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SAARC Insurance Conference concludes in Pakistan

Karachi, April 17 (ANI): The second SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) Insurance Regulators' Meet and International Conference concluded in Pakistan's Karachi recently. The aim of the conference was to develop a sound, stable and inclusive financial sector across the entire SAARC region through collaboration and learning from experiences of each other and of more developed markets. The first of its kind in the history of Pakistan's insurance industry, the two-day conference was organized by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). Pakistan has been awarded a chairmanship of SAARC Insurance Regulator Forum by member countries as Mohammed Asif Arif, the Commissioner Insurance SECP has been appointed as the Chairman of the SAARC Insurance Regulators Forum, which will serve as the centre for all activities for extending support and cooperation among the SAARC member countries.

Pakistan muzzles media in PoK

Muzaffarabad, PoK, April 16, 2014:- The media in Pakistan occupied Kashmir continues to bear the brunt of mirroring the realities of the region... with most media houses constantly being muzzled by Pakistan intelligence agencies, journalists are under pressure to file biased reports...

Fundamentalist forces pose challenge to nation's PM: Bangladesh journalist

Dhaka, April 15 (ANI): Bangladesh's senior journalist and media advisor to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, said that fundamentalist forces, who tried to create religion based politics, pose biggest challenge for ruling Awami League (AL). While talking to a reporter in Dhaka, Chowdhury said on Tuesday that the government needs to take stringent steps to thwart any attempts of fundamentalist forces. Urging the government to execute rest of the war criminals, Chowdhury said that there should be no compromise on this issue.

No militant release without Army consent, says Pakistan's Interior Minister.

Islamabad, April 14 (ANI): Pakistan's Interior Minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan shrugged off reports suggesting that dialogue with the Taliban and release of some of their prisoners were happening without taking the armed forces on board. Replying to questions, Khan denied there were tensions between the army and the government over the talks, and claimed civil-military relations were better than they had ever been before. Asked about reports that the government had upset the army by releasing Taliban prisoners without their consent, Khan said it was impossible to release the prisoners without taking the army on board, because most of the prisoners were being held in internment centers run by the army. However, Khan categorically denied suggestions that the Taliban had asked for the release of their combatants who were in the government's custody.

Bangladesh celebrates Bengali New Year with fanfare and festivities

Dhaka, April 14 (ANI): An exuberant wave of cheer and festivities gripped Bangladesh as thousands celebrated the colourful festival of 'Pohela Boishakh', the first day of the Bangla New Year, with much pomp and fanfare on Monday. Melodious cultural songs filled the air as children in colourful costumes walked through the streets of Dhaka singing songs and dancing on its tunes. A kaleidoscopic view of the country's rich cultural heritage was on display, as women and girls painted their faces with country's map and other emblems. Amid enthusiasm, a participant Riya revelled in the festive spirit and welcomed the New Year.

Controversial remark of Khaleda Zia's son triggers uproar

Dhaka, Apr 14 (ANI): Political organizations in Bangladesh protested against the comment made by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman against Bengali nationalist politician and statesman Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Tarique Rahman who is the senior Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), had said on April 08 in London that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was an illegal Prime Minister because he had apparently ignored the declaration of independence made on April 10, 1971 when the first government in-exile was formed. Protesters belonging to various political parties took to the roads showing their

Bangladesh follows balanced foreign policy, stable governance will strengthen it further- Senior Journalist

New Delhi, April 13 (ANI): Speaking on Bangladesh's foreign policy and the relation it shares with its neighbours, Senior Journalist Gautam Lahiri said that now Bangladesh is trying to engage not only with its neighbours but also with the big powers. He also spoke about Bangladesh's relationship with India. He also talked about Bangladesh's relationship with Pakistan. Lahiri further talked about whether there is any possibility for India, China and Bangladesh to have relationship with each other without being suspicious of the third person.

Controversial remark by Khaleda Zia's son sparks protest in Bangladesh

Dhaka, April 13 (ANI): Political organizations took to roads in Bangladesh on Saturday to protest against the comment made by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia's son Tarique Rahman against Bengali nationalist politician and statesman Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Tarique Rahman, senior Vice-Chairman of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, had said on April 08 in London that Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was an illegal Prime Minister because he had apparently ignored the declaration of independence made on April 10, 1971 when the first government in-exile was formed. Reportedly, Tarique quoted the declaration saying Sheikh Mujibur Rahman would remain as president and Syed Nazrul Islam as vice-president until the adoption of the constitution.

New Bangladesh government faces set of challenges after elections

Dhaka, April 11 (ANI): Trustee of Bangladesh Liberation War Museum, Sarwar Ali, said on Friday that the new government is facing a set of fresh challenges and needs to toughen its stand against the religious fundamentalist forces which went on a rampage and posed a threat to the country's elections last year. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League ended with more than two-thirds of seats in a contest that was shunned by international observers as flawed and derided as a farce by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Talking to the reporter in Dhaka, Ali said that the government should take adequate steps to restore good governance to prove its success. Disagreement between the government and opposition led the BNP to boycott elections on January 05 2014, on the grounds that they would not be free and fair.

Foreign extremists launch 'jihad' in Syria

United Nations, April 07: Over 140,000 Syrians have lost their lives and more than 9 million are internally displaced or have fled the country since the conflict between forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad and those opposed to his rule began in March 2011. The fight is grim as the rebels are outnumbered by Islamists and jihadists linked to Al Qaeda. The country is now facing one of the worst civil wars with rise in crimes including torture, hostage-taking, murder and execution. Al Qaeda and the Taliban from Pakistan-Afghan border are now using Syria as a launching pad to carry out strikes against the West. Syria is an attractive region for them since it lies far from the drone strikes. These fighters are skilled in bomb-making, logistics, religious indoctrination and planning. Experts believe that Pakistan is well aware of al Qaeda's strategy in Syria. It is believed that Pakistan is backing al Qaeda fighters in Syria at the behest of Saudi Arabia. During his recent visit to Paki

Chilean authorities say 2 confirmed dead following massive quake

Arica and Central Chile, April 2 (ANI): Two people were confirmed dead and three were seriously injured when a major earthquake struck off the northern coast of Chile on Tuesday night, authorities said. The earthquake of magnitude 8.2 struck triggered a tsunami that hit the northern part of the country but no serious damage was reported. Residents across northern and central Chile were evacuated from their homes. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said the quake generated a large tsunami with the biggest wave reported at 2.3 meters. The Chilean navy said the first big wave hit the coast within 45 minutes. The government said it had no reports of significant damage to coastal areas, but around 300 prisoners took advantage of the confusion and escaped from a jail in Iquique, Interior Minister Rodrigo Penailillo said.

Rising Student Dropout and Unemployment in Gilgit Baltistan

Gilgit Baltistan, April 2: The youth of Gilgit Baltistan are victims of a collapsing education sector, but the proxy government of Pakistan is doing nothing to bring about an improvement in the situation.

Former Pakistani President Musharraf pleads not guilty to treason

Rawalpindi/ Islamabad, Mar 31 (ANI): A court in Pakistan indicted former president Pervez Musharraf for treason on charges relating to his 2007 imposition of emergency - a crime that carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. The former military ruler pleaded not guilty to five counts of treason on Monday. Musharraf is accused of unlawfully suspending the constitution and instituting emergency rule in 2007, when he was trying to extend his rule as president. Judge Faisal Arab, who heads the special panel of three judges, rejected a defence plea for additional time. Musharraf, who was President from 2001 to 2008, is the first Pakistani army chief to face such a prosecution.

Two Sikhs abducted in Pakistan returns home unharmed

Peshawar, March 25 (ANI): Two members of Pakistan's Sikh community, who were kidnapped in northwest Pakistan last month, reached their home in Peshawar after being released by their abductors. The captives, Sawinder Singh and Anand Singh, were kidnapped by unknown assailants on February 11 from Dera Ismail Khan in Pakistan's restive northwest belt adjoining the lawless tribal region. Sawinder Singh said that he and his cousin had gone to DI Khan in connection with their herbal medicine business when they were kidnapped at gunpoint by masked gunmen riding motorbikes. Singh said the kidnappers were 10 in number who told them that there were some complaints against them and they would only be released if their 'Amir' (chief) was satisfied with their statements.

Challenges ahead for Sheikh Hasina government

New Delhi, Mar 24 (ANI): Bangladesh's new government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is facing a set of challenges after it won a violence-plagued election which was boycotted by the opposition BNP. Political analyst and scholar Smruti Pattanaik, in an exclusive interview to ANI, spoke about the challenges Hasina would have to tackle immediately, as head of government. Pattanaik further said that the BNP's strategy of boycotting the election by calling continuous hartals and indulging in violence backfired. Pattanaik also said that the Sheikh Hasina government has popular support in its fight against the Islamic terrorism.

New Bangladesh govt faces challenges post violence plagued polls

Dhaka, March 24 (ANI): Bangladesh's new government is facing a set of challenges after it won a violence-plagued election which was boycotted by the opposition amid growing international calls for fresh and inclusive polls. While talking to the reporter in Dhaka, the founder-secretary of a civil society organization, Shujan, Badiul Alam Majumdar, said that the foremost challenge was related to the question of the legitimacy of the government. Majumdar said that the government has to take adequate steps to stabilize the economy, adversely affected by the violence. More than 200 people were killed in violent street protests in Bangladesh which broke out in February and continued throughout 2013.

Human rights violations in Balochistan raised at United Nations

Geneva, March 23: These banners on the shores of Lake Geneva were displayed to make the people aware about ongoing genocide in Balochistan, Pakistan's largest province. Organized by the Baloch Diaspora on the sidelines of 25th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, it highlighted issues like economic exploitation, Talibanization, enforced disappearances and killings of Baloch political leaders and intellectuals. The recent discovery of mass graves and an ongoing army operation in Balochistan were also highlighted. On March 10, the issue of gross human rights violations in Balochistan was also raised during a side event at the United Nations titled "Human Rights and Security Perspectives for Balochistan and Pakistan Post-2014".

Bangladesh economist appeals to punish Pak war criminals before locals for 1971 liberation war

Dhaka, March 10 (ANI): Bangladesh economist Mahbubul Mokaddem Akash said that before prosecuting local war criminals, Pakistani atrocity makers should be punished, who are accused of genocide during 1971 liberation war and were released under Simla Agreement in 1972. The Simla Agreement was inked between India and Pakistan in July 02, 1972, which paved the way "for a diplomatic recognition" of Bangladesh. While talking to a reporter in Dhaka, Akash demanded a quicker punishment for Pakistani war criminals so as to provide a slight benefit to the Bangladeshi nationals. Unrest erupted in January 2013 when the International Crime Tribunal (ICT) sentenced to death in absentia a leader of Jamaat.

Search for missing Malaysia Airlines plane continues

Malaysia, March 09 (ANI): Search operations for a missing Malaysia Airlines flight that vanished from radar screens over the South China Sea with 227 passengers and 12 crew on board continued on Sunday. By the early hours of Sunday, there were no confirmed signs of the plane or any wreckage, well over 24 hours after it went missing. Vietnamese navy ships reached two oil slicks which were spotted earlier, but found nothing. There were no indications of sabotage or claims of an attack too. But the passenger manifest issued by the airline included the names of two Europeans - Austrian Christian Kozel and Italian Luigi Maraldi - who, according to their foreign ministries, were not in fact on the plane. Both the Austrian and Italian men claimed they lost their passports in Thailand two years ago and in 2013 respectively.

Bangladesh activist hopes for speedy trial of Pakistani war criminals

Dhaka, March 08 (ANI): Bangladesh activist and eminent filmmaker, Tanvir Mokammel pinned hope on speedy trial of Pakistani war criminals, accused of genocide during 1971 liberation war, who were released under Simla Agreement in 1972. While talking to the reporter in Dhaka, Mokammel called the Pakistani war criminals as perverted individuals, as they were involved in perpetrating the killings, rape and arson.Unrest erupted in January 2013 when the tribunal sentenced to death in absentia a leader of Jamaat. Thousands took to the streets in February demanding the execution of another Jamaat leader after he was jailed for life on similar charges. Slamming Jamaat, Mokammel said the Islamist party should not be allowed to function, which has always tried to sabotage the development of Bangladesh.