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The Pakistan government has formed a joint investigation team to step up the pace of the probe into last month's crash of a PIA aircraft in Karachi that killed 98 people. 
&nbsp;

The joint investigation team (JIT) was constituted on Friday, comprising officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), to probe the accident involving an aircraft of the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The accident was one of the worst in Pakistan's aviation history.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-pia-pilots-ignored-warnings-from-controller-before-crash-303209">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan: PIA pilots ignored warnings from controller before crash</a>

"The three-member JIT headed by FIA Immigration Lahore Additional Director Imran Yaqoob, is tasked to finalise the matter on top priority and submit the report to the government at the earliest," an FIA official told PTI.

The official said the JIT has been constituted in compliance with the Senate Committee on Interior which took note of the plane crash and asked the government to constitute a high-power committee.

A four-member team of the Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board (AAIB) led by Air Commodore Muhammad Usman Ghani has already been investigating the crash of Flight PK-8303.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-investigators-to-start-decoding-black-box-of-crashed-craft-from-june-02-in-france-302136">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France</a>

Besides, a French team also visited Pakistan to conduct an independent probe and collected evidence from the crash site as well as inspected the runway.

The Pakistan government has said that it will make the preliminary report of the AAIB team public on June 22. 
The PIA Airbus A-320 aircraft, with 99 people on board, crashed in the Model Colony near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on May 22, killing 97 people. Two passengers miraculously survived.

A 13-year-old girl who was injured on the ground later succumbed to her injuries, taking the death toll in the incident to 98.

The Senate Committee has recommended that the FIA office in Lahore should examine if the engineering branch of the PIA at Lahore was being maintained as per the given international standards and how many times the small components of the aircraft involved in the accident had been made/repaired from local companies/workshops.

The Committee said it was felt that the maintenance system of aircraft had been deteriorating day by day and becoming irresponsible which was visibly noted over the past few tragic incidents.

"All aircraft of PIA should be retested, overhauled and the maintenance must be done by PIA and the certificates with responsibility be given before bringing the aircraft on the runway to avoid such incidents in future, following internationally acknowledged air safety rules to make Pakistani airspace safest for flying," it said.

It also called for a detailed record of the maintenance of the crashed aircraft.

"It is reported that error was being shown on the cockpit of the plane. Who was the authorised officer to sign the clearance certificate of the said plane? Was the clearance certificate also signed by the Captain?&nbsp;This plane remained under dry lease to China and what was its condition when this plane was received back from China?" the Senate Committee questioned.

It further said that Capitan Sajjad Gul, who was operating the flight, made three Mayday calls requesting the ground staff that there was an error in the plane but his three emergency calls for emergency response could not convince the ground staff to respond. "Who was the staff member on the ground who declared the said emergency call as a light one?"

It said that one could visibly see that both engines of the plane were on fire. While the plane successfully reached Karachi, the shutting of both engines of the plane was reported by the pilot. If the engines were shut, how did the engines catch fire?

The committee questioned that if the captain was apprehensive that both engines were shut and landing gear was stuck, then why was he not allowed to belly land immediately after his first call if the facility was available at the Karachi Airport?

This is the first major aircraft crash in Pakistan after December 7, 2016 when a PIA ATR-42 aircraft from Chitral to Islamabad crashed midway. The crash claimed the lives of all 48 passengers and the crew.

The Pakistan government has formed a joint investigation team to step up the pace of the probe into last month's crash of a PIA aircraft in Karachi that killed 98 people.

The Pakistan government has formed a joint investigation team to step up the pace of the probe into last month's crash of a PIA aircraft in Karachi that killed 98 people. The joint investigation team (JIT) was constituted on Friday, comprising officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), to probe the accident involving an aircraft of the national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA). The accident was one of the worst in Pakistan's aviation history. Also read| Pakistan: PIA pilots ignored warnings from controller before crash "The three-member JIT headed by FIA Immigration Lahore Additional Director Imran Yaqoob, is tasked to finalise the matter on top priority and submit the report to the government at the earliest," an FIA official told PTI. The official said the JIT has been constituted in compliance with the Senate Committee on Interior which took note of the plane crash and asked the government to constitute a high-power committee. A four-member team of the Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board (AAIB) led by Air Commodore Muhammad Usman Ghani has already been investigating the crash of Flight PK-8303. Also read| Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France Besides, a French team also visited Pakistan to conduct an independent probe and collected evidence from the crash site as well as inspected the runway. The Pakistan government has said that it will make the preliminary report of the AAIB team public on June 22. The PIA Airbus A-320 aircraft, with 99 people on board, crashed in the Model Colony near Jinnah International Airport in Karachi on May 22, killing 97 people. Two passengers miraculously survived. A 13-year-old girl who was injured on the ground later succumbed to her injuries, taking the death toll in the incident to 98. The Senate Committee has recommended that the FIA office in Lahore should examine if the engineering branch of the PIA at Lahore was being maintained as per the given international standards and how many times the small components of the aircraft involved in the accident had been made/repaired from local companies/workshops. The Committee said it was felt that the maintenance system of aircraft had been deteriorating day by day and becoming irresponsible which was visibly noted over the past few tragic incidents. "All aircraft of PIA should be retested, overhauled and the maintenance must be done by PIA and the certificates with responsibility be given before bringing the aircraft on the runway to avoid such incidents in future, following internationally acknowledged air safety rules to make Pakistani airspace safest for flying," it said. It also called for a detailed record of the maintenance of the crashed aircraft. "It is reported that error was being shown on the cockpit of the plane. Who was the authorised officer to sign the clearance certificate of the said plane? Was the clearance certificate also signed by the Captain? This plane remained under dry lease to China and what was its condition when this plane was received back from China?" the Senate Committee questioned. It further said that Capitan Sajjad Gul, who was operating the flight, made three Mayday calls requesting the ground staff that there was an error in the plane but his three emergency calls for emergency response could not convince the ground staff to respond. "Who was the staff member on the ground who declared the said emergency call as a light one?" It said that one could visibly see that both engines of the plane were on fire. While the plane successfully reached Karachi, the shutting of both engines of the plane was reported by the pilot. If the engines were shut, how did the engines catch fire? The committee questioned that if the captain was apprehensive that both engines were shut and landing gear was stuck, then why was he not allowed to belly land immediately after his first call if the facility was available at the Karachi Airport? This is the first major aircraft crash in Pakistan after December 7, 2016 when a PIA ATR-42 aircraft from Chitral to Islamabad crashed midway. The crash claimed the lives of all 48 passengers and the crew.

Pakistan government forms joint investigation team to probe PIA plane crash

Pakistan's former&nbsp;Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has tested positive for the coronavirus, his son tweeted on Saturday.

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Thank you Imran Khan’s govt and National Accountibilty Burearu! You have successfully put my father’s life in danger. His COVID-19 result came postive. <a href="https://t.co/VxiEXFOkZA">pic.twitter.com/VxiEXFOkZA</a>
— Kasim Gilani (@KasimGillani) <a href="https://twitter.com/KasimGillani/status/1271730587569664000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Kasim Gilani, former PM's on, blamed the present Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's government for his father's infection.

The former PM was last seen in aNAB hearing in Rawalpindi on Thursday for a case accusing him, and few other ministers,&nbsp;of accepting luxury vehicles and gifts as a bribe from Toshakhana.

Considering the large number of existing infections in the court, Gilani had requested the judge for a permanent exemption from personal attendance in the court. However, the plea was rejected.

People sent good wishes and offered prayers for the leader's speedy recovery on Twitter. His daughter, too, tweeted for his speedy recovery.

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My father Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani has tested positive for COVID-19 when he started showing symptoms after his hearing at the court. He is isolating at home. Please pray for his speedy recovery Inshallah 🙏🏼 <a href="https://t.co/dx2VIKa0TA">pic.twitter.com/dx2VIKa0TA</a>
— Fiza Batool Gilani (@Fiza_Gilani) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fiza_Gilani/status/1271751260862062592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
So sorry to hear that YRG has tested positive . He has been exposed in all those NAB hearings. Hope and pray he recovers soon. <a href="https://t.co/J0b9V9KXUc">https://t.co/J0b9V9KXUc</a>
— SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryrehman/status/1271736190929158144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has tested positive for the coronavirus, his son tweeted on Saturday. Thank you Imran Khan’s govt and National Accountibilty Burearu!

Pakistan's former Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has tested positive for the coronavirus, his son tweeted on Saturday. Thank you Imran Khan’s govt and National Accountibilty Burearu! You have successfully put my father’s life in danger. His COVID-19 result came postive. pic.twitter.com/VxiEXFOkZA — Kasim Gilani (@KasimGillani) June 13, 2020 × Kasim Gilani, former PM's on, blamed the present Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's government for his father's infection. The former PM was last seen in aNAB hearing in Rawalpindi on Thursday for a case accusing him, and few other ministers, of accepting luxury vehicles and gifts as a bribe from Toshakhana. Considering the large number of existing infections in the court, Gilani had requested the judge for a permanent exemption from personal attendance in the court. However, the plea was rejected. People sent good wishes and offered prayers for the leader's speedy recovery on Twitter. His daughter, too, tweeted for his speedy recovery. My father Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani has tested positive for COVID-19 when he started showing symptoms after his hearing at the court. He is isolating at home. Please pray for his speedy recovery Inshallah 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/dx2VIKa0TA — Fiza Batool Gilani (@Fiza_Gilani) June 13, 2020 × So sorry to hear that YRG has tested positive . He has been exposed in all those NAB hearings. Hope and pray he recovers soon. https://t.co/J0b9V9KXUc — SenatorSherryRehman (@sherryrehman) June 13, 2020 ×

COVID 19: Pak former PM Yousuf Raza Gilani tests positive; son blames Imran Khan

A rights activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has blamed the Pakistan army for Pakistan's negative economic growth.

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza blamed Pakistan army and its fear among the people in power. Talking about the budget, he expressed his concern about the power the Pakistan army holds on the approving the country's budget.

"This budget has Rs 650 Billion allocated for the development purpose, while the military has been allocated a sum of Rs 1.3 Trillion. This simply means that the budget has been presented after the approval of the army," said Mirza.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistans-shahid-afridi-tests-positive-for-covid-19-305565">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's Shahid Afridi tests positive for COVID-19</a>

"Hammad Azhar, the minister who presented the budget expressed his government's gratitude to the army on the floor of the house. This simply means that this government is powerless and scared of the army," he continued.

He alleged the ministers of spending more than what the country could afford. He claims the legislators have been spending money on luxurious things, instead of spending it on the people of several areas that haven;t received proper funding for years.

"This is the first time in the history in Pakistan that the budget is showing negative growth. It`s -0.4 per cent this time. This is a dangerous situation because it requires a lot of things to be done to convert a negative growth into positive. First and foremost, you need to stop your expenses that do not yield dividends."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-stimulus-package-is-as-large-as-gdp-of-pakistan-india-tells-imran-khan-after-he-offers-help-305154">Also read|&nbsp;Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help'</a>

While this allegation was made on fund allocation and the overpowering army, he also accused the Prime Minister Imran Khan of hiding the actual figures of debt.&nbsp;"Pakistan's debt is equal to 88 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product. The total budget is of Rs 7,294.90 billion. They have also projected a deficit of Rs 3,500 billion but I feel they are trying to conceal the real numbers. The total deficit would be around Rs 4,500 billion and this could even go up to Rs 5,000 billion," he said.

Adding on, he said, "They might have said that this budget is for 2020-21 but I fell that they would have to come up with a rolling budget after three months. The crisis is so deep that they will have to reassess their budget every three months and will be forced to come up with a new budget."&nbsp;

He also accused the Pakistan government of handing over the area&nbsp;Gilgit Baltistan to China, as the country has not been allocating funds for the said area.

&nbsp;"I was expecting a separate allocation for the Bhasha dam but they didn't make an announcement regarding that and instead, they have made a general allocation of Rs 70 billion for the water projects. This could lead to a very dangerous situation as the dam in which China already has 70% will go under their control completely."&nbsp;

A rights activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has blamed the Pakistan army for Pakistan's negative economic growth. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza blamed Pakistan army and its fear among the people in power.

A rights activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has blamed the Pakistan army for Pakistan's negative economic growth. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza blamed Pakistan army and its fear among the people in power. Talking about the budget, he expressed his concern about the power the Pakistan army holds on the approving the country's budget. "This budget has Rs 650 Billion allocated for the development purpose, while the military has been allocated a sum of Rs 1.3 Trillion. This simply means that the budget has been presented after the approval of the army," said Mirza. Also read: Pakistan's Shahid Afridi tests positive for COVID-19 "Hammad Azhar, the minister who presented the budget expressed his government's gratitude to the army on the floor of the house. This simply means that this government is powerless and scared of the army," he continued. He alleged the ministers of spending more than what the country could afford. He claims the legislators have been spending money on luxurious things, instead of spending it on the people of several areas that haven;t received proper funding for years. "This is the first time in the history in Pakistan that the budget is showing negative growth. It`s -0.4 per cent this time. This is a dangerous situation because it requires a lot of things to be done to convert a negative growth into positive. First and foremost, you need to stop your expenses that do not yield dividends." Also read| Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' While this allegation was made on fund allocation and the overpowering army, he also accused the Prime Minister Imran Khan of hiding the actual figures of debt. "Pakistan's debt is equal to 88 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product. The total budget is of Rs 7,294.90 billion. They have also projected a deficit of Rs 3,500 billion but I feel they are trying to conceal the real numbers. The total deficit would be around Rs 4,500 billion and this could even go up to Rs 5,000 billion," he said. Adding on, he said, "They might have said that this budget is for 2020-21 but I fell that they would have to come up with a rolling budget after three months. The crisis is so deep that they will have to reassess their budget every three months and will be forced to come up with a new budget." He also accused the Pakistan government of handing over the area Gilgit Baltistan to China, as the country has not been allocating funds for the said area. "I was expecting a separate allocation for the Bhasha dam but they didn't make an announcement regarding that and instead, they have made a general allocation of Rs 70 billion for the water projects. This could lead to a very dangerous situation as the dam in which China already has 70% will go under their control completely."

PoK rights activist blames Pak army for first ever negative economic growth

An annual American report on religious freedom has voiced concern over the targeted killing in Pakistan of Shia Muslims, including ethnic Hazaras, who are largely Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims in attacks believed to be driven by faith.

The US `2019 International Religious Freedom Report` that documents major instances of the violation of religious freedom across the world, released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department on Wednesday, said human rights activists reported numerous instances of societal violence related to allegations of blasphemy; of efforts by individuals to coerce religious minorities to convert to Islam; and of societal harassment, discrimination, and threats of violence directed at members of religious minority communities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-stimulus-package-is-as-large-as-gdp-of-pakistan-india-tells-imran-khan-after-he-offers-help-305154">Also read:&nbsp;Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help'</a>

NGOs expressed concern about what they stated was an increasing frequency of attempts to kidnap, forcibly convert, and forcibly marry young women from religious minority communities, especially young Hindu and Christian women.

"There also continued to be reports of attacks on holy places, cemeteries, and religious symbols of Hindu, Christian, and Ahmadiyya minorities," the report added.

According to Ahmadi civil society organizations, the State Department said, Islamabad failed to restrict advertisements or speeches inciting anti-Ahmadi violence, despite this responsibility being a component of the NAP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-wants-to-help-india-imran-offers-to-share-the-cash-transfer-programme-305114">Also read: Cash-strapped Pakistan wants to 'help' India, Imran offers to 'share the cash transfer programme'</a>

Civil society groups continued to express concerns about the safety of religious minorities.The report said that visiting US government officials met with minority community representatives, parliamentarians, human rights activists, and members of the federal cabinet to highlight concerns regarding the treatment of religious minority communities, the application of blasphemy laws, and other forms of discrimination on the basis of religion. But still no coercing action has been taken.

According to civil society reports, there were at least 84 individuals imprisoned on blasphemy charges, at least 29 of whom had received death sentences, as compared with 77 and 28, respectively, in 2018, the State Department said in the report.

NGOs expressed concern that authorities have often failed to intervene in instances of societal violence against religious minorities due to fear of the perpetrators, inadequate staff, or apathy.

"Perpetrators of societal violence and abuses against religious minorities often faced no legal consequences due to a lack of follow-through by law enforcement, bribes offered by the accused, and pressure on victims to drop cases.

In some cases of alleged kidnapping and forced conversions of young religious minority women, however, government authorities intervened to protect the alleged victim and ascertain her will," the report stated.

On November 9, the government opened a newly refurbished Sikh holy site, the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, along with a visa-free transit corridor for Sikh pilgrims traveling from India. However, minority religious leaders stated members of their communities continued to experience discrimination in public schools and tertiary education, which resulted in very few religious minority applicants competing and qualifying for private and civil service employment.

Pakistan is a well-known perpetrator of such human rights violations. On several occasions, it has promised to safeguard the interest of minority communities in the nation. However, continuing attacks on minorities narrate a different story.

Islamabad has been discriminating against its religious minorities. This is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias the most persecuted minorities in the region.

An annual American report on religious freedom has voiced concern over the targeted killing in Pakistan of Shia Muslims, including ethnic Hazaras, who are largely Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims in attacks believed to be driven by faith.

An annual American report on religious freedom has voiced concern over the targeted killing in Pakistan of Shia Muslims, including ethnic Hazaras, who are largely Shia, and Ahmadi Muslims in attacks believed to be driven by faith. The US `2019 International Religious Freedom Report` that documents major instances of the violation of religious freedom across the world, released by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department on Wednesday, said human rights activists reported numerous instances of societal violence related to allegations of blasphemy; of efforts by individuals to coerce religious minorities to convert to Islam; and of societal harassment, discrimination, and threats of violence directed at members of religious minority communities. Also read: Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' NGOs expressed concern about what they stated was an increasing frequency of attempts to kidnap, forcibly convert, and forcibly marry young women from religious minority communities, especially young Hindu and Christian women. "There also continued to be reports of attacks on holy places, cemeteries, and religious symbols of Hindu, Christian, and Ahmadiyya minorities," the report added. According to Ahmadi civil society organizations, the State Department said, Islamabad failed to restrict advertisements or speeches inciting anti-Ahmadi violence, despite this responsibility being a component of the NAP. Also read: Cash-strapped Pakistan wants to 'help' India, Imran offers to 'share the cash transfer programme' Civil society groups continued to express concerns about the safety of religious minorities.The report said that visiting US government officials met with minority community representatives, parliamentarians, human rights activists, and members of the federal cabinet to highlight concerns regarding the treatment of religious minority communities, the application of blasphemy laws, and other forms of discrimination on the basis of religion. But still no coercing action has been taken. According to civil society reports, there were at least 84 individuals imprisoned on blasphemy charges, at least 29 of whom had received death sentences, as compared with 77 and 28, respectively, in 2018, the State Department said in the report. NGOs expressed concern that authorities have often failed to intervene in instances of societal violence against religious minorities due to fear of the perpetrators, inadequate staff, or apathy. "Perpetrators of societal violence and abuses against religious minorities often faced no legal consequences due to a lack of follow-through by law enforcement, bribes offered by the accused, and pressure on victims to drop cases. In some cases of alleged kidnapping and forced conversions of young religious minority women, however, government authorities intervened to protect the alleged victim and ascertain her will," the report stated. On November 9, the government opened a newly refurbished Sikh holy site, the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib, along with a visa-free transit corridor for Sikh pilgrims traveling from India. However, minority religious leaders stated members of their communities continued to experience discrimination in public schools and tertiary education, which resulted in very few religious minority applicants competing and qualifying for private and civil service employment. Pakistan is a well-known perpetrator of such human rights violations. On several occasions, it has promised to safeguard the interest of minority communities in the nation. However, continuing attacks on minorities narrate a different story. Islamabad has been discriminating against its religious minorities. This is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc., making Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias the most persecuted minorities in the region.

US report on religious freedom blames Pakistan for targeted killing of minorities

For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy is set to contract in the outgoing fiscal year with a negative 0.38 per cent due to the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the already weak financial situation before the pandemic hit the country, according to the economic survey unveiled on Thursday.

Advisor on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, releasing the Pakistan Economic Survey 2019-20 said the economy suffered massively due to the coronavirus pandemic which has so far infected about 120,000 people in the country, and forced the government to impose lockdown in March for several weeks.

The pandemic has badly hit the economy in the current fiscal year ending on June 30.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-stimulus-package-is-as-large-as-gdp-of-pakistan-india-tells-imran-khan-after-he-offers-help-305154">Also read|&nbsp;Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help'</a>

For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy has marginally contracted by 0.38 per cent in the outgoing fiscal year due to adverse impacts of novel coronavirus coupled with economic stabilisation policies that had hit the industrial sector much before the deadly pandemic.

Except for the agriculture sector that grew 2.7 per cent, the industrial and services sectors witnessed negative growth rates, pulling the overall growth rate down to negative 0.38 per cent in the fiscal year 2019-20, ending on June 30, the economic survey said.

The per capita income in dollar terms has also dipped to 1,366 - a contraction of 6.1 per cent, but it increased in rupee terms to Rs 214,539.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-wants-to-help-india-imran-offers-to-share-the-cash-transfer-programme-305114">Also read:&nbsp;Cash-strapped Pakistan wants to 'help' India, Imran offers to 'share the cash transfer programme'</a>

Sheikh said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had warned about the dire impact of COVID-19 on the developing countries due to drop in exports and remittance.

"Exports fell due to a fall in global demand while remittance decreased due to layoffs of Pakistanis employed abroad," he said.

The overall tax collection grew by 10.8 per cent to Rs 3,300.6 billion during July-April 2020 against Rs 2,980 billion in the comparable period last year. The tax collection estimate for this period was Rs 4,510 billion.

He said the current account deficit was reduced by 73.1 per cent to USD 2.8 billion (1.1 per cent of GDP) against USD 10.3 billion last year which was 3.7 per cent of GDP.

"The current account deficit that we inherited was around USD 20 billion but we have reduced that to around USD 3 billion. This is a huge achievement of the government," he said.

He said the government controlled state expenses and did not borrow from the State Bank of Pakistan during the outgoing fiscal year.

"This was the first time, I think, in the country's history, and our primary balance -- meaning our expenses were less than our earnings --&nbsp;went into surplus," he said.

He said Rs 3,000 billion were set aside for payment of loans in the coming year while Rs 5,000 billion were given in the outgoing year. He promised more relief in the new budget and also reduced taxes and not imposed any new tax so that industry should be given relief and incentive to grow.

Minister for Economic Affairs Khusru Bakhtiar said that this government had USD 9 billion forex exchange reserve when it came to power in August 2018 and by the end of this year it would be more than USD 18 billion.

He said that the total external debt of Pakistan was USD 76.5 billion which was negatively impacting Pakistan.

He said the debt was USD 40 billion in 2013 and rose to USD 48 billion by 2013 during the tenure of Pakistan Peoples Party and again increased to USD 73 billion by 2018 in the five years of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz.

The economic survey is considered as the most authentic document of the government and is launched every year before the announcement of the budget of the next year.

The government has already announced that the budget for 2020-21 will be presented in parliament on June 12.

For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy is set to contract in the outgoing fiscal year with a negative 0.38 per cent due to the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the already weak financial situation before the pandemic hit the country, according to the economic survey unveiled on Thursday.

For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy is set to contract in the outgoing fiscal year with a negative 0.38 per cent due to the adverse impact of the coronavirus pandemic coupled with the already weak financial situation before the pandemic hit the country, according to the economic survey unveiled on Thursday. Advisor on Finance Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, releasing the Pakistan Economic Survey 2019-20 said the economy suffered massively due to the coronavirus pandemic which has so far infected about 120,000 people in the country, and forced the government to impose lockdown in March for several weeks. The pandemic has badly hit the economy in the current fiscal year ending on June 30. Also read| Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' For the first time in 68 years, Pakistan's economy has marginally contracted by 0.38 per cent in the outgoing fiscal year due to adverse impacts of novel coronavirus coupled with economic stabilisation policies that had hit the industrial sector much before the deadly pandemic. Except for the agriculture sector that grew 2.7 per cent, the industrial and services sectors witnessed negative growth rates, pulling the overall growth rate down to negative 0.38 per cent in the fiscal year 2019-20, ending on June 30, the economic survey said. The per capita income in dollar terms has also dipped to 1,366 - a contraction of 6.1 per cent, but it increased in rupee terms to Rs 214,539. Also read: Cash-strapped Pakistan wants to 'help' India, Imran offers to 'share the cash transfer programme' Sheikh said the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had warned about the dire impact of COVID-19 on the developing countries due to drop in exports and remittance. "Exports fell due to a fall in global demand while remittance decreased due to layoffs of Pakistanis employed abroad," he said. The overall tax collection grew by 10.8 per cent to Rs 3,300.6 billion during July-April 2020 against Rs 2,980 billion in the comparable period last year. The tax collection estimate for this period was Rs 4,510 billion. He said the current account deficit was reduced by 73.1 per cent to USD 2.8 billion (1.1 per cent of GDP) against USD 10.3 billion last year which was 3.7 per cent of GDP. "The current account deficit that we inherited was around USD 20 billion but we have reduced that to around USD 3 billion. This is a huge achievement of the government," he said. He said the government controlled state expenses and did not borrow from the State Bank of Pakistan during the outgoing fiscal year. "This was the first time, I think, in the country's history, and our primary balance -- meaning our expenses were less than our earnings -- went into surplus," he said. He said Rs 3,000 billion were set aside for payment of loans in the coming year while Rs 5,000 billion were given in the outgoing year. He promised more relief in the new budget and also reduced taxes and not imposed any new tax so that industry should be given relief and incentive to grow. Minister for Economic Affairs Khusru Bakhtiar said that this government had USD 9 billion forex exchange reserve when it came to power in August 2018 and by the end of this year it would be more than USD 18 billion. He said that the total external debt of Pakistan was USD 76.5 billion which was negatively impacting Pakistan. He said the debt was USD 40 billion in 2013 and rose to USD 48 billion by 2013 during the tenure of Pakistan Peoples Party and again increased to USD 73 billion by 2018 in the five years of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz. The economic survey is considered as the most authentic document of the government and is launched every year before the announcement of the budget of the next year. The government has already announced that the budget for 2020-21 will be presented in parliament on June 12.

Pakistan's economy contracts for first time in 68 years by -0.38 pc

Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police arrested two militants of the banned&nbsp;Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).&nbsp;

These two militants were involved in the murder of a Polish engineer&nbsp;and an attack on the army personnel in Pakistan's tribal region.

As per local reports, a Polish engineer Piotr Stanczak was abducted from&nbsp;Attock, near Rawalpindi, in 2008. He was beheaded in 2009 by the arrested suspects.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-stimulus-package-is-as-large-as-gdp-of-pakistan-india-tells-imran-khan-after-he-offers-help-305154">Also read:&nbsp;Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help'</a>

The incident came to light after seven-minute long video was sent to&nbsp;reporters in February 2009. The video showed the militants beheading the Polish engineer.

The engineer was beheaded after four months, during which the militants demanded release of&nbsp;some TTP prisoners by the government.

The two suspects have been identified as Kaleemullah and Farid Khan. Kaleemullah confessed to the beheading and&nbsp;the attack on the army personnel in South Waziristan.

A case has been registered against both suspects under section 3/4 Explosive Substances Act and 7 Anti-Terrorism Act 1997.

(With inputs from PTI)

Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police arrested two militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These two militants were involved in the murder of a Polish engineer and an attack on the army personnel in Pakistan's tribal region.

Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) of the Punjab Police arrested two militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). These two militants were involved in the murder of a Polish engineer and an attack on the army personnel in Pakistan's tribal region. As per local reports, a Polish engineer Piotr Stanczak was abducted from Attock, near Rawalpindi, in 2008. He was beheaded in 2009 by the arrested suspects. Also read: Our stimulus package is as large as GDP of Pakistan: India tells Imran Khan after he offers 'help' The incident came to light after seven-minute long video was sent to reporters in February 2009. The video showed the militants beheading the Polish engineer. The engineer was beheaded after four months, during which the militants demanded release of some TTP prisoners by the government. The two suspects have been identified as Kaleemullah and Farid Khan. Kaleemullah confessed to the beheading and the attack on the army personnel in South Waziristan. A case has been registered against both suspects under section 3/4 Explosive Substances Act and 7 Anti-Terrorism Act 1997. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan: Taliban militants arrested for beheading Polish engineer

PML-N President and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif has tested positive for coronavirus, party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed on Thursday to Dawn.

Shehbaz Sharif has self-quarantined himself at home after his report came out. A PML-N party leader Ataullah Tarar said that Sharif`s "life had been endangered in this situation by NAB`s summoning of him".

"NAB was informed multiple times in writing that Shehbaz Sharif has suffered from cancer and compared to other people, his immunity system is weak," Tarar was quoted as saying.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharifs-leaked-photo-sparks-debate-over-his-health-302183">Also read:&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif's leaked photo sparks debate over his health</a>

"Imran Niazi and NAB will be responsible if something happens to Shehbaz Sharif," he added.

When asked about the news, Hamza Shehbaz, Sharif's son and PML-N leader, said: "This is a difficult time for Pakistan. May Allah grant health to everyone's parents."

The PML-N president had appeared before the National Accountability Bureau on Tuesday in connection with investigations pertaining to money laundering and income-beyond-means.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/decoding-the-sex-scandal-that-has-rocked-politics-in-pakistan-304365">Also read:&nbsp;Decoding the sex scandal that has rocked politics in Pakistan</a>

Earlier this month, he had also appeared before the Lahore High Court to obtain a pre-arrest bail in cases regarding money laundering and assets beyond means. Sharif had filed the appeal in the high court a day before a NAB team raided his residence to arrest him on June 2, after he refused to appear before the accountability watchdog.

Sharif had thrice refused to appear before NAB citing health reasons. In a statement submitted to the bureau, he said: "It has been widely reported in the media that some NAB officials have tested positive for COVID-19."

Please appreciate [that] I am a cancer survivor and 69 years old. I have been advised limited exposure on account of the peculiar background of low immunity," he said.

He added that he was available to answer any queries by the investigation team via Skype.

Sharif is the latest PML-N leader to have tested positive for the virus. Multiple other members of PML-N's top-tier leadership have been diagnosed with the disease, including Aurangzeb, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Ahsan Iqbal and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.&nbsp;

PML-N President and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif has tested positive for coronavirus, party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed on Thursday to Dawn.

PML-N President and leader of the opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif has tested positive for coronavirus, party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb confirmed on Thursday to Dawn. Shehbaz Sharif has self-quarantined himself at home after his report came out. A PML-N party leader Ataullah Tarar said that Sharif`s "life had been endangered in this situation by NAB`s summoning of him". "NAB was informed multiple times in writing that Shehbaz Sharif has suffered from cancer and compared to other people, his immunity system is weak," Tarar was quoted as saying. Also read: Nawaz Sharif's leaked photo sparks debate over his health "Imran Niazi and NAB will be responsible if something happens to Shehbaz Sharif," he added. When asked about the news, Hamza Shehbaz, Sharif's son and PML-N leader, said: "This is a difficult time for Pakistan. May Allah grant health to everyone's parents." The PML-N president had appeared before the National Accountability Bureau on Tuesday in connection with investigations pertaining to money laundering and income-beyond-means. Also read: Decoding the sex scandal that has rocked politics in Pakistan Earlier this month, he had also appeared before the Lahore High Court to obtain a pre-arrest bail in cases regarding money laundering and assets beyond means. Sharif had filed the appeal in the high court a day before a NAB team raided his residence to arrest him on June 2, after he refused to appear before the accountability watchdog. Sharif had thrice refused to appear before NAB citing health reasons. In a statement submitted to the bureau, he said: "It has been widely reported in the media that some NAB officials have tested positive for COVID-19." Please appreciate [that] I am a cancer survivor and 69 years old. I have been advised limited exposure on account of the peculiar background of low immunity," he said. He added that he was available to answer any queries by the investigation team via Skype. Sharif is the latest PML-N leader to have tested positive for the virus. Multiple other members of PML-N's top-tier leadership have been diagnosed with the disease, including Aurangzeb, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Ahsan Iqbal and former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Nawaz Sharif's brother Shehbaz Sharif tests positive for COVID-19, party blames PM 'Imran Niazi'

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations during his meeting with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the American embassy in Islamabad said on Monday.

Khalilzad visited Islamabad on Sunday and held talks with Bajwa on the Afghan peace process. He is travelling to Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of efforts to bring peace in the war-torn country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/intra-afghan-talks-to-be-held-in-doha-304080">Also read:&nbsp;Intra-Afghan talks to be held in Doha</a>

During the three-nation tour, Khalilzad will review commitments in the recently signed US-Taliban Agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration, specifically reducing violence and prisoner releases. The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001.

The US embassy said in a statement that in the meeting with General Bajwa, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-warns-of-disaster-as-virus-infections-surge-303866">Also read:&nbsp;Afghanistan warns of 'disaster' as virus infections surge</a>

"The two took note of recent progress created by the Eid ceasefire and accelerated prisoner releases as well as reduced violence ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations,"&nbsp;it said.

Khalilzad "expressed his appreciation for the role Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Bajwa are playing in support of peace in Afghanistan," it said.

They agreed that peace in Afghanistan offers an unprecedented opportunity to advance security, connectivity and development for the region, it said.

Earlier, the Pakistan Army said on Sunday that "matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation, including Afghan refugees issue/Afghan reconciliation process and Pak-Afghan border management were discussed"&nbsp;in the meeting. 
It said that the two sides shared steps taken towards this and agreed to continue working towards mutually agreed goals, it said.

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations during his meeting with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the American embassy in Islamabad said on Monday.

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations during his meeting with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the American embassy in Islamabad said on Monday. Khalilzad visited Islamabad on Sunday and held talks with Bajwa on the Afghan peace process. He is travelling to Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of efforts to bring peace in the war-torn country. Also read: Intra-Afghan talks to be held in Doha During the three-nation tour, Khalilzad will review commitments in the recently signed US-Taliban Agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration, specifically reducing violence and prisoner releases. The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001. The US embassy said in a statement that in the meeting with General Bajwa, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations. Also read: Afghanistan warns of 'disaster' as virus infections surge "The two took note of recent progress created by the Eid ceasefire and accelerated prisoner releases as well as reduced violence ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations," it said. Khalilzad "expressed his appreciation for the role Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Bajwa are playing in support of peace in Afghanistan," it said. They agreed that peace in Afghanistan offers an unprecedented opportunity to advance security, connectivity and development for the region, it said. Earlier, the Pakistan Army said on Sunday that "matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation, including Afghan refugees issue/Afghan reconciliation process and Pak-Afghan border management were discussed" in the meeting. It said that the two sides shared steps taken towards this and agreed to continue working towards mutually agreed goals, it said.

US spl envoy Khalilzad, Pak Army chief Bajwa discuss Afghan peace process

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the return to a strict shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, saying the "elitist" idea would collapse the economy and increase poverty even as the COVID-19 cases in the country on Sunday inched closure to the 100,000-mark while the death toll rose to over 2,000.

A record 4,960 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 98,943, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

With 67 more fatalities due to COVID-19, the death toll jumped to 2,002 in the country. The Health Ministry said that on the positive side, at least 33,465 patients have fully recovered so far.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/american-blogger-accuses-pakistans-zardari-govt-officials-of-rape-harassment-former-minister-denies-charges-303796">Also read:&nbsp;American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges&nbsp;</a>

So far 37,090 cases have been reported in Punjab, 36,364 in Sindh, 13,001 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 6,221 in Balochistan, 4,979 in Islamabad, 927 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 361 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Amid the spike in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Khan on Saturday called for creating awareness among the masses regarding the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for strict observance of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Express Tribune reported.

Khan again ruled out the return to a strict lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, stressing that the ?elitist? idea would cause the economy to collapse and increase poverty. Instead, he insisted on a ?smart lockdown? with strict adherence to the SOPs.

"And some of our elite, wanting a lockdown - the elite who have the privilege of spacious homes and income unaffected by fallout of lockdown," he said in a series of tweets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/kabul-denounces-pakistans-accusations-of-ttp-using-afghan-soil-to-destabilise-region-303818">Also read:&nbsp;Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region</a>

"A lockdown means collapse of the economy and in poorer countries a steep rise in poverty, crushing the poor as happened in Modi's lockdown in India," the prime minister added.

"Only solution as world has discovered is smart lockdown which allows for economic activity with SOPs. We are amongst pioneers of this approach. I appeal to civil society, media, Ulema and our tiger force to create awareness amongst the public of Covid-19's severity and the need to strictly observe SOPs," he tweeted.

Earlier this week, the prime minister ordered reopening of more sectors of the economy as part of easing the lockdown in order save people's livelihood, particularly the daily-wage workers. However, since then there is a spurt in new cases.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the return to a strict shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, saying the "elitist" idea would collapse the economy and increase poverty even as the COVID-19 cases in the country on Sunday inched closure to the 100,000-mark while the death toll rose to over 2,000.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the return to a strict shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, saying the "elitist" idea would collapse the economy and increase poverty even as the COVID-19 cases in the country on Sunday inched closure to the 100,000-mark while the death toll rose to over 2,000. A record 4,960 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 98,943, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. With 67 more fatalities due to COVID-19, the death toll jumped to 2,002 in the country. The Health Ministry said that on the positive side, at least 33,465 patients have fully recovered so far. Also read: American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges So far 37,090 cases have been reported in Punjab, 36,364 in Sindh, 13,001 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 6,221 in Balochistan, 4,979 in Islamabad, 927 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 361 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Amid the spike in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Khan on Saturday called for creating awareness among the masses regarding the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for strict observance of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Express Tribune reported. Khan again ruled out the return to a strict lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, stressing that the ?elitist? idea would cause the economy to collapse and increase poverty. Instead, he insisted on a ?smart lockdown? with strict adherence to the SOPs. "And some of our elite, wanting a lockdown - the elite who have the privilege of spacious homes and income unaffected by fallout of lockdown," he said in a series of tweets. Also read: Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region "A lockdown means collapse of the economy and in poorer countries a steep rise in poverty, crushing the poor as happened in Modi's lockdown in India," the prime minister added. "Only solution as world has discovered is smart lockdown which allows for economic activity with SOPs. We are amongst pioneers of this approach. I appeal to civil society, media, Ulema and our tiger force to create awareness amongst the public of Covid-19's severity and the need to strictly observe SOPs," he tweeted. Earlier this week, the prime minister ordered reopening of more sectors of the economy as part of easing the lockdown in order save people's livelihood, particularly the daily-wage workers. However, since then there is a spurt in new cases.

COVID-19 cases in Pakistan inching closer to 100,000-mark

An American blogger and former social media strategist of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has accused a former interior minister and former prime minister of rape and sexual assault -- through Facebook lives and a series of Twitter posts -- even as the former official has&nbsp;denied charges.

Cynthia D. Ritchie, who shifted to Pakistan from America in 2010, revealed the details and the threats&nbsp;through a Facebook live video.&nbsp;(The user has advised for parental&nbsp;guidance, and has mentioned trigger warning)

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Cynthia D. Ritchie first visited Pakistan in 2009. She claims to have been&nbsp;invited by then Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and then Interior Minister Rehman Malik to help in building Pakistan’s image. She said she was a communications consultant to the PPP.&nbsp;

As things were going well, she shifted to Pakistan towards the end of 2010, and now resides in Islamabad.

However, things were not all rosy for her in this long journey, she claims. She has accused&nbsp;Rehman Malik of raping her in 2011, after lacing her drink with sedatives. She also accused former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and former health minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin of physically manhandling her inside the President’s House in Islamabad.

Pakistan was then under the government of&nbsp;Asif Ali Zardari.

However, former prime minister Gilani has denied the charges, and has called the allegations a form of&nbsp;"humiliation and disgrace". He has further accused Cynthia of maligning him&nbsp;because his two sons had filed a defamation case against her for her allegedly defamatory tweet against late Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

The other two ministers have not yet replied to the accusations.

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Occurred at IM's house in min enclave 2011 around the OBL incident. I thought it a meeting about my visa but I was given flowers/ a drugged drink. I kept quiet - who in PPP gov't would help me against PPP IM? 
 
Recently they attacked family; I've had it. Ready to face any accuser <a href="https://t.co/KkGSKTERQs">https://t.co/KkGSKTERQs</a>
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) <a href="https://twitter.com/CynthiaDRitchie/status/1268921048822661125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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As she went live on Facebook on Friday, she backed her accusations by providing details and sequences of the events listed in her video. She also claimed to possess evidence in form on screenshots, text messages and call recordings. “I will be happy to go into more detail with an appropriate, neutral, and investigative journalist,” she said.

While she has not revealed the evidence and proof yet, she has assured that she will soon be revealing all of the mentioned evidence in a week or two. However, she did upload screenshots of her WhatsApp conversation with Nasir Rashid Baralvi, Secretary Information, PPP, UAE, after filing a report against him in the UAE.

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Thanks to those who helped in filing a report against this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PPP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PPP</a> worker in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAE</a>. I will fully cooperate with all authorities to ensure justice is done. <a href="https://t.co/U4FOhc8XBc">pic.twitter.com/U4FOhc8XBc</a>
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) <a href="https://twitter.com/CynthiaDRitchie/status/1269130781332590593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 6, 2020</a></blockquote>
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She also claimed to have complained to the US Embassy in 2011. However, "due to 'fluid' situation and 'complex' relations between US and Pakistan, response was less than adequate."

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And, yes, I did tell someone at the UsEmb in 2011, but due to 'fluid' situation and 'complex' relations between US and Pakistan, response was less than adequate. 
 
I've been engaged to a wonderful man who I met in 🇵🇰. He encouraged me to speak out, so we can move on as a couple. <a href="https://t.co/PpfdF9Fuib">https://t.co/PpfdF9Fuib</a>
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) <a href="https://twitter.com/CynthiaDRitchie/status/1268923253025882113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 5, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Revelations pour in

This is not the first shocking news that Cynthia has revealed. While this is a personal tragedy for her, she has also revealed images of members and leaders of PPP in situations which are not considered to be idle in "Muslim community".

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Is this <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PPP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PPP</a> MNA Ramesh Lal throwing money that belongs to the poor people of Sindh on Senior Minister PPP Nisar Khuhro? 
 
Politicians are elected and answerable to the public. Can someone be honest with his constituency if he throws poor people's money? Also, Article 62(1)(F). <a href="https://t.co/bTlly1eNqd">pic.twitter.com/bTlly1eNqd</a>
— Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) <a href="https://twitter.com/CynthiaDRitchie/status/1268508497756463104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The freelance filmmaker and social media strategist had also&nbsp;posted parts of the book “Indecent Correspondence: Secret sex life of Benazir Bhutto" on Twitter. She highlighted the parts of the book which reveal details of private lives of Benazir Bhutto, her son and current PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto and senior party leader Sherry Rehman.

She also accused the late Benazir Bhutto of letting her guards rape women and made some disturbing accusations of the late&nbsp;leader's sex life. She also revealed a receipt of an adult toys store and&nbsp;challenged senior PPP leader Sherry Rehman to prove her allegations to be false.

While she claims to "have a lot of&nbsp;dirt on a lot of people in this country”, she has also accused PPP of sending rape and death threats to her, her friends and family. In her live video, she also mentioned that few party workers contacted her sisters who 'naively' revealed her location as they were unaware of the situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

An American blogger and former social media strategist of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has accused a former interior minister and former prime minister of rape and sexual assault -- through Facebook lives and a series of Twitter posts -- even as the former official has denied charges.

An American blogger and former social media strategist of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) has accused a former interior minister and former prime minister of rape and sexual assault -- through Facebook lives and a series of Twitter posts -- even as the former official has denied charges. Cynthia D. Ritchie, who shifted to Pakistan from America in 2010, revealed the details and the threats through a Facebook live video. (The user has advised for parental guidance, and has mentioned trigger warning) × Cynthia D. Ritchie first visited Pakistan in 2009. She claims to have been invited by then Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and then Interior Minister Rehman Malik to help in building Pakistan’s image. She said she was a communications consultant to the PPP. As things were going well, she shifted to Pakistan towards the end of 2010, and now resides in Islamabad. However, things were not all rosy for her in this long journey, she claims. She has accused Rehman Malik of raping her in 2011, after lacing her drink with sedatives. She also accused former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and former health minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin of physically manhandling her inside the President’s House in Islamabad. Pakistan was then under the government of Asif Ali Zardari. However, former prime minister Gilani has denied the charges, and has called the allegations a form of "humiliation and disgrace". He has further accused Cynthia of maligning him because his two sons had filed a defamation case against her for her allegedly defamatory tweet against late Benazir Bhutto. The other two ministers have not yet replied to the accusations. Occurred at IM's house in min enclave 2011 around the OBL incident. I thought it a meeting about my visa but I was given flowers/ a drugged drink. I kept quiet - who in PPP gov't would help me against PPP IM? Recently they attacked family; I've had it. Ready to face any accuser https://t.co/KkGSKTERQs — Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) June 5, 2020 × As she went live on Facebook on Friday, she backed her accusations by providing details and sequences of the events listed in her video. She also claimed to possess evidence in form on screenshots, text messages and call recordings. “I will be happy to go into more detail with an appropriate, neutral, and investigative journalist,” she said. While she has not revealed the evidence and proof yet, she has assured that she will soon be revealing all of the mentioned evidence in a week or two. However, she did upload screenshots of her WhatsApp conversation with Nasir Rashid Baralvi, Secretary Information, PPP, UAE, after filing a report against him in the UAE. Thanks to those who helped in filing a report against this #PPP worker in #UAE. I will fully cooperate with all authorities to ensure justice is done. pic.twitter.com/U4FOhc8XBc — Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) June 6, 2020 × She also claimed to have complained to the US Embassy in 2011. However, "due to 'fluid' situation and 'complex' relations between US and Pakistan, response was less than adequate." And, yes, I did tell someone at the UsEmb in 2011, but due to 'fluid' situation and 'complex' relations between US and Pakistan, response was less than adequate. I've been engaged to a wonderful man who I met in 🇵🇰. He encouraged me to speak out, so we can move on as a couple. https://t.co/PpfdF9Fuib — Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) June 5, 2020 × Revelations pour in This is not the first shocking news that Cynthia has revealed. While this is a personal tragedy for her, she has also revealed images of members and leaders of PPP in situations which are not considered to be idle in "Muslim community". Is this #PPP MNA Ramesh Lal throwing money that belongs to the poor people of Sindh on Senior Minister PPP Nisar Khuhro? Politicians are elected and answerable to the public. Can someone be honest with his constituency if he throws poor people's money? Also, Article 62(1)(F). pic.twitter.com/bTlly1eNqd — Cynthia D. Ritchie (@CynthiaDRitchie) June 4, 2020 × The freelance filmmaker and social media strategist had also posted parts of the book “Indecent Correspondence: Secret sex life of Benazir Bhutto" on Twitter. She highlighted the parts of the book which reveal details of private lives of Benazir Bhutto, her son and current PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto and senior party leader Sherry Rehman. She also accused the late Benazir Bhutto of letting her guards rape women and made some disturbing accusations of the late leader's sex life. She also revealed a receipt of an adult toys store and challenged senior PPP leader Sherry Rehman to prove her allegations to be false. While she claims to "have a lot of dirt on a lot of people in this country”, she has also accused PPP of sending rape and death threats to her, her friends and family. In her live video, she also mentioned that few party workers contacted her sisters who 'naively' revealed her location as they were unaware of the situation. (With inputs from agencies)

American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges

Pakistan witnessed the highest inflation in the world in the fiscal year 2020 with the country recording a 12-year high at 14.6 per cent in the month of January, forcing policy makers to increase interest rate, the country's central bank said on Sunday.

According to the Inflation Monitor for April issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country witnessed highest inflation not only in comparison with the developed economies but also with emerging economies, the Dawn News reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/imf-asks-pakistan-to-freeze-government-employees-salaries-to-cut-public-debt-303583">Also read:&nbsp;IMF asks Pakistan to freeze government employees' salaries to cut public debt</a>

The SBP pushed up interest rates to cool down the inflationary pressure during the fiscal year but high rates proved counterproductive as they further increased inflation while the private sector stopped borrowing costly money hampering industrial growth and services.

The month of January witnessed a 12-year high inflation at 14.6 per cent. In response to the rising prices, the SBP rose the interest rates to 13.25 per cent.

However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the entire economic scenario was turned upside down as demand contraction lowered inflation, forcing the SBP to cut down interest rates to 5.25 per cent within just three months, the daily reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/world-bank-to-provide-188-million-to-pakistan-to-address-environmental-degradation-climate-change-302602">Also read:&nbsp;World Bank to provide $188 million to Pakistan to address environmental degradation, climate change&nbsp;</a>

The rate cut announcement came as inflation slowed down, falling to 8.2 per cent in May, much lower than the SBP projections for the month.

Detailed graphs accompanying the SBP's Inflation Monitor show Pakistan's inflation, when compared to developing economies like China, Thailand, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, has fallen since the pandemic.

The July-May inflation for the current fiscal year slipped below to the State Bank's earlier projection of 11 per cent to 10.94 per cent. The number is expected to drop further in June.

The government has slashed petroleum prices thrice during the two months, which drastically reduced the cost of production, transportation and finally reduced inflation.

Trade and industrial sectors, while demanding cuts to interest rate, also believe the economy needs additional injection of Rs 3-4 trillion for full recovery.

However, with sharp economic slowdown, the revenue collection has also fallen short of target this year, making further liquidity injection on such a large scale impossible for the government.

The SBP has provided relief amounting to hundreds of billions in the form of principal payments deferrals, debts rescheduling and lending on easier terms for the industrial sector to avoid massive layoffs, according to the paper.

Pakistan witnessed the highest inflation in the world in the fiscal year 2020 with the country recording a 12-year high at 14.6 per cent in the month of January, forcing policy makers to increase interest rate, the country's central bank said on Sunday.

Pakistan witnessed the highest inflation in the world in the fiscal year 2020 with the country recording a 12-year high at 14.6 per cent in the month of January, forcing policy makers to increase interest rate, the country's central bank said on Sunday. According to the Inflation Monitor for April issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the country witnessed highest inflation not only in comparison with the developed economies but also with emerging economies, the Dawn News reported. Also read: IMF asks Pakistan to freeze government employees' salaries to cut public debt The SBP pushed up interest rates to cool down the inflationary pressure during the fiscal year but high rates proved counterproductive as they further increased inflation while the private sector stopped borrowing costly money hampering industrial growth and services. The month of January witnessed a 12-year high inflation at 14.6 per cent. In response to the rising prices, the SBP rose the interest rates to 13.25 per cent. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the entire economic scenario was turned upside down as demand contraction lowered inflation, forcing the SBP to cut down interest rates to 5.25 per cent within just three months, the daily reported. Also read: World Bank to provide $188 million to Pakistan to address environmental degradation, climate change The rate cut announcement came as inflation slowed down, falling to 8.2 per cent in May, much lower than the SBP projections for the month. Detailed graphs accompanying the SBP's Inflation Monitor show Pakistan's inflation, when compared to developing economies like China, Thailand, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, has fallen since the pandemic. The July-May inflation for the current fiscal year slipped below to the State Bank's earlier projection of 11 per cent to 10.94 per cent. The number is expected to drop further in June. The government has slashed petroleum prices thrice during the two months, which drastically reduced the cost of production, transportation and finally reduced inflation. Trade and industrial sectors, while demanding cuts to interest rate, also believe the economy needs additional injection of Rs 3-4 trillion for full recovery. However, with sharp economic slowdown, the revenue collection has also fallen short of target this year, making further liquidity injection on such a large scale impossible for the government. The SBP has provided relief amounting to hundreds of billions in the form of principal payments deferrals, debts rescheduling and lending on easier terms for the industrial sector to avoid massive layoffs, according to the paper.

Pakistan sees highest inflation in the world during 2020: SBP

The Pakistan Army on Saturday claimed to have shot down an "Indian spying quadcopter" allegedly intruding across the Line of Control (LoC). Military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the mini copter violated the country's airspace in Khanjar sector of the LoC.

"The quadcopter had intruded 500 metres on Pakistan's side of the LoC,"&nbsp;he said in a statement.

The spokesman claimed that it was the eighth Indian quadcopter to be shot down by the Pakistan Army troops this year.

Last month, two such quadcopters were downed, the first on May 27 and the second on May 29 after they allegedly intruded deep inside the Pakistani territory, he said. India has dismissed previous such claims by the Pakistan Army.

The ties between the two nations strained following the Balakot strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations.

The ties further nose-dived after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. Pakistan downgraded diplomatic relations with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.

The Pakistan Army on Saturday claimed to have shot down an "Indian spying quadcopter" allegedly intruding across the Line of Control (LoC). Military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the mini copter violated the country's airspace in Khanjar sector of the LoC.

The Pakistan Army on Saturday claimed to have shot down an "Indian spying quadcopter" allegedly intruding across the Line of Control (LoC). Military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar said that the mini copter violated the country's airspace in Khanjar sector of the LoC. "The quadcopter had intruded 500 metres on Pakistan's side of the LoC," he said in a statement. The spokesman claimed that it was the eighth Indian quadcopter to be shot down by the Pakistan Army troops this year. Last month, two such quadcopters were downed, the first on May 27 and the second on May 29 after they allegedly intruded deep inside the Pakistani territory, he said. India has dismissed previous such claims by the Pakistan Army. The ties between the two nations strained following the Balakot strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations. The ties further nose-dived after New Delhi abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. Pakistan downgraded diplomatic relations with India and expelled the Indian High Commissioner.

Pak army claims to shoot down 'Indian spying quadcopter' along LoC

Kabul has rejected the allegations by Pakistan foreign ministry about Tehreek-e-Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan territories by a third party to destabilise regional countries, including Pakistan.

"TTP and its splinter groups have the blood of the Afghan people on their hands and are designated as terrorist organisations in the National Threat Assessment and National Security Policy of Afghanistan," the Afghan foreign ministry replied to the accusations made by the foreign ministry of Pakistan in a statement on Friday.

"Like other terrorist organisations, TTP has allied itself since its emergence with those fighting the government and people of Afghanistan. Over the past years, a significant number of TTP leaders and operatives have been either taken out in the battleground or captured and brought to justice in Afghanistan," it added further.

Kabul's remarks follow a report submitted by the United Nations Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning individuals and entities constituting a threat to the peace and stability in Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/indian-spying-quadcopter-allegedly-shot-down-by-pak-army-along-loc-303798">Also read:&nbsp;Indian spying quadcopter allegedly shot down by Pak army along LoC</a>

On June 4, Pakistan's foreign office said that the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Report has endorsed its stance that TTP operating from Afghanistan and supported by India threatens regional countries including Pakistan.

In a statement on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan has been highlighting India's sponsorship of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan.

The report had also referred to a "continued presence" of the senior leadership of UN-designated terrorist organisation Al Qaida and its affiliates in Afghanistan. It had also mentioned a large number of foreign terrorist fighters, including up to 6,500 Pakistan nationals, operating in Afghanistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/american-blogger-accuses-pakistans-zardari-govt-officials-of-rape-evidence-to-be-revealed-soon-303796">Also read:&nbsp;American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape; evidence to be revealed soon</a>

As a victim of terrorism, Afghanistan said it has striven to play more than its part in the region's collective fight against this common enemy. The elimination of a number of top TTP leaders and the prosecution and imprisonment of hundreds of foreign fighters from TTP, LeT, JEM, ETIM, IMU, ISIS-K and other transnational terrorist group are a testament to our strong will and relentless efforts without any distraction in the fight against terrorism.

Furthermore, in the interest of transparency and regional cooperation, Kabul said it has provided access for concerned partner countries to the leaders and operatives of terrorism outfits in our custody.

"As a cornerstone of our commitment in the fight against terrorism, we have shown it transparency that Afghanistan has never allowed and will never tolerate any acts by any third party, whether state or no-state, to use Afghanistan to destabilise another country. This resolve to fight terrorism relentlessly without distinction flows from the solidarity we feel with all victims of terrorism, whether in Pakistan or India or elsewhere in the world," the Afghan foreign ministry said.

While the fight against regional and international terrorism in all its manifestations must remain a top priority for all responsible states in our region and globally. Afghanistan is also currently pursuing a peace process where we need determined and far-sighted cooperation of all our regional and international partners, it said.

"We believe it is in the best interest of countries in the region and the international community to support the Afghan peace process as it will bring strategic gains to the international counter-terrorism and regional security efforts," it added.

Kabul has rejected the allegations by Pakistan foreign ministry about Tehreek-e-Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan territories by a third party to destabilise regional countries, including Pakistan.

Kabul has rejected the allegations by Pakistan foreign ministry about Tehreek-e-Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan territories by a third party to destabilise regional countries, including Pakistan. "TTP and its splinter groups have the blood of the Afghan people on their hands and are designated as terrorist organisations in the National Threat Assessment and National Security Policy of Afghanistan," the Afghan foreign ministry replied to the accusations made by the foreign ministry of Pakistan in a statement on Friday. "Like other terrorist organisations, TTP has allied itself since its emergence with those fighting the government and people of Afghanistan. Over the past years, a significant number of TTP leaders and operatives have been either taken out in the battleground or captured and brought to justice in Afghanistan," it added further. Kabul's remarks follow a report submitted by the United Nations Security Council's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team concerning individuals and entities constituting a threat to the peace and stability in Afghanistan. Also read: Indian spying quadcopter allegedly shot down by Pak army along LoC On June 4, Pakistan's foreign office said that the UN Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Report has endorsed its stance that TTP operating from Afghanistan and supported by India threatens regional countries including Pakistan. In a statement on Thursday, Foreign Office Spokesperson Aisha Farooqui said Pakistan has been highlighting India's sponsorship of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan. The report had also referred to a "continued presence" of the senior leadership of UN-designated terrorist organisation Al Qaida and its affiliates in Afghanistan. It had also mentioned a large number of foreign terrorist fighters, including up to 6,500 Pakistan nationals, operating in Afghanistan. Also read: American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape; evidence to be revealed soon As a victim of terrorism, Afghanistan said it has striven to play more than its part in the region's collective fight against this common enemy. The elimination of a number of top TTP leaders and the prosecution and imprisonment of hundreds of foreign fighters from TTP, LeT, JEM, ETIM, IMU, ISIS-K and other transnational terrorist group are a testament to our strong will and relentless efforts without any distraction in the fight against terrorism. Furthermore, in the interest of transparency and regional cooperation, Kabul said it has provided access for concerned partner countries to the leaders and operatives of terrorism outfits in our custody. "As a cornerstone of our commitment in the fight against terrorism, we have shown it transparency that Afghanistan has never allowed and will never tolerate any acts by any third party, whether state or no-state, to use Afghanistan to destabilise another country. This resolve to fight terrorism relentlessly without distinction flows from the solidarity we feel with all victims of terrorism, whether in Pakistan or India or elsewhere in the world," the Afghan foreign ministry said. While the fight against regional and international terrorism in all its manifestations must remain a top priority for all responsible states in our region and globally. Afghanistan is also currently pursuing a peace process where we need determined and far-sighted cooperation of all our regional and international partners, it said. "We believe it is in the best interest of countries in the region and the international community to support the Afghan peace process as it will bring strategic gains to the international counter-terrorism and regional security efforts," it added.

Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region

&nbsp;As many as 4,688 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pakistan, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 85,264, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Pakistan had reported 4,065 new COVID-19 cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/when-india-asked-president-kennedy-for-us-air-force-to-help-fight-china-in-1962-303317#momentous-decision-58402">Have a look:&nbsp;When India asked President Kennedy for US Air Force to help fight China in 1962</a>

The coronavirus-related death toll has increased by 82 to 1,770, and the number of recoveries reached 30,128, according to the authorities.

The Sindh province, with nearly 33,000 cases, is the most affected and is followed by the Punjab province, which registered over 31,000 cases.

Despite the rising toll, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced on Monday that his government would lift the coronavirus lockdown to save the national economy from a meltdown.

As many as 4,688 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pakistan, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 85,264, the country's health ministry said on Thursday.

As many as 4,688 new cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pakistan, taking the tally of COVID-19 cases to 85,264, the country's health ministry said on Thursday. On Wednesday, Pakistan had reported 4,065 new COVID-19 cases. Have a look: When India asked President Kennedy for US Air Force to help fight China in 1962 The coronavirus-related death toll has increased by 82 to 1,770, and the number of recoveries reached 30,128, according to the authorities. The Sindh province, with nearly 33,000 cases, is the most affected and is followed by the Punjab province, which registered over 31,000 cases. Despite the rising toll, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced on Monday that his government would lift the coronavirus lockdown to save the national economy from a meltdown.

COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy

The IMF has asked cash-strapped Pakistan to freeze salaries of government employees and adhere to the fiscal consolidation path by showing a nominal primary deficit in the new budget due to the unsustainable public debt that is set to hit 90 per cent of the total value of the national economy.

Pakistan is finding it hard to concede to the two demands but the IMF is insisting that the country should continue to follow the fiscal consolidation path due to the high and unsustainable public debt, the Express Tribune reported on Friday.

Owing to the prevailing tight fiscal situation, growing public debt and Pakistan's decision to seek debt relief from G-20 countries, the International Monetary Fund has asked Islamabad to freeze salaries of government employees, the daily reported, citing sources in the Ministry of Finance.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/world-bank-to-provide-188-million-to-pakistan-to-address-environmental-degradation-climate-change-302602">Also read:&nbsp;World Bank to provide $188 million to Pakistan to address environmental degradation, climate change&nbsp;</a>

However, the government is resisting the demand due to high inflation that has eroded people's real income. 
Nonetheless, it is inclined to abolish over 67,000 posts that have remained vacant for over one year and is also ready to further squeeze current expenditures including a ban on purchase of vehicles.

The IMF's key demand, which was also the reason for seeking to freeze the salaries, was that the government should announce a primary budget deficit target&nbsp;total deficit excluding interest payments of only Rs 184 billion or 0.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Pakistan has its own reasons for resisting the IMF's demands as it does not see a significant jump in revenue collection in the next fiscal year due to the prevailing economic conditions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-pakistan-crosses-68000-mark-uk-lends-financial-support-302118">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan crosses 68,000 mark; UK lends financial support</a>

The government is also inclined to give a raise in salaries due to high inflation that has eroded the real income of people, the daily reported.

The government will unveil the budget on June 12 as it struggles to strike a balance between continuing with the fiscal consolidation and providing an impetus to economic growth. The Finance Ministry is keen to restore the IMF programme and is holding video conferences with the IMF staff in Washington.

Against the IMF's demand for the 0.4 per cent primary budget deficit, the government has proposed that the target should be 1.9 per cent of GDP or Rs 875 billion.

The expenditure on interest payments, estimated at Rs 3 trillion or 6.5 per cent of GDP in the next fiscal year, is in addition to that.

This means the budget deficit target, as suggested by the IMF, will be around 7 per cent while the federal government sees the realistic deficit target at 8.4 per cent of GDP or Rs 3.9 trillion.

For this fiscal year, the estimated primary deficit is 2.9 per cent of GDP and the IMF wants a fiscal adjustment of 2.5 per cent within one year.

Another issue between Pakistan and the IMF was the FBR's tax target, which the IMF has proposed to be Rs 5.1 trillion. The FBR thinks it cannot collect more than Rs 4.7 trillion. Another FBR target that is currently under discussion is Rs 4.990 trillion.

For this fiscal year, the IMF had set a Rs 5.5-trillion tax collection target but actual collection is likely to remain around Rs 3.9 trillion. The politically sensitive issue for the government is the increase in salaries of civilian and military employees.

In the last budget, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had announced a 10 per cent increase in salaries of grade-1 to 16 officers and a 5 per cent raise was given to the officers serving in grade 17 to 20.

No raise had been given to the government and military officers serving in the two highest basic pay scales of grade 21 and 22. So the Joint Staff Headquarters has forwarded a request to the Ministry of Finance through the Ministry of Defence for an increase in salaries.

The secretaries' committee has recommended a 100 per cent increase in basic salaries of all employees working in the Pakistan Secretariat,&nbsp;the seat of federal bureaucracy, aimed at keeping the talent and offsetting the impact of high inflation.

The government is considering a 10-15 per cent pay raise and around 10 per cent increase in pensions.

The total estimated cost of running the civil government in the next fiscal year is Rs 495 billion and around half comprises the salary bill. Another Rs 475 billion may be allocated for paying pensions in fiscal year 2020-21.

The IMF has asked cash-strapped Pakistan to freeze salaries of government employees and adhere to the fiscal consolidation path by showing a nominal primary deficit in the new budget due to the unsustainable public debt that is set to hit 90 per cent of the total value of the national economy.

The IMF has asked cash-strapped Pakistan to freeze salaries of government employees and adhere to the fiscal consolidation path by showing a nominal primary deficit in the new budget due to the unsustainable public debt that is set to hit 90 per cent of the total value of the national economy. Pakistan is finding it hard to concede to the two demands but the IMF is insisting that the country should continue to follow the fiscal consolidation path due to the high and unsustainable public debt, the Express Tribune reported on Friday. Owing to the prevailing tight fiscal situation, growing public debt and Pakistan's decision to seek debt relief from G-20 countries, the International Monetary Fund has asked Islamabad to freeze salaries of government employees, the daily reported, citing sources in the Ministry of Finance. Also read: World Bank to provide $188 million to Pakistan to address environmental degradation, climate change However, the government is resisting the demand due to high inflation that has eroded people's real income. Nonetheless, it is inclined to abolish over 67,000 posts that have remained vacant for over one year and is also ready to further squeeze current expenditures including a ban on purchase of vehicles. The IMF's key demand, which was also the reason for seeking to freeze the salaries, was that the government should announce a primary budget deficit target total deficit excluding interest payments of only Rs 184 billion or 0.4 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Pakistan has its own reasons for resisting the IMF's demands as it does not see a significant jump in revenue collection in the next fiscal year due to the prevailing economic conditions. Also read: COVID 19: Pakistan crosses 68,000 mark; UK lends financial support The government is also inclined to give a raise in salaries due to high inflation that has eroded the real income of people, the daily reported. The government will unveil the budget on June 12 as it struggles to strike a balance between continuing with the fiscal consolidation and providing an impetus to economic growth. The Finance Ministry is keen to restore the IMF programme and is holding video conferences with the IMF staff in Washington. Against the IMF's demand for the 0.4 per cent primary budget deficit, the government has proposed that the target should be 1.9 per cent of GDP or Rs 875 billion. The expenditure on interest payments, estimated at Rs 3 trillion or 6.5 per cent of GDP in the next fiscal year, is in addition to that. This means the budget deficit target, as suggested by the IMF, will be around 7 per cent while the federal government sees the realistic deficit target at 8.4 per cent of GDP or Rs 3.9 trillion. For this fiscal year, the estimated primary deficit is 2.9 per cent of GDP and the IMF wants a fiscal adjustment of 2.5 per cent within one year. Another issue between Pakistan and the IMF was the FBR's tax target, which the IMF has proposed to be Rs 5.1 trillion. The FBR thinks it cannot collect more than Rs 4.7 trillion. Another FBR target that is currently under discussion is Rs 4.990 trillion. For this fiscal year, the IMF had set a Rs 5.5-trillion tax collection target but actual collection is likely to remain around Rs 3.9 trillion. The politically sensitive issue for the government is the increase in salaries of civilian and military employees. In the last budget, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had announced a 10 per cent increase in salaries of grade-1 to 16 officers and a 5 per cent raise was given to the officers serving in grade 17 to 20. No raise had been given to the government and military officers serving in the two highest basic pay scales of grade 21 and 22. So the Joint Staff Headquarters has forwarded a request to the Ministry of Finance through the Ministry of Defence for an increase in salaries. The secretaries' committee has recommended a 100 per cent increase in basic salaries of all employees working in the Pakistan Secretariat, the seat of federal bureaucracy, aimed at keeping the talent and offsetting the impact of high inflation. The government is considering a 10-15 per cent pay raise and around 10 per cent increase in pensions. The total estimated cost of running the civil government in the next fiscal year is Rs 495 billion and around half comprises the salary bill. Another Rs 475 billion may be allocated for paying pensions in fiscal year 2020-21.

IMF asks Pakistan to freeze government employees' salaries to cut public debt

Four weeks ago, with its most important festival coming up and millions of people facing starvation as economic activity dwindled, Pakistan lifted a two-month-long coronavirus lockdown. &nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan has said despite rising infections and deaths, the country would need to learn to "live with" the virus to avert pushing tens of millions living on daily wages into destitution.

Now, a Reuters review of government data shows over 20,000 cases of the virus were identified in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, and more than double that figure were identified in the three weeks since. 
To be sure, testing rates have also increased. But of those tested, the daily average of positive results climbed from on average 11.5% in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, to 15.4% on average in the subsequent three weeks. The ratio is around 23% this week, according to the data.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-pakistan-records-4688-new-cases-government-reopens-economy-303472">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy</a>

Pakistan has officially identified over 80,000 cases of COVID-19, with 1,770 confirmed deaths.

"Those numbers are concerning, since they do suggest there may still be widespread transmission in certain parts of the country," said Claire Standley, assistant research professor at the Department of International Health at Georgetown University.

Experts say measures that could curb cases – like limits on religious gatherings and crowded shopping areas and emphasising social distancing – should be reinstated and some doctors are raising the alarm.

According to a letter seen by Reuters, a committee of experts backed by the local health department in Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, told the provincial government the lockdown needed to continue. The letter said random testing suggested more than 670,000 people in the provincial capital Lahore had likely contracted the virus, many of them asymptomatic.

The Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid said the letter had not been disregarded, but set aside in light of a Supreme Court decision that lockdowns should be lifted.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/road-side-bomb-blast-kills-2-school-teachers-in-pakistan-303557">Also read:&nbsp;Road side bomb blast kills 2 school teachers in Pakistan</a>

Most hospitals in Lahore are now full and are sending cases to Mayo Hospital, a public facility with more than 400 beds dedicated to COVID-19 cases, said Salman Kazmi, general secretary of the Young Doctor’s Association, who is treating coronavirus patients there.

Asad Aslam, the CEO of Mayo, however disputed claims that Lahore hospitals were saturated. "We can handle further burden of patients," he said.

Herd immunity 
Pakistan lifted its lockdown on May 9, about two weeks before the Eid al-Fitr festival that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with family gatherings and feasting. Transport and most businesses have re-opened but cinemas, theatres and schools remain closed.

There has been growing debate among experts globally on whether populous developing nations can afford comprehensive social distancing measures to contain the coronavirus while avoiding economic ruin.

Some officials have suggested "herd immunity" could contain the virus, a situation where enough people in a population have developed immunity to an infection to be able to effectively stop that disease from spreading.

However, the World Health Organization has warned countries that have "lax measures" in place against counting on herd immunity to halt the spread of COVID-19.

"The Pakistan government is setting itself up for a huge gamble but it's also a test case for herd immunity because South Asia has no other choice," a senior European Union official who oversees South Asia told Reuters.

Yet even those advocating rolling back strict lockdowns in developing nations are alarmed at the teeming crowds in Pakistan's streets, shopping malls and mosques, the ramping up of domestic flights, and the movement of millions of people for the Eid holiday.

"It's not about this dichotomy between complete lockdown and fully open," Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, a professor of economics at Yale University, told Reuters.

He said a smarter strategy would be to allow people out for core economic and public health activities, rather than a total relaxation of rules.

"There should still be complete bans on religious gatherings and social gatherings...those are things for which we need to see much better leadership," he said.

Four weeks ago, with its most important festival coming up and millions of people facing starvation as economic activity dwindled, Pakistan lifted a two-month-long coronavirus lockdown.

Four weeks ago, with its most important festival coming up and millions of people facing starvation as economic activity dwindled, Pakistan lifted a two-month-long coronavirus lockdown. Prime Minister Imran Khan has said despite rising infections and deaths, the country would need to learn to "live with" the virus to avert pushing tens of millions living on daily wages into destitution. Now, a Reuters review of government data shows over 20,000 cases of the virus were identified in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, and more than double that figure were identified in the three weeks since. To be sure, testing rates have also increased. But of those tested, the daily average of positive results climbed from on average 11.5% in the three weeks before the lockdown was lifted, to 15.4% on average in the subsequent three weeks. The ratio is around 23% this week, according to the data. Also read: COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy Pakistan has officially identified over 80,000 cases of COVID-19, with 1,770 confirmed deaths. "Those numbers are concerning, since they do suggest there may still be widespread transmission in certain parts of the country," said Claire Standley, assistant research professor at the Department of International Health at Georgetown University. Experts say measures that could curb cases – like limits on religious gatherings and crowded shopping areas and emphasising social distancing – should be reinstated and some doctors are raising the alarm. According to a letter seen by Reuters, a committee of experts backed by the local health department in Pakistan's most populous province, Punjab, told the provincial government the lockdown needed to continue. The letter said random testing suggested more than 670,000 people in the provincial capital Lahore had likely contracted the virus, many of them asymptomatic. The Punjab Health Minister Yasmeen Rashid said the letter had not been disregarded, but set aside in light of a Supreme Court decision that lockdowns should be lifted. Also read: Road side bomb blast kills 2 school teachers in Pakistan Most hospitals in Lahore are now full and are sending cases to Mayo Hospital, a public facility with more than 400 beds dedicated to COVID-19 cases, said Salman Kazmi, general secretary of the Young Doctor’s Association, who is treating coronavirus patients there. Asad Aslam, the CEO of Mayo, however disputed claims that Lahore hospitals were saturated. "We can handle further burden of patients," he said. Herd immunity Pakistan lifted its lockdown on May 9, about two weeks before the Eid al-Fitr festival that marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and is celebrated with family gatherings and feasting. Transport and most businesses have re-opened but cinemas, theatres and schools remain closed. There has been growing debate among experts globally on whether populous developing nations can afford comprehensive social distancing measures to contain the coronavirus while avoiding economic ruin. Some officials have suggested "herd immunity" could contain the virus, a situation where enough people in a population have developed immunity to an infection to be able to effectively stop that disease from spreading. However, the World Health Organization has warned countries that have "lax measures" in place against counting on herd immunity to halt the spread of COVID-19. "The Pakistan government is setting itself up for a huge gamble but it's also a test case for herd immunity because South Asia has no other choice," a senior European Union official who oversees South Asia told Reuters. Yet even those advocating rolling back strict lockdowns in developing nations are alarmed at the teeming crowds in Pakistan's streets, shopping malls and mosques, the ramping up of domestic flights, and the movement of millions of people for the Eid holiday. "It's not about this dichotomy between complete lockdown and fully open," Ahmed Mushfiq Mobarak, a professor of economics at Yale University, told Reuters. He said a smarter strategy would be to allow people out for core economic and public health activities, rather than a total relaxation of rules. "There should still be complete bans on religious gatherings and social gatherings...those are things for which we need to see much better leadership," he said.

Live with virus: Pakistan PM says after lockdown gamble; COVID-19 cases surge

A road side bomb blast killed two school teachers in&nbsp;Pakistan's restive northwestern province bordering Afghanistan, an official said on Friday.

The bomb blast took place on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-pakistan-records-4688-new-cases-government-reopens-economy-303472">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy</a>

The two teachers were going on a bike in the Damadola area in&nbsp;Bajuar district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, when the bomb exploded near a stream.

The police have launched an investigation to look into the incident. No individual or militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

No other deaths have been reported yet. However, the two teachers died on the spot.&nbsp;

According to locals, Abdur Rahman was a teacher in a private school&nbsp;and Ismail was a government school teacher.

(With inputs from PTI)

A road side bomb blast killed two school teachers in Pakistan's restive northwestern province bordering Afghanistan, an official said on Friday. The bomb blast took place on Friday.

A road side bomb blast killed two school teachers in Pakistan's restive northwestern province bordering Afghanistan, an official said on Friday. The bomb blast took place on Friday. Also read: COVID 19: Pakistan records 4,688 new cases; government reopens economy The two teachers were going on a bike in the Damadola area in Bajuar district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, when the bomb exploded near a stream. The police have launched an investigation to look into the incident. No individual or militant group has claimed responsibility for the incident. No other deaths have been reported yet. However, the two teachers died on the spot. According to locals, Abdur Rahman was a teacher in a private school and Ismail was a government school teacher. (With inputs from PTI)

Road side bomb blast kills 2 school teachers in Pakistan

Pakistani aviation authorities have revealed that the&nbsp;pilots of the Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) aircraft, that&nbsp;crashed into a residential district of Karachi last month, had ignored air traffic control`s instructions for landing.

In a letter sent to PIA, the Civil Aviation Authority said an approach controller warned the pilot twice to discontinue its current approach, but the pilot did not pay heed to the orders.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-investigators-to-start-decoding-black-box-of-crashed-craft-from-june-02-in-france-302136">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France</a>

Initial reports suggested the plane scraped its engines along the runway on a first attempt to land following what appeared to be an unstable approach, arriving steep and fast.

As the passenger plane&nbsp;came close to landing, the plane's ground speed was more than the runway threshold, according to the controller. The plane lifted from the runway surface and crashed into the residential colony, while attempting a second approach.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/black-box-recovered-from-pakistan-airplane-crash-site-300652">Also read:&nbsp;Black box recovered from Pakistan airplane crash site</a>

The flight had been observed as being high for approach as it passed Makli, about 100 km east of Karachi. The pilot was warned twice, but he continued with the descent by claiming he was comfortable with it.

The PIA Airbus A320 crashed in Karachi on May 22 while landing, and the pilots reported loss of both engines.&nbsp;Ninety seven people on board were killed;&nbsp;two survived. At least one person was reported to have died on the ground, and several other were injured.

The black box found from the crash site is being decoded by&nbsp;French air accident agency BEA.

Pakistani aviation authorities have revealed that the pilots of the Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) aircraft, that crashed into a residential district of Karachi last month, had ignored air traffic control`s instructions for landing.

Pakistani aviation authorities have revealed that the pilots of the Pakistan International Airlines' (PIA) aircraft, that crashed into a residential district of Karachi last month, had ignored air traffic control`s instructions for landing. In a letter sent to PIA, the Civil Aviation Authority said an approach controller warned the pilot twice to discontinue its current approach, but the pilot did not pay heed to the orders. Also read: Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France Initial reports suggested the plane scraped its engines along the runway on a first attempt to land following what appeared to be an unstable approach, arriving steep and fast. As the passenger plane came close to landing, the plane's ground speed was more than the runway threshold, according to the controller. The plane lifted from the runway surface and crashed into the residential colony, while attempting a second approach. Also read: Black box recovered from Pakistan airplane crash site The flight had been observed as being high for approach as it passed Makli, about 100 km east of Karachi. The pilot was warned twice, but he continued with the descent by claiming he was comfortable with it. The PIA Airbus A320 crashed in Karachi on May 22 while landing, and the pilots reported loss of both engines. Ninety seven people on board were killed; two survived. At least one person was reported to have died on the ground, and several other were injured. The black box found from the crash site is being decoded by French air accident agency BEA.

Pakistan: PIA pilots ignored warnings from controller before crash

The investigation on the voice recorders found in the crashed Pakistan flight's cockpit will commence from June 2 in France, the French aviation investigation authority has said.

The crash killed 97 people in total, including 90 passengers and a crew of eight, when it crashed into the Jinnah Garden area near Model Colony in Malir on Friday, minutes before its landing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rs-30-million-cash-found-from-wreckage-of-crashed-aircraft-301787">Also read|&nbsp;Pakistan: Rs 30 million cash found from wreckage of crashed aircraft</a>

The investigation of the crashed Airbus A320 aircraft, of the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), will be done by&nbsp;an 11-member team of experts from an Airbus facility in the French city of Toulouse. The team arrived in Pakistan last week to conduct an independent probe into the crash involving its aircraft.&nbsp; The team&nbsp;includes experts from France, Germany, the UK and other countries.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
(1/2) ⚠️ Accident <a href="https://twitter.com/Airbus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Airbus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/A320?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#A320</a> AP-BLD <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_PIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Official_PIA</a> / the mission on site is about to be completed / <a href="https://twitter.com/BEA_Aero?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BEA_Aero</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Airbus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Airbus</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SafranEngines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SafranEngines</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CFM_engines?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CFM_engines</a> &amp; Pakistan’s AAIB team will then fly to France.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIA8303?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIA8303</a> <a href="https://t.co/IMKOUC4xLH">pic.twitter.com/IMKOUC4xLH</a>
— BEA ✈️ 🚁🛩 🇫🇷 (@BEA_Aero) <a href="https://twitter.com/BEA_Aero/status/1266630137258430465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The flight data recorder (FDR) records time, altitude, airspeed, heading, and aircraft attitude and other in-flight characteristics. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) records the audio environment in the flight deck, and is useful in cases of accidents and incident investigation purposes.&nbsp;It records and stores the audio signals of the microphones and earphones of the pilots' headsets and of an area microphone installed in the cockpit, which helps the investigators figure out the cause and happenings of the crash.

The BEA said that Pakistan's Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board (AAIB) team will fly to France after the work on the crash site is completed. "The mission on site is about to be completed. @BEA_Aero @Airbus @SafranEngines @CFM_engines &amp; Pakistan's AAIB team will then fly to France," it said in the tweet.

The investigation team, which reached Karachi on May 26, was to return after two days. However, as the team was unable to gather key evidence, the team extended their stay and conducted a forensic&nbsp;examination of the aircraft wreckage.

They also collected different parts of the plane that would help in identifying the cause of the crash.

The team also visited&nbsp;the radar centre at the Jinnah International Airport and the control tower to review the conditions, and collected parts of the crashed structure that can help them in investigating.

The investigation on the voice recorders found in the crashed Pakistan flight's cockpit will commence from June 2 in France, the French aviation investigation authority has said.

The investigation on the voice recorders found in the crashed Pakistan flight's cockpit will commence from June 2 in France, the French aviation investigation authority has said. The crash killed 97 people in total, including 90 passengers and a crew of eight, when it crashed into the Jinnah Garden area near Model Colony in Malir on Friday, minutes before its landing. Also read| Pakistan: Rs 30 million cash found from wreckage of crashed aircraft The investigation of the crashed Airbus A320 aircraft, of the national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), will be done by an 11-member team of experts from an Airbus facility in the French city of Toulouse. The team arrived in Pakistan last week to conduct an independent probe into the crash involving its aircraft. The team includes experts from France, Germany, the UK and other countries. (1/2) ⚠️ Accident @Airbus #A320 AP-BLD @Official_PIA / the mission on site is about to be completed / @BEA_Aero @Airbus @SafranEngines @CFM_engines & Pakistan’s AAIB team will then fly to France.#PIA8303 pic.twitter.com/IMKOUC4xLH — BEA ✈️ 🚁🛩 🇫🇷 (@BEA_Aero) May 30, 2020 × The flight data recorder (FDR) records time, altitude, airspeed, heading, and aircraft attitude and other in-flight characteristics. The cockpit voice recorder (CVR) records the audio environment in the flight deck, and is useful in cases of accidents and incident investigation purposes. It records and stores the audio signals of the microphones and earphones of the pilots' headsets and of an area microphone installed in the cockpit, which helps the investigators figure out the cause and happenings of the crash. The BEA said that Pakistan's Aircraft Accident and Investigation Board (AAIB) team will fly to France after the work on the crash site is completed. "The mission on site is about to be completed. @BEA_Aero @Airbus @SafranEngines @CFM_engines & Pakistan's AAIB team will then fly to France," it said in the tweet. The investigation team, which reached Karachi on May 26, was to return after two days. However, as the team was unable to gather key evidence, the team extended their stay and conducted a forensic examination of the aircraft wreckage. They also collected different parts of the plane that would help in identifying the cause of the crash. The team also visited the radar centre at the Jinnah International Airport and the control tower to review the conditions, and collected parts of the crashed structure that can help them in investigating.

Pakistan: Investigators to start decoding black box of crashed craft from June 02 in France

The coronavirus pandemic turned grimmer in Pakistan with 78 more fatalities in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 1,395, while the total cases crossed the 68,000-mark, the health ministry said on Saturday.

According to health officials, 532,037 COVID-19 tests, including 12,020 on Friday, were conducted so far in the country. The total tally now stands at 68,177, the ministry said.

Sindh reported the maximum number of 26,113 coronavirus cases, followed by 24,104 in Punjab, 9,067 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 4,087 in Balochistan, 2,192 in Islamabad, 660 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 234 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). On the positive side, 24,131 patients have recovered, the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/afghanistan/afghanistan-transit-trade-begins-through-pakistans-gwadar-port-301989">Also read:&nbsp;Afghanistan transit trade begins through Pakistan's Gwadar port</a>

Minister of State for Frontier Regions and Narcotics Control Shehryar Afridi on late Friday night tweeted that he was tested positive for the virus. "I have isolated myself in home as directed by the doctors," he said.

Meanwhile, the UK has announced to provide an additional assistance of 4.39 million pounds to cash-strapped Pakistan to tide over the coronavirus crisis. In April, the UK has provided a fund of 2.67 million pounds to Pakistan to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

"Pakistan is showing international leadership in its Coronavirus response; Great Britain announces 4.39 million pounds of further support," British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner tweeted on Friday.

He said the package will support emergency response systems and provide assistance to food security, sanitation and hygiene, mental health and psychological issues.

Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza on Saturday said that presently only "25 per cent of the total hospital assets" were occupied.He told reporters that the overall situation was under control.

"I'm sure some hospitals are full in some cities. But that does not mean hospitals in the entire country are full," he said.

It was mandatory for people to wear masks while visiting crowded places like mosques, markets, shops, malls and public transport, he said, adding that people can also use masks inside their homes if there was a lot of people around.

Mirza said that the country's local transmission rate was 92 per cent as the disease was spreading. "Cases are increasing as the disease is spreading," he said.

The coronavirus pandemic turned grimmer in Pakistan with 78 more fatalities in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 1,395, while the total cases crossed the 68,000-mark, the health ministry said on Saturday.

The coronavirus pandemic turned grimmer in Pakistan with 78 more fatalities in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 1,395, while the total cases crossed the 68,000-mark, the health ministry said on Saturday. According to health officials, 532,037 COVID-19 tests, including 12,020 on Friday, were conducted so far in the country. The total tally now stands at 68,177, the ministry said. Sindh reported the maximum number of 26,113 coronavirus cases, followed by 24,104 in Punjab, 9,067 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 4,087 in Balochistan, 2,192 in Islamabad, 660 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 234 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). On the positive side, 24,131 patients have recovered, the ministry said. Also read: Afghanistan transit trade begins through Pakistan's Gwadar port Minister of State for Frontier Regions and Narcotics Control Shehryar Afridi on late Friday night tweeted that he was tested positive for the virus. "I have isolated myself in home as directed by the doctors," he said. Meanwhile, the UK has announced to provide an additional assistance of 4.39 million pounds to cash-strapped Pakistan to tide over the coronavirus crisis. In April, the UK has provided a fund of 2.67 million pounds to Pakistan to combat COVID-19 pandemic. "Pakistan is showing international leadership in its Coronavirus response; Great Britain announces 4.39 million pounds of further support," British High Commissioner to Pakistan Christian Turner tweeted on Friday. He said the package will support emergency response systems and provide assistance to food security, sanitation and hygiene, mental health and psychological issues. Special Assistant on Health Dr Zafar Mirza on Saturday said that presently only "25 per cent of the total hospital assets" were occupied.He told reporters that the overall situation was under control. "I'm sure some hospitals are full in some cities. But that does not mean hospitals in the entire country are full," he said. It was mandatory for people to wear masks while visiting crowded places like mosques, markets, shops, malls and public transport, he said, adding that people can also use masks inside their homes if there was a lot of people around. Mirza said that the country's local transmission rate was 92 per cent as the disease was spreading. "Cases are increasing as the disease is spreading," he said.

COVID 19: Pakistan crosses 68,000 mark; UK lends financial support

After Ukraine, Pakistani diplomats have been caught in the tight spot again and this time in Africa. A local report in Zimbabwe has said that a Pakistani diplomat in the country has been involved in human trafficking.

"The Standard" of Zimbabwe reported that one Pakistan origin businessman Main Sohail Qaiser "tipped off the immigration officers that (3 Pakistanis)... intended to cross the border illegally with the alleged help of Waqas Ahmed, a Pakistani diplomat based in Harare, who is, however, still employed by the embassy."

Three Pakistanis were arrested on October 2019 sparking tensions between Harare and Islamabad with all 3 being tried in a court and being sentenced to 90 days in prison. &nbsp;What has caused the alarm for the Pakistani mission was that Qaiser had interviewed the detainees in the presence of immigration officials and the interview the women had criticised Pakistan govt as a "facilitator of human trafficking" according to the report. The videos later got circulated in the country and local south Asian community causing embarrassment for the mission.&nbsp;

The Pakistan mission had taken the matter with Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs ministry. In a letter as quoted by the newspaper, the Pakistani mission had said, "It is astonishing to note Mian Sohail Qaiser’s access to official and confidential documents in the highly sensitive institution like immigration and (the) foreign office (sic).”

The mission had sent several diplomatic notes between November 2019 and May 2020 requesting a meeting with Zimbabwe's Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo. 
 
Meanwhile, Qaiser has accused the Pakistani mission in running a human trafficking cartel and claimed the 2 women were to travel to neighbouring Malawi from Zimbabwe and were later supposed to be "smuggled into South Africa with the help of Pakistani missions in both Malawi and Zimbabwe"

“They are criminals and they are engaged with the videos because I exposed to their country what they are doing here in Zimbabwe,” Qaiser said according to the newspaper.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, a Pakistani foreign service officer, Waqar Ahmad posted in Pakistani mission in Ukraine was sacked by the govt in Islamabad over sexual harassment charges. He was involved in harassment of a local cleaner and involved in "abuse of authority", a Pakistani govt notification said.

After Ukraine, Pakistani diplomats have been caught in the tight spot again and this time in Africa. A local report in Zimbabwe has said that a Pakistani diplomat in the country has been involved in human trafficking.

After Ukraine, Pakistani diplomats have been caught in the tight spot again and this time in Africa. A local report in Zimbabwe has said that a Pakistani diplomat in the country has been involved in human trafficking. "The Standard" of Zimbabwe reported that one Pakistan origin businessman Main Sohail Qaiser "tipped off the immigration officers that (3 Pakistanis)... intended to cross the border illegally with the alleged help of Waqas Ahmed, a Pakistani diplomat based in Harare, who is, however, still employed by the embassy." Three Pakistanis were arrested on October 2019 sparking tensions between Harare and Islamabad with all 3 being tried in a court and being sentenced to 90 days in prison. What has caused the alarm for the Pakistani mission was that Qaiser had interviewed the detainees in the presence of immigration officials and the interview the women had criticised Pakistan govt as a "facilitator of human trafficking" according to the report. The videos later got circulated in the country and local south Asian community causing embarrassment for the mission. The Pakistan mission had taken the matter with Zimbabwe’s Foreign Affairs ministry. In a letter as quoted by the newspaper, the Pakistani mission had said, "It is astonishing to note Mian Sohail Qaiser’s access to official and confidential documents in the highly sensitive institution like immigration and (the) foreign office (sic).” The mission had sent several diplomatic notes between November 2019 and May 2020 requesting a meeting with Zimbabwe's Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga and Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo. Meanwhile, Qaiser has accused the Pakistani mission in running a human trafficking cartel and claimed the 2 women were to travel to neighbouring Malawi from Zimbabwe and were later supposed to be "smuggled into South Africa with the help of Pakistani missions in both Malawi and Zimbabwe" “They are criminals and they are engaged with the videos because I exposed to their country what they are doing here in Zimbabwe,” Qaiser said according to the newspaper. Earlier this month, a Pakistani foreign service officer, Waqar Ahmad posted in Pakistani mission in Ukraine was sacked by the govt in Islamabad over sexual harassment charges. He was involved in harassment of a local cleaner and involved in "abuse of authority", a Pakistani govt notification said.

After Ukraine, Pakistani diplomat in Zimbabwe embarrasses Islamabad as human trafficking link surfaces

Pakistan, on Wednesday night,&nbsp;criticised India for starting the construction of the Ram temple&nbsp;in Ayodhya. The government&nbsp;said it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised.

"The commencement of construction of a mandir at the site of the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on May 26, 2020, is another step in this direction and the Government and people of Pakistan condemn it in the strongest terms," said&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) in a statement.

The ministry also alleged India of not setting the priorities right, and said that while the nation is battling a pandemic,&nbsp;"the RSS-BJP combine" was advancing the "Hindutva" agenda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-coronavirus-cases-in-pakistan-cross-61000-mark-death-toll-soars-to-1260-301537">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260</a>

Criticizing the Indian Supreme Court's judgement, Pakistan said the decision&nbsp;&nbsp;"completely failed to uphold the demands of justice".

The FO said the developments relating to the Babri Masjid, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and initiation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process are vivid illustrations of how the Muslims in India are being marginalised.

The Indian government has not responded to the allegations by the Pakistan government and has claimed that this is an internal matter of the country.

Pakistan, on Wednesday night, criticised India for starting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The government said it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised.

Pakistan, on Wednesday night, criticised India for starting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The government said it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised. "The commencement of construction of a mandir at the site of the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on May 26, 2020, is another step in this direction and the Government and people of Pakistan condemn it in the strongest terms," said Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) in a statement. The ministry also alleged India of not setting the priorities right, and said that while the nation is battling a pandemic, "the RSS-BJP combine" was advancing the "Hindutva" agenda. Also read| COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260 Criticizing the Indian Supreme Court's judgement, Pakistan said the decision "completely failed to uphold the demands of justice". The FO said the developments relating to the Babri Masjid, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and initiation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process are vivid illustrations of how the Muslims in India are being marginalised. The Indian government has not responded to the allegations by the Pakistan government and has claimed that this is an internal matter of the country.

Pakistan criticizes construction of Ram Mandir; calls it Hindutva agenda

Pakistan's intelligence services are deploying secretive surveillance technology normally used to locate militants to instead track coronavirus patients and the people they come into contact with.

In a programme publicly touted by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government has turned to the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) for help in tackling the virus, which still is spreading at an accelerating rate across Pakistan.

Details about the project have not been released, but two officials told AFP that intelligence services are using geo-fencing and phone-monitoring systems that ordinarily are employed to hunt high-value targets including homegrown and foreign militants.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-tries-to-fuel-tension-between-india-and-china-passes-offensive-remark-301359">Also read:&nbsp;Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark</a>

A lack of awareness, stigma and fear have contributed to some people with symptoms not seeking treatment or even fleeing hospitals, while others who've had contact with virus patients have flouted self-isolation rules.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior security official told AFP that agencies are now "quite effectively" using the technology to track coronavirus cases.

"The government has been successful in tracing even those who tested positive but went into hiding," the security official said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-coronavirus-cases-in-pakistan-cross-61000-mark-death-toll-soars-to-1260-301537">Also read:&nbsp;COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260</a>

Geo-fencing, a discreet tracking system that alerts authorities when someone leaves a specific geographic area, has helped officials monitor neighbourhoods on lockdown.

Authorities are also listening in to the calls of COVID-19 patients to monitor whether their contacts are talking about having symptoms.

"The trace-and-track system basically helps us track the mobile phones of corona patients as well as anyone they get in touch with before of after their disappearance," an intelligence official said.

Khan recently praised the programme, which has come up against little public debate or scrutiny over its use in the virus fight.&nbsp;

"It was originally used against terrorism, but now it is has come in useful against coronavirus," he said.

Nearly 60,000 people in Pakistan have tested positive for the disease and more than 1,200 patients have died.&nbsp;

But with testing still limited, officials worry the true numbers are much higher.

Concerns&nbsp; 
Pakistan's intelligence services and military hold vast sway over many aspects of cultural and political life, with the US and India accusing Islamabad of backing insurgents fighting in Kashmir and Afghanistan -- claims denied by officials.

Rights groups worry authorities might abuse their sweeping surveillance powers to trace political dissidents.

Leading rights activist and ex-senator Afrasiab Khattak told AFP that involving the ISI would spread unnecessary fear among the population.

"The task of tracking and tracing the patients and suspected cases should be dealt with by provincial governments and local communities -- let intelligence agencies do their actual job," he said.

Countries across the world have employed track-and-trace methods to control the virus's spread, raising privacy concerns.

Israel's intelligence services have been using counter-terrorism technology, including tracking mobile phones, prompting the Supreme Court to raise privacy concerns.

In Pakistan, authorities struggled to present a cohesive national strategy to control the coronavirus. Khan was reluctant to call for a sweeping lockdown, arguing the impoverished country could not afford it.&nbsp;

He also largely caved to pressure from Pakistan's powerful religious lobby, which pushed back against the closure of mosques.

Pakistan's intelligence services are deploying secretive surveillance technology normally used to locate militants to instead track coronavirus patients and the people they come into contact with.

Pakistan's intelligence services are deploying secretive surveillance technology normally used to locate militants to instead track coronavirus patients and the people they come into contact with. In a programme publicly touted by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government has turned to the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) for help in tackling the virus, which still is spreading at an accelerating rate across Pakistan. Details about the project have not been released, but two officials told AFP that intelligence services are using geo-fencing and phone-monitoring systems that ordinarily are employed to hunt high-value targets including homegrown and foreign militants. Also read: Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark A lack of awareness, stigma and fear have contributed to some people with symptoms not seeking treatment or even fleeing hospitals, while others who've had contact with virus patients have flouted self-isolation rules. Speaking on condition of anonymity, a senior security official told AFP that agencies are now "quite effectively" using the technology to track coronavirus cases. "The government has been successful in tracing even those who tested positive but went into hiding," the security official said. Also read: COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260 Geo-fencing, a discreet tracking system that alerts authorities when someone leaves a specific geographic area, has helped officials monitor neighbourhoods on lockdown. Authorities are also listening in to the calls of COVID-19 patients to monitor whether their contacts are talking about having symptoms. "The trace-and-track system basically helps us track the mobile phones of corona patients as well as anyone they get in touch with before of after their disappearance," an intelligence official said. Khan recently praised the programme, which has come up against little public debate or scrutiny over its use in the virus fight. "It was originally used against terrorism, but now it is has come in useful against coronavirus," he said. Nearly 60,000 people in Pakistan have tested positive for the disease and more than 1,200 patients have died. But with testing still limited, officials worry the true numbers are much higher. Concerns Pakistan's intelligence services and military hold vast sway over many aspects of cultural and political life, with the US and India accusing Islamabad of backing insurgents fighting in Kashmir and Afghanistan -- claims denied by officials. Rights groups worry authorities might abuse their sweeping surveillance powers to trace political dissidents. Leading rights activist and ex-senator Afrasiab Khattak told AFP that involving the ISI would spread unnecessary fear among the population. "The task of tracking and tracing the patients and suspected cases should be dealt with by provincial governments and local communities -- let intelligence agencies do their actual job," he said. Countries across the world have employed track-and-trace methods to control the virus's spread, raising privacy concerns. Israel's intelligence services have been using counter-terrorism technology, including tracking mobile phones, prompting the Supreme Court to raise privacy concerns. In Pakistan, authorities struggled to present a cohesive national strategy to control the coronavirus. Khan was reluctant to call for a sweeping lockdown, arguing the impoverished country could not afford it. He also largely caved to pressure from Pakistan's powerful religious lobby, which pushed back against the closure of mosques.

Pakistan to use militant tracking technology to hunt COVID 19 patients

Pakistan Army has claimed shooting down&nbsp;an Indian "spying quadcopter" for allegedly violating the airspace along the Line of Control.

The incident, according to military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar, took place on Wednesday in&nbsp;Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-tries-to-fuel-tension-between-india-and-china-passes-offensive-remark-301359">Also read:&nbsp;Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark</a>

He claimed that the quadcopter was brought down as it had intruded 650 metres on Pakistan''s side of the LoC.

In April, too, the Pakistan Army had claimed to have shot down an Indian drone.

The constant retaliations and the rise in tension between the two countries started from the Balakot&nbsp;strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations.

Lately, the two countries have been engaged in crossfires along the borders, claiming few lives of personnel.

Pakistan Army has claimed shooting down an Indian "spying quadcopter" for allegedly violating the airspace along the Line of Control. The incident, according to military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar, took place on Wednesday in Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC.

Pakistan Army has claimed shooting down an Indian "spying quadcopter" for allegedly violating the airspace along the Line of Control. The incident, according to military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar, took place on Wednesday in Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC. Also read: Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark He claimed that the quadcopter was brought down as it had intruded 650 metres on Pakistan''s side of the LoC. In April, too, the Pakistan Army had claimed to have shot down an Indian drone. The constant retaliations and the rise in tension between the two countries started from the Balakot strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations. Lately, the two countries have been engaged in crossfires along the borders, claiming few lives of personnel.

Pakistan army claims shooting Indian spying quadcopter along LoC

Pakistan on Thursday crossed the 61,000-mark with 2,076 new coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said.

As many as 36 more patients died of the deadly viral infection, bringing the total death toll in the country to 1,260. 
With 2,076 new infections, the nationwide tally of coronavirus cases now stands at 61,227, the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-forces-prevent-2019-like-pulwama-attack-after-seizing-45-kg-ied-in-car-driver-escapes-301464">Also read:&nbsp;Security forces prevent 2019-like Pulwama attack after seizing 45 kg IED in car; driver escapes</a>

Sindh reported the maximum number of 24,206 cases, followed by 22,037 in Punjab, 8,483 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 3,616 in Balochistan, 2,015 in Islamabad, 651 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 219 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

A total of 20,231 patients have recovered so far, the ministry said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-will-not-support-icc-in-rescheduling-of-t20-world-cup-for-ipl-2020-pcb-official-301515">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan will not support ICC in rescheduling of T20 World Cup for IPL 2020: PCB official</a>

Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said under Pakistan's leadership, a representative group of developing and developed countries, and major financial institutions, have commenced informal consultations on the sidelines of the United Nations to evolve agreement on some measures and practical actions to address the debt challenge of the developing countries.

The meeting is in response to Prime Minister Imran Khan's call in April for a global initiative on debt relief to create fiscal space for developing countries to enable them to recover from the current crisis and revive sustainable economic growth, it said.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Thursday crossed the 61,000-mark with 2,076 new coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said. As many as 36 more patients died of the deadly viral infection, bringing the total death toll in the country to 1,260.

Pakistan on Thursday crossed the 61,000-mark with 2,076 new coronavirus cases reported in the last 24 hours, the health ministry said. As many as 36 more patients died of the deadly viral infection, bringing the total death toll in the country to 1,260. With 2,076 new infections, the nationwide tally of coronavirus cases now stands at 61,227, the ministry said. Also read: Security forces prevent 2019-like Pulwama attack after seizing 45 kg IED in car; driver escapes Sindh reported the maximum number of 24,206 cases, followed by 22,037 in Punjab, 8,483 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 3,616 in Balochistan, 2,015 in Islamabad, 651 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 219 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). A total of 20,231 patients have recovered so far, the ministry said. Also read: Pakistan will not support ICC in rescheduling of T20 World Cup for IPL 2020: PCB official Meanwhile, the Foreign Office said under Pakistan's leadership, a representative group of developing and developed countries, and major financial institutions, have commenced informal consultations on the sidelines of the United Nations to evolve agreement on some measures and practical actions to address the debt challenge of the developing countries. The meeting is in response to Prime Minister Imran Khan's call in April for a global initiative on debt relief to create fiscal space for developing countries to enable them to recover from the current crisis and revive sustainable economic growth, it said.

COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260

Pakistan on Tuesday said that 176 Pakistanis stranded in India due to the current coronavirus lockdown will return home on Wednesday through the Attari-Wagah border, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.

India like many other nations in the world has imposed a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus which has created havoc around the world by infecting 5,543,439 and killing 347,836 people.

These 176 Pakistanis were stranded in different Indian states including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Delhi due to the extended lockdown and closure of Attari-Wagah border following the outbreak of coronavirus, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement.

In line with the Prime Minister's directions, for safe and smooth repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi remained in close contact with the Indian side and the Foreign Office has been coordinating with other national authorities in Pakistan, the FO added.

It said the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also facilitated and coordinated logistics for transfer of these Pakistanis to Attari from more than twenty different Indian cities, amid the lockdown.

More than 400 stranded Pakistanis have been repatriated from India through Attari-Wagah border since March 20, 2020.

The ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue till the repatriation of all remaining stranded Pakistanis, the FO said.

Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that more than 110,000 Pakistani stranded in various parts of the world wanted to come back.

Pakistan has till now witnessed 57,705 cases of coronavirus, with 1,197 deaths.

Pakistan on Tuesday said that 176 Pakistanis stranded in India due to the current coronavirus lockdown will return home on Wednesday through the Attari-Wagah border, according to a statement from the Foreign Office.

Pakistan on Tuesday said that 176 Pakistanis stranded in India due to the current coronavirus lockdown will return home on Wednesday through the Attari-Wagah border, according to a statement from the Foreign Office. India like many other nations in the world has imposed a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus which has created havoc around the world by infecting 5,543,439 and killing 347,836 people. These 176 Pakistanis were stranded in different Indian states including Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and Delhi due to the extended lockdown and closure of Attari-Wagah border following the outbreak of coronavirus, the Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement. In line with the Prime Minister's directions, for safe and smooth repatriation of stranded Pakistanis, the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi remained in close contact with the Indian side and the Foreign Office has been coordinating with other national authorities in Pakistan, the FO added. It said the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi also facilitated and coordinated logistics for transfer of these Pakistanis to Attari from more than twenty different Indian cities, amid the lockdown. More than 400 stranded Pakistanis have been repatriated from India through Attari-Wagah border since March 20, 2020. The ongoing efforts of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue till the repatriation of all remaining stranded Pakistanis, the FO said. Earlier, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that more than 110,000 Pakistani stranded in various parts of the world wanted to come back. Pakistan has till now witnessed 57,705 cases of coronavirus, with 1,197 deaths.

Pakistan to bring back 176 citizens stranded in India through Attari-Wagah border

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