A court in Islamabad on Monday set aside the terrorism charges against former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan for allegedly threatening a female judge and senior police officers at a rally.

A two-member bench headed by Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah had reserved the verdict on PTI's plea earlier in the day.

In the same FIR, on other clauses, the relevant authorities will decide but the matter of terrorism has been set aside, the high court said in the order.

The cricketer-turned-politician was booked under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ACT) for making threatening remarks against an additional sessions judge and senior officials of the Islamabad Police at a rally.

Khan's lawyer contended the charge, saying that there are some basic factors required to warrant terrorism charges and that these factors were absent in the case.

"A terror case can be lodged for creating an atmosphere of fear and terror, not on the possibility of creation of such an atmosphere," he said in the court.

He argued that Khan was speaking about taking legal action and lodging a case against an IG and DIG. He claimed that a "mastermind" was responsible for this complaint against Khan.

His party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had moved the court seeking transit bail for Khan, but the top court directed the former PM to approach an anti-terrorism court (ATC) since he was booked under terrorism charges.

The complaint that was filed against Khan states that he threatened Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry and police officers during a rally at Fatima Jinnah Park in Islamabad.

The FIR further states that Khan’s main aim was to prevent the police officers and judiciary from carrying out their legal obligations.

The FIR was registered following the complaint of Magistrate Ali Javed at Islamabad's Margalla Police Station under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act.

According to local reports, at the rally Khan warned that he would “not spare” Islamabad's inspector-general, deputy inspector general, and the female magistrate.

“We will not spare the IG and DIG,” he said while addressing the gathering.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A court in Islamabad on Monday set aside the terrorism charges against former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan for allegedly threatening a female judge and senior police officers at a rally.

A court in Islamabad on Monday set aside the terrorism charges against former prime minister (PM) Imran Khan for allegedly threatening a female judge and senior police officers at a rally. A two-member bench headed by Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah had reserved the verdict on PTI's plea earlier in the day. In the same FIR, on other clauses, the relevant authorities will decide but the matter of terrorism has been set aside, the high court said in the order. The cricketer-turned-politician was booked under sections of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ACT) for making threatening remarks against an additional sessions judge and senior officials of the Islamabad Police at a rally. Khan's lawyer contended the charge, saying that there are some basic factors required to warrant terrorism charges and that these factors were absent in the case. "A terror case can be lodged for creating an atmosphere of fear and terror, not on the possibility of creation of such an atmosphere," he said in the court. He argued that Khan was speaking about taking legal action and lodging a case against an IG and DIG. He claimed that a "mastermind" was responsible for this complaint against Khan. His party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had moved the court seeking transit bail for Khan, but the top court directed the former PM to approach an anti-terrorism court (ATC) since he was booked under terrorism charges. The complaint that was filed against Khan states that he threatened Additional Sessions Judge Zeba Chaudhry and police officers during a rally at Fatima Jinnah Park in Islamabad. The FIR further states that Khan’s main aim was to prevent the police officers and judiciary from carrying out their legal obligations. The FIR was registered following the complaint of Magistrate Ali Javed at Islamabad's Margalla Police Station under Section 7 of the Anti-Terrorism Act. According to local reports, at the rally Khan warned that he would “not spare” Islamabad's inspector-general, deputy inspector general, and the female magistrate. “We will not spare the IG and DIG,” he said while addressing the gathering. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Islamabad court drops terrorism charges against ex-PM Imran Khan

China and Pakistan have agreed to step up their defence and counter-terrorism cooperation amidst "challenging times", as Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa held wide-ranging talks with the Chinese military leadership to further cement their all-weather strategic partnership.

General Bajwa, accompanied by top Pakistani defence officials, held talks with the Chinese team led by Vice Chairman Central Military Commission General Zhang Youxia in Qingdao, the capital city of east China's Shandong province on Sunday.

The tri-service military delegation of Pakistan visited China from June 9 to June 12 where it held wide-ranging discussions with senior officials of the Chinese military and other government departments, according to a statement by the Pakistan Army.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/reports-suggest-pakistan-budget-may-fall-short-of-unlocking-imf-loan-487882">Reports suggest Pakistan budget may fall short of unlocking IMF loan</a>

The Apex Meeting was held on Sunday where the Pakistani side was headed by General Bajwa, while the Chinese side was led by General Zhang.

Both sides discussed their perspectives on the international and regional security situation, and expressed satisfaction on defence cooperation between the two countries,&nbsp;according to the statement.

"Pakistan and China reaffirmed their strategic partnership in challenging times and agreed to continue the regular exchange of perspectives on issues of mutual interest. Both sides also vowed to enhance their training, technology and counter-terrorism cooperation at the tri-service level," it added.

"China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners," said Gen Zhang, noting that over the years, both sides have kept close coordination and firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests.

During the talks, Gen. Zhang said China is willing to strengthen communication, reinforce cooperation, deepen pragmatic exchanges with Pakistan, and properly deal with the complicated factors in the regional situation, so as to push the military-to-military relations for further development, the Chinese military said in a statement.

In the meeting, both sides strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the shuttle van of the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi in Pakistan in April and stressed that any attempt to undermine the China-Pakistan friendship is doomed to fail, the statement said.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan economic crisis: 'Renegotiate energy deal with China,' IMF puts Pakistan in a tough spot

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Three Chinese teachers were killed when an explosion triggered by a burqa-clad woman suicide bomber from the Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) ripped through a van of the Confucius Institute at the prestigious University of Karachi on April 26.

The separatist BLA said it opposes Chinese investment in Pakistan's resource-rich Balochistan province, saying locals do not benefit.

The BLA has targeted Chinese nationals on a number of occasions, as has the Pakistani Taliban.

China is heavily involved in large infrastructure projects across Pakistan, including in the Balochistan province.

Gen Bajwa said that the Pakistan-China friendship is unbreakable and rock-solid. Pakistan will stand firmly with China at any time, no matter how the international and regional situation changes.

He stressed that Pakistan is ready to enhance dialogue and coordination with the Chinese military, carry out mutually beneficial cooperation, crack down on the terrorist forces, strive to improve the capabilities of both sides in dealing with various security challenges, safeguard the common interests of two countries, and make contributions to regional peace.

The visit was part of the Pak-China Joint Military Cooperation Committee (PCJMCC) - its apex committee is the highest military cooperation body.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-and-india-working-on-peace-along-lac-says-chinese-defence-minister-wei-fenghe-487531">China and India working on peace along LAC, says Chinese defence minister Wei Fenghe</a>

The committee has two sub committees that include Joint Cooperation Military Affairs (JCMA) and Joint Cooperation Military Equipment &amp; Training (JCMET).

Relations between the two countries have grown steadily in all fields despite concerns by the West regarding China's growing influence in the region.

Pakistan relies on China for military equipment and recently Beijing provided J-10 fighter jets to counterbalance the strategic edge India gained after buying Rafale jets from France.

Their multifaceted cooperation has gained more importance in the context of fast-changing regional situations.&nbsp;

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China and Pakistan have agreed to step up their defence and counter-terrorism cooperation amidst "challenging times", as Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa held wide-ranging talks with the Chinese military leadership to further cement their all-weather strategic partnership.

China and Pakistan have agreed to step up their defence and counter-terrorism cooperation amidst "challenging times", as Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa held wide-ranging talks with the Chinese military leadership to further cement their all-weather strategic partnership. General Bajwa, accompanied by top Pakistani defence officials, held talks with the Chinese team led by Vice Chairman Central Military Commission General Zhang Youxia in Qingdao, the capital city of east China's Shandong province on Sunday. The tri-service military delegation of Pakistan visited China from June 9 to June 12 where it held wide-ranging discussions with senior officials of the Chinese military and other government departments, according to a statement by the Pakistan Army. Also read | Reports suggest Pakistan budget may fall short of unlocking IMF loan The Apex Meeting was held on Sunday where the Pakistani side was headed by General Bajwa, while the Chinese side was led by General Zhang. Both sides discussed their perspectives on the international and regional security situation, and expressed satisfaction on defence cooperation between the two countries, according to the statement. "Pakistan and China reaffirmed their strategic partnership in challenging times and agreed to continue the regular exchange of perspectives on issues of mutual interest. Both sides also vowed to enhance their training, technology and counter-terrorism cooperation at the tri-service level," it added. "China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners," said Gen Zhang, noting that over the years, both sides have kept close coordination and firmly supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests. During the talks, Gen. Zhang said China is willing to strengthen communication, reinforce cooperation, deepen pragmatic exchanges with Pakistan, and properly deal with the complicated factors in the regional situation, so as to push the military-to-military relations for further development, the Chinese military said in a statement. In the meeting, both sides strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the shuttle van of the Confucius Institute at the University of Karachi in Pakistan in April and stressed that any attempt to undermine the China-Pakistan friendship is doomed to fail, the statement said. Watch | Pakistan economic crisis: 'Renegotiate energy deal with China,' IMF puts Pakistan in a tough spot Three Chinese teachers were killed when an explosion triggered by a burqa-clad woman suicide bomber from the Baluchistan Liberation Army (BLA) ripped through a van of the Confucius Institute at the prestigious University of Karachi on April 26. The separatist BLA said it opposes Chinese investment in Pakistan's resource-rich Balochistan province, saying locals do not benefit. The BLA has targeted Chinese nationals on a number of occasions, as has the Pakistani Taliban. China is heavily involved in large infrastructure projects across Pakistan, including in the Balochistan province. Gen Bajwa said that the Pakistan-China friendship is unbreakable and rock-solid. Pakistan will stand firmly with China at any time, no matter how the international and regional situation changes. He stressed that Pakistan is ready to enhance dialogue and coordination with the Chinese military, carry out mutually beneficial cooperation, crack down on the terrorist forces, strive to improve the capabilities of both sides in dealing with various security challenges, safeguard the common interests of two countries, and make contributions to regional peace. The visit was part of the Pak-China Joint Military Cooperation Committee (PCJMCC) - its apex committee is the highest military cooperation body. Also read | China and India working on peace along LAC, says Chinese defence minister Wei Fenghe The committee has two sub committees that include Joint Cooperation Military Affairs (JCMA) and Joint Cooperation Military Equipment & Training (JCMET). Relations between the two countries have grown steadily in all fields despite concerns by the West regarding China's growing influence in the region. Pakistan relies on China for military equipment and recently Beijing provided J-10 fighter jets to counterbalance the strategic edge India gained after buying Rafale jets from France. Their multifaceted cooperation has gained more importance in the context of fast-changing regional situations. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Militaries of Pakistan & China to step up defence and anti-terrorism cooperation amidst 'challenging times'

Thirteen French soldiers fighting jihadists in Mali killed in helicopter crash

&nbsp;Indonesian&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter&nbsp;security&nbsp;for state officials a day&nbsp;after&nbsp;a suspected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-islamic-state-terrorist-stabs-indonesian-security-minister-254936">Islamist militant stabbed the chief&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister</a> as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town.

Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, is grappling with a resurgence in militancy and hundreds of suspects have been detained under tighter new anti-terrorism laws since the beginning of 2019.

Minister Wiranto, 72, who like many&nbsp;Indonesians uses just one name, underwent surgery in Jakarta&nbsp;after&nbsp;sustaining two wounds to the stomach in the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;after&nbsp;he opened a university building in Pandeglang town.

He was the first senior politician to be&nbsp;attacked in recent years and the&nbsp;president&nbsp;said he should be the last.

"Even when we already have&nbsp;security&nbsp;measures in place, they should be tightened so that what happened to Wiranto won't happen again," Widodo told reporters at the hospital&nbsp;after&nbsp;visiting the minister.

"He is getting better, he was able to communicate with me," Widodo said, adding that the&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister had asked to take part in government meetings.

Police arrested a man and a woman they suspected were a couple and confiscated sharp objects that they were carrying, including knives and scissors.

The head of Indonesia's main intelligence agency, Budi Gunawan, said that the perpetrators were affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD).

The government scrambled to tighten its anti-terrorism laws&nbsp;after&nbsp;a series of suicide bombings linked to the JAD group killed more than 30 people in the city of Surabaya last year.

The&nbsp;attack&nbsp;came days before Widodo is due to be sworn in for a second term in office on October 20.

Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister overseeing maritime and natural resources, told reporters on Friday that the&nbsp;attack&nbsp;would not have an impact on the inauguration.

Wiranto has served as chief&nbsp;security&nbsp;minister in Widodo’s cabinet since 2016.

A retired general, he is considered a product of the late former strongman Suharto’s “New Order” administration, which gave a big political role to the military and stifled opponents.

His appointment drew criticism from rights groups for his involvement as chief of the armed forces in the bloody upheaval in East Timor.

Wiranto was indicted by a U.N. panel over the bloodshed surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence vote, when about 1,000 people were killed. He denied any wrongdoing in East Timor.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter security for state officials a day after a suspected Islamist militant stabbed the chief security minister as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said on Friday he had ordered tighter security for state officials a day after a suspected Islamist militant stabbed the chief security minister as he was greeting crowds in a provincial town. Indonesia, which is the world’s biggest Muslim-majority country, is grappling with a resurgence in militancy and hundreds of suspects have been detained under tighter new anti-terrorism laws since the beginning of 2019. Minister Wiranto, 72, who like many Indonesians uses just one name, underwent surgery in Jakarta after sustaining two wounds to the stomach in the attack after he opened a university building in Pandeglang town. He was the first senior politician to be attacked in recent years and the president said he should be the last. "Even when we already have security measures in place, they should be tightened so that what happened to Wiranto won't happen again," Widodo told reporters at the hospital after visiting the minister. "He is getting better, he was able to communicate with me," Widodo said, adding that the security minister had asked to take part in government meetings. Police arrested a man and a woman they suspected were a couple and confiscated sharp objects that they were carrying, including knives and scissors. The head of Indonesia's main intelligence agency, Budi Gunawan, said that the perpetrators were affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). The government scrambled to tighten its anti-terrorism laws after a series of suicide bombings linked to the JAD group killed more than 30 people in the city of Surabaya last year. The attack came days before Widodo is due to be sworn in for a second term in office on October 20. Luhut Pandjaitan, the coordinating minister overseeing maritime and natural resources, told reporters on Friday that the attack would not have an impact on the inauguration. Wiranto has served as chief security minister in Widodo’s cabinet since 2016. A retired general, he is considered a product of the late former strongman Suharto’s “New Order” administration, which gave a big political role to the military and stifled opponents. His appointment drew criticism from rights groups for his involvement as chief of the armed forces in the bloody upheaval in East Timor. Wiranto was indicted by a U.N. panel over the bloodshed surrounding East Timor's 1999 independence vote, when about 1,000 people were killed. He denied any wrongdoing in East Timor.

Indonesian President tightens security for ministers after attack

An anti-terrorism special tribunal in Bangladesh has recorded the statement of the first witness in the 2016 terror attack case, three years after the country's deadliest attack killed 22 people, mostly foreigners, including an Indian national.

Militants of the banned Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB) attacked the posh Holey Artisan restaurant in the Gulshan diplomatic enclave on July 1, 2016 in the Bangladesh capital.

Twenty-two people an Indian girl, nine Italians, seven Japanese and five Bangladeshis, including two police officers&nbsp;were killed in the attack.

"Police sub-inspector Ripon Kumar Das testified before the court as the first prosecution witness, being the complainant in the case," a court official said.

Six of the eight accused, who had earlier confessed to their involvement in the attack, appeared before the court on Monday amid heavy police security to face the trial. The other two accused are on the run, but were being tried in absentia.

All the accused belonged to the banned Neo-JMB.

The trial in the case began on November 26, when the court indicted them after reviewing the police charge sheet.

During the investigation, it was found that 21 people were involved in the assault, but police said 13 of them died in subsequent anti-terrorism clampdown.

They said only five militants staged the carnage and all of them were killed on July 2 in a raid by the military commandos.

The Neo-JMB said to be inclined to the Islamic State or ISIS terror group, executed the carnage, sparking an uproar globally and signalling the strong presence of militants in the Muslim-majority country.

The outfit emerged as the revived chapter of the radical Islamist group.

Counter-terrorism unit chief of Bangladesh Police, Monirul Islam earlier said the police gathered 75 pieces of evidence for the trial and mobilised 211 witnesses to the carnage to testify before the court.

Investigators alleged that the militants staged the attack to announce their strong presence in Bangladesh and particularly show their brutality by killing foreigners and draw international attention.

They said that since late 2015, the Neo-JMB militants, led by Bangladeshi-origin Canadian Tamim Chowdhury, killed in a subsequent security clampdown, were carrying out small-scale attacks on foreigners and non-Muslims.

The victims of the Holey Artisan restaurant were found with their throats slit when the commandos and other security forces entered the scene. 
Assailants gunned down two police officers and injured over 20 others when they approached the restaurant.

An anti-terrorism special tribunal in Bangladesh has recorded the statement of the first witness in the 2016 terror attack case, three years after the country's deadliest attack killed 22 people, mostly foreigners, including an Indian national.

An anti-terrorism special tribunal in Bangladesh has recorded the statement of the first witness in the 2016 terror attack case, three years after the country's deadliest attack killed 22 people, mostly foreigners, including an Indian national. Militants of the banned Neo-Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh (Neo-JMB) attacked the posh Holey Artisan restaurant in the Gulshan diplomatic enclave on July 1, 2016 in the Bangladesh capital. Twenty-two people an Indian girl, nine Italians, seven Japanese and five Bangladeshis, including two police officers were killed in the attack. "Police sub-inspector Ripon Kumar Das testified before the court as the first prosecution witness, being the complainant in the case," a court official said. Six of the eight accused, who had earlier confessed to their involvement in the attack, appeared before the court on Monday amid heavy police security to face the trial. The other two accused are on the run, but were being tried in absentia. All the accused belonged to the banned Neo-JMB. The trial in the case began on November 26, when the court indicted them after reviewing the police charge sheet. During the investigation, it was found that 21 people were involved in the assault, but police said 13 of them died in subsequent anti-terrorism clampdown. They said only five militants staged the carnage and all of them were killed on July 2 in a raid by the military commandos. The Neo-JMB said to be inclined to the Islamic State or ISIS terror group, executed the carnage, sparking an uproar globally and signalling the strong presence of militants in the Muslim-majority country. The outfit emerged as the revived chapter of the radical Islamist group. Counter-terrorism unit chief of Bangladesh Police, Monirul Islam earlier said the police gathered 75 pieces of evidence for the trial and mobilised 211 witnesses to the carnage to testify before the court. Investigators alleged that the militants staged the attack to announce their strong presence in Bangladesh and particularly show their brutality by killing foreigners and draw international attention. They said that since late 2015, the Neo-JMB militants, led by Bangladeshi-origin Canadian Tamim Chowdhury, killed in a subsequent security clampdown, were carrying out small-scale attacks on foreigners and non-Muslims. The victims of the Holey Artisan restaurant were found with their throats slit when the commandos and other security forces entered the scene. Assailants gunned down two police officers and injured over 20 others when they approached the restaurant.

Bangladesh court records testimony of first witness in 2016 cafe attack trial

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Islamabad court drops terrorism charges against ex-PM Imran Khan

Militaries of Pakistan & China to step up defence and anti-terrorism cooperation amidst 'challenging times'

Thirteen French soldiers fighting jihadists in Mali killed in helicopter crash

Indonesian President tightens security for ministers after attack

Bangladesh court records testimony of first witness in 2016 cafe attack trial