Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was trolled for sharing a video showing a snow leopard roaring and disappearing in the snow-covered region of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Twitterati takes a dig at Pakistan PM Imran Khan's post on snow Leopard

After facing defeat in the local body elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has formed a new organisational structure for the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), a day after dissolving all previous bodies within his party.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces defeat in local body elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pak PM Imran Khan forms new organisational structure for PTI

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed regret for Pakistan’s participation in US-led&nbsp;20-year-long “war on terror” in Afghanistan, saying that the country joined only for “dollars” and not in the “public intertest.”

While addressing the officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, Khan said, “And so, I am well aware of what considerations there were behind the decision. Unfortunately, the people of Pakistan were not a consideration.”

&nbsp;“The considerations, instead, were the same as in the 1980s, when we participated in the Afghan jihad,” he said while referring to the Soviet-Afghan war.

Imran Khan, who has often criticised Pakistan’s decision to join in the two-decades war, claimed that he was close to the decision-makers in 2001 when the then military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, decided to become part of the ‘war on terror’.

Also read |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-faces-online-flak-for-defending-talibans-mistreatment-of-women-438358">Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces online flak for defending Taliban's mistreatment of women</a>

Terming the war a “self-inflicting wound” for Pakistan, the prime minister said, "We cannot blame anyone else for this outcome (of the decision)."

“We ourselves are responsible ... as we let [others] use us, sacrificed the reputation of our country for aid and made a foreign policy that went against the public interest [and was devised] for money,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-women-assaulted-paraded-naked-and-filmed-in-pakistan-over-theft-suspicion-435021">Four women assaulted, paraded naked and filmed in Pakistan over theft suspicion</a>

On the Afghanistan situation, Khan said that “a big atrocity on the human level that a man-made crisis is being created” in the strife-torn country.

“Even when it is known that unfreezing Afghanistan's accounts and (infusing) liquidity (into the country’s banking system) will avert the crisis,” he said.

He added that Pakistan would continue to provide assistance to Afghanistan in difficult times.

(With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed regret for Pakistan’s participation in US-led 20-year-long “war on terror” in Afghanistan, saying that the country joined only for “dollars” and not in the “public intertest.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has expressed regret for Pakistan’s participation in US-led 20-year-long “war on terror” in Afghanistan, saying that the country joined only for “dollars” and not in the “public intertest.” While addressing the officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, Khan said, “And so, I am well aware of what considerations there were behind the decision. Unfortunately, the people of Pakistan were not a consideration.” “The considerations, instead, were the same as in the 1980s, when we participated in the Afghan jihad,” he said while referring to the Soviet-Afghan war. Imran Khan, who has often criticised Pakistan’s decision to join in the two-decades war, claimed that he was close to the decision-makers in 2001 when the then military ruler, General Pervez Musharraf, decided to become part of the ‘war on terror’. Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces online flak for defending Taliban's mistreatment of women Terming the war a “self-inflicting wound” for Pakistan, the prime minister said, "We cannot blame anyone else for this outcome (of the decision)." “We ourselves are responsible ... as we let [others] use us, sacrificed the reputation of our country for aid and made a foreign policy that went against the public interest [and was devised] for money,” he said. Also read | Four women assaulted, paraded naked and filmed in Pakistan over theft suspicion On the Afghanistan situation, Khan said that “a big atrocity on the human level that a man-made crisis is being created” in the strife-torn country. “Even when it is known that unfreezing Afghanistan's accounts and (infusing) liquidity (into the country’s banking system) will avert the crisis,” he said. He added that Pakistan would continue to provide assistance to Afghanistan in difficult times. (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan regrets Pakistan's joining of US-led ‘war on terror’, says it did so for ‘dollars’

Pakistani citizens are unsatisfied. Inflation is battering the economy, prices if everyday good are on a rise, petrol diesel prices are surging, and most importantly, Imran Khan government do not have funds to run the country.

Inflation batters Pakistan's economy under Imran Khan govt

In a shocking remark, Pakistan PM Imran Khan justifies the Taliban's ban on girls' education. He also urged the international community to be sensitive to tribal customs.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan defends & justifies Taliban ban on girls' education

Pakistan PM Imran Khan justifies Taliban ban on girls' education by stating it as a tribal custom

During the 1990s the Taliban imposed brutal restrictions on women. Mandatory face covering, restricted access to healthcare, no access to education. With Taliban 2.0 in power in Afghanistan, they announced big promises on women's rights and freedoms, however, in reality, things have been quite different on the ground. Defending the Taliban's decision on the global platform was none other than its biggest supporter Pakistan.

Afghanistan: Imran Khan defends Taliban on women's rights

US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination".&nbsp;

The 2020 Country Reports on Terrorism, which was issued on Thursday (December 16), stated that terrorist groups continued to operate from Pakistan regionally.&nbsp;

The report mentioned that groups targeting India, including LeT and its affiliated front organisations and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continued to operate from Pakistani territory.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gwadar-protesters-call-off-stir-after-pakistan-govt-accepts-all-of-their-demands-437514">Gwadar protesters call off stir after Pakistan govt accepts ‘all of their demands’</a>

The report specifically mentioned that Pakistan did not take action against JeM founder and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar and 2008 Mumbai attack "project manager" Sajid Mir. As per the report, both are believed to remain free in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Although, the report does mention that Pakistan contributed to the Afghanistan peace process. Pakistan made additional progress in 2020 toward completing its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan. However, &nbsp;the country remained on the FATF "gray list" as it did not complete all Action Plan items.&nbsp;

The report also highlighted the functioning of some madrassas in Pakistan, which has remained a matter of discussion over the years. The report stated that such that some unregulated madrassas continued to teach violent extremist doctrine.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/rewind-2021-when-taliban-in-afghanistan-became-the-new-normal-437572">Rewind 2021: When Taliban in Afghanistan became the 'new normal'</a>

"While the government continued efforts to increase madrassa regulation, some analysts and madrassa reform proponents observed that many madrassas failed to register with the government, provide documentation of their sources of funding, or comply with laws governing acceptance of foreign students," a part of the report read.&nbsp;

On the release of the report, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "The report's Annex of Statistical Info shows that both the number&nbsp;of terrorist attacks and&nbsp;overall number&nbsp;of fatalities resulting from those attacks increased by more than 10% in 2020 compared with 2019."&nbsp;

Indian counterterrorism forces

Mentioning the Indian counterterrorism forces, such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the report commended India for actively detecting and disrupting transnational and regional terror forces.

"Indian counterterrorism forces, at the federal and state levels, actively detected and disrupted transnational and regional terror forces," the report read.&nbsp;

"The National Investigation Agency (NIA) examined 34 terrorism-related cases related to ISIS and arrested 160 persons, including 10 alleged al-Qaeda operatives from Kerala and West Bengal, in September,"? the report added.

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US-India cooperation

Mentioning the cooperation with India, the report stated that the United States continues to build strategic partnerships with India. Through bilateral engagements such as the 17th Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and Third Designations Dialogue in September, as well as the third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in October.&nbsp;

Overall, the report stated that during 2020, the United States and its partners made significant major strides against terrorist organisations. It added that the terrorism threat has become more geographically dispersed in regions around the world.&nbsp;

US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination".

US State Department report on global terrorism revealed that Pakistan made "limited progress" on the most difficult aspects of its 2015 National Action Plan to counter-terrorism as it had pledged to dismantle terrorist organisations operating inside the country without "delay or discrimination". The 2020 Country Reports on Terrorism, which was issued on Thursday (December 16), stated that terrorist groups continued to operate from Pakistan regionally. The report mentioned that groups targeting India, including LeT and its affiliated front organisations and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) continued to operate from Pakistani territory. ALSO READ | Gwadar protesters call off stir after Pakistan govt accepts ‘all of their demands’ The report specifically mentioned that Pakistan did not take action against JeM founder and UN-designated terrorist Masood Azhar and 2008 Mumbai attack "project manager" Sajid Mir. As per the report, both are believed to remain free in Pakistan. Although, the report does mention that Pakistan contributed to the Afghanistan peace process. Pakistan made additional progress in 2020 toward completing its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Action Plan. However, the country remained on the FATF "gray list" as it did not complete all Action Plan items. The report also highlighted the functioning of some madrassas in Pakistan, which has remained a matter of discussion over the years. The report stated that such that some unregulated madrassas continued to teach violent extremist doctrine. ALSO READ | Rewind 2021: When Taliban in Afghanistan became the 'new normal' "While the government continued efforts to increase madrassa regulation, some analysts and madrassa reform proponents observed that many madrassas failed to register with the government, provide documentation of their sources of funding, or comply with laws governing acceptance of foreign students," a part of the report read. On the release of the report, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said, "The report's Annex of Statistical Info shows that both the number of terrorist attacks and overall number of fatalities resulting from those attacks increased by more than 10% in 2020 compared with 2019." Indian counterterrorism forces Mentioning the Indian counterterrorism forces, such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the report commended India for actively detecting and disrupting transnational and regional terror forces. "Indian counterterrorism forces, at the federal and state levels, actively detected and disrupted transnational and regional terror forces," the report read. "The National Investigation Agency (NIA) examined 34 terrorism-related cases related to ISIS and arrested 160 persons, including 10 alleged al-Qaeda operatives from Kerala and West Bengal, in September,"? the report added. × US-India cooperation Mentioning the cooperation with India, the report stated that the United States continues to build strategic partnerships with India. Through bilateral engagements such as the 17th Counterterrorism Joint Working Group and Third Designations Dialogue in September, as well as the third 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in October. Overall, the report stated that during 2020, the United States and its partners made significant major strides against terrorist organisations. It added that the terrorism threat has become more geographically dispersed in regions around the world.

Pakistan didn't take action against terrorists as groups targeting India continue to operate: US report

Over the years, Sri Lanka cricket have produced several big names in world cricket. Back when the ODI World Cup was a new concept and saw the dominance of big teams such as West Indies and Australia, Sri Lanka became the third Asian team, second in a row, to lift the 50-over world championship in 1996.&nbsp;

During the 1996 World Cup, the Arjuna Ranatunga-led Islanders weren't regarded as one of the strongest contenders. In fact, they had a tough ride all the way to the final, with teams such as Australia and Windies not agreeing to go to the Island nation for their respective WC fixtures. At that time, teams were reluctant to tour SL due to a massive bomb blast that ripped through the capital Colombo Jan. 31 1996, claiming the lives of at least 80 people and injuring around 1,400.

In addition, SL locked horns with tournament-favourites India in the semi-finals before beating them in a controversial manner prior to their historic triumph over Australia in the summit clash.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-will-deal-with-it-appropriately-sourav-ganguly-reacts-to-virat-kohlis-remark-on-odi-captaincy-row-437386">BCCI will deal with it appropriately: Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli's remark on ODI captaincy row</a>

Recalling the iconic 1996 WC triumph, former SL great and and ex-ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama told WION in an exclusive interaction -- on the sidelines of the launch of my book “My Innings - Retired Hurt to the Best View of the Game --&nbsp;"I think I was part of both phases in SL cricket (in transition and when they became a lethal unit). We used to go to work, approach organisations to help us. In mid-90s, the change started. I don't think we got paid quite well until we won the WC. It wasn't about money but it was the passion for the game. In that 1996 WC, we were one of the experienced teams but they never gave us due credit. That helped us to be relaxed as we were not under any pressure. That was the turnaround in SL cricket. The guys who were part of that era contributed immensely in SL getting the Test status."

He added, "You rightly said that it was a close-knit team. Arjuna was the father figure. That doesn't mean we agreed to everything that he said. We gelled well maybe due to our background. We knew one another and had played each other from school days. To build that team spirit was quite easy. Some key learnings was teamwork, we played to our strength and not to the strength of the opposition. Back then, Imran Khan had told us to bat first if we win the toss, however, we backed our strength to chase (in the 1996 finale) and everything is now history. And, the third one is that when somebody was called upon to do something for the team, no one said 'it is not my duty' and raised their hand up. Not only the 14 guys who were selected in the squad, even the support staff played their part."

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☺️Absolute pleasure to have interviewed <a href="https://twitter.com/Rosh_Maha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rosh_Maha</a>, a 1996 World Cup legend and an icon in Sri Lanka’s sporting arena. 
 
He was very friendly and humble, truly a gentleman of the Gentleman’s Game. 🏏🙌🏽<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RoshanMahanama?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RoshanMahanama</a> <a href="https://t.co/UfwCqAZCcX">pic.twitter.com/UfwCqAZCcX</a>
— Dasuni Athauda (@AthaudaDasuni) <a href="https://twitter.com/AthaudaDasuni/status/1471494324940513294?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-rankings-marnus-labuschagne-rises-to-second-spot-in-tests-babar-azam-dethroned-in-t20is-437189">ICC Rankings: Marnus Labuschagne rises to second spot in Tests, Babar Azam dethroned in T20Is</a>

At present, the senior men's team isn't at their best across formats. Sri Lanka isn't in the top five in any format in terms of ICC rankings. Mahanama shared his thoughts on the decline in SLC and said, "I think winning the WC was the greatest thing that happened. But by saying that people who never looked at getting involved in SLC had decided that they need to get involved for the betterment of SLC. I really don't know why people need to fight for doing an honorary job. If we go into a contest, we will never win because quite a lot of these people have done a lot of groundwork. To an extend, you can say that everything has been politicised. I still feel there is lots that need to be done. We do not have authority. We are there only to advise the minister and people of the cricket board but the final say is in their hands. I feel everyone has to work together. In SL, we need to protect the game."

For the unversed,&nbsp;the former SL international's latest book is not a mean to earn a quick big money. In fact, it is solely for the purpose to help a charity that supports cancer patients in the Island nation. Thus, he remains a servant not only of SLC but also of his countrymen.

Over the years, Sri Lanka cricket have produced several big names in world cricket. Back when the ODI World Cup was a new concept and saw the dominance of big teams such as West Indies and Australia, Sri Lanka became the third Asian team, second in a row, to lift the 50-over world championship in 1996.

Over the years, Sri Lanka cricket have produced several big names in world cricket. Back when the ODI World Cup was a new concept and saw the dominance of big teams such as West Indies and Australia, Sri Lanka became the third Asian team, second in a row, to lift the 50-over world championship in 1996. During the 1996 World Cup, the Arjuna Ranatunga-led Islanders weren't regarded as one of the strongest contenders. In fact, they had a tough ride all the way to the final, with teams such as Australia and Windies not agreeing to go to the Island nation for their respective WC fixtures. At that time, teams were reluctant to tour SL due to a massive bomb blast that ripped through the capital Colombo Jan. 31 1996, claiming the lives of at least 80 people and injuring around 1,400. In addition, SL locked horns with tournament-favourites India in the semi-finals before beating them in a controversial manner prior to their historic triumph over Australia in the summit clash. ALSO READ | BCCI will deal with it appropriately: Sourav Ganguly reacts to Virat Kohli's remark on ODI captaincy row Recalling the iconic 1996 WC triumph, former SL great and and ex-ICC match referee Roshan Mahanama told WION in an exclusive interaction -- on the sidelines of the launch of my book “My Innings - Retired Hurt to the Best View of the Game -- "I think I was part of both phases in SL cricket (in transition and when they became a lethal unit). We used to go to work, approach organisations to help us. In mid-90s, the change started. I don't think we got paid quite well until we won the WC. It wasn't about money but it was the passion for the game. In that 1996 WC, we were one of the experienced teams but they never gave us due credit. That helped us to be relaxed as we were not under any pressure. That was the turnaround in SL cricket. The guys who were part of that era contributed immensely in SL getting the Test status." He added, "You rightly said that it was a close-knit team. Arjuna was the father figure. That doesn't mean we agreed to everything that he said. We gelled well maybe due to our background. We knew one another and had played each other from school days. To build that team spirit was quite easy. Some key learnings was teamwork, we played to our strength and not to the strength of the opposition. Back then, Imran Khan had told us to bat first if we win the toss, however, we backed our strength to chase (in the 1996 finale) and everything is now history. And, the third one is that when somebody was called upon to do something for the team, no one said 'it is not my duty' and raised their hand up. Not only the 14 guys who were selected in the squad, even the support staff played their part." ☺️Absolute pleasure to have interviewed @Rosh_Maha, a 1996 World Cup legend and an icon in Sri Lanka’s sporting arena. He was very friendly and humble, truly a gentleman of the Gentleman’s Game. 🏏🙌🏽#lka #SriLanka #Cricket #RoshanMahanama pic.twitter.com/UfwCqAZCcX — Dasuni Athauda (@AthaudaDasuni) December 16, 2021 × ALSO READ | ICC Rankings: Marnus Labuschagne rises to second spot in Tests, Babar Azam dethroned in T20Is At present, the senior men's team isn't at their best across formats. Sri Lanka isn't in the top five in any format in terms of ICC rankings. Mahanama shared his thoughts on the decline in SLC and said, "I think winning the WC was the greatest thing that happened. But by saying that people who never looked at getting involved in SLC had decided that they need to get involved for the betterment of SLC. I really don't know why people need to fight for doing an honorary job. If we go into a contest, we will never win because quite a lot of these people have done a lot of groundwork. To an extend, you can say that everything has been politicised. I still feel there is lots that need to be done. We do not have authority. We are there only to advise the minister and people of the cricket board but the final say is in their hands. I feel everyone has to work together. In SL, we need to protect the game." For the unversed, the former SL international's latest book is not a mean to earn a quick big money. In fact, it is solely for the purpose to help a charity that supports cancer patients in the Island nation. Thus, he remains a servant not only of SLC but also of his countrymen.

EXCLUSIVE | Roshan Mahanama recalls 1996 WC glory, dwells on current state of Sri Lankan cricket

The intervention by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan came nearly a month after the Gwadar fishermen took to the streets to press the government for their demands including a halt to illegal fishing. WION brings you a live report from the protest site.

Gwadar residents protest for electricity, water, PM Imran Khan promises to act on demands

The intervention by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan came nearly a month after the Gwadar fishermen took to the streets to press the government for their demands including halt to illegal fishing. WION brings you a live report from the protest site.

WION in Gwadar: PM Imran Khan assures protesters of action against illegal fishing

Amid large-scale anti-government protests in Pakistan's Gwadar, people living in the port city of Gwadar claim that they are not being allowed into the local cricket stadium.

WION has been covering the ongoing protest in Gwadar,&nbsp;located on the southwestern coast of Balochistan in Pakistan, against China's massive projects even as the area struggles to provide citizens with basic amenities including water and electricity.

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WION found authorities have built a stadium&nbsp;although people have been crying out for the construction of a university in the city.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-wion-ground-report-this-is-what-protesters-in-gwadar-want-from-pak-govt-436647">Also read |&nbsp;WATCH WION Ground Report: This is what protesters in Gwadar want from Pak govt</a>

The Gwadar port is an integral part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The strategic infrastructure project is crucial for both nations as it connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

For months now, locals have been complaining that Chinese authorities have been assigning the related jobs to outside labour, leaving locals unemployed and struggling to make money.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wont-stop-till-we-get-peace-maulana-hidayat-talks-to-wion-about-trawler-mafia-and-failing-pak-govt-436780">Also read |&nbsp;‘Won’t stop till we get peace’: Maulana Hidayat talks to WION about Gwadar protest</a>

Angered over this and the 'trawler mafia', Maulana Hidayat, the man leading the Gwadar sit-in and Balochistan General Secretary of Jammat-e-Islami, told WION that this time locals are ready to die for this cause as they believe "it’s better to die once" rather than struggle to survive on a daily basis.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday (December 12) that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast.

In a tweet, he said, "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers &amp; will also speak to CM Balochistan."

Amid large-scale anti-government protests in Pakistan's Gwadar, people living in the port city of Gwadar claim that they are not being allowed into the local cricket stadium.

Amid large-scale anti-government protests in Pakistan's Gwadar, people living in the port city of Gwadar claim that they are not being allowed into the local cricket stadium. WION has been covering the ongoing protest in Gwadar, located on the southwestern coast of Balochistan in Pakistan, against China's massive projects even as the area struggles to provide citizens with basic amenities including water and electricity. WION found authorities have built a stadium although people have been crying out for the construction of a university in the city. Also read | WATCH WION Ground Report: This is what protesters in Gwadar want from Pak govt The Gwadar port is an integral part of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The strategic infrastructure project is crucial for both nations as it connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province. For months now, locals have been complaining that Chinese authorities have been assigning the related jobs to outside labour, leaving locals unemployed and struggling to make money. Also read | ‘Won’t stop till we get peace’: Maulana Hidayat talks to WION about Gwadar protest Angered over this and the 'trawler mafia', Maulana Hidayat, the man leading the Gwadar sit-in and Balochistan General Secretary of Jammat-e-Islami, told WION that this time locals are ready to die for this cause as they believe "it’s better to die once" rather than struggle to survive on a daily basis. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday (December 12) that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast. In a tweet, he said, "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan."

WATCH | WION Ground Report: Locals say they are not allowed inside Gwadar Cricket Stadium

Prime Minister Imran Khan took notice of the "very legitimate demands" of the "fishermen of Gwadar" as the protest of the locals in the port city for their basic rights entered its 29th day. WION brings to you a live report from the protest site.

WION reports from Gwadar protest site: PM Imran Khan vows 'strong action' against illegal trawlers

Tens of thousands of residents, activists and lawyers but no mention in the western media. Why hasn't Balochistan become a global rallying point like Tibet or Xinjiang? Palki Sharma tells you

Gravitas: Why the western media will not cover Gwadar protests

Balochistan is witnessing the biggest ever protest in its history. A team of WION is in Gwadar - tracking how tens of thousands of people are stepping out of their homes to protest. Palki Sharma tells you how the people of Balochistan are fighting for their very existence

Gravitas: WION in Gwadar - Balochistan's biggest protest erupts

After nearly a month-long protests in the port city of Gwadar, Prime Minister Imran Khan has finally taken notice of ongoing demonstrations by the people. PM Khan has announced that the government will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan assures 'strong action' against illegal fishing trawlers in Gwadar

After month-long protests by the people of Gwadar for fundamental rights, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday said that demands of the coastal community of Gwadar were ‘very legitimate’ and announced that the government will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast.

Pakistan: PM Imran Khan assures action after month-long anti-govt protests in Gwadar

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast, after weeks-long sit-in and protest by local residents rattled the government and forced authorities to deploy thousands of additional police officers in the region.

Hundreds of local residents, civil society activists, lawyers, journalists including women have been holding massive protests and a sit-in Gwadar for the last 28 days against unnecessary checkpoints, a severe shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihoods from illegal fishing.

"I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers &amp; will also speak to CM Balochistan,"&nbsp;Khan tweeted.

Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Balochistan general secretary of Jamaat-i-Islami party, who has led the protests, welcomed the premier's tweet.

Rehman, who is leading the Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Give Rights to Gwadar Movement), said their two major demands were - action against "trawler mafia" and resolution of issues on the Iran border - from overall 19 demands.

Meanwhile, Adviser to the Balochistan Chief Minister on Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Lagau said that the protesters had a list of 19 demands, 16 of which had been accepted by the government.

"The demands accepted include illegal trawlers fishing in Gwadar port, patrolling increased to check on illegal trawlers, Freedom for local fishermen to go to sea, elimination of unnecessary checkposts on major roads, closure of wine shops in Gwadar and elimination of interference in cross-border trade with Iran and end to all kinds of interference and establishment of trade markets at border,"&nbsp;he told reporters.

The protests in Balochistan are part of growing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar, whose port is an integral part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The massive infrastructure project connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Gwadar port has long been portrayed as the jewel in the CPEC crown, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state.

India has protested to China over the CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Protestors from Gwadar, Turbat, Pishkan, Zamran, Buleda, Ormara and Pasni are taking part in the 'Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek' (Give Rights to Gwadar Movement) led by Maulana Rehman.

They have vowed to continue their protest till their demands are met and earlier this week even the womenfolk took out a big rally in Gwadar and Pasni.

The protesters have put forth 19 demands, which include steps to rid the sea of the "trawler mafia" and allowing fishermen to freely go into the waters, getting rid of unnecessary check posts and to not "insult" citizens in the name of security.

They also demanded that all wine stores in Gwadar be shut down, and to allow border trade with Iran. 
Balochistan is home to a long-running violent insurgency, and China's presence in Gwadar has been the cause of much social unrest and led to anti-Chinese sentiment. It has also given a fillip to Baloch militant insurgent groups, who have carried out terrorist attacks in protest at CPEC projects.

The demands also state that a majority of the people employed by the China Overseas Port Holding Company were from outside of Gwadar and called for giving priority to locals.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast, after weeks-long sit-in and protest by local residents rattled the government and forced authorities to deploy thousands of additional police officers in the region.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast, after weeks-long sit-in and protest by local residents rattled the government and forced authorities to deploy thousands of additional police officers in the region. Hundreds of local residents, civil society activists, lawyers, journalists including women have been holding massive protests and a sit-in Gwadar for the last 28 days against unnecessary checkpoints, a severe shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihoods from illegal fishing. "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan," Khan tweeted. Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Balochistan general secretary of Jamaat-i-Islami party, who has led the protests, welcomed the premier's tweet. Rehman, who is leading the Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Give Rights to Gwadar Movement), said their two major demands were - action against "trawler mafia" and resolution of issues on the Iran border - from overall 19 demands. Meanwhile, Adviser to the Balochistan Chief Minister on Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Lagau said that the protesters had a list of 19 demands, 16 of which had been accepted by the government. "The demands accepted include illegal trawlers fishing in Gwadar port, patrolling increased to check on illegal trawlers, Freedom for local fishermen to go to sea, elimination of unnecessary checkposts on major roads, closure of wine shops in Gwadar and elimination of interference in cross-border trade with Iran and end to all kinds of interference and establishment of trade markets at border," he told reporters. The protests in Balochistan are part of growing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar, whose port is an integral part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The massive infrastructure project connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Gwadar port has long been portrayed as the jewel in the CPEC crown, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state. India has protested to China over the CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Protestors from Gwadar, Turbat, Pishkan, Zamran, Buleda, Ormara and Pasni are taking part in the 'Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek' (Give Rights to Gwadar Movement) led by Maulana Rehman. They have vowed to continue their protest till their demands are met and earlier this week even the womenfolk took out a big rally in Gwadar and Pasni. The protesters have put forth 19 demands, which include steps to rid the sea of the "trawler mafia" and allowing fishermen to freely go into the waters, getting rid of unnecessary check posts and to not "insult" citizens in the name of security. They also demanded that all wine stores in Gwadar be shut down, and to allow border trade with Iran. Balochistan is home to a long-running violent insurgency, and China's presence in Gwadar has been the cause of much social unrest and led to anti-Chinese sentiment. It has also given a fillip to Baloch militant insurgent groups, who have carried out terrorist attacks in protest at CPEC projects. The demands also state that a majority of the people employed by the China Overseas Port Holding Company were from outside of Gwadar and called for giving priority to locals.

Gwadar protests: Pakistan PM Imran Khan promises 'strong action' against illegal fishing trawlers

The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will not extend the month-long ceasefire deal negotiated with the Pakistan government, the militant group has announced, in a major setback to Prime Minister Imran Khan's efforts to secure a peace agreement with the dreaded outfit waging war against the state for decades.

The Pakistani Taliban has been behind many major attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians over the last 14 years, including the attack on an Army school in Peshawar in 2014 that killed over 150 people, mostly children.

A statement issued by the TTP on Thursday accusing the Pakistan government of failing to honour the decisions, including the release of their fighters.

It gave out details of the six-point agreement reached with the government under the aegis of the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan"&nbsp;(IEA) on October 25, 2021, the Dawn newspaper reported.

The two sides, according to the agreement, had accepted that the IEA would play the role of a mediator and that both sides would form five-member committees each which, under the supervision of the mediator, would discuss the next course of action and demands of each side.

Both sides, it said, had also agreed to observe a month-long ceasefire from November 1 to November 30, 2021, and that the government would release 102 "imprisoned mujahideen"&nbsp;and hand them over to the TTP through the "IEA and that both sides would issue a joint statement regarding the ceasefire on November 1, 2021", the report said.

According to the statement, the government not only failed to implement the decisions reached between the two sides but on the contrary, the security forces conducted raids in Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Swat, Bajaur, Swabi and North Waziristan and killed and detained militants.

"Under these circumstances, it is not possible to extend the ceasefire,"&nbsp;the TTP said.

Earlier in an audio message, TTP chief Mufti Noor Wali Mahsud announced an end to the ceasefire and asked his fighters to resume attacks past 12 am. The ceasefire had come into effect on November 9, the report added.

In the message, Mufti Noor can be heard as saying that since the TTP has not heard back from the mediators or the government, therefore, past midnight, his fighters reserve the right to resume attacks wherever they were.

The TTP decision to end the ceasefire is a big setback to the government's efforts to secure a peace agreement with the militants waging war against the state for decades.

A lot of informal discussions had taken place between the two sides before and during the ceasefire and certain confidence-building steps had been agreed upon to reassure each other, the sources were quoted as saying by the Dawn.

Afghan Taliban are playing the role of principal mediator between Pakistan and the outlawed militant conglomerate comprising several factions.

Under the deal, the government has agreed to release close to one hundred militants being held at "de-radicalisation centers". The first batch of around 12 has already been released. The second batch is expected to be freed in the next few days, to be followed by more in the days and weeks to come, the report said.

Quoting sources, the Dawn reported that during the informal talks, it has been made clear to the TTP that there are certain redlines which are not open to negotiations.

The TTP, however, has set its own conditions which among other things include enforcement of Shariah and restoration of tribal areas to their pre-merger status.

The ceasefire has remained enforced with no major violations. TTP-led militant attacks inside Pakistan which had seen a dramatic spike in the immediate aftermath of the Afghan Taliban's takeover of Kabul in mid-August have seen a steady decline, the report said.

These attacks saw a further decrease of 28 per cent since October, when the ceasefire came into effect, according to official statistics of the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

TTP was also behind a 2014 attack on an army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar that killed 154 people, mostly school children.&nbsp;

The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will not extend the month-long ceasefire deal negotiated with the Pakistan government, the militant group has announced, in a major setback to Prime Minister Imran Khan's efforts to secure a peace agreement with the dreaded outfit waging war against the state for decades.

The banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) will not extend the month-long ceasefire deal negotiated with the Pakistan government, the militant group has announced, in a major setback to Prime Minister Imran Khan's efforts to secure a peace agreement with the dreaded outfit waging war against the state for decades. The Pakistani Taliban has been behind many major attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians over the last 14 years, including the attack on an Army school in Peshawar in 2014 that killed over 150 people, mostly children. A statement issued by the TTP on Thursday accusing the Pakistan government of failing to honour the decisions, including the release of their fighters. It gave out details of the six-point agreement reached with the government under the aegis of the "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan" (IEA) on October 25, 2021, the Dawn newspaper reported. The two sides, according to the agreement, had accepted that the IEA would play the role of a mediator and that both sides would form five-member committees each which, under the supervision of the mediator, would discuss the next course of action and demands of each side. Both sides, it said, had also agreed to observe a month-long ceasefire from November 1 to November 30, 2021, and that the government would release 102 "imprisoned mujahideen" and hand them over to the TTP through the "IEA and that both sides would issue a joint statement regarding the ceasefire on November 1, 2021", the report said. According to the statement, the government not only failed to implement the decisions reached between the two sides but on the contrary, the security forces conducted raids in Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Swat, Bajaur, Swabi and North Waziristan and killed and detained militants. "Under these circumstances, it is not possible to extend the ceasefire," the TTP said. Earlier in an audio message, TTP chief Mufti Noor Wali Mahsud announced an end to the ceasefire and asked his fighters to resume attacks past 12 am. The ceasefire had come into effect on November 9, the report added. In the message, Mufti Noor can be heard as saying that since the TTP has not heard back from the mediators or the government, therefore, past midnight, his fighters reserve the right to resume attacks wherever they were. The TTP decision to end the ceasefire is a big setback to the government's efforts to secure a peace agreement with the militants waging war against the state for decades. A lot of informal discussions had taken place between the two sides before and during the ceasefire and certain confidence-building steps had been agreed upon to reassure each other, the sources were quoted as saying by the Dawn. Afghan Taliban are playing the role of principal mediator between Pakistan and the outlawed militant conglomerate comprising several factions. Under the deal, the government has agreed to release close to one hundred militants being held at "de-radicalisation centers". The first batch of around 12 has already been released. The second batch is expected to be freed in the next few days, to be followed by more in the days and weeks to come, the report said. Quoting sources, the Dawn reported that during the informal talks, it has been made clear to the TTP that there are certain redlines which are not open to negotiations. The TTP, however, has set its own conditions which among other things include enforcement of Shariah and restoration of tribal areas to their pre-merger status. The ceasefire has remained enforced with no major violations. TTP-led militant attacks inside Pakistan which had seen a dramatic spike in the immediate aftermath of the Afghan Taliban's takeover of Kabul in mid-August have seen a steady decline, the report said. These attacks saw a further decrease of 28 per cent since October, when the ceasefire came into effect, according to official statistics of the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. TTP was also behind a 2014 attack on an army-run school in the northwestern city of Peshawar that killed 154 people, mostly school children.

Pakistani Taliban declares end to ceasefire with Pak government; vows to resume attacks

According to a survey, Pakistani citizens are unsatisfied. Inflation is battering the economy, prices if everyday good are on a rise, petrol diesel prices are surging, and most importantly, Imran Khan government do not have funds to run the country.

Inflation batter Pakistan's economy, 50% citizens blame Imran Khan government

Police and judiciary are the most corrupt institutions in Pakistan, revealed Transparency International Pakistan survey published on Wednesday (December 8). After police and the judicial system, tendering and contracting was ranked as the third most corrupt sector. The survey is a compilation of the perception of levels and frequency of corruption faced by commoners daily.&nbsp;

The analysis of data collected after the survey revealed that a vast majority 85.9 per cent of people considered that the federal government's self-accountability to be unsatisfactory. Also, a large population of Pakistanis (72.8%) believe that public sector corruption is present at the grassroots levels. &nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-case-of-omicron-in-pakistan-say-health-authorities-refuting-media-claims-435598">No case of Omicron in Pakistan, say health authorities refuting media claims</a>

As per the data, If we compared the three federal governments, the majority of Pakistanis (92.9%) consider inflation and price hike to be the highest in the current Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government (2018-2021). Compared to 4.6% in PML N government (2013-2018) and 2.5% in PPP government (2008-2013). 12.&nbsp;

Also, around 85.9% of people in Pakistan said that their income levels have rather squeezed and decreased during the last three years.&nbsp;

TIP has conducted National Corruption Perception Surveys five times: NCPS 2002, NCPS 2006, NCPS 2009, NCPS 2010 and 2011. After a gap of over 10 years, NCPS has been revived and a survey was conducted in all four provinces from October to October 27 with 1,600 respondents.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-an-opportune-time-in-the-future-pakistan-declines-invitation-to-summit-for-democracy-by-us-435423">'At an opportune time in the future': Pakistan declines invitation to Summit for Democracy by US</a>

Meanwhile, the survey also revealed that the health sector has climbed to become 4th in the corruption list since the last NCPS 2011. Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it appears to be a grim reality that the country is facing.&nbsp;

Police (41.4 per cent), judiciary (17.4 per cent) and contracting and tendering (10.3 per cent) are the three most corrupt sectors.&nbsp;

The survey further revealed that According to the Judicial Statistics of Pakistan 2020 report by the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee, there are 46,698 cases pending in Supreme Court and 1,772,990 cases pending in District Judiciary.&nbsp;

As per the survey contracts of roads (59.8 per cent), cleanliness and garbage collection (13.8 per cent), access to water (13.3 per cent) and the drainage system (13.1 per cent) are top the list of public services for which people have to pay bribes to get access to.&nbsp;

According to the survey, the three most important causes of corruption are weak accountability (51.9 per cent), the greed of powerful people (29.3 per cent) and low salaries (18.8 per cent), said the Pakistani publication.&nbsp;

WATCH | Gravitas: Did China order Pakistan to skip Biden's summit?

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Police and judiciary are the most corrupt institutions in Pakistan, revealed Transparency International Pakistan survey published on Wednesday (December 8). After police and the judicial system, tendering and contracting was ranked as the third most corrupt sector.

Police and judiciary are the most corrupt institutions in Pakistan, revealed Transparency International Pakistan survey published on Wednesday (December 8). After police and the judicial system, tendering and contracting was ranked as the third most corrupt sector. The survey is a compilation of the perception of levels and frequency of corruption faced by commoners daily. The analysis of data collected after the survey revealed that a vast majority 85.9 per cent of people considered that the federal government's self-accountability to be unsatisfactory. Also, a large population of Pakistanis (72.8%) believe that public sector corruption is present at the grassroots levels. ALSO READ | No case of Omicron in Pakistan, say health authorities refuting media claims As per the data, If we compared the three federal governments, the majority of Pakistanis (92.9%) consider inflation and price hike to be the highest in the current Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government (2018-2021). Compared to 4.6% in PML N government (2013-2018) and 2.5% in PPP government (2008-2013). 12. Also, around 85.9% of people in Pakistan said that their income levels have rather squeezed and decreased during the last three years. TIP has conducted National Corruption Perception Surveys five times: NCPS 2002, NCPS 2006, NCPS 2009, NCPS 2010 and 2011. After a gap of over 10 years, NCPS has been revived and a survey was conducted in all four provinces from October to October 27 with 1,600 respondents. ALSO READ | 'At an opportune time in the future': Pakistan declines invitation to Summit for Democracy by US Meanwhile, the survey also revealed that the health sector has climbed to become 4th in the corruption list since the last NCPS 2011. Amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, it appears to be a grim reality that the country is facing. Police (41.4 per cent), judiciary (17.4 per cent) and contracting and tendering (10.3 per cent) are the three most corrupt sectors. The survey further revealed that According to the Judicial Statistics of Pakistan 2020 report by the National Judicial (Policy Making) Committee, there are 46,698 cases pending in Supreme Court and 1,772,990 cases pending in District Judiciary. As per the survey contracts of roads (59.8 per cent), cleanliness and garbage collection (13.8 per cent), access to water (13.3 per cent) and the drainage system (13.1 per cent) are top the list of public services for which people have to pay bribes to get access to. According to the survey, the three most important causes of corruption are weak accountability (51.9 per cent), the greed of powerful people (29.3 per cent) and low salaries (18.8 per cent), said the Pakistani publication. WATCH | Gravitas: Did China order Pakistan to skip Biden's summit? ×

Police and judiciary among most corrupt institutions in Pakistan: Survey

Pakistan has turned down US' invitation for the Summit for Democracy, an event hosted by Joe Biden with representatives from more than 100 countries.

Pakistan declines invitation to Summit for Democracy by US

In the wake of Sialkot lynching, Pakistan PM Imran Khan has categorically warned that anyone resorting to any kind of violence in the name of blasphemy will be punished.

Imran Khan issues strict warning to citizens, 'crimes in name of Prophet will be punished'

If a report is to be believed, the value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar seems to have fallen by 30.5% in PM Imran Khan-led government's tenure. &nbsp;

Over the last 40 months, the rupee has witnessed massive depreciation. In August 2018, it was Rs 123 against the US dollar and in December 2021, it is Rs 177, a report in ‘The News’ said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-arrests-6-more-people-in-sialkot-lynching-investigation-to-continue-434326" hreflang="en">Pakistan arrests 6 more people in Sialkot lynching; investigation to continue</a>

In the country’s history, this is one of the highest devaluations of the currency. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier, the only other higher devaluation had occurred during the birth of Bangladesh. At that time, Pakistan’s currency was devalued by 58%. It went from Rs 4.60 to Rs 11.10 against the US dollar in 1971-72. &nbsp;

The currency’s recent devaluation has been dictated by the IMF through prior actions and nothing to do with macroeconomic fundamentals, feel independent economists. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mob-lynching-remains-of-lankan-man-sent-to-colombo-for-last-rites-434613" hreflang="en">Pak mob lynching: Remains of Lankan man sent to Colombo for last rites</a>

The currency’s massive devaluation has led to inflationary pressures, said experts. Two major factors contributed to the price hike. First one was the prices of food, commodities and fuel skyrocketed while the second was the depreciation of the exchange rate by 30.5%, which led to higher inflation. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If a report is to be believed, the value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar seems to have fallen by 30.5% in PM Imran Khan-led government's tenure. Over the last 40 months, the rupee has witnessed massive depreciation.

If a report is to be believed, the value of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar seems to have fallen by 30.5% in PM Imran Khan-led government's tenure. Over the last 40 months, the rupee has witnessed massive depreciation. In August 2018, it was Rs 123 against the US dollar and in December 2021, it is Rs 177, a report in ‘The News’ said. Also Read: Pakistan arrests 6 more people in Sialkot lynching; investigation to continue In the country’s history, this is one of the highest devaluations of the currency. Earlier, the only other higher devaluation had occurred during the birth of Bangladesh. At that time, Pakistan’s currency was devalued by 58%. It went from Rs 4.60 to Rs 11.10 against the US dollar in 1971-72. The currency’s recent devaluation has been dictated by the IMF through prior actions and nothing to do with macroeconomic fundamentals, feel independent economists. Also Read: Pak mob lynching: Remains of Lankan man sent to Colombo for last rites The currency’s massive devaluation has led to inflationary pressures, said experts. Two major factors contributed to the price hike. First one was the prices of food, commodities and fuel skyrocketed while the second was the depreciation of the exchange rate by 30.5%, which led to higher inflation. (With inputs from agencies)

In Pak PM Imran Khan-led govt's tenure, rupee fell by 30.5%, says report

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday ordered a probe into the horrific lynching of a Sri Lankan man by a Pakistani mob over alleged blasphemy accusations.

The incident took place on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot earlier in the day, where hundreds of men, enraged over the “blasphemy” incident, gathered outside the factory from adjoining areas and tortured him to death before burning his body in the public.

It is being claimed that most of them were activists and supporters of the ultra-radical Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

The deceased, Priyantha Kumara, who was in his 40s, was killed because he allegedly tore up a poster of the TLP in which Quranic verses were inscribed and threw it in the dustbin.

The horrific act drew widespread condemnation from Sri Lanka and international NGO, Amnesty International, who sought intervention from the top Pakistani leadership.

“The horrific vigilante attack on factory in Sialkot &amp; the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations &amp; let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress,” Khan tweeted.

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The horrific vigilante attack on factory in Sialkot &amp; the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations &amp; let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1466770570637422592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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In response, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad urged Pakistani authorise to ensure justice.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-mob-tortures-sri-lankan-man-to-death-burns-body-for-tearing-up-posters-of-radical-islamist-party-433821">&nbsp;Pakistani mob tortures Sri Lankan man to death, burns body for tearing up posters of radical Islamist party</a>

“Sri Lanka expects that the Pakistan authorities will take the required action to investigate and ensure justice,” Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, spokesperson of Sri Lankan foreign ministry affairs said in a statement.

Several videos were circulated on social media showing hundreds of men gathered at the site surrounding the body of the Sri Lankan national. They were chanting slogans of the TLP.

"The mob dragged the suspect (the Sri Lankan national) from the factory and severely tortured him. After he succumbed to his wounds, the mob burnt his body before police reached there,” a police official from Pakistan’s Punjab province was quoted as saying.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday ordered a probe into the horrific lynching of a Sri Lankan man by a Pakistani mob over alleged blasphemy accusations.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday ordered a probe into the horrific lynching of a Sri Lankan man by a Pakistani mob over alleged blasphemy accusations. The incident took place on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot earlier in the day, where hundreds of men, enraged over the “blasphemy” incident, gathered outside the factory from adjoining areas and tortured him to death before burning his body in the public. It is being claimed that most of them were activists and supporters of the ultra-radical Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The deceased, Priyantha Kumara, who was in his 40s, was killed because he allegedly tore up a poster of the TLP in which Quranic verses were inscribed and threw it in the dustbin. The horrific act drew widespread condemnation from Sri Lanka and international NGO, Amnesty International, who sought intervention from the top Pakistani leadership. “The horrific vigilante attack on factory in Sialkot & the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress,” Khan tweeted. The horrific vigilante attack on factory in Sialkot & the burning alive of Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 3, 2021 × In response, the Sri Lanka High Commission in Islamabad urged Pakistani authorise to ensure justice. Also read | Pakistani mob tortures Sri Lankan man to death, burns body for tearing up posters of radical Islamist party “Sri Lanka expects that the Pakistan authorities will take the required action to investigate and ensure justice,” Sugeeshwara Gunaratna, spokesperson of Sri Lankan foreign ministry affairs said in a statement. Several videos were circulated on social media showing hundreds of men gathered at the site surrounding the body of the Sri Lankan national. They were chanting slogans of the TLP. "The mob dragged the suspect (the Sri Lankan national) from the factory and severely tortured him. After he succumbed to his wounds, the mob burnt his body before police reached there,” a police official from Pakistan’s Punjab province was quoted as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak PM Imran Khan orders probe into Sri Lankan man burnt over alleged 'blasphemy'

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Gravitas: Pak Embassy exposes Imran Khan govt

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa joined the country’s parliament on Saturday in condemning the brutal lynching of a Sri Lankan man in Pakistan’s Sialkot region allegedly over “blasphemy” charges.

The Sri Lankan government and the Opposition were united in urging the Sri Lankan authorities to have talks with Islamabad to ensure the safety of the rest of the Sri Lankan workers in Pakistan.

Rajapaksa hoped that his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would ensure justice to the victim’s family members.

Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Rajapaksa said: “Shocking to see the brutal and fatal attack on Priyantha Diyawadana by extremist mobs in #Pakistan. My heart goes out to his wife and family. #SriLanka and her people are confident that PM @ImranKhanPTI will keep to his commitment to bring all those involved to justice.”

Khan, who termed the incident “as a day of shame for Pakistan”, said that he is overseeing the investigation and ensured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

“The horrific vigilante attack on a factory in Sialkot &amp; the burning alive of a Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations &amp; let there be no mistake, all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress,” he tweeted.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nearly-800-people-arrested-for-killing-sri-lankan-man-in-pakistan-reports-434120">Nearly 800 people arrested for killing Sri Lankan man in Pakistan: Reports</a>

Expressing similar views, Pakistan President Arif Alvi tweeted, “The Sialkot incident is definitely very sad &amp; shameful, and not religious in any way whatsoever. Islam is a religion that established cannons of deliberative justice rather than mob lynchings.”

Meanwhile, around 800 people were booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act on Saturday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-mob-tortures-sri-lankan-man-to-death-burns-body-for-tearing-up-posters-of-radical-islamist-party-433821">Pakistani mob tortures Sri Lankan man to death, burns body for tearing up posters of radical Islamist party</a>

Farhan Idrees has been identified as one of the key suspects for killing the Sri Lankan national, Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana. He has been detained, according to local media reports.

On Friday, Diyawadana, who was in his 40s, was lynched and his body burnt in public by a group of frenzied mob who were allegedly supporters of radical Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which was previously banned.

Watch

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Diyawadana, from Sri Lanka’s Kandy, was working as the general manager at a garment factory in Sialkot district, some 100 kilometres from Lahore.

According to reports, the mob were enraged after Diyawadana tore a poster of the hardline TLP in which Quranic verses were inscribed and threw it in the dustbin.

“Kumara allegedly tore a poster of the hardline TLP in which Quranic verses were inscribed and threw it in the dustbin. The poster of the Islamist party was pasted on the wall adjoining the office of Kumara. A couple of factory workers saw him removing the poster and spread the word in the factory,” according to a police official in Pakistan’s Punjab province.

Hundreds of men, triggered over the “blasphemy” incident, started gathering outside the factory from adjoining areas and tortured him to death, before setting his body ablaze.

(With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa joined the country’s parliament on Saturday in condemning the brutal lynching of a Sri Lankan man in Pakistan’s Sialkot region allegedly over “blasphemy” charges.

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa joined the country’s parliament on Saturday in condemning the brutal lynching of a Sri Lankan man in Pakistan’s Sialkot region allegedly over “blasphemy” charges. The Sri Lankan government and the Opposition were united in urging the Sri Lankan authorities to have talks with Islamabad to ensure the safety of the rest of the Sri Lankan workers in Pakistan. Rajapaksa hoped that his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan would ensure justice to the victim’s family members. Taking to Twitter, Prime Minister Rajapaksa said: “Shocking to see the brutal and fatal attack on Priyantha Diyawadana by extremist mobs in #Pakistan. My heart goes out to his wife and family. #SriLanka and her people are confident that PM @ImranKhanPTI will keep to his commitment to bring all those involved to justice.” Khan, who termed the incident “as a day of shame for Pakistan”, said that he is overseeing the investigation and ensured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. “The horrific vigilante attack on a factory in Sialkot & the burning alive of a Sri Lankan manager is a day of shame for Pakistan. I am overseeing the investigations & let there be no mistake, all those responsible will be punished with full severity of the law. Arrests are in progress,” he tweeted. Also read | Nearly 800 people arrested for killing Sri Lankan man in Pakistan: Reports Expressing similar views, Pakistan President Arif Alvi tweeted, “The Sialkot incident is definitely very sad & shameful, and not religious in any way whatsoever. Islam is a religion that established cannons of deliberative justice rather than mob lynchings.” Meanwhile, around 800 people were booked under the Anti-Terrorism Act on Saturday. Also read | Pakistani mob tortures Sri Lankan man to death, burns body for tearing up posters of radical Islamist party Farhan Idrees has been identified as one of the key suspects for killing the Sri Lankan national, Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana. He has been detained, according to local media reports. On Friday, Diyawadana, who was in his 40s, was lynched and his body burnt in public by a group of frenzied mob who were allegedly supporters of radical Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which was previously banned. Watch Diyawadana, from Sri Lanka’s Kandy, was working as the general manager at a garment factory in Sialkot district, some 100 kilometres from Lahore. According to reports, the mob were enraged after Diyawadana tore a poster of the hardline TLP in which Quranic verses were inscribed and threw it in the dustbin. “Kumara allegedly tore a poster of the hardline TLP in which Quranic verses were inscribed and threw it in the dustbin. The poster of the Islamist party was pasted on the wall adjoining the office of Kumara. A couple of factory workers saw him removing the poster and spread the word in the factory,” according to a police official in Pakistan’s Punjab province. Hundreds of men, triggered over the “blasphemy” incident, started gathering outside the factory from adjoining areas and tortured him to death, before setting his body ablaze. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lankan Parliament, PM Rajapaksa condemn brutal lynching of Lankan man over 'blasphemy' in Pakistan

A sarcastic song harshly criticising Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has gone viral on social media, causing him great humiliation.The Twitter handle describing itself as Pakistan embassy in Serbia' shared the song. 
 
The song criticises Pakistan's rising food and commodities costs.&nbsp; 
 
It is a sarcastic play on Imran Khan's statement 'aap ne khabraana nahi' (you shouldn't worry), which is repeated in the tune.

Sabun mehenga ho jaye to aap ne lagana nahi aata mehenga ho jaye to aapne khana nahi....aap ne ghabrana nahi...aapne ghabrana nahi

(If soap becomes expensive then don't use it....if the flour becomes expensive stop eating it. you shouldn't worry...you shouldn't worry.) 
 
The song criticises the current Imran Khan govt, saying, "Pay your taxes and sleep instead of studying or feeding your children. Pakistanis should not be awoken. "

The Twitter handle, which has a blue tick as a verified handle, tweeted that "With inflation breaking all previous records, how long do you expect Imran Khan that we government official(s) will remain silent and keep working for you without been paid for past 3 months and our children been forced out of school due to non-payment of fees Is this naya (new) Pakistan?".

"I am sorry, Imran Khan, am not left with another option," the Twitter handle said, along with a parody music video on the Pakistani Prime Minister. 
 
<img alt="Twitter handle" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9b9b011f-44e7-4f47-8643-2183a3ea71c1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/embassy.JPG" />

This is the song's YouTube link, as shared by the Twitter handle. The tweet has since been removed.

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The Pakistani foreign ministry later issued a statement claiming that the Twitter account had been hacked.&nbsp;

"The Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts of the Pakistan Embassy in Serbia have been hacked. Messages being posted on these accounts are not from the Embassy of Pakistan in Serbia, "reads the statement.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts of the Embassy of Pakistan in Serbia have been hacked. 
 
Messages being posted on these accounts are not from the Embassy of Pakistan in Serbia.
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1466678653568364547?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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A sarcastic song harshly criticising Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has gone viral on social media, causing him great humiliation.The Twitter handle describing itself as Pakistan embassy in Serbia' shared the song.

A sarcastic song harshly criticising Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has gone viral on social media, causing him great humiliation.The Twitter handle describing itself as Pakistan embassy in Serbia' shared the song. The song criticises Pakistan's rising food and commodities costs. It is a sarcastic play on Imran Khan's statement 'aap ne khabraana nahi' (you shouldn't worry), which is repeated in the tune. Sabun mehenga ho jaye to aap ne lagana nahi aata mehenga ho jaye to aapne khana nahi....aap ne ghabrana nahi...aapne ghabrana nahi (If soap becomes expensive then don't use it....if the flour becomes expensive stop eating it. you shouldn't worry...you shouldn't worry.) The song criticises the current Imran Khan govt, saying, "Pay your taxes and sleep instead of studying or feeding your children. Pakistanis should not be awoken. " The Twitter handle, which has a blue tick as a verified handle, tweeted that "With inflation breaking all previous records, how long do you expect Imran Khan that we government official(s) will remain silent and keep working for you without been paid for past 3 months and our children been forced out of school due to non-payment of fees Is this naya (new) Pakistan?". "I am sorry, Imran Khan, am not left with another option," the Twitter handle said, along with a parody music video on the Pakistani Prime Minister. This is the song's YouTube link, as shared by the Twitter handle. The tweet has since been removed. × The Pakistani foreign ministry later issued a statement claiming that the Twitter account had been hacked. "The Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts of the Pakistan Embassy in Serbia have been hacked. Messages being posted on these accounts are not from the Embassy of Pakistan in Serbia, "reads the statement. The Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts of the Embassy of Pakistan in Serbia have been hacked. Messages being posted on these accounts are not from the Embassy of Pakistan in Serbia. — Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) December 3, 2021 ×

Watch: This song mocking Imran Khan's 'don't worry' refrain is going viral

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has barred federal cabinet members from going abroad without permission. This is an attempt by Khan to reduce the government's spending as the country's inflation rate continues to sky-rocket.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan forbids ministers from travelling abroad

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