Pakistan’s first Internet Exchange Point is now up and running

Pakistan has established its first Internet Exchange Point (IXP) for all local ISPs that will help reduce latency rates for all domestic traffic. Internet Exchange Point (IXP) is a physical infrastructure through which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and Contact Delivery Networks (CDNs) exchange internet traffic between their networks. The primary purpose of an IXP is to allow networks to interconnect directly, via the exchange, rather than through one or more third-party networks. Previously Pakistani Internet traffic was routed through foreign internet networks and exchanges, even for local traffic. This will change now as local peering will be allowed, ultimately resulting into lower pings and response times for domestic requests. Under the headship of Pakistan Telecommunication Authority and in collaboration with Internet Society (ISOC), this IXP has been established in the premises of Higher Education Commission (HEC). Syed Ismail Shah, Chairman PTA, while speaking exclusively with ProPakistani confirmed that IXP is up and running for last two weeks as a test. Dr. Shah said that hardware is being setup and exchange will formally be launched next month. Chairman PTA also said that more local internet exchanges will be set up in Lahore and Karachi soon. The IXP was one of the integral part of the Telecommunication Policy 2015 that has been implemented now. According to the Telecommunication Policy 2015, "Internet and other traffic will be exchanged within Pakistan using local peering or exchange points as far as it is possible to do so, recognizing that the use of international peering points in other countries imposes an unnecessary cost burden and a potential security risk." "PTA will take appropriate measures in consultation with stakeholders to encourage establishment of local peering and exchange points of IP traffic on legally established gateways in Pakistan."

If a customer is using a local ISP and if a ping is sent for a website or server that is hosted on TransWorld for example, then traffic is routed through international exchanges that reside outside Pakistan. This traffic will now be routed within our local Internet Exchange after its set up. Such an internet request, which is local — and distance between client and server could be just few kilometres — has to travel the all way to an exchange that’s hosted abroad and then will hit back local server after travelling thousands of kilometres, increasing latency rates and decreasing data transfer rates. This internet exchange is going to help local hosting companies, data centres, service providers, banks, corporations and everyone who is hosting websites or services with-in Pakistan. It will also benefit ISPs greatly by not only enhancing their performance but also by reducing their bandwidth costs. Ismail Shah said PTA has always encouraged new ideas and supported initiatives for the betterment of telecom sector. Setting up of IXP is one such new initiative that will help in improving internet access, business environment and local content.

Chinese ship, trade convoy reach Gwadar port

GWADAR: The first trade convoy carrying Chinese goods for export through the western route of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and a Chinese ship arrived at the port here on Friday. Official sources confirmed the anchoring of the ship at the port and said another vessel was expected to arrive within 24 hours. The second trade convoy was scheduled to reach here on Saturday (today). The goods will be exported to countries in the Middle East and Africa. A ceremony marking the opening of trade activities through the corridor will be held on Sunday, which will attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri and ambassadors of 15 countries. Meanwhile, the Gwadar Yakjehti Council took out a procession in support of the CPEC. Speaking at the Gwadar Press Club, the organisers of the procession termed the CPEC a game-changer for the region, especially Balochistan, as it would bring about progress and prosperity. They said the elements opposing the CPEC were not well-wishers of the people of Gwadar. “We are happy that Gwadar is at the centre of the CPEC because this will remove poverty and create jobs for the local people,” one of the speakers said. The speakers praised the role of the Pakistan Army and said the corridor could not have been completed without the support of the armed forces. They added that the council would always try to protect the rights of people of Gwadar.

Successful real-estate firm built during hidden crime spree

WOODRUFF, S.C. (AP) — As he built a successful real estate firm, Todd Kohlhepp's behavior struck some as odd: watching pornographic videos during work, making macabre jokes in marketing literature and openly discussing that he was a sex offender. But he was also an award-winning agent described as a hard worker and good boss. All the while, authorities say, he was hiding a grisly spree that included seven killings over 13 years. He gunned down four people at a motorcycle shop in 2003 and within the last year killed three more, authorities said. The crimes were uncovered when investigators last week rescued a woman chained up in a 30-foot long storage container on his property."He was the kind of Type Double A, hair-on-fire kind of guy. ... You felt that if he wanted to take you out, he could take you out easily," said Lawrence Shorts, a mortgage banker who worked on transactions with Kohlhepp. Kohlhepp made ominous comments about having trouble sleeping and how he would "know where people live," Shorts said. A neighbor, Scott Waldrop, said Kohlhepp bragged about chasing people off his rural property with an arsenal including guns with silencers and night-vision equipment. Motives aren't clear for three of the killings and the woman's kidnapping. Kohlhepp moved to South Carolina sometime after the 2001 completion of his 15-year prison sentence for raping another teenager at gunpoint in Arizona. He was in his early 30s and began studying at Greenville Technical College. While attending classes in November 2003, he killed four employees at the Superbike Motorsports store in Chesnee, authorities said. Those slayings went unsolved for 13 years. When Kohlhepp was arrested last week, the sheriff said he confessed to the bike-shop shootings and pointed investigators to three shallow graves on his land.  Detectives notifying victims' families of Kohlhepp's confession said he was an angry customer at the shop.

Months later, Kohlhepp transferred to the University of South Carolina-Upstate and ranked near the top of his class the next year, said college spokeswoman Tammy Whaley. He finished his business degree in 2007, then distinguished himself in real estate. A 2008 news article said he was Weichert Realtors' top-selling rookie agent for a region spanning parts of both Carolinas.

Next, he went into business for himself, registering Todd Kohlhepp & Associates in 2009. The firm's website listed over a dozen agents. It also offered an unusual sales pitch. Describing the team that developed the firm's marketing, it said "we threatened not to feed them if it didn't work. It's amazing the motivation you can get after day three!" Still, Kohlhepp developed a hard-working reputation. "Todd did his job well and we never had any issues or saw any flags in the years we worked with him," Velocity Design Group owner Danielle Cuddie said in an email. An agent at Kohlhepp's firm, Cherry Laurens, said they met a decade ago and were study partners at USC-Upstate. She said the accusations surprised her. "Everybody loses their temper, but as far as out of character for what would be normal? No," she said. Shorts, the banker, said Kohlhepp appeared successful, driving expensive cars. Records show he owned two BMWs and a motorcycle. Kohlhepp worked from home, and Shorts came over occasionally to exchange documents. "You used to walk in his office, and he had porno going on," he said. "I can remember walking in there two or three times, and there was pornography on his dad-gummed laptop. Realtors would walk in, and he had it on there too."

Shorts distanced himself in recent years, saying Kohlhepp would make innuendos such as: "'You know I don't sleep much at night and get up at 3 o'clock in the morning, and I kind of know where people live.'" Kohlhepp's suburban neighborhood was close-knit, but neighbors said he never attended its occasional get-togethers. Kohlhepp's sex-offender status was common knowledge, though Kohlhepp claimed the charges were trumped up after a joyride with another teenager upset her father, acquaintances said. Authorities described something worse: Kohlhepp was 15 when he tied up a 14-year-old at gunpoint and raped her in Arizona in 1986. Court documents say he pleaded guilty to kidnapping and was sentenced in adult court. Kohlhepp had psychological problems from a young age, according to records obtained by WHNS-TV in South Carolina.  An Arizona judge wrote in 1987 that he was bright but "emotionally dangerous" and preoccupied with sex.His parents divorced when he was an infant, and he spent time in South Carolina and Georgia. Around 12, he moved in with his father in Arizona.

Now his mother is defending him, telling CBS: "Todd is not a monster." "He wasn't doing it for enjoyment," Regina Tague said of the South Carolina cases. "He was doing it because he was mad and he was hurt."

On Facebook, he frequently posted about cutting down trees and moving boulders on the 95-acre property near Woodruff, about 10 miles from his primary home in Moore. In September, he wrote that buying land was a way to stay out of trouble: "you won't have any time to misbehave no mo ... too sore and tired." it was on the sprawling property that authorities said they rescued the chained woman and began unraveling the killings. Investigators say they dug up three bodies there. Authorities say they confiscated assault rifles and handguns. It's not clear how he obtained the weapons. South Carolina law prohibits violent felons from owning firearms. Waldrop, the neighbor, met Kohlhepp soon after he bought the property in 2014. To keep people out, Kohlhepp installed deer cameras, bear traps and a chain-link fence."To me, he didn't seem like no threat," Waldrop said. "We'd just shoot the bull. ... I didn't know all this stuff. Nobody knew."

Taliban bomber kills four Americans at NATO base in Afghanistan

A Taliban suicide bomber dressed as a laborer blew himself up at the NATO air base at Bagram north of the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday, killing four Americans and wounding at least 17 people, officials said. Two U.S. military service members and two U.S. contractors were killed, and 16 other U.S. service members were wounded, along with a Polish soldier who was part of the NATO mission, U.S. Secretary of State Ash Carter said in a statement. For those who carried out this attack, my message is simple. We will not be deterred in our mission to protect our homeland and help Afghanistan secure its own future," Carter said. He said the military will investigate what happened to determine what steps could be taken to improve protection for the base. The attack, which was claimed by the Taliban, underlines the foreign policy challenge that will face U.S. President-elect Donald Trump when he takes office in January.

President Barack Obama had originally hoped to have all U.S. forces out of the country by the end of his term, but was forced to abandon that goal as Afghan forces struggled to contain the Taliban insurgency. Under current plans, 8,400 U.S. troops will remain as part of the Resolute Support operation and a separate U.S. counterterrorism mission after Obama decided to slow down a planned reduction of the force, leaving it to his successor to decide future strategy. Waheed Sediqqi, spokesman for the Parwan provincial governor, said the bomber managed to enter the heavily protected site, the largest U.S. base in Afghanistan, and was standing in a queue with Afghan laborers when he detonated a suicide vest. The NATO-led Resolute Support mission response teams at the airfield were treating the wounded and investigating the incident.

 IN WORLD NEWS

Iraqi army says advances in Mosul, despite suicide bombers South Korea's Park faces resignation calls at huge protest rally It follows a suicide attack on the German consulate in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif late on Thursday night that killed four people and wounded more than 100 others. That attack was retaliation for air strikes near the northern city of Kunduz last week which killed more than 30 civilians. The Taliban's spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, said Saturday's attack, which he said had been planned for four months, had caused heavy casualties, killing 23 Americans and wounding 44. The movement often exaggerates the number of casualties caused by its operations.

Pakistan ratifies Paris accord on climate change

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Friday ratified the Paris agreement on climate change at a ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the foreign ministry said. Ambassador Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, deposited the “instrument of ratification” signed by the president of Pakistan, an official statement said. “With today’s ratification, Pakistan has become 104th country to ratify the agreement, which entered into force earlier this month. Pakistan had signed the agreement on the first day of its opening for signature in New York in April this year,” said the statement.On October 5, 2016, the conditions for the agreement’s entry into force were met, which required ratification by at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of all global greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement obliges member states to keep global warming below 2 degrees centigrade regarded as the threshold for safety by experts and scientists. Pakistan’s ratification is in line with its firm commitment to the purposes and objectives of the Climate Convention. It also highlights the resolve of the Government of Pakistan to remain fully committed to the implementation of the Paris agreement. Pakistan has played a leading role in the climate change negotiations. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had led the delegation to Paris last December where Pakistan joined the international consensus on climate change, the statement reads. This ratification by Pakistan also coincides with the ongoing Marrakesh Climate Change Conference, which is intended to take important decisions for the comprehensive implementation of the Paris Agreement and maintain the momentum achieved in Paris and subsequently.ISLAMABAD - Pakistan on Friday ratified the Paris agreement on climate change at a ceremony held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, the foreign ministry said. Ambassador Dr Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, deposited the “instrument of ratification” signed by the president of Pakistan, an official statement said. “With today’s ratification, Pakistan has become 104th country to ratify the agreement, which entered into force earlier this month. Pakistan had signed the agreement on the first day of its opening for signature in New York in April this year,” said the statement. On October 5, 2016, the conditions for the agreement’s entry into force were met, which required ratification by at least 55 countries, accounting for 55 per cent of all global greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement obliges member states to keep global warming below 2 degrees centigrade regarded as the threshold for safety by experts and scientists. Pakistan’s ratification is in line with its firm commitment to the purposes and objectives of the Climate Convention. It also highlights the resolve of the Government of Pakistan to remain fully committed to the implementation of the Paris agreement. Pakistan has played a leading role in the climate change negotiations. Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had led the delegation to Paris last December where Pakistan joined the international consensus on climate change, the statement reads. This ratification by Pakistan also coincides with the ongoing Marrakesh Climate Change Conference, which is intended to take important decisions for the comprehensive implementation of the Paris Agreement and maintain the momentum achieved in Paris and subsequently.

Pak Navy takes over command of combined task force 151 for the 8th time

 In an impressive change of command ceremony held at the US Naval Central Command Headquarters in Bahrain, Pakistan Navy assumed the Command of Multinational Combined Task Force 151 (CTF-151) from Republic of Korea (RoK) Navy. This is the 8th time that Pakistan Navy has taken over the command of this important task force responsible for counter piracy operations off the coast of Somalia and Horn of Africa under the overall ambit of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). In the backdrop of a UN Security Council resolution, Pakistan Navy joined CTF-151 in 2009 to combat piracy Commodore Muhammad Shuaib SI(M), took over the Command from Rear Admiral Nam Dong Woo, of the RoK Navy. Vice Admiral Kevin M Donegan, Commander US Naval Force Central Command and Commander Combined Maritime Forces presided over the ceremony. A number of distinguished military and civilian dignitaries, Ambassadors of Pakistan and Republic of Korea and senior officers from other Navies forming the coalition were also present at the occasion. Speaking on the Occasion, PN Commander Combined Task Force-151 Commodore Muhammad ShuaibSI (M) stated that the world was passing through uncertain and unpredictable times, where diverse threats confronted the international navigation at the high seas. Piracy continued to present an intricate and extraordinary threat that impacted the freedom of navigation, trade, global security and stability.Commodore Shuaib stressed that no single nation could resolve this menace, as piracy has been a common threat, which could only be addressed through collaborative international efforts. Commodore Shuaib assured that his team was fully prepared to shoulder this critical responsibility as part of Pakistan's contribution towards the safety and security of the oceans. CCTF-151 also lauded the outgoing RoK Navy R.Adm Nam Dong Woo and reaffirmed his resolve to continue operations with same zeal and professional commitment. Sources said Pakistan has always been forthcoming and committed in the fight against terrorism and piracy in the face of heavy odds. As a responsible state, Pakistan is playing a pivotal role for maritime security and stability in the region. The near permanent presence of Pakistan Navy units in the Area of Responsibility (AOR) has greatly helped in shaping a secure environment for freedom of navigation in the region.

Pakistani cinemas will screen Iranian and Turkish films to fill void

As the ban on Indian content persists, Pakistani cinema owners and film distributors hope to bring about a change in the cinema experience for audiences by screening Iranian, Turkish and hopefully Chinese and South Korean films. Film distribution company IMGC's Chairman Shaikh Amjad Rashid and Mohsin Yaseen of Cinepax management speak with Images on screening foreign films in Pakistan. "It's in the initial states right now. We've decided to screen films from Iran and Turkey to fill the gap of Indian films," says Rashid. "Yes. We are looking at different options from around the world to fill the gap, as Turkish dramas had a good following in Pakistan, we feel their movies will have a good impact too. Currently, we only play films from Hollywood, Bollywood and Pakistan," echoes Mohsin Yaseen of Cinepax (Karachi) management.This move comes because local productions aren't enough to sustain Pakistani cinemas. Says Yaseen, "Hollywood has a set number of releases around the year and these films have a certain market following. Bollywood has a huge market following but due to the political scenario there will always be uncertainty. Pakistani movies are coming in but they are limited in quantity, and are not enough to run 52 weeks of cinema business in a year. And Iranian films have good international repute, some Iranian directors have won international awards as well." However, both agree that this won't necessarily be a permanent move. The chairman explains: "If the ban on Indian films is lifted, this will fizzle out because they (Iranian and Turkish films) will not yield a profitable response; they're very different from Pakistani culture."

Although Turkish dramas like Ishq e Mamnoon, Fatima Gull and Mera Sultan went viral in Pakistan, it's costly to buy their rights. But Yaseen hopes that Turkish films will be just as popular as these TV dramas.

The reason being Indian films don't have a language barrier and our culture closely mirrors their's. Additionally, the Pakistani audience is more receptive to Indian artists because they are popular here and are frequently seen in TV commercials, he explains. "Iranian artists are new (to our audience), even I don't know who their top actor or actress is," says Rashid. "However, this experiment can be done and it can be said that there is potential by placing one or two films." Although Turkish dramas like Ishq e Mamnoon, Fatima Gull and Mera Sultan went viral in Pakistan, Rashid explains that they stopped playing here because it became costly to buy the rights. Plus, the traction died down.

Turkish drama 'Fatima Gull' became famous in Pakistan owing to Turkish actress Beren Saat."We had some advantage through Turkish dramas but there's a difference in TV audience and the cinema audience," he explains. "It's about paying money to go watch a show, as opposed to sitting at home and watching one which is available on cable." Yaseen, on the other hand, is hopeful that the films will be as successful as the Turkish shows. "This formula worked on TV content. We are experimenting on a similar pattern as we have seen few screeners of the films and they are amazing and I'm sure our audience will like these movies as well.

On screening foreign films, IMGC aims create a trade system with Iran and Turkey and also bring China on board. "There should be a barter system. In new markets we should do a barter system, Pakistani films should also be screened there," says the chairman.Rashid discloses that a Pak-China film is in the works penned by Amjad Islam, which will be directed by Shehzad Rafique. He adds, "South Korea is making exceptional movies nowadays, and we should explore China (as a market), even if 5% are released there it'll be profitable. When Pakistani films were released in China they did really well and were screening for years."

Although China is a viable option, as it is the second largest market after the U.S., there are a few considerations to note. For example, only 20% of foreign films are allowed to be screened in Chinese cinemas, the rest are all local productions."When the Indian PM went to China he took an Indian film distributor with him to sign a film agreement with them. It's unfortunate that when Pakistani officials go they don't take anybody from the film industry or try to get the agreements signed," says Rashid.

However, efforts are being made on both fronts to strengthen ties with China. He discloses that a Pak-China film is in the works penned by Amjad Islam, which will soon be directed by Shehzad Rafique. They're planning on taking two actresses; one from Pakistan and one from China. The working title of which is Rishta Hai Pyaar Ka and shooting will begin after winter. Both, Yaseen and Rashid agree that it will take a long period of time till people become comfortable with the idea of foreign films. As of now, the foreign films which will be screened have not been finalised.

Pak-Saudi Arabia relations ‘deep-rooted’

Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage Marriyum Aurangzeb on Thursday said that both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy excellent relations which are deep rooted in common faith and culture. She stated this during a meeting with Ambassador of Saudi Arabia Abdullah Marzouk Al-Zahrani, who called on her. She said that Pakistan considers Saudi Arabia a strategic partner because it has not only supported Pakistan on matters of strategic interest but also gave generous economic and financial assistance at times of crisis. She said that a number of monuments ranging from Faisal Mosque to the establishment of International Islamic University in Islamabad bear a testimony to the depth of our bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia. During the meeting, cooperation in the field of media, information and matters of mutual of interest came under discussion. Both emphasised the need to learn from each other’s experiences and best practices.The Saudi Arabian Ambassador assured the Minister of his cooperation in areas mutually beneficial to both the countries. Both reiterated their resolve to further enhance bilateral relationship for the mutual benefit of the people of both the countries.

Gwadar’s opening ceremony takes place on Sunday

ISLAMABAD: The opening ceremony of international trade port at Gwadar will be held on Sunday, November 13 amid presence of civil and military leadership of China. Pakistan has turned Gwadar as the hub of regional trade and commerce, which is the main objective of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Country’s top leadership is likely see off to the Chinese convoy comprising of more than 44 containers leaving for Middle East and Africa. Gwadar port officials said the loading of 300 containers will be completed on Saturday and they will depart from the port the next day for destination in Middle East and Africa. Starting official trade under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), truck drivers of the first Chinese convoy moving from Kashgar to Gwadar were welcomed by FWO officials at Quetta, capital of Balochistan. The CPEC, a $46 dollar project, is a pilot project of one Belt and one Road Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping that aims to enhance regional connectivity, communication and cooperation. Experts believe commencement of trade at Gwadar port under CPEC will become a visible "game changer" for Pakistan and the entire region.

A Step Closer To NSG

Japan and India are set to sign a controversial civil nuclear deal this week, as the allies look to boost economic and security ties to counter China’s growing influence in the region and in the international economy. The deal would allow Japan to export nuclear technology to the subcontinent, making India the first non-signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) to agree such a nuclear deal with Japan, which has faced political backlash at home for agreeing to this deal. The deal will also help India’s case for membership into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as the string attached is that if India conducts a nuclear test, Japan will stop cooperation.

India had long been standing at the sidelines of the global nuclear community due to its being a non-signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty. But, in seeking a stronger relationship with India, USA opened that door for them by signing a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with India in 2007, on certain conditions including India’s acceptance of the IAEA’s safeguard. In 2008, the NSG agreed to grant India a “clean waiver” from its rules, which forbid nuclear trade with a non-signatory of the NPT. Following the decision of the NSG, India started negotiations with several nations like Russia, France, UK and now Japan. This active foreign diplomacy and cooperation on India’s part is bound to promote its use of civil nuclear power, strengthening their economy multifold, which Pakistan sorely lacks.

The expected deal comes against a backdrop of growing insecurity concerns regarding China’s military presence in the disputed areas of the East and South China Sea and Indian Ocean region, parts of which Japan also claims.

And while finding a stronger ally in India is in Japan’s best interest for now, the larger beneficiary is undoubtedly India as an atomic deal with Japan will make it easier for US-based nuclear plant makers Westinghouse Electric Corporation and GE Energy Inc to set up atomic plants in India as both these conglomerates have Japanese investments.

Pakistan needs to evaluate its own foreign policy if it is to compete with India’s growing economic presence in the international market. While China is the perfect partner to have in all this, India’s smaller partnerships give it a much bigger image boost than anything Pakistan has going for itself. India has taken the smarter route of putting its energies towards improving its nuclear power for civil purposes, we continue to boast about our expanse of nuclear arms we are most likely to never use.

102 journalists killed in Pakistan since 2005

PESHAWAR: Pakistan has long been amongst the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with 102 journalists and media workers having lost their lives since 2005, said a report of International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Since 2010, 73 journalists and media workers have been killed; almost one journalist killed every month. The armed insurgency and sectarian violence account for a number of these killings but many of them raise suspicions of the involvement of the state’s institutions, said the report.

The killers of journalists mostly walk free, as Pakistan has so far recorded only three convictions.

March 16, 2016 marked a rare occasion for journalists in Pakistan to celebrate the third verdict convicting a murderer of journalist when a district and sessions Court in Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, sentenced Aminullah to life imprisonment for the killing of journalist Ayub Khattak. The journalist was shot dead on October 11, 2013 for his reporting about the drug business in which Aminullah was involved.

The conviction was successful as his family vigorously pursued the murder charges against the accused.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) have seen 28 cases of journalist murders, and none, except in Khattak’s case, have been arrested so far.

Balochistan – termed ‘Cemetery for Journalists’ in the IFJ South Asia Press Freedom Report 2014 – remains the most dangerous province for journalists with 31 killings since 2007.

A judicial commission’s report submitted in August 2015 concluded that Balochistan remains the worst flashpoint for media practitioners in the country and that the climate of fear and threats of reprisals prevent witnesses to assist the authorities in combating impunity against the attacks and intimidation.

The commission report says that in absence of evidences and witnesses, no banned militant organisation or government agency such as police, local administration or any other group could be held responsible for any journalist’s killing.