Pakistani leader and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq has lashed out at Imran Khan government for destroying every institution over the last three-and-a-half years, and said that the surrender of the country's economic control to the IMF and the world money lenders is a disastrous tsunami for the country.

The PTI government is the worst in the country's history, which devalued the national currency by over 58 per cent without the country fighting any war or undergoing any emergency," reported the News International quoting Sirajul Haq. "Imran promised to build 5 million homes, but instead made millions of people homeless. He promised to liberate the country of IMF, but instead given the State Bank under its control," he said.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ahead-of-pm-khans-visit-russia-assures-moscow-islamabad-cooperation-not-against-india-454386">&nbsp;Ahead of PM Khan's visit, Russia assures Moscow-Islamabad cooperation not against India</a>

The JI leader made these remarks while addressing the third sit-in at Gujranwala of Pakistan's Punjab province, in connection with the proposed 101 sit-ins planned against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of Imran Khan, according to the publication.

Notably, on February 15, the Pakistan government had hiked the prices of fuel by Rs 12.03. Meanwhile, an Opposition leader and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President Shehbaz Sharif held a secret meeting with PTI's influential leader Jehangir Khan Tareen to discuss the strategy to oust PM Imran Khan from power, as per The News international.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-protests-against-increasing-harassment-of-women-in-sindh-universities-454216">Pakistan: Protests against increasing harassment of women in Sindh universities</a>

PMLN chief Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee to move a no-confidence motion against Pakistan."Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee," The News International reported citing sources. It added that the Leader of the opposition in Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz Sharif has been made the head of the committee and will mobilise people to bring a no-confidence motion in Punjab.

Earlier, opposition parties like Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the allies of Imran Khan - Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) are setting aside their differences to ouster 'Kaptaan'&nbsp;(Imran Khan), reported Dawn.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: IMF rejects Pakistan's borrowing request | Imran Khan admits 'no money' to run the country

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While PPP and PML-N have announced separate long marches on Islamabad with the former`s starting on February 27 and the latter's March 23.&nbsp;Both parties have not yet confirmed whether they will stage a sit-in after reaching the capital, as noted by Dawn.

Pakistani leader and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq has lashed out at Imran Khan government for destroying every institution over the last three-and-a-half years, and said that the surrender of the country's economic control to the IMF and the world money lenders is a disastrous tsunami for the country.

Pakistani leader and Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) chief Sirajul Haq has lashed out at Imran Khan government for destroying every institution over the last three-and-a-half years, and said that the surrender of the country's economic control to the IMF and the world money lenders is a disastrous tsunami for the country. The PTI government is the worst in the country's history, which devalued the national currency by over 58 per cent without the country fighting any war or undergoing any emergency," reported the News International quoting Sirajul Haq. "Imran promised to build 5 million homes, but instead made millions of people homeless. He promised to liberate the country of IMF, but instead given the State Bank under its control," he said. Also read | Ahead of PM Khan's visit, Russia assures Moscow-Islamabad cooperation not against India The JI leader made these remarks while addressing the third sit-in at Gujranwala of Pakistan's Punjab province, in connection with the proposed 101 sit-ins planned against the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of Imran Khan, according to the publication. Notably, on February 15, the Pakistan government had hiked the prices of fuel by Rs 12.03. Meanwhile, an Opposition leader and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) President Shehbaz Sharif held a secret meeting with PTI's influential leader Jehangir Khan Tareen to discuss the strategy to oust PM Imran Khan from power, as per The News international. Also read | Pakistan: Protests against increasing harassment of women in Sindh universities PMLN chief Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee to move a no-confidence motion against Pakistan."Shehbaz Sharif has formed a committee," The News International reported citing sources. It added that the Leader of the opposition in Punjab Assembly Hamza Shehbaz Sharif has been made the head of the committee and will mobilise people to bring a no-confidence motion in Punjab. Earlier, opposition parties like Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the allies of Imran Khan - Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) are setting aside their differences to ouster 'Kaptaan' (Imran Khan), reported Dawn. Watch | Gravitas: IMF rejects Pakistan's borrowing request | Imran Khan admits 'no money' to run the country While PPP and PML-N have announced separate long marches on Islamabad with the former`s starting on February 27 and the latter's March 23. Both parties have not yet confirmed whether they will stage a sit-in after reaching the capital, as noted by Dawn.

Imran Khan govt surrendered country's economic control to IMF: Pak Opposition

A Pakistani journalist was shot dead on Friday in an armed attack on his car in Karachi`s North Nazimabad area. According to the police, the private TV channel's senior producer Athar Mateen was assassinated at the main thoroughfare in North Nazimabad while he was on his way back home after dropping his children to school, Geo News reported.

The police said that Mateen, who was driving a car, tried to foil a robbery bid when he saw armed motorcyclists robbing another citizen, by shoving his car into their motorcycle. At this, one of the motorcyclists, who fell on the ground, opened fire at Mateen's car, Geo News reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/he-is-not-a-subordinate-official-pmls-ahsan-iqbal-takes-a-dig-at-imran-khan-during-bill-gates-visit-454262">'He is not a subordinate official': PML's Ahsan Iqbal takes a dig at Imran Khan during Bill Gates' visit</a>

The assailant fired three shots, but Mateen sustained only one bullet injury which killed him on the spot, the police said. Meanwhile, the assailants crossed the road on foot and fled while snatching another motorcycle, the Pakistani newspaper said. Recently, The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) released a report to highlight how press freedom deteriorated in 2021 as compared to the previous two years in Pakistan.

In the report titled "Pakistan Media Freedom Report - 2021", CPNE said in 2021 alone, five journalists were killed in the line of duty, including Karachi-based social media activist and community journalist Nazim Jokhio, who was abducted and killed mercilessly.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-protests-against-increasing-harassment-of-women-in-sindh-universities-454216">Pakistan: Protests against increasing harassment of women in Sindh universities</a>

The report also said that Pakistan is one of the countries, where violence against journalists is increasing and not even a single murderer has been brought to justice.

A Pakistani journalist was shot dead on Friday in an armed attack on his car in Karachi`s North Nazimabad area. According to the police, the private TV channel's senior producer Athar Mateen was assassinated at the main thoroughfare in North Nazimabad while he was on his way back home after dropping his children to school, Geo News reported.

A Pakistani journalist was shot dead on Friday in an armed attack on his car in Karachi`s North Nazimabad area. According to the police, the private TV channel's senior producer Athar Mateen was assassinated at the main thoroughfare in North Nazimabad while he was on his way back home after dropping his children to school, Geo News reported. The police said that Mateen, who was driving a car, tried to foil a robbery bid when he saw armed motorcyclists robbing another citizen, by shoving his car into their motorcycle. At this, one of the motorcyclists, who fell on the ground, opened fire at Mateen's car, Geo News reported. Also read | 'He is not a subordinate official': PML's Ahsan Iqbal takes a dig at Imran Khan during Bill Gates' visit The assailant fired three shots, but Mateen sustained only one bullet injury which killed him on the spot, the police said. Meanwhile, the assailants crossed the road on foot and fled while snatching another motorcycle, the Pakistani newspaper said. Recently, The Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) released a report to highlight how press freedom deteriorated in 2021 as compared to the previous two years in Pakistan. In the report titled "Pakistan Media Freedom Report - 2021", CPNE said in 2021 alone, five journalists were killed in the line of duty, including Karachi-based social media activist and community journalist Nazim Jokhio, who was abducted and killed mercilessly. Also read | Pakistan: Protests against increasing harassment of women in Sindh universities The report also said that Pakistan is one of the countries, where violence against journalists is increasing and not even a single murderer has been brought to justice.

Pakistani journalist shot dead in Karachi

Ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia next week, Moscow has assured that the cooperation between the two countries is not aimed that any “third country”, which means India.

Khan's visit is the first such bilateral visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Russia in decades.

Though the dates of the visit haven't been officially announced yet, Pakistan media reports quoting diplomatic sources have confirmed that Khan is expected to visit Moscow from February 23 to 26.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In response to WION's question at the weekly Russian foreign ministry presser, spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “I can assure you that the cooperation between Russia and Pakistan is not aimed at any third country. It is aimed at ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.”

She further said that both countries are “seeking to counter international terrorism and we seek to develop international trade”.&nbsp;

In 1999, the then Pakistani PM, Nawaz Sharif, visited Russia. It was followed by the visit of Pervez Musharraf in 2003, and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in 2011.

In 2017, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan went to Russia for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit (SCO) in Sochi, which wasn’t a bilateral visit.

The last formal bilateral meeting between both sides was when Sharif and President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017.

Commenting on the India-Pakistan ties, the Russian spokesperson said that Mosco is “interested in seeing relations between India and Pakistan as good neighbourly relations and we would like to see the settlement of existing conflicts, for example, the Kashmir issue”.

Reiterating the long-standing position of Moscow, she said that all issues between the two countries should be resolved bilaterally under the Shimla and Lahore pacts.

Zakharova also welcomed the continuation of the 2003 ceasefire pact and the “statements by Pakistani leadership on normalising Indo-Pakistan ties."

Spokesperson Maria brushed aside the view that Moscow doesn't keep Indian sensitivities in mind in the backdrop of Imran Khan's visit.

She said, "It is nothing to do with reality. Delhi and Moscow enjoy tight cooperation and recently we had a series of contact despite the pandemic restrictions."

Russian President Putin visited Delhi in December 2021 for the annual India-Russia summit.

Later this year, PM Modi will be visiting the country as part of the annual summit. Other than that, both countries are engaging under the 2+2 foreign and defence ministers dialogue, the first of which took place last year.&nbsp;

While defence forms one of the main pillars of ties, both sides have been engaging in the economic area, Covid crisis and connectivity.

Internationally, both are members of the BRICS, SCO, RIC grouping.

The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said, “We understand that our countries bear a huge responsibility for peace and stability in the region and the level of contact we have between our leadership, it attests to the fact that we are indeed taken into account positions of each other.”

Responding to India-Russia engagement on the Afghanistan situation, she said, “We will coordinate our joint steps in national capacity on the international arena when it comes to dealing with the crisis in the country.”

India has been part of the Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan while the Russian NSA attended the Delhi security meet involving NSAs of several countries in the region.

The NSAs meeting in Delhi saw the participation of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia next week, Moscow has assured that the cooperation between the two countries is not aimed that any “third country”, which means India.

Ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia next week, Moscow has assured that the cooperation between the two countries is not aimed that any “third country”, which means India. Khan's visit is the first such bilateral visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Russia in decades. Though the dates of the visit haven't been officially announced yet, Pakistan media reports quoting diplomatic sources have confirmed that Khan is expected to visit Moscow from February 23 to 26. In response to WION's question at the weekly Russian foreign ministry presser, spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “I can assure you that the cooperation between Russia and Pakistan is not aimed at any third country. It is aimed at ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.” She further said that both countries are “seeking to counter international terrorism and we seek to develop international trade”. In 1999, the then Pakistani PM, Nawaz Sharif, visited Russia. It was followed by the visit of Pervez Musharraf in 2003, and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in 2011. In 2017, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan went to Russia for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit (SCO) in Sochi, which wasn’t a bilateral visit. The last formal bilateral meeting between both sides was when Sharif and President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017. Commenting on the India-Pakistan ties, the Russian spokesperson said that Mosco is “interested in seeing relations between India and Pakistan as good neighbourly relations and we would like to see the settlement of existing conflicts, for example, the Kashmir issue”. Reiterating the long-standing position of Moscow, she said that all issues between the two countries should be resolved bilaterally under the Shimla and Lahore pacts. Zakharova also welcomed the continuation of the 2003 ceasefire pact and the “statements by Pakistani leadership on normalising Indo-Pakistan ties." Spokesperson Maria brushed aside the view that Moscow doesn't keep Indian sensitivities in mind in the backdrop of Imran Khan's visit. She said, "It is nothing to do with reality. Delhi and Moscow enjoy tight cooperation and recently we had a series of contact despite the pandemic restrictions." Russian President Putin visited Delhi in December 2021 for the annual India-Russia summit. Later this year, PM Modi will be visiting the country as part of the annual summit. Other than that, both countries are engaging under the 2+2 foreign and defence ministers dialogue, the first of which took place last year. While defence forms one of the main pillars of ties, both sides have been engaging in the economic area, Covid crisis and connectivity. Internationally, both are members of the BRICS, SCO, RIC grouping. The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said, “We understand that our countries bear a huge responsibility for peace and stability in the region and the level of contact we have between our leadership, it attests to the fact that we are indeed taken into account positions of each other.” Responding to India-Russia engagement on the Afghanistan situation, she said, “We will coordinate our joint steps in national capacity on the international arena when it comes to dealing with the crisis in the country.” India has been part of the Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan while the Russian NSA attended the Delhi security meet involving NSAs of several countries in the region. The NSAs meeting in Delhi saw the participation of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Ahead of PM Khan's visit, Russia assures Moscow-Islamabad cooperation not against India

Secretary-General of Pakistan Muslim League Ahsan Iqbal took to his official Twitter handle, taking a dig at Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran Khan claiming that he has "an inflated ego."

Iqbal shared an image of Bill Gates sitting across the table with Imran Khan. "Guests like him should be treated with respect," he&nbsp;wrote. He further made a comparison between Microsoft's worth and Pakistan's GDP. He did not just stop at this as he mentioned that Microsoft's annual revenues stand at $160 billion, while Pakistan's annual exports stand at $25 billion.&nbsp;

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Bill Gates is not a subordinate official or Secretary. IK has an inflated ego. Guests like him should be treated with respect. 
 
Microsoft worth: $460b 
Pakistan GDP: $280b 
 
Microsoft annual Revenues: $160b 
Pakistan annual exports: $25b <a href="https://t.co/WcKDIg9jsT">pic.twitter.com/WcKDIg9jsT</a>
— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) <a href="https://twitter.com/betterpakistan/status/1494535642696540172?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The Microsoft co-founder met with Imran Khan during his first-ever visit to the South Asian nation. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office has said that the Microsoft co-founder was visiting the country on the premier's "special invitation" as Khan hosted Gates over lunch. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/node/454148">Also read |&nbsp;Here's what Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates doing in Pakistan</a>

Bill Gates met with Khan to discuss polio eradication in one of the last two countries of the world where the virus is endemic. Pakistan and Afghanistan are countries in the world where polio continues to circulate.

The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a major project between governments and international organisations.&nbsp;

During his visit, Gates also met with the country's Covid-19 National Command and Operation Centre, which leads the country's response to the pandemic. Pakistan's Senator Faisal Javed Khan said Gates "greatly appreciated steps (regarding polio eradication)&nbsp;in Pakistan, the National Command and Operation Centre's (NCOC) performance in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and initiatives such as the Ehsaas programme".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Secretary-General of Pakistan Muslim League Ahsan Iqbal took to his official Twitter handle, taking a dig at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan claiming that he has "an inflated ego.

Secretary-General of Pakistan Muslim League Ahsan Iqbal took to his official Twitter handle, taking a dig at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan claiming that he has "an inflated ego." Iqbal shared an image of Bill Gates sitting across the table with Imran Khan. "Guests like him should be treated with respect," he wrote. He further made a comparison between Microsoft's worth and Pakistan's GDP. He did not just stop at this as he mentioned that Microsoft's annual revenues stand at $160 billion, while Pakistan's annual exports stand at $25 billion. Bill Gates is not a subordinate official or Secretary. IK has an inflated ego. Guests like him should be treated with respect. Microsoft worth: $460b Pakistan GDP: $280b Microsoft annual Revenues: $160b Pakistan annual exports: $25b pic.twitter.com/WcKDIg9jsT — Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) February 18, 2022 × The Microsoft co-founder met with Imran Khan during his first-ever visit to the South Asian nation. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office has said that the Microsoft co-founder was visiting the country on the premier's "special invitation" as Khan hosted Gates over lunch. Also read | Here's what Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates doing in Pakistan Bill Gates met with Khan to discuss polio eradication in one of the last two countries of the world where the virus is endemic. Pakistan and Afghanistan are countries in the world where polio continues to circulate. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a major project between governments and international organisations. During his visit, Gates also met with the country's Covid-19 National Command and Operation Centre, which leads the country's response to the pandemic. Pakistan's Senator Faisal Javed Khan said Gates "greatly appreciated steps (regarding polio eradication) in Pakistan, the National Command and Operation Centre's (NCOC) performance in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and initiatives such as the Ehsaas programme". (With inputs from agencies)

'He is not a subordinate official': PML's Ahsan Iqbal takes a dig at Imran Khan during Bill Gates' visit

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates met with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday (February 17) during his first-ever visit to the South Asian nation.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office said that the Microsoft co-founder was visiting the country on the premier's "special invitation" as&nbsp;Khan hosted Gates over lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It was a pleasure to welcome @BillGates who came to Pakistan on my invitation. Apart from his many achievements, he is admired globally for his philanthropy," cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan tweeted.&nbsp;

"On behalf of our nation I thank him for his immense contribution towards polio eradication &amp; poverty alleviation initiatives," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/price-surge-in-pak-galvanises-oppositions-plan-to-bring-no-confidence-vote-against-imran-khan-453857">Price surge in Pak galvanises opposition's plan to bring no-confidence vote against Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan and Afghanistan are countries in the world where polio continues to circulate. Bill Gates met with Khan to discuss polio eradication in one of the last two countries of the world where the virus is endemic. &nbsp;

The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a major project between governments and international organisations.&nbsp;

Health and humanitarian officials say that Pakistan's attempts to eradicate polio are at a hopeful but sensitive stage. No children have been paralysed by wild polio in Pakistan in more than a year.&nbsp;

However, as per the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation,&nbsp;the virus was detected in December in sewerage samples in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-journalist-arrested-for-making-obscene-remarks-about-imran-khan-453755">Pak scribe fires at cops before his arrest for 'obscene' remarks against Imran</a>

During his visit, Gates also met with the country's COVID-19 National Command and Operation Centre, which leads the country's response to the pandemic.

Pakistan's Senator Faisal Javed Khan said Gates "greatly appreciated steps [regarding polio eradication] in Pakistan, the National Command and Operation Centre's (NCOC) performance in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and initiatives such as the Ehsaas programme". He shared pictures of the meeting on Twitter.&nbsp;

Gates was also conferred the country's second-highest civilian award by the country's president.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates met with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday (February 17) during his first-ever visit to the South Asian nation. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office said that the Microsoft co-founder was visiting the country on the premier's "special invitation" as Khan hosted Gates over lunch.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates met with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday (February 17) during his first-ever visit to the South Asian nation. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office said that the Microsoft co-founder was visiting the country on the premier's "special invitation" as Khan hosted Gates over lunch. "It was a pleasure to welcome @BillGates who came to Pakistan on my invitation. Apart from his many achievements, he is admired globally for his philanthropy," cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan tweeted. "On behalf of our nation I thank him for his immense contribution towards polio eradication & poverty alleviation initiatives," he added. ALSO READ | Price surge in Pak galvanises opposition's plan to bring no-confidence vote against Imran Khan Pakistan and Afghanistan are countries in the world where polio continues to circulate. Bill Gates met with Khan to discuss polio eradication in one of the last two countries of the world where the virus is endemic. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a major project between governments and international organisations. Health and humanitarian officials say that Pakistan's attempts to eradicate polio are at a hopeful but sensitive stage. No children have been paralysed by wild polio in Pakistan in more than a year. However, as per the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the virus was detected in December in sewerage samples in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. ALSO READ | Pak scribe fires at cops before his arrest for 'obscene' remarks against Imran During his visit, Gates also met with the country's COVID-19 National Command and Operation Centre, which leads the country's response to the pandemic. Pakistan's Senator Faisal Javed Khan said Gates "greatly appreciated steps [regarding polio eradication] in Pakistan, the National Command and Operation Centre's (NCOC) performance in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and initiatives such as the Ehsaas programme". He shared pictures of the meeting on Twitter. Gates was also conferred the country's second-highest civilian award by the country's president. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's what Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates doing in Pakistan

Pakistan's Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has revealed that Prime Minister Imran Khan would soon make changes in the federal and Punjab cabinets.

Cabinet will be rejigged in 2 weeks, says Pakistan minister Fawad Chaudhry

Pak PM Imran Khan is fighting for survival. His allies are 'breaking bread' with opposition leaders. Reports say, they're conspiring to pass a no-confidence motion against him. Will they succeed? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Imran Khan is fighting for survival

The recent surge in prices in Pakistan has galvanised the opposition's plan to bring no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The sharp increase in the food prices in Pakistan has again pushed the inflation up, forcing people to face difficulties amid multiple economic challenges faced by the country.

It comes after Pakistan Democratic Movement chief had announced that the alliance has unanimously decided to move a no-confidence motion against the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government led by Khan.

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However, he had also said, "We will first do our homework, so we cannot talk about the definite timeframe for this move."

Inflation measured through the Sensitive Price Index&lt;/a&gt; (SPI) posted an increase of 0.08 per cent for the week driven by a sharp increase in the prices of essential food and non-food items, data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed.

In recent months, the highest weekly inflation&lt;/a&gt; jump was recorded last November with rise of 1.81 per cent.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-journalist-arrested-for-making-obscene-remarks-about-imran-khan-453755">Pak scribe fires at cops before his arrest for 'obscene' remarks against Imran</a>

The overall increase was mainly due to an increase of 5.23 per cent in potato price, followed by chicken 4.45 per cent, bananas 2.56 per cent, onions 2.12 per cent, pulse masoor 1.55 per cent, pulse gram 1.46 per cent and pulse mash 1.44 per cent. In non-food items, price of diesel and salt increased by 2.75 per cent each and petrol 2.68 per cent, according to Dawn.

Pakistan's trade deficit surged due to the rise in imports. The country's trade deficit has surged to $24.79 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year, mainly on the back of a 63 per cent year-on-year increase in imports.

Data for the July-December period showed that imports jumped to USD 39.91 bn from USD 24.47 bn a year ago. In contrast, exports during July-December also grew 25 per cent to USD 15.13bn compared to the year-ago period, reported Dawn.

Opposition parties like Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the allies of Imran Khan, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) are setting aside their differences to ouster 'Kaptaan' Imran Khan.

(With inputs from agencies)

The recent surge in prices in Pakistan has galvanised the opposition's plan to bring no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Imran Khan. The sharp increase in the food prices in Pakistan has again pushed the inflation up, forcing people to face difficulties amid multiple economic challenges faced by the country.

The recent surge in prices in Pakistan has galvanised the opposition's plan to bring no-confidence vote against Prime Minister Imran Khan. The sharp increase in the food prices in Pakistan has again pushed the inflation up, forcing people to face difficulties amid multiple economic challenges faced by the country. It comes after Pakistan Democratic Movement chief had announced that the alliance has unanimously decided to move a no-confidence motion against the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government led by Khan. However, he had also said, "We will first do our homework, so we cannot talk about the definite timeframe for this move." Inflation measured through the Sensitive Price Index</a> (SPI) posted an increase of 0.08 per cent for the week driven by a sharp increase in the prices of essential food and non-food items, data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed. In recent months, the highest weekly inflation</a> jump was recorded last November with rise of 1.81 per cent. Also read | Pak scribe fires at cops before his arrest for 'obscene' remarks against Imran The overall increase was mainly due to an increase of 5.23 per cent in potato price, followed by chicken 4.45 per cent, bananas 2.56 per cent, onions 2.12 per cent, pulse masoor 1.55 per cent, pulse gram 1.46 per cent and pulse mash 1.44 per cent. In non-food items, price of diesel and salt increased by 2.75 per cent each and petrol 2.68 per cent, according to Dawn. Pakistan's trade deficit surged due to the rise in imports. The country's trade deficit has surged to $24.79 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year, mainly on the back of a 63 per cent year-on-year increase in imports. Data for the July-December period showed that imports jumped to USD 39.91 bn from USD 24.47 bn a year ago. In contrast, exports during July-December also grew 25 per cent to USD 15.13bn compared to the year-ago period, reported Dawn. Opposition parties like Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the allies of Imran Khan, Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) are setting aside their differences to ouster 'Kaptaan' Imran Khan. (With inputs from agencies)

Price surge in Pak galvanises opposition's plan to bring no-confidence vote against Imran Khan

A mentally unstable man has been stoned to death in Pakistan. He was accused of 'desecrating the Quran'. Visuals show an enraged mob of Islamists attacking the victim with clubs & bricks. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Mentally-unstable man lynched in Pakistan over blasphemy

The opposition alliance in Pakistan has unanimously decided to move a no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan government.

Pakistan opposition takes aim at Imran Khan

In support to all-weather ally China, Pakistan seems to have been constantly turning a blind eye to suppression of Uyghur Muslim in the country. &nbsp;

For years, Pakistan seems to have been acting like the custodian of Islam all around the world. It has been voicing concerns for Muslims everywhere other than Xinjiang. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-irked-with-low-rank-in-pakistans-top-performing-ministries-452646" hreflang="en">FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi irked with low rank in Pak’s top-performing ministries</a>

In the latest development, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the situation in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) is not what the Western media portrays. &nbsp;

In an exclusive interview with Fareed Zakaria for CNN, the PM said that Pakistan's ambassador to China Moinul Haq had visited XUAR, and said that the situation over there is "not what the Western media portrays." &nbsp;

Imran Khan has been supporting China on its policy regarding Xinjiang. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-army-abducting-people-across-balochistan-in-crackdown-to-avenge-attacks-452416" hreflang="en">Pakistani army abducting people across Balochistan to avenge attacks</a>

This comes as the West looks to hold Beijing accountable for suppressing Uyghur Muslims in the region. &nbsp;

For economic aid and diplomatic support, Pakistan has been hugely dependent on China nowadays. &nbsp;

During the inaugural ceremony of the Beijing Olympics 2022, a joint statement released after the meeting of Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, said, "The Pakistan side expressed its "commitment to One-China Policy and support for China on Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet." &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In support to all-weather ally China, Pakistan seems to have been constantly turning a blind eye to suppression of Uyghur Muslim in the country. For years, Pakistan seems to have been acting like the custodian of Islam all around the world.

In support to all-weather ally China, Pakistan seems to have been constantly turning a blind eye to suppression of Uyghur Muslim in the country. For years, Pakistan seems to have been acting like the custodian of Islam all around the world. It has been voicing concerns for Muslims everywhere other than Xinjiang. Also Read: FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi irked with low rank in Pak’s top-performing ministries In the latest development, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the situation in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (XUAR) is not what the Western media portrays. In an exclusive interview with Fareed Zakaria for CNN, the PM said that Pakistan's ambassador to China Moinul Haq had visited XUAR, and said that the situation over there is "not what the Western media portrays." Imran Khan has been supporting China on its policy regarding Xinjiang. Also Read: Pakistani army abducting people across Balochistan to avenge attacks This comes as the West looks to hold Beijing accountable for suppressing Uyghur Muslims in the region. For economic aid and diplomatic support, Pakistan has been hugely dependent on China nowadays. During the inaugural ceremony of the Beijing Olympics 2022, a joint statement released after the meeting of Imran Khan and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, said, "The Pakistan side expressed its "commitment to One-China Policy and support for China on Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet." (With inputs from agencies)

Pak PM Imran Khan defends ally China, says ‘Xinjiang situation not what Western media portrays’

A mob in Pakistan's Punjab province tortured and killed a man accused of desecrating the Holy Quran. WION's Anas Mallick brings you more insights.

Pakistan: Mob stones man to death for alleged blasphemy

Pakistan PM Imran Khan condemns mob lynching of a man accused of blasphemy

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is now patching his own back. He rolled out rewards for his ministers, at a time when the country is neck-deep in debt.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan rewards Ministers amid economic crisis

Blaming Pakistan’s bureaucratic system, Prime Minister Imran Khan admitted that his government could not bring the desired “changes” in the country.

Speaking at a government event in Islamabad, Khan on Thursday said that he wanted to bring "revolutionary changes" at the start of his term, but he could not do it because the "system was incapable of absorbing shock,” Dawn newspaper reported.

The prime minister further said the government and ministries had not given the desired results.

"The biggest problem is that there has been no connection between the government and the interest of the country," Dawn quoted Khan as saying.

"Are our ministries performing how to stabilise the country through increasing exports and how the condition of the people can be improved, how poverty can be eliminated?" he asked.

Khan said increasing exports, finding import substitution and alleviating poverty were significant areas of national interest.

He stressed the need for putting in place a system of reward and punishment and said that reforms had been made regarding the powers of the National Accountability Bureau that allowed bureaucrats to take initiatives.

The remarks of the prime minister come amid a massive economic crisis plaguing Pakistan. Inflation, poverty and unemployment have reached record levels under Imran Khan’s term.

Pakistan has sought almost 20 bailouts from the International Monetary Fund over half a century to tide over the foreign reserve crisis.

Apart from that, Pakistan has been struggling to pay out debts to China amounting to $4.5 billion.

(With inputs from agencies)

Blaming Pakistan’s bureaucratic system, Prime Minister Imran Khan admitted that his government could not bring the desired “changes” in the country. Speaking at a government event in Islamabad, Khan on Thursday said that he wanted to bring "revolutionary changes" at the start of his term, but he could not do it because the "system was incapable of absorbing shock,” Dawn newspaper reported.

Blaming Pakistan’s bureaucratic system, Prime Minister Imran Khan admitted that his government could not bring the desired “changes” in the country. Speaking at a government event in Islamabad, Khan on Thursday said that he wanted to bring "revolutionary changes" at the start of his term, but he could not do it because the "system was incapable of absorbing shock,” Dawn newspaper reported. The prime minister further said the government and ministries had not given the desired results. "The biggest problem is that there has been no connection between the government and the interest of the country," Dawn quoted Khan as saying. "Are our ministries performing how to stabilise the country through increasing exports and how the condition of the people can be improved, how poverty can be eliminated?" he asked. Khan said increasing exports, finding import substitution and alleviating poverty were significant areas of national interest. He stressed the need for putting in place a system of reward and punishment and said that reforms had been made regarding the powers of the National Accountability Bureau that allowed bureaucrats to take initiatives. The remarks of the prime minister come amid a massive economic crisis plaguing Pakistan. Inflation, poverty and unemployment have reached record levels under Imran Khan’s term. Pakistan has sought almost 20 bailouts from the International Monetary Fund over half a century to tide over the foreign reserve crisis. Apart from that, Pakistan has been struggling to pay out debts to China amounting to $4.5 billion. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Wanted to bring revolutionary changes’: Pak PM admits govt’s failure

Indian envoy to United Nations T.S. Tirumurti has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council for its support to cross border terror and&nbsp;leadership eulogizing terrorists.

Speaking at the UNSC meet, he said, "As a country that has long borne the brunt of cross-border terrorism, including the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and the 2016 Pathankot terror act, with victims of both these dastardly acts yet to get justice, India is acutely aware of the human cost of terrorism and remains fully committed to bringing the perpetrators of these terror attacks to justice."

Pakistan continues to drag its feet on taking action against 26/11 perpetrators, even after 10 years. The attack was carried by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/now-dominos-kia-apologise-for-kashmir-post-amid-social-media-storm-451601" hreflang="en">Now, Dominos, KIA apologise for Kashmir post amid social media storm</a>

Speaking at UNSC Briefing on ‘Threat to International Peace and&nbsp;Security Caused by Terrorist Acts’, envoy Tirumurti, "We should not forget the fact that, even after 20 years of September 11 attacks, we have leaders who, without any remorse, continue to defend Osama Bin Laden as a martyr".

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had called the Al Qaeda chief a martyr in the Pakistani parliament drawing global condemnation and shock.

Bin Laden was killed by American forces in Pakistan's Abbottabad, a compound that was less than a mile away from the country's 70-year-old Pakistan Military Academy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-delegation-to-visit-pakistan-in-march-for-indus-commission-meet-451170" hreflang="en">Indian delegation to visit Pakistan in March for Indus Commission meet</a>

"We have been highlighting consistently the threat of terrorism in our neighborhood", India's UN envoy said, pointing, "these security fears have been further exacerbated by the changed political situation in Afghanistan." UNSC's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team released earlier this month had raised concerns over continuous links between the Taliban, especially through the Haqqani Network, and Al Qaida.

The envoy said, "We have been reiterating the close links between proscribed terrorist entities under the 1267 Sanctions regime such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror groups including the Jaish-e-Mohammad", however, "in spite of repeatedly flagging these concerns, the SG’s report has failed to take notice of these linkages".

He hoped that in future iterations of such reports, "inputs from all member states would be treated on an equal footing and an evidence-based and credible yardstick be applied by its authors." UN analytical report that was issued takes recommendations from various countries and is prone to politicization as well.

During the address, India also talked about the recent terror attacks through drones in UAE and Saudi Arabia, calling for the need to work "together to develop appropriate solutions" and "evolve global standards to address these threats." Both the west Asian countries have seen Yemen-based Houthis launching attacks. January saw a drone attack in UAE's capital Abu Dabhi in which 2 Indian Nationals also died.

India's external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar had given an eight-point action plan to the council to deal with terror last year. The&nbsp;key focus was on "no double standards" on dealing with the issue. Indian envoy Tirumurti is also the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) of the Security council.

Indian envoy to United Nations T.S. Tirumurti has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council for its support to cross border terror and leadership eulogizing terrorists.

Indian envoy to United Nations T.S. Tirumurti has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council for its support to cross border terror and leadership eulogizing terrorists. Speaking at the UNSC meet, he said, "As a country that has long borne the brunt of cross-border terrorism, including the 2008 Mumbai terror attack and the 2016 Pathankot terror act, with victims of both these dastardly acts yet to get justice, India is acutely aware of the human cost of terrorism and remains fully committed to bringing the perpetrators of these terror attacks to justice." Pakistan continues to drag its feet on taking action against 26/11 perpetrators, even after 10 years. The attack was carried by Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba. Also read | Now, Dominos, KIA apologise for Kashmir post amid social media storm Speaking at UNSC Briefing on ‘Threat to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts’, envoy Tirumurti, "We should not forget the fact that, even after 20 years of September 11 attacks, we have leaders who, without any remorse, continue to defend Osama Bin Laden as a martyr". Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan had called the Al Qaeda chief a martyr in the Pakistani parliament drawing global condemnation and shock. Bin Laden was killed by American forces in Pakistan's Abbottabad, a compound that was less than a mile away from the country's 70-year-old Pakistan Military Academy. Also read | Indian delegation to visit Pakistan in March for Indus Commission meet "We have been highlighting consistently the threat of terrorism in our neighborhood", India's UN envoy said, pointing, "these security fears have been further exacerbated by the changed political situation in Afghanistan." UNSC's Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team released earlier this month had raised concerns over continuous links between the Taliban, especially through the Haqqani Network, and Al Qaida. The envoy said, "We have been reiterating the close links between proscribed terrorist entities under the 1267 Sanctions regime such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terror groups including the Jaish-e-Mohammad", however, "in spite of repeatedly flagging these concerns, the SG’s report has failed to take notice of these linkages". He hoped that in future iterations of such reports, "inputs from all member states would be treated on an equal footing and an evidence-based and credible yardstick be applied by its authors." UN analytical report that was issued takes recommendations from various countries and is prone to politicization as well. During the address, India also talked about the recent terror attacks through drones in UAE and Saudi Arabia, calling for the need to work "together to develop appropriate solutions" and "evolve global standards to address these threats." Both the west Asian countries have seen Yemen-based Houthis launching attacks. January saw a drone attack in UAE's capital Abu Dabhi in which 2 Indian Nationals also died. India's external affairs minister Dr. S Jaishankar had given an eight-point action plan to the council to deal with terror last year. The key focus was on "no double standards" on dealing with the issue. Indian envoy Tirumurti is also the Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee (CTC) of the Security council.

'We have leaders who continue to defend Laden as a martyr', India's UN envoy at UNSC

Kremlin confirmed WION's newsbreak on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's impending visit to Russia.

Preparation are underway for PM Imran Khan's visit to Moscow, however, the Kremlin said&nbsp;it will announce&nbsp;the exact date in a "timely fashion".

WION was the first channel to report on February 6 that PM Imran Khan will be the first Pakistan Prime Minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia this month after being invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-find-compromises-no-nord-stream-2-if-russia-invades-ukraine-says-biden-451357">Also Read:&nbsp;No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine, says Biden</a>

On the agenda of the visit would be bilateral ties, the Afghanistan situation, including talks of defence cooperation and commitments to take forward the North-South gas pipeline that expands over 1,100 kilometres and which aims at transferring imported gas from the port city of Karachi to the load centre of the Punjab province.

The visit which will be held in the latter half of February 2022, will be closely watched out by other countries in the region. In the absence of a telephone call between Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Joe Biden, this visit will be looked at as a regional re-alignment on the part of the Pakistan government.

The last time an elected Pakistani Prime Minister visited Russia on a bilateral visit was in March 1999 when the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the country. Since then in 2003 the then Pakistani military dictator visited Russia and in 2011, the then President Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to Russia.

Relations between Pakistan and Russia in the past have not been ideal following the country’s alleged involvement in the collapse of the USSR, however, a new dimension of the relationship was seen when the former Pakistani Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Russia in 2015 and laid another foundation of military diplomacy that eventually led&nbsp;to being converted in exchanges of formal diplomatic contacts and high-level visits, including one by the Pakistani National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf in December last year.&nbsp;

The Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov visited Pakistan in April 2021.

Kremlin confirmed WION's newsbreak on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's impending visit to Russia. Preparation are underway for PM Imran Khan's visit to Moscow, however, the Kremlin said it will announce the exact date in a "timely fashion".

Kremlin confirmed WION's newsbreak on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's impending visit to Russia. Preparation are underway for PM Imran Khan's visit to Moscow, however, the Kremlin said it will announce the exact date in a "timely fashion". WION was the first channel to report on February 6 that PM Imran Khan will be the first Pakistan Prime Minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia this month after being invited by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Also Read: No Nord Stream 2 if Russia invades Ukraine, says Biden On the agenda of the visit would be bilateral ties, the Afghanistan situation, including talks of defence cooperation and commitments to take forward the North-South gas pipeline that expands over 1,100 kilometres and which aims at transferring imported gas from the port city of Karachi to the load centre of the Punjab province. The visit which will be held in the latter half of February 2022, will be closely watched out by other countries in the region. In the absence of a telephone call between Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Joe Biden, this visit will be looked at as a regional re-alignment on the part of the Pakistan government. The last time an elected Pakistani Prime Minister visited Russia on a bilateral visit was in March 1999 when the then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif visited the country. Since then in 2003 the then Pakistani military dictator visited Russia and in 2011, the then President Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to Russia. Relations between Pakistan and Russia in the past have not been ideal following the country’s alleged involvement in the collapse of the USSR, however, a new dimension of the relationship was seen when the former Pakistani Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Russia in 2015 and laid another foundation of military diplomacy that eventually led to being converted in exchanges of formal diplomatic contacts and high-level visits, including one by the Pakistani National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf in December last year. The Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov visited Pakistan in April 2021.

Kremlin confirms WION’s newsbreak, Pak PM Imran Khan to visit Russia soon

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Russia later this month to bolster ties between Pakistan and the Kremlin. This will be the first visit by Pakistani PM to Russia in over two decades. In a statement, Pakistan's foreign minister confirmed the visit saying that the relations between Moscow and Islamabad are on a positive trajectory.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to visit Moscow, gas deal to be key focus area

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa have landed in the Naushki district of Balochistan.

During their visit, they will be briefed about the security situation in the area as well as operational preparedness of the formation to counter-terrorist activities.

It comes after twenty militants and nine soldiers were killed recently during insurgent attacks on two military bases in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan&nbsp;province and the military's response.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-72-hour-ops-pak-security-forces-kill-remaining-balochistan-insurgents-toll-reaches-20-450797" hreflang="en">After 72-hour ops, Pak security forces kill remaining Balochistan insurgents, toll reaches 20</a>

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which had earlier claimed the attack, also issued a statement last week saying “all targets successfully achieved.”&nbsp;

Ethnic Baloch guerrillas have been fighting the government for decades, demanding a separate state and saying the central government unfairly exploits Balochistan's rich gas and mineral resources.

Imran Khan's official visit to China, which has invested significantly in Balochistan, further stoked tensions.

During the meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that "the Chinese side firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and dignity, as well as in combating terrorism", according to state media.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/beijing-olympics-2022-pakistani-prime-minister-imran-khan-meets-chinese-president-xi-jinping-450959" hreflang="en">Beijing Olympics 2022: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan meets Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>

Chinese investments in Balochistan are part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project linking China's far-western Xinjiang region with the strategic port of Gwadar in Balochistan has sparked claims that the vast influx of investment does not benefit locals.

Chinese companies invested more than $20 billion in non-financial direct investment on projects in BRI countries in 2021, according to China's commerce ministry.

While the economic corridor offers a lucrative gateway for China to the Indian Ocean, the security of its workers has long been a concern. Islamabad and Beijing have forged strong ties in recent years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa have landed in the Naushki district of Balochistan. During their visit, they will be briefed about the security situation in the area as well as operational preparedness of the formation to counter-terrorist activities.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa have landed in the Naushki district of Balochistan. During their visit, they will be briefed about the security situation in the area as well as operational preparedness of the formation to counter-terrorist activities. It comes after twenty militants and nine soldiers were killed recently during insurgent attacks on two military bases in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province and the military's response. Also read | After 72-hour ops, Pak security forces kill remaining Balochistan insurgents, toll reaches 20 The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which had earlier claimed the attack, also issued a statement last week saying “all targets successfully achieved.” Ethnic Baloch guerrillas have been fighting the government for decades, demanding a separate state and saying the central government unfairly exploits Balochistan's rich gas and mineral resources. Imran Khan's official visit to China, which has invested significantly in Balochistan, further stoked tensions. During the meeting, Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed that "the Chinese side firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty, and dignity, as well as in combating terrorism", according to state media. Also read | Beijing Olympics 2022: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan meets Chinese President Xi Jinping Chinese investments in Balochistan are part of Beijing's Belt and Road Initiative. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project linking China's far-western Xinjiang region with the strategic port of Gwadar in Balochistan has sparked claims that the vast influx of investment does not benefit locals. Chinese companies invested more than $20 billion in non-financial direct investment on projects in BRI countries in 2021, according to China's commerce ministry. While the economic corridor offers a lucrative gateway for China to the Indian Ocean, the security of its workers has long been a concern. Islamabad and Beijing have forged strong ties in recent years. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan visits Balochistan after assaults by militants

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and army chief general Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit the southwestern province of Balochistan to take stock of the worsening security situation in the region.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Army chief Javed Bajwa to visit Balochistan amid rising tensions

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condoled the demise of legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar, his spokesperson Farhan Haq said.&nbsp;

On Sunday (February 6), Haq said: "That's sad news! The SG (Secretary-General) offers condolences to her family and the people and the government of India at this time. She was the voice of an entire subcontinent."&nbsp;

Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday (February 6) at the age of 92, leaving the entire nation teary-eyed. She passed away at 8:12am (local time) due to a multi-organ failure, said the doctor who was treating her in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital.&nbsp;

Lata Mangeshkar's last rites were conducted at Shivaji Park on Sunday in Mumbai with full state honours. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to pay his last respects.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lata-mangeshkar-laid-to-rest-with-full-state-honours-pm-modi-srk-sachin-attend-funeral-451042">Lata Mangeshkar laid to rest with full state honours, PM Modi, SRK, Sachin attend funeral</a>

Pakistan PM Imran Khan condoled the death of Mangeshkar, saying the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known.&nbsp;

"With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world," Khan tweeted.&nbsp;

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih said that Mangeshkar's music crossed cultural frontiers.

Solih tweeted: "Saddened to hear of #LataMangeshkar's passing. Her music crossed cultural and linguistic boundaries and continues to bring joy to millions around the world. India has lost a national treasure and I offer my condolences to her loved ones and the people of India."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1490318992199667718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Saddened to hear of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LataMangeshkar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LataMangeshkar</a>’s passing. Her music crossed cultural and linguistic boundaries and continues to bring joy to millions around the world. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> has lost a national treasure and I offer my condolences to her loved ones and the people of India. <a href="https://twitter.com/HCIMaldives?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HCIMaldives</a>
— Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibusolih/status/1490358869813788672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condoled the demise of legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar, his spokesperson Farhan Haq said. On Sunday (February 6), Haq said: "That's sad news!

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condoled the demise of legendary Indian singer Lata Mangeshkar, his spokesperson Farhan Haq said. On Sunday (February 6), Haq said: "That's sad news! The SG (Secretary-General) offers condolences to her family and the people and the government of India at this time. She was the voice of an entire subcontinent." Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday (February 6) at the age of 92, leaving the entire nation teary-eyed. She passed away at 8:12am (local time) due to a multi-organ failure, said the doctor who was treating her in Mumbai's Breach Candy Hospital. Lata Mangeshkar's last rites were conducted at Shivaji Park on Sunday in Mumbai with full state honours. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to pay his last respects. ALSO READ | Lata Mangeshkar laid to rest with full state honours, PM Modi, SRK, Sachin attend funeral Pakistan PM Imran Khan condoled the death of Mangeshkar, saying the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. "With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world," Khan tweeted. Maldives President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih said that Mangeshkar's music crossed cultural frontiers. Solih tweeted: "Saddened to hear of #LataMangeshkar's passing. Her music crossed cultural and linguistic boundaries and continues to bring joy to millions around the world. India has lost a national treasure and I offer my condolences to her loved ones and the people of India." With the death of Lata Mangeshkar the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) February 6, 2022 × Saddened to hear of #LataMangeshkar’s passing. Her music crossed cultural and linguistic boundaries and continues to bring joy to millions around the world. #India has lost a national treasure and I offer my condolences to her loved ones and the people of India. @HCIMaldives — Ibrahim Mohamed Solih (@ibusolih) February 6, 2022 ×

UN Secretary-General offers condolences on legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar's sad demise

The all-weather allies Imran Khan and Xi Jinping are under the same roof. The Pakistani Prime Minister reached Beijing for the winter Olympics on Thursday, he brought a massive team for his four-day trip.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan meets Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, review bilateral cooperation

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Balochistan to take stock of the escalating security tensions, after 5 army soldiers killed near the border with Afghanistan.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to visit Balochistan after terror attack on army

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reassured Pakistan's support for the Chinese government completely neglecting the alleged human rights abuses of Uyghurs in China as he showed his support to Beijing on Xinjiang, Taiwan and the South China Sea. On Sunday, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing during the sidelines of Winter Olympics 2022.&nbsp;

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Khan expressed Pakistan's "commitment to One-China Policy and support for China on Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet."

During their meeting, Jinping pledged closer cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor investment programme to build roads, power plants and other infrastructure.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-45-people-reject-imran-khans-claims-of-corrupt-free-governance-poll-450969">Also read |&nbsp;Over 45% people reject Imran Khan’s claims of corruption-free governance: Poll</a>

“China upholds fairness and justice in international affairs. China is willing to strengthen the coordination and cooperation with Pakistan in multilateral venues such as the UN and promote justice and world and regional peace,” Xi said.

Meanwhile, a recent opinion survey in Pakistan revealed that over 45 per cent of people completely disagree with Prime Minister Imran Khan's self-proclaimed concept of corruption-free governance.&nbsp;

As per a report in a local newspaper, nearly 62 per cent of the people believe that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s defeat in provincial elections could be attributed to the wrong distribution of tickets.

The revelations come as a contradiction to the tall claims made by Imran Khan party's spokespersons who deem his as a new corruption-free brand.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reassured Pakistan's support for the Chinese government completely neglecting the alleged human rights abuses of Uyghurs in China as he showed his support to Beijing on Xinjiang, Taiwan and the South China Sea.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan reassured Pakistan's support for the Chinese government completely neglecting the alleged human rights abuses of Uyghurs in China as he showed his support to Beijing on Xinjiang, Taiwan and the South China Sea. On Sunday, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing during the sidelines of Winter Olympics 2022. In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Khan expressed Pakistan's "commitment to One-China Policy and support for China on Taiwan, South China Sea, Hong Kong, Xinjiang and Tibet." During their meeting, Jinping pledged closer cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor investment programme to build roads, power plants and other infrastructure. Also read | Over 45% people reject Imran Khan’s claims of corruption-free governance: Poll “China upholds fairness and justice in international affairs. China is willing to strengthen the coordination and cooperation with Pakistan in multilateral venues such as the UN and promote justice and world and regional peace,” Xi said. Meanwhile, a recent opinion survey in Pakistan revealed that over 45 per cent of people completely disagree with Prime Minister Imran Khan's self-proclaimed concept of corruption-free governance. As per a report in a local newspaper, nearly 62 per cent of the people believe that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s defeat in provincial elections could be attributed to the wrong distribution of tickets. The revelations come as a contradiction to the tall claims made by Imran Khan party's spokespersons who deem his as a new corruption-free brand. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan expresses country's 'commitment' to China, shows support on Xinjiang, Tibet

Pakistan has now turned to its all-weather friend china to raise the issue of Kashmir yet again. The Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan interestingly has held talks with the Chinese president Xi Jinping on the last day of his four-day tour to china to discuss a host of different issues concerning the two sides and instead what is interesting is that apart from many issues that the two allies have discussed they've also chosen to highlight the issue of Kashmir.

PM Imran Khan turns to Xi Jinping for support on Kashmir

After nearly a year of strained relations over the issue of en masse resignations from assemblies, the top PPP and PML-N leaders met in Lahore on Saturday and agreed to put the thorny issue behind them for a common cause: to send Prime Minister Imran Khan home.&nbsp;

They also pledged to consider all options to achieve the goal, including a no-confidence motion and a joint long march.&nbsp;

Former President Asif Ali Zardari and his son, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, had lunch with PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and vice president Maryam Nawaz in Model Town, where they reviewed the many possibilities put out by both parties to depose the PTI government.

According to analysts, the opposition parties appear to be making a real effort to meet their long-term goal.&nbsp;

It was a rare sight that Zardari visited the residence of Sharif exclusively to see him. Earlier, the PPP co-chairman would only call on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif here.

During the meeting, PML-N leader Maryam Sharif connected the elder Zardari with her father, Nawaz, over the phone, and they talked about moving together for a common cause.

At a joint media talk with Bilawal, Shehbaz confirmed to journalists outside his house at a joint media talk that there was a "difference of opinion" within his party over the issue of a no-confidence motion against the PTI government, which had pretty much cleared now, according to Dawn.

"The PPP was always clear about a no-confidence motion against the federal government, but the PML-N had a difference of opinion. But now there has been a consensus to a large extent in the party. This proposal will be presented before the PML-N's central executive committee (CEC) and supremo Nawaz Sharif in a couple of days," Shehbaz Sharif announced."

According to the PML-N, the party president spoke to Nawaz, over the phone and told him about the meeting with the PPP leadership. Shehbaz also spoke to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the president of the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and told him about the meeting.&nbsp;

He said the PDM would be taken into confidence about the PML-N`s contacts with the PPP.Both the PPP and PML-N have announced separate long marches on Islamabad with the former`s starting on Feb 27 and the latter`s March 23. Both parties have not yet confirmed whether they will stage a sit-in after reaching the capital, as noted by Dawn.

(With inputs from agencies)

After nearly a year of strained relations over the issue of en masse resignations from assemblies, the top PPP and PML-N leaders met in Lahore on Saturday and agreed to put the thorny issue behind them for a common cause: to send Prime Minister Imran Khan home.

After nearly a year of strained relations over the issue of en masse resignations from assemblies, the top PPP and PML-N leaders met in Lahore on Saturday and agreed to put the thorny issue behind them for a common cause: to send Prime Minister Imran Khan home. They also pledged to consider all options to achieve the goal, including a no-confidence motion and a joint long march. Former President Asif Ali Zardari and his son, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, had lunch with PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and vice president Maryam Nawaz in Model Town, where they reviewed the many possibilities put out by both parties to depose the PTI government. According to analysts, the opposition parties appear to be making a real effort to meet their long-term goal. It was a rare sight that Zardari visited the residence of Sharif exclusively to see him. Earlier, the PPP co-chairman would only call on former prime minister Nawaz Sharif here. During the meeting, PML-N leader Maryam Sharif connected the elder Zardari with her father, Nawaz, over the phone, and they talked about moving together for a common cause. At a joint media talk with Bilawal, Shehbaz confirmed to journalists outside his house at a joint media talk that there was a "difference of opinion" within his party over the issue of a no-confidence motion against the PTI government, which had pretty much cleared now, according to Dawn. "The PPP was always clear about a no-confidence motion against the federal government, but the PML-N had a difference of opinion. But now there has been a consensus to a large extent in the party. This proposal will be presented before the PML-N's central executive committee (CEC) and supremo Nawaz Sharif in a couple of days," Shehbaz Sharif announced." According to the PML-N, the party president spoke to Nawaz, over the phone and told him about the meeting with the PPP leadership. Shehbaz also spoke to Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the president of the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), and told him about the meeting. He said the PDM would be taken into confidence about the PML-N`s contacts with the PPP.Both the PPP and PML-N have announced separate long marches on Islamabad with the former`s starting on Feb 27 and the latter`s March 23. Both parties have not yet confirmed whether they will stage a sit-in after reaching the capital, as noted by Dawn. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan opposition to move no-trust motion against Imran Khan

Imran Khan will be the first Pakistani prime&nbsp;minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia, diplomatic sources in Pakistan have revealed. Khan's visit to Russia this month is taking place&nbsp;on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The visit, which is being looked at as a game changer owing to regional geo-strategic realignments, has greater optical significance. On the agenda of the visit would be bilateral ties, Afghanistan situation, including talks of defence cooperation and commitments to take forward the north-south gas pipeline of length of over 1100 kilometers. Setting up of the pipeline is aimed at facilitating transfer of imported gas from the port city of Karachi to the load center in Pakistani Punjab province.

The visit, which will be held in the second half of February 2022, will be closely watched out by other countries in the region. US President Joe Biden has not held a telephonic discussion with Pakistan PM Imran Khan after the former assumed office. In this light, Imran Khan's Russia visit will be looked at in a possible context of regional re-alignment on the part of the Pakistani government.

Last time an elected Pakistani prime minister visited Russia on a bilateral visit was in March 1999 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In 2003, Pakistani military dictator Pervez Musharraf had visited Russia. In 2011, then Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to Russia.

In 2017, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan visited Sochi in Russia to attend a multilateral conference, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO). The last formal bilateral meeting between a Pakistani prime minister and Russian president was held between former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017.

Since then, there have been multiple informal pull-aside meetings between Russian president and Pakistani prime minister at different forums. The two were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit last year in Tajikistan but the meeting was called off due to Covid-19 outbreak in President Putin’s inner circle.&nbsp;

The two have exchanged multiple telephone calls in recent times as well. The Pakistani prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers from his cabinet. Sources say that details of this visit will be released in due course of time by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Relations between Pakistan and Russia in the past had not been at an ideal level following the country’s involvement in collapse of the USSR.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;a new dimension of the relationship was seen when the former Pakistani Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Russia in 2015 and laid another foundation of military diplomacy that eventually lead to be being converted in exchanges of formal diplomatic contacts and high-level visits, including one by the Pakistani National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf in December last year. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov too visited Pakistan in April 2021.

Imran Khan will be the first Pakistani prime minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia, diplomatic sources in Pakistan have revealed. Khan's visit to Russia this month is taking place on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Imran Khan will be the first Pakistani prime minister in 23 years to embark on a bilateral visit to Russia, diplomatic sources in Pakistan have revealed. Khan's visit to Russia this month is taking place on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit, which is being looked at as a game changer owing to regional geo-strategic realignments, has greater optical significance. On the agenda of the visit would be bilateral ties, Afghanistan situation, including talks of defence cooperation and commitments to take forward the north-south gas pipeline of length of over 1100 kilometers. Setting up of the pipeline is aimed at facilitating transfer of imported gas from the port city of Karachi to the load center in Pakistani Punjab province. The visit, which will be held in the second half of February 2022, will be closely watched out by other countries in the region. US President Joe Biden has not held a telephonic discussion with Pakistan PM Imran Khan after the former assumed office. In this light, Imran Khan's Russia visit will be looked at in a possible context of regional re-alignment on the part of the Pakistani government. Last time an elected Pakistani prime minister visited Russia on a bilateral visit was in March 1999 during the tenure of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. In 2003, Pakistani military dictator Pervez Musharraf had visited Russia. In 2011, then Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari paid a visit to Russia. In 2017, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan visited Sochi in Russia to attend a multilateral conference, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit (SCO). The last formal bilateral meeting between a Pakistani prime minister and Russian president was held between former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017. Since then, there have been multiple informal pull-aside meetings between Russian president and Pakistani prime minister at different forums. The two were scheduled to meet on the sidelines of the SCO summit last year in Tajikistan but the meeting was called off due to Covid-19 outbreak in President Putin’s inner circle. The two have exchanged multiple telephone calls in recent times as well. The Pakistani prime minister will be accompanied by a high-level delegation of senior ministers from his cabinet. Sources say that details of this visit will be released in due course of time by the Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Relations between Pakistan and Russia in the past had not been at an ideal level following the country’s involvement in collapse of the USSR. However, a new dimension of the relationship was seen when the former Pakistani Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited Russia in 2015 and laid another foundation of military diplomacy that eventually lead to be being converted in exchanges of formal diplomatic contacts and high-level visits, including one by the Pakistani National Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf in December last year. The Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov too visited Pakistan in April 2021.

In first bilateral visit by a Pak PM, Imran Khan to go to Russia this month

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.

During the meeting, Jinping&nbsp;pledged closer cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor investment programme to build roads, power plants and other infrastructure.

“China upholds fairness and justice in international affairs. China is willing to strengthen the coordination and cooperation with Pakistan in multilateral venues such as the UN&nbsp;and promote justice and world and regional peace,” Xi said.

The meeting happened shortly after Pakistan's army said troops had put an end to four days of assaults by separatists in Balochistan province.

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China has invested significantly in the region where separatists have waged an insurgency for years, fuelled by anger that its abundant reserves of natural resources are not relieving citizens from crushing poverty.

During the meeting, Xi stressed that "the Chinese side firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and dignity, as well as in combating terrorism", according to state media.

He added that China is willing to work with Pakistan in "aligning development strategies". This was the first meeting of the two leaders since Khan’s visit to China in October 2019.&nbsp;

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The two leaders agreed to work closely on further deepening bilateral economic engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to further advance the multifaceted strategic cooperative ties and building the Pakistan-China Community of Shared Future in the New Era.
— Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) <a href="https://twitter.com/PakPMO/status/1489988095256801280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Beijing is using the start of the Winter Olympics to score diplomatic points amid simmering tensions with the United States.

Over 30 foreign leaders travelled to Beijing to attend Friday's opening ceremony. But the United States and other western countries have subjected the Winter Games to a diplomatic boycott amid rising geopolitical tensions and allegations of human rights abuses in China's northwestern region of Xinjiang.

Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-vladimir-putin-to-imran-khan-world-leaders-who-will-attend-beijing-olympics-2022-449841">From Vladimir Putin to Imran Khan: World leaders who will attend Beijing Olympics 2022</a>

Campaigners say at least one million Uyghurs and other Turkic-speaking Muslims have been incarcerated in Xinjiang, a far-western region where China is accused of widespread human rights abuses including forced sterilisations of women and forced labour.

The Global Times, run by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, hit back at foreign media reports that the event had attracted only "authoritarian" leaders, accusing them in an editorial of using "outdated anti-China cliches".

Toasting his fellow leaders, Xi expressed "heartfelt thanks to all governments, peoples and international organisations who care about and support the Beijing Winter Olympics".

"China has made every effort to overcome the impact of the coronavirus epidemic, earnestly fulfilled its solemn commitments to the international community and ensured the Beijing Winter Olympics is being held as scheduled," Xi said in a speech published by Xinhua news agency.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing. During the meeting, Jinping pledged closer cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor investment programme to build roads, power plants and other infrastructure.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing. During the meeting, Jinping pledged closer cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor investment programme to build roads, power plants and other infrastructure. “China upholds fairness and justice in international affairs. China is willing to strengthen the coordination and cooperation with Pakistan in multilateral venues such as the UN and promote justice and world and regional peace,” Xi said. The meeting happened shortly after Pakistan's army said troops had put an end to four days of assaults by separatists in Balochistan province. China has invested significantly in the region where separatists have waged an insurgency for years, fuelled by anger that its abundant reserves of natural resources are not relieving citizens from crushing poverty. During the meeting, Xi stressed that "the Chinese side firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and dignity, as well as in combating terrorism", according to state media. He added that China is willing to work with Pakistan in "aligning development strategies". This was the first meeting of the two leaders since Khan’s visit to China in October 2019. The two leaders agreed to work closely on further deepening bilateral economic engagement and reaffirmed their commitment to further advance the multifaceted strategic cooperative ties and building the Pakistan-China Community of Shared Future in the New Era. — Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) February 5, 2022 × Beijing is using the start of the Winter Olympics to score diplomatic points amid simmering tensions with the United States. Over 30 foreign leaders travelled to Beijing to attend Friday's opening ceremony. But the United States and other western countries have subjected the Winter Games to a diplomatic boycott amid rising geopolitical tensions and allegations of human rights abuses in China's northwestern region of Xinjiang. Also see | From Vladimir Putin to Imran Khan: World leaders who will attend Beijing Olympics 2022 Campaigners say at least one million Uyghurs and other Turkic-speaking Muslims have been incarcerated in Xinjiang, a far-western region where China is accused of widespread human rights abuses including forced sterilisations of women and forced labour. The Global Times, run by the ruling Communist Party's People's Daily, hit back at foreign media reports that the event had attracted only "authoritarian" leaders, accusing them in an editorial of using "outdated anti-China cliches". Toasting his fellow leaders, Xi expressed "heartfelt thanks to all governments, peoples and international organisations who care about and support the Beijing Winter Olympics". "China has made every effort to overcome the impact of the coronavirus epidemic, earnestly fulfilled its solemn commitments to the international community and ensured the Beijing Winter Olympics is being held as scheduled," Xi said in a speech published by Xinhua news agency. (With inputs from agencies)

Beijing Olympics 2022: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan meets Chinese President Xi Jinping

A recent opinion survey in Pakistan revealed that over 45 per cent of people completely disagree with Prime Minister Imran Khan's self-proclaimed concept of corruption-free governance. As per a report in a local newspaper, nearly 62 per cent of the people believe that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s defeat in provincial elections could be attributed to the wrong distribution of tickets.

The report further states that a similar outlook was revealed in another opinion poll, which was conducted by the Pulse Consultants.&nbsp;

This opinion poll included 2000 people.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/beijing-olympics-2022-pakistani-prime-minister-imran-khan-meets-chinese-president-xi-jinping-450959">Also read |&nbsp;Beijing Olympics 2022: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan meets Chinese President Xi Jinping</a>

The revelations come as a contradiction to the tall claims made by Imran Khan party's spokespersons who deem his as a new corruption-free brand.

The Pakistan Prime Minister is currently in Beijing for the Winter Olympics 2022. On the sidelines of the main event, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing.&nbsp;

During the meeting, Xi stressed that "the Chinese side firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and dignity, as well as in combating terrorism", according to state media.

He added that China is willing to work with Pakistan in "aligning development strategies". This was the first meeting of the two leaders since Khan’s visit to China in October 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A recent opinion survey in Pakistan revealed that over 45 per cent of people completely disagree with Prime Minister Imran Khan's self-proclaimed concept of corruption-free governance.

A recent opinion survey in Pakistan revealed that over 45 per cent of people completely disagree with Prime Minister Imran Khan's self-proclaimed concept of corruption-free governance. As per a report in a local newspaper, nearly 62 per cent of the people believe that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)'s defeat in provincial elections could be attributed to the wrong distribution of tickets. The report further states that a similar outlook was revealed in another opinion poll, which was conducted by the Pulse Consultants. This opinion poll included 2000 people. Also read | Beijing Olympics 2022: Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan meets Chinese President Xi Jinping The revelations come as a contradiction to the tall claims made by Imran Khan party's spokespersons who deem his as a new corruption-free brand. The Pakistan Prime Minister is currently in Beijing for the Winter Olympics 2022. On the sidelines of the main event, he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of People in Beijing. During the meeting, Xi stressed that "the Chinese side firmly supports Pakistan in safeguarding its national independence, sovereignty and dignity, as well as in combating terrorism", according to state media. He added that China is willing to work with Pakistan in "aligning development strategies". This was the first meeting of the two leaders since Khan’s visit to China in October 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

Over 45% people reject Imran Khan’s claims of corruption-free governance: Poll

In an unusual development which may raise voices in support of freedom of expression, Pakistans hockey Olympian Rashid-ul-Hasan was banned for 10 years by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Thursday allegedly for his criticism of the decline of the sport in the country on a social media platform, Dawn reported. 
 
Rashid, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics gold medallist, while categorically denying the allegations of using offensive language, is considering the option to challenge the ban in the court of law. A PHF inquiry committee was constituted to see if Rashid had used abusive language against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is also the PHF patron-in-chief. 
 
The instructions in this regard were issued by PHF President Brig (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and Secretary Asif Bajwa, said a press release issued on Thursday, the report said. After Rashid did not respond to two notices issued to him on the matter, the committee on PHF President`s instructions imposed the 10-year ban. A copy of the notification has also been sent to the National Assembly`s standing committee on sports.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-winter-olympics-french-national-rugby-union-coach-fabien-galthie-tests-positive-for-covid-19-450412">Beijing Winter Olympics: French national rugby union coach Fabien Galthie tests positive for COVID-19</a>

Speaking on the matter, Rashid dispelled the impression of abusive language he was alleged to have used against the Pakistan premier on any social media forum. 
 
"On social media or any other public platform, I have always given [due] respect to the Prime Minister," the 62-year-old Rashid told Dawn. 
 
"On a WhatsApp group I only said that on the container though Imran Khan was claiming that he would put the game of hockey on the right track, nothing came on the surface during the last three years. And I also said Imran will not do any good work for hockey," the Olympian remarked while giving his clarification. 
 
As a citizen of the country, Rashid added, he had the right to speak, but "I didn`t use any abusive language". 
&nbsp;Expressing his surprise over the ban announced by the PHF, Rashid said that currently he didn`t even hold many position in the federation. According to Rashid, he received the first notice from the PHF some five months ago, adding "it didn`t carry any solid material, that`s why I did not consider it serious", the report said.

In an unusual development which may raise voices in support of freedom of expression, Pakistans hockey Olympian Rashid-ul-Hasan was banned for 10 years by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Thursday allegedly for his criticism of the decline of the sport in the country on a social media platform, Dawn reported.

In an unusual development which may raise voices in support of freedom of expression, Pakistans hockey Olympian Rashid-ul-Hasan was banned for 10 years by the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) on Thursday allegedly for his criticism of the decline of the sport in the country on a social media platform, Dawn reported. Rashid, the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics gold medallist, while categorically denying the allegations of using offensive language, is considering the option to challenge the ban in the court of law. A PHF inquiry committee was constituted to see if Rashid had used abusive language against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is also the PHF patron-in-chief. The instructions in this regard were issued by PHF President Brig (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar and Secretary Asif Bajwa, said a press release issued on Thursday, the report said. After Rashid did not respond to two notices issued to him on the matter, the committee on PHF President`s instructions imposed the 10-year ban. A copy of the notification has also been sent to the National Assembly`s standing committee on sports. ALSO READ | Beijing Winter Olympics: French national rugby union coach Fabien Galthie tests positive for COVID-19 Speaking on the matter, Rashid dispelled the impression of abusive language he was alleged to have used against the Pakistan premier on any social media forum. "On social media or any other public platform, I have always given [due] respect to the Prime Minister," the 62-year-old Rashid told Dawn. "On a WhatsApp group I only said that on the container though Imran Khan was claiming that he would put the game of hockey on the right track, nothing came on the surface during the last three years. And I also said Imran will not do any good work for hockey," the Olympian remarked while giving his clarification. As a citizen of the country, Rashid added, he had the right to speak, but "I didn`t use any abusive language". Expressing his surprise over the ban announced by the PHF, Rashid said that currently he didn`t even hold many position in the federation. According to Rashid, he received the first notice from the PHF some five months ago, adding "it didn`t carry any solid material, that`s why I did not consider it serious", the report said.

Pakistan hockey Olympian pays a price for 'slamming' Imran Khan, banned for 10 years

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan commences his high-profile visit to China on February 3 which is seen as much-hyped and high in optics. This is obviously to signal to Beijing that Pakistan holds China in a very high esteem and is always at its service howsoever servile it might look. In this backdrop of bilateral developments connected to the visit, Pakistan government hopes that Imran Khan's visit would reinvigorate the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). And, to push the CPEC agenda which is the principal focus of Imran Khan’s trip, 21 different sectors have been already identified to be specifically discussed with the Chinese leadership. Further, the Pakistani delegation will impress upon its Chinese counterparts that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been created to give thrust on trade, information, agriculture and relocation of Chinese investments in Pakistan.

During his much-publicised Beijing visit, Imran Khan is also scheduled to hold one to one talk with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang other than participating in the ceremonies connected to the opening of the Winter Olympics in China. Meanwhile, informed sources in the Pakistan establishment confide that Imran khan is upbeat in trying to meet President Putin of Russia too on the sidelines of his meeting with the Chinese big wigs. &nbsp;

This apart, Imran Khan will is also slated to hold an entire gamut of bilateral talks with China but, as already stated, will go out of the way to assure the Chinese leaders at the helm that China should not be deterred by a handful of terror acts targeting the Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan to instill a kind of sense of security and confidence so that investments are not discouraged. It may be recalled that not so long-ago terror offensives had claimed 10 Chinese lives (Dasu) and rattled the Chinese project managers fearing being violently affected. Other than this, Khan is also thought to be walking an extra mile trying to tell the Chinese Who’s Who that it’s wrong to assume that he or his party Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) has not done anything worthwhile in the last three-and-a-half years of rule to carry forward the CPEC. Whatever, the Chinese are not easily impressed so the task at hand is onerous.

Significantly, Pakistan would not like to lose this opportunity of prevailing over the Chinese to maintain a steady flow of investments in Pakistan for a twin set of objectives: a) It will help reinforce ties between China and Pakistan particularly in view of a downslide in the US-Pak ties with India vigorously drawn towards the US and the Quad initiative. Pakistan is almost friendless today except for China and Turkey and it has to save its failing economy and end living in isolation. (FATF conditions and the global impression that Pakistan is a pariah state for its abetment to terror, needs to be internationally dispelled). So, under the circumstances, China is the safest bet; &nbsp;b) a renewed relationship with China, by Pakistani perceptions, will help Pakistan to counter India with whom Pakistan has hitherto failed to address bilateral problems either militarily, or even diplomatically.

Pakistan’s importance attached to Imran Khan's high flying visit to Beijing is also evident by the fact that in run up to the visit, the PM held a high-level meeting (February 2 - Islamabad) of the Pakistan establishment comprising almost all the federal ministers and notably the chiefs of intelligence and the armed forces. Participation of the military component of the Pakistani dispensation at the meeting is not ordinary. This shows either the military doesn’t want to be seen aloof from the civilian mainstream in an important event like the China visit or Imran Khan, contrary to his occasional contradictory statements, is still under the military thumb for all the crucial happenings in the country. Either way, military continues to make its presence felt proving its relevance in internal and external matters. &nbsp;This aspect needs a close watch as Pakistan is afflicted with multiple domestic challenges including a political tumult with opposition parties in collusion to target the Imran Khan govt including of a call given by the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM) for a crucial march on March 23 calling for Imran Khan’s ouster. All these factors must be weighing in the mind of Imran Khan while he is on way to Beijing.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan commences his high-profile visit to China on February 3 which is seen as much-hyped and high in optics. This is obviously to signal to Beijing that Pakistan holds China in a very high esteem and is always at its service howsoever servile it might look.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan commences his high-profile visit to China on February 3 which is seen as much-hyped and high in optics. This is obviously to signal to Beijing that Pakistan holds China in a very high esteem and is always at its service howsoever servile it might look. In this backdrop of bilateral developments connected to the visit, Pakistan government hopes that Imran Khan's visit would reinvigorate the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). And, to push the CPEC agenda which is the principal focus of Imran Khan’s trip, 21 different sectors have been already identified to be specifically discussed with the Chinese leadership. Further, the Pakistani delegation will impress upon its Chinese counterparts that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been created to give thrust on trade, information, agriculture and relocation of Chinese investments in Pakistan. During his much-publicised Beijing visit, Imran Khan is also scheduled to hold one to one talk with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Keqiang other than participating in the ceremonies connected to the opening of the Winter Olympics in China. Meanwhile, informed sources in the Pakistan establishment confide that Imran khan is upbeat in trying to meet President Putin of Russia too on the sidelines of his meeting with the Chinese big wigs. This apart, Imran Khan will is also slated to hold an entire gamut of bilateral talks with China but, as already stated, will go out of the way to assure the Chinese leaders at the helm that China should not be deterred by a handful of terror acts targeting the Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan to instill a kind of sense of security and confidence so that investments are not discouraged. It may be recalled that not so long-ago terror offensives had claimed 10 Chinese lives (Dasu) and rattled the Chinese project managers fearing being violently affected. Other than this, Khan is also thought to be walking an extra mile trying to tell the Chinese Who’s Who that it’s wrong to assume that he or his party Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) has not done anything worthwhile in the last three-and-a-half years of rule to carry forward the CPEC. Whatever, the Chinese are not easily impressed so the task at hand is onerous. Significantly, Pakistan would not like to lose this opportunity of prevailing over the Chinese to maintain a steady flow of investments in Pakistan for a twin set of objectives: a) It will help reinforce ties between China and Pakistan particularly in view of a downslide in the US-Pak ties with India vigorously drawn towards the US and the Quad initiative. Pakistan is almost friendless today except for China and Turkey and it has to save its failing economy and end living in isolation. (FATF conditions and the global impression that Pakistan is a pariah state for its abetment to terror, needs to be internationally dispelled). So, under the circumstances, China is the safest bet; b) a renewed relationship with China, by Pakistani perceptions, will help Pakistan to counter India with whom Pakistan has hitherto failed to address bilateral problems either militarily, or even diplomatically. Pakistan’s importance attached to Imran Khan's high flying visit to Beijing is also evident by the fact that in run up to the visit, the PM held a high-level meeting (February 2 - Islamabad) of the Pakistan establishment comprising almost all the federal ministers and notably the chiefs of intelligence and the armed forces. Participation of the military component of the Pakistani dispensation at the meeting is not ordinary. This shows either the military doesn’t want to be seen aloof from the civilian mainstream in an important event like the China visit or Imran Khan, contrary to his occasional contradictory statements, is still under the military thumb for all the crucial happenings in the country. Either way, military continues to make its presence felt proving its relevance in internal and external matters. This aspect needs a close watch as Pakistan is afflicted with multiple domestic challenges including a political tumult with opposition parties in collusion to target the Imran Khan govt including of a call given by the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM) for a crucial march on March 23 calling for Imran Khan’s ouster. All these factors must be weighing in the mind of Imran Khan while he is on way to Beijing. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: Plethora of factors on Pakistan PM Imran Khan's mind as he visits Beijing

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