست دے سکتے ہیں، اور 160 ممالک اور خطوں میں یونین پے کی جانب سے ادائیگی سہولت اور خصوصی انعامات کا لطف اٹھا سکتے ہیں۔

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ذریعہ: یونین پے انٹرنیشنل