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As Fazal Rahmaan, 80 and his wife, Wahida Rahmaan, 74, boarded a plane in the Pakistani city of Lahore on Friday, their family's biggest fear was that they might catch the coronavirus on their way to spend the holiday in Karachi.

Instead, the couple, who had been married for 54 years, were among the 97 people killed when an Airbus A320, operated by Pakistan International Airlines, crashed into a Karachi neighbourhood - Pakistan's worst air disaster since 2012.

"We held many calls deliberating with doctors and family ... Our biggest concern was that they made the trip safely," said their son, Inam Ur Rahmaan, who instead of welcoming his parents for the Eid al-Fitr holiday found himself picking through the wreckage of flight PK8303 praying for a miracle.

"I got in my car and followed the smoke and the ambulances," said Rahmaan.

"When I saw the area, I realised that it would be a miracle if they had made it."

There were two survivors from onboard the aircraft, while no fatalities were reported on the ground in the densely packed neighbourhood of multi-story homes abutting the eastern edge of Jinnah International Airport where the plane came down.

More than two dozen homes were damaged as the airliner roared in, leaving a tangle of severed electric cables and exposed rebar - a broken wing rested against the side of a home, an engine on the ground nearby.

The jet fuel set the wreckage ablaze, along with homes and vehicles, sending black smoke into the sky, a Reuters witness said.

Crowds rushed to the site, relatives searching for loved ones, rescue workers and the curious. Scores of ambulances and fire-engines jammed the narrow, debris-cluttered streets.

One rescue worker told Reuters two bodies were found with oxygen masks on. Many bodies pulled from the wreckage were charred beyond recognition.

The airline's chief executive said on Friday the last message from the pilot indicated a technical problem. A team from Airbus is due to arrive on Monday to investigate, a PIA spokesman said.

"They'll provide all possible assistance including decoding the black box," the spokesman Khan, referring to the flight data recorder.

SCREAMS AND FIRE

Shahid Ahmed, 45, was at the airport waiting for his mother to arrive. When he reached the crash site he saw rescuers retrieving bodies and people taking selfies.

 
"There was no one responsible at the site, people were busy posing for pictures," said a distraught Ahmed, who lost his mother, Dishad Begum, 75, who was also flying to Karachi for Eid.

After scouring the site and failing to find his mother, Ahmed went to look for her in hospitals.

"There was no list of the dead or injured at any of the hospitals, it was all chaos and mismanagement," said Ahmed, who sobbed as he recounted the ordeal.

"Searching for our mother's body was a nightmare."

One of the survivors, engineer Muhammad Zubair, told Geo News the pilot came down to land, briefly touched down, then pulled up again.

He announced he was going to make a second try shortly before the plane crashed, Zubair said from hospital.

"I could hear screams from all directions. Kids and adults. All I could see was fire. I couldn't see any people- just hear their screams," he said.

Rahmaan said his family was still in shock.

"There's no Eid in our home," he said.

Rahmaan said he took some comfort from knowing his parents always wanted to be with each other.

"Whatever's happened, whatever the reason behind it, they always wanted to be together. At the end, they were together."

As Fazal Rahmaan, 80 and his wife, Wahida Rahmaan, 74, boarded a plane in the Pakistani city of Lahore on Friday, their family's biggest fear was that they might catch the coronavirus on their way to spend the holiday in Karachi.

As Fazal Rahmaan, 80 and his wife, Wahida Rahmaan, 74, boarded a plane in the Pakistani city of Lahore on Friday, their family's biggest fear was that they might catch the coronavirus on their way to spend the holiday in Karachi. Instead, the couple, who had been married for 54 years, were among the 97 people killed when an Airbus A320, operated by Pakistan International Airlines, crashed into a Karachi neighbourhood - Pakistan's worst air disaster since 2012. "We held many calls deliberating with doctors and family ... Our biggest concern was that they made the trip safely," said their son, Inam Ur Rahmaan, who instead of welcoming his parents for the Eid al-Fitr holiday found himself picking through the wreckage of flight PK8303 praying for a miracle. "I got in my car and followed the smoke and the ambulances," said Rahmaan. "When I saw the area, I realised that it would be a miracle if they had made it." There were two survivors from onboard the aircraft, while no fatalities were reported on the ground in the densely packed neighbourhood of multi-story homes abutting the eastern edge of Jinnah International Airport where the plane came down. More than two dozen homes were damaged as the airliner roared in, leaving a tangle of severed electric cables and exposed rebar - a broken wing rested against the side of a home, an engine on the ground nearby. The jet fuel set the wreckage ablaze, along with homes and vehicles, sending black smoke into the sky, a Reuters witness said. Crowds rushed to the site, relatives searching for loved ones, rescue workers and the curious. Scores of ambulances and fire-engines jammed the narrow, debris-cluttered streets. One rescue worker told Reuters two bodies were found with oxygen masks on. Many bodies pulled from the wreckage were charred beyond recognition. The airline's chief executive said on Friday the last message from the pilot indicated a technical problem. A team from Airbus is due to arrive on Monday to investigate, a PIA spokesman said. "They'll provide all possible assistance including decoding the black box," the spokesman Khan, referring to the flight data recorder. SCREAMS AND FIRE Shahid Ahmed, 45, was at the airport waiting for his mother to arrive. When he reached the crash site he saw rescuers retrieving bodies and people taking selfies. "There was no one responsible at the site, people were busy posing for pictures," said a distraught Ahmed, who lost his mother, Dishad Begum, 75, who was also flying to Karachi for Eid. After scouring the site and failing to find his mother, Ahmed went to look for her in hospitals. "There was no list of the dead or injured at any of the hospitals, it was all chaos and mismanagement," said Ahmed, who sobbed as he recounted the ordeal. "Searching for our mother's body was a nightmare." One of the survivors, engineer Muhammad Zubair, told Geo News the pilot came down to land, briefly touched down, then pulled up again. He announced he was going to make a second try shortly before the plane crashed, Zubair said from hospital. "I could hear screams from all directions. Kids and adults. All I could see was fire. I couldn't see any people- just hear their screams," he said. Rahmaan said his family was still in shock. "There's no Eid in our home," he said. Rahmaan said he took some comfort from knowing his parents always wanted to be with each other. "Whatever's happened, whatever the reason behind it, they always wanted to be together. At the end, they were together."

'Searching for mother's body a nightmare': Pakistan families mourn plane crash victims

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy.

Due to this, the World Bank has approved a USD 500 million loan for Pakistan to help the country out of a major economic crisis.

World Bank has decided to help Pakistan once again after four years. This decision has been taken to help the country out of a major economy crisis allegedly caused due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/eid-al-fitr-observed-amid-coronavirus-pandemic-across-the-globe-300733#syria-300725">Have a look:&nbsp;Eid al-Fitr observed amid coronavirus pandemic across the globe!</a>&nbsp;

The money is to help the country get better access to quality healthcare and education, support economic opportunities for women and strengthen social safety nets as the country braces to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a media organisation reported.

"Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units," said the World Bank documents.

Pakistan has been given 30 years to return the money back to World Bank.

"The global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting day-to-day life in Pakistan, not solely from economic disruptions but also additional stress on public services that jeopardise human capital accumulation," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu.

The World Bank documents underlined that the government had committed to staying the course and would be supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure that.&nbsp;

As the microeconomic risk is higher now, due to the pandemic, it is riskier and tougher for Pakistan.

World Bank has asked Pakistan to&nbsp;restructure the existing Debt Policy Coordination Office into a single Debt Management Office. The proposed structure will not just be a coordinating entity like the Debt Policy Coordination Office that only advises the finance minister.

(With inputs from PTI)

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy.

As the world battles coronavirus, a lot of countries have been having a hard time saving their economy. Pakistan, a country that has already been struggling economically, has seen a steep decline in the economy. Due to this, the World Bank has approved a USD 500 million loan for Pakistan to help the country out of a major economic crisis. World Bank has decided to help Pakistan once again after four years. This decision has been taken to help the country out of a major economy crisis allegedly caused due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to a media report. Have a look: Eid al-Fitr observed amid coronavirus pandemic across the globe! The money is to help the country get better access to quality healthcare and education, support economic opportunities for women and strengthen social safety nets as the country braces to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, a media organisation reported. "Political risks are high because COVID-19 response adds uncertainty to the relations among the federating units," said the World Bank documents. Pakistan has been given 30 years to return the money back to World Bank. "The global COVID-19 pandemic is impacting day-to-day life in Pakistan, not solely from economic disruptions but also additional stress on public services that jeopardise human capital accumulation," said World Bank Country Director for Pakistan Illango Patchamuthu. The World Bank documents underlined that the government had committed to staying the course and would be supported by the World Bank, International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to ensure that. As the microeconomic risk is higher now, due to the pandemic, it is riskier and tougher for Pakistan. World Bank has asked Pakistan to restructure the existing Debt Policy Coordination Office into a single Debt Management Office. The proposed structure will not just be a coordinating entity like the Debt Policy Coordination Office that only advises the finance minister. (With inputs from PTI)

World Bank approves USD 500 million loan for Pakistan

Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed on Friday.

The&nbsp;data recorder&nbsp;was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/97-dead-2-survived-in-pakistan-plane-crash-official-says-300526">Also watch:&nbsp;97 dead, 2 survived in Pakistan plane crash, official says</a>

The crash claimed lives of&nbsp;at least 97 people, including crew members.

"97 bodies recovered. 2 passengers survived. 25 affected houses cleared, their residents accommodated at various places with the assistance of Civil Administration," said&nbsp;Major General Babar Iftikhar. Officials also stated that no houses were hit, and nobody on the ground lost their lives due to the crash.

Earlier, an audio conversation between the pilot and the air traffic control was also recovered, in which the pilot told the controllers about the engines failing.

"[The pilot] had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go-around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost," said&nbsp;PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed on Friday. The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Rescue crews have been able to retrieve the black box from the Pakistan International Airlines plane that crashed on Friday. The data recorder was retrieved from the crash site in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, according to PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan. Also watch: 97 dead, 2 survived in Pakistan plane crash, official says The crash claimed lives of at least 97 people, including crew members. "97 bodies recovered. 2 passengers survived. 25 affected houses cleared, their residents accommodated at various places with the assistance of Civil Administration," said Major General Babar Iftikhar. Officials also stated that no houses were hit, and nobody on the ground lost their lives due to the crash. Earlier, an audio conversation between the pilot and the air traffic control was also recovered, in which the pilot told the controllers about the engines failing. "[The pilot] had been told both landing strips were available for his use but he preferred to use the go-around landing route, we are looking into the technical issue. Our prayers for the lives that have been lost," said PIA spokesman Abdullah Khan.

Black box recovered from Pakistan airplane crash site

After news broke out of the murder of two girls of Pakistan, a man has been arrested by the police on Thursday. The suspect is the cousin of two girls who were murdered in a tribal district of North Waziristan in Pakistan's conservative northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The two girls were allegedly murdered in what police say was an “honor killing”. A video of the two girls, one 16 and other one 18, kissing a man went viral on social media, and was spotted by their cousin.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/two-pakistani-teenage-girls-in-waziristan-village-killed-for-honour-over-leaked-mobile-video-299367">Also read:&nbsp;Two Pakistani teenage girls in Waziristan village killed for 'honour' over leaked mobile video</a>

The suspect is the first cousin of the deceased girls.

“The main suspect has confessed to the murder during investigations and now we will produce him before a judge,” a senior provincial police official, Abdul Ghafoor Afridi, told a media organisation.

Earlier, Pakistan police had arrested the man in the video and the man whose phone camera was used to shoot and upload the video.

Police said the girls’ relatives did not want to bring charges so the state became the complainant in the case. The girls' father and uncle have also been arrested due to the same.&nbsp;

Pakistan had recently, in 2016, made honour killing a crime. The police will be charging the suspect for honour killing too.

(With inputs from Reuters)

After news broke out of the murder of two girls of Pakistan, a man has been arrested by the police on Thursday. The suspect is the cousin of two girls who were murdered in a tribal district of North Waziristan in Pakistan's conservative northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

After news broke out of the murder of two girls of Pakistan, a man has been arrested by the police on Thursday. The suspect is the cousin of two girls who were murdered in a tribal district of North Waziristan in Pakistan's conservative northwest province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The two girls were allegedly murdered in what police say was an “honor killing”. A video of the two girls, one 16 and other one 18, kissing a man went viral on social media, and was spotted by their cousin. Also read: Two Pakistani teenage girls in Waziristan village killed for 'honour' over leaked mobile video The suspect is the first cousin of the deceased girls. “The main suspect has confessed to the murder during investigations and now we will produce him before a judge,” a senior provincial police official, Abdul Ghafoor Afridi, told a media organisation. Earlier, Pakistan police had arrested the man in the video and the man whose phone camera was used to shoot and upload the video. Police said the girls’ relatives did not want to bring charges so the state became the complainant in the case. The girls' father and uncle have also been arrested due to the same. Pakistan had recently, in 2016, made honour killing a crime. The police will be charging the suspect for honour killing too. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan police arrests cousin of two girls murdered for honour over leaked video

As countries encourage people to stay indoors to contain the pandemic, Pakistan has made its own people homeless.

A Basti of minority Hindu community was razed to the ground in the blistering heat of Bhawalpur in its Punjab province.

What's even more shocking is, the demolition of walls and roofs over people's head were crushed under the watch of Tariq Bashir Cheema, the Housing Minister in the Imran Khan cabinet, who was accompanied by the country's Principal Information Officer Shahid Khokhar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/now-pakistan-digs-up-680-million-scam-linked-to-chinas-cpec-299995">Also read:&nbsp;Now, Pakistan digs up $680 million scam linked to China's CPEC</a>

Painful images showed bulldozer rampaging ruthlessly over houses and debris with men, children and women cried for mercy.

The incident came days after the country's Human Rights Commission of Pakistan tore into the government for its failure to protect the rights of minorities.

Recently, in a similar incident, houses and a graveyard belonging to the Christian community in Khanewal district of Punjab province were destroyed by a politician belonging to Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/boycottuae-trends-in-pakistan-as-netizens-forget-countrys-debts-to-uae-299991">Also read:&nbsp;#BoycottUAE trends in Pakistan as netizens forget country's debts to UAE</a>

Pakistan is a well-established perpetrator of such human rights violations. Uncounted incidents are reported from Sindh province and other parts of Pakistan where Muslims have forcibly abducted and converted Hindu minor girls to Islam for marriage.

Various governments of Pakistan, on several occasions, have promised to safeguard the interest of minority communities in the nation. However, rampant attacks on minorities narrate a different story.

Islamabad has been discriminating against its religious minorities, which 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 one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.&nbsp;

As countries encourage people to stay indoors to contain the pandemic, Pakistan has made its own people homeless. A Basti of minority Hindu community was razed to the ground in the blistering heat of Bhawalpur in its Punjab province.

As countries encourage people to stay indoors to contain the pandemic, Pakistan has made its own people homeless. A Basti of minority Hindu community was razed to the ground in the blistering heat of Bhawalpur in its Punjab province. What's even more shocking is, the demolition of walls and roofs over people's head were crushed under the watch of Tariq Bashir Cheema, the Housing Minister in the Imran Khan cabinet, who was accompanied by the country's Principal Information Officer Shahid Khokhar. Also read: Now, Pakistan digs up $680 million scam linked to China's CPEC Painful images showed bulldozer rampaging ruthlessly over houses and debris with men, children and women cried for mercy. The incident came days after the country's Human Rights Commission of Pakistan tore into the government for its failure to protect the rights of minorities. Recently, in a similar incident, houses and a graveyard belonging to the Christian community in Khanewal district of Punjab province were destroyed by a politician belonging to Imran Khan's party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Also read: #BoycottUAE trends in Pakistan as netizens forget country's debts to UAE Pakistan is a well-established perpetrator of such human rights violations. Uncounted incidents are reported from Sindh province and other parts of Pakistan where Muslims have forcibly abducted and converted Hindu minor girls to Islam for marriage. Various governments of Pakistan, on several occasions, have promised to safeguard the interest of minority communities in the nation. However, rampant attacks on minorities narrate a different story. Islamabad has been discriminating against its religious minorities, which 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 one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

When world is urging to stay home, Pakistan tears down Hindu homes in Bhawalpur

Pakistan's coronavirus cases on Friday crossed the 50,000-mark after a record 2,603 more patients were diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease, the health ministry said.

The deadly contagion claimed the lives of 50 people in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 1,067, the Ministry of National Health Services said.

Out of the total 50,694 patients, Sindh reported 19,924 cases, Punjab 18,455, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 7,155, Balochistan 3,074, Islamabad 1,326, Gilgit-Baltistan 602 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 158 cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/now-pakistan-digs-up-680-million-scam-linked-to-chinas-cpec-299995">Also read:&nbsp;Now, Pakistan digs up $680 million scam linked to China's CPEC</a>

It also reported that so far 15,201 people have recovered from the malignant virus. In the past 24 hours, 1,064 people recovered from the novel coronavirus.

The authorities also carried out a record 16,387 tests, taking the total number of tests so far in the country to 445,987.

A special flight of Emirates carrying 251 stranded Pakistanis arrived at Islamabad International Airport from Dubai after Pakistan allowed the airline to operate special flights.

Officials said that all the passengers were shifted to different quarantine centres in Islamabad for 24 hours for medical tests related to the COVID-19.

The federal government has decided to restore international flights from Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. Officials said that the decision was taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan's coronavirus cases on Friday crossed the 50,000-mark after a record 2,603 more patients were diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease, the health ministry said.

Pakistan's coronavirus cases on Friday crossed the 50,000-mark after a record 2,603 more patients were diagnosed with the COVID-19 disease, the health ministry said. The deadly contagion claimed the lives of 50 people in the last 24 hours, taking the death toll to 1,067, the Ministry of National Health Services said. Out of the total 50,694 patients, Sindh reported 19,924 cases, Punjab 18,455, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 7,155, Balochistan 3,074, Islamabad 1,326, Gilgit-Baltistan 602 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 158 cases. Also read: Now, Pakistan digs up $680 million scam linked to China's CPEC It also reported that so far 15,201 people have recovered from the malignant virus. In the past 24 hours, 1,064 people recovered from the novel coronavirus. The authorities also carried out a record 16,387 tests, taking the total number of tests so far in the country to 445,987. A special flight of Emirates carrying 251 stranded Pakistanis arrived at Islamabad International Airport from Dubai after Pakistan allowed the airline to operate special flights. Officials said that all the passengers were shifted to different quarantine centres in Islamabad for 24 hours for medical tests related to the COVID-19. The federal government has decided to restore international flights from Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. Officials said that the decision was taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan's COVID-19 cases go past 50,000 with record 2,603 new patients

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that developing countries like Pakistan face the dilemma of whether to protect their people from COVID-19 or hunger as he defended his decision to ease the nationwide lockdown to save millions of people who would have starved to death due to the coronavirus-related restrictions.

Khan made the comments while addressing the the World Economic Forum through a video link, highlighting the economic vulnerabilities of the developing countries in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

"We had to face a twin challenge. One was to stem the growth of the virus, but the bigger challenge is how to mitigate the effects of lockdown on our population and rising poverty," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-plans-to-seek-2-billion-in-loans-from-world-bank-adb-299924">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan plans to seek $2 billion in loans from World Bank, ADB</a>

Pakistan on May 9 began easing the month-long nationwide lockdown in a phased manner by allowing various businesses to open up, citing the economic crisis due to the shutdown.

Khan defended his policy of easing the lockdown as millions would have starved if the government had not lifted the lockdown meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

"In Pakistan, we have 25 million workers who are either daily wagers or are self-employed, and these are 25 million families. I say it has affected 120-150 million in total," he said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/now-pakistan-digs-up-680-million-scam-linked-to-chinas-cpec-299995">Also read:&nbsp;Now, Pakistan digs up $680 million scam linked to China's CPEC</a>

He said that the Pakistan government made a critical decision to provide cash to poor families and so far 15 million families had received money.

"These people are facing stark poverty, and unless these people work, they will starve," he said, adding that his government started a cash disbursement programme but that is only a "short term solution."

Khan supported the effort by the G-20 nations to come up with debt relief, saying it would help divert resources to fight the pandemic.

"G-20 countries are coming up with a debt relief [initiative] but we need more details. The reason why there should be [such an initiative] is because we need that fiscal space to divert resources to healthcare and the environment," he said.

He said already a lot of the developing countries lack the fiscal space to put money into healthcare and it was now becoming even more difficult due to their economic fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak.

"I have spoken to the leaders of Nigeria, Ethiopia and Egypt and they told me that they were facing similar issues such as drop in exports and revenue," he said.

Khan said that the pandemic did not hit the developing countries like Pakistan, India and Bangladesh with the speed as it did in the Europe and the US.

"Firstly, the speed with which the virus spread in the Europe and the US, it didn't spread in the same way here," he said, adding that countries like Pakistan faced tough economic challenges.

He said the virus hit Pakistan at the worst time when it was in a position to make economic recovery after tough reforms.

Khan said that the coming year would be a challenge for Pakistan and also for the rest of the world.

"After the pandemic, every country looked within and became insular. But ultimately we are all connected and the response has to be global," he said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that developing countries like Pakistan face the dilemma of whether to protect their people from COVID-19 or hunger as he defended his decision to ease the nationwide lockdown to save millions of people who would have starved to death due to the coronavirus-related restrictions.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said that developing countries like Pakistan face the dilemma of whether to protect their people from COVID-19 or hunger as he defended his decision to ease the nationwide lockdown to save millions of people who would have starved to death due to the coronavirus-related restrictions. Khan made the comments while addressing the the World Economic Forum through a video link, highlighting the economic vulnerabilities of the developing countries in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. "We had to face a twin challenge. One was to stem the growth of the virus, but the bigger challenge is how to mitigate the effects of lockdown on our population and rising poverty," he said. Also read: Pakistan plans to seek $2 billion in loans from World Bank, ADB Pakistan on May 9 began easing the month-long nationwide lockdown in a phased manner by allowing various businesses to open up, citing the economic crisis due to the shutdown. Khan defended his policy of easing the lockdown as millions would have starved if the government had not lifted the lockdown meant to curb the spread of the coronavirus. "In Pakistan, we have 25 million workers who are either daily wagers or are self-employed, and these are 25 million families. I say it has affected 120-150 million in total," he said. Also read: Now, Pakistan digs up $680 million scam linked to China's CPEC He said that the Pakistan government made a critical decision to provide cash to poor families and so far 15 million families had received money. "These people are facing stark poverty, and unless these people work, they will starve," he said, adding that his government started a cash disbursement programme but that is only a "short term solution." Khan supported the effort by the G-20 nations to come up with debt relief, saying it would help divert resources to fight the pandemic. "G-20 countries are coming up with a debt relief [initiative] but we need more details. The reason why there should be [such an initiative] is because we need that fiscal space to divert resources to healthcare and the environment," he said. He said already a lot of the developing countries lack the fiscal space to put money into healthcare and it was now becoming even more difficult due to their economic fallout from the COVID-19 outbreak. "I have spoken to the leaders of Nigeria, Ethiopia and Egypt and they told me that they were facing similar issues such as drop in exports and revenue," he said. Khan said that the pandemic did not hit the developing countries like Pakistan, India and Bangladesh with the speed as it did in the Europe and the US. "Firstly, the speed with which the virus spread in the Europe and the US, it didn't spread in the same way here," he said, adding that countries like Pakistan faced tough economic challenges. He said the virus hit Pakistan at the worst time when it was in a position to make economic recovery after tough reforms. Khan said that the coming year would be a challenge for Pakistan and also for the rest of the world. "After the pandemic, every country looked within and became insular. But ultimately we are all connected and the response has to be global," he said.

Millions would have starved if COVID-19 lockdown was not eased: Pak PM

Two teenage girls were murdered for the sake of 'honour' supposedly by a relative in a town situated on the border of Pakistan's North and South Waziristan tribal areas after a video of them with a youngster surfaced via social media platforms, police said.

Both girls said to be aged 16 and 18, were shot dead by male relatives in their remote village in Pakistan’s North Waziristan province this week after footage was posted online of them in the company of a young man in a secluded area.

The killings took place on May 14 at Shaam Plain Garyom village in North Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, according to the official.

A case of murder was registered and a manhunt was launched to nab the culprits, the official from the Razmal Police Station said. 
&nbsp; 
The cause was a 52-second video showing a young man talking with three girls, the official said, adding that two of the girls in the video have been killed while the whereabouts of the third one was not known.

Though the third one was said to be alive, her life could be in danger, the police official said.

There was a threat to the life of the man as well.

The incident comes nearly eight years after the 2012 Kohistan video scandal, in which three women were killed for the honour after a grainy video showing them singing and clapping while two boys danced had gone viral in the ultra-conservative and remote district.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two teenage girls were murdered for the sake of 'honour' supposedly by a relative in a town situated on the border of Pakistan's North and South Waziristan tribal areas after a video of them with a youngster surfaced via social media platforms, police said.

Two teenage girls were murdered for the sake of 'honour' supposedly by a relative in a town situated on the border of Pakistan's North and South Waziristan tribal areas after a video of them with a youngster surfaced via social media platforms, police said. Both girls said to be aged 16 and 18, were shot dead by male relatives in their remote village in Pakistan’s North Waziristan province this week after footage was posted online of them in the company of a young man in a secluded area. The killings took place on May 14 at Shaam Plain Garyom village in North Waziristan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, according to the official. A case of murder was registered and a manhunt was launched to nab the culprits, the official from the Razmal Police Station said. The cause was a 52-second video showing a young man talking with three girls, the official said, adding that two of the girls in the video have been killed while the whereabouts of the third one was not known. Though the third one was said to be alive, her life could be in danger, the police official said. There was a threat to the life of the man as well. The incident comes nearly eight years after the 2012 Kohistan video scandal, in which three women were killed for the honour after a grainy video showing them singing and clapping while two boys danced had gone viral in the ultra-conservative and remote district. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Pakistani teenage girls in Waziristan village killed for 'honour' over leaked mobile video

The popular social media platform, Twitter, stopped working in Pakistan on Sunday out of the blue.&nbsp;However, the users are able to access their account only using the Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Twitter has, till now, not responded to the complaints on this issue.

"Disruption to Twitter and Periscope registered across Pakistan with impact to multiple networks; incident ongoing," said NetBlocks.org, an internet's observatory which tracks disruptions and shutdowns across the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/two-pakistani-teenage-girls-in-waziristan-village-killed-for-honour-over-leaked-mobile-video-299367">Also read:&nbsp;Two Pakistani teenage girls in Waziristan village killed for 'honour' over leaked mobile video</a>

A user&nbsp;named the Downdetector showed a live outage in Pakistan. Locals are alleging&nbsp;that the nationwide disruption has been caused by the Pakistan government to impede the SAATH Virtual Conference, being held to discuss the issue of enforced disappearances of minorities in Pakistan.

"Can`t connect to Zoom either. Some people are claiming both have been blocked on most ISPs because of the #SAATHVirtualConf2020. Don`t know if this is true, but if so then it seems pretty counterproductive since I only found out about the conference because of this," said Reema Khurshid, another Twitter user from Pakistan.

Some users also alleged that the video-conferencing application, Zoom, is also not working in Pakistan.

(With inputs from ANI)

The popular social media platform, Twitter, stopped working in Pakistan on Sunday out of the blue. However, the users are able to access their account only using the Virtual Private Network (VPN).

The popular social media platform, Twitter, stopped working in Pakistan on Sunday out of the blue. However, the users are able to access their account only using the Virtual Private Network (VPN). Twitter has, till now, not responded to the complaints on this issue. "Disruption to Twitter and Periscope registered across Pakistan with impact to multiple networks; incident ongoing," said NetBlocks.org, an internet's observatory which tracks disruptions and shutdowns across the world. Also read: Two Pakistani teenage girls in Waziristan village killed for 'honour' over leaked mobile video A user named the Downdetector showed a live outage in Pakistan. Locals are alleging that the nationwide disruption has been caused by the Pakistan government to impede the SAATH Virtual Conference, being held to discuss the issue of enforced disappearances of minorities in Pakistan. "Can`t connect to Zoom either. Some people are claiming both have been blocked on most ISPs because of the #SAATHVirtualConf2020. Don`t know if this is true, but if so then it seems pretty counterproductive since I only found out about the conference because of this," said Reema Khurshid, another Twitter user from Pakistan. Some users also alleged that the video-conferencing application, Zoom, is also not working in Pakistan. (With inputs from ANI)

Government is throttling service: Twitterati react after Twitter stops working in Pakistan

Pakistan's coronavirus cases crossed 40,000 on Sunday after 1,352 new infections were detected, while the death toll in the country has gone up to 873 with nearly 40 more people succumbing to COVID-19, health authorities said on Sunday.

The Ministry of National Health Services said that out of the total 40,151 cases, Sindh has recorded 15,590, Punjab 14,584, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 5,847, Balochistan 2,544, Islamabad 947, Gilgit-Baltistan 527 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 112.

A total of 39 people have died during the last 24 hours, taking the number of fatalities to 873, while another 11,341 people have fully recovered, it said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-army-shells-forward-areas-along-loc-in-poonch-299160">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan Army shells forward areas along LoC in Poonch</a>

So far, 373,410 tests have been conducted in the country, including 14,175 in the last 24 hours, it added. 
Despite the increase in number of infections, the Pakistan government has relaxed the lockdown restrictions and most of the country has been opened up for business.

Selective lockdown policy has been adopted to restrict movement in areas badly hit by the infection, according to Information Ministry Shibli Faraz.

Pakistan resumed domestic flight operations in a phased manner on Saturday and transport services will commence from Monday. The largest province of Punjab has announced that it will allow the public transport to start operations from the start of the week.

Pakistan has also opened its border with Afghanistan and both the Torkham and Chaman border points would be operational for the whole week to facilitate trade and movement of the people.

Ministry of Interior said on Saturday that there would be no limit on the number of trucks crossing from Monday to Friday and on Sunday. Saturdays would be reserved for movement of people.

The deadly coronavirus which originated from China's Wuhan city in December last year has claimed 311,821 lives and infected over 4.6 million people, according to Johns Hopkins University data.&nbsp;

Pakistan's coronavirus cases crossed 40,000 on Sunday after 1,352 new infections were detected, while the death toll in the country has gone up to 873 with nearly 40 more people succumbing to COVID-19, health authorities said on Sunday.

Pakistan's coronavirus cases crossed 40,000 on Sunday after 1,352 new infections were detected, while the death toll in the country has gone up to 873 with nearly 40 more people succumbing to COVID-19, health authorities said on Sunday. The Ministry of National Health Services said that out of the total 40,151 cases, Sindh has recorded 15,590, Punjab 14,584, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 5,847, Balochistan 2,544, Islamabad 947, Gilgit-Baltistan 527 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 112. A total of 39 people have died during the last 24 hours, taking the number of fatalities to 873, while another 11,341 people have fully recovered, it said. Also read: Pakistan Army shells forward areas along LoC in Poonch So far, 373,410 tests have been conducted in the country, including 14,175 in the last 24 hours, it added. Despite the increase in number of infections, the Pakistan government has relaxed the lockdown restrictions and most of the country has been opened up for business. Selective lockdown policy has been adopted to restrict movement in areas badly hit by the infection, according to Information Ministry Shibli Faraz. Pakistan resumed domestic flight operations in a phased manner on Saturday and transport services will commence from Monday. The largest province of Punjab has announced that it will allow the public transport to start operations from the start of the week. Pakistan has also opened its border with Afghanistan and both the Torkham and Chaman border points would be operational for the whole week to facilitate trade and movement of the people. Ministry of Interior said on Saturday that there would be no limit on the number of trucks crossing from Monday to Friday and on Sunday. Saturdays would be reserved for movement of people. The deadly coronavirus which originated from China's Wuhan city in December last year has claimed 311,821 lives and infected over 4.6 million people, according to Johns Hopkins University data.

COVID 19: Pakistan's coronavirus cases cross 40,000 mark

Pakistan's fiscal deficit will be significantly worse than projected this fiscal year, with the fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic pushing millions into unemployment and poverty, according to government estimates reviewed by Reuters.

Pakistan began a phased lifting of its countrywide lockdown last week despite a rising rate of cases – a move pushed primarily by fears of an economic meltdown. The country has reported 35,788 COVID-19 cases and 770 deaths.

Due to "a shortfall in revenues; re-prioritising of expenditures and increase in public spending," the post-pandemic fiscal deficit could reach as high as 9.4% against an earlier projection of 7.4%, one of the finance ministry documents seen by Reuters said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-generals-confess-abusing-prisoners-in-rakhine-state-298737">Also read:&nbsp;Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state</a>

Two government officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity that in recent meetings on the financial situation there were fears the deficit could even hit double digits.

That is higher than the previous upper estimate of 9% predicted by Pakistan's finance chief Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in a May 8 interview with Reuters.

Shaikh said on Thursday it is hard to give specific numbers given the pandemic's uncertainty, although the economy is to likely contract -1% to -1.5%.

"We think that right now where we're is likely to worsen," he said addressing a webinar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-to-resume-domestic-flights-from-saturday-298849">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan to resume domestic flights from Saturday</a>

The impact on workers and poorer people is also stark, with estimates that the poverty headcount will rise from 24.3% to a base case of 29%, and a worst-case scenario of 33.5%, the documents said.

At least 3 million people will lose their jobs - 1 million in the industrial sector and 2 million in services.

The documents noted that Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, an autonomous research organisation set up by the government, has projected job losses could reach 18 million.

Tax collection dropped sharply by 16.4% in April, the internal estimates showed.

They also stated that exports are likely to fall by $2.8 billion to $3.8 billion, with a negative impact on remittances from the Middle East, United States and Europe, which are likely to remain around $20 billion to $21 billion against $21.8 billion in 2019.

However, a slump in imports will cut Pakistan's current account deficit to $4.5 billion in the fiscal year, from $13.8 billion in 2019.

The estimates say the economy will contract 1.5% for financial year 2020 against a rise of 3.29% in 2019.

Pakistan has already rolled out a 1.24 trillion Pakistani rupee ($7.71 billion) stimulus to support the economy and cash handouts to the poor.

Moody's on Thursday placed Pakistan's local and foreign currency long-term issuer B3 ratings under review for downgrade, citing a potential default on private sector debt.

External help

Officials say Pakistan is confident of getting at least $5.4 billion in external financial help, including $1.386 billion already received from the IMF as rapid financing to mitigate the coronavirus losses, and a debt rescheduling of $1.8 billion from G20 countries.

That is aside from money expected from the IMF's three-year $6 billion support programme the country entered last year, according to two officials familiar with the situation.

"Our external finance outlook appears to be very good at the moment," one of the top officials told Reuters. "Our expectation and our assessment is very positive."

The officials said Pakistan was receiving $500 million in coronavirus-related support from the Asian Development Bank, and around $1 billion from the World Bank, that will also carry forward another $700 million in projects from last year.

Pakistan has also requested long-time ally China to roll over payments related to the power projects set up as part of Belt and Road initiative.

Finance chief Shaikh is to present a budget in two weeks aimed at finding ways to generate revenues and cut expenditures.

Pakistan's fiscal deficit will be significantly worse than projected this fiscal year, with the fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic pushing millions into unemployment and poverty, according to government estimates reviewed by Reuters.

Pakistan's fiscal deficit will be significantly worse than projected this fiscal year, with the fallout from the novel coronavirus pandemic pushing millions into unemployment and poverty, according to government estimates reviewed by Reuters. Pakistan began a phased lifting of its countrywide lockdown last week despite a rising rate of cases – a move pushed primarily by fears of an economic meltdown. The country has reported 35,788 COVID-19 cases and 770 deaths. Due to "a shortfall in revenues; re-prioritising of expenditures and increase in public spending," the post-pandemic fiscal deficit could reach as high as 9.4% against an earlier projection of 7.4%, one of the finance ministry documents seen by Reuters said. Also read: Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state Two government officials told Reuters on condition of anonymity that in recent meetings on the financial situation there were fears the deficit could even hit double digits. That is higher than the previous upper estimate of 9% predicted by Pakistan's finance chief Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in a May 8 interview with Reuters. Shaikh said on Thursday it is hard to give specific numbers given the pandemic's uncertainty, although the economy is to likely contract -1% to -1.5%. "We think that right now where we're is likely to worsen," he said addressing a webinar. Also read: Pakistan to resume domestic flights from Saturday The impact on workers and poorer people is also stark, with estimates that the poverty headcount will rise from 24.3% to a base case of 29%, and a worst-case scenario of 33.5%, the documents said. At least 3 million people will lose their jobs - 1 million in the industrial sector and 2 million in services. The documents noted that Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, an autonomous research organisation set up by the government, has projected job losses could reach 18 million. Tax collection dropped sharply by 16.4% in April, the internal estimates showed. They also stated that exports are likely to fall by $2.8 billion to $3.8 billion, with a negative impact on remittances from the Middle East, United States and Europe, which are likely to remain around $20 billion to $21 billion against $21.8 billion in 2019. However, a slump in imports will cut Pakistan's current account deficit to $4.5 billion in the fiscal year, from $13.8 billion in 2019. The estimates say the economy will contract 1.5% for financial year 2020 against a rise of 3.29% in 2019. Pakistan has already rolled out a 1.24 trillion Pakistani rupee ($7.71 billion) stimulus to support the economy and cash handouts to the poor. Moody's on Thursday placed Pakistan's local and foreign currency long-term issuer B3 ratings under review for downgrade, citing a potential default on private sector debt. External help Officials say Pakistan is confident of getting at least $5.4 billion in external financial help, including $1.386 billion already received from the IMF as rapid financing to mitigate the coronavirus losses, and a debt rescheduling of $1.8 billion from G20 countries. That is aside from money expected from the IMF's three-year $6 billion support programme the country entered last year, according to two officials familiar with the situation. "Our external finance outlook appears to be very good at the moment," one of the top officials told Reuters. "Our expectation and our assessment is very positive." The officials said Pakistan was receiving $500 million in coronavirus-related support from the Asian Development Bank, and around $1 billion from the World Bank, that will also carry forward another $700 million in projects from last year. Pakistan has also requested long-time ally China to roll over payments related to the power projects set up as part of Belt and Road initiative. Finance chief Shaikh is to present a budget in two weeks aimed at finding ways to generate revenues and cut expenditures.

Pakistan's fiscal deficit to reach 9.4% post-pandemic

Pakistan will resume domestic flights in a phased manner from Saturday after the government eased some of the restrictions imposed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country that has claimed the lives of over 800 people.

The Pakistan government last week said that it would begin a phased lifting of the lockdown due to its effect on the economy and the workforce.

Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) announced to resume the domestic flights operations from Saturday, The Express Tribune reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-army-generals-confess-abusing-prisoners-in-rakhine-state-298737">Also read:&nbsp;Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state</a>

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Serene Air will operate flights in the morning and afternoon. 
It said that 68 flights will operate from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, 32 from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, 32 from Islamabad International Airport, eight from Quetta International Airport and four from Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, the nationwide tally of the coronavirus cases on Friday soared to 37,218 after 1,430 new cases were reported.

A total of 10,155 patients have so far recovered from the virus. The total number of COVID-19 deaths in the country also reached 803 with 33 new fatalities reported during the last 24 hours.

Punjab province reported 13,914 cases, Sindh 14,099, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 5,423, Balochistan 2,310, Islamabad 866, Gilgit-Baltistan 501 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 105.

So far, 344,450 tests have been conducted, including 13,700 during the last 24 hours.

After easing the restrictions for the last four days, the Punjab government on Friday imposed a three-day lockdown throughout the province.

All markets across the province will remain closed except the grocery stores which will remain open from 9am to 5pm. Medical stores will operate even after 5pm.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan joined a call by world leaders for a "peoples' vaccine" to combat the coronavirus.

"We must work together to beat this virus," the Prime Minister's Office quoted Khan as saying.&nbsp;

Pakistan will resume domestic flights in a phased manner from Saturday after the government eased some of the restrictions imposed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country that has claimed the lives of over 800 people.

Pakistan will resume domestic flights in a phased manner from Saturday after the government eased some of the restrictions imposed following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country that has claimed the lives of over 800 people. The Pakistan government last week said that it would begin a phased lifting of the lockdown due to its effect on the economy and the workforce. Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA) announced to resume the domestic flights operations from Saturday, The Express Tribune reported. Also read: Myanmar army generals confess abusing prisoners in Rakhine state Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Serene Air will operate flights in the morning and afternoon. It said that 68 flights will operate from Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, 32 from Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, 32 from Islamabad International Airport, eight from Quetta International Airport and four from Bacha Khan International Airport in Peshawar. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, the nationwide tally of the coronavirus cases on Friday soared to 37,218 after 1,430 new cases were reported. A total of 10,155 patients have so far recovered from the virus. The total number of COVID-19 deaths in the country also reached 803 with 33 new fatalities reported during the last 24 hours. Punjab province reported 13,914 cases, Sindh 14,099, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 5,423, Balochistan 2,310, Islamabad 866, Gilgit-Baltistan 501 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 105. So far, 344,450 tests have been conducted, including 13,700 during the last 24 hours. After easing the restrictions for the last four days, the Punjab government on Friday imposed a three-day lockdown throughout the province. All markets across the province will remain closed except the grocery stores which will remain open from 9am to 5pm. Medical stores will operate even after 5pm. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan joined a call by world leaders for a "peoples' vaccine" to combat the coronavirus. "We must work together to beat this virus," the Prime Minister's Office quoted Khan as saying.

Pakistan to resume domestic flights from Saturday

Pakistan's&nbsp;radio broadcaster, Radio Pakistan,&nbsp;put out a tweet on Sunday with maximum and minimum temperatures in Ladakh. However, contrary to its expectation, it was trolled by Twitteratis as the weather forecast was broadcasted with a major error.

The tweet from the Pakistani Twitter handle read:&nbsp;"In Ladakh, maximum temperature is -4 degree centigrade and minimum temperature is -1 degree centigrade."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-state-run-media-starts-providing-weather-update-of-j-k-297818">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan's state-run media starts providing weather update of J-K</a>

However, Twitter observed the mistake in the tweet and quickly pointed out that&nbsp;-4 degree centigrade was lower than -1 degree centigrade, and therefore cannot be the maximum temperature.

This error led to Pakistan being subjected to yet another thread of jokes and memes.

"Wrong… max should be -1 and minimum should be -4," wrote a user.

"Ye tweet padh ke Pakistan ki maximum aukat aur minimum IQ pata chal gayi..(After reading the tweet one gets to know Pakistan's maximum status and minimum IQ)," joked&nbsp;another twitterati.

"RIP common sense!!! -4 max and - 1 min??? Kon se gole se science padhe ho (where have you studied science from)???" another user tweeted.

The tweet, that led to trolling, came days&nbsp;after India started the coverage of weather of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

India started broadcasting weather reports of PoK towns of Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit-Baltistan after Amit Khare, the Secretary of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Friday, issued order to&nbsp;All India Radio and DD News.

Pakistan's radio broadcaster, Radio Pakistan, put out a tweet on Sunday with maximum and minimum temperatures in Ladakh. However, contrary to its expectation, it was trolled by Twitteratis as the weather forecast was broadcasted with a major error.

Pakistan's radio broadcaster, Radio Pakistan, put out a tweet on Sunday with maximum and minimum temperatures in Ladakh. However, contrary to its expectation, it was trolled by Twitteratis as the weather forecast was broadcasted with a major error. The tweet from the Pakistani Twitter handle read: "In Ladakh, maximum temperature is -4 degree centigrade and minimum temperature is -1 degree centigrade." Also read: Pakistan's state-run media starts providing weather update of J-K However, Twitter observed the mistake in the tweet and quickly pointed out that -4 degree centigrade was lower than -1 degree centigrade, and therefore cannot be the maximum temperature. This error led to Pakistan being subjected to yet another thread of jokes and memes. "Wrong… max should be -1 and minimum should be -4," wrote a user. "Ye tweet padh ke Pakistan ki maximum aukat aur minimum IQ pata chal gayi..(After reading the tweet one gets to know Pakistan's maximum status and minimum IQ)," joked another twitterati. "RIP common sense!!! -4 max and - 1 min??? Kon se gole se science padhe ho (where have you studied science from)???" another user tweeted. The tweet, that led to trolling, came days after India started the coverage of weather of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India started broadcasting weather reports of PoK towns of Mirpur, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit-Baltistan after Amit Khare, the Secretary of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, on Friday, issued order to All India Radio and DD News.

Radio Pakistan copies Indian broadcasters; gets trolled on Twitter

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients crossed 30,000 in Pakistan after the emergence of nearly 1,300 new infections, while the death toll stood at 667, it was reported on Monday.

The country registered its highest number of cases for three consecutive days with the government lifting the coronavirus-induced lockdown in phases.

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 1,476 new COVID-19 patients were identified during the last 24 hours.

A total of 28 more people have died in the same period, taking the tally of COVID-19 deaths in Pakistan to 667, it said, adding that 8,212 people have recovered.

Out of the total 30,941 cases, Punjab reported 11,568 infections, Sindh 11,480, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 4,669, Balochistan 2,017, Islamabad 679, Gilgit-Baltistan 442 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 86.

So far, the authorities have conducted 294,894 tests, including 11,369 in the last 24 hours, the ministry said.

An army officer was among the new COVID-19 fatalities reported.

Pakistani healthcare professionals across the country have also started testing positive for the novel coronavirus in the past few days, with at least 257 confirmed infections among doctors and paramedics between May 5 and May 9.

On Sunday Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said 709 new cases were reported in the province, currently the worst hit, in the past 24 hours pushing its tally to 11,480.

Officials have recorded more than 4.13 million cases and more than 281,000 deaths since the virus emerged in China in December.

(With inputs from agencies)

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients crossed 30,000 in Pakistan after the emergence of nearly 1,300 new infections, while the death toll stood at 667, it was reported on Monday.

The nationwide tally of COVID-19 patients crossed 30,000 in Pakistan after the emergence of nearly 1,300 new infections, while the death toll stood at 667, it was reported on Monday. The country registered its highest number of cases for three consecutive days with the government lifting the coronavirus-induced lockdown in phases. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 1,476 new COVID-19 patients were identified during the last 24 hours. A total of 28 more people have died in the same period, taking the tally of COVID-19 deaths in Pakistan to 667, it said, adding that 8,212 people have recovered. Out of the total 30,941 cases, Punjab reported 11,568 infections, Sindh 11,480, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa 4,669, Balochistan 2,017, Islamabad 679, Gilgit-Baltistan 442 and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir 86. So far, the authorities have conducted 294,894 tests, including 11,369 in the last 24 hours, the ministry said. An army officer was among the new COVID-19 fatalities reported. Pakistani healthcare professionals across the country have also started testing positive for the novel coronavirus in the past few days, with at least 257 confirmed infections among doctors and paramedics between May 5 and May 9. On Sunday Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said 709 new cases were reported in the province, currently the worst hit, in the past 24 hours pushing its tally to 11,480. Officials have recorded more than 4.13 million cases and more than 281,000 deaths since the virus emerged in China in December. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's coronavirus cases rise to 30,941; death toll at 667

Pakistan has brought back almost 20,000 Pakistan nationals back to the country through their&nbsp;repatriation operation. Out of those, hundred of Pakistan citizens&nbsp;have tested positive for coronavirus.

These people were&nbsp;were repatriated from the Middle East. Majority of them are unskilled labourers who lost their job due to the pandemic&nbsp;and were living in cramped conditions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-reports-record-1764-new-cases-in-24-hours-total-death-toll-nears-600-297431">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan reports record 1,764 new cases in 24 hours; death toll nears 600</a>

Murad Ali Shah, Sindh's Chief Minister informed in a press conference that out of the 2,069 Pakistan nationals who returned from the Middle East to the southern province of Sindh, more than 500 tested positive.

In the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a senior government official told AFP that more than 200 of the 1,600 passengers repatriated to the city of Peshawar had tested positive.

A total of 110,000 more have registered to come back to the country; this is in addition to the 20,000 citizens&nbsp;who have already been brought home. According to officials, approximately&nbsp;4.5 million Pakistanis work in the Middle East.

"Our ministry of foreign affairs has raised this issue with those countries and we are finding ways so it should not happen again," Moeed Yusuf, Prime Minister's special assistant on national security told the media while explaining how&nbsp;on some flights half the passengers were already infected.

Pakistan has been struggling to fight the virus, as the Pakistan's Army had to take control of the streets to make sure people adhere to lockdown regulations.

(With inputs from AFP)

Pakistan has brought back almost 20,000 Pakistan nationals back to the country through their repatriation operation. Out of those, hundred of Pakistan citizens have tested positive for coronavirus.

Pakistan has brought back almost 20,000 Pakistan nationals back to the country through their repatriation operation. Out of those, hundred of Pakistan citizens have tested positive for coronavirus. These people were were repatriated from the Middle East. Majority of them are unskilled labourers who lost their job due to the pandemic and were living in cramped conditions. Also read: Pakistan reports record 1,764 new cases in 24 hours; death toll nears 600 Murad Ali Shah, Sindh's Chief Minister informed in a press conference that out of the 2,069 Pakistan nationals who returned from the Middle East to the southern province of Sindh, more than 500 tested positive. In the northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a senior government official told AFP that more than 200 of the 1,600 passengers repatriated to the city of Peshawar had tested positive. A total of 110,000 more have registered to come back to the country; this is in addition to the 20,000 citizens who have already been brought home. According to officials, approximately 4.5 million Pakistanis work in the Middle East. "Our ministry of foreign affairs has raised this issue with those countries and we are finding ways so it should not happen again," Moeed Yusuf, Prime Minister's special assistant on national security told the media while explaining how on some flights half the passengers were already infected. Pakistan has been struggling to fight the virus, as the Pakistan's Army had to take control of the streets to make sure people adhere to lockdown regulations. (With inputs from AFP)

More than 500 repatriated Pakistan nationals test positive; 110,000 more register to return home

As the news of&nbsp;Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death was reported, his well-wishers demanded that a proper investigation be launched by the Swedish authorities. His friends, activists and journalists, are alleging&nbsp;Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, to be behind his tragic death.

Sajid Hussain, went to Sweden in 2012 as an exile, and had been missing. His dead body was found on April 23 in the Fyris river outside Uppsala.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/swedish-police-find-body-of-missing-baloch-journalist-296195">Also read:&nbsp;Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist</a>

"The Baloch people are in shock. The Baloch are facing genocide in Balochistan but now even Baloch refugees are not safe in a country like Sweden. We demand proper investigations of this ruthless murder and to provide proper protection to the Baloch people in Europe and other parts of the world,"&nbsp;Professor Naela Quadri, President of the Baloch People`s Congress was quoted by ANI.

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Body of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SajidHussain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SajidHussain</a>, our varsity friend, and a fellow journalist, has been found today in Sweden. I am sharing some of his explosive journalistic work (among many others) published in The News about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a> that has landed him into trouble. 1
— Zia Ur Rehman (@zalmayzia) <a href="https://twitter.com/zalmayzia/status/1256284561815863297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hussain was the Editor-in-Chief of Balochistan Times. His wife has revealed that Hussain suspected he was being followed before he fled to Sweden. She said that her husband's report on&nbsp;a top drug lord Imam Bheel in 2012 had landed him amid some threats, following which he left Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pak-summons-senior-indian-diplomat-over-alleged-ceasefire-violation-296267">Also read:&nbsp;Pak summons senior Indian diplomat over alleged ceasefire violation</a>

"Then some people broke into his house in Quetta when he was out investigating a story. They took away his laptop and other papers too. After that he left Pakistan in September 2012 and never came back," his wife was quoted in Dawn.

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Saddened to hear about the murder of journalist Sajid Hussain. The <a href="https://twitter.com/SweMFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SweMFA</a> govt owes it to his family to@investigate the case and ensure that they find who is behind the gruesome act of killing a refugee
— Ayesha Siddiqa (@iamthedrifter) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamthedrifter/status/1256195675479584769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hussain was known for writing about the human rights violations, state brutalities and barbarism in Balochistan. Like other activists and journalists, who stand up against the barbaric conditions of Balochistan, Hussain too feared for his life.

The Committee to Protest Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders also offered their condolences and demanded a proper investigation be launched.

Balochistan Times also offered condolences on his tragic death. "As a journalist, he was compassionate and wrote extensively on the suffering of the Baloch people. His work often got him into trouble as the authorities did not like his reporting of Balochistan`s forbidden stories, the reason he had to leave and live in exile."

(With inputs from agencies)

As the news of Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death was reported, his well-wishers demanded that a proper investigation be launched by the Swedish authorities.

As the news of Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death was reported, his well-wishers demanded that a proper investigation be launched by the Swedish authorities. His friends, activists and journalists, are alleging Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, to be behind his tragic death. Sajid Hussain, went to Sweden in 2012 as an exile, and had been missing. His dead body was found on April 23 in the Fyris river outside Uppsala. Also read: Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist "The Baloch people are in shock. The Baloch are facing genocide in Balochistan but now even Baloch refugees are not safe in a country like Sweden. We demand proper investigations of this ruthless murder and to provide proper protection to the Baloch people in Europe and other parts of the world," Professor Naela Quadri, President of the Baloch People`s Congress was quoted by ANI. Thread: Body of #SajidHussain, our varsity friend, and a fellow journalist, has been found today in Sweden. I am sharing some of his explosive journalistic work (among many others) published in The News about #Balochistan that has landed him into trouble. 1 — Zia Ur Rehman (@zalmayzia) May 1, 2020 × Hussain was the Editor-in-Chief of Balochistan Times. His wife has revealed that Hussain suspected he was being followed before he fled to Sweden. She said that her husband's report on a top drug lord Imam Bheel in 2012 had landed him amid some threats, following which he left Pakistan. Also read: Pak summons senior Indian diplomat over alleged ceasefire violation "Then some people broke into his house in Quetta when he was out investigating a story. They took away his laptop and other papers too. After that he left Pakistan in September 2012 and never came back," his wife was quoted in Dawn. Saddened to hear about the murder of journalist Sajid Hussain. The @SweMFA govt owes it to his family to@investigate the case and ensure that they find who is behind the gruesome act of killing a refugee — Ayesha Siddiqa (@iamthedrifter) May 1, 2020 × Hussain was known for writing about the human rights violations, state brutalities and barbarism in Balochistan. Like other activists and journalists, who stand up against the barbaric conditions of Balochistan, Hussain too feared for his life. The Committee to Protest Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders also offered their condolences and demanded a proper investigation be launched. Balochistan Times also offered condolences on his tragic death. "As a journalist, he was compassionate and wrote extensively on the suffering of the Baloch people. His work often got him into trouble as the authorities did not like his reporting of Balochistan`s forbidden stories, the reason he had to leave and live in exile." (With inputs from agencies)

ISI behind Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death, say well-wishers

Pakistan on Saturday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register a strong protest over alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in which a woman was killed.

The Foreign Office (FO) claimed in a statement that the Indian forces violated ceasefire in Hajipir and Sankh Sectors on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-remdesivir-as-several-states-ease-lockdown-296248">Also read:&nbsp;US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown</a>

The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons,? the FO said.

It claimed that in 2020, India has so far committed 940 ceasefire violations.

A 30-year-old woman was killed in Friday's "unprovoked firing" by the Indian forces, the FO claimed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/swedish-police-find-body-of-missing-baloch-journalist-296195">Also read:&nbsp;Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist</a>

This is the second time this week that Pakistan has summoned an Indian diplomat.

Pakistan on Thursday summoned the Indian Charge d'Affaires here to protest against the alleged firing by the Indian troops across the Line of Control that resulted in the killing of a Pakistani soldier and two civilians. 
The FO asked the Indian side to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other such incidents of "deliberate" ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB.

The Indian side was also asked to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions, according to the FO. India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the LoC.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Saturday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register a strong protest over alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in which a woman was killed.

Pakistan on Saturday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register a strong protest over alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in which a woman was killed. The Foreign Office (FO) claimed in a statement that the Indian forces violated ceasefire in Hajipir and Sankh Sectors on Friday. Also read: US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons,? the FO said. It claimed that in 2020, India has so far committed 940 ceasefire violations. A 30-year-old woman was killed in Friday's "unprovoked firing" by the Indian forces, the FO claimed. Also read: Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist This is the second time this week that Pakistan has summoned an Indian diplomat. Pakistan on Thursday summoned the Indian Charge d'Affaires here to protest against the alleged firing by the Indian troops across the Line of Control that resulted in the killing of a Pakistani soldier and two civilians. The FO asked the Indian side to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other such incidents of "deliberate" ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB. The Indian side was also asked to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions, according to the FO. India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the LoC.

Pak summons senior Indian diplomat over alleged ceasefire violation

The Pakistan government has authorised the Pakistan army to take over if the public violates lockdown rules. The order has been issued specifically keeping in mind the&nbsp;business community and religious clerics. The decision has been taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The decision came out after a meeting that took place at the ISI Headquarters in Rawalpindi on April 23. The meeting was attended by Imran Khan, COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, DG-ISI Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed, some of the Cabinet ministers and advisors. The motive of the meeting was to discuss the tense situation in the country and to plan counter measures in case of emergencies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mosques-could-close-forever-due-to-coronavirus-lockdown-says-muslim-council-of-britain-294493">Also read:&nbsp;UK mosques could close forever due to coronavirus lockdown, says Muslim Council of Britain</a>

This is not the first time Imran Khan has been overpowered by the country's army. On March 22, Prime Minister addressed the nation and explained his reasons for not imposing a complete lockdown, stating that a lot of people would lose their jobs. However, few hours later&nbsp;Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Babar Iftikhar announced a complete lockdown. Following the announcement, military was deployed in the country&nbsp;an was seen handling the COVID-19 response through the National Core Committee, a body set up to coordinate policy between the national and provincial governments.

However, business community and religious clerics have claimed they will continue to operate their day-to-day life normal.&nbsp;According to sources, it was agreed in principle during the meeting that police, rangers and even troops can be used to maintain law and order if the business community and religious clerics attempt to cross their limit and violate the lockdown instructions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ramzan-amitabh-bachchan-sonam-kapoor-others-wish-fans-urge-people-to-stay-at-home-294517">Also read:&nbsp;Ramzan: Amitabh Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor &amp; others wish fans, urge people to stay at home</a>

Ramazan is an important month for the Muslim community all over the world. While the community is doing its best to stay indoors and celebrate from their homes, the situation seems to be tense in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Several violators were reportedly arrested in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other cities on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan.

"The situation will worsen soon if the government would not ease its restrictions since poor people are very frustrated of not getting food and other basic amenities," the sources said, adding "government system is not effective".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-to-keep-mosques-open-during-ramadan-coronavirus-outbreak-294348">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan to keep mosques open during Ramadan | Coronavirus Outbreak</a>

Total number of reported positive coronavirus cases have risen to&nbsp;12,723 with a death toll of 269. However, several questions have been raised on whether the actual number is as reported. The Pakistan government, following the figures, extended the lockdown till May 09.

The health officials of the country have been staging protests for weeks claiming that the&nbsp;hospitals are suffering from acute&nbsp;shortage&nbsp;of safety gear.

"Overall circumstances are not short of civilian disobedience if the government does not relax its strict measures to maintain lockdown effectively, it will face a difficult position," sources said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-reject-afghan-ceasefire-offer-during-ramadan-294562">Also read:&nbsp;Taliban reject Afghan ceasefire offer during Ramadan</a>

Dismissing reports of having made a vaccine for coronavirus, Advisor on Health Zafar Mirza informed the media that there is no coronavirus vaccine presently

“Let me clarify that while there are several initiatives to develop vaccines across the world, there is no such initiative in Pakistan at the moment," he said.

However, he confirmed the reports of a Chinese and Japanese manufacturer contacting the country for developing a vaccine.&nbsp;“We have asked for more information from them," Mirza said.

The Pakistan government has authorised the Pakistan army to take over if the public violates lockdown rules. The order has been issued specifically keeping in mind the business community and religious clerics.

The Pakistan government has authorised the Pakistan army to take over if the public violates lockdown rules. The order has been issued specifically keeping in mind the business community and religious clerics. The decision has been taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan to contain the spread of coronavirus. The decision came out after a meeting that took place at the ISI Headquarters in Rawalpindi on April 23. The meeting was attended by Imran Khan, COAS Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, DG-ISI Lt. Gen Faiz Hameed, some of the Cabinet ministers and advisors. The motive of the meeting was to discuss the tense situation in the country and to plan counter measures in case of emergencies. Also read: UK mosques could close forever due to coronavirus lockdown, says Muslim Council of Britain This is not the first time Imran Khan has been overpowered by the country's army. On March 22, Prime Minister addressed the nation and explained his reasons for not imposing a complete lockdown, stating that a lot of people would lose their jobs. However, few hours later Pakistan Army spokesperson Major General Babar Iftikhar announced a complete lockdown. Following the announcement, military was deployed in the country an was seen handling the COVID-19 response through the National Core Committee, a body set up to coordinate policy between the national and provincial governments. However, business community and religious clerics have claimed they will continue to operate their day-to-day life normal. According to sources, it was agreed in principle during the meeting that police, rangers and even troops can be used to maintain law and order if the business community and religious clerics attempt to cross their limit and violate the lockdown instructions. Also read: Ramzan: Amitabh Bachchan, Sonam Kapoor & others wish fans, urge people to stay at home Ramazan is an important month for the Muslim community all over the world. While the community is doing its best to stay indoors and celebrate from their homes, the situation seems to be tense in Pakistan. Several violators were reportedly arrested in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Islamabad and other cities on the first day of the holy month of Ramadan. "The situation will worsen soon if the government would not ease its restrictions since poor people are very frustrated of not getting food and other basic amenities," the sources said, adding "government system is not effective". Also read: Pakistan to keep mosques open during Ramadan | Coronavirus Outbreak Total number of reported positive coronavirus cases have risen to 12,723 with a death toll of 269. However, several questions have been raised on whether the actual number is as reported. The Pakistan government, following the figures, extended the lockdown till May 09. The health officials of the country have been staging protests for weeks claiming that the hospitals are suffering from acute shortage of safety gear. "Overall circumstances are not short of civilian disobedience if the government does not relax its strict measures to maintain lockdown effectively, it will face a difficult position," sources said. Also read: Taliban reject Afghan ceasefire offer during Ramadan Dismissing reports of having made a vaccine for coronavirus, Advisor on Health Zafar Mirza informed the media that there is no coronavirus vaccine presently “Let me clarify that while there are several initiatives to develop vaccines across the world, there is no such initiative in Pakistan at the moment," he said. However, he confirmed the reports of a Chinese and Japanese manufacturer contacting the country for developing a vaccine. “We have asked for more information from them," Mirza said.

Imran Khan's government authorises army to take over in case of lockdown violations

The number of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-set-to-get-tested-for-coronavirus-294001">coronavirus</a> cases in Pakistan has shot up to over 10,000 with Sindh and Punjab province together accounting for over 7,000 cases.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-punjab-province-records-474-new-coronavirus-cases-197-dead-nationwide-293798">Also Read:&nbsp;Pakistan's Punjab province records 474 new coronavirus cases; 197 dead nationwide</a>

The death toll due to the virus has reached 212 in the country.

Pakistan's Punjab province reported three more cases as the number of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,331. Sindh health minister Pechuho said the "peak" in cases would occur in May with authorites on alert as cases have spiked in recent weeks.

The Pakistan government has pledged large scale support to the Sindh government as the number of cases continue to rise as 320 people tested positive for COVID-19.&nbsp;Sindh also recorded three new deaths.

The country reported 83 cases in which patients recovered from the virus even as nine more coronavirus cases were reported in Islamabad in the last 24 hours.

Gilgit-Baltistan also recorded two more cases of the virus on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Pakistan PM Imran Khan underwent a coronavirus test authorities said. The results of the test are due to be out today.

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has shot up to over 10,000 with Sindh and Punjab province together accounting for over 7,000 cases. Also Read: Pakistan's Punjab province records 474 new coronavirus cases; 197 dead nationwide The death toll due to the virus has reached 212 in the country.

The number of coronavirus cases in Pakistan has shot up to over 10,000 with Sindh and Punjab province together accounting for over 7,000 cases. Also Read: Pakistan's Punjab province records 474 new coronavirus cases; 197 dead nationwide The death toll due to the virus has reached 212 in the country. Pakistan's Punjab province reported three more cases as the number of COVID-19 cases rose to 4,331. Sindh health minister Pechuho said the "peak" in cases would occur in May with authorites on alert as cases have spiked in recent weeks. The Pakistan government has pledged large scale support to the Sindh government as the number of cases continue to rise as 320 people tested positive for COVID-19. Sindh also recorded three new deaths. The country reported 83 cases in which patients recovered from the virus even as nine more coronavirus cases were reported in Islamabad in the last 24 hours. Gilgit-Baltistan also recorded two more cases of the virus on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Pakistan PM Imran Khan underwent a coronavirus test authorities said. The results of the test are due to be out today.

Coronavirus cases cross 10,000 in Pakistan

Pakistan on Thursday pledged to contribute $3 million to the SAARC Coronavirus Emergency Fund proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an initial offer of $10 million from India to help combat the fast-spreading Covid-19 pandemic in the region.

The Foreign Office in a statement said Pakistan's perspective on the utilisation of fund was conveyed during a telephone conversation between Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and SAARC Secretary General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon.

"While communicating Pakistan's decision to the SAARC Secretariat, it has been conveyed that all proceeds of the fund should be administered by the SAARC Secretariat and that the modalities for the fund's utilisation should be finalised through consultations with the Member States as per the SAARC Charter," it said.

In a video conference on forming a joint strategy to fight Covid-19 in the SAARC region, Prime Minister Modi on March 15 proposed the emergency fund with an initial offer of $10 million from India and asserted that the best way to deal with the coronavirus pandemic was by coming together, and not growing apart.

Subsequently, Nepal and Afghanistan pledged $1 million each, Maldives committed $ 200,000, Bhutan $100,000, Bangladesh $1.5 million and Sri Lanka pledged $5 million to the fund.

Founded in 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Apart from Modi, Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza, had participated in the video conference.

The Foreign Office in the statement said being a founding member, Pakistan considers SAARC an important platform for regional cooperation.

"Pakistan remains committed to the SAARC process and will continue working with the Member States to strengthen regional cooperation," it said.

Pakistan on Thursday pledged to contribute $3 million to the SAARC Coronavirus Emergency Fund proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an initial offer of $10 million from India to help combat the fast-spreading Covid-19 pandemic in the region.

Pakistan on Thursday pledged to contribute $3 million to the SAARC Coronavirus Emergency Fund proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with an initial offer of $10 million from India to help combat the fast-spreading Covid-19 pandemic in the region. The Foreign Office in a statement said Pakistan's perspective on the utilisation of fund was conveyed during a telephone conversation between Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood and SAARC Secretary General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon. "While communicating Pakistan's decision to the SAARC Secretariat, it has been conveyed that all proceeds of the fund should be administered by the SAARC Secretariat and that the modalities for the fund's utilisation should be finalised through consultations with the Member States as per the SAARC Charter," it said. In a video conference on forming a joint strategy to fight Covid-19 in the SAARC region, Prime Minister Modi on March 15 proposed the emergency fund with an initial offer of $10 million from India and asserted that the best way to deal with the coronavirus pandemic was by coming together, and not growing apart. Subsequently, Nepal and Afghanistan pledged $1 million each, Maldives committed $ 200,000, Bhutan $100,000, Bangladesh $1.5 million and Sri Lanka pledged $5 million to the fund. Founded in 1985, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) is a regional intergovernmental organisation and geopolitical union of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Apart from Modi, Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering, Bangladesh premier Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani and Special Assistant to Pakistani Prime Minister on Health Zafar Mirza, had participated in the video conference. The Foreign Office in the statement said being a founding member, Pakistan considers SAARC an important platform for regional cooperation. "Pakistan remains committed to the SAARC process and will continue working with the Member States to strengthen regional cooperation," it said.

Pakistan pledges $3 million to SAARC Covid-19 emergency Fund

The IMF has postponed the second review of its $6 billion bailout package for cash-strapped Pakistan scheduled on Friday, citing a delay by the country in implementing the agreed actions, a media report said on Tuesday.

The International Monetary Fund Executive Board approved a three-year, $6 billion loan package for Pakistan in July last year to rein in mounting debts and stave off a looming balance of payments crisis, in exchange for tough austerity measures.

Pakistan approached the IMF in August 2018 for a bailout package after Prime Minister Imran Khan's government took over.

Despite loans from China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Prime Minister Khan's government was forced to turn to the IMF due to mounting economic problems.

The IMF has confirmed the postponing of the second review of the bailout package but says its priority has now shifted to the approval of a rapid financing facility of USD 1.4 billion.

The Ministry of Finance told The Express Tribune that the IMF did not inform it about any delay in the approval of the second review of the 10-month-old loan programme.

In February, Pakistan and the IMF agreed that the fund's executive board would approve the second review for the release of a third loan tranche of USD 450 million on April 10, subject to fulfilling of all the conditions by the Pakistan government.

Sources said the IMF board would not take up Pakistan's request for approval of the second review for the October-December 2019 period under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) on April 10.

The IMF has postponed the second review of its $6 billion bailout package for cash-strapped Pakistan scheduled on Friday, citing a delay by the country in implementing the agreed actions, a media report said on Tuesday.

The IMF has postponed the second review of its $6 billion bailout package for cash-strapped Pakistan scheduled on Friday, citing a delay by the country in implementing the agreed actions, a media report said on Tuesday. The International Monetary Fund Executive Board approved a three-year, $6 billion loan package for Pakistan in July last year to rein in mounting debts and stave off a looming balance of payments crisis, in exchange for tough austerity measures. Pakistan approached the IMF in August 2018 for a bailout package after Prime Minister Imran Khan's government took over. Despite loans from China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Prime Minister Khan's government was forced to turn to the IMF due to mounting economic problems. The IMF has confirmed the postponing of the second review of the bailout package but says its priority has now shifted to the approval of a rapid financing facility of USD 1.4 billion. The Ministry of Finance told The Express Tribune that the IMF did not inform it about any delay in the approval of the second review of the 10-month-old loan programme. In February, Pakistan and the IMF agreed that the fund's executive board would approve the second review for the release of a third loan tranche of USD 450 million on April 10, subject to fulfilling of all the conditions by the Pakistan government. Sources said the IMF board would not take up Pakistan's request for approval of the second review for the October-December 2019 period under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) on April 10.

IMF postpones the second review of $6 billion bailout package for Pakistan

The Young Doctors Association or YDA recently held a protest against the Pakistani government, demanding safety kits for health care staff dealing with suspected coronavirus patients in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

They also raised concerns over no testing kits, masks shortage, no ventilation support and lack of proper isolation wards.

They claimed the government has completely failed to provide these basic requirements in the illegally-occupied region to deal with the crisis.

The protesters also voiced their concern about their salaries which they said are not at par with doctors in other parts of Pakistan.

A protesting doctor said, "Our first demand is Personal Protective Equipment kits, second demand is our salaries. Our allowances should be on par with doctors in Punjab and the Federal. We can continue work only if these demands are addressed".

The protesting doctors warned they will be forced to launch a complete strike and withdraw from their elective services if their demands are not met immediately.

Another protester said, "The public needs to know that Step One, where you will be screened, we do not even have screening kits here. When we get a patient, we can only diagnose on clinical suspicion and most of the patients are rejected. The establishment is fooling around with the public that we do not have any patient burden".

The absence of medical facilities has remained a matter of grave concern since long in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The doctors blamed step-motherly treatment to the illegally-occupied region by Islamabad as the primary cause of their misery.

In PoK, 9 Coronavirus cases are reported whereas in Gilgit Baltistan 190 positive cases are registered.

The Young Doctors Association or YDA recently held a protest against the Pakistani government, demanding safety kits for health care staff dealing with suspected coronavirus patients in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The Young Doctors Association or YDA recently held a protest against the Pakistani government, demanding safety kits for health care staff dealing with suspected coronavirus patients in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. They also raised concerns over no testing kits, masks shortage, no ventilation support and lack of proper isolation wards. They claimed the government has completely failed to provide these basic requirements in the illegally-occupied region to deal with the crisis. The protesters also voiced their concern about their salaries which they said are not at par with doctors in other parts of Pakistan. A protesting doctor said, "Our first demand is Personal Protective Equipment kits, second demand is our salaries. Our allowances should be on par with doctors in Punjab and the Federal. We can continue work only if these demands are addressed". The protesting doctors warned they will be forced to launch a complete strike and withdraw from their elective services if their demands are not met immediately. Another protester said, "The public needs to know that Step One, where you will be screened, we do not even have screening kits here. When we get a patient, we can only diagnose on clinical suspicion and most of the patients are rejected. The establishment is fooling around with the public that we do not have any patient burden". The absence of medical facilities has remained a matter of grave concern since long in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The doctors blamed step-motherly treatment to the illegally-occupied region by Islamabad as the primary cause of their misery. In PoK, 9 Coronavirus cases are reported whereas in Gilgit Baltistan 190 positive cases are registered.

Doctors in PoK protest over no safety kits to deal with COVID-19 patients

A Hindu temple was vandalised in &nbsp;Chachro, Tharparkar area of Pakistan's Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the minority Hindu community.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/another-hindu-girl-abducted-from-paks-sindh-province-forced-to-convert-255030">Also read: Another Hindu girl abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, forced to convert</a>

After the attack on Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, this is the second attack on a temple of any minority community within a month.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-a-hub-of-forced-conversion-accuses-india-of-totalitarianism-and-racism-276082">Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism</a>

The miscreants vandalised the Mata Rani Bhatiyani temple, desecrated the scriptures and idols inside the temple. No arrest has been made yet in the incident.

This heinous incident attracted critical reaction from social media users slamming Imran Khan-led Pakistan government.

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Yet another Hindu temple vandalised in Sindh. The statue and holy scriptures desecrated as a mob attacked the temple of Mata Rani Bhatiyani in Chachro, Tharparkar. <a href="https://t.co/VrKXpi8btd">pic.twitter.com/VrKXpi8btd</a>
— Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1221507805384933378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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हर दूसरे दिन भारत के अल्पसंख्यको पर ट्वीट करने वाले <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> जी पाक में हिंदू सिखो पर हो रहे अत्याचार पर कयों चुप है? 
 
रोज वहाँ बच्चियों का जबरन धर्म परिवर्तन हो रहा; कभी ननकाना साहिब पर हमले की बात और आज माता रानी भटियाणी मंदिर, छाछरो में कुछ गुंडों ने तोड़फोड़ और बेअदबी की <a href="https://t.co/BZv38Mjsvj">pic.twitter.com/BZv38Mjsvj</a>
— Manjinder S Sirsa (@mssirsa) <a href="https://twitter.com/mssirsa/status/1221488524966252544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan has been a hub of&nbsp;religious persecution. The shocking incidents of young non-Muslim girls being made to convert to Islam have become a daily occurrence in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam.

Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted.

According to Pakistan's own human rights commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan.

The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Hindu temple was vandalised in Chachro, Tharparkar area of Pakistan's Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the minority Hindu community.

A Hindu temple was vandalised in Chachro, Tharparkar area of Pakistan's Sindh province after miscreants set fire to holy books and idols inside the premises, leading to shock and fear among the minority Hindu community. Also read: Another Hindu girl abducted from Pakistan's Sindh province, forced to convert After the attack on Nankana Sahib Gurudwara, this is the second attack on a temple of any minority community within a month. Also read: Pakistan, a hub of forced conversion accuses India of totalitarianism and racism The miscreants vandalised the Mata Rani Bhatiyani temple, desecrated the scriptures and idols inside the temple. No arrest has been made yet in the incident. This heinous incident attracted critical reaction from social media users slamming Imran Khan-led Pakistan government. Yet another Hindu temple vandalised in Sindh. The statue and holy scriptures desecrated as a mob attacked the temple of Mata Rani Bhatiyani in Chachro, Tharparkar. pic.twitter.com/VrKXpi8btd — Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) January 26, 2020 × हर दूसरे दिन भारत के अल्पसंख्यको पर ट्वीट करने वाले @ImranKhanPTI जी पाक में हिंदू सिखो पर हो रहे अत्याचार पर कयों चुप है? रोज वहाँ बच्चियों का जबरन धर्म परिवर्तन हो रहा; कभी ननकाना साहिब पर हमले की बात और आज माता रानी भटियाणी मंदिर, छाछरो में कुछ गुंडों ने तोड़फोड़ और बेअदबी की pic.twitter.com/BZv38Mjsvj — Manjinder S Sirsa (@mssirsa) January 26, 2020 × Pakistan has been a hub of religious persecution. The shocking incidents of young non-Muslim girls being made to convert to Islam have become a daily occurrence in Pakistan. Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam. Every month between 40 to 60 Sindhi girls are converted. According to Pakistan's own human rights commission from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan. The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported. (With inputs from agencies)

Another Hindu temple vandalised in Pakistan, holy books, idols burnt

Several gatherings and rallies were held in many cities of Sindh by Jeye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), Jeye Sindh Quami Mahaz (JSQM), Jeye Sindh Aariser group, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mqm-p-declares-support-for-pti-to-constitute-the-central-government-156370">Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM)</a> and other organisations

Thousands of workers, office bearers and supporters of JSMM, JSQM, MQM and other nationalist organisations reached the grave of Syed in his home town Sann, a small town located in Jamshoro District of Sindh Province.

Participants of these rallies were holding the flags of Jeye Sindh and the portraits of late GM Syed, leader of JSMM Shafi Burfat and Altaf Hussain, the founder and leader of MQM. They were holding the main banner in which the pictures of GM Syed, Shafi Burfat and Altaf Hussain were printed. The banner said, "The Sindhi nation do not want to live in a terrorist, theocratic and a fascist state of Pakistan".

Founder and leader of MQM, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mqm-leader-hussain-calls-for-self-determination-for-mohajirs-under-un-charter-194881">Altaf Hussain</a> had appealed to the Sindhis and Mohajirs to celebrate the birthday of late G M Syed in great numbers and to pay tribute to him.

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چیئرمین بی این ایم خلیل بلوچ 
بلوچ اور سندهی کا عظیم مفاد اس بات کا تقاضا کرتا ہے کہ ہم اس سفاک دشمن کے خلاف جدوجہد کی مشترک صورت تلاش کریں تاکہ متحد ہوکر دشمن کا مقابلہ کریں، سرزمین اور سرزمین سے باہر دنیا میں آپسی تعاون و یکجہتی کے طاقت سے دشمن کو شکست دیں.
— JSMM Sindh (@jsmm_sindh) <a href="https://twitter.com/jsmm_sindh/status/953630094630834177?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The official twitter account of JSMM posted this on the day: "Chairman BNM Khalil Baloch;The great interest of Baloch and Sindhi requires that we look for a common form of struggle against this brutal enemy so as to unite and fight the enemy, to defeat the enemy with the power of cooperation and solidarity in the world beyond the mainland and beyond."

Participants of rallies were raising slogans in favour of GM Syed, Shafi Burfat, Altaf Hussain and slain leader of JSQM, Bashir Qureshi. They were chanting slogans "We want Freedom", "Down with Pakistan", "Down with Army", "GM Syed our leader and Sindhu Desh is our fate", "Tuhunjo Desh mohunjo Desh.. Sindhu Desh" (your desh and my Desh...Sindhu Desh), "Altaf Bhai qadam badhao...hum tumhare saath hain".

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/india-news/baloch-activists-hold-anti-pakistan-protest-outside-un-office-seek-intervention-250262">Baloch activists hold anti-Pakistan protest outside UN office; seek intervention</a>

Thousands of Sindhi and Mohajir political workers and men, women, elders, youths and the people of all walks of life laid floral wreath on the shrine of late GM Syed, offered fateha and paid tribute. 
There was a pleasant demonstration of unity and harmony between Sindhis and Mohajirs at the shrine of late GM Syed.

GM Syed was the architect of "Jiy-e-Sindh" movement, aimed at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-plan-for-federal-control-over-karachi-faces-backlash-netizens-demand-separate-nation-for-sindhis-249519">achieving Sindhudesh</a>. He was also the author of more than 60 books, (with) subjects ranging from politics, religion, culture, literature and commentaries on famous poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. He was a political thinker, literary figure and mystic. He dominated the political arena of pre and post-partition era for decades, while he remained in jail for 30 years. 
GM Syed was put under house arrest; his house was declared a sub-jail. He died on April 25, 1995.

Several gatherings and rallies were held in many cities of Sindh by Jeye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), Jeye Sindh Quami Mahaz (JSQM), Jeye Sindh Aariser group, Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) and other organisations Thousands of workers, office bearers and supporters of JSMM, JSQM, MQM and other nationalist organisations reached the grave of Syed in his home town Sann, a small town located in Jamshoro District of Sindh Province.

Several gatherings and rallies were held in many cities of Sindh by Jeye Sindh Muttahida Mahaz (JSMM), Jeye Sindh Quami Mahaz (JSQM), Jeye Sindh Aariser group, Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) and other organisations Thousands of workers, office bearers and supporters of JSMM, JSQM, MQM and other nationalist organisations reached the grave of Syed in his home town Sann, a small town located in Jamshoro District of Sindh Province. Participants of these rallies were holding the flags of Jeye Sindh and the portraits of late GM Syed, leader of JSMM Shafi Burfat and Altaf Hussain, the founder and leader of MQM. They were holding the main banner in which the pictures of GM Syed, Shafi Burfat and Altaf Hussain were printed. The banner said, "The Sindhi nation do not want to live in a terrorist, theocratic and a fascist state of Pakistan". Founder and leader of MQM, Altaf Hussain had appealed to the Sindhis and Mohajirs to celebrate the birthday of late G M Syed in great numbers and to pay tribute to him. چیئرمین بی این ایم خلیل بلوچ بلوچ اور سندهی کا عظیم مفاد اس بات کا تقاضا کرتا ہے کہ ہم اس سفاک دشمن کے خلاف جدوجہد کی مشترک صورت تلاش کریں تاکہ متحد ہوکر دشمن کا مقابلہ کریں، سرزمین اور سرزمین سے باہر دنیا میں آپسی تعاون و یکجہتی کے طاقت سے دشمن کو شکست دیں. — JSMM Sindh (@jsmm_sindh) January 17, 2018 × The official twitter account of JSMM posted this on the day: "Chairman BNM Khalil Baloch;The great interest of Baloch and Sindhi requires that we look for a common form of struggle against this brutal enemy so as to unite and fight the enemy, to defeat the enemy with the power of cooperation and solidarity in the world beyond the mainland and beyond." Participants of rallies were raising slogans in favour of GM Syed, Shafi Burfat, Altaf Hussain and slain leader of JSQM, Bashir Qureshi. They were chanting slogans "We want Freedom", "Down with Pakistan", "Down with Army", "GM Syed our leader and Sindhu Desh is our fate", "Tuhunjo Desh mohunjo Desh.. Sindhu Desh" (your desh and my Desh...Sindhu Desh), "Altaf Bhai qadam badhao...hum tumhare saath hain". Also Read: Baloch activists hold anti-Pakistan protest outside UN office; seek intervention Thousands of Sindhi and Mohajir political workers and men, women, elders, youths and the people of all walks of life laid floral wreath on the shrine of late GM Syed, offered fateha and paid tribute. There was a pleasant demonstration of unity and harmony between Sindhis and Mohajirs at the shrine of late GM Syed. GM Syed was the architect of "Jiy-e-Sindh" movement, aimed at achieving Sindhudesh. He was also the author of more than 60 books, (with) subjects ranging from politics, religion, culture, literature and commentaries on famous poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. He was a political thinker, literary figure and mystic. He dominated the political arena of pre and post-partition era for decades, while he remained in jail for 30 years. GM Syed was put under house arrest; his house was declared a sub-jail. He died on April 25, 1995.

Sindhis celebrate 116th birth anniversary of late GM Syed with fervour

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom."&nbsp;

The United States releases a&nbsp;list of countries with a dubious record on religious freedoms every year.

Nine countries remain on the list and they can be sanctioned by the US government if they do not protect religious freedoms better.

And that's exactly what China and Pakistan have been accused of.

In 2018, Pakistan was designated after a lot of international pressure.

Blasphemy laws, for example, are extremely stringent in Pakistan.The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty.

And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province.

Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them.

Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year.

Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china.

Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom." The United States releases a list of countries with a dubious record on religious freedoms every year. Nine countries remain on the list and they can be sanctioned by the US government if they do not protect religious freedoms better. And that's exactly what China and Pakistan have been accused of. In 2018, Pakistan was designated after a lot of international pressure. Blasphemy laws, for example, are extremely stringent in Pakistan.The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty. And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province. Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them. Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china. Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

US re-designates Pakistan, China as countries curbing religious freedom

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-economic-crisis-countrys-debts-liabilities-exceed-the-size-of-its-gdp-245554">Pakistan</a> on Thursday carried out night training launch of&nbsp;surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan.

The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night.

The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres.It can deliver multiple types of warheads.

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Pakistan successfully carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads upto 290 KMs. CJCSC &amp; Services Chiefs congrat team. President &amp; PM conveyed appreciation to team &amp; congrats to the nation. <a href="https://t.co/hmoUKRPWev">pic.twitter.com/hmoUKRPWev</a>
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1166955085924130816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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These tests are a last-ditch effort by Pakistan to try and internationalise Jammu and Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks.

Pakistan has closed its airspace form August 28 to August 31, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken.

The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests.

Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile.

Reports indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August 26, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005.

According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests three days before the actual testing.But, the Indian government seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests.

The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action.So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan. The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night.

Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan. The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night. The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres.It can deliver multiple types of warheads. Pakistan successfully carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads upto 290 KMs. CJCSC & Services Chiefs congrat team. President & PM conveyed appreciation to team & congrats to the nation. pic.twitter.com/hmoUKRPWev — DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 29, 2019 × These tests are a last-ditch effort by Pakistan to try and internationalise Jammu and Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks. Pakistan has closed its airspace form August 28 to August 31, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken. The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests. Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile. Reports indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August 26, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005. According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests three days before the actual testing.But, the Indian government seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests. The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action.So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

After failure at diplomatic front, Pakistan test-fires Ghaznavi missile

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