9 - Day by Day Current Affairs September 2018 PDF

DAY BY DAY CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQS
FOR THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 2018
Day by Day Top-10

Current Affairs
September 2018
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September 1, 2018 3. Minister rules out placement of

Pakistan on FATF blacklist
1. Pakistan backs Iran over US nuclear  Ruling out placement of Pakistan on the
deal row Financial Action Task Force`s (FATF)
 As Prime Minister Imran Khan on August blacklist, Finance Minister Asad Umar
31, 2018 vowed to further strengthen said on August 31,m 2018 that the
Pakistan-Iran ties, the government negotiated action plan with the FATF
expressed unequivocal support for would be implemented.
Iran`s position on its troubled nuclear  September 2019 was the deadline for
deal with the West that has been compliance, observing that Pakistan
abandoned by the United States and would finally be out of the grey-list.
urged the other parties to the  27 deficiencies in five broad categories
agreement to remain committed to it. had been identified in Pakistan`s anti-
 Talking to Iranian Foreign Minister Javad money laundering and terror financing
Zarif, who is the first foreign leader to regime, adding that the basic areas
visit Pakistan after the assumption of identified were currency smuggling,
office by the PTI-led coalition hawala and financing to proscribed
government, PM Khan recalled the organisations.
ìnseparable bonds` connecting Pakistan  FATF or no FATF, it is in our own national
and Iran together and said that during interest,` he remarked.
his government he would make all  A national executive committee had
efforts `to cement these relations in been formed to deal with the issue
various areas to the benefit of both which included representatives from the
countries Securities and Exchange Commission of
2. All international agreements to be Pakistan (SECP), National Accountability
reviewed: PM Bureau (NAB), Federal Investigation
 Prime Minister Imran Khan on August Agency (FIA) and other relevant
31, 2018 said his government would institutions. He said the first review
review all international agreements it meeting of the committee would be held
inherited from the last Pakistan Muslim on Sept 8.
League (PMLN) government and asked 4. Japan to give Rs2.3bn for weather radar
critics to bear with him for three months installation
for performance.  Pakistan`s weather forecasting
 He stated this during a meeting with a capability will get a boost with the
select group of anchorpersons at the installation of a new weather
Prime Minister House. surveillance radar in Multan, using the
 The prime minister was quoted as Japanese grant assistance of Rs2.3
saying: `Give our government three billion for which an agreement was
months before criticizing its signed here on August 31, 2018.
performance.` He claimed that in three  With the installation of this fifth weather
months, there would be a marked surveillance radar, the weather
difference in the way the country was coverage will go up to 80 per cent,
currently run. benefiting 90pc of the population. So far,
Japan has supported installation of four
weather radars in Islamabad, Karachi, Convention of Consular Relations 1963”,
Dera Ismail Khan and Rahim Yar Khan, said the statement.
bringing total weather radars operating  “The Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul
in Pakistan to eight. deeply regrets undue intervention of
 Besides this, the Japanese government Governor Hayatullah Hayat in the
would provide Rs360 million functioning of the Consulate General of
scholarships for human resource the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in
development. Jalalabad is complete violation of the
 The agreements for the two projects Vienna Convention of the Consular
were signed by Ambassador of Japan to Relations 1963.”
Pakistan Takashi Kurai and Additional 7. Turkey to buy advanced Russian air
Secretary of Economic Affairs Division defence system, alarms Nato
Ahmad Hanif Orakzai inthe presence of  President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on
Japanese State Minister for Foreign August 31, 2018 said Turkey will buy
Affairs Kazuyuki Nakane, Finance some of Russia`s highly-sophisticated air
Minister Asad Umar, Director General of defence systems ìn the shortest time` a
Pakistan Meteorological Department Dr purchase that has alarmed Ankara`s
Ghulam Rasul and Chief Representative Nato partners.
of JICA Pakistan Office Yasuhiro Tojo.  `Turkey needs S-400s and its deal has
5. Shehryar sworn in as minister of state been done,` Erdogan said in the western
for interior city of Balikesir. `God willing, we will buy
 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)leader them in the shortest time.
Shehryar Afridi on August 31, 2018 took  In April, Russian President Vladimir Putin
the oath as the minister of state for agreed to speed up the first deliveries of
interior, increasing the total number of the S-400s, which had previously been
cabinet members to 22. scheduled for the end of 2019 or the
 President Mamnoon Hussain beginning of 2020.
administered the oath to Mr Afridi in a  The S-400 is the latest generation
ceremony held at President House. surface-to air defence system developed
6. Pakistan closes consulate in Jalalabad by Russia and is considered by Nato
 The embassy of Pakistan in Kabul has countries to pose a threat to their
closed the Pakistani Consulate General aircraft.
in Jalalabad City in Nangarhar province 8. Genocide survivor, psychiatrist among
to protest local officials’ intervention in Magsaysay Award winners
activities of the diplomatic office.  Six people were honoured on August 31,
 “The Embassy wishes to inform that the 2018 as this year`s winners of the Ramon
Consulate General will remain closed Magsaysay Awards, known as Asia`s
until the security arrangements are version of the Nobel Prize, including a
complete to the satisfaction of the Cambodian genocide survivor who
embassy,” the Pakistani embassy said in helped document the Khmer Rouge
a press release on August 31, 2018. atrocities and an Indian psychiatrist who
 The intervention of the local authorities led the rescue of thousands of mentally
is termed a “violation of Vienna ill street paupers.
 The others who received the prize at a Tayyab any chance to settle down and
ceremony in Manila were a Filipino who simply outclassed the Pakistani top seed
led peace talks with communist to win the encounter in straight games.
insurgents, a polio stricken Vietnamese  The Malaysian won the first game 11-8,
who fought discrimination against the took the second 11-6 and won the third
disabled, an East Timorese who built 11-6 to give Malaysia 1-0 lead
care centres for the poor amid civil strife
and an Indian who tutored village
students to help them pass exams. September 2, 2018
9. Australia unveils starfish-killing robot 1. PM-led economic council formed to
to protect Barrier Reef advise govt
 A robot submarine able to hunt and kill  Prime Minister Imran Khan has
the predatory crown-of-thorns starfish constituted an 18-member Economic
devastating the Great Barrier Reef was Advisory Council (EAC) with the
unveiled by Australian researchers on induction of a few world-renowned
August 31, 2018. economists to ensure the availability of
 Scientists at Queensland University of best possible professional advice to the
Technology (QUT) said the robot, named government on economic policies.
the RangerBot and developed with a  Unlike past practices, the new EAC will
grant from Google, would serve as a be headed by the prime minister himself
`robo reef protector` for the vast World to ensure that the best possible
Heritage site off Australia`s nohheastern professional advice is available to the
coast. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf-led
 The RangerBot has an eight-hour battery government to inform, optimise and
life and computer vision capabilities synergise the formulation and
allowing it to monitor and map reef implementation of its economic and
areas at scales not previously possible. financial policies.
 `RangerBot is the world`s first  The first meeting of the council will be
underwater robotic system designed convened next week.
specifically for coral reef environments,  In the past, EACs were headed by
using only robot-vision for real-time finance ministers with no definite
navigation, obstacle avoidance and agenda for regular meetings. It was
complex science missions,` said observed that EAC met even once in four
Matthew Dunbabin, the QUT professor months and its advice was not
who unveiled the submarine. considered seriously. Consequently,
10. Malaysia thrash Pakistan 2-0 in Asian EACs have become mere debating
Games squash forums.
 Malaysia thrashed Pakistan 2-0 in the  Contrary to this, it was decided this time
semifinals of the 18th Asian Games that a permanent secretariat will be
men’s team event in Jakarta on August established for the EAC in the finance
31, 2018. division.
 In the first match, Tayyab Aslam was up 2. Pentagon cancels $300m aid to Pakistan
against Nafizwan. Nafizwan, who is at  The US military said it has made a final
the twilight of his career, never gave decision to cancel $300 million in aid to
Pakistan that had been suspended over interference` by the governor of
Islamabad`s perceived failure to take Afghanistan`s Nangarhar province in its
decisive action against militants. working and other security concerns.
 The so-called Coalition Support Funds  While notifying the decision to the
(CSF) were part of a broader suspension Afghan foreign ministry, the Pakistan
in aid to Pakistan announced by embassy in Kabul stated: `The embassy
President Donald Trump at the start of wishes to inform that the consulate
the year, when he had accused Pakistan general will remain closed until the
of rewarding past assistance with security arrangements are complete to
`nothing but lies & deceit`. The Trump the satisfaction of the embassy.
administration says Islamabad is  Calling the intervention of Governor
granting safe haven to insurgents who Hayatullah Hayat a complete violation of
are waging a war in Afghanistan, a the Vienna Convention of the Consular
charge Pakistan denies. Relations 1963, the Kabul embassy
 US defence secretary Jim Mattis had an asked the Afghan authorities to honour
opportunity to authorise $300 million in the diplomatic privileges enjoyed by the
CSF if he saw concrete Pakistaniactions consulate under international treaties.
to go after insurgents. Mattis chose not `The Embassy of Pakistan in Kabul deeply
to, a US of ficial told Reuters. regrets undue intervention of Governor
 The disclosure came ahead of an Hayatullah Hayat in the functioning of
expected visit by US Secretary of State the Consulate General of the Islamic
Mike Pompeo and the top US military Republic of Pakistan in Jalalabad, which
officer, General Joseph Dunford, to is a complete violation of the Vienna
Islamabad. Convention of the Consular Relations
3. New CDA chairman appointed 1963,` the statement read
 Afzal Latif, a Pakistan Administrative  Article 31 of the Vienna Convention
Services (PAS) BPS-21 officer, has been pertaining to inviolability of the consular
appointed chairman of the Capital premises states: `The authorities of the
Development Authority (CDA). receiving State shall not enter that part
 His predecessor, Ishrat Ali, is also a BPS- of the consular premises which is used
21 officer from the PAS. He has been exclusively for the purpose of the work
appointed director general of of the consular post except with the
immigration and passports, under the consent of the head of the consular post
Interior Division, with immediate effect. or of his designee or of the head of the
 According to notifications, Mr Latif was diplomatic mission of the sending State.
the Establishment Divisionadditional 5. Pakistan Navy ship ASALT visits Jeddah
secretaryand has been appointed  PNS ASLAT visited Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,
member of the CDA board. being the last Port Call of her Overseas
 In the second paragraph of one of the Deployment to Mediterranean and
notifications, it is stated that Mr Latif has European Countries.
been appointed CDA chairman.  In line with Pakistan's foreign policy,
4. Pakistan shuts Jalalabad consulate Pakistan Navy has always been
 Pakistan has announced closure of its instrumental in furthering naval
consulate in Jalalabad, citing ùndue diplomacy in the form of goodwill visits
and naval exercises with friendly
countries, says a statement issued on to high the insurgents but also to
September 1, 2018. persuade them to join peace talks.
 In this regard, PNS ASLAT on overseas  As the in-charge of the Nato-led
deployment to Mediterranean and Operation Support, General Miller will
European Countries reflected Pakistan also maintain regular contacts with the
Navy’s reach in western hemisphere, Pakistani military establishment.
while pursuing Pakistan's Foreign Policy  He told his confirmation hearing in June
objectives. this year that he had `very, very high
6. US slaps sanctions on two Pakistani expectations` of Pakistan working
firms together with Afghanistan and the
 The US on September 1, 2018 slapped United States to eliminate terrorist safe
sanctions on two Pakistani companies by havens.
placing them on the export entities list  He will also command more than 13,000
for activities related to nuclear and American troops based in Afghanistan
missile trade. and will supervise the Nato-led mission
 The two companies - Technology Links to train and advise the Afghan military.
Pvt Ltd and Techcare Services FZ – have  His most difficult task, however, will be
been placed under the Entity List by the to persuade the Taliban to join peace
Export Administration Regulations talks, as Laurel E.
(EAR).  Miller, a former US representative for
 In a federal notification, the US Afghanistan and Pakistan, pointed out.
Department of Commerce said that the 8. China first nation to achieve UN poverty
entities added to the EAR list have been cut targets
determined by the US government to be  For the first time, in 1976, The Comrade
acting contrary to the national security Deng Xiaoping used the term "well off"
or foreign policy interests of the US, and well-off family" to explain
reported Indian news agency PTI. "modernization with Chinese
 The move comes days ahead of the visit characteristics" in a meeting with the
of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to then Japanese Prime Minister
Pakistan. Masayoshi Ohira.
 The EAR determined that Technology  At that time, China sent its officials to
Links Pvt Ltd, located in Pakistan, be Japan, Western Europe and the USA to
added to the Entity List based on the observe and learn their experiences of
company’s involvement in the supply of economic and social development.
items subject to the EAR to nuclear and  Today, the world is mesmerized by the
missile-related Entity List parties in unprecedented miracles and
Pakistan without the required licence, tremendous transformation achieved by
the federal notification said. this great nation in the area of social
7. US sends new commander to persuade development and economic well being.
Taliban to join talks China is the first country to achieve
 The new US commander for poverty reduction targets of the UN
Afghanistan, Lieutenant General Austin Millennium Development Goals.
S. Miller, takes charge of his command  The poverty reduction journey of China
on Sunday, which requires him not only has been classified into five phases:
 i) (1947-77) Poverty reduction in broad  In a rare address last month, the militant
sense group's leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi
 ii) (1978-1990) From "reforms and urged his followers to continue their
opening up" to "building a well off fight.
society" 10. Japan win Asian hockey gold and
 iii) (1990-2000) From "well off society qualify for Olympics
with adequate food & clothing" to "the  History was made on September 1, 2018
overall well-off society" as the Japan men's hockey team won
 iv) (2002-2012) From an "overall well-off their first-ever Asian Games gold medal
society" to "building a well-off society in after beating Malaysia.
an all-round way"  The Speedy Tigers, who were leading 5-
 v) (2012-2020) "building a moderately 2 at one point, lost on penalties after
well-off society in all aspects" to drawing 6-6 in regular time at the GBK
"completing the process of building a Hockey Field in Jakarta, Indonesia.
moderately well-off society in all  Stephen van Huizen's team raced to a 3-
aspects". 1 lead in the first quarter, with Razie
 All the specified phases pose complex Rahim's penalty corner goal and Tengku
poverty challenges and entail Ahmad Tajuddin's brace sandwiching
corresponding reforms to cope with Seren Tanaka's goal.
these challenges.  Malaysia, who beat defending
9. Iraq hosts military chiefs from Iran, champions India on penalties two days
Russia and Syria ago, were unable to repeat the feat and
 Senior Iraqi military commanders hosted lost 3-1 in the penalty shootout to equal
their Russian, Iranian and Syrian their best achievement of winning silver
counterparts in Baghdad on September in 2010. As for Japan, coupled with their
1, 2018 to discuss security cooperation women's hockey team's 2-1 against
and information-sharing in the Middle India on Friday, they became the second
East, where the Islamic State group nation to win both hockey gold medals
continues to carry out attacks. at the same Asian Games since South
 The Iraqi defence ministry said it had Korea in 1986 and 1994.
received delegations led by their
respective deputy chiefs of staff, to
"strengthen cooperation and September 3, 2018
coordination in terms of security and 1. PM launches countrywide drive to plant
intelligence between these countries". 10bn trees in five years
 Russia is fighting rebels and militants in  Prime Minister Imran Khan on
Syria alongside President Bashar al- September 2, 2018 launched a
Assad's forces, while Iran is a key ally of countrywide drive to plant 10 billion
both Baghdad and Damascus. trees across the country in five years to
 The four countries had created joint counter challenges of global warming
operations rooms to coordinate the fight and deforestation.
against IS, now driven out of all urban  The prime minister was accompanied by
centres in Iraq and largely confined to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister
desert holdouts in Syria. Mahmood Khan, Adviser to the PM on
Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam,  Initially, Islamabad disputed the US
Special Assistant to the PM on Political version of this conversation, but later
Affairs Naeemul Haq, and officials from withdrew its objection.
the forest department. 3. Pak Navy ship completes goodwill visits
 The prime minister inaugurated the `10  Pakistan Navy Ship, PNS ASLAT visited
billion tree tsunami` drive by planting a Jeddah, Saudi Arabia being the last Port
sapling of deodar in the Makhniyal area Call of her Overseas Deployment to
where he had also kicked off the `billion Mediterranean and European Countries.
tree tsunami` project of the KP In line with Pakistan's Foreign Policy,
government in 2015. Pakistan Navy has always been
 The first day of the drive was observed instrumental in furthering naval
as `Plant for Pakistan Day` when around diplomacy in the form of goodwill visits
1.5 million saplings were planned to be and naval exercises with friendly
planted in a single day across the countries.
country.  In this regard, PNS ASLAT on overseas
2. US spells out terms of engagement with deployment to Mediterranean and
Pakistan European Countries reflected Pakistan
 As the United States and the new Navy’s reach in western hemisphere,
Pakistani government prepare for their while pursuing Pakistan's Foreign Policy
first face-to-face talks in Islamabad on objectives. PNS ASLAT Port Call to
September 5, 2018, the Trump Jeddah was aimed to further strengthen
administration has made it clear that the existing bonds of friendship and
Pakistan will have to back the US brotherhood between Pakistan and
strategy in Afghanistan if it wants good Saudi Arabia. The visit was capitalised in
relations with Washington. terms of professional and social
 The strategy as defined by both the State interactions with host Country. During
Department and the Pentagon this week 03 days Port Call, PN delegation headed
is to use a combination of military and by Commodore Muhammad Faisal
diplomatic pressures to force the Taliban Abbasi held meeting with Deputy
to work with Kabul for restoring peace in Commander Western Fleet of Royal
Afghanistan. Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF).
 Washington believes that a working  During interaction, enormous goodwill
relationship between the Taliban and and warmth was expressed for the
Kabul can lead to an honourable people of Pakistan in general and
withdrawal of US troops from Pakistan Navy in particular. Moreover,
Afghanistan. Damage Control & Fire Fighting Practical
 Washington sent its first clear message training was conducted at Madrasat ul
to Islamabad last week when US Hareeq (RSNF DC & FF School) to
Secretary of State Michael Pompeo enhance interoperability and to
telephoned Prime Minister Imran Khan mutually benefit from each other's
and asked the latter to take `decisive experience.
action against all terrorists operating in 4. Pak-Afghan authorities meet to resolve
Pakistan`. Jalalabad Consulate issue
 Afghan authorities met Pakistani
officials over the issue of security and
intervention by provincial governor assuming command of US and coalition
Hayatullah Hayat in Pakistan Consulate forces there and his career has followed
in Jalalabad and said that the issue was a the different stages of what is now
simple misunderstanding and would be America’s longest war.
resolved soon. 6. Migrant crisis haunts European Union
 During the meeting, the authorities  German Chancellor Angela Merkel won
discussed the possible suggestions for accolades for her stunning call on
security of the consulate building. While September 4, 2015 to keep open
speaking about the issue, spokesman for Germany’s doors to hundreds of
the Afghan Foreign Ministry said the thousands of asylum seekers, many
governor’s intervention was a fleeing war-torn Syria or Iraq.
misunderstanding, which caused  Three years on, scenes of far-right
concern among staff at the Pakistani protesters chasing down foreigners in a
consulate in Jalalabad however, soon German city have shocked the world. All
the problem will be solved. of Europe has seen a sea-change since
 Earlier, Pakistan had temporarily closed the migration crisis erupted.
the Jalalabad Consulate on Friday to  Britain is now just months away from
protest the Nangarhar governor’s quitting the European Union, the far-
intervention. The decision was taken in right is sharing power in both Italy and
reaction to provincial governor Austria, while right-wing extremist
Hayatullah Hayat’s intervention in group AfD has become the biggest
activities of the consulate. opposition party in Germany’s
5. Gen Miller assumes Nato command in parliament.
Afghanistan  If there is a common denominator for
 US Army General Scott Miller assumed these upheavals in European politics, it
command of Nato forces in Afghanistan is the migration crisis seized upon by
on September 2, 2018, arriving as pro-Brexiters and far-right forces across
Washington faces growing questions Europe as the public enemy in their
over its strategy to force the Taliban into campaigns.
talks to end the 17-year conflict. 7. Russia trying to 'undercut' progress: US
 Miller, former commander of the US  Russia is not giving up on efforts to
military’s Joint Special Operations destabilise Afghanistan and drive
Command, takes over at a time of mixed divisions between the United States and
hope and fear for the Western-backed its coalition partners, US commander in
government in Kabul. Afghanistan Gen John Nichloson told.
 The United States is now a year into its  Nicholson, who relinquishes command
strategy of stepping up pressure on the on September 2, 2018, cast doubts on
Taliban by increasing airstrikes and Russia's intentions in the region, despite
sending thousands more troops to train recent overtures from Moscow to help
and advise Afghan forces, but clear signs the Taliban reconcile with the Afghan
of success have so far proved elusive. government.
 "It is time for this war in Afghanistan to  The US and Afghan officials have
end," he said. Like Nicholson, Miller previously accused Russia of meddling in
spent years in Afghanistan before Afghanistan by providing Taliban
insurgents with both weapons and dreamed of stepping up to host the
training. Moscow has rejected the Olympics in 2032.
allegations, saying it has only political  Thousands of athletes in ponchos
ties with the Taliban. marched in heavy rain at the Gelora
 Still, Russia has faced growing suspicion Bung Karno stadium at the close of the
from the US and its allies, who say the two-week tournament featuring 40
Kremlin has been increasingly working sports.
to expand its influence in Afghanistan  It added to the relaxed atmosphere of
and beyond. the ceremony, which was mainly
 Most recently, the US and Russia have devoted to music acts from Indonesia,
been competing over efforts to kick- India and South Korea while booming
start peace negotiations between the fireworks lit up the night sky.
Taliban and the US-backed Afghan  Indonesia has denied expectations to
government. host a smooth Games, which with
 Russia was set to host both parties, 17,000 athletes and officials is second in
along with the US and other countries, size only to the Olympics.
for talks starting September 4, but was 10. Pakistan fail to reach ISSF World
forced to postpone after Afghan Championship finals
President Ashraf Ghani declined the  On September 2, 2018, Minhal Suhail
invitation. and Zeeshan-ul-Farid secured 68th
8. Archaeologists find neolithic remains in position with the score of 809.7 points
Nile delta (202.9, 201.2, 202.4, 203.2) in the
 Archaeologists in Egypt say they have qualification round of 10 metre air rifle
found one of the oldest-known villages event mixed team category.
in the Nile Delta dating back to the  Minhal scored 400 points (99.5, 98.8,
Neolithic era. 99.4, 102.3) and Zeeshan scored 409.7
 A joint Egyptian and French mission points (103.4, 102.4, 103.0, 100.9). Thus,
discovered several storage silos they failed to reach the finals. Farrukh
containing large quantities of animal and Nadeem did not start in trap event
plant remains, as well as pottery and qualification round.
stone tools, the antiquities ministry said  There are eight shooters of the country
in a statement on September 2, 2018. in this championship: Khalil Akhtar and
 The ministry said the find indicates that Ghulam Mustafa Bashir in 25m rapid fire
humans inhabited the fertile Tell al- pistol; Usman Chand, Abdul Sattar Satti
Samara, in the northern province of El- and Khurram Inam in skeet; Zeeshan in
Dakahlia, as early as the fifth millennium 10m air rifle, 50m rifle 3 positions, 50m
BC, far predating Egypt`s oldest known rifle prone, and 10m air rifle mixed team;
pyramid. Farrukh in trap; and Minhal in 10m air
9. Jakarta dreams of hosting Olympics as rifle and 10m air rifle mixed team.
Asian Games conclude  The World Championship is being held at
 The 18th Asian Games closed in a the Changwon International Shooting
glittering ceremony in Jakarta on Range and Jinhae Naval Shooting Range
September 2, 2018 as hosts Indonesia where about 4,000 athletes from 120
countries are competing.
September 4, 2018 besides $200 billion kept in Switzerland

(as per the statement of Swiss Foreign
1. Pakistanis own $150bn properties in Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey) as well as
UAE, SC told Hong Kong, BVI, Bahamas, Channel
 The Supreme Court on September 3, Island, Seychelles etc.
2018 sought details of at least 100 2. India agrees to allow Pakistan to
persons who had been issued notices by inspect Kishanganga project
the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for  India has agreed to allow Pakistan to
not disclosing their assets and properties inspect the projects in the Jhelum basin,
abroad, after the court was informed including Kishanganga hydroelectric
that the Pakistanis owned properties project, in the near future and Islamabad
worth $150 billion in the United Arab will allow New Delhi to carry out
Emirates (UAE) alone. inspection of the Kotri barrage over the
 A three-judge bench, headed by Chief Indus under Article VIII (4) (c) of the
Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar, Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), it has been
asked FBR chairman Mohammad learnt.
Jahanzeb Khan that the information be  According to the minutes of the115th
provided to the SC registrar directly at meeting of the Permanent Indus
his office in a sealed envelope. In case of Commission held between the two
any leak, the CJP cautioned the SC countries from Aug 29 to 30 in Lahore,
registrar and the FBR chairman that they `Pakistan also urged India to arrange for
would be held responsible. the Special Tour of Inspection of the
 He added that the court did not want to projects in Jhelum basin including
malign or stigmatise any individual. Kishanganga HEP which is pending since
 The observation came when the FBR 2014, on which ICIW (India`s
chairman apprised the SC that it had Commissioner for Indus Waters) gave his
issued notices to individuals possessing assurance to arrange the same
225 properties in the UK and Shabbar promptly.
Zaidi of A.F. Ferguson said properties  During the meeting, the Pakistani and
worth $150 billion inthe UAE were Indian authorities were unanimous
owned by Pakistanis. about strengthening the role of the
 The court had initiated suo motu action Permanent Indus Commission.
on reports about illegal money transfer  Islamabad also highlighted the need and
from Pakistan to other countries when it asked New Delhi to share the
came to its notice that a large number of information about potential projects at
citizens were maintaining accounts in the planning stage for examination.
other countries without paying tax on 3. Qureshi, Rabbani renew trust in Pak-
the money or disclosing it to the relevant Afghan dialogue mechanism
authorities.  Pakistan and Afghanistan on September
 A report furnished before the court also 3, 2018 renewed their confidence in
highlighted top tax havens with Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for
estimated $100 billion stashed in the UK, Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) as the
the US and European Union in addition most comprehensive mechanism for
to the money parked in real estate there, bilateral dialogue on issues of concern to
the two countries.
 This was agreed during a telephonic Washington wants to give Prime
conversation between Foreign Minister Minister Imran Khan and his team `some
Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his Afghan space` to familiarise themselveswith the
counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani. The issues they would be dealing with.
Afghan foreign minister had called Mr  Any new decision affecting US-Pakistan
Qureshi to greet him on his appointment relations will only be made after
as foreign minister. Washington has had enough interaction
 Mr Qureshi too had in one of his earlier with the Pakistani leadership to
pressers expressed his desire to speak to understand how it operates.
his Afghan counterpart and visit Kabul.  Yet, the Pentagon official minced no
 `Both sides appreciated recent words in stressing how Washington
improvement in relations since the wants to rebuild its relationship with
launch of the APAPPS process in May Islamabad.
2018. It was noted that the framework 5. ADB approves $100m loan to address
provided the most comprehensive water shortages
institutional mechanism to discuss all  The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB)
mutual issues,` a statement on the Board of Directors has approved a $100
conversation issued by the Foreign million loan to address chronic water
Office read. shortages and increase earnings on
4. Suspension of $300m payment not a farms in Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest
new decision: US and poorest province.
 A day before an expected meeting with  The Balochistan Water Resources
the new Pakistani government, the Development Sector Project will focus
Pentagon on September 3, 2018 on improving irrigation infrastructure
dispelled the impression that the United and water resource management in the
States had cancelled its assistance to Zhob and Mula river basins.
Pakistan.  Agriculture accounts for almost two-
 In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson thirds of Balochistan’s economic output
Lt Col Koné Faulkner explained that the and employs 60% of the province’s 13
suspension of security assistance to million population, but frequent drought
Pakistan was announced in January 2018 and poor water management has put
and on September 1, 2018 the Pentagon the industry, and those who rely on it, at
asked Congress to `reprogramme a risk. Poverty rates in the province are
suspended amount of about $300 almost double the national average.
million that Pakistan was to receive from  “Agriculture is the backbone of
the Coalition Support Fund (CSF). Bolochistan’s economy,” said ADB
 `CSF is included in the suspension and it Principal Water Resources Specialist
remains in place. This is not a new Yaozhou Zhou. “This project will build
decision or a new announcement, but irrigation channels and dams, and
acknowledgement of a July request to introduce efficient water usage systems
reprogramme funds before they expire,` and practices, to help farmers increase
he said. food production and make more
 The explanation sends a message to the money.”
new Pakistani government that
6. UN court hears case over strategic Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-
Indian Ocean islands Maktoum named the new astronauts as
 Mauritius told UN judges on September Hazza al-Mansouri, 34, and 37-year-old
3, 2018 that the Indian Ocean nation was Sultan al-Neyadi.
strong-armed by former colonial power  Sheikh Mohammed, the UAE`s vice
Britain into giving up part of its territory president and prime minister, last year
as a condition for gaining independence vowed to send four Emirati astronauts to
half a century ago, in a case that could the space station within five years. The
have an impact on a strategically UAE has its sights set on space with a
important US military base. programme worth 20 billion dirhams
 The claim came as judges at the ($5.4 billion), according to Sheikh
International Court of Justice began Mohammed.
hearing arguments in a UN General  The astronaut programme would make
Assembly request for an advisory the UAE one of only a handful of states
opinion on the legality of British in the Middle East to have sent a person
sovereignty over the Chagos Islands in into space, as it looks to make good on a
the Indian Ocean that include Diego pledge to become a global leader in
Garcia, home to a major US military space exploration.
base. 8. Reuters reporters jailed in Myanmar
 `The process of decolonisation of secrets case
Mauritius remains incomplete as a result  Two Reuters journalists accused of
of the unlawful detachment of an breaching Myanmar’s state secrets law
integral part of our territory on the eve while reporting on a massacre of
of our independence,` Mauritius Rohingya Muslims were jailed for seven
Defence Minister Anerood Jugnauth told years September 3, 2018, fuelling
judges. international outrage a week after the
 Mauritius argues that the Chagos army was accused of genocide.
archipelago was part of its territory since  Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, who
at least the 18th century and was have been held in Yangon’s Insein prison
unlawfully taken by the UK in 1965, since their arrest in December, were
three years before the island nation charged with violating the Official
gained independence. Britain insists it Secrets Act, a draconian British colonial-
has sovereignty over the archipelago, era law which carries a maximum
which it calls the British Indian Ocean sentence of 14 years.
Territory  New UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet
 The Chagossians have fought in British said she was “shocked” by Myanmar’s
courts for years to return to the islands. jailing of two Reuters journalists for
In 2016, the Supreme Court rejected seven years and called for their
their most recent appeal. immediate release. “I was shocked,” the
7. UAE names first astronauts to go to former Chilean president told reporters
space on her first day as UN High
 The United Arab Emirates has selected Commissioner for Human Rights. “The
its first two astronauts to go on a mission trial was a travesty of justice.” “I urge
to the International Space Station. Myanmar to immediately and
unconditionally release Kyaw Soe Oo
and Thet Oo Maung,” she said in a  Alastair Cook announced on September
statement. 3, 2018 he would retire from
 Britain called for the “immediate” international cricket after the fifth Test
release of two Reuters journalists jailed against India, with England's leading Test
in Myanmar on Monday, saying the run-scorer saying he had "nothing left in
verdict had “undermined freedom of the the tank".
media”.  The 33-year-old Essex left-hander has
9. Egypt unearths one of oldest Nile Delta amassed 12,254 runs at 44.88 including
villages 32 hundreds, while his run of 158
 One of the oldest villages in the Nile consecutive Test appearances is a world
Delta has been discovered after record. But the former England captain,
archaeologists unearthed artefacts who has played in 160 Tests in total, has
dating to the fifth millennium BC. struggled for runs recently and averages
 Remains of the village were uncovered a meagre 18.62 from nine Tests this
by a French-Egyptian team at Tel year.
Samara, in northeastern Egypt. Similar
structures dating to the period between
4,200 BC and 2,900 BC “have never been September 5, 2018
found in that region,” said Ayman 1. Arifur Rehman Alvi elected Pakistan’s
Ashmawy, the ministry’s antiquities 13th president
chief.  Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf candidate
 The only similar discovery has been the Arifur Rehman Alvi September 4, 2018
village of Sais, in the Gharbia was elected 13th President of Pakistan,
governorate north of Cairo, Ashmawi securing 353 electoral votes, as the
added. members of the Senate, National
 In the Dakahlia governorate northeast of Assembly and the provincial assemblies
the capital, uncovered a number of silos cast their votes.
containing numerous animal bones and  Three candidates, Arif Alvi, Fazlur
vegetable residue. Archaeologists, who Rehman and Aitzaz Ahsan, were in the
had been working at the site since 2015, run for the presidency. Alvi secured
also found pottery and stone tools at the overall 353 electoral votes while JUI-F
site according to the ministry statement. chief Maulana Fazlur Rahman, with the
The discoveries “confirm the presence of support of opposition parties sans PPP-
stable communities in the humid areas P, secured 185 votes and PPP candidate
of the Delta from the fifth millenium Aitzaz Ahsan bagged 124 votes, say the
BC,” said Frederic Geyau, head of the Tel provisional results of the presidential
Samara mission. election.
 The findings have offered “a unique  The newly-elected President will take
occasion to learn more about the oath of his office on September 9 after
prehistoric communities which lived in the expiry of the five-year term of
the Delta” before the Pharaonic rule, he incumbent President Mamnoon
added Hussain.
10. Cook to retire from int’l cricket after  According to the ECP’s results, total
India series voters in the presidential election were
1,174 while 52 seats were vacant as their commander fighting the Soviet
results were withheld or members-elect occupation in the 1980s with the help of
had not taken oath in the Senate and the the United States and Pakistan.
assemblies. The remaining 1,122 voters  Known for his organisation, courage and
were supposed to exercise their right to entrepreneurial skills, Jalaluddin was
vote. nicknamed “kabari”, Pashto for scrap
 According to the results received from metal dealer, for reselling parts of tanks
all the presiding officers, the number of that had been destroyed on the
voters who actually exercised their right battlefield.
to vote was 1,110 while 27 votes were  He became a CIA asset and received a
declared invalid by the respective personal visit from US congressman
presiding officers. Thus the total number Charlie Wilson, who helped secure arms
of valid cast votes was 1,083. for the mujahideen.
 Of the 430 votes cast in both the houses  He became a minister in the Taliban
of the parliament (the National regime which took power in Afghanistan
Assembly and the Senate), PTI’s in 1996 - one of the only major
nominee received 212 votes, JUI-F’s mujahideen leaders to join the group -
Rehman secured 131 and PPP-P’s Aitzaz and was close to its late founder Mullah
Ahsan got 81. Six votes were rejected for Omar.
being invalid.  But after the US invasion of Afghanistan
2. Taliban announce death of Haqqani in 2001 toppled the regime, he pulled
network founder back from the public eye, making only a
 Jalaluddin Haqqani, a one-time CIA asset handful of appearances in later years as
who went on to found a brutal militant the fearsome reputation of the Haqqani
group that is now a top US target in network began to grow.
South Asia, has died after a long illness,  The group, designated a terrorist
the Afghan Taliban announced organisation by the US in 2012, has been
September 4, 2018. blamed for spectacular attacks across
 Jalaluddin, whose eponymous Haqqani Afghanistan since the Taliban, and is one
network is known for its heavy use of of the most merciless and effective
suicide bombers against Afghan civilians, groups operating in the region.
security forces, and US-led NATO troops,  The Haqqanis were described by US
was a key figure in entrenching jihad in Admiral Mike Mullen in 2011 as a
the conflict-ridden region over the past “veritable arm” of Pakistani intelligence.
40 years.  Washington has long pressured
 His group is at the heart of regional Islamabad to crack down on the group,
tensions, with Washington and Kabul and recently cancelled assistance worth
long suspecting the Haqqanis of having hundreds of millions over Pakistan’s lack
links to Pakistan’s military of “decisive” action against militants.
establishment.  Islamabad has repeatedly denied it is
 Jalaluddin, believed to have been born in sheltering militants on its soil.
Afghanistan before migrating to 3. Pompeo due today amid chill in Pak-US
Pakistan’s tribal areas, first came to ties
prominence as an Afghan mujahideen
 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is (Ogra) in June and ordered steps to
reaching Islamabad on September 5, control annual gas theft of Rs50 billion.
2018 to meet officials of the new  Presiding over a briefing on gas sector,
government in Pakistan, but his brief the prime minister asked the petroleum
stay in the capital, analysts fear, could be division to get it approved from the
tense. forum concerned and clear the backlog
 It would be the first high level visit from of issues which have piled up when he
Washington since the new government was explained about the need for gas
assumed office. Secretary Pompeo tariff increase.
would be accompanied by Chairman of  Current Minister for Petroleum: Ghulam
the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen Joseph Sarwar Khan
Dunford.  Current Finance Minister Asad Umar
 The trip, which has been preceded by a 5. Babar Awan resigns as PM`s adviser
public spat over the State Department  A few hours after the filing of a
readout of Mr Pompeo`s phone corruption reference against Adviser to
conversation with Prime Minister Imran the Prime Minister on Parliamentary
Khan and the US announcement about Affairs Babar Awan by the National
ending Coalition Support Fund (CSF) Accountability Bureau (NAB) for his
reimbursements, is taking place at a very alleged involvement in inordinate delay
tense time in the Pakistan-US in construction of the 525MW Nandipur
relationship. power plant, he resigned from his office
 The bilateral relationship has been on on September 4, 2018.
the downslide for years now and the  `Fulfilling Imran Khan`s promise to the
slide has been accelerating with the nation, I tender my resignation from the
passage of time, but the positivity shown office of prime minister`s adviser on
by the PTI government, which as parliamentary affairs,` Mr Awan stated
compared to other political parties had a in a handwritten resignation in Urdu
tough position on the ties with the US, which he submitted to Prime Minister
created hopes of progress in ties. Those Imran Khan.
hopes were boosted by the growing  Mr Awan, who became a member of the
realisation in Washington that its prime minister`s cabinet just 16 days ago
Afghanistan policy announced last year (Aug 20), said that although he had
was not working and that they will have (only) been accused of causing delay in
to engage with the Taliban for a political execution of the power project, even
settlement of the conflict in Afghanistan. then he did not want to stick to his
 But those hopes were shattered by the position.
readout row and the end to CSF 6. PM forms energy, privatisation, CPEC
programme. committees
4. PM okays 46pc rise in gas tariff  Prime Minister Imran Khan on
 Prime Minister Imran Khan on September 4, 2018 constituted
September 4, 2018 gave a go-ahead for Committees for privatisation, energy
increasing natural gas rates by an and China–Pakistan Economic Corridor
average of 46 per cent as determined by (CPEC).
the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority
 According to a notification issued in this  The arms deal was originally signed in
regard, Imran Khan has created a six- 2015 under Spain`s former conservative
member Energy Committee which will government, but the new centreleft
be headed by Petroleum Minister administration of Prime Minister Pedro
Ghulam Sarwar Khan. Sanchez plans to return the 9.2 million
 Finance Minister Asad Umar, Railways euros ($10.6 million) already paid by the
Minister Sheikh Rashid, Abdul Razzaq Saudis.
Dawood who is the Adviser to PM on 8. Special status given to India
Commerce, Textile, Industry and undermining regional stability: think
Production and Investment, PM’s tank
Minister for Planning and Development  The Strategic Trade Authorisation-1
Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar and the (STA-1) status given to India by the
Secretary Cabinet division will be part of United States is undermining regional
the Energy Committee. stability and the global non-proliferation
 Further, as per the notification, the regime, warned a think tank on
seven-member Privatisation Committee September 4, 2018.
will be headed by the Finance Minister  The Strategic Vision Institute (SVI),
and will include Minister of Law and which specialises in strategic stability
Justice Muhammad Farogh Naseem, issues, said in a press release: `The US tilt
 Adviser to PM on Institutional Reforms towards India for its geopolitical goals,
and Austerity Dr Ishrat Husain, Abdul including containment of China, marked
Razzaq Dawood and Khusro Bakhtiar. a paradigm shift in the American non-
The CPEC Committee will be headed by proliferation policy.
Bakhtiar and will comprise of nine  The US Department of Commerce had
members. on July 30 granted STA-1 status to India.
 Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood  This allows licence exceptions for export
Qureshi, Minister of Law and Justice of certain critical dual-use, defence-
Farogh Naseem, Finance Minister Umar, related and military technologies to
Minister of Petroleum Division Sarwar, India from the US. The US move had
Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid and preceded the initiation of India-US 2+2
PM's Adviser on Commerce, Textile, dialogue involving their foreign and
Industry and Production and Investment defence ministers for which Secretary
will make up the Committee. Mike Pompeowill visit Delhi after
 Moreover, the Secretary of the Cabinet completing his Islamabad trip.
division will also be part of the 9. Australia mints its most valuable coin
Committee formed by the govt ever
7. Spain cancels bomb sale to Saudi Arabia  Australia has minted a gold coin
amid Yemen concerns encrusted with rare pink diamonds
 Spain said on September 4, 2018 it has worth Aus$2.48 million (US$1.8 million)
canceled the delivery of 400 laser guided to meet growing demand for high-end
bombs purchased by Saudi Arabia, amid collectables from the ultra-rich.
fears that the weapons could be used  The two-kilogramme treasure, which
against Iran-aligned Houthi rebels in depicts a sailing ship, a gold prospector
Yemen. and boab trees found in Western
Australia, is considered legal tender and years the diplomatic stalemate has been
will be sold to the highest bidder. broken.
 It is the most valuable coin ever made in  Both sides agreed that it was time for
Australia and is expected to be sold to a them to begin to deliver on all joint
buyer from Asia or the Middle East. commitments so as to build confidence
 The coin showcases rare pink stones and trust. Pakistan recognised the shift
handset in the most famed of precious in the US Afghan policy where it now
metals, telling the inspirational rags to wants to go into direct talks with the
riches tales of mining for these prized Afghan Taliban and wants Pakistan to
resources.” Called “Discovery”, it was assist.
modelled after the “Holey Dollar”, one  The breakthrough came after two
of Australia’s first coins, with a private lengthy meetings at the Foreign Office
collector paying Aus$495,000 for one of and Prime Minister’s Secretariat, by the
those in 2013. visiting US Secretary of State Mike
 A key attraction is the four pink Pompeo and US Chairman of the Joint
diamonds from the renowned Argyle Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford
mine in Australia’s remote western with Prime Minister Imran Khan, Foreign
Kimberley region, including a 1.02-carat Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi,
emerald cut. Foreign Secretary Tehmina Junjua, Chief
10. Jeff Bezos rockets to richest person on of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar
planet Javed Bajwa Bajwa and DG ISI Lt Gen
 As Amazon became the second US firm Naveed Mukhtar.
to hit a trillion-dollar value on the stock  Secretary Pompeo welcomed the
market, founder Jeff Bezos regained the smooth transition of power to a new
crown as the richest person on the civilian government, stressing the
planet. importance of strong democratic
 Amazon's share price has climbed during institutions. Qureshi announced later in
the year, lifting the personal wealth of a press conference that he was invited
the company's 54-year-old founder with by Pompeo to Washington to carry
it. Forbes estimated his net worth about forward the discussion held Wednesday
$166 billion. in Islamabad.
 He has gone on record with a formula for 2. Task force formed to get ill-gotten
success that includes taking bold bets, money from abroad
riding change and rebounding from  Taking a step forward to fulfil its promise
setbacks. of retrieving ill-gotten wealth of
Pakistanis in foreign countries, the
September 6, 2018
government has formed a high-powered
task force comprising officials of the
1. Pakistan, US agree to make fresh start Federal Investigation Agency, National
Accountability Bureau as well as
 Pakistan and the United States on
intelligence agencies.
September 5, 2018 sent out a clear
message that they were ready to reset  In this regard, the government has
their bilateral relations, with Islamabad decided to enforce an anti-corruption
emphasising that finally after several rule which offers informers 20 per cent
of the looted wealth recovered through
information provided by them. The rule  He also contested for the second
exists in accountability laws but has provincial assembly seat, but lost by a
seldom been enforced. narrow margin to Awami National Party
 The government also made another (ANP)'s Khushdil Khan following
significant decision to introduce uniform recounting.
curriculum not only in public and private  Shah Farman, who was a lawyer but
schools but also in religious seminaries. hadn't practiced in law, remained
 These decisions were made in a federal provincial minister for public health
cabinet meeting held at PM Office on engineering and information in the
Wednesday with Prime Minister Imran previous PTI-led government in the
Khan in the chair. province.
3. Sarwar sworn in as 37th governor of  Shah Farman was nominated by Prime
Punjab Minister Imran Khan for the position of
 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf leader KP governor last month. He has replaced
Chaudhry Sarwar on September 5, 2018 Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, a nominee of Pakistan
took oath as the 37th governor of Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) who
Punjab. resigned after the defeat of the party in
 Lahore High Court Chief Justice Yawar Ali the recent general election.
administered the oath at a ceremony 5. Mobile app, website launched to
held on the lawns of Governor House. promote tourism
 Mr Sarwar was nominated as Punjab  On the directives of Senior Minister
governor on Aug 10 but he continued Muhammad Atif Khan, the sports,
holding his position as Senator because tourism, archaeology, culture, museums
party wanted him to poll his vote for Dr and youth affairs department is
Arif Ali, PTI`s presidential candidate. launching a new mobile App and website
 Soon after the president`s election to introduce Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as a
process completed and results declared, tourism brand to the world to attract
Mr Sarwar resigned from his Senatorship more tourists and visitors to the
on September 4, 2018 evening. province.
4. Shah Farman took oath as Khyber  This was told at a meeting held with
Pakhtunkhwa (KP) governor department`s secretary Shahid Zaman in
 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Shah the chair on September 5, 2018.
Farman took oath as Khyber Additional secretary Babar Khan,
Pakhtunkhwa (KP) governor officials of Management Information
 Peshawar High Court Chief Justice System and others attended the
Waqar Ahmad Seth administered oath meeting, according to a press release.
to Shah Farman at a ceremony held at  The MIS team briefed the participants
the KP Governor's House. on the launch of mobile App and new
 Shah Farman resigned as MPA on website.
September 4, 2018 after casting his vote  The meeting was told that all data of
in the presidential election. He had tour operators, hotels, restaurants
retained his seat in rural Peshawar in the booking, tracking, tourist resorts, lakes,
July 25 general election after remaining weather in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa would
an MPA for five years from 2013-2018. be uploaded on the website and mobile
App to help tourists get information the most left-leaning in America and
about these facilities at home before which includes Harvard University.
leaving for a particular destination.  Pressley has long been identified as a
6. Pakistan could have up to 250 N- rising star in the Democratic Party. In
warheads by 2025: report 2009, she was the first woman of color
 Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal could grow ever elected to the Boston City Council.
from an estimated 140–150 to between She also worked for former senator John
220 and 250 warheads within the next Kerry.
seven years if the South Asian country 8. ‘No helmet, no fuel’ for Bangladesh
continues expanding its nuclear weapon bikers
programme and delivery capabilities,  Motorcyclists without helmets have
according to a report published on been barred from buying fuel in Dhaka,
August 31 by the Bulletin of the Atomic in an attempt to quell tensions after
Scientists. major protests for better road safety in
 Authored by members of the Federation the Bangladeshi capital last month.
of American Scientists, the 12-page long  The announcement by Dhaka police
report points out that the country is came after tens of thousands of teenage
expanding its uranium-enrichment and protesters and students gridlocked
plutonium production facilities, as well Dhaka for nine days in late July and early
as developing several delivery systems, August, in a major challenge to the
says Jane's Defence Weekly. authority of Prime Minister Sheikh
 “Pakistan continues to expand its Hasina’s government.
nuclear arsenal with more warheads, 9. Climate action could add $26t to world
more delivery systems, and a growing economy
fissile materials production industry …  Ambitious action on climate change
We estimate that the country’s stockpile could contribute an extra $26 trillion to
could … grow to 220 to 250 warheads by the world economy by 2030,
2025, if the current trend continues,” international experts said on September
states the report, pointing out that this 6, 2018, urging nations and businesses
would make Pakistan the world’s fifth- to step up their engagement.
largest “nuclear weapon state”  The economic benefits offered by a shift
7. Black woman Democrat wins landmark to a low-carbon economy have been
vote “grossly” underestimated, according to
 An African American woman on the Global Commission on the Economy
September 4, 2018 pulled off an upset and Climate, a think tank grouping
victory in a Democratic primary contest former heads of government and top
against a 10-term entrenched male economic and business leaders.
incumbent in Boston, the latest sign that  “Bold action could yield a direct
insurgent US candidates from the left economic gain of $26 trillion through to
are gaining ground. 2030 compared with business-as-usual.
 Ayanna Pressley, 44, won the And this is likely to be a conservative
Democratic nomination for the US estimate,” the commission’s annual
House of Representatives in report found. Dynamic action on climate
Massachusetts's seventh district, one of could also generate “over 65 million new
low-carbon jobs” by 2030 and avoid over Hua Chunying as saying during a regular
700,000 premature deaths due to air press briefing in Beijing that the Chinese
pollution, it said. foreign minister would be visiting
10. Pompeo, Mattis arrive in Delhi for Pakistan from Sept 7 to 9 at the
strategic talks invitation of Foreign Minister Shah
 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Mehmood Qureshi.
Defence Secretary Jim Mattis arrived  Besides meeting his Pakistani
Delhi September 5, 2018 to hold the counterpart, Mr Wang is likely to meet
inaugural two-plus-two talks with their Prime Minister Imran Khan and
Indian counterparts, focus of which will president-elect Arif Alvi during his stay in
be to deepen strategic ties and resolve Islamabad to have discussions on
differences over India's defence bilateral issues with focus on China
engagement with Russia and crude oil Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.
import from Iran.  `Wang Yi will also meet the main leaders
 Reflecting the importance of the talks to of Pakistani side and exchange views on
be held today (September 6, 2018), bilateral relations, regional as well as
Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma international issues of mutual interest.
Swaraj received Pompeo, while Defence  The visit of the Chinese FM has acquired
Minister Nirmala Sitharaman welcomed significance as it is taking place days
her US counterpart Jim Mattis at the after a similar visit by top US officials in
Palam airport. which both countries agreed to reset
 Swaraj and Sitharaman will hold the their ties and reached an understanding
twice-postponed dialogue with Pompeo that the Trump administration and the
and Mattis. Chairman of the US Joint new Pakistani government would try to
Chiefs of Staff General Joseph Dunford is deliver on each other`s expectations.
also part of the US delegation. 2. Five Punjab ministers get portfolios
 The external affairs minister will have a  The Punjab government on September
separate bilateral meeting with Pompeo 6, 2018 allotted portfolios to five
while Sitharaman will have a one-on-one ministers who had taken oath along with
meeting with Mattis today (September their 18 colleagues on Aug 27.
6, 2018) morning before the delegation-  According to a notification, Hafiz Ammar
level two-plus-two talks. Yasir has been given the potfolio of
mines and minerals depanment; Raja
September 7, 2018 Rashid Hafeez literacy and non-formal

basic education; Sardar Husnain
1. Chinese FM arriving today on three-day Bahadar Dareshak livestock and dairy
visit development, Chaudhry Zaheeruddin
 Two days after US Secretary of State public prosecution and Hashim Dogar
Mike Pompeo`s transit visit, Chinese population welfare.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi is reaching  Of total 23 ministers, 15 were given
Islamabad on September 7, 2018 (today) portfolios same day, while three
on a three-day official visit. ministers were given portfolios on Aug
 The state-run news agency APP quoted 29.
Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson 3. PM forms three task forces
 Prime Minister Imran Khan on 4. Balochistan governor Achakzai resigns
September 6, 2018 formally formed  Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan
three task forces to meet the Achakzai on September 6, 2018
government`s goals of austerity, civil tendered his resignation from office.
services reforms and completion of  Mr Achakzai sent his resignation to
merger of Federally Administered Tribal President-elect Arif Alvi.
Areas (Fata) with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa  Later, the Establishment Division issued
(KP) province. a notification about the acceptance of
 The Task Force on Austerity and Mr Achakzai`s resignation.
Restructuring of the Government  The Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly
(TFARG) comprises 18 members and it Mir Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo had been
has been tasked with giving requested to undertake the
recommendations to the government responsibilities till the appointment of
how its (the government`s) expenses new governor.
could be curtailed and what steps are  Former PM Nawaz Sharif had appointed
required for restructuring of the Mr Achakzai as governor in May 2013.
government departments. 5. Saqib given charge of PIA CEO
 The TFARG is headed by former  Aviation Division Secretary Saqib Aziz
governor and adviser to the prime was given the additional charge of the
minister on institutional reforms and chief executive officer of the Pakistan
austerity Dr Ishrat Hussain. International Airlines on September 6,
 The Task Force on Civil Service Reforms 2018.
(TFCR) is headed by Dr Ishrat Hussain.It  A notification issued by the federal
has 19 members, including Shahid government on September 5, 2018 says
Kardar, Vice Chancellor of Beacon House `the federal government has been
National University; Dr Sania Nishtar; pleased to approve the grant of
Suleiman Ghani, retired federal additional charge of CEO of PIA to Saqib
secretary; Dr Nadeemul-Haq, former Aziz (BS 22), secretary aviation with
deputy chairman of Planning immediate effect and until further
Commission; Salman Raja, a lawyer; Ali orders`.
Cheema and Umair Javed of LUMS; Ejaz  Mr Aziz already holds the charge of
Ahmed Qureshi, former federal chairman of PIA.
secretary; Naheed Durrani, managing 6. Canada revises travel advisory for
director of Sindh Education Foundation. Pakistan
 FATA, PATA MERGER WITH KP: The  The Canadian government has revised
prime minister also approved the its travel advisory for Pakistan, and
constitution of a Task Force for removed Islamabad f rom the list of
Identification of Impediments & àvoid non-essential travel` cities.
Facilitation of merger of Fata and Pata  The Global Affairs Department while
with KP. revising the travel advisory for Pakistan
 The force is consists of 11 members and observed that there is decrease in risk
is headed by the adviser to the prime level for Canadians to travel to
minister on establishment as its Islamabad.
convener.
 In the first step towards that direction, security adviser, Chung Euiyong, said a
the Canadian government has excluded day after meeting Kim.
Islamabad from that category and  The summit could provide renewed
further steps will be taken in the light of momentum to talks over
evolving security situation. denuclearisation between North Korea
7. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan agree to boost and the United States, after Trump
trade ties cancelled a visit to Pyongyang by
 Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo last
to work out proposals for enhancing month citing lack of progress.
bilateral economic cooperation through  Kim told South Korean officials his faith
identifying specific areas in trade and in Trump was ùnchanged` and that he
investment. wanted denuclearisation of the Korean
 An understanding to this effect was peninsula and an end to hostile relations
reached at the second meeting of Pak- with the United States before Trump`s
Saudi Joint Working Group on Trade and first term in office ends in early 2021,
Investment. The JWG was constituted in Chung said.
the 11th session of Pak-Saudi Joint  But there was no indication that Kim had
Ministerial Commission held at offered concrete steps toward giving up
Islamabad in January 2018. his nuclear arsenal, something some US
 Secretary Commerce Younus Dagha and officials have said privately they doubt
Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Trade he is willing to do.
Abdulrahman Alharbi co-chaired the 9. Pompeo, Mattis skirt sanctions
session. The Ambassador of Saudi Arabia potholes in India talks
to Pakistan Nawaf Saeed Al-Maliki as  US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and
well as other officials from various Defence Secretary James Mattis skirted
ministries participated in the meeting. diplomatic potholes in their long-
 Dagha invited Saudi government and delayed talks with top Indian officials
private sector to invest in oil refining, here on September 6, 2018, where they
petrochemicals and food processing faced the implacable challenge of
industry in Pakistan. isolating Russia and Iran from New
8. N. Korea`s Kim sets denuclearisation Delhi`s strategic ambit.
time line, prompts thanks from Trump  There was no deft balancing required,
 North Korea`s Kim Jong Un has given his however, for India to use the occasion to
first time line for denuclearisation, slam Pakistan`s alleged role in fomenting
aiming for the end of US President terrorism. Inevitably, China too was in
Donald Trump`s first term, Seoul officials the crosshairs.
said on September 6, 2018, prompting  `We see the Indo-Pacific as a free, open
thanks from Trump who said they would and inclusive concept, with Asean
`get it done together`. centrality at the core and defined by a
 Kim and South Korean President Moon common rules-based order that both
Jae-in will meet in Pyongyang on Sept our countries are pursuing,` External
18-20 for a third summit and discuss Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said in a
`practical measures` towards statement after the talks.
denuclearisation, Moon`s national
10. India`s top court legalises same-sex  Meanwhile, the Punjab government has
relations issued a notification saying that City
 A constitutional bench of India`s Police Officer Rizwan Omer Gondal (PSP,
Supreme Court on September 6, 2018 BS-18) has been relieved of his duties in
legalised same-sex relations between Punjab and transferred to Islamabad. Mr
consenting adults, but the move poses a Gondal remained in news last week for
challenge in a country where social his involvement and subsequent
mores prohibit heterosexual ties across transfer after an incident revolving
hidebound castes or between religious around the former husband of first lady
communities. Khawar Maneka.
 The five-judge bench termed the court`s 2. Govt `proposes` Kartarpur border
2013 judgement constitutionally opening to India
impermissible.  The government on September 7, 2018
said it was considering opening the
September 8, 2018 Kartarpur border crossing with India for

Sikh pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar
1. Police chiefs of Punjab, Sindh & KP Sahib without visa.
transferred in shuffle  The government is considering opening
 The federal government on September Kanarpur border and after that the
7, 2018 transferred and posted top Indian Sikhs visiting the gurdwara will be
police officers in Punjab, Sindh and required to have a ticket. The Kartarpur
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. gurdwara is located in Narowal district
 Dr Syed Kaleem Imam, the inspector near the Indian border.
general of Punjab police (PSP, BS-21), 3. Three more advisers inducted into
who is serving as the Provincial Police Balochistan cabinet
Officer in Punjab, has been transferred  Three more advisers have been inducted
and posted as the PPO in Sindh. into the Jam-led six-party coalition
 Amjad Javed Saleemi (BS-22), serving as government of Balochistan.
inspector general of Sindh police, has  According to a notification issued on the
been transferred and asked to report to orders of the governor of Balochistan,
the Establishment Division with three advisers were appointed with
immediate effect. immediate effect on the advice of the
 Muhammad Tahir (PSP, BS-21), serving chief minister on September 7, 2018.
as the PPO of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has  The new advisers are: Mir Abdul Rauf
been transferred and posted as Rind of the Balochistan Awami Party,
inspector general of Punjab police. A Malik Naeem Khan Bazai of the Awami
notification has been issued in this National Party and Abdul Khalig Hazara
regard by the Establishment Division. of the Hazara Democratic Party.
 The government has appointed  With the induction of the three advisers,
Salahuddin Khan Mehsud as chief of the the number of advisers in the
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police. He has Balochistan cabinet has risen to four.
replaced Mr Tahir who has been 4. Fifth patrol vessel inducted into
transferred to Punjab. maritime agency`s fleet
 The PMSS Kashmir, the fifth maritime 6. Mattis makes unannounced Afghan
patrol vessel built in China for the visit
Pakistan Maritime Security Agency, was  US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis met
inducted into the PMSA`s fleet on with top Afghan leaders during an
September 7, 2018. unannounced visit to Kabul on
 It was in response to evolving maritime September 7, 2018, adding his weight to
challenges, law-enforcement a flurry of diplomatic efforts to bring the
imperatives and national obligations Taliban to the negotiating table.
that a capacity enhancement plan was  His trip comes a little more than a year
pro-posed by the PMSA and after President Donald Trump unveiled a
subsequently approved by the federal revamped strategy for Afghanistan that
government. saw him commit thousands of additional
 The induction of another state-of-the- US forces to the war-torn country on an
art vessel into the PMSA fleet was of open-ended basis.
unique significance as it showed the  Mattis, on his fourth visit to Afghanistan
agency`s commitment and resolve since becoming defence chief in January
towards safeguarding the China- 2017, has met with President Ashraf
Pakistan Economic Corridor and Ghani and the new US commander for
ensuring maritime security. American and NATO forces, General
5. Noted playwright, broadcaster Nisar Scott Miller. His arrival in Kabul comes at
Mohammad dies at 78 a sensitive time in the 17-year war.
 Noted Pashto film and playwright Nisar  The grinding conflict has seen little
Mohammad Khan passed away in his progress by Afghan or US forces against
native Shahmansoor village on the Taliban, the country’s largest
September 7, 2018 after a five-year-long militant group. Six US soldiers have been
battle with cancer. He was 78. killed in Afghanistan so far this year, the
 He worked on different positions in most recent happening on Monday in an
Radio Pakistan and finally was appointed apparent insider attack
as station director at Peshawar Centre. 7. UN special envoy meets Yemeni FM,
 He wrote several Pashto dramas for both tries to persuade Houthis to attend
Radio Pakistan and Pakistan Television, talks in Geneva
Peshawar centres.  The United Nations Special Envoy for
 He also directed many plays. He won the Yemen, Martin Griffiths, has discussed
best drama writer award in 2002. He issues including prisoners, humanitarian
penned scripts and storylines for about access and the reopening of Sanaa
60 top Pashto movies. He also wrote two airport with Yemeni Foreign Minister
exceptional books, one was on Life of Khaled al-Yamani.
Hazrat Bilal (RA) and other was on  But Griffiths, who began consultations
Pashto music titled Speen Tumbal. with the Yemen government delegation
 He also wrote the stories of two famous in Geneva on September 6, 2018, was
Pashto films, Orbal and Makhroor. still awaiting representatives of the
 He set new trends in Pashto film making; Iranian-allied Houthi movement from
music and drama were his great the capital Sanaa in order to hold peace
strengths.
talks, UN spokeswoman Alessandra held talks on an imminent offensive
Vellucci said. against the last rebel stronghold in Syria,
 The United Nations said that Griffiths amid warnings from the international
was not expected to hold any talks at its community of a looming humanitarian
Geneva offices on Friday. But he was disaster.
seenholding talks at the hotel of the  Turkey's President Recep Tayyip
Yemeni government delegation. Erdogan openly disagreed with his
8. China allows Nepal to use its ports, ends Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin at a
Indian monopoly on transit press conference in the Iranian capital
 China will allow Nepal the use of four of and warned of a "bloodbath" in Idlib
its ports, the Nepalese government said province, where an assault by Syrian
on September 7, 2018, as the landlocked government forces is expected any day.
Himalayan nation seeks to end India`s  Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who
monopoly over its trading routes by hosted the meeting, also warned against
increasing connections with Beijing. a "scorched earth" policy, but said
 Wedged between China and India, Nepal "fighting terrorism in Idlib is an
depends heavily on India for the supply unavoidable part of the mission of
of essential goods including fuel and the restoring peace and stability to Syria."
use of its ports for trade with other Russia and Iran are major allies of Syrian
countries. President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey
 But Kathmandu has sought access to backs opposition fighters, including
Chinese ports to reduce dependence on some present in Idlib, who are seeking
India since a prolonged blockade of its his ouster.
border crossings with India in 2015 and 10. AB De Villiers signs up to play in PSL
2016 left the country short of fuel and 2019
medicine for several months.  Former South African skipper and one of
 Officials from Nepal and China finalised the leading batsmen in world cricket, AB
a protocol during a meeting in de Villiers has consented to join the
Kathmandu on Friday giving Nepalaccess Pakistan Super League (PSL) for its 2019
to the Chinese ports at Tianjin, season.
Shenzhen, Lianyungang and Zhanjiang, a  A press release by the PCB said:
statement from Nepal`s Commerce `Pakistan Super League (PSL) is all set for
Ministry said. another thrilling edition with the signing
 Overland trade is now routed mainly of South African legend AB de Villiers for
through the east Indian port of Kolkata the 2019 season.
which takes up to three months, officials  `De Villiers, who retired from
said. New Delhi has also opened the international cricket earlier this year,
southern port at Vishakhapatnam for brings a stellar record with him. With
Nepali trade. more than 20,000 international runs to
9. Iran, Russia, Turkey struggle to agree his name, De Villiers is inarguably one of
future of Syria’s Idlib the greatest modern-day cricketers to
 Iran, Russia and Turkey were unable to have played the game.
overcome their differences at a Tehran
summit on September 7, 2018 as they

September 9, 2018 Mr Soomro will be made minister for
privatisation, Mr Ayub is to be allocated
1. CPEC top priority, Qureshi assures the portfolio of energy and Mr Zaidi will
Chinese minister assume the charge of maritime affairs
 The government on September 8, 2018 ministry.
said it would continue to accord top  However, the portfolio of Mr Saeed will
priority to the China Pakistan Economic be announced later, says the official
Corridor (CPEC). announcement.
 The assurance was extended to Chinese 3. Cabinet okays reunification of health
Foreign Minister Wang Yi by his host department
Shah Mehmood Qureshi, who noted  The Punjab government has decided in
that his government saw it as a principle to converge the bifurcated
significant project for the socioeconomic health department into a unified entity
development of the country. to improve governance, save resources
 Mr Wang is on a three-day visit to and end culture of blame-game.
Pakistan the first by a senior Chinese  It was bifurcated into specialised
official since the Pakistan Tehreeki-Insaf- healthcare and medical education as
led government assumed office last well as primary and secondary
month. healthcare departments by the last
 The visit is meant to engage with the government in October 2015.
new government, re-emphasise the  The Punjab cabinet, which met under
importance of bilateral ties and learn Chief Minister Usman Buzdar at his
about its position on relations office, constituted a committee headed
particularly with regard to CPEC. by health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid to
 Diplomatic observers are taking a keen debate the issue and come up with
interest in the project because of the concrete recommendations for the
evolving regional situation in which new reunification of the department. The law
alignments are emerging. Pakistan and minister will also be included in the
China, which have a longstanding committee.
relationship, are seen to be getting  The cabinet also decided to continue the
further closer. Pakistan Kidney and Liver Transplant
2. Four more members to be inducted into Institute and a committee was formed
federal cabinet consisting of health and law ministers
 Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided for suggesting measures to make the
to expand his cabinet with the inclusion institution more effective.
of four new ministers, taking the total 4. Two ministers inducted into
number of cabinet members to 25. Balochistan cabinet
 According to an official announcement  Two ministers were inducted into the
by the Prime Minister Office, the four cabinet of Balochistan on September 8,
new members of the federal cabinet will 2018.
be former Senate chairman Muhammed  They are Mir Asadullah Baloch of the
Mian Soomro, Syed Ali Haider Zaidi, Balochistan National Party-Awami (BNP-
Murad Saeed and Umar Ayub Khan. A) and Sardar Abdul Rehman Khetran of
the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).
 Acting Governor Mir Abdul Quddus Karachi-based individual where the tax
Bizenjo administrated the oath to the demand was also recovered in full,
new ministers at a ceremony held in followed by another amount of Rs350m
Governor House. from a third individual also based in
 With the induction of two more Karachi.
ministers the strength of the provincial  In Sept 2016, the FBR Intelligence
cabinet has risen to 16, 12 ministers and Directorate issued 444 notices to owners
four advisers to the chief minister. of the offshore companies mentioned in
 Mr Alyani can induct two more ministers the Panama Papers.
and an adviser in to his cabinet, as 6. Turkmenistan to double power exports,
according to the 18th Amendment to eyes Pakistani market
the Constitution, Balochistan`s cabinet  Turkmenistan completed an upgrade of
can have 15 ministers, including the its largest electric power plant on
chief minister, and five advisers. September 8, 2018, which it hopes will
5. First tax recovery made under Panama help boost exports and eventually allow
Papers investigation supplies to Pakistan, which would
 Exactly two years after starting the require the construction of a new
exercise, the tax authorities have transmission line.
reported their first recoveries under the  The Central Asian nation, which sits on
investigations into assets held by the world`s fourth-biggest natural gas
individuals named in the Panama and reserves, has been hit hard by the
Paradise papers. plunge in global hydrocarbon prices and
 Data from the Federal Board of Revenue, is seeking to diversify exports in order to
shows that the Karachi and Islamabad increase its hard currency earnings.
LTU have made the first recovery of tax  Launching the upgraded gas and steam-
since the start of the exercise. turbine plant in the southern Mary
 The FBR has recovered a total amount of province, Turkmen President
Rs6.2 billion out of total demand created Kurbanguly Berdymukhamedov said it
in 15 cases. would boost power exports by three
 The recovery of the remaining amount billion kilowatt hours (kWh) from the
of Rs4.64bn remains under process. current 3.3bn kWh a year.
 The break up shows that in six cases  Ìn the future, we plan to build a gas
notices were issued to members of a turbine power plant on the Turkmen-
single leading business family by the Afghan border together with Japan`s
Islamabad LTU. Sumitomo,` he said. In addition to its
 The tax demand raised from the family current customers Afghanistan, Iran and
was about Rs4.6bn out of which only Turkey Ashgabat plans to tap Pakistan`s
Rs15m has been recovered from them. market by building a power transmission
 The single largest tax demand of line through Afghanistan, where it is
Rs3.164bn was raised from a Karachi already laying a gas pipeline in the same
based individual, which has been direction.
recovered in full by the Karachi LTU. 7. US govt misleading Americans on
 The second largest recovery of Afghanistan: report
Rs2.691bn was made from another
 The US government misleads its public photojournalist Mahmoud Abu Zeid on
to justify the 17-year-old war in September 8, 2018 and confirmed death
Afghanistan, routinely using inflated sentences against 75 people in one of
data to justify its stay, The New York the largest mass trials since the 2011
Times reported on September 8, 2018. uprising.
 The report compares the US  The same court that handed Shawkan a
government`s data with those provided five year term on Saturday also
by various international aid agencies and confirmed death sentences initially
with NYT`s own research and concludes issued in July against 75 defendants,
that Washington does not want including leaders of Morsi's outlawed
Americans to know the real situation in Muslim Brotherhood.
Afghanistan.  They include senior Brotherhood
 While the US government says the members Mohamed el-Baltagui, Issam
Taliban control or contest 44 per cent of al-Aryan and Safwat Hijazi.
districts in Afghanistan, the NYT report  Of the 75 defendants facing the death
claims that the insurgents actually penalty, 44 were in the dock while the
control or contest about 61pc area. rest were tried in absentia.
 Since 2017, the Taliban have held more  Forty-seven were handed life sentences,
Afghan territory than at any stage since while 347 were given 15 years in prison,
the American invasion in October 2001. and 22 minors received 10-year terms.
8. US to cut $25m in aid to hospitals  Five-year terms were handed to 215
serving Palestinians people. The court also sentenced
 The United States plans to cut $25 Morsi's son, Ossama, to 10 years in jail.
million in aid to six hospitals primarily 10. Pakistan qualify for SAFF Cup semi-
serving Palestinians in Jerusalem, a State finals after 13 years, beat Bhutan 3-0
Department official confirmed  Pakistan made it to the SAFF Cup semi-
September 8, 2018. finals for the first time since 2005 after
 The official said the decision followed a they beat a struggling Bhutan side 3-0 at
President Donald Trump-directed the Bangabandhu National Stadium in
review of assistance to the Palestinian Dhaka on September 8, 2018.
Authority and in the West Bank and Gaza  The Green Shirts` status in the last-four
“to ensure these funds were being spent was confirmed later when hosts
in accordance with US national interests Bangladesh were knocked out on goal
and were providing value to the US difference after Nepal beat them 2-0 and
taxpayer.” went through to the semis courtesy
 “As a result of that review, at the goals by Bimal Gharti Magar and
direction of the president, we will be Nawayug Shrestha.
redirecting approximately $25 million  Jose Antonio Nogueira`s men fared way
originally planned for the East Jerusalem better than their opponent s in their
Hospital Network. Those funds will go to third and last Group À` match after poor
high-priority projects elsewhere.” performances with the ball in their first
9. Egypt sentences 75 to death two outings in the tournament.
 An Egyptian court handed a five-year jail
sentence to award-winning

September 10, 2018 Democratic transition of power
completed on September 9, 2018 when
1. Pakistan, China agree to broaden CPEC founding member of the Pakistan
base Tehreek-i-Insaf Dr Arif Alvi was sworn in
 Pakistan and China on September 9, as the 13th president of Pakistan.
2018 agreed to formally invite `third  Dr Alvi has replaced Mamnoon Hussain,
country` investors to be part of the $60 who completed his fiveyear term on
billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor September 8, 2018.
and add social sector and regional  Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib
development schemes to the existing Nisar administered the oath to Dr Alvi at
portfolio of CPEC projects. a ceremony held at the Aiwan-i-Sadr in
 The understanding on addition of `two presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan
major dimensions` to the CPEC projects and outgoing president.
came about at a long meeting between  Dr Alvi was elected from the NA-247
the Planning, Development and Reforms constituency in July 25 general elections.
Commission of Pakistan and the According to the Constitution, his
National Development and Reforms election to the NA seat stands null and
Commission (NDRC) of China on void after he becomes the president.
September 9, 2018.  After the oath-taking ceremony, Dr Alvi,
 At the four-hour meeting, the Pakistani who was clad in black sherwani, was
team was led by Minister for Planning presented a guard of honour by
Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar while the contingents of the armed forces.
NDRC`s vice-chairman, Ning Jizhe, led  With the appointment of Dr Alvi as the
the Chinese delegation. president, the democratic transition of
 Planning Secretary Zafar Hassan, CPEC`s power in the country has completed as
project director Hassan Daud and all governors, chief ministers, federal
officials of the NDRC and Chinese and provincial ministers have assumed
Embassy also attended the meeting. charge of their respective offices.
 Sources said that Beijing wanted 3. China, Pakistan taking part in
involvement in the upcoming special Australia`s largest maritime drill
economic zones (SEZs) of countries  China is participating for the first time in
friendly to both Pakistan and China Australia`s largest maritime exercise as
because it wished to steer clear of more than 3,000 personnel from 27
adverse criticism, particularly from the countries, including Pakistan, engage in
US and India, about possibility of joint training off the strategic northern
secretive deals that `remain beyond port of Darwin.
public eye`.  Exercise Kakadu is hosting 23 ships and
 No country was specifically mentioned submarines from across the Indo-Pacific
in this regard and Central Asian, region, enabling them to establish
European and other countries including familiarity which helps to prevent
Turkey, Russia and Saudi Arabia could conflict on the high seas and to
invest in the nine SEZs proposed, said an coordinate disaster relief efforts.
official.  The other countries taking part in the
2. Arif Alvi sworn in as 13th president exercise are Japan, Pakistan, South
Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh,  An official with Kuwait`s defence
Brunei, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Cook ministry said army commanders of the
Islands, Fiji, France, India, Malaysia, New Gulf states including boycott-hit Qatar
Zealand, Papua New Guinea, The would hold talks on September 10, 2018
Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, East (today) in a scheduled meeting of the
Timor, Tonga, United Arab Emirates, US Gulf Cooperation Council Supreme
and Vietnam. Military Committee in Kuwait City.
4. Governor House Murree made  The 15-month Qatar boycott is the worst
accessible to public political crisis to hit the oil-rich Gulf.
 The Governor House in Murree has been Kuwait has led mediation efforts in the
made accessible to the public on crisis.
September 9, 2018 after the Governor  The Gulf commanders will also meet
House in Sindh opened its doors to representatives of the US Central
public for the first time. Command and those of the Egyptian and
 Upon directives of Prime Minister Imran Jordanian armies on Wednesday, the
Khan, the orders were given by Kuwaiti official said.
Governor Punjab Chaudhry M Sarwar. 7. Third World rounds on US, allies as UN
 In line with the decision, the public will climate talks wrap up
be able to visit the Governor House in  Developing countries rounded on the
Murree from 10am to 6pm. United States and its allies at emergency
 Earlier on September 7, Sindh Governor climate talks on September 9, 2018,
House opened its door for citizens. accusing the world`s richest nations of
Governor Sindh Imran Ismail had said stalling a deal aimed at preventing
that a complaint cell would be created at runaway global warming.
Gate Number 4 of the Governor House.  Experts from around the world wrapped
5. Pakistan backs Afghanistan in anti- up discussions in Bangkok geared
terror fight towards creating a comprehensive
 Pakistan on September 9, 2018 strongly rulebook for countries to implement the
condemned the terrorist attack at a landmark Paris Accord on climate
public rally in Kabul resulting in the loss change.
of several precious innocent lives and  But talks foundered over the key issue of
injury to many others. how efforts to limit climate change are
 Pakistan reiterated its strong funded and how contributions are
condemnation of terrorism in all its reported.
forms and manifestations and expressed  Delegates representing some of Earth`s
solidarity with the people and poorest and smallest nations said on the
government of Afghanistan in the fight final day of the summit that the US and
against terrorism other Western economies had failed to
6. Gulf, US commanders to hold talks in live up to their green spending
Kuwait commitments.
 Gulf Arab army chiefs, including Qatar`s 8. First known ‘vegetarian’ shark
military commander, will meet with US discovered
Central Command officials for talks on  Scientists have identified the world’s
defence cooperation this week. first known omnivorous shark species,
which can make seagrass as much as 60 stun those at Arena Birmingham. The
percent of their diet. bell arrived to save Khan, who scored
 Experts from the University of California another knockdown in the third before
in Irvine and Florida International the pace gradually slowed. He
University in Miami decided to maintained control late on for a 119-108
investigate the bonnethead sharks’ 119-109 118-110 victory.
dietary habits after reading reports of  After his 39-second demolition of Phil Lo
them munching on seagrass. Greco in April, this proved a far stiffer
 “It has been assumed by most that this test for Khan, who showed his
consumption was incidental and that it trademark hand speed early on. But, as
provided no nutritional value,” said has been the case in the past, the
Samantha Leigh, the study’s lead author. vulnerability of his chin remains a
9. 130-mln-year-old dinosaur fossil question mark. Only seconds of the
fragments discovered second round remained when he quickly
 Chinese scientists have discovered a stood back up after the knockdown, and
heap of dinosaur fossil fragments in a in the 10th round he was again tagged
county in north China’s Hebei Province. heavily with a right hand moments
 The fragments, scattered in Liqilong before the bell.
Village in Fengning Man Autonomous  This is his second bout since his 23-
County, were found in October last year. month break from the sport, and it was
 The excavation was approved by local watched closely at ringside by Kell
authorities in August and began on Brook, who remains keen on facing Khan
September 4, 2018. Scientists suspect and says he will drop down to the 147lbs
that the dinosaur belonged to a new welterweight division to secure a bout.
species. They said that the fragments are
estimated to be 130 million years old,
and the dinosaur was about 7 to 10 September 11, 2018
meters long based on the thighbone 1. Islamabad, Beijing reaffirm
fossil fragments. commitment to CPEC
 The excavation is still underway and will  Pakistan and China on September 10,
last about two years. 2018 reaffirmed their commitment to
 Dinosaur fossils were found in the village the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
in 2014. Birds and fish fossils have also (CPEC) and resolved to extend the multi-
been excavated in the county billion dollar joint undertaking of the
10. Amir beats Samuel on unanimous two countries.
points  This commitment was reflected in the
 Amir Khan survived a second-round statements issued from Islamabad and
knockdown to maintain momentum in Beijing after a claim attributed to Prime
his comeback to the sport with a Minister Imran Khan`s adviser on
unanimous points win over Samuel commerce, textiles, industries and
Vargas. investment Abdul Razzak Dawood left
 The Briton, 31, floored his rival with a the government red-faced and equally
straight right in the second round but embarrassed the Chinese.
took an overhand right to go down and
 The Financial Times, quoting offences related to terrorism including
government ministers and advisers, attacks on armed forces and law-
reported that the Pakistan government enforcement agencies personnel,
was planning `to review or renegotiate destruction of educational institutions
agreements reached under China`s Belt and killing of innocent civilians.
and Road Initiative`. The publication  On the whole, they were involved in
quoted Mr Dawood as having said: `The killing of 202 people, including 151
previous government did a bad job civilians, 51 armed forces/Frontier
negotiating with China on CPEC they Constabulary/ police officials, and
didn`t do their homework correctly and injuring of 249 others.
didn`t negotiate correctly so they gave  Arms and explosives were also
away a lot. recovered from their possession, it said,
 The adviser went on to say: `Chinese adding that these convicts had been
companies received tax breaks, many tried by special military courts.
breaks and have an undue advantage in  Seven convicts had been awarded
Pakistan; this is one of the things we`re imprisonment.
looking at because it`s not fair that 4. OGDC discovers oil, gas in Kohat
Pakistan companies should be  Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd
disadvantaged. (OGDC), operator of the Chanda
2. Governor House to be open for public development and production lease with
on Sundays joint venture partners Government
 The Punjab Governor, Chaudhry Sarwar, Holdings Private Ltd (GHPL) and Zaver
has announced opening of the Governor Petroleum Corporation Ltd (ZPCL) has
House for the public on Sundays, saying discovered crude oil and gas from its
that all national assets belong to the exploratory well Chanda No.
people of Pakistan.  1, located in district Kohat, Khyber
 The historic building would initially be Pakhtunkhwa.
opened for families on Sundays between  In a filing with the PSX, the company
10am and 6pm. It would also be opened stated that the structure of Chanda Well
for the schoolchildren on a formal No.1 was tested during work over using
request to the administration. OGDCL`s in house expertise and in
 The Governor House in Murree had collaboration GHPL and ZPCL teams.
already been made accessible to the  The well has tested 7,000 barrels per day
public. of crude oil and 2.2 million standard
 In the first phase, the Governor House cubic feet per day of gas through 32/64`
parks, lake, zoo and swimming pool choke at well head flowing pressure of
were being opened so that people could 1150-1200 Psi from Hangu and
see the historic building. Lumshiwal formation.
3. COAS confirms death sentence to 13  The company notice further mentioned
terrorists that, earlier in Dec 1999, Lumshiwal
 Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed formation had tested only 150bpd of
Bajwa confirmed on September 10, 2018 crude oil and 0.89 mmscfd of gas
death sentence awarded to 13 hardcore through 32/64` choke at well head
terrorists, who were involved in heinous flowing pressure of 160-190 Psi.
5. Pakistan Army makes major  The Election Commission of Pakistan had
contribution to dams fund declared election in PK-23 null and void
 Pakistan Army on September 10, 2018 as the turnout of women voters was less
came forward for the second time and than the specified 10 per cent of the
contributed over a billion (Rs1006 total cast vote in the general elections
million) as donation to the Supreme on July 25.
Court fund for Diamer-Basha and  The ECP had announced re-polling in the
Mohmand dams. constituency on Sept 10. Polling started
 Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed at 8am on September 10, 2018 and
Bajwa presented the cheque in a continued till 6pm.
meeting with Chief Justice Mian Saqib  According to un official results, PTI`s
Nisar. The meeting was held at Supreme Yousafzai defeated PML-N`s Rashad
Court Building on Monday. With the Khan by securing 41,960votes while the
cheque, COAS Bajwa also presented a latter obtained 22,113 votes.
letter on behalf of Pakistan Army. 7. UN rights chief takes on China, other
 All ranks of Pak Army have contributed powers in maiden speech
to the fund.  UN human rights chief Michelle Bachelet
 Pakistan Army Officers including civilian called on China on September 10, 2018
officers paid out of defence estimate to allow in monitors after `deeply
(two days pay) while junior disturbing` allegations of large re-
commissioned officers/ soldiers and education camps in which Uighurs are
civilians paid out of defence estimate detained in Xinjiang province.
(one day pay).  Her appeal for access came as Human
 It is not the first time that Pakistan Army Rights Watch reported that the Turkic,
donated to dams’ fund with such big mostly Muslim Uighur minority in
amount. Since the announcement of Xinjiang face arbitrary detentions, daily
fund and after chief justice’s donation, restrictions on religious practice and
Pakistan Army was the second `forced political indoctrination` in a mass
institution which donated the money. security crackdown.
 In July, officers of Pak Army, Navy and Air  Bachelet, a former Chilean president
Force contributed their 2 days’ pay while making her maiden speech to the UN
soldiers one day’s pay to the announced Human Rights Council, said the panel
fund for this national cause. had brought to light `deeply disturbing
6. Yousafzai secures Shangla seat in re- allegations of large-scale arbitrary
poll detentions of Uighurs and other Muslim
 Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf`s (PTI) Shaukat communities, in so call edre-education
Ali Yousafzai has secured Khyber camps across Xinjiang`.
Pakhtunkhwa Assembly`s seat PK-23 8. UN expert urges countries to protect
(Shangla-I) once again by defeating right to privacy in digital age
Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz`s (PML-  A United Nations expert on September
N) candidate Muhammad Rashad Khan 10, 2018 expressed concern over
in a re-poll on September 10, 2018 as a increasing risks to privacy emanating
large number of women voters turned from state surveillance and lack of digital
out in Shangla district for the first time.
security, including Pakistan`s `vague was dealt another hefty blow when oil-
criminal prohibitions` on encryption. rich South Sudan seceded in 2011.
 In a report prepared for the 39th session 10. Djokovic equals Sampras’ Grand Slam
of the UN Human Rights Council that record
began on September 10, 2018 and will  Novak Djokovic was thrilled to match
end on Sept 28 the special rapporteur Pete Sampras with a 14th Grand Slam
wrote that many governments, including title at the US Open on September 10,
in Pakistan, Russia, China, Iranand 2018.
Turkey, were neglecting or ignoring their  “Pete Sampras is one of the biggest
duty to protect online encryption that legends ever to play the game,” Djokovic
helped ensure freedom of expression said after earning a third US Open crown
and privacy. with a 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory over
 The report highlighted that the right to Juan Martin del Potro.
privacy was a fundamental human right  The victory puts Djokovic three Slam
that was recognised in Article 12 of the wins away from Nadal’s 17 and six
Universal Declaration of Human Rights, behind Federer’s record 20.
Article 17 of the International Covenant  It will also see him rise to number three
on Civil and Political Rights and in other in the world behind Nadal and Federer
international and regional instruments. — the rankings again reflecting the “Big
 However, it noted that many Three” status they have shared for so
governments had adopted laws or long.
proposed legislation that increased their  Djokovic had tumbled down the
surveillance powers, often in ways that rankings, slowed last year by an elbow
fell short of applicable international injury and a loss of confidence that
human rights standards. accompanied a 54-week title drought.
9. Sudan's President Bashir swears in new
September 12, 2018

PM
 Sudan's President Omar al-Bashir swore
in a new prime minister on September 1. US to support efforts for Pak-India talks
10, 2018 in a bid to ease an economic  The United States will be `very
crisis, and lambasted alleged efforts to supportive` if conditions are created for
"block" his country from foreign productive talks between India and
markets. Pakistan, says senior US diplomat Alice
 Outgoing irrigation minister Moutaz G. Wells.
Mousa Abdallah was sworn in at the  Ms Wells, who heads the bureau for
presidential palace, after Bashir fired the South and Central Asian affairs at the
incumbent prime minister and cabinet State Department, also said at a news
on September 10, 2018. briefing on September 11, 2018 that the
 The 31-member cabinet is to be slashed United States had sent a two pronged
to just 21 portfolios, as the country message to Pakistan: a desire to engage
grapples with an acute foreign exchange constructively and an emphasis on the
shortage and inflation above 65 percent. need for Pakistan to implement its
 The long trade embargo severely promises to fight all terrorist groups.
undermined Sudan's economy, which
 Asked if Pakistan had sent a message  Pakistan has intensified contacts with
through US Secretary of State Michael China after the ‘misunderstanding’ on
Pompeo on India Pakistan dialogue and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor
if that was raised during Mr Pompeo`s telling Beijing that CPEC was a matter of
meeting with the Indian foreign ‘life and death’ for Pakistan, official
minister, she did not say if such a mes- sources said.
sage was received and delivered.  Islamabad had contacted the Chinese
 Secretary Pompeo visited both foreign ministry ‘several times’ after the
Islamabad and New Delhi last week. In Financial Times ‘misquoted’ Adviser
Islamabad, he met Prime Minister Imran Razzak Dawood on CPEC.
Khan, other members of the new  One official said: “China understands
government and Army Chief Gen Qamar that we are committed to the CPEC
Javed Bajwa. which is in our own benefit. They trust us
 In New Delhi, he participated in the Two- and have been positive.” He added: “We
plus-Two talks between India and the have been able to clear our position and
United States. The US military chief, Gen will remain in contact with Beijing on the
Joseph Dunford, accompanied him on issue. CPEC is a matter of life and death
both the visits. for us.”
2. Former Three-Time First Lady of  Earlier, the Foreign Office said Pakistan
Pakistan Kulsoom Nawaz Passes Away remained committed to the successful
 Former three-time first lady of Pakistan implementation of CPEC. In a statement,
and spouse of former Prime Minister the FO said, there was complete
Nawaz Sharif Begum Kulsoom Nawaz consensus on the future trajectory of
breathed her last in London September CPEC and the two sides are in agreement
11, 2018 after protracted ailment of to expand cooperation in other areas
cancer. including socio-economic development,
 Begum Kulsoom Nawaz was 68 years of poverty alleviation, anti-corruption,
age. She will be laid to rest at her family agricultural cooperation and industrial
residence, Jati Umra, Raiwind, where development as per the needs and
her father-in-law, Mian Sharif, and priorities of the government of Pakistan.
brother-in-law, Abbas Sharif, are also  The Financial Times reported that
buried. Pakistan was planning to review or
 Begum Kulsoom Nawaz who was getting renegotiate agreements reached under
treatment at Harley Street Clinic, China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
London, had sudden deterioration in  The projects concerned are part of the $
health last day following which she was 62 billion CPEC plan. They include a huge
put on ventilator and passed away in expansion of the Gwadar port on
that state. After the clinic authorities Pakistan’s south coast, as well as road
certified her death, her body was shifted and rail links and $30bn worth of power
to her London residence. Her funeral plants.
prayers will be offered Thursday at 4. Six federal ministers inducted into
Regent Park Mosque, London. cabinet
3. Pakistan intensifies contacts with China
after CPEC misunderstanding
 Six ministers were inducted into the Muhammad Salman (Transport),
federal cabinet on September 11, 2018, Rafaqat Gilani (Augaf and Religious
taking its strength to 27. Affairs), Umer Farooq (Youth and
 Syed Haider Ali Zaidi, Ali Muhammad Sports), Ameer Muhammad Khan
Khan Mahar and Umer Ayub Khan took (Forest) and Khurram Khan Leghari
the oath as federal ministers, while (Food).
Muhammad Hammad Azhar,  The S&GAD has also issued a notification
Muhammad Shabbir Ali and Murad assigning departments to the newly
Saeed took the oath as state ministers. appointed 11 ministers. The new
 President Dr Arif Alvi administered the ministers included Pir Saeedul Hassan
oath to the new ministers at the Shah (Augaf and Religious Affairs),
Presidency at a ceremony attended by Mehar Aslam (Cooperatives), Hussain
federal ministers, lawmakers and senior Jahania Gardezi (Management and
government officials. Prime Minister Professional Development), Muhammad
Imran Khan, however, did not attend the Ajmal (Social Welfare and Baltul Mal),
ceremony. Muhammad Ikhlag (Special Education),
 Under Article 92 of the Constitution, `the Ashifa Riaz (Women`s Development),
total strength of the cabinet, including Shaukat Laleka (Zakat and Ushr), Zawar
ministers of state, shallnotexceed11 Hussain Warraich (Prisons), Mian Khalid
percent of the total membership of (Disaster Management), Jahanzeb Khan
Majlis-i-Shoora (parliament).` As the Khichhi (Transport) and Ijaz Masih
total membership of the two houses of (Human Rights and Minority Affairs).
the parliament is 446, therefore, the 6. Three senior bureaucrats transferred;
cabinet size cannot exceed 49, which 10 relieved
means Mr Khan has constituted more  The Punjab government on September
than 50pc of his cabinet with the 11, 2018 changed three most senior
inclusion of four new members. bureaucrats and relieved 10 others to
5. Punjab cabinet gets four advisers, five allow them to join their duties in Sindh
special assistants and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and report to
 The Punjab cabinet swelled to 43 as four the federal government.
advisers and five special assistants were  Additional Chief Secretary Tariq Najeeb
inducted into it. The advisers included Najmi was transferred and posted as
Prime Minister Imran Khan`s private senior member/member
secretary Awn Chaudhry. (revenue)/chief land
 11 new ministers had been added to the commissioner/chief commissioner vice
cabinet in the second phase a couple of retired Capt Saeed Ahmad Nawaz, who
days ago. was directed to report to the S&GAD for
 MPAs Abdul Haye Dasti, Faisal Hayat and further orders.
Muhammad Hanif appointed as advisers  Those who were relieved from duties in
to the chief minister, and they will look Punjab, included Punjab Healthcare
after agriculture, livestock and health Commission Chief Operating Officer
departments, respectively. Muhammad Ajmal Khan, Board of
 The MPAs who have been appointed as Revenue (Member Taxes) Asad Islam
special assistants to the CM were Mahni, Urban Sector Planning and
Management Chief Executive Officer Dr
Nasir Javed, officers on special duty  Russia’s previous military exercise in the
Khaqan Babar and Dr Nasir Iqbal Malik, region, Vostok-2014, was almost half the
Forest Secretary Asadullah Khan, Chief size, with 155,000 soldiers participating.
Economist Nabeel Javed, Transport  The country’s war games in Eastern
Secretary Haroonur Rafique, Primary Europe last year, Zapad-2017, saw
and Secondary Healthcare Secretary Ali 12,700 troops take part, according to
Bahadur Qazi and Higher Education Moscow. Ukraine and the Baltic states
Secretary Khalid Saleem. said the true number was far bigger.
7. Ethiopia-Eritrea land borders reopen 9. Number of hungry people has risen to
after 20 years 820m, says UN report
 Two land border crossings between  There is new evidence signaling that the
Ethiopia and Eritrea were reopened on number of hungry people in the world is
September 11, 2018 for the first time in growing and rose around 820 million in
20 years, crowning a rapid reconciliation 2017, according to the United Nation`s
between the former bitter enemies. `State of Food Security and Nutrition in
 Ethiopia`s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed the World 2018 report` released on
and Eritrea`s President Isaias Afwerki September 11, 2018.
attended ceremonies at the eastern and  The report also highlighted that there
western ends of the border. was limited progress in addressing the
 The eastern border post between Bure multiple forms of malnutrition, ranging
in Ethiopia and Debay Sima in Eritrea, from child stunting to adult obesity,
and the western border post between putting the health of hundreds of
Zalambessa and Serha, were among millions of people at risk.
those closed in 1998 as the neighbouring  With hunger on the rise over the past
Horn of Africa nations cut diplomatic ties three years, returning to levels from a
at the outbreak of a short but bloody decade ago, the report warned that
twoyear frontier fight. more must be done and urgently if UN`S
8. Russia launches biggest-ever war Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of
games hunger eradication is to be achieved by
 Russia launched September 11, 2018 2030.
what it called its largest ever military  The annual UN report found that climate
drills, with hundreds of thousands of variability affecting rainfall patterns and
troops taking part along with Chinese agricultural seasons, and climate
soldiers in a show of force NATO extremes such as droughts and floods
condemned as a rehearsal for “large- are among the key drivers behind the
scale conflict.” rise in hunger, together with conflict and
 The week-long war games dubbed economic slowdowns.
“Vostok-2018”(East-2018) “have kicked 10. Palestinians renew ICC push against
off” in far eastern Russia, the defence Israel despite US pressure
ministry said. Taking part in the drills are  The Palestinians announced a fresh push
around 300,000 soldiers, 36,000 military against Israel at the International
vehicles, 80 ships and 1,000 aircraft, Criminal Court on September 11, 2018, a
helicopters and drones. Some 3,500 day after the United States said it was
Chinese troops will take part in the
games.
closing their Washington mission partly 2. State ministers for revenue, frontier
over the campaign. regions notified
 Saeb Erekat, secretary general of the  Members of the National Assembly
Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), Muhammad Hammad Azhar and Murad
said it had submitted a new complaint Saeed were on September 12, 2018
over an Israeli “war crime” against a awarded portfolios of state ministers for
Palestinian village in the occupied West revenue, and states and frontier regions,
Bank, expected to be demolished by the respectively.
Israeli army in the coming days.  According to a notification issued by the
Cabinet Secretariat, President Arif Alvi
September 13, 2018 on the advice of Prime Minister Imran

Khan allocated the portfolios to the two
1. 12 provincial ministers sworn in MNAs.
 The Punjab governor on September 12,  It also said that MNAs Syed Haider Ali
2018 administered oath to the 12 newly Zaidi and Omar Ayub Khan were notified
inducted provincial ministers at a as federal ministers of maritime affairs
ceremony at Governor`s House. and power division, respectively. Their
 Those who took oath as ministers are: portfolios had already been announced
Pir Syed Saeedul Hassan Shah (Auqaf at the time of their nomination as
and Religious Affairs), Mehar federal ministers a few days back.
Muhammad Aslam (Cooperatives), Syed 3. Pakistan, Uzbekistan to enhance
Husnain Jahania Gardezi (Management defence co-op
and Professional Development),  Pakistan and Uzbekistan have resolved
Muhammad Ajmal (Social Welfare and to explore avenues in the field of joint
Bait-ul-Maal), Muhammad Akhlaq production ventures.
(Special Education), Ashifa Riaz (Women  This was agreed in a meeting held
Development), Shoukat Ali Laleka (Zakat between Federal Minister for Defence
and Ushr), Zawar Hussain Warraich Production Zobaida Jalal and
(Prisons), Mian Khalid Mehmood Ambassador of Uzbekistan Furkat
(Disaster Management), Muhammad Sidikov in Rawalpindi on September 12,
Jahanzaib Khan Khichi (Transpon), ljaz 2018. Additional Secretary, Ministry of
Masih (Human Rights and Minority Defence Production, Maj Gen Ali Amir
Affairs). Awan was also present on the occasion.
 MPA Muhammad Akhter (PP-219) was  Both sides stressed the need for
also inducted in the Punjab cabinet and exploring avenues in the field of joint
is yet to be given a portfolio. production ventures.
 With the new induction, the cabinet has  It was further emphasized that the
swelled to 36 members, besides five existing cordial relations between the
special assistants and four advisors. two countries be translated into active
 The Article 130(6) of the Constitution cooperation in the defence production
says the total strength of the cabinet sector. The Ambassador of Uzbekistan
shall not exceed 15 members or 11 per shared that Pakistan is a resource rich
cent of the total membership of a nation with a vibrant economy and great
provincial assembly, whichever is higher. potential for further growth.
4. UN teams given first access to Russia and Japan should sign a much-
Myanmar`s Rakhine anticipated peace treaty formally ending
 The UN began work on September 12, hostilities from World War II before the
2018 inside Myanmar`s violence-torn end of the year.
northern Rakhine state, the first time its  Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has
agencies have been granted permission been pushing for a way forward in the
to operate there since more than dispute, with the two leaders holding
700,000 Rohingya Muslims fled the area numerous meetings and reportedly
last year. getting as close to solving the row as
 The UN has been waiting for access to they have ever been.
the epicenter of the military`s `clearance  Putin suggested that Russia and Japan
operations` against the Rohingya sign the treaty this year and solve the
minority since June when its refugee and territorial dispute later.
development agencies signed a deal  For the past several years Putin and Abe
with the government. have been discussing ways to solve the
 This first step of the UN`s `confidence- longstanding dispute, including making
building measures` is expected to take the four most southern of the Kuril
two weeks and will cover 23 villages and Islands, which Japan calls the Northern
three additional clusters of hamlets. Territories, a joint economic zone.
5. EU lawmakers move against Hungary 7. Detained Russian ship released by
over rule of law South Africa
 European Union lawmakers voted on  South African police said September 12,
September 12, 2018 to launch action 2018 they had released a Russian-
against the Hungarian government of registered cargo ship which was
Prime Minister Viktor Orban for detained for three weeks on suspicion of
allegedly undermining the bloc`s carrying illegal weapons and explosives
democratic values and rule of law. en route to the Nigerian city of Lagos.
Hungary called the vote fraudulent and  The vessel, named Lada, had reportedly
vowed to challenge it. left Madagascar before stopping at
 The lawmakers voted 448-197in favour Ngqura port outside the eastern city of
of a report recommending the launch of Port Elizabeth, where it was held after a
a so-called Article 7 procedure, which security check on August 19.
could lead to the suspension of 8. Russia deploys most advanced air
Hungary`s European Union voting rights. defences at army drills
 It is the first time in EU history that the  Russia showcased its most sophisticated
European Parliament had initiated and air defence system on September 12,
approved such a motion, which needed 2018, using it to repel a mock attack
a two-thirds majority to pass and was from the sky as part of what it describes
approved by 69.4 per cent of the as its largest-ever military drills.
lawmakers.  The war games involved its state-of-the-
6. Putin suggests long-awaited peace art S-400, Russia’s latest generation
treaty to Japan surface-to-air defence system, which is
 Russian President Vladimir Putin on considered by NATO countries to pose a
September 12, 2018 suggested that threat to their aircraft.
 The exercise on the Telemba military burden continues to rise in spite of
training ground - about 130 kilometres better prevention and earlier diagnosis.
(81 miles) north of the city of Chita in  An estimated 18.1 million new cancer
Siberia - involved over 1,000 troops and cases were predicted worldwide for
over 500 pieces of military equipment. 2018 - with 9.6 million deaths, said a
Russia’s defence ministry hailed the report of the International Agency for
drills as successful. Research on Cancer (IARC). This is up
9. EU parliament approves copyright law from estimated 14.1 million new cancer
in blow to big tech cases and 8.2 million deaths reported in
 The European Parliament on September the agency's last assessment just six
12, 2018 approved a controversial EU years ago.
copyright law that hands more power to  The toll is rising as populations expand
news and record companies against and grow older, and people in
internet giants like Google and developing nations adopt unhealthy,
Facebook. high-risk lifestyles traditionally
 Backing the draft were traditional associated with richer economies. An
media, in urgent search of income at a increased focus on prevention -
time when web users shun newspapers encouraging people to get exercise, quit
and television and advertising revenue is smoking, and eating a healthy diet - led
siphoned away by online platforms. to a drop in certain types of cancer in
 The dramatic vote in the French city of some population groups, the IARC said.
Strasbourg confirmed the European  Yet the overall number of new cases is
Union as Silicon Valley’s most powerful racing ahead of efforts to contain the
critic and follows anti-trust decisions disease. "These new figures highlight
that have cost Google and Apple billions. that much remains to be done to
 Europe is also leading the political address the alarming rise in the cancer
charge on protecting data privacy, and burden globally and that prevention has
just ahead of the copyright vote warned a key role to play," said IARC director
web firms it could hold them responsible Christopher Wild.
for terrorist propaganda. European
lawmakers were sharply divided on the
copyright issue, with both sides September 14, 218
engaging in one of the biggest rounds of 1. Plan to turn heritage buildings into
lobbying that the EU has ever seen. But, parks, museums approved
despite uncertainty ahead of the vote,  The federal government on September
MEPs meeting in Strasbourg ended up 13, 2018 formally announced details of
passing the draft law with 438 votes in its plan for turning Prime Minister
favour, 226 against, and 39 abstentions. House, governor houses and several
10. Cancer to kill 10m in 2018 despite other heritage buildings in use of
better prevention government functionaries into
 Cancer will kill nearly 10 million people museums, parks, educational
this year, experts said September 12, institutions and hotels.
2018, warning the disease's global  Federal Minister for National History
and Literary Division Shafgat Mehmood
said that government spent a total of promotion of local and foreign direct
Rs1.15 billion annu-ally on these investment.
buildings.  Minister for Information Chaudhry
 Mr Mehmood, who also holds the Fawad Hussain confirmed that the
portfolio of education and professional cabinet approved the induction of Sharif
training, said Rs470 million was spent on as the BoI chairperson. He succeeds
PM House, spread over an area of 137 Naeem Zamindar who was appointed by
acres, every year. The government the PML-N government in November
decided to convert it into a state-of-the- 2017 from the private sector and
art university, a committee having Dr resigned in June this year.
Attaur Rahman and Dr Tariq Banuri as  BoIis required to assist local and
members was taking further steps to international investors and helps them
establish the university. build joint ventures in the country.
2. CDA placed under administrative  The new chairman is a well-known global
control of interior ministry expert of economic policy, international
 The federal government has decided to development, economic diplomacy and
place the Capital Development Authority financial markets who worked as the
(CDA) under the administrative control Regional Advisor to the World Bank
of the interior ministry. Group for promoting economic
 The civic body was till now under the cooperation in South and Central Asia
administrative control of the Capital and was involved in the execution of
Administration and Development CASA-1000 and Islamabad-Kabul-
Division (CADD), but the cabinet on Dushanbe Expressway.
September 13, 2018 decided to abolish 4. COAS, UK envoy discuss security
CADD. situation
 The government also decided that  British High Commissioner Thomas Drew
CADD`s functions will be divided among called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
various ministries such as the education General Qamar Javed Bajwa on
department will be placed under the September 13, 2018 here at the General
federal education ministry and the Headquarters (GHQ). During the
health department under the Ministry of meeting matters of mutual interest
National Health Services. including regional security situation
 Placing the CDA under the interior were discussed. The visiting dignitary
ministry is expected to improve service also pledged to keep working for better
delivery as the Islamabad Capital relations between the two countries.
Territory (ICT) administration, police and  Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed
the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad Bajwa on September 13, 2018 visited
are already under this ministry. National University of Sciences and
3. Haroon Sharif appointed BoI chairman Technology (NUST), Islamabad and
 The federal cabinet on September 13, appreciated improvement in its standing
2018 approved the appointment of at the international level ranking.
Haroon Sharif as chairman Board of  The COAS said NUST was a leading
Investment (BoI) a one window facility University in Pakistan, which would have
under the Prime Minister Office for presence in all four provinces after
establishment of Quetta Campus, said a  Mr Bokhari had joined Dawn in April
press release issued here by ISPR. 1983, contributed regular columns for
5. Turkish Legion of Merit awarded to PAF EBR weekly and worked as assistant
chief editor looking af ter editorial pages
 Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, before his retirement in 2003.
Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force 7. Pakistan rejects allegations made in
was awarded the Turkish Legion of Merit India-US joint statement
in recognition of his services for  Taking strong exception to an
promoting defence ties between unwarranted reference against it in the
Pakistan and Turkey. India-US joint statement issued at the
 An impressive ceremony was held at the conclusion of talks between US
Headquarters of Turkish Air Force at Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and
Ankara. On arrival at Headquarters of Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis with
Turkish Air Force, a smartly turned out their Indian counterparts, Pakistan has
contingent of Turkish Air Force rejected the allegations as baseless.
presented him the guard of honor.  `We have conveyed our position to the
 Later the Air Chief called on General US side,` Foreign Office spokesman Dr
Hasan Kucukakyuz, Commander of Mohammad Faisal said at a weekly press
Turkish Air Force. Both the dignitaries briefing here on September 13, 2018.
discussed matters related to  `What is more ironic is that many other
professional interests. thorny issues involving the third country
 During the meeting the Air Chief were avoided in the joint statement by
thanked Turkish government for the the Indian side on the pretext of the
august award and said that two same diplomatic practice,` he said,
countries enjoyed enviable brotherly adding that the Mumbai attacks trial was
ties spread over years. ongoing in an antiterrorism court and
6. Veteran journalist Ashfak Bokhari the judicial process would take its
passes away course.
 Veteran journalist Ashfak Bokhari 8. India, Israel amongst shameful
passed away on September 13, 2018 countries for HR violations: UN
morning in Australia after a long illness.  The United Nations has listed India and
He was 75. Israel, two best allies, among 38
 Former president of the Karachi Press shameful countries, which it said had
Club, Mr Bokhari was suffering from liver carried out reprisals or intimidation
cancer. against people cooperating with it on
 Two months back his son, Sunnil human rights, through killings, torture
Bokhari, who lives in Malbourne, took and arbitrary arrests.
him and his mother to Australia where  Allegations of ill-treatment, surveillance,
he remained under treatment since then criminalisation, and public
for his ailment without any recovery. On stigmatization campaigns targeting
September 13, 2018 at 11am when all victims and human rights defenders
his immediate family members wife, son were also included on the list.
and daughter were at his bedside, he  Authorities repeatedly charged human
passed away. rights activists with terrorism or charged
them for cooperating with foreign  Nearly 1,000 Saudi women have applied
entities or damaging the state’s for co-pilot positions with Flynas in the
reputation or security, it added. past 24 hours, as the ultra-conservative
 “There is a worrying bias in the use of Islamic kingdom relaxes gender
national security arguments and restrictions amid the far-reaching
counter-terrorism strategies by states as liberalisation drive.
an argument for barring access by  `Flynas is keen to empower Saudi
communities and civil society women to play an impodant role in the
organizations to the United Nations,” kingdom`s transformation,` the low-cost
the report said. carrier said on Wednesday in its call for
9. Spain to go ahead with bombs sale to applications.
Saudis
 Spain will go ahead with the
controversial delivery of 400 laser- September 15, 20118
guided bombs to Saudi Arabia, engaged 1. M Qureshi heads to Kabul on first visit
in a bloody conflict in Yemen, today
 The Spanish government had  Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood
announced a week ago that it would Qureshi is set to visit Kabul on
block delivery of the weapons for which September 14, 2018 (today) to meet
longtime ally Riyadh has already paid 9.2 Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and
million euros ($10.7 million). other senior officials during his maiden
 That announcement came after an air trip to any country after assuming his
strike in August on a crowded market in new responsibilities.
part of Yemen held by Houthi rebels that  Mr Qureshi would meet President Ghani
killed 40 children. and other senior Afghan officials during
 Current Spanish Foreign Minister: Josep his daylong visit to Kabul on September
Borrell 14, 2018.
 Current Spanish Defence Minister:  To underscore the importance of the
Margarito Robles trip, he said it would be Mr Qureshi`s
10. Riyadh-based airline to recruit Saudi first visit to Kabul (after becoming
women as co-pilots foreign minister) and it showed that
 Riyadh-based carrier Flynas has Afghanistan was on top of Pakistan`s
announced plans to recruit Saudi foreign policy.
women to work as co-pilots and flight  On Sept 3, Afghan Foreign Minister
attendants for the first time, just months Salahuddin Rabbani had phoned Mr
after the kingdom lifted a decades-long Qureshi to greet him on his appointment
ban on female motorists. as foreign minister. He also extended
 Women are not legally barred from him an invitation to visit Kabul.
working in the aviation sector, but jobs  Marked improvement in relations has
as flight attendants with Saudi carriers been observed since Islamabad and
have largely been held by female foreign Kabul agreed to operationalise the
workers from countries such as the AfghanistanPakistan Action Plan for
Philippines. Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) the new
bilateral ties framework that, according
to the Foreign Office, provided the most  In November 2015, he was appointed GB
comprehensive institutional mechanism governor by former president Mamnoon
to discuss all mutual issues. Hussain on the advice of former Prime
2. Balochistan to take up NFC, CPEC issues Minister Nawaz Sharif.
with centre  After becoming governor Mr Khan had
 The coalition government and the vacated his GB Assembly`s seat which
opposition in Balochistan have decided was later won by his son, Mir Saleem
to take up long-standing issues with Khan, in a by-poll.
Islamabad which include delay in  Ghazanf ar Khan has also served as the
announcement of the 8th National GB`s chief executive from 2004 to 2009
Finance Commission (NFC) award, during the regime of former president
western route of the China-Pakistan retired Gen Pervez Musharraf.
Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other  He contested elections several times
problems facing the province . from his hometown of Karimabad in
 An hours-long joint meeting was held on Hunza and was returned five times as a
September 14, 2018 with Chief Minister member of the GB Assembly.
Jam Kamal Khan Alyani in the chair. 4. Mari Petroleum Company Ltd discovers
 The meeting observed that the previous oil in Balochistan
government had failed in protecting the  Mari Petroleum Company Ltd (MPCL)
interests of the province in CPEC has made the first-ever oil discovery in
projects, including the implementation Chiltan and Moro/Mughal Kot
of western route, setting up of industrial Formations in Balochistan.
zones and other matters. The meeting  The company informed the PSX on
resolved to approach the federal September 14, 2018 that the Ziarat Joint
government to induct the Balochistan`s Venture had made a new oil discovery
point of view while revisiting the process well Bolan East-1 in Ziarat Block, near
of CPEC projects. Terming the CPEC Mach City in Kachhi district of
projects important for of the province`s Balochistan.
development, participants of the  MPCL is the operator with 60 per cent
meeting decided to evolve a joint stance working interest while Pakistan
on the implementation of CPEC projects. Petroleum Ltd (Europe ) holds 40pc
3. Gilgit-Baltistan governor Ghazanfar Ali stake in the joint venture.
resigns  The company further observed in regard
 Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan Mir to the oil discovery that the well was
Ghazanfar Ali Khan resigned from his spud-in on May 22, 2018 and
post on September 14, 2018. successfully drilled down to the depth of
 Mr Khan, who belongs to the Pakistan 1,500 metres, with the objectives to test
Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the hydrocarbon potential of Dunghanj,
tendered his resignation to President Moro/Moghul Kot and Chiltan
Arif Alvi, the president has accepted Mr Formation.
Khan`s resignation. 5. Sindh appoints first non-Muslim AG
 Mr Khan was elected a member of the  The Sindh government has appointed
GB Assembly from Hunza constituency in the country’s first Christian Advocate
the June 8, 2015 election. General (AG).
 Salman Talibuddin was appointed as  The nuclear-armed North`s chief
Advocate General of Sindh on the terms delegate Ri Son Gwon responded in kind,
and conditions as admissible under the calling it a `substantial fruit nourished by
rules with immediate effect, reads the the people of the north and south`.
notification of his appointment.  The two Koreas have sought to pursue
Talibuddin is currently serving as an joint projects in multiple fields since the
Additional Attorney General. April summit between Moon and the
 Previously, former advocate general North`s leader Kim Jong Un in the
Zameer Ghumro resigned from the post Demilitarised Zone that divides the
after remarks by Chief Justice of Pakistan peninsula, even as US ef forts to secure
(CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar. concrete progress towards Pyongyang`s
6. Turkey pledges to support Pakistan on denuclearisation have stalled.
Kashmir at UN  Moon will fly to the North`s capital on
 Turkey has assured Pakistan of complete Tuesday to meet with Kim as he seeks to
support in its quest for a peaceful rekindle the process.
solution to the long-standing issue of 8. Palestinian mission shuttered in
Jammu and Kashmir. Washington
 Ìn the group, which has been formed  The Palestinian diplomatic mission in
over Kashmir in the UN, we will stand Washington ceased operations on
with Pakistan and try to make [its September 14, 2018 following a demand
efforts] successful,` the visiting Turkish by the United States to shut down but
Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told expressed hope the closure would be
a press conference he jointly addressed short-lived.
with his Pakistani counterpart Shah  State Department officials ordered the
Mehmood Qureshi after a formal round office shuttered, in a bid to pressure the
of talks between the two sides on Palestinians to enter peace talks with
September 14, 2018. Israel.
 He said it was Turkey`s desire that the  It was the latest point of tension
Kashmir dispute involving India and between the administration of President
Pakistan was resolved in a peaceful Donald Trump and the Palestinians, who
manner. cut off contact with Washington after
7. Koreas open joint liaison office in North Trump recognised the disputed city of
 North and South Korea opened a joint Jerusalem as Israel`s capital in
liaison office in the Northern city of December.
Kaesong on September 14, 2018 as they 9. Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh opens Asia Cup
knit closer ties ahead of President Moon September 15, 2018 (today)
Jae-in`s visit to Pyongyang next week.  Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, who will
 À new chapter in history is open here kick off the latest edition of the Asia Cup,
today,` South Korean unification are grappling with injuries ahead of their
minister Cho Myoung-gyon told a game on September 15, 2018 (today).
ceremony, calling the office ànother  For Bangladesh, talismanic all-rounder
symbol of peace jointly created by the Shakib Al Hasan needs a surgery on his
South and the North`. left little finger, but has pushed it back
till after the Asia Cup; Tamim Iqbal, the
senior opener, has a swollen right ring  The foreign minister during his visit met
finger; Nazmul Hossain, the off-spinner, Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf
also has an injury in his bowling hand. Ghani and Chief Executive Dr Abdullah
 On to Sri Lanka now, and Danushka Abdullah and held delegation-level talks
Gunathilaka has returned home even with his Afghan counterpart Salahuddin
before the start of the tournament with Rabbani.
a lower back problem, and has been  Mr Qureshi conveyed to the Afghan
replaced by Shehan Jayasuriya, the off- leadership that the new government in
spinning all-rounder. Before the Islamabad attached importance to its
Gunathilaka-Jayasuriya swap came the relations with Afghanistan and would
news that Dinesh Chandimal is out with work towards further deepening
a finger injury – Niroshan Dickwella, the cooperation in the fields of trade,
wicket-keeper batsman, has since development and connectivity.
replaced him.  The visit provided an opportunity to set
10. Youssef, Rowan lift Int’l Squash men, out the contours of the new
women titles government`s future engagement with
 Egyptian Youssef Soliman crowned Afghanistan to build mutually beneficial
$30,000 Serena Hotels Chief of the Air relationship and enhance cooperation
Staff (CAS) International Squash for Men between the two countries.
2018 champion as he stunned top seed 2. Punjab Governor House opens for
Hong Kong’s Leo Au 3-2 in the final here families
at Mushaf Squash Complex on  The governor houses in Lahore and
September 14, 2018 Murree will be open for public on
 World junior squash champion and top September 16, 2018 (today).
seed Egyptian Rowan Elarby, 18, won  Initially, the Governor Houses are being
the $10,000 International Squash opened for families from 10am to 6pm.
Tournament for Women after thrashing  Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, his
compatriot Nada Abbas 3-0 in the final wife Parveen Sarwar and MNA Sadaqat
played here at Mushaf Squash Complex Abbasi will welcome the visiting families
on September 14, 2018 in Murree, while Punjab ministers and
MPAs will greet people in Lahore.
September 16, 2018  In Lahore, the families will be allowed

entry to the Governor House from its
1. Pakistan ready to train Afghan law Anarkali gate on Kashmir Road. At least
enforcers: FM the head of a family will be required to
 Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood display his identity card for security
Qureshi in his maiden visit to Kabul reasons.
underscored the need for enhanced  The families will be allowed to visit the
coordination between the two countries zoo, lake and other areas of the
in counterterrorism efforts with an offer Governor House except the main
to train personnel of Afghan police and building housing offices. The visitors will
other law enforcement agencies at be allowed to park their vehicles inside
Pakistani institutions. the premises.
3. Taliban ex-commander shot dead in average years of schooling 5.2 years and
Bannu gross national income per capita $5,311.
 Unknown armed men gunned down a  Oil-rich Norway, Switzerland, Australia,
former Taliban commander and escaped Ireland and Germany led the ranking,
the scene here on September 15, 2018, while Niger, the Central African
police said. Republic, South Sudan, Chad and
 According to details, unidentified Burundi have the lowest scores in the
miscreants opened indiscriminate fire HDI's measurement of national
on former Taliban commander Gul achievements in health, education and
Muhammad alias Qari Saifullah in Bannu income.
Township killing him on the spot. The 5. Turkey-Russia discord over Idlib defers
attackers fled the scene after regime offensive, for now
committing the murder and the body  Disagreement between Turkey and
was shifted to hospital for postmortem. Russia over how to tackle the Syrian
The police after registering a case rebel stronghold of Idlib seems to have
against unknown assailants have started deferred a looming regime offensive on
an investigation the province.
4. Pakistan ranked 150th in UN's Human  Russia and Turkey are on opposite sides
Development Index of the conflict, but key global allies.
 Pakistan was placed at 150 among 189  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
countries in UN's 2018 Human met Russian and Iranian leaders Vladimir
Development Index’s (HDI) annual Putin and Hassan Rouhani in Tehran on
ranking that is measured by combining September 7 to discuss Syria, just as a
indicators of life expectancy, major assault by Russia-backed regime
educational attainment and income. forces on Idlib appeared imminent.
 The HDI forms part of the Human  But discord at the summit between
Development Report (HDR) 2018, a Erdogan and Putin, in a rare scene
flagship study produced annually by the captured on camera, may have
United Nations Development prompted Russia to postpone the Idlib
Programme (UNDP), which was released strike so as not to provoke Ankara, which
September 14, 2018. is fiercely opposed to a military option.
 The report is 28th in a series which  Turkey, which backs rebels fighting
began in 1990. The first UNDP Human against President Bashar al-Assad's
Development Report (HDR) was regime, co-sponsors - with regime allies
prepared and launched under the Russia and Iran - the so-called Astana
leadership of the late Dr. Mahbubul Haq, talks launched in January 2017 in the
a former Pakistan finance minister. quest for a lasting ceasefire.
 In other South Asian countries, India 6. Nigeria's finance minister resigns over
ranked at 130 on the index; Bangladesh: forgery
136; Sri Lanka: 76; Maldives: 101; Nepal:  Nigeria's finance minister Kemi Adeosun
149, and Bhutan 130. resigned in a letter to President
 During the period, Pakistan's HDI value Muhammad Buhari September 15, 2018
was 0.562; life expectancy 66.6 years; over the alleged forgery of a document
exempting her from compulsory with airborne instruments in Nasa`s
national service. Operation IceBridge.
 Adeosun, 51, said she was quitting to 8. Karachi to host next year`s PSL final on
protect the integrity of the government. March 17
 "I have, today, become privy to the  Karachi will host next year`s final of the
findings of the investigation into the Pakistan Super League on March 17, the
allegation made in an online medium Governing Council of the PSL decided at
that the Certificate of Exemption from a meeting held at the National Cricket
National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) that Academy (NCA).
I had presented was not genuine," the  It was also decided that PSL 2019 will
embattled minister said in her letter. start on Feb 14, 2019 in the UAE and will
 "This has come as a shock to me and I move to Pakistan for the last eight
believe that in line with this matches of the tournament, with the
administration's focus on integrity, I final taking place in Karachi on March 17.
must do the honourable thing and  Karachi also hosted this year`s PSL final
resign," said Adeosun, appointed by held in March while Lahore had hosted
Buhari in 2015. the final of the second edition in 2016.
 Adeosun is credited with helping Nigeria 9. Mushfiqur helps Bangladesh thump Sri
out of recession, plugging leakages in Lanka
finances, and shoring up foreign  Senior batsman Mushfiqur Rahim
reserves. smashed a brilliant career-best hundred
7. Nasa satellite launched to measure to steer Bangladesh to an emphatic 137-
Earth`s ice changes run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening
 A Nasa satellite designed to precisely Asia Cup match in Dubai on September
measure changes in Earth`s ice sheets, 15, 2018.
glaciers, sea ice and vegetation was  The former captain`s 150-ball 144 with
launched into polar orbit from California 11 fours and four sixes lifted Bangladesh
early on September 15, 2018. from a precarious 1-2 in the first over to
 A Delta 2 rocket carrying ICESat-2 lifted 261 after they won the toss and batted
off from Vandenberg Air Force Base at in the Group B match.
6:02am and headed over the Pacific  Sri Lanka, who have won five Asia Cup
Ocean. titles, had lost half of their side for 60 in
 The mission in particular will advance the 17th over before being bowled out
knowledge of how the ice sheets of for 124 in 35.2 overs, succumbing to
Greenland and Antarctica contribute to their second-worst defeat against
sea level rise. Bangladesh in 45 one-day internationals.
 The melt from those ice sheets alone has  Sri Lanka`s worst defeat against
raised global sea level by more than 1 Bangladesh was a 163 run loss at Dhaka
millimetre (0.04 inch) a year recently, earlier this year.
according to Nasa. 10. Football: Maldives beat India 2-1 to
 The mission is a successor to the original clinch SAFF Cup title
Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite  Maldives were crowned as the
that operated from 2003 to 2009. champions of South Asia after they beat
Measurements continued since then India 2-1 in the SAFF Cup final at the
Bangabandhu National Stadium on 2. Governor House draws large crowd on
September 15, 2018. opening day
 Ibrahim Mahudhee Hussain and Ali Fasir  A large number of families from Lahore
scored for the Red Snappers who and its outskirts thronged the Governor
clinched their second SAFF title after House on September 16, 2018 as the
previously winning it in 2008 Substitute government opened the building to the
Sumeet Passi`s injury time strike to make public.
it 2-1 for India proved nothing more than  The public was allowed entry from the
a consolation for Stephen Constantine`s gate on Kashmir Road after checking the
U-23 side. national identity card of the head of the
 Both sides started with the same line- family.
ups which featured in the respective  Provincial ministers Mian Mehmood ur
semi-finals with Lallianzuala Chhangte Rasheed, Mian Aslam Iqbal and Fayyazul
remaining the only exception after he Hassan Chohan received people there.
was suspended following a red card in The public is allowed to visit the zoo,
the 3-1 win against Pakistan. lake and other areas except the main
building housing offices.
September 17, 2018  The ministers spent time with people,

who also took selfies with the officials.
1. COAS Bajwa starts three-day China visit  Governor House employees were
 Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed present to serve and guide the people.
Bajwa arrived in Beijing on September 3. President Alvi`s maiden address to
16, 2018 on a three-day official visit. parliament today (September 17, 2018)
 During his stay in China, the Army Chief  President Dr Arif Alvi will make his
would interact with Chinese leaders, maiden address to a joint sitting of
including his counterpart. parliament on September 17, 2018
 Last week, the Chinese ambassador to (today).
Pakistan had called on the army chief to  The government had earlier convened
discuss matters of mutual interest and the joint sitting on Sept 13 and regular
regional security, following a sessions of the National Assembly
controversial report in a London-based andthe Senate on
newspaper quoting Adviser to PM Abdul Sept14,butcancelledita day before at the
Razzak Dawood seeking one year halt to PML-N`s request and to avoid possible
the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor criticism of the move as it was coinciding
(CPEC) projects to review its with the funeral of former first lady
ramifications for Pakistani industrialists. Begum Kulsoom Nawaz.
 The ambassador had appreciated the  The regular sessions of both the houses
conduct of the successful visit of Chinese of parliament will now be held
Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Islamabad separately on September 18, 2018 in
and support for CPEC in Pakistan. which Finance Minister Asad Umar is
 The army chief during the meeting had expected to present the mini-budget for
reiterated that security for CPEC would the remaining 10 months of the current
never be compromised financial year.
 Under Article 56(3) of the Constitution, reached between the two nations in
the president is required to address a July.
joint sitting of parliament at the  The peace deal resulted in restoration of
beginning of the parliamentary year. It normal relations between the countries,
states: Àt the commencement of the on the basis of the close bonds of
first session after each general election geography, history and culture between
to the National Assembly and at the the two nations and their peoples.
commencement of the first session of  The kingdom of Saudi Arabia praised the
each year, the President shall address leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea for
both Houses assembled together. exercising leadership and courage to
 Dr Arif Alvi was elected 13th president of restore the brotherly relations between
the country on Sept 4 the two countries, thus forming the
4. 36.6MW power project completed in foundation for a new phase that will
Swat bring significant developments in the
 The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government relations between the two nations in all
has claimed to have achieved another fields.
target in the energy sector by 6. Bhutan`s PM defeated in first round of
successfully completing Daral Khwar polls
hydropower project having generation  Bhutan`s prime minister conceded
capacity of 36.6MW. The power project defeat on September 16, 2018, after the
has been completed by the province on ruling party was knocked out in the first
its own. round of the small Himalayan nation`s
 Daral Khwar hydropower project had third-ever election.
been connected to national grid after  Harvard educated Tshering Tobgay was
starting of power generation. seeking a second term in the poll but fell
 The power project will earn Rs1.2 billion short of two rival parties, who will
annually for the provincial exchequer. contest a runoff on Oct 18.
5. Leaders of Ethiopia, Eritrea sign accord  Election officials said Druk Phuensum
in Saudi Arabia Tshogpa (DPT), which won Bhutan`s
 Leaders from Ethiopia and Eritrea signed first-ever election when the kingdom
a `peace agreement` on September 16, transitioned to democracyin2008,
2018 during a summit in Saudi Arabia, attracted nearly 93,000 votes, narrowly
yet another sign of warming ties beating Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa (DNT).
between two nations that have face  More than 291,000 people cast their
decades of war and unease. vote in Saturday`s poll for a 66 per cent
 Terms of the agreement signed by turnout of registered voters, said an
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed election official.
and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki 7. UN`s Yemen envoy arrives in Sanaa; 32
weren`t immediately clear. Saudi rebels killed in Hodeida
authorities did not respond to specific  Fresh clashes and air strikes have killed
questions about the accord, which 32 rebels around Yemen`s Red Sea city
earlier had been described as being a of Hodeida, hospital sources said on
further endorsement of a historic deal September 16, 2018, as the UN envoy
kept up peace efforts in Sanaa.
 A military source said the Saudi led  Egypt says archaeologists have
coalition fighting alongside the Yemeni discovered a statue of a lion`s body and
government against Shia Houthi rebels a human head in the southern city of
carried out an air raid on a radio station Aswan.
tower in the port city of Hodeida.  The Antiquities Ministry said on
 Three people died in September 16, September 16, 2018 the sphinx made of
2018`s raid, he said, while Houthi-run Al- sandstone was found in the Temple of
Masirah television said four people were Kom Ombo during work to protect the
killed three security guards and a station site from groundwater.
employee.  The Ptolemaic Dynasty ruled Egypt for
 A total of 32 insurgents have been killed some 300 years from around 320 BC to
and 14 otherswounded in clashes and air about 30 BC.
strikes since Saturday. 10. Pakistan open campaign with crushing
8. Earth's next door neighbour could be victory over Hong Kong
home to water  Former champions Pakistan thrashed an
 A nearby exoplanet orbiting within the inexperienced Hong Kong side by eight
habitable zone of a star just 4.2 light- wickets in a one-sided match to open
years from Earth may be home to a vast their Asia Cup campaign in style on
ocean, boosting its chances of September 16, 2018.
supporting life.  Pakistan`s bowling attack was too hot to
 Since its discovery, questions about the handle for Hong Kong at the Dubai
conditions at the surface of Proximab International Cricket Stadium as the left-
have been swirling; the planet’s mass is arm speedster Usman Khan Shinwari
just about 1.3 times that of Earth’s, and finished with 3-19 and Hasan All took 2-
the red dwarf star it circles is similar in 19, while leg-spinner Shadab Khan
age to our sun. Studies over the last few manage d 2-31 to bowl Hong Kong out
years, however, have both bolstered for 116 in 37.1 overs.
hopes of its habitability and shot them  Pakistan then completed the chase
down. comfortably for the loss of opener
 Now, a new study has once again raised Fakhar Zaman (24) and Babar Azam (33),
the possibility that Proxima b could while Imam-ul-Haq finished on 50 not
support life, suggesting that under the out after just 23.4 overs.
right conditions, the exoplanet could  It proved another cakewalk for Pakistan,
sustain liquid water. like their two previous victories against
 ‘The major message from our Hong Kong, by 173 runs in the 2004 Asia
simulations is that there’s a decent Cup in Colombo and by 155 in Karachi
chance that the planet would be four years later.
habitable,’ Anthony Del Genio, a
planetary scientist at the NASA Goddard
Institute for Space Studies, told September 18, 2018
LiveScience. 1. Pakistan, UK agree to cooperate on
9. Archaeologists discover ancient sphinx return of looted wealth
in Egypt  The governments of Pakistan and the
United Kingdom have agreed for
cooperation in the fields of justice and  Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark
accountability under which efforts on a two day visit to Saudi Arabia on
would be made for repatriation of illicit September 18, 2018 (today) on the
finances and recovery of stolen assets, invitation of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz
besides putting a check on money- and Crown Prince Mohammad bin
laundering. The UK government has also Salman.
expressed willingness to revive the  It will be the first visit of Mr Khan to a
treaty for extradition of prisoners. foreign country after taking charge of
 Federal Minister for Law and Justice Dr the office of Prime Minister.
Farogh Naseem announced this during a  He will be accompanied by Foreign
joint press conference with British Home Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi,
Secretary Sajid Javid at the PM Office on Finance Minister Asad Umar and Adviser
September 17, 2018. to the Prime Minister on Commerce
 The declaration titled ÙK-Pakistan Abdul Razzak Dawood.
Justice and Accountability Partnership`  Prime Minister Khan will call on King
would track corruption. Both sides also Salman and hold a bilateral meeting with
deliberated on formation of a joint fund the crown prince. The Saudi king will
on civil recovery of stolen assets, and host a state banquet for the prime
appointment of a prosecution service at minister at the Royal Court.
the British High Commission. Accompanying ministers will meet their
 It was agreed to ensure capacity- counterparts and discuss bilateral
building of Pakistani law enforcement cooperation.
officials with the UK`s assistance.  During the visit, Organisation of Islamic
 UK would ensure that no person could Cooperation (OIC) secretary general Dr
escape accountability Yousef bin Ahmad Al Othaimeen will also
2. President Alvi sheds light on govt call on the prime minister.
agenda in first speech  Mr Khan will perform Umra and will also
 In his first mandatory address to a joint pay a visit to Madina.
session of parliament amid a boycott by  Later, Prime Minister Khan along with
most opposition parties, President Dr his delegation will reach Abu Dhabi on
Arif Alvi expressed his satisfaction over the evening of Sept 19 where they will
the continuation of democratic process be received by Mohammed bin Zayed Al
in the country. Nahyan, Crown Prince of the UAE. The
 The new president delivered his nearly PM is visiting the UAE on the invitation
30-minute speech in Urdu in a trouble- of the crown prince.
free atmosphere after members of the 4. Bajwa discusses security, CPEC with
main opposition party Pakistan Muslim Chinese army chief
LeagueNawaz boycotted the sitting and  Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen
staged a walkout from the house when Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the
NA Speaker Asad Qaiser refused to give headquarters of People`s Liberation
the floor to firebrand PML-N MNA from Army (PLA) and met PLA chief Gen Han
Sialkot Khawaja Asif. Weiguo in Beijing on September 17,
3. Prime Minister leaves for Saudi Arabia 2018.
today (September 18, 2018)
 Both commanders discussed regional presence in Pakistan since 1971. Its
security environment, security of China- subsidiary, Norinco Auxin, is engaged in
Pakistan Economic Corridor and bilateral manufacturing and global mining
cooperation. services. Norinco is also a partner of
 He PLA chief appreciated and China Railways in its execution of the
acknowledged high professional entire electrical and mechanical works
standing of Pakistan Army displayed of the Lahore Orange Line metro train
while combating terrorism. project. The PBIT CEO Jahanzeb Burana,
 He also appreciated the high degree of Norinco Auxin`s Won John and
security being provided to CPEC by Faisalabad Industrial Estate
Pakistan Army. The Chinese expressed Management Company`s (FIEDMC) chief
his keen desire to benefit from Pakistan operating officer Aamer Saleemi signed
Army`s combat experience and also the MoU.
expand bilateral cooperation.  Under the MoU, the PBIT and FIEDMC
5. Ali Muhammad Khan sworn in as state will also help Norinco Auxin acquire
minister more than 50 acres of land close to the
 President Arif Alvi on September 17, existing industrial hub.
2018 administered the oath to Ali 7. Japan conducts first submarine drill in
Muhammad Khan as minister of state. South China Sea
 The induction of Mr Khan into the  Japan has carried out its first submarine
cabinet takes its strength to 28. drill in the South China Sea, 2018, a
 Last week, six ministers were inducted move that could provoke Beijing which
into the federal cabinet. claims most of the disputed waters.
 Out of the total 28 members of the  The anti-submarine drill was conducted
present cabinet, eight belong to on September 13, 2018 in the region to
coalition parties. Under Article 92 of the ìmprove strategic tech-niques`, Japan`s
Constitution, the total strength of the defence ministry said in a short
cabinet — including state ministers — statement.
could not exceed 11 per cent of the total  China claims most of the resource rich
members of parliament. The total South China Sea, through which $5
membership of both the lower and trillion in shipping trade passes annually,
upper houses is 446 and the cabinet size despite competing claims from Brunei,
cannot exceed 49 members Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and
6. Punjab signs $20m MoU with Chinese Vietnam.
firm  Tensions have been high over the
 The Punjab Board of Investment and Scarborough Shoal since Beijing seized it
Trade (PBIT) signed a $20 million from Manila in 2012.
memorandum of understanding (MoU) 8. US, Russia clash at UN over N Korea
on September 17, 2018 with Norinco sanctions
Group, for the establishment of state-of-  The United States on September 17,
the-art manufacturing unit near 2018 accused Russia of "cheating" on UN
Faisalabad Industrial Estate. sanctions against North Korea with plans
 Norinco is a Fortune 500 company for a railway project, oil transfers and
owned by the Chinese government with
ongoing business dealings with taken its first loan, an $11bn borrowing
Pyongyang. from global banks as it tries to expand its
 Russia shot back and charged that investments.
Washington was blocking steps to foster  The Saudi Public Investment Fund said it
cooperation between North and South would invest the over $1bn in Newark,
Korea and using a UN sanctions California-based Lucid Motors.
committee "as a select channel to 10. Afghanistan knock Lanka out of Asia
punish" North Korea. Cup after upset win
 US Ambassador Nikki Haley told a  Afghanistan continued their rise in
Security Council meeting that the United international cricket with an upset 91-
States has evidence of "consistent and run win over Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on
wide-ranging Russian violations" of the September 17, 2018, knocking the
tough economic penalties imposed on former champions out of the Asia Cup.
North Korea.  Sri Lanka needed to win the Group B
 Sanctions "cannot be an end in itself," match to stay in the tournament, but
Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia were outwitted by smart batting from
responded. "You should, instead of Afghanistan who put up a fighting total
creating roadblocks, promote the inter- of 249 all out at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
Korean cooperation and dialogue," he  The fighters then laid into Sri Lankan
told Haley. batting as spinner Rashid Khan (2-26),
 The raucous meeting highlighted Mohammad Nabi (2-30) and Mujeebur
divisions between the United States, Rahman (2-32) bowled out the five-time
which is pushing for sanctions to be fully former winners for 158 in 41.2 overs.
enforced on North Korea, and Russia,  This was Afghanistan`s first-ever victory
which argues that incentives must be against Sri Lanka in three one-day
offered to Pyongyang to move forward. internationals after losing in the 2014
 Led by the United States, the council last Asia Cup and World Cup a year later.
year adopted three sets of wide-ranging  Sri Lanka, who now have lost 30 of their
sanctions aimed at cutting off revenue 40 matches since January last year, had
to North Korea's ballistic missile and lost to Bangladesh by 137 runs in Dubai
nuclear programs. Haley said Russia had on September 15, 2018.
been "cheating" despite supporting UN
September 19, 2018

sanctions resolutions.
9. Saudi sovereign fund invests $1bn in US
electric car firm 1. Mini-budget hikes taxes, cuts uplift
 Saudi Arabia`s sovereign wealth fund spending
invested over $1 billion September 17,  Partially reversing income tax
2018 in an American electric car relaxations and reducing the
manufacturer just weeks after Tesla CEO development budget, the government
Elon Musk earlier claimed the kingdom announced a supplementary budget on
would help his own firm go private. September 18, 2018 with a total fiscal
 Tesla stock dropped September 17, 2018 adjustment equal to 2.1 per cent of GDP
on reaction to the news, the same day (roughly Rs805 billion), including
that the Saudi fund announced it had Rs183bn worth of revenue measures.
 Finance Minister Asad Umar delivered Minister Fawad Chaudhry and Adviser
his inaugural budget speech for the on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood.
government in an unusually calm  Upon arrival at Prince Mohammed bin
environment a rare opportunity as the Abdulaziz International Airport, Prime
opposition PPP and PML-N listened to Minister Khan was received by Prince
him in silence. Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz,
 The minister reciprocated by conceding Governor of Madina and Pakistan`s
that the economic crisis was 15-30 years Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Khan
in the making and not the specific fault Hisham bin Siddique along with other
of any one political party. A key reversal officials.
on the revenue side was elimination of  In Madina, the prime minister and his
the restriction on non-tax filers on delegation visited Masjid-i-Nabawi
purchase of real estate and automobiles. where the doors of Prophet
In the last budget of the PML-N Muhammad`s (peace be upon him) final
government, a ban had been imposed resting place were opened for them.
on nonfilers of tax returns to pur-chase  The delegation offered Maghreb prayers
new cars and property. The car at Riyadhul Jannah.
manufacturers and real estate 3. Iron Brothers vow to tackle common
developers were up in arms against the security challenges
decision that had plummeted car and  Military leaders of Iron Brothers –
property sales by up to 50pc. Pakistan and China – on September 18,
 The finance minister claimed that the 2018 resolved to strengthen bilateral
ban was being removed because it was cooperation to tackle common security
interfering in the ability of overseas challenges.
Pakistanis to do business and invest in  This decision was taken in meeting
Pakistan. between Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
 Excise duty on cars of 1800cc and above General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Vice
doubled Chairman of the Central Military
 Ban on car, property purchases by non- Commission (CMC) General Zhang
filers withdrawn Youxia.
 Banking transaction of non-filers to be  According to the statement, Gen Zhang
taxed at 0.6pc Youxia said that China greatly values its
 Regulatory duties on additional 312 time-tested relations with Pakistan and
items its Army and added that China looks
 CPEC spending protected forward to further expanding this
2. PM Imran reaches Saudi Arabia amid cooperation.
reports Pakistan may seek aid  Gen Youxia said that development of
 Prime Minister Imran Khan reached CPEC is aimed at bringing more benefits
Saudi Arabia on his first foreign visit after and prosperity to the people of both
assuming office. countries.
 He is accompanied by Foreign Minister  The generals also discussed areas of
Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Finance further bilateral military cooperation in
Minister Asad Umar, Information the field of counter-terrorism, arms and
equipment technology, and training.
 General Bajwa thanked Vice Chairman  Russian President Vladimir Putin said it
for the Chinese support and was the result of `tragic accidental
cooperation. Ambassador of Pakistan in circumstances`.
China was also present during the 6. Trade war heats up as China imposes
meeting. tit-for-tat tariffs on US imports
4. US considering permanent military  The US-China trade war escalated
presence in Poland: Trump further on September 18, 2018, with
 President Donald Trump said on China announcing retaliatory tax
September 18, 2018 the United States is increases on $60 billion worth of US
considering a request from Poland for a imports, including coffee, honey and
permanent US military presence in the industrial chemicals.
fellow NATO country.  The increases are in response to the US
 Poland has repeatedly requested a announcing it will impose tariffs on $200
permanent US military presence on its billion worth of Chinese-made goods
soil amid fears of Russian aggression, starting next week. The tariffs will start
offering up to $2 billion in funding for at 10 per cent, then rise to 25pc on Jan
such a base. US soldiers are now present 1.
on its soil through NATO`s back-to-back  China`s Finance Ministry said its tariff
rotation. increases are aimed at curbing `trade
 Russia expressed concern in May over friction` and the ùnilateralism and
reports about Poland`s request, saying protectionism of the United States.`
Nato`s expansion towards Russia`s There was no word on whether China
borders undermined stability in Europe. would back out of trade talks it said it
 Poland joined Nato in 1999 along with was invited to by the US, but a Chinese
Hungary and the Czech Republic, and Commerce Ministry statement said the
since then other former communist US increase `brings new uncertainty to
states, including Baltic republics the consultations.
bordering Russia, have joined despite  The two countries have already imposed
Moscow`s strong opposition. import taxes on $50 billion worth of
5. Friendly fire downs Russian plane in each other`s goods. President Donald
Syria; 15 killed Trump threatened to add an additional
 Syria accidentally shot down a Russian $267 billion in Chinese imports to the
military aircraft, killing all 15 crew target list if China retaliated for the
members, when its air defence system latest US taxes. That would raise the
swung into action against an Israeli total affected by US penalties to $517
missile strike, Russian and Israeli forces billion, covering nearly everything China
said on September 18, 2018. sells to the United States.
 The incident late on September 17, 2018 7. Koreas hold another summit in
was the most deadly known case of Pyongyang
friendly fire between Syria and its key  South Korea`s president and the North`s
backer Russia since Moscow`s game- leader Kim Jong Un drove together
changing 2015 military intervention in through the streets of Pyongyang on
the war-torn country. September 18, 2018 past thousands of
cheering citizens before opening a
summit where Moon Jae-in will seek to winning the coveted best drama series
reboot stalled denuclearization talks prize on a night full of surprises,
between his hosts and the United States. including an on-air marriage proposal
 Kim and Moon embraced at that stunned the audience.
Pyongyang`s international airport where  The other big story of the Hollywood
the North Korean leader had supervised gala, television`s answer to the Oscars,
missile launches last year as tensions was the huge success of The Marvelous
mounted. Mrs Maisel, Amazon`s story of a 1950s
 The North`s unique brand of housewife-turned-stand up comic,
choreographed mass adulation was on which took home eight Emmys overall,
full display as hundreds of people waved including the best comedy award.
North Korean flags and another  The Handmaid`s Tale last year`s best
depicting an undivided peninsula while drama and an early favourite for more
the South`s own emblem was only hardware in 2018 went home empty-
visible on Moon`s Boeing 747 aircraft. handed from the star-studded event at
8. Japan fashion guru Maezawa lands first the Microsoft Theater, af ter winning
SpaceX moon flight three minor awards handed out a week
 SpaceX, Elon Musk`s space ago.
transportation company named its first  The ceremony hosted by Saturday Night
private passenger on a voyage around Live regulars Colin Jost and Michael Che
the moon as Japanese billionaire Yusaku took on a decidedly political hue at the
Maezawa, the founder and chief start, with a barrage of edgy jokes on
executive of online fashion retailer Zozo. hot-button issues from diversity in
 A former drummer in a punk band, Hollywood to #MeToo and Donald
Maezawa is tentatively planning to make Trump.
his moon flight in 2023 aboard SpaceX`s 10. India survive scare before beating Hong
forthcoming Big Falcon Rocket Kong
spaceship, taking the race to  India booked their place in the Super
commercialise space travel to new Four round of the Asia Cup on
heights. September 18, 2018 after sealing a 26-
 Only 24 astronauts have flown beyond run win over Hong Kong in what was a
Earth`s protective magnetic shield, in dress rehearsal for the big clash against
missions spanning a four year period Pakistan.
from December 1968 to December  With all eyes firmly focused on
1972. Maezawa`s identity was revealed September 19, 2018`s last Group A
at an event on Monday evening at the fixture between the two giants at the
company`s headquarters and rocket Dubai International Cricket Stadium,
factory in the Los Angeles suburb of Shilchar Dhawan scored a punishing
Hawthorne. hundred and the recalled Ambati
9. Game of Thrones takes top prize at Rayudu notched a fine half century to
surprising Emmys steer India to 285-7 af ter Hong Kong
 HBO`s record-breaking fantasy epic chose to field.
Game of Thrones stormed back onto the  Hong Kong then made a good feast of
Emmys stage early September 18, 2018, their reply with a record partnership for
any wicket as captain Anshuman Rath  President Xi said that Pakistan was
(73) and Nizakat Khan, who top scored China`s time-tested iron friend and
with a 115 ball 92 (12 fours and one six), Pakistan Army had a pivotal role towards
put on 174 for the first wicket. that lasting relationship, according to
 But once Rath fell at the start of the 35th the Inter-Services Public Relations.
over, India regrouped to take full control  The Chinese leader appreciated
as Hong Kong lost eight wickets in the professionalism of Pakistan`s armed
space of 85 runs. Young left arm forces and acknowledged their role
paceman Khaleel Ahmed grabbed 3-48 towards regional peace and stability. He
in a promising international debut. said China would continue to support
Pakistan as a strategic partner.
September 20, 2018  He said that those who opposed Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI) or China Pakistan
1. Pakistan, Saudi Arabia pledge to defeat Economic Corridor (CPEC) would never
terrorism succeed as this was an initiative of peace
 Reaffirming their intention to stand by and development not only for China, but
each other at all times, Pakistan and for the region and beyond.
Saudi Arabia have pledged to continue  Gen Bajwa thanked President Xi for his
their decades-old partnership to defeat invitation. He also thanked him for
the scourge of extremism and terrorism. acknowledging professionalism and
 The two countries reiterated the pledge contributions of Pakistan Army towards
during Prime Minister Imran Khan`s regional peace and stability.
meetings with Saudi leadership in 3. Islamabad part of solution in
Jeddah on September 19, 2018. Afghanistan: US
 The PM called on Saudi King Salman bin  Pakistan has to be a part of a solution in
Abdul Aziz and Crown Prince Afghanistan, says a Pentagon report,
Mohammad bin Salman and extended summarising the US military chief`s
an invitation to the Saudi leadership to recent visits to friendly nations,
visit Pakistan at an early date. The offer including Pakistan.
was graciously accepted, in principle, by  The report, released this week, says that
the Saudi leadership. the main purpose of Gen Joseph
 Acknowledging each other`s efforts and Dunford`s visit to these nations was to
sacrifices, the two sides agreed on the `maintaining and building alliances`.
need to promote peace and security to  Gen Dunford, the chairman of the US
ensure progress, development and Joint Chiefs of Staff, also reached out to
prosperity. `prospective partners to encourage
2. Bajwa, Xi discuss regional security cooperation and interoperability.
environment  The report says that the chairman visited
 Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Islamabad early this month because
Bajwa on September 19, 2018 called on `Pakistan is key to the `South Asia
Chinese President Xi Jinping on a special Strategy` that President Donald Trump
invitation and both discussed regional espoused in August 2017.
security environment, challenges and  Pakistan has to be a part of a solution in
the way forward. Afghanistan.
 The report notes that Gen Dunford simply saying the word `Talag` three
joined US Secretary of State Mike times.
Pompeo to meet Pakistan`s new Prime  September 19`s move comes months
Minister Imran Khan, Foreign Minister ahead of general elections next year at
Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Chief of the which Modi`s Bharatiya Janata Party
Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. (BJP) needs to broaden its support
4. Denmark to help Punjab cope with beyond its core Hindu base.
diabetes  India`s cabinet approved a decree
 Denmark will join hands with the Punjab making the procedure a punishable
government in the initiatives to create offence, as the government had
awareness about diabetes and its cure. struggled to pass the law in the face of
 A decision to the effect was taken during opposition in parliament, even though
a meeting of Commercial Consul of Royal the practice persists.
Danish Embassy Ali Mushtaq Butt and 6. N. Korean leader agrees to shut missile
Commercial Adviser Aslam Pervez with site, visit Seoul
Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid  North Korea`s Kim Jong Un agreed to
here on September 19, 2018. make a historic visit to Seoul soon and
 The minister informed the Danish close a missile testing site in front of
diplomats that diabetes, being a silent international inspectors at a summit
killer and dangerous disorder, has been with the South`s President Moon Jae-in
affecting16.98 per cent adult population in Pyongyang on September 19, 2018.
of Pakistan.  Progress on the key issue of the North`s
 Quoting a recent survey, she said as nuclear arsenal was limited, but the two
many as 35.3 million adult Pakistanis had signed a document to strengthen ties
been suffering from diabetes which was between the two halves of the divided
very alarming. peninsula.
 Denmark had been successfully running  Building on a growing rapprochement,
diabetes awareness programme in they agreed to create a facility to hold
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, she said while family reunions at any time, work
welcoming the Danish offer to towards joining up road and rail links,
cooperate with the Punjab government and mount a combined bid for the 2032
in this regard. Olympics.
5. Indian Muslims to face prison over  His trip to Seoul would be the first by a
`triple Talaq` Northern leader since the end of the
 India on September 19, 2018 prescribed 1950-53 Korean war, when hostilities
arrests and jail terms for offenders in a ceased with an armistice rather than a
campaign to stamp out instant divorce, peace treaty, leaving them technically in
or `triple Talaq`, as Prime Minister a state of war.
Narendra Modi looks to woo women 7. Modi, Ghani discuss security issues
voters of the South Asian nation`s  Afghan President Ashraf Ghani made an
minority community. official visit to India on September 19,
 The Supreme Court in August last year 2018 where he met with Indian Prime
outlawed the practice that had allowed Minister Narendra Modi and discussed
Muslim men to divorce their wives by trade as well as security issues with him.
 The two leaders reviewed and positively been launched 284 times, sending more
assessed the progress of the multi- than 400 spacecraft into space
faceted India-Afghanistan strategic 9. Air pollution linked to higher risk of
partnership. They expressed satisfaction dementia
at the increase in bilateral trade that has  Urban air pollution, mostly from
crossed $1 billion mark. The two leaders vehicles, is associated with an increased
also appreciated the successful risk of dementia, according to research
conclusion of the India-Afghanistan published September 19, 2018.
trade and investment show in Mumbai  The link remained even after heavy
from September 12-15, 2018 and drinking, smoking and other well
expressed determination to strengthen established risk factors for dementia
connectivity, including through were ruled out, the researchers
Chabahar Port and Air-Freight Corridor. reported in medical journal BMJ Open.
 The parties agreed to deepen the New Worldwide, about seven percent of
Development Partnership in the fields of people over 65 suffer from Alzheimer’s
infrastructure, human resources or some form of dementia, a percentage
development and other capacity- that rises to 40 percent above the age of
building projects in Afghanistan. 85.
 Ghani informed Modi of his  The number afflicted worldwide is
government’s initiatives on peace and expected to nearly triple by 2050, posing
reconciliation as well as tackling a huge challenge to healthcare systems.
terrorism and extremism threats. 10. India rout Pakistan by eight wickets
8. China to launch Long March-9 rocket in  India crushed Pakistan by eight wickets
2028 on September 19, 2018 in along-awaited
 China plans to launch the heavy-lift Asia Cup match which failed to live up to
carrier rocket Long March-9 in 2028, said its hype.
an official of China National Space  Pace spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-
Administration (CNSA) at the World 15) and part time off-spinner Kedar
Conference on Science Literacy 2018. Jadhav (3-23) sent Pakistan, who won
 Li Guoping, director of the Department the toss and batted, collapsing to just
of System Engineering of the CNSA, said 162 all out in 43.1 overs at Dubai
that the length of the Long March-9 will Stadium.
exceed 90 meters, and the rocket would  Skipper Rohit Sharma then struck three
have a core stage with a diameter of 10 sixes and six boundaries in his 39-ball 52
meters. while fellow opener Shikhar Dhawan hit
 It would be able to carry a payload of 140 a six and six fours in his 54-ball 46 as
tonnes into low-Earth orbit, five times India romped home in 29 overs.
that of the Long March-5, said Li.  Both Pakistan and India had already
 The rocket’s capacity would also reach qualified for the Super Four stage of the
50 tonnes for Earth-Moon transfer orbit. Asia Cup and will meet again in Dubai on
China is also developing a medium space September 23, 2018.
rocket, the Long March-8, which is
expected to make its maiden flight in
2020. The Long March rocket series have
September 21, 2018 formally invited to join the Beijing

sponsored mega venture.
1. Pakistani, Indian FMs to hold rare  The landmark announcement by
meeting Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry
 In response to a proposal by Prime came in the backdrop of Prime Minister
Minister Imran Khan to his Indian Imran Khan`s visit to Saudi Arabia and
counterpart Narendra Modi, India on the United Arab Emirates apparently
September 20, 2018 announced that the aimed at convincing Islamabad`s allies in
foreign ministers of the two nuclear- the Middle East to help the government
armed nations would meet on the deal with a looming financial crisis.
sidelines of the upcoming United  A high-level coordination committee has
Nations General Assembly session in been constituted and it has the
New York. complete backing of the Saudi King, His
 The communication from the Pakistani Highness Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al-Saud,
side was in response to the Indian as well as the Crown Prince [Mohammad
premier`s letter to Mr Khan after he was bin Salman] and PM Khan.
sworn in as the country`s new chief 3. Pakistan elected IAEA board member,
executive last month. again
 PM Khan has sought resumption of  Pakistan has once again been elected a
dialogue between the two countries that member of the board of governors (BoG)
were stalled in 2015. of the International Atomic Energy
 `Pakistan and India have an undeniably Agency (IAEA) for two years.
challenging relationship. We however,  The IAEA elects 11 new members of the
owe it to our peoples, especially the BoG every year for two-year term. And
future generations, to peacefully resolve this year, Pakistan was among those
all outstanding issues, including the countries which were elected new board
Jammu and Kashmir dispute, to bridge members.
differences and achieve a mutually  PAEC Chairman Muhammad Naeem is
beneficial outcome. Siachen and Sir currently leading the Pakistan
Creek also need close attention to move delegation in the 62nd IAEA General
towards resolution,` Mr Khan said, Conference in Vienna, the capital of
adding that Pakistan remained ready to Austria.
discuss terrorism but discussion on  Of the 170 IAEA member states, 35
trade, people-to-people contacts, countries were members of its BoG.
religious tourism and humanitarian 4. Pakistan`s effort to end terrorist
issues was also important. financing remains uneven: US
2. Saudi Arabia set to become third  As the new government in Islamabad
partner in CPEC starts work on addressing the concerns
 Saudi Arabia is set to become a third related to money laundering and terror
strategic partner in the China-Pakistan financing, a US State Department report
Economic Corridor (CPEC) project and released on September 20, 2018 said
has reportedly agreed in principle to that Pakistan criminalised terrorist
invest heavily in Pakistan after it was financing through the Anti-Terrorism Act
(ATA), but its implementation remained  The commemorative stamps also
uneven. portray the victims of pellet guns and
 Pakistan is a member of the Asia Pacific destruction caused by the chemical
Group on Money Laundering a Financial weapons used by the Indian forces
Action Task Force (FATF)-style regional personnel in the occupied territory.
body. In June, the Paris-based FATF  It is to mention here that the
placed Pakistan on its grey list of extrajudicial killing of Burhan Wani on
countries that could be marked out for July 8, 2016 triggered the ongoing mass
economic sanctions if they failed to uprising in the Occupied Kashmir
prevent terrorists from collecting funds 6. UK reaffirms commitment to work with
within their domain. Pakistan
 The official US report released with the  Britain`s Home Secretary Sajid Javid has
State Department`s country reports on reaffirmed the strong partnership
terrorism also highlights FATF`s reached between the UK and Pakistan
concerns about Pakistan. during his two-day visit to Islamabad
 `The FATF continued to note concern earlier this week.
that Pakistan`s outstanding gaps in the  A statement issued by the British
implementation of the UN Security government said that Mr Javid stressed
Council ISIL (Daesh) and Al Qaida the importance of the historic and
sanctions regime have not been unique relationship as he ended his visit.
resolved, and that UN-listed entities  In the first visit to Pakistan by a UK
including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and its minister since the July 25 elections, Mr
affiliates were not effectively prohibited Javid called on Prime Minister Imran
from raising funds in Pakistan, nor being Khan.
denied financial services,` the report  He also met government ministers,
points out. including Foreign Minister Shah
5. Postage stamps portraying Burhan Mehmood Qureshi and Minister of State
Wani issued for Interior Shahryar Afridi, and
 Pakistan Post has issued special postage discussed with them cooperation to
stamps to portray martyred Kashmiri tackle organised crime, terrorismand
youth leader, Burhan Wani, describing corruption.
him a ‘Freedom Icon’.  During the visit, the government
 Pakistan Post had issued 20 special announced a new UK-Pakistan
postage stamps on July 24, this year, to partnership on accountability to tackle
locally and internationally highlight the illicit finance, a priority for the new
brutalities of Indian troops on the government.
people of Occupied Kashmir engaged in 7. World ‘won’t rest’ on Rohingya crisis,
a peaceful struggle to achieve freedom UK’s Hunt tells Suu Kyi
from India’s illegal occupation of their  British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt on
homeland. Thursday called for justice on the
 The stamps carry photos of Burhan Wani Rohingya crisis after his visit to
and his two associates killed in a fake Myanmar’s Rakhine state, telling
encounter by Indian troops in Islamabad embattled leader Aung San Suu Kyi the
district of South Kashmir in July 2016. world “won’t let it rest”.
 Hunt’s rallying cry for accountability  At the same time, the State Department
comes at the end of a busy two-day visit also announced it was placing 33 Russian
during which he visited Rakhine - the intelligence and military-linked actors on
epicentre of a brutal military campaign its sanctions blacklist under the CAATSA
that drove out more than 700,000 rules.
Rohingya Muslims - and met with Suu  “The ultimate target of these sanctions
Kyi. “Burma needs to know the is Russia,” a senior administration
international community won’t let it official told journalists, insisting on
rest,” said Hunt using Myanmar’s former anonymity.
name.  “CAATSA sanctions in this context are
 Myanmar has set up an “independent” not intended to undermine the defense
commission to address the army’s capabilities of any particular country.
crackdown against the Rohingya, They are aimed at imposing costs on
rejecting the UN probe and calls for the Russia in response to its malign
International Criminal Court to activities.”
investigate. 9. $60 million in virtual currency hacked in
 The Rohingya fled to neighbouring Japan
Bangladesh, where they joined about  Bitcoin and other digital currency worth
300,000 already in cramped refugee around 6.7 billion yen ($60 million) has
camps, carrying accounts of extrajudicial been stolen in Japan following a hacking
killings, extreme sexual violence and attack, a virtual exchange operator said
arson. The evidence warrants the on September 20, 2018.
charges of genocide, crimes against  Osaka-based Tech Bureau, which
humanity and war crimes, UN operates virtual currency exchange Zaif,
investigators said. said its server had been illegally
8. US hits Chinese unit with sanctions for accessed and money transfered.
buying Russian jets, missiles  “We decline to comment on the details
 The United States hit a Chinese military of how this illegal access occurred, as it
organization with punishing financial is a crime and we’ve already asked the
sanctions for buying Russian fighter jets authorities to investigate,” Tech Bureau
and missiles as it stepped up pressure on said in a statement. It added that the
Moscow over its “malign activities.” virtual currencies stolen were bitcoin,
 It was the first time the Trump bitcoin cash and monacoin.
administration targeted a third country  “We will prepare measures so that
with its CAATSA sanctions, designed to customers’ assets will not be affected”
punish Russia for its seizure of Crimea by the hack, it said, adding it would
and other activities. receive financial support from major
 The State Department said it was shareholder Fisco Group
applying the 2017 legislation against the 10. Asia Cup 2018: Rashid stars as
Equipment Development Department of Afghanistan upset BD
the Chinese Ministry of Defense for its  Talented Afghan spinner Rashid Khan
purchase of Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter celebrated his 20th birthday by scoring a
jets and S-400 surface-to-air missiles. half century and taking two wickets as
his side upset Bangladesh by 136 runs in  The chief of the ISPR, the media wing of
the Asia Cup on September 20, 2018. Pakistan Army, termed the Indian army
 Rashid scored a rapid unbeaten 32-ball chief`s statement inappropriate.
57 with eight fours and a six to lift  According to the Times of India, the
Afghanistan to an imposing 255-7 after Indian army chief said India `needs to
their captain Asghar Afghan won the take stern action to avenge the
toss and decided to bat at Sheikh Zayed barbarism that the terrorists and
Stadium. Pakistan Army have been carrying out`.
 Rashid, who finished with 2-13 in nine `Yes, it`s time to give it back to them in
overs and effected a run out, claimed the same coin, not resorting to similar
the prized wickets of Shakib Al Hasan kind of barbarism. But I think the other
(32) and Mahmudullah Riyad (27) as side must also feel the same pain,` the
Bangladesh were bundied out for 119 in Indian army chief was quoted as saying
42.1 overs. 2. Seven soldiers martyred in North
 It was Afghanistan`s second upset in the Waziristan ambush
tournament following their 91-run win  Seven personnel of Pakistan Army,
over Sri Lanka which sent the islanders including an officer, were martyred
crashing out in thenrstround. when a group of soldiers were
 This was Bangladesh`s lowest total ambushed by militants in North
against Afghanistan by some distance Waziristan. In return fire, the surviving
their previous lowest against the soldiers in the group killed nine
Afghans was 208 in Dhaka two years ago. attackers.
 The whole Bangladesh innings had just  The exchange of fire between the
five boundaries-two by Riyad and three soldiers and militants took place in the
by Mosaddek Hossain (26 not out). Soor Daag area of Datakhel tehsil near
the Afghan border. They said that the
September 23, 2018

soldiers came under attack from a
compound when an intelligence-based
1. Ready for war but want to move operation in the area was under way.
towards peace: ISPR  The soldiers launched the operation in
 The Director General of the Inter- the Gharlamai and Spera Kunar Algad
Services Public Relations (ISPR), Maj Gen areas of North Waziristan.
Asif Ghafoor, has declared that Pakistan,  A group of militants who were reported
a nuclear power, is ready for war. to have infiltrated from across the
 Reacting to a statement of Indian army border was involved in the attack. They
chief Gen Bipin Rawat on September 22, were hiding in the compound.
2018, Maj Gen Ghafoor said that  The security personnel took the bodies
Pakistan`s desire for peace must not be of the militants into custody and ef forts
misconstrued as its weakness. are being made for their identification.
 À war is launched when someone is not 3. Govt prepares proposals for WTO
ready for it. We are ready for war, but reforms
want to move towards peace,` he  After much prodding into the matter,
declared. the government has finally initiated in-
house consultations for proposals to
reform the multilateral trade systems were also held to discuss matters of
and making the Geneva-based World mutual interest.
Trade Organisation (WTO) more 5. Mumtaz Ali Shah new Sindh chief
relevant and adaptive to a changing secretary
world.  The federal government has appointed
 Pakistan`s permanent mission to WTO senior bureaucrat Mumtaz Ali Shah a
has proposed to the Commerce Division grade-22 office as Sindh chief secretary,
to conduct consultations with relevant the Establishment Division has issued
stakeholders on the proposed measures the notification in this regard.
to voice its views on possible changes in  Earlier, the federal government had
order to leverage Pakistan`s approved a panel of three senior officers
requirements. including Syed Mumtaz Shah, Tahir
 The call for reforms within and outside Hussain and Syed Sohail Altaf on
WTO was initiated by the United States September 7th. All three officers belong
and supported by developed countries to Pakistan Administrative Service.
to primarily counter the policies of  A senior officer said that the Sindh
China, which they believe are hurting Government had strongly
their interests. recommended the name of Syed
 It is likely that in the long run, the Mumtaz Shah as Sindh chief secretary.
possible changes hurt the interests of Syed Mumtaz Shah was previously
other developing and least developed working as Federal Secretary Religious
countries. Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Division.
 The issue of WTO reforms was recently 6. China cancels trade talks with US as
raised formally in the concluded meeting new tariffs loom
of the WTO Heads of Delegation on July  China has scrapped trade talks with the
24. United States days before President
4. Naval chief attends 23rd ISS-2018 in US Donald Trump is set to escalate the
 Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar commercial battle with a new round of
Mahmood Abbasi visited USA to attend tariffs.
23rd International Sea power  Chinese officials canceled the planned
Symposium-2018 (ISS) held from negotiations after Trump announced he
September 18 to September 21 at US would impose new levies of up to 10 per
Naval War College Newport. cent on another $200 billion in Chinese
 The event involved panel discussions on imports.
issues related to common maritime  Beijing vowed to strike back, slapping
challenges and opportunities to enhance duties of up to 10pc on an additional
international maritime security $60bn in American products.
cooperation.  Beijing had prepared to send Vice
 During ISS, bilateral meetings between Premier Liu He, the country`s top-
Chief of the Naval Staff and senior ranking economic official, to
International Naval dignitaries including Washington next week, along with a
Naval Chiefs of Australia, Brazil, mid-level delegation to prepare for his
Germany, Japan, PLA (N) and Turkey visit, the Wall Street Journal reported.
7. Hong Kong opens high-speed rail link  The meeting will centre on four topics:
with mainland China women in politics and positions of
 Hong Kong on September 22, 2018 leadership; strengthening democracy;
opened a new high-speed rail link to promoting peace and security and
inland China that will vastly decrease eliminating gender-based violence.
travel times but also raises concerns  Freeland is co-chairing the meeting with
about Beijing`s creeping innuence over EU foreign affairs representative
the semi-autonomous Chinese region. Federica Mogherini. At the opening
 Costing upward of $10 billion and taking session, both expressed hope that this
more than eight years to build, the meeting will mark the beginning of a
system aims to transport more than tradition of cooperation between
80,000 passengers daily between the women ministers.
Asian financial centre of 7 million people 9. Cool-headed Malik thwarts Afghanistan
and the neighbouring manufacturing in last-over finish
hub of Guangdong province.  Experienced batsman Shoaib Malik hit a
 The train travels the 26kilometres six and a boundary to pull off a
through Hong Kong to Shenzhen across sensational last over three wicket win
the border in China in just 14 minutes, for Pakistan against a spirited
down from about one hour currently. Afghanistan in a pulsating Asia Cup
 The through-train to Guangdong`s Super Four clash in Abu Dhabi on
capital Guangzhou will take just over half September 21, 2018.
an hour, about 90 minutes faster than  Malik pulled the second ball of the final
current service. over by paceman Aftab Alam over the
 Once across the border, passengers can deep square leg boundary and then
link up with Chinese sprawling whacked the next to deep leg for a
nationwide high-speed rail network boundary as Pakistan pulled off a nerve-
serving more than 44 destinations, wracking win in 49.3 overs at the Sheikh
including Shanghai, Beijing and the Zayed Stadium.
western city of Xiàn.  Pakistan, cashing a stiff 258 run target.
8. Canada hosts first meeting of women 10. Jadeja, Sharma star as India decimate
foreign ministers Bangladesh
 Women foreign ministers from around  Spinner Ravindra Jadeja took four
the world kicked off a first-of-its-kind wickets and skipper Rohit Sharma
meeting on September 22, 2018, smashed a successive half century to
bringing together more than half of the help India rout Bangladesh by seven
world`s top women diplomats in wickets in their Asia Cup Super Four
Montreal. match in Dubai on September 21, 2018.
 Women are `key to finding solutions to  Jadeja finished with four for 29 to wreck
the political, economic and social Bangladesh to 173 all out in 49.1 overs
challenges facing our societies`, at the Dubai International Cricket
Canada`s top diplomat Chrystia Freeland Stadium.
said on Saturday at the opening of the
two-day summit.
September 24, 2018 Liaison Officer and officials from

Embassy of Pakistan in Rabat.
1. Another Golen Gol power unit linked to  Rear Admiral Moazzam Ilyas, the
national grid Commander Coast (COMCOAST)
 The Water and Power Development represented Pak Navy during official
Authority (Wapda) has synchronised a engagements on the occasion of ship’s
second unit of the 108MW Golen Gol port call.
hydropower project and connected it to 3. US active to defuse Pak-India tension
the national grid through the most  The United States is active to defuse Pak-
crucial transmission line it laid from India tension after the nuclear armed
Chitral to Timergara. neighbours entered a new wave of
 The 180-kilometre-long Golen Gol verbal war.
Timergara transmission line passes  The two countries were on course to
through the most difficult mountainous break the ice on the sidelines of the
terrain having extreme weather United Nations General Assembly
conditions. As many as 706 transmission meeting in New York but the foreign
towers, including 141 towers of 132kV minister-level talks were called off by
and 565 towers of 220kV, have been India after initially agreeing to the
erected on the snow-clad mountain bilateral meeting.
peaks, including that of Lowari Top at  The US had appreciated Pakistan’s
the highest altitude of 10,312 feet. efforts for revival of Pak-India dialogue
Transmission towers in Pakistan have and had urged Pakistan to work with
never been erected at this altitude. India to reduce tension.
 Since the first unit of the project had  The US has promised to play its role to
started power generation in January this bring the two countries to the table.
year, providing electricity to Chitral, Washington referred to its statement
upper Chitral and Darosh more than after Pakistan and India had promised to
their need, synchronisation of hold bilateral talks (on the sidelines of
theproject`s second unit and evacuation the UNGA).
of power through transmission line is big  The US is supporting Pak-US dialogue
news for the nation. Soon the project`s process and has shown concern over
third unit will also be synchronised India’s decision (to call off the talks). The
2. PNS Saif conducts joint drills with US is still tilted towards India but they
French, Moroccan ships are acknowledging Pakistan efforts.
 Pakistan Navy Ship Saif conducted joint They are trying to revive our (Pak-India)
drills with the French and Moroccan dialogue.
ships at conclusion of its visit to port of 4. India launches world`s biggest health
Casablanca in Morocco. scheme
 The purpose of the exercise was to  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on
enhance maritime manoeuvres, September 23, 2018 launched the
operational capacities and skills with world`s biggest health insurance
navies of friendly countries. scheme, promising free coverage for half
 The ship was received upon arrival at a billion of India`s poorest citizens ahead
Port Casablanca by Moroccan Navy of national elections next year.
 The bottom 40 per cent of India`s 1.25  After warming up to North Korean
billion people will be covered under the leader Kim Jong-un and ditching the Iran
flagship programme, dubbed nuclear deal, the unpredictable Trump
`Modicare`, unveiled in the federal takes the podium on Tuesday to face
budget earlier this year. foes and increasingly uneasy allies at the
 The 100 million lowest-income families UN General Assembly.
will be provided 500,000 rupees  He will for the first time chair a Security
($6,900) a sizeable sum in India in annual Council meeting on non-proliferation
health insurance to treat serious and weapons of mass destruction that
ailments. The scheme is expected to cost will focus heavily on Iran likely triggering
the central and 29 state governments a clash with other big powers.
$1.6 billion per year in total. Funding will  The diplomatic gathering will take stock
be increased gradually according to of the thaw in relations between North
demand. and South Korea, and groundbreaking
 India`s overburdened public health US-North Korea moves to address the
system is plagued by a shortage of threat from Pyongyang`s nuclear and
facilities and doctors and most people ballistic missile programs.
use private clinics and hospitals if they 6. Russia blames Israel for downing of
can afford to. plane by Syrian forces
 But a private consultation can cost 1,000  Russia`s military on September 23, 2018
rupees ($15), a huge sum for millions blamed `misleading` information from
living on less than $2 a day. More than the Israeli airforce for the downing of
60 per cent of the average family`s one of its planes in Syria last week, and
spending goes on medicines and denounced the àdventurism` of Israeli
healthcare, the government estimates. pilots.
Many of the poorest just go without  Israel strongly disputed the assertion
care. and vowed it will continue to act against
 A report published this month by The Iranian targets in neighbouring Syria.
Lancet medical journal found  A Syrian air defence missile downed the
substandard healthcare was responsible Russian IlyushinIl-20 military plane on
for an estimated 1.6 million deaths a September 17, killing all 15 soldiers
year in India the highest anywhere in the aboard and threatening to damage
world. Critics have questioned how the relations between Russia and Israel,
government plans to fund such an which three years ago set up a hotline to
enormous safety net, and suggested it avoid accidental clashes in Syria.
was little more than a sop ahead of  Russian President Vladimir Putin and
elections next May. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
5. World leaders at UN look for progress Netanyahu appeared to seek to move
on N. Korea, brace for Trump past the incident in spite of strong
 North Korea and Iran will dominate this statements from the Russian military.
week`s gathering of world leaders at the  Moscow has accused Israel`s fighter
United Nations, where President Donald pilots of using the bigger Ilyushin as
Trump will be firmly in the spotlight as cover, causing Syria`s Soviet-era S-200
he continues to upend global diplomacy.
air defence system to interpret the 9. Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by three
Russian plane as a target. runs
7. Noted Indian director of women-centric  Bangladesh beat Afghanistan by three
films passes away runs in a last ball finish in Abu Dhabi
 DIRECTOR Kalpana Lajmi, known for her which meant India sailed into the
distinctive women-centric films such as September 28 final in Dubai.
Rudaali and Ek Pal, passed away at a
Mumbai hospital on September 23, 2018
morning. She was 64. September 25, 2018
 She was suffering from chronic kidney 1. CCI agrees to resolve Sindh, Balochistan
disease and liver failure. She was on water crisis
dialysis and in and out of hospital for  In the first meeting of the reconstituted
three years. Council of Common Interests (CCI) on
 Lajmi also assisted Assamese cultural September 24, 2018, the Centre decided
icon Bhupen Hazarika striking a creative to resolve the water crisis in Sindh (with
collaboration with him. He composed special emphasis on Karachi) and
music for most of her films. Balochistan, besides ensuring better
 Benegal said,“ She was a very fine film- education facilities across the country.
maker. She went through a long period  The CCI agreed to overcome the water
of illness. She was much young to go.” scarcity in Karachi city and referred an
8. Rohit, Dhawan crush Pakistan in Asia application of the Sindh government
Cup regarding provision of 650MGD
 Openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar additional water for the country`s
Dhawan hit punishing centuries to steer commercial hub to the National Water
an imperious India to a nine-wicket win Council (NWC).
over a listless Pakistan in the Asia Cup  The NWC will make its
match in Dubai on September 23, 2018. recommendations keeping in view the
 Sharma notched a 119-ball 111 not out present water supply situation in the
for his 19th one-day hundred while country and a formula of water
Dhawan made a 100-ball 114 for his distribution among the provinces.
eighth century as the pair put on 210 for  The NWC will present its report before
the opening stand -- second best in all the CCI and will also advise how water
India-Pakistan one-day internationals. wastage could be prevented and which
 That super effort from the openers saw steps should be taken for better
India overhaul the target with 10.3 overs utilisation of water, according to the
to spare. The Super four win is the media cell of the Prime Minister Office.
second for India over their arch-rivals 2. Pakistan, Poland vow to further
following their easy eighth wicket win in enhance collaboration
the first round.  Pakistan and Poland September 24,
 The win is India's highest against 2018 resolved to further enhance
Pakistan in terms of wickets, improving mutual collaboration in various fields
on the eight wicket win over Pakistan in with particular focus on defence ties.
Melbourne in 1985.  This transpired during a meeting
between visiting Polish Air Force
Brigadier General Jacek Pszczola and  Two women from Pakistan who created
Pakistan Air Force Chief Mujahid Anwar Facebook groups have been selected for
Khan here at PAF headquarters. Both the the social networking giant’s first
dignitaries also discussed matters of Community Leadership Programme, a
professional interest. private news channel reported Monday.
 Chief of Polish Air Force paid homage to  Kanwal Ahmed of Soul Sisters Pakistan
the martyrs of PAF by laying floral and Nadia Gangjee of Sheops are among
wreath on Martyrs’ Monument. Chief of 115 community leaders of 6,000
Polish Air Force lauded the high morale applicants from around the world
and sound professionalism of the PAF selected for the program. The 115
personnel. participants will serve as community
3. Cairo summit stresses Pak-Egypt leaders in residence, fellows, and youth
partnership to reap benefits participants. More than 100 fellows and
 Speakers at an international summit in youth participants will be awarded up to
Cairo, Egypt, on September 24, 2018 $50,000 each for their various
stressed the need for creating new community efforts.
partnerships to reap full potential of  Out of the 115 participants, Facebook
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and granted the role of community leaders in
the Belt and Road Initiative launched by residence to five people who will each
China in 2013. receive up to $1,000,000 in funding to
 The two-day ‘CPEC-BRI Cairo Dialogue build communities. The company said it
and Trade Summit–Building Partnership will decide on the final amount based on
for Trade Transformation’ organised by a budget proposal from the residents
South Asian Strategic Stability Institute themselves. In February, Facebook had
was attended by ministers, senior announced the initiative meant to
government officials, major commercial provide funding to individuals building
entities, leading businessmen, investors, communities on the platform.
academicians, experts and policymakers 5. PM appoints Raja Jalal as new GB
from Pakistan and Egypt. governor
 While addressing the event on the  Prime Minister Imran Khan on
opening day, SASSI President Dr Maria September 24, 2018 approved a
Sultan said that Egypt was not only the summary for the appointment of
gateway to Africa but was also set to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Gilgit
become the gateway to emerging Baltistan (GB) President Raja Jalal as the
corridors of international trade. “We are new governor.
heading towards regional connectivity  The summary has been forwarded to
and building partnerships which will help President Dr Arif Alvi for an approval and
our people benefit from this great the notification in this regard will be
economic transformation,” she said, issued subsequently.
adding that they had proposed a north-  Raja Jalal will be the sixth GB governor
south corridor that is going to build up after Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan, who
on the frameworks already in place resigned earlier this month.
through CPEC and the BRI. 6. India test-fires interceptor missile
4. Facebook selects 2 Pakistani women
 India successfully test-fired an independence of Poland’s judiciary from
interceptor missile off the coast in its its own rightwing government.
eastern state of Odisha on September  But the decision will also stir mounting
24, 2018. tensions between the central EU
 The missile test was carried out leadership and nationalist politicians
September 24, 2018 night from Abdul from eastern and southern member
Kalam Island of the integrated test range states.
(ITR).  Brussels took action amid fears Poland
 The Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) and other EU members with populist
mission is for engaging the targets in the and authoritarian tendencies are
exo-atmosphere region at an altitude undermining the union’s founding
above 50 km of the earth’s atmosphere. values.
7. Trump`s tariffs on $200bn of Chinese  The European Commission, the bloc’s
imports kick in executive arm, targeted Poland’s
 President Donald Trump`s tariffs on decision to lower the age at which
another $200 billion of Chinese imports Supreme Court judges must retire from
took effect September 24, 2018, with 70 to 65.
Beijing accusing Washington of 9. Russia to supply S-300 missile defence
èconomic intimidation` as the standoff systems to Syria
between the world`s top two economies  Russia announced on September 24,
clouds the global outlook. 2018 that it will supply the Syrian
 The latest volley against Beijing brings government with more modern, S-300
the amount of goods hit by duties to missile defence systems following last
more than $250bn, roughly half of week`s downing of a Russian plane by
China`s US exports, with American Syria, a friendly fire incident that sent
consumers set to increasingly feel the regional tensions over the war-torn
pain. country soaring.
 Trump has hit 12 per cent of total US  The Russian military aircraft was
imports this year alone. downed by Syrian government missile
 Defiant in the face of increasing fears defence systems, killing all 15 people on
about the impact to the US economy, board. Russia laid the blame squarely on
Trump has threatened to hit all imports Israel, saying Israeli fighter jets had
from China if it refuses to change policies pushed the Russian plane into the line of
he says harm US industry, particularly Syria`s fire.
the theft of American technology.  Shortly before the downing, Israeli
8. EU takes Poland to court over judicial strikes had hit targets inside Syria,
independence reportedly preventing an arms shipment
 The European Union referred Poland to going to the Iranian-backed militant
its top court on September 24, 2018, in Hezbollah group.
the latest legal confrontation between  Russia launched its campaign in Syria to
Brussels and populist member support President Bashar Assad in 2015,
governments. and though the involvement turned the
 EU leaders say they had to move quickly tide of war in favour of Syrian
to halt an alleged legal threat to the government forces, Moscow has since
tried to play a careful balancing act, the sidelines of the 73rd session of the
maintaining good ties both with Iran and United Nations General Assembly in
Israel. New York.
10. Modric, Marta crowned the best in  It seems to be an fallout of the recent
London tension emerging with the cancellation
 In a glittering ceremony that saw a host of the talks by India as other issues are
of footballing stars descend on London’s normally affected in a larger context in
Royal Festival Hall, home to London’s such situations.
Symphony Orchestra, the beautiful  A nine-member team led by Indian
game’s chief conductors were coronated commissioner for Indus waters Pradeep
at ‘The Best FIFA Football Awards’ in the Kumar Saxena had visited Lahore last
United Kingdom’s capital. month and held talks for two days (Aug
 Luka Modric and Didier Deschamps were 29 and 30) with their Pakistani
awarded the leading honours for The counterparts on water disputes on the
Best FIFA Men’s Player and Men’s Coach platform of the Pakistan-India
respectively in a ceremony on London’s Permanent Commission for Indus
Royal Festival Hall, after their Waters (PCIW)
outstanding years and notable 2. Ahmad Awais takes charge as AGP
contributions at the 2018 FIFA World  Senior lawyer Ahmad Awais on
Cup. September 25, 2018 took charge as
 Legendary Brazilian forward Marta and Advocate General of Punjab (AGP)
first-time nominee Reynald Pedros were following a notification issued by the
rewarded as The Best FIFA Women’s provincial government.
Player and Women’s coach respectively.  Senior law officers and staff of the
 After Gianluigi Buffon picked up the advocate general office welcomed Mr
inaugural The Best FIFA Goalkeeper Awais on his first visit as principal law
Award at last year’s ceremony, Thibaut officer of the province
Courtois was crowned his replacement 3. Trump, Qureshi agree on rebuilding
after the now Real Madrid man’s Pak-US ties
outstanding year with Chelsea and  Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood
stunning performances at Russia 2018. Qureshi on September 25, 2018 met
President Donald Trump at a reception
September 26, 2018 the US leader held for the world leaders
attending the 73rd session of the UN
1. India reneges on deal to get power General Assembly.
projects inspected  “I met with President Trump at the
 India has postponed inspection of its reception where I had the opportunity
two hydropower projects 1,000MW to discuss Pak-US relations with him. I
Pakal Dul and 48MW Lower Kanal by requested him that we have had cordial
Pakistani experts on the pretext of some relations and need to rebuild them,”
local issues. Qureshi said while speaking to PTV.
 Sources see it as a possible impact of the  The foreign minister said that he
recent cancellation of talks between the received a “positive response” from
foreign ministers of the two countries on President Trump who said they also
intend to “rebuild” their relations as  But much of his 35-minute address was
well. aimed squarely at Iran, which the United
 Qureshi said that Pompeo also sent his States accuses of harbouring nuclear
greetings to Prime Minister Imran Khan. ambitions and fomenting instability in
“Send my regards to your leader,” the Middle East through its support for
Pompeo told Qureshi. militant groups in Syria, Lebanon and
 FM Qureshi is scheduled to address the Yemen.
UN General Assembly on Saturday,  Ìran`s leaders sow chaos, death and
September 29. destruction,` Trump told the gathering in
4. PM approves ‘Re-Charge Pakistan’ the green-marbled hall. `They do not
project respect their neighbours or borders or
 Prime Minister Imran Khan September the sovereign rights of nations.
25, 2018 approved, in principle, a  President Rouhani, addressing the
proposed project named ‘Re-Charge assembled world leaders later,
Pakistan’ for better management and sharplycriticised Trump`s decision to
utilisation of floodwaters to restore and withdraw from the 2015 nuclear deal,
re-charge the groundwater. said he had `no need for a photo
 He gave the in principle approval while opportunity` with Trump and suggested
chairing a briefing on the functions of the US president`s pullback from global
Ministry of Climate Change here at the institutions was a character defect.
PM Office.  Besides calling out Iran, Trump also
 Various measures to tackle air, water criticised China for its trade practices but
and plastic waste pollution were also made no mention of Russia`s
identified during the briefing. interference in Syria`s war or its
 The prime minister said tackling climate suspected meddling in US elections.
issues was a priority area for the 6. South Sudan doctor wins UN refugee
government. prize
5. Trump, Rouhani exchange threats,  A South Sudanese doctor who runs an
insults at UN overcrowded hospital with a dimly-lit
 US President Donald Trump and his surgical theatre and no regular supply of
Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani general anesthetics on September 25,
exchanged taunts at the United Nations 2018 won the UN refugee agency’s
General Assembly on September 25, prestigious Nansen award.
2018.  Evan Atar Adaha’s Maban hospital in the
 With Trump vowing more sanctions South Sudanese town of Bunj serves
against Tehran and Rouhani suggesting more than 144,000 refugees from Blue
his American counterpart suffers from a Nile state in neighbouring Sudan,
`weakness of intellect` Trump used his UNHCR said.
annual address to the United Nations to  The hospital’s X-ray machine is broken,
attack Iran`s `corrupt dictatorship`, but Atar and his team perform nearly 60
praise last year`s bogeyman North Korea surgeries per week in a room with just
and lay down a defiant message that he one light, with staff using “ketamine
will reject globalism and protect injections and spinal epidurals” instead
American interests. of general anaesthesia, the agency said.
 UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi said Atar’s  The figure for baby boys was also
“profound humanity and selflessness” unchanged at 79.2 years.
had saved thousands of lives.  Janet Morrison, chief executive of
7. High-speed train linking Makkah with Independent Age, an elderly charity,
Madina launched called the figures `concerning`.
 Saudi King Salman on September 25, 9. Swedish parliament ousts PM in vote of
2018 inaugurated a high-speed railway no-confidence
linking Makkah and Madina, described  Sweden's centre-right opposition and
by local officials as the biggest the far right ousted Prime Minister
transportation project in the region. Stefan Lofven in a vote of no-confidence
 The Haramain High Speed Rail system on September 25, 2018, as the left and
will transport Muslim pilgrims, as well as right blocs wrangle over who can form a
regular travellers, 450 kilometres (280 new government after neither won a
miles) between the two cities via the Red majority in September 9 elections.
Sea port of Jeddah in two hours.  Lofven's departure was widely
 This project is considered the biggest anticipated. The head of the opposition
transport project in the Middle East. four-party Alliance, Ulf Kristersson, has
 Thirty-five passenger trains capable of since election night insisted that he
travelling at speeds of 300 kilometres intends to try to form a government.
per hour will slash the travel time from  A total of 204 of 349 members of
several hours to 120 minutes. parliament voted against Lofven, while
 The rail project, dogged by several 142 voted in favour. The speaker of
delays, was built at a cost of more than parliament, Andreas Norlen, will begin
$16 billion, according to Saudi media. talks on Thursday with the leaders of the
 In 2011, Saudi Arabia signed a deal for a eight parties represented in parliament
Spanish consortium to build the rail to determine who is best placed to form
tracl(, supply 35 high-speed trains and the next government.
handle a 12-year maintenance contract. 10. Afghanistan pull off tie against India
8. UK life expectancy stalls for first time  Stockily built Mohammad Shahzad
since 1982 knocked a brilliant hundred as spirited
 Life expectancy has fallen in Scotland Afghanistan pulled off a last over tie
and Wales and has stopped improving against India in a Super Four match on
for the first time since 1982 in Britain as September 25, 2018.
a whole, according to official data  Shahzad`s 124 laid the foundation of
released on September 25, 2018. Afghanistan`s fighting total of 252-8 in
 Life expectancy for both men and 50 overs before they bowled out India in
women fell by 0.1 years in Scotland and 49.5 overs for the same total.
Wales and by the same amount for men  Needing seven to win off the final Rashid
in Northern Ireland, according to the Khan over, Ravindra Jadeja hit a
Office for National Statistics. boundary off the second ball before
 Overall life expectancy for girls born taking a single off the next. Last man
between 2015 and 2017 was 82.9 years Khaleel Ahmed then took a single, but
no change on the previous figure for Jadeja holed out off the fifth to give
2014-2016.
Afghanistan a morale boosting tie with good outcomes to sustain public
the defending champions. support,` the report noted.
2. New rotation policy on PAS, PSP
September 27, 2018 

enforced
The Establishment Division (ED),
1. ADB sees Pakistan`s economy slowing Islamabad, finally enforced the new
down in current fiscal Rotation Policy 2018 for officials of the
 Anticipating a one percentage point f all Pakistan Administrative Service/Police
in the rate of growth and two Service of Pakistan across the country
percentage points rise in inflation during after certain amendments.
the current fiscal year, the Asian  The policy says the police officers who
Development Bank has advised the worked for consecutive 10 years in a
newly elected government to address province or the federal government will
rising debt obligations, falling reserves not be allowed to continue to work
and large twin deficits. there.
 Its flagship Asian Development Outlook  They shall be either transferred to the
2018 update, the Manila-based lending federal government or the other
agency said the economy appeared provinces after the certain period
slowing down and forecast GDP growth decided in the new rotation policy.
rate to touch 4.8 per cent this year,  Earlier, the ED had proposed transfer of
compared to 5.8pc in the fiscal year the police officers to the federal
ending in June 2018. government or other provinces after
 It said Pakistan`s 5.8pc growth last fiscal serving for five years consecutively in a
was higher than the ADB forecast, but province or in the Centre.
the outlook is clouded by a large budget  The establishment division has notified
dencit, a deteriorating current account the policy accordingly after setting yard-
deficit and falling foreign exchange stick of 10-year service after the PSP
reserves. `The growth forecast for cadre mounted pressure on the federal
Pakistan in 2019 is downgraded in light authorities that the five-year period
of a pressing need to deal with large would lead to a `brain drain and human
budget and external imbalances,` it said. resource crisis` in the provinces in top
 Also, the ADB noted rate of inflation grades.
growing significantly to 6.5pc at the end 3. Pakistan wants UNHRC to probe
of current fiscal against about 4.5pc last atrocities in India-held Kashmir
fiscal year.  Pakistan has asked the United Nations
 The bank said Pakistan required Human Rights Council (UNHRC) to
mobilising substantial external financing establish a commission and appoint a
to buy time for orderly reform to reduce special rapporteur to investigate human
the large external and domestic rights violations by Indian security forces
imbalances. Such resources can be in held Kashmir.
acquired from bilateral and multilateral  Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood
sources, the diaspora, or international Qureshi made this appeal during his
capital markets. `The key challenges are speech at a meeting of Organisation of
to adopt the right reforms and achieve Islamic Conference (OIC) on September
26, 2018 on the sidelines of the UN on Kashmir on September 26, 2018
General Assembly`s special session. reaffirmed their complete solidarity with
 `We urge the Human Rights Council for the Kashmiri people in their struggle for
an expedited action to constitute the the right to self-determination and
commission of inquiry to investigate called for UN investigation of the gross
gross human rights violations in India- human rights in Indian Occupied
held Kashmir, Qureshi said, adding that Kashmir.
if India had nothing to hide, it must allow  In a meeting on the sidelines of the 73th
the rights bodies to visit Jammu and session of UN General Assembly, they
Kashmir. reaffirmed their resolve to support the
 `We also call upon India to give access to "unwavering resolve of the Kashmiris for
Independent Permanent Human Rights their right to self-determination."
Commission of OIC to undertake visit of  A communique issued after the meeting
India-occupied Kashmir. said that the conclusions, which were
4. President Alvi gets constitutional adopted, would be submitted for action
immunity in cases by the Council of Foreign Ministers of
 President Dr Arif Alvi got constitutional the OIC, which will meet next week.
immunity in a case registered against  The communique underlined the gravity
him under different sections of the Anti- of the situation in Indian Occupied
Terrorism Act (ATA) and the Pakistan Kashmir and emphasised that a just
Penal Code (PPC) for inciting violence settlement of the Kashmir dispute in
during the 2014 sit-in in the federal accordance with relevant Security
capital. Council resolutions was also a pre-
 An anti-terrorism court (ATC) of condition for lasting peace in South Asia.
Islamabad suspended the proceedings  Chaired by Secretary General of the OIC,
against Dr Alvi until he remained Dr. Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen, the
president. meeting was attended by Mevlut
 Àn accused person facing trial namely Cavusagolu, the Foreign Minister of
Dr Arif Alvi has already been elected and Turkey, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, the
has taken oath of the office of President Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Elmar
of Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Keeping Mammadyarov, the Foreign Minister of
in view the above fact in light of Article Azerbaijan, Abdallah al–Mouallimi, the
2480f the Constitution of Islamic Permanent Representative of Saudi
Republic of Pakistan, 1973, protecd on Arabia to the UN and Kalla Ankourouu,
has been provided to the President and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Niger.
as per Article 248 (2) of the Constitution, 6. China says plots to disrupt ties with
no criminal proceeding whatsoever shall Pakistan will fail
be instituted or continued against the  Any plots to sow discord in China`s ties
President or a Governor in any court with Pakistan will not succeed, the
during term of office,` wrote ATC Judge Chinese government`s top diplomat said
Syed Kausar Abbasi Zaidi. on September 26, 2018, as Beijing fends
5. OIC renews support to Kashmiri people off criticism of its economic projects in
 Members of the Organisation of the Pakistan and a clampdown in western
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Contact Group Xinjiang region.
 China has pledged $57 billion to build 8. WB urges developing countries to raise
power stations, major highways, new budget for health
railways and high capacity ports along  World Bank President Jim Yong Kim
the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, a called on developing countries to
key part of Chinese President Xi Jinping`s demonstrate commitment towards their
Belt and Road plan to further tie China to people facing grave health challenges by
Eurasia. allocating adequate financial resources
 The sustainability of Chinese projects for health.
has come under fresh scrutiny in recent  He was speaking at a panel discussion
months, as US Secretary of State Mike held as part of a gala dinner organized in
Pompeo warned in July that any honour of tuberculosis (TB) survivors,
potential International Monetary Fund activists, global health leaders and
bailout for Pakistan should not be used celebrities fighting against tuberculosis.
to pay off Chinese lenders. Both Beijing  Titled Òur night with the Stars`, the
and Islamabad say the loans are event was organised on the sidelines of
sustainable. China welcomes the good a high-level United Nations meeting on
start made in its àll-weather` TB held on September 26, 2018. The
partnership with Pakistan following the dinner was co-hosted by Stop TB
election of the new government under Partnership, Permanent Mission of
Prime Minister Imran Khan, State Brazil to the United Nations, Permanent
Councilor Wang Yi told Foreign Minister Mission of Zambia to the United Nations
Shah Mehmood Qureshi on the sidelines and Permanent Mission of France to the
of the UN General Assembly in New United Nations.
York.  Sharing his experience of Carabayllo a
7. Indian court limits use of biometric district in the province of Lima in Peru
database where he ran a health project, Kim said
 India`s top court on September 26, 2018 that his team discovered an alarming
upheld the legality of the government`s number of patients suffering from multi-
Aadhaar national ID scheme, the world`s drug resistant tuberculosis in 1994.
largest biometric database, but imposed 9. Trump takes aim at China, Iran at UN
new restrictions on how the personal Security Council
details of more than one billion citizens  President Donald Trump on September
can be used. 26, 2018 accused Iran of spreading chaos
 The ruling by a five-judge bench of the and China of meddling in US elections at
Supreme Court draws a line under many a UN Security Council meeting that laid
years of legal challenges from critics, bare divisions between the United
who said Aadhaar threatened individual States and other world powers.
privacy and risked turning the world`s  Presiding for the first time a meeting of
second-most populous nation into a the United Nations` body, Trump
surveillance state. denounced the `horrible, one-sided`
 The government had insisted Aadhaar, nuclear deal with Iran that he ditched in
which issues every Indian with a unique May, to the dismay of European allies.
12-digit ID linked to fingerprints and iris  A gavel-wielding Trump took a swipe at
scans, would streamline welfare services China, accusing Beijing of working
and root out fraud.
against his Republican Party in upcoming infrastructure and energy projects under
midterm elections as payback for their the China Pakistan Economic Corridor
growing trade war, a charge China`s (CPEC).
foreign minister said was ùnwarranted`.  These agreements have been inked in
 The meeting highlighted a rift between line with the understanding reached
the United States and its European allies during Prime Minister Imran Khan`s
over the Iran nuclear deal. recent visit to Saudi Arabia.
 Trump vowed that reimposed sanctions  The agreements were signed by the
will be ìn full force` and urged world Saudi envoy and the officials of
powers to work with the United States Pakistan`s finance ministry.
to ènsure the Iranian regime changes its  The first step has been taken as three
behaviour and never acquires a nuclear grant agreements have been signed.
bomb`.  This is a very positive step and bodes
 Addressing the council after Trump, well for relations between the two
French President Emmanuel Macron hit countries.
back, declaring that concerns about Iran  More agreements would be inked next
cannot be tackled with à policy of week between a high-level Saudi
sanctions and containment`. delegation and Pakistani officials.
10. BD in Asia Cup final after beating  The accords will be related to Reko Diq`s
Pakistan gold and copper mines and the oil
 Mushfiqur Rahim scored a fighting 99 to refinery at Gwadar Port, and the
guide Bangladesh into the Asia Cup final delegation would comprise the Saudi
with a convincing 37-run win over investment team, minister for
Pakistan in Abu Dhabi on September 26, petroleum and minister for energy.
2018. 2. IMF, govt in talks on economic data,
 The former skipper missed out a future policies
deserving century, but still lifted  A staff mission of the International
Bangladesh from a precarious 12-3 to Monetary Fund (IMF) on September 27,
239 all out in 49.5 overs before they kept 2018 started consultations with
Pakistan down to 202-9 in 50 overs at Pakistani authorities on the exchange of
Sheikh Zayed Stadium. economic data and future economic
 Mashrafe Mortaza`s team will now face policies that may ultimately lead to a
defending champions India in the final in possible balance of payments support
Dubai on September 28, 2018, with an programme.
opportunity to win the continental title  the delegation, led by Herald Finger,
for the first time. IMF`s senior economist, had separate
 meetings with Finance Minister Asad
September 28, 2018 Umar and a team led by Finance

Secretary Arif Ahmed Khan. The mission
1. Saudi Arabia to finance three CPEC will stay here until Oct 4.
projects  No official word was available from the
 The government of Saudi Arabia has IMF or the government side while the
signed three grant agreements with finance minister did not return calls for
Pakistan to finance three road comment.
 The two sides would complete  Upon his arrival at Italian Naval
consultative sessions on Headquarters at Rome, Admiral was
macroeconomic indicators, particularly received by Chief of Italian Navy Admiral
the most challenging energy-sector Valter Girardelli.
problems, details of the China-Pakistan  A ceremonial Guard with Military
Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the PTI Honours was also presented to the Naval
government`s plans for structural Chief on the occasion.
reforms including the privatisation of  Later, during the meeting between Chief
bleeding public-sector enterprises. of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar
3. 21 senior officers transferred in major Mahmood Abbasi and Admiral Valter
reshuffle Girardelli, matters of mutual interest
 In a major bureaucratic reshuffle, the including bilateral naval collaboration
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on were dilated upon. Various avenues of
September 27, 2018 transferred 21 cooperation between the two Navies
senior officers, including administrative were also discussed.
secretaries and directors general.  Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar
 The reshuffle, which was expected in the Mahmood Abbasi highlighted Pakistan’s
first few days of the current setup, took commitment and contributions in fight
several weeks as the provincial against terrorism including initiation of
government dithered on appointments. Regional Maritime Security Patrols
A notification issued said that secretary (RMSP) against piracy and maritime
administration department Mohammad terrorism.
Saleem (PAS, BS-21) had been 5. Pakistan, Russia ink deal for feasibility
transferred and posted as secretary study
energy and power department.  Pakistan and Russia on September 27,
 Provincial Inspection Team (PIT) 2018 signed a memorandum of
chairman Farrakh Sair (PCS, BS-21) has understanding (MoU) to conduct
been directed to report to the feasibility study of building US$10 billion
establishment department, while Zafar offshore gas pipeline project to cater the
Iqbal (PCS, BS-21), who was awaiting energy needs of special economic zones
posting, has been posted as secretary (SEZs) of CPEC.
science and information technology.  The memorandum of understanding
4. Pak, Italian naval chiefs discuss (MoU) was signed in Moscow. Additional
cooperation Secretary Ministry of Energy and
 Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Petroleum Division Sher Afgan, on
Mahmood Abbasi who is on official visit behalf of Pakistan government and
to Italy on September 27, 2018 had Deputy Prime Minister Anatoly Yanovsky
separate interactions with Chief of on behalf of government of Russia
Italian Navy Admiral Valter Girardelli and singed the MoU to conduct feasibility
Commander-In-Chief Italian Naval Fleet study to build multibillion dollars
Admiral Donato Marzano and offshore gas pipeline.
exchanged views on regional maritime  Managing Director Mobin Saulat of
security. Interstate Gas Systems (ISGS), a state
owned company with a mandate to build
pipelines, also witnessed the signing  The `Trade and Development Report
ceremony. On the occasion, the two 2018` report released by the United
sides expressed interest to enhance Nations Conference on Trade and
bilateral relations in energy sector. The Development (UNCTAD) on September
pipeline project will provide an 27, 2018 notes that there are
opportunity to Russia to capture the expectations that the new government
energy market of Pakistan. has no choice but to turn to the
6. PM to launch housing project next International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a
month large loan which would require adopting
 Prime Minister Imran Khan will formally austerity measures that are likely to
launch the `five-million housing project` affect growth adversely.
in the first half of next month. The  Over the medium-term much will
process of registration will commence depend on whether large infrastructure
with the launch of the project. projects will support a stronger export
 This was decided during a meeting of the push, the report says.
task force on housing presided over by  In Pakistan, despite robust growth, the
Prime Minister Khan here on Thursday. currency has lost a quarter of its value
 The task force briefed the prime minister against the dollar since the beginning of
about the progress made so far in the year. Higher oil prices have led to a
formulating a comprehensive strategy widening trade deficit and foreign
for planning, execution and monitoring exchange reserves have dropped
of the housing project for low-income sharply.
groups and regularisad on of katchi  A widening external debt position,
abadis. currently standing at $92 billion or 31
7. India testfires air-to-air Astra missile per cent of the GDP has raised concerns
 India has successfully testfired its home- about its sustainability. About
made air-to-air missile Astra off the developing Asia, the report says, after
coast of the eastern state of Odisha. recording growth rates of 5.7pc and
 The pre-induction testfiring of the 5.5pc in 2016 and 2017, the developing
missile was carried out over the Bay of countries in Asia are expected to sustain
Bengal on September 26, 2018 that rate in 2018 as well.
afternoon. 9. Adultery no longer a crime in India
 Astra was successfully testfired by the  Adultery is no longer a crime, India`s top
Indian Air Force from a Su-30 aircraft court ruled on September 27, 2018,
that had taken off from Air Force station declaring a colonial-era law that
Kalaikunda, a defence statement has punished the offence with jail time
said. unconstitutional and discriminatory
8. UN body says Pakistan likely to seek against women.
fresh IMF bailout  It was the second legal decision this
 Pakistan is likely to seek a fresh IMF month reflecting a more liberal outlook
programme to stabilise its economy, a in Indian society with the Supreme Court
report released by the United Nations having on Sept 6 scrapped a ban on gay
trade body hints. sex dating back to 1861.
 Sparking celebrations, the court argued `security and regional stability situation`
that Section 377 on homosexuality had with him on September 28, 2018.
become à weapon for harassment` of  Director General of the Inter Services
homosexuals and `history owes an Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Naveed Mukhtar
apology to the members of this accompanied the army chief during his
community and their families`. third visit to PM House since the
 The more than century-old adultery law assumption of office by Imran Khan on
prescribed that any man who slept with Aug 18.
a married woman without her husband`s  A statement issued by the PM office said
permission had committed adultery, a `security and regional stability situation`
crime carrying a five-year prison term in were discussed in the meeting.
the conservative country.  Threats emanating from New Delhi and
10. Netanyahu, Sisi discuss Gaza on the state of preparedness of the armed
sidelines of UN forces to respond to any misadventure
 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin also came under discussion. This was the
Netanyahu and Egyptian President first meeting between the PM and the
Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met in New York on COAS after India backtracked on its
September 27, 2018 to discuss Gaza and commitment for foreign ministers` talks
reviving peace talks with the on the sidelines of the UN General
Palestinians, officials said. Assembly session in New York.
 During the meeting, which lasted nearly  Gen Bajwa had first visited the PM on
two hours and took place on the Aug 27 when the civil and military
sidelines of the United Nations General leadership expressed their resolve to
Assembly, the two `discussed regional bring about enduring peace in the
developments and the situation in country and continue to make efforts
Gaza`, a statement from Netanyahu`s towards regional peace.
office said. 2. Japan pledges $2.7m aid for
 In recent months, mass protests along repatriation of Afghan refugees
Gaza`s border with Israel have triggered  The Japanese government will donate
repeated deadly clashes with the army, $2.7 million to support the United
prompting warnings of the risk of a new Nations High Commissioner for
conflict. Refugees` programme in Pakistan, said a
 On Tuesday, the World Bank warned statement issued on September 28,
that the Gaza Strip`s economy is in `free 2018.
fall` as cuts to aid and salaries add to an  The donation was announced two days
already crippling Israeli blockade on the after the visit of Japanese Ambassador
Hamas-run enclave. Takashi Kurai to the UN voluntary
repatriation centre at Azakhel in
September 29, 2018 

Nowshera district.
It said Ambassador Kurai and UN Agency
1. Army chief, PM discuss security Country Representative in Pakistan
 Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Ruvendrini Menikdiwela would sign an
Qamar Javed Bajwa called on Prime agreement in this regard on Oct 3.
Minister Imran Khan and discussed
 The ambassador visited the repatriation  In an interview to BBC Urdu, US Principal
centre at Azakhel and interacted with Deputy Assistant Secretary for South
the refugees who got their documents and Central Asian Affairs Alice Wells said
processed. Officials said the ambassador that peace in South Asia was key to the
was briefed about the registration region`s prosperity and urged Pakistan
process and management of the to work for it.
refugees in Pakistan.  Referring to Prime Minister Imran
 Afghan director general of the Khan`s July 26 peace offer to India, Mr
commissioner Waqar Maroof while Qureshi said that seeking a constructive
briefing the ambassador said the dialogue with India was a key
repatriation process would be component of the new government`s
suspended ahead of winter in the host policies. `What we did...we thought
country. He said the repatriation process made sense. Two neighbours with
would resume in March 2019. outstanding issues, atomic powers. How
3. Six promoted to lieutenant general rank do you fix things? War is no option.
 Six Major Generals of Pakistan Army There is no military solution: the only
have been promoted to the rank of solution is a dialogue,` he emphasised.
Lieutenant General. 5. Ch Ahmad Saeed passes away
 The promoted General Officers include  Former PIA managing director/
Maj Gen Shaheen Mazhar, Maj Gen Chairman Chaudhry Ahmad Saeed died
Nadeem Zaki Manj, Maj Gen Abdul Aziz, on September 28, 2018. He was around
Maj Gen Asim Munir, Maj Gen Adnan 80.
and Maj Gen Waseem Ashraf.  Mr Saeed died of cancer in a private
 On the hand, some star generals hospital of Karachi.
including Commander Peshawar Corps  Mr Saeed remained PIA MD (2001-03)
and Director General are due to retire and chairman (2003-05) during the
next month. Musharraf regime. He was the brother
 In June, Pakistan Army’s Promotion of former defence minister Ahmad
Board had also approved promotion of Mukhtar
37 brigadiers, including nine from the 6. India`s top court lifts Hindu temple ban
Army Medical Corps to the rank of major on women of menstruating age
general  India`s Supreme Court lifted a ban
4. War with India not an option, says rooted in a centuries-old tradition that
Qureshi prevented women of menstruating age
 War with India is not an option, says from entering a prominent Hindu temple
Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood in southern Kerala state, upholding
Qureshi, as a senior US official urges rights to equality of worship.
Pakistan to work for promoting peace in  The authorities at the Sabarimala
South Asia. temple, which attracts tens of millions of
 Mr Qureshi said the new government pilgrims every year, have said the ban on
had inherited strained relations with women and girls aged from 10 to 50 was
two key countries India and the United essential to the rites related to the
States and was working to improve ties temple`s chief deity Ayyappan,
with both. considered eternally celibate.
 In some Hindu communities, humans, the University of Hong Kong
menstruating women are regarded as said on September 28, 2018, warning
unclean, leading to restrictions and in a the discovery had `major public health
few cases outright bans on women of significance` `This study conclusively
child-bearing age from entering certain proves for the first time in the world that
places. rat HEV can infect humans to cause
 Lifting the ban, the Chief Justice of India clinical infection,` the university added.
said `restrictions put by Sabarimala  Rat hepatitis E virus is very distantly
temple can`t be held as essential related to human hepatitis E virus
religious practice`. variants, HKU said.
 `No physiological and biological factor  The disease was found in a 56-year-old
can be given legitimacy if it does not pass man who persistently produced
the test of conditionality,` Justice Dipak abnormal liver function tests following a
Misra said in the judgment. liver transplant.
7. Taliban meet Afghan officials in Saudi 9. Up to 50m Facebook accounts breached
Arabia ahead of election  Facebook announced on September 28,
 Representatives from the Taliban met an 2018 that up to 50 million accounts were
Afghan government delegation in Saudi breached in a security flaw exploited by
Arabia this week to discuss security hackers.
ahead of next month`s parliamentary  The leading social network said it
elections and a limited prisoner release, learned this week of the attack that
three Taliban officials said. allowed hackers to steal àccess tokens`,
 The meeting comes less than a month the equivalent of digital keys that enable
before voters are due to go to the polls them to access their accounts.
on Oct 20 to elect a new Afghan  Facebook chief executive Mark
parliament, a process which has been Zuckerberg said engineers discovered
hampered by fears of attacks on polling the breach on September 25, 2018, and
stations and campaign rallies. patched it on September 27, 2018 night.
 Ensuring the election passes off `We don`t know if any accounts were
smoothly and without violence has been actually misused,` he said.
a top priority for the Afghan government  As a precaution, Facebook is temporarily
and its international partners. taking down the `view as` feature
 `They requested us to help them described as a privacy tool to let user see
conduct peaceful elections,` said one of how their own profiles would look to
the Taliban leaders. other people.
8. World`s first human case of rat  The breach is the latest privacy
hepatitis found embarrassment for Facebook, which
 A Hong Kong man has developed the earlier this year acknowledged that tens
world`s first ever human case of the rat of millions of users had personal data
version of the hepatitis E virus, according hijacked by a political firm working for
to new research from one of the city`s Donald Trump in 2016.
leading universities. 10. India beat BD in thriller, retain Asia Cup
 There had previously been no evidence  India retained the Asia Cup in Dubai on
the disease could jump from rats to September 28, 2018 with a three-wicket
win off the last ball against a fighting the 2014 Army Public School carnage in
Bangladesh, who were anchored by a Peshawar.
maiden hundred from opener Liton Das.  Referring to the change of government
 India made heavy weather of a modest following the July 25 general elections in
223-run target as Bangladesh fought for the country, he said that Pakistan would
every run before the title holders not compromise on the interests of the
achieved victory off the last ball, nation, the sovereignty of the state, or
watched by a capacity 25,000 holiday the security of its people.
crowd.  `The unresolved Jammu and Kashmir
dispute hinders the realisation of the
September 30, 2018 goal of a durable peace between our two

countries.
1. Pakistan warns India against LoC  For over 70 years now, it has remained
`venture` on the agenda of the UN Security Council
 Pakistan has warned India of a strong and a blot on the conscience of
response if New Delhi tries to cross the humanity.
Line of Control or acts upon its so-called 2. Bureaucrat caught stealing Kuwaiti
`doctrine of limited war` against delegate`s wallet
Islamabad.  A senior bureaucrat caused
 `To divert the world`s attention from its embarrassment to the country when he
brutalities, India frequently violates the was caught stealing the wallet of a
ceasefire along the Line of Control in member of the Kuwaiti delegation which
Kashmir. visited the country to discuss investment
 Despite numerous violations Pakistan plans in Pakistan.
has acted with restraint,` Foreign  Sources said the theft was committed by
Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said a grade-20 officer of the Pakistan
while addressing the 73rd UN General Administrative Services Group, deployed
Assembly in New York on September 29, at the Finance Ministry and he was
2018. `But if India does venture across caught through closed-circuit TV camera
the LoC, or acts upon its doctrine of (CCTV) footage after the members of the
`limited` war against Pakistan, it will Kuwaiti delegation lodged a strong
evoke a strong and matching response. protest.
 Speaking in Urdu, FM Qureshi presented  In the six-second leaked video clip,
Pakistan`s viewpoint on issues ranging which also went viral on social media,
from terrorism, relations with India the bureaucrat could be seen lifting the
especially in the context of continuing wallet from the table and putting it into
rights violations in India-held Kashmir, his pocket at a time when all Kuwaiti
war in Afghanistan, Palestine crisis, delegates and officials of the ministry
climate change, etc. had left the hall at the Economic Affairs
 He also raised the issue of Indian spy Division after the meeting.
Kulbhushan Jadhav and informed the  The issue came to light when a member
audience that India was behind various of the Kuwaiti delegation lodged a
acts of terrorism in Pakistan, including complaint with the Pakistan officials that
his wallet containing a handsome
amount of the Kuwaiti dinar had gone judge in Hyderabad. The motive for the
missing during the meeting. murder appeared to be honour.
3. $4.5bn income loss due to unreliable  Sikandar Lashari, former district and
power access grossly understated: WB sessions judge in Mithi, and Irfan Khan
 The net income loss from lack of reliable aka Fahim were found guilty of
access to electricity for households in masterminding the murder of 19-year-
Pakistan has been conservatively old Agib Shahani, son of his fellow
estimated at $4.5 billion a year which is district and sessions judge Khalid
about 1.7 per cent of GDP, a new World Hussain Shahani, in Hyderabad on Feb
Bank study notes. 19, 2014.
 This estimate is likely to grossly under  The ATC-II Karachi judge on September
state the actual loss because it does not 29, 2018 announced her verdict which
capture the impact of lack of reliable was earlier reserved after recording
access to electricity on health and evidence and final arguments from both
education outcomes and because access sides.
rates could be much lower than the  The judge observed in her order that all
officially reported 97.5pc. the offences for which the two accused
 These results suggest that increasing were charged had been proved. It had
reliable access to electricity would yield been proved that accused Lashari was
huge gains. the mastermind of the murder and that
 Pakistan could do so by both continuing he had planned the murder and hired
to expand the electric grid and by criminals to kill him, noted the judge in
developing alternatives to grid the order.
electricity, especially given that Pakistan 5. Russia-India S-400 air defence systems
has large potential for renewable energy deal problematic: Pakistan
from wind, solar, and hydro power.  Pakistan is concerned about India
 The study, Èlectrification and moving closer to acquiring Russian S-400
Household Welfare` presents the first air defence systems and urges Moscow
empirical evidence on the benefits of not to bet on New Delhi alone,
reliable electricity on households in Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry
Pakistan, and it used a two-stage told Sputnik in an interview.
propensity score weighted fixed-effects  On September 29, 2018, local media
model to control for unobserved village reported that Indian authorities are
and individual-specific effects that may ready to sign a $5.43 billion contract to
simultaneously affect electrification purchase five regiments of Russian S-400
status and the welfare outcomes of Triumph air defence systems.
interest.  Russia and Pakistan’s relationship, is
4. Ex-judge sentenced to death for murder improving day by day and Islamabad is
of judge`s son looking forward to working closely with
 A former district and sessions judge, Moscow on defence, trade and
along with another accused, has been economic issues.
sentenced to death for the murder of a  According to the Times of India media
son of his fellow district and sessions outlet, the Indian Cabinet Committee on
Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi gave consent to the the German chancellor stressed that
purchase of the Russian air defence "deep differences" remained on civil
systems. The decision was reportedly rights and other issues.
made ahead of Russian President  Erdogan then travelled to the western
Vladimir Putin’s visit to the country, set city of Cologne where several thousand
for early October. critics took to the streets, protesting
6. US shuts down Basra consulate citing everything from Turkey's record on
Iranian `threats` human rights and press freedom to its
 Iraq`s foreign ministry voiced `regret` on treatment of minority Kurds.
September 29, 2018 over a US decision 8. Palestinians ask UN court to revoke US
to shut its consulate in the southern city Jerusalem embassy move
of Basra which has been rocked by  Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-
weeks of deadly protests, while Iran Maliki said September 29, 2018 the
accused Washington of making `false Palestinians have petitioned the UN's
accusations` to pressure Baghdad. top court, alleging that the US
 `The ministry regrets the American inauguration of an embassy in Jerusalem
decision to pull its staff out of Basra,` a was illegal.
statement said.  The Palestinians have filed a lawsuit at
 Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ordered the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
all but emergency staff to leave Basra, "for violating international law by
with consular duties to be taken over by moving its embassy in Israel to the
the embassy in Baghdad. He blamed occupied city of Jerusalem", he said,
Iranian militias for ìndirect fire` against quoted by the official Palestinian news
the US consulate. agency WAFA.
 The State Department also sent out a  In December, US President Donald
renewed advisory urging Americans not Trump recognised Jerusalem as the
to travel to Iraq. capital of Israel, despite Palestinian
7. Rival rallies as Erdogan opens mega claims on part of the city and breaking
mosque in Germany with longstanding US policy. Palestinians
 Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan have since refused all contact with the
was to open one of Europe's largest Trump administration.
mosques in Cologne on September 29,  The US embassy was transferred from
2018 as he wrapped up a controversial Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 14, a day
visit to Germany, with police deploying marked by mass protest in the Gaza
in force to manage the rival rallies. Strip, where about 60 Palestinian
 The inauguration will mark the closing protesters were killed by Israeli fire in
event of his three-day state visit, aimed border clashes.
at repairing frayed ties with Berlin after  Palestinians claim the predominantly
two years of tensions. Arab eastern area as the capital of a
 Erdogan left the German capital after a future Palestinian state.
breakfast meeting with Angela Merkel, 9. China-India border affairs meeting held
their second talks in two days. in Chengdu
 While both leaders signalled their  The 12th meeting of the Working
interest in a cautious rapprochement, Mechanism for Consultation and
Coordination on China-India Border  In the U-15 final, Pakistani youngster
Affairs was held in Chengdu, Sichuan Muhammad Hamza Khan was against
Province, September 28, and 29 2018. local lad Arnav Sareen, who was not only
The talks were made between enjoying huge crowd support but was
representatives of the two countries' also firm favourite to take the title.
foreign and defence ministries. Hamza, who had played in this year’s
 The Chinese delegation was led by Yi British Junior Open semi-finals and is
Xianliang, head of the department of tipped by many as future of Pakistan
boundary and oceanic affairs in the squash, never looked in any spot of
Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bother and remained focused on his
while the Indian delegation was led by game plan. Hamza started the final as
Pranay Verma, the joint secretary (East highly underdog but he proved that
Asia) of the Indian Ministry of External crowd support means nothing, when it
Affairs. Both sides reviewed the comes to business.
situation along China-India border areas
this year and exchanged views, including
on border control and boosting mutual
trust. The two sides vowed to continue
"enhancing communication and
coordination between the diplomatic
and defence departments, properly
handle border-related issues, and
strengthen frontier defence exchange
and cooperation to jointly maintain
peace and tranquillity in the border
areas.
10. Pakistan win three Gold, one silver in
Asian Junior Squash
 Pakistani juniors won three gold medals
and one silver medal in the 25th Asian
Junior Squash Championship 2018 in
Chennai, India, in different categories on
September 29, 2018.
 Pakistani juniors highly remarkable
performance is a very good news from
squash after a very long time. It also
indicates that Pakistan Squash
Federation and Pakistan National
Squash Academy are finally doing some
serious work and the credit must be
given to coaches, players, trainers and
federation for the efforts they had put in
and it is hoped that this is just the
beginning and more international titles
will come thick and fast.

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9 - Day by Day Current Affairs September 2018 PDF

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DAY BY DAY CURRENT AFFAIRS MCQS

FOR THE MONTH SEPTEMBER 2018

Day by Day Top-10

September 1, 2018 3. Minister rules out placement of

September 4, 2018 besides $200 billion kept in Switzerland

September 7, 2018 Rashid Hafeez literacy and non-formal

September 8, 2018 Kartarpur border crossing with India for

September 12, 2018

September 13, 2018 on the advice of Prime Minister Imran

September 16, 2018  In Lahore, the families will be allowed

September 17, 2018  The ministers spent time with people,

September 19, 2018

September 21, 2018 formally invited to join the Beijing

September 23, 2018

September 24, 2018 Liaison Officer and officials from

September 27, 2018 

September 28, 2018 Umar and a team led by Finance

September 29, 2018 

September 30, 2018 goal of a durable peace between our two

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