VIF Information Alerts - 28 August 2019

Son of famed Afghan commander Massoud steps into spotlight
Published: Hindustan Times

28 Aug 2019

Eighteen years after the assassination of revered anti-Taliban commander Ahmad Shah Massoud, his only son is hoping to continue the mission against the insurgents by jumping into Afghanistan’s chaotic political fray. With America seemingly on the brink of a deal with the Taliban that would see the Pentagon slash its troop presence in Afghanistan, 30-year-old Ahmad Massoud wants to galvanise anti-Taliban groups and stop the emboldened fighters from ushering in a new wave of hardline Islam.Click here to read.... [2]

Pak closes three aviation routes over Karachi
Published: Deccan Herald

28 Aug 2019

Pakistan has closed three aviation routes of Karachi airspace from August 28 till August 31, the country's civil aviation authority said on Wednesday after the government's announcement that it is mulling a complete ban on the use of the country's airspace by Indian flights. The ban will affect all international flights using the three routes above Karachi. It further provides pilots with an alternate route to circumnavigate Karachi airspace.Click here to read.... [3]

Pakistan, China sign agreement to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, exchange views on situation in Jammu and Kashmir
Published: Firstpost

27 Aug 2019

Pakistan and China on Monday signed an agreement to boost the bilateral defence cooperation and capacity building of the Pakistan Army. The agreement was signed during Vice Chairman Central Military Commission (CMC) General Xu Qiliang's visit to Pakistan's army headquarters in Rawalpindi with a high-level delegation. They also discussed matters of mutual interest and regional security, as well as avenues to enhance bilateral defence collaboration, the army said.Click here to read.... [4]

Central laws, schemes may need amendment to be applied to J&K
Published: The Economic Times

28 Aug 2019

Days after the Centre moved the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act and virtually revoked Article 370, it is looking at the numerous central laws that may still need an amendment to be fully applicable to J&K. All ministries have been asked to draw up a list of all the central government legislation and schemes that may have a hurdle in being implemented in J&K due to provisos saying they would apply everywhere in India “except in the state of Jammu & Kashmir”, people familiar with the development told ET.Click here to read.... [5]

Afghanistan complains to UNSC about violations by Pakistani troops
Published: Hindustan Times

27 Aug 2019

Afghanistan has asked the UN Security Council to take action to end violations of its territory by the Pakistani military, such as the firing of more than 200 rockets into Kunar province during August 19-20. In a letter sent to the Security Council last week, Afghanistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Adela Raz, accused the Pakistani military of repeated violations of Afghan territory and said the matter had also been raised in another official communication dated February 22.Click here to read.... [6]