Keeping up with the country's trend of making spelling errors while attacking India on Twitter, Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday called Kashmir the jugular "vain" of Pakistan, inviting trolls. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor trolled for calling Kashmir country's jugular 'vain'

WION Dispatch: Pakistan Army spokesperson trolled for calling Kashmir country's jugular 'vain'

Pakistan's Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations, Asif Ghafoor tweeted a video of retired Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Marshal, Denzil Keelor with the footage of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's clip in the inset.

Pak army again caught red handed sharing 'doctored' video

Pakistan's Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations, Asif Ghafoor, attracted ridicule after posting a doctored video of war hero and retired IAF Air Marshal, Denzil Keelor on Sunday.

Ghafoor shared a video of Keelor on his Twitter account, claiming that the war veteran was talking about the "Indian failure" during the dogfight between the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/20th-year-of-kargil-war-indian-air-force-turns-gwalior-air-base-into-war-theatre-229911">Indian Air Force</a> (IAF) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on February 27 this year, just a day <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-response-post-uri-and-balakot-demonstrates-political-and-military-will-army-chief-235496">after the Balakot airstrikes</a>.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Admission of Indian failure and losses on 27 February 2019 by a well decorated Indian Airforce veteran Air Marshal Denzil Keelor.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Surprise?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Surprise</a> <a href="https://t.co/uTeErbucCl">pic.twitter.com/uTeErbucCl</a>
— Asif Ghafoor (@peaceforchange) <a href="https://twitter.com/peaceforchange/status/1155328806246408194?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Netizens were quick to point out that the video was recorded in 2015, approximately four years before the Balakot and its ensuing incidents occurred in 2019.

In fact, the interview titled 'Nehru lost India the war: Air Marshal Denzil Keelor speaks about India's battle losses'&nbsp;was posted by Wilderness Films India on Aug 9, 2015, on the video-sharing website, YouTube.

The former Air Marshal was invited by the production house for a talk on the wars of 1962 and 1965, according to its description.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's clip -- which was released by the Pakistani military -- can be seen on the top right of the screen in the video posted by Ghafoor.

The DG ISPR's doctored video is interspersed with visuals of a crashed plane.

Twitterati strongly reacted to Ghafoor's post, with many poking fun at his gaffe.

"Gafoora tomorrow will claim he landed on moon," a Twitter user stated in response.

"You leave no stone unturned to advertise your incurable 'foot in mouth'&nbsp;disease. At your level, you should refrain from peddling amateurish morphed videos that make you a laughing stock on global platform. Kindly get a better video editor who bothers to edit out the giveaways," another Twitter user @Shonkho wrote.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
You leave no stone unturned to advertise your incurable 'foot in mouth' disease. At your level, you should refrain from peddling amateurish morphed videos that make you a laughing stock on global platform. Kindly get a better video editor who bothers to edit out the giveaways.
— Arijit Datta Ray (@Shonkho) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shonkho/status/1155358847663579136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Falling short of an apology, Ghafoor later acknowledged that the Keelor clip shared by him was indeed doctored.

"The clip of Air Marshal is revealed to be doctored through inset. Admission and expression were too identical to differentiate. Unintentional omission is acknowledged, especially to Indians. Nonetheless, the environment remained unchanged for IAF on both the occasions," he tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The clip of Air Marshal is revealed to be doctored through inset. Admission and expression were too identical to differentiate. Unintentional omission is acknowledged, especially to Indians. 
Nonetheless, environment remained unchanged for IAF on both the occasions.
— Asif Ghafoor (@peaceforchange) <a href="https://twitter.com/peaceforchange/status/1155397799732817920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The DG ISPR is yet to delete the video or formally apologise for his misstep. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations, Asif Ghafoor, attracted ridicule after posting a doctored video of war hero and retired IAF Air Marshal, Denzil Keelor on Sunday.

Pakistan's Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations, Asif Ghafoor, attracted ridicule after posting a doctored video of war hero and retired IAF Air Marshal, Denzil Keelor on Sunday. Ghafoor shared a video of Keelor on his Twitter account, claiming that the war veteran was talking about the "Indian failure" during the dogfight between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) on February 27 this year, just a day after the Balakot airstrikes. Admission of Indian failure and losses on 27 February 2019 by a well decorated Indian Airforce veteran Air Marshal Denzil Keelor.#Surprise pic.twitter.com/uTeErbucCl — Asif Ghafoor (@peaceforchange) July 28, 2019 × Netizens were quick to point out that the video was recorded in 2015, approximately four years before the Balakot and its ensuing incidents occurred in 2019. In fact, the interview titled 'Nehru lost India the war: Air Marshal Denzil Keelor speaks about India's battle losses' was posted by Wilderness Films India on Aug 9, 2015, on the video-sharing website, YouTube. The former Air Marshal was invited by the production house for a talk on the wars of 1962 and 1965, according to its description. Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's clip -- which was released by the Pakistani military -- can be seen on the top right of the screen in the video posted by Ghafoor. The DG ISPR's doctored video is interspersed with visuals of a crashed plane. Twitterati strongly reacted to Ghafoor's post, with many poking fun at his gaffe. "Gafoora tomorrow will claim he landed on moon," a Twitter user stated in response. "You leave no stone unturned to advertise your incurable 'foot in mouth' disease. At your level, you should refrain from peddling amateurish morphed videos that make you a laughing stock on global platform. Kindly get a better video editor who bothers to edit out the giveaways," another Twitter user @Shonkho wrote. You leave no stone unturned to advertise your incurable 'foot in mouth' disease. At your level, you should refrain from peddling amateurish morphed videos that make you a laughing stock on global platform. Kindly get a better video editor who bothers to edit out the giveaways. — Arijit Datta Ray (@Shonkho) July 28, 2019 × Falling short of an apology, Ghafoor later acknowledged that the Keelor clip shared by him was indeed doctored. "The clip of Air Marshal is revealed to be doctored through inset. Admission and expression were too identical to differentiate. Unintentional omission is acknowledged, especially to Indians. Nonetheless, the environment remained unchanged for IAF on both the occasions," he tweeted. The clip of Air Marshal is revealed to be doctored through inset. Admission and expression were too identical to differentiate. Unintentional omission is acknowledged, especially to Indians. Nonetheless, environment remained unchanged for IAF on both the occasions. — Asif Ghafoor (@peaceforchange) July 28, 2019 × The DG ISPR is yet to delete the video or formally apologise for his misstep.

Pakistan DG ISPR Asif Ghafoor peddles fake news, posts doctored video of retired Indian Air Force Air Marshal

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will hold a bilateral meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday afternoon to repair damaged ties between the two countries in recent times.

As per a schedule released by the White House, the meeting will begin at around 12:05 pm and would be followed by an expanded bilateral lunch at around 12.50 pm.

Khan would be accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, confirmed military spokesperson Asif Ghafoor.&nbsp;

The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after Trump struck down an aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil.

A tweet by Pakistan's Information Ministry on Sunday stated that the meeting is likely to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation on trade and investment, as well as working "toward peace in South Asia at large and Afghanistan in particular".

After accompanying Khan at the bilateral meeting, the Army Chief will visit the Pentagon to have interaction with US military leadership, informed Ghafoor.

"COAS at Washington, DC. On 22 July 19, after the meeting at White House as part of Prime Minister's delegation, COAS will visit Pentagon to interact with Acting Secretary Defence Mr. Richard Spencer, CJCS Gen Joseph Dunford, and Chief of Staff of US Army Gen Mark A Milley," Ghafoor wrote on Twitter.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will hold a bilateral meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday afternoon to repair damaged ties between the two countries in recent times.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will hold a bilateral meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday afternoon to repair damaged ties between the two countries in recent times. As per a schedule released by the White House, the meeting will begin at around 12:05 pm and would be followed by an expanded bilateral lunch at around 12.50 pm. Khan would be accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, confirmed military spokesperson Asif Ghafoor. The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after Trump struck down an aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil. A tweet by Pakistan's Information Ministry on Sunday stated that the meeting is likely to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation on trade and investment, as well as working "toward peace in South Asia at large and Afghanistan in particular". After accompanying Khan at the bilateral meeting, the Army Chief will visit the Pentagon to have interaction with US military leadership, informed Ghafoor. "COAS at Washington, DC. On 22 July 19, after the meeting at White House as part of Prime Minister's delegation, COAS will visit Pentagon to interact with Acting Secretary Defence Mr. Richard Spencer, CJCS Gen Joseph Dunford, and Chief of Staff of US Army Gen Mark A Milley," Ghafoor wrote on Twitter.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Trump to hold bilateral meeting today

Not every person missing is attributable to Pakistan, stated Major General Asif Ghafoor, the spokesperson of the Pakistan Armed Forces while speaking on the issue of enforced disappearances.

Several human rights experts and activists have blamed Pakistan and its army for the disappearance of scores of people belonging to ethnic and religious communities, like the Baloch.

"Not every person missing is attributable to state. Many are there as part of TTP in Afghanistan elsewhere or got killed fighting as part of TTP. Those with the state are under legal process," Ghafoor tweeted on Friday evening.

The issue was recently thrust into limelight after several billboards highlighting the plight of the people in Pakistan came up across the UK, which is currently hosting the 2019 Cricket World Cup.

The initiative was taken by the Baloch Republican Party and the World Baloch Organisation, who also distributed leaflets outside Lords in London on June 23 when the Pakistan cricket team played against South Africa.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army Chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa was present at the match, along with Ghafoor, when the protests took place.

In response to the protests, angry Pakistan cricket fans tore down the posters and the banners put up by Baloch activists, and shouted slogans like "Long live Pakistan Army."

Ghafoor met with the Chairperson of Defence of Human Rights Pakistan, Amina Masood Janjua when he made the statement on Thursday.

He also claimed that the Chief of Army Staff, General Bajwa, has constituted a special cell at the General Headquarters (GHQ) towards the issue.

"DG ISPR apprised her (Janjua) about the efforts that government and security forces are doing to facilitate them and address the issue for which judicial commission is working day and night. He also apprised her about special directions and constitution of special assistance cell at GHQ for assisting the process," a statement tweeted by Ghafoor said.

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014 -- most of which remain unresolved.

Independent, local and international human rights organisations, on the other hand, have put the numbers much higher. 20,000 people have reportedly been abducted from Balochistan only, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. 
&nbsp;

Not every person missing is attributable to Pakistan, stated Major General Asif Ghafoor, the spokesperson of the Pakistan Armed Forces while speaking on the issue of enforced disappearances.

Not every person missing is attributable to Pakistan, stated Major General Asif Ghafoor, the spokesperson of the Pakistan Armed Forces while speaking on the issue of enforced disappearances. Several human rights experts and activists have blamed Pakistan and its army for the disappearance of scores of people belonging to ethnic and religious communities, like the Baloch. "Not every person missing is attributable to state. Many are there as part of TTP in Afghanistan elsewhere or got killed fighting as part of TTP. Those with the state are under legal process," Ghafoor tweeted on Friday evening. The issue was recently thrust into limelight after several billboards highlighting the plight of the people in Pakistan came up across the UK, which is currently hosting the 2019 Cricket World Cup. The initiative was taken by the Baloch Republican Party and the World Baloch Organisation, who also distributed leaflets outside Lords in London on June 23 when the Pakistan cricket team played against South Africa. The Pakistan Army Chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa was present at the match, along with Ghafoor, when the protests took place. In response to the protests, angry Pakistan cricket fans tore down the posters and the banners put up by Baloch activists, and shouted slogans like "Long live Pakistan Army." Ghafoor met with the Chairperson of Defence of Human Rights Pakistan, Amina Masood Janjua when he made the statement on Thursday. He also claimed that the Chief of Army Staff, General Bajwa, has constituted a special cell at the General Headquarters (GHQ) towards the issue. "DG ISPR apprised her (Janjua) about the efforts that government and security forces are doing to facilitate them and address the issue for which judicial commission is working day and night. He also apprised her about special directions and constitution of special assistance cell at GHQ for assisting the process," a statement tweeted by Ghafoor said. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014 -- most of which remain unresolved. Independent, local and international human rights organisations, on the other hand, have put the numbers much higher. 20,000 people have reportedly been abducted from Balochistan only, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

Not every person missing is attributable to Pakistan: Major General Asif Ghafoor

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-stocks-crash-as-pm-imran-receives-insufficient-imf-bailout-218461">Pakistan`s Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> on Tuesday appreciated the country`s spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence`s (ISI), role in protecting the country from "internal and external challenges."

Khan made the statement during a meeting with Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, ISI`s latest Chief, at his office in Islamabad on Tuesday, according to The Express Tribune.&nbsp;

The leader also congratulated Faiz for his recent appointment to the post.

No statement regarding the meeting has been released, only a short video has been given to Pakistani media by the PM Office.&nbsp;

Faiz was made the chief of the Pakistani spy agency in a reshuffle within the military on Sunday.

He succeeds Lieutenant General Asim Munir, who held the post for eight months before being appointed as the Commander Gujranwala Corps during the rejig.&nbsp;

Before being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, Faiz served as the head of the internal security in ISI for two and a half years.

He was then posted as the Adjutant General at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi this April, according to the Pakistani daily.

He has been praised by the DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Asif Ghafoor, for his role in combatting terrorism previously.&nbsp;

Pakistan`s Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday appreciated the country`s spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence`s (ISI), role in protecting the country from "internal and external challenges.

Pakistan`s Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday appreciated the country`s spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence`s (ISI), role in protecting the country from "internal and external challenges." Khan made the statement during a meeting with Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, ISI`s latest Chief, at his office in Islamabad on Tuesday, according to The Express Tribune. The leader also congratulated Faiz for his recent appointment to the post. No statement regarding the meeting has been released, only a short video has been given to Pakistani media by the PM Office. Faiz was made the chief of the Pakistani spy agency in a reshuffle within the military on Sunday. He succeeds Lieutenant General Asim Munir, who held the post for eight months before being appointed as the Commander Gujranwala Corps during the rejig. Before being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General, Faiz served as the head of the internal security in ISI for two and a half years. He was then posted as the Adjutant General at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi this April, according to the Pakistani daily. He has been praised by the DG Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Asif Ghafoor, for his role in combatting terrorism previously.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan lauds ISI's role in protecting country from internal, external challenges

Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country.

"Despite multiple security challenges. My government will spend this money saved on development of merged tribal areas and Balochistan," the Pakistan prime minister said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I appreciate Pak Mil's unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in their defence expenditures for next FY bec of our critical financial situation, despite multiple security challenges. My govt will spend this money saved on dev of merged tribal areas &amp; Balochistan.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1135971466552512520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Major General Asif Ghafoor head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations(ISPR), the military's media wing, added&nbsp;that voluntary cut in the defence budget for a year wouldn't be at the cost of defence and security.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Voluntary cut in def budget for a year will not be at the cost of def &amp; security. We shall maint effective response potential to all threats.Three services will manage impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It was imp to participate in dev of tribal areas &amp; Bln.
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1136003059476324353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"We shall maintain effective response potential to all threats. Three services will manage the impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It is important to participate in the development of tribal areas and Balochistan," Ghafoor said.

However, the move was criticised by Opposition PML(N) leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif who said PM Imran Khan's announcement was "nothing but an admission of your incompetence and sheer ineptitude."

Last month the International Monetary Fund(IMF) had agreed on a $6 billion bailout for Pakistan's beleaguered economy. The IMF had stated that&nbsp;"priority" areas included improving the management of public enterprises, strengthening institutions and "continuing anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism efforts".

Pakistan has had 21 bailouts since it joined the IMF in 1950. It's most recent loan was issued in 2013, worth $6.6 billion.

Post the bailout, the Pakistan currency had hit an all-time low as the rupee slipped over 3 per cent last month.

Pakistan is battling being blacklisted by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to inaction on terror financing. The Pakistan economy for the past two years has been fighting a deep balance-of-payments crisis hit by low growth, soaring inflation&nbsp;and mounting debt.

In recent months, Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has travelled to China, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in an attempt to request financial aid, although he has been promised substantial aid but it still hasn't been enough to tide over the crisis.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country. "Despite multiple security challenges. My government will spend this money saved on development of merged tribal areas and Balochistan," the Pakistan prime minister said on Twitter. I appreciate Pak Mil's unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in their defence expenditures for next FY bec of our critical financial situation, despite multiple security challenges. My govt will spend this money saved on dev of merged tribal areas & Balochistan. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 4, 2019 × Major General Asif Ghafoor head of Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations(ISPR), the military's media wing, added that voluntary cut in the defence budget for a year wouldn't be at the cost of defence and security. Voluntary cut in def budget for a year will not be at the cost of def & security. We shall maint effective response potential to all threats.Three services will manage impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It was imp to participate in dev of tribal areas & Bln. — Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) June 4, 2019 × "We shall maintain effective response potential to all threats. Three services will manage the impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It is important to participate in the development of tribal areas and Balochistan," Ghafoor said. However, the move was criticised by Opposition PML(N) leader Maryam Nawaz Sharif who said PM Imran Khan's announcement was "nothing but an admission of your incompetence and sheer ineptitude." Last month the International Monetary Fund(IMF) had agreed on a $6 billion bailout for Pakistan's beleaguered economy. The IMF had stated that "priority" areas included improving the management of public enterprises, strengthening institutions and "continuing anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism efforts". Pakistan has had 21 bailouts since it joined the IMF in 1950. It's most recent loan was issued in 2013, worth $6.6 billion. Post the bailout, the Pakistan currency had hit an all-time low as the rupee slipped over 3 per cent last month. Pakistan is battling being blacklisted by Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to inaction on terror financing. The Pakistan economy for the past two years has been fighting a deep balance-of-payments crisis hit by low growth, soaring inflation and mounting debt. In recent months, Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has travelled to China, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia in an attempt to request financial aid, although he has been promised substantial aid but it still hasn't been enough to tide over the crisis.

Pak PM Imran Khan announces military's 'voluntary cut' in defence expenditure amid financial crisis

The Pakistan Army will raise another division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the CPEC, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor has said, days after the brazen terror attack on a luxury hotel in Balochistan.

Describing the $50 billion <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 a living example of deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, Major General Ghafoor, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the Pakistan Army was fully determined to ensure the security of the project.

Talking to the Chinese media in Rawalpindi on Saturday, he said the Pakistan military had raised a whole division-size force to protect the project and they were planning to deploy another division for this purpose.

Earlier reports said a Special Security Division (SSD) comprising 9,000 Pakistan Army soldiers and 6,000 para-military forces personnel has been set up for the security of the CPEC project and Chinese nationals working on it.

Ghafoor said Pakistan faced a very challenging war against terrorism during the last two decades, and now the security situation was under control.

Talking about the CPEC role in the country, he said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-cpec-intensified-pakistans-economic-risks-208789">economic prosperity brought about by the CPEC</a> will fail the motives of terrorists, as with the success of project more employment and business opportunities will be unveiled and with more economic opportunities coming in, people's lifestyle will improve and inimical elements will fail gradually, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

He claimed that the security situation in Balochistan had improved since the launch of the CPEC and now there was a better infrastructure, as many Chinese projects were underway, and with every coming day security, development and investment situation will get better.

The Pakistan Army spokesman's comments came days after terrorists attacked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-dead-in-pakistan-luxury-hotel-attack-military-218136">Pearl Continental luxury hotel in the port city of Gwadar</a> in the restive Balochistan province, killing at least eight persons, including four civilians and a Pakistan Navy soldier.

The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army -- one of the most-organised terrorist groups of Baloch nationalists fighting against security forces. The group was also involved in the terrorist attack at the Chinese consulate in Karachi last year.

Ghafoor said, "Today's Gwadar is not what it used to be two years ago and in future, it will be on a par with the ports of developed countries".

Gwadar port is one of the focal points of the CPEC with many Chinese workers from other provinces of Pakistan working at the port. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the CPEC.

The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

Talking about the investment opportunities in Pakistan, Ghafoor said Pakistan was doing its best to create an environment where investors could come and do their business as the security situation had greatly improved.

"Though there are a few sporadic terrorist incidents, investors should not be discouraged by them and keep their trust intact in peace," he added.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army will raise another division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the CPEC, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor has said, days after the brazen terror attack on a luxury hotel in Balochistan.

The Pakistan Army will raise another division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the CPEC, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor has said, days after the brazen terror attack on a luxury hotel in Balochistan. Describing the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a living example of deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, Major General Ghafoor, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the Pakistan Army was fully determined to ensure the security of the project. Talking to the Chinese media in Rawalpindi on Saturday, he said the Pakistan military had raised a whole division-size force to protect the project and they were planning to deploy another division for this purpose. Earlier reports said a Special Security Division (SSD) comprising 9,000 Pakistan Army soldiers and 6,000 para-military forces personnel has been set up for the security of the CPEC project and Chinese nationals working on it. Ghafoor said Pakistan faced a very challenging war against terrorism during the last two decades, and now the security situation was under control. Talking about the CPEC role in the country, he said the economic prosperity brought about by the CPEC will fail the motives of terrorists, as with the success of project more employment and business opportunities will be unveiled and with more economic opportunities coming in, people's lifestyle will improve and inimical elements will fail gradually, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported. He claimed that the security situation in Balochistan had improved since the launch of the CPEC and now there was a better infrastructure, as many Chinese projects were underway, and with every coming day security, development and investment situation will get better. The Pakistan Army spokesman's comments came days after terrorists attacked the Pearl Continental luxury hotel in the port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, killing at least eight persons, including four civilians and a Pakistan Navy soldier. The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army -- one of the most-organised terrorist groups of Baloch nationalists fighting against security forces. The group was also involved in the terrorist attack at the Chinese consulate in Karachi last year. Ghafoor said, "Today's Gwadar is not what it used to be two years ago and in future, it will be on a par with the ports of developed countries". Gwadar port is one of the focal points of the CPEC with many Chinese workers from other provinces of Pakistan working at the port. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the CPEC. The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Talking about the investment opportunities in Pakistan, Ghafoor said Pakistan was doing its best to create an environment where investors could come and do their business as the security situation had greatly improved. "Though there are a few sporadic terrorist incidents, investors should not be discouraged by them and keep their trust intact in peace," he added.

Pakistan Army to raise another division to protect CPEC projects, Chinese nationals

Modernizing madrasa education is a thorny issue in Pakistan, a deeply conservative Muslim nation where religious schools are often blamed for the radicalisation of youngsters but are the only education available to millions of poor children.

Pakistan’s new government, facing pressure from global powers to act against militant groups carrying out attacks in India and Afghanistan, has vowed major reforms and Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised the South Asian nation will no longer tolerate such outfits operating on its territory.

Critics of the madrasa education system say, children who attend such schools, where they spend most of the day memorising the Holy Quran, are often ill-equipped for the modern world and some madrasas act as breeding grounds for militant outfits.

“The government of Pakistan ... has decided that these madrasas will be mainstreamed,” spokesman Gen. Asif Ghafoor told reporters at military headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

“An Islamic education will continue to be provided but there will be no hate speech,” Ghafoor added, saying that religious schools will come under the purview of the ministry of educations and incorporate other subjects into their syllabus.

Ghafoor said Pakistan would pay for the madrasas by diverting cash to education from the cost of anti-terrorism security operations, which are less necessary because militant attacks have sharply declined in recent years.

Pakistan has been eager to show that it has severed links with militant groups that have in the past carried out attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan and India.

Last month, the government announced it had taken control of 182 religious schools and detained more than 100 people as part of its biggest push against banned groups.

Security services have kept a close eye on madrasas associated with radicalising youths and feeding recruits to Islamist militant outfits that have killed tens of thousands of people in the South Asian country since 2000.

“The benefit will be that when children grow and leave these institutions they will have the same career opportunities that those coming from a private school have,” Ghafoor said.

“We want to end violent extremism in Pakistan and that will only happen when our children have the same education and opportunities.”

He added that madrasa legislation would be presented in parliament in another month and that would be followed by a finalised syllabus, appointment of teachers and allocation of finances.

Modernizing madrasa education is a thorny issue in Pakistan, a deeply conservative Muslim nation where religious schools are often blamed for the radicalisation of youngsters but are the only education available to millions of poor children.

Modernizing madrasa education is a thorny issue in Pakistan, a deeply conservative Muslim nation where religious schools are often blamed for the radicalisation of youngsters but are the only education available to millions of poor children. Pakistan’s new government, facing pressure from global powers to act against militant groups carrying out attacks in India and Afghanistan, has vowed major reforms and Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised the South Asian nation will no longer tolerate such outfits operating on its territory. Critics of the madrasa education system say, children who attend such schools, where they spend most of the day memorising the Holy Quran, are often ill-equipped for the modern world and some madrasas act as breeding grounds for militant outfits. “The government of Pakistan ... has decided that these madrasas will be mainstreamed,” spokesman Gen. Asif Ghafoor told reporters at military headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. “An Islamic education will continue to be provided but there will be no hate speech,” Ghafoor added, saying that religious schools will come under the purview of the ministry of educations and incorporate other subjects into their syllabus. Ghafoor said Pakistan would pay for the madrasas by diverting cash to education from the cost of anti-terrorism security operations, which are less necessary because militant attacks have sharply declined in recent years. Pakistan has been eager to show that it has severed links with militant groups that have in the past carried out attacks in neighbouring Afghanistan and India. Last month, the government announced it had taken control of 182 religious schools and detained more than 100 people as part of its biggest push against banned groups. Security services have kept a close eye on madrasas associated with radicalising youths and feeding recruits to Islamist militant outfits that have killed tens of thousands of people in the South Asian country since 2000. “The benefit will be that when children grow and leave these institutions they will have the same career opportunities that those coming from a private school have,” Ghafoor said. “We want to end violent extremism in Pakistan and that will only happen when our children have the same education and opportunities.” He added that madrasa legislation would be presented in parliament in another month and that would be followed by a finalised syllabus, appointment of teachers and allocation of finances.

Pakistan to bring 30,000 madrasas under its control to ‘mainstream’ education

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/with-balakot-airstrike-narendra-modi-government-has-evolved-new-security-doctrine-204805">Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot</a> as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack.

Referring to the aerial dogfight with the Indian Air Force jets after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack claimed by Pakistan-based JeM, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the Indian jets violated the Pakistani airspace on February 26, dropping payloads without inflicting any casualties or damage to infrastructure.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India later.

"The aircraft which engaged those targets and fought them were JF-17. As regard to how to use F-16, in what context [they] were used or not - because at that point of time our entire Air Force was airborne - now it remains between Pakistan and the US to see how the MoUs regarding the use of F-16 have been adhered to or otherwise," Ghafoor told Russian news agency Sputnik International.

A day after Pakistan's attempt to retaliate the IAF's air strikes at the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, the Indian armed forces displayed parts of an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) fired by an F-16, which fell in Indian territory. New Delhi had also underlined that electronic signatures captured by Indian radars had established the use of F-16 for the offensive.

The US State Department announced that it was seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential use of American-made F-16 jets against India in violation of the end-user agreement.

The Pakistani General noted that Islamabad was discussing the use of its JF-17 with the US citing "friendly relations" with Washington, stressing, however, that the country would use whatever it deemed necessary if it came to "legitimate self-defence."

He said Pakistan only wanted to tell India that it has the capability to hit back. He said Pakistan has the footage of the operation. 
At the time of the attack, the media reports said that the PAF military aircraft that shot down the Mig-21 Bison was JF-17 Thunder Block II multirole fighter jet.

"Proud to announce, I was project director for JF-17 Thunder program jointly produced by Pakistan and China during the tenure of General Pervez Musharraf," retired PAF Air Marshall Shahid Latif said at the time.

"Today, same jets targeted and shot down Indian Jets which entered Pakistani Airspace," he said soon after the attack last month. 
Ghafoor said that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is a deterrence tool to prevent wars in the region.

"Pakistan holds the position that this capability eliminates the possibility of conventional war. No sane country having this capability would talk about using it," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency.

He said Pakistan would take steps towards non-proliferation of nuclear arms but only if India does the same.

Ghafoor said Pakistan would welcome every effort, including that of Russia, which can bring peace in the region.

On military cooperation with Russia, Ghafoor said Pakistan is negotiating defence industry cooperation with Moscow in the areas of aviation, air defence systems and anti-tank missiles.

Pakistan's defence ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities in recent years and the chill in the relations between Pakistan and the US has further pushed the country towards Russia and China.&nbsp;

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack.

Pakistan's military has said for the first time that JF-17 Thunder combat aircraft developed jointly with China was used in retaliation to India's pre-emptive strikes on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot as it once again denied that US-made F-16 jets were involved in the attack. Referring to the aerial dogfight with the Indian Air Force jets after the February 14 Pulwama terror attack claimed by Pakistan-based JeM, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the Indian jets violated the Pakistani airspace on February 26, dropping payloads without inflicting any casualties or damage to infrastructure. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured Indian pilot Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India later. "The aircraft which engaged those targets and fought them were JF-17. As regard to how to use F-16, in what context [they] were used or not - because at that point of time our entire Air Force was airborne - now it remains between Pakistan and the US to see how the MoUs regarding the use of F-16 have been adhered to or otherwise," Ghafoor told Russian news agency Sputnik International. A day after Pakistan's attempt to retaliate the IAF's air strikes at the Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camp in Balakot, the Indian armed forces displayed parts of an AIM-120 AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) fired by an F-16, which fell in Indian territory. New Delhi had also underlined that electronic signatures captured by Indian radars had established the use of F-16 for the offensive. The US State Department announced that it was seeking more information from Pakistan on the potential use of American-made F-16 jets against India in violation of the end-user agreement. The Pakistani General noted that Islamabad was discussing the use of its JF-17 with the US citing "friendly relations" with Washington, stressing, however, that the country would use whatever it deemed necessary if it came to "legitimate self-defence." He said Pakistan only wanted to tell India that it has the capability to hit back. He said Pakistan has the footage of the operation. At the time of the attack, the media reports said that the PAF military aircraft that shot down the Mig-21 Bison was JF-17 Thunder Block II multirole fighter jet. "Proud to announce, I was project director for JF-17 Thunder program jointly produced by Pakistan and China during the tenure of General Pervez Musharraf," retired PAF Air Marshall Shahid Latif said at the time. "Today, same jets targeted and shot down Indian Jets which entered Pakistani Airspace," he said soon after the attack last month. Ghafoor said that Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is a deterrence tool to prevent wars in the region. "Pakistan holds the position that this capability eliminates the possibility of conventional war. No sane country having this capability would talk about using it," Ghafoor was quoted as saying by the Russian news agency. He said Pakistan would take steps towards non-proliferation of nuclear arms but only if India does the same. Ghafoor said Pakistan would welcome every effort, including that of Russia, which can bring peace in the region. On military cooperation with Russia, Ghafoor said Pakistan is negotiating defence industry cooperation with Moscow in the areas of aviation, air defence systems and anti-tank missiles. Pakistan's defence ties with Russia have moved past the bitter Cold War hostilities in recent years and the chill in the relations between Pakistan and the US has further pushed the country towards Russia and China.

JF-17 used to shoot down Indian aircraft, says Pakistan military

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces, has said <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-alive-says-pakistan-media-200960">the Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in his country</a>. The JeM, listed by the United Nations as a terror group, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

Speaking to a western media outlet, Ghafoor said, "First of all that claim has not been made from within Pakistan because Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by United Nations and Pakistan. "

Accepting Pakistan is acting on terror groups but not on "anybody's pressure", Ghafoor said that "instead of blaming Pakistan, world should assist Pakistan, facilitate Pakistan in getting rid of such organisations".&nbsp;

This latest development comes only days after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in interviews to western media outlets, not only accepted that Jaish chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan but also that "people over here" were in touch with him.&nbsp;

"He (Masood Azhar) is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is very unwell. He is unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. That's the information I have," Qureshi told CNN.&nbsp;

To the BBC, Qureshi said "people over here" contacted the JeM leadership in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack.

This dissonance will be seen by many as the Pakistani Army and the country's civilian leadership not being on the same page.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">Pakistan placed Masood Azhar's son and brother in preventive detention</a>, but the move is being seen as an eyewash by Delhi.

France, the UK and the US have proposed the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. He will be listed as a terrorist under the UN terror list on March 13, 3 pm, New York time if no country raises an issue.&nbsp;

China has been blocking his listing since 2016 citing a lack of consensus.&nbsp;

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces, has said the Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in his country. The JeM, listed by the United Nations as a terror group, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel.

Major General Asif Ghafoor, spokesperson of the Pakistani armed forces, has said the Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in his country. The JeM, listed by the United Nations as a terror group, had claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama terrorist attack that killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. Speaking to a western media outlet, Ghafoor said, "First of all that claim has not been made from within Pakistan because Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in Pakistan. It has been proscribed by United Nations and Pakistan. " Accepting Pakistan is acting on terror groups but not on "anybody's pressure", Ghafoor said that "instead of blaming Pakistan, world should assist Pakistan, facilitate Pakistan in getting rid of such organisations". This latest development comes only days after Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, in interviews to western media outlets, not only accepted that Jaish chief Masood Azhar is in Pakistan but also that "people over here" were in touch with him. "He (Masood Azhar) is in Pakistan, according to my information. He is very unwell. He is unwell to the extent that he cannot leave his house because he is really unwell. That's the information I have," Qureshi told CNN. To the BBC, Qureshi said "people over here" contacted the JeM leadership in the wake of the Pulwama terrorist attack. This dissonance will be seen by many as the Pakistani Army and the country's civilian leadership not being on the same page. On Tuesday, Pakistan placed Masood Azhar's son and brother in preventive detention, but the move is being seen as an eyewash by Delhi. France, the UK and the US have proposed the listing of JeM chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. He will be listed as a terrorist under the UN terror list on March 13, 3 pm, New York time if no country raises an issue. China has been blocking his listing since 2016 citing a lack of consensus.

Pak Army says Jaish-e-Mohammed does not exist in Pakistan, contradicts Foreign Minister Qureshi

Spokesperson of the Pakistani military Major General Asif Ghafoor while addressing a press conference on Friday warned India that it should refrain from war-mongering otherwise the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-comes-hard-on-pakistan-says-islamabad-has-not-demonstrated-proper-understanding-of-terror-financing-198944">Pakistani military has full capability </a>to "respond&nbsp;to&nbsp;its fullest, if provoked".&nbsp;

The press conference comes as tensions between India and Pakistan have risen after 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"> recent attack on the CRPF</a> personnel in Pulwama that killed over 40 soldiers.&nbsp;

The military’s spokesperson said: "We wanted to be sure that there was no mischief involved from our side and once we found out, our Prime Minister gave a policy statement, "We want peace with India but please be rest assured, should you initiate any aggression."&nbsp;

"First, you shall never be able to surprise us. We are ready, in response, we shall for sure surprise you. We shall dominate the escalation ladder", said Major General Asif Ghafoor who was also quick to mention the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, while taking a jibe at India saying that India needs to stop sending Kulbhushan Jadhav's to&nbsp;Pakistan and stop terrorism in order to build good relations.

In an&nbsp;hour-long press conference which focused on developments post-Pulwama attack, the spokesperson of Pakistan’s military rebuffed claims of Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation and gave a hand count of Pakistan’s recent diplomatic success.

He said that Pakistan and Iran have been in contact and deliberations are ongoing to fence the 909 km Pak–Iran border while referring to Iran as a "brotherly country". The development comes after the Iranian Border Guards were attacked which the Iranian side accused Pakistan-based terror outfits orchestrating from across the border.

In response to WION's question on the proscription of globally listed terrorist Hafiz Saeed’s organization, he said: “We proscribed them but a process was followed, they were told to do something’s when they were put on the watch-list which they failed, so they have been banned. This is in our interest, there is a time for everything to be done and this has not been done in under any pressure. The process to ensure the ban is being expedited on the ground.”

Spokesperson of the Pakistani military Major General Asif Ghafoor while addressing a press conference on Friday warned India that it should refrain from war-mongering otherwise the Pakistani military has full capability to "respond to its fullest, if provoked".

Spokesperson of the Pakistani military Major General Asif Ghafoor while addressing a press conference on Friday warned India that it should refrain from war-mongering otherwise the Pakistani military has full capability to "respond to its fullest, if provoked". The press conference comes as tensions between India and Pakistan have risen after the recent attack on the CRPF personnel in Pulwama that killed over 40 soldiers. The military’s spokesperson said: "We wanted to be sure that there was no mischief involved from our side and once we found out, our Prime Minister gave a policy statement, "We want peace with India but please be rest assured, should you initiate any aggression." "First, you shall never be able to surprise us. We are ready, in response, we shall for sure surprise you. We shall dominate the escalation ladder", said Major General Asif Ghafoor who was also quick to mention the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, while taking a jibe at India saying that India needs to stop sending Kulbhushan Jadhav's to Pakistan and stop terrorism in order to build good relations. In an hour-long press conference which focused on developments post-Pulwama attack, the spokesperson of Pakistan’s military rebuffed claims of Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation and gave a hand count of Pakistan’s recent diplomatic success. He said that Pakistan and Iran have been in contact and deliberations are ongoing to fence the 909 km Pak–Iran border while referring to Iran as a "brotherly country". The development comes after the Iranian Border Guards were attacked which the Iranian side accused Pakistan-based terror outfits orchestrating from across the border. In response to WION's question on the proscription of globally listed terrorist Hafiz Saeed’s organization, he said: “We proscribed them but a process was followed, they were told to do something’s when they were put on the watch-list which they failed, so they have been banned. This is in our interest, there is a time for everything to be done and this has not been done in under any pressure. The process to ensure the ban is being expedited on the ground.”

Did not ban JuD under pressure, proper process was followed: Pak DG ISPR General Asif Ghafoor

Pakistan's powerful military on Thursday warned a peaceful nationwide civil rights movement which accuses it of abuses that it will use force against them if they "cross the line".

Military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the armed forces were watching the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) closely.

He told reporters in Islamabad the military has given the PTM space to protest as Pashtuns, especially those living in Pakistan's northwest, have suffered disproportionately during Pakistan's long battle with militancy.

But, he added, patience is wearing thin.&nbsp;

"We realise their grief, their hardships, but (they) should not cross those lines, where the state has to use its force to control the situation," he said.

The PTM has rattled the military since it burst onto the scene earlier this year with a call to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic Pashtuns in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan.

The area, once plagued by militancy and unrest, is where Washington believes that Pakistan is providing safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network.

The army has carried out multiple operations in the region, and security there and across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years.

But the military maintains a heavy presence there still, and the PTM has unleashed festering anger over the alleged abuses against Pashtuns across the country, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings.

The movement remains peaceful, but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line.

Two of its leaders were elected to parliament in the July election which brought cricketer Imran Khan, who has Pashtun heritage, to power.&nbsp;

Ghafoor said that progress was being made on some of the issues raised by the movement, including a reduction in checkposts in the tribal areas, clearance of mines, and the tracing of missing persons.&nbsp;

"From 7,000 cases (of missing persons), over 4,000 cases have been resolved," he said.

Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddle both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

They account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority of the 30 million-strong group living in the northwest and a significant population in the southern port city of Karachi.

Pakistan's powerful military on Thursday warned a peaceful nationwide civil rights movement which accuses it of abuses that it will use force against them if they "cross the line".

Pakistan's powerful military on Thursday warned a peaceful nationwide civil rights movement which accuses it of abuses that it will use force against them if they "cross the line". Military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said the armed forces were watching the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) closely. He told reporters in Islamabad the military has given the PTM space to protest as Pashtuns, especially those living in Pakistan's northwest, have suffered disproportionately during Pakistan's long battle with militancy. But, he added, patience is wearing thin. "We realise their grief, their hardships, but (they) should not cross those lines, where the state has to use its force to control the situation," he said. The PTM has rattled the military since it burst onto the scene earlier this year with a call to end alleged abuses by security forces targeting ethnic Pashtuns in the restive tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan. The area, once plagued by militancy and unrest, is where Washington believes that Pakistan is providing safe haven to militant groups including the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani Network. The army has carried out multiple operations in the region, and security there and across Pakistan has dramatically improved in recent years. But the military maintains a heavy presence there still, and the PTM has unleashed festering anger over the alleged abuses against Pashtuns across the country, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings. The movement remains peaceful, but has been notable for its direct verbal attacks on the armed forces in a country where such criticism is largely seen as a red line. Two of its leaders were elected to parliament in the July election which brought cricketer Imran Khan, who has Pashtun heritage, to power. Ghafoor said that progress was being made on some of the issues raised by the movement, including a reduction in checkposts in the tribal areas, clearance of mines, and the tracing of missing persons. "From 7,000 cases (of missing persons), over 4,000 cases have been resolved," he said. Pashtuns are a fiercely independent ethnic group that straddle both sides of the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan. They account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority of the 30 million-strong group living in the northwest and a significant population in the southern port city of Karachi.

Don't cross the line, Pakistan army warns Pashtun activist group

The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers.

In an interview to Dunya TV, Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor said the country has a long-standing record of fighting terrorism and "we know the price for peace", The Dawn reported.

Earlier in the day, commenting on the recent brutal killing of a BSF jawan and three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, General Rawat in Jaipur said stern action is needed to avenge the barbarism by terrorists and Pakistan Army against Indian soldiers.

"We need to take stern action to avenge the kind of barbarism that terrorists and the Pakistan Army have been carrying against our soldiers. It is time to give it back to them in the same coin but not by resorting to similar kind of barbarism. I think the other side must also feel the same pain," he said at a press conference here.

Rawat insisted that action against Pakistan was needed but not in a barbaric manner.

Refuting India's claim of Pakistani soldiers killing the BSF jawan, Ghafoor said, "We have struggled to achieve peace in the last two decades. We can never do anything to disgrace any soldier."&nbsp;

"They (India) have in the past as well laid the blame on us for mutilating the body of a fallen soldier. We are a professional army. We never engage in such acts," he added.&nbsp;

"We (Pakistan Army) are ready for war but choose to walk the path of peace in the interest of the people of Pakistan, the neighbours and the region," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The war of words between the armed forces of the two countries came a day after India called off the foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan in New York this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;

General Rawat also said the Indian Army had carried out successful operations against the Pakistan Army whenever they did something against India along the border.

"Pakistan has suffered many casualties and we have been able to take on their defence system to a large extent, but we never resorted to barbarism. They requested for a ceasefire in May and we agreed, but if they continue to do this, we will need to take other action," he said.

The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers.

The Pakistan Army on Saturday said it is "ready for war" but chooses to walk the path of peace in the interest of its people, comments which came in response to Indian Army Chief General Bipin Rawat's remark that "stern action" is needed to "avenge" the brutal killing of Indian soldiers. In an interview to Dunya TV, Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor said the country has a long-standing record of fighting terrorism and "we know the price for peace", The Dawn reported. Earlier in the day, commenting on the recent brutal killing of a BSF jawan and three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, General Rawat in Jaipur said stern action is needed to avenge the barbarism by terrorists and Pakistan Army against Indian soldiers. "We need to take stern action to avenge the kind of barbarism that terrorists and the Pakistan Army have been carrying against our soldiers. It is time to give it back to them in the same coin but not by resorting to similar kind of barbarism. I think the other side must also feel the same pain," he said at a press conference here. Rawat insisted that action against Pakistan was needed but not in a barbaric manner. Refuting India's claim of Pakistani soldiers killing the BSF jawan, Ghafoor said, "We have struggled to achieve peace in the last two decades. We can never do anything to disgrace any soldier." "They (India) have in the past as well laid the blame on us for mutilating the body of a fallen soldier. We are a professional army. We never engage in such acts," he added. "We (Pakistan Army) are ready for war but choose to walk the path of peace in the interest of the people of Pakistan, the neighbours and the region," the spokesperson said. The war of words between the armed forces of the two countries came a day after India called off the foreign minister-level talks with Pakistan in New York this month on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. General Rawat also said the Indian Army had carried out successful operations against the Pakistan Army whenever they did something against India along the border. "Pakistan has suffered many casualties and we have been able to take on their defence system to a large extent, but we never resorted to barbarism. They requested for a ceasefire in May and we agreed, but if they continue to do this, we will need to take other action," he said.

'Ready for war' but choose to walk path of peace: Pakistan Army

asif-ghafoor

Asif Ghafoor, News on Asif Ghafoor, stories on Asif Ghafoor, articles on Asif Ghafoor, Asif Ghafoor stories at Wion, Asif Ghafoor news, Asif Ghafoor latest news

asif ghafoor