by admin | Aug 19, 2025 | environmentalism, home and property, politics, politics and government, tenants
Nepal, August 19 — Following another ruling from the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) regarding the removal of temporary shelters occupied by unauthorized settlers near the Manohara River in Kathmandu, the informal housing areas within the national capital once more attract attention. It has been reported that these individuals constructed between 25 to 30 makeshift dwellings by occupying lands designated for the Manohara Land Pooling Project. Three months prior, the KMC issued a notification demanding they leave the location; however, the occupants did not abide by this directive. Subsequently, on Friday, members of the KMC’s Municipal Police joined forces with officials from the Nepalese Police, arriving at the scene equipped with an excavator to remove the settlement. As their buildings were dismantled, local inhabitants began throwing stones and bricks toward law enforcement officers during the demonstration, leading to a confrontation where police used batons against the crowd, escalating tensions considerably.
The question remains: where will the squatters go once their temporary shelters are destroyed? Unfortunately, both the national government and the KMC have yet to provide a response. Despite this problem having plagued the Kathmandu Valley for years, a workable solution continues to be elusive. Previous attempts to assist squatters in finding new places to live have resulted in unsatisfactory results. For example, during the administration of Baburam Bhattarai, 251 makeshift houses in Thapathali were removed, with plans to move residents to a resettlement center located in Ichangu Narayan within the Nagarjun Hills, near the western part of the Kathmandu Valley. However, due to the absence of essential facilities such as power supply and clean water, nobody ended up moving into the facility.
Successive governments as well as local authorities have thus failed to solve the problem of squatters. While beautification of areas along Kathmandu’s rivers is welcome, such a development should not come at the cost of people’s right to live with dignity. Alarmingly, efforts to evict landless squatters have continued even after the Land Related Problems Resolution Commission in February urged all tiers of government not to breach the constitutional rights of squatters, warning that uprooting people from their settlements without proper management goes against human rights and humanitarian laws.
This escalating issue requires strong measures. The challenge of slums extends beyond Nepal—for example, Indonesia, which ranks as the fourth-most-populous nation globally, faces similar difficulties. However, the country’s large-scale initiative known as the National Slum Upgrading Project has significantly improved control over informal settlements. These effective examples deserve replication. A structured strategy regarding evictions must be implemented, requiring collaboration between the national administration and the Kathmandu Metropolitan Council. It should involve collecting precise data about homeless occupants and developing suitable resettlement schemes through active participation from those affected. Employing coercive methods previously failed and continues to prove ineffective moving forward.
Again, as outlined by the United Nations, before proceeding with any evictions, all viable alternatives must be explored, while also considering the participation of affected squatters when making decisions for them. Squatters live where they do only out of necessity; they have nowhere else to go. They know that their settlements are at high risk of being inundated and swept away, and their lives are in constant danger. If they get a good option to resettle elsewhere, many of them will happily do so.
by admin | Aug 17, 2025 | business, cambodia, international relations, politics, tourists
Although a truce has been signed between Thailand and Cambodia, tour companies and hotel owners on Koh Chang still have doubts regarding the current circumstances’ reliability. Several businesses faced a significant drop in visitors as well as a lack of staff.
Saksit Mungkarn, ex-chairman of the Trat Tourism Industry Council and owner of a hotel on Koh Chang, stated that the peace accord has failed to restore trust within the business community because of ongoing political unrest and unpredictability on either side of the border.
Border disputes between Thailand and Cambodia have led to an unexpected labor deficit. Cambodian employees, who played a crucial role in the hospitality and building industries, started going back to their country at the end of last month. Currently, only those individuals with family members living permanently on Koh Chang remain, according to Mr. Saksit.
Without Cambodian laborers, local business owners have started relying on Thai employees and student trainees to take up roles in hotels and restaurants, he mentioned. Nevertheless, the construction industry suffered the most, as only a small amount of workers from the northeastern region were available, he added. Similarly affected, Ms. Pornthip Sunthornkit, manager of Chai Chet Resort, stated that the tourist environment on Ko Chang had become very subdued since the border conflicts commenced.
Many visitors have delayed or canceled their reservations, particularly seminar groups, who are our primary clients at this time,” stated Mrs. Pornthip. “Travelers view Trat Province as dangerous, despite our efforts to inform them that visiting Ko Chang is still feasible and the island continues to be safe.
She mentioned that reservations at her resort have dropped by nearly 90%, noting that other businesses on the island were probably experiencing comparable challenges.
Apart from the drop in tourism, certain Cambodian employees asked for short-term time off to go back to their homeland because of worries and anxieties about their own security and belongings, even though bosses tried to offer assistance and comfort, according to Ms. Pornthip.
She urged the government to broaden aid programs for individuals impacted by the border clash, regardless of whether they were situated near the frontlines.
“A lot of us have outstanding loan balances with banks. We wish the government would take into account support measures like lowering interest rates, granting temporary pauses on debts, or extending payment periods, akin to previous actions taken,” she mentioned.
“Even though we aren’t at the front lines, we are experiencing secondary effects. If the circumstances continue through the end-of-year peak season, the financial impact will become much worse,” stated the resort manager.
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by admin | Aug 11, 2025 | controversies, ghana, government, nigeria, politics
Conflict escalated between Nigeria and Ghana towards the end of July as some Ghanaians marched through the streets calling for the expulsion of Nigerians after several crimes occurred in the nation, which were attributed to foreigners.
Several Ghanaian citizens organized a demonstration in Accra, calling for the swift removal of Nigerians from their nation due to claims of participation in criminal activities and societal issues.
Demonstrators held up signs bearing slogans like “Nigers Must Leave,” “Stop Abduction,” “End Sex Work,” “Cease Violent Theft,” “Combat Deception,” and “Put an End to Sacrificial Killings.”
They further blamed certain Nigerians residing in Ghana for contributing to instability and declining morality within their nation. Some protest signs held by demonstrators included messages such as “Who safeguards the rights and freedoms of Ghanaians?” “Nigerians are abducting individuals for ritual purposes,” and “Our children are disappearing.”
A popular online video showed multiple demonstrators wrapped in the Ghanaian national flag, with some wearing red attire – a customary emblem of defiance.
A woman demonstrator, wearing red and carrying a sign, stated, “Nigerians should leave because you can’t just do whatever you want in another person’s country.”
A different sign stated, “Our Health Is at Risk Because of Widespread Prostitution,” highlighting increasing public dissatisfaction with supposed health and safety dangers reportedly associated with the actions of certain Nigerian citizens within the nation.
A demonstrator, who was on a motorbike, stated that the influx of Nigerians into Ghana was contributing to rising instability within the nation.
He mentioned that there would be a moment when neither they nor their offspring could venture outside and return home without risk.
He referred to an event where a representative from the Ghana High Commission passed away in Abuja following a theft occurrence.
Development of conflict between Nigeria and Ghana
During the period of British rule, both Nigeria and Ghana (known as the Gold Coast at the time) experienced substantial movement between their populations. Nigerians, especially those from the Hausa community, were included in military and commercial groups operating within Ghana.
After gaining independence, Ghana experienced an economic surge that drew Nigerian immigrants, particularly from the Yoruba community, who were looking for prospects in trade and government roles. This period embodied an unofficial Pan-African vision: a sense of unity without borders.
Nevertheless, in 1969, the Ghanian administration led by Prime Minister Kofi Abrefa Busia introduced the notorious Aliens Compliance Order. This regulation required all foreign nationals without proper documentation to depart from Ghana within a period of fourteen days.
The decision led to the removal of approximately 140,000 Nigerians, causing a serious diplomatic conflict. Ghana defended this step as essential for protecting employment opportunities and maintaining economic stability, although it created feelings of suspicion.
By 1983, circumstances had changed. Nigeria faced financial difficulties and increasing joblessness, leading to the expulsion of more than two million migrants, approximately one million of whom were from Ghana. This period became known as the “Ghana Must Go” era, named after the distinctive suitcases commonly carried by those who were sent back to Ghana.
Although Nigeria stated it was implementing immigration regulations, many viewed it as an act of vengeance for Ghana’s previous move.
Luckily, by the end of the 1980s, more reasonable approaches took over. Leaders such as Jerry Rawlings from Ghana and Ibrahim Babangida from Nigeria worked towards healing relations. A collaborative committee was set up, opening doors for improved commerce, cultural interactions, and resolving disputes. This initiative contributed to restoring political equilibrium and demonstrated a fresh dedication to ECOWAS ideals of open mobility.
However, migration challenges came back into focus during the 2020s. In Ghana, enterprises owned by Nigerians faced targeting during crackdown operations, leading to anger in Abuja. Nigeria blamed Ghana for being hostile towards foreigners, whereas Ghana maintained that they were following legal procedures. With rising nationalistic sentiments and economic protectionist ideas spreading worldwide, these trends influenced immigration regulations across West Africa.
In 2025, demonstrations arose in Ghana demanding stricter border regulations. Known as ‘Nigeria Must Go,’ this campaign echoed previous instances and caused new diplomatic worries. Although not backed by the government, the language used could threaten stability within the region.
Still no danger to our lives
Regarding the demonstration, a young Nigerian merchant from Kasoa village in Accra, Mr. Ezikpe Ukaku, stated to Weekend Trust that there was no direct danger for Nigerians engaged in lawful trade within Ghana.
“I learned about the demonstrations urging Nigerians to depart from Ghana, yet it appeared to have been organized by some individuals to promote a specific agenda, particularly following a 2013 video featuring Eze Ndigbo who claimed to purchase property for establishing an Igbo village,” he stated.
Regarding claims of criminal activity involving Nigerians, he mentioned worries over certain Nigerians involved in trafficking young women to Ghana for sex work, or using them as intermediaries to send them to Europe, where local women are also present.
“Only this month, the largest detention in Ghana was carried out by the U.S. FBI, targeting eight Ghanaians involved in online fraud directed at Americans,” he stated.
He cited the nation’s reliable power distribution and efficient law enforcement as reasons why numerous Nigerians remain in Ghana, even though the country faces significant price increases and challenging conditions.
Additionally, Chukwuemeka Nnaji, who previously served as president of the Nigerian Union of Traders Association, Ghana (NUTAG), stated that there are currently no dangers to their lives and assets.
We’re doing well. Not much is going on. Indeed, the demonstrations everyone saw took place on Sunday, and Sundays aren’t working days around here.
So, you can simply recognize that it’s merely individuals on social media attempting to generate some form of publicity. Nevertheless, as a group, we haven’t been targeted or had our companies harmed, nor have we faced direct attacks.
In the same way, Eddison Agbenyegah, who serves as Ghana’s Deputy Head of Mission in Nigeria, reassured Weekend Trust that there was nothing to worry about.
Nigerians may proceed with their everyday tasks. The demonstrators are merely individuals who have assembled for an online campaign.
“There is no risk for Nigerians in Ghana,” he stated.
Cause for alarm- FG
In the meantime, the federal government has urged tranquility regarding the demonstrations.
In a declaration made by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, President/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), citizens from Nigeria residing in Ghana were advised against getting agitated or engaging in hostilities with others, emphasizing that the matter is being addressed through diplomatic channels.
She stated that the widespread anger directed at Nigerians residing in Ghana and labeling them as lawbreakers must be denounced by everyone.
Nigerians are not lawbreakers. They serve as positive representatives in every place they go, whereas those who engage in wrongdoing should be identified and subjected to appropriate consequences.
“Ghana and Nigeria resemble Siamese twins. They are siblings, and in line with the principles of ECOWAS and regional unity, they should maintain peaceful coexistence as brothers,” she stated in a declaration authored by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the representative of NIDCOM.
Dabiri-Erewa further urged Nigerians to ignore the videos spreading about Nigerian businesses and properties being damaged by Ghanaians, stating, “There is no proof of this, and we should do everything possible to avoid retaliatory assaults.”
Likewise, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the government would address the matter through diplomatic means.
He stated, “We will handle them through diplomatic means.”
No space for bigotry – President of Ghana
From his side, President John Mahama of Ghana has emphasized the nation’s dedication to the rules of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), noting that there is no room for racism in Ghana.
Mahama revealed this during his meeting with President Bola Tinubu’s special representative, headed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, at the Presidential Palace in Accra, Ghana.
The President of Ghana reaffirmed his dedication to promoting ECOWAS agreements, particularly concerning the unrestricted movement of people and products within the area.
Mahama requested the ambassador to deliver his statement to President Tinubu, advising him not to worry about the latest demonstrations targeting Nigerians living in his nation.
He stated that Nigeria and Ghana are siblings with a common past, vowing that his administration would prevent anything from interfering between them.
He reiterated that the sharing of an old video created by a Nigerian living in Ghana more than 10 years back caused some unrest, yet he stated that the matter was quickly resolved.
He stated that the demonstrators did not exceed 50, reassuring the diplomat about the security and safeguarding of the lives, assets, and enterprises of Nigeria and Nigerians in Ghana.
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by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | controversies, diplomacy and diplomats, news, politics, politics and government
The Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has removed his vice president for parliamentary affairs, Shahram Dabiri, after facing significant public criticism stemming from an extravagant Antarctic journey taken during the Nowruz festivities.
The presidential office characterized Dabiri’s trip accompanied by his spouse as “indefensible and inappropriate considering the prevailing economic difficulties” within the nation.
An image of the pair standing in front of the MV Plancius, a Dutch ship bound for Antarctica, went viral on social media, inciting anger among Iranians.
On Saturday, Pezeshkian affirmed in an announcement that Dabiri was dismissed from his position due to “unjustifiable” conduct, regardless of whether the journey had been personally financed.
“In a administration aiming to adhere to the principles set forth by the first Shia Imam (Imam Ali) and faced with considerable financial strain on our citizens, the extravagant trips made by governmental officials, even if they fund themselves, cannot be justified,” stated Pezeshkian.
Widespread protests erupt throughout the U.S. opposing Trump’s policies. In the UK, MP Dan Norris gets arrested for suspected involvement in child sex offenses and rape. Large demonstrations against both Trump and Elon Musk take place in key European urban centers.
The president, who took office last year with pledges to fix Iran’s struggling economy and enhance everyday living conditions, stressed that such behavior “severely contradicts the principle of simplicity that is crucial for individuals in leadership roles.”
Iran’s economy continues to face significant pressure primarily because of Western sanctions tied to its backing of organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, which have been labeled as terrorist entities by the U.S., UK, and EU.
As reported by the International Monetary Fund, Iran had an unemployment rate of 8.4% in October 2024, accompanied by an annual inflation rate of 29.5%.
Reports suggest that the initial expense for an Antarctic journey aboard the MV Plancius stands at approximately $6,685 (£5,187). This price point has faced additional scrutiny considering Iran’s current financial situation. Although expeditions to Antarctica were once exclusive to researchers and experienced adventurers, cruise tours to this remote continent have become increasingly popular among tourists over the past few years.
The ship seen in the widely shared image was formerly utilized by the Royal Netherlands Navy for research activities between 1976 and 2004. The specifics of Dabiri’s travel arrangements remain uncertain, including both his chosen tour plan and mode of transportation from Iran to Antarctica. Certain cruise paths necessitate passengers departing from Ushuaia in southwestern Argentina, over 3,000 kilometers away from Buenos Aires.
As per the BBC, Iranian news outlets highlighted growing pressure on Pezeshkian from his backers to remove Dabiri, amid escalating public discontent over the festive trip.
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by admin | Apr 13, 2025 | courts, government, indian national news, politics, politics and law
New Delhi [India], March 28 (ANI): The Delhi High Court on Friday granted relief to Baramulla MP
Engineer Rashid
By cutting down the amount to 50 percent of what was initially requested.
Tihar
Prison officials for his journey to
Parliament
in order to join the current session.
He received approval to join the event.
Parliament
session in custody.
He mentioned that
Tihar
The jail administration is imposing charges of Rs 1.45 lakh for a single day’s travel expenses. Permission was granted on March 25.
A division bench of Justices Chandra Dhari Singh and Anup Jairam Bhambhani reduced the amount and asked
Engineer Rashid
To deposit the half sum of Rs 8.74 lakh within three days so he can make his trip possible.
Parliament
for session in custody.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the application for an additional hearing on May 19.
MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh aka
Engineer Rashid
had moved to Delhi High Court for modification of order granting him permission to attend
Parliament
He was in custody during his session and wanted to waive the requirement for covering travel costs.
Tihar
Jail to
Parliament
and back to Jail.
It was suggested that the fees currently requested by the jail authorities are unreasonably high, and the applicant lacks the financial means to cover these costs.
Abdul Rashid Sheikh submitted an application via attorney Vikhyat Oberoi, requesting that the High Court modify its Final Order from March 25, 2025, and waive or remove certain conditions.
It has been suggested that following the upload of the order on March 26, 2025, during the afternoon, the counsel for
Engineer Rashid
Received an email from the worried jail officials on March 26, 2025, at 8:21 PM, stating that the appellant needs to pay around INR 1,45,736 per day for travel and associated expenses, amounting to a total of INR 8,74,416 for six days.
It is further contended that the applicant is in judicial custody and cannot manage to secure such a significant sum.
It is additionally contended that even during previous instances where the applicant was permitted to swear an oath,
Parliament
Regarding the order from July 2, 2024; and also when permission was granted for the applicant to attend
Parliament
In accordance with the ruling dated February 10, 2025, from an earlier hearing, he was not obligated to cover the expenses related to his travel or any associated arrangements.
The plea indicates that in previous cases, the responsibility for covering costs associated with travel and other arrangements was not placed upon the applicant.
Moreover, in this particular instance, the issue of cost has also not been brought up by either the prison authorities or the prosecution team, it noted.
It is posited that the applicant has been detained since August 9, 2019, and lacks the resources to pay such substantial and unreasonable sums.
It is further claimed that the applicant’s family has, despite significant challenges, gathered funds via crowdfunding and covered their expenses for one day, specifically March 27, 2025.
On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court permitted the Baramulla Member of Parliament to participate in the session from March 26 to April 4, 2024.
He will be transferred into custody.
Tihar
Jail to
Parliament
A house on each of these dates
Lok Sabha
is underway from March 26, 2025 to April 04, 2025, within the specified times.
Lok Sabha
“will remain in session on those specific days. Afterward, he will be returned to the prison,” stated the High Court.
The High Court stated that the appellant must cover the costs associated with the aforementioned travel and additional arrangements.
Engineer Rashid
had submitted a request to be allowed to participate in the event
Parliament
His previous plea was rejected by the trial court on March 10.
Nevertheless, he was permitted to join for the initial session lasting two days in February. (ANI)
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by admin | Apr 12, 2025 | challenges, foreign policy, politics, politics and government, public policy
A lot has been discussed regarding foreign policy challenges. However, Pakistan also faces numerous domestic policy issues that continue to pose difficulties.
Initially, the idea of federation appears to elude Pakistan. In this setup, it isn’t the Central government that forms the individual units or provinces; rather, these units come together to form the Center. These units establish an agreement to distribute authority between themselves and the Center. They also determine how much control they surrender to the Center. It’s not up to the Center to choose what powers to grant to the units. Powers traditionally held by the Center—such as maintaining armed forces, crafting foreign policies, and managing a unified currency—are subject to approval from the units. This approach has led Pakistan’s Center to overlook the essence of federalism, resulting in ongoing instability characterized by various issues like regional conflicts and even secessionist sentiments. For instance, Balochistan exemplifies political manipulation alongside imposed administrations, leading to profound discontent across the region.
Secondly, Pakistan finds itself engaged in a defensive struggle as consciousness spreads throughout the nation. This awakening is relentless and unforgiving. Whether advocating for the rights of the Pashtuns or Baloch, these individuals are gaining listeners—not primarily through traditional broadcast media but rather via social platforms, which link them together. Although one such medium might be restricted under claims of national security, blocking all remains impossible. Both ethnic groups condemn incidents of missing persons and arbitrary executions, actions that contravene fundamental human rights principles. Protesting Baloch women led by Dr. Mahrang Baloch reject an approach where progress in Balochistan comes at the cost of forced disappearances and deceased victims showing signs of torture. Consequently, this situation traps Balochistan in a state of impasse. A comparable standstill could soon envelop Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) as well. The appearance of tortured corpses in Balochistan serves as a blight, reflecting twisted intentions aimed at deforming the federal structure’s image.
Thirdly, Pakistan lacks the capability to tackle its economic issues independently. The country faces bankruptcy since it can only manage its debt through additional loans. It remains unclear how these debts will ever be repaid. Thus, external financial aid is essential for Pakistan’s survival. The nation finds itself entirely dependent on creditors. These loans are taken out with hopes of gaining enough breathing room to stabilize their economy temporarily.
Currently, efforts focus on boosting commercial agriculture production. Converting unproductive land into arable fields generally makes sense economically. However, this situation presents contradictory approaches: While increasingly valuable farmland in northern and central Punjab—regions nourished by rainfall and fresh water—is earmarked for residential development, initiatives aim to transform parts of the Cholistan Desert—a region within the parched areas of southern Punjab associated with the Thar Desert—into viable cropland.
This dual strategy exemplifies misguided priorities which could undermine the broader goals set under the Green Pakistan project.
Fourthly, Pakistan’s western region is seeing the rise of zones where movement and presence have become hazardous, particularly during nighttime hours. Incidents like those targeting the Bannu Cantt in KPK and the Jaffar Express in Balochistan highlight how spaces previously under government control are now ceding ground to terrorist activities. This has led to a weakening of governmental authority. As usual, discussions about addressing this issue often revert to initiating military campaigns, sparking the perennial ‘chicken-and-egg’ dilemma: whether instability invites intervention or vice versa. Generally, it is believed that such military actions breed resentment, fostering regional divisions that ultimately undermine the idea of federal unity.
Fifth, Pakistan faces the issue of guerrilla warfare seeping into its territory from either northern or southern parts of its western frontier. The Pakistani military is primarily equipped for conventional conflicts rather than irregular skirmishes. Recently, Pakistan sanctioned the creation of Rangers in the region of Azad Kashmir under its control. This suggests growing unrest within those areas as well. Consequently, this situation signals the onset of a limited-scale confrontation. Rather than addressing underlying grievances through political channels, Pakistan has opted for forceful tactics, failing to recognize that Kashmir harbors fighters adept at conducting guerilla operations. These individuals previously engaged in such activities against Indian troops along India’s borders. They now pose a similar threat inside Pakistan-controlled portions of Kashmir.
Sixth, Pakistan lacks the financial resources needed for launching military campaigns and covering the economic impact caused by displacing residents. Previously, clearance operations in Southern and Northern Waziristan involved clearing out populations before completely destroying entire villages through bombings. As a result, locals became internally displaced individuals. High human casualties—both among soldiers and civilians—and significant economic expenses made these efforts daunting. To minimize direct troop involvement, Pakistan now relies heavily on drone attacks, mirroring U.S. tactics used in Afghanistan. While the United States applied this approach primarily against foreign adversaries, Pakistan uses similar methods within its borders against its citizens—a concerning development. Civilian deaths from accidental harm have consistently placed such actions under scrutiny. For instance, a recent targeted drone attack during an anti-terrorism operation near Katland in Mardan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) exemplifies how collateral damage can exacerbate local conflicts. This could be seen as intentional mismanagement, considering Pakistan’s record of alleged human rights abuses is nearly at capacity.
In general, Pakistan excels at managing situations through improvisation: buying time and seeking funding to address issues. However, this approach leads to the consumption of both time and resources without significant advancements. The challenges facing the idea of federalism are becoming more pronounced. Using force provides limited resolutions and often creates additional complications.
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