Tillerson presses Pakistan to act against terrorist ‘safe havens’
On Tuesday, United States Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will visit Islamabad where he will emphasize cooperation in fighting extremists and driving them out of their hideouts on Pakistani soil by Pakistani officials and its importance to maintaining a good relationship with the US. On his recent trip to Afghanistan, Tillerson warned Pakistan while talking to media persons- insisting that Islamabad must step up action against terrorist groups that have allegedly found safe haven within Pakistan’s borders. “Clearly, we have to continue to fight against the Taliban, against others, in order for them to understand they will never win a military victory,” Tillerson stated, “we also want to work with regional partners to ensure that there are no threats in the region.”
Women protest against braid-chopping incidents in India held Kashmir
On Monday in Muzaffarabad, hundreds including women and children marched in protest against a new wave of brutal acts in the form of braid chopping incidents in India held Kashmir. According to international media reports, more than 200 cases of braid-chopping have been reported over the past six weeks in India-held Kashmir- with a number of victims attacked and drugged before their hair was cut off. Police from held Kashmir and pro-India groups claim that this terror wave is the work of “radical elements” to “to disturb peace, create animosity between people and security forces and build an atmosphere of fear among women”. The protesters in Muzzafarbad, however, believe that the incidents are possibly ordered by the Indian government, which wanted to divert attention from the basic demand of Kashmiris — freedom.
Elections Act (Amendment) Bill, 2017 passed by Senate
With a majority vote on Monday, the Senate passed the Elections (Amendment) Bill 2017 instating a ban on disqualified persons from taking part in political activities. The bill had been jointly submitted to the Senate Secretariat earlier this month by members of the Pakistan People’s Party, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaaf, Pakistan Muslim League-Q and Jamat-i-Islami. With 49 lawmakers in favor and 18 against it, the amendment in Section 203 imposes a ban on disqualified persons from taking part in political activities. The Elections Act (Amendment) Bill 2017 was part of the 48-point agenda issued by the Senate Secretariat for the autumn session opening day of the Upper House of parliament.
Sharjeel Memon, 11 co-accused arrested by NAB officials
After the Sindh High Court (SHC) declined former Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon’s bail plea in a corruption case, a team from the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) took Memon into custody. To avoid arrest Memon had holed up for hours in a courtroom following the rejection of his bail plea, while his team explored their options. In a show of solidarity, several Pakistan Peoples Party ministers visited Memon in court. 11 co-accused in the case were also arrested by NAB officials. 5 handed themselves over to the NAB while the remaining 7 were arrested along with Memon.
Economic Survey Pakistan: Pakistan’s Construction industry grew by 9.1%
Pakistan’s Construction industry is playing an important role in bringing economic growth to a rising level via foreign investors. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, it is estimated that the industry grew by 9.1% in 2017 and contributed to 2.7% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Thanks to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) agreement, the country’s image has been boosted abroad. Foreign investors are interested to follow in China’s footsteps. The marked improvement in the country’s security has also contributed to this change. Foreign direct investment (FDI) figures by State Bank of Pakistan stated that this industry received a net inflow of $35.7 million in August 2017. Investment has also been boosted locally due to government policies such as reduction in duties and taxes on construction machinery and construction materials like steel.