Ankara, 30 June 2020 (Anadolu News)

A conference in Turkey called on Tuesday for the secretary-general of the UN to appoint a special envoy to resolve the dispute surrounding Kashmir and for it to start mediation efforts on holding a UN-sanctioned plebiscite in the region.

In a 13-point joint declaration issued at the end of a virtual two-day international conference on Kashmir hosted by Istanbul University, the participants demanded an "early, just and durable resolution" in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

Welcoming recent remarks by Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Ankara is "in favor of resolving the Kashmir issue by taking into consideration the expectations of our Kashmiri brothers, through dialogue based on UN resolutions," participants in the conference condemned alleged demographic changes by India in the disputed region after a new residency law.

Fears have risen in Indian-administered Kashmir after India began to grant citizenship to thousands of Indian nationals in disputed Jammu and Kashmir after implementing the "tendentious and politically" motivated Jammu and Kashmir Grant of Domicile Certificate (Procedure) Rules.

The participants in the conference called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to renew its offer to India of sending its fact-finding and good offices missions to Jammu and Kashmir.

The conference participants decried what they called "serious crimes against humanity committed by the Indian military and paramilitary forces in Jammu & Kashmir" and sought the release of political prisoners by India.

"These crimes include genocide, massacres, extrajudicial killings, reprisal killings, arbitrary detention, torture, use of rape as a weapon of war, burning of houses," they added.

Speaking at the conference, Pakistani Consul General in Istanbul Bilal Khan Pasha said that for economic prosperity and development in South Asia, the "resolution of Kashmir is a must."

Urging India to halt its "blatant human rights violations in Kashmir," Pasha demanded that New Delhi "provide unhindered access to the OIC, IPHRC, UN, human rights organizations and international media to report on the ground situation in the occupied territory."

In another presentation, Kashmiri businessman Mubeen Shah proposed to three-point formula to Pakistan on Kashmir, including declaring Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir as a "free economic zone," "government in exile" or "government independent in all respects in Muzaffarabad to fight the freedom war and to get it recognized like Palestine."

Islamabad, 30 June 2020 (Washington Post)

Doha, 28 June 2020 (QNA)

Based on the available public health data and COVID-19 spread indicators, including passing the peak, flattening the curve, and reducing the virus reproduction rate, the Supreme Committee for Crisis Management has decided to launch phase 2 of the gradual reopening plan on July 1st 2020 as initially planned.

Phase 2 will include the following:

The restricted opening of mosques will continue for all 5 prayers with limited capacity as well as the implementation of precautionary requirements.

Public and private gatherings limited to five people only will be allowed, and violators will be subject to the relevant offenses and penalties. The number has been reduced from 10 to 5 people following the discovery of numerous cases amongst Qatari nationals due to majlis gatherings and family visits, and amongst white-collar expats due to uncontrolled contact with no precautionary measures.

50% of public and private sector employees will be allowed at the workplace as needed, provided that employers meet hygienic requirements, implement precautionary measures, and continue to protect vulnerable employees by allowing them to work remotely.

Families will be allowed to rent boats and yachts in groups not exceeding 10 people.

All parks and beaches as well as the corniche will be reopened for people of all ages while continuing to practice social distancing. Play areas will remain closed.

Sports training in open spaces and large halls will be permitted for professional athletes in groups not exceeding 10 people.

The capacity of private health facilities will be increased to 60% while continuing to provide emergency services.

Restaurants will be allowed to reopen with limited capacity; the Ministry of Commerce and Industry will issue a comprehensive statement on the matter.

Libraries and museums will reopen with limited capacity and limited working hours.

The Supreme Committee for Crisis Management would like to remind the public that transition from one phase to the next depends on everyones cooperation and adherence to the precautionary measures outlined by the Council of Ministers including wearing masks when going outside, downloading the Ehteraz application, and practicing social distancing.

Islamabad, 30 June 2020 (The Express Tribune)

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday urged world leaders to speak up against India's illegal annexation of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) and its attempt to alter the demographic structure.

The premier took to microblogging website Twitter and underscored that India's attempt to alter IOJK's demographic structure by issuing a domicile certificate to 25,000 Indian nationals is illegal and in violation of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions, international law and 4th Geneva Convention.

He said he has approached UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and other world leaders to stop India's unacceptable treatment of Kashmiri people.

"India must be stopped from this unacceptable path that further usurps the legal and internationally guaranteed rights of the Kashmiri people & seriously imperils peace and security in South Asia," he said.

Doha, 29 June 2020 (Qatar Tribune)

By Ashraf Siddiqui

Qatari authorities have taken all necessary steps to handle the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis very responsibly, Ambassador of Belgium to Qatar HE Bart De Groof has said, lauding Qatar’s healthcare system for its professional approach in managing the situation and curbing the spread of the virus.

In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, ambassador Groof said Qatar’s healthcare system has performed remarkably well thanks to the efforts of countless frontline workers. He said, “The prime concern of the authorities is to save lives and contain the spread of COVID-19. As guests in this country, we fully respect
this concern and follow the measures being implemented to manage and eventually overcome the health crisis.”

The envoy said the Belgian community in Qatar is fully cooperating with the efforts of the Qatar government and its agencies. He said the members of
the community are worried about their health and that of their families back home as COVID-19 has hit Belgium very hard. “Ours is a densely populated country with many senior citizens, who have suffered greatly. Belgium has about the same number of COVID-19 cases as Qatar but unfortunately with a high fatality rate
because of the ageing population. That is a concern for many Belgians abroad. Being far away from one’s family in these circumstances is particularly  hallenging,” he noted.

“Now that the traditional holiday season is approaching, many people are wondering if they can travel home and under which conditions they will be allowed to travel back to Qatar,” Groof said. “It is important to stress that Qatar, like other countries, is rightfully concerned about new COVID-19 cases entering its territory. We have to be careful in the interest of everybody’s health. Everybody understands the need for testing and quarantine upon arrival. The Qatari authorities are currently issuing the guidelines to organise and regulate the re-entry process for Qatari residence permit holders and we keep track of these guidelines,” the envoy said.

He added, “In Qatar, we did not face an urgent repatriation need as we are very privileged to count on the services of Qatar Airways. I commend Qatar Airways’ role during this crisis time. Qatar Airways has contributed to the uninterrupted supply of food and medical items to the country and helped other nations
in need. It was expanding its operations to include special repatriation flights all over the world.”  Belgium worked with Qatar and many Belgian citizens were able to fly home thanks to Qatar Airways, he noted.

He said Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs Philippe Goffin called Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to thank him for the excellent collaboration.

Talking about the COVID-19 impact on his work routine, the envoy said, “Understandably, official meetings, delegation visits, bilateral commissions and negotiations have largely shifted to online meetings and webinars. The embassies of the EU countries are in constant contact with the Qatari authorities on a wide array of topics, ranging from health issues to COVID-19 impact on our communities.”

On how he spends his free time, ambassador Groof said, “I am lucky enough to have brought an extensive collection of books to Doha and, in my free time, I discover that I still have to read more. We’re also very lucky and privileged  to have a house with a garden to walk in when the weather permits. My wife Shemain has discovered a real vocation as a health cook. She keeps us all sound and spends a great deal of time in the kitchen trying out new recipes based on organic and healthy ingredients.”

New Delhi, 27 June 2020 (Anadolu News)

India moves air defense missile system into Ladakh sector following increased fighter aircraft activities by China in region. India on Saturday deployed advanced quick-reaction surface-to-air missile defense systems, called Akash, on its borders with China in the northern Himalayan region of Ladakh.

The deployment comes after the Chinese side was increasing fighter aircraft and helicopter activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), de facto border of India and China in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir.

As the two biggest militaries and the nuclear nations in Asia -- India and China – are engaged in military face off along the border, the military strength of both countries has come into focus. The armies of both countries saw a bloody clash recently leaving 20 Indian soldiers including a commanding officer dead.

China seems to have an edge over India, in terms of the number of ground forces and military arsenal, according to Global Fire Power, an online portal that provides analytical data of military power.

A comparison of both countries shows that China has an annual defense budget of $179 billion in comparison to India’s just under $67 billion.

As far as economies of two countries are concerned, China accounts for $14.14 trillion nominal gross domestic product (GDP) while India has $2.94 trillion nominal GDP, according to figures available with the BRICS, an association of five major emerging national economies.

However, a study by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Harvard Kennedy School said that India has key under-appreciated conventional advantages that reduce its vulnerability to Chinese threats and attacks.

According to the recent data by the Swedish think tank Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China possesses 320 nuclear warheads. India owns 150 nuclear arsenals.

According to the Chinese Defense White Paper, it has two types of nuclear-powered attack submarines in service, having second nuclear strike capability. India has also built second-strike capability recently with the commissioning of indigenous Arihant-class nuclear submarine. New Delhi has also taken a nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra on a 10-year lease from Russia.

“The two delegations agreed that implementation of this understanding expeditiously, in accordance with the bilateral agreements and protocols, would help ensure peace and tranquillity in border areas and the development of the broader relationship between the two countries,” said the statement.

“The Indian side conveyed its concerns on the recent developments in Eastern Ladakh, including on the violent face-off in Galwan Valley area on 15th June that had resulted in casualties. In this regard, it was emphasized that both sides should strictly respect and observe the line of actual control,” added the statement.

Border skirmishes between China and India began on May 5.

Thousands of soldiers on both sides have been camping along the un-demarcated Himalayan border.

Doha, 27 June 2020 (Aljazeera News)

Up to 25,000 people have been granted domicile certificates in Indian-administered Kashmir since May 18, raising fears of the beginning of  demographic changes in the Muslim-majority Himalayan region.

The certificate, a sort of citizenship right, entitles a person to residency and government jobs in the region, which till last year was reserved only for the local population.

Last year on August 5, when India revoked the semi-autonomous status of the region, it also scrapped the local special citizenship law, guaranteed under Article 35 (A) of the Indian constitution. The move has drawn parallel with the occupied West Bank.

On Friday, Democratic presidential hopeful Joe Biden said, "India should take all necessary steps to restore the rights of all the people of Kashmir."

"Restrictions on dissent, such as peaceful protests or shutting or slowing down the internet weakens democracy," says a policy paper posted on his website.

'Kashmir becoming another Palestine'

"The decision to provide non-Kashmiri residents with a domicile certificate is certainly the beginning of the end. This is the beginning of Kashmir becoming another Palestine," Badar-Ul-Islam Sheikh, a 29-year-old resident of the main city of Srinagar, told Al Jazeera.

"It is sad. It is horrible. I fear that time will come that we will not even feel safe in our homes," he said. "We have been silenced."

According to a census conducted by India in 2011, out of 12.5 million total population, Muslims comprise 68.31 percent and Hindus 28.43 percent in Kashmir.

Article 35 (A) had barred outsiders, including Indian nationals from other states, from settling and claiming government jobs to maintain the demographic balance in the region, which has seen decades of armed rebellion against the Indian rule.

On Friday, a picture of the domicile certificate issued to Navin Kumar Choudhary, a bureaucrat originally from the Indian state of Bihar, went viral on social media.

In April this year, amid the coronavirus lockdown, the government notified domicile laws making an unspecified number of outsiders eligible for residency and jobs.

Doha, 20 June 2020 (Qatar Tribune)

Ashraf Siddiqui

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Qatar HE Syed Ahsan Raza Shah has rejected reports recently published by a section of media that Pakistan had questioned Qatar over unpaid wages to 700 Pakistani workers employed by a construction company involved in the FIFA 2022 World Cup stadium construction.

Talking to Qatar Tribune, Shah said he was not aware of any such issue related to Pakistani workers associated with FIFA World Cup stadiums. He said he was aware of a very few complaints of unpaid wages to Pakistani workers but they are not related to the stadium work.

Thanking Qatar's Minister of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs HE Yousuf Mohamed Al Othman Fakhroo, the Pakistani envoy said the minister has remained in touch since the beginning of COVID-19.
Talking about bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar, the envoy said both countries have always enjoyed strong diplomatic relations, and shared history, faith, heritage since Qatar’s independence around five decades ago.  “Our relationship has steadily grown in all sectors, including political, economic, trade and cultural,” he noted.

He said the leaderships of both the countries are in frequent contact on bilateral as well as on regional and international issues.

He said that in the early days of COVID-19, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi had a telephone conversation with his Qatari counterpart HE Sheikh Mohammad bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and both have decided to cooperate to tackle the situation.

Expressing his gratitude to the Qatari authorities, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Administrative Development, Labour and Social Affairs; Ministry of Interior; and Qatar Airways, the Pakistani envoy said the pandemic has left its severe impact on almost every sector across the world.
Thousands of Pakistanis, mainly on visit visas and those who wanted to spend Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr holidays back home with their families, were stranded in Doha, but with the support and facilitation of Qatari authorities, and with Pakistan embassy officials working day and night including on holidays, they were able to return.

More than 8,000 registered Pakistanis, who wanted to fly back to Pakistan, have returned. This comes to almost 95 percent of the Pakistanis who registered with the embassy to go back home. The envoy lauded the embassy officials for their service to the needy community members amid COVID-19 pandemic.

He said that he was very happy to announce that, in the last two years of his tenure, bilateral trade has grown exponentially from $59 million at the end of June 2018 to $122 million in April 2020.  “We have noticed an increase of over 100 percent in exports from Pakistan to Qatar from July, 2019 to April, 2020,” he said. The export items from Pakistan to Qatar include rice, meat, fruits, vegetables, cereals, seafood, polyethers, bed linens, bran, etc.

The envoy said that the balance of payment is in favour of Qatar as exports from Qatar to Pakistan between July, 2019, and April, 2020, recorded around $1.44 billion which included LNG, plastic, rubber, chemicals, intermediate goods and metals.

With regard to bilateral investments, the Pakistani envoy said that the visit by the Amir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Pakistan, followed by two official visits and one in transit during last two years by Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, has triggered investments.
Various Qatari financial institutions have shown interest in investments in Pakistan, including in areas like micro-finance, airports, energy sector, bulk cargo terminal at Karachi as well as hospitality and tourism sectors, the envoy said.

Doha, 15 June 2020 (Qatar Tribune)

The US State Department has named Greta C. Holtz as Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Doha.
In this capacity, Ambassador Holtz will represent the United States government and lead the embassy in its diplomatic engagement with Qatar.

Ambassador Holtz is a senior career US diplomat with extensive experience in the region. She assumed her duties as Chargé d’Affaires on Sunday. Ambassador Holtz previously served as senior advisor in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs in May 2019.

Prior to this, she has served in senior positions, including the US Ambassador to Oman from September 2012 to December 2015 and Minister-Counsellor for Provincial Affairs at the US Embassy in Baghdad from 2009 to 2010.

She also served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Strategic  ommunication in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs from 2010 to 2012. Additional overseas assignments include postings in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Tunisia, Syria and Turkey.

At the State Department, Ambassador Holtz was the director of the Middle East Partnership Initiative, the State Department’s coordinator for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and a senior watch officer in the State Department’s Executive Secretariat’s Operations Center.

Ambassador Holtz received a B.S. in political science from Vanderbilt University, a M.A. in International Relations from the University of Kentucky’s Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce and a M.S. in National Security Studies from the National War College.

Ambassador Holtz joined the Foreign Service in 1985 and studied Arabic at the Foreign Service Institute’s Field School in Tunisia and Turkish at the Foreign Service Institute in Arlington, Virginia.

Ambassador Holtz is the recipient of numerous State Department awards, as well as awards from the Department of Defense.

Doha, 15 June 2020 (QNA)

The Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in his on-line address broadcast by beIN Sports channel on Monday marking completion of Education City Stadium, the third venue for the World Cup 2022.

Amir of Qatar saluted the medical staff and all those working on the front line combating COVID-19 pandemic.

His Highness speech as reported by Official News Agency QNA.:

"In the Name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate

Dear friends across the world,

As we celebrate the completion of Education City Stadium, the third venue for the World Cup 2022, we greet the champions of these times: the medical staff and all the staff of the teams working on the front line against the Covid-19 pandemic who have saved the lives of many people and brought back hope to them. We thank you and we support you.

As the world begins to open up, it is through your courage, dedication and sincerity that we truly believe in better days to come, the days when we will enjoy together watching the stars of the game in our stadiums.

Qatar is looking forward, and more excited and enthusiastic than ever, to welcome guests from all over the world for an exceptional World Cup.

Thank you very much." (Unquote).

 On the occasion, Gianni Infantino, President FIFA expressed his thanks to the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for the opportunity to participate in celebrating the milestone.

"While announcing the completion of another stadium hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022, we pay a very special tribute to those who suffered, fought and are still fighting against the covid19 pandemic giving us a remarkable example of resilience during such a difficult moment." "We must not forget, Health comes first, he added.

He said that it was better to look forward to better times in some parts of the world, while other parts have to be extremely careful, stay strong and united.

Infantino said  that "The new stadium in Education City reminds us that football will return, and with more passion than ever. When time comes, we will be sharing the stands with family and friends...In this beautiful and modern stadium, we will come together to celebrate the FIFA World Cup in 2022...Until then, stay healthy, strong and positive," he added.

Five Key Facts About Education City Stadium

Education City Stadium is the latest FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 tournament venue to be completed by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy.

It becomes the third tournament-ready venue for Qatar 2022 following the successful redevelopment of Khalifa International Stadium in 2017 and the inauguration of Al Janoub Stadium last year.

Two more stadiums are expected to open by the end of 2020: Al Rayyan Stadium and Al Bayt Stadium.

Five key features about Education City Stadium - Qatar's Diamond in the Desert

The facade of the stadium features triangles that form complex, diamond-like geometrical patterns which appear to change colour with the sun's movement across the sky.

Like diamonds, the stadiums design represents quality, durability and resilience and will become something to be treasured, both for the memories it holds and its future value to the country.

During Qatar 2022, the stadium is set to host matches up to the quarter-finals stage.

The stadiums seating capacity during the tournament will be 40,000. After Qatar 2022, the capacity will be reduced to 20,000 following the removal of the modular upper tier. The excess seats will be donated to countries which lack sporting infrastructure meaning the legacy of Qatar 2022 will be felt far and wide.

Parts of the stadium will be turned into classrooms and event spaces for QF schools and universities after the tournament.

Education City is the home of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF). Situated within Education City are leading universities, along with research and development institutions. As well as hosting matches during Qatar 2022, the stadium will provide sporting facilities for the entire QF community, including faculty and students.

The stadium achieved a 5* rating under the Global Sustainability Assessment System for its design and build. Its range of sustainability features include direct access to public transport, low toxicity indoor materials and LED sports lighting.

In addition, 85% of building materials were regionally sourced, while 29% were generated from recycled materials.

The stadium also boasts carbon dioxide sensors for high occupant density spaces to ensure ventilation and indoor air quality, and a water efficient irrigation design to minimise landscape water consumption.

Convenient access to the stadium is provided by the Doha Metro. Education City Station on the Green Line is located just 500m from the venue. A single ticket on the Doha Metro is QAR 3 ($0.82), while a day pass costs QAR 9 ($2.47).