Afghan peace deal: President Ghani says 'no commitment' to release Taliban prisoners

Just hours after US-Taliban peace deal, Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani rejected a key component of the agreement that calls for the release of thousands of insurgent prisoners.

The so-called "reduction in violence" period ran for the week preceding the signing of a historic accord between the US and the Taliban in Doha on Saturday.

The agreement spells out a withdrawal timeline of 14 months for all foreign forces, provided the Taliban honour several pledges and enter talks with Kabul for a more comprehensive peace deal.

"The reduction in violence will continue with a goal to reach a full ceasefire," Ghani told a press conference.

 Read more: Afghan Taliban peace agreement: US, Taliban sign historic deal to end war

"General (Scott) Miller has told Taliban to do so. It is expected (to continue)," he added, referring to the US commander in charge of foreign forces in Afghanistan.

But, in a sign of a bumpy road ahead, Ghani pushed back against a clause in the deal that calls for the Taliban to release up to 1,000 prisoners and for the Afghan government to release up to 5,000 prisoners.

"There is no commitment to releasing 5,000 prisoners," Ghani said.

"This is the right and the self-will of the people of Afghanistan. It could be included in the agenda of the intra-Afghan talks, but cannot be a prerequisite for talks."

He added that any prisoner release was "not in the authority of the US, it is in the authority of the Afghan government."

Also read: Afghan peace deal testifies the stance of PM Imran: Firdous Awan

The president, who is mired in a political crisis following fraud allegations in his re-election, was referring to upcoming talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government that were agreed to as part of the deal.

The Taliban had until now refused to negotiate with Ghani’s administration, which they considered a US puppet regime, but the withdrawal agreement hinges on Kabul and the insurgents reaching a separate peace deal through "intra-Afghan" negotiations.

Ghani’s questioning of the prisoner release points to tough negotiations ahead in a country where leaders seem incapable of coalescing around important issues.

Washington has pointedly not yet acknowledged Ghani’s win, announced last week after months of delays.

Sajal Ali and Ahad Raza Mir's wedding invitation reveals

British Deputy High Commission in Karachi Mike Nithavrianakis has been invited by most admired celebrity couple Sajal Ali and Ahad Raza Mir on their wedding.

The British diplomat took to Twitter sharing photos with Sajal and Ahad saying, “Wonderful meeting @lamsajalali and @ahadrazamir to receive an invitation to their wedding.”

 Wonderful meeting @lamsajalali and @ahadrazamir to receive an invitation to their wedding. They've been 'married' on screen several times. Now for the real deal. Best wishes to them both. pic.twitter.com/Ed968j09Ys

— Mike Nithavrianakis (@MikeNith1) February 28, 2020

 He further said, “They've been 'married' on screen several times. Now for the real deal.”Mike Nithavrianakis also extended best wishes to the celebrity couple.

The Alif actor and Ahad Raza Mir are reportedly getting married to each other soon and the wedding festivities of the star-studded nuptials have already begun.

However, Sajal and Ahad have not officially announced the exact date of their wedding.

Hamza Ali spend his life to spread the message of Islam

Hamza Ali Abbasi has said that he just took a long break from acting to give more time to religion and will make and maybe act in projects made within boundaries Almighty Allah has set for us.

Abbasi said that he just took a long break from acting and hadn’t quit it.

The former actor was responding to a fan on Twitter when she said “Really wish Hamza hadn’t quit acting.”

He said, “Thank you. As I said in my video, I haven't quit acting bcz I don’t see it anywhere in Islam as being haraam (forbidden) in itself.

Hamza Ali Abbasi went on to say, “I just took a long break from acting to give more time to religion & Insha Allah will make & maybe act in projects made within boundaries Allah has set for us.”

In November last year, the Pyare Afzal actor had announced to quit acting, vowing to spend his life to spread the message of Islam.

The actor had vowed to spread message of Islam through every medium, adding that if he produces any documentary or movie or drama it will be about Islam.

Some Major Harmful effects of Nail biting

Nails are formed within the nail bed just beneath where the U-shaped cuticles begin. As long as the nail bed remains intact, nail biting isn't likely to interfere with fingernail growth. In fact, some research suggests that nail biting might even promote faster nail growth.

Nail biting isn't without risks, however. For example, nail biting can:

Damage the skin around the nail, increasing the risk of infection
Increase the risk of colds and other infections by spreading germs from your fingers to your mouth
Harm your teeth
If you're concerned about nail biting, consult your doctor or a mental health provider. To stop nail biting, he or she might suggest:

1) Avoiding factors that trigger nail biting, such as overstimulation.
2) Taking healthy steps, such as getting active, to manage stress and anxiety.
3)Keeping your nails neatly trimmed or manicured.
4)Occupying your hands or mouth with alternate activities, such as playing a musical instrument or chewing gum.
5)Apply a bitter tasting lacquer to nails to discourage biting.
6)In some cases, treatment with behavior therapy might be needed.

How to Stop Biting Your Fingernails:

Many people struggle to stop biting their nails, because the act either soothes their stress or has become an unconscious habit.

The ADA recommends that patients try bitter-tasting nail polishes to reduce the appeal of nail-biting. You should also look for ways to reduce stress, while setting small, realistic goals that won’t make you feel overwhelmed. If specific situations trigger your nail biting habit, you can try holding something in your hands during these moments. Exercise and mindful meditation may also be useful for people who struggle with anxiety and stress.

PSL 5: Islamabad United take on Karachi Kings at Rawalpindi Stadium

Islamabad United take on Karachi Kings at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday.

Sitting on the fifth spot on the points table, the Kings have so far have had an unimpressive tournament, having managed to win only one of three games so far.

The Kings' lone win of the tournament so far came against Peshawar Zalmi, beating them by 10 runs in a seat-edge thriller at the National Cricket Stadium. Unable to build on the momentum, the Imad Wasim-led side slumped to a five-wicket loss to Quetta Gladiators and thrashed by 52 runs by Multan Sultans.

On the other hand, United sit on the third spot after playing five matches. They notched up two wins after being beaten by Quetta in the opening game of the tournament. The Shadab Khan-led team defeated Multan by eight wickets, followed by one wicket win against Lahore.

Islamabad lost their next game by five wickets to Quetta while their game against Peshawar on Saturday was abandoned without a ball being bowled.

Afghan peace deal testifies the stance of PM Imran: Firdous Awan

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said that Afghan peace deal has testified the stance of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a tweet on Sunday special assistant said Prime Minister Imran Khan has been suggesting that dialogue is the only way forward of the Afghan issue.

#AfghanPeaceDeal testifies what @ImranKhanPTI always said, that dialogue is the only way forward. Afghans suffered due to war & deserve stability. Peace in Afghanistan is imperative to stability in region. Pak role in peace process deserves to be written in letters of gold. pic.twitter.com/x63GkQwbfI

— Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan (@Dr_FirdousPTI) March 1, 2020

Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said Pakistan’s role in peace process deserves to be written in letters of gold.

She said Afghans suffered due to war and deserve stability, adding that peace in Afghanistan is imperative for the stability of the whole region.

Read more: US, Taliban sign 'peace deal', marking end to 18 years of war

Following successful dialogues, the United States and the Afghan Taliban yesterday, signed the peace deal, marking an end to the 18-year-war in Afghanistan.

US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad and Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar signed the agreement as representatives from each side.

 

Shahnaz Murder Case: Police arrested two suspects

The Naushero Feroz police have arrested two men whom they say are the killers of MPA Shahnaz Ansari.

Shahnaz Ansari, a member of the PPP, was gunned down in Darya Khan Marri village on February 15. She was attending her brother-in-law’s chehlum.

The Sindh IG has congratulated the Naushero Feroz SSP and his team for making the arrests and said that the investigation has been impartial and transparent.

He said the police is going to see the investigation through till the end.

The suspects have been identified as Waqar and Akhtar Khokhar.

Read more: MPA Sindh Assembly Shehnaz Ansari Murdered in Naushahro Feroze

Earlier on 15 Feb, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader and Member of Sindh Assembly (MPA) Shehnaz Ansari had been shot dead in Noshero Feroz over a property dispute.

According to police, the PPP leader had been shifted to NawabShah hospital in an injured condition where she had taken her last breath.

The police had said that she had been attacked over differences in a matter related to land ownership in Noshero Feroz.