SAARC nations pledge coordinated action against terrorism
Members of SAARC today pledged to step up coordinated action against the common menace of terrorism, including steps to apprehend or extradite persons connected with acts of terrorism and facilitate real-time intelligence sharing.
The meeting of the Interior Ministers of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation also resolved to step up cooperation in real time intelligence-sharing and to consider Pakistan's proposal for creation of SAARCPOL, an institution on the lines of Interpol.
The ministerial statement on cooperation against terrorism adopted at the meeting said the SAARC member states had underscored their "commitment to apprehend and prosecute or extradite persons connected, directly or indirectly, with the commissions of acts of terrorism".
They also reiterated their commitment to strengthen SAARC's regime against terrorism.
While pledging to strengthen cooperation to fight and eradicate terrorism in all forms, the Interior Ministers emphasised the importance of a coordinated and concerted response to the menace.
The ministers, including Home Minister P Chidambaram, pledged to implement measures against the "organisation, instigation, financing and facilitation" of terrorist activities.
They also said administrative and legal measures to ensure that the territories of the SAARC states are "not used for terrorist installations or training camps or for the preparation or organisation of terrorist acts intended to be committed against other states or their citizens".
The ministers resolved to ensure that "nationals and entities" of SAARC states who commit, facilitate or participate in commission of terror acts are "appropriately punished".
The SAARC members - Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka, also acknowledged that linkages between terrorism, illegal trafficking of drugs, human trafficking, smuggling of firearms and threats to maritime security remained a "serious concern" and said these problems would be addressed in a comprehensive manner.
Briefing reporters at the conclusion of the meeting, Pakistan Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the existing Sri Lanka-based SAARC Terrorism Offences Monitoring Desk would be strengthened to facilitate real time sharing of intelligence.
The SAARC states will work out modalities to strengthen networking to share information on terrorist groups and individuals.
Less time to read?
Try Quickreads
-
US commission votes to process all green card applications within 6 months
A presidential advisory commission has unanimously voted to recommend President Joe Biden process all applications for green cards, or Permanent Resident cards within six months. Green Card holders are allowed to live and work permanently in the United States. The recommendations of the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders( PACAANHPI) will be sent to Joe Biden for his approval. All its 25 commissioners unanimously approved the proposal.
-
What is the US baby formula controversy? Regulators step in, imports in focus
To ease a nationwide shortage of baby formula, the United States is eyeing an increase in imports. The import announcement came shortly after health regulators said they will allow Abbott Nutrition - the biggest US supplier of powdered infant formula - to restart their production plant, which has been closed since February due to contamination issues. Here's what we know so far about the baby formula shortage in the United States.
-
Imran Khan's phones stolen, but ‘video statement’ not on them: Ex-Pak PM's aide
A pair of mobile phones belonging to former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan, who recently said he made a video naming all those planning to 'assassinate' him, were stolen in Sialkot, a key aide of the Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman has said.
-
Macron names Elisabeth Borne as France's new prime minister
Centrist politician Elisabeth Borne was appointed France's new prime minister on Monday, becoming only the second woman in history to hold the post. French President Emmanuel Macron's choice of Borne was criticized by some left-wing politicians and their supporters. Macron also promised a bill addressing the rising cost of living in France, where food and energy prices are surging. Macron vowed to go “twice as fast” in his second term to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
-
Indian American group to host summit gala in US this week
An Indian American Democratic body is hosting a “Dream with Ambition” summit gala this week which will be addressed by Pramila Jayapal, Ro Khanna, Ami Bera, and Raja Krishnamoorthi -- the four Indian American lawmakers. Organised by the 'Indian American Impact' during the AAPI Heritage Month, the event on Wednesday will bring together more than 300 South Asian American community leaders, philanthropists, celebrities and organisers to celebrate and educate, a media release said.
