epubdos : Afghanistan
SCA MORNING PRESS CLIPS
Prepared for the U.S. Department of State
Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs
TO:
SCA & Staff
DATE:
Monday, May 13, 2024 6:30 AM ET

Afghanistan
Flash Flooding in Afghanistan Kills at Least 300, With More Missing (New York Times)
New York Times [5/11/2024 4:14 PM, Safiullah Padshah, Christina Goldbaum, and Najim Rahim, 831K, Negative]
Heavy seasonal rains have set off flash floods across Afghanistan, killing more than 300 people in one province and destroying thousands of homes, according to United Nations officials. The floods have displaced thousands of others and engulfed entire villages, Afghan officials say.

The flood’s toll in the northern province of Baghlan, which appeared to have suffered the worst devastation, was likely to rise, said Hedayatullah Hamdard, the director of the provincial disaster management department. Most of the dead there were women and children, he said. At least 2,000 homes have been destroyed, according to the U.N. World Food Program.

Flooding began around 4 p.m. Friday and continued into the evening in Baghlan Province. Abdul Aziz Ayyar, a tribal elder, was in his home in the Baghlan-e-Markazi District when rain began pouring down. He stepped outside and saw a torrent of water rushing down a nearby mountain toward his village.

He grabbed his two children and wife and began sprinting to a different nearby mountain, shouting as he ran to warn the other villagers, he said. His 30-year-old niece was running behind him, carrying her 1-year-old and 3-year-old daughters. At one point, his niece tried to grab his hand to steady her and her children, he said, but before he could grab her, floodwater crashed over them, carrying them away.

“We returned to the village after midnight to save people, but they were all dead,” Mr. Ayyar said on Saturday. “Everything was flooded. There are three villages in our area where no houses are left; all have been razed by the flood.”

Flooding also killed at least one person in Badakhshan, a mountainous eastern province, where homes, small dams and bridges were destroyed and 2,000 livestock were killed, the provincial diaster management department said.

The provinces of Ghor and Herat, in central and western Afghanistan, were also affected by flooding, according to the Taliban authorities. And doctors were being deployed in Parwan Province — north of Kabul, Afghanistan’s capital — said Hekmatullah Shamim, the spokesman for the province’s governor, though details of the toll there were not immediately available.

Rescue teams were sending food, aid, medical teams and ambulances to the affected areas of Baghlan Province, said Sharafat Zaman, a spokesman for the Health Ministry.

Images published by the government on Saturday showed roads in Baghlan submerged in muddy water, with people trying to move vehicles that had been stuck in the sludge.

Videos from the Burka District of Baghlan Province, verified by The New York Times, showed entire villages submerged in muddy floodwater, with debris from destroyed houses and elsewhere piled up on the villages’ edges. The videos also showed women and children, covered head to toe in thick brown mud, crying out on a hilltop as they looked out over the destruction.

Barkatullah Sulaimani, a school principal in the Haji Wakil village of the Burka District, said on Saturday that when floodwater began rushing through his village, he ran to a hilltop on its outskirts. By about 11 p.m. Friday, he said, about 100 people from Haji Wakil had made it to safety, but nearly every family was missing some relatives. About 200 people from the village were unaccounted for, Mr. Sulaimani said.

Throughout the night, he took calls from people who were not in the village at the time of the flood and were seeking information about missing relatives.

“I told them I don’t see anything but water,” Mr. Sulaimani said. “They are not with us here. Maybe they are dead or alive.” Of their village, only some walls of some houses remained, he said, and the rest was destroyed.

In recent years, Afghanistan has experienced a dire economic crisis, faced a spate of natural disasters, and dealt with the turmoil of war and clashes with its neighbor Pakistan.

The wet conditions this year have been brought on in part by the El Niño phenomenon, raising the risk of floods, which hinder crop production and the flow of food supplies, particularly in the country’s north and northeast, the International Rescue Committee said in a statement last week.

Flash floods from heavy rains inundated much of Afghanistan last month, killing more than 100 people, destroying more than 1,000 homes and ruining more than 60,000 acres of farmland, the group said.

The damage to roads, bridges and the power infrastructure could hinder the delivery of humanitarian aid there, it said. Floods are also economically devastating in a country where at least 80 percent of the population derives its income from agriculture, according to the United Nations.

“Any additional flooding will have a detrimental impact on large swaths of the population,” the International Rescue Committee said, “which are already reeling from an economic collapse, high levels of malnutrition and conflict.”
‘Nothing left’: At least 300 dead as flash floods devastate Afghanistan (Washington Post)
Washington Post [5/12/2024 1:47 PM, Rick Noack, 6902K, Negative]
Afghan authorities and aid workers were struggling to respond this weekend to some of the worst flash floods in recent memory, which left about 300 people dead, the United Nations said, warning that hundreds of people may still be trapped beneath debris and mud.

The U.N.’s health agency said destruction was most severe in Baghlan province, in Afghanistan’s north, where “unprecedented rainfall” has damaged or destroyed thousands of homes since Friday.

Local authorities provided a lower death toll than the U.N. but said the number was likely to rise as they continue to survey the damage. Transport links and supply routes in the mountainous region remain severely disrupted.

In a statement, the country’s Taliban-run government confirmed that several other northern provinces and parts of western Afghanistan were also hit by flash flooding.

The raging water hit many villages unprepared, as small streams swelled into powerful floodwaters within minutes, locals said. At least 51 children were reported to have been killed, according to UNICEF, the U.N. children’s agency.

Reza Gul, 50, said the water rose so quickly that she had no time to put on her shoes. “We just grabbed our children and we ran,” she said in an interview.

While all members of her family survived the flood in her village in western Afghanistan, the family’s belongings and their livestock were swept away. “This is the end of the world for me,” she said. “We have nothing left.”

Already underfunded, Afghanistan’s health system is ill-equipped to respond to the crisis, aid workers warned Sunday. In an initial assessment, the U.N. said that “the country lacks the necessary resources to manage a disaster of this magnitude.”

Almost three years after taking power, the isolated Taliban-run government remains heavily dependent on international humanitarian aid. It was unclear on Sunday to what extent neighboring countries were assisting with the response to the floods. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it was ready “to cooperate” with the Afghan authorities.

Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghan officials will “mobilize all available resources.”

The flash floods followed an unusually wet spring and a number of smaller floods in recent weeks, which aid groups have linked to climate change.

Devastated by decades of conflict and economic crisis, “the continuation of climate-induced disasters in Afghanistan ought to be cause for grave concern,” Salma Ben Aissa, the International Rescue Committee’s Afghanistan director, said in a statement.
Flash floods in northern Afghanistan sweep away livelihoods, leaving hundreds dead and missing (AP)
AP [5/12/2024 6:30 PM, Rahim Faiez, 22K, Neutral]
Shopkeeper Nazer Mohammad ran home as soon as he heard about flash floods crashing into the outskirts of a provincial capital in northern Afghanistan. By the time he got there, there was nothing left, including his family of five.

“Everything happened just all of a sudden. I came home, but there was no home there, instead I saw all the neighborhood covered by mud and water,” said Mohammad. 48. He said that he buried his wife and two sons aged 15 and 8 years, but he’s still looking for two daughters, who are around 6 and 11 years old.

The U.N. food agency estimated that unusually heavy seasonal rains in Afghanistan have left more than 300 people dead and thousands of houses destroyed, most of them in the northern province of Baghlan, which bore the brunt of the deluges Friday.

Mohammad said Sunday that he found the bodies of his wife and two sons late Friday night on the outskirt of Puli Khumri, the capital of Baghlan province.

“I hope someone has found my daughters alive,” he said, holding back tears. “Just in the blink of an eye, I lost everything: family, home, belongings, now nothing is left to me.”

Among at least 240 people dead are 51 children, according to UNICEF, one of several international aid groups that are sending relief teams, medicines, blankets and other supplies. The World Health Organization said it delivered 7 tons of medicines and emergency kits.

Aid group Save the Children said about 600,000 people, half of them children, live in the five districts in Baghlan that have been severely impacted by the floods. The group said it sent a “clinic on wheels” with mobile health and child protection teams to support children and their families.

“Lives and livelihoods have been washed away,” said Arshad Malik, country director for Save the Children. “The flash floods tore through villages, sweeping away homes and killing livestock. Children have lost everything. Families who are still reeling from the economic impacts of three years of drought urgently need assistance.”

He said that Afghanistan was a country least prepared to cope with climate change patterns, such as the heavier seasonal rains, and needs help from the international community.

At least 70 people died in April from heavy rains and flash floods in the country, which also destroyed About 2,000 homes, three mosques and four schools.
Afghanistan floods devastate villages, killing 315 (Reuters)
Reuters [5/12/2024 11:28 AM, Sayed Hassib and Mohammad Yunus Yawar, 5239K, Negative]
Flash floods caused by heavy rains have devastated villages in northern Afghanistan, killing 315 people and injuring more than 1,600, authorities said on Sunday, as villagers buried their dead and aid agencies warned of widening havoc.

Thousands of homes were damaged and livestock wiped out, the Taliban-run refugee ministry said, while aid groups warned of damage to health care facilities and vital infrastructure, such as water supply, with streets left coated in mud.

In the Nahrin district of Baghlan province, people carried their shrouded dead to a gravesite.

"We have no food, no drinking water, no shelter, no blankets, nothing at all, floods have destroyed everything," said Muhammad Yahqoob, who has lost 13 members of his family, children among them.

The survivors were struggling to cope, he added.

"Out of 42 houses, only two or three remain, it has destroyed the entire valley."

In a statement, the Taliban’s economy minister, Din Mohammad Hanif, urged the United Nations, humanitarian agencies and private business to provide support for those hit by the floods.

"Lives and livelihoods have been washed away," said Arshad Malik, the Afghanistan director for Save the Children. "The flash floods tore through villages, sweeping away homes and killing livestock."

He estimated that 310,000 children lived in the worst-hit districts, adding, "Children have lost everything."

The refugee ministry said Sunday’s latest tally of dead and injured came from its Baghlan provincial office, according to a post on X. Earlier, the interior ministry had put the toll from Friday’s floods at 153, but warned it could rise.

Afghanistan is prone to natural disasters and the United Nations considers it one of countries most vulnerable to climate change.

It has battled a shortfall in aid after the Taliban took over as foreign forces withdrew in 2021, since development aid that formed the backbone of government finances was cut.

That has worsened in subsequent years as foreign governments grapple with competing global crises and growing condemnation of the Taliban’s curbs on Afghan women.
Afghanistan flood death toll rises to 315, officials say (VOA)
VOA [5/12/2024 4:39 PM, Ayaz Gul, 761K, Negative]
Afghan officials said Sunday that the death toll from Friday’s flash floods in the northern Baghlan province had risen to at least 315, with more than 1,600 people injured.

The refugee ministry announced the latest casualties through social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. It said more than 2,600 homes had been "completely and partially destroyed" in the province since the calamity hit following heavy seasonal rains.

The ministry stressed that it was reporting preliminary assessments from its Baghlan office, saying the financial and human losses could increase.

The United Nations World Food Program said Sunday on X that most of the affected areas in the province are "inaccessible by trucks," and it is using "every alternative," including donkeys, "to get food to the survivors who lost everything."

The International Organization for Migration supported the losses reported by the Afghan Taliban authorities, saying the death toll has exceeded 300 and that it expected the number to rise. The agency said the flood had destroyed more than 2,000 homes.

The IOM wrote on X, "We operate 16 warehouses throughout Afghanistan, and we are working with our partners to provide lifesaving aid to the affected people."

The spokesperson for U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres quoted him as saying that he was saddened by the loss of life in flash floods in Baghlan and extended his condolences to the victims’ families.

"The United Nations and its partners in Afghanistan are coordinating with the de facto [Taliban] authorities to swiftly assess needs and provide emergency assistance," Stephane Dujarric said.

The United States said Sunday it was “deeply saddened” by reports of the many lives impacted by and lost to the devastating floods in Baghlan and several other Afghan provinces.

“Our implementing partners are mobilizing emergency relief including food, water, and other essential materials to communities in gravest need. Our thoughts are with those who’ve lost loved ones,” Thomas Wes, the U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan, said in a post on X.

Experts attribute the high seasonal rainfall in Baghlan and subsequent flooding to climate change, which caught an apparently unprepared administration and local residents off guard.

The deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, traveled to the province Sunday to oversee rescue operations, medical aid provision, emergency food distribution, and temporary shelter arrangements, his office said.

Poverty-stricken Afghanistan, reeling from years of conflict, is prone to natural disasters such as earthquakes, droughts, and floods. It is considered by the U.N. to be among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.

In mid-April, heavy rains and flash floods in 32 of the 34 Afghan provinces killed more than 100 people and destroyed nearly 1,000 homes. The calamity also destroyed 24,000 hectares of farmland in a country where 80% of the more than 40 million population depend on agriculture to survive.

Afghanistan’s economy collapsed after the Taliban seized power militarily in August 2021.

Aid groups say the Taliban-governed South Asian nation finds itself economically isolated, losing development funding that previously subsidized an estimated 75% of Afghanistan’s spending on public services.

International humanitarian aid for the country has significantly declined since the Taliban takeover even though the U.N. estimates over 15 million Afghans, or 35% of the population, suffer from crisis or worse levels of food insecurity.
Pakistan
Pakistani police prevent pro-Palestinian protesters from moving toward US embassy in Islamabad (AP)
AP [5/10/2024 4:26 PM, Staff, 456K, Neutral]
Police in Pakistan’s capital Islamabad on Friday prevented a pro-Palestinian rally by a radical Islamist party from moving toward the U.S. Embassy, where demonstrators wanted to stage a sit-in protesting Israel’s strikes in Gaza.

Police used batons on the demonstrators, angering hundreds of rallygoers who briefly blocked a key road and later staged a sit-in near a high-security area where foreign embassies and the offices of president, prime minister and parliament are located.

Students from the Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan party posted videos on social media, claiming they were beaten by police who did not allow them to go toward the American embassy for a peaceful rally to denounce the Israeli strikes on Gaza.

Demonstrators held banners and posters with slogans opposing Israel and the United States and in support of the Palestinians. Organizers vowed to continue raising their voices for the Palestinians.

According to police, officers were negotiating with demonstrators to end the sit-in.
A police officer was killed in Pakistan-held Kashmir during protests against price hikes (AP)
AP [5/12/2024 11:52 AM, Staff, 22K, Negative]
A protest against rising costs of food, fuel and utility bills turned violent in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir, leaving a police officer dead and dozens of people injured, officials said Sunday.

Traders in some of the cities in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir pulled their shutters down on Saturday while protesters burned tires to express their anger.

A police officer was killed in Dadyal town, authorities said. Police have detained several demonstrators across Kashmir, which is divided between Pakistan and India.

Chaudhry Anwarul Haq, the prime minister in Pakistan-held Kashmir, said he was ready to consider the demands of the protesters but urged them not to indulge in violence.

Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday convened a meeting to discuss how to calm the protests.

Pakistan last year narrowly avoided a default on the payment of foreign debts when International Monetary Fund and several friendly nations came to its rescue by giving it loans. Pakistan’s monthly inflation rate at one point reached over 40%, but authorities say it had come down to 17% ahead of the talks with IMF for a new bailout. Pakistan plans to get at least $6 billion from IMF when it reaches a deal expected in the coming months.
Pakistan PM approves $86 mln grant for Kashmir region after protests (Reuters)
Reuters [5/12/2024 5:44 AM, Tariq Maqbool, 293K, Negative]
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a grant of 24 billion rupees ($86.25 million) on Monday for Pakistan-ruled Kashmir where there have been several days of violent protests over inflation.

A police official was killed and over 90 people injured when thousands of people clashed with police in the region over the weekend, said Shah Nawaz, a local government official.

Most businesses and transport remained shut for the fifth consecutive day on Monday, he said.

An alliance of civil rights groups has been leading the campaign, demanding the government give the region a subsidy on electricity and wheat prices in the face of rising inflation.

A statement from Sharif’s office did not clarify how the grant would be used.

The protests coincide with the visit of an IMF mission to negotiate a new long-term loan with Islamabad after it issued a warning that downside risks for the Pakistani economy remained exceptionally high.

Inflation slowed down to 17.3% in April, below the government’s forecast, which expects more improvement in the country’s economic outlook in the coming months.

Inflation had risen as high as 38% in May last year.

The demonstrators, who started the rally on Thursday, have been gathering again since Sunday night in Dhirkot town in Poonch district, said deputy Inspector General of police Shehryar Sikandar.

Dhirkot is about 80 km (50 miles) south of Muzaffarabad, the region’s capital city, which the protesters are threatening to march on if their demands are not met.

"They are in thousands," Sikandar told Reuters. "We are just monitoring them and have no policy to enter into any kind of direct confrontation."

Shaukat Nawaz Mir, a leader of the alliance, said the clashes started after the police used force against peaceful protesters.
Guardians of the glaciers - life beside Pakistan’s vanishing ice (Al Jazeera)
Al Jazeera [5/12/2024 12:06 AM, Anam Hussain, 2060K, Neutral]
As we make our way towards Pakistan’s first organic village, an intense one-hour trek along the rugged, steep and unfenced mountainside pathway from Mindoq-Khar, near Kharpocho Fort, my legs are shaking with a mix of fear and strain.

The sharp mountain edges stick out threateningly, and I am reminded of the soulful lyrics of Ali Zafar’s Paharon Ki Qasam (Oaths of the Mountains), a tribute to the late Pakistani climbing hero, Muhammad Ali Sadpara from Skardu, who tragically lost his life in February 2021 while climbing the notorious Bottleneck gully which is just 300 metres (984 feet) below the summit of K2.

Above us, the sky is a brilliant shade of blue, adding to the surreal beauty of the landscape. As we gain a wider view of the Indus River Valley below us, our 44-year-old guide, Abbas Jaan, stops and draws our attention to the colour of the water.

"You can see the water turning a murky grey, carrying with it the particles from the retreating glaciers," he says, his eyes scanning the slow-flowing waves of this vital drinking water supply. “And even though it’s grey," he adds, "the glacial water is mineral-rich and incredibly pure."

"But, year by year, these glaciers are melting fast. They are decreasing," he says, pointing towards the thousands of smaller glacier peaks that surround us in the far distance; some mountains are snow-covered while others are dry and brown.

The city of Skardu, from where we have departed, sits some 2,228 metres (7,310 feet) above sea level. It is the gateway to the Karakoram mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks such as K2, Broad Peak and Gasherbrum, making it a popular destination for trekkers and mountaineers who come to marvel at the breathtaking scenery.

With a population of more than 200,000, the city boasts a rich cultural blend influenced by Tibetan, Balti and other Central Asian traditions, where diverse Islamic sects, including Noor Bakshi, Sunni and Shia, coexist.

But this region of Pakistan is also home to more than 7,000 glaciers - the largest number outside the earth’s polar regions.

These icy giants are far more than just a breathtaking natural spectacle; they are vital to the local ecosystem.

They serve as a crucial source of freshwater, sustaining agriculture and powering electricity generation through the meltwater that feeds into rivers.

Now, however, their existence is under threat.

A 2019 study (PDF) published in the Pakistan Geographical Review by Lahore College for Women University, highlights the increasingly unusual behaviour of glaciers in the Karakoram range, compared with glaciers in other parts of the world.

The Baltoro Glacier is a particular example. Spanning some 63km (39 miles) in length, the Baltoro is one of the longest glaciers in the world outside the polar regions. Its width varies, but generally ranges from two to three kilometres. The meltwater from the Baltoro Glaciers feeds the Shigar River, which is the main right-bank tributary of the Indus River Valley in the Skardu Valley.

It is an essential source of freshwater for this region and beyond, but the study showed that the glacier has been decreasing in size by 0.9 percent each year between 2003 and 2017.

The immediate effect of the shrinking glacier is a rise in water levels and even dangerous flooding in the Shigar River.

Locally, roads have been known to have become completely submerged when water levels rise too high, says Chris Lininger, founder and director of US-based travel company Epic Expeditions, who has been travelling across Pakistan’s intricate terrains, including the Baltoro Glacier, since 2018.

“I actually had a problem coming out of a trip when the floods happened in 2022 because the road was just gone,” he says over a Zoom call. "Many [locals] are already in a low socioeconomic state, and when this happens, it’s catastrophic for them."

But the extreme long-term effect will be even more deadly - the water will eventually dry up when the glacier is gone.

‘The mountains don’t care about anyone’

Muhammad Ali Sadpara’s legacy looms large over the landscape surrounding Skardu, from where he braved the harsh conditions of the Baltoro glacier with only second-hand kit. As I imagine the daring paths he must have conquered, I am constantly alert to the risk of slipping and, during the start of this difficult trek, I resist the urge to even look up or around.

Locally known as Khari Nangsoq, the organic village we are trekking towards, is devoted to the preservation of the region’s traditional lifestyle.

As research from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) highlights, glacial melting here has been occurring since the early 1900s, largely, it says as a result of “human activities” such as industrial farming and burning fossil fuels which release carbon dioxide and other global warming gases into the atmosphere.

The organic and traditional farming practices employed by this village are part of an approach aimed at reversing the rise in greenhouse gases.

In 2006, the village gained some attention when the United Kingdom’s then-Prince Charles, now king, and Prince Karim Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, as well as a notable philanthropist and business magnate, visited.

Our guide escorting us to the village, Abbas, is dressed casually in blue jeans and a white shirt. Alongside him is his 16-year-old son, Yasir Abbas, with a cap playfully turned backwards atop his head and a blue backpack. Together, they carry forward their family’s tour-guiding business here.

As father and son lead the way with confident strides, I and my trekking partner, Afzaal Hussain, 34, a digital marketing expert, sport professional and, like me, a curious traveller from Lahore, find ourselves taking baby steps.

"The mountains don’t care about anyone. Respect them, and they will respect you back. Indeed, each step needs to be soft and cautious," says Afzaal.

Along the way, we learn more about the melting glaciers. Abbas says he has witnessed firsthand the dramatic changes taking place here. Soon, he worries, there could be a sharp reduction in the amount of water here as a result of the shrinking glaciers. “Without them, without water, our very existence would be at stake. The glaciers are the backbone of our region," he adds.

This looming crisis in the Hindu Kush Himalayas region, which the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) last year described as a pivotal "global asset" and the "water tower of Asia" in its own report (PDF), is already becoming apparent.

In the summer of 2023, Skardu suffered a rare water shortage when the Satpara Dam, which stores and releases water run-off from the glaciers, ran low. "Last summer was the first time in my life that I witnessed such a significant water shortage in the Satpara Dam,” Sadpara says. “It’s a direct consequence of the melting glaciers and reduced water flow.”

Ten years before, in 2013, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Zahid Hamid, had addressed the inaugural ceremony of the International Conference on Plants, People, and Climate, and warned: "By the year 2035, the country will no longer have water reserves in the form of glaciers."

And, even before that, a 2008 report from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PDF), warned that the Siachen Glacier, located in the eastern Karakoram range of the Himalayan mountains and stretching for more than 70km (43 miles), "has lost about 2km of its length and 17 percent of its ice mass since 1989".

Our guide, Abbas, who is intimately familiar with the Siachen and Baltoro glaciers, seems sorrowful when he says, "I’ve seen glaciers retreat by at least one kilometre in just a few years."

As well as guiding visitors to this area, he also actively participates in research initiatives and projects and aims to educate visitors about the fragile ecosystems and environmental challenges facing these majestic landscapes.

In July 2018, the Government of Pakistan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched a five-year, $37m project to invest in early warning systems, training on glacial lake outburst flooding (GLOF), preparedness and response, and the construction of new protective infrastructure. "This project operated under my supervision in Skardu," Abbas explains. "I served as their guide for two years, during which they worked directly on these glaciers."

Plastic peril

The sun casts a warm, golden hue over the vast expanse of the landscape as we continue our journey along the edgeless tracks. We cross small, rickety wooden bridges that creak under our weight and navigate a sloping, desert-like trail.

Trees sprout from the sand at odd angles, their roots clinging to the earth, seemingly challenging gravity and adding to the mystical allure of the scenery.

As we teeter on along the path, a young boy dressed in a neat school uniform, about eight years old, strides confidently past us at a brisk pace. His heavy backpack, filled with books, does not seem to slow him down.

He pauses just ahead of us and tells us proudly, "This is my way to school in Skardu city every day from my home in Khari Nangsoq." Then, seemingly unaware of the changes occurring around him - the retreating glaciers that are slowly reshaping the landscape and threatening the very environment that sustains his community - he joyfully skips off down the trail ahead.

We marvel at his ease in navigating this challenging terrain, contrasting sharply with our own heavy breathing, and Abbas explains, "Because you were born at ground level, your lungs are a normal size. But those of us born at high altitudes have larger lung volumes."

Meanwhile, Yasir picks up rubbish left behind by previous trekkers and puts it in the bin nearby. "Taking care of our environment is everyone’s responsibility, and I want to do my part," he says.

This might seem a small gesture to some, but rubbish left abandoned on the mountainside is a large part of the problem facing the glaciers.

When plastic rubbish is left lying on the ground or in the shrubbery, it absorbs the heat from the sun and can accelerate glacier melt, according to scientists. Dark-coloured plastics are a particular problem - they absorb more solar radiation, leading to localised heating and melting of the glacier surface.

Abbas says that when trekkers take horses along the glacier areas, the waste they leave behind stains the pristine ice, causing a permanent discolouration on the land.

“This reminds us of the lasting impact human activities can have on delicate ecosystems," he says.

Later, after the journey is over, Chris Lininger of US-based Epic Expeditions tells me over a Zoom call that "Rubbish is a big problem, especially in the Baltoro and Central Karakoram National Park. You see Coca-Cola bottles.

“During our treks, we also like to organise glacier clean-ups with local porters and pay them to assist. It sends a message that littering isn’t acceptable, and it encourages other companies to be mindful, too. It’s an ongoing effort," he says.

One solution would be for tourists to pay a levy to help reduce rubbish, he suggests. "Nepal collects rubbish deposit payments from expeditions. It’s pretty standard, that’s how national parks generate income. I also think Pakistan can take an example from Nepal and maybe make the visa process a bit easier and charge more money for the visas as Nepal does and use that money.

"There’s a magic there and that magic needs to be protected."

Learning from our ancestors

As we finally arrive at our destination, a wooden signboard greets us with the words: "Welcome to the first organic village."

The air here is noticeably cooler than it was back in Skardu and the sounds of gushing water and birds chirping create a soothing melody.

Traditional stone-and-wooden houses dot the landscape, complemented by a treehouse restaurant. Small streams of water flow through, undoubtedly from glacier melts, reflecting the community’s sustainable lifestyle and close connection to the surrounding environment. The village is surrounded by fields in which the villagers cultivate a variety of organic fruits and vegetables, including apricots, mulberries and potatoes.

Yasir explains, "This village employs traditional methods of cultivation, relying on bulls and cows instead of modern machinery, to minimise environmental impact.”

In addition, the absence of vehicle pollution underscores the village’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The villagers keep yaks, sheep and goats which graze freely on the lush green pastures, contributing to the natural balance of the environment and providing valuable resources for the community.

As Abbas looks at the animals, he becomes reflective, "Glacier melting has also put certain species at risk of extinction. For example, the Snow Leopard, which relies on snow and glaciers, is particularly affected."

Pakistan is one of only 12 countries that are home to these elusive cats, and 80 percent of their habitat in the country is located in Gilgit-Baltistan. Melting glaciers have reduced the availability of freshwater and disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem, impacting the Snow Leopard’s prey and habitat.

As we explore the organic village, we find various sustainable farming practices, including innovative water conservation and irrigation practices and the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar.

Abbas introduces us to Hassan, a respected elder who owns the village’s only treehouse. He tells us, "Sustainability is more than a trend here; it’s a generational responsibility to protect our unique ecosystem."

We learn of an ancient potato storage method, through which farmers bury potatoes in the frozen earth before winter, keeping them fresh for months due to the natural insulation. The method is thought to have originated from the region’s harsh winter climate.

For now, the organic village of Khari Nangsoq serves as a symbol of hope, resilience and the possibility of a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. While it may not directly slow down the harm to glaciers, it does highlight the importance of adopting sustainable practices and traditional wisdom when it comes to mitigating the effects of climate change.

Before we bid farewell, Hassan treats us to a delicious spread of mulberry jam with bread, thick apricot juice and freshly caught trout from the local glacial streams.

As we walk back, Abbas shares his thoughts on the urgent need for global action. "While it’s heartening to see efforts like the organic village, it’s crucial for the international community to step up and take collective action. Climate change is a global issue, and we need global solutions."

‘At first, you don’t realise’

Back at our hotel in Skardu, a diverse group of trekkers has gathered below in the garden, visible through the large glass windows of the dining room where we are sipping our tea.

With their gear spread out on the ground, they’re preparing for an ambitious 25-day trek in the Karakoram mountain range, along the Baltoro Glacier to the Gondogoro Pass - south of K2, linking the Gondogoro Glacier to the southwest with the Vigne Glacier to the northeast.

The trek will be led by Victor Saunders, a distinguished British climber who has completed some of the world’s most challenging mountaineering routes.

Intrigued by the sight of a large group of foreign trekkers - a rarity in Pakistan’s tourism landscape - Afzaal decides to head down to the garden, and I join him.

Around us, the crisp air is filled with the sounds of clinking carabiners, harnesses and helmets. The towering majesty of the mountains and tall green trees form a breathtaking backdrop as conversations begin to unfold.

Afzaal, carrying a camera around his neck, captures the group with the stunning Karakoram range behind them. "Seeing so many passionate travellers here gives me hope and excitement for the future of tourism in our country, " he says. "It also fosters cultural exchange and understanding."

Victor explains that he has been visiting Pakistan since the 1970s and has also witnessed a great deal of change in the glacial region.

His eyes framed by black-rimmed glasses and dressed in a light blue t-shirt, Saunders explains, "Walking up the Baltoro towards Concordia and K2 Base Camp, you can really see the enormous changes.

"The glaciers have definitely receded, they’ve noticeably gotten thinner," he says, with a hint of sadness.

He also highlights some of the effects observed in the local community due to the changes in the glacier and landscape.

"The routes have changed a little bit. For example, If you go up to Spantik peak from Nagar Valley or from the Hunza area, there were previously villagers with shepherding outlets. For instance, there was one above Hopar in the Nagar Valley that had to be abandoned. The glacier had shifted so significantly that accessing water became impossible for them."

These outlets, integral to the community’s livelihood and local pastoral tradition, not only provide income but are also deeply rooted in the region’s culture. The glacier shifts disrupt more than just the environment; they threaten the economy and way of life that has sustained the community for generations.

Victor explains the glacier’s subtle, yet dramatic, changes. "Unless you’re actually looking at the tongue [the narrow, projecting end] of the glacier, you don’t really notice. When you look at your old photographs or diaries, you suddenly realise that there’s an extra kilometre to walk, and the paths you once walked in have suddenly become much more difficult. You used to be able to first walk into K2 Base Camp just on a flat glacier. Now, when you come to Concordia, you have to cross quite deep ice ravines, ice valleys."

He likens these changes to "watching an ageing parent with Alzheimer’s, where the changes every year are very small. However, if you were to return after 10 years, the differences would seem very big. It’s like what happens when your parents begin to age and become forgetful. At first, you don’t realise."

‘A lot of water comes’

"I’ve been trekking to the Baltoro Glacier since 1994, so it’s been 30 years now," says Wazir, a local guide who will be accompanying Victor’s group on their expedition. He is from the district of Shigar, a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Skardu city, speaking in Urdu in the soft Balti accent. Wearing a blue shalwar kameez, he seems to blend seamlessly into the mountainous landscape.

"We walk for at least seven to eight hours a day to reach K2 base camp and the glacier points," he explains, sitting on the floor and sorting through the climbing gear.

Working with Victor for this expedition, Wazir’s local expertise is crucial for navigating the challenging terrain.

He is also eager to talk about the glaciers and the effect their melting is having on his own community.

"Bohat ziyaada paani ata hai," he tells us: “A lot of water comes.”

The area he lives in near the town of Shigar is surrounded by fields of wheat and potatoes which stretch along the winding riverbanks, he says. But in recent years as the warm months of July and August have arrived, the glaciers have released an overwhelming rush of water which has threatened on occasion to overwhelm the communities there.

“The water sweeps down from the mountains with incredible force, filling up the Shigar River,” Wazir explains. “It tears away at the land that it has nourished all year, carrying away precious soil, crops, and fields in its path.

He is heartbroken, he says, to know that it is the very glaciers which he loves so dearly and which have sustained the communities of his home for so long that are now threatening their existence.

"In Shigar, the homes of the people are often destroyed by floods triggered by these glacial melts, sending stones and dirt surging from the river outside. There’s little we can do on our own. The government needs to implement strategies to address these issues, but so far, nothing has been done."

These guides and mountaineers, who are witnessing firsthand the alarming changes to this terrain are the ones ringing the warning bells, demanding global attention, advocacy, and action. As Pakistan’s glaciers continue their retreat, the human stories from these icy landscapes serve as reminders of the interconnectedness of human beings, their culture and the environment that sustains - or threatens - them.

For our guide, Abbas, these glaciers hold a significance that goes far beyond just supporting livelihoods and sustaining the ecosystem; they are deeply woven into his identity and heritage.

"I am a man who grew up around these glaciers," he says. "To me, they’re more than just ice and water; they’re the backdrop of my childhood, where our water comes from, and a symbol of our connection to the land."
Can Pakistan’s Imran Khan and army patch up, a year after violent clashes? (Al Jazeera)
Al Jazeera [5/13/2024 4:14 PM, Abid Hussain, 2.1M, Neutral]
Pakistan Army chief General Asim Munir was blunt. Addressing army officials during his visit to Lahore Garrison on May 9, Munir said, “There can be no compromise or deal with the planners and architects of this dark chapter in our history.”

Munir was referring to the events of May 9, 2023, when Pakistan erupted in violence and a subsequent crackdown after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested while appearing before the Islamabad High Court for a hearing into a case of corruption.

Thousands of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party workers responded to Khan’s arrest by storming the streets in various cities, demanding his immediate release and going on a rampage in which state buildings and military installations were targeted. Angry supporters in Lahore targeted the residence of a top military commander, torching the building. Another group of protesters raided the gates of the Pakistani military’s headquarters in Rawalpindi.

While Khan was released two days later, he was arrested again in August. The police had by that time arrested thousands of PTI workers and party leaders. An already tense relationship between Pakistan’s military and the PTI ruptured, descending into public hostility.

Now, a year later, that broken relationship continues to strain a political system that is also struggling to manage an economic crisis striking at the everyday lives of Pakistan’s 240 million people, analysts say. The military, which felt directly challenged — even attacked — on May 9, 2023, remains Pakistan’s most powerful institution. Meanwhile, the PTI, which emerged as Pakistan’s most popular political force in February national elections, even though its talismanic leader was behind bars and despite a crackdown against it, faces questions over its future.

“It is no secret that our relationship with military leadership has frazzled and there is significant mistrust on both sides,” Taimur Jhagra, a senior PTI leader and former minister in the provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, told Al Jazeera. “This will have to be resolved because in no country can the largest political force and strongest institution in the state stand against each other.”

Pakistan’s military — euphemistically known in the country as the “establishment” — has directly ruled the country for more than three decades since independence and has wielded significant influence under civilian governments too.

When Khan became Pakistan’s prime minister in August 2018 after winning elections, his rivals claimed that the military facilitated his triumph. Four years later, Khan accused the military of orchestrating his removal from power through a vote of no confidence. The military has rejected both those accusations and the claims that it plays kingmaker in Pakistani politics.

In the 12 months after he had to leave office, Khan took out huge rallies and long marches to Islamabad, survived an assassination attempt, delivered speeches daily, and repeatedly accused the military of joining a United States-backed conspiracy to eject him from office. The US too has consistently denied those allegations.

But those tensions between Khan and the military exploded in May last year. Within two weeks of the violent May 9 protests, as security agencies cracked down on alleged perpetrators, more than 100 party leaders announced their decision to leave the party in hastily arranged news conferences that often appeared stage-managed. The party, it seemed, was imploding.

A former PTI leader who was once considered close to Khan but ended up leaving the party after May 9 said he would often raise concerns within the party about the rising confrontation with the military months before the events that unfolded last year.

“I was saying this in our party meetings repeatedly that we might be heading towards a big disaster, as both sides, us and them, are perhaps underestimating each other and heading towards a confrontation,” he told Al Jazeera on condition of anonymity.

Several party leaders were jailed on charges of plotting the events of May 9, 2023.

While the PTI insists that the events were part of a “false flag operation” to malign the party, some analysts believe that the party miscalculated the military’s response to the rioting that day.

“They assumed they had the room to challenge the military since Khan was able to get away with saying things publicly that others had been punished for saying, and swiftly. But they were mistaken in attempting to challenge the military’s monopoly over violence,” political scientist Sameen Mohsin, an assistant professor at the University of Birmingham, told Al Jazeera.

Asma Faiz, an associate professor of political science at Lahore University of Management Sciences, said the “very smooth relationship” the PTI once enjoyed with the military might have given the party confidence that it could survive the escalating tensions.

“PTI still continues to enjoy support among individuals within the military, judiciary and bureaucracy, so there is broad-based societal support also. That I think led to this miscalculation from them but they had their reasons and logic,” she said.

Jhagra, the PTI leader, said the party was clear that anybody guilty of violating the law should be punished. “But you must remember that May 9 [protests and violence] did not happen in isolation. Starting from the vote of no confidence leading to the ouster of government, and the actual arrest of Khan on May 9, questions must be asked if May 9 would have happened if the events of last year hadn’t,” he said.

As the party continued to face arrests and legal challenges, Khan, who had already been charged in more than 100 cases, was arrested on August 5 last year in a corruption case related to state gifts since he was premier. He was barred from contesting elections due to his conviction. In December 2023, the party’s symbol, a cricket bat, was taken away by the country’s election panel over “irregularities” in the PTI’s intra-party elections.

With just 10 days to go before the polls, the former PM was sentenced in three different cases – revealing state secrets, illegal sale of state gifts, and unlawful marriage.

Despite these setbacks, candidates backed by the PTI, who were forced to contest as independents because the party had lost its symbol, emerged as the largest bloc, winning 93 seats in the lower house of Pakistan’s parliament.

“The people of Pakistan believe that Imran Khan is a patriotic leader, and his supporters are being unfairly treated. The February 8 election results showed this,” Jhagra said.

Still, the party refused to forge a coalition with either of its political rivals: PTI has long described the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan People’s Party, the two other leading national parties, as corrupt, and has maintained that it will not join hands with them.

So they joined hands themselves, forming the coalition that currently rules Pakistan, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Meanwhile, a year after the May 9 protests, the rhetoric from both sides remains sharp. Khan, who remains behind bars, continues to criticise the military. The military, on its part, has insisted that those involved in the May 9 violence will be punished. “It was a futile attempt to bring about a misplaced and shortsighted revolution in the country,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, said in a press statement to mark the anniversary of the incident.

The military has described May 9, 2023, as “one of the blackest days” in the history of the country.

Jhagra insists that PTI is not an antimilitary party, but acknowledged that there was a lack of trust between the two.

Lahore-based analyst Benazir Shah noted that at this juncture, “both the PTI and the establishment must step back from the confrontation”.

“The ISPR press conference underscores that the establishment is still refusing to engage with the PTI. Despite the PTI’s history of populism and perhaps, certain undemocratic actions, it remains an electoral force. Disregarding it and avoiding dialogue with its leadership would not be in the state’s best interest,” she told Al Jazeera.

The PTI needs to reflect too, said the former party leader who quit after the May 9 violence. The party’s current strategy, he said, was incomprehensible to him.

“On one hand you have ruled out political settlement” with political parties, he said. “You have taken on the establishment believing they will buckle under pressure, but I don’t think this makes sense in reality,” he added.

Still, Faiz, the Lahore-based political scientist, pointed out that the PTI had survived the setbacks of the past year — just as the parties it now accuses of having betrayed democracy once did.

“We do not give enough credit to Pakistani political parties,” she said. “PPP survived martial law, PMLN survived martial law, and now PTI is showing courage. They all have certain resilience.”

What happens next could hinge on a few difficult questions for both sides, suggested Mohsin, the political scientist.

“The question for the PTI is whether prominent members of the party will decide that they prefer to be in power more than being loyal to Khan and continuing to be out of favour with the military establishment,” she said.

Shah, the Lahore-based analyst said the PTI needed to climb down from its position of refusing to speak to other political parties.

But the military establishment and Pakistan’s larger political class too must try to understand why so many people, including young men and women, “came out with such passion for their leader and the party” on May 9, 2023, she said.

“The question to ask here would be: What was the root cause of the anger among these people?” Shah said. “This is a question that must be answered to prevent another May 9 happening in the future.”
Pakistan’s moves to further isolate Afghanistan are backfiring (Nikkei Asia – opinion)
Nikkei Asia [5/13/2024 5:00 AM, Vali Kaleji, 223K, Negative]
Growing strains between Afghanistan and Pakistan due to militant attacks that Islamabad blames on cross-border insurgents are reshaping relations between them as well as their ties with other neighbors.

In particular, landlocked Afghanistan is increasingly looking to Iran as an alternative route for international trade, a dramatic development that could bring Kabul into greater alignment with other regional powers including India and Russia and counteract efforts by outside powers to isolate both Tehran and Kabul.

Both Taliban-run Afghanistan and Iran are, of course, Islamic regimes, but they are hardly natural allies. The Taliban adhere to a brand of Sunni fundamentalism and are not known for always treating followers of other Muslim sects with equal respect, while the Shiiite clerics who hold the reins in Tehran are known to similarly disfavor other denominations.

Border disputes, particularly in relation to shared water resources, are another long-running source of tension. Last month, Taliban troops seized five Iranian border guards who were said to have crossed into Afghan territory. The presence of millions of Afghan refugees in Iran has sometimes been a flashpoint too.

But the tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan are fueling cooperation between Kabul and Tehran centered on Chabahar, Iran’s first deep-water port.

For Kabul, Chabahar is by far the most accessible alternative to Pakistani ports like Karachi and Gwadar. For its own strategic concerns, India has also long supported Chabahar’s development as a pathway to reducing Afghan reliance on Pakistan and potentially improving its own access to Central Asian markets.

For Russia, Chabahar offers a potential alternative outlet for developed western areas of the country that have lost transport connections due to the Ukraine war and European Union sanctions and could also help offset the impact of disruption of Red Sea traffic by Yemeni militant attacks. The port is the key transit hub along Russia’s planned International North-South Transport Corridor to India.

In 2016, India signed a series of agreements with Iran and Afghanistan to finance further development of Chabahar port and a connecting railway into Afghanistan. The landlocked nations of Uzbekistan and Armenia later joined the discussions.

The Chabahar transit project, though, ground to a halt after the Taliban took power in Kabul in August 2021, with the Iran-Afghan border closing to trade and transport for about three months. Against the backdrop of the Taliban’s long-standing links to Islamabad, the new regime pivoted to seek inclusion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a key element of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, and began to make use of Gwadar port for imports.

Over the past year, however, Kabul has begun to turn its attention westward once again, particularly since last October when Islamabad began moving to expel up to 1.7 million Afghan refugees, with officials tying their presence to an upsurge in militant attacks in Pakistan.

Tensions reached a new high in March when Pakistan Air Force planes bombed sites in Afghanistan said to be linked to an insurgent group. The Afghan-Pakistan border has repeatedly been blocked in recent months, with long lines of trucks building up on both sides of the border.

Last November, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Taliban acting deputy prime minister for economic affairs, traveled to Tehran to meet with Mohammad Mokhber, first vice president of Iran, even though the two regimes lack official diplomatic relations. Baradar, who also visited Chabahar, pressed Iranian officials to facilitate trade access.

"We are trying to prevent losses to our traders," a government spokesman in Kabul had earlier told local media. "Our traders should not rely on one country, one path and one way."

In March, J.P. Singh, a senior Indian foreign affairs official with responsibility for Afghanistan and Iran, traveled to Kabul to meet with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, in part to discuss expanding trade via Chabahar. A Taliban spokesman said Muttaqi spoke of strengthening "political and economic relations with India based on a balanced foreign policy."

Tehran, for its part, is hoping that Kabul’s growing interest in Chabahar will ease the way for better sharing of water from Afghanistan’s Helmand River, which feeds into a transborder lake. Yet Tehran officials are also stepping up Iran’s own expulsion of Afghan migrants and moving forward with plans to build a border wall.

As for Kabul, Chabahar is only one part of a new push to build up practical links with neighboring states through participating in regional initiatives. These include reviving the planned Lapis Lazuli Corridor to Turkey via Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Georgia, backing the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project and cooperating with the World Bank to complete the Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project, known as CASA-1000.

The Taliban are not completely giving up on Pakistan. In March, senior commerce officials from the two sides pledged to pursue "uninterrupted" trade while separating business from politics. Yet Kabul clearly means to show that it has options that will allow it to resist pressure from Islamabad. Pakistan’s attempts to escalate Afghanistan’s isolation have backfired.
India
India’s Ruling Party Sharpens Campaign Rhetoric Against Muslims (Wall Street Journal)
Wall Street Journal [5/11/2024 6:46 AM, Tripti Lahiri and Vibhuti Agarwal, 810K, Neutral]
India’s ruling party has in recent days sharpened campaign rhetoric that its critics say pits Hindus against Muslims. It has posted videos depicting Muslims as invaders attacking Hindu temples and seizing jewelry from Hindu women. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is campaigning for a third term in office, has described Muslims as “infiltrators” in India.

Now, the Election Commission, the body overseeing elections, has ordered the social-media platform X to take down an animated video from Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. The video showed an opposition politician placing an egg labeled “Muslims” in a nest with three other eggs labeled with the names of disadvantaged Indian communities. A bird wearing a skull cap—often worn by Muslim men—hatches from the egg and kicks the other birds from the nest.

Tuesday’s takedown notice to X said the video violated Indian campaign rules. The video was published on the party’s social-media account in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. That post has been deleted. X couldn’t be reached for comment.

In a country where sectarian riots have long been common, Indian election laws bar campaigning that uses religious symbols in appeals for or against a candidate, or messaging that promotes enmity between groups. Opposition political parties have brought complaints to the Election Commission over some speeches by Modi and videos from his party.

The BJP and the prime minister’s office didn’t respond to requests for comment.

The run-up to India’s six-week election wasn’t initially marked by such strident imagery and rhetoric. Political experts have suggested that lower turnout in the first round of voting on April 19 might have worried the BJP and Modi.

The prime minister, who has exalted the country’s Hindu identity and religious beliefs, has pledged to lead his party to power again, this time with a supermajority in parliament. Votes will be counted June 4.

“This election is Modi’s to lose in a way that the 2014 and 2019 election wasn’t,” said Maya Tudor, associate professor of politics at the Blavatnik School of Government at Oxford University, who focuses on India. “Nobody thinks they are really going to come back without a majority. But imagine the majority is smaller. What will the narrative be? It won’t be good for the BJP, in short.”

Many political experts noted a shift in Modi’s rhetoric with an April 21 speech in Rajasthan in which he referred to Muslims as “infiltrators” and “those who have too many children.”

In speeches since then, the prime minister has warned that the opposition Congress Party, which lost power in 2014, will redirect wealth and affirmative-action programs meant to help lower-caste Hindus to Muslims. In some cases, he has warned that the opposition party will seize mangalsutras from women, a necklace that is worn as a symbol of marriage.

Indian Muslim community leader Zafarul-Islam Khan said that in the past attacks on the Muslim community tended to be more subtle, with veiled references to food or clothing that Modi’s audience would instantly understand. He said he worries about what lies ahead for the country’s 200 million Muslims, and described the videos as “sick.”

“They are totally illegal and criminal but this is what happens in an environment of utter impunity,” said Khan, who formerly headed a local government minority-rights body.

Another video, shared by the BJP on Instagram, appealed to Indians to swing behind Modi to stop the Congress Party from taking wealth from non-Muslims and giving it to Muslims. It depicted Muslims as invaders who stole from Hindus in the past. That video is no longer available on the party’s account.

Sanjay Kumar, an expert in Indian electoral politics, said the intensified focus on Muslims in campaigning suggested the BJP feels the need to mobilize its core Hindu voters.

“What they are trying to do is to develop a sense of fear among the majority community,” said Kumar, co-director of a program focused on Indian democracy at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, a New Delhi research institute.

Rights groups and political scholars have also said the government is using state machinery to target its political opposition, something the government denies. Ahead of the election, tax authorities froze the accounts of the Congress Party and seized a large share of its funds toward back taxes, a move that the party said hobbled its ability to campaign. Tax authorities have said the actions related to dues it was seeking to recover for years.

Another opposition leader, Arvind Kejriwal, was arrested a month ahead of the election in connection with a graft investigation. The country’s Supreme Court on Friday granted him bail until the end of the election on June 1. His party is in an alliance with Congress and other opposition parties.

In its second term, the BJP kept key promises made as part of its Hindu nationalist platform. In particular, this year the prime minister was at the center of the consecration of a massive Hindu temple in the northern Indian town of Ayodhya, at a site that Hindus and Muslims had long contested. Hindus believe that a temple on the spot was originally destroyed to build a medieval mosque, which was torn down by a Hindu mob in 1992.

The temple was seen as all but guaranteeing another BJP landslide win. While political experts still predict a BJP victory, beating the previous majority appears less certain.

The campaign to build a temple to the Hindu deity Ram where the mosque once stood was for decades central to the party’s campaigns—and its rise.

“The narrative that the BJP would come back with a bigger majority is outdated now,” said Kumar. “They are seeing a lack of momentum at the polling booths. They know this can be a sign of danger.”
Modi’s anti-Muslim ‘Vote Jihad’ rhetoric faces severe criticism (VOA)
VOA [5/12/2024 1:43 AM, Shaikh Azizur Rahman, 761K, Neutral]
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been accused of amplifying divisive rhetoric during the country’s election campaign by calling Muslim votes “Vote Jihad” to encourage Hindus to vote for his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, which is seeking a historic third term.

Modi told a BJP rally last Tuesday in the central Madhya Pradesh province that voters would have to carefully choose between "Vote Jihad" and "Ram Rajya." The term, meaning "Ram’s Governance," refers to an ideal society characterized by equality, prosperity and justice. In recent years, some have come to believe this ideal can only be achieved through the rise of the BJP.

"At this important turning point in history you have to decide whether you will allow Vote Jihad to continue or, vote in support of building a Ram Rajya,” Modi told the rally.

"Terrorists in Pakistan have launched jihad against India. And here, the Congress party has announced a Vote Jihad against the BJP, and is asking its followers of a particular religion [Muslims] to unitedly vote against Modi."

The Indian National Congress party is the main opposition party.

Delhi University professor of Hindi, Apoorvanand, who goes by one name, told VOA on Friday that, sensing a lack of enthusiasm among Hindu voters, Modi and other BJP leaders are "desperate to energize them by feeding them the tried and tested anti-Muslim rhetoric."

"The BJP has turned this election into a war between Hindus and Muslims," he said.

"His party is portraying it as the final opportunity for the Hindus to ‘save’ themselves from Muslims, by electing their ultimate savior to power — Modi."

As India holds phased six-week-long elections continuing until June 1, Modi and some BJP leaders have been accused of delivering "hate speeches" during the campaign.

Wealth to ‘infiltrators’

Modi told a rally in the northwestern state of Rajasthan during the third week of April that if the Indian National Congress party came to power, it would distribute people’s wealth "among those who are infiltrators and have more children," remarks widely believed to refer to Muslims.

Opposition parties and civil rights groups criticized Modi for the comments.

Amnesty India said that in his remarks Modi "demonizes" India’s Muslims and puts them at increased risk of human rights violations.

However, Modi did not stop targeting the opposition and Muslims. In the last week of April, in the western state of Gujarat, he said at another rally that the opposition Congress was helping Muslims in a plot to take over India.

"The opposition is asking Muslims to launch vote jihad. In the past, we heard about ‘love jihad’ and ‘land jihad.’ Be careful about this new jihad. You all know what jihads mean and against whom they are waged," Modi said.

Then came his remarks Tuesday in Madhya Pradesh, and two days later, Home Affairs Minister Amit Shah told a rally in the southern state of Telangana that a vote for Congress equaled a "vote for jihad."

"The 2024 general election is Narendra Modi versus [Congress leader] Rahul Gandhi, and this is a contest between [a] vote for development and [a] ‘vote for jihad,’" Shah said.

Modi’s latest Vote Jihad remark came after Maria Alam, a leader of the opposition Samajwadi Party, last month urged a Muslim gathering in Uttar Pradesh to go for "jihad of votes," to oust BJP from power.

Alam told VOA that she had used the words "jihad of votes" but meant it in a different sense than Modi is implying.

"In Arabic, jihad means to struggle or exert strength and effort to accomplish a task. Using the words ‘vote jihad’ in my speech, I urged people to strive together to accomplish the victory of secular forces," Alam said in Urdu.

"I was utterly shocked to find how the media and the ruling party leaders distorted the meaning of my words," she said.

In the last week of April, citizens and rights activists urged the Election Commission of India to act against the hate speech of Modi and other BJP leaders.

On Friday, the Congress party-led opposition wrote to the commission that it was allowing Modi to continue "unchecked and brazen" violations by not acting against him for his hate speech.

This was a "complete abdication" of the commission’s duty, and the violations are being committed "with impunity and utter disregard,” the letter said.

BJP leaders divided

Modi has not reacted to accusations he is using hate speech on the campaign trail.

BJP party leaders are divided on this issue.

Two days after Modi said in Rajasthan that Congress would take people’s wealth and distribute it among "infiltrators and those who have more children," his party spokesperson, Gaurav Bhatia, defended his remarks and said the prime minister had "called a spade a spade."

"Mr. Modi’s remarks have resonated with people," Bhatia said.

Some other BJP leaders seem to disagree with the anti-Muslim speeches of Modi and others.

New Delhi-based senior BJP leader Alok Vatsa told VOA that Modi’s speech, among others, has dropped to the "lowest level possible."

"The prime minister’s speeches, especially those targeting the Muslim community, are completely unwarranted," Vatsa told VOA.

"Even those who have supported him blindly over the years, do not approve of his latest communal outbursts. In their eyes, it is unbecoming of someone of a prime minister’s stature," he told VOA.

Anti-Muslim comments not unprecedented

Muslim leaders say Modi’s anti-Muslim comments are not unprecedented, as he has been long known for his "intense hatred" for Muslims.

Zafarul-Islam Khan, former chairman of the Delhi Minorities Commission, told VOA that after the 2002 Gujarat Riots, Modi refused to help displaced Muslims and dubbed their camps "children-producing factories."

"Under his watch, Gujarat witnessed mass marginalization, ghettoization and pauperization of Muslims.

"It was hoped that after becoming prime minister in 2014, Mr. Modi would behave like a statesman, but he and his ministers never let go any opportunity to vilify, harm and marginalize Muslims, to this day," he said.

Aakar Patel, chairman of the board of Amnesty International in India, said Modi’s anti-Muslim speeches are unbecoming of a prime minister.

"Mr. Modi is persistent with his hate speech which is likely to extend and intensify the systematic and systemic discrimination suffered by Indian Muslims," Patel told VOA.

Reacting to Modi’s reference to Muslim votes as "Vote Jihad," Somdeep Sen, a professor of international development studies at Roskilde University in Denmark, told VOA that this is "a usual narrative trope" employed widely by Hindu nationalists.

"Islamophobia is at the very core of the Hindutva political project [aimed at making India a Hindu state] wherein the terrorism discourse is frequently weaponized to delegitimize critics and opposition parties. So, it makes sense that the political leader of this project – namely, Narendra Modi – has chosen to brandish this discourse in his political speeches during the election campaign," Sen said.

"At the polls, this divisive strategy could help tip the scales in favor of BJP in the Hindu majority nation," he said.
India’s mammoth election is more than halfway done as millions begin voting in fourth round (AP)
AP [5/13/2024 2:51 AM, Sheikh Saaliq, 456K, Neutral]
Millions of Indians across 96 constituencies began casting their ballots on Monday as the country’s gigantic, six-week-long election edges past its halfway mark. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a third straight term with an eye on winning a supermajority in Parliament.

Monday’s polling in the fourth round of multi-phase national elections across nine states and one union territory will be pivotal for Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, as it includes some of its strongholds in states like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

Crucial seats in Maharashtra and Bihar states, where the BJP governs in alliances with regional parties, are also up for grabs in this phase.

In Bihar’s Samastipur city, hundreds of voters lined up at a polling station that opened at 7 a.m. amid tight security arrangements. Voters said they were concerned about rising food prices, lack of employment and economic development in the state.

Most polls predict a win for Modi and his BJP, which is up against a broad opposition alliance led by the Indian National Congress and powerful regional parties.

The staggered election will run until June 1 and nearly 970 million voters, more than 10% of the world’s population, will elect 543 members to the lower house of Parliament for five years. The votes are scheduled to be counted on June 4.

Monday will also see the end of polling in the country’s five southern states, a region that has mostly rejected Modi’s BJP since it first came to power in 2014 but where winning more seats is crucial for the party’s campaign goal of securing a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

Kashmir’s largest city, Srinagar, will also vote Monday in the first polls since Modi’s government stripped the disputed region of its semi-autonomy and took direct control of it in 2019. Despite hailing the move as a success that would bring economic development and peace to the restive region, the BJP is not contesting the polls in the Muslim-majority Kashmir valley, where anti-India sentiment runs deep, for the first time since 1996.

Instead, two regional parties — the National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party — are the main contenders for the three seats in the valley and both are opposed to the BJP.

Opposition parties say the BJP’s decision not to contest the election is in contrast to its claims and that poll results may contradict the government’s narrative of success in Kashmir, which is now run by unelected government officials and bureaucrats.

Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para, a leader of the People’s Democratic Party who is seeking to represent Srinagar, said the election there was about “a referendum against the government’s decisions and policies that were implemented without any public consent.”

While Modi began his campaign with a focus on India’s development in his 10 years in power, he has since doubled down on the BJP’s Hindu nationalism pitch in recent weeks.

In campaign rallies, Modi has called Muslims “infiltrators” and accused the main opposition Congress Party of scheming to redistribute wealth from the country’s Hindus to Muslims, who comprise 14% of the country’s more than 1.4 billion people.

Nikhilesh Mishra, a 42-year-old bank employee in Samastipur, said: “Raking up issues of Hindus versus Muslims will take us nowhere.”

He said Modi’s BJP-led alliance in Bihar, which secured an overwhelming majority in the 2019 election, had failed to bring development to the state, which is among the poorest in India.

Mishra said rising inflation and unemployment are driving young people to migrate to other states, draining it of its talent. “We want development. ... This time, we want change in the government,” he said.

Meanwhile, Modi appeared confident of BJP’s chances in Bihar, telling the New Delhi Television channel on Sunday that his alliance will fare better than it did in the 2019 elections, when it lost one seat.

“We may not even lose one this time,” he said.

Some analysts say the change in tone comes as the BJP hopes to consolidate votes among the majority Hindu population, who make up 80% of voters, and to distract voters from larger issues, like unemployment, corruption and inflation.

Despite India being one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, many people continue to face economic distress, which has been a key focus in the opposition’s campaign.
Indian election enters fourth phase as rhetoric over religion, inequality sharpens (Reuters)
Reuters [5/12/2024 10:13 PM, Rishika Sadam and Jatindra Dash, 5239K, Neutral]
India voted on Monday in the fourth phase of a seven-week long general election, as campaign rhetoric became more strident over economic disparities and religious divisions.

The world’s most populous nation began voting on April 19 in a seven-phase election in which nearly one billion people are eligible to vote, with ballots set to be counted on June 4.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is seeking a rare, third straight term in a vote which pits his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against an alliance of more than two dozen opposition parties, including main rival Congress.

"I appeal to all to vote for a decisive government," said Amit Shah, Modi’s powerful aide and the country’s interior affairs minister, as voting began.

Polling will be held for 96 seats in 10 states and territories on Monday, with 177 million people eligible to cast their ballots. A large number of seats are in the southern and eastern states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha where the BJP is not as strong as other parts of the country.

Turnout is being closely watched as marginally lower numbers in the first three phases has raised concerns about voter disinterest in an election without a strong, central issue. The impact of hot weather on voting is also being watched with maximums in many parts of the country around 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) or higher.

The lower turnout has raised doubts over whether BJP and its allies can win the landslide predicted by opinion polls.

Analysts say the lower turnout prompted Modi to change the tack of his campaign after the first phase, shifting focus from his economic record to accusing the Congress of planning to extend welfare benefits to minority Muslims at the expense of disadvantaged tribal groups and Hindu castes.

Congress has denied making any such promise and has said Modi is rattled by the turnout, which the BJP denies.

About 80% of India’s 1.4 billion people are Hindus but it also has the world’s third largest Muslim population of about 200 million people. Surveys suggest voters are most concerned about unemployment and price rise.

Led by Rahul Gandhi, Congress is pitching for better representation and welfare programmes for India’s poor and disadvantaged groups, stating that wealth inequality has worsened during Modi’s 10-year term, a charge rejected by the government.

The opposition INDIA alliance led by Congress got a shot in the arm ahead of Monday’s vote when the Supreme Court gave temporary bail to Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the national capital territory of Delhi and a key opposition leader, allowing him to campaign.

Kejriwal is a fierce critic of Modi and was arrested a month before the elections in a liquor policy graft case, sparking accusations Modi’s government was seeking to cripple the opposition through investigations and arrests.

Kejriwal denies the corruption allegations while the government says it does not influence law enforcement agencies.
India poll watchdog’s inaction lets PM Modi commit ‘brazen’ violations, opposition says (Reuters)
Reuters [5/11/2024 5:24 AM, Krishn Kaushik, 5239K, Negative]
India’s opposition said the nation’s election commission was allowing Prime Minister Narendra Modi to continue "unchecked and brazen" violations by not taking action on opposition complaints of religious hate speech and misrepresentation.

More than halfway through India’s six-week national elections, the world’s biggest, the Congress party-led opposition complained in a letter to the Election Commission of India on Friday that "no meaningful action has been taken to penalize those who are guilty in the ruling regime".

This was a "complete abdication" of the commission’s duty, it said. "As a result there has been an unchecked and brazen continuation of these violations, which are now committed with impunity and utter disregard."

The watchdog is responsible for ensuring political parties do not violate election rules against promoting division along religious, caste or linguistic lines in the multiethnic South Asian nation.

In his campaign speeches, Modi, seeking a rare third consecutive term, has targeted the Congress, claiming it wants to help minority Muslims at the expense of other socially disadvantaged groups.

Representatives for the commission and Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) did not respond to requests seeking comment.

Election results in the world’s most populous nation are to be announced on June 4.

The commission on Tuesday ordered social media platform X to take down a video posted by a BJP state unit that accused Congress leaders of planning to extend welfare benefits to Muslims at the cost of other disadvantaged tribal and Hindu caste groups.

While not making any rulings on the complaints, the commission has sought a response from BJP chief J.P. Nadda for an April 21 speech in which Modi said the Congress planned to redistribute wealth from Hindus among Muslims, whom he called "infiltrators" and "those with many children".

The commission has also sent a notice to the Congress regarding complaints by the BJP, which says it has filed three complaints.

"The delay puts a question mark on the credibility of the election commission and therefore on the election process," said S.Y. Qureshi, a former head of the three-member election commission. "Any damage to its reputation will cause incalculable harm to the legitimacy of India’s democracy."

The opposition letter mentions 10 complaints the Congress had lodged since April 6 against Modi and key aides for what it calls "divisive", "false" and "provocative" statements that sow sectarian division and misrepresent Congress’ positions.

"We are not told what is the response, what is the action being taken," Congress lawmaker Abhishek Manu Singhvi told reporters after meeting commission officials on Friday.

"This is an irreversible window," Singhvi said. "If they don’t act promptly it would be a complete abdication of constitutional duty."

Ashok Lavasa, who was an election commissioner during the 2019 general election, said the process from receiving a complaint to deciding on it "should not take more than three to four days because otherwise it loses purpose", as the campaign phase is quite short.
Top Indian opposition leader released on bail by court enabling him to campaign in elections (AP)
AP [5/10/2024 11:50 AM, Ashok Sharma, 456K, Neutral]
A top Indian opposition leader was freed from jail on interim bail by the Supreme Court on Friday nearly seven weeks after his arrest in a bribery case that opposition parties called a political move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government against one of his rivals during a national election.

Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, or Common Man’s Party, is the chief elected official in the city of New Delhi and one of the country’s most influential politicians of the past decade.

The court order enables him to campaign in the country’s national election until the voting ends on June 1, Kejriwal’s attorney said.

Opposition leaders hailed the court verdict. “It will be very helpful in the context of the current elections,” said Mamata Banerjee, the top elected official of West Bengal state.

However, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, a leader of the ruling party, said the court’s decision did not mean that Kejriwal has been exonerated in the bribery case. He will have to go back to jail on June 2 as pre-trial court proceedings are still taking place.

Supporters waving yellow and blue satin party flags greeted Kejriwal as his car came out of the prison gate hours after the court ruling. ``Long live Kejriwal,” they chanted.

“Long live revolution,” Kejriwal responded as he emerged from the roof of his car and briefly addressed them. His supporters lit firecrackers and danced.

“I feel very happy to be amongst you. I told you that I would come early. I have one request to make. I seek your cooperation to save the country from dictatorship. That’s my fight,” he said in an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for arresting him.

Judges Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta said in their order that the national election was an important event. They rejected the prosecutors’ plea that their decision would put Kejriwal in a beneficial position compared with ordinary citizens.

They did, however, impose some conditions on Kejriwal for granting interim bail. He will not be allowed to visit his office and some decisions he makes as chief minister of New Delhi must be approved by the capital’s governor. Also, he cannot interact with any witnesses in the case, they said.

Kejriwal was arrested by the federal Enforcement Directorate, India’s main financial investigation agency, on March 21. The agency, controlled by Modi’s government, accused his party and ministers of accepting 1 billion rupees ($12 million) in bribes from liquor contractors nearly two years ago. The arrest triggered days of protests by party activists supported by other opposition parties.

Kejriwal, who has remained New Delhi’s chief minister, has denied the accusations. His party is part of a broad alliance of opposition parties called INDIA, which is the main challenger to Modi’s governing Bharatiya Janata Party in India’s six-week-long general election, which began last month.

Kejriwal’s case was the first time that a chief minister in India was arrested while in office. His arrest, which occurred before the start of the election, dominated headlines for weeks.

His attorney, Abhishek Manu Singhvi, said he was a serving chief minister and not a “habitual offender” and deserved to be released to campaign. Kejriwal’s deputy, Manish Sisodia, was also arrested in the case earlier, weakening his party’s campaign in national elections.

The Enforcement Directorate opposed his bail, saying that releasing Kejriwal to campaign would indicate that there were different judicial standards for politicians and other citizens.

“The right to campaign for an election is neither a fundamental right nor a constitutional right and not even a legal right,” it said, adding that Kejriwal is not a candidate in these elections.

Kejriwal’s party is the main challenger to Modi’s governing BJP in the Indian capital New Delhi and Punjab state where voting will take place on May 25 and June 1 respectively.

The national elections that started on April 19 are due to conclude on June 1. Votes will be counted on June 4.

While the federal agency accused Kejriwal of being a key conspirator in the liquor bribery case, the opposition parties said the government was misusing federal investigation agencies to harass and weaken its political opponents. They pointed to a series of raids, arrests and corruption investigations of key opposition figures.

Kejriwal called his arrest a “political conspiracy” to prevent him from campaigning, and accused the Enforcement Directorate of “manipulating investigative agencies for political motives.”

Modi’s party denies using law enforcement agencies to target the opposition and says the agencies act independently.

Kejriwal, a former civil servant, launched the Aam Aadmi Party in 2012. He promised to rid the Indian political system and governance of corruption and inefficiency.

The party’s symbol — a broom — and its promise to sweep the administration of graft struck a chord with Delhi residents, fed up with runaway inflation and slow economic growth.
Top Indian opposition leader released on bail ‘begs’ voters to fight ‘dictatorship’ (Agence France-Presse)
Agence France-Presse [5/11/2024 4:44 PM, Staff, 929K, Negative]
Arvind Kejriwal, chief minister of the capital Delhi and a key leader in an opposition alliance formed to compete against Modi in the polls, was granted bail on Friday after weeks in custody.

He is among several leaders of the bloc under criminal investigation, with his party describing his arrest as a "political conspiracy" orchestrated by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to sideline its opponents ahead of the vote.

In a defiant press conference the day after his release, Kejriwal said the outcome of the election would determine whether India remained a democracy.

"I have come to beg 1.4 billion people to save my country," he said. "Save my country from this dictatorship."

Kejriwal also personally accused the prime minister of targeting his opponents with criminal probes.

"Modi has started a very dangerous mission," he said. "Modi will send all opposition leaders to jail."

Kejriwal’s government was accused of corruption when it liberalised the sale of liquor in 2021 and gave up a lucrative government stake in the sector.

The policy was withdrawn the following year, but the resulting probe into the alleged corrupt allocation of licences has since led to the jailing of two top Kejriwal allies.

Rallies in support of Kejriwal, who refused to relinquish his post after his arrest, were held in numerous other big cities around India after he was taken into custody.

More than 1,000 cheering supporters greeted him as he walked free from the capital’s Tihar Jail on Friday night.

Kejriwal, 55, has been chief minister for nearly a decade and first came to office as a staunch anti-corruption crusader.

He had resisted multiple summons from the Enforcement Directorate, India’s financial crimes agency, to be interrogated as part of the probe.

‘Fighting against corruption’

Kejriwal has consistently denied any wrongdoing since allegations of corruption were first levelled against him, including again on Saturday.

"They sent me to jail and the PM says he is fighting against corruption," he said.

"If you want to fight corruption, learn from Arvind Kejriwal."

The Supreme Court said Friday he could temporarily leave jail to campaign in India’s six-week election, on the condition that he returns to custody after the last day of voting on June 1.

"No doubt, serious accusations have been made, but he has not been convicted," the court’s ruling said. "He is not a threat to the society."

His release was also made conditional on his agreement not to make public comment on the case against him, not to interact with witnesses in the case and not to visit the offices of the Delhi government.

‘Target political opponents’

Modi’s political opponents and international rights groups have long sounded the alarm on India’s shrinking democratic space.

US think tank Freedom House said this year that the BJP had "increasingly used government institutions to target political opponents".

Rahul Gandhi, the most prominent member of the opposition Congress party and scion of a dynasty that dominated Indian politics for decades, was convicted of criminal libel last year after a complaint by a member of Modi’s party.

His two-year prison sentence saw him disqualified from parliament until the verdict was suspended by a higher court, and raised concerns over democratic norms.

Kejriwal and Gandhi are both leading members of an opposition alliance composed of more than two dozen parties that is jointly contesting India’s election.

Voting is conducted in seven phases over six weeks to ease the immense logistical burden of staging the democratic exercise in the world’s most populous country.

Four more rounds will be staged over the coming weeks, with results expected on June 4.
India expects long-term arrangement with Iran on Chabahar port, minister says (Reuters)
Reuters [5/13/2024 2:50 AM, Jayshree P Upadhyay, Sudipto Gupta, Aditya Kalra, and Shivam Patel, 5.2M, Neutral]
India expects to secure a "long-term arrangement" with Iran on the management of the Iranian port of Chabahar, India’s foreign minister said on Monday as the country’s shipping minister left on a visit to Iran.

India has been developing part of the port in Chabahar on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman as a way to transport goods to Iran, Afghanistan and central Asian countries, bypassing the port of Karachi and Gwadar in its rival Pakistan.

U.S. sanctions on Iran, however, have slowed the port’s development.

"As and when a long-term arrangement is concluded, it will clear the pathway for bigger investments to be made in the port," Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar told reporters in Mumbai.

He said his cabinet colleague, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, is travelling to Iran. A source close to the shipping ministry said Sonowal is expected to witness the signing of a "crucial contract" that would ensure a long-term lease of the port to India.

The contract will likely be for 10 years and will give India management control over a part of the port, the Economic Times reported earlier in the day, citing unidentified sources.
Canadian police arrest fourth man in murder of Sikh leader Nijjar (Reuters)
Reuters [5/12/2024 12:37 PM, Nivedita Balu, 761K, Negative]
A fourth person has been arrested and charged with the murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar last year, Canadian police said on Saturday, in a case that strained diplomatic relations with India.

Canadian police earlier this month arrested and charged three Indian men in the city of Edmonton in Alberta and said they were probing whether the men had ties to the Indian government.

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) announced Saturday that Amandeep Singh, 22, has been charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in Nijjar’s killing.

Singh, an Indian national who resided in Brampton, Surrey and Abbotsford, was already in custody for unrelated firearms charges out of Peel, Ontario, IHIT said.

Nijjar, 45, was shot dead in June outside a Sikh temple in Surrey, a Vancouver suburb with a large Sikh population. A few months later, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited what he said was evidence of potential Indian government involvement, prompting a diplomatic crisis with New Delhi.

Nijjar was a Canadian citizen campaigning for the creation of Khalistan, an independent Sikh homeland carved out of India. The presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada has long frustrated New Delhi, which had labeled Nijjar a "terrorist".
India’s Hindu nationalist regime is a threat to Muslims — and bad news for the U.S. (Salon – opinion)
Salon [5/12/2024 5:30 AM, Rasheed Ahmed, 539K, Negative]
With India’s elections in full swing, the victory of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party seems all but assured. That is dire news for religious minorities and anti-government critics in India, who are frequent targets for the violence and retaliatory incarceration of the Modi regime.

While Modi’s decision to call Muslims “infiltrators” in a campaign speech received attention in the West, the full extent of the prime minister’s hate speech in the current election is not well known. Other recent speeches of his have promoted Islamophobic conspiracy theories, including the claim that Muslims are practicing a "Love Jihad." This is similar to racist notions in the U.S. depicting African-American men as sexual predators, and the “love jihad” claim has motivated killings of Muslim men throughout India. Modi has also described Muslims as “terrorists” who are conniving to steal the welfare benefits of caste-oppressed groups, and presented the opposition Congress Party as stealing Hindu money in order to give it to Muslims.

This kind of bigotry and persecution is not solely directed at Muslims. Last year, India’s intelligence service allegedly launched two assassination attempts against Sikh activists in North America, ordering the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada last June and hiring a hitman in a failed effort to kill Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a U.S. citizen who lives in New York. Nijjar’s killing provoked a major crisis in Indo-Canadian relations, but the Washington Post reports that the Biden administration has sought to respond to the attempted assassination of Pannun "without risking a wider rupture with India" or directly implicating officials in Modi’s government.

Americans should be aware that the spread of such ideas is much more than a faraway event in a remote country. When BJP leaders call for violence against religious minorities, the India-based relatives of American families are endangered. When Indian Americans raise millions of dollars for Modi and the BJP, and advocate for their policies in the halls of Congress, it helps to legitimize an authoritarian regime. This regime targets U.S. citizens and Indians alike. What goes on there has a profound impact on what goes on here — and vice versa.

As an Indian-American Muslim, I am deeply worried about my relatives in India. But I have also learned that the 4.4-million-strong Indian American diaspora, along with everyone else in the U.S., can be a force for good in the entwined future of our two countries.

I first began to get a sense of how the United States could stand up for human rights abroad in 2002. I was employed as an engineer at IBM at the time, and one day when I was at work, I started to receive call after call from my friends and relatives. Did I see, they wondered, what was happening in Gujarat?

Anti-Muslim riots had erupted across the north Indian state. At the end of a week of violence, Hindu nationalist mobs had killed an estimated 2,000 people, most of them Muslim Indians, and had destroyed hundreds of mosques and displaced more than 100,000 people.

Nishrin Hussain, an Indian-American community member from Delaware, lost her father, Ehsan Jafri. A prominent politician in Gujarat, he was burned alive by Hindu nationalist paramilitary groups during the pogrom. He had allegedly called Modi, who was then the state’s chief minister, begging for help before his death, but to no avail.

In the aftermath, more and more evidence piled up suggesting that Modi was at least partly culpable for the violence. Human Rights Watch and the British Foreign Office both suggested that Modi helped stoke religious tensions beforehand and ordered police not to stop the rioters.

The Gujarat violence shattered my perception of India. Though anti-Muslim violence has a long history in India, my birth country now seemed far more dangerous for my friends and family.

My allies and I set to work organizing across religious and political lines in the U.S., to make sure that the violence was not forgotten. After relentless advocacy, the State Department revoked Modi’s U.S. travel visa in 2005, in recognition of his complicity in the riots, banning him from setting foot in the U.S. for almost eight years.

That was a major victory, showing that Indian Americans could positively influence our country’s relationship with India. In subsequent years, my coalition has successfully blocked anti-Muslim ideologues from addressing American crowds and raised awareness about Islamophobia among Hindu nationalist organizations based in the U.S.

Once Modi became prime minister in 2014, however, his political fortunes in the U.S. began to turn. Modi had his visa privileges restored and, in 2023, received red-carpet treatment on a state visit for meetings with President Biden. As the U.S. seeks to bring India into a military and strategic alliance against China and Russia, the era of reliable, widespread criticism of Modi’s government and its propensity for bigotry, discrimination and violence has come to an end.

In 2019, Modi hosted a Texas event with Donald Trump, helping to galvanize an increasingly influential U.S.-based Hindu nationalist movement. This movement’s most extreme proponents have hosted fundraisers in Texas to fund anti-minority violence in India and have paraded anti-Muslim hate symbols in New Jersey. Other factions have pursued subtler forms of influence, such as inserting Islamophobic language into an Illinois state legislative bill or hosting "yogathons" in an effort to whitewash the image of U.S.-based organizations with ties to Indian paramilitary groups.

In January, Indian Americans hosted a Times Square celebration for Modi’s consecration of a huge Hindu temple that had been built over the remains of an ancient mosque that was razed by mobs in 1992. Crowds in New York called for the takeover of two other historic mosques.

With India now the most populous nation in the world and by far its largest electoral democracy, with influence that extends worldwide, the U.S. has become yet another battleground for Hindu nationalism. If American citizens and our political leaders continue to court Modi and accept this poisonous ideology, the decision could come back to haunt us.

As mentioned above, Modi’s government has reportedly targeted Sikh activists in the U.S. and Canada for assassination. Hindu nationalists issued numerous death threats to California state Sen. Aisha Wahhab, a Muslim of Afghan ancestry, after she introduced legislation aimed at combating caste discrimination in her state. A smear campaign orchestrated by an Indian intelligence officer was launched against my organization and our allies, Hindus for Human Rights, distributing dossiers full of misinformation in Congress. Indian Americans have lost their visas and resident cards for speaking out against the Modi regime.

If Modi and the BJP sweep the elections in India, as expected, we are likely we to see more transnational repression and more violence against Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and other regime critics living in India. We can expect to see more Indians seeking refuge in North America. We can expect to see more division within the diaspora along lines of religious and nationalist identity.

But we will also see more and more vibrant, diverse and resilient resistance. We will see young people coming together to refuse the discredited propaganda of this brutal regime.

India stands at a crossroads, facing grave threats to its democracy, to the rights of minorities and to the separation of religion and government. Indian Americans of all backgrounds, along with other Americans who believe in democracy and human rights, need to stand up now to ensure our country takes the right path.
NSB
Bangladesh acts to tame inflation as IMF pledges $1.1bn loan (Nikkei Asia)
Nikkei Asia [5/13/2024 4:21 AM, Faisal Mahmud, 293K, Neutral]
In a coordinated move economists are hailing as a necessary intervention, Bangladesh has taken three significant steps to tame its persistently high inflation and bolster its dwindling foreign currency reserves.

Inflation in the county peaked in March at 9.81%, exceeding the government’s target for the fiscal year, before easing to 9.24% in April.

The figures are higher than the 7.56% rate in June 2022, when Abdur Rauf Talukder became governor of Bangladesh Bank, the central bank.

The South Asian nation’s foreign reserves, meanwhile, stood at $19.82 billion as of Wednesday, less than half their peak of $48.2 billion in August 2021.

Against this backdrop, the central bank on the same day announced its three measures and put them into immediate effect. The centerpiece was the introduction of a crawling peg system for its currency, the taka, the value of which will now be allowed to more freely heed market forces and weaken against the dollar.

Bangladesh Bank on Wednesday set the peg at 117 taka to the dollar, allowing the currency to weaken from 110 to the dollar. The 6.3% decline represented the largest single-day devaluation in the country’s history, though as the word "crawling" indicates, movements are expected to be incremental as the regime takes hold.

Previously, the central bank maintained a more fixed exchange rate, but that approach ate into foreign currency reserves as demand for the dollar outpaced supply.

Under the new system, banks will have greater flexibility to set their own rates -- and reflect true market value -- when trading taka and dollars.

"The crawling peg system will be an interim arrangement before moving to a fully market based system in the near future," the central bank said in a statement.

In another significant policy change, Bangladesh Bank overhauled its interest rate-setting system for loans. Banks in the country used to rely on a formula linked to government treasury bills, but the new system has opened the doors for a market-based determination of lending rates.

This marks a major shift away from the control exerted by the central bank in the past four years.

With the new measures, factors like individual bank-client relationships, loan demand and the overall availability of funds within the banking sector will dictate interest rates.

"This has cleared the last-mile barrier in the transmission of policy rate changes to the real economy," said Zahid Hussain, former lead economist at the World Bank Bangladesh office. "Without such transmission, interest rates have no firepower to reduce inflation."

In the third measure, Bangladesh Bank further tightened its grip on monetary policy by increasing the overnight repurchase agreement (repo) rate by 50 basis points, to 8.5%. This key interest rate dictates what banks pay when they take out short-term loans from the central bank.

The increase was the second in a row and could lead banks to be more cautious in extending loans. This in turn could reduce the amount of money in circulation and help curb inflation.

These three decisions came at a crucial economic juncture and were announced the same day a team from the International Monetary Fund concluded a 15-day visit to the country.

The IMF delegation focused its discussions with Bangladeshi authorities on economic and financial policies as part of the second review of a loan program between the parties. The delegation was led by Chris Papageorgiou, who heads a development macroeconomics division at the IMF.

The IMF wrapped up the talks by pledging a $1.15 billion loan to the crisis-stricken nation. It also significantly lowered Bangladesh’s net international reserves target for a $4.7 billion loan tranche to $14.76 billion from $20.11 billion, suggesting approval of Bangladesh’s planned reforms.

"Against this backdrop [of persistently high inflation and declining foreign exchange], we welcome Bangladesh Bank’s bold actions to realign the exchange rate and simultaneously adopt a crawling peg regime with a band as a transitional step toward greater exchange rate flexibility to restore external resilience," Papageorgiou said in a statement.

Economists are calling the Bangladeshi government’s new measures a coordinated and necessary intervention to address the twin challenges of inflation and dwindling foreign currency reserves.

Economist Ahsan H. Mansur pointed out that lending rates were capped in April 2020 and that the policy had been kept in place despite proving ineffective at curbing inflation.

By dismantling the cap and allowing market forces to dictate interest rates, Mansur said, Bangladesh Bank is ultimately trying to decrease the amount of money in circulation and slow inflation.

Mansur also said the crawling peg and overnight interest rate hike should complement this strategy.

"The increased flexibility in foreign exchange rates allows the taka to adjust to market realities, while the higher repo rate discourages excessive borrowing by banks." he said. "These combined actions paint a picture of a government taking a multi-pronged approach to bring the economy back on track."
Bangladesh’s China-backed naval dock heightens power play in India’s backyard (South China Morning Post)
South China Morning Post [5/12/2024 6:00 PM, Maria Siow, 951K, Positive]
A naval dock designed to host submarines and warships being built in Bangladesh with China’s help has cast a spotlight on the South Asian nation’s efforts to boost its maritime capabilities, as well as Beijing’s deepening military influence in a region long regarded as India’s backyard.

In March, a satellite image of the dry dock was released on social media platform X by Damien Symon, a researcher with global intelligence research network The Intel Lab.

“This enhanced defence cooperation endeavour by China helps Beijing solidify its presence and influence in the region,” he wrote.

Analysts say India is unlikely to be “overly concerned” for the moment as the facility mostly reflects Bangladesh’s desire to strengthen its naval ambitions, but they caution that New Delhi ought to be watchful of a growing Chinese presence.

In addition to enhanced influence, China could get a new base for its submarines in the Bay of Bengal out of its closer defence ties with Bangladesh, Indian media speculated last month citing the satellite photo.

Troy Lee-Brown, a research fellow at the University of Western Australia’s Defence and Security Institute, said Bangladesh’s navy was building the dry dock at the new Sheikh Hasina submarine base in Cox’s Bazar.

The US$1.21 billion facility, which was inaugurated by Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in March last year at a ceremony attended by Chinese officials, was being constructed with “considerable assistance” from Beijing, he said.

Hasina said at the inauguration that the base would strengthen Bangladesh’s “capacity to protect its maritime boundary”. It will be capable of hosting six submarines and eight warships at a time, The Dhaka Tribune reported last year, allowing for “safe and swift movement of the submarines in case of emergency”.

The two submarines that Bangladesh bought from China for US$205 million in 2016 are also expected to be serviced at the base.

Nilanthi Samaranayake, a visiting academic with the United States Institute of Peace think tank’s South Asia programmes, said Bangladesh had been sourcing affordable naval assets from China since the 1980s.

“Dhaka has sought to expand its navy” and hoped to add to the two Chinese submarines it currently operates, she said.

Bangladesh aspired to develop its naval reach in the Bay of Bengal “and potentially beyond”, said David Brewster, a senior research fellow with the National Security College at Australian National University who specialises in Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific maritime security.

“The acquisition of a potent submarine capability by the Bangladesh navy will likely take many years,” he said.

“[This] is just one step in the development of Bangladesh as a significant regional power that could play an increasingly valuable role in the security of the Indian Ocean.”

Adding that this long-term goal should be welcomed, Brewster said there had been no indications that Hasina’s government had “any intention of allowing the Chinese navy to use this facility”.

India’s concerns

Delhi traditionally sees the Indian Ocean region as its sphere of influence, but China has increased its footprint there in recent years. Beijing signed a security agreement with the Maldives in March and sent a military delegation that visited the island nation, as well as Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Chinese research vessels have been spotted near India’s coast twice this year, prompting worries that Beijing might be conducting military intelligence-gathering in the country’s backyard. China said the ships were carrying out ocean-bed surveys for peaceful scientific reasons.

India was likely “not overly concerned” by Bangladesh’s construction of a new naval dock given the two countries’ strong security and defence ties, Lee-Brown said – citing recent joint military exercises and training, and humanitarian assistance and disaster-relief programmes.

Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud said in February that Dhaka will continue to buy defence equipment from India, includes a floating dock, logistics ship and oil tanker for its navy.

“But Delhi would have some concern about possible future Chinese access to the base” for the maintenance of its warships and submarines “in the strategic Bay of Bengal”, Lee-Brown said.

The Bay of Bengal, one of the busiest shipping routes in the world that more than 40,000 vessels cross annually, serves as a crucial maritime gateway between East and West.

Noting Delhi’s “clear naval advantage in the Indian Ocean over China”, Lee-Brown said Beijing needed to operate in the region under “considerable logistical constraints, particularly in times of heightened tensions”.

“If the Chinese navy gains access to bases such as the new Sheikh Hasina submarine base at Cox’s Bazar for sustainment and maintenance of its boats, it slightly eats away at India’s enormous geographical advantage in the Indian Ocean,” he said.

Though Chinese security scholars have spoken about a future Chinese fleet in the Indian Ocean, “one has not yet emerged”, Prashant Hosur Suhas an international-relations professor at Clarkson University in the US; and Christopher K. Colley, an international security studies professor at the US Air War College, wrote in article published by strategic, defence and foreign affairs platform War on the Rocks on May 7.

“Any Chinese armada in the region would have to deal with the tyranny of geography, which provides India with a home-field advantage,” they said.

China’s emerging aircraft carrier battle groups were “not yet ready for engagements with capable adversaries and are likely at least a decade away from being able to conduct effective combat missions”, they said.

The United States Institute of Peace’s Samaranayake said India already had a “robust awareness” of maritime activities in the Bay of Bengal through assets such as its eastern naval command in Andhra Pradesh state’s Visakhapatnam and joint military outpost in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

“[Indian Prime Minister] Narendra Modi’s administration will continue to actively defend India’s security interests in the Bay of Bengal, while drawing on the relationship it has cultivated with the Sheikh Hasina administration over the past decade,” she said.
Maldives Gets IMF Debt Warning As More Chinese Loans Loom (Agence France-Presse)
Agence France-Presse [5/13/2024 4:30 AM, Staff, 11975K, Neutral]
The International Monetary Fund warned the Maldives against looming "debt distress" Monday, as the small but strategically placed luxury tourist destination looks set to borrow more from main creditor China.

Since winning office last year, President Mohamed Muizzu has reoriented the atoll nation -- known for its upmarket beach resorts and celebrity vacationers -- away from traditional benefactor India and towards Beijing.

Last month his party won parliamentary elections in a landslide after promising to build thousands of apartments, reclaim more land for urban development and upgrade airports, all with Chinese funding.

Without naming the archipelago’s main lender, the IMF said the Maldives remained "at high risk of external and overall debt distress" without "significant policy changes".

"Uncertainty surrounding the outlook is high and risks are tilted to the downside, including from delayed fiscal consolidation and weaker growth in key sources markets for tourism," the IMF said in a statement.

It urged the Maldives to urgently raise revenue, cut spending and reduce external borrowing to avoid a major economic crisis.

The Maldives is a small nation of 1,192 tiny coral islets scattered 800 kilometres (500 miles) across the equator, but it strategically straddles key east-west international shipping routes.

Tourism is a crucial source of foreign exchange for the country, home to white sandy beaches and secluded resorts offering Robinson Crusoe-style holidays.

China has pledged more funding since last year’s victory by Muizzu, who thanked the country for its "selfless assistance" for development funds on a state visit to Beijing shortly after he took power.

Official data showed the Maldives’ foreign debt reaching $4.038 billion last year, about 118 percent of gross domestic product and up nearly $250 million from 2022.

As of June 2023, the Export-Import Bank of China owned 25.2 percent of the Maldives’ external debt and was the country’s biggest single lender, Maldives finance ministry figures showed.

Debt-burdened neighbour Sri Lanka defaulted on its foreign debt in 2022 after a foreign exchange crisis that brought months of food and fuel shortages.

More than 50 percent of Sri Lanka’s bilateral debt is owed to China and the island nation is still struggling to restructure its borrowings with IMF assistance.

Unable to service a huge Chinese loan to build a port in the south, Sri Lanka allowed a Chinese state company to take over the facility on a 99-year lease in 2017.

The deal raised fears about Beijing’s use of "debt traps" in exerting its influence abroad, including in the Indian Ocean.
Central Asia
Jailed For Insulting The Uzbek President (Radio Free Europe)
Radio Free Europe [5/12/2024 3:47 AM, Chris Rickleton and Khurmat Babadjanov, 223K, Neutral]
Earlier this year, Sitora Bozorova, a 24-year-old woman, was sentenced to five years in prison over social media posts that called for the "dynasty" of President Shavkat Mirziyoev to "burn."

Bozorova, who was also accused of making a highly unflattering remark about Mirziyoev’s daughter and top aide Saida Mirziyoeva, is now among a growing number of citizens who are being jailed for insulting the head of state -- a crime introduced into the legal code in 2021.

Since becoming president in 2016, Mirziyoev has positioned himself as a champion of freer speech, a shift away from the heavy authoritarianism of his predecessor, Islam Karimov, and one that was greeted enthusiastically at home and abroad. That now looks like a bygone era, and the protections afforded to Mirziyoev are only helping to widen and deepen the crackdown.

Straight To Jail

The legal tweak -- Article 158, Part 3 -- is part of a growing arsenal available to the Uzbek authorities, who are eager to stifle the kind of everyday dissent that became more common after the tentative opening up.

It is a legal weapon very much in vogue.

Citing data from the Supreme Court, UzNews, a privately owned media outlet, reported this month that at least 10 people have been sentenced to jail over insults to the president in the last 12 months.

The cases detailed by the news agency covered citizens between 25 and 60 years old, who received sentences ranging from correctional labor to the maximum sentence for the crime -- five years -- and even beyond in instances where defendants were being sentenced for other crimes as well.

Overwhelmingly, the basis for the convictions were posts or online comments, with none of the offenders scattered across different regions of Uzbekistan enjoying large online followings.

This type of targeting is now par for the course, said Nadezhda Ataeva, chairwoman of the Paris-based Association for Human Rights in Central Asia (AHRCA), which is set to soon publish a report on the state of freedom of speech in Uzbekistan in cooperation with the Brussels-based International Partnership for Human Rights (IPHR).

Ataeva told RFE/RL that Uzbekistan’s law books now contain around 30 articles in some way or another connected to speech. In the vast majority of jailings under Article 158, Part 3, the citizens being incarcerated have no prior convictions, she said.

“In many other countries, when it comes to offenses relating to speech, the first response from law enforcement is a caution," Ataeva said. "In Uzbekistan, there is no warning, just a prison sentence straight away.”

And, so far, pleas for leniency have fallen on deaf ears.

“I can’t imagine that my daughter would insult the president,” Bozorova’s mother, Saodat Kurbanova, told RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service, before launching an impassioned appeal to the president.

“President, please, my daughter has to get married," she said. "I don’t want her to spend her life in prison like some hooligan. She had so many hopes and dreams. I ask you to take account of my appeals and assist us so that my daughter is vindicated and so that she might return home to us.”

The youngest citizen known to have been jailed for presidential insults was a 19-year-old from Samarkand, who was sentenced to 2 1/2 years imprisonment in October 2023.

A copy of a court judgment seen by RFE/RL’s Uzbek Service states that Dilshod Iskandarov left a comment cursing current and future generations of Mirziyoevs under a video about the president’s family on Instagram.

Iskandarov, who was in Russia at the time, deleted the comment on the advice of his friends and repented in court, but his plea of immaturity did not spare him prison time.

Stalled Progress

In 2019, some three years after the death of longtime Uzbek leader Islam Karimov, the Paris-based press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) changed its description of Uzbekistan’s press freedom environment from "very serious" to merely "difficult."

For the first time, in RSF’s annual World Press Freedom Index, Uzbekistan was no longer one of those brick red countries like China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia highlighted for being the planet’s top-level offenders of the free press.

Instead, it was part of the peachy-colored band that included Colombia, Morocco, Indonesia, and Uzbekistan’s Central Asian neighbor Kazakhstan.

Five years on from that achievement, Uzbekistan is back in the brick red again, placing 148th out of 180 countries, 11 places below last year’s ranking.

“There is a great pressure on websites and bloggers. Materials are regularly deleted. Censorship, self-censorship. Colleagues are either leaving journalism or thinking about leaving,” journalist Shukhrat Latipov wrote on his Telegram channel in response to Uzbekistan’s plunge in the index, which RSF releases annually on May 3, World Press Freedom Day.

The recent cases of people receiving jail time for insulting the president appear to mark an intensification of the more general crackdown that began toward the end of Mirziyoev’s first term in office and appeared to target the new generation of citizen journalists who have emerged in recent years.

One of the first Uzbeks to wind up behind bars in this respect was Otabek Sattoriy, a video blogger from the southern city of Termez, who relentlessly criticized local officials for corruption and mismanagement.

Far from insulting Mirziyoev, he cited the president as an inspiration. Earlier in his reign, the Uzbek president called on bloggers to “expose shortcomings” among officials, while promising that he “stands behind” journalists.

But Sattoriy was sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison in May 2021 on charges of extortion and slander, gaining early release from jail in February of this year. Although free from jail, Sattoriy must pay 20 percent of any wages that he earns to the state for the remainder of his sentence.

Since Sattoriy’s sentencing, extortion has become a common crime for bloggers to be convicted of in Uzbekistan.

In an interview with RFE/RL last year, Umida Niyazova, director of the Berlin-based Uzbek Forum for Human Rights, suggested that this was part of a deliberate tactic to make cases against bloggers look like disputes between private citizens.

"Secondly, practice shows that extortion charges are easy to fabricate. It is not necessary to present material evidence. It is enough for someone to write a statement to police that some blogger extorted money," Niyazova said at the time.

Another charge levied against bloggers is threatening public security and the “constitutional order” -- a vague charge beloved by prosecutors and courts during the Karimov era as well.

Fozilxoja Orifxojaev, a blogger sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison on those charges at the beginning of 2022, was released from prison in December of last year after having his sentence commuted to a parole-like punishment.

But heading in the other direction that same month was Olimjon Khaidarov, a popular blogger from the Ferghana Valley city of Qoqand, who was handed eight years in jail for extortion and defamation.

These heavy sentences are having their desired effect: muffling critical voices.

Like their colleagues in Uzbekistan’s print and broadcast media, bloggers are either toning down or giving up, often with explicit encouragement from the authorities.

Last year, RSF raised the alarm after pressure from the authorities meant that six Telegram channels in a single region of southern Uzbekistan were shut down, depriving tens of thousands of readers of news.

At the same time, pro-government bloggers are expanding their hold over the information space, building up massive followings with what rights activist Ataeva describes as “portrayals of a glamorous lifestyle.”

This all means that Mirziyoev’s regime is losing a valuable feedback mechanism, Ataeva argued.

“Uzbekistan is once again becoming like an aquarium where the water is turning foul, but citizens aren’t allowed to say anything. They are just fish that have to shut up and swim,” Ataeva said.
How China’s greener investments are driving Central Asia energy shift (South China Morning Post – opinion)
South China Morning Post [5/12/2024 5:30 PM, Emil Avdaliani, 951K, Positive]
China’s investments in Central Asia have traditionally been characterised by inflow of cash into large projects focused on resource extraction and physical infrastructure such as pipelines, roads or attempts to establish railway connectivity.

Lately, however, China is pushing to focus more on green energy and related investments. Though the region is generally seen as rich in green energy resources, Beijing is focusing on Kazakhstan and especially Uzbekistan.

Despite being rich in traditional energy resources, these two countries have faced acute difficulties in winter because of the inadequate spread of infrastructure across their vast territories. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are now trying to create conditions for a major shift in their economies by turning to greener energy resources, in particular solar and wind power.

The growing cooperation between China and Central Asia on green energy fits into Beijing’s own agenda of making more sustainable investments which take heed of environmental issues, creating a “greener” version of the Belt and Road Initiative. The shift in China took place in 2021, when the emphasis moved to investing in solar and wind energy projects. Overall, Beijing wants to mitigate fears about debt financing among Central Asian states.

China’s shifting preferences in Central Asia also indicate the initiative’s adaptability in the face of local demands and political factors. For instance, Chinese companies in Kazakhstan helped develop eight wind and solar power projects from 2018 to 2022. Those were mostly a result of state-to-state cooperation in green energy. In contrast, in Uzbekistan, China invests through tenders and auctions.

Both Central Asian countries have signed agreements with China on green energy cooperation, Kazakhstan in 2015 and Uzbekistan in 2022. The latter deal evolved into a state-to-state cooperation agreement signed in 2023. The two countries have also made significant regulatory strides to allow more and fairer competition for tenders related to green energy. For both, China serves as a crucial investment partner.

Astana and Tashkent might also see the growing engagement with China’s experience in green energy as an effective way to reconsider some aspects of their relations with Russia. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, Moscow has pushed the two Central Asian states to create a gas union wherein imports of Russian gas would only increase. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, meanwhile, seek to lessen this uncomfortable dependence.

In a recent manifestation of the growing engagement on green energy between China and Central Asia, greater collaboration and Chinese support for Uzbekistan’s green development were discussed during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to China in January.

At the time, Uzbekistan’s presidential office highlighted a fivefold increase in Chinese investments in the country’s economy. Mirziyoyev said at an international investment forum earlier this month that the country is working on 28 energy sector projects with a goal of creating more than 20 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity by 2030. This follows agreements signed during the inaugural China-Central Asia Summit in Xian in May 2023.

Tangible progress is evident in the ongoing development of photovoltaic power stations by China Gezhouba Group in the Bukhara and Kashkadarya regions of Uzbekistan, each with a capacity of 500 megawatts. Some of these projects have already commenced operations.

In a demonstration of Beijing’s commitment to sustainable investment in Uzbekistan, Mirziyoyev explored the possibility of establishing a regional branch of the Export-Import Bank of China in Tashkent. In addition, the regional government of Samarkand has bought 100 electric buses from Chinese manufacturer Yutong, with projected costs of about US$62 million.

For Uzbekistan, these agreements are not only about investment in green energy but also reducing the dependence on fossil fuel-based technologies. During his visit to China, Mirziyoyev toured vehicle manufacturer BYD’s headquarters in Shenzhen. He also took part in an online ceremony marking the construction of a new facility in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region, which is expected to produce around 50,000 hybrid and electric vehicles annually.

The collaboration between BYD and UzAuto, a state-owned Uzbek car manufacturer, has been progressing since an initial investment agreement with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade in October 2023. These cars are expected to be exported to Central Asian markets and Russia, the latter being particularly attractive because of increased demand following the invasion of Ukraine and subsequent Western sanctions.

Central Asia has gained strategic importance for China amid geopolitical shifts such as the Red Sea crisis. The disruption in maritime trade routes has prompted China to seek alternative trade corridors. Expanding green energy investments is a powerful tool in strengthening China’s role in the landlocked region.

China’s push for green energy engagement also fits in with the strengthening of its presence in Central Asia, a move evident through its expanding bilateral trade with the region. During Mirziyoyev’s visit to China, the two countries elevated their bilateral relations to an “all-weather” comprehensive strategic partnership, aiming to boost annual trade to US$20 billion.

However, Central Asian nations are unlikely and somewhat unable to fully transition away from fossil fuels because of the nature of their economies. Uzbekistan, for instance, still heavily relies on fossil fuels for more than 90 per cent of its power generation.

Additionally, while Chinese investment shows promise, Central Asian states have experienced challenges with previous projects, indicating a need for diverse partnerships and Western expertise in their renewable energy transition. Given that, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are working on attracting investment from Gulf countries, the European Union and the United States to avoid becoming dependent on Chinese investment.
Twitter
Afghanistan
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett
@SR_Afghanistan
[5/11/2024 3:07 AM, 39.1K followers, 60 retweets, 136 likes]
Recent floods in #Afghanistan including #Baghlan which claimed many lives, are a stark reminder of Afghanistan’s vulnerability to the #climatecrisis & both immediate aid and long term planning by the #Taliban & internat actors are needed. Condolences to the families of victims.

Jahanzeb Wesa
@Jahanzi12947158
[5/11/2024 12:32 PM, 2.5K followers, 1 retweet, 3 likes]
It is deeply shocking to observe such this damaged natural disaster in Afghanistan. It shows that our homeland Afghanistan is being incredibly threatened. In this tough situation the aid organizations should focus more on ongoing disaster in afghanistan.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 23 retweets, 158 likes]
The Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Mr. Ilkhom Mahkamov & the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mr. Ismatullah Ergashov accompanied by a delegation called on IEA-Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
The meeting underlined the bilateral political, economic relations, regional connectivity, transit projects, joint investment opportunities & the importance transit role of Afghanistan & Uzbekistan in the region. At the outset, appreciating Uzbekistan for extending support

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
in political and economic matters, FM Muttaqi stressed on on the continuation and expansion of such cooperations. Additionally, FM Muttaqi said that after period of war, there is peace and stability ensured in Afghanistan, this is a good opportunity for Uzbekistan

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
& for the entire region to take advantage, which is a glad tiding for security & economic stability of the region, & efforts need to be accelerated for the implementation of the major economic projects. Extending gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the warm reception

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
and the preparation of this trip, the Minister of Transport of Uzbekistan, Mr. Ilkhom Mahkamov, said that this time, we are accompanied by a strong technical team of private sector, railways, geology and mining, adding that the President and the leadership of the Republic

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
of Uzbekistan are paying serious attention to Afghanistan, & I want to assure you on behalf of the leadership that we support the policy of IEA seeking Afghanistan to be a transit hub in the region. Mr. Mahkamov said that he has come with a team of engineers

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
for the practical commencement and feasibility of the Afghan-Trans project, & in a few weeks time, another delegation is coming to Afghanistan with equipment for the construction of the Afghan railway, who will practically start work with other concerned departments.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
Moreover, a technical team of geology and mines will hold meetings with the officials of the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum of Afghanistan to explore and extract oil and gas, as well as other opportunities in Afghanistan, adding further, he said that we are read

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
to provide 24-hour customs and border services between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, and we have lowered the transport and transit tariffs to improve the transport and transit services between the two countries. Expressing gratitude for the goodwill regarding strengthening

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
of economic and political relations, FM Muttaqi said that the progress in facilitation of visa issuance for Afghan businessmen and transport workers is a good step forward, adding that it is necessary to extend these services for the health, education purposes,

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
& finally for tourism of ordinary Afghans. The Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan, Mr. Asmatullah Irgashov, expressed condolences for the recent floods & the loss lives & said that we, as a Muslim brother and neighbor, will help to the extent we can,

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 1 like]
adding that the Republic of Uzbekistan is supporting the statement of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan that economic should not be politicised in order to achieve economic prosperity in the region. In response to visa issuance, the SPR said that we have started issuing visas

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 2 likes]
to Afghan drivers & businessmen, and now we are working on long-term visas for them, as well as trying to issue visas for educational, health and tourism purposes for Afghans. Additionally, He mentioned that a technical team is coming to Kabul in the near future to purchase

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 1 retweet, 3 likes]
more than one million tons of coal from Afghanistan, & the team of engineers will also come to Afghanistan soon to start the construction work of Imam Al-Bukhari Madrasah in Mazar-e-Sharif, & expressed readiness that Uzbekistan is ready to work together with the Ministry

Hafiz Zia Ahmad
@HafizZiaAhmad
[5/12/2024 7:17 AM, 91.4K followers, 1 retweet, 4 likes]
of Information and Culture of Afghanistan in the construction and renovation of historical places and shrines.
Pakistan
Shehbaz Sharif
@CMShehbaz
[5/12/2024 7:41 AM, 6.7M followers, 673 retweets, 1.6K likes]
Deeply concerned about the situation in AJK. Unfortunately in situations of chaos and dissent there are always some who rush in to score political points. While debate, discussion and peaceful protests are the beauties of democracy , there should be absolutely no tolerance for taking the law in one’s own hands and damaging government properties. I have spoken to PM AJK and also directed all PML-N office bearers in AJK to talk to the leaders of the action committee and I urge all parties to resort to peaceful course of action for resolution of their demands. Despite best efforts of detractors, the matter will hopefully be settled soon.

Shehbaz Sharif
@CMShehbaz
[5/13/2024 2:47 AM, 6.7M followers, 21 retweets, 108 likes]
Congratulations to Dr.Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui @Dr_KMSOfficial on being unanimously elected as the Chairman of Muttahida Quami Movement Pakistan (MQM-P). I hope that his leadership will give new impetus to the party’s efforts in prioritizing the needs of the people.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan
@ForeignOfficePk
[5/13/2024 12:02 AM, 476.8K followers, 10 retweets, 31 likes]
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 has arrived in Beijing, China where he was received by Director General, Ambassador Wang Fu Kang and Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister will co-chair the Fifth Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue with Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi covering the full spectrum of Pakistan-China relations. The Deputy Prime Minister will also hold meetings with Chinese leaders and senior officials and with prominent business enterprises.

Hamid Mir
@HamidMirPAK
[5/11/2024 2:00 PM, 8.5M followers, 582 retweets, 2.9K likes]
President Asif Ali Zardari have called an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Azad Jammu & Kashmir tomorrow at President house. He requested different stakeholders holders to come up with a solution to cool down the tension in J & K.

Hamid Mir
@HamidMirPAK
[5/10/2024 8:00 AM, 8.5M followers, 4K retweets, 13K likes]
This is Muzaffarabad today. Thousands of Kashmiris violated the old colonial black law section144. They came out from their homes on feet. No transport was used due to wheel jam strike. They are demanding tax free electricity from Mangla dam and subsidy on wheat flour. #Kashmir

Michael Kugelman
@MichaelKugelman
[5/12/2024 11:08 AM, 210K followers, 68 retweets, 284 likes]
It’s never a good time for violent protests over rising food/energy costs in a sensitive region, but the timing of the recent unrest in Pakistan-administered Kashmir is especially bad b/c a senior IMF delegation visits Islamabad next week to discuss a badly needed new program.

Michael Kugelman
@MichaelKugelman
[5/12/2024 11:08 AM, 210K followers, 2 retweets, 29 likes]
The IMF had already signaled concern about the government’s willingness to carry out austerity measures/reforms in a volatile political/social environment also experiencing serious economic turmoil, referring to "exceptionally high downside risks" in a staff report on Friday.

Michael Kugelman
@MichaelKugelman
[5/12/2024 11:08 AM, 210K followers, 1 retweet, 26 likes]
"While the new government has indicated its intention to continue the SBA’s policies, political uncertainty remains significant. A resurgence in social tensions (reflecting the complex political scene and high cost of living) could weigh on policy and reform implementation." https://imf.org/en/Publications/CR/Issues/2024/05/10/Pakistan-Second-and-Final-Review-Under-the-Stand-by-Arrangement-Press-Release-Staff-Report-548741
India
Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
[5/13/2024 2:22 AM, 97.7M followers, 1.4K retweets, 8.1K likes]
Sikhism is rooted in the principles of equality, justice and compassion. Central to Sikhism is Seva. This morning in Patna, I also had the honour of taking part in Seva as well. It was a very humbling and special experience.

Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
[5/13/2024 2:21 AM, 97.7M followers, 768 retweets, 3.8K likes]
Prayed at Takhat Sri Harimandir Ji Patna Sahib this morning. Felt truly blessed to experience divinity, serenity and rich history of this sacred place. This Gurudwara has a close link with Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Our Government had the honour of marking his 350th Parkash Utsav in a grand manner. May the teachings of the Sikh Gurus continue to inspire and guide us all

Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
[5/12/2024 9:40 PM, 97.7M followers, 2.1K retweets, 11K likes]
Assembly Elections commence in Odisha today. I call upon the people of this state to cast their franchise in large numbers. Your vote is your voice—let it be heard loudly and clearly.

Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
[5/12/2024 9:32 PM, 97.7M followers, 5.5K retweets, 28K likes]
In today’s 4th Phase of the Lok Sabha elections, 96 seats across 10 States and UTs are going to the polls. I am sure people in these constituencies will vote in large numbers and the young voters as well as women voters will power this surge in voting. Come, let’s all do our duty and strengthen our democracy!

Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
[5/12/2024 4:56 AM, 97.7M followers, 2.9K retweets, 9.7K likes]
Addressing my third campaign rally in West Bengal’s Arambagh... Unparalleled enthusiasm and support for the BJP here. https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1OwxWYdnMyNGQ

Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
[5/12/2024 12:53 AM, 97.7M followers, 3.4K retweets, 14K likes]
My wide ranging interview with @lokmat Times covered topics relating to the 2024 Elections, why Maharashtra will bless NDA again and how we plan to continue the growth trajectory in the coming term. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNWmQu8XAAAZyjr?format=jpg&name=small

Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
[5/12/2024 12:30 AM, 97.7M followers, 5.5K retweets, 25K likes]
My interview with @htTweets covered very interesting topics relating to policy level changes, economic transformations, politics and why we are the people’s choice in this election. https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GNWg0DJW0AAT8W2?format=jpg&name=900x900

Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
[5/11/2024 9:22 AM, 97.7M followers, 3.9K retweets, 19K likes]
Addressed massive rallies in Kandhamal, Balangir and Bargarh. Odisha is totally with BJP and wants our development-oriented approach. Wherever I go, there is anger against the BJD due to their inefficient governance.

Narendra Modi
@narendramodi
[5/11/2024 4:24 AM, 97.7M followers, 4.6K retweets, 16K likes]
Today, 11th May is very special for every Indian. The Tests in 1998 showed the prowess of our scientists and the exceptional leadership of Atal Ji. But the Congress discounts this accomplishment and they scare India citing other nations. Shameful!

Dr. S. Jaishankar
@DrSJaishankar
[5/13/2024 12:56 AM, 3.1M followers, 81 retweets, 300 likes]
Addressing the press at National Stock Exchange Plaza, Mumbai. https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1mnxepzXkMbJX

Dr. S. Jaishankar
@DrSJaishankar
[5/12/2024 9:47 PM, 3.1M followers, 367 retweets, 2.1K likes]
10 States and UTs go to polls today in the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections for 96 seats. Urge all eligible voters to do their duty and vote in large numbers. Confident that they will vote for a stable, experienced and decisive Government that has a vision for the nation. Participating citizens make our democracy stronger and vibrant!

Dr. S. Jaishankar
@DrSJaishankar
[5/11/2024 9:34 AM, 3.1M followers, 183 retweets, 1K likes]
Glad to participate at the launch of the Arbitration Bar of India. ‘Arbitrate in India!’ should be a natural accompaniment of @makeinindia as our economy grows and the nation globalizes. The Modi Government recognizes the importance of high quality arbitration as it improves ease of doing business. #TeamMEA is doing its part. Confident that today’s inauguration is one among the legal community’s many contributions towards a Viksit Bharat.

Dr. S. Jaishankar
@DrSJaishankar
[5/11/2024 10:30 AM, 3.1M followers, 220 retweets, 1.5K likes]
Pleased to attend the valedictory ceremony of the Indian Foreign Service Officer Trainees of the 2023 batch and Bhutanese diplomats. From the Amrit Kaal generation, they will help shape India’s journey to Viksit Bharat. Discussed the emerging landscape, its challenges and opportunities and changing practices with them. Welcome them to a life in diplomacy and wish them the best in times ahead.

Dr. S. Jaishankar
@DrSJaishankar
[5/11/2024 9:12 AM, 3.1M followers, 275 retweets, 1K likes]
My interview with @PTI_News. Do watch: https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1kvJpvRZrYaKE

Dr. S. Jaishankar
@DrSJaishankar
[5/11/2024 12:59 AM, 3.1M followers, 862 retweets, 4.5K likes]
This day in 1998, an NDA Government finally exercised India’s nuclear weapon option. That momentous decision has since ensured our National Security. The current NDA Government has built on that foundation, robustly countering terror and building our border infrastructure. The country must know who stands where when it comes to National Security issues. Our political choices are eventually choices about the future of Bharat.

Michael Kugelman
@MichaelKugelman
[5/11/2024 11:46 AM, 210K followers, 238 retweets, 1.6K likes]
Modi’s recent comments on Pakistan are unsurprising. Ever since the Uri/Pathankot attacks that followed his 2015 surprise visit to Lahore, he’s taken a consistently tough line on Pakistan, w/no interest in engagement. Lahore was his Nixon-goes-to-China moment. It didn’t pan out.

Michael Kugelman
@MichaelKugelman
[5/11/2024 11:46 AM, 210K followers, 42 retweets, 429 likes]
Given the lessons of 2015-16, the security risks of engagement are too high. There’s of course also the ideological motivation of taking a tough line. And there’s no economic incentive to engage, either. This is why Pakistan’s hope of reopening trade w/India is a fool’s errand.

Michael Kugelman
@MichaelKugelman
[5/11/2024 11:46 AM, 210K followers, 23 retweets, 331 likes]
I’d argue though that while India has no interest in improving ties w/Pakistan, it also doesn’t want them to get worse. India’s prime external concern is China, not Pakistan, and wants to keep tensions low so that it can allocate more strategic attention to the China challenge.

Michael Kugelman
@MichaelKugelman
[5/11/2024 11:46 AM, 210K followers, 21 retweets, 275 likes]
Here, the ‘21 LoC truce is instructive: An effort to bring down LoC tensions w/Pakistan so that more attention could be focused on the LAC (and China challenges beyond). Yes, Indian politicians and TV anchors routinely rail against & threaten Pak-but that’s largely performative.
NSB
Awami League
@albd1971
[5/12/2024 9:13 AM, 637.8K followers, 30 retweets, 100 likes]
Prime Minister #SheikhHasina today said the #AwamiLeague government is bringing changes to the #curriculum and the method of #education mainly to cut dependency on learning through memorisation to flourish talents and creativity of the students. https://tbsnews.net/bangladesh/curriculum-being-changed-so-students-dont-only-learn-through-memorisation-pm-848836

Awami League
@albd1971
[5/12/2024 4:28 AM, 637.8K followers, 39 retweets, 104 likes]
Prime Minister #SheikhHasina hailed the engineers as the driving force for transforming the country into a #SmartBangladesh. “For building smart Bangladesh the main driving force is the engineers of the country,” she said. https://albd.org/articles/news/41410 #Bangladesh #IEBConvention

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maldives
@MoFAmv
[5/10/2024 11:26 AM, 53.9K followers, 33 retweets, 63 likes]
Dr. Salma Rasheed Presents Her Credentials as Permanent Representative of Maldives to the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Press Release | https://t.ly/4eWMA

Moosa Zameer
@MoosaZameer
[5/10/2024 12:30 PM, 13.2K followers, 79 retweets, 131 likes]
The Maldives welcomes the adoption of the resolution at the 10th Emergency Special Session on the Admission of New Members to the United Nations. As a staunch advocate for the Palestinian cause, the Maldives has co-sponsored this resolution and joined 142 other States to ensure its adoption by voting in favour. Despite setbacks, this resolution has paved the way to admit #Palestine as a full member of the United Nations. The Maldives will continue to extend its unwavering support to the people of Palestine in their pursuit for self-determination, including their right to an independent and sovereign state.

M U M Ali Sabry
@alisabrypc
[5/10/2024 2:20 PM, 5.3K followers, 29 retweets, 116 likes]
Today, Sri Lanka joined the overwhelming majority of the international community by voting in favour of #Palestine’s Application for Membership in the UN through the #UN General Assembly Resolution on “Admission of New Members to the United Nations”. Sri Lanka has always been steadfast in its position that the only way to achieve lasting peace & to alleviate human suffering is through a negotiated two-state solution. The horrors of human conflict should not continue when there lies an opportunity to alleviate the humanitarian crisis through negotiation and discussion. As difficult as moving forward may seem, a peaceful resolution it is the only way for both the people of Palestine and Israel to achieve a lasting solution. https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/05/1149596
Central Asia
Asel Doolotkeldieva
@ADoolotkeldieva
[5/13/2024 2:32 AM, 14K followers, 1 like]
On May 9, in Moscow, Rahmon stressed labor migration was an acute topic for Tajikistan (noting discrimination of Tajiks after Crocus terror) and once again reiterating that "all these years we didn’t change our position" and Russia remains an ally. Yep

Asel Doolotkeldieva
@ADoolotkeldieva
[5/13/2024 2:10 AM, 14K followers, 7 retweets, 12 likes]
This international obsession with critical minerals is having nefarious effects on states with weak institutional control. Kyrgyz authorities exploring the possibility to take out "Kutesay-II" deposit of rare earth metals out of protected area

Bakhtiyor Saidov
@FM_Saidov
[5/10/2024 8:26 AM, 3.4K followers, 9 retweets, 15 likes]
Had a candid meeting with the Chairman of @PPPSindh_PK H.E. @BilawalBhuttoZardari during our visit to #Pakistan. Appreciate his sincere support in further strengthening friendship ties between #Uzbekistan and #Pakistan across all dimensions.

{End of Report}
To subscribe to the SCA Morning Press Clips, please email SCA-PressOfficers@state.gov. Please do not reply directly to this email.