Category: Asia News

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Asia News Politics

Maldives Police arrest two over attack on ex-Prez

State-owned PSM News reported on Saturday that 21-year-old Mujaz Ahmed and 32-year-old Thahumeen Ahmed were arrested in connection to an attack…reports Asian Lite News

Two suspects have been arrested by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) in investigations into a terrorist attack last week that injured former President and Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, state media reported.

State-owned PSM News reported on Saturday that 21-year-old Mujaz Ahmed and 32-year-old Thahumeen Ahmed were arrested in connection to an attack that took place outside Nasheed’s residence in Male on May 6, reports Xinhua news agency.

Nasheed was admitted to the ADK Hospital, where he underwent multiple life-saving surgeries.

Doctors said that ball bearings and shrapnel were lodged in Nasheed’s body, injuring his ribs and organs.

The former leader has been placed in the intensive care unit and is currently in critical condition, according to the ADK Hospital.

According to the police, one of the suspects is the owner of a motorcycle that was planted with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and parked next to Nasheed’s car.

Also read:Maldives tourism sees strong rebound

Police said that the motorcycle had a fake number plate, but the registered owner was tracked down through investigations.

PSM News quoted Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaa who said that the IED was remotely controlled and more powerful than the explosives used in the Sultan Park bombing in capital Male in 2007 which injured 12 tourists.

Director General of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Brigadier General Zakariyya Mansoor was quoted as saying that the attack would have a long-term impact on the perception of the Maldives in the international community.

He also raised concerns about locals joining foreign terrorist groups.

Nasheed, 53, became the President in 2008 after winning the country’s first multi-party elections.

He became Parliament Speaker, the second most powerful position in the country, after his party won the elections in April 2019.

Also read:Maldives ex-president Nasheed hurt in assassination bid

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Asia News Bangladesh

B’desh imposes travel ban on Nepal

No passenger from Nepal will be allowed to enter Bangladesh from Monday to limit the spread of the Covid-19,said official…reports Asian Lite News

The Bangladesh government has banned the entry of travellers from Nepal as its neighbouring countries, including India, were reeling from a deadly second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) made the announcement on Sunday saying no passenger from Nepal will be allowed to enter Bangladesh from Monday to limit the spread of the Covid-19, reports Xinhua news agency.

Bangladesh on Saturday detected its first cases of a highly infectious coronavirus variant first identified in India, weeks after it imposed a ban on the entry of travellers from the neighbouring country via land ports on April 25.

The air travel between the two countries was suspended from April 14 following a devastating rise in Covid-19 infections in India.

After weeks of suspension due to thepandemic, international flight operations to and from Bangladesh resumed in a limited scale on May 1.

Also read:Bangladesh industrialist booked for abetting suicide

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Asia News Bangladesh

‘Hefazat tries to gain political advantage’

The Minister said that the law would follow its own course and none of the Hefazat militants would be spared, who committed the crimes against humanity recently and before in the name of Islam….reports Asian Lite News

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has said that the anarchy advocated by the Hefazat-e-Islam militant outfit “in the name of religion is only to gain political advantage”.

He made this remark on Friday after visiting the houses which were attacked, ransacked and torched during the nationwide strike on March 28 enforced during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Bangladesh.

The Minister said that the law would follow its own course and none of the Hefazat militants would be spared, who committed the crimes against humanity recently and before in the name of Islam.

“I came here and have witnessed what happened. I promise you that we will identify those who were involved in vandalism and will bring them to justice. Law will take its own course and none will be spared here.

Also read:Entry ban: 250 Bangladeshis stranded at border

“Islam never allows any violence as it is a religion of peace,” he added.

Also on Friday, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrested Hefazat’s central leader and former MP for Sunamganj-3 constituency, Shahinur Pasha Chowdhury from his Bonkalapara house in Sylhet for his involvement in the recent vandalism and atrocities.

The CID officials said he was placed before a judicial magistrate court in Brahmanbaria.

Pasha was the legal affairs secretary of Hefazat’s recently dissolved committee and central vice president of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh.

He directed and led the March massacre and is also accused in more than one case filed over the 2013 violence carried out by the militant outfit.

Police had also arrested Gaji Yaqub Osmani, Hefazat-e-Islam’s central assistant publicity secretary, for his involvement in the violent carnage carried out by the militant outfit in Brahmanbaria district and across the country in March.

Osmani was arrested on Thursday by a special team of Brahmanbaria district police, officials told IANS.

The 44-year-old is also the organising secretary of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Bangladesh’s Brahmanbaria district committee.

In another development, a rape case was filed against Jakaria Noman Fayezi, publicity secretary of the Hefazat’s newly-dissolved central committee, in Chittagong’s Hathazari upazila on Friday.

Also read:Jaishankar skips China convened Security Council meet

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Afghanistan

Afghan forces retake outposts in Baghlan

The Afghan Ministry of Defense said that the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) have dealt major blows to the Taliban during the recent spate of violence in the country…reports Asian Lite News

The Afghan National Army’s commando forces broke the siege in Dahana-e-Ghori district in the northern province of Baghlan today where fighting has been going on for the last three days with Taliban forces.

According to Tolo news, Safiqullah Amiri, commander of commando forces regiment in the north who leads the operations in Baghlan, on Saturday said, “Reinforcements have arrived in the district and that three outposts that had fallen to the Taliban were retaken.”

“At least 10 security force members were rescued during the operation,” Amiri added.

Amiri said that he was accompanied by the deputy commander of the Afghan Army’s 209 Shaheen Corps and stationed more forces there. He added that ways connecting the district with Pul-e-Khumri city, the center of Baghlan, have been reopened, reported Tolo news.

Taliban attack at the peak in Afghanistan 

Across Afghanistan, heavy fighting is underway after the Taliban launched attacks on the Afghan security forces, in various regions of Ghazni, Maidan Wardak, Laghman, Baghlan, and Helmand provinces over the last 24 hours.

In the latest incident, the Taliban stormed two security outposts in Arezo village on the outskirts of Ghazni city, killing at least 16 security force members and injuring three more, reported Tolo news.

In Maidan Wardak province, local officials have confirmed that in Maidan Shar city, three soldiers apparently associated with the Taliban opened fire and killed ten soldiers and then fled to a Taliban-controlled area along with their military equipment.

The Afghan Ministry of Defense said that the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF) have dealt major blows to the Taliban during the recent spate of violence in the country.

“Heavy casualties were inflicted to the enemy particularly in Helmand, Baghlan, Ghazni, Maidan Wardak, and Kandahar provinces. The security forces are crushing terrorists with more strength than ever before,” said Rohullah Ahmadzai, the spokesman for the Ministry of Defense, as reported by Tolo news.

In western Afghanistan, at least 23 Taliban fighters were killed and 27 others were wounded after the Afghan Air Force targeted a gathering of local Taliban commanders in Bala Buluk district of the province, local officials said. (ANI)

Also read:12 killed in Afghanistan floods

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

‘No attack against US forces since withdrawal began’

At least 11 Afghan security forces members were killed in militants’ attacks on Wednesday night, authorities confirmed on Thursday….reports Asian Lite News

The Taliban has not launched any attack against US and coalition forces in Afghanistan since the drawdown began, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley said.

“There have been no attacks against US and coalition forces since the retrograde began on or about May 1, and that is also consistent for the past year,” Milley said during a joint press conference with Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin here on Thursday.

Meanwhile, he noted that the Taliban continued its attacks against the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF), reports Xinhua news agency.

At least 11 Afghan security forces members were killed in militants’ attacks on Wednesday night, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Both Milley and Austin reaffirmed that US assistance for the ANSF would continue after the withdrawal.

“We hope through our continued support, the Afghan security forces can be effective, but we expect that this will be a challenge for them,” said Austin.

Milley told reporters that the primary objective for the US military in Afghanistan at this point is to complete a safe and coordinated withdrawal no later than September.

According to Milley, a military base in Helmand was closed, and approximately 60 C-17 transport aircraft had departed with various equipment.

Also read:Taliban capture key district in northern Afghanistan

“Over 1,300 pieces of equipment have been transferred either to the Defence Logistics Agency for destruction or to the ANSF for their use.”

The top general said the US military would deploy six additional B-52 bombers and 12 F-18 fighters to offer contingency support during the withdrawal.

The military earlier had sent B-52 bombers and extended the deployment of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier to the region to increase force protection.

Taliban

The White House said last week that elements of an Army Ranger Task Force would also temporarily deploy to Afghanistan.

President Joe Biden in April announced the withdrawal would begin on May 1, the deadline date for a full US withdrawal under an agreement reached between the former Donald Trump administration and the Taliban.

The Taliban had warned of consequences if the Biden administration fails to follow through that deadline.

About 3,500 US forces and 7,000 NATO troops will be withdrawn before September 11, the day which is the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks that drew America into the war in Afghanistan.

Also read:Pak imposes 10-day nationwide lockdown

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-Top News Asia News Saudi Arabia

Imran meets Saudi Crown Prince, discuss ties

Imran meets Saudi Crown Prince(Twitter)

The Pakistan PM Imran Khan and the Crown Prince met in Jeddah and held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues…reports Asian Lite News

Visiting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Saturday have affirmed their commitment to fortify the ‘upward trajectory’ in bilateral relations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Islamabad said.

The Prime Minister and the Crown Prince met in Jeddah and held wide-ranging talks on bilateral, regional and international issues, The Express Tribune quoted the Ministry as saying.

“The talks were marked by exceptional cordiality and a commitment to fortify the upward trajectory in the bilateral relationship.

“The two leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic bonds between the two countries rooted firmly in shared beliefs, common values, mutual trust and longstanding tradition of mutual support,” it added.

During the meeting, special emphasis was laid on increasing Saudi investments in Pakistan, collaboration in the field of energy, and increased job opportunities for Pakistanis in Saudi Arabia, according to the MoFA.

The two leaders also signed an agreement on the establishment of the Saudi-Pakistan Supreme Coordination Council (SPSCC).

Imran meets Saudi Crown Prince(Twitter)

Khan also extended an invitation to Crown Prince Salman to visit Pakistan, stated the MoFA.

Besides Foreign Minister Qureshi, Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, Senator Faisal Javed and other senior officials are also part of the official delegation, reports The Express Tribune.

On May 4, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa reached Riyadh to meet Saudi civil and military leadership in what seemed to be part of the preparation of the prime minister’s visit.

Also read:Poverty in Pakistan linked to rising cases of child marriage

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-Top News Asia News COVID-19

Pak imposes 10-day nationwide lockdown

Pak imposes 10-day nationwide lockdown 

The Pakistan government has already declared May 8 to 15 as Eid holidays and now there will be a complete ban on unnecessary movement of people…reports Asian Lite News

In order to curb the rising number of coronavirus infections, authorities in Pakistan are imposing complete countrywide lockdown from May 8 for the next 10 days, Gulf News reported.

The Pakistan government has already declared May 8 to 15 as Eid holidays and now there will be a complete ban on unnecessary movement of people and gathering of any kind at any place during these 10 days of lockdown.

Pakistan reported 120 more deaths from coronavirus, taking the national death toll to 18,797 on Saturday, Geo News reported citing the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).

People walk at a market in eastern Pakistan’s Rawalpindi

About 4,109 more people contracted the infection, increasing the total caseload to 854,240 nationwide.

Pakistan’s Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan has cautioned that COVID-19 cases might rise again if precautions are not taken during “this ‘critical period’ when we are seeing the last days of the month of Ramadan while Eid is fast approaching,” reported Gulf News.

He also said that there were some ‘initial signs of stability’ in the third wave of Covid-19 in Pakistan. However, he emphasised it was also a ‘very risky period’ as we see during this period a kind of shopping frenzy.

“We are today in the midst of the third wave of COVID-19 pandemic,” he said adding the public alone could make the battle against the virus successful by strictly following COVID-19 SOPs. (ANI)

Also read:Poverty in Pakistan linked to rising cases of child marriage

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Asia News Politics

Shehbaz Sharif barred from leaving country

Sharif was stopped and offloaded from a Doba-bound flight during early hours of Saturday…reports Hamza Ameer

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly, Shehbaz Sharif, was stopped from leaving the country despite having court orders to go abroad for medical treatment.

Sharif was stopped and offloaded from a Doba-bound flight during early hours of Saturday. After arguments with the immigration officials, he was informed that there was a problem with the system update.

The drama at the airport unfolded after the airline issued Shehbaz Sharif a boarding card. However, after arriving at the immigration counter, he was informed that he cannot board the plane, reason being the system had not been updated yet for him to leave the country.

Sharif was granted a one time permission by the Lahore High Court (LHC) to fly abroad on health grounds. He is a cancer patient and had informed the court that he was advised by his doctors to get treatment done in the United Kingdom (UK).


The LHC granted him permission to go abroad on medical grounds from May 8 to July 3, scheduling the hearing on his petition, seeking removal from the blacklist on July 5.

At the airport, Sharif showed the court orders to the immigration officials, who insisted that until the system was not updated, Sharif’s name remains on the blacklist or the no-fly list.

Also read:Pakistan to produce China’s vaccine

“Shahbaz Sharif was held back at the behest of Prime Minister Imran Khan and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shahzad Akbar”, said PML-N spokesperson Mariyum Aurangzeb.

“Restraining him from travelling abroad is in contempt of court. The claim regarding system not being updated is false,” she added.

Mariyum Auranzeb lashed out at the government for coming down to mean maneuvers.

Shehbaz Sharif(Wikipedia)

“The government has come down to outright mean maneuvers, but this does not make any difference to Shahbaz Sharif,” she said.

On the other hand, the government has decided to seek all legal avenues against the court decision to allow Shahbaz Sharif to travel abroad.

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry termed the court decision as mockery of the law.

“Shahbaz Sharif has been involved in money laundering worth billions. For him to run away like this would be great misfortune for the country,” he said.

Also read:Poverty in Pakistan linked to rising cases of child marriage

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-Top News Asia News Bangladesh

Indian Covid variant confirmed in B’desh

Bangladesh emphasizes wearing masks to contain COVID-19

The Indian Covid-19 variant, named B.1.617, was reported in two people at Dhaka hospital….reports Asian Lite News

Bangladesh has detected its first cases of a highly infectious coronavirus variant first identified in India, according to a top health official.

The variant, named B.1.617, was detected in two people screened at a hospital in Dhaka, Nasima Sultana, additional director general of the country’s health directorate, said at a press briefing here on Saturday.

Bangladesh detected the cases of the highly infectious coronavirus variant weeks after imposing a ban on the entry of travellers from India via land ports, reports Xinhua news agency.

Amid its second wave of the pandemic, Bangladesh on April 25 imposed the ban from April 26 on the entry of travellers from India via land ports.

Bangladesh emphasizes wearing masks to contain COVID-19 (Xinhua/IANS)

The air travel between the two countries was suspended from April 14 following the worsening Covid situation in India.

Bangladesh reported 1,285 new confirmed cases and 45 new fatalities on Saturday, bringing its total tally to 772,127 with 11,878 deaths.

The official data showed that 14,703 samples were tested in the last 24 hours across Bangladesh.

The total number of recovered patients in the country rose to 706,833, said Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Health Services.

According to the official data, the Covid-19 fatality rate in Bangladesh is currently 1.54 per cent and recovery rate is 91.54 per cent.

Also read:Bangladesh industrialist booked for abetting suicide

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-Top News Afghanistan Asia News

Massive Kabul blast kills 33

a piece of broken glass of a vehicle at the site of a bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo by Rahmatullah Alizadah/Xinhua)

No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion as of yet….reports Asian Lite News

The death toll in the explosion that took place here on Saturday near a school has risen to 33, officials said.

Besides, 55 others who sustained injuries were taken to different hospitals, according to Afghanistan’s Interior Ministry’s spokesman Tariq Arian, DPA news agency reported.

Arian said that casualties — all of whom were civilians, most of them young girls — were likely to rise.

He confirmed that an explosion occurred at 4.27 p.m. near a school in Dasht-e-Barchi, a Shia-Hazara-populated area of the Afghan capital.

Arian said the area has been cordoned off by police, without giving further details.

a piece of broken glass of a vehicle at the site of a bomb attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo by Rahmatullah Alizadah/Xinhua)

It was not immediately clear what caused the explosion.

There was conflicting information about the possible cause, with some local media outlets initially reporting three blasts caused by rockets, while other reports suggested the explosion was caused by a car bomb.

Images on television showed backpacks strewn on the ground, bloodstained schoolbooks and people searching desperately for relatives.

Emergency, a non-governmental organisation, tweeted that one person who died and 26 people who were injured had been brought to a hospital that it runs in Kabul.

It said the victims were almost all girls between the ages of 12 and 20.

No one claimed responsiblity

There were fears that the death toll could rise further. Journalist Bilal Sarwari tweeted that at least 53 people had been killed and more than 150 were injured.

After the incident, many took to social media to condemn the killing of the civilians.

No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion as of yet.

Both the Taliban and Islamic State militant groups are active in Afghanistan.

The Taliban denied that it was involved. However, an Interior Ministry spokesperson tweeted that the Taliban was undoubtedly behind the attack.

President Ashraf Ghani also blamed the Taliban. The group had again showed that it was not only unwilling to resolve the crisis peacefully but would rather sabotage the peace process, a statement from the presidential palace said.

Also read:12 killed in Afghanistan floods

The Afghan government has been in peace talks with the Taliban since September of last year, but these have stalled.

US Ambassador to Afghanistan Ross Wilson called the attack “abhorrent” in a tweet.

He called the attack “unforgivable” and “an assault on Afghanistan’s future.”

His comments were echoed by the US State Department, which condemned the “barbarous attack,” in a statement.

“We call for an immediate end to violence and the senseless targeting of innocent civilians,” it said.

“We will continue to support and partner with the people of Afghanistan, who are determined to see to it that the gains of the past two decades aren’t erased.”

There have been growing concerns about the security situation in Afghanistan since May 1, the date that international troops officially began their withdrawal. The process is due to be completed by September 11 at the latest.

Many see this time as a test as to whether Afghan security forces, trained by US and NATO troops, are able to protect the government and provide security.

Also read:Taliban capture key district in northern Afghanistan