Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week to meet its leaders and deliver a keynote speech at the vast Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, the South Asian nation's foreign ministry said on Wednesday, as economic anxiety grows at home.

China has pledged about $60 billion in infrastructure loans for Pakistan, touted as a success story of its Belt and Road initiative, which aims to build road and maritime trading routes across the globe.

But Pakistan's economy has hit serious turbulence over the past year and Islamabad is now finalising a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stave off a balance of payments crisis, despite more than $10 billion in short-term loans from allies such as China and Saudi Arabia.

Khan will visit China from April 25, and give a keynote speech at the three-day Belt and Road Forum that starts the following day. The high-profile gathering is one of China's biggest annual state events.&nbsp;

"In addition to participating in the Belt and Road Forum, the Prime Minister would also hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The two countries will sign several pacts to enhance cooperation, and Khan will meet corporate and business leaders, it added.

Khan's visit to Pakistan's all-weather friend China comes as his government, in power since August, faces a deepening economic crisis, with a ballooning current account deficit and fast-depleting foreign reserves.

It initially tried to avoid an IMF bailout by securing loans from friendly countries such as China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates but has since changed tack and said it had agreed in principle to turn to the IMF.&nbsp;

The long-delayed rescue package would be Pakistan's 13th IMF bailout programme since the late 1980s. 
&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week to meet its leaders and deliver a keynote speech at the vast Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, the South Asian nation's foreign ministry said on Wednesday, as economic anxiety grows at home.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week to meet its leaders and deliver a keynote speech at the vast Belt and Road Forum in Beijing, the South Asian nation's foreign ministry said on Wednesday, as economic anxiety grows at home. China has pledged about $60 billion in infrastructure loans for Pakistan, touted as a success story of its Belt and Road initiative, which aims to build road and maritime trading routes across the globe. But Pakistan's economy has hit serious turbulence over the past year and Islamabad is now finalising a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stave off a balance of payments crisis, despite more than $10 billion in short-term loans from allies such as China and Saudi Arabia. Khan will visit China from April 25, and give a keynote speech at the three-day Belt and Road Forum that starts the following day. The high-profile gathering is one of China's biggest annual state events. "In addition to participating in the Belt and Road Forum, the Prime Minister would also hold bilateral meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang," the ministry said in a statement. The two countries will sign several pacts to enhance cooperation, and Khan will meet corporate and business leaders, it added. Khan's visit to Pakistan's all-weather friend China comes as his government, in power since August, faces a deepening economic crisis, with a ballooning current account deficit and fast-depleting foreign reserves. It initially tried to avoid an IMF bailout by securing loans from friendly countries such as China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates but has since changed tack and said it had agreed in principle to turn to the IMF. The long-delayed rescue package would be Pakistan's 13th IMF bailout programme since the late 1980s.

Pakistan's PM Imran Khan to visit China next week, sign new pacts

Pakistan's former prime minister <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-released-from-jail-after-he-gets-bail-205903&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiX8PPTj9ThAhVT7nMBHbl0AlcQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Mb2SYuo3XowKk3u-nXQm6">Nawaz Sharif </a>may undergo a heart surgery if his angioplasty is not possible, said his personal physician.

Sharif, 69, who has been serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case, was examined on Monday by the doctors of Aga Khan University at the Sharif<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-gets-bail-for-six-weeks-on-medical-grounds-205743&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiX8PPTj9ThAhVT7nMBHbl0AlcQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2n_Hpdwo-nPUiKkbI2TbWr"> Medical</a> City here, the Dawn reported.

After the examination, his personal physician Adnan Khan told reporters the former premier had serious heart complications and might undergo a heart surgery if his angioplasty was not possible.

"Aga Khan University @AKUGlobal very kindly constituted a high powered team of specialists/experts consisting of Cardiac Interventionist, Vascular Surgeon &amp; Urologist/Nephrologist. They had a detailed consultation &amp; evaluation of former PM #NawazSharif for further management,"&nbsp;Dr Khan tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Aga Khan University <a href="https://twitter.com/AKUGlobal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AKUGlobal</a> very kindly constituted a high powered team of specialists/experts consisting of Cardiac Interventionist, Vascular Surgeon &amp; Urologist/Nephrologist. 
They had a detailed consultation &amp; evaluation of former PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NawazSharif?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NawazSharif</a> for further management. <a href="https://t.co/qNedSvonvB">https://t.co/qNedSvonvB</a>
— Dr. Adnan Khan (@Dr_Khan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Khan/status/1117757400042344449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Sharif's daughter Maryam also tweeted about the health of her father, Today MNS (Mian Nawaz Sharif) was examined by a team of Aga Khan specialists that included cardiac interventionist, vascular surgeon, urologist &amp; nephrologist who also reviewed his recent investigations &amp; scans.

Reports are being compiled. His problems are serious &amp; the Drs are concerned.

The Sharif family has been complaining that the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan was not providing adequate treatment to the three-time former premier who has serious health complications.

Three corruption cases - Avenfield properties, Flagship investment and Al-Azizia steel mills - were registered against the Sharif family by the anti-graft body in 2017 following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in 2017.

Sharif was sentenced to 10 years in prison in the Avenfield corruption case in July 2018 which was related to his properties in London. Later he was given bail in September.

In December, the accountability court convicted him in the Al-Azizia graft case but acquitted him in the Flagship corruption case.

The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case is related to setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money.&nbsp;

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif may undergo a heart surgery if his angioplasty is not possible, said his personal physician. Sharif, 69, who has been serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case, was examined on Monday by the doctors of Aga Khan University at the Sharif Medical City here, the Dawn reported.

Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif may undergo a heart surgery if his angioplasty is not possible, said his personal physician. Sharif, 69, who has been serving a seven-year imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case, was examined on Monday by the doctors of Aga Khan University at the Sharif Medical City here, the Dawn reported. After the examination, his personal physician Adnan Khan told reporters the former premier had serious heart complications and might undergo a heart surgery if his angioplasty was not possible. "Aga Khan University @AKUGlobal very kindly constituted a high powered team of specialists/experts consisting of Cardiac Interventionist, Vascular Surgeon & Urologist/Nephrologist. They had a detailed consultation & evaluation of former PM #NawazSharif for further management," Dr Khan tweeted. Aga Khan University @AKUGlobal very kindly constituted a high powered team of specialists/experts consisting of Cardiac Interventionist, Vascular Surgeon & Urologist/Nephrologist. They had a detailed consultation & evaluation of former PM #NawazSharif for further management. https://t.co/qNedSvonvB — Dr. Adnan Khan (@Dr_Khan) April 15, 2019 × Sharif's daughter Maryam also tweeted about the health of her father, Today MNS (Mian Nawaz Sharif) was examined by a team of Aga Khan specialists that included cardiac interventionist, vascular surgeon, urologist & nephrologist who also reviewed his recent investigations & scans. Reports are being compiled. His problems are serious & the Drs are concerned. The Sharif family has been complaining that the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan was not providing adequate treatment to the three-time former premier who has serious health complications. Three corruption cases - Avenfield properties, Flagship investment and Al-Azizia steel mills - were registered against the Sharif family by the anti-graft body in 2017 following a judgment by the Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif in the Panama Papers case in 2017. Sharif was sentenced to 10 years in prison in the Avenfield corruption case in July 2018 which was related to his properties in London. Later he was given bail in September. In December, the accountability court convicted him in the Al-Azizia graft case but acquitted him in the Flagship corruption case. The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case is related to setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money.

Pakistan: Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif may undergo heart surgery, says physician

Minority Shi'ite Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday (April 14) after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras.

Minority Hazaras in Pakistan protest for third day after Quetta attack

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-opted-for-measured-response-to-indias-february-26-air-strikes-pm-imran-khan-209355">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> will embark on his first ever official visit to Iran on April 21 as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation.

The two countries had recently witnessed downward spiral in their relationship after Tehran accused Islamabad of "harbouring terrorists" following a suicide attack in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan, bordering Pakistan, on February 13 that left 27 Revolutionary Guards Corps personnel dead.&nbsp;

Iran and Pakistan share a nearly 1,000 km border.&nbsp;

According to a Foreign Office (FO) statement, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani invited Khan for the visit.&nbsp;

The two-day visit will include a brief stop-over in Mashhad before arriving in Tehran for bilateral talks with the Iranian leadership, it stated.

During his trip, Khan will hold meetings with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani.

He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers for Finance, Human Rights, Maritime Affairs, Inter-Provincial Coordination, and adviser on Commerce and Taskforce on Energy, and Special Assistant for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources besides other senior officials.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on his first ever official visit to Iran on April 21 as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on his first ever official visit to Iran on April 21 as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation. The two countries had recently witnessed downward spiral in their relationship after Tehran accused Islamabad of "harbouring terrorists" following a suicide attack in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan, bordering Pakistan, on February 13 that left 27 Revolutionary Guards Corps personnel dead. Iran and Pakistan share a nearly 1,000 km border. According to a Foreign Office (FO) statement, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani invited Khan for the visit. The two-day visit will include a brief stop-over in Mashhad before arriving in Tehran for bilateral talks with the Iranian leadership, it stated. During his trip, Khan will hold meetings with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers for Finance, Human Rights, Maritime Affairs, Inter-Provincial Coordination, and adviser on Commerce and Taskforce on Energy, and Special Assistant for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources besides other senior officials.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to embark on maiden Iran visit from April 21

Court reunited both girls to reunite with their husbands. Watch complete video to know more.

Sindh govt report reveals fresh details

In Pakistan, Inflation at its high in last five year, where its economy is shambling as well. Watch complete video to know more.

Pakistan: Inflation at its high in last five year, economy shambles

Former Pak envoy Hussain Haqqani said that there is no effort by Imran Pak's govt to curb on terror. Watch complete video to know more.

Former Pak envoy: No efforts by Imran govt to curb terror

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 US is currently undergoing a review of its assistance to Pakistan which is expected to be finalised soon, a top Trump administration official has told lawmakers.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-to-not-give-aid-to-pakistan-until-it-stops-harbouring-terrorists-nikki-haley-199764">relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived</a> after US President Donald Trump last year accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists.

With Islamabad playing a crucial role in peace talks with the Taliban, which may ultimately result in the withdrawal of the 14,000 US troops from war-torn Afghanistan, the Trump administration seems to be reviewing its aid policy to Pakistan.

"We're undergoing a review of our assistance in Pakistan that we hope will be finalised soon. And we'll then report to you in terms of what will be going forward," USAID Administrator Mark Green told members of House Foreign Affairs Committee during a Congressional hearing on Thursday.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

Trump also criticised Pakistan in a Twitter post back in November, saying Islamabad was not doing enough to stop terrorism.

"As with all of our programmes, we have the programme metrics that we use. One thing we're trying to do more of is to shift from outputs to outcomes. So, we have our roadmap with 17 objective metrics that help us measure capacity and commitment in each country where we work or want to work, like Pakistan," Green said in response to another question on Pakistan.

"So more and more we're trying to make sure that we're able to make a difference on the outcome side, hasting the capacity of our host country partners to take on these challenges themselves, although in Pakistan is daunting," he said, responding to a question from Congressman Brad Sherman.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban with the help of Pakistan to end the 17-year Afghan war, America's longest.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

"In spite of our aid to Pakistan, conditions in the Sindh Province of South Pakistan continued to deteriorate in many areas. Schools and hospitals are getting worse in many areas as is water availability," Sherman said.

"We see the Hindu minorities subject to persecution to force conversions and forced marriages. What is USAID doing to ensure that assistance to Pakistan is improving the lives of ordinary people in Sindh?" he asked.

Sherman hoped that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will focus on the women and children and especially the minority religions in Pakistan's Sindh province.

"USAID has played an important role in Pakistan, particularly with its education system. Are there ways that charitable organisations can partner with USAID to support that work?" the Congressman asked.&nbsp;

The US is currently undergoing a review of its assistance to Pakistan which is expected to be finalised soon, a top Trump administration official has told lawmakers.

The US is currently undergoing a review of its assistance to Pakistan which is expected to be finalised soon, a top Trump administration official has told lawmakers. The relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived after US President Donald Trump last year accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists. With Islamabad playing a crucial role in peace talks with the Taliban, which may ultimately result in the withdrawal of the 14,000 US troops from war-torn Afghanistan, the Trump administration seems to be reviewing its aid policy to Pakistan. "We're undergoing a review of our assistance in Pakistan that we hope will be finalised soon. And we'll then report to you in terms of what will be going forward," USAID Administrator Mark Green told members of House Foreign Affairs Committee during a Congressional hearing on Thursday. In September, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil. Trump also criticised Pakistan in a Twitter post back in November, saying Islamabad was not doing enough to stop terrorism. "As with all of our programmes, we have the programme metrics that we use. One thing we're trying to do more of is to shift from outputs to outcomes. So, we have our roadmap with 17 objective metrics that help us measure capacity and commitment in each country where we work or want to work, like Pakistan," Green said in response to another question on Pakistan. "So more and more we're trying to make sure that we're able to make a difference on the outcome side, hasting the capacity of our host country partners to take on these challenges themselves, although in Pakistan is daunting," he said, responding to a question from Congressman Brad Sherman. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban with the help of Pakistan to end the 17-year Afghan war, America's longest. "In spite of our aid to Pakistan, conditions in the Sindh Province of South Pakistan continued to deteriorate in many areas. Schools and hospitals are getting worse in many areas as is water availability," Sherman said. "We see the Hindu minorities subject to persecution to force conversions and forced marriages. What is USAID doing to ensure that assistance to Pakistan is improving the lives of ordinary people in Sindh?" he asked. Sherman hoped that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will focus on the women and children and especially the minority religions in Pakistan's Sindh province. "USAID has played an important role in Pakistan, particularly with its education system. Are there ways that charitable organisations can partner with USAID to support that work?" the Congressman asked.

Trump administration reviewing its assistance to Pakistan: USAID

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups. The other three centres of quasi-power are the government, the judiciary and the mullahs. The media is powerless. Civil society has no voice.&nbsp;

The Pakistani army is obsessed with India for one overriding reason: it justifies the army’s indispensability to the country and is good for business. The Pakistani army is run like a private limited company. Indian strategists working on counter-terror operations make the mistake of thinking that Pakistan’s “deep state” is responsible for Islamabad’s malignant behaviour. &nbsp;

There is no deep state in Pakistan. The army is the deep state and its tactics are open, even brazen. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) makes no secret of its subversive role. Its public relations division (ISPR) is run by Major General Asif Ghafoor, who deals daily in Goebbelsian propaganda.&nbsp;

The Pakistani army’s Fauji Foundation owns businesses across Pakistan. In a written reply to Pakistan’s Senate in 2016, a glimpse of the army’s business holdings was revealed. As Dawn reported: “There were nearly 50 projects and units functioning in the country under the administrative control of Fauji Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs).&nbsp;

According to the details provided in the reply, eight DHAs were established in major cities. These DHAs — mostly created through ordinances — are in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Quetta. Besides, there are 16 projects/units functioning under the AWT, 15 under the Fauji Foundation and 11 under the Shaheen Foundation.”

Projects under the Fauji Foundation include plants manufacturing everything from cement and fertiliser to energy and cereal. The Fauji Foundation itself claims on its website that it runs 18 industries. Quite apart from official holdings, the Pakistani army controls benami land and foreign bank accounts.&nbsp;

The country’s defence budget at $10 billion is 3.5 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP —nearly double India’s (1.8 per cent) as a ratio of GDP. Few countries spend more on defence as a percentage of GDP than Pakistan. China’s defence budget is 1.4 per cent of GDP. A significant portion of Pakistan’s defence budget is siphoned off by the army’s top brass. There is little oversight.&nbsp;

To keep the defence budget high and the illicit money machine ticking over, the Pakistani army needs an enemy. India fits the bill. The Pakistani army is not interested in Kashmir. It uses the state to prosecute a low-cost, low-intensity proxy conflict with India, deploying its terrorist arms to attack India and keep tensions simmering just below boiling point.&nbsp;

A key part of this strategy is to maintain a facade of seeking talks with India. For the Pakistani military, talks and terror go together. Structured &nbsp;dialogue with India gives Islamabad respectability in the eyes of the international community, diluting the impression that it is a pariah state. But the Pakistani army has no intention of allowing talks, when they do take place, to actually succeed in resolving the Kashmir issue. A resolution would end the conflict. The army’s role in Pakistan would diminish. So would the Fauji Foundation’s fortunes.&nbsp;

India’s peace lobby comprises several well-meaning activists. The Pakistani army’s civil society proxies engage in endless track two meetings with them. The purpose: build a bridge to eventually open a dialogue between India and Pakistan at the political level. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army’s terror proxies — Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen — launch periodic attacks on Indian targets to ensure that the low-intensity conflict continues.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force’s Balakot strike deep inside Pakistan changed the low-cost terror business model that the Pakistani army had perfected over years. Suddenly, the cost had risen. The loss of hundreds of terrorists and several Pakistani army officers in Balakot was just one blow.&nbsp;

An equally punishing one could be lying around the corner: blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Paris-based body monitors money laundering and terror financing globally. The Pakistani establishment engages copiously in both. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it could severely damage that country’s already fragile economy.&nbsp;

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s foreign minister, was so rattled by the possibility of blacklisting that he told journalists at a recent press conference in Lahore: “The Foreign Office is calculating the annual loss if Pakistan is pushed in the blacklist by the FATF as India is lobbying for this.”&nbsp;

Indian foreign policymakers have been ambivalent over Pakistan. Diplomatic relations remain unchanged. A private member’s bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism has been shelved. Cross-border trade continues as before, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Even the ludicrous retreat ceremony at the Wagah border post between BSF jawans and Pakistani Rangers goes on unabated daily. Pakistan craves equivalence with India. Indian policymakers give it far too many opportunities to claim false equivalence.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Pakistani army keeps a beady eye on India, obsessing over every Pakistani rupee it can extract from the longest geopolitical fraud it has pulled off for decades through its proxy war of terror against &nbsp;India. The new Indian government, whichever alliance forms it, must end the charade that enriches the Pakistani army at the cost of Indian lives.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pakistan-army-private-limited-2738313">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups.

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups. The other three centres of quasi-power are the government, the judiciary and the mullahs. The media is powerless. Civil society has no voice. The Pakistani army is obsessed with India for one overriding reason: it justifies the army’s indispensability to the country and is good for business. The Pakistani army is run like a private limited company. Indian strategists working on counter-terror operations make the mistake of thinking that Pakistan’s “deep state” is responsible for Islamabad’s malignant behaviour. There is no deep state in Pakistan. The army is the deep state and its tactics are open, even brazen. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) makes no secret of its subversive role. Its public relations division (ISPR) is run by Major General Asif Ghafoor, who deals daily in Goebbelsian propaganda. The Pakistani army’s Fauji Foundation owns businesses across Pakistan. In a written reply to Pakistan’s Senate in 2016, a glimpse of the army’s business holdings was revealed. As Dawn reported: “There were nearly 50 projects and units functioning in the country under the administrative control of Fauji Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs). According to the details provided in the reply, eight DHAs were established in major cities. These DHAs — mostly created through ordinances — are in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Quetta. Besides, there are 16 projects/units functioning under the AWT, 15 under the Fauji Foundation and 11 under the Shaheen Foundation.” Projects under the Fauji Foundation include plants manufacturing everything from cement and fertiliser to energy and cereal. The Fauji Foundation itself claims on its website that it runs 18 industries. Quite apart from official holdings, the Pakistani army controls benami land and foreign bank accounts. The country’s defence budget at $10 billion is 3.5 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP —nearly double India’s (1.8 per cent) as a ratio of GDP. Few countries spend more on defence as a percentage of GDP than Pakistan. China’s defence budget is 1.4 per cent of GDP. A significant portion of Pakistan’s defence budget is siphoned off by the army’s top brass. There is little oversight. To keep the defence budget high and the illicit money machine ticking over, the Pakistani army needs an enemy. India fits the bill. The Pakistani army is not interested in Kashmir. It uses the state to prosecute a low-cost, low-intensity proxy conflict with India, deploying its terrorist arms to attack India and keep tensions simmering just below boiling point. A key part of this strategy is to maintain a facade of seeking talks with India. For the Pakistani military, talks and terror go together. Structured dialogue with India gives Islamabad respectability in the eyes of the international community, diluting the impression that it is a pariah state. But the Pakistani army has no intention of allowing talks, when they do take place, to actually succeed in resolving the Kashmir issue. A resolution would end the conflict. The army’s role in Pakistan would diminish. So would the Fauji Foundation’s fortunes. India’s peace lobby comprises several well-meaning activists. The Pakistani army’s civil society proxies engage in endless track two meetings with them. The purpose: build a bridge to eventually open a dialogue between India and Pakistan at the political level. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army’s terror proxies — Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen — launch periodic attacks on Indian targets to ensure that the low-intensity conflict continues. The Indian Air Force’s Balakot strike deep inside Pakistan changed the low-cost terror business model that the Pakistani army had perfected over years. Suddenly, the cost had risen. The loss of hundreds of terrorists and several Pakistani army officers in Balakot was just one blow. An equally punishing one could be lying around the corner: blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Paris-based body monitors money laundering and terror financing globally. The Pakistani establishment engages copiously in both. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it could severely damage that country’s already fragile economy. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s foreign minister, was so rattled by the possibility of blacklisting that he told journalists at a recent press conference in Lahore: “The Foreign Office is calculating the annual loss if Pakistan is pushed in the blacklist by the FATF as India is lobbying for this.” Indian foreign policymakers have been ambivalent over Pakistan. Diplomatic relations remain unchanged. A private member’s bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism has been shelved. Cross-border trade continues as before, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Even the ludicrous retreat ceremony at the Wagah border post between BSF jawans and Pakistani Rangers goes on unabated daily. Pakistan craves equivalence with India. Indian policymakers give it far too many opportunities to claim false equivalence. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army keeps a beady eye on India, obsessing over every Pakistani rupee it can extract from the longest geopolitical fraud it has pulled off for decades through its proxy war of terror against India. The new Indian government, whichever alliance forms it, must end the charade that enriches the Pakistani army at the cost of Indian lives. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan army is obsessed with India because it justifies its indispensability

Pakistan's Premier Imran Khan has said he believes there may be a better chance of peace talks with India and settle the Kashmir issue if Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party BJP wins the general elections.

India Election Watch: Better chances for peace if Narendra Modi wins, says Imran Khan

India Election Watch: Better chance for peace if Narendra Modi wins, says Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan had opted for a "measured response" to India's February 26 air strikes by bombing an empty area just across the Indian border.

During an informal chat with a group of foreign journalists, Khan said that he was awakened by a phone call at 3.30 a.m. on February 26 when a Pakistani military official informed him that Indian warplanes had just crossed the border and conducted strikes on Pakistani soil.

Pakistan opted for a "measured response" and bombed an empty area just across the Indian border, he said. "They hit our trees, so we thought we would hit their stones," The New York Times quoted Prime Minister Khan as saying.&nbsp;

He was talking to the journalists upon completion of his first eight months in office. As a "peace gesture", he had announced the release of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in Pakistan Parliament on February 28.

The Wing Commander was held captive by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison went down during a beyond visual range combat with Pakistani jets.

Before his plane was hit, Varthaman shot down an F-16 of the Pakistan Air Force. He was released by Pakistan on March 1.

According to the newspaper, Prime Minister Khan seemed quite cognisant that the last thing Pakistan wanted was a war.

The Indian Air Force had hit a terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan on February 26 in retaliation to February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers lost their lives.

The responsibility for the Pulwama attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

On the threat from Paris-based Financial Action Task Force to blacklist and sanction Pakistan, Prime Minister Khan said, "We can`t afford to be blacklisted."

The Task Force, a global agency, takes measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan had opted for a "measured response" to India's February 26 air strikes by bombing an empty area just across the Indian border.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that Pakistan had opted for a "measured response" to India's February 26 air strikes by bombing an empty area just across the Indian border. During an informal chat with a group of foreign journalists, Khan said that he was awakened by a phone call at 3.30 a.m. on February 26 when a Pakistani military official informed him that Indian warplanes had just crossed the border and conducted strikes on Pakistani soil. Pakistan opted for a "measured response" and bombed an empty area just across the Indian border, he said. "They hit our trees, so we thought we would hit their stones," The New York Times quoted Prime Minister Khan as saying. He was talking to the journalists upon completion of his first eight months in office. As a "peace gesture", he had announced the release of Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman in Pakistan Parliament on February 28. The Wing Commander was held captive by Pakistani authorities on February 27 after his MiG 21 Bison went down during a beyond visual range combat with Pakistani jets. Before his plane was hit, Varthaman shot down an F-16 of the Pakistan Air Force. He was released by Pakistan on March 1. According to the newspaper, Prime Minister Khan seemed quite cognisant that the last thing Pakistan wanted was a war. The Indian Air Force had hit a terrorist training camp in Balakot in Pakistan on February 26 in retaliation to February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers lost their lives. The responsibility for the Pulwama attack was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). On the threat from Paris-based Financial Action Task Force to blacklist and sanction Pakistan, Prime Minister Khan said, "We can`t afford to be blacklisted." The Task Force, a global agency, takes measures for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

Pakistan opted for 'measured response' to India's February 26 air strikes: PM Imran Khan

A fire broke out on the sixth floor of the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's office on Monday.

Evacuation from the Prime Minister's office is underway, reported Geo TV.

The Prime Minister was holding a meeting inside the building when the fire broke out. Quoting sources, Geo TV reported that Imran Khan continued with his meeting despite the fire.

When the Prime Minister was informed again about the fire, he asked the staff to be evacuated first. The rescue teams on the spot are working on extinguishing the fire.

Further details are awaited.&nbsp;

A fire broke out on the sixth floor of the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's office on Monday. Evacuation from the Prime Minister's office is underway, reported Geo TV.

A fire broke out on the sixth floor of the Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's office on Monday. Evacuation from the Prime Minister's office is underway, reported Geo TV. The Prime Minister was holding a meeting inside the building when the fire broke out. Quoting sources, Geo TV reported that Imran Khan continued with his meeting despite the fire. When the Prime Minister was informed again about the fire, he asked the staff to be evacuated first. The rescue teams on the spot are working on extinguishing the fire. Further details are awaited.

Pakistan: Fire breaks out at PM Imran Khan's office

A large number of protesters took to streets here earlier this week, after law enforcement agencies arrested some youth for raising their voice against the administration. The protest was staged after a local died allegedly due to the negligence of doctors and the absence of an adequate healthcare system in the region.

People raised anti-government slogans and sought an immediate release of arrested youth.

Local leaders demanded the administration to expeditiously deliver justice, "warning" the authorities with consequences if it continued with "oppressive measures."

"If you want to shoot somebody, shoot us. I want to say this to Superintendent of Police and DC to immediately quash this FIR against the boys and release them. They have just asked for a hospital, nothing more," a protester said.

"This type of injustice will not be given any space in Palandari. They won't able to suppress youth the way they want to. They will come out and the establishment and the local administration of Palandari will be responsible for damages occurring due to this," they added.

Locals have claimed that the hospitals and dispensaries in the region are of negligible benefit to them since doctors are rarely available and those who are there are very few in number.

People are seen swarming and choking the outpatient clinics and emergency rooms where specialist doctors are spare and treatment options limited, the protesters said during the agitation.

They also highlighted that successive governments in the region have traded the blame for the "appalling" healthcare situation.

"We are not some animals. We are humans. You all get treatment Islamabad and other parts of the world. People are being meted out with atrocities and injustice. They don't do our ultrasound citing power failures. We don't get the results of our tests. How are we going to receive treatment if there is no proper diagnosis?" another protester said, voicing their disappointment with local administration.

"Seven incidents similar to yesterday's have happened in the past. We condemn that people are being mistreated instead of receiving treatment. Be dutiful. Do your work. If the working strength of doctors is 22 then all should be available," the protester further stated.

The people have earlier asked for an expansion to the doctor's team in the region, but their pleas seem to have been falling.

With no relief in sight for the people who are bearing the brunt of this acute situation, the region can be called one of the least healthcare equipped places.

Due to no meaningful response by the government, the people have grown disillusioned, the protesters outlined.

A large number of protesters took to streets here earlier this week, after law enforcement agencies arrested some youth for raising their voice against the administration.

A large number of protesters took to streets here earlier this week, after law enforcement agencies arrested some youth for raising their voice against the administration. The protest was staged after a local died allegedly due to the negligence of doctors and the absence of an adequate healthcare system in the region. People raised anti-government slogans and sought an immediate release of arrested youth. Local leaders demanded the administration to expeditiously deliver justice, "warning" the authorities with consequences if it continued with "oppressive measures." "If you want to shoot somebody, shoot us. I want to say this to Superintendent of Police and DC to immediately quash this FIR against the boys and release them. They have just asked for a hospital, nothing more," a protester said. "This type of injustice will not be given any space in Palandari. They won't able to suppress youth the way they want to. They will come out and the establishment and the local administration of Palandari will be responsible for damages occurring due to this," they added. Locals have claimed that the hospitals and dispensaries in the region are of negligible benefit to them since doctors are rarely available and those who are there are very few in number. People are seen swarming and choking the outpatient clinics and emergency rooms where specialist doctors are spare and treatment options limited, the protesters said during the agitation. They also highlighted that successive governments in the region have traded the blame for the "appalling" healthcare situation. "We are not some animals. We are humans. You all get treatment Islamabad and other parts of the world. People are being meted out with atrocities and injustice. They don't do our ultrasound citing power failures. We don't get the results of our tests. How are we going to receive treatment if there is no proper diagnosis?" another protester said, voicing their disappointment with local administration. "Seven incidents similar to yesterday's have happened in the past. We condemn that people are being mistreated instead of receiving treatment. Be dutiful. Do your work. If the working strength of doctors is 22 then all should be available," the protester further stated. The people have earlier asked for an expansion to the doctor's team in the region, but their pleas seem to have been falling. With no relief in sight for the people who are bearing the brunt of this acute situation, the region can be called one of the least healthcare equipped places. Due to no meaningful response by the government, the people have grown disillusioned, the protesters outlined.

Locals protest against crumbling healthcare system in Pakistan occupied Kashmir

Police in Pakistan have seized 18 live bullets of an anti-aircraft gun from a plot near Prime Minister Imran Khan's private residence.

Khan's residence Banigala is in Islamabad suburbs where he lived before shifting to the official residence.

The bullets seized from the plot is located about half-a-kilometre away from his private residence where he often visits.

A senior officer of a foreign mission noticed the ammunition and informed the police, Dawn news reported.

A patrolling team cordoned off the area.

Teams from different police wings, including Counter-Terrorism Force, Crime Investigation Agency and Bomb Disposal Squad seized 18 bullets of the anti-craft gun.

The bullets, seemed to be old, were 30mm in length and de-coloured, a police officer said.

Security has been stepped up in the area.

Police suspect that someone had brought the ammunition to the plot during the last a couple of days and tried to hide them in garbage.

The ammunition was shifted to a safe place and would be sent to a lab for forensic analysis, said the officer.

So far, nobody claimed responsibility for placing the ammunition near Khan's residence.&nbsp;

Police in Pakistan have seized 18 live bullets of an anti-aircraft gun from a plot near Prime Minister Imran Khan's private residence. Khan's residence Banigala is in Islamabad suburbs where he lived before shifting to the official residence.

Police in Pakistan have seized 18 live bullets of an anti-aircraft gun from a plot near Prime Minister Imran Khan's private residence. Khan's residence Banigala is in Islamabad suburbs where he lived before shifting to the official residence. The bullets seized from the plot is located about half-a-kilometre away from his private residence where he often visits. A senior officer of a foreign mission noticed the ammunition and informed the police, Dawn news reported. A patrolling team cordoned off the area. Teams from different police wings, including Counter-Terrorism Force, Crime Investigation Agency and Bomb Disposal Squad seized 18 bullets of the anti-craft gun. The bullets, seemed to be old, were 30mm in length and de-coloured, a police officer said. Security has been stepped up in the area. Police suspect that someone had brought the ammunition to the plot during the last a couple of days and tried to hide them in garbage. The ammunition was shifted to a safe place and would be sent to a lab for forensic analysis, said the officer. So far, nobody claimed responsibility for placing the ammunition near Khan's residence.

Pakistan police in tizzy as bullets of anti-aircraft gun found near PM's residence

Pakistan has opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India and airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it, said a senior government official Saturday.

"Pakistan has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-loses-8-million-after-pakistan-closes-its-airspace-to-indian-flights-206919">opening its airspace </a>in tranches. On Thursday, it opened one of the 11 routes for west-bound flights. Therefore, airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it," he said.

Even though the route P518 was opened on Thursday evening, American airline company United Airlines announced on Friday said its flight connecting Newark airport and Delhi airport has been suspended for two weeks.&nbsp;

Pakistan had kept its airspace fully closed after an Indian Air Force strike on a terror camp in Balakot on February 26.

However, Pakistan on March 27, opened its airspace for all flights except for Bangkok, New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur,&nbsp;

"Since the route P518 that has been opened passes over south Pakistan, the air travel time for west-bound flights from Delhi will not decrease substantially," the official clarified.

Since February 26, many foreign airlines have decided to suspend their Delhi-bound flights as it was commercially unviable for them to take a longer route through Mumbai airspace.&nbsp;

The operating cost for Air India, which flies to destinations in Europe and the US, has increased significantly as it had to take longer routes due to the closure of Pakistan airspace.

The Delhi-Washington and Delhi-Chicago flights of the national carrier had been making a stop at Mumbai and Vienna for refuelling and change of crew.&nbsp;

Air India had on March 15 requested its "inactive" crew members to "immediately" join work as the airline had been forced to cancel and reroute a number of the US and Europe-bound flights due to the closure of Pakistan airspace.&nbsp;

The airline had on March 14 announced that it would combine the Mumbai-New York flight with its Mumbai-Newark flight from March 16 to May 31.

On March 13, it had announced the suspension of flights on the Delhi-Madrid and Delhi-Birmingham routes from March 16 "till further notice" due to "operational reasons".

Pakistan has opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India and airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it, said a senior government official Saturday.

Pakistan has opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India and airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it, said a senior government official Saturday. "Pakistan has been opening its airspace in tranches. On Thursday, it opened one of the 11 routes for west-bound flights. Therefore, airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it," he said. Even though the route P518 was opened on Thursday evening, American airline company United Airlines announced on Friday said its flight connecting Newark airport and Delhi airport has been suspended for two weeks. Pakistan had kept its airspace fully closed after an Indian Air Force strike on a terror camp in Balakot on February 26. However, Pakistan on March 27, opened its airspace for all flights except for Bangkok, New Delhi and Kuala Lumpur, "Since the route P518 that has been opened passes over south Pakistan, the air travel time for west-bound flights from Delhi will not decrease substantially," the official clarified. Since February 26, many foreign airlines have decided to suspend their Delhi-bound flights as it was commercially unviable for them to take a longer route through Mumbai airspace. The operating cost for Air India, which flies to destinations in Europe and the US, has increased significantly as it had to take longer routes due to the closure of Pakistan airspace. The Delhi-Washington and Delhi-Chicago flights of the national carrier had been making a stop at Mumbai and Vienna for refuelling and change of crew. Air India had on March 15 requested its "inactive" crew members to "immediately" join work as the airline had been forced to cancel and reroute a number of the US and Europe-bound flights due to the closure of Pakistan airspace. The airline had on March 14 announced that it would combine the Mumbai-New York flight with its Mumbai-Newark flight from March 16 to May 31. On March 13, it had announced the suspension of flights on the Delhi-Madrid and Delhi-Birmingham routes from March 16 "till further notice" due to "operational reasons".

Pakistan partially opens airspace for west-bound flights from India

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken a swipe at opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for addressing Parliament in English, saying this was an insult to the country's "90 per cent population" which cannot speak the western language.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Hyderabad University here on Thursday, Khan said that despite Urdu being the national language, public speakers choose to speak in English.

''Bilawal delivers his speeches in English when addressing the parliament. This is patronising and insulting to the more than 90 per cent of Pakistanis who can't speak English,'' he was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

The 30-year-old Oxford educated chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), on Thursday delivered a speech in English while addressing party supporters at an event to commemorate the death anniversary of PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the paper reported.

We know the majority don't understand the language. Why do we then speak in English on public forums in the country despite knowing Urdu? Imran Khan asked.

Khan said there was an overriding sense of inferiority among such people who believe they won't be considered educated unless they speak in&nbsp; 
English.&nbsp;

"The trend dated back to the era of Pervez Musharraf as part of his enlightened moderation' policy. In that period, we picked up certain western values and habits that are an aberration for our society. We need to change this trend, Khan said.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken a swipe at opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for addressing Parliament in English, saying this was an insult to the country's "90 per cent population" which cannot speak the western language.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has taken a swipe at opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for addressing Parliament in English, saying this was an insult to the country's "90 per cent population" which cannot speak the western language. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the Hyderabad University here on Thursday, Khan said that despite Urdu being the national language, public speakers choose to speak in English. ''Bilawal delivers his speeches in English when addressing the parliament. This is patronising and insulting to the more than 90 per cent of Pakistanis who can't speak English,'' he was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. The 30-year-old Oxford educated chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), on Thursday delivered a speech in English while addressing party supporters at an event to commemorate the death anniversary of PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the paper reported. We know the majority don't understand the language. Why do we then speak in English on public forums in the country despite knowing Urdu? Imran Khan asked. Khan said there was an overriding sense of inferiority among such people who believe they won't be considered educated unless they speak in English. "The trend dated back to the era of Pervez Musharraf as part of his enlightened moderation' policy. In that period, we picked up certain western values and habits that are an aberration for our society. We need to change this trend, Khan said.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan takes dig at Bilawal for speaking in English at public forums

WION Gravitas: Imran Khan's newest cabinet member is the man who 'protected' Osama

Former president and opposition Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari Thursday asked his supporters to "march towards Islamabad" and topple Prime Minister Imran Khan's government.

Addressing a rally at Garhi Khuda Baksh in Larkana on the 40th death anniversary of former prime minister and PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Zardari said it was time for the Khan's government to go.

"We cannot give them more time. We have to march towards Islamabad to oust the government to save this country," Zardari said.

He also accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of trying to repeal the 18th Amendment, which took away powers from the President to dissolve an elected government and impose martial law.

"Before the elections, I told you that they want to repeal the 18th Amendment," Zardari said. "That's why they are lodging cases against us. At the time, some friends believed me and some people made fun."

"Now you have seen that the 'selected' prime minister's (bubble) has burst. He said he does not have funds. If you can't collect funds through the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) then leave," he added.

Zardari, his son and PPP co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and his other close associates and business partners are facing money laundering and corruption charges from the National Accountability Bureau and the arrest of the former president and other key figures appear likely.

Earlier in the day, the Islamabad High Court issued a notice to Zardari on a petition seeking his disqualification as a lawmaker for hiding assets worth over USD 1 million including a flat in New York and bulletproof vehicles in the election nomination papers last year.

The petition was filed by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Khurram Sher Zaman and Usman Dar.

Zardari told the crowd that Khan as prime minister has sent Pakistan 50 years back with his economic policies.

"They don't care about the poor. We can't give them more time, we have to march to Islamabad for the sake of the country," he added.

In his speech, Bilawal asked why justice for Bhutto's "judicial murder" has not been served despite four decades having passed by.

Bhutto, the father-in-law of Zardari and father of Pakistan's slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was hanged in jail on April 4, 1979, on court orders in a murder case.

"Today is the 40th year of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's judicial murder," Bilawal said.

"This is a tragic chapter of history. This day is asking a question from this country: why was the protector of the poor public murdered? He opened the way for 90,000 prisoners to return home, he turned this country into an atomic power. Who signed his death warrant? That question is still awaiting an answer.

"The (former) president submitted a request eight years ago that we should get answers for the murder of our founder. Why do the scales of justice tip one side when it comes to us (Bhuttos)?" he asked.

Bilawal accused Khan and his ministers of becoming arrogant after coming into power.

He warned the government that if any attempt was made to repeal the 18th Amendment his party would end the government.

He also claimed that the prime minister didn't care about Sindh province, which is governed by the PPP.

"He only wants Sindh's resources and its gas. He wants to take away the rights of Sindh, steal KP's assets, and keep Balochistan deprived. Provincial governments make provincial decisions, and this is how nations are strengthened but this is beyond this puppet prime minister's understanding."

Bilawal said that the cases against him are based on "false allegations" and claimed that he has not been given a fair chance to present his answers in the court.

"I have not been able to record my statement before any court," he said.

"All I get are three minutes (to speak) before the court and then they say 'this is something we never heard'. I want to ask the honourable judges to summon old transcripts and recordings."&nbsp;

Former president and opposition Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari Thursday asked his supporters to "march towards Islamabad" and topple Prime Minister Imran Khan's government.

Former president and opposition Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari Thursday asked his supporters to "march towards Islamabad" and topple Prime Minister Imran Khan's government. Addressing a rally at Garhi Khuda Baksh in Larkana on the 40th death anniversary of former prime minister and PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Zardari said it was time for the Khan's government to go. "We cannot give them more time. We have to march towards Islamabad to oust the government to save this country," Zardari said. He also accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of trying to repeal the 18th Amendment, which took away powers from the President to dissolve an elected government and impose martial law. "Before the elections, I told you that they want to repeal the 18th Amendment," Zardari said. "That's why they are lodging cases against us. At the time, some friends believed me and some people made fun." "Now you have seen that the 'selected' prime minister's (bubble) has burst. He said he does not have funds. If you can't collect funds through the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) then leave," he added. Zardari, his son and PPP co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and his other close associates and business partners are facing money laundering and corruption charges from the National Accountability Bureau and the arrest of the former president and other key figures appear likely. Earlier in the day, the Islamabad High Court issued a notice to Zardari on a petition seeking his disqualification as a lawmaker for hiding assets worth over USD 1 million including a flat in New York and bulletproof vehicles in the election nomination papers last year. The petition was filed by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Khurram Sher Zaman and Usman Dar. Zardari told the crowd that Khan as prime minister has sent Pakistan 50 years back with his economic policies. "They don't care about the poor. We can't give them more time, we have to march to Islamabad for the sake of the country," he added. In his speech, Bilawal asked why justice for Bhutto's "judicial murder" has not been served despite four decades having passed by. Bhutto, the father-in-law of Zardari and father of Pakistan's slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was hanged in jail on April 4, 1979, on court orders in a murder case. "Today is the 40th year of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's judicial murder," Bilawal said. "This is a tragic chapter of history. This day is asking a question from this country: why was the protector of the poor public murdered? He opened the way for 90,000 prisoners to return home, he turned this country into an atomic power. Who signed his death warrant? That question is still awaiting an answer. "The (former) president submitted a request eight years ago that we should get answers for the murder of our founder. Why do the scales of justice tip one side when it comes to us (Bhuttos)?" he asked. Bilawal accused Khan and his ministers of becoming arrogant after coming into power. He warned the government that if any attempt was made to repeal the 18th Amendment his party would end the government. He also claimed that the prime minister didn't care about Sindh province, which is governed by the PPP. "He only wants Sindh's resources and its gas. He wants to take away the rights of Sindh, steal KP's assets, and keep Balochistan deprived. Provincial governments make provincial decisions, and this is how nations are strengthened but this is beyond this puppet prime minister's understanding." Bilawal said that the cases against him are based on "false allegations" and claimed that he has not been given a fair chance to present his answers in the court. "I have not been able to record my statement before any court," he said. "All I get are three minutes (to speak) before the court and then they say 'this is something we never heard'. I want to ask the honourable judges to summon old transcripts and recordings."

Zardari asks supporters to 'march towards Islamabad'; topple Imran Khan's government

Crippling inflation in Pakistan, residents lose faith in Imran govt

Despite objections from the Opposition, Pakistan's former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-osama-bin-ladens-grandson-killed-in-air-strike-28331">Intelligence Bureau</a> (IB) chief Ijaz Shah, who reportedly helped&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-years-after-osama-bin-ladens-killing-al-qaeda-has-grown-by-avoiding-the-limelight-134281">Osama bin Laden</a> in Pakistan, was sworn in as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday by President Arif Alvi here.

The move has put the Imran Khan-led government and the Opposition, especially the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), at odds as former prime minister Benazir Bhutto had alleged that Shah was among the people who had hatched a conspiracy to kill her, reports Dawn.

Shah, a confidant of former Pakistan president General Pervez Musharraf, has also been accused of harbouring terror outfit Al-Qaeda's founder-leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Laden was most wanted by the United States for perpetrating the gruesome 9/11 attacks.

In its report in 2012, The Sydney Morning Herald had quoted former ISI chief General Ziauddin Butt as saying that Shah had ordered to build the three-storied walled compound in Abbottabad where Laden was hunted down and killed by US Forces in 2011.

"I fully believe that Ijaz Shah had kept this man (Osama bin Laden, in Abbottabad) with the full knowledge of Pervez Musharraf," Butt had alleged. Shah has since dismissed the allegations. Shah served as Pakistan's IB Director General from 2004 to 2008. He was also elected as a Member of National Assembly (MNA) on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) ticket from NA-118 (Nankana Sahib-II).

Alleging that Pakistan Prime Minister has no respect for the Parliament, PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah told Dawn, "Ijaz Shah is being made the minister to make parliament redundant and to further degrade it." He added that Shah was made the minister to "provoke" the Opposition.

According to the PPP leader, Shah has been "brought to power as an alternative" to Musharraf, who currently lives in Dubai.

Despite objections from the Opposition, Pakistan's former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Ijaz Shah, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, was sworn in as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday by President Arif Alvi here.

Despite objections from the Opposition, Pakistan's former Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Ijaz Shah, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden in Pakistan, was sworn in as Minister for Parliamentary Affairs on Tuesday by President Arif Alvi here. The move has put the Imran Khan-led government and the Opposition, especially the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), at odds as former prime minister Benazir Bhutto had alleged that Shah was among the people who had hatched a conspiracy to kill her, reports Dawn. Shah, a confidant of former Pakistan president General Pervez Musharraf, has also been accused of harbouring terror outfit Al-Qaeda's founder-leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan. Laden was most wanted by the United States for perpetrating the gruesome 9/11 attacks. In its report in 2012, The Sydney Morning Herald had quoted former ISI chief General Ziauddin Butt as saying that Shah had ordered to build the three-storied walled compound in Abbottabad where Laden was hunted down and killed by US Forces in 2011. "I fully believe that Ijaz Shah had kept this man (Osama bin Laden, in Abbottabad) with the full knowledge of Pervez Musharraf," Butt had alleged. Shah has since dismissed the allegations. Shah served as Pakistan's IB Director General from 2004 to 2008. He was also elected as a Member of National Assembly (MNA) on Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) ticket from NA-118 (Nankana Sahib-II). Alleging that Pakistan Prime Minister has no respect for the Parliament, PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah told Dawn, "Ijaz Shah is being made the minister to make parliament redundant and to further degrade it." He added that Shah was made the minister to "provoke" the Opposition. According to the PPP leader, Shah has been "brought to power as an alternative" to Musharraf, who currently lives in Dubai.

Former Pakistani IB chief, who reportedly helped Osama bin Laden, sworn in as minister

Gravitas: Does Imran Khan back Chinese investments?

Gravitas: Did Pakistan steal Chinese cash?

Imran Khan's promise of 'Naya Pakistan' seems to be a distant dream' with the country's economy in shambles

According to the latest numbers released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, inflation in Pakistan is at an all-time high at 9.41 per cent, up from the previous 8.21 per cent.

A sharp rise in food, fuel and transport costs have squeezed household budgets in Pakistan, according to the data.

Energy costs, in particular, have risen sharply, hit by a series of devaluations of the Pakistan Rupee. To add to consumer woes, the Pakistan government on Sunday announced a Rs 6 rise in petrol prices to 98.88 rupees a litre.

Pakistan’s currency has lost over a quarter of its value over the past year.

The country has been in talks with the international monetary fund on what would be its 13th bailout since the late 1980s.

However, there are wide differences over issues ranging from lifting exchange rate controls to bringing down the twin deficits.

As a saving grace, Imran Khan government has however secured loans over $8 billion from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)and China. This besides credit oil facility on deferred payment of $3 billion each from Riyadh and the UAE.

The escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan in recent months after the Pulwama attack has put international pressure on Pakistan to act against terror camps operating from its soil, squeezing it of international aid that it could have otherwise secured, draining its already bleeding economy.

Imran Khan's promise of 'Naya Pakistan' seems to be a distant dream' with the country's economy in shambles According to the latest numbers released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, inflation in Pakistan is at an all-time high at 9.

Imran Khan's promise of 'Naya Pakistan' seems to be a distant dream' with the country's economy in shambles According to the latest numbers released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, inflation in Pakistan is at an all-time high at 9.41 per cent, up from the previous 8.21 per cent. A sharp rise in food, fuel and transport costs have squeezed household budgets in Pakistan, according to the data. Energy costs, in particular, have risen sharply, hit by a series of devaluations of the Pakistan Rupee. To add to consumer woes, the Pakistan government on Sunday announced a Rs 6 rise in petrol prices to 98.88 rupees a litre. Pakistan’s currency has lost over a quarter of its value over the past year. The country has been in talks with the international monetary fund on what would be its 13th bailout since the late 1980s. However, there are wide differences over issues ranging from lifting exchange rate controls to bringing down the twin deficits. As a saving grace, Imran Khan government has however secured loans over $8 billion from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)and China. This besides credit oil facility on deferred payment of $3 billion each from Riyadh and the UAE. The escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan in recent months after the Pulwama attack has put international pressure on Pakistan to act against terror camps operating from its soil, squeezing it of international aid that it could have otherwise secured, draining its already bleeding economy.

Imran Khan's promise of 'Naya Pakistan' a distant dream as economy struggles 

Gravitas: Imran Khan recieves flak on social media for feigning ignorance on Uighurs

A Pakistani minister has branded the US ambassador to Kabul a "little pygmy" in a high-level diplomatic Twitter row that erupted over ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The furore underscores the delicate balance of regional tensions as the US steps up a push to find a way out of Afghanistan, more than 17 years after the invasion.

It began after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan reportedly suggested an interim government in Afghanistan to help smooth the talks process, making the comment during a briefing with local reporters on Monday.&nbsp;

Khan's comments caused uproar in Afghanistan, which has long held neighbouring Pakistan's shadowy intelligence services responsible for supporting and training the Taliban.&nbsp;

Kabul recalled its ambassador on Tuesday, and the Pakistani foreign office tried to downplay Khan's comments on Wednesday, saying they had been reported "out of context... leading to an unwarranted reaction".&nbsp;

But shortly after US ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass issued a tweet rebuking Khan while alluding to his past as captain of Pakistan's World Cup-winning cricket team and numerous cheating scandals in the sport involving Pakistani players.

"Some aspects of #cricket apply well in diplomacy, some do not. @ImranKhanPTI, important to resist the temptation to ball-tamper with the #Afghanistan peace process and its internal affairs. #AfgPeace," the tweet read.

Pakistanis outraged at the snub to their leader from a foreign envoy in another country took to Twitter in response -- including Khan's minister for human rights, Shireen Mazari.&nbsp;

"Clearly you little pygmy your knowledge of ball tampering is as void as your understanding of Afghanistan and the region! Clearly in your case ignorance is certainly not bliss! Another sign of Trumpian mischief a la Khalilzad style!" she wrote, referring to the US envoy leading the peace talks, Zalmay Khalilzad.

When the Twitterverse accused her of violating diplomatic norms, she doubled down.

"Haha! Haters gonna hate! But seriously what diplomatic norms? US dips have been violating them all day today from Zalmay to this moron!" she wrote in response to one critic.

The Taliban have long refused to speak with Kabul, deeming the administration of President Ashraf Ghani -- who is seeking re-election this year -- puppets of the West.&nbsp;

The US insists that it is negotiating with the insurgents on Afghan peace talks, but fears are sharp in Kabul that the government is being sidelined from its own peace process in Washington's rush to exit.

Many predict a US withdrawal before any peace deal is done with Kabul could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan, or for the fighting to fracture into a full-blown ethnic civil war.

A Pakistani minister has branded the US ambassador to Kabul a "little pygmy" in a high-level diplomatic Twitter row that erupted over ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

A Pakistani minister has branded the US ambassador to Kabul a "little pygmy" in a high-level diplomatic Twitter row that erupted over ongoing peace talks between Washington and the Taliban in Afghanistan. The furore underscores the delicate balance of regional tensions as the US steps up a push to find a way out of Afghanistan, more than 17 years after the invasion. It began after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan reportedly suggested an interim government in Afghanistan to help smooth the talks process, making the comment during a briefing with local reporters on Monday. Khan's comments caused uproar in Afghanistan, which has long held neighbouring Pakistan's shadowy intelligence services responsible for supporting and training the Taliban. Kabul recalled its ambassador on Tuesday, and the Pakistani foreign office tried to downplay Khan's comments on Wednesday, saying they had been reported "out of context... leading to an unwarranted reaction". But shortly after US ambassador to Afghanistan John Bass issued a tweet rebuking Khan while alluding to his past as captain of Pakistan's World Cup-winning cricket team and numerous cheating scandals in the sport involving Pakistani players. "Some aspects of #cricket apply well in diplomacy, some do not. @ImranKhanPTI, important to resist the temptation to ball-tamper with the #Afghanistan peace process and its internal affairs. #AfgPeace," the tweet read. Pakistanis outraged at the snub to their leader from a foreign envoy in another country took to Twitter in response -- including Khan's minister for human rights, Shireen Mazari. "Clearly you little pygmy your knowledge of ball tampering is as void as your understanding of Afghanistan and the region! Clearly in your case ignorance is certainly not bliss! Another sign of Trumpian mischief a la Khalilzad style!" she wrote, referring to the US envoy leading the peace talks, Zalmay Khalilzad. When the Twitterverse accused her of violating diplomatic norms, she doubled down. "Haha! Haters gonna hate! But seriously what diplomatic norms? US dips have been violating them all day today from Zalmay to this moron!" she wrote in response to one critic. The Taliban have long refused to speak with Kabul, deeming the administration of President Ashraf Ghani -- who is seeking re-election this year -- puppets of the West. The US insists that it is negotiating with the insurgents on Afghan peace talks, but fears are sharp in Kabul that the government is being sidelined from its own peace process in Washington's rush to exit. Many predict a US withdrawal before any peace deal is done with Kabul could see the Taliban return to some semblance of power in Afghanistan, or for the fighting to fracture into a full-blown ethnic civil war.

Pakistan minister brands US envoy 'little pygmy' in Twitter row

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday reiterated his support for "inclusive development" in Balochistan.Dawn quoted the Prime Minister while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of Balochistan Medical Complex, as saying, "When you empower people on a village level, it will help development."

"We have to make sure that development is inclusive. The more we focus on Balochistan, the more it will develop and Pakistan along with it."

"The people of Balochistan fear that they will become a minority and lose their jobs. We were discussing this earlier. We need institutes for technical education and skill development. I will discuss this further with the chief minister," he said.

Prime Minister Khan said that the medical complex would become a part of the medical city planned in Quetta.

"We are also going to build a cancer hospital here," Khan said.

The Prime Minister further noted that Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid is working on a plan for a rail network from Quetta to Taftan in Iran, apart from creating a master plan for Quetta.

"Major cities in Pakistan do not have master plans, and cities are expanding. Unless you have master plans in place, you cannot provide basic facilities in urban areas," Khan said.

Balochistan is famous for its port city of Gwadar, which features the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major investment project as well as a geostrategic asset for China to strengthen its military prowess in the South Asian region.

Prime Minister Khan regretted that Balochistan was neglected in the past and was only remembered at the time of elections in the country.

"Our focus is to develop Balochistan," ARY News quoted Khan as saying.

Dubbing the western route of CPEC as a "game changer", the Prime Minister said, "China was working on the eastern route. We should have worked on the western route."

"This 305-kilometre route will bring a lot of change and development."

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a new international airport at Gwadar, which he promised, will have the latest equipment and facilities and is expected to be one of the country`s largest airports.Lastly, the Prime Minister further announced that Gwadar will be connected to Pakistan`s national grid.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday reiterated his support for "inclusive development" in Balochistan.Dawn quoted the Prime Minister while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of Balochistan Medical Complex, as saying, "When you empower people on a village level, it will help development.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday reiterated his support for "inclusive development" in Balochistan.Dawn quoted the Prime Minister while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of Balochistan Medical Complex, as saying, "When you empower people on a village level, it will help development." "We have to make sure that development is inclusive. The more we focus on Balochistan, the more it will develop and Pakistan along with it." "The people of Balochistan fear that they will become a minority and lose their jobs. We were discussing this earlier. We need institutes for technical education and skill development. I will discuss this further with the chief minister," he said. Prime Minister Khan said that the medical complex would become a part of the medical city planned in Quetta. "We are also going to build a cancer hospital here," Khan said. The Prime Minister further noted that Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid is working on a plan for a rail network from Quetta to Taftan in Iran, apart from creating a master plan for Quetta. "Major cities in Pakistan do not have master plans, and cities are expanding. Unless you have master plans in place, you cannot provide basic facilities in urban areas," Khan said. Balochistan is famous for its port city of Gwadar, which features the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a major investment project as well as a geostrategic asset for China to strengthen its military prowess in the South Asian region. Prime Minister Khan regretted that Balochistan was neglected in the past and was only remembered at the time of elections in the country. "Our focus is to develop Balochistan," ARY News quoted Khan as saying. Dubbing the western route of CPEC as a "game changer", the Prime Minister said, "China was working on the eastern route. We should have worked on the western route." "This 305-kilometre route will bring a lot of change and development." The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for a new international airport at Gwadar, which he promised, will have the latest equipment and facilities and is expected to be one of the country`s largest airports.Lastly, the Prime Minister further announced that Gwadar will be connected to Pakistan`s national grid.

Imran Khan reiterates support for 'inclusive development' in Balochistan

Afghanistan will return its ambassador to Islamabad after Pakistan clarified Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">Imran Khan`s remarks</a> that Kabul had deemed to be political interference, the Afghan foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Khan told Pakistani journalists on Monday that forming an interim Afghan government would smooth peace talks between US and Taliban officials, according to published comments.

The Afghan government recalled ambassador Atif Mashal from Islamabad the next day and demanded an explanation for remarks that it called "irresponsible."&nbsp;

The US ambassador to Afghanistan, John Bass, also rebuked Pakistan. In a tweet on Wednesday addressed to Khan, Bass told the reknowned former cricketer not to "ball-tamper" with Afghan affairs.

But after clarifications from Khan and Pakistan`s foreign ministry, Mashal will return to Islamabad, Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Sibghatullah Ahmadi said in a tweet.

The Pakistani foreign ministry said on Wednesday Khan`s comments, reported by Pakistani media outlets and picked up in Afghanistan, had been taken out of context.

Kabul has demanded an explanation from Islamabad three times in just over a month for comments related to peace talks aimed at ending 17 years of war in Afghanistan.

US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks but the Taliban have refused to talk directly to the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani`s mandate officially expires in May and he faces a re-election battle. But the date for the vote has been postponed twice and is now set for September 28.

Ghani has been shut out from the peace talks and is under pressure from rivals to step aside and allow a caretaker government to take over, a suggestion he has rejected.

Afghanistan will return its ambassador to Islamabad after Pakistan clarified Prime Minister Imran Khan`s remarks that Kabul had deemed to be political interference, the Afghan foreign ministry said on Thursday.

Afghanistan will return its ambassador to Islamabad after Pakistan clarified Prime Minister Imran Khan`s remarks that Kabul had deemed to be political interference, the Afghan foreign ministry said on Thursday. Khan told Pakistani journalists on Monday that forming an interim Afghan government would smooth peace talks between US and Taliban officials, according to published comments. The Afghan government recalled ambassador Atif Mashal from Islamabad the next day and demanded an explanation for remarks that it called "irresponsible." The US ambassador to Afghanistan, John Bass, also rebuked Pakistan. In a tweet on Wednesday addressed to Khan, Bass told the reknowned former cricketer not to "ball-tamper" with Afghan affairs. But after clarifications from Khan and Pakistan`s foreign ministry, Mashal will return to Islamabad, Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Sibghatullah Ahmadi said in a tweet. The Pakistani foreign ministry said on Wednesday Khan`s comments, reported by Pakistani media outlets and picked up in Afghanistan, had been taken out of context. Kabul has demanded an explanation from Islamabad three times in just over a month for comments related to peace talks aimed at ending 17 years of war in Afghanistan. US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks but the Taliban have refused to talk directly to the Afghan government, which they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani`s mandate officially expires in May and he faces a re-election battle. But the date for the vote has been postponed twice and is now set for September 28. Ghani has been shut out from the peace talks and is under pressure from rivals to step aside and allow a caretaker government to take over, a suggestion he has rejected.

Afghan ambassador to return to Pakistan after PM Imran Khan clarifies remark

Balochistan should be oozing with optimism as Chinese and Saudi investment pours into the troubled Pakistani province. It is not. Instead, Balochistan, a key node in China’s Belt and Road initiative that borders Iran, is gripped by anger, fear and uncertainty.

Local residents are waiting with bated breath Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan’s visit this week for the Gwadar Expo 2019 and groundbreaking of several infrastructure and development projects, including an international airport, a power plant, a vocational training institute and a hospital.

Against the backdrop of a history of neglect and underdevelopment, resource-rich Balochistan struggles with a failing health and education system, drought, and lack of basic infrastructure.

“The historical lack of investment in basic economic and social infrastructure in the province – except for extraction of natural gas for use in other provinces – has resulted in a low level of economic activity, implying a narrow tax base and limited fiscal resources to invest in development,” said economist Kaiser Bengali in a recently published study.

Beyond looking at Balochistan as a source of resource wealth, successive governments in Islamabad alongside the powerful military have viewed the province predominantly through the lens of security and law enforcement driven by domestic and geopolitical concerns.

Kech, Balochistan’s second most populous region known to be the province’s intellectual heartland from which many of its most prominent politicians, scholars, bureaucrats, poets, and writers hail, is a case in point. Access to the internet and 3G and 4G mobile services was cut off in Kech two years ago for security reasons. It is yet to be re-established.&nbsp;

Theoretically, all of that could change with massive Chinese and Saudi investment as well as Balochistan’s increased geopolitical significance given that it borders on Iran’s equally troubled Sistan and Baluchistan province.

Balochistan’s Chinese-supported port of Gwadar takes on added importance as Iran looks to its Indian-backed port of Chabahar, a mere 70 kilometres up the coast of the Arabian Sea, as a way to blunt the impact of crippling US sanctions.

The sanctions were imposed last year after the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. Chabahar is the only Iranian port exempted from the sanctions in a nod to India.

China has invested in recent years an estimated $19 billion in Gwadar as well as roads and other infrastructure in Balochistan as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China and Pakistan envision CPEC as a crown jewel of Beijing’s infrastructure- and energy driven Belt and Road initiative.

For its part, Saudi Arabia is looking to pump more than $10 billion into the building of a refinery in Gwadar and the development of a &nbsp;gold and copper mine on the Iranian border.

The problem is that the lack of a trickle-down effect has so far served to fuel anger rather than spark a sense of optimism among local Baloch. The Baloch have seen jobs being handed out to workers from other parts of Pakistan as well as China, parts of Gwadar being developed into a no-go zone for locals, and fishermen being banned from their traditional fishing ponds.

In addition, predictions that Balochistan’s indigenous population of 70,000 will be dwarfed by an estimated two million immigrants from other parts of Pakistan, as well as China, have reinforced a prevailing sense of uncertainty.

Some of that anger and uncertainty has been channelled into anti-Chinese and anti-Pakistani nationalist sentiment with intermittent attacks on Chinese targets as well as militant religious assaults on the Pakistani military, law enforcement and judicial outposts.

Similarly, Balochistan’s strategic geopolitical position is as much an asset as it is a problem. The Saudi investment coupled with the US and Saudi determination to force Iran to change its regional policies, if not its regime, have made the province alongside its equally underdeveloped neighbouring Iranian counterpart potential battlefields.

Cross border attacks and suicide bombings have added to uncertainty fuelled by statements coming out of Washington and Riyadh as well as reports of funds from Saudi Arabia flowing into militant anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian madrassas or religious seminaries that dot the Pakistani-Iranian border.

The attacks together with the Saudi investment and evolving US and Saudi strategy has put strains on Pakistani-Iranian relations with each side pointing a finger to the other. In the media and among policy wonks, the finger pointing often amounts to the kettle calling the pot black.

“Fact (is) that there is a problem in Sistan-o-Balochistan where people are struggling for their political rights in their own province. It is a common grudge amongst the Baloch population in the Iranian Balochistan that they are under-represented in the government, bureaucracy and armed forces… Sectarian divide is another major source of friction in the province where overwhelming majority of Baloch are Sunnis… Poverty amongst the Baloch is the highest if compared to rest of the country,” said former Pakistani ambassador Assif Durrani who was last posted in Tehran.

Durrani’s comments were equally applicable to the Baloch province of his own country.

Returning from a recent visit to Balochistan, Pakistani policy analyst Muhammad Amir Rana described “an environment of fear; the local journalists cannot report much about residents’ issues, not even water supply problems.”

Rana expressed hope that Khan, the prime minister, would “help locals retreat from the jaws of uncertainty and fear.”

To do that, Khan will have to do more than talk the walk and inaugurate projects.

He will have to ensure equitable economic and social policies and address indeed both immediate concerns and existential fears.&nbsp;

He will also have to manage an explosive geopolitical environment despite increasing economic and financial dependence on key external players. That could prove to be a tall order. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

Balochistan should be oozing with optimism as Chinese and Saudi investment pours into the troubled Pakistani province. It is not. Instead, Balochistan, a key node in China’s Belt and Road initiative that borders Iran, is gripped by anger, fear and uncertainty.

Balochistan should be oozing with optimism as Chinese and Saudi investment pours into the troubled Pakistani province. It is not. Instead, Balochistan, a key node in China’s Belt and Road initiative that borders Iran, is gripped by anger, fear and uncertainty. Local residents are waiting with bated breath Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan’s visit this week for the Gwadar Expo 2019 and groundbreaking of several infrastructure and development projects, including an international airport, a power plant, a vocational training institute and a hospital. Against the backdrop of a history of neglect and underdevelopment, resource-rich Balochistan struggles with a failing health and education system, drought, and lack of basic infrastructure. “The historical lack of investment in basic economic and social infrastructure in the province – except for extraction of natural gas for use in other provinces – has resulted in a low level of economic activity, implying a narrow tax base and limited fiscal resources to invest in development,” said economist Kaiser Bengali in a recently published study. Beyond looking at Balochistan as a source of resource wealth, successive governments in Islamabad alongside the powerful military have viewed the province predominantly through the lens of security and law enforcement driven by domestic and geopolitical concerns. Kech, Balochistan’s second most populous region known to be the province’s intellectual heartland from which many of its most prominent politicians, scholars, bureaucrats, poets, and writers hail, is a case in point. Access to the internet and 3G and 4G mobile services was cut off in Kech two years ago for security reasons. It is yet to be re-established. Theoretically, all of that could change with massive Chinese and Saudi investment as well as Balochistan’s increased geopolitical significance given that it borders on Iran’s equally troubled Sistan and Baluchistan province. Balochistan’s Chinese-supported port of Gwadar takes on added importance as Iran looks to its Indian-backed port of Chabahar, a mere 70 kilometres up the coast of the Arabian Sea, as a way to blunt the impact of crippling US sanctions. The sanctions were imposed last year after the Trump administration withdrew from the 2015 international agreement that curbed Iran’s nuclear program. Chabahar is the only Iranian port exempted from the sanctions in a nod to India. China has invested in recent years an estimated $19 billion in Gwadar as well as roads and other infrastructure in Balochistan as part of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). China and Pakistan envision CPEC as a crown jewel of Beijing’s infrastructure- and energy driven Belt and Road initiative. For its part, Saudi Arabia is looking to pump more than $10 billion into the building of a refinery in Gwadar and the development of a gold and copper mine on the Iranian border. The problem is that the lack of a trickle-down effect has so far served to fuel anger rather than spark a sense of optimism among local Baloch. The Baloch have seen jobs being handed out to workers from other parts of Pakistan as well as China, parts of Gwadar being developed into a no-go zone for locals, and fishermen being banned from their traditional fishing ponds. In addition, predictions that Balochistan’s indigenous population of 70,000 will be dwarfed by an estimated two million immigrants from other parts of Pakistan, as well as China, have reinforced a prevailing sense of uncertainty. Some of that anger and uncertainty has been channelled into anti-Chinese and anti-Pakistani nationalist sentiment with intermittent attacks on Chinese targets as well as militant religious assaults on the Pakistani military, law enforcement and judicial outposts. Similarly, Balochistan’s strategic geopolitical position is as much an asset as it is a problem. The Saudi investment coupled with the US and Saudi determination to force Iran to change its regional policies, if not its regime, have made the province alongside its equally underdeveloped neighbouring Iranian counterpart potential battlefields. Cross border attacks and suicide bombings have added to uncertainty fuelled by statements coming out of Washington and Riyadh as well as reports of funds from Saudi Arabia flowing into militant anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian madrassas or religious seminaries that dot the Pakistani-Iranian border. The attacks together with the Saudi investment and evolving US and Saudi strategy has put strains on Pakistani-Iranian relations with each side pointing a finger to the other. In the media and among policy wonks, the finger pointing often amounts to the kettle calling the pot black. “Fact (is) that there is a problem in Sistan-o-Balochistan where people are struggling for their political rights in their own province. It is a common grudge amongst the Baloch population in the Iranian Balochistan that they are under-represented in the government, bureaucracy and armed forces… Sectarian divide is another major source of friction in the province where overwhelming majority of Baloch are Sunnis… Poverty amongst the Baloch is the highest if compared to rest of the country,” said former Pakistani ambassador Assif Durrani who was last posted in Tehran. Durrani’s comments were equally applicable to the Baloch province of his own country. Returning from a recent visit to Balochistan, Pakistani policy analyst Muhammad Amir Rana described “an environment of fear; the local journalists cannot report much about residents’ issues, not even water supply problems.” Rana expressed hope that Khan, the prime minister, would “help locals retreat from the jaws of uncertainty and fear.” To do that, Khan will have to do more than talk the walk and inaugurate projects. He will have to ensure equitable economic and social policies and address indeed both immediate concerns and existential fears. He will also have to manage an explosive geopolitical environment despite increasing economic and financial dependence on key external players. That could prove to be a tall order. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Against the backdrop of history of neglect, Balochistan is gripped by fear and uncertainty

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