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A team of Pakistan’s top anti-graft body has quizzed deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail for over two hours over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany.&nbsp;

A four-member National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team arrived at the Kot Lakhpat Jail (Lahore Central Prison) where the 69-year-old Sharif is serving a seven-year sentence awarded to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case.

A source told Dawn that Sharif insisted upon being given a questionnaire, to which he would reply with the help of his legal counsel.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Nawaz’s daughter, confirmed the investigation by the NAB team in jail where the former prime minister is being held since December 2018 after his conviction.

In a message on her Twitter account on Monday, Maryam rubbished the investigation, point fingers at “fake Prime Minister” Imran Khan who used the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s helicopter for personal use was above the law.

Earlier reports said the NAB team will record the three-time prime minister’s statement in the case of an alleged import of 34 bulletproof vehicles from Germany without payment of customs duty on any of them.

The anti-graft body said the cars were purchased without duty for guests of the 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2016, Geo News reported.

The SAARC Summit, however, did not take place as India boycotted the meeting after the Uri terror attack. Later, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives also pulled out of the summit, culminating in an indefinite postponement of the summit.

According to the NAB, Sharif added 20 of those 34 cars to his own motorcade, and he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz also used the bulletproof vehicles for their personal use.

Former Prime Minister and a member of the PML-N Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s statement has already been recorded, it said.

The anti-graft body also said that officers associated with the foreign ministry misused their authority by allocating the bulletproof cars for the Sharif’s family.

Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court’s July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case.

Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated.

A team of Pakistan’s top anti-graft body has quizzed deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail for over two hours over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany.

A team of Pakistan’s top anti-graft body has quizzed deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail for over two hours over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany. A four-member National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team arrived at the Kot Lakhpat Jail (Lahore Central Prison) where the 69-year-old Sharif is serving a seven-year sentence awarded to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. A source told Dawn that Sharif insisted upon being given a questionnaire, to which he would reply with the help of his legal counsel. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Nawaz’s daughter, confirmed the investigation by the NAB team in jail where the former prime minister is being held since December 2018 after his conviction. In a message on her Twitter account on Monday, Maryam rubbished the investigation, point fingers at “fake Prime Minister” Imran Khan who used the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s helicopter for personal use was above the law. Earlier reports said the NAB team will record the three-time prime minister’s statement in the case of an alleged import of 34 bulletproof vehicles from Germany without payment of customs duty on any of them. The anti-graft body said the cars were purchased without duty for guests of the 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2016, Geo News reported. The SAARC Summit, however, did not take place as India boycotted the meeting after the Uri terror attack. Later, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives also pulled out of the summit, culminating in an indefinite postponement of the summit. According to the NAB, Sharif added 20 of those 34 cars to his own motorcade, and he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz also used the bulletproof vehicles for their personal use. Former Prime Minister and a member of the PML-N Shahid Khaqan Abbasi’s statement has already been recorded, it said. The anti-graft body also said that officers associated with the foreign ministry misused their authority by allocating the bulletproof cars for the Sharif’s family. Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court’s July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated.

Nawaz Sharif quizzed in jail by anti-graft body over illegal purchase of over 30 bulletproof vehicles

The Pakistan government has sought the help of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to probe the recent outbreak of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/panic-spreads-in-southern-pakistan-after-400-test-hiv-positive-219292">HIV in the country’s Sindh province</a>, that has till now affected over 600 people, mostly children, according to a media report.

Till now 681 HIV positive cases have been identified among the 21,375 tested in Ratodero town of Larkana district in the north-west part of the province. Out of the affected 537 are between the ages of 2 to 15. Health officials have attributed the cause to the use of unsanitary equipment, unsafe blood transfusion and rampant malpractice often at the hands of quacks.

“We are expecting a 10-member rapid response team from the WHO and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to arrive in a few days and we will be able to know the exact reason for the outbreak of the disease in Ratodero,” Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, was quoted as saying by the Dawn.

The CDC is a leading public health institute in the US and works with several public health institutions in Pakistan. “We have a hypothesis that they became infected with HIV either through unscreened blood transfusions or usage of infected syringes as they are usually re-packed and re-used in unhygienic conditions. The third reason could be the lack of infection prevention and control and unprotected sex,” he said.

Police last month arrested a doctor for allegedly transferring the virus to his patients. 17 quacks in the district were also held and their clinics sealed earlier this month. Mirza said they have ordered 50,000 more HIV test kits to screen all possible patients and three more HIV treatment centres being planned in Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah and Hyderabad in the province.

He said that the number of reported HIV cases in Pakistan was much lower than the actual number of cases.

According to estimates, 163,000 people were infected with HIV in the country but only 25,000 were registered with state-run HIV programmes and out of that, only about 16,000 came regularly for treatment and medicines. He recalled that there had been HIV outbreaks in the country in the past, including in Sindh in 2016 and in Punjab in 2008.

“Our problem here is that HIV is seen as a big stigma. We need to deal with it with frankness,” Mirza said. According to a UN report, Pakistan now has the second-fastest growing rate of HIV in Asia, with about 20,000 new infections in 2017 alone.

The Pakistan government has sought the help of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to probe the recent outbreak of HIV in the country’s Sindh province, that has till now affected over 600 people, mostly children, according to a media report.

The Pakistan government has sought the help of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to probe the recent outbreak of HIV in the country’s Sindh province, that has till now affected over 600 people, mostly children, according to a media report. Till now 681 HIV positive cases have been identified among the 21,375 tested in Ratodero town of Larkana district in the north-west part of the province. Out of the affected 537 are between the ages of 2 to 15. Health officials have attributed the cause to the use of unsanitary equipment, unsafe blood transfusion and rampant malpractice often at the hands of quacks. “We are expecting a 10-member rapid response team from the WHO and Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to arrive in a few days and we will be able to know the exact reason for the outbreak of the disease in Ratodero,” Zafar Mirza, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, was quoted as saying by the Dawn. The CDC is a leading public health institute in the US and works with several public health institutions in Pakistan. “We have a hypothesis that they became infected with HIV either through unscreened blood transfusions or usage of infected syringes as they are usually re-packed and re-used in unhygienic conditions. The third reason could be the lack of infection prevention and control and unprotected sex,” he said. Police last month arrested a doctor for allegedly transferring the virus to his patients. 17 quacks in the district were also held and their clinics sealed earlier this month. Mirza said they have ordered 50,000 more HIV test kits to screen all possible patients and three more HIV treatment centres being planned in Mirpurkhas, Nawabshah and Hyderabad in the province. He said that the number of reported HIV cases in Pakistan was much lower than the actual number of cases. According to estimates, 163,000 people were infected with HIV in the country but only 25,000 were registered with state-run HIV programmes and out of that, only about 16,000 came regularly for treatment and medicines. He recalled that there had been HIV outbreaks in the country in the past, including in Sindh in 2016 and in Punjab in 2008. “Our problem here is that HIV is seen as a big stigma. We need to deal with it with frankness,” Mirza said. According to a UN report, Pakistan now has the second-fastest growing rate of HIV in Asia, with about 20,000 new infections in 2017 alone.

Pakistan: 537 out of 681 HIV affected between the age of 2 to 15, WHO to investigate

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday secured interim bail from the Islamabad High Court in six corruption cases that are being probed by the country's anti-corruption watchdog.&nbsp;

The 63-year-old Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairperson is named in 36 inquiries and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) claims that his role has been established in at least eight cases, according to an 11-page report submitted by the bureau to the court on Tuesday.

A two-judge bench led by Justice Umar Farooq heard the cases regarding Zardari's pre-arrest bail in six different cases before granting interim bail to him and his sister Faryal Talpur.

The court granted Zardari interim bail in the money laundering case until May 30. He was also granted interim bail in an inquiry pertaining to the Opal 225 property&nbsp;that is owned by the Zardari group until June 12 against surety bonds of Rs 500,000. He also received an interim bail in the Park Lane probe until June 12.

The IHC extended Zardari's interim bail in the Tosha Khana vehicles inquiry until June 20. In an investigation pertaining to suspicious transactions, Zardari's interim bail was extended until May 21.

In a probe related to Harish and Company, the court adjourned the hearing until May 30.

Justice Farooq, during the hearing of the pleas, remarked that "it seems like there is a flood of bail (applications)".

According to media reports, the NAB has issued arrest warrants for the former president only in the Park Lane case, while it has filed two interim cases against him.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating more than 30 people in relation to money laundering from fictitious accounts, including Zardari and his sister Talpur.&nbsp;

Several 'benami' accounts at multiple private banks were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, Geo News reported.

The amount, according to FIA sources, is said to be black money gathered from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes, it said, quoting FIA sources as saying.&nbsp;

Zardari served as the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday secured interim bail from the Islamabad High Court in six corruption cases that are being probed by the country's anti-corruption watchdog.

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday secured interim bail from the Islamabad High Court in six corruption cases that are being probed by the country's anti-corruption watchdog. The 63-year-old Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairperson is named in 36 inquiries and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) claims that his role has been established in at least eight cases, according to an 11-page report submitted by the bureau to the court on Tuesday. A two-judge bench led by Justice Umar Farooq heard the cases regarding Zardari's pre-arrest bail in six different cases before granting interim bail to him and his sister Faryal Talpur. The court granted Zardari interim bail in the money laundering case until May 30. He was also granted interim bail in an inquiry pertaining to the Opal 225 property that is owned by the Zardari group until June 12 against surety bonds of Rs 500,000. He also received an interim bail in the Park Lane probe until June 12. The IHC extended Zardari's interim bail in the Tosha Khana vehicles inquiry until June 20. In an investigation pertaining to suspicious transactions, Zardari's interim bail was extended until May 21. In a probe related to Harish and Company, the court adjourned the hearing until May 30. Justice Farooq, during the hearing of the pleas, remarked that "it seems like there is a flood of bail (applications)". According to media reports, the NAB has issued arrest warrants for the former president only in the Park Lane case, while it has filed two interim cases against him. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating more than 30 people in relation to money laundering from fictitious accounts, including Zardari and his sister Talpur. Several 'benami' accounts at multiple private banks were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, Geo News reported. The amount, according to FIA sources, is said to be black money gathered from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes, it said, quoting FIA sources as saying. Zardari served as the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.

Ex-Pakistan president Zardari secures interim bail in 6 corruption cases

People and the media in Pakistan are "scared" of speaking against the multi-billion-dollar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-cpec-is-used-to-traffic-young-pakistani-women-to-china-210874">China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</a> (CPEC) as those critical of it are being suppressed, treated as anti-national or branded as terrorists, a former official in the Obama administration has told US lawmakers.

The $60 billion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-why-china-and-not-pakistan-stands-to-gain-from-china-pakistan-economic-corridor-29219">CPEC</a>, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-cpec-intensified-pakistans-economic-risks-208789">China's Xinjiang province</a>, is the flagship project of the multi-million dollar Border and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013.

It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.

Testifying before a Congressional committee, Shamila Chaudhary from the Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies, told the lawmakers last week that at the very local level, people who criticise the CPEC are often labelled as terrorists.

"Rarely will you read an article that's critical about CPEC in the Pakistani media. Very rarely. There's been a media capture essentially and there's only the CPEC narrative because people are scared or they've been intimidated or threatened not to do certain pieces," Chaudhary said.

"There are anti-terrorism laws that can be used against them. Worse things could possibly happen. So it's a very real threat," she said.

"It has already done a lot of damage to the civil society and the democratic culture that's fairly vibrant, despite their country's history with democracy," she added.

Responding to questions from the lawmakers about the Chinese model of development, Chaudhary said unlike America's soft power, it does not increase people-to-people relationship.

"The Chinese don't have that and the Chinese nationals that are going to, say, Pakistan, for example, they're not there to become part of the culture or learn about the communities or have cross-cultural dialogue," she said.

Chinese are in Pakistan to make money, she alleged.

"They live in enclaves and essentially what people call Chinese colonies and go to their own restaurants. And that's not something that's going to favour China, Pakistan or China's cooperation with any country for that matter over the long run. Local communities will be very upset by those things, I believe," Chaudhary said.

Informing the lawmakers that the Chinese financial assistance to Pakistan is being kept secret, she said the information now has been shared by Pakistan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) so that it can be bailed out of the current financial crisis.

"The deal (with IMF) is almost complete and it's my understanding that information has actually been shared, and so, you know, what Pakistan won't share publicly as part of a bilateral deal with the Chinese, I think it's more willing to share when it needs it," Chaudhary said.

The CPEC, she said, hurts US regional interests by disrupting the fragile India-Pakistan ties, a nuclear-fuelled dynamic that demands US stewardship from time to time during times of crisis.

"China's provision of surveillance, data collection capabilities and new hardware to the Pakistani military may seem like it improves security, but such tools also increase the likelihood of invasive data collection, misuse of information and violations of privacy," she said.

"The notion that the Pakistani military might start to mimic Chinese authoritarianism is no longer theoretical. Pakistani civil society and media report more aggressive tactics by the military to silence critical voices. They share a common refrain, that the military is more powerful than ever and that's because of China," Chaudhary said.

She told the lawmakers that in Pakistan, Chinese influence stands alone, changing the rules of the game for everyone else.

For example, Pakistan no longer publicly discloses the terms of its loans from China. Indeed, the CPEC pretends immense geo-economic and geopolitical advantages for China in Pakistan, but its repercussions will dwarf any comparable American influence, she said.

To protect US geopolitical options in the future, the US should support the Pakistani and regional actors most threatened by Chinese influence. Ultimately, countering China's rise will require the US to create policies that both address and benefit from the needs of other countries, Chaudhary said.

People and the media in Pakistan are "scared" of speaking against the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as those critical of it are being suppressed, treated as anti-national or branded as terrorists, a former official in the Obama administration has told US lawmakers.

People and the media in Pakistan are "scared" of speaking against the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as those critical of it are being suppressed, treated as anti-national or branded as terrorists, a former official in the Obama administration has told US lawmakers. The $60 billion CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of the multi-million dollar Border and Road Initiative (BRI) launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. Testifying before a Congressional committee, Shamila Chaudhary from the Johns Hopkins University School for Advanced International Studies, told the lawmakers last week that at the very local level, people who criticise the CPEC are often labelled as terrorists. "Rarely will you read an article that's critical about CPEC in the Pakistani media. Very rarely. There's been a media capture essentially and there's only the CPEC narrative because people are scared or they've been intimidated or threatened not to do certain pieces," Chaudhary said. "There are anti-terrorism laws that can be used against them. Worse things could possibly happen. So it's a very real threat," she said. "It has already done a lot of damage to the civil society and the democratic culture that's fairly vibrant, despite their country's history with democracy," she added. Responding to questions from the lawmakers about the Chinese model of development, Chaudhary said unlike America's soft power, it does not increase people-to-people relationship. "The Chinese don't have that and the Chinese nationals that are going to, say, Pakistan, for example, they're not there to become part of the culture or learn about the communities or have cross-cultural dialogue," she said. Chinese are in Pakistan to make money, she alleged. "They live in enclaves and essentially what people call Chinese colonies and go to their own restaurants. And that's not something that's going to favour China, Pakistan or China's cooperation with any country for that matter over the long run. Local communities will be very upset by those things, I believe," Chaudhary said. Informing the lawmakers that the Chinese financial assistance to Pakistan is being kept secret, she said the information now has been shared by Pakistan with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) so that it can be bailed out of the current financial crisis. "The deal (with IMF) is almost complete and it's my understanding that information has actually been shared, and so, you know, what Pakistan won't share publicly as part of a bilateral deal with the Chinese, I think it's more willing to share when it needs it," Chaudhary said. The CPEC, she said, hurts US regional interests by disrupting the fragile India-Pakistan ties, a nuclear-fuelled dynamic that demands US stewardship from time to time during times of crisis. "China's provision of surveillance, data collection capabilities and new hardware to the Pakistani military may seem like it improves security, but such tools also increase the likelihood of invasive data collection, misuse of information and violations of privacy," she said. "The notion that the Pakistani military might start to mimic Chinese authoritarianism is no longer theoretical. Pakistani civil society and media report more aggressive tactics by the military to silence critical voices. They share a common refrain, that the military is more powerful than ever and that's because of China," Chaudhary said. She told the lawmakers that in Pakistan, Chinese influence stands alone, changing the rules of the game for everyone else. For example, Pakistan no longer publicly discloses the terms of its loans from China. Indeed, the CPEC pretends immense geo-economic and geopolitical advantages for China in Pakistan, but its repercussions will dwarf any comparable American influence, she said. To protect US geopolitical options in the future, the US should support the Pakistani and regional actors most threatened by Chinese influence. Ultimately, countering China's rise will require the US to create policies that both address and benefit from the needs of other countries, Chaudhary said.

Pakistan media and people scared of speaking against CPEC, US lawmakers told

Admitting that the people of Pakistan were facing the brunt of rising inflation, Prime Minister Imran Khan urged them to "stay strong" until his government fixed the debt-ridden economy.

His comments came as Pakistani media reported that Khan's government was close to clinching a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

And all signs show that this package of $ 6.5 billion, according to estimates will cost the Pakistanis dearly, the Express Tribune reported.

According to official figures released on Friday, Pakistan's economy registered a dismal 3.3 per cent growth in 2018-19, achieving just over 50 per cent of its projected target of 6.2 per cent, as all key sectors failed to perform.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of a modern hospital in Rawalpindi, Khan said, "It is absolutely true that right now, our people are [facing] difficulties.

Power is expensive, gas is expensive.

"I understand that inflation [is rising]," he said and urged the people to "stay strong" in the face of rising inflation and promised that the country "will make it through this time".

"But what I want you to understand is this: why do prices rise? It is because power and gas sectors are indebted.

When our government came to power, debts [of both sectors] had risen to Rs1,300 billion.

"You only have two ways [to tackle debt]: either you take more loans - and our power sector is already so indebted that we cannot borrow any more money - and so we have to raise prices," he said.

Khan said that the people will have to "live in difficulty" until the government "fixes the system" and repays the country's debts.

Prices of basic commodities have been raised multiple times since Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf came to power in August last year.

The latest increase in food prices came just before Ramazan.

Prices of petroleum products also saw a massive hike last week, causing the price of petrol to increase by Rs 9.42 and kerosene by Rs 7.46 per litre.

The prime minister promised that his government would try its best to "fulfil the basic needs of the people".

He said that his government will provide loans to young people to start businesses, provide cows and buffaloes to rural residents and issue health cards to poor people so they can access affordable medical care.

Admitting that the people of Pakistan were facing the brunt of rising inflation, Prime Minister Imran Khan urged them to "stay strong" until his government fixed the debt-ridden economy.

Admitting that the people of Pakistan were facing the brunt of rising inflation, Prime Minister Imran Khan urged them to "stay strong" until his government fixed the debt-ridden economy. His comments came as Pakistani media reported that Khan's government was close to clinching a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). And all signs show that this package of $ 6.5 billion, according to estimates will cost the Pakistanis dearly, the Express Tribune reported. According to official figures released on Friday, Pakistan's economy registered a dismal 3.3 per cent growth in 2018-19, achieving just over 50 per cent of its projected target of 6.2 per cent, as all key sectors failed to perform. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of a modern hospital in Rawalpindi, Khan said, "It is absolutely true that right now, our people are [facing] difficulties. Power is expensive, gas is expensive. "I understand that inflation [is rising]," he said and urged the people to "stay strong" in the face of rising inflation and promised that the country "will make it through this time". "But what I want you to understand is this: why do prices rise? It is because power and gas sectors are indebted. When our government came to power, debts [of both sectors] had risen to Rs1,300 billion. "You only have two ways [to tackle debt]: either you take more loans - and our power sector is already so indebted that we cannot borrow any more money - and so we have to raise prices," he said. Khan said that the people will have to "live in difficulty" until the government "fixes the system" and repays the country's debts. Prices of basic commodities have been raised multiple times since Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf came to power in August last year. The latest increase in food prices came just before Ramazan. Prices of petroleum products also saw a massive hike last week, causing the price of petrol to increase by Rs 9.42 and kerosene by Rs 7.46 per litre. The prime minister promised that his government would try its best to "fulfil the basic needs of the people". He said that his government will provide loans to young people to start businesses, provide cows and buffaloes to rural residents and issue health cards to poor people so they can access affordable medical care.

Imran Khan asks people of Pakistan to bear with rising inflation

Even as China increases its presence in Pakistan through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that crosses the south-Asian country and gives China crucial connectivity to West Asia, it is Islamabad that could be in the receiving end.

Instances of brides being trafficked by Chinese men has come to the forefront with New York-based international NGO Human Rights Watch has raised the concern of Pakistani girls being trafficked by Chinese men. The NGO in a release said, "Pakistan’s government should be alarmed by recent reports of trafficking of women and girls to China. These allegations are disturbingly similar to the pattern of trafficking of “brides” to China from at least five other Asian countries."

The NGO stated, "Pakistan government has also acknowledged that bride trafficking is occurring and pledged to work with China to combat the trade."

Pakistan media channels have been exposing a number of cases in which Chinese men have married Pakistani girls with their families being given money and sometimes even visa for the male members. Media reports from the country suggest they are taken to China and forced into nefarious activities. Most of the cases belong to the minority Christian community and the underprivileged ones. &nbsp;

The Chinese embassy has reacted to the local media reports saying "We remind both Chinese and Pakistani citizens to remain vigilant and not to be cheated. We also welcome valuable clues to combat such offences."

Meanwhile, the Pentagon in its report has said, China plans to establish a military base in Pakistan.

In its annual report to US Congress on Military and security developments involving China in 2019, the Pentagon said, "China will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan".

In August of 2017, China officially opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti.

Even as China increases its presence in Pakistan through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that crosses the south-Asian country and gives China crucial connectivity to West Asia, it is Islamabad that could be in the receiving end.

Even as China increases its presence in Pakistan through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that crosses the south-Asian country and gives China crucial connectivity to West Asia, it is Islamabad that could be in the receiving end. Instances of brides being trafficked by Chinese men has come to the forefront with New York-based international NGO Human Rights Watch has raised the concern of Pakistani girls being trafficked by Chinese men. The NGO in a release said, "Pakistan’s government should be alarmed by recent reports of trafficking of women and girls to China. These allegations are disturbingly similar to the pattern of trafficking of “brides” to China from at least five other Asian countries." The NGO stated, "Pakistan government has also acknowledged that bride trafficking is occurring and pledged to work with China to combat the trade." Pakistan media channels have been exposing a number of cases in which Chinese men have married Pakistani girls with their families being given money and sometimes even visa for the male members. Media reports from the country suggest they are taken to China and forced into nefarious activities. Most of the cases belong to the minority Christian community and the underprivileged ones. The Chinese embassy has reacted to the local media reports saying "We remind both Chinese and Pakistani citizens to remain vigilant and not to be cheated. We also welcome valuable clues to combat such offences." Meanwhile, the Pentagon in its report has said, China plans to establish a military base in Pakistan. In its annual report to US Congress on Military and security developments involving China in 2019, the Pentagon said, "China will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan". In August of 2017, China officially opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti.

China's omnipresence in Pakistan increases 

Pakistan on Wednesday said it would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed by the UN on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">JeM chief Masood Azhar</a> and agreed to his listing after all "political references", including attempts to link him to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">Pulwama attack</a> were removed from the proposal.

In a major diplomatic win for India, the United Nations designated Pakistan-based Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal by the US, the UK and France to blacklist him.

The US, the UK and France had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack carried out by the JeM in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed on Azhar.

"Formal action will be taken on three counts: assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. That is the requirement...Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take appropriate action," he said.

The spokesman said Islamabad rejected earlier proposals to list Azhar as terrorist as those efforts had a political agenda and aimed at maligning Pakistan.

"Pakistan maintains that terrorism is a menace to the world...The UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee listing is governed by clear rules and its decisions are taken through consensus...Pakistan has always advocated the need for respecting these technical rules and has opposed the politicisation of the committee," Faisal said.

"Earlier proposals to list Azhar failed to generate the requisite consensus in the Sanctions Committee as the information did not meet its technical criteria...These proposals were aimed at maligning Pakistan...And were thus rejected by Pakistan," he said, noting that "the current listing proposal has been agreed after all political references, including removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama".

Faisal asserted that the UN decision "will not impact the struggle of Kashmiris and Pakistan would continue to support them".

Pakistan will continue to extend diplomatic, moral and political support to the Kashmiris, he said.

The spokesman said the recent listing proposal was presented on the basis of considerations beyond the listing parameters. As a result, a technical hold was placed by China, Islamabad's all-weather ally, to bring it in line with the listing criteria.

A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal.

Faisal said the current decision was based on consensus and Pakistan's concerns were addressed after consultations with China.

He also rejected the UN's move as a "victory for India and validation of its stance" as projected by the Indian media.

Claiming that Indian media reports were "misleading", Faisal said the decision by the UNSC was in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to not allow any terror group to operate in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday said it would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed by the UN on JeM chief Masood Azhar and agreed to his listing after all "political references", including attempts to link him to the Pulwama attack were removed from the proposal.

Pakistan on Wednesday said it would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed by the UN on JeM chief Masood Azhar and agreed to his listing after all "political references", including attempts to link him to the Pulwama attack were removed from the proposal. In a major diplomatic win for India, the United Nations designated Pakistan-based Azhar as a "global terrorist" after China lifted its hold on a proposal by the US, the UK and France to blacklist him. The US, the UK and France had moved the proposal to designate Azhar as a "global terrorist" in the UN Security Council's 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee in February, just days after the deadly Pulwama terror attack carried out by the JeM in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said Pakistan would "immediately enforce the sanctions" imposed on Azhar. "Formal action will be taken on three counts: assets freeze, travel ban and arms embargo. That is the requirement...Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take appropriate action," he said. The spokesman said Islamabad rejected earlier proposals to list Azhar as terrorist as those efforts had a political agenda and aimed at maligning Pakistan. "Pakistan maintains that terrorism is a menace to the world...The UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee listing is governed by clear rules and its decisions are taken through consensus...Pakistan has always advocated the need for respecting these technical rules and has opposed the politicisation of the committee," Faisal said. "Earlier proposals to list Azhar failed to generate the requisite consensus in the Sanctions Committee as the information did not meet its technical criteria...These proposals were aimed at maligning Pakistan...And were thus rejected by Pakistan," he said, noting that "the current listing proposal has been agreed after all political references, including removal of attempts to link it with Pulwama". Faisal asserted that the UN decision "will not impact the struggle of Kashmiris and Pakistan would continue to support them". Pakistan will continue to extend diplomatic, moral and political support to the Kashmiris, he said. The spokesman said the recent listing proposal was presented on the basis of considerations beyond the listing parameters. As a result, a technical hold was placed by China, Islamabad's all-weather ally, to bring it in line with the listing criteria. A veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, China was the sole hold-out in the 15-nation body on the bid to blacklist Azhar, blocking attempts by placing a "technical hold" and asking for "more time to examine" the proposal. Faisal said the current decision was based on consensus and Pakistan's concerns were addressed after consultations with China. He also rejected the UN's move as a "victory for India and validation of its stance" as projected by the Indian media. Claiming that Indian media reports were "misleading", Faisal said the decision by the UNSC was in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan to not allow any terror group to operate in Pakistan.

Will immediately enforce sanctions imposed on JeM chief Masood Azhar, says Pakistan

In a major diplomatic victory for India, the man behind several terror attacks in the country including Pulwama terror attack, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">Masood Azhar </a>has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/found-no-objection-to-list-azhar-after-studying-revised-materials-china-215122">Also read:&nbsp;Found no objection to list Azhar after studying revised materials, says China</a>

China earlier on Wednesday removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group.

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Big,small, all join together. 
 
Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist in <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> Sanctions list 
 
Grateful to all for their support. 🙏🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Zerotolerance4Terrorism?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Zerotolerance4Terrorism</a>
— Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/AkbaruddinIndia/status/1123573604195667969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to WION after the listing, India's permanent representative to UN Syed Akbaruddin said, "It's a significant success, this is only the first step to counter-terrorism"

"The US, UK, France &amp; many other countries came out to support India's effort of putting Masood Azhar on sanctioned list. The goal was set out 10 years ago," he added.

Welcoming the development, French foreign ministry in a statement said, "French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Mr Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the Pulwama attack last February."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-global-terrorist-in-un-215118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Calling the decision by United Nations Security Council a "successful realisation" of Franch efforts, the statement said, "France remains mobilised at all levels and all fora to take effective measures against terrorism."

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For many years now, French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Mr Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the Pulwama attack last February (2/4)
— Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinIndia/status/1123583504841826304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue.

Jaish-e-Mohammed had taken the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack, the deadliest on Indian security forces in the last 20 years.

The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

In 2009, India had moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar a terrorist. Again, in 2016 India moved the proposal with the P3 — the United States, the United Kingdom and France — in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again.

However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India’s proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

Keeping up the international pressure to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, the US, supported by France and the UK, moved a draft resolution directly in the UN&nbsp;Security Council to blacklist the Pakistan-based terror organisation’s head.

Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC 814

The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar.&nbsp;

The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also Mushtaq Ahmed, Omar Sheikh. All 3 found safe houses in Pakistan after the release and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, &nbsp;Daniel Pearl.

Masood Azhar's JeM is responsible for many terror attacks in the years that followed his release after the Hijacking of IC 814-These were 2001 Indian Parliament attack, 2016 Pathankot attack and 2019 Pulwama attack

Listing a week after Indian foreign secretary was in China

The developments come just one week after Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale visited China and give evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi.

A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared all pieces of evidence of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar with China. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. "

The British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith last week speaking to reporters expressed optimism on the listing of Azhar and said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly."&nbsp;

In a major diplomatic victory for India, the man behind several terror attacks in the country including Pulwama terror attack, Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee.

In a major diplomatic victory for India, the man behind several terror attacks in the country including Pulwama terror attack, Masood Azhar has finally been listed as an international terrorist by the United Nation Security Council's 1267 committee. Also read: Found no objection to list Azhar after studying revised materials, says China China earlier on Wednesday removed its hold on the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group. Big,small, all join together. Masood Azhar designated as a terrorist in @UN Sanctions list Grateful to all for their support. 🙏🏽#Zerotolerance4Terrorism — Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) May 1, 2019 × Speaking to WION after the listing, India's permanent representative to UN Syed Akbaruddin said, "It's a significant success, this is only the first step to counter-terrorism" "The US, UK, France & many other countries came out to support India's effort of putting Masood Azhar on sanctioned list. The goal was set out 10 years ago," he added. Welcoming the development, French foreign ministry in a statement said, "French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Mr Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the Pulwama attack last February." Calling the decision by United Nations Security Council a "successful realisation" of Franch efforts, the statement said, "France remains mobilised at all levels and all fora to take effective measures against terrorism." For many years now, French diplomacy has been relentlessly pleading for sanctioning Mr Azhar, head of the terrorist group responsible, notably, for the Pulwama attack last February (2/4) — Alexandre Ziegler (@FranceinIndia) May 1, 2019 × In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed more 40 Indian security personnel, US along with France and UK had moved a proposal for listing of Masood Azhar. But on March 13, the day of the deadline for the listing of Azhar, China had put a hold, citing more time to understand the issue. Jaish-e-Mohammed had taken the responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack, the deadliest on Indian security forces in the last 20 years. The proposal was the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. In 2009, India had moved a proposal by itself to designate Azhar a terrorist. Again, in 2016 India moved the proposal with the P3 — the United States, the United Kingdom and France — in the UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India’s proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. Keeping up the international pressure to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, the US, supported by France and the UK, moved a draft resolution directly in the UN Security Council to blacklist the Pakistan-based terror organisation’s head. Listing 20 years after hijacking of IC 814 The listing of Masood Azhar comes 20 years after he was released when Pakistan based terrorist hijacked Indian Airlines Flight 814 and took it to Taliban controlled Kandahar. The motive of the hijack was to not only get the release of Azhar but also Mushtaq Ahmed, Omar Sheikh. All 3 found safe houses in Pakistan after the release and in years to follow masterminded many terror attacks in India and the killing of South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, Daniel Pearl. Masood Azhar's JeM is responsible for many terror attacks in the years that followed his release after the Hijacking of IC 814-These were 2001 Indian Parliament attack, 2016 Pathankot attack and 2019 Pulwama attack Listing a week after Indian foreign secretary was in China The developments come just one week after Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale visited China and give evidence regarding JeM's involvement in terror attacks in India. During his visit, he met Chinese officials including Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi. A statement from India's external affairs ministry said, "We have shared all pieces of evidence of terrorist activities of Jaish-e-Mohammad and its leader Masood Azhar with China. It is now for the 1267 Sanctions Committee and other authorized bodies of the UN to take a decision on the listing of Masood Azhar. " The British High Commissioner Sir Dominic Asquith last week speaking to reporters expressed optimism on the listing of Azhar and said, "We are strong supporters of listing of Masood Azhar for a decade. So that we will get to that conclusion shortly."

Masood Azhar designated as global terrorist in major diplomatic win for India

A Pakistani journalist was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday.

The journalist Amanullah Gharoka, who was the chairman of a press club, was travelling to a village in Parova area bordering South Waziristan when some unidentified gunmen riding a motorbike, fired at him, killing him on the spot, police said.

The attackers fled the scene immediately after committing the crime.

The local press club condemned the killing of the journalist and strongly deplored the failure of police in combating the increasing target killing incidents in the area. 
&nbsp;

A Pakistani journalist was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday. The journalist Amanullah Gharoka, who was the chairman of a press club, was travelling to a village in Parova area bordering South Waziristan when some unidentified gunmen riding a motorbike, fired at him, killing him on the spot, police said.

A Pakistani journalist was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in northwest Pakistan on Tuesday. The journalist Amanullah Gharoka, who was the chairman of a press club, was travelling to a village in Parova area bordering South Waziristan when some unidentified gunmen riding a motorbike, fired at him, killing him on the spot, police said. The attackers fled the scene immediately after committing the crime. The local press club condemned the killing of the journalist and strongly deplored the failure of police in combating the increasing target killing incidents in the area.

Journalist shot dead in northwest Pakistan

Pakistan Army on Monday admitted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/iran-calls-upon-pakistan-to-take-concrete-action-against-terrorists-operating-from-its-soil-202307">presence of terrorists</a> and Jihadi elements in its country, saying that there is a need to "do a lot" to curb terrorism.

"We have proscribed violent extremist organisations and Jihadist groups and we have been taking action against them," said Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor at a press conference here on Monday.

Major General Ghafoor said that there is a need to "do a lot" to curb terrorism as Islamabad so far has "suffered losses. We have lost millions of dollar due to terrorism." "There is still a lot to do against terrorism," he added.

He also admitted that previous <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taking-no-action-on-terror-talks-of-brotherhood-but-sends-terrorist-afghan-nsa-202827">governments failed to curb terrorism</a> and due to which Pakistan lost its "millions of dollars."

"The state was busy conducting kinetic operations and every law enforcement agency was busy in that. Which is why we were not able to strategise against these (banned) organisations the way we are doing today," Ghafoor said.

Major General Ghafoor also blamed India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for allegedly funding Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a human rights movement of the Pashtun community against Pakistani security establishments for violating their human rights.

"On the PTM website, they have got a number that states the number of funds they have collected from Pashtuns around the world. But tell us how much money you got from the NDS (Afghan National Directorate of Security) to run your campaign. How much money did RAW give you for the first dharna in Islamabad," he asked.

Major General Ghafoor's remark assumes significance as India has clarified that any talks with Islamabad will be possible only when Pakistan takes concrete actions against terrorists operating from its land.

India has toughened its stand following February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) on the convoy of CRPF in which 44 jawans were killed.

The two countries were close to having a dangerous confrontation following Balakot airstrikes of February 26, when the Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft crossed the Line of Control to attack JeM's training camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Talking about the confusion over the number of IAF pilots captured after India conducted pre-emptive airstrikes deep in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, he said: "Initially, we got information through the proper channel. Then on the ground, I personally found that only one person had been captured and I sent out the correction myself. How is it that you are ready to accept one of our statements, and not the other one?"

In a veiled threat to India, Major General Ghafoor asked New Delhi not test Pakistan's "resolve." "We have not retaliated in the past because we want peace," he said.

Pakistan Army on Monday admitted the presence of terrorists and Jihadi elements in its country, saying that there is a need to "do a lot" to curb terrorism. "We have proscribed violent extremist organisations and Jihadist groups and we have been taking action against them," said Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor at a press conference here on Monday.

Pakistan Army on Monday admitted the presence of terrorists and Jihadi elements in its country, saying that there is a need to "do a lot" to curb terrorism. "We have proscribed violent extremist organisations and Jihadist groups and we have been taking action against them," said Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Asif Ghafoor at a press conference here on Monday. Major General Ghafoor said that there is a need to "do a lot" to curb terrorism as Islamabad so far has "suffered losses. We have lost millions of dollar due to terrorism." "There is still a lot to do against terrorism," he added. He also admitted that previous governments failed to curb terrorism and due to which Pakistan lost its "millions of dollars." "The state was busy conducting kinetic operations and every law enforcement agency was busy in that. Which is why we were not able to strategise against these (banned) organisations the way we are doing today," Ghafoor said. Major General Ghafoor also blamed India's Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) for allegedly funding Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a human rights movement of the Pashtun community against Pakistani security establishments for violating their human rights. "On the PTM website, they have got a number that states the number of funds they have collected from Pashtuns around the world. But tell us how much money you got from the NDS (Afghan National Directorate of Security) to run your campaign. How much money did RAW give you for the first dharna in Islamabad," he asked. Major General Ghafoor's remark assumes significance as India has clarified that any talks with Islamabad will be possible only when Pakistan takes concrete actions against terrorists operating from its land. India has toughened its stand following February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack by Pakistan-backed Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) on the convoy of CRPF in which 44 jawans were killed. The two countries were close to having a dangerous confrontation following Balakot airstrikes of February 26, when the Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft crossed the Line of Control to attack JeM's training camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Talking about the confusion over the number of IAF pilots captured after India conducted pre-emptive airstrikes deep in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, he said: "Initially, we got information through the proper channel. Then on the ground, I personally found that only one person had been captured and I sent out the correction myself. How is it that you are ready to accept one of our statements, and not the other one?" In a veiled threat to India, Major General Ghafoor asked New Delhi not test Pakistan's "resolve." "We have not retaliated in the past because we want peace," he said.

Pakistan admits to presence of terrorists in its territory, says need to 'do a lot' to curb them

Something very significant is underway in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-delegation-arrives-in-pakistan-to-hold-talks-on-bailout-package-214460">Pakistan</a>, the government in Islamabad would like you to believe.

A small group of foreign journalists, Reuters correspondents included, was given Pakistan's new narrative by Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/prevent-imf-bailout-to-pakistan-to-repay-chinese-debt-208726"> Imran Khan</a>, its army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other top government officials and generals during a visit to the country earlier this month.

Some of the comments of the officials were for publication, others were not, but the message remained consistent.

In summary, Pakistan says it is tired of conflict, opposed to extremism, open for peace talks and clamping down on corruption. It also insists it is run by politicians, with the military partnering rather than dominating.

That all sounds good. There is just one problem - around much of the world many with a close understanding of the situation remain highly sceptical.

In New Delhi, the view even beyond the more hawkish elements in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is that the world has seen and heard these kinds of promises before, only for Pakistan-backed Islamist groups to attack India. That is just what India says happened on Feb. 14, when a suicide bombing killed 40 paramilitary police in India-controlled Kashmir and brought the two nuclear powers close to war.

&nbsp;This was underlined by comments to Reuters from Indian foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar for this article.

"Pakistan should take immediate, credible, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror organisations operating from territories under its control," he said.

"Pakistan follows an identical script after every terror attack in India where 'action' is taken to deflect the international pressure before returning to the normal situation of providing support and sanctuary to terror groups in the territories under their control."

Certainly, Pakistan's positive talk has no chance of resonating in India while Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party continues to stir up patriotic fervour during the nation's 39-day general election, which ends May 19. Votes are counted May 23.

NEEDING FRIENDS

Islamabad urgently needs friends.

Pakistani officials say India has been lobbying to get it put on the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force, which monitors whether countries are doing enough to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. If that happened it could lead to sanctions, cripple Pakistan's banking relations and badly hurt its trade.

The country is also close to securing its 13th bailout by the International Monetary Fund since the 1980s as it tries to tackle large budget and current account deficits, and faces a soaring inflation rate triggered by high oil prices and a weak Pakistani rupee.

But Pakistani officials claim the changes they are talking about are much more than a cosmetic makeover to head off the IMF.

Khan's government says it is suing for peace on all fronts.

In Afghanistan, Islamabad has been key in getting the Taliban around the table for talks with the Americans.

And Khan, in the face of rising tensions following bloody attacks by militant groups, visited Tehran and agreed last week to set up a joint rapid reaction force for the border area with Iran.

Since taking office in August, Khan has also consistently offered talks with Modi, and Pakistani officials are hopeful that the Indian leader will eventually say yes if he wins a second term in office.

NORTHERN IRELAND LESSONS

The Pakistan authorities insist they are cracking down on armed militant groups on its soil, saying extremism is the biggest threat it faces. Officials talk of a Northern Ireland-style peace and disarmament process, plus state regulation of the 32,000 madrasas, or Islamic schools, in the country that can easily become breeding grounds for militants.

"For the future of the country - forget outside pressure - we will not allow armed militias to operate," Khan told the journalists. And the government has "the total support of the Pakistani army and intelligence services in dismantling them", he added.

Not only that, but its military chiefs insist they report to the prime minister - rather than the other way around as is often assumed by foreign diplomats and the media.

The military chiefs say they want to bring 100 million Pakistanis out of grinding poverty, and that engineering a big increase in spending on education is critical to that.

During the trip, the journalists were taken to an impressively modern-looking army school complex and, separately, a rehabilitation centre for teenagers showing militant tendencies. Those were both in the Swat Valley, which was overrun by the Taliban and other militant groups only 11 years ago.

The image of unity, though, was shaken only a few days after the trip when Khan announced a major reshuffle of his cabinet, including the replacement of his finance minister Asad Umar, who had been at the helm of the IMF talks, and the appointment of retired Brigadier Ijaz Shah as Pakistan's new interior minister. Shah, former spy chief and close ally of the country's last military ruler, has long been accused of deep ties to militant groups.

Given such moves, it isn't difficult to find specialists in Pakistan policy who still believe that the army pulls the strings. A senior security source in Pakistan told Reuters the government was taking "no serious action" against anti-India militant groups.

"The cabinet shuffle in Pakistan is a setback for the image of 'new' Pakistan," said TCA Raghavan, who was India's high commissioner in Pakistan in 2013-2015. "It shows an inability to carry even the cabinet along on the economy."

He also said the appointment of Shah was a setback for any reset. "Poachers don't turn gamekeepers easily," he said.

Shah's office did not respond to a request for comment, but in an interview with the BBC after his appointment, he said he was a civilian politician who retired from the army a long time ago.

One other ministerial change was the moving of information minister Fawad Chaudhry to the less high-profile post of science and technology minister.

It was Chaudhry who had been the journalists' main guide for the visit.

So, if it really is transforming, Pakistan clearly has a lot of convincing still to do. One trip for foreign journalists is only a start.

Something very significant is underway in Pakistan, the government in Islamabad would like you to believe. A small group of foreign journalists, Reuters correspondents included, was given Pakistan's new narrative by Prime Minister Imran Khan, its army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other top government officials and generals during a visit to the country earlier this month.

Something very significant is underway in Pakistan, the government in Islamabad would like you to believe. A small group of foreign journalists, Reuters correspondents included, was given Pakistan's new narrative by Prime Minister Imran Khan, its army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, and other top government officials and generals during a visit to the country earlier this month. Some of the comments of the officials were for publication, others were not, but the message remained consistent. In summary, Pakistan says it is tired of conflict, opposed to extremism, open for peace talks and clamping down on corruption. It also insists it is run by politicians, with the military partnering rather than dominating. That all sounds good. There is just one problem - around much of the world many with a close understanding of the situation remain highly sceptical. In New Delhi, the view even beyond the more hawkish elements in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government is that the world has seen and heard these kinds of promises before, only for Pakistan-backed Islamist groups to attack India. That is just what India says happened on Feb. 14, when a suicide bombing killed 40 paramilitary police in India-controlled Kashmir and brought the two nuclear powers close to war. This was underlined by comments to Reuters from Indian foreign ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar for this article. "Pakistan should take immediate, credible, irreversible and verifiable action against terrorists and terror organisations operating from territories under its control," he said. "Pakistan follows an identical script after every terror attack in India where 'action' is taken to deflect the international pressure before returning to the normal situation of providing support and sanctuary to terror groups in the territories under their control." Certainly, Pakistan's positive talk has no chance of resonating in India while Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party continues to stir up patriotic fervour during the nation's 39-day general election, which ends May 19. Votes are counted May 23. NEEDING FRIENDS Islamabad urgently needs friends. Pakistani officials say India has been lobbying to get it put on the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force, which monitors whether countries are doing enough to prevent money laundering and terrorism financing. If that happened it could lead to sanctions, cripple Pakistan's banking relations and badly hurt its trade. The country is also close to securing its 13th bailout by the International Monetary Fund since the 1980s as it tries to tackle large budget and current account deficits, and faces a soaring inflation rate triggered by high oil prices and a weak Pakistani rupee. But Pakistani officials claim the changes they are talking about are much more than a cosmetic makeover to head off the IMF. Khan's government says it is suing for peace on all fronts. In Afghanistan, Islamabad has been key in getting the Taliban around the table for talks with the Americans. And Khan, in the face of rising tensions following bloody attacks by militant groups, visited Tehran and agreed last week to set up a joint rapid reaction force for the border area with Iran. Since taking office in August, Khan has also consistently offered talks with Modi, and Pakistani officials are hopeful that the Indian leader will eventually say yes if he wins a second term in office. NORTHERN IRELAND LESSONS The Pakistan authorities insist they are cracking down on armed militant groups on its soil, saying extremism is the biggest threat it faces. Officials talk of a Northern Ireland-style peace and disarmament process, plus state regulation of the 32,000 madrasas, or Islamic schools, in the country that can easily become breeding grounds for militants. "For the future of the country - forget outside pressure - we will not allow armed militias to operate," Khan told the journalists. And the government has "the total support of the Pakistani army and intelligence services in dismantling them", he added. Not only that, but its military chiefs insist they report to the prime minister - rather than the other way around as is often assumed by foreign diplomats and the media. The military chiefs say they want to bring 100 million Pakistanis out of grinding poverty, and that engineering a big increase in spending on education is critical to that. During the trip, the journalists were taken to an impressively modern-looking army school complex and, separately, a rehabilitation centre for teenagers showing militant tendencies. Those were both in the Swat Valley, which was overrun by the Taliban and other militant groups only 11 years ago. The image of unity, though, was shaken only a few days after the trip when Khan announced a major reshuffle of his cabinet, including the replacement of his finance minister Asad Umar, who had been at the helm of the IMF talks, and the appointment of retired Brigadier Ijaz Shah as Pakistan's new interior minister. Shah, former spy chief and close ally of the country's last military ruler, has long been accused of deep ties to militant groups. Given such moves, it isn't difficult to find specialists in Pakistan policy who still believe that the army pulls the strings. A senior security source in Pakistan told Reuters the government was taking "no serious action" against anti-India militant groups. "The cabinet shuffle in Pakistan is a setback for the image of 'new' Pakistan," said TCA Raghavan, who was India's high commissioner in Pakistan in 2013-2015. "It shows an inability to carry even the cabinet along on the economy." He also said the appointment of Shah was a setback for any reset. "Poachers don't turn gamekeepers easily," he said. Shah's office did not respond to a request for comment, but in an interview with the BBC after his appointment, he said he was a civilian politician who retired from the army a long time ago. One other ministerial change was the moving of information minister Fawad Chaudhry to the less high-profile post of science and technology minister. It was Chaudhry who had been the journalists' main guide for the visit. So, if it really is transforming, Pakistan clearly has a lot of convincing still to do. One trip for foreign journalists is only a start.

Pakistan says it's on the road to major change, but the world is sceptical

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-arrives-in-china-for-four-day-visit-213570">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> on Friday mooted launching of joint projects among the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/all-you-need-to-know-about-chinas-belt-and-road-initiative-213664">China-backed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) </a>member countries to promote tourism, combat climate change, corruption and poverty.

The multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is entering the next phase after substantial progress, Khan said while speaking at the second Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing.

China is holding the BRF, which provides a platform to countries participating in the BRI, from April 25 to 27 in Beijing.

The BRI is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes.&nbsp;

The forum is being attended by 36 heads of states and governments besides officials from 150 countries and international organisations.

Prime Minister Khan said the BRI, which raised concerns of a debt trap, offered a model of collaboration, partnership, connectivity and shared prosperity.

India and the US skipped the BRF. India has protested over the $60 billion CPEC which is being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. CPEC is officially regarded as a flagship project of China's trillion dollar BRI.

The US has termed the BRI as promoting predatory financing leading to heavy debt among smaller countries.

Khan's government itself was reported to have planned to cut down some of the CPEC projects soon after it came to power owing to concerns related to debt burden.

Addressing the BRF, the Pakistan prime minister said that in a world of geopolitical uncertainty, of rising inequality, and barriers to trade, the BRI offers a model of collaboration, partnership, connectivity and shared prosperity.

Pakistan has been among one of the BRI's earliest and most enthusiastic proponents, and CPEC is, one of the major components and one of its earliest manifestations and it has made substantial progress, he said.

Skirting India's criticism of CPEC as well as its objections, Khan said CPEC has helped in Pakistan's progress especially filling the critical infrastructure gaps.

He said that Pakistan and China are entering the next phase of CEPC together, with greater emphasis on social economic upliftment, poverty alleviation, agriculture cooperation and industrial development.

Both the countries are signing an expanded Pakistan China Free Trade Agreement, he said.

He also mooted cooperation among the countries signed up to BRI climate change cooperation.

In the last five years, Pakistan successfully planted five billion trees in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, he said, adding that Pakistan has launched a nationwide project to plant 10 billion trees in the next five years.

He suggested that there should be some joint and ambitious projects of planting trees among the BRI countries to mitigate climate change.

He suggested the establishment of BRI tourism corridor to promote people-to-people contacts, inter-cultural understanding and most importantly to establish anti-corruption cooperation to combat the scourge of white-collar crime.

Khan has also mooted the creation of a poverty alleviation fund.

On April 19, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that over 120 countries and international organisations, which have signed up for BRI, sent representatives to take part in the 2nd BRF.

Khan also thanked China and its leadership for the unwavering support to Pakistan.

The deep-rooted friendship, partnership and brotherhood with China remain strong, resilient and unbreakable, he added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday mooted launching of joint projects among the China-backed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) member countries to promote tourism, combat climate change, corruption and poverty.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday mooted launching of joint projects among the China-backed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) member countries to promote tourism, combat climate change, corruption and poverty. The multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is entering the next phase after substantial progress, Khan said while speaking at the second Belt and Road Forum (BRF) in Beijing. China is holding the BRF, which provides a platform to countries participating in the BRI, from April 25 to 27 in Beijing. The BRI is a multi-billion-dollar initiative launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he came to power in 2013. It aims to link Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Gulf region, Africa and Europe with a network of land and sea routes. The forum is being attended by 36 heads of states and governments besides officials from 150 countries and international organisations. Prime Minister Khan said the BRI, which raised concerns of a debt trap, offered a model of collaboration, partnership, connectivity and shared prosperity. India and the US skipped the BRF. India has protested over the $60 billion CPEC which is being laid through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. CPEC is officially regarded as a flagship project of China's trillion dollar BRI. The US has termed the BRI as promoting predatory financing leading to heavy debt among smaller countries. Khan's government itself was reported to have planned to cut down some of the CPEC projects soon after it came to power owing to concerns related to debt burden. Addressing the BRF, the Pakistan prime minister said that in a world of geopolitical uncertainty, of rising inequality, and barriers to trade, the BRI offers a model of collaboration, partnership, connectivity and shared prosperity. Pakistan has been among one of the BRI's earliest and most enthusiastic proponents, and CPEC is, one of the major components and one of its earliest manifestations and it has made substantial progress, he said. Skirting India's criticism of CPEC as well as its objections, Khan said CPEC has helped in Pakistan's progress especially filling the critical infrastructure gaps. He said that Pakistan and China are entering the next phase of CEPC together, with greater emphasis on social economic upliftment, poverty alleviation, agriculture cooperation and industrial development. Both the countries are signing an expanded Pakistan China Free Trade Agreement, he said. He also mooted cooperation among the countries signed up to BRI climate change cooperation. In the last five years, Pakistan successfully planted five billion trees in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, he said, adding that Pakistan has launched a nationwide project to plant 10 billion trees in the next five years. He suggested that there should be some joint and ambitious projects of planting trees among the BRI countries to mitigate climate change. He suggested the establishment of BRI tourism corridor to promote people-to-people contacts, inter-cultural understanding and most importantly to establish anti-corruption cooperation to combat the scourge of white-collar crime. Khan has also mooted the creation of a poverty alleviation fund. On April 19, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that over 120 countries and international organisations, which have signed up for BRI, sent representatives to take part in the 2nd BRF. Khan also thanked China and its leadership for the unwavering support to Pakistan. The deep-rooted friendship, partnership and brotherhood with China remain strong, resilient and unbreakable, he added.

Pakistan BRI's earliest and most enthusiastic proponents: PM Imran Khan

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/west-asia/iran-has-suffered-from-terrorists-operating-from-pakistan-imran-khan-to-president-rouhani-212892&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjz2NWoruvhAhWMqI8KHSYCChAQFjADegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ZKscKqazi7o5UfqrwWJKg">Pakistan&nbsp;</a>destroyed narcotics and other smuggled contraband worth $21 million&nbsp;on Thursday, officials said, including a "historic" amount of a compound used to make heroin.

Nine tonnes of narcotics and 21.7 tonnes of acetic anhydride were set on fire at the 'Destruction Ceremony' on the outskirts of Karachi.

Another 60,000 bottles of contraband liquor and cans of beer&nbsp;seized by the authorities during the year&nbsp;were crushed by a bulldozer.

Acetic anhydride is used to process morphine into heroin and is subject to international control because of its critical role in the manufacture of heroin.

However, it is also used legally in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. to manufacture aspirin) and also in the manufacturing of paints, plastics, polymers, and explosives.

The ceremony was originally intended to be held on January 26 on International Customs Day but was deferred due to unknown reasons.

Pakistan is a major conduit for drugs flowing out of its western neighbour, Afghanistan, which is the world's largest producer of heroin and a major producer of hashish.

Pakistan destroyed narcotics and other smuggled contraband worth $21 million on Thursday, officials said, including a "historic" amount of a compound used to make heroin.

Pakistan destroyed narcotics and other smuggled contraband worth $21 million on Thursday, officials said, including a "historic" amount of a compound used to make heroin. Nine tonnes of narcotics and 21.7 tonnes of acetic anhydride were set on fire at the 'Destruction Ceremony' on the outskirts of Karachi. Another 60,000 bottles of contraband liquor and cans of beer seized by the authorities during the year were crushed by a bulldozer. Acetic anhydride is used to process morphine into heroin and is subject to international control because of its critical role in the manufacture of heroin. However, it is also used legally in the pharmaceutical industry (e.g. to manufacture aspirin) and also in the manufacturing of paints, plastics, polymers, and explosives. The ceremony was originally intended to be held on January 26 on International Customs Day but was deferred due to unknown reasons. Pakistan is a major conduit for drugs flowing out of its western neighbour, Afghanistan, which is the world's largest producer of heroin and a major producer of hashish.

Pakistan destroys narcotics, smuggled contraband worth $21 million

Crippling inflation in Pakistan, residents lose faith in Imran govt

Gravitas: Imran Khan recieves flak on social media for feigning ignorance on Uighurs

A fresh case of an underage Hindu girl being abducted in Pakistan's Sindh province has come to the fore, even as uproar continued over the alleged kidnapping, forcible conversion and marriages of two teenage girls from the minority community.

According to a handout issued by the Sindh Information Department, Minorities Affairs Minister Hari Ram Kishori Lal took note of news that went viral on social media regarding the abduction of a 16-year-old Hindu girl, who belongs to the Meghwar community, from Tando Bagho in Badin district.

The victim's father has approached SSP Badin, Sardar Hassan Niazi, to register a case against suspects. It was, however, not clear when the girl was abducted.

Lal has directed authorities to register an FIR of the abduction and provide protection to the girl's family.

He said that the marriage of underage girls is banned in Sindh under the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act 2013, adding that it was a criminal act to marry a girl who was below the age of 18 years.

Lal said that the Act is being strictly implemented in Sindh.

The minister said that his government was doing everything to protect underage Hindu girls. He said the Sindh government is working to establish the Sindh Minorities Protection Commission and its draft has been approved by the chief minister two days ago.

The fresh case of kidnapping comes amidst nationwide outrage over abduction, forced conversion and marriages of two underage Hindi girls in Ghotki district in Sindh.

The two girls, Raveena (13) and Reena (15), were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage.

A war of words broke out between India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry over the reported abduction, forced conversion and underage marriages of the two Hindu teenagers.

The spat started on Sunday soon after Swaraj sought details from the Indian envoy in Pakistan into the reported abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls. 
Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered the provincial governments of Sindh and Punjab to take action on the incident.

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday ordered official protection for the two girls due to concern about their safety as authorities widened a probe to ascertain if the teenage sisters were abducted, forcibly converted and married.

Police have arrested the cleric who solemnised the wedding and six others for their alleged involvement in the girls' forceful conversion to Islam.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province.

According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages to take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

A fresh case of an underage Hindu girl being abducted in Pakistan's Sindh province has come to the fore, even as uproar continued over the alleged kidnapping, forcible conversion and marriages of two teenage girls from the minority community.

A fresh case of an underage Hindu girl being abducted in Pakistan's Sindh province has come to the fore, even as uproar continued over the alleged kidnapping, forcible conversion and marriages of two teenage girls from the minority community. According to a handout issued by the Sindh Information Department, Minorities Affairs Minister Hari Ram Kishori Lal took note of news that went viral on social media regarding the abduction of a 16-year-old Hindu girl, who belongs to the Meghwar community, from Tando Bagho in Badin district. The victim's father has approached SSP Badin, Sardar Hassan Niazi, to register a case against suspects. It was, however, not clear when the girl was abducted. Lal has directed authorities to register an FIR of the abduction and provide protection to the girl's family. He said that the marriage of underage girls is banned in Sindh under the Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act 2013, adding that it was a criminal act to marry a girl who was below the age of 18 years. Lal said that the Act is being strictly implemented in Sindh. The minister said that his government was doing everything to protect underage Hindu girls. He said the Sindh government is working to establish the Sindh Minorities Protection Commission and its draft has been approved by the chief minister two days ago. The fresh case of kidnapping comes amidst nationwide outrage over abduction, forced conversion and marriages of two underage Hindi girls in Ghotki district in Sindh. The two girls, Raveena (13) and Reena (15), were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage. A war of words broke out between India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry over the reported abduction, forced conversion and underage marriages of the two Hindu teenagers. The spat started on Sunday soon after Swaraj sought details from the Indian envoy in Pakistan into the reported abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls. Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered the provincial governments of Sindh and Punjab to take action on the incident. The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday ordered official protection for the two girls due to concern about their safety as authorities widened a probe to ascertain if the teenage sisters were abducted, forcibly converted and married. Police have arrested the cleric who solemnised the wedding and six others for their alleged involvement in the girls' forceful conversion to Islam. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province. According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages to take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

Another underage Hindu girl abducted in Pakistan's Sindh

Pakistan has asked the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-finance-secretary-warns-of-sanctions-over-fatf-non-compliance-201542">Financial Action Task Force (FATF)</a>, an international terror financing watchdog, to remove India as co-chair of its Asia-Pacific Joint Group, its Finance Ministry said on Saturday.

Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-airspace-to-remain-closed-till-march-11-202255">Pakistan has been</a> scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the Paris-based FATF, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistani-drone-shot-down-in-sri-ganganagar-sector-near-indo-pak-border-202262">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistani drone shot down in Sri Ganganagar sector near Indo-Pak border</a>

In a letter addressed to FATF President Marshall Billingslea, Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar asked him to appoint any other member country besides India as co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group "to ensure that (the) FATF review process is fair, unbiased and objective", the finance ministry said in a statement.

The Joint Group is a sub-body of the FATF's International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the Asia Pacific Group. Pakistan is a member of the APG and its case is being presented before the FATF by the APG. India's Financial Intelligence Unit's (FIU) director general is the co-chair of the Joint Group.

Referring to India's efforts of isolating Pakistan globally and call for the country's blacklisting during the ICRG meeting on February 18, Umar said, "Indian presence among the evaluators and as Co-chair of the Joint Group would undermine the impartiality and spirit of the 'peer review' process." "We firmly believe that India's involvement in the ICRG process will not be fair towards Pakistan," he wrote.

During the February 18-22 plenary and review meetings, the FATF had noted "limited progress" by Pakistan on targets set for January 2019, and urged the country "to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019."&nbsp;

It had expressed dissatisfaction over Pakistan's action and said the country did "not demonstrate a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by Daesh (ISIS), Al Qaeda, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">Jamaat-</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">ud</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confiscates-seminaries-assets-of-hafiz-saeed-led-jamaat-ud-dawa-falah-e-insaniat-foundation-201505">-Dawa (Jud)</a>, Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Haqqani network (HQN), and persons affiliated with the Taliban".

Assuring the FATF president of implementing the Action Plan, the Pakistani finance minister said, "The ICRG and FATF meetings must not be allowed to be used as a platform by India to make political speeches against Pakistan."&nbsp;

The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&amp;P and Fitch.&nbsp;

Pakistan was nominated for a detailed review of its "serious deficiencies" in countering terror financing in February 2018. This nomination was supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and India.

Pakistan has asked the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international terror financing watchdog, to remove India as co-chair of its Asia-Pacific Joint Group, its Finance Ministry said on Saturday.

Pakistan has asked the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an international terror financing watchdog, to remove India as co-chair of its Asia-Pacific Joint Group, its Finance Ministry said on Saturday. Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the Paris-based FATF, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy. Also read: Pakistani drone shot down in Sri Ganganagar sector near Indo-Pak border In a letter addressed to FATF President Marshall Billingslea, Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar asked him to appoint any other member country besides India as co-chair of the Asia-Pacific Joint Group "to ensure that (the) FATF review process is fair, unbiased and objective", the finance ministry said in a statement. The Joint Group is a sub-body of the FATF's International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the Asia Pacific Group. Pakistan is a member of the APG and its case is being presented before the FATF by the APG. India's Financial Intelligence Unit's (FIU) director general is the co-chair of the Joint Group. Referring to India's efforts of isolating Pakistan globally and call for the country's blacklisting during the ICRG meeting on February 18, Umar said, "Indian presence among the evaluators and as Co-chair of the Joint Group would undermine the impartiality and spirit of the 'peer review' process." "We firmly believe that India's involvement in the ICRG process will not be fair towards Pakistan," he wrote. During the February 18-22 plenary and review meetings, the FATF had noted "limited progress" by Pakistan on targets set for January 2019, and urged the country "to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019." It had expressed dissatisfaction over Pakistan's action and said the country did "not demonstrate a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by Daesh (ISIS), Al Qaeda, Jamaat-ud-Dawa (Jud), Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) Haqqani network (HQN), and persons affiliated with the Taliban". Assuring the FATF president of implementing the Action Plan, the Pakistani finance minister said, "The ICRG and FATF meetings must not be allowed to be used as a platform by India to make political speeches against Pakistan." The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like IMF, World Bank, ADB, EU and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch. Pakistan was nominated for a detailed review of its "serious deficiencies" in countering terror financing in February 2018. This nomination was supported by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and India.

Pakistan seeks India's removal from terror financing watchdog's review body to ensure 'fair process'

Member of Pakistan's national assembly and member of the ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Dr Ramesh Vankwani who was in India for the Kumbh Mela has called both India and Pakistan to develop faith and sit for dialogue.&nbsp;

He said," World is moving towards peace. We have to develop faith over each other and if we do not have faith on other each other our will would weaken. Negative people are present on both sides of the border. We have to sideline them. Right now people of both the countries want peace."

Dr Ramesh Vankwani who is from the minority Hindu community of Pakistan and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj said, "Once France and Germany were enemies. But today no one asks if you stay in France or Germany. Even south and north Korea moving in a positive trajectory.US President Abraham Lincoln once said--Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”

He was present at an event on in Delhi were PM Modi and EAM Sushma addressed delegates from 182 countries who had come for Kumbh Mela.

Asked about Pakistan's involvement in Pulwama terror on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based Jaish e, Mohammad, Vankwani said, "Not at all. Don't even think Pakistan will ever allow its territory to be used against India. If there is evidence we will act. Whether Jaish is saying to take credit or if in fact, Jaish has done, you will see action by our govt."

Adding, "Time has moved, we now take action. Our biggest religion should be humanity. Loss due to terror is a loss for all on both sides of the border."

He said he met foreign minister Sushma for 20 minutes and was with the minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh last week during the Kumbha Mela visit along with people of other countries.

He said he will brief Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan about his meetings in Delhi and tell about the "grievances and what could be the solution". He also requested media from both the sides of the border to talk in a positive manner for the sake of peace in the region.

Vankwani is the head of the Pakistan Hindu council which is the representative body of all Hindus of Pakistan.

His presence in India comes even as New Delhi is asking Islamabad to act on terror groups on its territory in the aftermath of Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

The Pulwama attack which took place on 14th February is the worst attack on Indian forces in the last two decades and killed more than 40 paramilitary forces.

&nbsp;

Member of Pakistan's national assembly and member of the ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Dr Ramesh Vankwani who was in India for the Kumbh Mela has called both India and Pakistan to develop faith and sit for dialogue.

Member of Pakistan's national assembly and member of the ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Dr Ramesh Vankwani who was in India for the Kumbh Mela has called both India and Pakistan to develop faith and sit for dialogue. He said," World is moving towards peace. We have to develop faith over each other and if we do not have faith on other each other our will would weaken. Negative people are present on both sides of the border. We have to sideline them. Right now people of both the countries want peace." Dr Ramesh Vankwani who is from the minority Hindu community of Pakistan and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj said, "Once France and Germany were enemies. But today no one asks if you stay in France or Germany. Even south and north Korea moving in a positive trajectory.US President Abraham Lincoln once said--Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” He was present at an event on in Delhi were PM Modi and EAM Sushma addressed delegates from 182 countries who had come for Kumbh Mela. Asked about Pakistan's involvement in Pulwama terror on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based Jaish e, Mohammad, Vankwani said, "Not at all. Don't even think Pakistan will ever allow its territory to be used against India. If there is evidence we will act. Whether Jaish is saying to take credit or if in fact, Jaish has done, you will see action by our govt." Adding, "Time has moved, we now take action. Our biggest religion should be humanity. Loss due to terror is a loss for all on both sides of the border." He said he met foreign minister Sushma for 20 minutes and was with the minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh last week during the Kumbha Mela visit along with people of other countries. He said he will brief Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan about his meetings in Delhi and tell about the "grievances and what could be the solution". He also requested media from both the sides of the border to talk in a positive manner for the sake of peace in the region. Vankwani is the head of the Pakistan Hindu council which is the representative body of all Hindus of Pakistan. His presence in India comes even as New Delhi is asking Islamabad to act on terror groups on its territory in the aftermath of Pulwama attack. The Pulwama attack which took place on 14th February is the worst attack on Indian forces in the last two decades and killed more than 40 paramilitary forces.

Politician from Imran Khan's party Ramesh Vankwani urges India, Pakistan to go on path of peace, says Islamabad will act on terror if evidence given

Less than twenty-four hours after Pakistan’s high-level security committee, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-statement-mentioned-jem-in-general-terms-it-does-not-represent-judgment-on-pulwama-attack-china-198964"> National Security Committee</a>&nbsp;met, the Pakistan government through the provincial government of Punjab took over&nbsp;administrative control of Jaish-e-Mohammed's(JeM)&nbsp;two seminaries, said to be its&nbsp;headquarters in Bahawalpur in south Punjab.

The development comes in the backdrop of mounting <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/did-not-ban-jud-under-pressure-proper-process-was-followed-pak-dg-ispr-general-asif-ghafoor-199022">international pressure on Pakistan</a> to take decisive action against the JeM, a globally listed terror outfit that reportedly has its headquarters situated in Pakistan.&nbsp;

JeM had taken responsibility of the Pulwama attack on CRPF that killed over 44 personnel on 14th February even as the global anti-terror funding watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force(FATF) called out Pakistan on its failure to curb terror financing.

FATF had earlier named the JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT), Jamaat-ud-Dawa(JuD), Filah-e-Insaniyat Foundation(FIF) among few terrorist organizations against which Pakistan had failed to act.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan while making a policy statement on Tuesday had asked India to provide "actionable intelligence" in the Pulwama attack, he also offered a "joint investigation" in the matter.

India has rejected the moves taken by Pakistan in last 24 hours. Sources speaking to WION said, "Pakistan's scrambling to put together even this cosmetic response is evidence of the coordinated diplomatic campaign that India has undertaken across multiple capitals and in Delhi."

In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, India has upped the ante against Islamabad and has been briefing foreign envoys in Delhi and world capital's about Pakistan's involvement in the attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

The Pakistani ministry of interior announced about the takeover in a formal statement that read, “Islamabad: Government of Punjab has taken over the control of a campus comprising Madressatul Sabir and Jama-e-Masjid Subhanallah in Bahawalpur."

It is reportedly the headquarters of JeM and appointed an administrator to manage its affairs. The statement further added “that the campus has a faculty of 70 teachers and currently 600 students were studying in it. The Punjab police has been providing security and protection to the campus”.

Pakistani authorities have maintained that the action was taken in line with the decision of the NSC&nbsp;meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The move comes hours after the Pakistani authorities banned JuD and Filah-e-Insaniyat Foundation, charities run by globally designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed.

The spokesperson of Pakistan’s military wing Major General Asif Ghafoor while addressing a press conference on Friday in reply to WION’s question had said that these actions are being taken not because of any pressure but purely because it is in the interest of Pakistan.

Less than twenty-four hours after Pakistan’s high-level security committee, the National Security Committee met, the Pakistan government through the provincial government of Punjab took over administrative control of Jaish-e-Mohammed's(JeM) two seminaries, said to be its headquarters in Bahawalpur in south Punjab.

Less than twenty-four hours after Pakistan’s high-level security committee, the National Security Committee met, the Pakistan government through the provincial government of Punjab took over administrative control of Jaish-e-Mohammed's(JeM) two seminaries, said to be its headquarters in Bahawalpur in south Punjab. The development comes in the backdrop of mounting international pressure on Pakistan to take decisive action against the JeM, a globally listed terror outfit that reportedly has its headquarters situated in Pakistan. JeM had taken responsibility of the Pulwama attack on CRPF that killed over 44 personnel on 14th February even as the global anti-terror funding watchdog, the Financial Action Task Force(FATF) called out Pakistan on its failure to curb terror financing. FATF had earlier named the JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba(LeT), Jamaat-ud-Dawa(JuD), Filah-e-Insaniyat Foundation(FIF) among few terrorist organizations against which Pakistan had failed to act. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan while making a policy statement on Tuesday had asked India to provide "actionable intelligence" in the Pulwama attack, he also offered a "joint investigation" in the matter. India has rejected the moves taken by Pakistan in last 24 hours. Sources speaking to WION said, "Pakistan's scrambling to put together even this cosmetic response is evidence of the coordinated diplomatic campaign that India has undertaken across multiple capitals and in Delhi." In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack, India has upped the ante against Islamabad and has been briefing foreign envoys in Delhi and world capital's about Pakistan's involvement in the attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel. The Pakistani ministry of interior announced about the takeover in a formal statement that read, “Islamabad: Government of Punjab has taken over the control of a campus comprising Madressatul Sabir and Jama-e-Masjid Subhanallah in Bahawalpur." It is reportedly the headquarters of JeM and appointed an administrator to manage its affairs. The statement further added “that the campus has a faculty of 70 teachers and currently 600 students were studying in it. The Punjab police has been providing security and protection to the campus”. Pakistani authorities have maintained that the action was taken in line with the decision of the NSC meeting held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Imran Khan. The move comes hours after the Pakistani authorities banned JuD and Filah-e-Insaniyat Foundation, charities run by globally designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. The spokesperson of Pakistan’s military wing Major General Asif Ghafoor while addressing a press conference on Friday in reply to WION’s question had said that these actions are being taken not because of any pressure but purely because it is in the interest of Pakistan.

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The Pakistani lawyer who helped free a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy has fled to the Netherlands, a Dutch Christian rights group said on Monday.

Asia Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Mulook, left Pakistan on Saturday, due to fear that he could be attacked after Bibi's conviction was overturned on Wednesday, the Association for Persecuted Christians said.

Bibi was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam, and had been sentenced to death. Mulook helped overturn the decision and has been threatened by angry mobs calling for the judges in the case to be killed.

Two Pakistani politicians who tried to help Bibi have been assassinated. Several parties in Dutch parliament have said they support providing temporary shelter to Bibi if she flees there.

Islamists have shut down major cities in Pakistan through days of demonstrations against Bibi's. They have said they would escalate their protests if she were permitted to leave the country. The government has indicated it will bar her from travelling abroad.&nbsp;

The Pakistani lawyer who helped free a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy has fled to the Netherlands, a Dutch Christian rights group said on Monday.

The Pakistani lawyer who helped free a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death in Pakistan for blasphemy has fled to the Netherlands, a Dutch Christian rights group said on Monday. Asia Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Mulook, left Pakistan on Saturday, due to fear that he could be attacked after Bibi's conviction was overturned on Wednesday, the Association for Persecuted Christians said. Bibi was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam, and had been sentenced to death. Mulook helped overturn the decision and has been threatened by angry mobs calling for the judges in the case to be killed. Two Pakistani politicians who tried to help Bibi have been assassinated. Several parties in Dutch parliament have said they support providing temporary shelter to Bibi if she flees there. Islamists have shut down major cities in Pakistan through days of demonstrations against Bibi's. They have said they would escalate their protests if she were permitted to leave the country. The government has indicated it will bar her from travelling abroad.

Asia Bibi's lawyer flees to the Netherlands facing threat to life in Pakistan

Pakistan blasphemy case: Imran Khan's govt draws criticism from within

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