Kashmiris being killed on LoC on daily basis: Yasin Malik

Srinagar, March 17, 2018 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) Chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik has said that Kashmiris are being killed on the Line of Control (LoC) on daily basis but the international community has become a mute spectator. Muhammad Yasin Malik in a statement issued in Srinagar said that instead of playing as fire fighters, the United Nations should play the role of an arbitrator and resolve the Kashmir dispute.

He said settlement of the lingering dispute which has put the peace and stability of south Asian region and the whole world at stake can only ensure the lasting peace and stability when the international community plays its positive role for early solution of the dispute. The JKLF Chairman said that Kashmiris had been facing the Indian aggression for last over 70 years during which Lacs of people had been killed, injured and arrested. He said that many Kashmiri political detainees had been shifted to jails in Jammu and were facing aggression which was highly condemnable.

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Gilani rejects India’s talks offer as time buying tactic

Srinagar, March 17, 2018 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, the Chairman of All Parties Hurriyat Conference, Syed Ali Gilani, has rejected India’s fresh offer of talks saying that it is nothing more than a tactic to buy time by New Delhi. The APHC spokesman, Ghulam Ahmed Gulzar in a statement issued in Srinagar said that the offer was made to Syed Ali Gilani by an official of Indian Intelligence Bureau on Thursday night. However, he said, the APHC Chairman declined the same, saying that until India acknowledges the disputed status of Jammu and Kashmir and starts withdrawal of its troops from the occupied territory, the holding any talks carries no meaning.

Syed Ali Gilani told the IB official that the Kashmiri people had never accepted the forced control of India and they should be allowed to express their aspirations about their political future. He said that it was the responsibility of the Indian leadership to create an atmosphere conducive for talks amongst all stakeholders of the Kashmir dispute including Pakistan to settle it.

Meanwhile, body of one more youth was recovered, today, from the debris of the four houses destroyed by Indian troops in Balhama Khonmoh area of Srinagar, raising the death toll to three. Bodies of two youth, Rasiq Nabi Butt and Shabbir Ahmed, were recovered from the rubbles, yesterday.

Complete shutdown continued in Tral and Awantipora, the native areas of Rasiq Nabi Butt and Shabbir Ahmed in Pulwama district on the second consecutive day, today, to mourn their killing. Dukhtaran-e-Millat delegation led by Nahida Nasreen visited Awantipora and expressed solidarity with the family of martyred Shabbir Ahmed. Several people were injured after Indian police fired teargas shells to break up demonstrations in Balhama area, today, against the killings.

On the other hand, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq-led Hurriyat forum, Dukhtaran-e-Millat and members of civil society of Budgam district in their statements strongly condemned the harassment of the family members of prominent resistance leader, Syed Salahuddin, by India’s National Investigation Agency.

In Geneva, Human rights activist, Ahmed Quraishi, representing the World Muslim Congress, during the 37th session of the UN Human Rights Council said that India had a disturbing record of restricting civic space in occupied Kashmir. He also referred to the prominent Kashmiri human rights defender, Khurram Pervez and said that Mr Khurram was prevented at New Delhi airport from boarding a flight to attend a session of the Human Rights Council in September 2016.

Speakers at a conference held on the sidelines of the session said India stands exposed in occupied Kashmir as its forces’ personnel are involved in gross human rights violations including killings, extrajudicial executions, arrests, torture, use of brute force and lethal weapons like pellet guns on protesters, rape of women and destruction of properties. The speakers included Barrister Abdul Majeed Trumboo, Prof Nazir Ahmed Shawl, Advocate Ayoub Ahmed Rathore, Shamim Shawl, Prof Alferd De Zayas, Muhammad Ali Arkoukou, Dr Jean Ziegler, Dr Iqtidaar Cheema and Ambassador Ronald Berni.

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PAKISTAN COURT ORDERS SUSPENSION OF PASSPORT OF ‘ABSCONDER’ MUSHARRAF

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan In a blow to Pakistan’s former dictator General (retd) Pervez Musharraf, the special court hearing the high treason case against him has also authorised the government to suspend his passport as well as his national identity card, according to a media report yesterday.

Last week, the special court had ordered the government to arrest the Dubai-based former president and confiscate all his properties as it heard the high treason case against the “proclaimed offender” for imposing emergency rule in the country in 2007.

Musharraf, 74, was indicted in March, 2014 on treason charges for imposing emergency in 2007 which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges.

The special court had earlier directed the Interior Ministry to approach the Interpol for the arrest of Musharraf.

If Musharraf fails to submit a written request for security to the Ministry of Interior, the government can take “positive steps” to ensure the arrest of the accused and attach his properties abroad, including suspension of the National Identity Card (CNIC) and passport of the accused, The Express Tribune quoted a four-page order of the special court.

If the federal government suspends his passport and CNIC, Musharraf will not be able to travel to any country.

The three-member bench, headed by Peshawar High Court Chief Justice Yahya Afridi had conducted the last hearing in the case on March 8. However, the written order was issued later, the report said.

Since 2013, the special court is hearing the treason case against Musharraf, also head of the All Pakistan Muslim League, for subverting the constitution in 2007. The next hearing of the case has been fixed for March 21, it said.

A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The order says that Akhtar Shah, the counsel for Musharraf, stated that his client intends to appear before the court but he should be provided security by the defence ministry.

Quoting legal experts, the report said the special court’s order to suspend Musharraf’s CNIC and passport is very significant as it will halt his movement abroad.

Advocate Shah told the paper that he had already sent two applications through courier to the ministries of interior and defence for providing foolproof security to Musharraf on his arrival in Pakistan to ensure presence in the court.

He, however, stated that they have yet to receive any response from the two ministries.

On the other hand, prosecution head Akram Sheikh said that ministry has yet to receive any application by Musharraf’s counsel.

He also urged the interior ministry to start the process for the suspension of Musharraf’s CNIC and passport, adding that the former army chief’s movement will be completely stopped after the suspension of passport.

The special court in its order has expressed dismay at the inaction of the federal government in taking positive steps to ensure the arrest of Musharraf, who has already been declared proclaimed offender.

“The court was informed that the accused is presently residing in United Arab Emirates and that there is an extradition treaty between government of UAE and government of Pakistan which could be invoked to ensure the arrest of the accused and attachment of his properties in the UAE,” says the order.

The court also asked the government to make a request to the Interpol for the issuance of an appropriate warrant for his arrest and for his production before the court on March 21.

Musharraf ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008.

He is wanted in Pakistan in several criminal cases including in the assassination of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Source: Nam News Network

On the Occasion of St. Patrick’s Day

As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I would like to recognize Ireland’s remarkable contributions to the United States and reaffirm the strong bonds of friendship between our two nations and people.

Throughout American history, men and women of Irish descent have had a deep and lasting impact on our country. Since our founding, these men and women have helped shape and strengthen America, including as signers of the Declaration of Independence, presidents, military leaders, authors, business titans, and much more. Irish fortitude, leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurship are woven into the very fabric of the United States.

While we honor the contributions of past generations, we continue today to write the Irish-American story through a shared embrace of progress and a mutual quest to secure a more prosperous and peaceful future. Together, Ireland and the United States are forging new connections in the areas of security, trade, investment, research, and cultural exchanges.

As communities across our two countries celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, I offer warm wishes for a safe and happy holiday.

Source: US Department of State

U.S. Says Pakistan Doing ‘Bare Minimum’ Against Militants Within Its Borders

Pakistan is doing the “bare minimum” needed to address U.S. demands that it stop the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network from operating within its borders, a senior U.S. official has said.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, provided to reporters on March 16 his assessment of Pakistan’s efforts to counter the militants since U.S. President Donald Trump announced last year that he would withhold $2 billion a year in military aid unless Islamabad takes more vigorous action.

“The Pakistanis have wanted to appear responsive,” but “they have done the bare minimum to appear responsive to our requests,” said the official.

“We continue to make very specific requests, and when provided with very specific information, they have responded,” he said. “But we have not seen them pro-actively take the steps that we expect and know they are capable of.”

The United States, in particular, is demanding that Pakistan move against Taliban leaders who support a continuation of the war in Afghanistan and oppose participating in peace talks with Kabul, the official said.

But the country’s powerful security services still seem to be supporting the Afghan Taliban, the official said, most likely because it sees the Taliban as aligned with Islamabad’s interest in keeping India from influencing Afghanistan.

“We are continuing to look for real action, not just words, from Pakistan on the Taliban and Haqqani sanctuaries,” the official said.

“We need to sustain the pressure,” he said, adding that the administration is willing to “give it more time, it deserves more time.”

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.

Officials: US Strikes Kill 35 IS Militants in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD. American counterterrorism airstrikes in northern Afghanistan are reported to have killed up to 35 Islamic State militants and wounded a dozen more.

A regional Afghan military statement said Saturday the pre-dawn strikes took place in the Darzab and Qishtepa districts of Jowzjan province, where IS maintains bases.

The statement noted that seven nationals of the neighboring Central Asian nation of Uzbekistan also were among the dead.

The army said, using the Arabic acronym for IS, American special forces also conducted a ground raid in Qishtepa and captured a key Daesh commander along with several other aides.

The airstrikes came a day after a pro-Islamic State group launched a social media campaign promoting jihadi mobilization to the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. The group, al-Qastantiyyah (Constantinople) Foundation, posted the announcement on its Telegram channel Friday, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadist threat alerts.

The message, it said, appeared to make an implicit reference to a recent video from IS’ Afghan branch, which called for migration to Jowzjan and eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

The Middle East-based terrorist group began its extremist operation in the war-hit country about three years ago after establishing bases in several of Nangarhar’s southern districts.

American commanders, however, insist sustained operations in partnership with Afghan ground forces have killed hundreds of IS loyalists, including leadership-level commanders, and significantly reduced the group’s territorial control.

The Taliban also has been attacking IS militants in Afghan areas controlled or contested by the insurgency.

Local media reported Saturday the latest clashes between the two rival groups also took place in Jowzjan, killing more than 13 IS militants.

Authorities in neighboring Pakistan say Daesh bases in Afghan border regions are being used to plot terrorism against the country.

The growing influence of IS also has raised alarms in neighboring Iran and Russia.

Moscow feels threatened by the terrorist group’s growing influence in Afghan provinces, which could undermine security of its allied Central Asian states and beyond.

Source: Voice of America

More Than 180 Convicts Sentenced to Death by Pakistan’s Military Tribunals Since 2015

WASHINGTON, Since their reinstatement in 2015, military courts in Pakistan have sentenced 186 convicts to death and issued verdicts for more than 300 terrorism-related cases, the country’s Ministry of Defense said last week.

The figures were released by the ministry in response to an inquiry by Pakistan’s Lower House of Parliament about the status of concluded, pending and ongoing cases in the military courts.

Military courts have proved to be controversial between the military and civilian establishments of Pakistan. The civilian courts have questioned reinstating military courts since the country has a functioning judiciary system.

The last time the country relied on military courts was in the late 1970s, during the rule of Zia-ul-Haq, the country’s former army chief-turned-president. Since then, the country’s constitution had prevented civilians from being tried in military courts.

That changed in 2015, however, after a terror attack on a military-run school in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killed more than 130 people, a majority of them children.

Following the attack, the country adopted a 20-point National Action Plan (NAP) to address the growing threat of terrorism and militancy in the country.

One of the proposals in the plan was to reinstate the military courts, as civilian courts either could not provide faster trials for suspected militants or were reluctant to do so, fearing retaliation from militant groups operating in the country.

The country’s parliament amended the constitution and allowed military courts to handle terrorism-related cases for two years. In January 2017, parliament extended the military courts’ authority for another two years, until 2019.

Lawmakers also passed new amendments, such as allowing suspects to have a defense attorney of their choice, requiring suspects to make an appearance in court within 24 hours, and implementing the rules of evidence in court proceedings.

11 military courts

There are several military courts operating in the country, including three in Punjab, two in Sindh, three in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and one in Balochistan province, according to local media.

The Daily Express Tribune, a Pakistan-based daily English-language newspaper, released statistics on military court convictions.

In the past three years, the courts have acquitted one person, convicted and given life sentences to 79 people, and sentenced more than 70 others to jail time ranging from seven to 20 years, the paper said.

Defense officials told the parliament that the military courts are currently hearing 101 cases, and 52 other cases have been dropped because of a lack of evidence.

Some observers were pleased by the defense ministry’s response to parliament, seeing it as a step toward accountability and transparency. They criticized, however, the seemingly ambiguous and secret nature of these military courts, which do not release such information.

Since the time of its inception, the nation has had concerns regarding the secret ways these military courts work. The defense ministry’s response is to answer a few of those questions, but the ambiguity is largely still there, Hasan Askari Rizvi, a Lahore-based security and military analyst, told VOA.

Considering it’s hard to question the army in the country, the defense ministry’s response to the parliament will set a good precedent as parliament is above all institutions, Rizvi added.

Lawmakers also were told that 151 so-called mercy petitions filed at the military courts were sent to the Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and he rejected them.

Parallel judiciary

Some legal experts and rights activists have voiced concerns about the existence of parallel court systems in the country and question the military courts’ procedures, fairness and legality under the constitution.

In 2015, the whole nation was in a shock after the school massacre and politicians felt compelled to pass the amendment to allow military tribunals to work, Shama Junejo, a rights activist, told VOA.

The nation needs to be taken into confidence [about] what’s happening there. Who are the people that are being tried in these courts? These are legitimate concerns that still need answers even after three years of [the military courts’] inception, Junejo added.

Some of the concerns are that the military courts conduct trials in secrecy. Media outlets and the public are not allowed to follow or attend the hearings. The defendants until last year were not even allowed to choose a defense lawyer of their choice.

Some experts even question the military court justices, arguing they lack the required legal qualifications to serve as judges and issue verdicts.

But others like Ikram Chaudhry, a senior Supreme Court advocate, defend the military courts.

The civil court system has its own challenges and needs reforms badly. It is an outdated system, and hundreds of thousands of cases remain pending for years, sometimes even for generations, Chaudhry told VOA.

Source: Voice of America