<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-countries-should-will-uphold-peace-tranquility-in-outer-space-china-after-indias-asat-test-206043">All countries should uphold peace &amp; </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-countries-should-will-uphold-peace-tranquility-in-outer-space-china-after-indias-asat-test-206043">tranquility</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-countries-should-will-uphold-peace-tranquility-in-outer-space-china-after-indias-asat-test-206043"> in outer space: China after India's ASAT test</a>

China expressed hope that all countries will&nbsp;uphold peace and tranquillity&nbsp;in the outer space after &nbsp;India's ASAT(anti-satellite missile) test.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-comments-taken-out-of-context-and-misinterpreted-pak-clarifies-to-afghanistan-206022">Imran Khan's comments taken out of context and misinterpreted: Pak clarifies to Afghanistan&nbsp;</a>

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry moved on Wednesday to cool a row with Afghanistan over reported comments by Prime Minister Imran Khan that were taken to suggest that Kabul should set up an interim government to help smooth peace talks with the Taliban.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-diffrences-tusk-urges-eu-parliament-to-be-open-to-long-brexit-extension-206032">Amid differences, Tusk urges EU Parliament to be open to long Brexit extension</a>

EU Council president&nbsp;Donald Tusk has said&nbsp;the organization should be "open to a long extension if the UK wishes to rethink its Brexit strategy".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-intention-of-entering-into-arms-race-in-outer-space-india-after-asat-test-206023">No intention of entering into </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-intention-of-entering-into-arms-race-in-outer-space-india-after-asat-test-206023">arms</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-intention-of-entering-into-arms-race-in-outer-space-india-after-asat-test-206023"> race in outer space: India after ASAT test</a>

India has said it has no intention of&nbsp;entering into an arms race&nbsp;in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-expels-ex-interpol-chief-meng-from-communist-party-206008">China expels ex-Interpol chief Meng from Communist Party</a>

China has expelled&nbsp;former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei&nbsp;from the Communist Party and dismissed him from his official positions, the country's graft watchdog announced Wednesday.

&nbsp;

All countries should uphold peace & tranquility in outer space: China after India's ASAT test China expressed hope that all countries will uphold peace and tranquillity in the outer space after India's ASAT(anti-satellite missile) test.

All countries should uphold peace & tranquility in outer space: China after India's ASAT test China expressed hope that all countries will uphold peace and tranquillity in the outer space after India's ASAT(anti-satellite missile) test. Imran Khan's comments taken out of context and misinterpreted: Pak clarifies to Afghanistan Pakistan's Foreign Ministry moved on Wednesday to cool a row with Afghanistan over reported comments by Prime Minister Imran Khan that were taken to suggest that Kabul should set up an interim government to help smooth peace talks with the Taliban. Amid differences, Tusk urges EU Parliament to be open to long Brexit extension EU Council president Donald Tusk has said the organization should be "open to a long extension if the UK wishes to rethink its Brexit strategy". No intention of entering into arms race in outer space: India after ASAT test India has said it has no intention of entering into an arms race in outer space and Anti-Satellite Missile(ASAT) test was done just to "verify" that the country has the "capability to safeguard our space assets." China expels ex-Interpol chief Meng from Communist Party China has expelled former Interpol chief Meng Hongwei from the Communist Party and dismissed him from his official positions, the country's graft watchdog announced Wednesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry moved on Wednesday to cool a row with Afghanistan over reported comments by Prime Minister Imran Khan that were taken to suggest that Kabul should set up an interim government to help smooth peace talks with the Taliban.

The comments, made to Pakistani journalists on Monday, prompted a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-slams-pakistan-over-imran-khans-remarks-summons-pak-diplomat-recalls-its-envoy-205858">furious reaction in Afghanistan</a> and led to the government recalling its ambassador to Islamabad in protest at what it described as "irresponsible" remarks by Khan.

It was the third time in just over a month that Kabul has demanded an explanation from Islamabad over comments related to peace talks aimed at ending 17 years of war in Afghanistan.

The Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Khan's comments, reported in various forms by Pakistani media outlets and picked up in Afghanistan, had been taken out of context and misinterpreted.

"In his comments, the PM had referred to Pakistan's model where elections are held under an interim government. The comments should not be misinterpreted to imply interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs," the statement said.

"Pakistan has no other interest in Afghanistan but to promote peace through an 'Afghan-owned' and 'Afghan-led' political process."

Under the Pakistani system, a neutral caretaker government is appointed shortly before national elections are held to take care of running business during the election campaign.

President Ashraf Ghani, whose mandate officially expires in May, faces a re-election battle this year, but amid gathering political uncertainty the election date has been twice postponed and is now due to take place on September 28.

US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks but the Taliban have refused to talk to the Afghan government which they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime.

Shut out from the talks, Ghani has faced pressure from political rivals to step aside and allow a caretaker government to take over, a suggestion he has rejected.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry moved on Wednesday to cool a row with Afghanistan over reported comments by Prime Minister Imran Khan that were taken to suggest that Kabul should set up an interim government to help smooth peace talks with the Taliban.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry moved on Wednesday to cool a row with Afghanistan over reported comments by Prime Minister Imran Khan that were taken to suggest that Kabul should set up an interim government to help smooth peace talks with the Taliban. The comments, made to Pakistani journalists on Monday, prompted a furious reaction in Afghanistan and led to the government recalling its ambassador to Islamabad in protest at what it described as "irresponsible" remarks by Khan. It was the third time in just over a month that Kabul has demanded an explanation from Islamabad over comments related to peace talks aimed at ending 17 years of war in Afghanistan. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying that Khan's comments, reported in various forms by Pakistani media outlets and picked up in Afghanistan, had been taken out of context and misinterpreted. "In his comments, the PM had referred to Pakistan's model where elections are held under an interim government. The comments should not be misinterpreted to imply interference in Afghanistan's internal affairs," the statement said. "Pakistan has no other interest in Afghanistan but to promote peace through an 'Afghan-owned' and 'Afghan-led' political process." Under the Pakistani system, a neutral caretaker government is appointed shortly before national elections are held to take care of running business during the election campaign. President Ashraf Ghani, whose mandate officially expires in May, faces a re-election battle this year, but amid gathering political uncertainty the election date has been twice postponed and is now due to take place on September 28. US and Taliban officials have held several rounds of talks but the Taliban have refused to talk to the Afghan government which they consider an illegitimate "puppet" regime. Shut out from the talks, Ghani has faced pressure from political rivals to step aside and allow a caretaker government to take over, a suggestion he has rejected.

Imran Khan's comments taken out of context and misinterpreted: Pak clarifies to Afghanistan 

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-takes-note-hindu-girls-forcible-conversion-to-islam-in-pakistan-demands-report-205199">Hindu girls who were abducted last week in Pakistan</a>'s southern Sindh province should be returned immediately to their families. She added that they are minors and therefore cannot decide if they can convert to another religion or not.

"Forced conversion of Hindu girls in Pakistan: The age of the girls is not disputed... Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Taking a dig at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Swaraj added, "Even the Prime Minister on 'Naya Pakistan' will not believe that girls of this tender age can voluntarily decide about their conversion to another religion and marriage".

Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry sparred publicly over the abduction of the girls with the former asking the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad to send a report on the abduction, thereby drawing an angry response from Chaudhry.

Responding to the Pak minister's comment on the situation of minorities in India, Swaraj said, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam."

"This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she added.&nbsp;

On Sunday, New Delhi sent an official note to Pakistan's Foreign Office over the abduction of the two Hindu girls in Sindh province and shared its concern with Pakistan.&nbsp;

Sources told WION, India called on Pak government to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities."

Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of the country. Three districts, Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus), contribute to the significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts where most underage Hindu girls were reportedly forced to convert and were married off.

In the past also New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship with the Pakistan government.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Hindu girls who were abducted last week in Pakistan's southern Sindh province should be returned immediately to their families.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has said that the Hindu girls who were abducted last week in Pakistan's southern Sindh province should be returned immediately to their families. She added that they are minors and therefore cannot decide if they can convert to another religion or not. "Forced conversion of Hindu girls in Pakistan: The age of the girls is not disputed... Justice demands that both these girls should be restored to their family immediately," Swaraj said on Twitter. Taking a dig at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, Swaraj added, "Even the Prime Minister on 'Naya Pakistan' will not believe that girls of this tender age can voluntarily decide about their conversion to another religion and marriage". Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry sparred publicly over the abduction of the girls with the former asking the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad to send a report on the abduction, thereby drawing an angry response from Chaudhry. Responding to the Pak minister's comment on the situation of minorities in India, Swaraj said, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam." "This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience," she added. On Sunday, New Delhi sent an official note to Pakistan's Foreign Office over the abduction of the two Hindu girls in Sindh province and shared its concern with Pakistan. Sources told WION, India called on Pak government to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities." Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of the country. Three districts, Mirpurkhas (33% Hindus), Tharparkar (36% Hindus) and Umerkot (49% Hindus), contribute to the significant Hindu community in Sindh and these are the districts where most underage Hindu girls were reportedly forced to convert and were married off. In the past also New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship with the Pakistan government.

Abducted Hindu girls in Pakistan: Sushma Swaraj says 'restore them to their families immediately'

Kabul has taken a strong stance against remarks made by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had on Monday had called for an interim administration in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has dismissed the remarks by Khan, calling them irresponsible and interference in the internal affairs of the country.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan summoned the counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Kabul over the recent remarks by Pakistan's Prime Minister Mr Imran Khan," Sebghat Ahmadi, the spokesperson of the ministry, said in a Tweet.

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1/3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, summoned the Deputy Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with respect to the recent irresponsible remarks of Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan. <a href="https://t.co/HnVaB5zVD2">pic.twitter.com/HnVaB5zVD2</a>
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sibghat_Ah/status/1110568161802362881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Summoning the deputy Pak envoy in Kabul, the Afghan Foreign Ministry expressed its "grave objection" on Pakistani PM's "reckless statements" about the peace process &amp; establishment of an interim government, "deemed such statements an obvious example of Pakistan's interventional policy and disrespect to the national sovereignty and determination of the people of Afghanistan."

The Afghanistan foreign ministry has also recalled its envoy from Islamabad for consultations in the backdrop of the comments.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan told a public gathering on Friday that peace was "around the corner" in Afghanistan and a "good government will be established".

"Negotiations have been initiated with the Taliban. God willing, our brothers in Afghanistan would live together in peace in the coming days...A good government will be established in Afghanistan, a government where all Afghans will be represented. The war will end and peace will be established there," the Pakistan Prime Minister said.

This is the second summoning of a Pakistani diplomat in 10 days by Afghan foreign ministry. Afghanistan had summoned a Pakistani diplomat on 16th March following comments by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan calling for "new government in Kabul"

Afghanistan in February complained to the United Nations security council (UNSC) against Islamabad due to its engagement with the Taliban and attempts to subvert the Afghan peace process.

Pakistan government in February had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States in Islamabad infuriating Afghanistan. The meet was cancelled by the Taliban after the letter by Afghan govt to UNSC.

Islamabad sees Afghanistan has its own backyard and since the Afghan war in the 1980s has been trying to prop up regimes, including the Taliban in 1990s, that have been hindering the development of the country.

The development comes even as pressure mounts on Islamabad by New Delhi and Tehran to act on terror safe havens in its territory but Pakistan continues to turn a blind eye on them.

Kabul has taken a strong stance against remarks made by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had on Monday had called for an interim administration in Afghanistan.

Kabul has taken a strong stance against remarks made by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who had on Monday had called for an interim administration in Afghanistan. Afghanistan has dismissed the remarks by Khan, calling them irresponsible and interference in the internal affairs of the country. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan summoned the counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in Kabul over the recent remarks by Pakistan's Prime Minister Mr Imran Khan," Sebghat Ahmadi, the spokesperson of the ministry, said in a Tweet. 1/3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, summoned the Deputy Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with respect to the recent irresponsible remarks of Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan. pic.twitter.com/HnVaB5zVD2 — Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) March 26, 2019 × Summoning the deputy Pak envoy in Kabul, the Afghan Foreign Ministry expressed its "grave objection" on Pakistani PM's "reckless statements" about the peace process & establishment of an interim government, "deemed such statements an obvious example of Pakistan's interventional policy and disrespect to the national sovereignty and determination of the people of Afghanistan." The Afghanistan foreign ministry has also recalled its envoy from Islamabad for consultations in the backdrop of the comments. Pakistan PM Imran Khan told a public gathering on Friday that peace was "around the corner" in Afghanistan and a "good government will be established". "Negotiations have been initiated with the Taliban. God willing, our brothers in Afghanistan would live together in peace in the coming days...A good government will be established in Afghanistan, a government where all Afghans will be represented. The war will end and peace will be established there," the Pakistan Prime Minister said. This is the second summoning of a Pakistani diplomat in 10 days by Afghan foreign ministry. Afghanistan had summoned a Pakistani diplomat on 16th March following comments by Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan calling for "new government in Kabul" Afghanistan in February complained to the United Nations security council (UNSC) against Islamabad due to its engagement with the Taliban and attempts to subvert the Afghan peace process. Pakistan government in February had invited the Taliban for talks along with the United States in Islamabad infuriating Afghanistan. The meet was cancelled by the Taliban after the letter by Afghan govt to UNSC. Islamabad sees Afghanistan has its own backyard and since the Afghan war in the 1980s has been trying to prop up regimes, including the Taliban in 1990s, that have been hindering the development of the country. The development comes even as pressure mounts on Islamabad by New Delhi and Tehran to act on terror safe havens in its territory but Pakistan continues to turn a blind eye on them.

Afghanistan slams Pakistan over Imran Khan's remarks; summons Pak diplomat, recalls its envoy

Pakistan showcases China-built J-17 Thunder, US F-16 aircraft on National Day

Christian Louboutin has decided to give the popular Peshawari chappals a new name and look. Popular with men in the subcontinent, Peshwari chappals have been christened as 'Imran sandals' by the designer.&nbsp;

The footwear is popular amongst men in the sub-continent when they wear traditional attire. While many felt that the designer has named them after the current Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, there has been no official confirmation from the designer or his label so far. Many also feel it could have been named after Louboutin`s Pakistani friend, artist Imran Qureshi.

The 'Imran sandals' have studs, Louboutin's trademark red soles, and the brand's logo.

In 2014, British menswear designer Paul Smith found himself in hot waters when he replicated the Peshwari chappals as his own and sold them in the market for a whopping 300 pounds.

As a result, the brand changed the shoe`s description on its website to "inspired by Peshawari Chappal".

However, less than 24 hours after the Louboutin's official Instagram handle shared the image and it went viral, the picture pulled down from social media and the design house’s official website. No official statement regarding the removal of the post has been issued yet.

The post, which went viral in no time, has got the internet divided. While some have given a thumbs up to the design, others have slammed Louboutin for "cultural appropriation”.

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Also they are named, "Imran Sandal's". <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> is the brand ambassador of Peshawari Chapals and he has made them world famous. <a href="https://t.co/HyMzPzh9sh">https://t.co/HyMzPzh9sh</a>
— S~ (@iizapotato) <a href="https://twitter.com/iizapotato/status/1110056686302228480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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After <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeshawariChapals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeshawariChapals</a>, We've now <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImranSandals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImranSandals</a>...! We looked for statecraft; instead new brands of shoecraft coming up. <a href="https://t.co/W3JeemS67k">https://t.co/W3JeemS67k</a>
— Sikandar Ali Hullio (@HullioSikandar) <a href="https://twitter.com/HullioSikandar/status/1110069991968305152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2019</a></blockquote>
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How do I unsee this?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PeshawariChappals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PeshawariChappals</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChristianLouboutin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChristianLouboutin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImranSandals?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImranSandals</a> <a href="https://t.co/jCEdHtslW4">pic.twitter.com/jCEdHtslW4</a>
— Humeira Ajaz Kazmi (@humeirakazmi) <a href="https://twitter.com/humeirakazmi/status/1109962452358307840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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awful, Imran's sandals in reality are quite decent compared to these.
— XULQI MOON (@XULQIMOON) <a href="https://twitter.com/XULQIMOON/status/1109861211330539520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Peshawari chappal launched &amp; renamed as Imran sandal by french designer Christian Louboutin.. don't quite like the new look though... 
<a href="https://t.co/ye2zNPJuI1">https://t.co/ye2zNPJuI1</a>
— Hira Rustam (@HiraRustam) <a href="https://twitter.com/HiraRustam/status/1109814900430462978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Christian Louboutin has decided to give the popular Peshawari chappals a new name and look. Popular with men in the subcontinent, Peshwari chappals have been christened as 'Imran sandals' by the designer.

Christian Louboutin has decided to give the popular Peshawari chappals a new name and look. Popular with men in the subcontinent, Peshwari chappals have been christened as 'Imran sandals' by the designer. The footwear is popular amongst men in the sub-continent when they wear traditional attire. While many felt that the designer has named them after the current Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan, there has been no official confirmation from the designer or his label so far. Many also feel it could have been named after Louboutin`s Pakistani friend, artist Imran Qureshi. The 'Imran sandals' have studs, Louboutin's trademark red soles, and the brand's logo. In 2014, British menswear designer Paul Smith found himself in hot waters when he replicated the Peshwari chappals as his own and sold them in the market for a whopping 300 pounds. As a result, the brand changed the shoe`s description on its website to "inspired by Peshawari Chappal". However, less than 24 hours after the Louboutin's official Instagram handle shared the image and it went viral, the picture pulled down from social media and the design house’s official website. No official statement regarding the removal of the post has been issued yet. The post, which went viral in no time, has got the internet divided. While some have given a thumbs up to the design, others have slammed Louboutin for "cultural appropriation”. Also they are named, "Imran Sandal's". @ImranKhanPTI is the brand ambassador of Peshawari Chapals and he has made them world famous. https://t.co/HyMzPzh9sh — S~ (@iizapotato) March 25, 2019 × After #PeshawariChapals, We've now #ImranSandals...! We looked for statecraft; instead new brands of shoecraft coming up. https://t.co/W3JeemS67k — Sikandar Ali Hullio (@HullioSikandar) March 25, 2019 × How do I unsee this?? #PeshawariChappals #ChristianLouboutin #ImranSandals pic.twitter.com/jCEdHtslW4 — Humeira Ajaz Kazmi (@humeirakazmi) March 24, 2019 × awful, Imran's sandals in reality are quite decent compared to these. — XULQI MOON (@XULQIMOON) March 24, 2019 × Peshawari chappal launched & renamed as Imran sandal by french designer Christian Louboutin.. don't quite like the new look though... https://t.co/ye2zNPJuI1 — Hira Rustam (@HiraRustam) March 24, 2019 ×

Christian Louboutin reinvents Peshawari chappals as 'Imran Sandals'; draws flak for cultural appropriation'

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-teenage-girls-forcibly-married-off-converted-to-islam-in-pakistans-sindh-province-205064">'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls</a> to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province.&nbsp;

Swaraj noted that Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan will be sending a report on the same.&nbsp;

"I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this," Swaraj tweeted today.&nbsp;

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I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a> 
Two Hindu girls abducted on Holi eve in Pakistan's Sindh <a href="https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d">https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d</a> via <a href="https://twitter.com/TOIWorld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TOIWorld</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1109653044763877377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The EAM's reaction came a day after it was reported on Saturday that two Hindu teenage girls, ageing 12 and 14 respectively, were allegedly kidnapped, forcibly married off and converted to Islam on the eve of Holi in Pakistan's Sindh province.&nbsp;

The report comes as a major jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of 'Naya Pakistan'.&nbsp;

As per reports, the incident took place when the Hindu community was celebrating Holi.&nbsp;

The Hindu community took to streets demanding stern action against the accused involved in the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls.

The police, which had reportedly dillydallied in registering the complaint earlier, finally lodged the FIR after the protests broke out.&nbsp;

The priest who got the girls married said it was a voluntary decision of girls to convert to Islam. However, the marriage and subsequent conversion is a blatant violation of the law passed by the Sindh assembly which bars conversion of minors in the absence of their parents.&nbsp;

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the 'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday announced on Twitter that she has sought a report on the case of the 'forcible' marriage and conversion of two Hindu girls to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province. Swaraj noted that Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan will be sending a report on the same. "I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this," Swaraj tweeted today. I have asked Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on this. @IndiainPakistan Two Hindu girls abducted on Holi eve in Pakistan's Sindh https://t.co/r4bTBSoy9d via @TOIWorld — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 24, 2019 × The EAM's reaction came a day after it was reported on Saturday that two Hindu teenage girls, ageing 12 and 14 respectively, were allegedly kidnapped, forcibly married off and converted to Islam on the eve of Holi in Pakistan's Sindh province. The report comes as a major jolt to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision of 'Naya Pakistan'. As per reports, the incident took place when the Hindu community was celebrating Holi. The Hindu community took to streets demanding stern action against the accused involved in the abduction and forced conversion of Hindu girls. The police, which had reportedly dillydallied in registering the complaint earlier, finally lodged the FIR after the protests broke out. The priest who got the girls married said it was a voluntary decision of girls to convert to Islam. However, the marriage and subsequent conversion is a blatant violation of the law passed by the Sindh assembly which bars conversion of minors in the absence of their parents.

Sushma Swaraj takes note of Hindu girls' 'forcible' conversion to Islam in Pakistan, demands report

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered a probe into reports of abduction, forced conversion and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-teenage-girls-forcibly-married-off-converted-to-islam-in-pakistans-sindh-province-205064">underage marriages of two teenage Hindu girls</a> in Sindh province and to take immediate steps for their recovery, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Sunday.

The the two girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls.

In a separate video, the minor girls can be seen saying that they accepted Islam of their own free will.

In a Twitter post in Urdu on Sunday, Information Minister Chaudhry said that the prime minister has asked the Sindh chief minister to look into reports that the girls in question have been taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab.

Chaudhry said the prime minister has also ordered the Sindh and Punjab governments to devise a joint action plan in light of the incident, and to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents from happening again.

"The minorities in Pakistan make up the white of our flag and all of our flag's colours are precious to us. Protection of our flag is our duty," he said.

On Saturday, Chaudhry said that the government had taken notice of reports of the forced conversion and underage marriages of the two girls.

The Hindu community in Pakistan has carried out massive demonstrations calling for strict action to be taken against those responsible, while reminding Prime Minister Khan of his promises to the minorities of the country.

Last year, Khan during his election campaign had said his party's agenda was to uplift the various religious groups across Pakistan and said they would take effective measures to prevent forced marriages of Hindu girls.

Sanjesh Dhanja, President of Pakistan Hindu Sewa Welfare Trust, an NGO, earlier urged Prime Minister Khan to take note of the incident and prove to everyone that minorities were indeed safe and secure in Pakistan.

"The truth is minorities suffer from different sorts of persecution and the problem of young Hindu girls being kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to convert to Islam or get married to much older men is widespread in Sindh, he said.

Dhanja said the Hindu community had staged several sit-ins in Ghotki district after which police reluctantly registered FIR against the accused persons.

The Hindu community leaders have claimed that the accused belonged to the Kohbar and Malik tribes in the area.

Following the incident, an FIR was filed by the girls' brother, alleging that their father had an altercation with the accused sometime ago and on the eve of Holi they armed with pistols forcibly entered their home and took the sisters away.

A Pakistan Muslim League-Functional MPA Nand Kumar Goklani, who had initially moved a bill against forced conversions, urged the government to get the law passed immediately.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country.

Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with their Muslim fellows.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered a probe into reports of abduction, forced conversion and underage marriages of two teenage Hindu girls in Sindh province and to take immediate steps for their recovery, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Sunday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered a probe into reports of abduction, forced conversion and underage marriages of two teenage Hindu girls in Sindh province and to take immediate steps for their recovery, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said on Sunday. The the two girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls. In a separate video, the minor girls can be seen saying that they accepted Islam of their own free will. In a Twitter post in Urdu on Sunday, Information Minister Chaudhry said that the prime minister has asked the Sindh chief minister to look into reports that the girls in question have been taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab. Chaudhry said the prime minister has also ordered the Sindh and Punjab governments to devise a joint action plan in light of the incident, and to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents from happening again. "The minorities in Pakistan make up the white of our flag and all of our flag's colours are precious to us. Protection of our flag is our duty," he said. On Saturday, Chaudhry said that the government had taken notice of reports of the forced conversion and underage marriages of the two girls. The Hindu community in Pakistan has carried out massive demonstrations calling for strict action to be taken against those responsible, while reminding Prime Minister Khan of his promises to the minorities of the country. Last year, Khan during his election campaign had said his party's agenda was to uplift the various religious groups across Pakistan and said they would take effective measures to prevent forced marriages of Hindu girls. Sanjesh Dhanja, President of Pakistan Hindu Sewa Welfare Trust, an NGO, earlier urged Prime Minister Khan to take note of the incident and prove to everyone that minorities were indeed safe and secure in Pakistan. "The truth is minorities suffer from different sorts of persecution and the problem of young Hindu girls being kidnapped at gunpoint and forced to convert to Islam or get married to much older men is widespread in Sindh, he said. Dhanja said the Hindu community had staged several sit-ins in Ghotki district after which police reluctantly registered FIR against the accused persons. The Hindu community leaders have claimed that the accused belonged to the Kohbar and Malik tribes in the area. Following the incident, an FIR was filed by the girls' brother, alleging that their father had an altercation with the accused sometime ago and on the eve of Holi they armed with pistols forcibly entered their home and took the sisters away. A Pakistan Muslim League-Functional MPA Nand Kumar Goklani, who had initially moved a bill against forced conversions, urged the government to get the law passed immediately. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with their Muslim fellows.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan orders probe into forced conversion and marriages of two teenage Hindu girls

India on Sunday shared its concern regarding the abduction and forcible marriage of&nbsp;Hindu girls and called for suitable remedial action by Pakistan government.&nbsp;

Sources told WION that in an official note to Pakistan Foreign office, India told Islamabad&nbsp;to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities."

The development comes after India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj asking Indian high commissioner in Pakistan on Twitter to send a report on the abduction of Hindu girls drawing an angry response from Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry.

Swaraj responded to Chaudhry's response by saying, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mr.Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fawadchaudhry</a> - I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience. <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiainPakistan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiainPakistan</a>
— Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj/status/1109740418151772160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

<img alt="Sushma Swaraj" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="54a947e1-7fee-411b-9692-aa03fd7737d5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ch%20fawad%20hussain_0.JPG" />

According to the Pakistan Information Minister, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab that girls should immediately be recovered.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hindu Council has called for strict action against clerics Miyan Mithu Barchundi, Pir Ayub Jaan Sirhindi who the minorities in the Sindh region accuse of abducting the girls. The committee is headed by Ramesh Vankhwani, member of National Assembly member, and a Hindu.

The Sarhandi shrine in Samaro in Umerkot and Barchundi Sharif in Sindh's Mirpurkhas District are active in religious conversions of Hindus and claimed to have converted thousands of Hindu girls and young women to Islam.

New Delhi's strong stance will irk Pakistan that has been raising the issue of minorities in India for months now.

On December 25, 2018, the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted, "Naya Pakistan is Quaid’s Pakistan and will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India"

Statistics in recent years have revealed that Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Its three districts - Mirpurkhas (with 33% Hindu population), Tharparkar (with 36% Hindu population) and Umerkot (with 49% Hindu population) contribute to the significant Hindu community in the country. But these are the districts were most forced conversion &amp; marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported.

In the past also India has strongly taken up the matter of situation of minorities in Pakistan. These cases include the abduction of two 16-year-old Hindu girls in January 2019, forceful conversation of another 16-year-old in June 2017 and kidnapping of a 17-year-old Sikh girl who was married off to a local in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship, with the Pakistan government in February 2019, June 2018 and December 2017.

India on Sunday shared its concern regarding the abduction and forcible marriage of Hindu girls and called for suitable remedial action by Pakistan government. Sources told WION that in an official note to Pakistan Foreign office, India told Islamabad to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities.

India on Sunday shared its concern regarding the abduction and forcible marriage of Hindu girls and called for suitable remedial action by Pakistan government. Sources told WION that in an official note to Pakistan Foreign office, India told Islamabad to "protect and promote safety, security and welfare of its own citizens, especially from the minority communities." The development comes after India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj asking Indian high commissioner in Pakistan on Twitter to send a report on the abduction of Hindu girls drawing an angry response from Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry. Swaraj responded to Chaudhry's response by saying, "I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience." Mr.Minister @fawadchaudhry - I only asked for a report from Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad about the kidnapping and forced conversion of two minor Hindu girls to Islam. This was enough to make you jittery. This only shows your guilty conscience. @IndiainPakistan — Chowkidar Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 24, 2019 × According to the Pakistan Information Minister, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab that girls should immediately be recovered. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Hindu Council has called for strict action against clerics Miyan Mithu Barchundi, Pir Ayub Jaan Sirhindi who the minorities in the Sindh region accuse of abducting the girls. The committee is headed by Ramesh Vankhwani, member of National Assembly member, and a Hindu. The Sarhandi shrine in Samaro in Umerkot and Barchundi Sharif in Sindh's Mirpurkhas District are active in religious conversions of Hindus and claimed to have converted thousands of Hindu girls and young women to Islam. New Delhi's strong stance will irk Pakistan that has been raising the issue of minorities in India for months now. On December 25, 2018, the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tweeted, "Naya Pakistan is Quaid’s Pakistan and will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India" Statistics in recent years have revealed that Sindh in southern Pakistan has a higher percentage of Hindus than the rest of Pakistan. Its three districts - Mirpurkhas (with 33% Hindu population), Tharparkar (with 36% Hindu population) and Umerkot (with 49% Hindu population) contribute to the significant Hindu community in the country. But these are the districts were most forced conversion & marriages of underage Hindu girls in Pakistan have been reported. In the past also India has strongly taken up the matter of situation of minorities in Pakistan. These cases include the abduction of two 16-year-old Hindu girls in January 2019, forceful conversation of another 16-year-old in June 2017 and kidnapping of a 17-year-old Sikh girl who was married off to a local in Buner district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. New Delhi has taken up cases of intimidation of Sikhs, Hindus, as also the desecration of their places of worship, with the Pakistan government in February 2019, June 2018 and December 2017.

Pakistan gets a taste of its own medicine as India strongly raises the issue of abducted Hindu girls in Sindh

Gravitas: Three minor hindu girls forced to convert to Islam in Pakistan

A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-teenage-girls-forcibly-married-off-converted-to-islam-in-pakistans-sindh-province-205064">The two girls</a>, were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also ordered a probe into the issue.

According to Geo TV, the teenagers approached a court in Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection.&nbsp;

"Police have meanwhile arrested a man from Khanpur who is suspected to have assisted in the nikah (marital contract) of the girls," it said.&nbsp;

However, it is not confirmed whether the arrested man is the cleric who performed their marriage.&nbsp;

Earlier there were reports that the cleric who performed the minor girls' marriage was arrested from Khan Pur in Sindh.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, a war of words broke out between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry over the reported abduction, forced conversion and underage marriages of the two Hindu teenagers.&nbsp;

The spat started soon after Swaraj sought details from the Indian envoy in Pakistan into the reported abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls.

Swaraj, while tagging a media report about the incident, tweeted that she has asked the Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on the matter.

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry responded to her tweet, saying it was his country's "internal issue".

In a Twitter post in Urdu on Sunday, Chaudhry said the prime minister has asked the Sindh chief minister to look into reports that the girls in question&nbsp; 
have been taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab.

He said the prime minister has also ordered the Sindh and Punjab governments to devise a joint action plan in light of the incident and to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents from happening again.

The Hindu community in Pakistan has carried out massive demonstrations calling for strict action to be taken against those responsible while reminding Prime Minister Khan of his promises to the minorities of the country.

Last year, Khan during his election campaign had said his party's agenda was to uplift the various religious groups across Pakistan and said they would take effective measures to prevent forced marriages of Hindu girls.

Pakistan Hindu Council chief and Member of National Assembly from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Ramesh Kumar Vankwani condemned the incident and demanded that the bill against forced conversion, which was unanimously passed by Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to pressure of extremist elements, must be resurrected and passed in the assembly on priority basis.

Rights activist Jibran Nasir tweeted that the sisters were converted at the Dargah Barchundi Sharif and were taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab following their marriages.&nbsp;

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province.&nbsp;

According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages to take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report.

A man suspected to have assisted in solemnising the wedding of two Pakistani Hindu minor girls, who were reportedly abducted and forcefully converted to Islam, was arrested on Sunday, as the teenagers approached a court in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection, according to a media report. The two girls, were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the Nikah (marriage) of the two girls, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had also ordered a probe into the issue. According to Geo TV, the teenagers approached a court in Bahawalpur in Pakistan's Punjab province seeking protection. "Police have meanwhile arrested a man from Khanpur who is suspected to have assisted in the nikah (marital contract) of the girls," it said. However, it is not confirmed whether the arrested man is the cleric who performed their marriage. Earlier there were reports that the cleric who performed the minor girls' marriage was arrested from Khan Pur in Sindh. Earlier in the day, a war of words broke out between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry over the reported abduction, forced conversion and underage marriages of the two Hindu teenagers. The spat started soon after Swaraj sought details from the Indian envoy in Pakistan into the reported abduction of two Hindu teenaged girls. Swaraj, while tagging a media report about the incident, tweeted that she has asked the Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan to send a report on the matter. Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry responded to her tweet, saying it was his country's "internal issue". In a Twitter post in Urdu on Sunday, Chaudhry said the prime minister has asked the Sindh chief minister to look into reports that the girls in question have been taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab. He said the prime minister has also ordered the Sindh and Punjab governments to devise a joint action plan in light of the incident and to take concrete steps to prevent such incidents from happening again. The Hindu community in Pakistan has carried out massive demonstrations calling for strict action to be taken against those responsible while reminding Prime Minister Khan of his promises to the minorities of the country. Last year, Khan during his election campaign had said his party's agenda was to uplift the various religious groups across Pakistan and said they would take effective measures to prevent forced marriages of Hindu girls. Pakistan Hindu Council chief and Member of National Assembly from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Ramesh Kumar Vankwani condemned the incident and demanded that the bill against forced conversion, which was unanimously passed by Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to pressure of extremist elements, must be resurrected and passed in the assembly on priority basis. Rights activist Jibran Nasir tweeted that the sisters were converted at the Dargah Barchundi Sharif and were taken to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab following their marriages. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province. According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages to take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

Pakistan: Minor Hindu girls approach court, man suspected to have assisted in their wedding held

Pak PM Imran Khan will review the proposal to open Sharada Peeth

Pak foreign ministry submits proposal for opening Sharada Peeth

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

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

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

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

Protestors in Pakistan on Sunday called for the implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2014 along-with an immediate recovery of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-teenage-girls-forcibly-married-off-converted-to-islam-in-pakistans-sindh-province-205064">two Hindu girls who were 'forcibly' married off </a>and converted to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province recently.

The protest organised by Interfaith Harmony Peace Forum of Pakistan was attended by a large number of people.&nbsp;

The duo aged thirteen and fifteen was abducted by six armed men from their house at Ghotki district in Sindh province on the eve of Holi as per the FIR lodged by the local police.&nbsp;

The police, who refused to register an FIR in the case initially, obliged after the father of the two girls&nbsp;threatened to commit suicide.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, activist Seema Maheshwary said that they have gathered to demand the protection of all the minorities in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Maheshwary said why two per cent minorities living in Pakistan, can not be given protection by the state.

Rights activist Huma Qureshi said they have gathered against the abduction and forced conversion of the two Hindu girls. She demanded that the government of Pakistan protect the minorities and implement Child Marriage Restraint Act to its fullest.

The family members of the victims of a similar heinous act in the past also attended the protest even as they await justice.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION, grandmother of a Hindu girl who was abducted and forcefully converted said, "It was all on gunpoint, it’s been two months and still there is no progress".&nbsp;

The girl&nbsp;was abducted from Tando AllahYar, a city in Sindh province.

Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-war-of-words-erupts-between-sushma-swaraj-pakistan-minister-over-abduction-of-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205314">tweeted about the incident and sought a report from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad</a>. The tweet sparked a war of tweets between a Pakistani minister and Swaraj.&nbsp;

India has also sent an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-gets-a-taste-of-its-own-medicine-as-india-strongly-raises-the-issue-of-abducted-hindu-girls-in-sindh-205356">official note to Pakistan Foreign Office</a> in which the government shared the concern over the incident and called for a suitable remedial action from the Pakistan government.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-orders-probe-into-forced-conversion-and-marriages-of-two-teenage-hindu-girls-205232"> Imran Khan has asked the chief minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar </a>to ensure the safe recovery of the girls, following which, some arrests were made including that of the Imam who read out the Nikkah of the two girls.

The girls were taken to Rahim Yar Khan, a province of Sindh which has laws that criminalise child marriage under the age of 18, by their abductors in order to avert arrest.

Even 72 hours after the incident came to light, significant progress is yet to be made on the ground with regards to the recovery of the two sisters.

Protestors in Pakistan on Sunday called for the implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2014 along-with an immediate recovery of the two Hindu girls who were 'forcibly' married off and converted to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province recently.

Protestors in Pakistan on Sunday called for the implementation of the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2014 along-with an immediate recovery of the two Hindu girls who were 'forcibly' married off and converted to Islam in Pakistan's Sindh province recently. The protest organised by Interfaith Harmony Peace Forum of Pakistan was attended by a large number of people. The duo aged thirteen and fifteen was abducted by six armed men from their house at Ghotki district in Sindh province on the eve of Holi as per the FIR lodged by the local police. The police, who refused to register an FIR in the case initially, obliged after the father of the two girls threatened to commit suicide. Speaking to WION, activist Seema Maheshwary said that they have gathered to demand the protection of all the minorities in Pakistan. Maheshwary said why two per cent minorities living in Pakistan, can not be given protection by the state. Rights activist Huma Qureshi said they have gathered against the abduction and forced conversion of the two Hindu girls. She demanded that the government of Pakistan protect the minorities and implement Child Marriage Restraint Act to its fullest. The family members of the victims of a similar heinous act in the past also attended the protest even as they await justice. Speaking to WION, grandmother of a Hindu girl who was abducted and forcefully converted said, "It was all on gunpoint, it’s been two months and still there is no progress". The girl was abducted from Tando AllahYar, a city in Sindh province. Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Sunday tweeted about the incident and sought a report from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. The tweet sparked a war of tweets between a Pakistani minister and Swaraj. India has also sent an official note to Pakistan Foreign Office in which the government shared the concern over the incident and called for a suitable remedial action from the Pakistan government. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the chief minister of Punjab Usman Buzdar to ensure the safe recovery of the girls, following which, some arrests were made including that of the Imam who read out the Nikkah of the two girls. The girls were taken to Rahim Yar Khan, a province of Sindh which has laws that criminalise child marriage under the age of 18, by their abductors in order to avert arrest. Even 72 hours after the incident came to light, significant progress is yet to be made on the ground with regards to the recovery of the two sisters.

Protestors in Pakistan demand implementation of Child Marriage Restraint Act after two girls 'forcibly' married off, converted to Islam

Imran Khan received message from PM Modi

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mueller-submits-trump-russia-report-clamour-grows-for-its-quick-release-204966">Mueller submits Trump-Russia report, clamour grows for its quick release</a>

Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Friday handed in a confidential report on his investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 presidential election and any potential wrongdoing by US President Donald Trump, setting off a clamour from lawmakers in both parties for the document's quick release.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-day-pm-modi-writes-letter-to-pak-pm-as-part-of-customary-practice-calls-for-terror-free-south-asia-204995">Pakistan national day: PM Modi writes </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-day-pm-modi-writes-letter-to-pak-pm-as-part-of-customary-practice-calls-for-terror-free-south-asia-204995">letter</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-national-day-pm-modi-writes-letter-to-pak-pm-as-part-of-customary-practice-calls-for-terror-free-south-asia-204995"> to Pak PM as part of customary practice; calls for terror-free South Asia</a>

India has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of the diplomatic practice of writing to the Heads of state/Govt on their respective National Days. The letter is sent to all countries with whom India shares diplomatic relations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-asks-un-council-to-uphold-resolutions-on-golan-heights-204971">Syria asks UN council to uphold resolutions on Golan Heights</a>

Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the Golan Heights after President Donald Trump said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/muslims-return-to-christchurch-mosque-as-new-zealand-works-to-move-on-204991">Muslims return to Christchurch mosque as New Zealand works to move on</a>

Muslims returned to Christchurch's main mosque on Saturday for the first time since a white supremacist massacred worshippers there, as New Zealand sought to return to normality after the tragedy.

The Al Noor mosque was taken over by police for investigations and security reasons after alleged gunman Brenton Tarrant attacked Muslims gathered there and at a smaller mosque for Friday prayers, killing 50 people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-bjp-releases-list-of-36-candidates-sambit-patra-to-contest-from-puri-204967">Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri</a>

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections.

The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

Mueller submits Trump-Russia report, clamour grows for its quick release Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Friday handed in a confidential report on his investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 presidential election and any potential wrongdoing by US President Donald Trump, setting off a clamour from lawmakers in both parties for the document's quick release.

Mueller submits Trump-Russia report, clamour grows for its quick release Special Counsel Robert Mueller on Friday handed in a confidential report on his investigation into Russia's role in the 2016 presidential election and any potential wrongdoing by US President Donald Trump, setting off a clamour from lawmakers in both parties for the document's quick release. Pakistan national day: PM Modi writes letter to Pak PM as part of customary practice; calls for terror-free South Asia India has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of the diplomatic practice of writing to the Heads of state/Govt on their respective National Days. The letter is sent to all countries with whom India shares diplomatic relations. Syria asks UN council to uphold resolutions on Golan Heights Syria on Friday asked the UN Security Council to uphold resolutions declaring that Israel withdraws from the Golan Heights after President Donald Trump said the United States would recognize Israel's annexation of the territory. Muslims return to Christchurch mosque as New Zealand works to move on Muslims returned to Christchurch's main mosque on Saturday for the first time since a white supremacist massacred worshippers there, as New Zealand sought to return to normality after the tragedy. The Al Noor mosque was taken over by police for investigations and security reasons after alleged gunman Brenton Tarrant attacked Muslims gathered there and at a smaller mosque for Friday prayers, killing 50 people. Lok Sabha polls: BJP releases list of 36 candidates, Sambit Patra to contest from Puri The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday released a list of 36 candidates for Lok Sabha polls in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra and Odisha ahead of the general elections. The party has fielded Girish Bapat from Pune (Maharashtra), its national spokesperson Sambit Patra from Puri (Odisha), Dilip Kumar Kilaru from Vijayawada (Andhra Pradesh), Bharati Pawar from Dindori (Maharashtra) and Sanbor Shullai from Shillong (Meghalaya).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-eyes-900-million-investment-deals-during-malaysian-pms-visit-204687">Pakistan and Malaysia</a> Friday agreed to elevate their bilateral relation to strategic level and decided to strengthen economic and commercial ties as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad here.

The deliberations are part of Malaysian Prime Minister's ongoing 3-day visit to the Muslim-majority nation. He arrived in Islamabad on Thursday.

Mahathir held talks with Khan at one-on-one and delegation level, according to a joint statement.

"Both Leaders agreed that the existing relations between Pakistan-Malaysia be elevated to a strategic partnership. It marked a new level of the bilateral cooperation between both countries in various fields, namely trade in palm oil, agricultural products, food retail, halal products, automotive parts, energy, science and technology, and telecommunication investment," according to joint statement.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared desire to maintain close high-level contacts, deepen friendly exchanges of visits and cooperation in all fields, as well as, to actively promote Pakistan-Malaysia relations.

The two side agreed to promote cooperation in the automotive industry and the two Prime Ministers jointly officiated the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony of PROTON plant in Islamabad to boost the manufacturing and services industry for both countries.

The two nations reaffirmed the importance of the cooperation between the private sectors of both countries and both leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for investment and cooperation, particularly in the telecommunication sector.

Earlier, Advisor to Prime Minister Khan on Commerce Razzak Dawood said that MoUs worth USD 800-900 million would be singed but their exact worth was not declared after signing ceremony.

However, Finance Minister Asad Umar told the media that MoUs were about five big projects?. He also said that Malaysia was interested in buying JF-17 Thunder jets from Pakistan.

Umar also said that Pakistan would provide anti-tank missiles to Malaysia.&nbsp;

According to the joint statement, the two leaders acknowledged that MoU singed for the investment would serve to promote and strengthen the economic ties between both countries.

Malaysia expressed hope that Pakistan would continue to import more Malaysian palm oil and palm oil-based products, as well as, remove any non-tariff barriers on Malaysian goods and products.

Both stressed that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion or belief.&nbsp;

The two leaders also spoke against rising Islamophobia and agreed that steps should be taken to address this issue.

"Pakistan and Malaysia both understand the need to find ways to combat Islamophobia. This is our priority. We must work to improve the perception of Muslims in the world. We must change the prevailing atmosphere of fear. We must also realise that fighting back does not always mean killing each other," said Mahathir.

Mahathir will be the guest of honour at Pakistan Day parade on Saturday.

Pakistan and Malaysia Friday agreed to elevate their bilateral relation to strategic level and decided to strengthen economic and commercial ties as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad here.

Pakistan and Malaysia Friday agreed to elevate their bilateral relation to strategic level and decided to strengthen economic and commercial ties as Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad here. The deliberations are part of Malaysian Prime Minister's ongoing 3-day visit to the Muslim-majority nation. He arrived in Islamabad on Thursday. Mahathir held talks with Khan at one-on-one and delegation level, according to a joint statement. "Both Leaders agreed that the existing relations between Pakistan-Malaysia be elevated to a strategic partnership. It marked a new level of the bilateral cooperation between both countries in various fields, namely trade in palm oil, agricultural products, food retail, halal products, automotive parts, energy, science and technology, and telecommunication investment," according to joint statement. Both sides reaffirmed their shared desire to maintain close high-level contacts, deepen friendly exchanges of visits and cooperation in all fields, as well as, to actively promote Pakistan-Malaysia relations. The two side agreed to promote cooperation in the automotive industry and the two Prime Ministers jointly officiated the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony of PROTON plant in Islamabad to boost the manufacturing and services industry for both countries. The two nations reaffirmed the importance of the cooperation between the private sectors of both countries and both leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) for investment and cooperation, particularly in the telecommunication sector. Earlier, Advisor to Prime Minister Khan on Commerce Razzak Dawood said that MoUs worth USD 800-900 million would be singed but their exact worth was not declared after signing ceremony. However, Finance Minister Asad Umar told the media that MoUs were about five big projects?. He also said that Malaysia was interested in buying JF-17 Thunder jets from Pakistan. Umar also said that Pakistan would provide anti-tank missiles to Malaysia. According to the joint statement, the two leaders acknowledged that MoU singed for the investment would serve to promote and strengthen the economic ties between both countries. Malaysia expressed hope that Pakistan would continue to import more Malaysian palm oil and palm oil-based products, as well as, remove any non-tariff barriers on Malaysian goods and products. Both stressed that terrorism cannot be associated with any religion or belief. The two leaders also spoke against rising Islamophobia and agreed that steps should be taken to address this issue. "Pakistan and Malaysia both understand the need to find ways to combat Islamophobia. This is our priority. We must work to improve the perception of Muslims in the world. We must change the prevailing atmosphere of fear. We must also realise that fighting back does not always mean killing each other," said Mahathir. Mahathir will be the guest of honour at Pakistan Day parade on Saturday.

Pakistan, Malaysia agree to elevate their bilateral relation to strategic level 

India has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of the diplomatic practice of writing to the Heads of state/Govt on their respective National Days. The letter is sent to all countries with whom India shares diplomatic relations.

Pakistan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/received-msg-from-pm-modi-tweets-imran-khan-on-the-eve-of-pakistan-national-day-204939">Imran Khan also tweeted out stating that he received a message from PM Modi</a> on the occasion of Pakistan national day which is celebrated on March 23.

According to Khan, PM Modi in his message said, "I extend my greetings and best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan."

Top sources told WION, PM Modi in his message to PM Imran Khan highlighted the importance of a terror-free South Asia.

The unsigned letter was sent to the Pak government ahead of &nbsp;Pakistan's National Day on March 23.&nbsp;

India has boycotted Pakistan National Day events in Delhi and in Islamabad as Pakistan had invited separatist Hurriyat leadership.

No political representative was sent to Pakistan national day reception at Pakistan high commission in Delhi. In Pakistan, diplomats, including those of the Indian High Commission, will not be participating in Pakistan national day events on Saturday.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in a press briefing, said, "I can confirm India has decided not to send any representative. This decision was taken after Pak HC decided to invite the Hurriyat representative to the reception."

"You are aware of our reaction in the past, most recently in February. We are very clear, any attempt by Pakistan leadership or High Commission to engage with the Hurriyat leadership will not be taken lightly," Kumar added.

It is important to note that no Hurriyat leader was seen at Pakistani national day even though they were invited.

Pakistan national day commemorates the day when the Muslim League passed the Lahore resolution and called for the formation of Pakistan on March 23 1940. On the same day, in 1956, Pakistan adopted its constitution.

India has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of the diplomatic practice of writing to the Heads of state/Govt on their respective National Days.

India has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had written a letter to Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan as part of the diplomatic practice of writing to the Heads of state/Govt on their respective National Days. The letter is sent to all countries with whom India shares diplomatic relations. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan also tweeted out stating that he received a message from PM Modi on the occasion of Pakistan national day which is celebrated on March 23. According to Khan, PM Modi in his message said, "I extend my greetings and best wishes to the people of Pakistan on the National Day of Pakistan." Top sources told WION, PM Modi in his message to PM Imran Khan highlighted the importance of a terror-free South Asia. The unsigned letter was sent to the Pak government ahead of Pakistan's National Day on March 23. India has boycotted Pakistan National Day events in Delhi and in Islamabad as Pakistan had invited separatist Hurriyat leadership. No political representative was sent to Pakistan national day reception at Pakistan high commission in Delhi. In Pakistan, diplomats, including those of the Indian High Commission, will not be participating in Pakistan national day events on Saturday. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in a press briefing, said, "I can confirm India has decided not to send any representative. This decision was taken after Pak HC decided to invite the Hurriyat representative to the reception." "You are aware of our reaction in the past, most recently in February. We are very clear, any attempt by Pakistan leadership or High Commission to engage with the Hurriyat leadership will not be taken lightly," Kumar added. It is important to note that no Hurriyat leader was seen at Pakistani national day even though they were invited. Pakistan national day commemorates the day when the Muslim League passed the Lahore resolution and called for the formation of Pakistan on March 23 1940. On the same day, in 1956, Pakistan adopted its constitution.

Pakistan national day: PM Modi writes letter to Pak PM as part of customary practice; calls for terror-free South Asia

President Donald Trump has indicated his readiness to meet Pakistan's new leadership, amidst the ongoing peace talks between the US and the Taliban facilitated by Islamabad to end the brutal war in Afghanistan, America's longest.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-criticises-pakistan-for-discriminatory-policies-against-minorities-203979">relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived</a> after President Trump last year accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists.

In September, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-cancels-300-million-in-aid-to-pakistan-162974">Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad</a> 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.

President Trump made this surprise announcement on the possibility of a meeting between him and Prime Minister Imran Khan at the end of a White House media interaction on Wednesday when a journalist asked him to comment on the current situation between India and Pakistan.

"We'll be meeting with Pakistan. I think our relationship right now is very good with Pakistan," Trump said before departing the White House for a visit in Ohio.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban with the help of Pakistan.

Khalilzad, the Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, said that Pakistan has an important role to play in Afghan peace talks and cannot be underestimated, state-run Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying.

Pakistan has been bargaining for the first meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Khan in return for Islamabad's help in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table. The cricketer-turned-politician assumed charge as Pakistan prime minister in August last year.&nbsp;

The representatives of the Afghan Taliban, the US as well as officials from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been meeting in Doha, Qatar. The talks were facilitated by Islamabad as Washington continues to seek an end to the nearly 18-year war in Afghanistan that has killed over 2,000 US soldiers.

The US has 14,000 troops deployed in Afghanistan. Two US soldiers were killed in an operation in Afghanistan on Friday, Fox News reported.

Friday's deaths were the first for US forces there since January. Last year, 13 American troops died while deployed there.

President Trump's signal that he is ready for a meeting with the Pakistani leadership also came hours after a senior administration official warned that the US remained concerned about India-Pakistan tensions as their militaries were still on alert nearly three weeks after their most dangerous confrontation in decades following the Pulwama terror attack.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in 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.

The US official also warned that another terrorist attack in India could be "extremely problematic" for Pakistan and it would cause a re-escalation in tensions.

"We need to see Pakistan taking concrete and sustained action to rein in the terrorist groups, mainly the Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba in order to ensure that we don't have re-escalation (of tensions) in the region", the official said.

"If there's any additional terrorist attack without Pakistan having made a sustained, sincere effort against these groups, it would be extremely problematic for Pakistan and it would cause re-escalation of tensions, which is dangerous for both countries," the official said on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

President Donald Trump has indicated his readiness to meet Pakistan's new leadership, amidst the ongoing peace talks between the US and the Taliban facilitated by Islamabad to end the brutal war in Afghanistan, America's longest.

President Donald Trump has indicated his readiness to meet Pakistan's new leadership, amidst the ongoing peace talks between the US and the Taliban facilitated by Islamabad to end the brutal war in Afghanistan, America's longest. The relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived after President Trump last year accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists. 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. President Trump made this surprise announcement on the possibility of a meeting between him and Prime Minister Imran Khan at the end of a White House media interaction on Wednesday when a journalist asked him to comment on the current situation between India and Pakistan. "We'll be meeting with Pakistan. I think our relationship right now is very good with Pakistan," Trump said before departing the White House for a visit in Ohio. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad is spearheading efforts to strike a peace deal with the Taliban with the help of Pakistan. Khalilzad, the Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation, said that Pakistan has an important role to play in Afghan peace talks and cannot be underestimated, state-run Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying. Pakistan has been bargaining for the first meeting between President Trump and Prime Minister Khan in return for Islamabad's help in bringing the Taliban to the negotiating table. The cricketer-turned-politician assumed charge as Pakistan prime minister in August last year. The representatives of the Afghan Taliban, the US as well as officials from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have been meeting in Doha, Qatar. The talks were facilitated by Islamabad as Washington continues to seek an end to the nearly 18-year war in Afghanistan that has killed over 2,000 US soldiers. The US has 14,000 troops deployed in Afghanistan. Two US soldiers were killed in an operation in Afghanistan on Friday, Fox News reported. Friday's deaths were the first for US forces there since January. Last year, 13 American troops died while deployed there. President Trump's signal that he is ready for a meeting with the Pakistani leadership also came hours after a senior administration official warned that the US remained concerned about India-Pakistan tensions as their militaries were still on alert nearly three weeks after their most dangerous confrontation in decades following the Pulwama terror attack. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district in 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. The US official also warned that another terrorist attack in India could be "extremely problematic" for Pakistan and it would cause a re-escalation in tensions. "We need to see Pakistan taking concrete and sustained action to rein in the terrorist groups, mainly the Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba in order to ensure that we don't have re-escalation (of tensions) in the region", the official said. "If there's any additional terrorist attack without Pakistan having made a sustained, sincere effort against these groups, it would be extremely problematic for Pakistan and it would cause re-escalation of tensions, which is dangerous for both countries," the official said on the condition of anonymity.

Relationship very good right now, ready to meet new Pakistani leadership: Trump

Pakistan is set to sign deals worth $900 million in telecoms, information technology during a three-day visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a senior official said on Thursday.

Pakistan, facing an economic crisis due to depleting foreign reserves and a widening current account deficit, has been searching for investment since the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan took office in August.

Razak Dawood, the prime minister's advisor on commerce said a memorandum of understanding covering $800-$900 million worth of investments with Malaysian investors would be signed on Friday.

"We believe Malaysia will be an opening for us to the ASEAN countries," he said, referring to the Association of South East Asian Nations.

Mahathir is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Thursday evening and will be the chief guest at the Pakistan day parade on March 23.

Pakistan has been seeking financial assistance and calling for investment from friendly countries, while also negotiating a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have each offered Islamabad loan packages of $3 billion.

During a visit in February, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed investment agreements worth $20 billion with Islamabad, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in the southwestern port city of Gwadar.

Pakistan has also been trying to get loans from neighbouring China, which has pledged nearly $60 billion for energy and road and rail infrastructure projects as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), known as China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In February the government said it was close to securing an IMF package, its 13th bailout since the late 1980s, but while talks between the two sides are ongoing no deal has been agreed.

Pakistan is set to sign deals worth $900 million in telecoms, information technology during a three-day visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a senior official said on Thursday.

Pakistan is set to sign deals worth $900 million in telecoms, information technology during a three-day visit by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, a senior official said on Thursday. Pakistan, facing an economic crisis due to depleting foreign reserves and a widening current account deficit, has been searching for investment since the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan took office in August. Razak Dawood, the prime minister's advisor on commerce said a memorandum of understanding covering $800-$900 million worth of investments with Malaysian investors would be signed on Friday. "We believe Malaysia will be an opening for us to the ASEAN countries," he said, referring to the Association of South East Asian Nations. Mahathir is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Thursday evening and will be the chief guest at the Pakistan day parade on March 23. Pakistan has been seeking financial assistance and calling for investment from friendly countries, while also negotiating a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have each offered Islamabad loan packages of $3 billion. During a visit in February, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman signed investment agreements worth $20 billion with Islamabad, including a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in the southwestern port city of Gwadar. Pakistan has also been trying to get loans from neighbouring China, which has pledged nearly $60 billion for energy and road and rail infrastructure projects as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), known as China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). In February the government said it was close to securing an IMF package, its 13th bailout since the late 1980s, but while talks between the two sides are ongoing no deal has been agreed.

Pakistan eyes $900 million investment deals during Malaysian PM's visit

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday extended his greeting to the country's Hindu community on the occasion of Holi.

Prime minister Khan was joined by other Pakistani political leaders in wishing the minority community on Holi.

"Wishing our Hindu community a very happy and peaceful Holi, the festival of colours," Khan said in a tweet.

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Wishing our Hindu community a very happy and peaceful Holi, the festival of colours.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1108188905180811264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), took to Twitter to wish people on Holi.

"Happy Holi to all my Hindu brothers and sisters. On the happy occasion of Holi, let us spread the wonderful message of peace and happiness," he wrote.

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Happy Holi to all my Hindu brothers &amp; sisters. On the happy occasion of Holi, let us spread the wonderful massage of peace and happiness. <a href="https://t.co/4Gg8blgjJX">pic.twitter.com/4Gg8blgjJX</a>
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1108215013959966722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Shehbaz Sharif also tweeted to felicitate Hindus on Holi.

"Wishing the Hindu community on the festive occasion of Holi - the festival of colours. May this day be a source of peace and happiness for all!" he said.

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Wishing the Hindu community on the festive occasion of Holi - the festival of colors. May this day be a source of peace and happiness for all!
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1108330035642019840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal also extended his greeting to Hindus.

"A very happy and peaceful Holi, the festival of colours, to all those who celebrate it," he said in a tweet.

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A very happy and peaceful <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Holi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Holi</a>, the festival of colours, to all those who celebrate it.
— Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrMFaisal/status/1108223055531253760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The festival of Holi marks the end of winter and the start of spring. The festival is also known as the "festival of colours" or the "festival of love".

The Hindu community in Pakistan celebrates the festival by playing with colours. They also burn logs of wood to symbolise the victory of good over evil and observe Holi Pooja.

According to Pakistan Hindu Council, the Hindus constitute about 4 per cent of Pakistan's total population of 200 million.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday extended his greeting to the country's Hindu community on the occasion of Holi. Prime minister Khan was joined by other Pakistani political leaders in wishing the minority community on Holi.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday extended his greeting to the country's Hindu community on the occasion of Holi. Prime minister Khan was joined by other Pakistani political leaders in wishing the minority community on Holi. "Wishing our Hindu community a very happy and peaceful Holi, the festival of colours," Khan said in a tweet. Wishing our Hindu community a very happy and peaceful Holi, the festival of colours. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 20, 2019 × Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairperson of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), took to Twitter to wish people on Holi. "Happy Holi to all my Hindu brothers and sisters. On the happy occasion of Holi, let us spread the wonderful message of peace and happiness," he wrote. Happy Holi to all my Hindu brothers & sisters. On the happy occasion of Holi, let us spread the wonderful massage of peace and happiness. pic.twitter.com/4Gg8blgjJX — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) March 20, 2019 × Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Shehbaz Sharif also tweeted to felicitate Hindus on Holi. "Wishing the Hindu community on the festive occasion of Holi - the festival of colours. May this day be a source of peace and happiness for all!" he said. Wishing the Hindu community on the festive occasion of Holi - the festival of colors. May this day be a source of peace and happiness for all! — Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) March 20, 2019 × Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal also extended his greeting to Hindus. "A very happy and peaceful Holi, the festival of colours, to all those who celebrate it," he said in a tweet. A very happy and peaceful #Holi, the festival of colours, to all those who celebrate it. — Dr Mohammad Faisal (@DrMFaisal) March 20, 2019 × The festival of Holi marks the end of winter and the start of spring. The festival is also known as the "festival of colours" or the "festival of love". The Hindu community in Pakistan celebrates the festival by playing with colours. They also burn logs of wood to symbolise the victory of good over evil and observe Holi Pooja. According to Pakistan Hindu Council, the Hindus constitute about 4 per cent of Pakistan's total population of 200 million.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan, other political leaders extend Holi wishes

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday hailed China's support to his country in the challenging times and said Islamabad was committed to the expeditious implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Qureshi also appreciated the Chinese stand that there should be no double standards in combating terrorism as he thanked Beijing for its support to Pakistan in international fora on the issue of tackling the menace.

He made the remarks during the first-ever China-Pakistan Foreign Minister-level strategic dialogue, which was attended by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi.

In his opening remarks, Qureshi acknowledged that China has been "helpful in these challenging times for Pakistan", in an apparent reference to the multi-billion dollar Chinese financial assistance to Pakistan, which is going through a "low point", to minimise its dependence on an IMF bailout package.

"The Chinese government was very generous in supporting Pakistan. We had good discussions...We are committed to expeditious implementation of CPEC," Qureshi said.

The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

"There is a national consensus that this project is not simply beneficial to Pakistan and China but also the entire region and has a far-reaching impact," he said.

"Obviously, our leaders have set huge agenda for us and they have entrusted us to implement their vision and that we intend to do," Qureshi said as he informed his Chinese counterpart about Prime Minister Imran Khan's desire to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing next month.

China will host a second global meeting on its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative in Beijing in April.

The BRI includes USD 60-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which India opposes as it traverses through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. 
 
The US, India and several other countries have raised concerns over the BRI as China doled out huge loans to smaller countries for infrastructure projects without taking into consideration their ability to pay back the money. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday hailed China's support to his country in the challenging times and said Islamabad was committed to the expeditious implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Tuesday hailed China's support to his country in the challenging times and said Islamabad was committed to the expeditious implementation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Qureshi also appreciated the Chinese stand that there should be no double standards in combating terrorism as he thanked Beijing for its support to Pakistan in international fora on the issue of tackling the menace. He made the remarks during the first-ever China-Pakistan Foreign Minister-level strategic dialogue, which was attended by his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. In his opening remarks, Qureshi acknowledged that China has been "helpful in these challenging times for Pakistan", in an apparent reference to the multi-billion dollar Chinese financial assistance to Pakistan, which is going through a "low point", to minimise its dependence on an IMF bailout package. "The Chinese government was very generous in supporting Pakistan. We had good discussions...We are committed to expeditious implementation of CPEC," Qureshi said. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). "There is a national consensus that this project is not simply beneficial to Pakistan and China but also the entire region and has a far-reaching impact," he said. "Obviously, our leaders have set huge agenda for us and they have entrusted us to implement their vision and that we intend to do," Qureshi said as he informed his Chinese counterpart about Prime Minister Imran Khan's desire to attend the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing next month. China will host a second global meeting on its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative in Beijing in April. The BRI includes USD 60-billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which India opposes as it traverses through the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The US, India and several other countries have raised concerns over the BRI as China doled out huge loans to smaller countries for infrastructure projects without taking into consideration their ability to pay back the money.

Pakistan: Foreign minister Mahmood Qureshi hails China's support in challenging times

Amid political tensions, Pakistan Prime Minister and former cricketer Imran Khan congratulated the Afghanistan cricket team for registering their maiden Test win.

Afghanistan defeated Ireland by seven wickets in a one-off game in Dehradun on Monday.

Taking to his Twitter handle, Imran Khan congratulated the side saying, “Congratulations to Afghanistan on their team’s first ever win in test cricket. The Afghan cricketers have achieved amazing successes in such a short period of their exposure to international cricket.” He also posted the congratulatory message in Urdu and Pashto.

Afghanistan recorded their maiden Test win nine months after making their debut in the longest format,&nbsp;

Chasing 147 for victory, Afghanistan rode on a 139-run second-wicket partnership between Rahmat Shah and Ihsanullah Janat to secure a historic win months after their Test debut against India.

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Congratulations to Afghanistan on their team's first ever win in test cricket. The Afghan cricketers have achieved amazing successes in such a short period of their exposure to international cricket.
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The political tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan took a toll on the cricketing ties. The relation deteriorated after a bomb attack in Kabul in 2017 which had killed 90 people and injured nearly 500 more.

Amid political tensions, Pakistan Prime Minister and former cricketer Imran Khan congratulated the Afghanistan cricket team for registering their maiden Test win.

Amid political tensions, Pakistan Prime Minister and former cricketer Imran Khan congratulated the Afghanistan cricket team for registering their maiden Test win. Afghanistan defeated Ireland by seven wickets in a one-off game in Dehradun on Monday. Taking to his Twitter handle, Imran Khan congratulated the side saying, “Congratulations to Afghanistan on their team’s first ever win in test cricket. The Afghan cricketers have achieved amazing successes in such a short period of their exposure to international cricket.” He also posted the congratulatory message in Urdu and Pashto. Afghanistan recorded their maiden Test win nine months after making their debut in the longest format, Chasing 147 for victory, Afghanistan rode on a 139-run second-wicket partnership between Rahmat Shah and Ihsanullah Janat to secure a historic win months after their Test debut against India. Congratulations to Afghanistan on their team's first ever win in test cricket. The Afghan cricketers have achieved amazing successes in such a short period of their exposure to international cricket. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) March 18, 2019 × The political tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan took a toll on the cricketing ties. The relation deteriorated after a bomb attack in Kabul in 2017 which had killed 90 people and injured nearly 500 more.

Amid political tensions, Pakistan PM Imran Khan congratulates Afghanistan cricket team on maiden Test win

The United States on Sunday criticised Pakistan for using discriminatory policies against Ahmadiyya community and other religious minorities including Sikhs, Christians, and Shias.

A country report on human rights practices for 2018, released by the US Department of State, last week, says, "Courts routinely failed to protect the rights of religious minorities. Courts discriminatorily used laws prohibiting blasphemy against Shia, Christians, Ahmadis, and members of other religious minority groups."

"Lower courts often did not require adequate evidence in blasphemy cases, and some convicted persons spent years in jail before higher courts eventually overturned their convictions or ordered their release," adds the report.

The report stated that Pakistan had excluded the Ahmadiyya community from participating in the 25th general elections of the country, held in July last year, by creating a separate voter list for the minority community.

"The government requires voters to indicate their religion when registering to vote and requires Ahmadis to declare themselves as non-Muslims. Ahmadis consider themselves Muslims, and many were unable to vote because they did not comply," the report says.

"Authorities generally prohibited Ahmadis, a religious minority, from holding conferences or gatherings. Ahmadis cited the closure by Sialkot authorities of an Ahmadiyya mosque on May 14 and mob attacks on two other mosques in Sialkot and Faisalabad as evidence of the ongoing severe conditions for the community," the State Department adds in its reports.

Rabwah, Pakistan's Punjab province, is one of the few places in Pakistan which has the highest concentration of Ahmadis in the country.

The Ahmadiyya or the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at is an Islamic religious movement founded in Punjab, in the then British India, near the end of the 19th century. However, Pakistan's Constitution has declared the community as "non-Muslims."

The United States on Sunday criticised Pakistan for using discriminatory policies against Ahmadiyya community and other religious minorities including Sikhs, Christians, and Shias.

The United States on Sunday criticised Pakistan for using discriminatory policies against Ahmadiyya community and other religious minorities including Sikhs, Christians, and Shias. A country report on human rights practices for 2018, released by the US Department of State, last week, says, "Courts routinely failed to protect the rights of religious minorities. Courts discriminatorily used laws prohibiting blasphemy against Shia, Christians, Ahmadis, and members of other religious minority groups." "Lower courts often did not require adequate evidence in blasphemy cases, and some convicted persons spent years in jail before higher courts eventually overturned their convictions or ordered their release," adds the report. The report stated that Pakistan had excluded the Ahmadiyya community from participating in the 25th general elections of the country, held in July last year, by creating a separate voter list for the minority community. "The government requires voters to indicate their religion when registering to vote and requires Ahmadis to declare themselves as non-Muslims. Ahmadis consider themselves Muslims, and many were unable to vote because they did not comply," the report says. "Authorities generally prohibited Ahmadis, a religious minority, from holding conferences or gatherings. Ahmadis cited the closure by Sialkot authorities of an Ahmadiyya mosque on May 14 and mob attacks on two other mosques in Sialkot and Faisalabad as evidence of the ongoing severe conditions for the community," the State Department adds in its reports. Rabwah, Pakistan's Punjab province, is one of the few places in Pakistan which has the highest concentration of Ahmadis in the country. The Ahmadiyya or the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at is an Islamic religious movement founded in Punjab, in the then British India, near the end of the 19th century. However, Pakistan's Constitution has declared the community as "non-Muslims."

US criticises Pakistan for discriminatory policies against minorities

Afghanistan Saturday summoned a Pakistan diplomat official from the Pakistani embassy in Kabul over Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remark on new government in Afghanistan.

The Afghan foreign ministery told the Pakistan diplomat that Imran Khan's remarks amounted to interfering in the internal affairs of the country and demanded an explanation to it.

The spokesperson of Afghanistan's foreign ministry Sibghatullah Ahmadi said, "Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked Pakistan Counselor for clarification on the recent remarks by Imran Khan regarding new government in the near future. The government of Afghanistan expressed its grave objection and deemed such remarks a flagrant interference in its intern affairs".

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MFA Summons PK Embassy's Counselor 
MFA asked PK Counselor 4 clarification on the recent rmks by PM Imran Khan regarding establishment of a new govt in near future. Gov I.R. AF expressed its grave objection on PK’s Gov&amp;deemed such rmrks a flagrant interference in its intern afrs. <a href="https://t.co/txdVIFZNjO">pic.twitter.com/txdVIFZNjO</a>
— Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sibghat_Ah/status/1106908027465187329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking at a public gathering in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's&nbsp;Bajaur, Pakistani Prime Minister said, "A good government will soon be established in Afghanistan".&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;

Pakistani diplomatic sources confirmed the development and told WION that a Pakistani diplomat, precisely the third in command at the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, holding the position of the first secretary namely Mr Adeel Khan was called for a verbal explanation over Pak PM Imran Khan’s comment by the Afghan foreign ministry on Saturday.

The sources added that Pakistan, in their response to the Afghan foreign ministry, stated that Imran Khan's remarks are "self-explanatory. His speech was in good faith, he talked about enduring regional peace and stability.”&nbsp;

Imran Khan's comments come&nbsp;in the backdrop of Islamabad's close ties with the Taliban and Pakistan's attempts to take control of the Afghan peace process.

This is for the second time a Pakistan diplomat has been summoned by Afghanistan in last one month. A few weeks ago Afghanistan summoned Zahid Nasrullah, the Pakistani envoy to Afghanistan after he said Afghan peace talks will be impacted if New Delhi retaliates after the Pulwama terror attack.

Afghanistan Saturday summoned a Pakistan diplomat official from the Pakistani embassy in Kabul over Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remark on new government in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan Saturday summoned a Pakistan diplomat official from the Pakistani embassy in Kabul over Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's remark on new government in Afghanistan. The Afghan foreign ministery told the Pakistan diplomat that Imran Khan's remarks amounted to interfering in the internal affairs of the country and demanded an explanation to it. The spokesperson of Afghanistan's foreign ministry Sibghatullah Ahmadi said, "Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked Pakistan Counselor for clarification on the recent remarks by Imran Khan regarding new government in the near future. The government of Afghanistan expressed its grave objection and deemed such remarks a flagrant interference in its intern affairs". MFA Summons PK Embassy's Counselor MFA asked PK Counselor 4 clarification on the recent rmks by PM Imran Khan regarding establishment of a new govt in near future. Gov I.R. AF expressed its grave objection on PK’s Gov&deemed such rmrks a flagrant interference in its intern afrs. pic.twitter.com/txdVIFZNjO — Sibghatullah Ahmadi (@Sibghat_Ah) March 16, 2019 × Speaking at a public gathering in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Bajaur, Pakistani Prime Minister said, "A good government will soon be established in Afghanistan". Meanwhile, Pakistani diplomatic sources confirmed the development and told WION that a Pakistani diplomat, precisely the third in command at the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, holding the position of the first secretary namely Mr Adeel Khan was called for a verbal explanation over Pak PM Imran Khan’s comment by the Afghan foreign ministry on Saturday. The sources added that Pakistan, in their response to the Afghan foreign ministry, stated that Imran Khan's remarks are "self-explanatory. His speech was in good faith, he talked about enduring regional peace and stability.” Imran Khan's comments come in the backdrop of Islamabad's close ties with the Taliban and Pakistan's attempts to take control of the Afghan peace process. This is for the second time a Pakistan diplomat has been summoned by Afghanistan in last one month. A few weeks ago Afghanistan summoned Zahid Nasrullah, the Pakistani envoy to Afghanistan after he said Afghan peace talks will be impacted if New Delhi retaliates after the Pulwama terror attack.

Afghanistan summons Pakistan diplomat after Imran Khan's 'good government in Afghanistan soon' remark  

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday evening as they discussed terrorism and the need for Pakistan to take <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-mastermind-mudasir-believed-to-be-killed-in-encounter-jk-police-202489">"meaningful action" against terrorist groups</a>.

India's foreign secretary<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/president-putin-calls-pm-modi-expresses-condolences-over-pulwama-attack-200360"> Gokhale discussed the strength</a> of India's partnership as both agreed on&nbsp;the importance of bringing the perpetrators of the Pulwama terrorist attack to justice.

Both men noted the strength of India-US partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation including in counter-terrorism. They also sought complementary&nbsp;vision for Indo-Pacific and US-India defence cooperation.

Pompeo and foreign secretary Gokhale recognised the growing US-India economic partnership, including joint efforts to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and reciprocal&nbsp;manner.

During his three-day visit, India's foreign secretary is also likely to meet with senior leaders in the US administration and US Congress. Gokhale is expected to meet Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson.

During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at&nbsp;Balakot.

Gokhale had said that India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism and that Indian Air Force strike at Balakot was "non-military pre-emptive"&nbsp;action targeted specifically at JeM camp.

The strike was&nbsp;aimed with a desire to to avoid civilian casualties, he had informed the media days after IAF planes stuck JeM terror targets deep inside Pakistan at Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26th.

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday evening as they discussed terrorism and the need for Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups.

Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale met US secretary of state Mike Pompeo in Washington on Monday evening as they discussed terrorism and the need for Pakistan to take "meaningful action" against terrorist groups. India's foreign secretary Gokhale discussed the strength of India's partnership as both agreed on the importance of bringing the perpetrators of the Pulwama terrorist attack to justice. Both men noted the strength of India-US partnership and discussed ways to further enhance cooperation including in counter-terrorism. They also sought complementary vision for Indo-Pacific and US-India defence cooperation. Pompeo and foreign secretary Gokhale recognised the growing US-India economic partnership, including joint efforts to expand bilateral trade in a balanced and reciprocal manner. During his three-day visit, India's foreign secretary is also likely to meet with senior leaders in the US administration and US Congress. Gokhale is expected to meet Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale and Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Andrea Thompson. During the Pulwama attack, Gokhale had briefed the media during which he had said there was credible information information that Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group was attempting suicide attacks at various parts of the country, as a result a pre-emptive strike became important and India struck the biggest camp of JeM at Balakot. Gokhale had said that India was firmly and resolutely committed to taking all measures to fight the menace of terrorism and that Indian Air Force strike at Balakot was "non-military pre-emptive" action targeted specifically at JeM camp. The strike was aimed with a desire to to avoid civilian casualties, he had informed the media days after IAF planes stuck JeM terror targets deep inside Pakistan at Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26th.

Pakistan must take meaningful action against terrorists on its soil, says Pompeo in meeting with Gokhale

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's net income has dropped sharply by Rs 3.09 crores in the last three years even as the income of some Opposition leaders continued to rise, according to a media report on Monday.

The cricketer-turned politician's net income in the year 2015 was 3.56 crore Pakistani rupees, it dropped sharply to Rs1.29 crore in 2016 and further down to Rs 0.47 crore in the year 2017, Dawn newspaper reported.

In 2015, a major chunk of Khan's income comprised the gain of a little over Rs 0.1 crore from the sale of an apartment in Islamabad, followed by Rs 980 crore of foreign remittances, the report said citing official documents.

In 2016, his total income dropped to Rs 1.29 crore of which he earned Rs 0.74 crore from "foreign services" alone.&nbsp;

In contrast, the income of the Leader Opposition of the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif continued to see an upward trend as his net income rose from Rs 0.76 crore in 2015 and crossed Rs1 crore in 2017.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari's agricultural income that comprises most part of his net income stood at Rs 10.5 crore in 2015. It rose to Rs 11.4 crore in 2016 and surged to Rs 13.4 crore in 2017. He holds 7,748 acres of land.

While Zardari's son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appears richer than him in terms of assets he holds in Pakistan and elsewhere, he lags behind the father in terms of income, according to the documents.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's net income has dropped sharply by Rs 3.09 crores in the last three years even as the income of some Opposition leaders continued to rise, according to a media report on Monday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's net income has dropped sharply by Rs 3.09 crores in the last three years even as the income of some Opposition leaders continued to rise, according to a media report on Monday. The cricketer-turned politician's net income in the year 2015 was 3.56 crore Pakistani rupees, it dropped sharply to Rs1.29 crore in 2016 and further down to Rs 0.47 crore in the year 2017, Dawn newspaper reported. In 2015, a major chunk of Khan's income comprised the gain of a little over Rs 0.1 crore from the sale of an apartment in Islamabad, followed by Rs 980 crore of foreign remittances, the report said citing official documents. In 2016, his total income dropped to Rs 1.29 crore of which he earned Rs 0.74 crore from "foreign services" alone. In contrast, the income of the Leader Opposition of the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif continued to see an upward trend as his net income rose from Rs 0.76 crore in 2015 and crossed Rs1 crore in 2017. Former president Asif Ali Zardari's agricultural income that comprises most part of his net income stood at Rs 10.5 crore in 2015. It rose to Rs 11.4 crore in 2016 and surged to Rs 13.4 crore in 2017. He holds 7,748 acres of land. While Zardari's son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appears richer than him in terms of assets he holds in Pakistan and elsewhere, he lags behind the father in terms of income, according to the documents.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's income drops by Rs 3 crore in 3 years

Iran's Rouhani asks Pakistan to act against terror

Pakistan on Saturday extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the 10th day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted.

A notification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday noted that Pakistan’s airspace will be fully re-opened from Saturday.

However, Express Tribune quoted the CAA announcing that it has once again extended the ban on its airspace for another three days till March 11.

Earlier reports said that Pakistan attempted to open an east-bound flight route between Muscat and Mumbai via Karachi but reciprocal connectivity was denied by India.

Flightradar took to twitter saying, “Pakistan says it attempted to open one eastbound and one westbound transiting airway through Pakistani airspace between the Muscat and Mumbai FIRs (Notam A0258/19), but reciprocal connectivity was denied by Mumbai FIR (Notam A0357/19). Consequently, Muscat FIR has closed ALPOR to flights intending to transit Pakistan airspace.”

The aviation authority has opened only a part of the airspace for incoming and departing flights. Airports across the country including Karachi, Multan, Chitral, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Faisalabad where flight operations had resumed earlier this week will continue to operate as per schedule till 5 am on March 15.

The Notice to the Airmen, or NOTAM, was put in place on March 1 on the expiration of a previously issued NOTAM that was in place in the wake of tensions between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan on Saturday extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the 10th day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted.

Pakistan on Saturday extended the general closure of its airspace for an additional day, making it the 10th day in a row that airspace over the country has been restricted. A notification issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on Friday noted that Pakistan’s airspace will be fully re-opened from Saturday. However, Express Tribune quoted the CAA announcing that it has once again extended the ban on its airspace for another three days till March 11. Earlier reports said that Pakistan attempted to open an east-bound flight route between Muscat and Mumbai via Karachi but reciprocal connectivity was denied by India. Flightradar took to twitter saying, “Pakistan says it attempted to open one eastbound and one westbound transiting airway through Pakistani airspace between the Muscat and Mumbai FIRs (Notam A0258/19), but reciprocal connectivity was denied by Mumbai FIR (Notam A0357/19). Consequently, Muscat FIR has closed ALPOR to flights intending to transit Pakistan airspace.” The aviation authority has opened only a part of the airspace for incoming and departing flights. Airports across the country including Karachi, Multan, Chitral, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar, Quetta and Faisalabad where flight operations had resumed earlier this week will continue to operate as per schedule till 5 am on March 15. The Notice to the Airmen, or NOTAM, was put in place on March 1 on the expiration of a previously issued NOTAM that was in place in the wake of tensions between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan airspace to remain closed till March 11

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for "decisive" action by Pakistan against a militant group behind a deadly suicide attack in a border area and said inaction by Islamabad could jeopardise relations between the neighbours.

Iran's state news agency IRNA said Rouhani's remarks came in a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who said he would soon have "good news" for Iran, according to the agency.

A suicide bomber killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards in mid-February in a southeastern region where security forces are facing a rise in attacks by militants from the country's Sunni Muslim minority.&nbsp;

The Sunni group Jaish al Adl (Army of Justice), which says it seeks greater rights and better living conditions for the ethnic minority Baluchis, claimed responsibility for the attack.

"We are awaiting your decisive operations against these terrorists," IRNA quoted Rouhani as telling Khan.

"We should not allow decades of friendship and fraternity between the two countries to be affected by the actions of small terrorist groups, the source of whose financing and arms is known to both of us," Rouhani said.

Iran has blamed its regional rival Saudi Arabia and arch-enemies Israel and the United States for the attack and other cross-border raids, an accusation rejected by the countries.

"It is in Pakistan's own interest not to allow our territory to be used by terrorist groups, and the Pakistani army is prepared to confront the terrorists more decisively with the information provided by Iran," IRNA quoted Khan as saying.

Khan said Pakistani forces had come close to the terrorists' hideout and there would soon be "good news" for Iran, IRNA reported.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for "decisive" action by Pakistan against a militant group behind a deadly suicide attack in a border area and said inaction by Islamabad could jeopardise relations between the neighbours.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday called for "decisive" action by Pakistan against a militant group behind a deadly suicide attack in a border area and said inaction by Islamabad could jeopardise relations between the neighbours. Iran's state news agency IRNA said Rouhani's remarks came in a telephone conversation with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who said he would soon have "good news" for Iran, according to the agency. A suicide bomber killed 27 members of Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards in mid-February in a southeastern region where security forces are facing a rise in attacks by militants from the country's Sunni Muslim minority. The Sunni group Jaish al Adl (Army of Justice), which says it seeks greater rights and better living conditions for the ethnic minority Baluchis, claimed responsibility for the attack. "We are awaiting your decisive operations against these terrorists," IRNA quoted Rouhani as telling Khan. "We should not allow decades of friendship and fraternity between the two countries to be affected by the actions of small terrorist groups, the source of whose financing and arms is known to both of us," Rouhani said. Iran has blamed its regional rival Saudi Arabia and arch-enemies Israel and the United States for the attack and other cross-border raids, an accusation rejected by the countries. "It is in Pakistan's own interest not to allow our territory to be used by terrorist groups, and the Pakistani army is prepared to confront the terrorists more decisively with the information provided by Iran," IRNA quoted Khan as saying. Khan said Pakistani forces had come close to the terrorists' hideout and there would soon be "good news" for Iran, IRNA reported.

Iran's Rouhani urges Pakistan to act against group behind border attack

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Christian Louboutin reinvents Peshawari chappals as 'Imran Sandals'; draws flak for cultural appropriation'

Sushma Swaraj takes note of Hindu girls' 'forcible' conversion to Islam in Pakistan, demands report

Pakistan PM Imran Khan orders probe into forced conversion and marriages of two teenage Hindu girls

Pakistan gets a taste of its own medicine as India strongly raises the issue of abducted Hindu girls in Sindh

Gravitas: Three minor hindu girls forced to convert to Islam in Pakistan

Pakistan: Minor Hindu girls approach court, man suspected to have assisted in their wedding held

Pak PM Imran Khan will review the proposal to open Sharada Peeth

Pak foreign ministry submits proposal for opening Sharada Peeth

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

Protestors in Pakistan demand implementation of Child Marriage Restraint Act after two girls 'forcibly' married off, converted to Islam

Imran Khan received message from PM Modi

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan, Malaysia agree to elevate their bilateral relation to strategic level

Pakistan national day: PM Modi writes letter to Pak PM as part of customary practice; calls for terror-free South Asia

Relationship very good right now, ready to meet new Pakistani leadership: Trump

Pakistan eyes $900 million investment deals during Malaysian PM's visit

Pakistan PM Imran Khan, other political leaders extend Holi wishes

Pakistan: Foreign minister Mahmood Qureshi hails China's support in challenging times

Amid political tensions, Pakistan PM Imran Khan congratulates Afghanistan cricket team on maiden Test win

US criticises Pakistan for discriminatory policies against minorities

Afghanistan summons Pakistan diplomat after Imran Khan's 'good government in Afghanistan soon' remark