Tag: USA

  • US firm helps Modi govt keep social media blocked in held Kashmir

    US firm helps Modi govt keep social media blocked in held Kashmir

    The Indian government imposed communication blackout in August last year and stripped India Occupied Kashmir (IOK) of its special autonomous status.

    The administration has reached out to a US-based software firm Cisco Systems in order to prevent fixed-line internet users from accessing social media websites, reported ThePrint.

    The step has been taken to remove the restriction on a fixed-line broadband connection, however, social media platforms will still not be accessible to local residents even when internet connectivity is restored.

    Back in January, users were allowed 2G mobile internet and broadband for 1,500 individuals, including those providing essential services such as hospitals with access to only 1600 website.

    The firewall is being analysed and tested, and if it will be capable enough to sustain the blockage, it will be purchased, a senior government official said.

  • Pakistan, US trade negotiation failed.

    Pakistan, US trade negotiation failed.

    Despite United States (US) Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross’s visit to Islamabad, Pakistan and the US have failed to achieve ‘breakthrough’ for promoting trade ties between the two countries, Geo reported.

    “This high-level visit proved a non-starter because the US did not make any firm commitments on three demands put forth by the Pakistani side on the negotiating table. It can be termed just a posturing visit as a balancing act in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s visit to arch-rival India,” the report said.

    It quoted top officials as noting that the Pakistani side put forward three demands before the US delegation. Pakistan seeks a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), but the US side replied that “they would look into it” and did not make a commitment.

    The delegation also disapproved Pakistan’s proposition to expand GSP Plus list for providing concession on export items from the US side, so it can once again become a non-starting area.

    Furthermore, the Pakistani side demanded moving towards Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). However, the US authorities responded that they would see how things could proceed in future.

    Pakistani officials still seemed confident to believe that the US would respond positively on TIFA front in the coming future, but the optimism seems groundless because no commitments have been made.

    Keeping in view experience of the past many years, there have been several occasions when the US agreed to hold talks on TIFA and the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), but it always proved a futile exercise after holding sessions for several years.