Pakistan cricket has been in shambles ever since New Zealand cricket team (NZC) decided to postpone their tour of the Asian country, minutes before the tour-opener was set to take place on September 17. NZC withdrew from their historic Pakistan tour on security grounds,&nbsp;pushing Pakistan to the corner just when it had started to host international games at regular intervals.

Following NZC, the England Cricket Board (ECB) also withdrew their Pakistan tour; adding to the Asian country's woes. The New Zealand and England home series were planned as a dress rehearsal for Babar Azam-led Men in Green ahead of the forthcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE. However with both sides backing out, it has pushed Pakistan cricket to a corner.

Ahead of the marquee ICC event, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan -- as per a report filed by PakistanCricket -- has motivated Babar &amp; Co. to perform like 'cornered tigers' in the upcoming edition of the T20 WC.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-t20-world-cup-anthem-released-by-icc-as-excitement-builds-up-for-marquee-event-415256">Watch: T20 World Cup anthem released by ICC as excitement builds up for marquee event</a>

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Pakistan cricket team arrived at pm house to meet with pm ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a>⁩ ⁦<a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealPCB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheRealPCB</a>⁩ <a href="https://t.co/yYZdYFFlmY">pic.twitter.com/yYZdYFFlmY</a>
— Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai (@ayazakbar786) <a href="https://twitter.com/ayazakbar786/status/1440630765901942784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Pakistan is a safe country. You should focus on improving your performances... God willing, Pakistan will host international cricket soon," Khan was quoted as saying. Imran, who guided Pakistan to its maiden World Cup title in 1992, also told Babar to lead the Green Army from the front. "You must lead the team from the front, take everyone along and play like cornered tigers," Imran said. Azam-led Pakistan will kickstart their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India. &nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pcb-chairman-ramiz-raja-slams-england-after-they-cancel-pakistan-tour-following-new-zealand-watch-414694">PCB chairman Ramiz Raja slams England after they cancel Pakistan tour following New Zealand - Watch</a>

For the unversed, Babar-led Pakistan are placed in Pool 2, along with India, New Zealand, Afghanistan and will be joined by two other teams from the qualifying round in the T20 WC. The mega event will kick off from October 17 whereas the main draw will start from October 23.

Pakistan cricket has been in shambles ever since New Zealand cricket team (NZC) decided to postpone their tour of the Asian country, minutes before the tour-opener was set to take place on September 17.

Pakistan cricket has been in shambles ever since New Zealand cricket team (NZC) decided to postpone their tour of the Asian country, minutes before the tour-opener was set to take place on September 17. NZC withdrew from their historic Pakistan tour on security grounds, pushing Pakistan to the corner just when it had started to host international games at regular intervals. Following NZC, the England Cricket Board (ECB) also withdrew their Pakistan tour; adding to the Asian country's woes. The New Zealand and England home series were planned as a dress rehearsal for Babar Azam-led Men in Green ahead of the forthcoming T20 World Cup, in the UAE. However with both sides backing out, it has pushed Pakistan cricket to a corner. Ahead of the marquee ICC event, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan -- as per a report filed by PakistanCricket -- has motivated Babar & Co. to perform like 'cornered tigers' in the upcoming edition of the T20 WC. ALSO READ | Watch: T20 World Cup anthem released by ICC as excitement builds up for marquee event Pakistan cricket team arrived at pm house to meet with pm ⁦@ImranKhanPTI⁩ ⁦@TheRealPCB⁩ pic.twitter.com/yYZdYFFlmY — Ayaz Akbar Yousafzai (@ayazakbar786) September 22, 2021 × "Pakistan is a safe country. You should focus on improving your performances... God willing, Pakistan will host international cricket soon," Khan was quoted as saying. Imran, who guided Pakistan to its maiden World Cup title in 1992, also told Babar to lead the Green Army from the front. "You must lead the team from the front, take everyone along and play like cornered tigers," Imran said. Azam-led Pakistan will kickstart their World Cup campaign against arch-rivals India. ALSO READ | PCB chairman Ramiz Raja slams England after they cancel Pakistan tour following New Zealand - Watch For the unversed, Babar-led Pakistan are placed in Pool 2, along with India, New Zealand, Afghanistan and will be joined by two other teams from the qualifying round in the T20 WC. The mega event will kick off from October 17 whereas the main draw will start from October 23.

'Play like cornered tigers' - PM Imran Khan motivates Babar Azam-led Pakistan for T20 WC after NZ, England cancel tours

Pakistan's Prime Minister appears to be endorsing the Taliban as they take control of Afghanistan.

On Monday, a video surfaced on social media purporting to show Imran Khan praising the Taliban's takeover of the neighbouring nation.&nbsp;

The Pakistan PM appeared to praise the Taliban in a video broadcast on Pakistani television, saying that "they have freed the chains of mental slavery in Afghanistan." 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-where-did-us-go-wrong-in-fight-against-taliban-406022">Also read | Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban?</a>

Khan made these statements while speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the first phase of the Single National Curriculum (SNC), which is part of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's platform and covers grades 1 to 5. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-kabul-airport-mobbed-as-afghans-make-a-desperate-dash-to-exit-406021#us-soldiers-guard-406014">Pictures | Kabul airport mobbed as Afghans make a desperate dash to exit</a>

The prime minister explained how Pakistan's parallel education system resulted in the establishment of "English medium" schools and the adoption of "someone else's culture."&nbsp;

When you accept someone's culture, you feel it is superior, and you become a slave to it, he said, adding that it creates a mental enslavement system that is worse than physical slavery.

In the same sentence, he compared Afghanistan's continuous turmoil to the country's people "breaking the chains of slavery." &nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/live-afghanistan-has-broken-shackles-of-slavery-says-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-405858">LIVE: Afghanistan crisis</a>

The longstanding war in Afghanistan reached a watershed moment on Sunday when the Taliban insurgents closed in on Kabul before entering the city and took over the presidential palace, forcing embattled President Ashraf Ghani to join fellow citizens and foreigners to flee the country.

Pakistan is accused of supporting the Taliban insurgency, which culminated in the country's capture 20 years after it was evicted.

Officially, Pakistan has stated that it wants a broad-based, inclusive administration in Afghanistan and that it is hosting Afghan officials to help them reach an agreement for a peaceful transition.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Prime Minister appears to be endorsing the Taliban as they take control of Afghanistan. On Monday, a video surfaced on social media purporting to show Imran Khan praising the Taliban's takeover of the neighbouring nation.

Pakistan's Prime Minister appears to be endorsing the Taliban as they take control of Afghanistan. On Monday, a video surfaced on social media purporting to show Imran Khan praising the Taliban's takeover of the neighbouring nation. The Pakistan PM appeared to praise the Taliban in a video broadcast on Pakistani television, saying that "they have freed the chains of mental slavery in Afghanistan." Also read | Afghanistan: Where did US go wrong in fight against Taliban? Khan made these statements while speaking at a ceremony to inaugurate the first phase of the Single National Curriculum (SNC), which is part of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's platform and covers grades 1 to 5. Pictures | Kabul airport mobbed as Afghans make a desperate dash to exit The prime minister explained how Pakistan's parallel education system resulted in the establishment of "English medium" schools and the adoption of "someone else's culture." When you accept someone's culture, you feel it is superior, and you become a slave to it, he said, adding that it creates a mental enslavement system that is worse than physical slavery. In the same sentence, he compared Afghanistan's continuous turmoil to the country's people "breaking the chains of slavery." LIVE: Afghanistan crisis The longstanding war in Afghanistan reached a watershed moment on Sunday when the Taliban insurgents closed in on Kabul before entering the city and took over the presidential palace, forcing embattled President Ashraf Ghani to join fellow citizens and foreigners to flee the country. Pakistan is accused of supporting the Taliban insurgency, which culminated in the country's capture 20 years after it was evicted. Officially, Pakistan has stated that it wants a broad-based, inclusive administration in Afghanistan and that it is hosting Afghan officials to help them reach an agreement for a peaceful transition. (With inputs from agencies)

'They have broken shackles of slavery': Pakistan PM Imran Khan endorses Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan

Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, said on Tuesday that the Taliban were not some military outfit but 'normal civilians'.

Khan remarked that Pakistan, Afghanistan's eastern neighbour, shelters three million Afghan refugees during a TV interview with American network PBS.

Questioning the United States motive for the Afghan invasion he also said that the US has 'really messed it up in Afghanistan'.

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<h5>Due to his continuous support for the Taliban, Imran Khan has earned the moniker 'Taliban Khan' in Pakistan's politics.</h5>
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“When they say Pakistan handed the Taliban safe havens and sanctuaries, where are these safe-havens? When you mentioned there are three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, who are, by the way, the same ethnic group as the Taliban, Pashtuns, Imran Khan said, "Now there are camps of 500,000 people."

“There are camps of 100,000 people. And Taliban are not some military outfit. They are normal civilians. And if there are some civilians in these camps, how is Pakistan supposed to hunt these people down? How can you call them sanctuaries?” he added.

Pakistan has long been accused of assisting Taliban rebels against the Afghan National Security Forces with the military, logistical, financial, and intelligence support (ANSF). 
 
Due to his continuous support for the Taliban, Imran Khan has earned the moniker 'Taliban Khan' in Pakistan's politics.

Khan slammed the US for attempting to "find a military solution in Afghanistan when there was never one."

He commented on the situation, saying that "sadly, the negotiating power of the Americans or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces had gone" by the time the world powers realised there was no military option.

When questioned if he thought the Taliban's return was a good thing for Afghanistan, Imran Khan repeated that the only beneficial conclusion would be a political settlement "that is inclusive."

(With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, said on Tuesday that the Taliban were not some military outfit but 'normal civilians'. Khan remarked that Pakistan, Afghanistan's eastern neighbour, shelters three million Afghan refugees during a TV interview with American network PBS.

Imran Khan, Pakistan's prime minister, said on Tuesday that the Taliban were not some military outfit but 'normal civilians'. Khan remarked that Pakistan, Afghanistan's eastern neighbour, shelters three million Afghan refugees during a TV interview with American network PBS. Questioning the United States motive for the Afghan invasion he also said that the US has 'really messed it up in Afghanistan'. Due to his continuous support for the Taliban, Imran Khan has earned the moniker 'Taliban Khan' in Pakistan's politics. × “When they say Pakistan handed the Taliban safe havens and sanctuaries, where are these safe-havens? When you mentioned there are three million Afghan refugees in Pakistan, who are, by the way, the same ethnic group as the Taliban, Pashtuns, Imran Khan said, "Now there are camps of 500,000 people." “There are camps of 100,000 people. And Taliban are not some military outfit. They are normal civilians. And if there are some civilians in these camps, how is Pakistan supposed to hunt these people down? How can you call them sanctuaries?” he added. Pakistan has long been accused of assisting Taliban rebels against the Afghan National Security Forces with the military, logistical, financial, and intelligence support (ANSF). Due to his continuous support for the Taliban, Imran Khan has earned the moniker 'Taliban Khan' in Pakistan's politics. Khan slammed the US for attempting to "find a military solution in Afghanistan when there was never one." He commented on the situation, saying that "sadly, the negotiating power of the Americans or the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) forces had gone" by the time the world powers realised there was no military option. When questioned if he thought the Taliban's return was a good thing for Afghanistan, Imran Khan repeated that the only beneficial conclusion would be a political settlement "that is inclusive." (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban are 'normal civilians', Pakistan can't hunt them down: PM Imran Khan

The Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday added the name of Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, who has been charged with corruption, to the no-fly list, barring him from leaving the country for medical treatment.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the Lahore High Court granted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz, also the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, permission to travel abroad once for medical treatment.&nbsp;

After obtaining bail, Shehbaz, 69, was about to fly to London on May 8 when an Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team at the airport stopped him from travelling on the grounds that his name had been on the provisional national identification list (PNIL), which impose a temporary bar on someone to leave the country.&nbsp;

Shehbaz was offloaded from Doha-bound flight on May 8.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Shehbaz's name was added to the exit control list (ECL) after approval from the federal Cabinet.&nbsp;

A special committee of the Interior Ministry on May 12 had proposed to the Cabinet that Shehbaz should be barred from leaving the country due to corruption cases against him.&nbsp;

Shehbaz wanted to go to London for a medical checkup after he was bailed out of jail last month.&nbsp;

The interior minister said Shehbaz had not submitted any medical documents for travelling abroad or specified the treatment for his illness.&nbsp;

Last week, Shehbaz had challenged the placement of his name on a travel blacklist and sought one-time permission to go abroad for medical treatment.&nbsp;

"I have been a cancer patient and got treated in New York and London. I could not get treatment for more than seven months as I was in jail," the top PML-N leader said, adding in light of the medical test report conducted in jail, there was a need for immediate treatment. &nbsp;

Interior minister Ahmed said Shehbaz "was the guarantor for his brother Nawaz. But instead of bringing him back, he was trying to flee".&nbsp;

"If Nawaz Sharif did not return then why should Shehbaz return? This is a matter of common sense," he said in reply to a question.&nbsp;

Sharif has been in London since November 2019 on 'medical grounds'.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan government has declared Sharif an absconder and cancelled his passport. Sharif left the country after the court granted him bail in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case in which he was undergoing seven years imprisonment in Kot Lakhpat jail Lahore.&nbsp;

He was also granted four-week bail on medical grounds to have his treatment abroad. The government declared him an absconder after he failed to justify prolonging his stay in London.&nbsp;

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also said that Shehbaz's name has been added to the no-fly list after approval from the Cabinet and completion of legal formalities. "The relevant record has been updated in this regard," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, criticising the government's move, PML-N leader Azam Nazir Tarar said the party will file a case of contempt of court.&nbsp;

"The government refused to let him (Shehbaz) go abroad despite orders by the Lahore High Court," Tarar said.&nbsp;

Several PML-N leaders have been facing corruption cases, which they claim, are politically motivated.&nbsp;

On April 23, 2021, Shehbaz walked free from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail after about eight months behind bars in the money laundering and assets beyond means reference filed by the country's anti-graft body. &nbsp;

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had alleged that Shehbaz's family had assets of around PKR 16.5 million till 1990, which increased to over PKR 7 billion in 2018 which were disproportionate to his known sources of income.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday added the name of Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, who has been charged with corruption, to the no-fly list, barring him from leaving the country for medical treatment.

The Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday added the name of Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, who has been charged with corruption, to the no-fly list, barring him from leaving the country for medical treatment. Earlier this month, the Lahore High Court granted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz, also the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, permission to travel abroad once for medical treatment. After obtaining bail, Shehbaz, 69, was about to fly to London on May 8 when an Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team at the airport stopped him from travelling on the grounds that his name had been on the provisional national identification list (PNIL), which impose a temporary bar on someone to leave the country. Shehbaz was offloaded from Doha-bound flight on May 8. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Shehbaz's name was added to the exit control list (ECL) after approval from the federal Cabinet. A special committee of the Interior Ministry on May 12 had proposed to the Cabinet that Shehbaz should be barred from leaving the country due to corruption cases against him. Shehbaz wanted to go to London for a medical checkup after he was bailed out of jail last month. The interior minister said Shehbaz had not submitted any medical documents for travelling abroad or specified the treatment for his illness. Last week, Shehbaz had challenged the placement of his name on a travel blacklist and sought one-time permission to go abroad for medical treatment. "I have been a cancer patient and got treated in New York and London. I could not get treatment for more than seven months as I was in jail," the top PML-N leader said, adding in light of the medical test report conducted in jail, there was a need for immediate treatment. Interior minister Ahmed said Shehbaz "was the guarantor for his brother Nawaz. But instead of bringing him back, he was trying to flee". "If Nawaz Sharif did not return then why should Shehbaz return? This is a matter of common sense," he said in reply to a question. Sharif has been in London since November 2019 on 'medical grounds'. The Imran Khan government has declared Sharif an absconder and cancelled his passport. Sharif left the country after the court granted him bail in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case in which he was undergoing seven years imprisonment in Kot Lakhpat jail Lahore. He was also granted four-week bail on medical grounds to have his treatment abroad. The government declared him an absconder after he failed to justify prolonging his stay in London. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also said that Shehbaz's name has been added to the no-fly list after approval from the Cabinet and completion of legal formalities. "The relevant record has been updated in this regard," he tweeted. Meanwhile, criticising the government's move, PML-N leader Azam Nazir Tarar said the party will file a case of contempt of court. "The government refused to let him (Shehbaz) go abroad despite orders by the Lahore High Court," Tarar said. Several PML-N leaders have been facing corruption cases, which they claim, are politically motivated. On April 23, 2021, Shehbaz walked free from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail after about eight months behind bars in the money laundering and assets beyond means reference filed by the country's anti-graft body. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had alleged that Shehbaz's family had assets of around PKR 16.5 million till 1990, which increased to over PKR 7 billion in 2018 which were disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Pakistan Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif placed on no-fly list 

Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over USD 123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report.&nbsp;

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief)'s Supervisor General Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah said that the assistance was announced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

KSrelief announced 118 humanitarian projects for Pakistan at a cost of over USD 123 million in food security, health, education, water and environmental sanitation.&nbsp;

He said that the kingdom has provided medical and preventive aid worth over USD 1.5 million to combat the pandemic.&nbsp;

Khan's Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Sheikh Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the visit will push the march of the joint cooperation in the right direction in order to achieve the desired interests and goals, and contribute to developing the political, military, diplomatic, economic, commercial, developmental and cultural coordination and cooperation fields.&nbsp;

Khan met Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen and discussed developments in the Islamic world, the situation of Muslims in non-OIC countries and the issues on the OIC's agenda, in particular combating Islamophobia.&nbsp;

During the summit meeting between Khan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, enhancing economic and trade relations and the challenge posed by extremism came under discussion.&nbsp;

They confirmed their satisfaction with the firmness of bilateral military and security relations, and agreed on further cooperation to achieve common goals between the two countries, the SPA reported.&nbsp;

"The two sides also stressed the need for concerted efforts of the Islamic world to confront extremism and violence and reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security.&nbsp;

"They also underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts to combat the phenomenon of terrorism which is not related to any religion, race or color, and confront all its forms and images, whatever its source," it said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over USD 123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report.

Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over USD 123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief)'s Supervisor General Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah said that the assistance was announced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. KSrelief announced 118 humanitarian projects for Pakistan at a cost of over USD 123 million in food security, health, education, water and environmental sanitation. He said that the kingdom has provided medical and preventive aid worth over USD 1.5 million to combat the pandemic. Khan's Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Sheikh Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the visit will push the march of the joint cooperation in the right direction in order to achieve the desired interests and goals, and contribute to developing the political, military, diplomatic, economic, commercial, developmental and cultural coordination and cooperation fields. Khan met Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen and discussed developments in the Islamic world, the situation of Muslims in non-OIC countries and the issues on the OIC's agenda, in particular combating Islamophobia. During the summit meeting between Khan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, enhancing economic and trade relations and the challenge posed by extremism came under discussion. They confirmed their satisfaction with the firmness of bilateral military and security relations, and agreed on further cooperation to achieve common goals between the two countries, the SPA reported. "The two sides also stressed the need for concerted efforts of the Islamic world to confront extremism and violence and reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security. "They also underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts to combat the phenomenon of terrorism which is not related to any religion, race or color, and confront all its forms and images, whatever its source," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi announces over 100 projects for cash-strapped Pak during Imran's visit 

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has come under criticism for accusing the country's foreign service officers of harbouring "colonial mindset" and "callousness" while appreciating their Indian counterparts.

Addressing the envoys virtually on Wednesday, Khan showed anger at what he called shocking callousness&nbsp;of Pakistani diplomats abroad towards fellow Pakistanis. He also accused them of having a "colonial mindset" in their dealing with Pakistani nationals.

Khan said Indian embassies are more proactive in bringing investments&nbsp;to their country and they also provide better services to their citizens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Backlash after Pakistan PM Imran Khan links rape to how women dress">Backlash after Pakistan PM Imran Khan links rape to how women dress</a>

At least three former foreign secretaries of Pakistan took strong exception to Khan's remarks.

"Deeply dismayed at the unwarranted criticism of the Foreign Ministry",&nbsp;tweeted Tehmina Janjua, the first woman foreign secretary in the history of Pakistan.

She said that Khan's remarks showed a lack of understanding of the Foreign Service.

There seems to be woefully inadequate understanding of Embassies' consular work, the acute resource constraints, and the role of multiple departments which (are not) under the control of Ambassadors,she said.

Former foreign secretary Salman Bashir also joined Janjua in defending the Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP).

"Sir respectfully, your ire and critique of the foreign ministry and envoys are misplaced. Usual services to the community are essentially in the domain of other departments that handle passports and consular attestation etc.&nbsp;Yes, the missions should keep their doors open," he tweeted.

Bashir said that the FSP and the Foreign Office have always delivered and it deserves encouragement and support.

Public critique demoralises the best and brightest. Pakistan needs functional institutions. That is where we need to focus. Do set up a task force to come up with positive recommendations,he said.

Bashir was especially angry at Khan's appreciation of India foreign service for serving their nationals abroad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has come under criticism for accusing the country's foreign service officers of harbouring "colonial mindset" and "callousness" while appreciating their Indian counterparts.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has come under criticism for accusing the country's foreign service officers of harbouring "colonial mindset" and "callousness" while appreciating their Indian counterparts. Addressing the envoys virtually on Wednesday, Khan showed anger at what he called shocking callousness of Pakistani diplomats abroad towards fellow Pakistanis. He also accused them of having a "colonial mindset" in their dealing with Pakistani nationals. Khan said Indian embassies are more proactive in bringing investments to their country and they also provide better services to their citizens. Also read: Backlash after Pakistan PM Imran Khan links rape to how women dress At least three former foreign secretaries of Pakistan took strong exception to Khan's remarks. "Deeply dismayed at the unwarranted criticism of the Foreign Ministry", tweeted Tehmina Janjua, the first woman foreign secretary in the history of Pakistan. She said that Khan's remarks showed a lack of understanding of the Foreign Service. There seems to be woefully inadequate understanding of Embassies' consular work, the acute resource constraints, and the role of multiple departments which (are not) under the control of Ambassadors,she said. Former foreign secretary Salman Bashir also joined Janjua in defending the Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP). "Sir respectfully, your ire and critique of the foreign ministry and envoys are misplaced. Usual services to the community are essentially in the domain of other departments that handle passports and consular attestation etc. Yes, the missions should keep their doors open," he tweeted. Bashir said that the FSP and the Foreign Office have always delivered and it deserves encouragement and support. Public critique demoralises the best and brightest. Pakistan needs functional institutions. That is where we need to focus. Do set up a task force to come up with positive recommendations,he said. Bashir was especially angry at Khan's appreciation of India foreign service for serving their nationals abroad.

Imran Khan faces criticism for his remarks on foreign service officers

Pakistan has administered only one COVID-19 vaccine jab per 100 people while the vaccination drive is picking up pace in other countries.&nbsp;

Citing April 28 data of doses per 100 people by Our World in Data project at the University of Oxford, The News International reported that Seychelles was at the top with 127 doses, Israel second with 116, while UAE is at third place with 107 doses per hundred 100 persons.

The Maldives has administered 73 doses per hundred people, China 17, India 11, Nepal 7.2, Bangladesh 5.2, Sri Lanka 4.2, Iran 1.1, Pakistan 1 and Afghanistan 0.6, reported The News International.

More than 1.08 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide, equal to 14 doses for every 100 people. According to the data, as many as 83 per cent of shots that have gone into arms worldwide have been administered in high and upper-middle-income countries. Only 0.2 per cent of doses have been administered in low-income countries.&nbsp;

A vaccinated person refers to someone who has received at least one dose of a vaccine, and a fully vaccinated person has received all required doses of a vaccine. For the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, a person who is "fully vaccinated" has received two doses.&nbsp;

While vaccine doses remain relatively scarce globally, most countries have focused their early vaccination efforts on priority groups like the clinically vulnerable; people in their 60s, 70s and older; and front-line workers, like doctors and nurses.&nbsp;

There is also a striking divide between continents. Africa has the lowest vaccination rate of any continent, with some countries yet to start mass vaccination campaigns, reported the data.&nbsp;

Less wealthy countries are relying on a vaccine-sharing arrangement called Covax, which aims to provide two billion doses by the end of the year, reported The News International.

Pakistan has administered only one COVID-19 vaccine jab per 100 people while the vaccination drive is picking up pace in other countries. Citing April 28 data of doses per 100 people by Our World in Data project at the University of Oxford, The News International reported that Seychelles was at the top with 127 doses, Israel second with 116, while UAE is at third place with 107 doses per hundred 100 persons.

Pakistan has administered only one COVID-19 vaccine jab per 100 people while the vaccination drive is picking up pace in other countries. Citing April 28 data of doses per 100 people by Our World in Data project at the University of Oxford, The News International reported that Seychelles was at the top with 127 doses, Israel second with 116, while UAE is at third place with 107 doses per hundred 100 persons. The Maldives has administered 73 doses per hundred people, China 17, India 11, Nepal 7.2, Bangladesh 5.2, Sri Lanka 4.2, Iran 1.1, Pakistan 1 and Afghanistan 0.6, reported The News International. More than 1.08 billion vaccine doses have been administered worldwide, equal to 14 doses for every 100 people. According to the data, as many as 83 per cent of shots that have gone into arms worldwide have been administered in high and upper-middle-income countries. Only 0.2 per cent of doses have been administered in low-income countries. A vaccinated person refers to someone who has received at least one dose of a vaccine, and a fully vaccinated person has received all required doses of a vaccine. For the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, a person who is "fully vaccinated" has received two doses. While vaccine doses remain relatively scarce globally, most countries have focused their early vaccination efforts on priority groups like the clinically vulnerable; people in their 60s, 70s and older; and front-line workers, like doctors and nurses. There is also a striking divide between continents. Africa has the lowest vaccination rate of any continent, with some countries yet to start mass vaccination campaigns, reported the data. Less wealthy countries are relying on a vaccine-sharing arrangement called Covax, which aims to provide two billion doses by the end of the year, reported The News International.

Pakistan administers only one COVID-19 vaccine jab per 100 people: Data

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of India battling the deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together".&nbsp;

A record single-day rise of 3,46,786 coronavirus cases pushed India's tally of infection to 1,66,10,481, while active cases crossed the 25-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday.&nbsp;

The death toll rose to 1,89,544 with a record 2,624 more fatalities in a day, according to the data.&nbsp;

In a tweet, Khan said: "Our prayers for a speedy recovery go to all those suffering from the pandemic in our neighbourhood and the world".&nbsp;

"I want to express our solidarity with the people of India as they battle a dangerous wave of COVID-19. We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together," he said on Twitter.&nbsp;

His tweet came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed support to the people of India in the wake of a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the country and extended his sympathies to the affected families.&nbsp;

Qureshi said the COVID-19 crisis is yet another reminder that humanitarian issues require responses beyond political consideration.&nbsp;

"We express our support to the people of India in the wake of the current wave of #COVID19 infections that has hit our region hard. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the affected families in #India," Qureshi tweeted.&nbsp;

Pakistan continues to work with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to foster cooperation to tackle the pandemic, he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan has reported 157 coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest since last year, while the new number of cases recorded were 5,908, the health ministry said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also expressed similar sentiments for the people of India.&nbsp;

"In these difficult times our prayers are with people of #India may God be kind and may these difficult times get over soon. #coronavirus," he tweeted.&nbsp;

The tweets from the Pakistani leaders came amidst some signs of rapprochement in the relations between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of India battling the deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together".

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday expressed solidarity with the people of India battling the deadly wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying, "We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together". A record single-day rise of 3,46,786 coronavirus cases pushed India's tally of infection to 1,66,10,481, while active cases crossed the 25-lakh mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday. The death toll rose to 1,89,544 with a record 2,624 more fatalities in a day, according to the data. In a tweet, Khan said: "Our prayers for a speedy recovery go to all those suffering from the pandemic in our neighbourhood and the world". "I want to express our solidarity with the people of India as they battle a dangerous wave of COVID-19. We must fight this global challenge confronting humanity together," he said on Twitter. His tweet came after Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressed support to the people of India in the wake of a massive surge in COVID-19 cases in the country and extended his sympathies to the affected families. Qureshi said the COVID-19 crisis is yet another reminder that humanitarian issues require responses beyond political consideration. "We express our support to the people of India in the wake of the current wave of #COVID19 infections that has hit our region hard. On behalf of the people of Pakistan, I extend our heartfelt sympathies to the affected families in #India," Qureshi tweeted. Pakistan continues to work with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries to foster cooperation to tackle the pandemic, he said. Pakistan has reported 157 coronavirus deaths in the last 24 hours, the highest since last year, while the new number of cases recorded were 5,908, the health ministry said on Saturday. Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also expressed similar sentiments for the people of India. "In these difficult times our prayers are with people of #India may God be kind and may these difficult times get over soon. #coronavirus," he tweeted. The tweets from the Pakistani leaders came amidst some signs of rapprochement in the relations between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM expresses solidarity with India over COVID-19 crisis  

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for the enhancement of security and economic cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad.

"Security is a common concern for the two countries, and it is essential to boost cooperation in this regard," Rouhani said in a meeting on Wednesday with visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

He also stressed the need to promote security along the Iran-Pakistan borders, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Iranian President urged for the promotion of Tehran-Islamabad ties in trade, energy and border markets, adding it is necessary for both sides to implement the signed agreements to further cooperation.

Also, Iran stands ready to work with Pakistan towards the peace process in Afghanistan, he noted.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says parliament nuclear bill 'harmful'">Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says parliament nuclear bill 'harmful'</a>

The Pakistani Foreign Minister, for his part, hailed the relations between the two countries as "cordial" and called for the promotion of all-out ties.

Iran and Pakistan will hopefully witness a new chapter in their ties, especially in the fields of trade and economy, said Qureshi.

He also backed the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as a "big diplomatic achievement".

"We are very happy that the JCPOA has been preserved with the efforts of Iran, and today we are witnessing negotiations again to revive this multilateral agreement," the Pakistani diplomat said.

The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to establish joint border markets in efforts to strengthen cross-border economic exchanges.

The agreement, which was signed by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Qureshi, aims to promote economic relations between the two countries and the welfare of border residents.

The border markets will be administrated based on the agreements and protocols between the two sides.

Qureshi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday for a three-day official visit.

Earlier on Wednesday, the third joint border crossing between the two countries was opened.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for the enhancement of security and economic cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad. "Security is a common concern for the two countries, and it is essential to boost cooperation in this regard," Rouhani said in a meeting on Wednesday with visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for the enhancement of security and economic cooperation between Tehran and Islamabad. "Security is a common concern for the two countries, and it is essential to boost cooperation in this regard," Rouhani said in a meeting on Wednesday with visiting Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi. He also stressed the need to promote security along the Iran-Pakistan borders, Xinhua news agency reported. The Iranian President urged for the promotion of Tehran-Islamabad ties in trade, energy and border markets, adding it is necessary for both sides to implement the signed agreements to further cooperation. Also, Iran stands ready to work with Pakistan towards the peace process in Afghanistan, he noted. Also Read | Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says parliament nuclear bill 'harmful' The Pakistani Foreign Minister, for his part, hailed the relations between the two countries as "cordial" and called for the promotion of all-out ties. Iran and Pakistan will hopefully witness a new chapter in their ties, especially in the fields of trade and economy, said Qureshi. He also backed the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as a "big diplomatic achievement". "We are very happy that the JCPOA has been preserved with the efforts of Iran, and today we are witnessing negotiations again to revive this multilateral agreement," the Pakistani diplomat said. The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to establish joint border markets in efforts to strengthen cross-border economic exchanges. The agreement, which was signed by Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Qureshi, aims to promote economic relations between the two countries and the welfare of border residents. The border markets will be administrated based on the agreements and protocols between the two sides. Qureshi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday for a three-day official visit. Earlier on Wednesday, the third joint border crossing between the two countries was opened.

Iran urges boosting trade, security cooperation with Pakistan

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday urged the people of Pakistan to strictly follow the COVID-19 guidelines, warning that another nationwide lockdown will be imposed if the spiralling coronavirus crisis continues to worsen.

Addressing the nation after chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee, the highest national forum to tackle the pandemic, Khan said the Army has been asked to help police to implement the social-distancing guidelines in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus.

"I am appealing to you to follow SoPs so that we don't have to take steps that India is taking which means imposing lockdowns,"&nbsp;he said, adding that half the problem will be solved if people started wearing face masks.

Khan, who was himself affected by the disease last month, warned that major cities would be closed down if the situation continued to deteriorate.

"If our circumstances become the same as India, then we will have to close down cities,? he said.

The Prime Minister said his government was trying to avoid the lockdowns as it hurts the poor the most, but the situation could change if the pandemic persisted.

"If we (as a nation) don't take precautionary measures, we will have to impose a lockdown which will also affect our economy at a time when it is on the rise,"&nbsp;he said and urged the people to follow the SoPs as they did during Ramzan last year.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry after the prime minister's speech tweeted that the Army was summoned in the major cities.

"Due to the deteriorating coronavirus situation, the Prime Minister has called the army in the major cities so that the SoPs are completely followed,"&nbsp;he said.

Chaudhry also said that the country was using 90 per cent of its oxygen capacity and there was no other option except following the precaution.

Earlier, Planning Minister Asad Umar, who is also chief of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), briefed the meeting about the increasing threat of COVID-19.

He said that the NCOC decided to shut schools for secondary and higher secondary classes in the districts where the positivity rate was higher than 5 per cent.

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Umar said markets will be closed in the country after 6 pm and only essential services will be allowed to operate after that.

Prime Minister Khan's warning came hours after Pakistan recorded 5,870 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, while 144 more people succumbed to the deadly virus.

The total number of cases has reached 784,108 and the COVID-19 death toll touched 16,842. Another 4,652 patients were in critical condition. The positivity rate in the country was 10.91, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday urged the people of Pakistan to strictly follow the COVID-19 guidelines, warning that another nationwide lockdown will be imposed if the spiralling coronavirus crisis continues to worsen.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday urged the people of Pakistan to strictly follow the COVID-19 guidelines, warning that another nationwide lockdown will be imposed if the spiralling coronavirus crisis continues to worsen. Addressing the nation after chairing a meeting of the National Coordination Committee, the highest national forum to tackle the pandemic, Khan said the Army has been asked to help police to implement the social-distancing guidelines in the country to contain the spread of coronavirus. "I am appealing to you to follow SoPs so that we don't have to take steps that India is taking which means imposing lockdowns," he said, adding that half the problem will be solved if people started wearing face masks. Khan, who was himself affected by the disease last month, warned that major cities would be closed down if the situation continued to deteriorate. "If our circumstances become the same as India, then we will have to close down cities,? he said. The Prime Minister said his government was trying to avoid the lockdowns as it hurts the poor the most, but the situation could change if the pandemic persisted. "If we (as a nation) don't take precautionary measures, we will have to impose a lockdown which will also affect our economy at a time when it is on the rise," he said and urged the people to follow the SoPs as they did during Ramzan last year. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry after the prime minister's speech tweeted that the Army was summoned in the major cities. "Due to the deteriorating coronavirus situation, the Prime Minister has called the army in the major cities so that the SoPs are completely followed," he said. Chaudhry also said that the country was using 90 per cent of its oxygen capacity and there was no other option except following the precaution. Earlier, Planning Minister Asad Umar, who is also chief of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), briefed the meeting about the increasing threat of COVID-19. He said that the NCOC decided to shut schools for secondary and higher secondary classes in the districts where the positivity rate was higher than 5 per cent. Also read: Pakistan PM gets vaccinated against coronavirus with Chinese vaccine Sinopharm Umar said markets will be closed in the country after 6 pm and only essential services will be allowed to operate after that. Prime Minister Khan's warning came hours after Pakistan recorded 5,870 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, while 144 more people succumbed to the deadly virus. The total number of cases has reached 784,108 and the COVID-19 death toll touched 16,842. Another 4,652 patients were in critical condition. The positivity rate in the country was 10.91, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

Wear face masks, follow Covid guidelines or face another lockdown: Pak PM

The Pakistani&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;claimed responsibility Thursday for a&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;suicide&nbsp;blast&nbsp;at a&nbsp;luxury&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;hosting the Chinese ambassador in the southwest of the country, as officials raised the death toll to five.&nbsp;

Beijing said it strongly condemned the attack, although the&nbsp;Taliban&nbsp;said&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;security officials were the target of the&nbsp;blast.&nbsp;

The bomber detonated the explosives late Wednesday while inside a vehicle in the car park of the Serena&nbsp;hotel&nbsp;-- part of a five-star chain popular with diplomats and aid agencies -- in the city of Quetta, capital of Balochistan province, police and the interior ministry said.

Pakistan&nbsp;is fighting several low-level insurgencies in the impoverished province, waged by Islamist, separatist and sectarian groups.

"The suicide bomber hit the security officials exactly as it was planned," the spokesperson for Tehreek-e-Taliban&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;(TTP) said in a statement.

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The country's interior minister confirmed a suicide bomber had carried out the attack, as he pinned the blame on a "foreign hand".&nbsp;

"Our agencies will fight the efforts which are being made in the neighbouring country to reorganise the TTP," said interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed.

Pakistan&nbsp;frequently accuses India of using insurgent groups, including in Afghanistan, as proxy forces to wage an ongoing shadow war between the arch-rivals.

Describing the&nbsp;blast&nbsp;as a "terrorist attack", China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in Beijing that the Chinese delegation was not present when the bomb detonated.

Gu Wenliang, agriculture commissioner at China's embassy in&nbsp;Pakistan, told the Chinese newspaper Global Times that the bomb had detonated 10 minutes before their expected return.

"I was walking through the car park when I heard a sudden loud sound and the earth shook under my feet," said Khuda Baksh, a guard at the&nbsp;hotel.

"Everyone was running for their lives before I lost consciousness," he told.

For years the TTP unleashed&nbsp;deadly&nbsp;attacks on urban centres across&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;from their bases along the Afghan border, where they provided shelter to an array of global jihadist groups including Al Qaeda.&nbsp;

But a massive military offensive launched in 2014 largely destroyed the group's command and control structure, dramatically reducing insurgent violence throughout&nbsp;Pakistan.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility Thursday for a deadly suicide blast at a luxury hotel hosting the Chinese ambassador in the southwest of the country, as officials raised the death toll to five.

The Pakistani Taliban claimed responsibility Thursday for a deadly suicide blast at a luxury hotel hosting the Chinese ambassador in the southwest of the country, as officials raised the death toll to five. Beijing said it strongly condemned the attack, although the Taliban said Pakistan security officials were the target of the blast. The bomber detonated the explosives late Wednesday while inside a vehicle in the car park of the Serena hotel -- part of a five-star chain popular with diplomats and aid agencies -- in the city of Quetta, capital of Balochistan province, police and the interior ministry said. Pakistan is fighting several low-level insurgencies in the impoverished province, waged by Islamist, separatist and sectarian groups. "The suicide bomber hit the security officials exactly as it was planned," the spokesperson for Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) said in a statement. Also Read | 'Pakistan helped the Taliban, played on both sides in Afghanistan': US senator The country's interior minister confirmed a suicide bomber had carried out the attack, as he pinned the blame on a "foreign hand". "Our agencies will fight the efforts which are being made in the neighbouring country to reorganise the TTP," said interior minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed. Pakistan frequently accuses India of using insurgent groups, including in Afghanistan, as proxy forces to wage an ongoing shadow war between the arch-rivals. Describing the blast as a "terrorist attack", China's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said in Beijing that the Chinese delegation was not present when the bomb detonated. Gu Wenliang, agriculture commissioner at China's embassy in Pakistan, told the Chinese newspaper Global Times that the bomb had detonated 10 minutes before their expected return. "I was walking through the car park when I heard a sudden loud sound and the earth shook under my feet," said Khuda Baksh, a guard at the hotel. "Everyone was running for their lives before I lost consciousness," he told. For years the TTP unleashed deadly attacks on urban centres across Pakistan from their bases along the Afghan border, where they provided shelter to an array of global jihadist groups including Al Qaeda. But a massive military offensive launched in 2014 largely destroyed the group's command and control structure, dramatically reducing insurgent violence throughout Pakistan.

Pakistan Taliban claim deadly blast at luxury hotel

Despite promises by Prime Minister Imran Khan to provide equal opportunities for women, Pakistan has been ranked 153rd out of 156 countries on gender inequality, according to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2021, released on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Pakistan featured among the bottom 10 countries in two of the four sub-indexes: Economic Participation and Opportunity (152nd) and Health and Survival (153rd).&nbsp;

"Few women participate in the labour force (22.6 per cent) and even fewer are in managerial positions (4.9 per cent). This means that only 26.7 per cent and 5.2 per cent, respectively, of these gaps, have been closed so far, translating into very large income disparities between women and men: on average, a Pakistani woman's income is 16.3 per cent of a man's," the report stated.&nbsp;

The report also pointed out that women in Pakistan do not have equal access to justice, ownership of land and non-financial assets or inheritance rights.&nbsp;

Further, only 46.5 per cent of women are literate, 61.6 per cent attend primary school, 34.2 per cent attend high school and 8.3 per cent are enrolled in tertiary education courses.&nbsp;

Since Imran Khan came to power in 2018, Pakistan's Global Gender Gap Index has worsened over time. In 2017, Pakistan ranked 143rd on the 2017 Global Gender Gap Index. However, in 2018, it slipped to the 148th spot. &nbsp;

The country's ranking dipped further as it secured 151st on the 2020 Global Gender Gap Index. The Global Gender Gap Index was first introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006 to benchmark progress towards gender parity and compare countries' gender gaps across four dimensions: economic opportunities, education, health and political leadership. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Despite promises by Prime Minister Imran Khan to provide equal opportunities for women, Pakistan has been ranked 153rd out of 156 countries on gender inequality, according to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2021, released on Wednesday.

Despite promises by Prime Minister Imran Khan to provide equal opportunities for women, Pakistan has been ranked 153rd out of 156 countries on gender inequality, according to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Global Gender Gap Report 2021, released on Wednesday. Pakistan featured among the bottom 10 countries in two of the four sub-indexes: Economic Participation and Opportunity (152nd) and Health and Survival (153rd). "Few women participate in the labour force (22.6 per cent) and even fewer are in managerial positions (4.9 per cent). This means that only 26.7 per cent and 5.2 per cent, respectively, of these gaps, have been closed so far, translating into very large income disparities between women and men: on average, a Pakistani woman's income is 16.3 per cent of a man's," the report stated. The report also pointed out that women in Pakistan do not have equal access to justice, ownership of land and non-financial assets or inheritance rights. Further, only 46.5 per cent of women are literate, 61.6 per cent attend primary school, 34.2 per cent attend high school and 8.3 per cent are enrolled in tertiary education courses. Since Imran Khan came to power in 2018, Pakistan's Global Gender Gap Index has worsened over time. In 2017, Pakistan ranked 143rd on the 2017 Global Gender Gap Index. However, in 2018, it slipped to the 148th spot. The country's ranking dipped further as it secured 151st on the 2020 Global Gender Gap Index. The Global Gender Gap Index was first introduced by the World Economic Forum in 2006 to benchmark progress towards gender parity and compare countries' gender gaps across four dimensions: economic opportunities, education, health and political leadership. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan ranks 153rd out of 156 countries on gender inequality 

In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter, Pakistan's PM Imran Khan has written back thanking for the latter's greetings on Pakistan Day. &nbsp;

Khan said, "The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India. We are convinced that durable peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, in particular the Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute."&nbsp;

The PM also talked about the importance of creation of an enabling environment for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue.&nbsp;

Prime Minister also looked to elaborate on the importance of the day by saying, "The people of Pakistan commemorate this Day by paying tribute to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers in envisioning an independent, sovereign state where they could live in freedom and realize their full potential." &nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan also took the opportunity to convey best wishes for the people of India in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Earlier, Modi wrote a letter to Khan to extend greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day.&nbsp;

He also said, "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative." &nbsp;

Government sources said it is a routine letter sent every year.&nbsp;

Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

There have been indications of positive movement in ties between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Recently, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter, Pakistan's PM Imran Khan has written back thanking for the latter's greetings on Pakistan Day. Khan said, "The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India.

In response to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's letter, Pakistan's PM Imran Khan has written back thanking for the latter's greetings on Pakistan Day. Khan said, "The people of Pakistan also desire peaceful, cooperative relations with all neighbours, including India. We are convinced that durable peace and stability in South Asia is contingent upon resolving all outstanding issues between India and Pakistan, in particular the Jammu & Kashmir dispute." The PM also talked about the importance of creation of an enabling environment for a constructive and result-oriented dialogue. Prime Minister also looked to elaborate on the importance of the day by saying, "The people of Pakistan commemorate this Day by paying tribute to the wisdom and foresight of our founding fathers in envisioning an independent, sovereign state where they could live in freedom and realize their full potential." Prime Minister Imran Khan also took the opportunity to convey best wishes for the people of India in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. Earlier, Modi wrote a letter to Khan to extend greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. He also said, "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative." Government sources said it is a routine letter sent every year. Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. There have been indications of positive movement in ties between India and Pakistan. Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. Recently, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years. (With inputs from agencies)

Letter diplomacy? Imran Khan writes back to PM Modi conveying gratitude

The political slugfest in Pakistan continues. ImranKhan is staring at another defeat in the battle for Senate chairmanship. But as always, he has a plan to spin the narrative: Gilgit-Baltistan. Watch this report by WION's Palki to find out what the Pak PM is up to.

Gravitas: Imran Khan stares at another defeat

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