Pakistan`s Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Tuesday allegedly tweeted criticising US President Donald Trump only to delete the tweet later, reported news agency ANI.&nbsp;

"When racism and bigotry become acceptable political norms in democracies," Mazari tweeted, added ANI quoting&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;news media outlet&nbsp;The Global Village Space.&nbsp;

Mazari joined in the furore regarding Trump's latest racist Twitter outburst aimed Democrat Congresswomen.&nbsp;

She shared a story titled "A Racist in the White House," published in The New Yorker on July 15 with the tweet. While the Pakistani publication lauded Mazari on her move, Husain Haqqani, the Director (South &amp; Central Asia) Hudson Institute claimed that Mazari had discreetly deleted the tweet amid upcoming meeting between Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan may be the reason behind the step taken by Mazari.

"#Pakistan`s anti-American Human Rights Minister @ShireenMazari1 tweeted this but deleted it, possibly in view of the forthcoming meeting of PM Imran Khan with @realDonaldTrump," Haqqani tweeted.

Trump has recently received flak for his Twitter outburst which reportedly targetted four Democratic, People of Colour (POC) congresswomen, namely Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley.&nbsp;

Democratic leaders have severely condemned his tweets, labelling them as "racist" as he asks them to go back to the "broken, crime-infested" countries they "came" from. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan`s Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Tuesday allegedly tweeted criticising US President Donald Trump only to delete the tweet later, reported news agency ANI.

Pakistan`s Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Tuesday allegedly tweeted criticising US President Donald Trump only to delete the tweet later, reported news agency ANI. "When racism and bigotry become acceptable political norms in democracies," Mazari tweeted, added ANI quoting Pakistan news media outlet The Global Village Space. Mazari joined in the furore regarding Trump's latest racist Twitter outburst aimed Democrat Congresswomen. She shared a story titled "A Racist in the White House," published in The New Yorker on July 15 with the tweet. While the Pakistani publication lauded Mazari on her move, Husain Haqqani, the Director (South & Central Asia) Hudson Institute claimed that Mazari had discreetly deleted the tweet amid upcoming meeting between Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan may be the reason behind the step taken by Mazari. "#Pakistan`s anti-American Human Rights Minister @ShireenMazari1 tweeted this but deleted it, possibly in view of the forthcoming meeting of PM Imran Khan with @realDonaldTrump," Haqqani tweeted. Trump has recently received flak for his Twitter outburst which reportedly targetted four Democratic, People of Colour (POC) congresswomen, namely Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley. Democratic leaders have severely condemned his tweets, labelling them as "racist" as he asks them to go back to the "broken, crime-infested" countries they "came" from. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan human rights minister deletes tweet criticising Trump

Pakistan`s former ambassador to the United States, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/imran-khan-government-most-disappointing-in-pakistans-recent-history-ex-diplomat-husain-haqqani-to-wion-191809&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwil4cmln8zhAhU0juYKHUYsAy8QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2YweRD0NlSYv69eYBVrfet">Husain Haqqani</a>, has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising end of support to militant Jihadi groups are motivated by the fear of blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and does not reflect a change of policy.

Speaking at a conference at Georgetown University, he observed that so far there is no evidence that the Khan government or Pakistan's all-powerful military are dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure.

"There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," Haqqani said, pointing out that Pakistan failed to initiate any action against Jaish-e-Mohammed or its leader, Masood Azhar, after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to Haqqani, "Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar`s designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest."&nbsp;

Such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years, he said.

Haqqani, the author of several books, is currently Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think tank and is considered an outspoken critic of the Pakistan military`s domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of Jihadi terrorism.

"Although FATF sanctions are not imminent," Haqqani said, "Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase."

The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world, once again, that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations.

"Pakistan's economy is not doing too well,'&nbsp;he noted, adding that "FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option - more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult.

"Husain Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan`s support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival."

Pakistan`s former ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising end of support to militant Jihadi groups are motivated by the fear of blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and does not reflect a change of policy.

Pakistan`s former ambassador to the United States, Husain Haqqani, has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising end of support to militant Jihadi groups are motivated by the fear of blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and does not reflect a change of policy. Speaking at a conference at Georgetown University, he observed that so far there is no evidence that the Khan government or Pakistan's all-powerful military are dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure. "There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," Haqqani said, pointing out that Pakistan failed to initiate any action against Jaish-e-Mohammed or its leader, Masood Azhar, after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. According to Haqqani, "Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar`s designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest." Such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years, he said. Haqqani, the author of several books, is currently Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think tank and is considered an outspoken critic of the Pakistan military`s domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of Jihadi terrorism. "Although FATF sanctions are not imminent," Haqqani said, "Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase." The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world, once again, that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations. "Pakistan's economy is not doing too well,' he noted, adding that "FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option - more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult. "Husain Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan`s support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival."

Pakistan unlikely to change policy on militants, says Husain Haqqani

Pakistan Prime Minister<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-ministry-submits-proposal-to-pm-imran-khan-to-open-sharada-temple-for-indians-205524&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjWpoXw18zhAhWhguYKHVk5DY8QFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3TFVfZkx7WQNVIsYkMzRyC"> Imran Khan</a>'s recent statement promising an end of support to terror groups does not reflect a change of policy and is motivated by the fear of getting blacklisted by the global terror-financing watchdog FATF, the country's former envoy to the US <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-unlikely-to-change-policy-on-militants-says-husain-haqqani-209997&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiUvMCR2MzhAhXFu48KHSPvDNUQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2PgJsh_5jS5Cg7rad-S2Lt">Husain Haqqani</a> has said.

Amidst intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Khan last month said his government will not allow Pakistan's land to be used for any kind of terror activities and promised actions against militant groups operating from the country's soil.

Haqqani, Pakistan's former Ambassador to the US, told a Washington audience on Friday that so far, there is no evidence that the Khan government or the military is dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure.

"There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," he said in his address to the third 'India Ideas Conference' organised by India Initiative of the prestigious Georgetown University.

Haqqani pointed out that Pakistan has failed to initiate any action against the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group or its leader Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

"Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar's designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest," he said, adding that such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years.

Haqqani, who has authored several books, is currently the Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think-tank. He is considered as an outspoken critic of the Pakistan Army's domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of terrorism.

"Although the FATF sanctions are not imminent, Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase," he said.

The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world once again that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations.

"Pakistan's economy is not doing too well. FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult," he said.

Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan's support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival".

Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on February 22 condemned the Pulwama terror attack and decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamat-ud-Dawa.

The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&amp;P and Fitch, according to experts.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising an end of support to terror groups does not reflect a change of policy and is motivated by the fear of getting blacklisted by the global terror-financing watchdog FATF, the country's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani has said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recent statement promising an end of support to terror groups does not reflect a change of policy and is motivated by the fear of getting blacklisted by the global terror-financing watchdog FATF, the country's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani has said. Amidst intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Khan last month said his government will not allow Pakistan's land to be used for any kind of terror activities and promised actions against militant groups operating from the country's soil. Haqqani, Pakistan's former Ambassador to the US, told a Washington audience on Friday that so far, there is no evidence that the Khan government or the military is dismantling Pakistan's terrorist support infrastructure. "There is little change in Pakistan's attitude towards militancy, particularly the one directed against Afghanistan and India," he said in his address to the third 'India Ideas Conference' organised by India Initiative of the prestigious Georgetown University. Haqqani pointed out that Pakistan has failed to initiate any action against the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group or its leader Masood Azhar after the Pulwama terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir. "Islamabad's close ties with Beijing were invoked to ensure that Azhar's designation as a terrorist by the United Nations was blocked by China at Pakistan's behest," he said, adding that such moves are consistent with Islamabad's policies of the last 30 years. Haqqani, who has authored several books, is currently the Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute think-tank. He is considered as an outspoken critic of the Pakistan Army's domestic and foreign policies, especially its support of terrorism. "Although the FATF sanctions are not imminent, Pakistan is trying to thwart them with public relations moves such as Imran Khan's latest statement. There will be more PR moves as FATF pressures increase," he said. The former ambassador said that the desire to reassure the world once again that Pakistan wants to act against terrorist groups is motivated by economic considerations. "Pakistan's economy is not doing too well. FATF sanctions would only make Khan's only economic option more borrowing and financial bailouts by other countries and IMF-- more difficult," he said. Haqqani stressed that "Pakistan's support for militancy is a strategic choice, motivated by the desire to provide a force multiplier for a relatively poor country trying to act as a major regional power without resources comparable to its perceived rival". Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. Paris-headquartered Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on February 22 condemned the Pulwama terror attack and decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as JeM, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jamat-ud-Dawa. The FATF continuing Pakistan with the 'Gray' listing means downgrading of the country by multilateral lenders like the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, European Union and also a reduction in risk rating by Moody's, S&P and Fitch, according to experts.

No evidence of Pakistan dismantling terror infrastructure, says former envoy Haqqani

The Global Summit hosted by WION began in Dubai today. &nbsp;

The summit will be inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Indian Ambassador to the UAE His Excellency Navdeep Suri will be guest of honour.&nbsp;

The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region.

Spiritual guru Sadhguru will talk about the need for economic cooperation among the countries of South Asia.&nbsp;

Former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh will sit in conversation with former Pakistani ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani.

International journalist Riz Khan will moderate a discussion on "Is the face of media and entertainment changing?"

How can there be a South Asian conclave without cricket? VVS Laxman will talk about India's current dominance of world cricket.

What is the way forward for South Asia? Sri Lankan lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa, former Bangladesh minister and ruling Awami League member Hasan-ul-Haq Inu, and South Asia expert Michael Kugelman will deliberate on the issue.&nbsp;

Catch it all live on WION — World is One News — &nbsp;starting at 11.30 am IST today (February 20).&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="550" id="frmwion" scrolling="no" src="http://wionews.dittotv.com/?header=no" width="100%"></iframe>

The Global Summit hosted by WION began in Dubai today. The summit will be inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates.

The Global Summit hosted by WION began in Dubai today. The summit will be inaugurated by chief guest and guest of honour His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Indian Ambassador to the UAE His Excellency Navdeep Suri will be guest of honour. The summit will bring together thought leaders from around the world to find common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region. Spiritual guru Sadhguru will talk about the need for economic cooperation among the countries of South Asia. Former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh will sit in conversation with former Pakistani ambassador to the US Husain Haqqani. International journalist Riz Khan will moderate a discussion on "Is the face of media and entertainment changing?" How can there be a South Asian conclave without cricket? VVS Laxman will talk about India's current dominance of world cricket. What is the way forward for South Asia? Sri Lankan lawmaker Namal Rajapaksa, former Bangladesh minister and ruling Awami League member Hasan-ul-Haq Inu, and South Asia expert Michael Kugelman will deliberate on the issue. Catch it all live on WION — World is One News — starting at 11.30 am IST today (February 20).

Unleashing the Power of South Asia: WION conclave begins in Dubai, thought leaders to discuss way forward for the region

The recent terror attack in Pulwama, in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 40 soldiers of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed, left the entire nation in shock and saw some tough steps being initiated by the government of India to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. The attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation.

WION hosted a summit in Dubai where a discussion was held on "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism: An imperative for peace in South Asia". The panelists in this session were former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh, former diplomats G Parthasarathy and Kanwal Sibal, director of US-based think tank Hudson Institute Husain Haqqani, and South Asia expert from the Wilson Centre Michael Kugelman.

During the panel discussion, General Bikram Singh said, "We've been adopting idealistic agenda for too long. You can't keep giving your cheek and get slapped," referring to India's policy on Pakistan.

"Let's not allow epicentre of terrorism to raise problems. We got to take Pakistan to task," the former Indian Army chief said.

Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ex-ambassador to the US, said the strategy of "sub-conventional warfare" had failed. "State-sponsored terrorism is a widely used phrase. One country that can call one nation as state sponsor will not call another country the same for its own benefits. Consistency is required," he said.

"We need to think long-term, this region will eventually become as integrated if not more as other parts of the world," Haqqani added.

G Parthasarathy, India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan, said, "Every country has an army but in Pakistan, the army has the country. Today, Bangladesh has a far better growth rate than Pakistan because they focus on development."

The Global Summit which started on Wednesday morning in Dubai was inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates.

Kanwal Sibal, India's former foreign secretary said that since 1990 Pakistan's rate of growth in terrorism had risen.

"We should be a soft nation but we should slap hard too when required," Sibal asserted.

Micheal Kugelman, South Asia expert at the Wilson Centre in the US, said, "We need to look at the issue of Pakistan's military. Just uprooting terrorism will not bring peace in South Asia. Water shortages, climate change also play a role."

The recent terror attack in Pulwama, in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 40 soldiers of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed, left the entire nation in shock and saw some tough steps being initiated by the government of India to diplomatically isolate Pakistan.

The recent terror attack in Pulwama, in Jammu and Kashmir, in which 40 soldiers of India's Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) were killed, left the entire nation in shock and saw some tough steps being initiated by the government of India to diplomatically isolate Pakistan. The attack was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed, a Pakistan-based terrorist organisation. WION hosted a summit in Dubai where a discussion was held on "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism: An imperative for peace in South Asia". The panelists in this session were former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh, former diplomats G Parthasarathy and Kanwal Sibal, director of US-based think tank Hudson Institute Husain Haqqani, and South Asia expert from the Wilson Centre Michael Kugelman. During the panel discussion, General Bikram Singh said, "We've been adopting idealistic agenda for too long. You can't keep giving your cheek and get slapped," referring to India's policy on Pakistan. "Let's not allow epicentre of terrorism to raise problems. We got to take Pakistan to task," the former Indian Army chief said. Husain Haqqani, Pakistan's ex-ambassador to the US, said the strategy of "sub-conventional warfare" had failed. "State-sponsored terrorism is a widely used phrase. One country that can call one nation as state sponsor will not call another country the same for its own benefits. Consistency is required," he said. "We need to think long-term, this region will eventually become as integrated if not more as other parts of the world," Haqqani added. G Parthasarathy, India's former High Commissioner to Pakistan, said, "Every country has an army but in Pakistan, the army has the country. Today, Bangladesh has a far better growth rate than Pakistan because they focus on development." The Global Summit which started on Wednesday morning in Dubai was inaugurated by His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Kanwal Sibal, India's former foreign secretary said that since 1990 Pakistan's rate of growth in terrorism had risen. "We should be a soft nation but we should slap hard too when required," Sibal asserted. Micheal Kugelman, South Asia expert at the Wilson Centre in the US, said, "We need to look at the issue of Pakistan's military. Just uprooting terrorism will not bring peace in South Asia. Water shortages, climate change also play a role."

We've been adopting idealistic agenda for too long: Former Indian army chief Bikram Singh at WION Global Summit

WION is hosting "Unleashing the Power of South Asia" conclave which will emerge as a platform for South Asian countries to build regional co-operation.

At the conclave, "WION - World is One" is bringing together thought leaders from around the world to find a common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region.

The conclave will be held on February 20 in Dubai and will be inaugurated by the chief guest and guest of honour, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Indian ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Navdeep Suri will be the guest of honour.

The day-long conclave will dwell on subjects that matter to the emerging economies of South Asia, like "Counter Terrorism - the Indian perspective in a multi-polar world", and "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism and how it is imperative for peace in South Asia".

Former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh will be in conversation with former Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani.

Among the 50 most influential people in India is spiritual guru, Sadhguru. At the WION global summit, Sadhguru will talk about the need for economic co-operation among South Asian powers.

What is the future of South Asia? WION brings together Namal Rajapaksa, a lawmaker from Sri Lanka, former Bangladesh minister and ruling Awami League member Hasan-ul-Haq Inu, and South Asia expert Michael Kugelman to deliberate on the issue.

Soft power plays a key role in building alliances and strategic partnerships. And sports and entertainment play an important part in realising this. On one of the panels, television host and international journalist Riz Khan will moderate a discussion on "Is the face of media and entertainment changing?"

And is the ICC Cricket World Cup headed back to South Asia? Indian cricketer VVS Laxman will share his thoughts on the dominance of Indian cricket.

Tune into WION on Wednesday, February 20, as decision makers from South Asia explore sustainable solutions for promoting peace and prosperity in the region.

WION is hosting "Unleashing the Power of South Asia" conclave which will emerge as a platform for South Asian countries to build regional co-operation. At the conclave, "WION - World is One" is bringing together thought leaders from around the world to find a common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region.

WION is hosting "Unleashing the Power of South Asia" conclave which will emerge as a platform for South Asian countries to build regional co-operation. At the conclave, "WION - World is One" is bringing together thought leaders from around the world to find a common ground on the way forward for the South Asian region. The conclave will be held on February 20 in Dubai and will be inaugurated by the chief guest and guest of honour, His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance, United Arab Emirates. Indian ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Navdeep Suri will be the guest of honour. The day-long conclave will dwell on subjects that matter to the emerging economies of South Asia, like "Counter Terrorism - the Indian perspective in a multi-polar world", and "Uprooting state-sponsored terrorism and how it is imperative for peace in South Asia". Former Indian Army chief General Bikram Singh will be in conversation with former Pakistani ambassador Husain Haqqani. Among the 50 most influential people in India is spiritual guru, Sadhguru. At the WION global summit, Sadhguru will talk about the need for economic co-operation among South Asian powers. What is the future of South Asia? WION brings together Namal Rajapaksa, a lawmaker from Sri Lanka, former Bangladesh minister and ruling Awami League member Hasan-ul-Haq Inu, and South Asia expert Michael Kugelman to deliberate on the issue. Soft power plays a key role in building alliances and strategic partnerships. And sports and entertainment play an important part in realising this. On one of the panels, television host and international journalist Riz Khan will moderate a discussion on "Is the face of media and entertainment changing?" And is the ICC Cricket World Cup headed back to South Asia? Indian cricketer VVS Laxman will share his thoughts on the dominance of Indian cricket. Tune into WION on Wednesday, February 20, as decision makers from South Asia explore sustainable solutions for promoting peace and prosperity in the region.

WION’s 'Unleashing the Power of South Asia' conclave to build co-operation in the region

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful&nbsp;career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to&nbsp;the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s.

Now an expert on South Asian affairs, he is also a prolific writer, part-time journalist and academic. Haqqani is currently in India. He spoke exclusively to WION on India-Pakistan relations, the Kartarpur corridor, China's Belt and Road Initiative with Pak and Imran Khan's 'Naya Pakistan'.

WION: How do you view the current relations between India and Pakistan?

Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan relations are at a stalemate. India wants&nbsp;terrorism to be resolved, it also wants justice for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, wants to normalise relations without addressing any of these concerns.

Pakistan's definition of normalisation is not the same as India's definition of normalisation of relations. Ideally, India and Pakistan should have the kind of relations which the United States and Canada have, also like Franco-German relations.

WION: Then what kind of template do you see for India-Pakistan relations?

Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan are neighbours and they will always be neighbours, until 1947, India and Pakistan had the same currency, the same communications network, the same railway network. It was the most integrated region in the world, now it is the least integrated.

The template for India and Pakistan should be in which we are two countries and we respect each other's sovereignty but we have open borders and a large amount of trade with each other and lot of travel basically not looking upon each other as enemies.

WION: On the question of terrorism, how can the stalemate be broken?

Husain Haqqani: Pakistan is hoping the terrorism issue will just fall by the wayside, everyone will forget about it and new things will start coming. India, of course, does not accept it. India wants those who were involved in the Mumbai attacks either punished or identified and there is some kind of acknowledgement that terrorism in India was supported by the Pakistan state and at least tolerated by the Pakistan state.

People like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar whose involvement in terrorism has been acknowledged by the international community should not be allowed to roam freely in Pakistan.

WION: How do you view the Kartarpur corridor and its impact on India-Pak relations?

Husain Haqqani: All openings in the relations between India and Pakistan must be welcomed but the Kartarpur corridor is simply a very limited effort to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from Indian Punjab to Pakistani Punjab, it does not address any of the major issues between India and Pakistan.

WION: What do you make of trade relations between China and Pakistan and Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). Where do you think it is headed?

Husain Haqqani: BRI for Pakistan could have worked if it had also involved other countries in the region, though it has been talked about but it is not the case. The road initiative is now creating a corridor in which Pakistan is becoming more dependent on China than ever.

A huge amount of Chinese investment and lending will create a debt trap for Pakistan including several parts of like Baluchistan, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan. These are terrorities where people feel resentful since they feel Chinese investment will not provide any jobs to the locals and it will only facilitate the Pakistani state and China but nothing for the people.

WION: What are your thoughts on 100 days of PM Imran Khan's tenure?

Husain Haqqani: Imran Khan's government has been the most disappointing in recent Pakistani history. It is a civilian government which is more dependent on Pakistan military, the mantra in Pakistan is that the military and civilian government are on the same page but in reality&nbsp;the civilian government has accepted subservience to the military.&nbsp;

The government has not been able to address the economic issues and all we have is Imran Khan's status as a cricket celebrity that is supposed to make the people of Pakistan feel good. There are too many fronts which have been&nbsp;opened, Pakistan's isolation has not been broken and Pakistan's economy has not been fixed, all that has been done is more borrowing and more begging from other nations.

WION: And what about 'Naya(new) Pakistan' then?

Husain Haqqani: Naya Pakistan is nothing but purana(old) Pakistan led by a cricket celebrity who claims to bring a clean government but there&nbsp;are questions being asked now about how clean that government really is!

The real naya Pakistan would be at peace with itself and with its neighbours, also which respects the Sindhis, the Baloch, the Muhajirs, the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan. It would be a country where there are opportunities within and it does not completely depend either on the US or China and lives within its own resources and is not heavily militarised.

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s.

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s. Now an expert on South Asian affairs, he is also a prolific writer, part-time journalist and academic. Haqqani is currently in India. He spoke exclusively to WION on India-Pakistan relations, the Kartarpur corridor, China's Belt and Road Initiative with Pak and Imran Khan's 'Naya Pakistan'. WION: How do you view the current relations between India and Pakistan? Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan relations are at a stalemate. India wants terrorism to be resolved, it also wants justice for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, wants to normalise relations without addressing any of these concerns. Pakistan's definition of normalisation is not the same as India's definition of normalisation of relations. Ideally, India and Pakistan should have the kind of relations which the United States and Canada have, also like Franco-German relations. WION: Then what kind of template do you see for India-Pakistan relations? Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan are neighbours and they will always be neighbours, until 1947, India and Pakistan had the same currency, the same communications network, the same railway network. It was the most integrated region in the world, now it is the least integrated. The template for India and Pakistan should be in which we are two countries and we respect each other's sovereignty but we have open borders and a large amount of trade with each other and lot of travel basically not looking upon each other as enemies. WION: On the question of terrorism, how can the stalemate be broken? Husain Haqqani: Pakistan is hoping the terrorism issue will just fall by the wayside, everyone will forget about it and new things will start coming. India, of course, does not accept it. India wants those who were involved in the Mumbai attacks either punished or identified and there is some kind of acknowledgement that terrorism in India was supported by the Pakistan state and at least tolerated by the Pakistan state. People like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar whose involvement in terrorism has been acknowledged by the international community should not be allowed to roam freely in Pakistan. WION: How do you view the Kartarpur corridor and its impact on India-Pak relations? Husain Haqqani: All openings in the relations between India and Pakistan must be welcomed but the Kartarpur corridor is simply a very limited effort to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from Indian Punjab to Pakistani Punjab, it does not address any of the major issues between India and Pakistan. WION: What do you make of trade relations between China and Pakistan and Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). Where do you think it is headed? Husain Haqqani: BRI for Pakistan could have worked if it had also involved other countries in the region, though it has been talked about but it is not the case. The road initiative is now creating a corridor in which Pakistan is becoming more dependent on China than ever. A huge amount of Chinese investment and lending will create a debt trap for Pakistan including several parts of like Baluchistan, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan. These are terrorities where people feel resentful since they feel Chinese investment will not provide any jobs to the locals and it will only facilitate the Pakistani state and China but nothing for the people. WION: What are your thoughts on 100 days of PM Imran Khan's tenure? Husain Haqqani: Imran Khan's government has been the most disappointing in recent Pakistani history. It is a civilian government which is more dependent on Pakistan military, the mantra in Pakistan is that the military and civilian government are on the same page but in reality the civilian government has accepted subservience to the military. The government has not been able to address the economic issues and all we have is Imran Khan's status as a cricket celebrity that is supposed to make the people of Pakistan feel good. There are too many fronts which have been opened, Pakistan's isolation has not been broken and Pakistan's economy has not been fixed, all that has been done is more borrowing and more begging from other nations. WION: And what about 'Naya(new) Pakistan' then? Husain Haqqani: Naya Pakistan is nothing but purana(old) Pakistan led by a cricket celebrity who claims to bring a clean government but there are questions being asked now about how clean that government really is! The real naya Pakistan would be at peace with itself and with its neighbours, also which respects the Sindhis, the Baloch, the Muhajirs, the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan. It would be a country where there are opportunities within and it does not completely depend either on the US or China and lives within its own resources and is not heavily militarised.

Imran Khan government most disappointing in Pakistan's recent history: Ex-diplomat Husain Haqqani to WION

Progressive Pakistani thinkers have expressed their grave concerns over Pakistan's drift towards authoritarianism, expansion of the military's control over public policy and weakening of civilian institutions.

Addressing a conference titled 'Democracy, Human Rights and Ending Terrorism in Pakistan', <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/terrorism-and-international-isolation-threat-to-pak-says-former-pak-envoy-to-us-184530">Husain Haqqani</a>, the former Ambassador of Pakistan to the US said, "Pakistan is only a democracy in name not in reality."&nbsp;

The event was organised by South Asians Against Terrorism &amp; for Human Rights (SAATH) Forum.&nbsp;

He raised concerns over growing threats to minority communities and the deteriorating human rights situation in the country where the elected government has failed to protect civil rights.

Assurances given by current Pakistan Army Chief (General Qamar Javed Bajwa) proved sufficient to halt target killings of Hazara citizens in Balochistan, which raises questions as to why similar assurances and actions were not available under previous army chiefs, Haqqani said.

He added, "Sindhi and Balochi language provinces are the oppressed groups and communities in Pakistan. Their culture and languages are being eliminated in the name creating a uniform country. Countries don`t become strong by eliminating diversity - they become strong by embracing it."

The participants denounced blocking of websites, including Voice of America (VOA), stifling of debate and freedom of media.

The conference condemned the practice of abductions of journalists and bloggers and threats to Pakistani dissidents and social media activists abroad.

The conference demanded action to be taken against hate groups and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/pakistans-terror-triangle-general-zia-musharraf-the-hafiz-saeed-connection-578#who-was-zia-ul-haq-60079">extremist organisations</a> like the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, also known as Lashkar-e-Taiba, ostensibly being mainstreamed by the security establishment.

Haqqani said the people of Pakistan are paying a huge price for sheltering these terrorists.&nbsp;

He said, "The memories of Peshawar attack haunts the Pakistanis till today in which many students were massacred by the terrorists. We want a country where children can safely go to school rather than becoming targets of terrorists many of whom were cultivated by Pakistan itself."

The conference was attended by Congressmen Brad Sherman who showed his concern over the forced conversion of Hindu and Christian girls in Pakistan.

He said, "We see the issue of forced conversions of about 1000 young women in Pakistan forcibly converted after marriage 70 per cent of them being Hindus. I want to condemn this in legislature."

"Media in Pakistan was fully controlled in 1971. We did not hear about the atrocities in East Pakistan. We did not know about the loss of half of our country," said Haqqani in his concluding remarks.

Progressive Pakistani thinkers have expressed their grave concerns over Pakistan's drift towards authoritarianism, expansion of the military's control over public policy and weakening of civilian institutions.

Progressive Pakistani thinkers have expressed their grave concerns over Pakistan's drift towards authoritarianism, expansion of the military's control over public policy and weakening of civilian institutions. Addressing a conference titled 'Democracy, Human Rights and Ending Terrorism in Pakistan', Husain Haqqani, the former Ambassador of Pakistan to the US said, "Pakistan is only a democracy in name not in reality." The event was organised by South Asians Against Terrorism & for Human Rights (SAATH) Forum. He raised concerns over growing threats to minority communities and the deteriorating human rights situation in the country where the elected government has failed to protect civil rights. Assurances given by current Pakistan Army Chief (General Qamar Javed Bajwa) proved sufficient to halt target killings of Hazara citizens in Balochistan, which raises questions as to why similar assurances and actions were not available under previous army chiefs, Haqqani said. He added, "Sindhi and Balochi language provinces are the oppressed groups and communities in Pakistan. Their culture and languages are being eliminated in the name creating a uniform country. Countries don`t become strong by eliminating diversity - they become strong by embracing it." The participants denounced blocking of websites, including Voice of America (VOA), stifling of debate and freedom of media. The conference condemned the practice of abductions of journalists and bloggers and threats to Pakistani dissidents and social media activists abroad. The conference demanded action to be taken against hate groups and extremist organisations like the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and Jamaat-ud-Dawa, also known as Lashkar-e-Taiba, ostensibly being mainstreamed by the security establishment. Haqqani said the people of Pakistan are paying a huge price for sheltering these terrorists. He said, "The memories of Peshawar attack haunts the Pakistanis till today in which many students were massacred by the terrorists. We want a country where children can safely go to school rather than becoming targets of terrorists many of whom were cultivated by Pakistan itself." The conference was attended by Congressmen Brad Sherman who showed his concern over the forced conversion of Hindu and Christian girls in Pakistan. He said, "We see the issue of forced conversions of about 1000 young women in Pakistan forcibly converted after marriage 70 per cent of them being Hindus. I want to condemn this in legislature." "Media in Pakistan was fully controlled in 1971. We did not hear about the atrocities in East Pakistan. We did not know about the loss of half of our country," said Haqqani in his concluding remarks.

Pakistan is only a democracy in name, not in reality: Former ambassador Husain Haqqani

The Pakistani leadership defines terrorism differently than the US government and is unlikely to act against all terrorist groups as demanded by Washington, Pakistan's former ambassador to America Husain Haqqani has said.&nbsp;

In an article in the journal 'American Interest', Haqqani said that Pakistani leaders' view of their country's interests in Afghanistan, differ vastly from those of the US and that limits the prospects of cooperation in ending the Afghan war.

"Pakistan's leadership defines terrorism differently than the US government and thus is unlikely to act against all terrorist groups, as (Secretary of State) Mike Pompeo demanded," Haqqani, who is now the Director for South and Central Asia at Washington-based Hudson Institute, said.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is scheduled to meet Pompeo on October 2 to further discussions initiated during the Secretary of State's brief stopover in Islamabad on September 5, while on his way to India.

"US diplomats have spent almost three decades trying to lure Pakistan's decision-makers into seeing things their way," Haqqani observed, adding that this had led to what President Donald Trump recently described as Pakistan's "lies and deceit" on the USD 33 billion in economic and security assistance it has accepted from the US government since 9/11.

At the direction of Trump, the US has frozen all security aid to Pakistan since January this year.

Haqqani warned that the Trump Administration should be prepared for "less cooperation from Pakistan" with respect terrorism.&nbsp;

He noted that less than a week after Secretary Pompeo's stopover, Pakistan's Supreme Court had overruled restrictions imposed by the previous government on Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a front for the terrorist Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and its charity arm Falahi Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), both of whom are connected to UN designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed.

This was an indication that Pakistan's new government, backed by the country's military establishment and judiciary, did not intend to respect US or UN terrorism designations, Haqqani alleged.&nbsp;

The former top Pakistani envoy argued that it was important for American diplomats to understand that the other side is unwilling to compromise, given that Pakistan and the US have disagreed over Afghanistan almost consistently since the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989.&nbsp;

Haqqani said that it is "unlikely that Pakistan or the Afghan Taliban will change their calculus at a time when they believe that the US military is eager to leave Afghanistan."&nbsp;

Haqqani believes that the way out for the US would be to "bypass Pakistan and directly negotiate with the Afghan Taliban".&nbsp;

The Pakistani leadership defines terrorism differently than the US government and is unlikely to act against all terrorist groups as demanded by Washington, Pakistan's former ambassador to America Husain Haqqani has said.

The Pakistani leadership defines terrorism differently than the US government and is unlikely to act against all terrorist groups as demanded by Washington, Pakistan's former ambassador to America Husain Haqqani has said. In an article in the journal 'American Interest', Haqqani said that Pakistani leaders' view of their country's interests in Afghanistan, differ vastly from those of the US and that limits the prospects of cooperation in ending the Afghan war. "Pakistan's leadership defines terrorism differently than the US government and thus is unlikely to act against all terrorist groups, as (Secretary of State) Mike Pompeo demanded," Haqqani, who is now the Director for South and Central Asia at Washington-based Hudson Institute, said. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is scheduled to meet Pompeo on October 2 to further discussions initiated during the Secretary of State's brief stopover in Islamabad on September 5, while on his way to India. "US diplomats have spent almost three decades trying to lure Pakistan's decision-makers into seeing things their way," Haqqani observed, adding that this had led to what President Donald Trump recently described as Pakistan's "lies and deceit" on the USD 33 billion in economic and security assistance it has accepted from the US government since 9/11. At the direction of Trump, the US has frozen all security aid to Pakistan since January this year. Haqqani warned that the Trump Administration should be prepared for "less cooperation from Pakistan" with respect terrorism. He noted that less than a week after Secretary Pompeo's stopover, Pakistan's Supreme Court had overruled restrictions imposed by the previous government on Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a front for the terrorist Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and its charity arm Falahi Insaniyat Foundation (FIF), both of whom are connected to UN designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. This was an indication that Pakistan's new government, backed by the country's military establishment and judiciary, did not intend to respect US or UN terrorism designations, Haqqani alleged. The former top Pakistani envoy argued that it was important for American diplomats to understand that the other side is unwilling to compromise, given that Pakistan and the US have disagreed over Afghanistan almost consistently since the withdrawal of Soviet troops in 1989. Haqqani said that it is "unlikely that Pakistan or the Afghan Taliban will change their calculus at a time when they believe that the US military is eager to leave Afghanistan." Haqqani believes that the way out for the US would be to "bypass Pakistan and directly negotiate with the Afghan Taliban".

Pakistan unlikely to change its behaviour over terrorism: Husain Haqqani

Pakistan should become a "trading nation'' rather than a ''warrior nation" while ensuring it does not turn into China's pawn, Islamabad's former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani, has said.

In an interview to PTI, Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important? supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect.

Amid the consolidation of the already-robust Sino-Pak ties, Haqqani, who served as ambassador to the US from 2008 to 2011, stressed Pakistan should not go from being dependent on the US to rely on China and must refrain from becoming a "Chinese pawn".

Pakistan needs to build a self-sustaining economy, he said, warning Islamabad of the pitfalls of aligning with a major power.

Haqqani, who was in India last week for the launch of his new book 'Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State', said the country needs to "re-think its overall direction", including in the economic sector.

Pakistan&nbspshould become a "trading nation rather than a warrior nation" and start thinking about geo-economics rather than geostrategy, said the 61-year-old former diplomat and author of 'Pakistan Between Mosque and Military' and 'India v Pakistan: Why Can't We Just Be Friends', among other books.

"Trying to take advantage of its strategic location by allowing itself to be used by one major power or another has brought Pakistan to the present situation and if we continue to play the same game, the result is not going to be very different in the future, he said.

While Islamabad should seek good relations with Beijing, "there is no reason why Pakistan should become a Chinese pawn in the mistaken belief" that this would somehow make it a power in its own right, he said when asked if Pakistan's dependence on China could prove counterproductive.

His remarks assume significance as in January, the US had suspended more than $1.15 billion security assistance to Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring terror groups such as the Afghan Taliban and Afghan guerilla group Haqqani Network.

After US President Donald Trump had lashed out at Pakistan earlier this year for providing "safe havens" to terrorists, China had defended Islamabad, saying the world community should acknowledge its all-weather ally's "outstanding contribution" to counter terrorism.

Asked if America's tougher stance against terror would push Islamabad into a robust military alliance with Beijing, Haqqani said the more America and India came close, the more Pakistan would try to strengthen its ties with China.

"But, for Pakistan's own sake, it would be useful to have relationships with multiple partners. Dependence on the US did not prove useful for Pakistan in the 50s and 60s dependence on China will not necessarily be the key to Pakistan's progress in the 21st century," said Haqqani,

who lives in the US, where he is Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Washington-based Hudson Institute.

Haqqani was removed as Pakistan's envoy to the US for his alleged role in what is known as the Memogate controversy, which revolved around a memorandum seeking help from the Obama administration after the killing of Osama bin Laden to avert a military takeover of the civilian government in his country.

Asked if the suspension of American aid had brought about a change in Pakistan's attitude, Haqqani said the establishment had not changed its world view and was still hoping that logistical and other considerations would make the Trump administration soften its stance.

On the possibility of power blocs being formed in the region, he said a "new Cold War" in which Pakistan aligns with China and India with the United States was not going to be positive for South Asia.

"I think that aligning with one major power against another is not the recipe for economic growth and success for a country like Pakistan," said Haqqani, who also served as the Pakistani envoy to Sri Lanka from 1992 to 1993.

The former diplomat, who is often critical of the Pakistani military, rued that the power structure in the country had not changed fundamentally and national security and foreign policy remained in the hands of the Army.

Pakistan has made distinctions between terror groups that have acted against it and those that have acted outside the country, and that distinction had not worked to its advantage, he said.

Islamabad's insistence on "mainstreaming terrorists" rather than marginalising them was going to be counter-productive for the country, he held.

Haqqani also said the Kashmir issue could be put on the back burner to build normal Indo-Pak relations.

"It is also a reality that the problem of Kashmir has not been solved in 70 years. And if Pakistan insists on solving the Kashmir problem before moving forward on normal relations with India, then it may have to wait for another 70 years," he said.

Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important? supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect

Pakistan should become a "trading nation'' rather than a ''warrior nation" while ensuring it does not turn into China's pawn, Islamabad's former envoy to the US, Husain Haqqani, has said. In an interview to PTI, Haqqani said Pakistan also needs to take a call on what is more important? supporting terror suspect Hafiz Saeed or gaining international credibility and respect. Amid the consolidation of the already-robust Sino-Pak ties, Haqqani, who served as ambassador to the US from 2008 to 2011, stressed Pakistan should not go from being dependent on the US to rely on China and must refrain from becoming a "Chinese pawn". Pakistan needs to build a self-sustaining economy, he said, warning Islamabad of the pitfalls of aligning with a major power. Haqqani, who was in India last week for the launch of his new book 'Reimagining Pakistan: Transforming a Dysfunctional Nuclear State', said the country needs to "re-think its overall direction", including in the economic sector. Pakistan&nbspshould become a "trading nation rather than a warrior nation" and start thinking about geo-economics rather than geostrategy, said the 61-year-old former diplomat and author of 'Pakistan Between Mosque and Military' and 'India v Pakistan: Why Can't We Just Be Friends', among other books. "Trying to take advantage of its strategic location by allowing itself to be used by one major power or another has brought Pakistan to the present situation and if we continue to play the same game, the result is not going to be very different in the future, he said. While Islamabad should seek good relations with Beijing, "there is no reason why Pakistan should become a Chinese pawn in the mistaken belief" that this would somehow make it a power in its own right, he said when asked if Pakistan's dependence on China could prove counterproductive. His remarks assume significance as in January, the US had suspended more than $1.15 billion security assistance to Pakistan, accusing it of harbouring terror groups such as the Afghan Taliban and Afghan guerilla group Haqqani Network. After US President Donald Trump had lashed out at Pakistan earlier this year for providing "safe havens" to terrorists, China had defended Islamabad, saying the world community should acknowledge its all-weather ally's "outstanding contribution" to counter terrorism. Asked if America's tougher stance against terror would push Islamabad into a robust military alliance with Beijing, Haqqani said the more America and India came close, the more Pakistan would try to strengthen its ties with China. "But, for Pakistan's own sake, it would be useful to have relationships with multiple partners. Dependence on the US did not prove useful for Pakistan in the 50s and 60s dependence on China will not necessarily be the key to Pakistan's progress in the 21st century," said Haqqani, who lives in the US, where he is Senior Fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Washington-based Hudson Institute. Haqqani was removed as Pakistan's envoy to the US for his alleged role in what is known as the Memogate controversy, which revolved around a memorandum seeking help from the Obama administration after the killing of Osama bin Laden to avert a military takeover of the civilian government in his country. Asked if the suspension of American aid had brought about a change in Pakistan's attitude, Haqqani said the establishment had not changed its world view and was still hoping that logistical and other considerations would make the Trump administration soften its stance. On the possibility of power blocs being formed in the region, he said a "new Cold War" in which Pakistan aligns with China and India with the United States was not going to be positive for South Asia. "I think that aligning with one major power against another is not the recipe for economic growth and success for a country like Pakistan," said Haqqani, who also served as the Pakistani envoy to Sri Lanka from 1992 to 1993. The former diplomat, who is often critical of the Pakistani military, rued that the power structure in the country had not changed fundamentally and national security and foreign policy remained in the hands of the Army. Pakistan has made distinctions between terror groups that have acted against it and those that have acted outside the country, and that distinction had not worked to its advantage, he said. Islamabad's insistence on "mainstreaming terrorists" rather than marginalising them was going to be counter-productive for the country, he held. Haqqani also said the Kashmir issue could be put on the back burner to build normal Indo-Pak relations. "It is also a reality that the problem of Kashmir has not been solved in 70 years. And if Pakistan insists on solving the Kashmir problem before moving forward on normal relations with India, then it may have to wait for another 70 years," he said.

Don't be warrior nation or China pawn: ex-envoy Haqqani to Pakistan

Responding on the treason case registered against him in Karachi on Wednesday, former Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani said that it was an attempt to &#39;harass&#39; and &#39;silence&#39; a dissident voice that questions wrong policies.

&quot;It seems to be Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)&#39;s Standard Operating Procedure to file multiple cases in multiple locations to generate local media activity. It is absurd to say that I have committed treason by expressing my opinions in TV interviews, as the latest case says. Outside the propaganda bubble in Pakistan, this will be seen for what it is: an attempt to harass and silence a dissident voice that questions questionable policies,&quot; Haqqani said, in a statement.

&quot;I thank the ISI and its various henchmen for making it obvious to the world that their authoritarian mind cannot countenance dissent and disagreement,&quot; he added.

An FIR was registered against Haqqani for allegedly causing harm to the national security in Karachi&#39;s Perredy Police Station on Wednesday on the complaint of advocate Molvi Iqbal Haider.

The FIR stated that the former envoy to the US made anti-state remarks during recent interviews with television talks shows in the US.

An FIR was registered against Haqqani for allegedly causing harm to the national security in Karachi's Perredy Police Station on Wednesday on the complaint of advocate Molvi Iqbal Haider

Responding on the treason case registered against him in Karachi on Wednesday, former Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani said that it was an attempt to 'harass' and 'silence' a dissident voice that questions wrong policies. "It seems to be Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)'s Standard Operating Procedure to file multiple cases in multiple locations to generate local media activity. It is absurd to say that I have committed treason by expressing my opinions in TV interviews, as the latest case says. Outside the propaganda bubble in Pakistan, this will be seen for what it is: an attempt to harass and silence a dissident voice that questions questionable policies," Haqqani said, in a statement. "I thank the ISI and its various henchmen for making it obvious to the world that their authoritarian mind cannot countenance dissent and disagreement," he added. An FIR was registered against Haqqani for allegedly causing harm to the national security in Karachi's Perredy Police Station on Wednesday on the complaint of advocate Molvi Iqbal Haider. The FIR stated that the former envoy to the US made anti-state remarks during recent interviews with television talks shows in the US.

Former Pakistan Ambassador to US rubbishes reports of treason case registered against him

&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>&#39;s Federal Investigation Agency (<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=FIA">FIA</a>) has reportedly registered a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=case">case</a>&nbsp;against former envoy to the United States (<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=US">US</a>)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Husain%20Haqqani">Husain Haqqani</a>.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=case">case</a>&nbsp;was registered in the Anti-corruption circle by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=FIA">FIA</a>&nbsp;in connection with the Memogate scandal, Geo News reported, citing&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=sources">sources</a>&nbsp;as saying.

The Memogate scandal erupted in 2011 when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>i-American businessman Mansoor Ijaz claimed to have received an &#39;anti-<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=army">army</a>&#39; memo from Haqqani for the then-<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=US">US</a>&nbsp;joint chiefs chairman Admiral Mike Mullen.

Furthermore, Husain is accused of embezzlement in the secret fund worth $7.2 million, the report said.

On February 15,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>&#39;s apex court issued an arrest warrant against Haqqani and directed him to appear in the Memogate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=case">case</a>.

However, Haqqani failed to comply with the court orders.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=FIA">FIA</a>&nbsp;had asked Interpol to issue a red warrant for Haqqani, Additional Attorney General Rana Waqar told the top court but Interpol asked what, if any, criminal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=case">case</a>&nbsp;had been filed against Haqqani.

In late February,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>&#39;s Supreme Court was informed that Interpol had not issued any warrant against the former ambassador to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=US">US</a>&nbsp;in response to a request by the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;government and had raised certain queries instead.

Responding to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=reports">reports</a>&nbsp;of the warrants, Haqqani stated on Twitter that it was &quot;sad that highest court of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Pakistan">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;persists with such antics for local TV news coverage. Such political &#39;warrants&#39; have not been honored&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=abroad">abroad</a>&nbsp;in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=past">past</a>, won&#39;t work now.&quot;&nbsp;

The case was registered in the Anti-corruption circle by the FIA

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has reportedly registered a case against former envoy to the United States (US) Husain Haqqani. The case was registered in the Anti-corruption circle by the FIA in connection with the Memogate scandal, Geo News reported, citing sources as saying. The Memogate scandal erupted in 2011 when Pakistani-American businessman Mansoor Ijaz claimed to have received an 'anti-army' memo from Haqqani for the then-US joint chiefs chairman Admiral Mike Mullen. Furthermore, Husain is accused of embezzlement in the secret fund worth $7.2 million, the report said. On February 15, Pakistan's apex court issued an arrest warrant against Haqqani and directed him to appear in the Memogate case. However, Haqqani failed to comply with the court orders. The FIA had asked Interpol to issue a red warrant for Haqqani, Additional Attorney General Rana Waqar told the top court but Interpol asked what, if any, criminal case had been filed against Haqqani. In late February, Pakistan's Supreme Court was informed that Interpol had not issued any warrant against the former ambassador to the US in response to a request by the Pakistan government and had raised certain queries instead. Responding to reports of the warrants, Haqqani stated on Twitter that it was "sad that highest court of Pakistan persists with such antics for local TV news coverage. Such political 'warrants' have not been honored abroad in the past, won't work now."

Case registered against ex- Pak envoy Husain Haqqani: Report

Pakistan`s Supreme Court was informed today that Interpol had not issued any warrant against former ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani in response to a request by the Pakistan government and had raised certain queries instead.

Pakistan`s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) may now register a case against Haqqani, acknowledging that six years after the former ambassador to US was accused in a scandal termed `Memogate`.The FIA requires some time to fulfil Interpol`s requirements which include providing details of the alleged crime, Assistant Attorney General Waqar Rana told the Supreme Court today according to Pakistani media reports.

Rana also requested the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar to hear the matter in his chamber.The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) accepted the plea and asked AAG and petitioner to appear in his chamber making it clear that he would not be influenced by any lobby.On February 15, Pakistan `s apex court issued an arrest warrant against Haqqani and directed him to appear in the Memogate case.However, Haqqani failed to comply with the court orders.

The FIA had asked Interpol to issue a red warrant for Haqqani, Additional Attorney General Rana Waqar told the top court but Interpol asked what, if any, criminal case had been filed against Haqqani.The Memogate scandal erupted in 2011 when Pakistani-American businessman Mansoor Ijaz claimed to have received an `anti-army` memo from Haqqani for the then-US joint chiefs chairman Admiral Mike Mullen.

Cases have recently been registered against Haqqani under Sections 120b (hatching a criminal conspiracy) and 121a (waging a war against Pakistan) of the Pakistan Penal Code.In this regard, a court notice has already been issued to Haqqani and other respondents of the case - including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The scandal, taken to the Supreme Court by then opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, led to Haqqani`s resignation.

As per the international criminal police organization, Interpol`s charter prohibits it from intervening into a political, military, religious, or racial dispute.

Interpol mainly focuses on public safety and combating transnational crimes against humanity, child pornography, computer crime and cybercrime, drug trafficking, environmental crime, genocide, human trafficking.

Besides this, it also deals with cases related to illicit drug production, copyright infringement, illicit traffic in works of art, intellectual property crime, money laundering, organized crime, corruption, terrorism, war crimes, weapons smuggling, and white-collar crime.

The scandal, taken to the Supreme Court by then opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, led to Haqqani`s resignation.

Pakistan`s Supreme Court was informed today that Interpol had not issued any warrant against former ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani in response to a request by the Pakistan government and had raised certain queries instead. Pakistan`s Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) may now register a case against Haqqani, acknowledging that six years after the former ambassador to US was accused in a scandal termed `Memogate`.The FIA requires some time to fulfil Interpol`s requirements which include providing details of the alleged crime, Assistant Attorney General Waqar Rana told the Supreme Court today according to Pakistani media reports. Rana also requested the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar to hear the matter in his chamber.The Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) accepted the plea and asked AAG and petitioner to appear in his chamber making it clear that he would not be influenced by any lobby.On February 15, Pakistan `s apex court issued an arrest warrant against Haqqani and directed him to appear in the Memogate case.However, Haqqani failed to comply with the court orders. The FIA had asked Interpol to issue a red warrant for Haqqani, Additional Attorney General Rana Waqar told the top court but Interpol asked what, if any, criminal case had been filed against Haqqani.The Memogate scandal erupted in 2011 when Pakistani-American businessman Mansoor Ijaz claimed to have received an `anti-army` memo from Haqqani for the then-US joint chiefs chairman Admiral Mike Mullen. Cases have recently been registered against Haqqani under Sections 120b (hatching a criminal conspiracy) and 121a (waging a war against Pakistan) of the Pakistan Penal Code.In this regard, a court notice has already been issued to Haqqani and other respondents of the case - including former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The scandal, taken to the Supreme Court by then opposition leader Nawaz Sharif, led to Haqqani`s resignation. As per the international criminal police organization, Interpol`s charter prohibits it from intervening into a political, military, religious, or racial dispute. Interpol mainly focuses on public safety and combating transnational crimes against humanity, child pornography, computer crime and cybercrime, drug trafficking, environmental crime, genocide, human trafficking. Besides this, it also deals with cases related to illicit drug production, copyright infringement, illicit traffic in works of art, intellectual property crime, money laundering, organized crime, corruption, terrorism, war crimes, weapons smuggling, and white-collar crime.

Interpol refuses to act against former Pak ambassador to US Husain Haqqani

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against the former ambassador of Pakistan to the US, Husain Haqqani, over 2011 Memogate scandal, Pakistan media reported.&nbsp;

Reacting to the arrested warrant, Haqqani said it was said that the highest court of Pakistan persists with such antics for local TV news coverage.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;Sad that highest court of Pakistan persists with such antics for local TV news coverage. Such political &lsquo;warrants&rsquo; have not been honoured abroad in the past, won&rsquo;t work now,&#39;&#39; Haqqani said.&nbsp;

According to Geo News, the warrants for former Pakistan People&#39;s Party leader were issued for violating his oath in which he had pledged to come back to face the trial, reported The News International.&nbsp;

During the hearing, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Bashir Memon told the court that a letter has been written to the Interpol in order to get a red warrant issued against Haqqani.

The Supreme Court had formed a three-member bench to hear the case which made headlines during the last stint of the PPP.

Haqqani was accused of seeking US &nbsp; action against Pakistan&#39;s military through the so-called memo months after the US raid in Abbottabad in 2011 on Osama Bin Laden compound amid increasing rift between civilian and military leadership.

Haqqani was accused of seeking US action against Pakistan's military

The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against the former ambassador of Pakistan to the US, Husain Haqqani, over 2011 Memogate scandal, Pakistan media reported. Reacting to the arrested warrant, Haqqani said it was said that the highest court of Pakistan persists with such antics for local TV news coverage. ''Sad that highest court of Pakistan persists with such antics for local TV news coverage. Such political ‘warrants’ have not been honoured abroad in the past, won’t work now,'' Haqqani said. According to Geo News, the warrants for former Pakistan People's Party leader were issued for violating his oath in which he had pledged to come back to face the trial, reported The News International. During the hearing, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Bashir Memon told the court that a letter has been written to the Interpol in order to get a red warrant issued against Haqqani. The Supreme Court had formed a three-member bench to hear the case which made headlines during the last stint of the PPP. Haqqani was accused of seeking US action against Pakistan's military through the so-called memo months after the US raid in Abbottabad in 2011 on Osama Bin Laden compound amid increasing rift between civilian and military leadership.

Pakistan SC issues arrest warrant against former ambassador to US

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