The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday filed a reference against 10 people, including former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Ismail in connection with the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import contract case. 
 
The anti-graft watchdog submitted the reference in an accountability court in Islamabad. The reference alleged that one firm received benefits of more than Rs 21 billion between March 2015 to September 2019, The Dawn reported. 
 
The reference also stated that the national exchequer will suffer a loss of Rs 47 billion by 2029 due to the contract. 
 
Former Pakistan State Oil (PSO) managing director Sheikh Imranul Haq, former Ogra chairman Saeed Ahmed Khan, Ogra chairperson Uzma Adil Khan, chairman of the Engro group Hussain Dawood, former chairman of Port Qasim Authority (PQA) Agha Jan Akhtar, former member of Ogra Aamir Naseem and former PSO Managing Director Shahid M Islam and Abdul Sammad have been named in the reference. 
 
Abbasi was arrested by the NAB on July 18 in connection with the case, in which he and others are accused of illegally awarding LNG terminal contracts for a period of 15 years to a company of their liking in violation of defined rules, incurring losses to the state exchequer. 
 
While Abbasi and Ismail have been in prison for over four months, Haq secured pre-arrest bail last week from the Islamabad High Court. 
 
In April, the Pakistan government had imposed a travel ban on Abbasi, Ismail and five others in connection with the case. 
 
Abbasi served as the prime minister from August 2017 to May 2018, following the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif from office by the Pakistan Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday filed a reference against 10 people, including former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Ismail in connection with the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import contract case.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday filed a reference against 10 people, including former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Ismail in connection with the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import contract case. The anti-graft watchdog submitted the reference in an accountability court in Islamabad. The reference alleged that one firm received benefits of more than Rs 21 billion between March 2015 to September 2019, The Dawn reported. The reference also stated that the national exchequer will suffer a loss of Rs 47 billion by 2029 due to the contract. Former Pakistan State Oil (PSO) managing director Sheikh Imranul Haq, former Ogra chairman Saeed Ahmed Khan, Ogra chairperson Uzma Adil Khan, chairman of the Engro group Hussain Dawood, former chairman of Port Qasim Authority (PQA) Agha Jan Akhtar, former member of Ogra Aamir Naseem and former PSO Managing Director Shahid M Islam and Abdul Sammad have been named in the reference. Abbasi was arrested by the NAB on July 18 in connection with the case, in which he and others are accused of illegally awarding LNG terminal contracts for a period of 15 years to a company of their liking in violation of defined rules, incurring losses to the state exchequer. While Abbasi and Ismail have been in prison for over four months, Haq secured pre-arrest bail last week from the Islamabad High Court. In April, the Pakistan government had imposed a travel ban on Abbasi, Ismail and five others in connection with the case. Abbasi served as the prime minister from August 2017 to May 2018, following the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif from office by the Pakistan Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal.

Pakistan: NAB files reference against ten, including ex-PM Abbasi, in LNG import scam

Chinese Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday. Zhang noted that Chinese and Pakistani militaries should enhance strategic communication and pragmatic cooperation.

Zhang, who was on a visit to Pakistan, also said the two militaries should promote their defence relations comprehensively. He called for the need to maintain common interests and ensure regional and global peace and stability.

Pakistan's Abbasi talked about the "close relationships" fostering between both the countries. He further added that both the countries have carried out broad and deep defence cooperation. Abbasi reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment and support of the one-China policy.

The Pakistani Prime Minister also ensured the smooth development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.&nbsp;

The Pakistani Prime Minister also ensured the smooth development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

Chinese Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Thursday. Zhang noted that Chinese and Pakistani militaries should enhance strategic communication and pragmatic cooperation. Zhang, who was on a visit to Pakistan, also said the two militaries should promote their defence relations comprehensively. He called for the need to maintain common interests and ensure regional and global peace and stability. Pakistan's Abbasi talked about the "close relationships" fostering between both the countries. He further added that both the countries have carried out broad and deep defence cooperation. Abbasi reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment and support of the one-China policy. The Pakistani Prime Minister also ensured the smooth development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

China, Pakistan vow to enhance strategic communication

Condemning the disqualification of former Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that the country which does not respect its politicians can never progress.

Abbasi while addressing a ceremony in Pakistan's Pasrur said that politicians must get the same amount of respect as judges, generals, and government officials, The Geo TV reported on Saturday.

He said, "Politicians are in the front when it comes to running countries and solving problems."

Further supporting ousted Khawaja Asif, he said that disqualification on the basis of Iqama is nothing and that it is a type of visa and nothing else.&nbsp;

Asif had served a large number of people and it would not benefit Pakistan if it disqualifies its political leaders on the basis of a visa, Abbasi added. He claimed that such a decision will not be accepted by the people.&nbsp;

Further referring to the upcoming assembly elections in Islamabad, Abbasi said that the decision of the public must be respected and shall be maintained for the next five years until the next general elections.

Earlier Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan had supported the decision of disqualification on the basis of Iqama.

He said Asif had degraded the sanctity of the Parliament and let down several Pakistan citizens who had voted him to power.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan heard Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Khawaja Asif's petition challenging his disqualification by the Islamabad High Court on May 4.&nbsp;

Asif had stated in his review petition that he unintentionally failed to disclose his foreign work permit in his nomination papers — the basis for the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decision against him.&nbsp;

The PML-N leader, considered a close aide of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified under Article 62 (1)(f) of the Constitution for failing to disclose his employment by a UAE company and the monthly salary paid by it in his nomination papers on April 27&nbsp;.

The high court disqualified Asif in response to a petition by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar.

Abbasi while addressing a ceremony in Pakistan's Pasrur said that politicians must get the same amount of respect as judges, generals, and government officials

Condemning the disqualification of former Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that the country which does not respect its politicians can never progress. Abbasi while addressing a ceremony in Pakistan's Pasrur said that politicians must get the same amount of respect as judges, generals, and government officials, The Geo TV reported on Saturday. He said, "Politicians are in the front when it comes to running countries and solving problems." Further supporting ousted Khawaja Asif, he said that disqualification on the basis of Iqama is nothing and that it is a type of visa and nothing else. Asif had served a large number of people and it would not benefit Pakistan if it disqualifies its political leaders on the basis of a visa, Abbasi added. He claimed that such a decision will not be accepted by the people. Further referring to the upcoming assembly elections in Islamabad, Abbasi said that the decision of the public must be respected and shall be maintained for the next five years until the next general elections. Earlier Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leader Imran Khan had supported the decision of disqualification on the basis of Iqama. He said Asif had degraded the sanctity of the Parliament and let down several Pakistan citizens who had voted him to power. The Supreme Court of Pakistan heard Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior leader Khawaja Asif's petition challenging his disqualification by the Islamabad High Court on May 4. Asif had stated in his review petition that he unintentionally failed to disclose his foreign work permit in his nomination papers — the basis for the Islamabad High Court (IHC) decision against him. The PML-N leader, considered a close aide of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified under Article 62 (1)(f) of the Constitution for failing to disclose his employment by a UAE company and the monthly salary paid by it in his nomination papers on April 27 . The high court disqualified Asif in response to a petition by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar.

Pakistan PM Abbasi condemns Khawaja Asif's disqualification

China today welcomed the fence-mending visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to Afghanistan, terming it as an "important step" to improve the strained ties between the two neighbours.

China is promoting a trilateral approach with Pakistan and Afghanistan and encouraging both of them to bury their differences over the Taliban as it seeks to connect its ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with Kabul.

Abbasi's "visit is an important step for improving the relations between the two countries. It demonstrates firm resolution of the two country to enhance dialogue and cooperation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here today.

During Abbasi's day-long visit to Afghanistan on Friday, the two sides agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security.

Geng said that China noticed that the two countries reached a consensus on the Afghan peace process.

Without directly referring to the CPEC, which is opposed by India as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Geng said Pakistan and Afghanistan amity "enhance regional connectivity".

"China highly appreciates and firmly supports it (Abbasi's visit). This is conducive to the early achievement of peace in Afghanistan and also conducive peace and development," he said.

"As a neighbour and friend of Pakistan and Afghanistan, China is willing to play a constructive role in improving the relation between the two counties and actively promoting China, Pakistan and Afghanistan trilateral cooperation," he said.

China for the first time held a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries here in December last where it proposed the extension of CPEC to Afghanistan much to the disquiet of India.

A study report titled Asian Competitiveness Annual Report 2018 released yesterday on the sidelines of Boao Forum for Asia in China's Boao city said CPEC the "flagship" project of the Belt and Road Initiative is being extended to Afghanistan.

"CPEC a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, has not only improved local infrastructure but also is extending toward Afghanistan, reducing poverty, the hotbed of terrorism, and bringing better prospects for local people's lives," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.&nbsp

During Abbasi's day-long visit to Afghanistan on Friday, the two sides agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement

China today welcomed the fence-mending visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to Afghanistan, terming it as an "important step" to improve the strained ties between the two neighbours. China is promoting a trilateral approach with Pakistan and Afghanistan and encouraging both of them to bury their differences over the Taliban as it seeks to connect its ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with Kabul. Abbasi's "visit is an important step for improving the relations between the two countries. It demonstrates firm resolution of the two country to enhance dialogue and cooperation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here today. During Abbasi's day-long visit to Afghanistan on Friday, the two sides agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security. Geng said that China noticed that the two countries reached a consensus on the Afghan peace process. Without directly referring to the CPEC, which is opposed by India as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Geng said Pakistan and Afghanistan amity "enhance regional connectivity". "China highly appreciates and firmly supports it (Abbasi's visit). This is conducive to the early achievement of peace in Afghanistan and also conducive peace and development," he said. "As a neighbour and friend of Pakistan and Afghanistan, China is willing to play a constructive role in improving the relation between the two counties and actively promoting China, Pakistan and Afghanistan trilateral cooperation," he said. China for the first time held a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries here in December last where it proposed the extension of CPEC to Afghanistan much to the disquiet of India. A study report titled Asian Competitiveness Annual Report 2018 released yesterday on the sidelines of Boao Forum for Asia in China's Boao city said CPEC the "flagship" project of the Belt and Road Initiative is being extended to Afghanistan. "CPEC a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, has not only improved local infrastructure but also is extending toward Afghanistan, reducing poverty, the hotbed of terrorism, and bringing better prospects for local people's lives," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.

Pakistan PM's Afghan visit 'important step' to improve strained ties: China

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will project the progress in implementing USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects during this year's Boao Forum for Asia, according to the Foreign Office.

This year's forum in Boao, a coastal town in the southern island province of China's Hainan, will be themed 'Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity'.

The Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement that Abbasi will lead the Pakistani delegation to the Boao Forum Annual Conference for Asia.

Abbasi will be one of the keynote speakers in the opening session of the forum along with President Xi Jinping, and other leaders attending the annual forum.

"The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with Chinese and other world leaders," said the FO.

The Forum would provide an opportunity to Abbasi to project the progress in implementing China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects.

The 3,000-km-long CPEC is aimed at connecting China and Pakistan with rail, road, pipelines and optical cable fiber network. It connects China's Xinjiang province with Pakistan's Gwadar port, providing access to China to the Arabian Sea.

The project, when completed, would enable China to pump its oil supplies from the Middle East through pipelines to Xinjiang cutting considerable distance for Chinese ships to travel to China.

"The visit will help in promoting Pakistan as a successful economic partner in the region as well as in the global context, the FO said.

The Boao Forum for Asia is a non-profit organisation that hosts high-level forums for leaders from government, business, and academia in Asia and other continents to share their vision on the most pressing issues in this dynamic region and the world at large.

Modelled after the World Economic Forum held annually in Davos, Switzerland, the Boao Forum has its fixed address in Bo'ao, Hainan province, China, although the Secretariat is based in Beijing. 
Pakistan is one of the 26 countries of this Forum, according to the FO.

Abbasi will lead the Pakistani delegation to the Boao Forum Annual Conference for Asia

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will project the progress in implementing USD 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects during this year's Boao Forum for Asia, according to the Foreign Office. This year's forum in Boao, a coastal town in the southern island province of China's Hainan, will be themed 'Open and Innovative Asia for a World of Greater Prosperity'. The Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement that Abbasi will lead the Pakistani delegation to the Boao Forum Annual Conference for Asia. Abbasi will be one of the keynote speakers in the opening session of the forum along with President Xi Jinping, and other leaders attending the annual forum. "The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with Chinese and other world leaders," said the FO. The Forum would provide an opportunity to Abbasi to project the progress in implementing China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects. The 3,000-km-long CPEC is aimed at connecting China and Pakistan with rail, road, pipelines and optical cable fiber network. It connects China's Xinjiang province with Pakistan's Gwadar port, providing access to China to the Arabian Sea. The project, when completed, would enable China to pump its oil supplies from the Middle East through pipelines to Xinjiang cutting considerable distance for Chinese ships to travel to China. "The visit will help in promoting Pakistan as a successful economic partner in the region as well as in the global context, the FO said. The Boao Forum for Asia is a non-profit organisation that hosts high-level forums for leaders from government, business, and academia in Asia and other continents to share their vision on the most pressing issues in this dynamic region and the world at large. Modelled after the World Economic Forum held annually in Davos, Switzerland, the Boao Forum has its fixed address in Bo'ao, Hainan province, China, although the Secretariat is based in Beijing. Pakistan is one of the 26 countries of this Forum, according to the FO.

Pakistan Prime Minister to project progress in CPEC in Boao Forum

&nbspBreaking his silence on his frisking at a US airport last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday said that he was neither ashamed at the process, nor did it reduced his status as the country's prime minister.

Abbasi revealed that he had travelled to the US for the last 40 years and has gone through routine security checks multiple times during his visits, Express Tribune reported.

"I've even seen former US president Bill Clinton go through such security checks. When one visits another country, it is best to respect their laws and protocol. I don't think it reduces my respect, I think it increases it. Whether I am the Prime Minister or not, it should not be deemed disrespectful if I went through their security check," Abbasi said.

The Pakistan Prime Minister explained that he could have requested for VIP protocol by writing a letter to the US embassy and asked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to accompany him at the airport and "they would have concealed me and taken me through secret pathways at the airport", but he opted not to.

"The law is the same for everyone and I think it's more respectful to be in accordance with the law," Abbasi further said.

Last month, there were reports that Abbasi was frisked at the John F. Kennedy airport in New York during the security procedure.

A video of the incident showed Prime Minister Abbasi, who reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US, adjusting his t-shirt after getting out of security checks with his jacket and a trolley bag

The deputy spokesperson of the US Embassy in India, Alexander McLaren said last week that Abbasi was frisked at the US airport as he was on a private visit.

The private visit by Abbasi comes at a time when Pakistan-US relations have been strained lately, especially since US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter in January that Pakistan was not doing much to combat terrorism on their own soil.

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!", Trump tweeted.

Abbasi revealed that he had travelled to the US for the last 40 years and has gone through routine security checks multiple times during his visits

&nbspBreaking his silence on his frisking at a US airport last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday said that he was neither ashamed at the process, nor did it reduced his status as the country's prime minister. Abbasi revealed that he had travelled to the US for the last 40 years and has gone through routine security checks multiple times during his visits, Express Tribune reported. "I've even seen former US president Bill Clinton go through such security checks. When one visits another country, it is best to respect their laws and protocol. I don't think it reduces my respect, I think it increases it. Whether I am the Prime Minister or not, it should not be deemed disrespectful if I went through their security check," Abbasi said. The Pakistan Prime Minister explained that he could have requested for VIP protocol by writing a letter to the US embassy and asked the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to accompany him at the airport and "they would have concealed me and taken me through secret pathways at the airport", but he opted not to. "The law is the same for everyone and I think it's more respectful to be in accordance with the law," Abbasi further said. Last month, there were reports that Abbasi was frisked at the John F. Kennedy airport in New York during the security procedure. A video of the incident showed Prime Minister Abbasi, who reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US, adjusting his t-shirt after getting out of security checks with his jacket and a trolley bag The deputy spokesperson of the US Embassy in India, Alexander McLaren said last week that Abbasi was frisked at the US airport as he was on a private visit. The private visit by Abbasi comes at a time when Pakistan-US relations have been strained lately, especially since US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter in January that Pakistan was not doing much to combat terrorism on their own soil. "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!", Trump tweeted.

US airport security check did not reduce my status as PM: Abbasi

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will travel to Afghanistan Friday on a day-long visit during which he is likely to discuss a range of issues, including ways to facilitate talks with the Taliban.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said Abbasi was visiting Kabul on an invitation of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

"The Prime Minister's visit is taking place in the backdrop of Pakistan's support to President Ghani's offer of peace talks with the Taliban for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and strengthening bilateral engagement," it said.

Abbasi will have in-depth consultations with Ghani and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on matters of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral political, economic, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, the return of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and narco-trade, Afghan peace process and regional political and security situation.

He will also meet senior Afghan political leaders.

Pakistan will continue to support Afghanistan's developments efforts through capacity building in infrastructure, educational and health sectors in Afghanistan. Pakistan also aspires to deepen people-to-people contacts, the statement said.

Prime Minister Abbasi would also discuss with the Afghan leadership ways to facilitate travel between the two countries, assist education and medical treatment of Afghan nationals in Pakistan and expand trade and transit facilitation between the two countries.

To promote regional economic integration, the two countries are participating in key trans-regional initiatives namely Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000).

Abbasi recently joined the Afghan president in Herat to inaugurate the TAPI gas pipeline project. The two sides are also engaged in undertaking major bilateral rail-road connectivity projects.

The objective of Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan is to strengthen the positive momentum in bilateral relations and help augment joint endeavours in the pursuit of durable peace, stability and economic prosperity in the two countries, and the region, according to FO statement.

Afghanistan and the US have blamed Pakistan for allegedly providing safe havens to elements of the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network.

Pakistan denies the charge, alleging that it is Afghan forces that offer sanctuary to elements of the Pakistani Taliban.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will travel to Afghanistan tomorrow on a day-long visit

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will travel to Afghanistan Friday on a day-long visit during which he is likely to discuss a range of issues, including ways to facilitate talks with the Taliban. In a statement, the Foreign Office said Abbasi was visiting Kabul on an invitation of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. "The Prime Minister's visit is taking place in the backdrop of Pakistan's support to President Ghani's offer of peace talks with the Taliban for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and strengthening bilateral engagement," it said. Abbasi will have in-depth consultations with Ghani and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on matters of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral political, economic, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, the return of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and narco-trade, Afghan peace process and regional political and security situation. He will also meet senior Afghan political leaders. Pakistan will continue to support Afghanistan's developments efforts through capacity building in infrastructure, educational and health sectors in Afghanistan. Pakistan also aspires to deepen people-to-people contacts, the statement said. Prime Minister Abbasi would also discuss with the Afghan leadership ways to facilitate travel between the two countries, assist education and medical treatment of Afghan nationals in Pakistan and expand trade and transit facilitation between the two countries. To promote regional economic integration, the two countries are participating in key trans-regional initiatives namely Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000). Abbasi recently joined the Afghan president in Herat to inaugurate the TAPI gas pipeline project. The two sides are also engaged in undertaking major bilateral rail-road connectivity projects. The objective of Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan is to strengthen the positive momentum in bilateral relations and help augment joint endeavours in the pursuit of durable peace, stability and economic prosperity in the two countries, and the region, according to FO statement. Afghanistan and the US have blamed Pakistan for allegedly providing safe havens to elements of the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network. Pakistan denies the charge, alleging that it is Afghan forces that offer sanctuary to elements of the Pakistani Taliban.

Pakistan PM to visit Afghanistan Friday

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has accused India of launching a "brutal crackdown" in Kashmir after terror groups suffered a major setback following killing of 13 terrorists in counter-insurgency operations.

Abbasi's statement late last night came after Indian security forces on Sunday gunned down 13 militants in three counter-insurgency operations that also claimed the lives of three Army jawans and four civilians in Anantnag and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The brutal crackdown, including the despicable use of pellet guns on civilians who were protesting against the killing, is deplorable," Abbasi said.

He also asked the international community to urge India to allow access to fact-finding missions of the UN to Kashmir.

Yesterday's operations by the Indian security forces have rendered a severe blow to terror groups such as the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashker-e-Taiba.

Abbasi's statement late last night came after Indian security forces on Sunday gunned down 13 militants in three counter-insurgency operations

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has accused India of launching a "brutal crackdown" in Kashmir after terror groups suffered a major setback following killing of 13 terrorists in counter-insurgency operations. Abbasi's statement late last night came after Indian security forces on Sunday gunned down 13 militants in three counter-insurgency operations that also claimed the lives of three Army jawans and four civilians in Anantnag and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir. "The brutal crackdown, including the despicable use of pellet guns on civilians who were protesting against the killing, is deplorable," Abbasi said. He also asked the international community to urge India to allow access to fact-finding missions of the UN to Kashmir. Yesterday's operations by the Indian security forces have rendered a severe blow to terror groups such as the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashker-e-Taiba.

UN fact-finding mission should visit Kashmir: Abbasi

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in series of tweets lambasted Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for his recent remarks claiming that horse trading and money played a key role in the outcome of the recent Senate elections.

"So now PM Abbasi is crying abt horse-trading & money deciding Senate elections! If his party was so concerned why didn't they support PTI's proposals to change Senate election format to prevent exactly these shenanigans?" the PTI chief tweeted.

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So now PM Abbasi is crying abt horse-trading & money deciding Senate elections! If his party was so concerned why didn't they support PTI's proposals to change Senate election format to prevent exactly these shenanigans?
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/977794522917851137?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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Following his tweet, Khan posted a list of four questions over Abbasi's statements and asked him to clarify whether the Prime Minister felt a money launderer should be above the law because of "some imagined ongoing development".

"4 Qs for PM Abbasi after his histrionics yesterday 1: How could Panama case & it's verdict have derailed development when it indicted NS for money laundering? Does PM Abbasi feel a money launderer shd be above the law be of some imagined ongoing development?" he tweeted.

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4 Qs for PM Abbasi after his histrionics yesterday 1: How cld Panama case & it's verdict have derailed development when it indicted NS for money laundering? Does PM Abbasi feel a money launderer shd be above the law bec of some imagined ongoing development?
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/977796096557813762?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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Khan also attacked the Prime Minister for ignoring the corruption in the ruling party.

"Does PM Abbasi regard the debilitating USD 10 billion money laundering per year that is destroying Pakistan a non-issue?" Imran asked in another tweet.

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3. Does PM Abbasi think NS is or is not involved in money laundering? if he thinks he is, then how can Abbasi as PM condone crime of money laundering? If Abbasi thinks NS is not guilty of money laundering then he is more foolish than one thought. <a href="https://t.co/TrxSQh9wYS">https://t.co/TrxSQh9wYS</a>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/977797171079794688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">25 March 2018</a></blockquote>
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Following this, the PTI chief said Abbasi is a fool if he thinks that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was not guilty of money laundering.

"If he thinks he is, then how can Abbasi as PM condone crime of money laundering? If Abbasi thinks Nawaz Sharif is not guilty of money laundering then he is more foolish than one thought," Imran posted on Twitter.

In his fourth question, Imran said, "How others expected to accept and respect the judgement of the Supreme Court when the Prime Minister of the country himself not ready to accept."

Earlier on Saturday, Abbasi said, "An election where votes were sold and purchased got us a chairman who was not known in the political circles before. It is sad to have such a person as chairman of the Senate, an institution that represents the federation."&nbsp;

Following his tweet, Khan posted a list of four questions over Abbasi's statements and asked him to clarify whether the Prime Minister felt a money launderer should be above the law because of "some imagined ongoing development".

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan in series of tweets lambasted Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi for his recent remarks claiming that horse trading and money played a key role in the outcome of the recent Senate elections. "So now PM Abbasi is crying abt horse-trading & money deciding Senate elections! If his party was so concerned why didn't they support PTI's proposals to change Senate election format to prevent exactly these shenanigans?" the PTI chief tweeted. So now PM Abbasi is crying abt horse-trading & money deciding Senate elections! If his party was so concerned why didn't they support PTI's proposals to change Senate election format to prevent exactly these shenanigans? — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) 25 March 2018 × Following his tweet, Khan posted a list of four questions over Abbasi's statements and asked him to clarify whether the Prime Minister felt a money launderer should be above the law because of "some imagined ongoing development". "4 Qs for PM Abbasi after his histrionics yesterday 1: How could Panama case & it's verdict have derailed development when it indicted NS for money laundering? Does PM Abbasi feel a money launderer shd be above the law be of some imagined ongoing development?" he tweeted. 4 Qs for PM Abbasi after his histrionics yesterday 1: How cld Panama case & it's verdict have derailed development when it indicted NS for money laundering? Does PM Abbasi feel a money launderer shd be above the law bec of some imagined ongoing development? — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) 25 March 2018 × Khan also attacked the Prime Minister for ignoring the corruption in the ruling party. "Does PM Abbasi regard the debilitating USD 10 billion money laundering per year that is destroying Pakistan a non-issue?" Imran asked in another tweet. 3. Does PM Abbasi think NS is or is not involved in money laundering? if he thinks he is, then how can Abbasi as PM condone crime of money laundering? If Abbasi thinks NS is not guilty of money laundering then he is more foolish than one thought. https://t.co/TrxSQh9wYS — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) 25 March 2018 × Following this, the PTI chief said Abbasi is a fool if he thinks that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was not guilty of money laundering. "If he thinks he is, then how can Abbasi as PM condone crime of money laundering? If Abbasi thinks Nawaz Sharif is not guilty of money laundering then he is more foolish than one thought," Imran posted on Twitter. In his fourth question, Imran said, "How others expected to accept and respect the judgement of the Supreme Court when the Prime Minister of the country himself not ready to accept." Earlier on Saturday, Abbasi said, "An election where votes were sold and purchased got us a chairman who was not known in the political circles before. It is sad to have such a person as chairman of the Senate, an institution that represents the federation."

Imran Khan goes on Twitter tirade against Pakistan PM Abbasi

President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday rejected a phone call from his Pakistani counterpart, Pajhwok Afghan news reported.&nbsp;

According to reports, Ghani&#39;s interior minister was sent to Islamabad along with officials who would be sharing evidence of Pakistan&#39;s involvement in the recent terror attacks on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

According to the Pajkwok report, Pakistan&#39;s PM wanted to share his sympathies with his Afghan counterpart over the series of terror attacks in the country.&nbsp;

In an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-buys-weapons-from-international-companies-sells-to-taliban-through-its-domestic-markets-afghan-envoy-to-us-tells-wion-31297">interview with WION</a> Afghanistan&#39;s envoy to the US, Majeed Qarar, noted Pakistan&#39;s involvement in the recent attack on Kabul. According to Qarar, Pakistan has been buying military-grade weapons from international companies and selling them to Taliban.&nbsp;

Pakistan's PM wanted to share his sympathies with his Afghan counterpart over the series of terror attacks

President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani on Wednesday rejected a phone call from his Pakistani counterpart, Pajhwok Afghan news reported. According to reports, Ghani's interior minister was sent to Islamabad along with officials who would be sharing evidence of Pakistan's involvement in the recent terror attacks on Afghanistan. According to the Pajkwok report, Pakistan's PM wanted to share his sympathies with his Afghan counterpart over the series of terror attacks in the country. In an interview with WION Afghanistan's envoy to the US, Majeed Qarar, noted Pakistan's involvement in the recent attack on Kabul. According to Qarar, Pakistan has been buying military-grade weapons from international companies and selling them to Taliban.

Afghan President rejected phone call from Pakistan's Abbasi 

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has shattered the dreams of his younger brother Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif of becoming prime minister and of his nephew (Hamza) to take up the reins in Punjab.

A federal minister said that the decision to &#39;retain&#39;&nbsp;Shehbaz in Punjab had been finalised and just a mere &quot;official&quot; announcement is left from the Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) about withdrawing Shehbaz from the National Assembly NA-120 race.

&quot;The extended cabinet of Abbasi is a proof of it,&quot; he said, adding the current arrangement suited the leadership as Nawaz Sharif would see matters in the Centre and Shehbaz Sharif in Punjab.

A number of PML-N leaders in Punjab believe that Shehbaz has missed or made to miss a &quot;golden opportunity&quot; to succeed his elder brother as there is no guarantee he will make it to Islamabad to don the premier&#39;s cap in 2018 in case the PML-N wins the election as more players from the elder Sharif family may be in the race for the top slot, the Dawn reports.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said: &quot;The decision that Shehbaz Sharif will continue serving in Punjab is almost certain.&quot;

Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan said that the parliamentary party headed by Nawaz Sharif was authorised to announce reversal of its earlier decision (to nominate Shehbaz for prime minister&#39;s slot).

Khan however denied any differences in the Sharif brothers saying the crisis had even further united them and Shehbaz would follow his elder brother&#39;s instructions.

After Shehbaz was announced Nawaz Sharif&#39;s successor, the leaders in PML-N argued that Punjab cannot be left out as that would be disastrous for the party.

Shehbaz convinced Nawaz in the beginning that his son Hamza can take his place in Punjab.

Shehbaz had tried his best to convince Nawaz not to worry about Punjab and leave it to his son (Hamza).

To consolidate his case, Shehbaz managed to send a request to him (Nawaz) from more than 300 PML-N MPAs from Punjab, endorsing father in the centre and son in Punjab.

Khurram Dastgir said, &quot;Since Shehbaz has good equation with all MPAs in Punjab and all ongoing development projects are on his finger tips, a larger section of the party is of the view that he should continue delivering in Punjab.&quot;

Nawaz had announced after his disqualification by the Supreme Court that his younger brother would be prime minister after an interim arrangement of 45 days for which Abbasi was selected.&nbsp;

A federal minister said the current arrangement suited the leadership as Nawaz Sharif would see matters in the Centre and Shehbaz Sharif in Punjab

Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has shattered the dreams of his younger brother Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif of becoming prime minister and of his nephew (Hamza) to take up the reins in Punjab. A federal minister said that the decision to 'retain' Shehbaz in Punjab had been finalised and just a mere "official" announcement is left from the Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) about withdrawing Shehbaz from the National Assembly NA-120 race. "The extended cabinet of Abbasi is a proof of it," he said, adding the current arrangement suited the leadership as Nawaz Sharif would see matters in the Centre and Shehbaz Sharif in Punjab. A number of PML-N leaders in Punjab believe that Shehbaz has missed or made to miss a "golden opportunity" to succeed his elder brother as there is no guarantee he will make it to Islamabad to don the premier's cap in 2018 in case the PML-N wins the election as more players from the elder Sharif family may be in the race for the top slot, the Dawn reports. Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said: "The decision that Shehbaz Sharif will continue serving in Punjab is almost certain." Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan said that the parliamentary party headed by Nawaz Sharif was authorised to announce reversal of its earlier decision (to nominate Shehbaz for prime minister's slot). Khan however denied any differences in the Sharif brothers saying the crisis had even further united them and Shehbaz would follow his elder brother's instructions. After Shehbaz was announced Nawaz Sharif's successor, the leaders in PML-N argued that Punjab cannot be left out as that would be disastrous for the party. Shehbaz convinced Nawaz in the beginning that his son Hamza can take his place in Punjab. Shehbaz had tried his best to convince Nawaz not to worry about Punjab and leave it to his son (Hamza). To consolidate his case, Shehbaz managed to send a request to him (Nawaz) from more than 300 PML-N MPAs from Punjab, endorsing father in the centre and son in Punjab. Khurram Dastgir said, "Since Shehbaz has good equation with all MPAs in Punjab and all ongoing development projects are on his finger tips, a larger section of the party is of the view that he should continue delivering in Punjab." Nawaz had announced after his disqualification by the Supreme Court that his younger brother would be prime minister after an interim arrangement of 45 days for which Abbasi was selected.

Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif likely to miss opportunity to become PM

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