Pakistan's former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, who is heading a Saudi Arabia-led Islamic military coalition, on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest.

Saudi Arabia acquired the services of Gen. Raheel, who retired in November 2016, as head of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) in 2017. The IMCTC was cobbled together in December 2015 to combat terrorism.

Sharif, who is considered to be close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is leading a delegation of IMCTC - the 41-nation military coalition - to Pakistan.

During the meeting, Khan and Sharif "exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest", state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Sharif, who arrived in Islamabad Sunday ahead of the Saudi crown prince's maiden two-day trip starting February 16, has been busy meeting political and military bigwigs since then.

He has met Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Sharif apprised Qureshi of the measures that are being taken by the coalition in order to combat terrorism, said a statement by the Foreign Office.

The foreign minister "lauded the efforts of the coalition force to establish peace and stability in the region".

The two also talked about the importance of regional peace and stability and other matters of mutual interest.

A press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of the army, said "matters of mutual interest including regional peace and stability" were discussed during Gen Sharif's meeting with Gen Bajwa.

The former army chief has said the basic objective of IMCTC was to fight against the menace of terrorism until its eradication.

The Saudi government had surprised many countries by announcing that it had forged a coalition for coordinating and supporting military operations against terrorism in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan.

Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-rival for influence in the Arab world, was absent from the states named as participants, as proxy conflicts between the two regional powers range from Syria to Yemen.&nbsp;

In December last year, Gen. Raheel dismissed the notion that the military coalition was aimed against any particular country, nation or sect without any mentions.&nbsp;

Pakistan's former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, who is heading a Saudi Arabia-led Islamic military coalition, on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest.

Pakistan's former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, who is heading a Saudi Arabia-led Islamic military coalition, on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest. Saudi Arabia acquired the services of Gen. Raheel, who retired in November 2016, as head of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) in 2017. The IMCTC was cobbled together in December 2015 to combat terrorism. Sharif, who is considered to be close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is leading a delegation of IMCTC - the 41-nation military coalition - to Pakistan. During the meeting, Khan and Sharif "exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest", state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Sharif, who arrived in Islamabad Sunday ahead of the Saudi crown prince's maiden two-day trip starting February 16, has been busy meeting political and military bigwigs since then. He has met Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. Sharif apprised Qureshi of the measures that are being taken by the coalition in order to combat terrorism, said a statement by the Foreign Office. The foreign minister "lauded the efforts of the coalition force to establish peace and stability in the region". The two also talked about the importance of regional peace and stability and other matters of mutual interest. A press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of the army, said "matters of mutual interest including regional peace and stability" were discussed during Gen Sharif's meeting with Gen Bajwa. The former army chief has said the basic objective of IMCTC was to fight against the menace of terrorism until its eradication. The Saudi government had surprised many countries by announcing that it had forged a coalition for coordinating and supporting military operations against terrorism in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan. Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-rival for influence in the Arab world, was absent from the states named as participants, as proxy conflicts between the two regional powers range from Syria to Yemen. In December last year, Gen. Raheel dismissed the notion that the military coalition was aimed against any particular country, nation or sect without any mentions.

Saudi-led military coalition chief Raheel Sharif calls on Pak PM Imran Khan

Pakistan is likely to secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout soon to stave off a balance of payment crisis and help shore up its economy, Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Monday, as talks between Islamabad and the fund continue.

A day earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan met IMF chief Christine Lagarde in Dubai to discuss a bailout, and the country's foreign currency reserves have dwindled to around $8 billion, just enough to cover about two months of imports

That meeting ended with a pledge to continue talks, and while there had not been any indication of a breakthrough, Umar said an agreement was coming into view.

"Our differences have narrowed," he told business groups in the northwestern city of Peshawar. "It seems we have come very close to having an agreement with the IMF."

Talks with the IMF began soon after Khan's government was appointed last August but a package has been held up by differences over the pace and scale of reforms that Pakistan would be required to undertake.

The IMF has pressed Pakistan to improve tax revenue collection, bolster foreign currency reserves and narrow a current account deficit expected to top 5 per cent of gross domestic product this year.

Pakistani officials say they agree on the need for reforms but do not want to sign up to conditions that would derail the economy, with growth set to slow this year to around 4 per cent from 5.2 per cent last year.

Khan has long resisted foreign loans, once declaring he would rather commit suicide than seek an IMF loan. However, Pakistan's fast depleting foreign reserves and a widening current account deficit left him little choice than to seek international assistance.

While no IMF package has been agreed, Pakistan has raised more than $10 billion in loans and credit arrangements from Middle Eastern allies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well as support from China, its partner in the vast China Pakistan Economic Corridor project.

The economic turbulence facing Pakistan was underlined on Monday when Moody's Investors' Service cut its outlook on Pakistan's banking sector to negative, citing the banks' large holdings of government bonds "that link their credit profiles to the low-rated government."

It noted that the Pakistani rupee had depreciated by 30 per cent against the US&nbsp;dollar, interest rates had risen by 450 basis points between Dec. 2017 and Feb. 2019, and inflation was rising; "all factors which affect business and consumer confidence and the private sector's debt repayment capacities."

Earlier this month, Pakistan's credit rating was downgraded by Standard and Poor's, which cited diminished growth prospects and elevated external and fiscal stresses.

Pakistan is likely to secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout soon to stave off a balance of payment crisis and help shore up its economy, Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Monday, as talks between Islamabad and the fund continue.

Pakistan is likely to secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout soon to stave off a balance of payment crisis and help shore up its economy, Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Monday, as talks between Islamabad and the fund continue. A day earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan met IMF chief Christine Lagarde in Dubai to discuss a bailout, and the country's foreign currency reserves have dwindled to around $8 billion, just enough to cover about two months of imports That meeting ended with a pledge to continue talks, and while there had not been any indication of a breakthrough, Umar said an agreement was coming into view. "Our differences have narrowed," he told business groups in the northwestern city of Peshawar. "It seems we have come very close to having an agreement with the IMF." Talks with the IMF began soon after Khan's government was appointed last August but a package has been held up by differences over the pace and scale of reforms that Pakistan would be required to undertake. The IMF has pressed Pakistan to improve tax revenue collection, bolster foreign currency reserves and narrow a current account deficit expected to top 5 per cent of gross domestic product this year. Pakistani officials say they agree on the need for reforms but do not want to sign up to conditions that would derail the economy, with growth set to slow this year to around 4 per cent from 5.2 per cent last year. Khan has long resisted foreign loans, once declaring he would rather commit suicide than seek an IMF loan. However, Pakistan's fast depleting foreign reserves and a widening current account deficit left him little choice than to seek international assistance. While no IMF package has been agreed, Pakistan has raised more than $10 billion in loans and credit arrangements from Middle Eastern allies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as well as support from China, its partner in the vast China Pakistan Economic Corridor project. The economic turbulence facing Pakistan was underlined on Monday when Moody's Investors' Service cut its outlook on Pakistan's banking sector to negative, citing the banks' large holdings of government bonds "that link their credit profiles to the low-rated government." It noted that the Pakistani rupee had depreciated by 30 per cent against the US dollar, interest rates had risen by 450 basis points between Dec. 2017 and Feb. 2019, and inflation was rising; "all factors which affect business and consumer confidence and the private sector's debt repayment capacities." Earlier this month, Pakistan's credit rating was downgraded by Standard and Poor's, which cited diminished growth prospects and elevated external and fiscal stresses.

Pakistan 'very close' to securing IMF bailout: Finance Minister

Pakistan has the Mecca and Medina for the Sikhs and the country is opening up those sites for the minority community, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-reiterated-imfs-stand-to-support-pakistan-imf-chief-lagarde-on-bailout-aid-196452">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> said in the UAE on Sunday.

Prime Minister Khan in November last year laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims.

Khan is paying a day-long trip to the UAE to take part in the 7th edition of the World Government Summit on the invitation of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum.

"We have the Mecca and Medina of the Sikhs... And we are just opening up those sites for Sikhs," Khan said.

Mecca and Medina are the two holiest sites in Islam.

"We have opened our visa regime. For the first time in Pakistan, we have 70 countries from where people can come and get visas at the airport," the prime minister said.

Khan said Pakistan has the best tourist potential even though at the moment it hardly has any tourism.

"Half the world's highest peaks are in Pakistan," he said, adding that the country has 1,000 kilometres of coastline.

Khan also said that Pakistan has the oldest historical monuments, probably as old as anywhere in the world.

"We have Indus Valley Civilization, which is 5,000 years old. We have Peshawar, the oldest living city in the world, 2,500 years old. Lahore and Multan are ancient cities.

"We have the Gandhara civilization, which was the cradle of Buddhist civilization, in the north of Islamabad. The biggest sleeping Buddha, 40 feet, is in Haripur. We have some of the greatest and highest number of Sufi shrines all over Pakistan," he said.

Khan said they are opening up the country for tourism.

Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. The first

Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak is said to have died.

The Kartarpur Corridor, which will facilitate the visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, is expected to be completed soon.

Thousands of Sikh devotees from India visit Pakistan every year to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

India had proposed the corridor to Pakistan around 20 years back.

Pakistan has the Mecca and Medina for the Sikhs and the country is opening up those sites for the minority community, Prime Minister Imran Khan said in the UAE on Sunday.

Pakistan has the Mecca and Medina for the Sikhs and the country is opening up those sites for the minority community, Prime Minister Imran Khan said in the UAE on Sunday. Prime Minister Khan in November last year laid the foundation stone for the corridor linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district to facilitate visa-free movement of Indian Sikh pilgrims. Khan is paying a day-long trip to the UAE to take part in the 7th edition of the World Government Summit on the invitation of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum. "We have the Mecca and Medina of the Sikhs... And we are just opening up those sites for Sikhs," Khan said. Mecca and Medina are the two holiest sites in Islam. "We have opened our visa regime. For the first time in Pakistan, we have 70 countries from where people can come and get visas at the airport," the prime minister said. Khan said Pakistan has the best tourist potential even though at the moment it hardly has any tourism. "Half the world's highest peaks are in Pakistan," he said, adding that the country has 1,000 kilometres of coastline. Khan also said that Pakistan has the oldest historical monuments, probably as old as anywhere in the world. "We have Indus Valley Civilization, which is 5,000 years old. We have Peshawar, the oldest living city in the world, 2,500 years old. Lahore and Multan are ancient cities. "We have the Gandhara civilization, which was the cradle of Buddhist civilization, in the north of Islamabad. The biggest sleeping Buddha, 40 feet, is in Haripur. We have some of the greatest and highest number of Sufi shrines all over Pakistan," he said. Khan said they are opening up the country for tourism. Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan is located across the river Ravi, about four kilometres from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. It was established by the Sikh Guru in 1522. The first Gurdwara, Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, was built here, where Guru Nanak is said to have died. The Kartarpur Corridor, which will facilitate the visa-free travel of Indian Sikh pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, is expected to be completed soon. Thousands of Sikh devotees from India visit Pakistan every year to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak. India had proposed the corridor to Pakistan around 20 years back.

Pakistan has Mecca, Medina for Sikhs: Imran Khan in Dubai

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde has said that the multilateral institution stands ready to support Pakistan which is facing economic headwinds.

She said this on Sunday after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-meet-imf-chief-lagarde-for-talks-on-bailout-196271">meeting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> who is in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the World Government Summit 2019 in Dubai.

Lagarde, after the meeting, said, “I reiterated that the IMF stands ready to support Pakistan. I also highlighted that decisive policies and a strong package of economic reforms would enable Pakistan to restore the resilience of its economy and lay the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth."

She said her meeting with Khan was "good and constructive" wherein they discussed the recent "economic developments and prospects for Pakistan in the context of ongoing discussions toward an IMF-supported program".

"As emphasized in the new government’s policy agenda, protecting the poor and strengthening governance are key priorities to improve people’s living standards in a sustainable manner,” Lagarde further added.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM later tweeted on his meet with IMF chief and said, "In my meeting today with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde there was a convergence of our views on the need to carry out deep structural reforms to put the country on the path of sustainable development in which the most vulnerable segments of society are protected."

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In my meeting today with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde there was a convergence of our views on the need to carry out deep structural reforms to put the country on the path of sustainable development in which the most vulnerable segments of society are protected.
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Pakistan is in talks with IMF for a bailout programme. If agreed, this will be the 13th bailout for the South Asian country since the&nbsp;1980s. The last time Pakistan received a bailout from the IMF was in 2013.

A statement was also released by Pakistan's finance ministry which said that Pak&nbsp;Prime Minister "appreciated IMF’s support to Pakistan and shared his vision for nation-building", reiterating that Pakistan government is committed to "undertaking structural &amp; governance reforms and strengthening social protection in the country".

Both sides also agreed to continue the "deliberations between Pakistani authorities and IMF staff to "finalize an agreement on the contours of a program".

The global rating agency Standard &amp; Poor's (S&amp;P) downgraded Pakistan from B to B- with a stable outlook in the first week of February due to diminished growth prospects.

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), last month, signed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-uae-sign-3-billion-bailout-package-192149">a $3 billion bailout package</a>, as part of Abu Dhabi's support to boost the cash-strapped country's dwindling dollar reserves.

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde has said that the multilateral institution stands ready to support Pakistan which is facing economic headwinds.

The Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Christine Lagarde has said that the multilateral institution stands ready to support Pakistan which is facing economic headwinds. She said this on Sunday after meeting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan who is in the United Arab Emirates to participate in the World Government Summit 2019 in Dubai. Lagarde, after the meeting, said, “I reiterated that the IMF stands ready to support Pakistan. I also highlighted that decisive policies and a strong package of economic reforms would enable Pakistan to restore the resilience of its economy and lay the foundations for stronger and more inclusive growth." She said her meeting with Khan was "good and constructive" wherein they discussed the recent "economic developments and prospects for Pakistan in the context of ongoing discussions toward an IMF-supported program". "As emphasized in the new government’s policy agenda, protecting the poor and strengthening governance are key priorities to improve people’s living standards in a sustainable manner,” Lagarde further added. Pakistan PM later tweeted on his meet with IMF chief and said, "In my meeting today with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde there was a convergence of our views on the need to carry out deep structural reforms to put the country on the path of sustainable development in which the most vulnerable segments of society are protected." In my meeting today with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde there was a convergence of our views on the need to carry out deep structural reforms to put the country on the path of sustainable development in which the most vulnerable segments of society are protected. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 10, 2019 × Pakistan is in talks with IMF for a bailout programme. If agreed, this will be the 13th bailout for the South Asian country since the 1980s. The last time Pakistan received a bailout from the IMF was in 2013. A statement was also released by Pakistan's finance ministry which said that Pak Prime Minister "appreciated IMF’s support to Pakistan and shared his vision for nation-building", reiterating that Pakistan government is committed to "undertaking structural & governance reforms and strengthening social protection in the country". Both sides also agreed to continue the "deliberations between Pakistani authorities and IMF staff to "finalize an agreement on the contours of a program". The global rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) downgraded Pakistan from B to B- with a stable outlook in the first week of February due to diminished growth prospects. Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), last month, signed a $3 billion bailout package, as part of Abu Dhabi's support to boost the cash-strapped country's dwindling dollar reserves.

I reiterate our stand to support Pakistan: IMF chief Lagarde on bailout aid

A record investment package being prepared by Saudi Arabia for Pakistan will likely provide welcome relief for its cash-strapped Muslim ally, while also addressing regional geopolitical challenges, analysts say.

At the heart of the investment is a reported $10 billion refinery and oil complex in the strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea, the ultimate destination for the massive multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which lies not far from the Indo-Iranian port of Chabahar.

Two Saudi sources have confirmed to AFP that heir apparent to the Gulf kingdom's throne, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will visit Islamabad shortly, without giving a date.

And a number of major investment deals are expected to be signed during a visit, officials from both countries have told AFP.

Riyadh and Islamabad, decades-old allies, have been involved for months in talks to hammer out details of the deals in time for the high-profile visit.

"The outcome of the talks so far has been very positive and this is going to be one of the biggest-ever Saudi investments in Pakistan," a Pakistani senior finance ministry official told AFP.

"We hope that an agreement to this effect will be signed during the upcoming visit of the Saudi crown prince to Pakistan," said the official, requesting anonymity.

The Wall Street Journal reported last month that both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Islamabad's biggest trading partner in the Middle East, have offered Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan some $30 billion in investment and loans.

Saudi lifeline

Riyadh investments are expected to provide a lifeline for Pakistan's slumping economy which was downgraded in early February by S&amp;P ratings agency from a B to a B-, Saudi economist Fadhl al-Bouenain said.

"Saudi investment to Pakistan comes within an economic aid package aimed at relieving the stress of external debt and a shortage of foreign currency, besides boosting the sluggish economy," Bouenain told AFP.

The OPEC heavyweight also aims to achieve strategic and commercial goals with investments in infrastructure and refinery projects, he said.

Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partner, the UAE, have already deposited $3 billion each in Pakistan's central bank to help resolve a balance of payments crisis and shore up its declining rupee.

They have also reportedly deferred some $6 billion in oil imports payments as Islamabad has so far failed to secure fresh loans from the International Monetary Fund.

Khan has already visited Riyadh twice since taking office in July and in October attended a prestigious investment conference widely boycotted by other political and economic figures after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Khan also visited Saudi rivals Qatar and Turkey, as well as China seeking investments.

"One of the goals for Saudi Arabia expanding investments in refining worldwide is to secure market share and sustainable exports in the face of international competition," Bouenain said.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih visited Gwadar in January and inspected the site for the proposed oil refinery at the deep sea port, just 70 kilometres (45 miles) away from its Iranian competitor, Chabahar.

He was quoted by local media as saying the kingdom was studying plans to construct a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in Gwadar.

Cutting supply times

Like most oil suppliers, the world's top crude exporter has been investing heavily in refinery and petrochemicals projects across the globe to secure long-term buyers of its oil.

A pipeline from Gwadar to China would cut the supply time from the current 40 days to just seven, experts say.

Developed as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative with investments worth some $60 billion, Gwadar is being billed as a regional industrial hub of the future, easily accessible for Central Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa.

"Pakistan needs a rich partner to enter as a third party besides China, capable of injecting needed cash," Bouenain said.

But so far China has rejected other partners for the corridor that seeks to connect its western province Xinjiang with Gwadar, including Saudi Arabia and UAE, said James M. Dorsey, a senior fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies.

This is despite calls by Khan "for the Chinese investments to be restructured to include agriculture and job-creation sectors and not only in infrastructure", Dorsey told AFP.

Any Saudi investment in Gwadar will also have geopolitical dimensions, Dorsey said.

Iran late last year inaugurated Chabahar which provides a key supply route to landlocked Afghanistan and allows India to bypass its historic enemy Pakistan.

India has seen Chabahar as a key way both to send supplies to Afghanistan and to step up trade with Central Asia as well as Africa.

But Riyadh is not expected to get involved in any Indo-Pakistani rivalry and the kingdom also has major strategic energy deals with New Delhi, where demand for oil is growing fast.

Indeed in April, the Saudis signed a $44 billion deal to build a huge refinery and petrochemicals complex in western India.

A record investment package being prepared by Saudi Arabia for Pakistan will likely provide welcome relief for its cash-strapped Muslim ally, while also addressing regional geopolitical challenges, analysts say.

A record investment package being prepared by Saudi Arabia for Pakistan will likely provide welcome relief for its cash-strapped Muslim ally, while also addressing regional geopolitical challenges, analysts say. At the heart of the investment is a reported $10 billion refinery and oil complex in the strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea, the ultimate destination for the massive multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor, which lies not far from the Indo-Iranian port of Chabahar. Two Saudi sources have confirmed to AFP that heir apparent to the Gulf kingdom's throne, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will visit Islamabad shortly, without giving a date. And a number of major investment deals are expected to be signed during a visit, officials from both countries have told AFP. Riyadh and Islamabad, decades-old allies, have been involved for months in talks to hammer out details of the deals in time for the high-profile visit. "The outcome of the talks so far has been very positive and this is going to be one of the biggest-ever Saudi investments in Pakistan," a Pakistani senior finance ministry official told AFP. "We hope that an agreement to this effect will be signed during the upcoming visit of the Saudi crown prince to Pakistan," said the official, requesting anonymity. The Wall Street Journal reported last month that both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Islamabad's biggest trading partner in the Middle East, have offered Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan some $30 billion in investment and loans. Saudi lifeline Riyadh investments are expected to provide a lifeline for Pakistan's slumping economy which was downgraded in early February by S&P ratings agency from a B to a B-, Saudi economist Fadhl al-Bouenain said. "Saudi investment to Pakistan comes within an economic aid package aimed at relieving the stress of external debt and a shortage of foreign currency, besides boosting the sluggish economy," Bouenain told AFP. The OPEC heavyweight also aims to achieve strategic and commercial goals with investments in infrastructure and refinery projects, he said. Saudi Arabia and its Gulf partner, the UAE, have already deposited $3 billion each in Pakistan's central bank to help resolve a balance of payments crisis and shore up its declining rupee. They have also reportedly deferred some $6 billion in oil imports payments as Islamabad has so far failed to secure fresh loans from the International Monetary Fund. Khan has already visited Riyadh twice since taking office in July and in October attended a prestigious investment conference widely boycotted by other political and economic figures after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Khan also visited Saudi rivals Qatar and Turkey, as well as China seeking investments. "One of the goals for Saudi Arabia expanding investments in refining worldwide is to secure market share and sustainable exports in the face of international competition," Bouenain said. Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih visited Gwadar in January and inspected the site for the proposed oil refinery at the deep sea port, just 70 kilometres (45 miles) away from its Iranian competitor, Chabahar. He was quoted by local media as saying the kingdom was studying plans to construct a $10 billion refinery and petrochemicals complex in Gwadar. Cutting supply times Like most oil suppliers, the world's top crude exporter has been investing heavily in refinery and petrochemicals projects across the globe to secure long-term buyers of its oil. A pipeline from Gwadar to China would cut the supply time from the current 40 days to just seven, experts say. Developed as part of China's Belt and Road Initiative with investments worth some $60 billion, Gwadar is being billed as a regional industrial hub of the future, easily accessible for Central Asia, Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. "Pakistan needs a rich partner to enter as a third party besides China, capable of injecting needed cash," Bouenain said. But so far China has rejected other partners for the corridor that seeks to connect its western province Xinjiang with Gwadar, including Saudi Arabia and UAE, said James M. Dorsey, a senior fellow at Singapore's S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies. This is despite calls by Khan "for the Chinese investments to be restructured to include agriculture and job-creation sectors and not only in infrastructure", Dorsey told AFP. Any Saudi investment in Gwadar will also have geopolitical dimensions, Dorsey said. Iran late last year inaugurated Chabahar which provides a key supply route to landlocked Afghanistan and allows India to bypass its historic enemy Pakistan. India has seen Chabahar as a key way both to send supplies to Afghanistan and to step up trade with Central Asia as well as Africa. But Riyadh is not expected to get involved in any Indo-Pakistani rivalry and the kingdom also has major strategic energy deals with New Delhi, where demand for oil is growing fast. Indeed in April, the Saudis signed a $44 billion deal to build a huge refinery and petrochemicals complex in western India.

Saudi Arabia planning record investments to aid cash-strapped Pakistan

India has slammed Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan for his comments on the situation of minorities in India, calling his remarks an "egregious insult to all citizens of India".

Raveesh Kumar, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, said, "Pakistan’s Prime Minister has yet again demonstrated his lack of understanding about India’s secular polity and ethos. He overlooks the obvious fact that adherents of all faiths choose to live under the democratic polity and the progressive Constitution of India."

"India has eminent leaders of all faiths who occupy its highest Constitutional and official positions," Kumar added.&nbsp;

Pak prime minister Imran Khan was in Nankana Sahib on Saturday where he said, unlike India, his country doesn't treat its minorities as second class citizens.

India also highlighted the incident of the removal of Princeton University economist Atif Mian from Imran Khan-led Economic Advisory Council (EAC) owing to his minority Ahmadiyya background.

MEA said, "Pakistani citizens of non-Islamic faith are barred from occupying high Constitutional offices. The minorities are often turned away from government bodies like the Economic Advisory Council of their Prime Minister, even in ‘naya Pakistan'."

India said Pakistan "would do well to focus on its domestic challenges" and "improve conditions of its citizens rather than try and divert attention".

Pakistan has been trying to get a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support its ailing economy. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-meet-imf-chief-lagarde-for-talks-on-bailout-196271">Imran Khan will be meeting IMF chief Christine Lagarde on Sunday</a> in Dubai for the same.&nbsp;

This is not the first time when Khan has raked the topic of minorities in India. In December, he said he will "show Modi government how to treat minorities".

On December 25, 2018, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Khan tweeted, "Naya Pakistan is Quaid’s Pakistan and will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-ensure-our-minorities-are-treated-as-equals-unlike-what-is-happening-in-india-imran-khan-186352">unlike what is happening in India</a>".

India has slammed Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan for his comments on the situation of minorities in India, calling his remarks an "egregious insult to all citizens of India".

India has slammed Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan for his comments on the situation of minorities in India, calling his remarks an "egregious insult to all citizens of India". Raveesh Kumar, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, said, "Pakistan’s Prime Minister has yet again demonstrated his lack of understanding about India’s secular polity and ethos. He overlooks the obvious fact that adherents of all faiths choose to live under the democratic polity and the progressive Constitution of India." "India has eminent leaders of all faiths who occupy its highest Constitutional and official positions," Kumar added. Pak prime minister Imran Khan was in Nankana Sahib on Saturday where he said, unlike India, his country doesn't treat its minorities as second class citizens. India also highlighted the incident of the removal of Princeton University economist Atif Mian from Imran Khan-led Economic Advisory Council (EAC) owing to his minority Ahmadiyya background. MEA said, "Pakistani citizens of non-Islamic faith are barred from occupying high Constitutional offices. The minorities are often turned away from government bodies like the Economic Advisory Council of their Prime Minister, even in ‘naya Pakistan'." India said Pakistan "would do well to focus on its domestic challenges" and "improve conditions of its citizens rather than try and divert attention". Pakistan has been trying to get a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to support its ailing economy. Imran Khan will be meeting IMF chief Christine Lagarde on Sunday in Dubai for the same. This is not the first time when Khan has raked the topic of minorities in India. In December, he said he will "show Modi government how to treat minorities". On December 25, 2018, on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, 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".

Imran Khan criticises state of minorities in India; New Delhi calls his comments 'egregious insult to all citizens' 

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde in Dubai on Sunday for talks on issues which have held up bailout negotiations, a Pakistani minister said on Saturday.

Pakistan is seeking its 13th bailout since the late 1980s to deal with a current account deficit that threatens to trigger a balance of payments crisis, but talks have been delayed by difficulties in reconciling IMF reform demands with Islamabad`s fears the push is too drastic and could hurt economic growth.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told Reuters Khan will meet IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai.

"This will give us a chance to understand the IMF views and we will be able to give our version to (Lagarde)," said Chaudhry, who will accompany Khan to Dubai along with Finance Minister Asad Umar.

Chaudhry said Pakistan wants any agreed bailout package, which would be the country's second IMF bailout since 2013, to be the nation`s last such economic rescue by the IMF.&nbsp;

Officials had expected talks to conclude in November but they have been delayed as Islamabad harbours concerns that the programme could derail the economy and Khan`s plans for his term in office.

Pakistan has in the meantime sought financial assistance from Middle Eastern allies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who have loaned it in excess of $10 billion to ease the pressure on its dwindling foreign currency reserves.

"The problem is not the (IMF) deal, the problem is the condition attached to the deal," Chaudhry said.&nbsp;

"We don’t want conditions that hurt Pakistan’s growth prospects. We want a fair deal that can actually help Pakistan in the short term, without affecting our long-term economic goals."

The IMF talks come amid a worsening macroeconomic outlook, with growth expectations slashed for the current fiscal year to about 4 per cent from 6 per cent previously forecast.

On Saturday, Pakistan also revised its growth figures for the last financial year to 5.2 per cent from a previously reported 5.8 per cent, after a sharp cut in the figure for large-scale manufacturing, the statistics office said.

When the original estimate was reported in April by the government of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi it was hailed as the strongest growth in 13 years.

Before the revisions to last year`s GDP figures, Pakistan`s deficit to GDP ratio, estimated at 5.8 per cent in 2017-18, was expected to hit 6.9 per cent this year, according to IMF data.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde in Dubai on Sunday for talks on issues which have held up bailout negotiations, a Pakistani minister said on Saturday.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will meet International Monetary Fund (IMF) chief Christine Lagarde in Dubai on Sunday for talks on issues which have held up bailout negotiations, a Pakistani minister said on Saturday. Pakistan is seeking its 13th bailout since the late 1980s to deal with a current account deficit that threatens to trigger a balance of payments crisis, but talks have been delayed by difficulties in reconciling IMF reform demands with Islamabad`s fears the push is too drastic and could hurt economic growth. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry told Reuters Khan will meet IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde on the sidelines of the World Government Summit in Dubai. "This will give us a chance to understand the IMF views and we will be able to give our version to (Lagarde)," said Chaudhry, who will accompany Khan to Dubai along with Finance Minister Asad Umar. Chaudhry said Pakistan wants any agreed bailout package, which would be the country's second IMF bailout since 2013, to be the nation`s last such economic rescue by the IMF. Officials had expected talks to conclude in November but they have been delayed as Islamabad harbours concerns that the programme could derail the economy and Khan`s plans for his term in office. Pakistan has in the meantime sought financial assistance from Middle Eastern allies such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who have loaned it in excess of $10 billion to ease the pressure on its dwindling foreign currency reserves. "The problem is not the (IMF) deal, the problem is the condition attached to the deal," Chaudhry said. "We don’t want conditions that hurt Pakistan’s growth prospects. We want a fair deal that can actually help Pakistan in the short term, without affecting our long-term economic goals." The IMF talks come amid a worsening macroeconomic outlook, with growth expectations slashed for the current fiscal year to about 4 per cent from 6 per cent previously forecast. On Saturday, Pakistan also revised its growth figures for the last financial year to 5.2 per cent from a previously reported 5.8 per cent, after a sharp cut in the figure for large-scale manufacturing, the statistics office said. When the original estimate was reported in April by the government of Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi it was hailed as the strongest growth in 13 years. Before the revisions to last year`s GDP figures, Pakistan`s deficit to GDP ratio, estimated at 5.8 per cent in 2017-18, was expected to hit 6.9 per cent this year, according to IMF data.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to meet IMF chief Lagarde for talks on bailout

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Friday acknowledged his government's failure in reducing the economic burden on the country's middle class.

Addressing an event here, Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was aware of the role the country's middle class played in propelling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to power in last year's general elections.

"Our biggest regret is that we cannot provide immediate relief to the middle class that voted for us. Taxes are levied on the salaried class, and gas and electricity rates have increased for them," he said.

The minister said that the government succeeded to shield the poorest segments from the financial burden but it could not do so in case of the middle class due to lack of money.

He blamed the economic woes, which the current government inherited, for the failure to live up to the expectation of the people during the first six months.

"Our total income is approximately Rs 5.5 trillion, of which Rs 2 trillion goes to debt servicing, Rs 1.7 trillion towards our defence budget, and then for every 10 rupees, six go to the provinces," Chaudhry said.

The minister said that the federal government starts the budget-making process from the deficit.

He said the interest was paid on loans taken by the previous two successive governments which shook the foundation of the country.

Chaudhry also defended the 126-day sit-in by Imran Khan in 2014, saying it laid the foundation of 'Naya (new) Pakistan'.

The minister also accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's government of misusing fund and spending too much on mega-projects like the Orange Line Rail project in Lahore which costs US $ 3 billion.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Friday acknowledged his government's failure in reducing the economic burden on the country's middle class. Addressing an event here, Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was aware of the role the country's middle class played in propelling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to power in last year's general elections.

Pakistan's Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry Friday acknowledged his government's failure in reducing the economic burden on the country's middle class. Addressing an event here, Chaudhry said that Prime Minister Imran Khan was aware of the role the country's middle class played in propelling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf to power in last year's general elections. "Our biggest regret is that we cannot provide immediate relief to the middle class that voted for us. Taxes are levied on the salaried class, and gas and electricity rates have increased for them," he said. The minister said that the government succeeded to shield the poorest segments from the financial burden but it could not do so in case of the middle class due to lack of money. He blamed the economic woes, which the current government inherited, for the failure to live up to the expectation of the people during the first six months. "Our total income is approximately Rs 5.5 trillion, of which Rs 2 trillion goes to debt servicing, Rs 1.7 trillion towards our defence budget, and then for every 10 rupees, six go to the provinces," Chaudhry said. The minister said that the federal government starts the budget-making process from the deficit. He said the interest was paid on loans taken by the previous two successive governments which shook the foundation of the country. Chaudhry also defended the 126-day sit-in by Imran Khan in 2014, saying it laid the foundation of 'Naya (new) Pakistan'. The minister also accused former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's government of misusing fund and spending too much on mega-projects like the Orange Line Rail project in Lahore which costs US $ 3 billion.

Pakistan:  Information Minister acknowledges government's failure in addressing woes of middle class

Pakistan has signed a provisional agreement with Russian energy giant Gazprom on a feasibility study for an offshore pipeline that would supply natural gas from the Middle East to Pakistan and other parts of South Asia.

The memorandum of understanding is the latest in a series of energy-related agreements between <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-court-tells-army-to-stay-out-of-politics-media-195566">Pakistan</a> and Russia, former Cold War foes who have grown closer in recent years.

An offshore pipeline from Iran has long been discussed by Pakistani officials, but its viability has been questioned due to the delicate geopolitical situation in South Asia and the rivalry between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan.

US&nbsp;sanctions against Iran are also a major hindrance for most gas pipeline projects in the region, with the offshore spur from Iran to Pakistan and India set to cost an estimated $10 billion, according to Pakistani media.

"(The agreement) provides for a joint feasibility study regarding gas supplies from the Middle East to South Asian countries," Gazprom said in a statement on Wednesday, without specifically mentioning Iran or India.

Pakistan's Petroleum Ministry said it would take three to four years to complete the pipeline, which would include "other ancillary projects such as Under Ground Gas storage, desalination and other power projects."

Pakistan will import some 500 million to 1 billion cubic feet of gas a day from Middle East sources, the ministry said, according to the agreement Gazprom signed with Pakistan's state-run energy infrastructure arm Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS).

Islamabad previously signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to discuss the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan, one of the world's fastest-growing LNG markets.

But a $2 billion North-South pipeline to deliver gas from Pakistan's coastal regions to industrial areas in the north has been held up since 2015 due to a disagreement over fees and US&nbsp;sanctions against Russian state conglomerate Rostec.

Pakistan has signed a provisional agreement with Russian energy giant Gazprom on a feasibility study for an offshore pipeline that would supply natural gas from the Middle East to Pakistan and other parts of South Asia.

Pakistan has signed a provisional agreement with Russian energy giant Gazprom on a feasibility study for an offshore pipeline that would supply natural gas from the Middle East to Pakistan and other parts of South Asia. The memorandum of understanding is the latest in a series of energy-related agreements between Pakistan and Russia, former Cold War foes who have grown closer in recent years. An offshore pipeline from Iran has long been discussed by Pakistani officials, but its viability has been questioned due to the delicate geopolitical situation in South Asia and the rivalry between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan. US sanctions against Iran are also a major hindrance for most gas pipeline projects in the region, with the offshore spur from Iran to Pakistan and India set to cost an estimated $10 billion, according to Pakistani media. "(The agreement) provides for a joint feasibility study regarding gas supplies from the Middle East to South Asian countries," Gazprom said in a statement on Wednesday, without specifically mentioning Iran or India. Pakistan's Petroleum Ministry said it would take three to four years to complete the pipeline, which would include "other ancillary projects such as Under Ground Gas storage, desalination and other power projects." Pakistan will import some 500 million to 1 billion cubic feet of gas a day from Middle East sources, the ministry said, according to the agreement Gazprom signed with Pakistan's state-run energy infrastructure arm Inter State Gas Systems (ISGS). Islamabad previously signed an intergovernmental agreement with Russia to discuss the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistan, one of the world's fastest-growing LNG markets. But a $2 billion North-South pipeline to deliver gas from Pakistan's coastal regions to industrial areas in the north has been held up since 2015 due to a disagreement over fees and US sanctions against Russian state conglomerate Rostec.

Pakistan signs offshore pipeline agreement with Russian energy giant Gazprom

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be on a day-long visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, Foreign Office said on Thursday.

Khan will be visiting Dubai on February 10 on the invitation of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum to participate in the 7th edition of the World Government Summit, it said.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Dubai on February 10, 2019, on a day-long visit," the FO said.

The annual gathering of heads of states, policymakers, business leaders and experts will provide an occasion to discuss current and future opportunities to improve governance through reform, innovation and technology, it said.

Imran Khan's participation will underscore Pakistan's strong interest in the knowledge economy, artificial intelligence, green development and the importance of innovation for growth.

In his keynote address, the Prime Minister will highlight his vision for a strong and prosperous Pakistan. He will encourage investment in different sectors of

Pakistan economy, the FO said, adding that he will be accompanied by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Maritime Affairs and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce.

Khan will also meet the UAE leadership.

This will be his third visit to the UAE after coming to power in August last year.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be on a day-long visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, Foreign Office said on Thursday. Khan will be visiting Dubai on February 10 on the invitation of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum to participate in the 7th edition of the World Government Summit, it said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will be on a day-long visit to the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, Foreign Office said on Thursday. Khan will be visiting Dubai on February 10 on the invitation of the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the ruler of the Emirate of Dubai Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al-Maktoum to participate in the 7th edition of the World Government Summit, it said. "Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Dubai on February 10, 2019, on a day-long visit," the FO said. The annual gathering of heads of states, policymakers, business leaders and experts will provide an occasion to discuss current and future opportunities to improve governance through reform, innovation and technology, it said. Imran Khan's participation will underscore Pakistan's strong interest in the knowledge economy, artificial intelligence, green development and the importance of innovation for growth. In his keynote address, the Prime Minister will highlight his vision for a strong and prosperous Pakistan. He will encourage investment in different sectors of Pakistan economy, the FO said, adding that he will be accompanied by the ministers of Foreign Affairs, Finance, Maritime Affairs and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce. Khan will also meet the UAE leadership. This will be his third visit to the UAE after coming to power in August last year.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit UAE on Sunday

Hindu temple was vandalised in Pakistan's Sindh province by people who set the holy books and idols on fire, drawing a strong reaction from Prime Minister Imran Khan who ordered swift and decisive action against the perpetrators.

The incident occurred last week in Kumb, a town in Khairpur district. The unidentified people fled the after vandalism.

Khan on Tuesday night took to Twitter to call upon the provincial authorities to take swift action against the culprits.

"The government of Sindh must take swift and decisive action against the perpetrators. This is against the teachings of the Quran," Khan said.

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The govt of Sindh must take swift and decisive action against the perpetrators. This is against the teachings of the Quran. <a href="https://t.co/aNr9uAkyTk">pic.twitter.com/aNr9uAkyTk</a>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1092824625137045511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The community has approached the police to register a case against unidentified persons.

There was no caretaker at the temple because the community felt that it was safe enough, since it was surrounded by their houses.

After the incident, the Hindus in the area held a protest in the city, Samaa TV reported.

Rajesh Kumar Hardasani, the adviser of the Pakistan Hindu Council, has demanded the formation of a special task force for the security of Hindu temples.

"This action has caused unrest among the Hindu community. These types of attacks are done in an attempt to disturb religious harmony across the country," he said.

Police said that they were hunting for the attackers but so far no arrest has been&nbsp;made. No individual or group has taken&nbsp;responsibility for the attack.

Hindus form almost two per cent of the 220 million population in Pakistan with&nbsp;most living in Sindh province.

Hindu temple was vandalised in Pakistan's Sindh province by people who set the holy books and idols on fire, drawing a strong reaction from Prime Minister Imran Khan who ordered swift and decisive action against the perpetrators.

Hindu temple was vandalised in Pakistan's Sindh province by people who set the holy books and idols on fire, drawing a strong reaction from Prime Minister Imran Khan who ordered swift and decisive action against the perpetrators. The incident occurred last week in Kumb, a town in Khairpur district. The unidentified people fled the after vandalism. Khan on Tuesday night took to Twitter to call upon the provincial authorities to take swift action against the culprits. "The government of Sindh must take swift and decisive action against the perpetrators. This is against the teachings of the Quran," Khan said. The govt of Sindh must take swift and decisive action against the perpetrators. This is against the teachings of the Quran. pic.twitter.com/aNr9uAkyTk — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 5, 2019 × The community has approached the police to register a case against unidentified persons. There was no caretaker at the temple because the community felt that it was safe enough, since it was surrounded by their houses. After the incident, the Hindus in the area held a protest in the city, Samaa TV reported. Rajesh Kumar Hardasani, the adviser of the Pakistan Hindu Council, has demanded the formation of a special task force for the security of Hindu temples. "This action has caused unrest among the Hindu community. These types of attacks are done in an attempt to disturb religious harmony across the country," he said. Police said that they were hunting for the attackers but so far no arrest has been made. No individual or group has taken responsibility for the attack. Hindus form almost two per cent of the 220 million population in Pakistan with most living in Sindh province.

Hindu temple vandalised in Pakistan; PM Imran Khan orders decisive action

Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-how-pakistans-army-sidelined-nawaz-sharif-150781">the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies</a> Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence.

The unusually strong criticism was issued in a judgement criticising the role of the intelligence agencies in anti-blasphemy protests which paralysed the capital Islamabad for several weeks in 2017.

"If any personnel of the Armed Forces indulges in any form of politicking or tries to manipulate the media he undermines the integrity and professionalism of the Armed Forces," the judgement, posted on the Supreme Court website, stated.

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<h5>'If any personnel of the Armed Forces indulges in any form of politicking or tries to manipulate the media he undermines the integrity and professionalism of the Armed Forces,' the judgement, posted on the Supreme Court website, stated</h5>
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Pakistan's Constitution "emphatically prohibits" members of the armed forces from "engaging in any kind of political activity", it added, ordering the government and the chiefs of the army, air force and navy to take action against anyone found violating their oaths to uphold the document.

The 2017 protests were led by a then-little-known Islamist group called the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and were only dispersed after violent clashes led to a military-brokered deal which forced the resignation of the federal law minister.

Viral videos showing what appeared to be soldiers handing out cash to protesters helped fuel speculation the demonstrators were backed by the military as it sought to put pressure on the then-ruling party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

The judgement also spelt out curbs on free speech, singling out the intelligence agencies for a stern warning.&nbsp;

"All intelligence agencies... and the (military's media wing) must not exceed their respective mandates. They cannot curtail the freedom of speech and expression," the judgement said.

"Those who resort to such tactics under the mistaken belief that they serve some higher goal delude themselves," it continued.

Local media have complained about pressure in the run-up to a general election in July to self-censor in favour of the eventual victor, cricketer-turned-prime-minister Imran Khan.

Activists and bloggers speaking out against the state and military have also complained of repression.

The Committee to Protect Journalists said the army had "quietly but effectively, set restrictions on reporting" in a report released September last year.

Pakistan's courts have cautioned the military establishment against meddling before -- and paid a price.&nbsp;

An Islamabad High Court judge was ousted last year after he publicly accused the country's top intelligence agency of manipulating judicial decisions to influence the general election.

Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence.

Pakistan's Supreme Court rebuked the country's powerful military and intelligence agencies Wednesday, calling for them to uphold free speech and stay out of politics in a country ruled by the generals for nearly half its existence. The unusually strong criticism was issued in a judgement criticising the role of the intelligence agencies in anti-blasphemy protests which paralysed the capital Islamabad for several weeks in 2017. "If any personnel of the Armed Forces indulges in any form of politicking or tries to manipulate the media he undermines the integrity and professionalism of the Armed Forces," the judgement, posted on the Supreme Court website, stated. 'If any personnel of the Armed Forces indulges in any form of politicking or tries to manipulate the media he undermines the integrity and professionalism of the Armed Forces,' the judgement, posted on the Supreme Court website, stated × Pakistan's Constitution "emphatically prohibits" members of the armed forces from "engaging in any kind of political activity", it added, ordering the government and the chiefs of the army, air force and navy to take action against anyone found violating their oaths to uphold the document. The 2017 protests were led by a then-little-known Islamist group called the Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) and were only dispersed after violent clashes led to a military-brokered deal which forced the resignation of the federal law minister. Viral videos showing what appeared to be soldiers handing out cash to protesters helped fuel speculation the demonstrators were backed by the military as it sought to put pressure on the then-ruling party of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. The judgement also spelt out curbs on free speech, singling out the intelligence agencies for a stern warning. "All intelligence agencies... and the (military's media wing) must not exceed their respective mandates. They cannot curtail the freedom of speech and expression," the judgement said. "Those who resort to such tactics under the mistaken belief that they serve some higher goal delude themselves," it continued. Local media have complained about pressure in the run-up to a general election in July to self-censor in favour of the eventual victor, cricketer-turned-prime-minister Imran Khan. Activists and bloggers speaking out against the state and military have also complained of repression. The Committee to Protect Journalists said the army had "quietly but effectively, set restrictions on reporting" in a report released September last year. Pakistan's courts have cautioned the military establishment against meddling before -- and paid a price. An Islamabad High Court judge was ousted last year after he publicly accused the country's top intelligence agency of manipulating judicial decisions to influence the general election.

Pakistan Supreme Court tells army to stay out of politics, media

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday launched the first phase of an ambitious welfare scheme to provide free medical treatment to nearly 80 million people in the underprivileged strata of the society.

Under the Sehat Insaf Card scheme, over 80 million people - or 10.5 million households below the poverty line - will receive free medical treatment worth Rs 720,000 in private or state-owned hospitals. Around 15 million people will receive the cards over the next two years, Pakistani media reported.

According to Minister for Health Aamir Kiani, the scheme will be launched in Punjab, Gilgit Baltistan, Islamabad, erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Islamabad. Each family in the tribal districts will be provided the cards, whereas 85,000 families in Islamabad will be given cards. Each cardholder will also be provided cost of transport up to Rs 1,000 for each hospital visit.

Over 150 hospitals will provide free treatment - including procedures such as angioplasty, brain surgery, and cancer - under this facility.&nbsp;

The Sehat Insaf Card will cover treatment of all ailments except transplants, state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

"The cards will be distributed in Islamabad, then our tribal areas and then all over the country," Prime Minister Khan said.

Stating that the health cards will alleviate poverty, Imran said, "We want to aid and safeguard the poor segments of the society by issuing health cards."

The Sehat Insaf Card, which falls under Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's Sehat Sahulat Programme, was part of a health insurance scheme first launched by it in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in 2016.

"It was first issued to half of all households, then to 69 per cent of poor households in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," Khan said.&nbsp;

The PTI in its election manifesto had stated that it would "upscale the Sehat Insaf Card Programme across Pakistan to provide access to quality healthcare to citizens," Dawn newspaper reported.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday launched the first phase of an ambitious welfare scheme to provide free medical treatment to nearly 80 million people in the underprivileged strata of the society.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday launched the first phase of an ambitious welfare scheme to provide free medical treatment to nearly 80 million people in the underprivileged strata of the society. Under the Sehat Insaf Card scheme, over 80 million people - or 10.5 million households below the poverty line - will receive free medical treatment worth Rs 720,000 in private or state-owned hospitals. Around 15 million people will receive the cards over the next two years, Pakistani media reported. According to Minister for Health Aamir Kiani, the scheme will be launched in Punjab, Gilgit Baltistan, Islamabad, erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas and Islamabad. Each family in the tribal districts will be provided the cards, whereas 85,000 families in Islamabad will be given cards. Each cardholder will also be provided cost of transport up to Rs 1,000 for each hospital visit. Over 150 hospitals will provide free treatment - including procedures such as angioplasty, brain surgery, and cancer - under this facility. The Sehat Insaf Card will cover treatment of all ailments except transplants, state-run Radio Pakistan reported. "The cards will be distributed in Islamabad, then our tribal areas and then all over the country," Prime Minister Khan said. Stating that the health cards will alleviate poverty, Imran said, "We want to aid and safeguard the poor segments of the society by issuing health cards." The Sehat Insaf Card, which falls under Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's Sehat Sahulat Programme, was part of a health insurance scheme first launched by it in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in 2016. "It was first issued to half of all households, then to 69 per cent of poor households in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa," Khan said. The PTI in its election manifesto had stated that it would "upscale the Sehat Insaf Card Programme across Pakistan to provide access to quality healthcare to citizens," Dawn newspaper reported.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan launches free medicare project for the poor

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-suffering-from-kidney-stone-195069">Nawaz Sharif has multiple health issues</a> such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and cardiac problems, but his treatment can be done in Pakistan, head of a medical board that examined the ousted prime minister said Tuesday amid reports that the veteran politician wanted to go to London.&nbsp;

Sharif, 69, is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. The Islamabad High Court will hear his bail application on medical grounds on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz, head of the medical board told reporters that Sharif's tests have been done and a final checkup was carried out on Tuesday.&nbsp;

"The recommendations will be sent to the home ministry, who will decide if Nawaz should be shifted from hospital," he said.

He said that as per the protocol, he cannot reveal the test results of the patients.

On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison here to a hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board.

Geo News, quoting hospital sources, said the three-time prime minister has been diagnosed with a kidney stone, but his blood test, ECG, uric acid and other reports were all clear.

A few days earlier, a team of doctors, including cardiologists, had conducted a medical examination of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo at Kot Lakhpat jail.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government claimed on Monday that Sharif was keen to go to London for treatment.

"Nawaz Sharif is keen to go to London. His medical reports are normal but he wants to go to London," Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said.

When asked if something was going on between the Sharif family and the government, the minister said: "They (the Sharif family and PML-N) have been blackmailing the government with regard to the health of Nawaz Sharif. They want relief for the Sharif family.&nbsp;

"But after Sharif's medical reports, it has been established that his condition is not serious as he had 'just' a small stone in his kidney which can be operated upon here."

Reacting to the reports, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told Dawn newspaper that "no backdoor' efforts were underway to secure a deal for the Sharif family.

"It is mere propaganda of our political opponents. Had Mr Sharif wanted a deal he would not have come back from London to go to jail along with his daughter Maryam," she said.&nbsp;

"We want best treatment of Mian Sahib in the light of his test reports," she added.

Earlier, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to take the nation into confidence if any deal with the PML-N was in the making.&nbsp;

"I hope Prime Minister Khan will not mind as there are reports that PML-N and PPP are paying money for striking a deal with the PTI government. If it is true, please take the nation into confidence," Rashid said.&nbsp;

Sharif was tried in three corruption case launched in September, 2017. He was first convicted and sentenced for 10 years in July last year in a case related to Avenfield properties in London. He was also disqualified to hold any public office for 10 years. The Islamabad High Court granted him bail in the case in September last year.

Nawaz Sharif has multiple health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and cardiac problems, but his treatment can be done in Pakistan, head of a medical board that examined the ousted prime minister said Tuesday amid reports that the veteran politician wanted to go to London.

Nawaz Sharif has multiple health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney and cardiac problems, but his treatment can be done in Pakistan, head of a medical board that examined the ousted prime minister said Tuesday amid reports that the veteran politician wanted to go to London. Sharif, 69, is serving a seven-year jail term in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. The Islamabad High Court will hear his bail application on medical grounds on Wednesday. Professor Dr Mahmood Ayaz, head of the medical board told reporters that Sharif's tests have been done and a final checkup was carried out on Tuesday. "The recommendations will be sent to the home ministry, who will decide if Nawaz should be shifted from hospital," he said. He said that as per the protocol, he cannot reveal the test results of the patients. On Saturday, the deposed prime minister was shifted from Kot Lakhpat prison here to a hospital where he was examined by a three-member medical board. Geo News, quoting hospital sources, said the three-time prime minister has been diagnosed with a kidney stone, but his blood test, ECG, uric acid and other reports were all clear. A few days earlier, a team of doctors, including cardiologists, had conducted a medical examination of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz supremo at Kot Lakhpat jail. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government claimed on Monday that Sharif was keen to go to London for treatment. "Nawaz Sharif is keen to go to London. His medical reports are normal but he wants to go to London," Punjab Information Minister Fayazul Hasan Chohan said. When asked if something was going on between the Sharif family and the government, the minister said: "They (the Sharif family and PML-N) have been blackmailing the government with regard to the health of Nawaz Sharif. They want relief for the Sharif family. "But after Sharif's medical reports, it has been established that his condition is not serious as he had 'just' a small stone in his kidney which can be operated upon here." Reacting to the reports, PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told Dawn newspaper that "no backdoor' efforts were underway to secure a deal for the Sharif family. "It is mere propaganda of our political opponents. Had Mr Sharif wanted a deal he would not have come back from London to go to jail along with his daughter Maryam," she said. "We want best treatment of Mian Sahib in the light of his test reports," she added. Earlier, Awami Muslim League chief Sheikh Rashid urged Prime Minister Imran Khan to take the nation into confidence if any deal with the PML-N was in the making. "I hope Prime Minister Khan will not mind as there are reports that PML-N and PPP are paying money for striking a deal with the PTI government. If it is true, please take the nation into confidence," Rashid said. Sharif was tried in three corruption case launched in September, 2017. He was first convicted and sentenced for 10 years in July last year in a case related to Avenfield properties in London. He was also disqualified to hold any public office for 10 years. The Islamabad High Court granted him bail in the case in September last year.

Nawaz Sharif's treatment can be done in Pakistan, says head of medical board

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday compared skipper Virat Kohli to iconic former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan.

"The closest I have seen to the great man. Virat is in your face, he wants to dominate and has a work ethic like no one else. Whether it comes to discipline, training, sacrifice or self-denial, it is unbelievable.

"I think India is lucky to have a leader of that sort. He reminds me of Imran Khan in many ways - in the way he sets the example and sets the standards, and goes about defining it in his own way and leading from the front," Shastri said.

However, Shastri is confident that Kohli will evolve further as a captain.

"As far as I am concerned, tactically, there is still room for plenty of improvement as captain. He has gotten better and better, and better, and I thought in the Australian Test series, tactically he outsmarted Australia.

"I still see more room across formats for him to evolve. As a captain, Virat will evolve further," said Shastri.

Speaking about Indian bowlers, Shastri asserted that Kuldeep Yadav is firmly ahead of veteran Ravichandran Ashwin in the pecking order as India's frontline spinner on foreign soil.&nbsp;

Shastri cited Kuldeep's five-wicket haul against Australia in the Sydney Test this year.&nbsp;

Shastri made it clear that going forward, wrist spinners will be in vogue in Test cricket and Kuldeep is "already" ahead of Ashwin and Jadeja as country's No.1 spinner.

"Already! He plays overseas Test cricket and he gets five wickets, so he becomes our primary overseas spinner. Going ahead, if we have to play one spinner, he is the one we will pick," Shastri told the 'Cricbuzz' website.

"There is a time for everyone (referring to Ashwin's poor fitness record in 2018). But now Kuldeep is our frontline number one overseas spinner," he added.

Kuldeep bagged a five-for in the rain-affected Sydney Test and most of the Australian batsmen failed to read him.

"I was very impressed with the way Kuldeep bowled in Sydney. Even in Test cricket, it is going to be the age of wrist spin, especially in overseas Test cricket. The way he bowled in Sydney, he becomes our number one spinner in overseas Test cricket," Shastri said.

Cheteshwar Pujara was a revelation during the tour of Australia where he played a massive role in the country's first ever 2-1 series win, fetching the player of the series award for it.

However, the same Pujara was dropped for the first Test against England in Birmingham and Shastri revealed how a minor glitch in his stance was corrected, which wasn't entirely technical.&nbsp;

"It wasn't a technical issue. It was in his posture and the way he stood at the crease. It was a small thing, which can happen when you have played day in, and day out. I felt it was an issue," Shastri said.&nbsp;

"We had to factor in if we wanted to take the risk of that first Test or get him right for the next 7-8 Tests. Or, take that chance of playing in all 8 Tests and he doesn't have enough time to sort that," the coach, known for his cricketing acumen, said.

According to Shastri, the problem crept in when Pujara was playing county cricket in 2018 and it was a "conscious decision" to drop Pujara in England.

"And I will do that again if I get the results like the way I have," said the straight talking coach.

Since coming back from Australia, Pujara has played three back to back first-class games for Saurashtra, including the ongoing Ranji final in Nagpur and the coach feels it's time he takes some rest.&nbsp;

"...I feel like calling him from New Zealand and saying, enough Puji, take off your pads now and sit down!"

"And like I said earlier, he is the quintessential professional. That guy, when he gets in, he smells the leather. He doesn't let the bowler make him smell the leather. Chin music is different, when the bowler makes the ball go past you," he said.

And then there was an inimitable Shastri comment about how Pujara goes about his job, saying no one smells the leather in defence better than Pujara.

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday compared skipper Virat Kohli to iconic former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan. "The closest I have seen to the great man.

Indian cricket team head coach Ravi Shastri on Tuesday compared skipper Virat Kohli to iconic former Pakistan cricket captain Imran Khan. "The closest I have seen to the great man. Virat is in your face, he wants to dominate and has a work ethic like no one else. Whether it comes to discipline, training, sacrifice or self-denial, it is unbelievable. "I think India is lucky to have a leader of that sort. He reminds me of Imran Khan in many ways - in the way he sets the example and sets the standards, and goes about defining it in his own way and leading from the front," Shastri said. However, Shastri is confident that Kohli will evolve further as a captain. "As far as I am concerned, tactically, there is still room for plenty of improvement as captain. He has gotten better and better, and better, and I thought in the Australian Test series, tactically he outsmarted Australia. "I still see more room across formats for him to evolve. As a captain, Virat will evolve further," said Shastri. Speaking about Indian bowlers, Shastri asserted that Kuldeep Yadav is firmly ahead of veteran Ravichandran Ashwin in the pecking order as India's frontline spinner on foreign soil. Shastri cited Kuldeep's five-wicket haul against Australia in the Sydney Test this year. Shastri made it clear that going forward, wrist spinners will be in vogue in Test cricket and Kuldeep is "already" ahead of Ashwin and Jadeja as country's No.1 spinner. "Already! He plays overseas Test cricket and he gets five wickets, so he becomes our primary overseas spinner. Going ahead, if we have to play one spinner, he is the one we will pick," Shastri told the 'Cricbuzz' website. "There is a time for everyone (referring to Ashwin's poor fitness record in 2018). But now Kuldeep is our frontline number one overseas spinner," he added. Kuldeep bagged a five-for in the rain-affected Sydney Test and most of the Australian batsmen failed to read him. "I was very impressed with the way Kuldeep bowled in Sydney. Even in Test cricket, it is going to be the age of wrist spin, especially in overseas Test cricket. The way he bowled in Sydney, he becomes our number one spinner in overseas Test cricket," Shastri said. Cheteshwar Pujara was a revelation during the tour of Australia where he played a massive role in the country's first ever 2-1 series win, fetching the player of the series award for it. However, the same Pujara was dropped for the first Test against England in Birmingham and Shastri revealed how a minor glitch in his stance was corrected, which wasn't entirely technical. "It wasn't a technical issue. It was in his posture and the way he stood at the crease. It was a small thing, which can happen when you have played day in, and day out. I felt it was an issue," Shastri said. "We had to factor in if we wanted to take the risk of that first Test or get him right for the next 7-8 Tests. Or, take that chance of playing in all 8 Tests and he doesn't have enough time to sort that," the coach, known for his cricketing acumen, said. According to Shastri, the problem crept in when Pujara was playing county cricket in 2018 and it was a "conscious decision" to drop Pujara in England. "And I will do that again if I get the results like the way I have," said the straight talking coach. Since coming back from Australia, Pujara has played three back to back first-class games for Saurashtra, including the ongoing Ranji final in Nagpur and the coach feels it's time he takes some rest. "...I feel like calling him from New Zealand and saying, enough Puji, take off your pads now and sit down!" "And like I said earlier, he is the quintessential professional. That guy, when he gets in, he smells the leather. He doesn't let the bowler make him smell the leather. Chin music is different, when the bowler makes the ball go past you," he said. And then there was an inimitable Shastri comment about how Pujara goes about his job, saying no one smells the leather in defence better than Pujara.

Virat Kohli 'reminds me of Imran Khan', says India coach Ravi Shastri

China will provide $2.5 billion in loans to Pakistan to boost the foreign exchange reserves of its "all-weather ally", a media report said Saturday.

Pakistan is nearly broke with the drying up of foreign cash reserves and mounting external debt.

The country's $8.12 billion reserves, which are below the minimum level that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) prescribe, are sufficient to cover only seven weeks of imports.

Due to this, the WB and the Asian Development Bank are not providing loans for budget financing.

"Beijing will place the $2.5 billion in deposits with the central bank," a top Finance Ministry official here told The Express Tribune.

With the anticipated $2.5 billion deposits, China's contribution in this fiscal year alone would surge to $4.5 billion, the paper said.

Pakistan has struggled to maintain reserves that are not currently sufficient to provide cover to even two months of imports despite receiving $4 billion in loans from two Middle-Eastern countries.

In July, China deposited $2 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan. In the past five years, China has emerged as Pakistan's single largest saviour in times of economic crisis.

The money is coming as part of the government's strategy to secure breathing space till the time its macroeconomic stabilisation measures take effect.

After coming into power, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to arrange emergency loans to avoid a looming default.

Pakistan has secured $14.5 billion worth of commitments from these three countries that have helped largely bridged the external financing gap of the ongoing fiscal year.

Before coming into power, Khan was critical of taking loans to run the country but due to an extremely low level of foreign currency reserves and financing requirements standing above $25 billion, he sought loans from other countries.

Saudi Arabia will provide a $ 6 billion financial assistance package, which included $3 billion in short term loans at an interest rate of 3.18 per cent. Riyadh has already disbursed $3 billion.

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Tariq Bajwa on Thursday said the modalities for $3 billion oil on deferred payments were finalised this week and an agreement would be signed on February 16 during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

The UAE has agreed to provide $3 billion in loans at an interest rate of around 3 per cent and has already disbursed $1 billion. A $ 3.2 billion worth of oil facility on deferred payment is being awaited.

Pakistan has arranged these deposits for a term of one to three years but these are likely to be rolled over, in case Islamabad faces difficulties to return them, said the sources in the Finance Ministry.

But despite $4 billion inflows from Riyadh and the UAE during the past two months, the gross official foreign currency reserves stayed at only $8.12 billion as of December 25, according to the SBP governor.

However, the SBP governor on Thursday said despite these measures, the current account deficit remained high, standing at $8 billion in six months.

The overall foreign loans disbursements also remained low during the first half of the fiscal year, standing at only $2.2 billion from July through December.

The government on Thursday also launched Diaspora bonds at interest rates of 6.25 per cent for three years and 6.75 per cent for five years to arrange funds for the balance of payments support.

Finance Minister Asad Umar said he also gave a go ahead to launch two more financial instruments to meet external sector financing requirements. One instrument, likely to be Sukuk bonds (Islamic bonds), could be launched before June, according to the Finance Ministry officials.

The sources said the government is planning to launch foreign currency Sukuk to tap the Islamic markets. There is also a plan to launch $3 billion Euro bonds during the current fiscal year.

Asad Umar had postponed it in November after the government arranged loans from the three countries.

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government blames expansionary fiscal policies of the last Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government for the overvalued exchange rate and the current external sector problems.

Since July, the rupee has been devalued by more than 15 per cent but exports could not pick.

The sources said the Finance Ministry and the central bank are in the process of implementing a flexible exchange rate regime while moving away from the managed exchange rate policy.

China will provide $2.5 billion in loans to Pakistan to boost the foreign exchange reserves of its "all-weather ally", a media report said Saturday. Pakistan is nearly broke with the drying up of foreign cash reserves and mounting external debt.

China will provide $2.5 billion in loans to Pakistan to boost the foreign exchange reserves of its "all-weather ally", a media report said Saturday. Pakistan is nearly broke with the drying up of foreign cash reserves and mounting external debt. The country's $8.12 billion reserves, which are below the minimum level that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) prescribe, are sufficient to cover only seven weeks of imports. Due to this, the WB and the Asian Development Bank are not providing loans for budget financing. "Beijing will place the $2.5 billion in deposits with the central bank," a top Finance Ministry official here told The Express Tribune. With the anticipated $2.5 billion deposits, China's contribution in this fiscal year alone would surge to $4.5 billion, the paper said. Pakistan has struggled to maintain reserves that are not currently sufficient to provide cover to even two months of imports despite receiving $4 billion in loans from two Middle-Eastern countries. In July, China deposited $2 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan. In the past five years, China has emerged as Pakistan's single largest saviour in times of economic crisis. The money is coming as part of the government's strategy to secure breathing space till the time its macroeconomic stabilisation measures take effect. After coming into power, Prime Minister Imran Khan visited China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE to arrange emergency loans to avoid a looming default. Pakistan has secured $14.5 billion worth of commitments from these three countries that have helped largely bridged the external financing gap of the ongoing fiscal year. Before coming into power, Khan was critical of taking loans to run the country but due to an extremely low level of foreign currency reserves and financing requirements standing above $25 billion, he sought loans from other countries. Saudi Arabia will provide a $ 6 billion financial assistance package, which included $3 billion in short term loans at an interest rate of 3.18 per cent. Riyadh has already disbursed $3 billion. The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Tariq Bajwa on Thursday said the modalities for $3 billion oil on deferred payments were finalised this week and an agreement would be signed on February 16 during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. The UAE has agreed to provide $3 billion in loans at an interest rate of around 3 per cent and has already disbursed $1 billion. A $ 3.2 billion worth of oil facility on deferred payment is being awaited. Pakistan has arranged these deposits for a term of one to three years but these are likely to be rolled over, in case Islamabad faces difficulties to return them, said the sources in the Finance Ministry. But despite $4 billion inflows from Riyadh and the UAE during the past two months, the gross official foreign currency reserves stayed at only $8.12 billion as of December 25, according to the SBP governor. However, the SBP governor on Thursday said despite these measures, the current account deficit remained high, standing at $8 billion in six months. The overall foreign loans disbursements also remained low during the first half of the fiscal year, standing at only $2.2 billion from July through December. The government on Thursday also launched Diaspora bonds at interest rates of 6.25 per cent for three years and 6.75 per cent for five years to arrange funds for the balance of payments support. Finance Minister Asad Umar said he also gave a go ahead to launch two more financial instruments to meet external sector financing requirements. One instrument, likely to be Sukuk bonds (Islamic bonds), could be launched before June, according to the Finance Ministry officials. The sources said the government is planning to launch foreign currency Sukuk to tap the Islamic markets. There is also a plan to launch $3 billion Euro bonds during the current fiscal year. Asad Umar had postponed it in November after the government arranged loans from the three countries. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government blames expansionary fiscal policies of the last Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government for the overvalued exchange rate and the current external sector problems. Since July, the rupee has been devalued by more than 15 per cent but exports could not pick. The sources said the Finance Ministry and the central bank are in the process of implementing a flexible exchange rate regime while moving away from the managed exchange rate policy.

China to provide $2.5 billion loan to Pakistan to boost foreign cash reserves

India has come strongly on Islamabad a day after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pak-foreign-minister-calls-hurriyat-leader-mirwaiz-umar-farooq-india-calls-it-regressive-step-193753"> Pakistan's High Commissioner to India</a> Sohail Mahmood was summoned after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Valley.

Highlighting the divergence in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-summons-pak-high-commissioner-over-foreign-minister-qureshis-phone-call-to-hurriyat-leader-mirwaiz-umar-farooq-193958">Pakistani government, ministry of external</a> affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "this is bit confusing is while one part of the government is talking about building bridges and peace, the other part which is exactly acting the opposite of what one part is talking about. Absolutely no clarity and it lacks seriousness."

On the Qureshi-Mirwaiz phone call, Raveesh Kumar said: "No doubt that this again exposes Pakistan's duplicity when they talk about peace at one hand and at the same time working together with forces which are pushing or fomenting anti-India sentiments. "

This comes even as Islamabad summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria on Thursday morning. Islamabad has also in a press release issued by Pakistan's foreign ministry "dismissed" objections raised by India on the phone call.

FM Qureshi will be visiting the United Kingdom soon for a number of events including anti-India conferences on Kashmir. Events that are being organized in London includes an event at House of Commons and an exhibition from 4-5 February.

Reacting to the development, MEA spokesperson said, "What we have noticed in recent months, the level at which anti-India sentiments are being pushed across the world, this is something unprecedented. I don't think we have noticed this level of action on their part."

India has "strongly" taken the issue up with UK and hopes "they do understand our objections to proposed conference and take appropriate action"

Adding further, Raveesh said,"UK is aware about our sensitivities in the matter. As a friendly country and as a strategic partner, we hope that government of UK will address our concerns which we have explained to them on the proposed conference which very clearly is intended to undermine the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of India."

On Jan 26th this year, India's Republic Day, the Indian flag was burnt by Pakistan backed Khalistani elements.

India has come strongly on Islamabad a day after Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Valley.

India has come strongly on Islamabad a day after Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood was summoned after Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi spoke with separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads All Parties Hurriyat Conference in the Valley. Highlighting the divergence in the Pakistani government, ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "this is bit confusing is while one part of the government is talking about building bridges and peace, the other part which is exactly acting the opposite of what one part is talking about. Absolutely no clarity and it lacks seriousness." On the Qureshi-Mirwaiz phone call, Raveesh Kumar said: "No doubt that this again exposes Pakistan's duplicity when they talk about peace at one hand and at the same time working together with forces which are pushing or fomenting anti-India sentiments. " This comes even as Islamabad summoned the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria on Thursday morning. Islamabad has also in a press release issued by Pakistan's foreign ministry "dismissed" objections raised by India on the phone call. FM Qureshi will be visiting the United Kingdom soon for a number of events including anti-India conferences on Kashmir. Events that are being organized in London includes an event at House of Commons and an exhibition from 4-5 February. Reacting to the development, MEA spokesperson said, "What we have noticed in recent months, the level at which anti-India sentiments are being pushed across the world, this is something unprecedented. I don't think we have noticed this level of action on their part." India has "strongly" taken the issue up with UK and hopes "they do understand our objections to proposed conference and take appropriate action" Adding further, Raveesh said,"UK is aware about our sensitivities in the matter. As a friendly country and as a strategic partner, we hope that government of UK will address our concerns which we have explained to them on the proposed conference which very clearly is intended to undermine the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of India." On Jan 26th this year, India's Republic Day, the Indian flag was burnt by Pakistan backed Khalistani elements.

India expresses displeasure to UK over Pak foreign minister Qureshi's upcoming anti-India conference

China on Friday skirted direct response if it would provide a bailout loan to its all-weather ally Pakistan to tide over the present balance of payment of crisis.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday told reporters in Islamabad that after the support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, an economic support package had been finalised with China and the government was expecting financial assistance from Beijing within next few days.&nbsp;

When asked for her reaction to Asad's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that she has no specific information on the loan.

"As you know, China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. China has always provided support and assistance to Pakistan's economic and social development within its capacity. We support Pakistan in taking active measures to cope with and tide over the immediate and temporary difficulties," she said.

"As for the specific issues you mentioned, I don't have the relevant information," Hua said.

Pakistan has received $1 billion each from Saudi Arabia and the UAE as part of the bailout package by the two Gulf nations to help shore up Islamabad's dwindling foreign currency reserves.

The kingdom has already deposited $2 billion, in two tranche, in the State Bank of Pakistan.

Earlier, reports said that China has agreed to provide&nbsp;two billion dollars after prolonged talks between the two countries.

Pakistan is nearly broke with the drying up of foreign cash reserves and mounting external debt.

To stave off the crisis, Islamabad has turned to Saudi Arabia and its greatest ally China. Prime Minister Imran Khan last year travelled to Riyadh and Beijing to seek loans. While Khan managed to secure a loan of $6 billion from Riyadh, it is not known if China has made any commitment to Pakistan after publicly vowing to help the country "tide over" the crisis.

Beijing on earlier occasions had issue loans to Pakistan, a scenario, experts fear, might compromise Islamabad's sovereignty.

According to the SBP, Pakistan's foreign currency reserves dropped to a 57-month low of $6.63 billion as of January 18, 2019. With these reserves, Pakistan can hardly cover one-and-a-half-month of imports. The reserves have continued to drop for the last two years due to the country's high foreign expenditure and low income, which is better known as the current account deficit.

The deficit was recorded at $8 billion in the first half (July-December) of the current fiscal year 2018-19, which was slightly lower than $8.4 billion in the same period of previous year.

This assistance has improved Pakistan's position in terms of import payments and debt repayment in the short term.

Pakistan has also sought a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which wants Islamabad to disclose the financial details of the

Beijing-funded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for providing the assistance.

Experts say that the Chinese have pushed Pakistan into heavy debt through the CPEC, a charge denied by Beijing.

Umar earlier said that Pakistan faced a total of $27 billion deficit which include $nine billion debt repayment for this year.

China on Friday skirted direct response if it would provide a bailout loan to its all-weather ally Pakistan to tide over the present balance of payment of crisis.

China on Friday skirted direct response if it would provide a bailout loan to its all-weather ally Pakistan to tide over the present balance of payment of crisis. Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday told reporters in Islamabad that after the support from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, an economic support package had been finalised with China and the government was expecting financial assistance from Beijing within next few days. When asked for her reaction to Asad's comments, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that she has no specific information on the loan. "As you know, China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. China has always provided support and assistance to Pakistan's economic and social development within its capacity. We support Pakistan in taking active measures to cope with and tide over the immediate and temporary difficulties," she said. "As for the specific issues you mentioned, I don't have the relevant information," Hua said. Pakistan has received $1 billion each from Saudi Arabia and the UAE as part of the bailout package by the two Gulf nations to help shore up Islamabad's dwindling foreign currency reserves. The kingdom has already deposited $2 billion, in two tranche, in the State Bank of Pakistan. Earlier, reports said that China has agreed to provide two billion dollars after prolonged talks between the two countries. Pakistan is nearly broke with the drying up of foreign cash reserves and mounting external debt. To stave off the crisis, Islamabad has turned to Saudi Arabia and its greatest ally China. Prime Minister Imran Khan last year travelled to Riyadh and Beijing to seek loans. While Khan managed to secure a loan of $6 billion from Riyadh, it is not known if China has made any commitment to Pakistan after publicly vowing to help the country "tide over" the crisis. Beijing on earlier occasions had issue loans to Pakistan, a scenario, experts fear, might compromise Islamabad's sovereignty. According to the SBP, Pakistan's foreign currency reserves dropped to a 57-month low of $6.63 billion as of January 18, 2019. With these reserves, Pakistan can hardly cover one-and-a-half-month of imports. The reserves have continued to drop for the last two years due to the country's high foreign expenditure and low income, which is better known as the current account deficit. The deficit was recorded at $8 billion in the first half (July-December) of the current fiscal year 2018-19, which was slightly lower than $8.4 billion in the same period of previous year. This assistance has improved Pakistan's position in terms of import payments and debt repayment in the short term. Pakistan has also sought a bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) which wants Islamabad to disclose the financial details of the Beijing-funded China-Pakistan Economic Corridor for providing the assistance. Experts say that the Chinese have pushed Pakistan into heavy debt through the CPEC, a charge denied by Beijing. Umar earlier said that Pakistan faced a total of $27 billion deficit which include $nine billion debt repayment for this year.

After Saudi Arabia and UAE, China finalises support package to Pakistan: Finance Minister Asad Umar

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-to-deposit-3-billion-in-pakistan-central-bank-185664&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj9tajHiIPgAhVIbn0KHY3VCLMQFggLMAI&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3UsF9OAaAk0Q1gZDuno97Q">Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE)</a> on Tuesday signed a $3 billion bailout package, as part of Abu Dhabi's support to boost the cash-strapped country's dwindling dollar reserves. 
&nbsp; 
<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uaes-us-62-billion-bail-out-package-for-pakistan-188460&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwj9tajHiIPgAhVIbn0KHY3VCLMQFggIMAE&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2OI50rM-3WQ1PPSaS3cSlz">The UAE </a>in December last year had announced to provide $3 billion financial assistance to Pakistan after Saudi Arabia made a similar commitment to help Islamabad successfully overcome international payment crisis and to avoid a stringent International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal.

Tuesday's agreement was signed between State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) chief Tariq Bajwa and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi.

"UAE has formalized $3 billion deposit in the State Bank of Pakistan. DG ADFD &amp; the Governor SBP inked the agreement at #ADFD Headquarters in Abu Dhabi," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal tweeted.

He said the agreement will help Pakistan achieve financial stability and overcome economic challenges and noted ADFD's support over the years to stimulate Pakistan's economic growth and sustainable development.&nbsp;

Speaking on the occasion, Suwaidi said, "The directive to deposit USD 3 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan aligns with the UAE leadership's keenness to bolster Pakistan's economy, help its government achieve financial stability and overcome economic challenges, and drive comprehensive development in the country."

He added, "ADFD and the Government of Pakistan have enjoyed strong and long-standing ties dating back to 1981. The Fund's efforts have significantly contributed to improving socio-economic conditions in the country, boosting strategic growth and achieving the development priorities of the Pakistani government.

To date, ADFD has provided AED 1.5 billion to fund sustainable development projects in Pakistan spanning diverse sectors, including transport, water and agriculture, healthcare, and education, according to a press release.

The UAE had committed the financial assistance during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Qatar last month to seek investment and provision of LNG on deferred payments.&nbsp;

Pakistan has a 15-year contract with Qatar for the supply of LNG.

The Saudi and the UAE governments have played a major role in helping Pakistan to meet around $12 billion shortfall in balance of payments in 2018-19 fiscal year, government officials said.

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday signed a $3 billion bailout package, as part of Abu Dhabi's support to boost the cash-strapped country's dwindling dollar reserves.

Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday signed a $3 billion bailout package, as part of Abu Dhabi's support to boost the cash-strapped country's dwindling dollar reserves. The UAE in December last year had announced to provide $3 billion financial assistance to Pakistan after Saudi Arabia made a similar commitment to help Islamabad successfully overcome international payment crisis and to avoid a stringent International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal. Tuesday's agreement was signed between State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) chief Tariq Bajwa and Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) Director General Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi. "UAE has formalized $3 billion deposit in the State Bank of Pakistan. DG ADFD & the Governor SBP inked the agreement at #ADFD Headquarters in Abu Dhabi," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal tweeted. He said the agreement will help Pakistan achieve financial stability and overcome economic challenges and noted ADFD's support over the years to stimulate Pakistan's economic growth and sustainable development. Speaking on the occasion, Suwaidi said, "The directive to deposit USD 3 billion with the State Bank of Pakistan aligns with the UAE leadership's keenness to bolster Pakistan's economy, help its government achieve financial stability and overcome economic challenges, and drive comprehensive development in the country." He added, "ADFD and the Government of Pakistan have enjoyed strong and long-standing ties dating back to 1981. The Fund's efforts have significantly contributed to improving socio-economic conditions in the country, boosting strategic growth and achieving the development priorities of the Pakistani government. To date, ADFD has provided AED 1.5 billion to fund sustainable development projects in Pakistan spanning diverse sectors, including transport, water and agriculture, healthcare, and education, according to a press release. The UAE had committed the financial assistance during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Qatar last month to seek investment and provision of LNG on deferred payments. Pakistan has a 15-year contract with Qatar for the supply of LNG. The Saudi and the UAE governments have played a major role in helping Pakistan to meet around $12 billion shortfall in balance of payments in 2018-19 fiscal year, government officials said.

Pakistan, UAE sign $3 billion bailout package

Prime Minister Imran Khan met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad on Tuesday and the two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and regional and international matters of mutual interest.

Khan, who flew to Doha on Monday at the invitation of the Qatari emir, held a one-on-one meeting with Sheikh Tamim followed by the delegation-level talks, Radio Pakistan reported.

"Both sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and regional and international matters of mutual interest," it said.

Besides meetings with Qatari leadership, the prime minister is expected to meet the business and investment community of Qatar, and to address the Pakistani community during the visit.

Prime Minister Khan had discussed bilateral relations with a focus on economic cooperation in a meeting with the Qatari premier and interior minister, Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani on Monday, Dawn reported.

Changing its long-standing position, the Pakistan government has decided to request Qatar for a reduction in the price of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and its supplies on delayed payments under the existing 15-year supply contract, the paper said.

Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has been criticising the contracts signed by the previous PML-N government for the import of LNG from Qatar at a price equivalent to 13.39 per cent of the international benchmark crude oil price, and two terminals set up by the private sector for re-gasifying imported LNG.

Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said that the government would abide by the 15-year agreement with Qatar and another 10-year contract with another supplier that became the basis of the final LNG price with Qatar.

Khan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar and Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad on Tuesday and the two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and regional and international matters of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Imran Khan met Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad on Tuesday and the two leaders discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and regional and international matters of mutual interest. Khan, who flew to Doha on Monday at the invitation of the Qatari emir, held a one-on-one meeting with Sheikh Tamim followed by the delegation-level talks, Radio Pakistan reported. "Both sides discussed the entire spectrum of bilateral ties and regional and international matters of mutual interest," it said. Besides meetings with Qatari leadership, the prime minister is expected to meet the business and investment community of Qatar, and to address the Pakistani community during the visit. Prime Minister Khan had discussed bilateral relations with a focus on economic cooperation in a meeting with the Qatari premier and interior minister, Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani on Monday, Dawn reported. Changing its long-standing position, the Pakistan government has decided to request Qatar for a reduction in the price of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and its supplies on delayed payments under the existing 15-year supply contract, the paper said. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has been criticising the contracts signed by the previous PML-N government for the import of LNG from Qatar at a price equivalent to 13.39 per cent of the international benchmark crude oil price, and two terminals set up by the private sector for re-gasifying imported LNG. Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan said that the government would abide by the 15-year agreement with Qatar and another 10-year contract with another supplier that became the basis of the final LNG price with Qatar. Khan is accompanied by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Finance Minister Asad Umar and Petroleum Minister Ghulam Sarwar Khan.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan meets Qatari Emir; discusses bilateral ties

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/missile-strikes-against-iranian-revolutionary-guards-quds-force-israel-191798">Missile strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force: Israel</a>

Israel struck what it said were Iranian targets in Syria early Monday in response to missile fire it blamed on Iran, sparking concerns of an escalation after a monitor reported 11 fighters killed.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/indian-american-democrat-kamala-harris-enters-2020-us-presidential-elections-191826">Indian-American Democrat Kamala Harris enters 2020 US presidential elections</a>

First-term Democratic Senator Kamala Harris of California, a rising party star and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, launched her 2020 campaign for the White House on Monday in an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/imran-khan-government-most-disappointing-in-pakistans-recent-history-ex-diplomat-husain-haqqani-to-wion-191809">Imran Khan government most disappointing in Pakistan's recent history: Ex-diplomat Husain Haqqani to WION</a>

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unpaid-work-done-by-women-globally-worth-43-times-apples-annual-turnover-oxfam-191775">Unpaid work </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unpaid-work-done-by-women-globally-worth-43-times-apples-annual-turnover-oxfam-191775">done</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/unpaid-work-done-by-women-globally-worth-43-times-apples-annual-turnover-oxfam-191775"> by women globally worth 43-times Apple's annual turnover: Oxfam</a>

Unpaid work done by women across the globe amounts to a staggering $10 trillion a year, which is 43 times the annual turnover of the world's biggest company Apple, an Oxfam study said Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rohingya-muslim-group-fleeing-india-to-bangladesh-stuck-on-zero-line-191773">Bangladesh denies entry to 31 Rohingyas trying to flee India</a>

Bangladesh has denied entry to 31 Rohingya Muslims trying to enter from India and they are stuck in no man's land on the border, Bangladesh authorities said on Monday, as India cracks down on members of the community.

&nbsp;

Missile strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force: Israel Israel struck what it said were Iranian targets in Syria early Monday in response to missile fire it blamed on Iran, sparking concerns of an escalation after a monitor reported 11 fighters killed.

Missile strikes against Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force: Israel Israel struck what it said were Iranian targets in Syria early Monday in response to missile fire it blamed on Iran, sparking concerns of an escalation after a monitor reported 11 fighters killed. Indian-American Democrat Kamala Harris enters 2020 US presidential elections First-term Democratic Senator Kamala Harris of California, a rising party star and outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's immigration policies, launched her 2020 campaign for the White House on Monday in an appearance on ABC's "Good Morning America." Imran Khan government most disappointing in Pakistan's recent history: Ex-diplomat Husain Haqqani to WION Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s. Unpaid work done by women globally worth 43-times Apple's annual turnover: Oxfam Unpaid work done by women across the globe amounts to a staggering $10 trillion a year, which is 43 times the annual turnover of the world's biggest company Apple, an Oxfam study said Monday. Bangladesh denies entry to 31 Rohingyas trying to flee India Bangladesh has denied entry to 31 Rohingya Muslims trying to enter from India and they are stuck in no man's land on the border, Bangladesh authorities said on Monday, as India cracks down on members of the community.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Leading US Senator Lindsey Graham vowed Sunday to urge President Donald Trump to meet Imran Khan to boost Washington's Afghanistan peace efforts, calling the Pakistani prime minister an "agent of change".

The Republican -- an influential ally of Trump -- made the comments in Islamabad after meeting with the Pakistani leader, saying Khan was a "new partner" who could potentially help with a peace deal in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"I'm going to urge him (Trump) to meet with the prime minister as soon as practical," Graham told reporters, saying he believed Khan and Trump would "hit if off" because they have "similar personalities".&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Khan is the agent of change that I've been looking for," he added.&nbsp;

Ties between Washington and Islamabad have soured recently, with US officials repeatedly accusing Pakistan of turning a blind eye to or even collaborating with the Afghan Taliban, which launch attacks in Afghanistan from alleged havens along the border between the two countries.

Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Pakistan's alleged duplicity, saying late last year that Islamabad does not do "a damn thing" for the US.

Khan has been equally critical of Trump, saying before 2018's election in Pakistan that a potential meeting with the US president would be a "bitter pill" to swallow.

The US lawmaker's trip to Pakistan comes as American officials have held several rounds of talks with Taliban representatives.

Graham said a meeting between the two leaders was vital to carve out a potential deal in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

"They actually need to meet and come up with a agenda that will push a resolution to the war in Afghanistan," the senator added.&nbsp;

Graham -- once a potent critic of Trump -- has transformed in recent months into an ardent defender and influential ally of the president.&nbsp;

The senator's arrival also overlapped with an ongoing trip by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been shuttling around the region for months to build support for the peace initiative.&nbsp;

Khalilzad was in Kabul last week and then flew to Pakistan were he also met with the prime minister Friday as news reports in Pakistan suggested Islamabad was open to hosting the next round of talks with the insurgents.

The Taliban, however, have threatened to suspend the fledgling peace efforts, accusing Washington of changing the agenda of the talks and "unilaterally" adding new subjects.

Graham's trip also comes after US officials announced in December that Trump intends to withdraw as many as half of the 14,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan.

The meetings are the latest in a flurry of diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the Taliban to the table for negotiations with the Afghan government on ending the conflict which began with the US invasion in 2001.

Leading US Senator Lindsey Graham vowed Sunday to urge President Donald Trump to meet Imran Khan to boost Washington's Afghanistan peace efforts, calling the Pakistani prime minister an "agent of change".

Leading US Senator Lindsey Graham vowed Sunday to urge President Donald Trump to meet Imran Khan to boost Washington's Afghanistan peace efforts, calling the Pakistani prime minister an "agent of change". The Republican -- an influential ally of Trump -- made the comments in Islamabad after meeting with the Pakistani leader, saying Khan was a "new partner" who could potentially help with a peace deal in Afghanistan. "I'm going to urge him (Trump) to meet with the prime minister as soon as practical," Graham told reporters, saying he believed Khan and Trump would "hit if off" because they have "similar personalities". "Prime Minister Khan is the agent of change that I've been looking for," he added. Ties between Washington and Islamabad have soured recently, with US officials repeatedly accusing Pakistan of turning a blind eye to or even collaborating with the Afghan Taliban, which launch attacks in Afghanistan from alleged havens along the border between the two countries. Trump has repeatedly lashed out at Pakistan's alleged duplicity, saying late last year that Islamabad does not do "a damn thing" for the US. Khan has been equally critical of Trump, saying before 2018's election in Pakistan that a potential meeting with the US president would be a "bitter pill" to swallow. The US lawmaker's trip to Pakistan comes as American officials have held several rounds of talks with Taliban representatives. Graham said a meeting between the two leaders was vital to carve out a potential deal in Afghanistan. "They actually need to meet and come up with a agenda that will push a resolution to the war in Afghanistan," the senator added. Graham -- once a potent critic of Trump -- has transformed in recent months into an ardent defender and influential ally of the president. The senator's arrival also overlapped with an ongoing trip by US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has been shuttling around the region for months to build support for the peace initiative. Khalilzad was in Kabul last week and then flew to Pakistan were he also met with the prime minister Friday as news reports in Pakistan suggested Islamabad was open to hosting the next round of talks with the insurgents. The Taliban, however, have threatened to suspend the fledgling peace efforts, accusing Washington of changing the agenda of the talks and "unilaterally" adding new subjects. Graham's trip also comes after US officials announced in December that Trump intends to withdraw as many as half of the 14,000 US troops deployed in Afghanistan. The meetings are the latest in a flurry of diplomatic efforts aimed at bringing the Taliban to the table for negotiations with the Afghan government on ending the conflict which began with the US invasion in 2001.

US Senator Lindsey Graham urges meeting between Trump and Pak PM Imran Khan

The killing of four people, including a man, his wife and their teenage daughter, in what Pakistan's Punjab police called a shootout with "terrorists" has triggered a public outcry and the victims' family held a protest against the "staged" encounter.&nbsp;

The family was travelling in a car when the alleged encounter, which the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials later termed an 'intelligence-based operation', took place on a highway in Sahiwal, about 200 kilometres from Lahore, on Saturday.

Those killed in the encounter included grocery store owner Mohammad Khalil, 42, his wife Nabila, 38, their 13-year-old daughter Areeba and their friend, Zeeshan Javed, who was driving the car and police said he was on the country's wanted terrorist list.

The couple's minor son also sustained a bullet injury while two other daughters remained safe.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
While the CTD has done a great job in fight against terrorism, everyone must be accountable before the law. As soon as JIT report comes, swift action will be taken. The govt's priority is protection of all its citizens. <a href="https://t.co/Vek2YHLmKQ">https://t.co/Vek2YHLmKQ</a>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1086862172775419910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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According to CTD, the operation was conducted after intelligence was received that terrorists were travelling towards Sahiwal with arms and explosives.

The CTD claimed in a statement that the law enforcers signalled a Suzuki Alto car and a motorcycle to stop near a toll plaza, but they did not pull over and instead opened fire.

Eyewitnesses and the victims' family members, however, strongly refuted the CTD's version, and told Pakistani daily Dawn that the four were shot dead in "cold blood by the police" in the "staged" encounter.&nbsp;

They claimed that no weapon was recovered from the vehicle after the alleged shootout, the daily reported.

The family members of the victims and area residents held a protesting and blocked a road in Lahore.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has sought a report from Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar over the incident.

The prime minister also directed to hold a transparent and detailed inquiry into the incident to uncover the facts.

The Punjab Chief Minister also ordered the arrest of the CTD officials involved in the shootout, the daily reported.

Punjab Inspector General (IG) has announced the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the incident.

Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the actual picture of the incident will become clear after a thorough investigation into the incident.&nbsp;

"Apparently it seems that the terrorists used 'human shield' to protect themselves," he said.

The killing of four people, including a man, his wife and their teenage daughter, in what Pakistan's Punjab police called a shootout with "terrorists" has triggered a public outcry and the victims' family held a protest against the "staged" encounter.

The killing of four people, including a man, his wife and their teenage daughter, in what Pakistan's Punjab police called a shootout with "terrorists" has triggered a public outcry and the victims' family held a protest against the "staged" encounter. The family was travelling in a car when the alleged encounter, which the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) officials later termed an 'intelligence-based operation', took place on a highway in Sahiwal, about 200 kilometres from Lahore, on Saturday. Those killed in the encounter included grocery store owner Mohammad Khalil, 42, his wife Nabila, 38, their 13-year-old daughter Areeba and their friend, Zeeshan Javed, who was driving the car and police said he was on the country's wanted terrorist list. The couple's minor son also sustained a bullet injury while two other daughters remained safe. While the CTD has done a great job in fight against terrorism, everyone must be accountable before the law. As soon as JIT report comes, swift action will be taken. The govt's priority is protection of all its citizens. https://t.co/Vek2YHLmKQ — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) January 20, 2019 × According to CTD, the operation was conducted after intelligence was received that terrorists were travelling towards Sahiwal with arms and explosives. The CTD claimed in a statement that the law enforcers signalled a Suzuki Alto car and a motorcycle to stop near a toll plaza, but they did not pull over and instead opened fire. Eyewitnesses and the victims' family members, however, strongly refuted the CTD's version, and told Pakistani daily Dawn that the four were shot dead in "cold blood by the police" in the "staged" encounter. They claimed that no weapon was recovered from the vehicle after the alleged shootout, the daily reported. The family members of the victims and area residents held a protesting and blocked a road in Lahore. Prime Minister Imran Khan has sought a report from Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar over the incident. The prime minister also directed to hold a transparent and detailed inquiry into the incident to uncover the facts. The Punjab Chief Minister also ordered the arrest of the CTD officials involved in the shootout, the daily reported. Punjab Inspector General (IG) has announced the formation of a joint investigation team (JIT) to probe the incident. Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the actual picture of the incident will become clear after a thorough investigation into the incident. "Apparently it seems that the terrorists used 'human shield' to protect themselves," he said.

Outcry in Pakistan as couple, teenage daughter killed in police 'encounter'

The Pakistan Army has said that the country's parliament would decide about another extension in the tenure of the controversial military courts.

The military courts were first set up in January 2015 for two years for speedy trial of militants after the 2014 Peshawar school attack that killed nearly 150 schoolchildren.

Their tenure was extended for another two years in March 2017 and there is a debate in the country whether there should be another extension.

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has shown willingness to give another term to the army-run courts but it needs the support of the opposition as the courts were created after an amendment in the Constitution which can be done by the support of two-third of lawmakers.

Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said that military courts were formed by the parliament after a consensus that the criminal judicial system of the country was not effective in dealing with terrorism cases, Radio Pakistan reported.

Ghafoor said parliament would decide about the further extension of the military courts.

He said such courts were not established on the desire of the army but because it was the need of the hour to deal with terrorism and to punish terrorists with speedy trials.

He said military courts had received 717 cases during their four years. Of these 646 cases were finalised in which 345 terrorists were awarded the death penalty out of which 56 were executed.

Ghafoor claimed that due to the formation of military courts now terrorists and their organisations were more afraid of punishment.

So far it not clear if the government can win support of the opposition to amend the Constitution. The Pakistan Peoples Party of ex-president Asif Ali Zardari has said it would not support the government on this issue.

The Pakistan Army has said that the country's parliament would decide about another extension in the tenure of the controversial military courts. The military courts were first set up in January 2015 for two years for speedy trial of militants after the 2014 Peshawar school attack that killed nearly 150 schoolchildren.

The Pakistan Army has said that the country's parliament would decide about another extension in the tenure of the controversial military courts. The military courts were first set up in January 2015 for two years for speedy trial of militants after the 2014 Peshawar school attack that killed nearly 150 schoolchildren. Their tenure was extended for another two years in March 2017 and there is a debate in the country whether there should be another extension. The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has shown willingness to give another term to the army-run courts but it needs the support of the opposition as the courts were created after an amendment in the Constitution which can be done by the support of two-third of lawmakers. Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor said that military courts were formed by the parliament after a consensus that the criminal judicial system of the country was not effective in dealing with terrorism cases, Radio Pakistan reported. Ghafoor said parliament would decide about the further extension of the military courts. He said such courts were not established on the desire of the army but because it was the need of the hour to deal with terrorism and to punish terrorists with speedy trials. He said military courts had received 717 cases during their four years. Of these 646 cases were finalised in which 345 terrorists were awarded the death penalty out of which 56 were executed. Ghafoor claimed that due to the formation of military courts now terrorists and their organisations were more afraid of punishment. So far it not clear if the government can win support of the opposition to amend the Constitution. The Pakistan Peoples Party of ex-president Asif Ali Zardari has said it would not support the government on this issue.

Parliament to decide on extension to military courts: Pakistan Army

Pakistan will host the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad, it was decided on Friday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, according to a media report.

Quoting diplomatic sources, GEO News reported that Pakistan decided to extend an invitation to the Afghan Taliban representatives to come to Islamabad and hold talks.

It is expected that Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar would also be part of the peace talks, it said.

The decision to hold the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad was taken on Friday during a meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the report said without giving a date for the negotiations.

US President Donald Trump has been pressing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to facilitate Afghan peace talks, with Washington reportedly making it a condition for a future summit between the two leaders in Washington.&nbsp;

During the meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, the Foreign Minister said that the Taliban were not willing to sit with the Afghan administration nor were they willing for a ceasefire, the report said.&nbsp;

Khalilzad requested that Pakistan should play its role to make the dialogue successful, it said.&nbsp;

Khalilzad, who arrived in Pakistan on Thursday from Kabul, as part of his four-nation tour, told Qureshi that the US leadership values Pakistan's efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan.

Khalilzad has held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war,&nbsp; America's longest.

Qureshi assured Khalilzad that Pakistan will continue its efforts to facilitate the Afghan-reconciliation process to bring peace and stability to the region.&nbsp;

"We have a shared responsibility to work towards bringing peace in Afghanistan," the minister said.&nbsp;

A US-delegation comprising the representatives of the State Department and Defence and National Security Council also attended the meeting.

Khalilzad is on his fifth visit to the region for Afghan reconciliation since he assumed office.

On Thursday, the US envoy met with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and discussed progress on the Afghan peace process.&nbsp;

Khalilzad has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 10.

India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and has committed aid worth $3 billion to the war-ravaged country.

New Delhi has also been pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country.&nbsp;

The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials.

Pakistan last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment in an attempt to woo the militant group to engage in talks.&nbsp;

Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar.&nbsp;

The report of Pakistan may host the next round of Afghan peace talks came hours after a US Congressional report said that Islamabad may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong and unified one.

"Pakistan may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large Pashtun minority)," the report prepared by the Congressional Research Service said.

"Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan," said the report titled, "Afghanistan: Background and US Policy in Brief".&nbsp;

Pakistan will host the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad, it was decided on Friday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, according to a media report.

Pakistan will host the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad, it was decided on Friday during a meeting between Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and US special envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, according to a media report. Quoting diplomatic sources, GEO News reported that Pakistan decided to extend an invitation to the Afghan Taliban representatives to come to Islamabad and hold talks. It is expected that Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar would also be part of the peace talks, it said. The decision to hold the next round of talks between the US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad was taken on Friday during a meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the report said without giving a date for the negotiations. US President Donald Trump has been pressing Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to facilitate Afghan peace talks, with Washington reportedly making it a condition for a future summit between the two leaders in Washington. During the meeting between Qureshi and Khalilzad, the US Special Representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, the Foreign Minister said that the Taliban were not willing to sit with the Afghan administration nor were they willing for a ceasefire, the report said. Khalilzad requested that Pakistan should play its role to make the dialogue successful, it said. Khalilzad, who arrived in Pakistan on Thursday from Kabul, as part of his four-nation tour, told Qureshi that the US leadership values Pakistan's efforts for peace and reconciliation in Afghanistan. Khalilzad has held three round of talks with the Afghan Taliban to reach a settlement that would allow the US to withdraw its army and end a 17-year-old war, America's longest. Qureshi assured Khalilzad that Pakistan will continue its efforts to facilitate the Afghan-reconciliation process to bring peace and stability to the region. "We have a shared responsibility to work towards bringing peace in Afghanistan," the minister said. A US-delegation comprising the representatives of the State Department and Defence and National Security Council also attended the meeting. Khalilzad is on his fifth visit to the region for Afghan reconciliation since he assumed office. On Thursday, the US envoy met with Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and discussed progress on the Afghan peace process. Khalilzad has already visited India and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on January 10. India has been a key stakeholder in the peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan and has committed aid worth $3 billion to the war-ravaged country. New Delhi has also been pressing for an Afghan-owned and Afghan-led peace initiative to bring peace and stability in the war-ravaged country. The Afghan peace initiative has been moving at a snail's pace due to refusal of the Taliban to sit for talks with the Afghan government officials. Pakistan last year released senior Taliban leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar from imprisonment in an attempt to woo the militant group to engage in talks. Baradar was deputy to the late Taliban supreme leader Mullah Muhammad Omar. The report of Pakistan may host the next round of Afghan peace talks came hours after a US Congressional report said that Islamabad may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong and unified one. "Pakistan may view a weak and destabilised Afghanistan as preferable to a strong, unified Afghan state (particularly one led by a Pashtun-dominated government in Kabul; Pakistan has a large Pashtun minority)," the report prepared by the Congressional Research Service said. "Pakistan sees Afghanistan as potentially providing strategic depth against India, but may also anticipate that improved relations with Afghanistan's leadership could limit India's influence in Afghanistan," said the report titled, "Afghanistan: Background and US Policy in Brief".

Pakistan to host next round of peace talks between US and Afghan Taliban in Islamabad: Report

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari has claimed that <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-sc-asks-imran-khan-government-to-lift-travel-ban-on-opposition-leaders-190949&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiO7sKt0_bfAhXLXSsKHa2nCRoQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw06uHT0FXyIfItwGXvT9pnu">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>-led government will not be able to last the full term of five years.

Dubbing Khan as a selected prime minister, Zardari once again said that nobody accepted the results of the general elections and that the cricketer-turned-politician will not be able to complete the stipulated tenure, Geo News reported.

Zardari said that "the prime minister is not from the general public and he will not return to them."

"Now that you are a selected prime minister, learn something," he said.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari has claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government will not be able to last the full term of five years. Dubbing Khan as a selected prime minister, Zardari once again said that nobody accepted the results of the general elections and that the cricketer-turned-politician will not be able to complete the stipulated tenure, Geo News reported.

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari has claimed that Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government will not be able to last the full term of five years. Dubbing Khan as a selected prime minister, Zardari once again said that nobody accepted the results of the general elections and that the cricketer-turned-politician will not be able to complete the stipulated tenure, Geo News reported. Zardari said that "the prime minister is not from the general public and he will not return to them." "Now that you are a selected prime minister, learn something," he said.

Imran Khan won't be able to complete 5-year term: Asif Ali Zardari

Shahzad Alam has proposed marriage to several women and been rejected each time for the same reason, he says their discovery that he is not the Pakistani shoe shop owner they thought he was, but an Afghan refugee.

His romantic future could be given a boost by<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiLifyjivTfAhVRQd4KHRrkDjEQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw2M2VFt6f0K3JAF6m75abgi">&nbsp;prime minister Imran Khan</a>, who has ignited a national debate with a controversial vow to grant citizenship to Afghan refugees born in Pakistan — potentially creating more than a million new citizens.

Pakistan is one of the largest <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-delays-united-nation-refugee-chief-filippo-grandis-visit-190416&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjMkcS0ivTfAhVRat4KHRvyAXMQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3pDGU7JkzpYcnsaGgIKmxS">refugee</a>-hosting nations in the world, home to an estimated 2.4 million registered and undocumented people who have fled Afghanistan, some as far back as the Soviet invasion of 1979.

But many Pakistanis view them with suspicion, accusing them of spurring militancy and criminality, and calling for them to be sent home.

Under Pakistan's constitution, anyone born in the country after 1951 has the right to citizenship. But feeling against the refugees is so strong that no leader has dared take moves to implement the policy— Khan's promise is the first time any Pakistani premier has made such a vow.

Refugees greeted his words joyfully. Twitter users joked that Khan could now win elections in Afghanistan. "May God bless Imran Khan," Alam told AFP.

But the announcement has also prompted a national outcry, with columnists claiming he had opened a "Pandora's Box". Heads of Pakistan's main opposition parties quickly condemned it.

As the debate continues in the country's newspapers and on social media, salesman Alam's life remains in limbo.

Alam speaks with a Pakistani accent, dresses in Pakistani fashions, and has lived all his life in the northwestern city of Peshawar where he was born after his parents fled Afghanistan in 1979.

Although he says women have asked him to propose marriage in the past, the relationship would always "end the moment we introduce ourselves as Afghan".

Pandora's box?&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-first-united-nations-launches-hindi-website-190301&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiF66jiivTfAhUTUN4KHWxNA48QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw3ZHS9Ut7d-1M5qnl5XDWkN">The United Nations</a> says there are 1.4 million Afghans registered as refugees in Pakistan, and estimates that some 74 per cent were born there.

Many live in camps, while others have created lives for themselves in Pakistan's cities, marrying and raising children, opening shops and supporting themselves.

In one Peshawar bazaar, thousands of Afghans could be seen running hundreds of shops bursting with local and Chinese goods, fresh fruits, and vegetables — visible signs of their economic contributions.

"I feel like I am in my own village, my own country," said Ashiqullah Jan, a 43-year-old refugee.

But their status has always been temporary, with deadlines set for them to leave Pakistan repeatedly pushed back as the conflict in Afghanistan worsens.&nbsp;

Many analysts predict security will continue to deteriorate in 2019 despite a renewed push for peace talks.&nbsp;

In 2016 a wave of forced repatriations from Pakistan to Afghanistan sparked fears of a humanitarian crisis. The decision by Khan is a significant departure from such policies.

"When you are born in America, you get the American passport... so why not here? How cruel it is for them," he said when announcing the measure last September.

Much of the outcry prompted by his words has been centred on security fears. Pakistan has fought a long and bloody war with militancy, with the army often blaming extremists based in Afghanistan and claiming insurgents hide in refugee camps. &nbsp;

Khan has reiterated his support for the measure, but faced with the outcry has not yet formally taken it to parliament.&nbsp;

Analyst Rahimullah Yusufzai warned that even if the prime minister — who has developed a reputation for U-turns since coming to power last July —does push the policy through, implementing it will take time.

"It won't be easy to give them citizenship or to develop a consensus on the issue in parliament or in the country," he said.

I do not want to leave 
&nbsp; 
The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR has welcomed the move.

"So many of the young Afghan refugees were born here and they only know Pakistan," country representative Ruvendrini Menikdiwela told AFP.

Most Pakistanis who spoke to AFP in the bazaars of Peshawar, whose proximity to the Afghan border has made it a centre for refugees, remained staunchly opposed.

The government should send the refugees home "as soon as possible", 42-year-old Rehman Gul told AFP.&nbsp;

Azeem Khan, a fresh produce seller, was one of the few Pakistanis supporting the move — but his stance sparked a heated argument among his customers.

Refugee Khayesta Khan, one of the customers, told AFP there was "nothing left" in Afghanistan but "the Taliban and Daesh (Islamic State) and bombs".&nbsp;

"I was born here... Pakistan is my country and I do not want to leave it," he said as the fiery debate subsided. 
&nbsp;

Shahzad Alam has proposed marriage to several women and been rejected each time for the same reason, he says their discovery that he is not the Pakistani shoe shop owner they thought he was, but an Afghan refugee.

Shahzad Alam has proposed marriage to several women and been rejected each time for the same reason, he says their discovery that he is not the Pakistani shoe shop owner they thought he was, but an Afghan refugee. His romantic future could be given a boost by prime minister Imran Khan, who has ignited a national debate with a controversial vow to grant citizenship to Afghan refugees born in Pakistan — potentially creating more than a million new citizens. Pakistan is one of the largest refugee-hosting nations in the world, home to an estimated 2.4 million registered and undocumented people who have fled Afghanistan, some as far back as the Soviet invasion of 1979. But many Pakistanis view them with suspicion, accusing them of spurring militancy and criminality, and calling for them to be sent home. Under Pakistan's constitution, anyone born in the country after 1951 has the right to citizenship. But feeling against the refugees is so strong that no leader has dared take moves to implement the policy— Khan's promise is the first time any Pakistani premier has made such a vow. Refugees greeted his words joyfully. Twitter users joked that Khan could now win elections in Afghanistan. "May God bless Imran Khan," Alam told AFP. But the announcement has also prompted a national outcry, with columnists claiming he had opened a "Pandora's Box". Heads of Pakistan's main opposition parties quickly condemned it. As the debate continues in the country's newspapers and on social media, salesman Alam's life remains in limbo. Alam speaks with a Pakistani accent, dresses in Pakistani fashions, and has lived all his life in the northwestern city of Peshawar where he was born after his parents fled Afghanistan in 1979. Although he says women have asked him to propose marriage in the past, the relationship would always "end the moment we introduce ourselves as Afghan". Pandora's box? The United Nations says there are 1.4 million Afghans registered as refugees in Pakistan, and estimates that some 74 per cent were born there. Many live in camps, while others have created lives for themselves in Pakistan's cities, marrying and raising children, opening shops and supporting themselves. In one Peshawar bazaar, thousands of Afghans could be seen running hundreds of shops bursting with local and Chinese goods, fresh fruits, and vegetables — visible signs of their economic contributions. "I feel like I am in my own village, my own country," said Ashiqullah Jan, a 43-year-old refugee. But their status has always been temporary, with deadlines set for them to leave Pakistan repeatedly pushed back as the conflict in Afghanistan worsens. Many analysts predict security will continue to deteriorate in 2019 despite a renewed push for peace talks. In 2016 a wave of forced repatriations from Pakistan to Afghanistan sparked fears of a humanitarian crisis. The decision by Khan is a significant departure from such policies. "When you are born in America, you get the American passport... so why not here? How cruel it is for them," he said when announcing the measure last September. Much of the outcry prompted by his words has been centred on security fears. Pakistan has fought a long and bloody war with militancy, with the army often blaming extremists based in Afghanistan and claiming insurgents hide in refugee camps. Khan has reiterated his support for the measure, but faced with the outcry has not yet formally taken it to parliament. Analyst Rahimullah Yusufzai warned that even if the prime minister — who has developed a reputation for U-turns since coming to power last July —does push the policy through, implementing it will take time. "It won't be easy to give them citizenship or to develop a consensus on the issue in parliament or in the country," he said. I do not want to leave The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR has welcomed the move. "So many of the young Afghan refugees were born here and they only know Pakistan," country representative Ruvendrini Menikdiwela told AFP. Most Pakistanis who spoke to AFP in the bazaars of Peshawar, whose proximity to the Afghan border has made it a centre for refugees, remained staunchly opposed. The government should send the refugees home "as soon as possible", 42-year-old Rehman Gul told AFP. Azeem Khan, a fresh produce seller, was one of the few Pakistanis supporting the move — but his stance sparked a heated argument among his customers. Refugee Khayesta Khan, one of the customers, told AFP there was "nothing left" in Afghanistan but "the Taliban and Daesh (Islamic State) and bombs". "I was born here... Pakistan is my country and I do not want to leave it," he said as the fiery debate subsided.

Unwanted Afghan refugees pin hopes on Pakistan's Imran Khan

Political leaders come in all shapes and sizes. United States President Donald Trump was a real estate developer. Former British prime minister David Cameron was a public relations executive. And Iceland’s former prime minister Johanna Sigurdardottir was an airline stewardess.

So we shouldn’t dismiss Imran Khan, Pakistan Prime Minister, as a lightweight just because he was a cricketer. Khan’s background isn’t the problem. His credibility is. Shortly after being elected PM, Khan promised to build a ‘Naya Pakistan’. India has reacted cautiously. Old wine in a new bottle is the consensus.

Khan has done nothing to stop terrorist infiltration. His writ stops at the outskirts of Rawalpindi. Pakistan’s army generals are a law unto themselves. Though Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has declared that Islamabad wants peace with India, Pakistan’s rogue Border Action Team (BAT), acting under Bajwa’s overall command, continues to attack Indian targets in the Kashmir Valley.

The Indian Army is eliminating Pakistan-abetted terrorists at the rate of roughly one a day. Over 300 terrorists were killed in 2018, a 50 per cent increase over 2017. But the Indian Army estimates that 280-300 terrorists remain active in the Valley. More are being pushed in by the Pakistani Army across the LoC’s porous terrain of forests, rivers and hillocks.

There have, however, been notable changes. Ceasefire violations across the LoC have fallen significantly since May 2018 when the Pakistani Army, bludgeoned by Indian retaliatory mortar fire, sued for peace. The Indian Army, CRPF and J&amp;K police have meanwhile tightened the tourniquet around Pakistani terror modules in the Valley.

Ever since governor’s rule was imposed in June 2018, followed by President’s rule, Indian security forces have succeeded in targeting the leadership of several Pakistan-backed terror groups active in the Valley.

On former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti’s watch, the security forces often operated with one hand tied behind their backs. Mufti, along with the other dynast in the Valley, Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC), spoke from both corners of the mouth. In Delhi, they spoke of a robust anti-terror strategy. In Srinagar, they spoke the language of separatist appeasement.

It is telling that tourism is again flourishing in the Valley. Over 8 lakh tourists (including 50,000 foreign tourists) holidayed in Kashmir in 2018. The PDP-NC narrative that the Valley is in the throes of its worst crisis plays into the hands of Pakistan. The ISI funds stone-pelters, Hurriyat separatists and a hoary cabal of journalists, ex-army officers, former intelligence operatives and activists to further the narrative of Kashmir under military siege.

Part of the blame lies with the Indian government. Its Pakistan policy has oscillated from conciliatory in 2014 to intransigent in 2019. Is it though a propitious time now to change the status quoist strategy on Pakistan? The conventional wisdom is that nothing will change before the May 2019 Lok Sabha election. Imran Khan has said much the same. He could be wrong.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known to make unpredictable policy moves. Pakistan is today in a particularly vulnerable position. Its treasury is bankrupt, kept afloat by loans from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China. Islamabad is under severe pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over terror financing and could be blacklisted in September 2019 when a final decision is taken by the Paris-based global anti-terror body.

In Afghanistan, meanwhile, the Taliban, Pakistan’s outsourced terror group to keep Kabul in Islamabad’s malign grip, has developed sub-Taliban groups. Many of these are outside the control of the main Taliban leadership. If the Taliban joins a “peace” coalition and the Afghan government following negotiations begin shepherded by the US, the sub-Taliban groups could attack the Pakistan State itself.

Khaled Ahmed of Newsweek Pakistan conceded in a recent column: “The mood in India is punitive. In contrast, the mood in Pakistan is cautiously submissive. For the Pakistan Army, some options are closing, especially one of “championing the Kashmir cause”, but it doesn’t know how to roll back the old agitprop. It is facing a new situation in next door Afghanistan, where India is now firmly entrenched. The Taliban is no longer willing to play ball, and is more inclined instead to listen to India and its patrons in the Gulf. A return to Taliban rule in Kabul will be dangerous for Pakistan because of its jihadi underground.”

Hemmed in on all sides, Pakistan is running out of options. It is an opportune moment for India to realign its Pakistan policy by continuing tough anti-terror operations in the Valley and talking directly to Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa. Talking to Imran Khan, who fantasises about fomenting trouble in Punjab through Khalistani separatists, is a waste of time.

Pakistan is a schizophrenic country. It wants trade with India but won’t grant it reciprocal MFN status. It wants talks with India without stopping abetment of terrorism against India.

Global think tanks project that India’s economy, already nearly 10 times as large as Pakistan’s, will within a few years put it in a different league, well out of Islamabad’s reach. Pakistan too has belatedly realised that its window to gain false equivalence with India will soon slam shut. India’s new policy to deal with ‘Naya Pakistan’ should be based on this hardnosed reality. 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-calling-imran-khan-s-bluff-2708745">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Political leaders come in all shapes and sizes. United States President Donald Trump was a real estate developer. Former British prime minister David Cameron was a public relations executive.

Political leaders come in all shapes and sizes. United States President Donald Trump was a real estate developer. Former British prime minister David Cameron was a public relations executive. And Iceland’s former prime minister Johanna Sigurdardottir was an airline stewardess. So we shouldn’t dismiss Imran Khan, Pakistan Prime Minister, as a lightweight just because he was a cricketer. Khan’s background isn’t the problem. His credibility is. Shortly after being elected PM, Khan promised to build a ‘Naya Pakistan’. India has reacted cautiously. Old wine in a new bottle is the consensus. Khan has done nothing to stop terrorist infiltration. His writ stops at the outskirts of Rawalpindi. Pakistan’s army generals are a law unto themselves. Though Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa has declared that Islamabad wants peace with India, Pakistan’s rogue Border Action Team (BAT), acting under Bajwa’s overall command, continues to attack Indian targets in the Kashmir Valley. The Indian Army is eliminating Pakistan-abetted terrorists at the rate of roughly one a day. Over 300 terrorists were killed in 2018, a 50 per cent increase over 2017. But the Indian Army estimates that 280-300 terrorists remain active in the Valley. More are being pushed in by the Pakistani Army across the LoC’s porous terrain of forests, rivers and hillocks. There have, however, been notable changes. Ceasefire violations across the LoC have fallen significantly since May 2018 when the Pakistani Army, bludgeoned by Indian retaliatory mortar fire, sued for peace. The Indian Army, CRPF and J&K police have meanwhile tightened the tourniquet around Pakistani terror modules in the Valley. Ever since governor’s rule was imposed in June 2018, followed by President’s rule, Indian security forces have succeeded in targeting the leadership of several Pakistan-backed terror groups active in the Valley. On former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti’s watch, the security forces often operated with one hand tied behind their backs. Mufti, along with the other dynast in the Valley, Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC), spoke from both corners of the mouth. In Delhi, they spoke of a robust anti-terror strategy. In Srinagar, they spoke the language of separatist appeasement. It is telling that tourism is again flourishing in the Valley. Over 8 lakh tourists (including 50,000 foreign tourists) holidayed in Kashmir in 2018. The PDP-NC narrative that the Valley is in the throes of its worst crisis plays into the hands of Pakistan. The ISI funds stone-pelters, Hurriyat separatists and a hoary cabal of journalists, ex-army officers, former intelligence operatives and activists to further the narrative of Kashmir under military siege. Part of the blame lies with the Indian government. Its Pakistan policy has oscillated from conciliatory in 2014 to intransigent in 2019. Is it though a propitious time now to change the status quoist strategy on Pakistan? The conventional wisdom is that nothing will change before the May 2019 Lok Sabha election. Imran Khan has said much the same. He could be wrong. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is known to make unpredictable policy moves. Pakistan is today in a particularly vulnerable position. Its treasury is bankrupt, kept afloat by loans from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and China. Islamabad is under severe pressure from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) over terror financing and could be blacklisted in September 2019 when a final decision is taken by the Paris-based global anti-terror body. In Afghanistan, meanwhile, the Taliban, Pakistan’s outsourced terror group to keep Kabul in Islamabad’s malign grip, has developed sub-Taliban groups. Many of these are outside the control of the main Taliban leadership. If the Taliban joins a “peace” coalition and the Afghan government following negotiations begin shepherded by the US, the sub-Taliban groups could attack the Pakistan State itself. Khaled Ahmed of Newsweek Pakistan conceded in a recent column: “The mood in India is punitive. In contrast, the mood in Pakistan is cautiously submissive. For the Pakistan Army, some options are closing, especially one of “championing the Kashmir cause”, but it doesn’t know how to roll back the old agitprop. It is facing a new situation in next door Afghanistan, where India is now firmly entrenched. The Taliban is no longer willing to play ball, and is more inclined instead to listen to India and its patrons in the Gulf. A return to Taliban rule in Kabul will be dangerous for Pakistan because of its jihadi underground.” Hemmed in on all sides, Pakistan is running out of options. It is an opportune moment for India to realign its Pakistan policy by continuing tough anti-terror operations in the Valley and talking directly to Pakistan Army chief General Bajwa. Talking to Imran Khan, who fantasises about fomenting trouble in Punjab through Khalistani separatists, is a waste of time. Pakistan is a schizophrenic country. It wants trade with India but won’t grant it reciprocal MFN status. It wants talks with India without stopping abetment of terrorism against India. Global think tanks project that India’s economy, already nearly 10 times as large as Pakistan’s, will within a few years put it in a different league, well out of Islamabad’s reach. Pakistan too has belatedly realised that its window to gain false equivalence with India will soon slam shut. India’s new policy to deal with ‘Naya Pakistan’ should be based on this hardnosed reality. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Calling Imran Khan’s bluff: India needs to realign its Pakistan policy

A Russian state-run firm has offered to invest $2 billion in cash-strapped Pakistan's water and power sectors on a government-to-government basis, a media report said Thursday.

Representatives of Inter RAO Engineering, one of the largest Russian public energy companies having joint ventures with European companies like Siemens, met the Water and Power Development Authority officials in November and offered to invest $2 billion, The Express Tribune reported.

The firm also expressed interest in investing in the 800 MW Mohmand Dam project, the report said.

However, it has not received a response from Pakistan.

The proposed dam is located on the Swat river about five km upstream of Munda Head Works in Mohmand Agency in the country's restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province.

The Russian officials also met Minister for Power Omar Ayub and expressed interest to invest in the Jamshoro Power Plant, the report said.

In another proposal, the firm asked Pakistani authorities to club five small hydropower projects to execute in initial phase if the government is not ready to award big projects.

The Russian firm is ready to invest in some key water and power sector projects, including the 7,100 megawatts (MW) Buji, 52 MW Nauseri, 2,800 MW Yulbo, 2,200 MW Tangus and 800 MW Mohmand dam projects.

The firm, which is building a dam in Afghanistan on the Kabul river, is also ready to provide technical support and financing for these Pakistani projects. The total cost of the projects has been estimated at Rs 318 billion.

It wants a deal on a government-to-government basis between Russia and Pakistan.

Pakistan and Russia have already signed a governmental agreement to build the north-south LNG pipeline. The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for an offshore gas pipeline project.

Cash-strapped Pakistan is negotiating&nbsp;$8 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to overcome a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy. &nbsp;

A Russian state-run firm has offered to invest $2 billion in cash-strapped Pakistan's water and power sectors on a government-to-government basis, a media report said Thursday.

A Russian state-run firm has offered to invest $2 billion in cash-strapped Pakistan's water and power sectors on a government-to-government basis, a media report said Thursday. Representatives of Inter RAO Engineering, one of the largest Russian public energy companies having joint ventures with European companies like Siemens, met the Water and Power Development Authority officials in November and offered to invest $2 billion, The Express Tribune reported. The firm also expressed interest in investing in the 800 MW Mohmand Dam project, the report said. However, it has not received a response from Pakistan. The proposed dam is located on the Swat river about five km upstream of Munda Head Works in Mohmand Agency in the country's restive Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. The Russian officials also met Minister for Power Omar Ayub and expressed interest to invest in the Jamshoro Power Plant, the report said. In another proposal, the firm asked Pakistani authorities to club five small hydropower projects to execute in initial phase if the government is not ready to award big projects. The Russian firm is ready to invest in some key water and power sector projects, including the 7,100 megawatts (MW) Buji, 52 MW Nauseri, 2,800 MW Yulbo, 2,200 MW Tangus and 800 MW Mohmand dam projects. The firm, which is building a dam in Afghanistan on the Kabul river, is also ready to provide technical support and financing for these Pakistani projects. The total cost of the projects has been estimated at Rs 318 billion. It wants a deal on a government-to-government basis between Russia and Pakistan. Pakistan and Russia have already signed a governmental agreement to build the north-south LNG pipeline. The two countries also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for an offshore gas pipeline project. Cash-strapped Pakistan is negotiating $8 billion bailout package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to overcome a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy.

Russian firm offers to invest $2 billion in Pakistan's water, power sectors

Pakistan's Supreme Court Thursday ordered the government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan to lift the travel ban imposed on opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the Sindh Chief Minister, and asked the country's anti-corruption body to probe their involvement in Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case'.

As many as 172 suspects were placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) on the recommendations of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed by the apex court.

A person cannot fly abroad if his name is placed on the ECL.

The Supreme Court, in a detailed judgement, ordered the government to remove the names of opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah from the ECL.

It, however, referred the report and material collected by the JIT in the Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case' to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Dawn news reported.

The JIT probe focused on "32 fake accounts" which were allegedly used to give massive financial benefits to former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur and several others.

"Removing of the names will not prevent (the) NAB to probe and in case sufficient material is found connecting these individuals with cognisable offences, it will not be precluded from making an appropriate request to the federal government to place their names on (the) ECL again or take any appropriate action provided by law," according to the judgement authored by Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan.

The apex court in its earlier instructions asked the government to delete names of Bilawal and Shah from the ECL but the Cabinet waited for the detailed judgment.

After the judgement, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the government will decide whether it should implement the court orders or file a review petition.

Justice Ahsan was part of the three-judge bench that last year took a suo-motu cognisance after it emerged that several big names were involved in money laundering through fake accounts.

Currently, a Karachi court is hearing the case against Zardari and Talpur for alleged money laundering.

Pakistan's Supreme Court Thursday ordered the government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan to lift the travel ban imposed on opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the Sindh Chief Minister, and asked the country's anti-corruption body to probe their involvement in Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case'.

Pakistan's Supreme Court Thursday ordered the government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan to lift the travel ban imposed on opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and the Sindh Chief Minister, and asked the country's anti-corruption body to probe their involvement in Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case'. As many as 172 suspects were placed on the Exit Control List (ECL) on the recommendations of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) formed by the apex court. A person cannot fly abroad if his name is placed on the ECL. The Supreme Court, in a detailed judgement, ordered the government to remove the names of opposition Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah from the ECL. It, however, referred the report and material collected by the JIT in the Rs 35 billion 'fake accounts case' to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Dawn news reported. The JIT probe focused on "32 fake accounts" which were allegedly used to give massive financial benefits to former president Asif Ali Zardari, his sister Faryal Talpur and several others. "Removing of the names will not prevent (the) NAB to probe and in case sufficient material is found connecting these individuals with cognisable offences, it will not be precluded from making an appropriate request to the federal government to place their names on (the) ECL again or take any appropriate action provided by law," according to the judgement authored by Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan. The apex court in its earlier instructions asked the government to delete names of Bilawal and Shah from the ECL but the Cabinet waited for the detailed judgment. After the judgement, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said the government will decide whether it should implement the court orders or file a review petition. Justice Ahsan was part of the three-judge bench that last year took a suo-motu cognisance after it emerged that several big names were involved in money laundering through fake accounts. Currently, a Karachi court is hearing the case against Zardari and Talpur for alleged money laundering.

Pakistan SC asks Imran Khan government to lift travel ban on opposition leaders

Pakistan's jailed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-denied-assistant-told-to-maintain-jail-room-himself-188102">former premier Nawaz Sharif's health condition</a> has deteriorated, his daughter claimed on Friday and alleged that authorities are not letting his cardiologists examine him in the jail here.

Maryam Nawaz on Friday said that Sharif, who has been serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ousted-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-challenges-his-conviction-in-graft-case-187760">the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case</a>, is suffering from a pain in his arm, "which is most likely to be angina".&nbsp;

A jail spokesman, however, said jail doctors examined Sharif thoroughly and his health is fine. "Nawaz Sharif is in good health," he said.

Taking to Twitter, Maryam complained that Sharif's cardiologists "have been trying to get access to him all day but (the) permission (has) not (been) granted".

"He needs to be examined by the doctors who are privy to his complicated medical history," Maryam said.&nbsp;

Sharif, 69, had undergone an open-heart surgery about three years ago in London.&nbsp;

Maryam, who had visited her father in the jail on Thursday, said his father had a "complicate medical history" and he needed special health care.

PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif warned that if anything happened to his elder brother, Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Punjab government will be responsible.&nbsp;

He demanded the jail authorities to immediately allow Sharif's cardiologist to examine him and provide him with the best health facilities.&nbsp;

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on December 24 sentenced the ousted premier to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers case.

The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case was about setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money.&nbsp;

A jail spokesman, however, said jail doctors examined Sharif thoroughly and his health is fine. 'Nawaz Sharif is in good health,' he said.

Pakistan's jailed former premier Nawaz Sharif's health condition has deteriorated, his daughter claimed on Friday and alleged that authorities are not letting his cardiologists examine him in the jail here. Maryam Nawaz on Friday said that Sharif, who has been serving a seven-year jail term in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case, is suffering from a pain in his arm, "which is most likely to be angina". A jail spokesman, however, said jail doctors examined Sharif thoroughly and his health is fine. "Nawaz Sharif is in good health," he said. Taking to Twitter, Maryam complained that Sharif's cardiologists "have been trying to get access to him all day but (the) permission (has) not (been) granted". "He needs to be examined by the doctors who are privy to his complicated medical history," Maryam said. Sharif, 69, had undergone an open-heart surgery about three years ago in London. Maryam, who had visited her father in the jail on Thursday, said his father had a "complicate medical history" and he needed special health care. PML-N president Shahbaz Sharif warned that if anything happened to his elder brother, Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Punjab government will be responsible. He demanded the jail authorities to immediately allow Sharif's cardiologist to examine him and provide him with the best health facilities. An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on December 24 sentenced the ousted premier to seven years in jail in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills graft case, concluding a series of three court cases against the Sharif family in the high-profile Panama Papers case. The Al-Azizia Steel Mill case was about setting up steel mills in Saudi Arabia allegedly with corruption money.

Former Pak PM Sharif's health deteriorates; daughter claims jail authorities not letting cardiologists examine him

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