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Khalilzad: Put Pakistan on list of state sponsors of terrorism

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Last Updated on: October 24, 2022

khalilzadA number of U.S. lawmakers called for cutting financial aids and imposing sanctions against Pakistan while former diplomats urged to designate Pakistan on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.

“Pakistan now is a state sponsor of terrorism. There is no question that ISI supports the Haqqani network, which we regard as a terrorist network,” Zalmay Khalilzad, a former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq and UN who was speaking at a Congressional hearing said on Tuesday.

“It is also clear that the Pakistani military and intelligence provide sanctuary and support to the Taliban,” Khalilzad who played key role in shaping American policy towards Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq after 9/11 said.

He described that Pakistan understands that its double-game is risky, but it believes that the risk is manageable.

Narrating his travel to Pakistan when he was serving as the U.S. ambassador for Afghanistan he said,” I asked Gen. Musharraf why Pakistan was sponsoring the Taliban, he denied that there were any Taliban in Pakistan.

He added,” Musharraf instead insisted that I provide him with the names and phone numbers of the Taliban in Afghanistan”.

He continued, “Years later, when he was no longer his country’s leader, he boasted to the world of his country’s support for the extremist group”.

Pointing to the killing of Taliban leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour in a U.S. drone strike top former U.S. ambassador called for additional drone attacks against terrorist groups.

But he also suggested specific sanctions against Pakistani military and governmental officials saying drone strikes alone will not be enough without corresponding political and financial pressure.

“U.S. can impose financial and travel restrictions on senior Pakistani officials known to be complicit in the insurgency, and freeze funds in U.S. banks belonging to Pakistani entities  – both military and corporate – involved in financing the Taliban,” he recommended in a prepared statement.

At the same time Congressman Brad Sherman who joined Salmon and other lawmakers in seeking action against Pakistan added,” Those who suggest giving aid to Pakistan need to give justification for using the tax payer’s money”.

The hearing titled ‘Pakistan: Friend or Foe in the Fight Against Terrorism?’ has been jointly convened by the Subcommittee on Terrorism, Non-Proliferation and Trade and Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and is scheduled to be held on Wednesday.

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IEA condemns approval of death penalty law for Palestinian prisoners by Israeli parliament

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has strongly condemned the decision of the Israeli Parliament, which paves the way for issuing death sentences against Palestinian prisoners.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate said: “This action is a continuation of repeated injustices, a clear violation of the fundamental rights of the Palestinian people, and contrary to the principles of justice and human rights. It discriminately targets an oppressed nation.”

The Islamic Emirate has called on international organizations to take necessary and urgent measures to prevent such actions.

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19 Afghan migrants killed as boat capsizes off Turkish coast

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At least 19 Afghan migrants, including a baby, have died after a speedboat capsized in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Bodrum, Turkish authorities said on Wednesday.

According to the Turkish Coast Guard Command, the vessel was carrying dozens of migrants when it ignored repeated orders to stop and attempted to flee at high speed despite rough sea conditions. The boat later began taking on water before overturning.

Rescue operations were launched immediately, with teams supported by a helicopter from Izmir. Authorities said 20 migrants were rescued from the water, while 18 bodies were initially recovered at the scene. One more person later died in hospital, bringing the death toll to 19.

Search efforts are ongoing for at least one individual still reported missing.

Officials confirmed that all those on board were Afghan nationals. Idris Akbiyik, governor of Muğla province, said the victims included a baby.

Dangerous migration route

The incident occurred along one of the most frequently used—and perilous—migration routes into Europe. The nearby Greek island of Kos lies just about 20 kilometres from Bodrum, making it a common destination for migrants attempting to reach the European Union.

Other islands in close proximity include Kalymnos, Leros and Symi, all part of a corridor frequently used by people fleeing conflict, instability and economic hardship across the Middle East, Asia and Africa.

Turkey remains a major transit point for migrants seeking entry into Europe, with many attempting the short but dangerous sea crossing in overcrowded or unseaworthy boats. Despite increased patrols and enforcement efforts, such journeys often take place in poor weather or under risky conditions, frequently resulting in fatal accidents.

The latest tragedy highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants on this route, as well as the continued pressure on coastal authorities managing search and rescue operations in the region.

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Baradar approves 17 projects worth over one billion AFN

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In a regular meeting of the National Procurement Commission chaired by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, 17 projects worth more than one billion AFN were approved.

According to a statement from the deputy PM’s office, a total of 42 projects were presented for approval during the meeting. After discussion, 17 projects valued at over one billion AFN were approved, while modifications were made to 14 other projects.

The approved and amended projects include the construction of a dormitory building at Panjshir University; the construction of a medical faculty building at Badakhshan University; the completion of the first and second phases of the Kunar–Nuristan Road; the construction of general hospitals in Giro district of Ghazni province, Bandar district of Faryab province, and Spin Ghar district of Nangarhar province; as well as electricity supply and distribution projects across various provinces.

These projects are funded by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

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