&nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the practice of forced conversions as un-Islamic and said that those who do so are unaware of the history of Islam.

Addressing an event on the occasion of National Minority Day in Islamabad&nbsp;on Monday, Khan invoked Prophet Mohammed saying he gave religious freedom to minorities and protected their places of worship "because&nbsp;the Quran orders that there be no compulsion in religion".

"How can we then take it into our own hands to forcefully convert someone to Islam -- either by marrying (non-Muslim) women or on gunpoint or to (by threatening to) kill someone because of their religion?" The Dawn quoted him as saying.

"All these things are un-Islamic. If God had not given his messengers the power to impose their beliefs on someone, who are we (to do so)?" he asked.

The cricketer-turned-politician asserted that there was no precedent in Islamic history for forcefully converting others.

Khan`s comments came after Pakistan`s independent human rights watchdog in April had raised concerns over the increasing incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls to Muslim men every year.

In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said that the government has done little to stop forced marriages and urged the lawmakers to pass effective legislation&nbsp;to end the practice.

Khan reiterated his commitment to building Pakistan based on the model of 'State of Madina', where citizens are entrusted with rights and provision of facilities without any discrimination, according to Radio Pakistan.

He also said that his government is committed to operationalizing the Kartarpur corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the practice of forced conversions as un-Islamic and said that those who do so are unaware of the history of Islam.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the practice of forced conversions as un-Islamic and said that those who do so are unaware of the history of Islam. Addressing an event on the occasion of National Minority Day in Islamabad on Monday, Khan invoked Prophet Mohammed saying he gave religious freedom to minorities and protected their places of worship "because the Quran orders that there be no compulsion in religion". "How can we then take it into our own hands to forcefully convert someone to Islam -- either by marrying (non-Muslim) women or on gunpoint or to (by threatening to) kill someone because of their religion?" The Dawn quoted him as saying. "All these things are un-Islamic. If God had not given his messengers the power to impose their beliefs on someone, who are we (to do so)?" he asked. The cricketer-turned-politician asserted that there was no precedent in Islamic history for forcefully converting others. Khan`s comments came after Pakistan`s independent human rights watchdog in April had raised concerns over the increasing incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls to Muslim men every year. In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said that the government has done little to stop forced marriages and urged the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice. Khan reiterated his commitment to building Pakistan based on the model of 'State of Madina', where citizens are entrusted with rights and provision of facilities without any discrimination, according to Radio Pakistan. He also said that his government is committed to operationalizing the Kartarpur corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Forced conversions are un-Islamic: Imran Khan

At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening (local time), residents and a medic said.

"The death toll increased to 13, including two children, while 23 others, including 11 children, were wounded in the Saudi-led coalition airstrike on Al-Thabit popular market in Katabir district in Saada," a medic in Saada health office told Xinhua news agency over phone on condition of anonymity.

Eyewitnesses were also quoted as saying that several fruits and vegetable stalls were destroyed and burned to the ground, where rescue workers were searching for possible survivors.

There were no comments from Saudi Arabia or the coalition on the airstrike.

The airstrike came a few hours after Yemeni Shiite Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on the southwestern Saudi city of Asir.

The Houthis have recently stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, but most of the missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed by the kingdom`s air forces.

Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition against Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen for more than four years in support of the exiled internationally-recognized government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening (local time), residents and a medic said.

At least 13 people were killed when a Saudi-led coalition airstrike hit a popular market in Yemen's northern province of Saada on Monday evening (local time), residents and a medic said. "The death toll increased to 13, including two children, while 23 others, including 11 children, were wounded in the Saudi-led coalition airstrike on Al-Thabit popular market in Katabir district in Saada," a medic in Saada health office told Xinhua news agency over phone on condition of anonymity. Eyewitnesses were also quoted as saying that several fruits and vegetable stalls were destroyed and burned to the ground, where rescue workers were searching for possible survivors. There were no comments from Saudi Arabia or the coalition on the airstrike. The airstrike came a few hours after Yemeni Shiite Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for a ballistic missile attack on the southwestern Saudi city of Asir. The Houthis have recently stepped up missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia, but most of the missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed by the kingdom`s air forces. Saudi Arabia has been leading an Arab military coalition against Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen for more than four years in support of the exiled internationally-recognized government of Yemeni President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi.

Saudi-led airstrike on market kill 13 in northern Yemen

The American multinational tech company, Google is all set to launch the successor of Pixel 3 in October this year.

A lot has already been speculated about the next-generation Pixel phones- Google Pixel 4&nbsp;and Google Pixel 4 XL.

The phones are likely to be designed with FaceID-like face recognition technology.&nbsp;

According to reports, Google recently conducted a new experiment on the roads of the US to train the Face ID technology. The tech giant went out on the roads and asked people for their facial details in return for $5 gift certificates.

The "field search" was done to improve the algorithms and the accuracy of the artificial intelligence ahead of the launch of the phones.

The experiment was performed to train Google on a wide range of faces. The experiment aimed at improving&nbsp;the accuracy of its artificial intelligence models powered with the Face unlock feature.

According to the company's spokesperson, the scan on multiple faces was carried out to ensure that the feature works on diverse faces.

Google, meanwhile, has ensured "security and privacy" as core principles for Pixel.

The tech giant has asserted that the sample of the face collected will be kept "encrypted and access restricted".

The same will not be uploaded on Google's server, nor will it be ever shared with other Google services.

The company added that each participant has been given an abstract number and they can demand the removal of the data at any&nbsp;time.

The face data will be kept for 18 months.

The American multinational tech company, Google is all set to launch the successor of Pixel 3 in October this year. A lot has already been speculated about the next-generation Pixel phones- Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL.

The American multinational tech company, Google is all set to launch the successor of Pixel 3 in October this year. A lot has already been speculated about the next-generation Pixel phones- Google Pixel 4 and Google Pixel 4 XL. The phones are likely to be designed with FaceID-like face recognition technology. According to reports, Google recently conducted a new experiment on the roads of the US to train the Face ID technology. The tech giant went out on the roads and asked people for their facial details in return for $5 gift certificates. The "field search" was done to improve the algorithms and the accuracy of the artificial intelligence ahead of the launch of the phones. The experiment was performed to train Google on a wide range of faces. The experiment aimed at improving the accuracy of its artificial intelligence models powered with the Face unlock feature. According to the company's spokesperson, the scan on multiple faces was carried out to ensure that the feature works on diverse faces. Google, meanwhile, has ensured "security and privacy" as core principles for Pixel. The tech giant has asserted that the sample of the face collected will be kept "encrypted and access restricted". The same will not be uploaded on Google's server, nor will it be ever shared with other Google services. The company added that each participant has been given an abstract number and they can demand the removal of the data at any time. The face data will be kept for 18 months.

Ahead of launch of Pixel 4, Google offered $5 to people in return for their facial details 

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-at-anti-triad-rally-report-238816">Hong Kong police fired tear gas and rubber bullets</a> Saturday at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kongers-defy-police-ban-with-mass-anti-triad-rally-238808">triad gangs</a> who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators near the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-is-chinas-hong-kong-will-never-allow-any-foreign-forces-to-intervene-foreign-ministry-238638">Chinese border</a> last weekend, tipping the finance hub further into chaos.

Riot police used tear gas throughout the afternoon and evening in Yuen Long, a town close to the border, after tense standoffs with protesters, some of whom were throwing projectiles and had surrounded a police van.

Hospital authorities said nine people were injured, with five in a serious condition.

Rubber bullets were fired later in the evening to disperse remaining protesters. Battles then broke out in the town's station as officers with batons and shields swooped on demonstrators there and made multiple arrests, leaving pools of blood on the floor.

Public anger has been raging since last Sunday when a gang of men in white T-shirts, armed with poles and batons, set upon anti-government protesters and bystanders in the same station in Yuen Long.

That brazen assault -- which hospitalised at least 45 people -- was an escalation of seven weeks of unprecedented political violence that shows little sign of abating as the city's pro-Beijing leaders refuse to budge.

Police have been heavily criticised for being too slow to respond to Sunday's violence, fueling accusations of collusion or turning a blind eye to the pro-government mob -- allegations the force has denied.

- Triad links -

Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history after millions of demonstrators took to the streets and sporadic violent confrontations erupted between police and pockets of hardcore protesters.

The demonstrations were triggered by a controversial bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms.

Saturday's violence compounds the political crisis with the city's leadership seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos.&nbsp;

Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment.&nbsp;

Police say they have arrested 12 people so far in connection with Sunday's violence, nine of whom have known triad links.

The white shirt mob ran into two villages near Yuen Long station after their attack and later left without police making any arrests despite a large presence of officers.

These two villages became the focus of protester anger on Saturday.

The rally began peacefully. But small groups of more hardcore protesters, many in helmets and carrying shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads.

Tensions quickly rose with projectiles hurled. Soon tear gas rounds were arcing through the air and a now-familiar pattern of running battles between police and protesters began.&nbsp;

On one road, a parked Lexus that was found to have wooden sticks and clubs similar to those used in Sunday's attacks inside it -- as well as a Samurai-style sword -- had been trashed.

By late evening only some 200 protesters remained around the main station who were then charged by riot police.

- Pokemon Go and shopping sprees - 
In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters, a decision that only heightened anger towards a force already perceived to be protecting pro-government aggressors.

Social messaging channels used to organise the largely leaderless movement filled with calls for people to go on a "shopping spree" in Yuen Long or play the popular mobile game Pokemon Go there.

One female protester surnamed Cheung said she wanted to show "we are not afraid and that Hong Kongers won't cower in fear".

"The police and (the government) are together suppressing people's freedom to express their views," she added.

- Few concessions -

Weeks of unprecedented protests with huge turnouts -- as well as frequent clashes and the sacking of parliament -- have had little luck persuading Beijing or Hong Kong's leaders.&nbsp;

Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last fortnight, but has left it to the city's semi-autonomous government to deal with the situation.

City leader Carrie Lam has shown no sign of backing down beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill.

On Friday thousands held a 10-hour protest at the airport arrival hall in a bid to "educate" visitors about their movement -- especially those on the Chinese mainland where news is heavily censored.

The protest was peaceful and there was no disruption to flights.

Protesters also plan to march on Sunday through a district where riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at projectile-hurling protesters the week before.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators near the Chinese border last weekend, tipping the finance hub further into chaos.

Hong Kong police fired tear gas and rubber bullets Saturday at protesters holding a banned rally against suspected triad gangs who beat up pro-democracy demonstrators near the Chinese border last weekend, tipping the finance hub further into chaos. Riot police used tear gas throughout the afternoon and evening in Yuen Long, a town close to the border, after tense standoffs with protesters, some of whom were throwing projectiles and had surrounded a police van. Hospital authorities said nine people were injured, with five in a serious condition. Rubber bullets were fired later in the evening to disperse remaining protesters. Battles then broke out in the town's station as officers with batons and shields swooped on demonstrators there and made multiple arrests, leaving pools of blood on the floor. Public anger has been raging since last Sunday when a gang of men in white T-shirts, armed with poles and batons, set upon anti-government protesters and bystanders in the same station in Yuen Long. That brazen assault -- which hospitalised at least 45 people -- was an escalation of seven weeks of unprecedented political violence that shows little sign of abating as the city's pro-Beijing leaders refuse to budge. Police have been heavily criticised for being too slow to respond to Sunday's violence, fueling accusations of collusion or turning a blind eye to the pro-government mob -- allegations the force has denied. - Triad links - Hong Kong has been plunged into its worst crisis in recent history after millions of demonstrators took to the streets and sporadic violent confrontations erupted between police and pockets of hardcore protesters. The demonstrations were triggered by a controversial bill which would have allowed extraditions to mainland China, but have evolved into a call for wider democratic reforms and a halt to sliding freedoms. Saturday's violence compounds the political crisis with the city's leadership seemingly unable, or unwilling, to end the chaos. Yuen Long is in Hong Kong's New Territories, a rural area where many of the surrounding villages are known for triad connections and their staunch support for the pro-Beijing establishment. Police say they have arrested 12 people so far in connection with Sunday's violence, nine of whom have known triad links. The white shirt mob ran into two villages near Yuen Long station after their attack and later left without police making any arrests despite a large presence of officers. These two villages became the focus of protester anger on Saturday. The rally began peacefully. But small groups of more hardcore protesters, many in helmets and carrying shields, confronted police outside the villages and accused them of protecting triads. Tensions quickly rose with projectiles hurled. Soon tear gas rounds were arcing through the air and a now-familiar pattern of running battles between police and protesters began. On one road, a parked Lexus that was found to have wooden sticks and clubs similar to those used in Sunday's attacks inside it -- as well as a Samurai-style sword -- had been trashed. By late evening only some 200 protesters remained around the main station who were then charged by riot police. - Pokemon Go and shopping sprees - In a rare move, police banned Saturday's rally saying they feared reprisal attacks against villagers from protesters, a decision that only heightened anger towards a force already perceived to be protecting pro-government aggressors. Social messaging channels used to organise the largely leaderless movement filled with calls for people to go on a "shopping spree" in Yuen Long or play the popular mobile game Pokemon Go there. One female protester surnamed Cheung said she wanted to show "we are not afraid and that Hong Kongers won't cower in fear". "The police and (the government) are together suppressing people's freedom to express their views," she added. - Few concessions - Weeks of unprecedented protests with huge turnouts -- as well as frequent clashes and the sacking of parliament -- have had little luck persuading Beijing or Hong Kong's leaders. Beijing has issued increasingly shrill condemnations in the last fortnight, but has left it to the city's semi-autonomous government to deal with the situation. City leader Carrie Lam has shown no sign of backing down beyond agreeing to suspend the extradition bill. On Friday thousands held a 10-hour protest at the airport arrival hall in a bid to "educate" visitors about their movement -- especially those on the Chinese mainland where news is heavily censored. The protest was peaceful and there was no disruption to flights. Protesters also plan to march on Sunday through a district where riot police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at projectile-hurling protesters the week before.

Police fire tear gas, rubber bullets at Hong Kongers protesting 'triad' attack

At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said.

The pre-dawn blast took place as violence rages across Afghanistan, even though the US is leading a push for a peace deal with the Taliban, with a new round of talks expected in the coming days.

According to Aref Noori, the spokesman for Ghazni province, Saturday's attack targeted the police headquarters compound in Ghazni's Ab Band district.

"A Humvee vehicle was driven into the compound and blown up. Three police officers have been killed and 12 wounded," he told AFP, adding the vehicle had been captured from Afghan forces.

Ahmad Khan Sirat, the provincial police spokesman, told AFP the police headquarters building had also been partially damaged in the attack, which was claimed by the Taliban.

The attack came hours after another Taliban assault in Ghazni province late on Friday, this time in Khogyani district, which left at least three security forces dead including the district police chief, Noori said.

The Taliban have increased their attacks across the country at the peak of their "fighting season". The US, too, has stepped up air strikes this year.

On Thursday, a series of bombings in the capital Kabul claimed by the Taliban and the Islamic State group's Afghanistan branch killed at least 10 people and wounded scores more.

The bombings come as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, is expected to resume a new round of talks with the Taliban in Doha.

At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said.

At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. The pre-dawn blast took place as violence rages across Afghanistan, even though the US is leading a push for a peace deal with the Taliban, with a new round of talks expected in the coming days. According to Aref Noori, the spokesman for Ghazni province, Saturday's attack targeted the police headquarters compound in Ghazni's Ab Band district. "A Humvee vehicle was driven into the compound and blown up. Three police officers have been killed and 12 wounded," he told AFP, adding the vehicle had been captured from Afghan forces. Ahmad Khan Sirat, the provincial police spokesman, told AFP the police headquarters building had also been partially damaged in the attack, which was claimed by the Taliban. The attack came hours after another Taliban assault in Ghazni province late on Friday, this time in Khogyani district, which left at least three security forces dead including the district police chief, Noori said. The Taliban have increased their attacks across the country at the peak of their "fighting season". The US, too, has stepped up air strikes this year. On Thursday, a series of bombings in the capital Kabul claimed by the Taliban and the Islamic State group's Afghanistan branch killed at least 10 people and wounded scores more. The bombings come as Zalmay Khalilzad, the US special envoy for peace in Afghanistan, is expected to resume a new round of talks with the Taliban in Doha.

At least three killed in Taliban attack on police base

A probe into a deadly June raid on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-says-87-killed-when-security-forces-broke-up-protest-in-june-238850">Khartoum protest camp </a>revealed Saturday that a feared Sudanese paramilitary group was involved in the crackdown that killed scores and sparked international outrage.

Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of a weeks-long sit-on outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters in an operation that also left hundreds wounded.

Demonstrators and rights groups had accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces of carrying out the crackdown, a charge denied by the group's powerful chief, General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.

But a joint probe by prosecutors and the ruling military council revealed on Saturday that RSF paramilitaries were involved in the raid.

Crowds of protesters had camped out at the site from April 6 onwards, initially to seek the army's support in toppling longtime leader Omar al-Bashir.

Bashir was ousted on April 11, but protesters pressed on with the sit-in, demanding that the military council which replaced him cede power to civilians.

Fatah al-Rahman Saeed, a prosecutor who headed the investigation, said orders had been given to security forces to clear an area called Colombia, near the protest camp.

But, he said, an RSF general had separate ordered a colonel to disperse the sit-in, despite having no such order from further up the chain of command.

"They led the forces... inside the sit-in area and ordered them to get down from their vehicles and whip the protesters," Saeed told reporters.

Saeed identified the RSF general who allegedly ordered the raid by his initials A.S.A., and the colonel as A.A.M.

"It is clear to the committee that General A.S.A issued an order to Colonel A.A.M to deploy anti-riot forces of the RSF" to break up the sit-in, Saeed said.

- 'Forces disobeyed orders' -

The country's ruling generals have insisted they did not order the dispersal of the protest camp, but had ordered an operation including RSF and other security forces limited to clearing Colombia, citing drug dealing and violence in the area.

"The area had become a security threat which forced the authorities to take proper measures to clear it," Saeed said on Saturday.

Saeed said an RSF captain, identified as H.B.A, was involved in clearing Colombia but later took part in dispersing the sit-in.

He said another group of security personnel who were also involved in clearing Colombia "disobeyed orders and entered the sit-in area".

They "removed barricades, fired tear gas and fired intense and random bullets that led to the killing and wounding of protesters and the burning of tents," Saeed said.

Days after the raid, rights group Amnesty International said that members of "RSF are responsible for... the ongoing bloody crackdown on protesters in Khartoum since 3 June".

"The RSF swept into protest sites and opened fire on unarmed people," it said.

Doctors linked to the protest movement say 127 people were killed during the raid.

Authorities have given several tolls, all of them much lower.

- Pending issues -

The sit-in raid caused the collapse of talks between protest leaders and Sudan's ruling generals, which did not resume until weeks later, after intense mediaton by African Union and Ethiopian diplomats.

The two sides have now agreed to form a joint civilian-military ruling body for a transitional period of 39 months.

This governing body would then install an overall civilian administration as demanded by demonstrators, who still insist on a separate independent investigation into the June 3 raid.

Although the generals and protest leaders have signed a power sharing deal, several issues are still pending -- including justice for demonstrators killed since the first December protests against Bashir.

A probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum protest camp revealed Saturday that a feared Sudanese paramilitary group was involved in the crackdown that killed scores and sparked international outrage.

A probe into a deadly June raid on a Khartoum protest camp revealed Saturday that a feared Sudanese paramilitary group was involved in the crackdown that killed scores and sparked international outrage. Shortly before dawn on June 3, gunmen in military fatigues raided the site of a weeks-long sit-on outside army headquarters, shooting and beating protesters in an operation that also left hundreds wounded. Demonstrators and rights groups had accused the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces of carrying out the crackdown, a charge denied by the group's powerful chief, General Mohamed Hamdan Daglo. But a joint probe by prosecutors and the ruling military council revealed on Saturday that RSF paramilitaries were involved in the raid. Crowds of protesters had camped out at the site from April 6 onwards, initially to seek the army's support in toppling longtime leader Omar al-Bashir. Bashir was ousted on April 11, but protesters pressed on with the sit-in, demanding that the military council which replaced him cede power to civilians. Fatah al-Rahman Saeed, a prosecutor who headed the investigation, said orders had been given to security forces to clear an area called Colombia, near the protest camp. But, he said, an RSF general had separate ordered a colonel to disperse the sit-in, despite having no such order from further up the chain of command. "They led the forces... inside the sit-in area and ordered them to get down from their vehicles and whip the protesters," Saeed told reporters. Saeed identified the RSF general who allegedly ordered the raid by his initials A.S.A., and the colonel as A.A.M. "It is clear to the committee that General A.S.A issued an order to Colonel A.A.M to deploy anti-riot forces of the RSF" to break up the sit-in, Saeed said. - 'Forces disobeyed orders' - The country's ruling generals have insisted they did not order the dispersal of the protest camp, but had ordered an operation including RSF and other security forces limited to clearing Colombia, citing drug dealing and violence in the area. "The area had become a security threat which forced the authorities to take proper measures to clear it," Saeed said on Saturday. Saeed said an RSF captain, identified as H.B.A, was involved in clearing Colombia but later took part in dispersing the sit-in. He said another group of security personnel who were also involved in clearing Colombia "disobeyed orders and entered the sit-in area". They "removed barricades, fired tear gas and fired intense and random bullets that led to the killing and wounding of protesters and the burning of tents," Saeed said. Days after the raid, rights group Amnesty International said that members of "RSF are responsible for... the ongoing bloody crackdown on protesters in Khartoum since 3 June". "The RSF swept into protest sites and opened fire on unarmed people," it said. Doctors linked to the protest movement say 127 people were killed during the raid. Authorities have given several tolls, all of them much lower. - Pending issues - The sit-in raid caused the collapse of talks between protest leaders and Sudan's ruling generals, which did not resume until weeks later, after intense mediaton by African Union and Ethiopian diplomats. The two sides have now agreed to form a joint civilian-military ruling body for a transitional period of 39 months. This governing body would then install an overall civilian administration as demanded by demonstrators, who still insist on a separate independent investigation into the June 3 raid. Although the generals and protest leaders have signed a power sharing deal, several issues are still pending -- including justice for demonstrators killed since the first December protests against Bashir.

Sudan probe shows paramilitaries involved in deadly raid on sit-in

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) on Friday strongly rejected media reports regarding the blocking of social media websites in the country over blasphemous content.

"The media reports of #PTA recommending blocking of social media websites are entirely false," the authority tweeted.

On Friday, Pakistani media reports claimed that PTA`s Chairman, Amir Azeem Bajwa, had called on the government to block social media websites in the country to crack down on the circulation of "blasphemous content" through these mediums.

Quashing this, the authority said that Bajwa`s comments were "misquoted and taken out of context."

The PTA chief addressed a Senate Standing Committee earlier on Friday during which he had allegedly urged the government to formulate a policy and block social media networks, according to Geo News.

He had recommended for "indigenous social networking websites" to be made.

Bajwa also revealed that the telecom authority had received over 8,000 complaints regarding blasphemous content on the internet, and many as 40,000 websites in total have been blocked in Pakistan by the body.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) on Friday strongly rejected media reports regarding the blocking of social media websites in the country over blasphemous content.

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) on Friday strongly rejected media reports regarding the blocking of social media websites in the country over blasphemous content. "The media reports of #PTA recommending blocking of social media websites are entirely false," the authority tweeted. On Friday, Pakistani media reports claimed that PTA`s Chairman, Amir Azeem Bajwa, had called on the government to block social media websites in the country to crack down on the circulation of "blasphemous content" through these mediums. Quashing this, the authority said that Bajwa`s comments were "misquoted and taken out of context." The PTA chief addressed a Senate Standing Committee earlier on Friday during which he had allegedly urged the government to formulate a policy and block social media networks, according to Geo News. He had recommended for "indigenous social networking websites" to be made. Bajwa also revealed that the telecom authority had received over 8,000 complaints regarding blasphemous content on the internet, and many as 40,000 websites in total have been blocked in Pakistan by the body.

Reports on blocking social media over blasphemous content 'false': Pakistan

Direct talks between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-khan-discuss-afghanistan-terrorism-in-first-meeting-237953">Afghan government and the Taliban </a>could begin in Norway within the next two weeks, officials and sources said Saturday, marking a potentially crucial step in efforts to end the war.

The Taliban have so far refused to speak to the government of President Ashraf Ghani, which they see as illegitimate, except for at a recent summit where Ghani officials attended in a "personal capacity".

"We are preparing for direct talks," said Abdul Salam Rahimi, the state minister for peace affairs, noting that the government would be represented by a 15-member delegation.

"We are working with all sides and hope that in the next two weeks the first meeting will take place in a European country."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-afghanistan-agree-to-accelerate-afghan-peace-talks-238502">US, Afghanistan agree to accelerate Afghan peace talks</a>

He did not specify where the summit might take place, but diplomatic sources told AFP the talks were scheduled to begin in Oslo on August 7. The sources said the international community and the Afghan government were still awaiting word from the Taliban.

Ghani and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo agreed in a telephone call Wednesday that "now is the time to accelerate efforts to reach a negotiated end to the war in Afghanistan", according to a joint statement.

US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading a push to forge a peace deal with the Taliban, has spent the past several days in Kabul, where he met with Ghani and US officials.

He is expected to fly to Doha next week for what would be an eighth round of direct US-Taliban talks. The two foes claim progress in reaching a deal that would end America's nearly 18-year military involvement in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Washington has said it wants to see a deal inked by September 1, but any deal requires the Taliban to talk to Kabul.

'Personal capacity'

The apparent development comes after Taliban negotiators sat with Afghan representatives at a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue brokered by Germany in Doha this month.

The Afghan stakeholders had agreed to attend in a "personal capacity" so the Taliban can continue to insist it is not talking directly to the Kabul administration.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP any new talks would only begin after a deal has been forged with the US, and he reiterated the insurgents' long-held position that they would "not talk to the Kabul administration as a government".

Rahimi said the next delegation would include some of those who went to Doha, as well as religious scholars, women and other members of civil society.

Meanwhile, the war rages across Afghanistan, with the Taliban, the US and Afghan forces all fighting at an increased tempo.

At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said.

On Thursday, three blasts rocked Kabul, killing at least 10 people and wounding scores more, even as US and Afghan officials pledged to speed up their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

Direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban could begin in Norway within the next two weeks, officials and sources said Saturday, marking a potentially crucial step in efforts to end the war.

Direct talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban could begin in Norway within the next two weeks, officials and sources said Saturday, marking a potentially crucial step in efforts to end the war. The Taliban have so far refused to speak to the government of President Ashraf Ghani, which they see as illegitimate, except for at a recent summit where Ghani officials attended in a "personal capacity". "We are preparing for direct talks," said Abdul Salam Rahimi, the state minister for peace affairs, noting that the government would be represented by a 15-member delegation. "We are working with all sides and hope that in the next two weeks the first meeting will take place in a European country." Also read: US, Afghanistan agree to accelerate Afghan peace talks He did not specify where the summit might take place, but diplomatic sources told AFP the talks were scheduled to begin in Oslo on August 7. The sources said the international community and the Afghan government were still awaiting word from the Taliban. Ghani and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo agreed in a telephone call Wednesday that "now is the time to accelerate efforts to reach a negotiated end to the war in Afghanistan", according to a joint statement. US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who is leading a push to forge a peace deal with the Taliban, has spent the past several days in Kabul, where he met with Ghani and US officials. He is expected to fly to Doha next week for what would be an eighth round of direct US-Taliban talks. The two foes claim progress in reaching a deal that would end America's nearly 18-year military involvement in Afghanistan. Washington has said it wants to see a deal inked by September 1, but any deal requires the Taliban to talk to Kabul. 'Personal capacity' The apparent development comes after Taliban negotiators sat with Afghan representatives at a so-called intra-Afghan dialogue brokered by Germany in Doha this month. The Afghan stakeholders had agreed to attend in a "personal capacity" so the Taliban can continue to insist it is not talking directly to the Kabul administration. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP any new talks would only begin after a deal has been forged with the US, and he reiterated the insurgents' long-held position that they would "not talk to the Kabul administration as a government". Rahimi said the next delegation would include some of those who went to Doha, as well as religious scholars, women and other members of civil society. Meanwhile, the war rages across Afghanistan, with the Taliban, the US and Afghan forces all fighting at an increased tempo. At least three police officers were killed and a dozen more wounded Saturday when a Taliban suicide bomber drove an explosives-packed, US-made armoured vehicle into a compound in eastern Afghanistan, officials said. On Thursday, three blasts rocked Kabul, killing at least 10 people and wounding scores more, even as US and Afghan officials pledged to speed up their efforts to reach a negotiated settlement.

Talks between Afghanistan government, Taliban could happen within two weeks in Norway: Officials

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been reeling under the illegal occupation of Islamabad over the last seven decades.

Today, the region has not just been left bereft of its natural resources due to indiscriminate exploitation by Pakistan but its people too are thrown into a life of misery.

The water of the rivers -- Neelum and Jhelum -- have also been diverted on the pretext of the generation of hydroelectricity for the people.&nbsp;

When people protested against the construction of these hydropower projects, they were told that the region would get a surplus power supply and water once the project is complete.But things turned out to be opposite when its construction completed.&nbsp;

Ever since the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project has been inaugurated, the lives of people have turned into a nightmare.

Most of the 1,500 MW of energy produced from this plant is transferred to the provinces of Pakistan, especially the pampered province of Punjab.&nbsp;

And now with no water and power in the region, the people here are reeling under darkness. Untimely and prolonged load-shedding has taken a heavy toll on the people of the region.

Venting his frustration over the current power situation in the region and utter negligence of authorities, Muhammad Altaf Butt, a former candidate of PoK Assembly, said, "It is unfortunate that the people of this region, who sacrificed both their land and water for the hydropower projects are enduring one of the worst load-shedding."

"And even in this situation, the President, Prime Minister, Chief Secretary and Chief Justice of the region couldn`t gather the courage to demand power supply equivalent to that of provincial capitals like Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta," he said.

The region has very few industries and even these are subjected to power outages, leading to incomplete work and unemployment.

"If the region is producing around 1,500 MW of electricity and not getting even the required 400-500 MW, then it is questionable. It should be dealt with. Earlier, the Prime Minister of the region, Raja Farooq Haider Khan used to speak very assertively. But, God knows what happened that he has become quiet with the time," added Butt.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has made tall claims of providing PoK people life at par with the other citizens of the country, but they are not even getting half of it and the situation is poised to deteriorate further with a rise in energy-demand of Pakistan.

The region, which has been used both as for exploitation and as a dump yard, will be plundered again to satisfy Pakistani needs.&nbsp;

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been reeling under the illegal occupation of Islamabad over the last seven decades. Today, the region has not just been left bereft of its natural resources due to indiscriminate exploitation by Pakistan but its people too are thrown into a life of misery.

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been reeling under the illegal occupation of Islamabad over the last seven decades. Today, the region has not just been left bereft of its natural resources due to indiscriminate exploitation by Pakistan but its people too are thrown into a life of misery. The water of the rivers -- Neelum and Jhelum -- have also been diverted on the pretext of the generation of hydroelectricity for the people. When people protested against the construction of these hydropower projects, they were told that the region would get a surplus power supply and water once the project is complete.But things turned out to be opposite when its construction completed. Ever since the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project has been inaugurated, the lives of people have turned into a nightmare. Most of the 1,500 MW of energy produced from this plant is transferred to the provinces of Pakistan, especially the pampered province of Punjab. And now with no water and power in the region, the people here are reeling under darkness. Untimely and prolonged load-shedding has taken a heavy toll on the people of the region. Venting his frustration over the current power situation in the region and utter negligence of authorities, Muhammad Altaf Butt, a former candidate of PoK Assembly, said, "It is unfortunate that the people of this region, who sacrificed both their land and water for the hydropower projects are enduring one of the worst load-shedding." "And even in this situation, the President, Prime Minister, Chief Secretary and Chief Justice of the region couldn`t gather the courage to demand power supply equivalent to that of provincial capitals like Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta," he said. The region has very few industries and even these are subjected to power outages, leading to incomplete work and unemployment. "If the region is producing around 1,500 MW of electricity and not getting even the required 400-500 MW, then it is questionable. It should be dealt with. Earlier, the Prime Minister of the region, Raja Farooq Haider Khan used to speak very assertively. But, God knows what happened that he has become quiet with the time," added Butt. Prime Minister Imran Khan has made tall claims of providing PoK people life at par with the other citizens of the country, but they are not even getting half of it and the situation is poised to deteriorate further with a rise in energy-demand of Pakistan. The region, which has been used both as for exploitation and as a dump yard, will be plundered again to satisfy Pakistani needs.

PoK deprived of basic needs as Islamabad turns a blind eye to them

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-arrested-at-moscow-protest-after-opposition-crackdown-238830">Russian police arrested</a> more than 500 people on Saturday, including prominent activists, around a political protest in Moscow to demand that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-opposition-plans-protest-demanding-fair-elections-despite-arrests-238824"> members of the opposition</a> be allowed to run in a local election later this year.

The protest, which authorities declared illegal beforehand, did not represent a major challenge to President Vladimir Putin and his allies who have the resources to break up such demonstrations and jail people.

With several thousand people present, however, it showed how many activists and especially younger people are unafraid to challenge authorities on the streets and intend to keep pressing for the Kremlin to open up Russia's tightly-choreographed political system to competition.

Chants of "Russia without Putin" and "Putin resign" echoed through central Moscow as guardsmen clad in riot gear beat back protesters with batons and roughly detained people.

At least one woman appeared to suffered serious head wounds.

Jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny had called for the protest, near the Moscow mayor's office, to persuade authorities to allow opposition-minded candidates to run in a Sept. 8 vote in Moscow, which they have been barred from.

The opposition has no seats in parliament and is starved of air time on state TV where many Russians still get their news.

Opinion polls in the past have shown support for Navalny, a lawyer and anti-corruption activist, only in the single digits. But backers note he won almost a third of the vote in a 2013 Moscow mayoral race and say his movement could build momentum in the Russian capital if allowed to compete fairly.

Though Putin's approval rating is still high at well over 60 per cent, it is lower than it used to be due to discontent over years of falling incomes. Last year, the 66-year-old former KGB intelligence officer won a landslide re-election and a new six-year term until 2024.

Burnishing his man of action image, Putin spent Saturday diving to the bottom of the Gulf of Finland in a mini-submarine to pay tribute to a Soviet submarine that sunk there during World War Two.

Authorities say the Moscow local election candidates were prohibited from running because they had failed to collect a sufficient number of genuine signatures in their support, an allegation the opposition rejects as false.

OVD-Info, an independent monitoring group, said police had detained at least 520 people before or at Saturday's protest. In the past many of those taken into custody have often been released later on the same day.

Police put participation at more than 3,500 people, of whom it said around 700 people were journalists and bloggers.

Arrests and home searches

Reuters witnesses said some of those detained appeared to be ordinary passersby in the wrong place at the wrong time.

One of those detained, Alexander Latyshev, 45, said he had came from the nearby Vladimir region to discuss business with an associate and been randomly detained. "I was just sitting on a bench (when they took me)," he told Reuters inside a police bus.

Before the protest, police detained activists to prevent them from attending the protest and blocked off some streets.

During the demonstration, they raided an office being used by Navalny's supporters to live-stream the protest.

Under Russian law, the location and timing of such protests needs to be agreed with authorities beforehand, something that was not done in this case.

Kremlin critic Navalny was jailed for 30 days on Wednesday and other members of the opposition have had their homes searched. Ilya Yashin, a Navalny ally, said on Facebook on Saturday that police had searched his Moscow flat overnight before detaining him and driving him out of the Russian capital.

Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokeswoman, said on Twitter she and another activist had been detained on Saturday morning. Other prominent activists, Dmitry Gudkov and Lyubov Sobol, were detained later.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, a Putin ally, had warned beforehand that authorities would act decisively against the risk of "serious provocations".

"Order in the city will be maintained," he said.

Russia's Investigative Committee, the police's investigative arm, has already opened a criminal investigation into an opposition rally in June which it said may have obstructed the work of Moscow's electoral commission.

An authorised protest in Moscow last weekend calling for the disbarred candidates to be registered was attended by more than 20,000 people, according to the White Counter monitoring group.

Russian police arrested more than 500 people on Saturday, including prominent activists, around a political protest in Moscow to demand that members of the opposition be allowed to run in a local election later this year.

Russian police arrested more than 500 people on Saturday, including prominent activists, around a political protest in Moscow to demand that members of the opposition be allowed to run in a local election later this year. The protest, which authorities declared illegal beforehand, did not represent a major challenge to President Vladimir Putin and his allies who have the resources to break up such demonstrations and jail people. With several thousand people present, however, it showed how many activists and especially younger people are unafraid to challenge authorities on the streets and intend to keep pressing for the Kremlin to open up Russia's tightly-choreographed political system to competition. Chants of "Russia without Putin" and "Putin resign" echoed through central Moscow as guardsmen clad in riot gear beat back protesters with batons and roughly detained people. At least one woman appeared to suffered serious head wounds. Jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny had called for the protest, near the Moscow mayor's office, to persuade authorities to allow opposition-minded candidates to run in a Sept. 8 vote in Moscow, which they have been barred from. The opposition has no seats in parliament and is starved of air time on state TV where many Russians still get their news. Opinion polls in the past have shown support for Navalny, a lawyer and anti-corruption activist, only in the single digits. But backers note he won almost a third of the vote in a 2013 Moscow mayoral race and say his movement could build momentum in the Russian capital if allowed to compete fairly. Though Putin's approval rating is still high at well over 60 per cent, it is lower than it used to be due to discontent over years of falling incomes. Last year, the 66-year-old former KGB intelligence officer won a landslide re-election and a new six-year term until 2024. Burnishing his man of action image, Putin spent Saturday diving to the bottom of the Gulf of Finland in a mini-submarine to pay tribute to a Soviet submarine that sunk there during World War Two. Authorities say the Moscow local election candidates were prohibited from running because they had failed to collect a sufficient number of genuine signatures in their support, an allegation the opposition rejects as false. OVD-Info, an independent monitoring group, said police had detained at least 520 people before or at Saturday's protest. In the past many of those taken into custody have often been released later on the same day. Police put participation at more than 3,500 people, of whom it said around 700 people were journalists and bloggers. Arrests and home searches Reuters witnesses said some of those detained appeared to be ordinary passersby in the wrong place at the wrong time. One of those detained, Alexander Latyshev, 45, said he had came from the nearby Vladimir region to discuss business with an associate and been randomly detained. "I was just sitting on a bench (when they took me)," he told Reuters inside a police bus. Before the protest, police detained activists to prevent them from attending the protest and blocked off some streets. During the demonstration, they raided an office being used by Navalny's supporters to live-stream the protest. Under Russian law, the location and timing of such protests needs to be agreed with authorities beforehand, something that was not done in this case. Kremlin critic Navalny was jailed for 30 days on Wednesday and other members of the opposition have had their homes searched. Ilya Yashin, a Navalny ally, said on Facebook on Saturday that police had searched his Moscow flat overnight before detaining him and driving him out of the Russian capital. Kira Yarmysh, Navalny's spokeswoman, said on Twitter she and another activist had been detained on Saturday morning. Other prominent activists, Dmitry Gudkov and Lyubov Sobol, were detained later. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, a Putin ally, had warned beforehand that authorities would act decisively against the risk of "serious provocations". "Order in the city will be maintained," he said. Russia's Investigative Committee, the police's investigative arm, has already opened a criminal investigation into an opposition rally in June which it said may have obstructed the work of Moscow's electoral commission. An authorised protest in Moscow last weekend calling for the disbarred candidates to be registered was attended by more than 20,000 people, according to the White Counter monitoring group.

Russia detains more than 500 people over election protest

Iran's neighbours have made talks impossible through their "hasty and arrogant moves", a top security official told Oman's foreign minister in Tehran on Saturday amid a tanker crisis.

Oman, a past mediator between Iran and its foes, sent its top diplomat to the Islamic republic amid amplified tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies, including in the Gulf.

"Some of the region's countries have not only removed the possibility of talks because of hasty and arrogant moves and behaviour but have also made managing regional crises a serious challenge," said Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.

Shamkhani, who spoke after meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi, also hit out at a British plan for a European coalition to escort tankers in the Gulf.

"Security measures for the region must use local capabilities and cooperation between regional countries, and foreign countries' interference will achieve nothing but increase problems," he said, quoted by the website of Iran's state television.

Tensions in the Gulf have soared since last year when President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions on the country.

In retaliation, Iran said in May it would disregard certain limits the deal set on its nuclear programme and threatened to take further measures if remaining parties to the accord, especially European nations, did not help it circumvent US sanctions.

Tensions have escalated further in the region with a string of incidents involving tankers and drones.

The United States and Gulf powerhouse Saudi Arabia accused Iran of being behind multiple attacks on tankers in the Gulf in June, which Iran denies.

On July 19, a British-flagged tanker was impounded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards with its 23 crew aboard in the Strait of Hormuz.

The seizure was seen by London as a tit-for-tat move for British authorities detaining an Iranian tanker off the UK overseas territory of Gibraltar in early July.

Shamkhani called on all countries to "respect international maritime law in order to maintain security".

"In contrast to the British maritime piracy, who illegally detained an Iranian oil shipment in Gibraltar, Iran's move was completely legal and was made in order to implement maritime rules and maintain maritime security," he said.

Bin Alawi also held talks with Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, in Tehran on Saturday.

Oman has called for the release of the UK-flagged Stena Impero and for London and Tehran to resolve their dispute diplomatically.

Iran's neighbours have made talks impossible through their "hasty and arrogant moves", a top security official told Oman's foreign minister in Tehran on Saturday amid a tanker crisis.

Iran's neighbours have made talks impossible through their "hasty and arrogant moves", a top security official told Oman's foreign minister in Tehran on Saturday amid a tanker crisis. Oman, a past mediator between Iran and its foes, sent its top diplomat to the Islamic republic amid amplified tensions between Iran and the United States and its allies, including in the Gulf. "Some of the region's countries have not only removed the possibility of talks because of hasty and arrogant moves and behaviour but have also made managing regional crises a serious challenge," said Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Shamkhani, who spoke after meeting with Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi, also hit out at a British plan for a European coalition to escort tankers in the Gulf. "Security measures for the region must use local capabilities and cooperation between regional countries, and foreign countries' interference will achieve nothing but increase problems," he said, quoted by the website of Iran's state television. Tensions in the Gulf have soared since last year when President Donald Trump withdrew the United States from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal with Iran and reimposed sanctions on the country. In retaliation, Iran said in May it would disregard certain limits the deal set on its nuclear programme and threatened to take further measures if remaining parties to the accord, especially European nations, did not help it circumvent US sanctions. Tensions have escalated further in the region with a string of incidents involving tankers and drones. The United States and Gulf powerhouse Saudi Arabia accused Iran of being behind multiple attacks on tankers in the Gulf in June, which Iran denies. On July 19, a British-flagged tanker was impounded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards with its 23 crew aboard in the Strait of Hormuz. The seizure was seen by London as a tit-for-tat move for British authorities detaining an Iranian tanker off the UK overseas territory of Gibraltar in early July. Shamkhani called on all countries to "respect international maritime law in order to maintain security". "In contrast to the British maritime piracy, who illegally detained an Iranian oil shipment in Gibraltar, Iran's move was completely legal and was made in order to implement maritime rules and maintain maritime security," he said. Bin Alawi also held talks with Iran's foreign minister, Mohammad Javad Zarif, in Tehran on Saturday. Oman has called for the release of the UK-flagged Stena Impero and for London and Tehran to resolve their dispute diplomatically.

Iran tells Oman neighbours have made talks impossible

Tunisia bid farewell to its first democratically elected president Beji Caid Essebsi on Saturday at a state funeral attended by foreign leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Essebsi, who helped guide the North African country`s transition to democracy after the 2011 revolution, died aged 92 on Thursday.

Other dignitaries attending his funeral in the capital Tunis included Algerian President Abdelkader Ben Saleh, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and King Felipe VI of Spain, along with thousands of Tunisians.&nbsp; 
The late president`s coffin, covered with the red and white Tunisian flag, was placed on a military truck in the palace of Carthage, about 10 kilometres from the capital.

Many roads have been closed and security forces deployed in most areas of Tunis and near the Al Jallaz cemetery.

Tunisians lined up the streets leading to the Carthage district, waving flags and chanting the national anthem.&nbsp;

Thousands filled the capital’s Habib Bourguiba Avenue, a focal point of the 2011 revolution that sparked uprisings across the Arab world, known as the Arab Spring.

"It is a sad day for Tunisia," said a woman named Nabila. "We lost a great statesman who had a big role after 2011 revolution and helped unite Tunisians and ease historical differences with the Islamists."

Hours after Essebsi`s death, parliament speaker Mohamed Ennaceur was sworn in as interim president in line with the constitution in a smooth transition of power. The electoral commission announced a presidential election for Sept. 15, two months earlier than scheduled.&nbsp;

A parliamentary vote is set for October&nbsp;6.

Essebsi rose to prominence after the overthrow of veteran autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, which was followed by Arab Spring revolts against authoritarian leaders across the Middle East and North Africa, including in Libya and Egypt.

Drafted in as premier after Ben Ali`s fall, Essebsi in 2012 founded the secular Nidaa Tounes party, now part of the governing coalition, to counter-balance the resurgence of Islamists who were suppressed under Ben Ali. Two years later, Essebsi became Tunisia`s first freely elected head of state.

Tunisia bid farewell to its first democratically elected president Beji Caid Essebsi on Saturday at a state funeral attended by foreign leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Tunisia bid farewell to its first democratically elected president Beji Caid Essebsi on Saturday at a state funeral attended by foreign leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Essebsi, who helped guide the North African country`s transition to democracy after the 2011 revolution, died aged 92 on Thursday. Other dignitaries attending his funeral in the capital Tunis included Algerian President Abdelkader Ben Saleh, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and King Felipe VI of Spain, along with thousands of Tunisians. The late president`s coffin, covered with the red and white Tunisian flag, was placed on a military truck in the palace of Carthage, about 10 kilometres from the capital. Many roads have been closed and security forces deployed in most areas of Tunis and near the Al Jallaz cemetery. Tunisians lined up the streets leading to the Carthage district, waving flags and chanting the national anthem. Thousands filled the capital’s Habib Bourguiba Avenue, a focal point of the 2011 revolution that sparked uprisings across the Arab world, known as the Arab Spring. "It is a sad day for Tunisia," said a woman named Nabila. "We lost a great statesman who had a big role after 2011 revolution and helped unite Tunisians and ease historical differences with the Islamists." Hours after Essebsi`s death, parliament speaker Mohamed Ennaceur was sworn in as interim president in line with the constitution in a smooth transition of power. The electoral commission announced a presidential election for Sept. 15, two months earlier than scheduled. A parliamentary vote is set for October 6. Essebsi rose to prominence after the overthrow of veteran autocrat Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali, which was followed by Arab Spring revolts against authoritarian leaders across the Middle East and North Africa, including in Libya and Egypt. Drafted in as premier after Ben Ali`s fall, Essebsi in 2012 founded the secular Nidaa Tounes party, now part of the governing coalition, to counter-balance the resurgence of Islamists who were suppressed under Ben Ali. Two years later, Essebsi became Tunisia`s first freely elected head of state.

Tunisia bids farewell to president Essebsi at state funeral

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