Imran Khan claims that he toppled the provincial assemblies of Punjab & Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at Bajwa's behest. Why did he fall for the former Pak Army chief's advise? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas : Imran Khan V/S Pakistan Army

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Pakistan's former army chief&nbsp;Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa before requesting India on sending its diplomats and technical personnel back to Kabul, revealed a book.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The book is written by Hassan Abbas, a professor of international affairs at the National Defence University (NDU), Washington.

India's return to Kabul "could not have happened without Pakistan, and Pakistan acted this way because it just might open up prospects of some aid for the Taliban in Afghanistan," writes Abbas, who contends that Pakistan is as desperate for financial support to run Afghanistan as the Taliban themselves.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-fox-news-host-tucker-carlson-takes-dig-at-us-media-586500">Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson takes dig at US media</a>

The book further asserts that for the sake of "international legitimacy and recognition," Kabul wants to patch things up with New Delhi. It emphasises that India had severed links with Afghanistan when the Taliban took power but has strategic interests in the country, reported Dawn citing the book.&nbsp;

It also makes note of the fact that "India is now seriously reassessing its position and moving towards a balancing act in its effort to engage with the Taliban and help stabilise Afghanistan."

The book states that "the Taliban desire is simple — international legitimacy and recognition" when discussing why the Taliban are ready to repair their relationship with India.

India has the financial means to provide the "huge external investments" that Kabul's new rulers require "to reconstruct and revive the country."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/argentina-moves-away-from-us-dollar-for-trade-in-chinese-currency-586465">Argentina moves away from US dollar for trade in Chinese currency</a>

The "Return of the Taliban" illustrates "how as rulers they struggle to reconcile pressures for transition with their rigid ideology," according to Marvin G. Weinbaum, the senior specialist of South Asian affairs in Washington.

It also reveals "the pivotal decisions leading to the Taliban's seizure of power."

Watch | Gemini Sankaran, pioneer of Indian Circus dies at age of 99 in Kerala's Kannur

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The book tells the story of Taliban minister of finance Hidayatullah Badri, also known as Gul Agha Ishaqzai,&nbsp; and how Muttaqi "personally escorted him to Gen. Bajwa." According to the book, Badri was only given the chance to become the nation's finance minister because of Bajwa's endorsement.

“This trend was an important agenda item in the conversation between ISI chief Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, and CIA Director William Burns in early May 2022, in Washington. The Pakistani delegation included the former ISI chief Gen Hamid as well,” the book said.

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Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Pakistan's former army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa before requesting India on sending its diplomats and technical personnel back to Kabul, revealed a book.

Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met Pakistan's former army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa before requesting India on sending its diplomats and technical personnel back to Kabul, revealed a book. The book is written by Hassan Abbas, a professor of international affairs at the National Defence University (NDU), Washington. India's return to Kabul "could not have happened without Pakistan, and Pakistan acted this way because it just might open up prospects of some aid for the Taliban in Afghanistan," writes Abbas, who contends that Pakistan is as desperate for financial support to run Afghanistan as the Taliban themselves. Also Read | Former Fox News host Tucker Carlson takes dig at US media The book further asserts that for the sake of "international legitimacy and recognition," Kabul wants to patch things up with New Delhi. It emphasises that India had severed links with Afghanistan when the Taliban took power but has strategic interests in the country, reported Dawn citing the book. It also makes note of the fact that "India is now seriously reassessing its position and moving towards a balancing act in its effort to engage with the Taliban and help stabilise Afghanistan." The book states that "the Taliban desire is simple — international legitimacy and recognition" when discussing why the Taliban are ready to repair their relationship with India. India has the financial means to provide the "huge external investments" that Kabul's new rulers require "to reconstruct and revive the country." Also Read | Argentina moves away from US dollar for trade in Chinese currency The "Return of the Taliban" illustrates "how as rulers they struggle to reconcile pressures for transition with their rigid ideology," according to Marvin G. Weinbaum, the senior specialist of South Asian affairs in Washington. It also reveals "the pivotal decisions leading to the Taliban's seizure of power." Watch | Gemini Sankaran, pioneer of Indian Circus dies at age of 99 in Kerala's Kannur × The book tells the story of Taliban minister of finance Hidayatullah Badri, also known as Gul Agha Ishaqzai, and how Muttaqi "personally escorted him to Gen. Bajwa." According to the book, Badri was only given the chance to become the nation's finance minister because of Bajwa's endorsement. “This trend was an important agenda item in the conversation between ISI chief Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum, and CIA Director William Burns in early May 2022, in Washington. The Pakistani delegation included the former ISI chief Gen Hamid as well,” the book said. 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.

Taliban 'consulted' ex-Pak army chief Gen Bajwa before urging India to send diplomats to Kabul

Overarching influence of army / ISI in Pakistan's politics Despite exit, Bajwa & Hameed remain epicentres 'Bajwa effect' continues to dominate Pakistan's political landscape An unending cycle of Pakistan's army chiefs supporting and pulling down politicians

Inside South Asia: Army/ISI shadow over Pakistan politics

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan has done a big u-turn on who was behind his regime change since he was ousted through a no-confidence motion last april. Imran khan has always maintained that U.S. was behind the regime change. Now he has blamed former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa for conspiring along with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif to change the regime.

Pakistan: Khan blames Bajwa-Sharif for regime change

Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan accuses General Bajwa of playing double game with him. He also accused Bajwa of conspiring with PML-N Supremo. Watch further to know more.

WION Dispatch: Imran Khan accuses former Pakistan army chief of 'betraying' him

In what can be said to be a politically loaded address, Pakistan's outgoing Army chief Bajwa has asked political leaders to 'accept defeat'. Watch this report.

Pakistan Army chief's politically loaded address: Bajwa asks political leaders to 'accept defeat'

A report has revealed that several members of Gen. Bajwa's family became billionaires after he took charge as Pakistan's Army Chief. What if we told you that the Pakistani govt and opposition too are party to this collective loot? Listen in to Priyanka Sharma.

Gravitas | The great Pakistani loot: How Gen Bajwa's family became billionaires

Bajwa's message to Pakistani officials in Washington. The remarks have a triggered a memefest on Pakistan Twitter. Netizens are wondering 'Who is Bajwa kidding?'. Molly Gambhir tells you more. 

Gravitas: Pak Army Chief's remarks trigger memefest

Imran khan has thrown a new 'political googly'. After calling the Pak Army Chief names, he now wants him to remain in office. Why? For the 'sake of Pakistan'. Molly Gambhir explains

Gravitas: Imran Khan throws a 'political googly'

Pakistan’s army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has contacted Washington, seeking US' help in securing an early release of a $1.7 billion installment from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to his country which is struggling with a deepening economic crisis.

Pak Army Chief seeks U.S. help over IMF loan? People take to Twitter to call out Army Chief

Is Pervez Musharraf set to return to Pakistan? Over the weekend, Pakistan's Army Chief General Bajwa met Musharraf in Dubai. Accompanying Bajwa, were top physicists from the Pak Army. What was this visit about? Palki Sharma Upadhyay reports.

Gravitas: Why did Bajwa meet Pervez Musharraf in Dubai?

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan took a veiled jibe at the Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, claiming that "some elements" in the establishment were responsible for toppling his government.

Khan made these comments in his first-ever Twitter Space, with around 165K listeners joining in.

His party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed that the former PM has broken all the past records by conducting the largest ever Twitter Space. The discussion continued for more than an hour on Wednesday night.

"There are also humans in institutions. If one or two individuals do something wrong, the entire institution is not responsible. If one person (in an apparent reference to Army chief General Bajwa) makes a mistake, this does not mean that the whole institution is at fault,” he told his reporters.

However, the cricketer-turned-politician was quick to praise the army saying all institutions are not corrupt but some "elements indulge in bad practices".

"Pakistan needs the Armed forces more than Imran Khan. Had the strong Army not been here, Pakistan might have been dismembered into three pieces,” he said.

Khan, 69, was unceremoniously ousted after the National Assembly passed a no-confidence motion against his government on April 10 and also reportedly lost the support of the army.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharifs-long-awaited-cabinet-takes-oath-today-472060">&nbsp;Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's long-awaited cabinet takes oath&nbsp;</a>

The ties between Pakistan Army and Imran Khan had soured over differences over the appointment of the next ISI spy agency chief.

The report on fractured ties between Khan and th4e army was confirmed by former information minister Fawad Chaudhry.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharifs-long-awaited-cabinet-takes-oath-today-472060">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/low-iq-woman-with-expensive-eye-shades-imran-khan-aide-insults-pakistan-minister-hina-rabbani-khar-472495">'Low IQ woman with expensive eye shades': Imran Khan aide insults Pakistan minister Hina Rabbani Khar</a>

In an interview with a news channel on Wednesday, he said that the relations between the establishment and the Khan-led government had strained for months.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Is Imran Khan planning a rebellion?

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(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan took a veiled jibe at the Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, claiming that "some elements" in the establishment were responsible for toppling his government.

Pakistan's former prime minister Imran Khan took a veiled jibe at the Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, claiming that "some elements" in the establishment were responsible for toppling his government. Khan made these comments in his first-ever Twitter Space, with around 165K listeners joining in. His party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed that the former PM has broken all the past records by conducting the largest ever Twitter Space. The discussion continued for more than an hour on Wednesday night. "There are also humans in institutions. If one or two individuals do something wrong, the entire institution is not responsible. If one person (in an apparent reference to Army chief General Bajwa) makes a mistake, this does not mean that the whole institution is at fault,” he told his reporters. However, the cricketer-turned-politician was quick to praise the army saying all institutions are not corrupt but some "elements indulge in bad practices". "Pakistan needs the Armed forces more than Imran Khan. Had the strong Army not been here, Pakistan might have been dismembered into three pieces,” he said. Khan, 69, was unceremoniously ousted after the National Assembly passed a no-confidence motion against his government on April 10 and also reportedly lost the support of the army. Also read | Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's long-awaited cabinet takes oath The ties between Pakistan Army and Imran Khan had soured over differences over the appointment of the next ISI spy agency chief. The report on fractured ties between Khan and th4e army was confirmed by former information minister Fawad Chaudhry. Also read | 'Low IQ woman with expensive eye shades': Imran Khan aide insults Pakistan minister Hina Rabbani Khar In an interview with a news channel on Wednesday, he said that the relations between the establishment and the Khan-led government had strained for months. Watch | Gravitas: Is Imran Khan planning a rebellion? (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan indirectly blames Pak Army chief Bajwa for his ouster

Pakistan's political drama has turned into a constitutional crisis. The country is set to come under a care-taker PM. Amid the chaos, the Pakistan Army has sprung a surprise. It has praised the West & condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine. Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Pak Army Chief slams Russia, praises West

A Pakistan military court has convicted the son of a retired major general of the Pakistan Army to five years in prison, the convicted Hassan Askari, the son of Maj Gen (R) Zafar Mehdi Askari who has been charged with treason for asking Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa to resign.

Hassan Askari charged with treason for questioning Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa's extension

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has given approval for the appointment of Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum as the next chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, ending days of stand-off with the powerfully military.

Anjum will replace the incumbent Lt Gen Faiz Hameed from next month.&nbsp; Anjum, who was commissioned in service in September 1988, earlier headed Corps V in Karachi.

He commanded a brigade in Kurram Agency, led Frontier Corps (North) in Balochistan and remained commandant of Command and Staff College Quetta before becoming corps commander Karachi in December 2020.

According to the notification issued by the PMO dated October 26, the incumbent ISI director general, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, will continue to hold the charge as the spymaster till November 19, 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/for-the-third-winter-in-a-row-pakistan-faces-severe-energy-crisis-423753">For the third winter in a row, Pakistan faces severe energy crisis</a>

The appointment comes nearly three weeks after the military issued a statement to the media on October 6 naming Anjum as the next ISI chief, replacing Hameed.

As per the convention, the Pakistan Army forwards the names of three lieutenant generals to the prime minister, who picks one as the ISI director general.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-t20-wc-win-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-takes-a-dig-at-india-over-improving-ties-424028">After T20 WC win, Pakistan PM Imran Khan takes a dig at India over improving ties</a>

Though the formal announcement about the choice is made by the prime minister, it is widely understood that the army chief conveys which of the three officers should be picked for the post.

The face-off began on October 6 when the army announced the posting of Lt Gen Anjum as DG ISI in place of Lt Gen Hamid, who was posted out as the commander of Peshawar-based Corps XI.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-imran-khan-will-get-more-supporters-than-modi-if-he-holds-rally-in-delhi-brags-pak-minister-423432">Imran Khan will get more supporters than Modi if he holds rally in Delhi, brags Pak minister</a>

However, his appointment had not been immediately notified by the prime minister’s office indicating a deadlock between the Imran Khan-led government and the military — the first publicly known stand-off since the former came to office in 2018.

It was reported that Khan wanted to retain outgoing ISI chief Hameed till December, but Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had taken strong exception to it.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has given approval for the appointment of Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum as the next chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, ending days of stand-off with the powerfully military.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has given approval for the appointment of Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum as the next chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency, ending days of stand-off with the powerfully military. Anjum will replace the incumbent Lt Gen Faiz Hameed from next month. Anjum, who was commissioned in service in September 1988, earlier headed Corps V in Karachi. He commanded a brigade in Kurram Agency, led Frontier Corps (North) in Balochistan and remained commandant of Command and Staff College Quetta before becoming corps commander Karachi in December 2020. According to the notification issued by the PMO dated October 26, the incumbent ISI director general, Lt Gen Faiz Hameed, will continue to hold the charge as the spymaster till November 19, 2021. Also read | For the third winter in a row, Pakistan faces severe energy crisis The appointment comes nearly three weeks after the military issued a statement to the media on October 6 naming Anjum as the next ISI chief, replacing Hameed. As per the convention, the Pakistan Army forwards the names of three lieutenant generals to the prime minister, who picks one as the ISI director general. Also read | After T20 WC win, Pakistan PM Imran Khan takes a dig at India over improving ties Though the formal announcement about the choice is made by the prime minister, it is widely understood that the army chief conveys which of the three officers should be picked for the post. The face-off began on October 6 when the army announced the posting of Lt Gen Anjum as DG ISI in place of Lt Gen Hamid, who was posted out as the commander of Peshawar-based Corps XI. Also read | Imran Khan will get more supporters than Modi if he holds rally in Delhi, brags Pak minister However, his appointment had not been immediately notified by the prime minister’s office indicating a deadlock between the Imran Khan-led government and the military — the first publicly known stand-off since the former came to office in 2018. It was reported that Khan wanted to retain outgoing ISI chief Hameed till December, but Pakistani army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had taken strong exception to it. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak PM Imran Khan approves appointment of new ISI chief, ending fallout with army

Last week, the Pakistani Army announced a new ISI Chief. Allegedly, Imran Khan's office blocked the appointment. Defying General Bajwa isn't going well for Pakistan's Prime Minister. Palki Sharma tells you why.

Gravitas: Imran Khan dared to defy General Bajwa, Here is what happened next

Most Pakistani generals spend their career deriding India. They are always at their prime minister's ear, feeding them all kinds of anti-India propaganda. This is one reason the relationship is so difficult.

The civilian leaders take one step forward and the military pulls them two steps back. However, looking at history, we noticed a trend among these generals. When they see retirement on the horizon, they suddenly become wise and rational — no more war-mongering or sabre-rattling.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-peace-with-india-bajwas-retirement-plan-385127">Watch |</a>

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In 1956, Gen&nbsp;Ayub Khan dispatched his minister for India's Republic Day and in 1986 Gen Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq visited India as he was invited by former prime minister Rajeev Gandhi. Then we have Pervez Musharraf who was keen on having closer ties with India in the public eye.&nbsp;India and Pakistan have held 114 bilateral talks since independence and 52 of them came between 2003 and 2007 under Pervez Musharraf.

The trend hints that Pakistani generals come to power promising fire and fury against India but closer to retirement, they want to be remembered as statesmen and the ones who tried to forge peace.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabia-announces-over-100-projects-for-cash-strapped-pakistan-during-imran-khans-visit-384353" hreflang="en">Saudi Arabia announces over 100 projects for cash-strapped Pakistan during Imran Khan's visit</a>

We are seeing this happen all over again. The current army chief, Gen Bajwa, has 18 months left in office and he is already thinking about his legacy.

In Pakistan, a general's legacy is not just about the battlefield. He is linked to the economy, internal politics and even geopolitics.

Usually, countries have civilian leaders handling it but not Pakistan.

During Bajwa's tenure, Pakistan's economy has taken a beating. They have requested multiple IMF bailouts. The foreign reserves are running out fast and the country is left with just $13 billion dollars.

In addition to this, the military had to suffer budget cuts and there is nothing Gen Bajwa can do.

The FATF listing is yet another darkness that covers the country. Pakistan has been on the ‘grey list’ for three years now and no progress has been made.

It is a similar scenario in geopolitics. Allies such as Saudi Arabia are choosing India over Pakistan. In Afghanistan, the world community has just one message for them: please stay away and let Afghanistan prosper.

In the end, Pakistan is only left with China as an ally but it won't be long before the Chinese loan comes due.

Gen&nbsp;Bajwa is, therefore, trying to score a point on India by talking about peace. Bajwa, in March, urged countries to bury the past and move forward.

The festival of Eid came as the perfect excuse for Bajwa. While offering prayers, he commented on Kashmir, saying, "it is time to end this human tragedy".

Most Pakistani generals spend their career deriding India. They are always at their prime minister's ear, feeding them all kinds of anti-India propaganda. This is one reason the relationship is so difficult.

Most Pakistani generals spend their career deriding India. They are always at their prime minister's ear, feeding them all kinds of anti-India propaganda. This is one reason the relationship is so difficult. The civilian leaders take one step forward and the military pulls them two steps back. However, looking at history, we noticed a trend among these generals. When they see retirement on the horizon, they suddenly become wise and rational — no more war-mongering or sabre-rattling. Watch | In 1956, Gen Ayub Khan dispatched his minister for India's Republic Day and in 1986 Gen Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq visited India as he was invited by former prime minister Rajeev Gandhi. Then we have Pervez Musharraf who was keen on having closer ties with India in the public eye. India and Pakistan have held 114 bilateral talks since independence and 52 of them came between 2003 and 2007 under Pervez Musharraf. The trend hints that Pakistani generals come to power promising fire and fury against India but closer to retirement, they want to be remembered as statesmen and the ones who tried to forge peace. Also read | Saudi Arabia announces over 100 projects for cash-strapped Pakistan during Imran Khan's visit We are seeing this happen all over again. The current army chief, Gen Bajwa, has 18 months left in office and he is already thinking about his legacy. In Pakistan, a general's legacy is not just about the battlefield. He is linked to the economy, internal politics and even geopolitics. Usually, countries have civilian leaders handling it but not Pakistan. During Bajwa's tenure, Pakistan's economy has taken a beating. They have requested multiple IMF bailouts. The foreign reserves are running out fast and the country is left with just $13 billion dollars. In addition to this, the military had to suffer budget cuts and there is nothing Gen Bajwa can do. The FATF listing is yet another darkness that covers the country. Pakistan has been on the ‘grey list’ for three years now and no progress has been made. It is a similar scenario in geopolitics. Allies such as Saudi Arabia are choosing India over Pakistan. In Afghanistan, the world community has just one message for them: please stay away and let Afghanistan prosper. In the end, Pakistan is only left with China as an ally but it won't be long before the Chinese loan comes due. Gen Bajwa is, therefore, trying to score a point on India by talking about peace. Bajwa, in March, urged countries to bury the past and move forward. The festival of Eid came as the perfect excuse for Bajwa. While offering prayers, he commented on Kashmir, saying, "it is time to end this human tragedy".

General Bajwa's olive branch to India: A truce or retirement plan?

Pakistani generals are developing a sudden urge to preach peace close to retirement. Is this about leaving a statesman's legacy or a genuine demand for cross-border peace? Palki Sharma decodes Pak army chief Bajwa's outreach to India.

Gravitas: Peace with India: Bajwa's retirement plan?

Pakistan Interior Minister Ejaz Shah has said to the media that the Imran Khan government is thinking over registering a treason case against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as police have received a number of complaints against him. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pulwama-was-great-achievement-under-imran-khans-leadership-admits-pak-minister-fawad-choudhry-338807">Also read | Pulwama was great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership, admits Pak minister Fawad Choudhry</a> 
 
Ayaz Sadiq's revelation that India would have attacked Pakistan at "night by 9 pm" if Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman wasn't released had created ripples in the Imran Khan-led PTI government. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-was-scared-of-indian-attack-truth-behind-abhinandans-release-revealed-338667">Pakistan was scared of Indian attack: Truth behind Abhinandan's release revealed</a>

"I remember Shah Mahmood Qureshi was in the meeting in which Imran Khan had refused to attend and Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring," Sadiq said in Parliament, adding, "Foreign minister Qureshi said for God's sake let Abhinandan go, India’s about to attack Pakistan at 9 pm".

Watch:

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Pakistan's Interior Minister Ejaz Shah said those toeing the line of India should better go to Amritsar.

Posters of Sadiq have also appeared in Lahore, dubbing him a "traitor".

Wing Commander Varthaman's MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was shot down by Pakistan's F-16 fighter during a dog fight on February 27 last year. Pakistan later returned Abhinandan to India who came back from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019.

Wing Commander Abhinandan was awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Interior Minister Ejaz Shah has said to the media that the Imran Khan government is thinking over registering a treason case against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as police have received a number of complaints against him.

Pakistan Interior Minister Ejaz Shah has said to the media that the Imran Khan government is thinking over registering a treason case against Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Sardar Ayaz Sadiq as police have received a number of complaints against him. Also read | Pulwama was great achievement under Imran Khan's leadership, admits Pak minister Fawad Choudhry Ayaz Sadiq's revelation that India would have attacked Pakistan at "night by 9 pm" if Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman wasn't released had created ripples in the Imran Khan-led PTI government. Pakistan was scared of Indian attack: Truth behind Abhinandan's release revealed "I remember Shah Mahmood Qureshi was in the meeting in which Imran Khan had refused to attend and Chief of Army Staff General Bajwa came into the room, his legs were shaking and he was perspiring," Sadiq said in Parliament, adding, "Foreign minister Qureshi said for God's sake let Abhinandan go, India’s about to attack Pakistan at 9 pm". Watch: Pakistan's Interior Minister Ejaz Shah said those toeing the line of India should better go to Amritsar. Posters of Sadiq have also appeared in Lahore, dubbing him a "traitor". Wing Commander Varthaman's MiG-21 Bison fighter aircraft was shot down by Pakistan's F-16 fighter during a dog fight on February 27 last year. Pakistan later returned Abhinandan to India who came back from the Attari-Wagah border on March 1, 2019. Wing Commander Abhinandan was awarded the Vir Chakra on Independence Day by President Ram Nath Kovind. (With inputs from agencies)

'Bajwa's legs were shaking': Imran Khan govt considers registering treason case against Ayaz Sadiq

Amid the&nbsp;tense situation in Pakistan for escaping the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, Pakistan's army chief has ordered an investigation into allegations that Sindh police chief was kidnapped by army troops.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-religious-scholar-shot-dead-in-karachi-334471">Also read | Pakistan religious scholar shot dead in Karachi</a>

According to the reports, the police officers in Karachi have threatened to go on mass leave after the Sindh Police chief was allegedly kidnapped and coerced to act against PML (N) Vice President Marayam Nawaz Sharif.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-hindus-denied-essential-supplies-in-pakistans-karachi-289506">Also read | Coronavirus: Hindus denied essential supplies in Pakistan's Karachi</a>

Sources in Islamabad said that Pakistan is rapidly slipping into a civil war-like situation with the ongoing tussle between the opposition parties, police and the Army.

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The Sindh Police on Monday had arrested Safdar Awan, the husband of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and the son-in-law of exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, from a hotel in Karachi.

The arrest came just hours after the PML(N) Vice President criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government at a massive rally of People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) — an alliance of 11 opposition political parties which have joined hands to challenge the Imran Khan government backed by the Pakistan Army. He was later released on bail.

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has ordered an inquiry into Safdar Awan’s arrest after Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari questioned the Army and the ISI about the incident in a tweet.

Pakistani media quoted Bilawal alleging that the Sindh Police chief was abducted by Pakistan Army and its intelligence wing for a few hours before Safdar Awan was arrested. Bilawal insinuated that Pakistan military had pressurised the Sindh Police to act against Safdar Awan.

The Dawn newspaper reported that a purported voice message by PML(N) leader and former Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair was shared by a journalist in which Zubair alleged that the Sindh Inspector General of Police, Mushtaq Mahar, was kidnapped and forced to register an FIR against Maryam, her husband Safdar and 200 others for violating the sanctity of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum.

Meanwhile, three people died and around 15 got injured after an explosion hit a four-storey building in Pakistan's Karachi on Wednesday (October 21). It is learnt that the massive blast occurred at a building opposite the Karachi University Maskan gate in Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the tense situation in Pakistan for escaping the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, Pakistan's army chief has ordered an investigation into allegations that Sindh police chief was kidnapped by army troops.

Amid the tense situation in Pakistan for escaping the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, Pakistan's army chief has ordered an investigation into allegations that Sindh police chief was kidnapped by army troops. Also read | Pakistan religious scholar shot dead in Karachi According to the reports, the police officers in Karachi have threatened to go on mass leave after the Sindh Police chief was allegedly kidnapped and coerced to act against PML (N) Vice President Marayam Nawaz Sharif. Also read | Coronavirus: Hindus denied essential supplies in Pakistan's Karachi Sources in Islamabad said that Pakistan is rapidly slipping into a civil war-like situation with the ongoing tussle between the opposition parties, police and the Army. The Sindh Police on Monday had arrested Safdar Awan, the husband of Maryam Nawaz Sharif, and the son-in-law of exiled former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, from a hotel in Karachi. The arrest came just hours after the PML(N) Vice President criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government at a massive rally of People’s Democratic Movement (PDM) — an alliance of 11 opposition political parties which have joined hands to challenge the Imran Khan government backed by the Pakistan Army. He was later released on bail. Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has ordered an inquiry into Safdar Awan’s arrest after Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari questioned the Army and the ISI about the incident in a tweet. Pakistani media quoted Bilawal alleging that the Sindh Police chief was abducted by Pakistan Army and its intelligence wing for a few hours before Safdar Awan was arrested. Bilawal insinuated that Pakistan military had pressurised the Sindh Police to act against Safdar Awan. The Dawn newspaper reported that a purported voice message by PML(N) leader and former Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair was shared by a journalist in which Zubair alleged that the Sindh Inspector General of Police, Mushtaq Mahar, was kidnapped and forced to register an FIR against Maryam, her husband Safdar and 200 others for violating the sanctity of Quaid-i-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah’s mausoleum. Meanwhile, three people died and around 15 got injured after an explosion hit a four-storey building in Pakistan's Karachi on Wednesday (October 21). It is learnt that the massive blast occurred at a building opposite the Karachi University Maskan gate in Gulshan-e-Iqbal. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan abuzz with rumours of 'civil war’ after reports of Army kidnapping Sindh police chief

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan didn't sack him - but tainted General Asim Bajwa has now finally stepped down as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why the resignation of this General is another hogwash.

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Pakistan's retired Lt General Asim Saleem Bajwa has resigned as special assistant to Prime Minister Imran Khan but will continue as chairman of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

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As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government completes its first two years in office this week, his country seems to be having the worst week it's history.

On Monday, the ''all-weather'' friendship between China-Pakistan failed&nbsp;the test of monsoon after the ceiling of the Islamabad International Airport, made by&nbsp;China State Construction Engineering Corporation, collapsed after heavy rainfall.

Pakistan's army chief Bajwa arrived in Saudi Arabia on the same day, its embassy in Riyadh said, amid a diplomatic spat that has threatened Riyadh's financial life line to the cash-strapped South Asian nation.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shah-mahmood-qureshi-to-visit-hainan-for-china-pakistan-foreign-ministers-strategic-dialogue-321896" hreflang="en">Shah Mahmood Qureshi to visit Hainan for China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ strategic dialogue</a>

On Tuesday, Imran Khan received his two-years work report, in which he failed miserably.

On Wednesday, Bajwa returned to his country sans glory, medals and any sort of aid.

On Thursday, reports came that the country is harassing a Palestinian envoy to sell his car, exposing the country's attitude towards the race.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-pakistan-treats-the-palestinian-issue-321997" hreflang="en">How Pakistan treats the Palestinian issue</a>

On Friday,&nbsp;Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi accompanied by his officers is paid&nbsp;an official visit to Hainan, China.

However, no Chinese official turned up to the airport for their guest's official welcome. Before departing for his visit,&nbsp;Qureshi had boasted how he&nbsp;will lead the Pakistan side in the Second Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue and how the visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" and deepen strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues.

Pakistan and China are longtime allies and partners in the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has seen Beijing pledge over $60 billion for infrastructure projects in Pakistan, central to China’s wider Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to develop land and sea trade routes in Asia and beyond.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's&nbsp;Railways minister&nbsp;Sheikh Rashid Ahmed&nbsp;prophesied a "nuclear war" against India, saying there will be a "bloody and final war".&nbsp;

In an interview&nbsp;Ahmed said&nbsp;Islamabad has "small" and "perfect" weapons, that will save Muslim lives and target other regions. He also said that Pakistan's weapons can also reach the Indian state of Assam, adding that next 4-6 months will be very critical, in a reference to elections in the United States.&nbsp;

Pakistan is an expert&nbsp;of making empty threats and absurd statements when India is&nbsp;concerned.&nbsp;The most lethal weapon in the&nbsp;country's arsenal, Babur II cruise missile&nbsp;has a range of 750kms. Whereas, the distance between Islamabad to Assam is 2000kms.

Babur II is cheap, inferior copy of India's Nirbhay nuclear missile. It also failed its test launch twice in 2018 and March this year.&nbsp;

Ali Amin Gandapur,&nbsp;Federal minister for Pak-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, also claimed that&nbsp;Pakistan has included PoK in its map.

As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government completes its first two years in office this week, his country seems to be having the worst week it's history.

As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government completes its first two years in office this week, his country seems to be having the worst week it's history. On Monday, the ''all-weather'' friendship between China-Pakistan failed the test of monsoon after the ceiling of the Islamabad International Airport, made by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, collapsed after heavy rainfall. Pakistan's army chief Bajwa arrived in Saudi Arabia on the same day, its embassy in Riyadh said, amid a diplomatic spat that has threatened Riyadh's financial life line to the cash-strapped South Asian nation. Also read: Shah Mahmood Qureshi to visit Hainan for China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ strategic dialogue On Tuesday, Imran Khan received his two-years work report, in which he failed miserably. On Wednesday, Bajwa returned to his country sans glory, medals and any sort of aid. On Thursday, reports came that the country is harassing a Palestinian envoy to sell his car, exposing the country's attitude towards the race. Also read: How Pakistan treats the Palestinian issue On Friday, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi accompanied by his officers is paid an official visit to Hainan, China. However, no Chinese official turned up to the airport for their guest's official welcome. Before departing for his visit, Qureshi had boasted how he will lead the Pakistan side in the Second Round of the China-Pakistan Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue and how the visit will play an important role in further strengthening Pakistan-China "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" and deepen strategic communication and coordination with China on a range of issues. Pakistan and China are longtime allies and partners in the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has seen Beijing pledge over $60 billion for infrastructure projects in Pakistan, central to China’s wider Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to develop land and sea trade routes in Asia and beyond. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Railways minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed prophesied a "nuclear war" against India, saying there will be a "bloody and final war". In an interview Ahmed said Islamabad has "small" and "perfect" weapons, that will save Muslim lives and target other regions. He also said that Pakistan's weapons can also reach the Indian state of Assam, adding that next 4-6 months will be very critical, in a reference to elections in the United States. Pakistan is an expert of making empty threats and absurd statements when India is concerned. The most lethal weapon in the country's arsenal, Babur II cruise missile has a range of 750kms. Whereas, the distance between Islamabad to Assam is 2000kms. Babur II is cheap, inferior copy of India's Nirbhay nuclear missile. It also failed its test launch twice in 2018 and March this year. Ali Amin Gandapur, Federal minister for Pak-occupied Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, also claimed that Pakistan has included PoK in its map.

Now, Pakistan's railway minister threatens 'nuclear war' against India

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