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Islamabad, Pakistan
<meta charset="utf-8"/>The Pakistan government led by Shehbaz Sharif is planning to procure 40 of China’s new J-35 stealth fighter jets, as stated by a media outlet on Monday (23 Dec). 
The land-based version of the J-35 was called the J-31, according to previous reports. China is currently the only country in the region to have developed stealth aircraft. Further, if the deal gets through, this will mark the first time an export of a jet from China to a foreign ally. 
<h2>Pakistan Air Force's plan</h2>
&gt; The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reports stated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had approved the purchase of 40 aircraft. 
&gt;  PAF’s ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters will be replaced by these aircrafts. 
&gt; In January, Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said, "The foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-dogfight-over-himalayas-between-indias-rafale-vs-chinas-j-20-stealth-fighter-who-wins-326656">In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins?</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">China-Pakistan alliance</h2>
Until now there has been no official confirmation from Beijing or China's state media mentioning the deal; the conjecture increased after the J-35 was exhibited at the annual air show in Zhuhai last month. Senior PAF officials attended the event, which further triggered the talks about the potential acquisition.
There has been a strong military alliance between China and Pakistan. As Beijing persists in investing billions in modernising the armed forces of its own, it further plays a strong role in strengthening Pakistan's defence competence across all military branches. 
Watch | China fighter jets' 'aggressive manoeuvre' | IAEA Chief briefs on Zaporizhzhia | WION Speed News
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(With inputs from agencies)

As told by China's state-run People's Daily, the J-35A is for maintaining air supremacy missions. Both J-35 versions are smaller than China’s other aircraft, like the J-20.



Islamabad, Pakistan The Pakistan government led by Shehbaz Sharif is planning to procure 40 of China’s new J-35 stealth fighter jets, as stated by a media outlet on Monday (23 Dec). The land-based version of the J-35 was called the J-31, according to previous reports. China is currently the only country in the region to have developed stealth aircraft. Further, if the deal gets through, this will mark the first time an export of a jet from China to a foreign ally. Pakistan Air Force's plan > The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reports stated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had approved the purchase of 40 aircraft. > PAF’s ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters will be replaced by these aircrafts. > In January, Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said, "The foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid." Also Read: In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins? China-Pakistan alliance Until now there has been no official confirmation from Beijing or China's state media mentioning the deal; the conjecture increased after the J-35 was exhibited at the annual air show in Zhuhai last month. Senior PAF officials attended the event, which further triggered the talks about the potential acquisition. There has been a strong military alliance between China and Pakistan. As Beijing persists in investing billions in modernising the armed forces of its own, it further plays a strong role in strengthening Pakistan's defence competence across all military branches. Watch | China fighter jets' 'aggressive manoeuvre' | IAEA Chief briefs on Zaporizhzhia | WION Speed News (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan to acquire 40 J-35 fighter jets from China: Reports

The Pakistan government led by Shehbaz Sharif is planning to procure 40 of China’s new J-35 stealth fighter jets, as stated by a media outlet on Monday (23 Dec).

The Pakistan government led by Shehbaz Sharif is planning to procure 40 of China’s new J-35 stealth fighter jets, as stated by a media outlet on Monday (23 Dec). The land-based version of the J-35 was called the J-31, according to previous reports. China is currently the only country in the region to have developed stealth aircraft. Further, if the deal gets through, this will mark the first time an export of a jet from China to a foreign ally. Pakistan Air Force's plan > The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reports stated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) had approved the purchase of 40 aircraft. > PAF’s ageing fleet of American F-16s and French Mirage fighters will be replaced by these aircrafts. > In January, Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said, "The foundation for acquiring the J-31 stealth fighter aircraft has already been laid." Also Read: In dogfight over Himalayas between India's Rafale vs China's J-20 stealth fighter, who wins? China-Pakistan alliance Until now there has been no official confirmation from Beijing or China's state media mentioning the deal; the conjecture increased after the J-35 was exhibited at the annual air show in Zhuhai last month. Senior PAF officials attended the event, which further triggered the talks about the potential acquisition. There has been a strong military alliance between China and Pakistan. As Beijing persists in investing billions in modernising the armed forces of its own, it further plays a strong role in strengthening Pakistan's defence competence across all military branches. Watch | China fighter jets' 'aggressive manoeuvre' | IAEA Chief briefs on Zaporizhzhia | WION Speed News (With inputs from agencies)

Islamabad
US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for presidential envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, has reiterated his support for releasing imprisoned former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.
A day after his appointment, Grenell took to X to share a news article by a Pakistani news outlet regarding his new role and wrote, “I’ll say it again. Free Imran Khan.” Grenell earlier voiced his support for Khan’s freedom in November, writing “Release Imran Khan” on his X account during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) do-or-die protests in Islamabad.
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjqvrj0ma6KAxV-m2MGHSpnN7AQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-biden-government-over-mystery-drone-sightings-says-shoot-them-down-783863" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-biden-government-over-mystery-drone-sightings-says-shoot-them-down-783863&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqvrj0ma6KAxV-m2MGHSpnN7AQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down'</a>
<h2>Khan’s legal troubles</h2>
Khan remains in jail for over 1.5 years now. He was first detained in May 2023 in connection with a case that his wife Bushra Bibi received land worth up to 7 billion rupees ($25 million) as a bribe through a trust created in 2018. The former PM is also facing terrorism charges in connection with the violence that followed his arrest in May last year. Earlier, the PTI founder faced allegations of making public a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington in 2022.
Watch: Bitcoin Smashes Records as Trump Signals Strategic Reserve Plans
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Khan maintained that the US administration of President Joe Biden played a role in his ouster, citing the 2022 cipher linked with the US diplomat Donald Lu. Experts believe Khan shared good ties with Trump during his tenure as the US president and held several meetings with him, including at the White House.
Also read: <a data-ved="2ahUKEwjqvrj0ma6KAxV-m2MGHSpnN7AQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-may-privatise-us-postal-service-report-784050" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-may-privatise-us-postal-service-report-784050&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqvrj0ma6KAxV-m2MGHSpnN7AQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">President-elect Donald Trump may privatise US Postal Service: Report</a>
Khan’s PTI party is now counting on the support from the Republican party and the Trump team to get their leader out of jail. Apart from support from Grenell, the PTI has also managed to gather backing from other high-profile leaders in Washington DC.
Previously, a number of US senators had written a letter, calling on Islamabad to release Khan and act on human rights abuses in the South Asian country.
<h2>Pakistan downplays comments</h2>
Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has tried to downplay the comments made by Grenell in support of Khan. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said his government was not expecting Grenell’s remarks to have any “repercussions”.
“I don’t think there is any pressure involved,” Asif said in an interview.
(With inputs from agencies)

A day after his appointment, Grenell took to X to share a news article by a Pakistani news outlet regarding his new role and wrote, “I’ll say it again. Free Imran Khan.”



Islamabad US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for presidential envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, has reiterated his support for releasing imprisoned former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. A day after his appointment, Grenell took to X to share a news article by a Pakistani news outlet regarding his new role and wrote, “I’ll say it again. Free Imran Khan.” Grenell earlier voiced his support for Khan’s freedom in November, writing “Release Imran Khan” on his X account during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) do-or-die protests in Islamabad. Also read: Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down' Khan’s legal troubles Khan remains in jail for over 1.5 years now. He was first detained in May 2023 in connection with a case that his wife Bushra Bibi received land worth up to 7 billion rupees ($25 million) as a bribe through a trust created in 2018. The former PM is also facing terrorism charges in connection with the violence that followed his arrest in May last year. Earlier, the PTI founder faced allegations of making public a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington in 2022. Watch: Bitcoin Smashes Records as Trump Signals Strategic Reserve Plans × Khan maintained that the US administration of President Joe Biden played a role in his ouster, citing the 2022 cipher linked with the US diplomat Donald Lu. Experts believe Khan shared good ties with Trump during his tenure as the US president and held several meetings with him, including at the White House. Also read: President-elect Donald Trump may privatise US Postal Service: Report Khan’s PTI party is now counting on the support from the Republican party and the Trump team to get their leader out of jail. Apart from support from Grenell, the PTI has also managed to gather backing from other high-profile leaders in Washington DC. Previously, a number of US senators had written a letter, calling on Islamabad to release Khan and act on human rights abuses in the South Asian country. Pakistan downplays comments Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has tried to downplay the comments made by Grenell in support of Khan. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said his government was not expecting Grenell’s remarks to have any “repercussions”. “I don’t think there is any pressure involved,” Asif said in an interview. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Free Imran Khan,’ Trump’s foreign policy aide Grenell backs jailed PTI founder

US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for presidential envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, has reiterated his support for releasing imprisoned former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.

A day after his appointment, Grenell took to X to share a news article by a Pakistani news outlet regarding his new role and wrote, “I’ll say it again. Free Imran Khan.” Grenell earlier voiced his support for Khan’s freedom in November, writing “Release Imran Khan” on his X account during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) do-or-die protests in Islamabad.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjqvrj0ma6KAxV-m2MGHSpnN7AQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-biden-government-over-mystery-drone-sightings-says-shoot-them-down-783863" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-biden-government-over-mystery-drone-sightings-says-shoot-them-down-783863&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqvrj0ma6KAxV-m2MGHSpnN7AQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down'</a>

<h2>Khan’s legal troubles</h2>

Khan remains in jail for over 1.5 years now. He was first detained in May 2023 in connection with a case that his wife Bushra Bibi received land worth up to 7 billion rupees ($25 million) as a bribe through a trust created in 2018. The former PM is also facing terrorism charges in connection with the violence that followed his arrest in May last year. Earlier, the PTI founder faced allegations of making public a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington in 2022.

Watch:&nbsp;Bitcoin Smashes Records as Trump Signals Strategic Reserve Plans

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Khan maintained that the US administration of President Joe Biden played a role in his ouster, citing the 2022 cipher linked with the US diplomat Donald Lu. Experts believe Khan shared good ties with Trump during his tenure as the US president&nbsp;and held several meetings with him, including at the White House.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjqvrj0ma6KAxV-m2MGHSpnN7AQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-may-privatise-us-postal-service-report-784050" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-elect-donald-trump-may-privatise-us-postal-service-report-784050&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjqvrj0ma6KAxV-m2MGHSpnN7AQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">President-elect Donald Trump may privatise US Postal Service: Report</a>

Khan’s PTI party is now counting on the support from the Republican party and the Trump team to get their leader out of jail. Apart from support from Grenell, the PTI has also managed to gather backing from other high-profile leaders in Washington DC.

Previously, a number of US senators had written a letter, calling on Islamabad to release Khan and act on human rights abuses in the South Asian country.

<h2>Pakistan downplays comments</h2>

Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has tried to downplay the comments made by Grenell in support of Khan. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said his government was not expecting Grenell’s remarks to have any “repercussions”.

“I don’t think there is any pressure involved,” Asif said in an interview.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for presidential envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, has reiterated his support for releasing imprisoned former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.

US President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for presidential envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, has reiterated his support for releasing imprisoned former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. A day after his appointment, Grenell took to X to share a news article by a Pakistani news outlet regarding his new role and wrote, “I’ll say it again. Free Imran Khan.” Grenell earlier voiced his support for Khan’s freedom in November, writing “Release Imran Khan” on his X account during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) do-or-die protests in Islamabad. Also read: Trump slams Biden government over mystery drone sightings, says 'shoot them down' Khan’s legal troubles Khan remains in jail for over 1.5 years now. He was first detained in May 2023 in connection with a case that his wife Bushra Bibi received land worth up to 7 billion rupees ($25 million) as a bribe through a trust created in 2018. The former PM is also facing terrorism charges in connection with the violence that followed his arrest in May last year. Earlier, the PTI founder faced allegations of making public a classified cable sent to Islamabad by Pakistan's ambassador in Washington in 2022. Watch: Bitcoin Smashes Records as Trump Signals Strategic Reserve Plans × Khan maintained that the US administration of President Joe Biden played a role in his ouster, citing the 2022 cipher linked with the US diplomat Donald Lu. Experts believe Khan shared good ties with Trump during his tenure as the US president and held several meetings with him, including at the White House. Also read: President-elect Donald Trump may privatise US Postal Service: Report Khan’s PTI party is now counting on the support from the Republican party and the Trump team to get their leader out of jail. Apart from support from Grenell, the PTI has also managed to gather backing from other high-profile leaders in Washington DC. Previously, a number of US senators had written a letter, calling on Islamabad to release Khan and act on human rights abuses in the South Asian country. Pakistan downplays comments Meanwhile, the Pakistani government has tried to downplay the comments made by Grenell in support of Khan. Defense Minister Khawaja Asif said his government was not expecting Grenell’s remarks to have any “repercussions”. “I don’t think there is any pressure involved,” Asif said in an interview. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan was marred by protests in the past few days and an incident from there is now making headlines. Security forces were seen pushing a protester off a 25ft-tall tower of shipping containers, as per reports. Hundreds of people were arrested in the protests that saw thousands enter the capital city of Islamabad, demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan.

The incident was captured on camera and widely circulated on social media. To counter the massive crowds, protesters alleged that the security forces launched a brutal crackdown and opened fire. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed that “hundreds” were killed in the violent clashes with security personnel.&nbsp;

The protests were formally suspended on Wednesday following a midnight crackdown that left four dead and over 50 injured.&nbsp;

A video from the protests shows a man seemingly praying on top of a huge wall of containers that were put up to block protesters from reaching their destination.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-midnight-crackdown-after-imran-khans-supporters-breach-high-security-zone-in-islamabad-779498">Protesters retreat after midnight crackdown leads to arrest of several PTI supporters</a>

Forces can then be seen reaching the top and surrounding him, before pushing him off the edge. He hung on to the edge of the container before falling.

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Pakistani police throw man from three-story-high stack of shipping containers while he is praying <a href="https://t.co/vjaVXza4Vb">pic.twitter.com/vjaVXza4Vb</a>
— Bad Cops 🚨 (@CopsGoneWrong) <a href="https://twitter.com/CopsGoneWrong/status/1861591638381867484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The man's condition is not known and the PTI said it is investigating the incident. Unverified eyewitness reports suggest that the man likely died.

<h2>Pakistan protests</h2>

The protests started on Sunday and a total of 954 people were said to be arrested, as per official reports. The police in Islamabad said on Wednesday that 600 protesters had been arrested in Tuesday’s operation.&nbsp;

Imran Khan's aides alleged, without providing evidence, that the overnight crackdown led to several protesters sustaining gunshot injuries. Ali Amin Gandapur, an aide of Khan and chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, claimed excessive force was used against the protesters he said were "peaceful".

Meanwhile, Islamabad’s police chief, Ali Rizvi, rejected the accusations, saying that no live ammunition was used in the operation which was conducted alongside paramilitary forces. He added that automatic rifles and tear gas guns were recovered from the scene of the protests.

Pakistan was marred by protests in the past few days and an incident from there is now making headlines. Security forces were seen pushing a protester off a 25ft-tall tower of shipping containers, as per reports.

Pakistan was marred by protests in the past few days and an incident from there is now making headlines. Security forces were seen pushing a protester off a 25ft-tall tower of shipping containers, as per reports. Hundreds of people were arrested in the protests that saw thousands enter the capital city of Islamabad, demanding the release of former prime minister Imran Khan. The incident was captured on camera and widely circulated on social media. To counter the massive crowds, protesters alleged that the security forces launched a brutal crackdown and opened fire. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed that “hundreds” were killed in the violent clashes with security personnel. The protests were formally suspended on Wednesday following a midnight crackdown that left four dead and over 50 injured. A video from the protests shows a man seemingly praying on top of a huge wall of containers that were put up to block protesters from reaching their destination. Also Read: Protesters retreat after midnight crackdown leads to arrest of several PTI supporters Forces can then be seen reaching the top and surrounding him, before pushing him off the edge. He hung on to the edge of the container before falling. Pakistani police throw man from three-story-high stack of shipping containers while he is praying pic.twitter.com/vjaVXza4Vb — Bad Cops 🚨 (@CopsGoneWrong) November 27, 2024 × The man's condition is not known and the PTI said it is investigating the incident. Unverified eyewitness reports suggest that the man likely died. Pakistan protests The protests started on Sunday and a total of 954 people were said to be arrested, as per official reports. The police in Islamabad said on Wednesday that 600 protesters had been arrested in Tuesday’s operation. Imran Khan's aides alleged, without providing evidence, that the overnight crackdown led to several protesters sustaining gunshot injuries. Ali Amin Gandapur, an aide of Khan and chief minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, claimed excessive force was used against the protesters he said were "peaceful". Meanwhile, Islamabad’s police chief, Ali Rizvi, rejected the accusations, saying that no live ammunition was used in the operation which was conducted alongside paramilitary forces. He added that automatic rifles and tear gas guns were recovered from the scene of the protests.

Pakistan protests: Viral video shows man pushed off 25ft-tall container tower

Senior Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan has gone “missing” from the parking of a prominent hospital in Islamabad. Mati, 55, has been reporting on the PTI march to Islamabad and was investigating the government’s claim of&nbsp;no deaths taken place during the use of force by the establishment in a bid to push back the marching protesters from D-Chowk on Tuesday (November 26).

Matiullah hosts a prominent mainstream TV show and also has a big YouTube presence and keeps the internet verse informed through his fearless vlogs.

An FIR has surfaced 13 hours after Matiullah Jan went missing and what his family defines as abduction. The FIR by Islamabad police maintains that Matiullah Jan was under the influence of drugs when he rammed into a police barrier, snatched the gun from the policeman on duty and pointed the gun at him.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explosion-heard-near-delhis-prashant-vihar-investigation-underway-779841">Explosion heard near Delhi's Prashant Vihar, investigation underway</a>

Matiullah’s Family maintains that Matiullah went missing from the parking of PIMS hospital in Islamabad on November 27 at around 11 pm just before midnight. It is also pertinent to mention that for someone who has been alleged to be under the influence of drugs at the time of the claimed attack, Matiullah Jan does not even smokes, he has been a strong opponent of the use of any sort of drugs or tobacco.

Mati’s son in a video statement confirmed that his father had gone missing from the parking of PIMS in Islamabad alongside another journalist just before midnight on November 27. The other journalist, Saqib Bashir, also a court reporter for a prominent Pakistani TV network was later released in one of the farther sectors of Islamabad.

Saqib could not describe the event much saying that both were blindfolded.

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Disappearance of senior journalist Matiullah Jan is highly condemnable &amp; matter of deep concern. The government's campaign to muzzle the media &amp; critical voices is simply shameful. If something happens to Matiullah, PM will be held responsible.
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1285566704840572929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, sources in Islamabad police said that Matiullah was at Margalla police station but refused to divulge details of the charges and case against him.

Lawyers of Matiullah Jan, Imaan Mazari and Abdul Hadi Chatta said that “after quite a lot of back and forth and struggle, we did manage to get inside the Margalla police station to see our client but he was taken away from the police station before we could see him”.

Matiullah is likely to be presented before an Anti Terrorism Court later today on charges that are&nbsp; unknown yet.

Matiullah had been reporting from the ground on PTI’s protest and the reported use of excessive force. He had also been&nbsp;investigating the claims of deaths of PTI supporters&nbsp;as a result of the violence that ensued during clashes between protesters and the law enforcement agencies.

<h2>Matiullah Jan's Abduction</h2>

When Matiullah Jan was abducted in&nbsp;July 2020, the then Prime Minister Imran Khan while speaking to reporters after his ouster had said that he&nbsp;was not aware of Matiullah Jan’s abduction and that he had asked the then DG ISI Lt Gen(rtd) Faiz Hameed to find&nbsp;him immediate.

Following his retirement,&nbsp;Pakistan’s former Army Chief Gen Rtd Qamar Bajwa rambled about the then abduction of Matiullah Jan while speaking to a journalist and said he had reprimanded the then chief of Pakistan’s premier spy agency on the “mannerism in which Matiullah Jan was kidnapped”.

CCTV footage in July 2020 showed people in police uniforms abducting Matiullah Jan. However, the Islamabad police till date maintain they weren’t able to identify the vehicles used during the&nbsp;kidnapping.

After the abduction, the then leader of the opposition who is now the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif had tweeted about Matiullah’s abduction and held the Prime Minister at the time responsible incase if something happened to Matiullah.

It remains unclear as to who abducted Matiullah Jan and how he managed to land at the Margalla police station and disappear again. The PMLN government currently in power is yet to comment on the matter.

Senior Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan has gone “missing” from the parking of a prominent hospital in Islamabad. Mati, 55, has been reporting on the PTI march to Islamabad and was investigating the government’s claim of no deaths taken place during the use of force by the establishment in a bid to push back the marching protesters from D-Chowk on Tuesday (November 26).

Senior Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan has gone “missing” from the parking of a prominent hospital in Islamabad. Mati, 55, has been reporting on the PTI march to Islamabad and was investigating the government’s claim of no deaths taken place during the use of force by the establishment in a bid to push back the marching protesters from D-Chowk on Tuesday (November 26). Matiullah hosts a prominent mainstream TV show and also has a big YouTube presence and keeps the internet verse informed through his fearless vlogs. An FIR has surfaced 13 hours after Matiullah Jan went missing and what his family defines as abduction. The FIR by Islamabad police maintains that Matiullah Jan was under the influence of drugs when he rammed into a police barrier, snatched the gun from the policeman on duty and pointed the gun at him. Also read: Explosion heard near Delhi's Prashant Vihar, investigation underway Matiullah’s Family maintains that Matiullah went missing from the parking of PIMS hospital in Islamabad on November 27 at around 11 pm just before midnight. It is also pertinent to mention that for someone who has been alleged to be under the influence of drugs at the time of the claimed attack, Matiullah Jan does not even smokes, he has been a strong opponent of the use of any sort of drugs or tobacco. Mati’s son in a video statement confirmed that his father had gone missing from the parking of PIMS in Islamabad alongside another journalist just before midnight on November 27. The other journalist, Saqib Bashir, also a court reporter for a prominent Pakistani TV network was later released in one of the farther sectors of Islamabad. Saqib could not describe the event much saying that both were blindfolded. Disappearance of senior journalist Matiullah Jan is highly condemnable & matter of deep concern. The government's campaign to muzzle the media & critical voices is simply shameful. If something happens to Matiullah, PM will be held responsible. — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) July 21, 2020 × Meanwhile, sources in Islamabad police said that Matiullah was at Margalla police station but refused to divulge details of the charges and case against him. Lawyers of Matiullah Jan, Imaan Mazari and Abdul Hadi Chatta said that “after quite a lot of back and forth and struggle, we did manage to get inside the Margalla police station to see our client but he was taken away from the police station before we could see him”. Matiullah is likely to be presented before an Anti Terrorism Court later today on charges that are unknown yet. Matiullah had been reporting from the ground on PTI’s protest and the reported use of excessive force. He had also been investigating the claims of deaths of PTI supporters as a result of the violence that ensued during clashes between protesters and the law enforcement agencies. Matiullah Jan's Abduction When Matiullah Jan was abducted in July 2020, the then Prime Minister Imran Khan while speaking to reporters after his ouster had said that he was not aware of Matiullah Jan’s abduction and that he had asked the then DG ISI Lt Gen(rtd) Faiz Hameed to find him immediate. Following his retirement, Pakistan’s former Army Chief Gen Rtd Qamar Bajwa rambled about the then abduction of Matiullah Jan while speaking to a journalist and said he had reprimanded the then chief of Pakistan’s premier spy agency on the “mannerism in which Matiullah Jan was kidnapped”. CCTV footage in July 2020 showed people in police uniforms abducting Matiullah Jan. However, the Islamabad police till date maintain they weren’t able to identify the vehicles used during the kidnapping. After the abduction, the then leader of the opposition who is now the Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif had tweeted about Matiullah’s abduction and held the Prime Minister at the time responsible incase if something happened to Matiullah. It remains unclear as to who abducted Matiullah Jan and how he managed to land at the Margalla police station and disappear again. The PMLN government currently in power is yet to comment on the matter.

Senior Pakistani journalist Matiullah Jan 'goes missing again'

Violent protests in Pakistan’s capital by the supporters of jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan, came to a halt Wednesday (Nov. 27) following a brutal police crackdown that left at least four people dead and over 50 injured.

Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party earlier said hundreds of its workers were killed during clashes with security personnel.

A spokesperson for the party said the protest had been called off after what he described as a 'massacre' by the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Local media reports said over a thousand demonstrators were detained after they descended upon Islamabad, pressing the government to release Imran Khan.

Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan PTI Protest: PTI Vows To Continue Fight Says, 'Freedom Is Our Goal'

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Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the protest site Wednesday and informed the press that the protestors were cleared by Pakistan’s security forces. "I congratulate the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Islamabad, Punjab, and Sindh police for their courageous role," Naqvi said.

Earlier on Tuesday, thousands of PTI protestors laid siege to Islamabad, led by Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, breaching several layers of security and managing to reach the edge of the city's highly fortified red zone.

Pakistani forces launched a brutal crackdown on PTI protesters overnight in pitch-dark central Islamabad. The security forces turned all lights off and exposed the protestors to intense shelling of tear gas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwirhZ7l6vyJAxUl6DQHHTSgB0UQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-supporters-rally-in-foreign-cities-as-pti-barred-from-islamabad-protest-779012" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-supporters-rally-in-foreign-cities-as-pti-barred-from-islamabad-protest-779012&amp;ved=2ahUKEwirhZ7l6vyJAxUl6DQHHTSgB0UQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Imran Khan`s supporters rally in foreign cities as PTI barred from Islamabad protest</a>

Witnesses&nbsp;quoted by news agency Reuters said the red zone was completely cleared and only some vehicles could be seen at the protest site. A truck that was used by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, appeared charred in fire, claimed the witness.

PTI is now believed to be chalking out a new strategy following discussions with party leaders. As per reports, Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had reached safely to the provincial capital after they called off protests.

Gandapur later claimed, “Bibi and I were attacked directly.” The PTI also claimed hundreds of its workers had suffered gunshot wounds during chaotic scenes overnight in the heart of Islamabad.

&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

Violent protests in Pakistan’s capital by the supporters of jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan, came to a halt Wednesday (Nov. 27) following a brutal police crackdown that left at least four people dead and over 50 injured.

Violent protests in Pakistan’s capital by the supporters of jailed former prime minister, Imran Khan, came to a halt Wednesday (Nov. 27) following a brutal police crackdown that left at least four people dead and over 50 injured. Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party earlier said hundreds of its workers were killed during clashes with security personnel. A spokesperson for the party said the protest had been called off after what he described as a 'massacre' by the government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Local media reports said over a thousand demonstrators were detained after they descended upon Islamabad, pressing the government to release Imran Khan. Watch: Pakistan PTI Protest: PTI Vows To Continue Fight Says, 'Freedom Is Our Goal' × Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited the protest site Wednesday and informed the press that the protestors were cleared by Pakistan’s security forces. "I congratulate the Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps, Islamabad, Punjab, and Sindh police for their courageous role," Naqvi said. Earlier on Tuesday, thousands of PTI protestors laid siege to Islamabad, led by Khan’s wife Bushra Bibi, breaching several layers of security and managing to reach the edge of the city's highly fortified red zone. Pakistani forces launched a brutal crackdown on PTI protesters overnight in pitch-dark central Islamabad. The security forces turned all lights off and exposed the protestors to intense shelling of tear gas. Also read: Imran Khan`s supporters rally in foreign cities as PTI barred from Islamabad protest Witnesses quoted by news agency Reuters said the red zone was completely cleared and only some vehicles could be seen at the protest site. A truck that was used by Khan’s wife, Bushra Bibi, appeared charred in fire, claimed the witness. PTI is now believed to be chalking out a new strategy following discussions with party leaders. As per reports, Bibi and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur had reached safely to the provincial capital after they called off protests. Gandapur later claimed, “Bibi and I were attacked directly.” The PTI also claimed hundreds of its workers had suffered gunshot wounds during chaotic scenes overnight in the heart of Islamabad. (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan’s party calls off Islamabad protests following ‘massacre’, detentions

Nearly two dozen civilians were killed in Pakistan on Monday by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). They were pulled out from vehicles, segregated after their identities were checked, and then shot dead by the gunmen. The Baloch Liberation Army attacked railway lines, police stations, and vehicles on highways. As per officials, it is the most widespread assault by the insurgent group in years.&nbsp;

The BLA released a statement stating that it had killed more than 100 soldiers under "Operation Hereof”, by attacking Pakistan military checkpoints and army camps. The BLA claimed that the attackers, who are a part of ‘Majeed Brigade,' killed more than 40 soldiers during an attack on an army camp in Bela. However, Pakistan’s authorities have not confirmed whether the claim is true.&nbsp;

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BLA spokesman Jeeyand Balochm, as quoted by Economic Times, said, “Under the Baloch Liberation Army’s fidayeen operation ‘Herof,’ the fidayeen unit of the BLA’s Majeed Brigade attacked the occupying forces’ Bela camp, killing over 40 military personnel so far and holding control of a significant portion of the camp for the last six hours.” The statement added, “All the fidayeen are still safe and in contact with us.”&nbsp;

Militants in Balochistan have been fighting for decades to separate the southwestern province from the rest of Pakistan and make it an independent state. Balochistan is home to about 15 million people. The region is rich valuable minerals that haven’t been utilised fully yet.&nbsp;

Also Read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-all-out-war-in-middle-east-lowered-after-israel-hezbollah-clash-top-us-general-reveals-753588">Risk of all-out war lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash: Top US general</a>|

Balochistan is an important location for China's big investment project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of President Xi Jinping's larger plan known as the Belt and Road Initiative. 
 
The BLA was formed in 2000 to establish a state of Greater Balochistan. As per BBC, several Western nations, including the UK and the US, have designated the BLA as a global terror group.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Nearly two dozen civilians were killed in Pakistan on Monday by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). They were pulled out from vehicles, segregated after their identities were checked, and then shot dead by the gunmen.

Nearly two dozen civilians were killed in Pakistan on Monday by the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA). They were pulled out from vehicles, segregated after their identities were checked, and then shot dead by the gunmen. The Baloch Liberation Army attacked railway lines, police stations, and vehicles on highways. As per officials, it is the most widespread assault by the insurgent group in years. The BLA released a statement stating that it had killed more than 100 soldiers under "Operation Hereof”, by attacking Pakistan military checkpoints and army camps. The BLA claimed that the attackers, who are a part of ‘Majeed Brigade,' killed more than 40 soldiers during an attack on an army camp in Bela. However, Pakistan’s authorities have not confirmed whether the claim is true. Also Read|Russian launches 'biggest' air attack of war on Ukraine, 7 dead| BLA spokesman Jeeyand Balochm, as quoted by Economic Times, said, “Under the Baloch Liberation Army’s fidayeen operation ‘Herof,’ the fidayeen unit of the BLA’s Majeed Brigade attacked the occupying forces’ Bela camp, killing over 40 military personnel so far and holding control of a significant portion of the camp for the last six hours.” The statement added, “All the fidayeen are still safe and in contact with us.” Militants in Balochistan have been fighting for decades to separate the southwestern province from the rest of Pakistan and make it an independent state. Balochistan is home to about 15 million people. The region is rich valuable minerals that haven’t been utilised fully yet. Also Read|Risk of all-out war lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash: Top US general| Balochistan is an important location for China's big investment project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), part of President Xi Jinping's larger plan known as the Belt and Road Initiative. The BLA was formed in 2000 to establish a state of Greater Balochistan. As per BBC, several Western nations, including the UK and the US, have designated the BLA as a global terror group. (With inputs from agencies)

Baloch Liberation Army: Militant group behind deadly attacks in Pakistan

At least five Pakistani soldiers have been killed by Afghan gunfire at a border station, according to Islamabad, in the second such attack since the Taliban took power last August.

Since unilaterally walking out of a months-long ceasefire agreement negotiated by the Afghan Taliban in early December, the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) has increased attacks, accusing Islamabad of not keeping its commitments.&nbsp;

"Militants from inside Afghanistan across the international border opened fire on Pakistani troops in Kurram district," the Pakistani military’s media wing, the ISPR, said in a statement on Sunday.

"Pakistan strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that the interim Afghan government will not allow the conduct of such activities against Pakistan in the future, " it said.

The army said it replied, with significant losses, but independent proof was difficult to come by because the districts around the rugged Afghan border are off-limits to journalists and human rights groups.&nbsp;

The Afghan administration disputed that the gunfire originated on Afghan soil.&nbsp;

"As per its promises, the Taliban government should stop such cross-border militant attacks, " Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, Pakistan’s interior minister, said in a statement.

"We assure other countries, especially our neighbours, that no one will be allowed to use Afghan land against them," Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, said.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least five Pakistani soldiers have been killed by Afghan gunfire at a border station, according to Islamabad, in the second such attack since the Taliban took power last August.

At least five Pakistani soldiers have been killed by Afghan gunfire at a border station, according to Islamabad, in the second such attack since the Taliban took power last August. Since unilaterally walking out of a months-long ceasefire agreement negotiated by the Afghan Taliban in early December, the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) has increased attacks, accusing Islamabad of not keeping its commitments. "Militants from inside Afghanistan across the international border opened fire on Pakistani troops in Kurram district," the Pakistani military’s media wing, the ISPR, said in a statement on Sunday. "Pakistan strongly condemns the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for activities against Pakistan and expects that the interim Afghan government will not allow the conduct of such activities against Pakistan in the future, " it said. The army said it replied, with significant losses, but independent proof was difficult to come by because the districts around the rugged Afghan border are off-limits to journalists and human rights groups. The Afghan administration disputed that the gunfire originated on Afghan soil. "As per its promises, the Taliban government should stop such cross-border militant attacks, " Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, Pakistan’s interior minister, said in a statement. "We assure other countries, especially our neighbours, that no one will be allowed to use Afghan land against them," Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for Afghanistan’s Taliban government, said. (With inputs from agencies)

Five Pakistani soldiers killed in firing from Afghanistan

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday, Pakistan's central bank's foreign exchange reserves declined 0.61 percent on a weekly basis.

The SBP's foreign currency reserves were recorded at USD 20,022.6 million on September 3, down USD 123 million from USD 20,145.6 million on August 27, according to The Express Tribune.

The decline was caused by repayments of external loans, according to the central bank.

The country's total liquid foreign currency reserves, which include net reserves held by banks other than the SBP, were USD 27,102.6 million.

According to The Tribune Express, banks' net reserves totaled USD 7,080 million.&nbsp;

On July 9, 2019, it got the first loan tranche of $991.4 million from the IMF, which helped to boost reserves.

According to The Tribune Express, the IMF released the second loan tranche of roughly USD 454 million in late December 2019.

The reserves also increased as a result of USD 2.5 billion in Chinese inflows.

The SBP successfully repaid over $1 billion in foreign debt on the maturity of Sukuk in 2020. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday, Pakistan's central bank's foreign exchange reserves declined 0.61 percent on a weekly basis.

According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Thursday, Pakistan's central bank's foreign exchange reserves declined 0.61 percent on a weekly basis. The SBP's foreign currency reserves were recorded at USD 20,022.6 million on September 3, down USD 123 million from USD 20,145.6 million on August 27, according to The Express Tribune. The decline was caused by repayments of external loans, according to the central bank. The country's total liquid foreign currency reserves, which include net reserves held by banks other than the SBP, were USD 27,102.6 million. According to The Tribune Express, banks' net reserves totaled USD 7,080 million. On July 9, 2019, it got the first loan tranche of $991.4 million from the IMF, which helped to boost reserves. According to The Tribune Express, the IMF released the second loan tranche of roughly USD 454 million in late December 2019. The reserves also increased as a result of USD 2.5 billion in Chinese inflows. The SBP successfully repaid over $1 billion in foreign debt on the maturity of Sukuk in 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's central bank reserves fall $123 million to $20 billion: Report 

On Thursday, Pakistani Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan stunned the internet by cutting a ribbon in his own unique way at an electronics store opening event.

The minister, like other politicians, was asked to a store opening in his Rawalpindi constituency.

Chohan is seen cutting the ribbon to open an event in the viral video.

The scissors failed to cut the ribbon as soon as they attempted to do so.

The minister attempted to move the scissors once or twice, but they were not ready.

Chouhan seized the ribbon in his hands and used his teeth to sever it into two pieces.

People were observed clapping and laughing heartily.&nbsp;

The video went viral right away on social media, and netizens weren't shy about mocking him.

Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan posted the video to social media and explained why he used his teeth instead of scissors.

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اپنے حلقے میں دوکان کے افتتاح کا انوکھا انداز۔۔۔!!! قینچی کند اور خراب تھی۔۔!!! مالک دوکان کو شرمندگی سے بچانے کے لیے نیا عالمی ریکارڈ قائم کر دیا۔۔!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/UsmanAKBuzdar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UsmanAKBuzdar</a> <a href="https://t.co/MRxedX0ZaB">pic.twitter.com/MRxedX0ZaB</a>
— Fayaz ul Hassan Chohan (@Fayazchohanpti) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fayazchohanpti/status/1433381316356083715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

On Thursday, Pakistani Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan stunned the internet by cutting a ribbon in his own unique way at an electronics store opening event. The minister, like other politicians, was asked to a store opening in his Rawalpindi constituency.

On Thursday, Pakistani Minister Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan stunned the internet by cutting a ribbon in his own unique way at an electronics store opening event. The minister, like other politicians, was asked to a store opening in his Rawalpindi constituency. Chohan is seen cutting the ribbon to open an event in the viral video. The scissors failed to cut the ribbon as soon as they attempted to do so. The minister attempted to move the scissors once or twice, but they were not ready. Chouhan seized the ribbon in his hands and used his teeth to sever it into two pieces. People were observed clapping and laughing heartily. The video went viral right away on social media, and netizens weren't shy about mocking him. Fayyaz-ul-Hassan Chohan posted the video to social media and explained why he used his teeth instead of scissors. اپنے حلقے میں دوکان کے افتتاح کا انوکھا انداز۔۔۔!!! قینچی کند اور خراب تھی۔۔!!! مالک دوکان کو شرمندگی سے بچانے کے لیے نیا عالمی ریکارڈ قائم کر دیا۔۔!!!@UsmanAKBuzdar pic.twitter.com/MRxedX0ZaB — Fayaz ul Hassan Chohan (@Fayazchohanpti) September 2, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Pakistan minister's ribbon-cutting style leaves netizens in splits 

In the backdrop of the attack of Chinese engineers in Pakistan, images have surfaced on social media showing Chinese workers at the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, armed with AK-47 guns to protect themselves. 
 
July 14 saw an attack on a bus that was carrying Chinese engineers to the Dasu dam project in Pakistan's northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. 
 
Nine Chinese engineers died in the attack, the first on Chinese nationals in the country, with Beijing quick to send its team to investigate it.

The use of AK-47s raises questions about two Special Security Divisions (SSDs) raised by Pakistan to protect Chinese workers and assets in the country. These are 34 Light Infantry Division created in September 2016 and 44 Light Infantry Division created in 2020, each having 15,000 troops.

Chinese workers in Pakistan are involved in CPEC, the mega project that connects China's western region with Gwadar port in the restive Balochistan province. 
 
The aim is to give Chinese products a wider market in West Asia via the project, but questions have been raised about the viability and financial impact of the project.

With billions of dollars pumped into the project, the focus is also on the security of Chinese nationals working on it. It is understood that Beijing has been providing financial assistance to Islamabad so that security cover is given, but the Dasu attack points to a failure.

Meanwhile, this has also been a cause of friction between the Pakistani security officers and the Chinese workers. In the past, fistfights had broken out, with Chinese workers using Pakistani Army vehicles to visit and frequent red-light areas.

The pictures of AK-47s also raise the question of how the Chinese nationals got it. The development is significant in light of China and the Taliban being in touch with each other and the region being infested with international terror groups.

The tabloid Global Times, seen as the spokesperson of the Chinese Communist Party, recently said in a write-up, "making an enemy of the Taliban is not in the interest of China". 
 
This was reciprocated by the Taliban, which called China a friend and its spokesperson, Suhail Shaheen, in an interview with the South China Morning Post, assured them that they would not host Uyghur militants. 
 
The Uyghurs are Muslims living in China's Xinjiang region that borders Afghanistan and has ethnic linkages with Central Asia. 
 
The region has reported a lot of human rights violations by Chinese authorities, leading to large-scale protests and insurgency.

In the backdrop of the attack of Chinese engineers in Pakistan, images have surfaced on social media showing Chinese workers at the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, armed with AK-47 guns to protect themselves.

In the backdrop of the attack of Chinese engineers in Pakistan, images have surfaced on social media showing Chinese workers at the China Pakistan Economic Corridor, or CPEC, armed with AK-47 guns to protect themselves. July 14 saw an attack on a bus that was carrying Chinese engineers to the Dasu dam project in Pakistan's northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Nine Chinese engineers died in the attack, the first on Chinese nationals in the country, with Beijing quick to send its team to investigate it. The use of AK-47s raises questions about two Special Security Divisions (SSDs) raised by Pakistan to protect Chinese workers and assets in the country. These are 34 Light Infantry Division created in September 2016 and 44 Light Infantry Division created in 2020, each having 15,000 troops. Chinese workers in Pakistan are involved in CPEC, the mega project that connects China's western region with Gwadar port in the restive Balochistan province. The aim is to give Chinese products a wider market in West Asia via the project, but questions have been raised about the viability and financial impact of the project. With billions of dollars pumped into the project, the focus is also on the security of Chinese nationals working on it. It is understood that Beijing has been providing financial assistance to Islamabad so that security cover is given, but the Dasu attack points to a failure. Meanwhile, this has also been a cause of friction between the Pakistani security officers and the Chinese workers. In the past, fistfights had broken out, with Chinese workers using Pakistani Army vehicles to visit and frequent red-light areas. The pictures of AK-47s also raise the question of how the Chinese nationals got it. The development is significant in light of China and the Taliban being in touch with each other and the region being infested with international terror groups. The tabloid Global Times, seen as the spokesperson of the Chinese Communist Party, recently said in a write-up, "making an enemy of the Taliban is not in the interest of China". This was reciprocated by the Taliban, which called China a friend and its spokesperson, Suhail Shaheen, in an interview with the South China Morning Post, assured them that they would not host Uyghur militants. The Uyghurs are Muslims living in China's Xinjiang region that borders Afghanistan and has ethnic linkages with Central Asia. The region has reported a lot of human rights violations by Chinese authorities, leading to large-scale protests and insurgency.

After Dasu bus blast in Pakistan, Chinese engineers working on CPEC spotted carrying AK-47 guns

Pakistan's provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has registered an FIR against the newly-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of 11 Opposition parties, for holding an anti-government rally here on November 22 despite a ban imposed against it by the administration.

The FIR was registered on Sunday against the five district leaders of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) by the provincial authorities after Prime Minister Imran Khan blamed the rally behind the spike in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is the ruling party in the province.

The fourth show of strength by the PDM was held despite the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's warning that it may lodge cases against the PDM leaders if a spike in COVID-19 cases was witnessed in the province after the rally.

The alliance held four massive back-to-back gatherings against the government of Prime Minister Khan in Gujranwala, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar while the fifth rally was scheduled for November 30 in Multan despite prohibitive orders concerning COVID-19.

The PDM central leaders, including its chairman Maulana Fazlullah Rahman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Aftab Khan Sherpao, Asfandyar Wali and others, had also addressed the Peshawar rally. Bilawal was tested positive for COVID-19 last week. The FIR has been registered at the Pahari Pura Police station under various sections of the law like ban on brandishing of arms and use of loudspeakers.

Prime Minister Khan said that the PDM was a great hurdle in Pakistan's fight against coronavirus as it was refusing to halt gatherings despite administrative orders.

The political environment was heating up and so was the pandemic, as the cases of the coronavirus reached 398,024 after addition of 2,839 new patients in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

It showed that 40 more patients died, taking the COVID-19 toll in the country to 8,025. More deaths were feared as some 2,046 patients were in critical condition.

Khan in a tweet on Sunday termed the Opposition as the 'main' problem in the fight against the virus as they were not bothered about people's health. "So, when we did a smart lockdown to save our poor from becoming destitute &amp; save the economy from total collapse, these 'leaders' opposed &amp; demanded complete lockdown. Now, with the new spike, when we again need smart lockdown, they want jalsas (gatherings) not caring for the lives &amp; safety of people," he said.

The Opposition parties have refused to pay heed to what he said and announced its sixth rally to be held in Lahore on December 13.

On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced the formation of the PDM and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an "action plan" starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a "decisive long march" towards Islamabad in January 2021.

Pakistan's provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has registered an FIR against the newly-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of 11 Opposition parties, for holding an anti-government rally here on November 22 despite a ban imposed against it by the administration.

Pakistan's provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has registered an FIR against the newly-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of 11 Opposition parties, for holding an anti-government rally here on November 22 despite a ban imposed against it by the administration. The FIR was registered on Sunday against the five district leaders of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) by the provincial authorities after Prime Minister Imran Khan blamed the rally behind the spike in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is the ruling party in the province. The fourth show of strength by the PDM was held despite the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's warning that it may lodge cases against the PDM leaders if a spike in COVID-19 cases was witnessed in the province after the rally. The alliance held four massive back-to-back gatherings against the government of Prime Minister Khan in Gujranwala, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar while the fifth rally was scheduled for November 30 in Multan despite prohibitive orders concerning COVID-19. The PDM central leaders, including its chairman Maulana Fazlullah Rahman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Aftab Khan Sherpao, Asfandyar Wali and others, had also addressed the Peshawar rally. Bilawal was tested positive for COVID-19 last week. The FIR has been registered at the Pahari Pura Police station under various sections of the law like ban on brandishing of arms and use of loudspeakers. Prime Minister Khan said that the PDM was a great hurdle in Pakistan's fight against coronavirus as it was refusing to halt gatherings despite administrative orders. The political environment was heating up and so was the pandemic, as the cases of the coronavirus reached 398,024 after addition of 2,839 new patients in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. It showed that 40 more patients died, taking the COVID-19 toll in the country to 8,025. More deaths were feared as some 2,046 patients were in critical condition. Khan in a tweet on Sunday termed the Opposition as the 'main' problem in the fight against the virus as they were not bothered about people's health. "So, when we did a smart lockdown to save our poor from becoming destitute & save the economy from total collapse, these 'leaders' opposed & demanded complete lockdown. Now, with the new spike, when we again need smart lockdown, they want jalsas (gatherings) not caring for the lives & safety of people," he said. The Opposition parties have refused to pay heed to what he said and announced its sixth rally to be held in Lahore on December 13. On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced the formation of the PDM and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an "action plan" starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a "decisive long march" towards Islamabad in January 2021.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government files FIR against Pakistan Democratic Movement for rally

Pakistan's refusal to act against perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, which claimed the lives of over 160 people including six Americans is a testimony to the lack of seriousness from Islamabad in combating terrorism emanating from its soil, said former Pentagon official Michael Rubin.

In an opinion piece in Washington Examiner, Rubin, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, writes citizens of dozens of nations have fallen victim to Pakistan-sponsored terror and the Mumbai attacks alone claimed victims from not only the US and India but also from Australia, Canada, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, Israel, the Netherlands, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore and Mauritius.

While only six Americans died in Mumbai, the number of American victims of Pakistani terror support in orders of magnitude is higher when Pakistan's sponsorship of the Taliban is considered. If Pakistan is serious about counterterrorism, it will recognise that there are no factors that justify the Mumbai attacks, asserts Rubin.

The Mumbai terror attacks lasted for four days from November 26, 2008, killing 166 people and injuring over 300. In these gruesome attacks, nine terrorists were killed and the lone survivor, Ajmal Amir Kasab, was caught and was sentenced to death at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune in 2012. On November 11, 2012, Kasab was hanged in Yerawada Jail in Pune.

Pakistani authorities continue to deny culpability. A trial underway in a Pakistani anti-terrorism court against seven suspects has made little headway in more than a decade, as Pakistani officials serially question the sufficiency and legitimacy of evidence against them.

"What happened in India's largest city and commercial capital was a crime against humanity, which no military or diplomatic dispute excuses. The refusal to arrest and try Lashkar-e-Taiba co-founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and the group's leader, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, simply highlights the reality that the late Osama bin Laden's presence in Pakistan was no outlier but was rather evidence of a pattern in which Pakistani authorities protect master terrorists. Pakistan's insincere approach to countering terror financing, as documented by the Financial Action Task Force, simply reinforces the point," he writes.

Pakistan's refusal to act against perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, which claimed the lives of over 160 people including six Americans is a testimony to the lack of seriousness from Islamabad in combating terrorism emanating from its soil, said former Pentagon official Michael Rubin.

Pakistan's refusal to act against perpetrators of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, which claimed the lives of over 160 people including six Americans is a testimony to the lack of seriousness from Islamabad in combating terrorism emanating from its soil, said former Pentagon official Michael Rubin. In an opinion piece in Washington Examiner, Rubin, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, writes citizens of dozens of nations have fallen victim to Pakistan-sponsored terror and the Mumbai attacks alone claimed victims from not only the US and India but also from Australia, Canada, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, Israel, the Netherlands, Jordan, Malaysia, Mexico, Singapore and Mauritius. While only six Americans died in Mumbai, the number of American victims of Pakistani terror support in orders of magnitude is higher when Pakistan's sponsorship of the Taliban is considered. If Pakistan is serious about counterterrorism, it will recognise that there are no factors that justify the Mumbai attacks, asserts Rubin. The Mumbai terror attacks lasted for four days from November 26, 2008, killing 166 people and injuring over 300. In these gruesome attacks, nine terrorists were killed and the lone survivor, Ajmal Amir Kasab, was caught and was sentenced to death at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune in 2012. On November 11, 2012, Kasab was hanged in Yerawada Jail in Pune. Pakistani authorities continue to deny culpability. A trial underway in a Pakistani anti-terrorism court against seven suspects has made little headway in more than a decade, as Pakistani officials serially question the sufficiency and legitimacy of evidence against them. "What happened in India's largest city and commercial capital was a crime against humanity, which no military or diplomatic dispute excuses. The refusal to arrest and try Lashkar-e-Taiba co-founder Hafiz Muhammad Saeed and the group's leader, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, simply highlights the reality that the late Osama bin Laden's presence in Pakistan was no outlier but was rather evidence of a pattern in which Pakistani authorities protect master terrorists. Pakistan's insincere approach to countering terror financing, as documented by the Financial Action Task Force, simply reinforces the point," he writes.

Pakistan's refusal to act against 26/11 culprits shows 'insincere approach': Ex-Pentagon official

Hours after Maryam Nawaz's husband Mohammad Safdar was arrested, PML-N's vice-president addressed a press conference in Karachi.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawazs-husband-arrested-amid-opposition-protests-in-pakistan-336323">Also read | Maryam Nawaz’s husband arrested amid opposition protests in Pakistan</a> 
 
According to the Dawn news of Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz said in the press conference that "Safdar opened the door and police were standing outside who said we are here to arrest you. Safdar told them he'll change and take his medicine, since he is diabetic, but they broke down the door and came inside. Safdar asked them to not enter since I [his wife] was inside but they did and arrested him,".

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I was in the room, sleeping, when they barged in. <a href="https://t.co/1gMEHHUnPx">https://t.co/1gMEHHUnPx</a>
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryamNSharif/status/1318050820269756416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Sindh chief minister also called me and said that he never expected that something like this would happen with me," said Maryam.

Earlier on Social media platform Twitter she said police broke their hotel room door and arrested her husband.

"Police broke my room door at the hotel I was staying at in Karachi and arrested Capt. Safdar," Maryam tweeted.

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Police broke my room door at the hotel I was staying at in Karachi and arrested Capt. Safdar.
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryamNSharif/status/1318010542771109888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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PML-N's Vice-president Maryam Nawaz and JUI-F chief chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman were among the other leaders who attended the press conference.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hours after Maryam Nawaz's husband Mohammad Safdar was arrested, PML-N's vice-president addressed a press conference in Karachi. Also read | Maryam Nawaz’s husband arrested amid opposition protests in Pakistan According to the Dawn news of Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz said in the press conference that "Safdar opened the door and police were standing outside who said we are here to arrest you.

Hours after Maryam Nawaz's husband Mohammad Safdar was arrested, PML-N's vice-president addressed a press conference in Karachi. Also read | Maryam Nawaz’s husband arrested amid opposition protests in Pakistan According to the Dawn news of Pakistan, Maryam Nawaz said in the press conference that "Safdar opened the door and police were standing outside who said we are here to arrest you. Safdar told them he'll change and take his medicine, since he is diabetic, but they broke down the door and came inside. Safdar asked them to not enter since I [his wife] was inside but they did and arrested him,". I was in the room, sleeping, when they barged in. https://t.co/1gMEHHUnPx — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 19, 2020 × "Sindh chief minister also called me and said that he never expected that something like this would happen with me," said Maryam. Earlier on Social media platform Twitter she said police broke their hotel room door and arrested her husband. "Police broke my room door at the hotel I was staying at in Karachi and arrested Capt. Safdar," Maryam tweeted. Police broke my room door at the hotel I was staying at in Karachi and arrested Capt. Safdar. — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) October 19, 2020 × PML-N's Vice-president Maryam Nawaz and JUI-F chief chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman were among the other leaders who attended the press conference. (With inputs from agencies)

Don’t enter! my wife is inside, pleaded Maryam Nawaz's husband as police barged into hotel room

Pakistan’s Karachi Stock Exchange was attacked by four gunmen on Monday morning killing at least 10 people.&nbsp;

The militants, who arrived in a car, opened indiscriminate fire and lobbed hand grenades at the main gate of the multi-storey building situated in a high-security zone as they tried to storm it, Geo News reported.

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Armed with automatic machine guns, grenades and explosives, they tried to enter into the compound leading to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) building through a parking lot but security forces foiled their attack within the compound itself, Deputy Superintendent of Police (South) Jamil Ahmed said.

The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) linked Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack. The group is banned in Pakistan, the UK and the US.&nbsp;

The BLA has carried out several terrorist attacks in the past, including a suicide attack in August 2018 that targeted Chinese engineers in Balochistan, a November 2018 attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, and a May 2019 attack against Pearl Continental hotel in Gwadar, Balochistan.&nbsp;

A senior official of the Counter-Terrorism Department said that one of the militants was identified as Salman, who hails from Balochistan. PSX Managing Director Farrukh Khan said that the "number of people in the compound was lower than normal today as many people are still staying home due to the COVID-19". He said trading continued without interruption.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s Karachi Stock Exchange was attacked by four gunmen on Monday morning killing at least 10 people. The militants, who arrived in a car, opened indiscriminate fire and lobbed hand grenades at the main gate of the multi-storey building situated in a high-security zone as they tried to storm it, Geo News reported.

Pakistan’s Karachi Stock Exchange was attacked by four gunmen on Monday morning killing at least 10 people. The militants, who arrived in a car, opened indiscriminate fire and lobbed hand grenades at the main gate of the multi-storey building situated in a high-security zone as they tried to storm it, Geo News reported. Armed with automatic machine guns, grenades and explosives, they tried to enter into the compound leading to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) building through a parking lot but security forces foiled their attack within the compound itself, Deputy Superintendent of Police (South) Jamil Ahmed said. The Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) linked Majeed Brigade claimed responsibility for the attack. The group is banned in Pakistan, the UK and the US. The BLA has carried out several terrorist attacks in the past, including a suicide attack in August 2018 that targeted Chinese engineers in Balochistan, a November 2018 attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi, and a May 2019 attack against Pearl Continental hotel in Gwadar, Balochistan. A senior official of the Counter-Terrorism Department said that one of the militants was identified as Salman, who hails from Balochistan. PSX Managing Director Farrukh Khan said that the "number of people in the compound was lower than normal today as many people are still staying home due to the COVID-19". He said trading continued without interruption. (With inputs from agencies)

Karachi stock exchange attack: 11 killed, hostage situation foiled

German state government has slammed Pakistan on its proliferation record. According to a report by the&nbsp;southwest German state of Baden-Württemberg,&nbsp;Pakistan continues to engage in the proliferation of nuclear weapons of mass destruction and is trying to obtain know-how through illegal procurement from the country.&nbsp;

Annual report by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution of Baden-Württemberg said, “Iran, Pakistan, North Korea and Syria are still pursuing such efforts. They aim to complete existing arsenals, perfect the range, deployability and effectiveness of their weapons and develop new weapons systems. They are trying to obtain the necessary products and relevant know-how, inter alia, through illegal procurement efforts in Germany."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-black-market-flourishes-in-pakistan-as-greed-replaces-compassion-308356" hreflang="en">Coronavirus black market flourishes in Pakistan as greed replaces compassion</a>

The report that gives the key developments on proliferation front for last year and was released on June 16 said, "As one of the leading industrial nations and home to numerous high-tech companies", Germany is an important area of operation for these countries.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been under the scanner for nuclear proliferation. 2004 saw the country's nuclear architect AQ Khan confessing his role in global proliferation including supplying designs to countries like North Korea. On Pakistan, the report said, "the country's nuclear program is directed against arch-enemy&nbsp;India".

The report highlighted that in order to circumvent existing export restrictions and embargoes, the countries mentioned in the report have developed new procurement methods. Under these methods, they can procure goods in Germany and Europe with the help of "cover companies" and transport dual-use goods.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-delhi-planning-attack-on-islamabad-to-distract-from-china-row-pak-fms-latest-bizarre-claim-308339" hreflang="en">New Delhi planning attack on Islamabad to distract from China row: Pak FM's latest bizarre claim</a>

The report explained, "production and proliferation" of weapons of mass destruction is "serious threat to peace and international security" and authorities have the "goal of preventing risk states from building and developing weapons of mass destruction and corresponding carrier systems".

Potential proliferation sources of know-how, according to the report include universities, non-university research institutions and research and training departments of companies.

German state government has slammed Pakistan on its proliferation record. According to a report by the southwest German state of Baden-Württemberg, Pakistan continues to engage in the proliferation of nuclear weapons of mass destruction and is trying to obtain know-how through illegal procurement from the country.

German state government has slammed Pakistan on its proliferation record. According to a report by the southwest German state of Baden-Württemberg, Pakistan continues to engage in the proliferation of nuclear weapons of mass destruction and is trying to obtain know-how through illegal procurement from the country. Annual report by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution of Baden-Württemberg said, “Iran, Pakistan, North Korea and Syria are still pursuing such efforts. They aim to complete existing arsenals, perfect the range, deployability and effectiveness of their weapons and develop new weapons systems. They are trying to obtain the necessary products and relevant know-how, inter alia, through illegal procurement efforts in Germany." Also read: Coronavirus black market flourishes in Pakistan as greed replaces compassion The report that gives the key developments on proliferation front for last year and was released on June 16 said, "As one of the leading industrial nations and home to numerous high-tech companies", Germany is an important area of operation for these countries. Pakistan has been under the scanner for nuclear proliferation. 2004 saw the country's nuclear architect AQ Khan confessing his role in global proliferation including supplying designs to countries like North Korea. On Pakistan, the report said, "the country's nuclear program is directed against arch-enemy India". The report highlighted that in order to circumvent existing export restrictions and embargoes, the countries mentioned in the report have developed new procurement methods. Under these methods, they can procure goods in Germany and Europe with the help of "cover companies" and transport dual-use goods. Also read: New Delhi planning attack on Islamabad to distract from China row: Pak FM's latest bizarre claim The report explained, "production and proliferation" of weapons of mass destruction is "serious threat to peace and international security" and authorities have the "goal of preventing risk states from building and developing weapons of mass destruction and corresponding carrier systems". Potential proliferation sources of know-how, according to the report include universities, non-university research institutions and research and training departments of companies.

German state govt slams Pakistan for trying to obtain nuclear know-how illegally

On June 21, the entire world was witnessing the annular solar eclipse after more than a decade but there was a minister of Pakistan who thought it otherwise.

Chaudhary Fawad Hussain, who serves as the Science and Technology Minister in Pakistan, shared a document containing information on solar eclipses three days before the actual event, on June 19.

The document that he had shared to give information on the supposed lunar eclipse talked all about the solar eclipse, it's timing, etc. 
&nbsp;

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چاند گرہن کے متعلق مزید معلومات <a href="https://t.co/3betuh3agy">pic.twitter.com/3betuh3agy</a>
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1273998496702619648?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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This is quite opposite to the natural assumption of people that a Science Minister must have - at least - basic knowledge of the subject, especially the difference between solar and lunar eclipses.

Social media users immediately started trolling the Pakistani minister. Some trolled him for sharing wrong information while some asked him to delete tweet immediately.

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Sir it is Sooraj Girhan. Hope you rectify. It is human error
— Ahmar Aftab, PMS (@AhmarAftab28) <a href="https://twitter.com/AhmarAftab28/status/1274000671101116416?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Who made him a minister of science and technology lol. He don't even know the difference between solar and lunar eclipse.
— CattierJungle03 (@CattierJungle01) <a href="https://twitter.com/CattierJungle01/status/1274727568487440385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

On June 21, the entire world was witnessing the annular solar eclipse after more than a decade but there was a minister of Pakistan who thought it otherwise. Chaudhary Fawad Hussain, who serves as the Science and Technology Minister in Pakistan, shared a document containing information on solar eclipses three days before the actual event, on June 19.

On June 21, the entire world was witnessing the annular solar eclipse after more than a decade but there was a minister of Pakistan who thought it otherwise. Chaudhary Fawad Hussain, who serves as the Science and Technology Minister in Pakistan, shared a document containing information on solar eclipses three days before the actual event, on June 19. The document that he had shared to give information on the supposed lunar eclipse talked all about the solar eclipse, it's timing, etc. چاند گرہن کے متعلق مزید معلومات pic.twitter.com/3betuh3agy — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) June 19, 2020 × This is quite opposite to the natural assumption of people that a Science Minister must have - at least - basic knowledge of the subject, especially the difference between solar and lunar eclipses. Social media users immediately started trolling the Pakistani minister. Some trolled him for sharing wrong information while some asked him to delete tweet immediately. Sir it is Sooraj Girhan. Hope you rectify. It is human error — Ahmar Aftab, PMS (@AhmarAftab28) June 19, 2020 × Who made him a minister of science and technology lol. He don't even know the difference between solar and lunar eclipse. — CattierJungle03 (@CattierJungle01) June 21, 2020 × (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s 'Science and Technology' minister confuses solar eclipse with the lunar eclipse, gets trolled on Twitter

In another shocking incident, a minor Hindu girl has been abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, converted to Islam and married off to her kidnapper.

The minor named Reshaman from Jacobabad in Sindh who was kidnapped and converted to Islam was married off to her abductor Wazir Hussain on June 18.

However, the girl has submitted an affidavit claiming to be 19-years-old and having converted to Islam on her own free will. Abduction and forced conversions of Hindu minor girls is rampant in Pakistan and has exposed the tall claims by the Imran Khan government of security and safety of minorities in the country.

According to the affidavit, Reshaman`s new Muslim name is Basheeran. There have been numerous cases of forced conversions involving Christian and Hindu girls, mostly minors, across Pakistan who are then married to Muslim men in Pakistan. Even police and politicians ignored their grievances and left the minorities to live a miserable life.

According to a Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) report, at least 1,000 non-Muslim girls have forcibly converted to Islam in the country annually. Many of these girls belong to the Hindu community in Sindh, where about eight million Hindus live.

Pakistan is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that the right to freedom of religion includes the right to change one`s religion and that no one shall be subject to coercion to change their religion. Despite these many cases of forced conversions, the country till now has turned down two bills. The bills tabled in 2016 and 2019 demanded that the minimum age for changing one`s religion be set to 18 years, jail terms be sanctioned for anyone guilty of coercion, and a 21-day period in a safe house be mandated for the person seeking conversion to ensure that the decision has been taken out of the free will.

While rejecting the bill in 2016, former Sindh governor Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, said: `When Hazrat Ali [the fourth caliph in Sunni sect, and the first Imam for the Shia] can convert to Islam at a young age [9 years], why can`t Hindu girls? `This kind of resistance has also been seen during attempts to eradicate child marriage in Pakistan. The Council of Islamic Ideology cited Prophet Muhammad`s marriage to six-year-old Aisha, as narrated in hadiths (compilations of the prophet`s sayings).

Though the country was finally able to pass legislation against child marriage in 2019, the courts still allow forced conversions and marriage of underage girls like in Sindh where the Child Marriages Restraint Act has been in place since 2013.

According to Dawn, the Sindh government attempted to outlaw forced conversions and marriages twice. Though the bill was unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly, religious parties objected to an age limit for conversions and threatened to besiege the assembly if the bill received the approval of the governor. This resulted in the Governor refusing to sign the bill into law.

In 2019, a revised version was introduced by the Sindh government, but again the religious parties protested. A sit-in was organised by Pir Mian Abdul Khaliq (Mian Mithu), a political and religious leader who has participated in many cases of forced conversions of underage Hindu girls in Sindh.

He and his group claim the girls are not forced, but fall in love with Muslim men and convert willingly. In March 2019, nearly 2,000 Hindus staged a sit-in to demand justice for two sisters, who they claimed were forcibly converted and married. The Islamabad High Court, however, ruled the girls had willingly converted and married the men.

In another shocking incident, a minor Hindu girl has been abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, converted to Islam and married off to her kidnapper. The minor named Reshaman from Jacobabad in Sindh who was kidnapped and converted to Islam was married off to her abductor Wazir Hussain on June 18.

In another shocking incident, a minor Hindu girl has been abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, converted to Islam and married off to her kidnapper. The minor named Reshaman from Jacobabad in Sindh who was kidnapped and converted to Islam was married off to her abductor Wazir Hussain on June 18. However, the girl has submitted an affidavit claiming to be 19-years-old and having converted to Islam on her own free will. Abduction and forced conversions of Hindu minor girls is rampant in Pakistan and has exposed the tall claims by the Imran Khan government of security and safety of minorities in the country. According to the affidavit, Reshaman`s new Muslim name is Basheeran. There have been numerous cases of forced conversions involving Christian and Hindu girls, mostly minors, across Pakistan who are then married to Muslim men in Pakistan. Even police and politicians ignored their grievances and left the minorities to live a miserable life. According to a Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) report, at least 1,000 non-Muslim girls have forcibly converted to Islam in the country annually. Many of these girls belong to the Hindu community in Sindh, where about eight million Hindus live. Pakistan is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states that the right to freedom of religion includes the right to change one`s religion and that no one shall be subject to coercion to change their religion. Despite these many cases of forced conversions, the country till now has turned down two bills. The bills tabled in 2016 and 2019 demanded that the minimum age for changing one`s religion be set to 18 years, jail terms be sanctioned for anyone guilty of coercion, and a 21-day period in a safe house be mandated for the person seeking conversion to ensure that the decision has been taken out of the free will. While rejecting the bill in 2016, former Sindh governor Saeeduzzaman Siddiqui, said: `When Hazrat Ali [the fourth caliph in Sunni sect, and the first Imam for the Shia] can convert to Islam at a young age [9 years], why can`t Hindu girls? `This kind of resistance has also been seen during attempts to eradicate child marriage in Pakistan. The Council of Islamic Ideology cited Prophet Muhammad`s marriage to six-year-old Aisha, as narrated in hadiths (compilations of the prophet`s sayings). Though the country was finally able to pass legislation against child marriage in 2019, the courts still allow forced conversions and marriage of underage girls like in Sindh where the Child Marriages Restraint Act has been in place since 2013. According to Dawn, the Sindh government attempted to outlaw forced conversions and marriages twice. Though the bill was unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly, religious parties objected to an age limit for conversions and threatened to besiege the assembly if the bill received the approval of the governor. This resulted in the Governor refusing to sign the bill into law. In 2019, a revised version was introduced by the Sindh government, but again the religious parties protested. A sit-in was organised by Pir Mian Abdul Khaliq (Mian Mithu), a political and religious leader who has participated in many cases of forced conversions of underage Hindu girls in Sindh. He and his group claim the girls are not forced, but fall in love with Muslim men and convert willingly. In March 2019, nearly 2,000 Hindus staged a sit-in to demand justice for two sisters, who they claimed were forcibly converted and married. The Islamabad High Court, however, ruled the girls had willingly converted and married the men.

Another minor Hindu girl kidnapped in Pakistan forcibly converted to Islam

A political activist from Gilgit Baltistan has condemned Chinese aggression in Ladakh saying Beijing is feeling threatened by India's infrastructure projects in the Union Territory.

Senge H Sering, the director of Institute of Gilgit Baltistan Studies told ANI, "India is improving its infrastructure and making its access to Karakoram Pass much easier. That means India will be able to access G219 (China National Highway 219) from Galwan Valley, because it is very close to the watershed of the Galwan River. Then you will be able to cut Tibet from Xinjiang, in case India tries to move forward towards East and North. And you will also be able to cut the Eastern route, the second route of CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor)."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-says-presently-it-hasnt-detained-any-indian-soldiers-307097">Also read|&nbsp;China says 'presently' it hasn't detained any Indian soldiers</a>

Senge was reacting to a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops near the Galwan Valley area in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed on June 15. "The G219 also feeds into the feeder roads and makes China's control over Shaksgam, Agel, Raskam and Shimshal much stronger and superior. So, India makes China's presence in Xinjiang and Tibet very weak by extending its own infrastructure to Karakoram Pass," he added.

"China doesn't want it to happen. So, China is trying to intimidate India and asking to not to move forward and construct infrastructure in Eastern part of Ladakh," said Senge, who is well aware about the geography and strategic importance of the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-russia-present-the-most-immediate-serious-threats-to-us-space-operations-pentagon-306809">Also read|&nbsp;China, Russia present the most immediate, serious threats to US space operations: Pentagon</a>

China's economy has been in shambles ever since COVID-19 broke out in its Wuhan city late last year. Experts believe that President Xi Jinping's handling of the pandemic has exposed serious structural cracks in the facade of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

"So, China is attacking India and Taiwan or enabling Nepal to claim India's land as a distracting tactic and allowing people to galvanise to be more nationalistic and this way they want to prolong their own control over their country but, the fact remains that Tibetans and Uyghurs, they don't want China to control their land any more", said Senge H Sering.

The COVID-19 pandemic originated from China before it swept across the world, affecting millions and stalling economies the world over. There is a growing chorus against China for its poor handling of the crisis and hiding facts about the highly cntagious disease and thus misleading the world.

"China is feeling threatened, it's vulnerable in a way that its economy is not improving the way it used to be a few years back. COVID-19 has restricted the country in a very bad way and at the same time the dissent in the western autonomous region is threatening China's control," Senge said.

Senge said, "On top of that when India improves its infrastructure it becomes even more threatening for China. So, if you have all aspects together, you will realise that China will try to do its utmost. It will use all options there to not enable India to build infrastructure but the fact remains that China is an occupier in Aksai Chin, in Gilgit Baltistan and now it's trying to intrude into Ladakh."

He laid stress on the fact that by abiding all international rules and regulations China must withdraw from Aksai Chin and other occupied areas.

"These are Indian territories. The people in Xinjiang, especially the Uyghur, recognize that these are India's lands and people in Tibet - the Tibetan government-in-exile, recognize that these are India's lands. There is no dispute with the people of Xinjiang and people of Tibet as far as Aksai Chin, Shaksgam and other parts of Ladakh are concerned. So, the International community should stand with India and make China withdraw from these places", said Senge by adding that India must immediately build a protective wall in front of DS-DBO (Darbuk-Shyok-DBO) Road since China is trying to damage it by flooding the Galwan River.

A political activist from Gilgit Baltistan has condemned Chinese aggression in Ladakh saying Beijing is feeling threatened by India's infrastructure projects in the Union Territory.

A political activist from Gilgit Baltistan has condemned Chinese aggression in Ladakh saying Beijing is feeling threatened by India's infrastructure projects in the Union Territory. Senge H Sering, the director of Institute of Gilgit Baltistan Studies told ANI, "India is improving its infrastructure and making its access to Karakoram Pass much easier. That means India will be able to access G219 (China National Highway 219) from Galwan Valley, because it is very close to the watershed of the Galwan River. Then you will be able to cut Tibet from Xinjiang, in case India tries to move forward towards East and North. And you will also be able to cut the Eastern route, the second route of CPEC (China Pakistan Economic Corridor)." Also read| China says 'presently' it hasn't detained any Indian soldiers Senge was reacting to a violent face-off between Indian and Chinese troops near the Galwan Valley area in which 20 Indian soldiers were killed on June 15. "The G219 also feeds into the feeder roads and makes China's control over Shaksgam, Agel, Raskam and Shimshal much stronger and superior. So, India makes China's presence in Xinjiang and Tibet very weak by extending its own infrastructure to Karakoram Pass," he added. "China doesn't want it to happen. So, China is trying to intimidate India and asking to not to move forward and construct infrastructure in Eastern part of Ladakh," said Senge, who is well aware about the geography and strategic importance of the region. Also read| China, Russia present the most immediate, serious threats to US space operations: Pentagon China's economy has been in shambles ever since COVID-19 broke out in its Wuhan city late last year. Experts believe that President Xi Jinping's handling of the pandemic has exposed serious structural cracks in the facade of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). "So, China is attacking India and Taiwan or enabling Nepal to claim India's land as a distracting tactic and allowing people to galvanise to be more nationalistic and this way they want to prolong their own control over their country but, the fact remains that Tibetans and Uyghurs, they don't want China to control their land any more", said Senge H Sering. The COVID-19 pandemic originated from China before it swept across the world, affecting millions and stalling economies the world over. There is a growing chorus against China for its poor handling of the crisis and hiding facts about the highly cntagious disease and thus misleading the world. "China is feeling threatened, it's vulnerable in a way that its economy is not improving the way it used to be a few years back. COVID-19 has restricted the country in a very bad way and at the same time the dissent in the western autonomous region is threatening China's control," Senge said. Senge said, "On top of that when India improves its infrastructure it becomes even more threatening for China. So, if you have all aspects together, you will realise that China will try to do its utmost. It will use all options there to not enable India to build infrastructure but the fact remains that China is an occupier in Aksai Chin, in Gilgit Baltistan and now it's trying to intrude into Ladakh." He laid stress on the fact that by abiding all international rules and regulations China must withdraw from Aksai Chin and other occupied areas. "These are Indian territories. The people in Xinjiang, especially the Uyghur, recognize that these are India's lands and people in Tibet - the Tibetan government-in-exile, recognize that these are India's lands. There is no dispute with the people of Xinjiang and people of Tibet as far as Aksai Chin, Shaksgam and other parts of Ladakh are concerned. So, the International community should stand with India and make China withdraw from these places", said Senge by adding that India must immediately build a protective wall in front of DS-DBO (Darbuk-Shyok-DBO) Road since China is trying to damage it by flooding the Galwan River.

China feels threatened by India's infra building in Ladakh, says Gilgit activist

Pakistan's top generals were briefed on the national and regional security situations on Wednesday, the army said. 
Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a meeting of the Corps Commanders' in Rawalpindi, wherein the generals were briefed on national and regional security situations, it said.

"Noting the Indian aggression, (the) forum resolved to continue thwarting Indian designs," the army said. 
The commanders also expressed satisfaction on the continued reduction in incidents of violence across the country, gradual positive effects of the ongoing Afghan peace process along the western border and resolved to keep supporting the normalization process through national institutions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-military-top-brass-visit-isi-headquarter-discuss-kashmir-306458">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan military top brass visit ISI headquarter, discuss Kashmir</a>

The forum also discussed the army's ongoing support to the government against COVID-19, the locust threat and polio campaign within the available resources.

Wednesday's meeting came a day after the spy agency - the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - briefed the top military leadership about the situation on the Line of Control.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, Army chief General Bajwa, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan were briefed by ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hamid at the agency's headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Pakistan's top generals were briefed on the national and regional security situations on Wednesday, the army said. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a meeting of the Corps Commanders' in Rawalpindi, wherein the generals were briefed on national and regional security situations, it said.

Pakistan's top generals were briefed on the national and regional security situations on Wednesday, the army said. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a meeting of the Corps Commanders' in Rawalpindi, wherein the generals were briefed on national and regional security situations, it said. "Noting the Indian aggression, (the) forum resolved to continue thwarting Indian designs," the army said. The commanders also expressed satisfaction on the continued reduction in incidents of violence across the country, gradual positive effects of the ongoing Afghan peace process along the western border and resolved to keep supporting the normalization process through national institutions. Also read: Pakistan military top brass visit ISI headquarter, discuss Kashmir The forum also discussed the army's ongoing support to the government against COVID-19, the locust threat and polio campaign within the available resources. Wednesday's meeting came a day after the spy agency - the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - briefed the top military leadership about the situation on the Line of Control. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, Army chief General Bajwa, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan were briefed by ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hamid at the agency's headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday. The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Top generals briefed on national and regional security situations: Pak army

Pakistan on Thursday refused to felicitate India after it was elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council, accusing it of violating the UN resolutions on Kashmir.

India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council on Wednesday for a two-year term.

India, the endorsed candidate from the Asia-Pacific States, won 184 votes out of the 192 ballots cast in the elections for the five non-permanent seats of the Security Council, the world organisation's most powerful organ.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-secures-non-permanent-unsc-seat-elected-from-asia-pacific-group-306760">Also watch|&nbsp;India secures non-permanent UNSC seat: Elected from Asia-Pacific group</a>

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said at a regular media briefing that the General Assembly elected four non-permanent members to the Security Council for a two-year term commencing from 1 January 2021.

"We congratulate Ireland, Norway and Mexico on their election to the Council. The election of India, however, raises fundamental questions," she said.

She said that the UN Charter has entrusted the Security Council with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-disappointed-as-kenya-djibouti-fail-to-win-enough-votes-at-unsc-306668">Also read|&nbsp;Canada disappointed as Kenya, Djibouti fail to win enough votes at UNSC</a>

"India stands in flagrant violation of several resolutions of the Security Council that prescribed a UN-supervised plebiscite to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination," she said.

She said Pakistan will be working with the rest of the members of the Security Council in advancing the objectives of international peace and security in South Asia and beyond.

On a conflict between forces of India and China in Ladakh, Farooqui said that renewed clashes at China-India border areas happened as China was negotiating with India to resolve the conflict peacefully and through agreed mechanisms.

"India's belligerent policies and actions seeking to unilaterally change borders with neighbours continue to pose a threat to peace and security of the region and undermine the efforts aimed at promoting stability and development in the region," she alleged.

After its election, India on Thursday said enhancing counter terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticising the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities.

Briefing the media on India's election to the UN body, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup, said the country looks forward for being the voice for all those who are not represented on the Council.

She also rejected Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remark about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when the people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country.

On a question about the two officials of the Indian High Commission arrested on Monday for their alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, she said they were over-speeding and crashed their car into a pedestrian, which led to their arrest but they were set free.

"During the course of investigation, fake currency was also recovered from the aforementioned officials," she alleged.

India on Tuesday summoned Charge d' Affaires of Pakistan High Commission Haider Shah and a lodged a strong protest with him over the "abduction and torture" of two officials of the Indian mission in Islamabad by Pakistani agencies.

Pakistan on Thursday refused to felicitate India after it was elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council, accusing it of violating the UN resolutions on Kashmir.

Pakistan on Thursday refused to felicitate India after it was elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council, accusing it of violating the UN resolutions on Kashmir. India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council on Wednesday for a two-year term. India, the endorsed candidate from the Asia-Pacific States, won 184 votes out of the 192 ballots cast in the elections for the five non-permanent seats of the Security Council, the world organisation's most powerful organ. Also watch| India secures non-permanent UNSC seat: Elected from Asia-Pacific group Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said at a regular media briefing that the General Assembly elected four non-permanent members to the Security Council for a two-year term commencing from 1 January 2021. "We congratulate Ireland, Norway and Mexico on their election to the Council. The election of India, however, raises fundamental questions," she said. She said that the UN Charter has entrusted the Security Council with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Also read| Canada disappointed as Kenya, Djibouti fail to win enough votes at UNSC "India stands in flagrant violation of several resolutions of the Security Council that prescribed a UN-supervised plebiscite to enable the people of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their fundamental right to self-determination," she said. She said Pakistan will be working with the rest of the members of the Security Council in advancing the objectives of international peace and security in South Asia and beyond. On a conflict between forces of India and China in Ladakh, Farooqui said that renewed clashes at China-India border areas happened as China was negotiating with India to resolve the conflict peacefully and through agreed mechanisms. "India's belligerent policies and actions seeking to unilaterally change borders with neighbours continue to pose a threat to peace and security of the region and undermine the efforts aimed at promoting stability and development in the region," she alleged. After its election, India on Thursday said enhancing counter terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticising the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities. Briefing the media on India's election to the UN body, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup, said the country looks forward for being the voice for all those who are not represented on the Council. She also rejected Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remark about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when the people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country. On a question about the two officials of the Indian High Commission arrested on Monday for their alleged involvement in a hit-and-run incident in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, she said they were over-speeding and crashed their car into a pedestrian, which led to their arrest but they were set free. "During the course of investigation, fake currency was also recovered from the aforementioned officials," she alleged. India on Tuesday summoned Charge d' Affaires of Pakistan High Commission Haider Shah and a lodged a strong protest with him over the "abduction and torture" of two officials of the Indian mission in Islamabad by Pakistani agencies.

Pak refuses to felicitate India after its election as non-permanent UNSC member

On the count of murder charges of a political leader, a Pakistani court has sentenced three suspects to life in prison.

Imran Farooq, 50, was a founding member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). He was stabbed to death in London in 2010, while returning home from work in North London.

<a href="Another provincial minister dies due to coronavirus in Pakistan">Also read:&nbsp;Another provincial minister dies due to coronavirus in Pakistan</a>

The three suspects were from the same party, but their motives could not be determined. As the incident happened in the UK, Britain offered legal assistance and shared evidence and testimonials of the officers.

The three were sentenced to prison for life, and were each fined&nbsp;1 million Pakistani rupees ($6,050), the prosecutor, Khawaja Mohammad Imtiaz, told reporters.

"There are hardly any examples in the world that an offence is committed in one country and the trial is conducted in another," Imtiaz&nbsp;said.

Eventhough he had not been active in the party for about two years, apparently&nbsp;Farooq's death led to downfall of the political party, that once ruled over Karachi.

On the count of murder charges of a political leader, a Pakistani court has sentenced three suspects to life in prison. Imran Farooq, 50, was a founding member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).

On the count of murder charges of a political leader, a Pakistani court has sentenced three suspects to life in prison. Imran Farooq, 50, was a founding member of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM). He was stabbed to death in London in 2010, while returning home from work in North London. Also read: Another provincial minister dies due to coronavirus in Pakistan The three suspects were from the same party, but their motives could not be determined. As the incident happened in the UK, Britain offered legal assistance and shared evidence and testimonials of the officers. The three were sentenced to prison for life, and were each fined 1 million Pakistani rupees ($6,050), the prosecutor, Khawaja Mohammad Imtiaz, told reporters. "There are hardly any examples in the world that an offence is committed in one country and the trial is conducted in another," Imtiaz said. Eventhough he had not been active in the party for about two years, apparently Farooq's death led to downfall of the political party, that once ruled over Karachi.

Pakistan court sentences Imran Farooq's London murderers to life imprisonment

Chairman of Baloch National Movement (BNM), Khalil Baloch, has said in a statement that the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is part of China's global Belt and Road project under which Beijing is working in Balochistan to achieve its strategic goals.

"CPEC project has been portrayed as an economic project by Pakistani parliamentary parties, including the National Party, who have secured financial incentives by supporting Pakistan and China. The National Party has fully supported the federal government of Pakistan in negotiating to sell Balochistan to China under Nawaz Sharif's government. Today, the time has proved that Pakistan has mortgaged most of Balochistan, including Gwadar to China in order to maintain its occupation and crush the Baloch independence movement." said Khalil Baloch.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-pak-minister-warns-12-million-cases-by-july-end-total-infected-cases-cross-142000-305899">Also read|&nbsp;COVID-19: Pak minister warns 1.2 million cases by July end; total infected cases cross 142,000</a>

He added, "This is an enigma of our national survival and the conspiracies are exposed to separate the Baloch coast from us in the coming years."

Khalil Baloch said since the day the Baloch leadership has continuously notified the world that China is rapidly building a naval base on the Baloch coast and in the future, Jwani and Gwadar will be important bases of the Chinese navy.

"Sadly, the world powers have either ignored the Baloch national voice or they have compromised with China for their short-term economic interests," he further said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/imran-khans-relationship-with-army-on-the-rocks-amid-covid-19-outbreak-305845">Also Read|&nbsp;Imran Khan's relationship with Army on the rocks amid COVID-19 outbreak</a>

The CPEC project will have far-reaching political and military consequences for the region and its impact will be the same for all other countries in the region, including Balochistan.

"Today, China is swiftly shifting the balance of power in the region. This is not only a catastrophic move for Balochistan but other countries in the region will not be spared of its effects. India will be directly affected by Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean and Chinese military presence near the Strait of Hormuz could lead to war in the region," said the Baloch nationalist leader.

He said that China is gaining ground in Balochistan and becoming a new colonial power in the region.

"Thousands of Chinese are already in different areas of Balochistan, including Gwadar and Saindak to complete the CPEC and Saindak projects," he said.

"The Forbes journal has revealed Chinese military compound in Gwadar by affirming our position that, China is strengthening its military bases at an important strategic location like Gwadar under the shadow of economic projects. Several large military bases are being built. In future, the Chinese invasion of the entire Baloch coast will be the most significant concern for the Baloch national existence and identity after the occupation of Pakistan," he said.

Khalil Baloch said that the Baloch have suffered immensely from the resistance against the 'imperialist' CPEC project.

"Many villages have been destroyed and Pakistan army has done aerial bombardment on the route of the CPEC project. Thousands of families are forced to migrate and live in different areas. Many people have been killed and detained in torture cells. These brutalities are continued on a daily basis in Balochistan," he said in a statement.

Khalil Baloch said that the world powers should realise that the Chinese expansionist ambitions and military presence in Balochistan will not only affect the Baloch, rather, it will affect the countries of the region, including India, in particular, and across the world.

"Chinese imperialist ambitions are not limited to Balochistan, but the Belt and Road Initiative is a global project that has apparently divided the world. An important part of the Belt and Road Initiative consists of Gwadar port and CPEC. Balochistan will continue to resist all imperialist plans, including CPEC," he stated.

"Balochistan has paid a huge price by opposing these projects and we will not hesitate to defend our land in the future. But this war must be fought by the entire civilised world, including the countries of the region. We have made it clear multiple times that the Baloch are willing to unite with any power in line with their national interests against China's imperialist ambitions," added the Baloch leader.

He said, "We believe that further silence will bring destruction to the entire region, including Balochistan."

 
&nbsp;

Chairman of Baloch National Movement (BNM), Khalil Baloch, has said in a statement that the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is part of China's global Belt and Road project under which Beijing is working in Balochistan to achieve its strategic goals.

Chairman of Baloch National Movement (BNM), Khalil Baloch, has said in a statement that the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is part of China's global Belt and Road project under which Beijing is working in Balochistan to achieve its strategic goals. "CPEC project has been portrayed as an economic project by Pakistani parliamentary parties, including the National Party, who have secured financial incentives by supporting Pakistan and China. The National Party has fully supported the federal government of Pakistan in negotiating to sell Balochistan to China under Nawaz Sharif's government. Today, the time has proved that Pakistan has mortgaged most of Balochistan, including Gwadar to China in order to maintain its occupation and crush the Baloch independence movement." said Khalil Baloch. Also read| COVID-19: Pak minister warns 1.2 million cases by July end; total infected cases cross 142,000 He added, "This is an enigma of our national survival and the conspiracies are exposed to separate the Baloch coast from us in the coming years." Khalil Baloch said since the day the Baloch leadership has continuously notified the world that China is rapidly building a naval base on the Baloch coast and in the future, Jwani and Gwadar will be important bases of the Chinese navy. "Sadly, the world powers have either ignored the Baloch national voice or they have compromised with China for their short-term economic interests," he further said. Also Read| Imran Khan's relationship with Army on the rocks amid COVID-19 outbreak The CPEC project will have far-reaching political and military consequences for the region and its impact will be the same for all other countries in the region, including Balochistan. "Today, China is swiftly shifting the balance of power in the region. This is not only a catastrophic move for Balochistan but other countries in the region will not be spared of its effects. India will be directly affected by Chinese influence in the Indian Ocean and Chinese military presence near the Strait of Hormuz could lead to war in the region," said the Baloch nationalist leader. He said that China is gaining ground in Balochistan and becoming a new colonial power in the region. "Thousands of Chinese are already in different areas of Balochistan, including Gwadar and Saindak to complete the CPEC and Saindak projects," he said. "The Forbes journal has revealed Chinese military compound in Gwadar by affirming our position that, China is strengthening its military bases at an important strategic location like Gwadar under the shadow of economic projects. Several large military bases are being built. In future, the Chinese invasion of the entire Baloch coast will be the most significant concern for the Baloch national existence and identity after the occupation of Pakistan," he said. Khalil Baloch said that the Baloch have suffered immensely from the resistance against the 'imperialist' CPEC project. "Many villages have been destroyed and Pakistan army has done aerial bombardment on the route of the CPEC project. Thousands of families are forced to migrate and live in different areas. Many people have been killed and detained in torture cells. These brutalities are continued on a daily basis in Balochistan," he said in a statement. Khalil Baloch said that the world powers should realise that the Chinese expansionist ambitions and military presence in Balochistan will not only affect the Baloch, rather, it will affect the countries of the region, including India, in particular, and across the world. "Chinese imperialist ambitions are not limited to Balochistan, but the Belt and Road Initiative is a global project that has apparently divided the world. An important part of the Belt and Road Initiative consists of Gwadar port and CPEC. Balochistan will continue to resist all imperialist plans, including CPEC," he stated. "Balochistan has paid a huge price by opposing these projects and we will not hesitate to defend our land in the future. But this war must be fought by the entire civilised world, including the countries of the region. We have made it clear multiple times that the Baloch are willing to unite with any power in line with their national interests against China's imperialist ambitions," added the Baloch leader. He said, "We believe that further silence will bring destruction to the entire region, including Balochistan."

BNM chief slams China for its imperialist ambitions in Balochistan

Pakistan on Sunday rejected Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and alleged that it was an attempt to divert attention from Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country.

"Let's wait for what happens in future. There will be demand from PoK to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and to live with India. When this happens, then Parliament's resolution will also be fulfilled," Singh said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/soon-people-of-pok-will-demand-that-they-want-to-be-with-india-rajnath-singh-305731">Also read|&nbsp;Soon people of PoK will demand that they want to be with India: Rajnath Singh</a>

Parliament has also earlier passed resolution that PoK is part of India.

Reacting to Singh's remarks, the Foreign Office said that his statement is "another desperate attempt to divert attention from" Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories.

India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Pakistan on Sunday rejected Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and alleged that it was an attempt to divert attention from Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan on Sunday rejected Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and alleged that it was an attempt to divert attention from Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country. "Let's wait for what happens in future. There will be demand from PoK to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and to live with India. When this happens, then Parliament's resolution will also be fulfilled," Singh said. Also read| Soon people of PoK will demand that they want to be with India: Rajnath Singh Parliament has also earlier passed resolution that PoK is part of India. Reacting to Singh's remarks, the Foreign Office said that his statement is "another desperate attempt to divert attention from" Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Pak rejects Rajnath Singh's remarks about situation in PoK

Prime Minister Imran Khan's poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic fallout has placed it in a confrontation path with the Army whose top brass is unhappy at the failure of the Government to deal with the Pandemic.

Wajid Shamsul Hasan, a former Pakistani diplomat, and journalist said that the total failure of Imran Khan government's anti-COVID-19 policies has justified the Generals to be back in the front seat in control in Pakistan -- though there is no official declaration of martial law.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pok-rights-activist-blames-pak-army-for-first-ever-negative-economic-growth-305578">Also read:&nbsp;PoK rights activist blames Pak army for first ever negative economic growth</a>

"Until last induction of officers up to the rank of Lt. Generals in the civilian cadre, there are now more than a dozen former and current military officials in prominent government posts such as running the state-owned PIA, the power regulator and the National Institute of Health, which is leading the country's pandemic response. Three of those appointments happened in the last two months."

Hasan believes that Imran Khan has failed to make up its mind to decide its best options for combating the pandemic COVID-19.

"Having opposed lockdown since the day Sindh government decide to use it to minimise the surge, the latest decision from Khan is so-called 'smart lockdown' in places where the surge is more severe. By the time of writing this piece, the death toll has nearly 3000 and the spread of infection has hit more than 130,000".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-struggles-to-contain-coronavirus-cases-surge-exponentially-since-lockdown-lifted-305704">Also watch:&nbsp;Pakistan struggles to contain Coronavirus, cases surge exponentially since lockdown lifted</a>

Since the situation has become more threatening, the World Health Organization has warned Pakistan of dire consequences.

In its latest directive WHO has asked Pakistan to implement "intermittent" lockdowns to counter the surge in coronavirus infections that has come as the country's Prime Minister opted for loosening restrictions pertaining to lockdown.

Ever since the discovery of COVID-19's presence with a pilgrim from Iran's presence and the start of the outbreak in Pakistan in March, Prime Minister Khan has been emphasising against lockdown measures adopted by Sindh government and other provinces arguing the impoverished country could not afford massive unemployment due to it four provinces ordered a patchwork of closures, and last week Khan said most of these restrictions due to lockdown would be lifted. That decision as such has come as Pakistan found the worsening of the surge across all of South Asia, which until recently had lagged Western nations in virus tolls.

WHO officials said last week they had recorded a total of 108,317 cases and 2,172 deaths - though with testing still limited, real rates are thought to be much higher.

"As of today, Pakistan does not meet any of the pre-requisite conditions for opening the lockdown", the WHO said in a letter to Punjab's provincial health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid recommending an intermittent lockdown cycle of two weeks on, two weeks off.

WHO believes that 25 per cent of tests in Pakistan come back positive for COVID-19, the WHO said, indicating high levels of infection in the general population. Hospitals across the country say they are at or near capacity, and some are turning COVID-19 patients away.In a panic reaction, the Health Authorities in Islamabad have identified and sealed off nearly 1,300 coronavirus hotspots across the country to contain the surging trajectory of new infections.

The sealing of high-risk areas comes as government's COVID-19 portal reported 6,472 new cases in the last 24 hours, the country's highest single-day total.Pakistan has reported 132,405 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, including 2,551 deaths since its first case emerged on Feb 26.

After initially imposing a countrywide lockdown, the government has now eased restrictions, saying it was necessary to save the country's economy, but it has caused a surge in infections.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has resisted demands from medical experts to reinforce the lockdown, citing its economy going bankrupt. Authorities, however, are now using the term coined as "smart lockdown" to close shops and markets and force people to stay home in areas where confirmed cases have increased in recent weeks.

Hasan believes that Imran Khan's influence has undermined due to the collapsing economy, galloping consumer prices, and grave law and order situation.

"He feels that his same page partners are stabbing it in the back on the quiet. Recent findings of anti-corruption investigations exposing mega corruption by his close aides is a clear indication that noose is tightening around his neck with Army's role as same page partners being rendered into a veneer", said Hasan.

The former diplomat believes that the Army's support was considered as the mainstay, critical together for a government that relies on several smaller coalition partners who are believed to be puppet on the Establishment's chain to stay afloat.

He said, "Developments as such are not new. One can find similarities now and the previous governments when powers that be took over gradually with subtle moves. It must be remembered that the military has always been Pakistan's most powerful institution and has directly ruled the country for most of the part of its seventy years independent existence."

Prime Minister Imran Khan's poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic fallout has placed it in a confrontation path with the Army whose top brass is unhappy at the failure of the Government to deal with the Pandemic.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's poor handling of the COVID-19 pandemic fallout has placed it in a confrontation path with the Army whose top brass is unhappy at the failure of the Government to deal with the Pandemic. Wajid Shamsul Hasan, a former Pakistani diplomat, and journalist said that the total failure of Imran Khan government's anti-COVID-19 policies has justified the Generals to be back in the front seat in control in Pakistan -- though there is no official declaration of martial law. Also read: PoK rights activist blames Pak army for first ever negative economic growth "Until last induction of officers up to the rank of Lt. Generals in the civilian cadre, there are now more than a dozen former and current military officials in prominent government posts such as running the state-owned PIA, the power regulator and the National Institute of Health, which is leading the country's pandemic response. Three of those appointments happened in the last two months." Hasan believes that Imran Khan has failed to make up its mind to decide its best options for combating the pandemic COVID-19. "Having opposed lockdown since the day Sindh government decide to use it to minimise the surge, the latest decision from Khan is so-called 'smart lockdown' in places where the surge is more severe. By the time of writing this piece, the death toll has nearly 3000 and the spread of infection has hit more than 130,000". Also watch: Pakistan struggles to contain Coronavirus, cases surge exponentially since lockdown lifted Since the situation has become more threatening, the World Health Organization has warned Pakistan of dire consequences. In its latest directive WHO has asked Pakistan to implement "intermittent" lockdowns to counter the surge in coronavirus infections that has come as the country's Prime Minister opted for loosening restrictions pertaining to lockdown. Ever since the discovery of COVID-19's presence with a pilgrim from Iran's presence and the start of the outbreak in Pakistan in March, Prime Minister Khan has been emphasising against lockdown measures adopted by Sindh government and other provinces arguing the impoverished country could not afford massive unemployment due to it four provinces ordered a patchwork of closures, and last week Khan said most of these restrictions due to lockdown would be lifted. That decision as such has come as Pakistan found the worsening of the surge across all of South Asia, which until recently had lagged Western nations in virus tolls. WHO officials said last week they had recorded a total of 108,317 cases and 2,172 deaths - though with testing still limited, real rates are thought to be much higher. "As of today, Pakistan does not meet any of the pre-requisite conditions for opening the lockdown", the WHO said in a letter to Punjab's provincial health minister Dr Yasmin Rashid recommending an intermittent lockdown cycle of two weeks on, two weeks off. WHO believes that 25 per cent of tests in Pakistan come back positive for COVID-19, the WHO said, indicating high levels of infection in the general population. Hospitals across the country say they are at or near capacity, and some are turning COVID-19 patients away.In a panic reaction, the Health Authorities in Islamabad have identified and sealed off nearly 1,300 coronavirus hotspots across the country to contain the surging trajectory of new infections. The sealing of high-risk areas comes as government's COVID-19 portal reported 6,472 new cases in the last 24 hours, the country's highest single-day total.Pakistan has reported 132,405 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, including 2,551 deaths since its first case emerged on Feb 26. After initially imposing a countrywide lockdown, the government has now eased restrictions, saying it was necessary to save the country's economy, but it has caused a surge in infections. Prime Minister Imran Khan has resisted demands from medical experts to reinforce the lockdown, citing its economy going bankrupt. Authorities, however, are now using the term coined as "smart lockdown" to close shops and markets and force people to stay home in areas where confirmed cases have increased in recent weeks. Hasan believes that Imran Khan's influence has undermined due to the collapsing economy, galloping consumer prices, and grave law and order situation. "He feels that his same page partners are stabbing it in the back on the quiet. Recent findings of anti-corruption investigations exposing mega corruption by his close aides is a clear indication that noose is tightening around his neck with Army's role as same page partners being rendered into a veneer", said Hasan. The former diplomat believes that the Army's support was considered as the mainstay, critical together for a government that relies on several smaller coalition partners who are believed to be puppet on the Establishment's chain to stay afloat. He said, "Developments as such are not new. One can find similarities now and the previous governments when powers that be took over gradually with subtle moves. It must be remembered that the military has always been Pakistan's most powerful institution and has directly ruled the country for most of the part of its seventy years independent existence."

Imran Khan's relationship with Army on the rocks amid COVID-19 outbreak

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