The Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan's</a> Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has slammed the Imran Khan-led federal government for slashing the share of the province's share in the developmental budget.

Speaking at a press conference at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday, QWP provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao rejected the 10 per cent increase in the salary of government employees and pension as ad hoc relief in the federal budget and said that it should have been raised by 25 per cent, reported Dawn.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/world-bank-asian-development-bank-delay-1-billion-loans-to-pakistan-reports-391834">World Bank, Asian Development Bank delay $1 billion loans to Pakistan: Reports</a>

He also blamed the flawed economic policies of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for making the lives of the poor miserable. "Per capita debt now stands at Rs 172,727, which speaks volumes about the poor performance of the rulers," he added.

Sherpao further said that the total debt of the country soared to Rs 38 trillion by the end of March 2021 and alleged that the Prime Minister used derogatory language against political rivals but he was unable to tolerate criticism.

"Imran had claimed to prefer suicide to seeking loans from the international money-lending institutions but now he has buried Pakistan under the IMF loans," he said and asked the premier to fulfil his promise.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-police-arrests-key-nationalist-leaders-for-raising-voice-against-pakistan-peoples-party-391757">Pakistan Police arrests key nationalist leaders for raising voice against Pakistan Peoples Party</a>

The QWP leader alleged that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was ignored in the federal budget as it did not have any mega uplift project for the poverty-stricken province. He predicted that the government would soon announce an increase in the price of petroleum products to ensure collection of petroleum levy up to Rs 610 billion, Dawn reported.

Adding on the 'sheer injustice'&nbsp;on part of the federal government, Sherpao also highlighted that other provinces were using the water share of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but the PTI government failed to pay billions of rupees dues to the province.

Despite the much-hyped federal budget, several people have expressed dissatisfaction with the increase in the salaries of government employees.

Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Sunday said that the national budget for FY 2021-22 is 'fake'&nbsp;and warned Pakistani people about provisions of new taxes worth Rs 343 billion.

"The budget is based on lies. It is a fake budget and the government will gut the people to complete its targets," he said.

Earlier, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin was greeted by jeers from the Opposition benches, with members shouting slogans and taunting the finance minister by laughing loudly as he praised PM Imran Khan's economic initiatives while presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2021-22.

The Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has slammed the Imran Khan-led federal government for slashing the share of the province's share in the developmental budget.

The Qaumi Watan Party (QWP) in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province has slammed the Imran Khan-led federal government for slashing the share of the province's share in the developmental budget. Speaking at a press conference at Peshawar Press Club on Tuesday, QWP provincial chairman Sikandar Hayat Khan Sherpao rejected the 10 per cent increase in the salary of government employees and pension as ad hoc relief in the federal budget and said that it should have been raised by 25 per cent, reported Dawn. Also read | World Bank, Asian Development Bank delay $1 billion loans to Pakistan: Reports He also blamed the flawed economic policies of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for making the lives of the poor miserable. "Per capita debt now stands at Rs 172,727, which speaks volumes about the poor performance of the rulers," he added. Sherpao further said that the total debt of the country soared to Rs 38 trillion by the end of March 2021 and alleged that the Prime Minister used derogatory language against political rivals but he was unable to tolerate criticism. "Imran had claimed to prefer suicide to seeking loans from the international money-lending institutions but now he has buried Pakistan under the IMF loans," he said and asked the premier to fulfil his promise. Also read | Pakistan Police arrests key nationalist leaders for raising voice against Pakistan Peoples Party The QWP leader alleged that the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province was ignored in the federal budget as it did not have any mega uplift project for the poverty-stricken province. He predicted that the government would soon announce an increase in the price of petroleum products to ensure collection of petroleum levy up to Rs 610 billion, Dawn reported. Adding on the 'sheer injustice' on part of the federal government, Sherpao also highlighted that other provinces were using the water share of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but the PTI government failed to pay billions of rupees dues to the province. Despite the much-hyped federal budget, several people have expressed dissatisfaction with the increase in the salaries of government employees. Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Sunday said that the national budget for FY 2021-22 is 'fake' and warned Pakistani people about provisions of new taxes worth Rs 343 billion. "The budget is based on lies. It is a fake budget and the government will gut the people to complete its targets," he said. Earlier, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin was greeted by jeers from the Opposition benches, with members shouting slogans and taunting the finance minister by laughing loudly as he praised PM Imran Khan's economic initiatives while presenting the budget for the fiscal year 2021-22.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's QWP lashes out at Imran Khan govt for ignoring province's share in budget

In an ongoing crackdown against Nationalist Groups and parties across Sindh, various activists have been arrested for raising their voice against Pakistan Peoples` Party (PPP).

Daily Times reported that police have raided Tariqi Pasand House on Sunday to arrest Ayaz Lashari and other key activists of Sindh Taraqi Pasand party in an ongoing crackdown against Nationalist Groups and parties across Sindh.

A meeting of the Sindh Taraqi Pasand party was going on at Taraqi Pasand House when police surrounded the area, following which over a dozen police personnel barged into the party office and arrested key leaders of Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party.

Police arrested Ghulam Nabi Khatti of Jeay Sindh Mahaz who had already obtained protective bail, Bashir Jokiyo, and Jammal Tarro from different areas of the districts.

Earlier Police stormed the village of renowned historian Rasool Bux Dars and arrested his grandson Ghulam Murtaza Dars and other activists of Nationalist Parties.

Meanwhile, Gorabari Police raided the house of JSQM Vice-Chairman Nawaz Shah Baghdadi and picked up his brother and cousin, it further reported.

Chairman Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party Dr Qadir Mangsi, SUP Chief Syed Jalal Shah Nawaz Shah Badai, and others have deplored the arrest of Nationals activists and their relatives.

Dr Qadir said that their workers were being victimised for raising their voices against Asif Zardari and Malik Riaz but these antics of PPP would not halt their movement.

"Dictatorship has been imposed in the garb of democracy in Sindh; people will react strongly against it", said Badai. As many as 15 activists of different nationalist parties and groups have been arrested during the past two days.

In an ongoing crackdown against Nationalist Groups and parties across Sindh, various activists have been arrested for raising their voice against Pakistan Peoples` Party (PPP).

In an ongoing crackdown against Nationalist Groups and parties across Sindh, various activists have been arrested for raising their voice against Pakistan Peoples` Party (PPP). Daily Times reported that police have raided Tariqi Pasand House on Sunday to arrest Ayaz Lashari and other key activists of Sindh Taraqi Pasand party in an ongoing crackdown against Nationalist Groups and parties across Sindh. A meeting of the Sindh Taraqi Pasand party was going on at Taraqi Pasand House when police surrounded the area, following which over a dozen police personnel barged into the party office and arrested key leaders of Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party. Police arrested Ghulam Nabi Khatti of Jeay Sindh Mahaz who had already obtained protective bail, Bashir Jokiyo, and Jammal Tarro from different areas of the districts. Earlier Police stormed the village of renowned historian Rasool Bux Dars and arrested his grandson Ghulam Murtaza Dars and other activists of Nationalist Parties. Meanwhile, Gorabari Police raided the house of JSQM Vice-Chairman Nawaz Shah Baghdadi and picked up his brother and cousin, it further reported. Chairman Sindh Taraqi Pasand Party Dr Qadir Mangsi, SUP Chief Syed Jalal Shah Nawaz Shah Badai, and others have deplored the arrest of Nationals activists and their relatives. Dr Qadir said that their workers were being victimised for raising their voices against Asif Zardari and Malik Riaz but these antics of PPP would not halt their movement. "Dictatorship has been imposed in the garb of democracy in Sindh; people will react strongly against it", said Badai. As many as 15 activists of different nationalist parties and groups have been arrested during the past two days.

Pakistan Police arrests key nationalist leaders for raising voice against Pakistan Peoples Party

Pakistan President Arif Alvi has said that Prime Minister Imran Khan's change of statements on Kashmir was 'not a u-turn' and a leader must change their stance as per the situation.

Pak Prez Alvi: Imran Khan's change of statements on Kashmir 'not a u-turn'

Pakistan's opposition is calling Imran Khan 'The Donkey King' after Pak's donkey population surged by 100,000. The Pak govt is earning millions by exporting these donkeys to China which slaughters them to make traditional medicines. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Pakistan's Donkey population is surging

Pakistan's National Assembly has approved a bill allowing Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav to appeal his conviction in the high courts of the country. The bill seeks to provide further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice.&nbsp; 
 
The bill seeks to provide a further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice. The bill was adopted by the National Assembly on Thursday after approval from the 21-member standing committee.

It has been named 'International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Act. The Pakistan government had brought an ordinance in the National Assembly earlier in view of the ICJ's ruling in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case.

The Act will extend to the whole of Pakistan and shall "come into force at once".

According to the bill, the High Court has the power to review and reconsider where the ICJ in relation to a foreign national passes an order in respect of rights under the Vienna Convention of Consular Relations or a foreign national is aggrieved in respect of the rights available under the same. Such a foreign national, either himself, through his authorised representative or through a consular officer of a mission of his country, may file a petition before a High Court for review and reconsideration, in terms of Section 3, in regard to an order of conviction or sentence of a Military Court operating under the Pakistan Army, 1952.

Earlier this year, a larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had resumed hearing of the case related to Jadhav and four other Indian prisoners who were under detention even after completion of their respective sentences. In January, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had slammed Pakistan for not acting upon the ICJ`s 2019 judgment that had upheld India`s claim of the Pakistani regime committing the grievous violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations on several counts regarding Jadhav.&nbsp;

India has also lashed out at Pakistan for failing to provide consular access to Jadhav. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017. Pakistan claims that Jadhav was arrested from Balochistan in 2016 on charges of espionage. India has rejected Pakistan`s allegations and said he was kidnapped from the Iranian port of Chabahar.

Pakistan's National Assembly has approved a bill allowing Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav to appeal his conviction in the high courts of the country. The bill seeks to provide further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice.

Pakistan's National Assembly has approved a bill allowing Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav to appeal his conviction in the high courts of the country. The bill seeks to provide further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice. The bill seeks to provide a further right of review and reconsideration in giving effect to the judgment of the International Court of Justice. The bill was adopted by the National Assembly on Thursday after approval from the 21-member standing committee. It has been named 'International Court of Justice (Review and Re-consideration) Act. The Pakistan government had brought an ordinance in the National Assembly earlier in view of the ICJ's ruling in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case. The Act will extend to the whole of Pakistan and shall "come into force at once". According to the bill, the High Court has the power to review and reconsider where the ICJ in relation to a foreign national passes an order in respect of rights under the Vienna Convention of Consular Relations or a foreign national is aggrieved in respect of the rights available under the same. Such a foreign national, either himself, through his authorised representative or through a consular officer of a mission of his country, may file a petition before a High Court for review and reconsideration, in terms of Section 3, in regard to an order of conviction or sentence of a Military Court operating under the Pakistan Army, 1952. Earlier this year, a larger bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) had resumed hearing of the case related to Jadhav and four other Indian prisoners who were under detention even after completion of their respective sentences. In January, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had slammed Pakistan for not acting upon the ICJ`s 2019 judgment that had upheld India`s claim of the Pakistani regime committing the grievous violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations on several counts regarding Jadhav. India has also lashed out at Pakistan for failing to provide consular access to Jadhav. Jadhav, a retired Indian Navy officer, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017. Pakistan claims that Jadhav was arrested from Balochistan in 2016 on charges of espionage. India has rejected Pakistan`s allegations and said he was kidnapped from the Iranian port of Chabahar.

Pakistan National Assembly adopts bill to give right of appeal to Kulbhushan Jadhav

The world's richest countries have not done enough to combat global warming, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday, adding his country had done more than any other in the world to combat rising emissions relative to its economic means.

Pakistan, this year's host of the United Nations' annual World&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;Day&nbsp;on June 5, is among the countries worst affected by climate change, having been regularly hit by devastating floods in recent years, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying swathes of agricultural land.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/restoring-environmental-rules-rolled-back-by-trump-could-take-years-358684">Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years</a>&nbsp;

"Has the developed world done enough: The answer is no," Khan said in an interview with Reuters at his official residence in Islamabad. "Emissions are from the rich countries. And I think they know they haven’t done enough."

This year's World&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;Day&nbsp;will serve as the launch of the UN&nbsp;Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, calling for urgent action to revive damaged ecosystems.

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Under Khan, Pakistan has undertaken a number of restoration projects, including a 10 billion tree-planting drive. This week Khan planted the billionth tree in that drive.

The UN&nbsp;Environment&nbsp;Programme (UNEP) said in a report released on Friday&nbsp;that over the last five years Pakistan had experienced an&nbsp;environmental turnaround after years of decline in its natural capital, but added more needed to be done.

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Khan said developing countries like Pakistan had done "more than enough" to combat global warming and climate change despite having limited budgets and an array of problems to deal with such as in education and health.

"To take so much money out as we did, proportionate to our GDP and available income, I think Pakistan has done more than any country in the world," he said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/world-environment-school-is-geared-toward-shaping-a-future-generation-for-a-green-planet-369320">World Environment School is geared toward shaping a future generation for a green planet</a>

Aside from ecological restoration projects, Pakistan has also recently become active on the global green finance market, looking to access finance for&nbsp;environmentally friendly projects and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels.

Pakistan said the World Bank estimated the country's new plantation projects would be worth $500 million, and that the valuation could go up to $2.5 billion if carbon pricing estimates went up.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/top-10-environment-friendly-countries-in-the-world-329699">Top 10 environment-friendly countries in the world</a>

Khan said global green financing and the valuation of natural assets provided good incentives to the developing world to protect the&nbsp;environment.

"If you can prove to the people that by protecting your&nbsp;environment&nbsp;you can actually gain something as well, that means you have more buy-in from the people," he said. "Remember: hungry people do not really care for the&nbsp;environment."

The world's richest countries have not done enough to combat global warming, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday, adding his country had done more than any other in the world to combat rising emissions relative to its economic means.

The world's richest countries have not done enough to combat global warming, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday, adding his country had done more than any other in the world to combat rising emissions relative to its economic means. Pakistan, this year's host of the United Nations' annual World Environment Day on June 5, is among the countries worst affected by climate change, having been regularly hit by devastating floods in recent years, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and destroying swathes of agricultural land. Also Read | Restoring environmental rules rolled back by Trump could take years "Has the developed world done enough: The answer is no," Khan said in an interview with Reuters at his official residence in Islamabad. "Emissions are from the rich countries. And I think they know they haven’t done enough." This year's World Environment Day will serve as the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, calling for urgent action to revive damaged ecosystems. Also Read | Plants help reduce toxic mercury from environment, says study Under Khan, Pakistan has undertaken a number of restoration projects, including a 10 billion tree-planting drive. This week Khan planted the billionth tree in that drive. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) said in a report released on Friday that over the last five years Pakistan had experienced an environmental turnaround after years of decline in its natural capital, but added more needed to be done. Also Read | New Zealand restricts tourism to protect environment in post-Covid world Khan said developing countries like Pakistan had done "more than enough" to combat global warming and climate change despite having limited budgets and an array of problems to deal with such as in education and health. "To take so much money out as we did, proportionate to our GDP and available income, I think Pakistan has done more than any country in the world," he said. Also Read | World Environment School is geared toward shaping a future generation for a green planet Aside from ecological restoration projects, Pakistan has also recently become active on the global green finance market, looking to access finance for environmentally friendly projects and decrease its reliance on fossil fuels. Pakistan said the World Bank estimated the country's new plantation projects would be worth $500 million, and that the valuation could go up to $2.5 billion if carbon pricing estimates went up. Also Read | Top 10 environment-friendly countries in the world Khan said global green financing and the valuation of natural assets provided good incentives to the developing world to protect the environment. "If you can prove to the people that by protecting your environment you can actually gain something as well, that means you have more buy-in from the people," he said. "Remember: hungry people do not really care for the environment."

Rich states haven't done enough for the environment: Pakistan PM

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday urged the rich nations to take responsibility for climate change, reduce their carbon emissions and help poor countries to face the challenge.

Khan spoke at an event held virtually on the occasion of World Environment Day, hosted by Pakistan this year in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program.

"This is a chance for the world to correct its course. Now we have the next decade for ecosystem restoration," Khan said.

He said although Pakistan's contribution to global carbon emissions was quite low as compared to advanced nations, yet the country was one of the most vulnerable to changing climate patterns.

"Pakistan's contribution to global warming and climate change is minimal. Rich countries, which contribute significantly more, have a greater responsibility to provide funds to ones like ours so that we can fight climate change," he said.

"The countries which contribute the most towards pollution and have the resources should support those trying to combat climate change," he said.

Khan also lauded UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for reiterating the message that the developed world has to take responsibility and help countries which do not have the resources when it comes to fighting global warming.

Talking about the steps being taken by Pakistan to tackle the challenge, he said the country was aiming to produce 60 per cent clean energy by 2030.

Khan said one billion trees had been planted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the government would achieve the target of planting 10 billion trees in the next five years.

"If we are successful in our goal of planting 10 billion trees, it will have a major impact on the people, the country and the economy," he said, urging the people to take part in the campaign.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose message was read out by the country's ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong, commended the strides made by Pakistan to cope with climate change.

Xi Jinping said his country stands ready to work with Pakistan and other countries to inject new impetus into global environmental governance and contribute to a clean and beautiful world.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson virtually delivering his message appreciated Prime Minister Khan for undertaking the project of planting ten billion trees and termed it a huge campaign for forestation.

UN Secretary General Guterres in his virtual address said the next ten years will be the final chance to avert a climate catastrophe, turn back the deadly tide of pollution and end species loss.

"We should finally make peace with nature and secure a better future for all," he said. 
Earlier, Khan in a tweet urged the "world to join hands to protect the environment and reset relationship with Nature".

He said Pakistan was fully committed to play a leadership role in restoration of the ecosystem.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday urged the rich nations to take responsibility for climate change, reduce their carbon emissions and help poor countries to face the challenge.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday urged the rich nations to take responsibility for climate change, reduce their carbon emissions and help poor countries to face the challenge. Khan spoke at an event held virtually on the occasion of World Environment Day, hosted by Pakistan this year in partnership with the United Nations Environment Program. "This is a chance for the world to correct its course. Now we have the next decade for ecosystem restoration," Khan said. He said although Pakistan's contribution to global carbon emissions was quite low as compared to advanced nations, yet the country was one of the most vulnerable to changing climate patterns. "Pakistan's contribution to global warming and climate change is minimal. Rich countries, which contribute significantly more, have a greater responsibility to provide funds to ones like ours so that we can fight climate change," he said. "The countries which contribute the most towards pollution and have the resources should support those trying to combat climate change," he said. Khan also lauded UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for reiterating the message that the developed world has to take responsibility and help countries which do not have the resources when it comes to fighting global warming. Talking about the steps being taken by Pakistan to tackle the challenge, he said the country was aiming to produce 60 per cent clean energy by 2030. Khan said one billion trees had been planted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the government would achieve the target of planting 10 billion trees in the next five years. "If we are successful in our goal of planting 10 billion trees, it will have a major impact on the people, the country and the economy," he said, urging the people to take part in the campaign. Chinese President Xi Jinping, whose message was read out by the country's ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong, commended the strides made by Pakistan to cope with climate change. Xi Jinping said his country stands ready to work with Pakistan and other countries to inject new impetus into global environmental governance and contribute to a clean and beautiful world. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson virtually delivering his message appreciated Prime Minister Khan for undertaking the project of planting ten billion trees and termed it a huge campaign for forestation. UN Secretary General Guterres in his virtual address said the next ten years will be the final chance to avert a climate catastrophe, turn back the deadly tide of pollution and end species loss. "We should finally make peace with nature and secure a better future for all," he said. Earlier, Khan in a tweet urged the "world to join hands to protect the environment and reset relationship with Nature". He said Pakistan was fully committed to play a leadership role in restoration of the ecosystem.

Rich nations should help poor countries tackle climate change: Imran Khan

The US-based Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said it has received a threatening message from the digital analysis wing of Pakistan's Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The PTA demanded that HAF should remove its web page related to the 1971's Bengali Hindu Genocide.&nbsp;

The Washington DC-based Hindu body had recently launched the ‘Remembering the Lost, Celebrating Survival’ commemoration website.

1971 saw Pakistani troops committing atrocities in the then East Pakistan leading to an international humanitarian crisis. Several million died due to the actions of the Pakistani Army but ultimately Bangladesh gained its independence.&nbsp;

Threatening the Hindu advocacy body, &nbsp;the Imran Khan government said in the letter that it will “remove or block” access to HAF’s Bengali Hindu Genocide web page in Pakistan.&nbsp;

“Your Website&nbsp;is involved in the dissemination of content with the intent to ridicule, defame the Armed Forces of Pakistan to provoke anti-state sentiments, cause disharmony, feelings of enmity among masses at large which is prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of Pakistan,” the communication by Pakistan government states.

“The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has a proven track record of killing, forcefully converting, or driving out Hindus, Christians, Ahmadiyya Muslim, and other religious minorities in Pakistan, and now it appears that they are going after these same religious minorities in other countries, too,” said Deepali Kulkarni, HAF Director of Human Rights.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
ICYMI: This is the website, commemorating the 1971 Bengal Hindu genocide, that so offended the Govt. of Pakistan that they blocked the<a href="https://twitter.com/HinduAmerican?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HinduAmerican</a> website and threatened to fine HAF.<a href="https://t.co/N1gkUUO3bD">https://t.co/N1gkUUO3bD</a>
— Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) <a href="https://twitter.com/HinduAmerican/status/1398028720175263744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier this year, while celebrating 50 years of Independence, the Bangladeshi government had demanded an official apology from Pakistan.

A message was conveyed by the country's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam to the Pakistani envoy to Dhaka, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, "reiterated the importance of resolving outstanding bilateral issues with Pakistan, including the offering of an official apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971".

(With inputs from agencies)

The US-based Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said it has received a threatening message from the digital analysis wing of Pakistan's Telecommunication Authority (PTA).

The US-based Hindu American Foundation (HAF) said it has received a threatening message from the digital analysis wing of Pakistan's Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The PTA demanded that HAF should remove its web page related to the 1971's Bengali Hindu Genocide. The Washington DC-based Hindu body had recently launched the ‘Remembering the Lost, Celebrating Survival’ commemoration website. 1971 saw Pakistani troops committing atrocities in the then East Pakistan leading to an international humanitarian crisis. Several million died due to the actions of the Pakistani Army but ultimately Bangladesh gained its independence. Threatening the Hindu advocacy body, the Imran Khan government said in the letter that it will “remove or block” access to HAF’s Bengali Hindu Genocide web page in Pakistan. “Your Website is involved in the dissemination of content with the intent to ridicule, defame the Armed Forces of Pakistan to provoke anti-state sentiments, cause disharmony, feelings of enmity among masses at large which is prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of Pakistan,” the communication by Pakistan government states. “The Islamic Republic of Pakistan has a proven track record of killing, forcefully converting, or driving out Hindus, Christians, Ahmadiyya Muslim, and other religious minorities in Pakistan, and now it appears that they are going after these same religious minorities in other countries, too,” said Deepali Kulkarni, HAF Director of Human Rights. ICYMI: This is the website, commemorating the 1971 Bengal Hindu genocide, that so offended the Govt. of Pakistan that they blocked the@HinduAmerican website and threatened to fine HAF.https://t.co/N1gkUUO3bD — Hindu American Foundation (@HinduAmerican) May 27, 2021 × Earlier this year, while celebrating 50 years of Independence, the Bangladeshi government had demanded an official apology from Pakistan. A message was conveyed by the country's State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam to the Pakistani envoy to Dhaka, Imran Ahmed Siddiqui, "reiterated the importance of resolving outstanding bilateral issues with Pakistan, including the offering of an official apology from Pakistan for the genocide committed in the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971". (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan govt threatens Hindu advocacy body for exposing Pakistan Army’s genocide in Bangladesh

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30.&nbsp;

"Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year.&nbsp;

The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent.&nbsp;

It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns.&nbsp;

"The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin.&nbsp;

Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth.&nbsp;

He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors. &nbsp;

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30. "Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year. The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent. It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns. "The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin. Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth. He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors.

Pakistan will achieve 5 per cent GDP growth in next fiscal: Finance minister 

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ruling party has split and his ex aide Jahangir Tareen has formed a breakaway group, putting the government and its thin parliamentary majority at risk.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's ruling party splits, former aide forms forward bloc

Launching a scathing attack on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday has stated that the incompetent ministers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government are responsible for the destruction of the country.&nbsp;

The opposition leader in National Assembly (NA) said that the present government is mingled in several scandals.

While he was in conversation with the media in Sialkot, the PML-N leader stated that "it was PML-N behind controlling inflation and load shedding during its tenure. The present government is mingled in several scandals," he added, as reported by The Nation.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of using his influence to tamper the record in the alleged scams of Rs400 billion worth of sugar, Rs 200 billion flour, Rs 122 billion LNG, and Rs500 billion worth of medicines.

The PML-N secretary information also accused the prime minister of altering the record of trillions in illegal foreign funding case and the 23 secret accounts.

Evidence has emerged that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and (Pakistan's) Punjab chief minister had endorsed the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) project that was being called a scandal.

Khan had recently directed the Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to launch a probe into the RRR project and had taken notice of the alleged changes in the route of the project allegedly at the behest of certain private interests, reported The News International.

The changes referred to had been endorsed by the PM and the CM themselves. On February 4, 2021, while referring to a meeting held under the chairmanship of PM Imran Khan on the Ring Road and Margalla Highway, the PM Office issued directions that interestingly endorsed what is now seen as the scandalous addition of the 'Attock loop' and 'Paswal Zigzag' in the RRR project, reported The News International.

The above part of the PM's directive talks about what is now known as the 'Paswal Zigzag' which connects the Margalla Road with the RRR at Sangjani in Zone-2. Connecting the Margalla Road with the RRR is only possible via Sangjani, which is now being scandalised because the land has been owned by the family of senior bureaucrat Dr Tauqir Shah for centuries and also because Special Assistant to the PM Zulfi Bukhari's mother belongs to the same Shah family. Zufli Bukhari's family, however, does not enjoy good relations with the Shahs of Sangjani, reported The News International.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Launching a scathing attack on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday has stated that the incompetent ministers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government are responsible for the destruction of the country.

Launching a scathing attack on Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday has stated that the incompetent ministers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government are responsible for the destruction of the country. The opposition leader in National Assembly (NA) said that the present government is mingled in several scandals. While he was in conversation with the media in Sialkot, the PML-N leader stated that "it was PML-N behind controlling inflation and load shedding during its tenure. The present government is mingled in several scandals," he added, as reported by The Nation. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb has accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of using his influence to tamper the record in the alleged scams of Rs400 billion worth of sugar, Rs 200 billion flour, Rs 122 billion LNG, and Rs500 billion worth of medicines. The PML-N secretary information also accused the prime minister of altering the record of trillions in illegal foreign funding case and the 23 secret accounts. Evidence has emerged that Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and (Pakistan's) Punjab chief minister had endorsed the Rawalpindi Ring Road (RRR) project that was being called a scandal. Khan had recently directed the Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to launch a probe into the RRR project and had taken notice of the alleged changes in the route of the project allegedly at the behest of certain private interests, reported The News International. The changes referred to had been endorsed by the PM and the CM themselves. On February 4, 2021, while referring to a meeting held under the chairmanship of PM Imran Khan on the Ring Road and Margalla Highway, the PM Office issued directions that interestingly endorsed what is now seen as the scandalous addition of the 'Attock loop' and 'Paswal Zigzag' in the RRR project, reported The News International. The above part of the PM's directive talks about what is now known as the 'Paswal Zigzag' which connects the Margalla Road with the RRR at Sangjani in Zone-2. Connecting the Margalla Road with the RRR is only possible via Sangjani, which is now being scandalised because the land has been owned by the family of senior bureaucrat Dr Tauqir Shah for centuries and also because Special Assistant to the PM Zulfi Bukhari's mother belongs to the same Shah family. Zufli Bukhari's family, however, does not enjoy good relations with the Shahs of Sangjani, reported The News International. (With inputs from agencies)

Incompetent ministers of Imran Khan are responsible for destroying Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif

Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over $123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief)'s Supervisor General Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah said that the assistance was announced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

KSrelief announced 118 humanitarian projects for Pakistan at a cost of over USD 123 million in food security, health, education, water and environmental sanitation. He said that the kingdom has provided medical and preventive aid worth over USD 1.5 million to combat the pandemic.

Khan's Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Sheikh Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the visit will push the march of the cooperation in the right direction to achieve the desired interests and goals, and contribute to developing the political, military, diplomatic, economic, commercial, developmental and cultural coordination and cooperation fields.

Khan met Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen and discussed developments in the Islamic world, the situation of Muslims in non-OIC countries and the issues on the OIC's agenda, in particular combating Islamophobia.

During the summit meeting between Khan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, enhancing economic and trade relations and the challenge posed by extremism came under discussion. They confirmed their satisfaction with the firmness of bilateral military and security relations, and agreed on further cooperation to achieve common goals between the two countries, the SPA reported.

The two sides also stressed the need for concerted efforts of the Islamic world to confront extremism and violence and reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security. They also underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts to combat the phenomenon of terrorism which is not related to any religion, race or colour, and confront all its forms and images, whatever its source, it said.

India was mentioned in the joint statement in the context of the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India on a ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding. The two sides emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, to ensure peace and stability in the region, it added.

The militaries of India and Pakistan, in a surprise announcement on February 25, said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on a ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors.

India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over $123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report.

Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over $123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief)'s Supervisor General Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah said that the assistance was announced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. KSrelief announced 118 humanitarian projects for Pakistan at a cost of over USD 123 million in food security, health, education, water and environmental sanitation. He said that the kingdom has provided medical and preventive aid worth over USD 1.5 million to combat the pandemic. Khan's Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Sheikh Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the visit will push the march of the cooperation in the right direction to achieve the desired interests and goals, and contribute to developing the political, military, diplomatic, economic, commercial, developmental and cultural coordination and cooperation fields. Khan met Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen and discussed developments in the Islamic world, the situation of Muslims in non-OIC countries and the issues on the OIC's agenda, in particular combating Islamophobia. During the summit meeting between Khan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, enhancing economic and trade relations and the challenge posed by extremism came under discussion. They confirmed their satisfaction with the firmness of bilateral military and security relations, and agreed on further cooperation to achieve common goals between the two countries, the SPA reported. The two sides also stressed the need for concerted efforts of the Islamic world to confront extremism and violence and reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security. They also underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts to combat the phenomenon of terrorism which is not related to any religion, race or colour, and confront all its forms and images, whatever its source, it said. India was mentioned in the joint statement in the context of the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India on a ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding. The two sides emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, to ensure peace and stability in the region, it added. The militaries of India and Pakistan, in a surprise announcement on February 25, said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on a ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors. India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

Saudi Arabia announces over 100 projects for cash-strapped Pakistan during Imran Khan's visit

Indian embassies are more proactive' was Imran Khan’s message to Pakistani diplomats as he sat them down for a 'dressing down'. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you what unfolded.

Gravitas: Imran Khan scolds his diplomats

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a three-day visit on Friday to Saudi Arabia, a traditionally close ally but with whom relations have been strained for months.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on 3-day visit to Saudi

Saudi Arabia and its long-standing ally Pakistan on Saturday signed several agreements on Saturday. Both countries have vowed to reser ties which have been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was given a warm welcome by&nbsp;Saudi official in Jeddah. This is Khan's seventh Saudi visit after he took over as prime minister of the country.

Imran Khan was greeted by Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, before holding talks with Saudi officials at Jeddah's Al-Salam Palace.

"They affirmed the depth of relations between the two brotherly countries and underscored the importance of expanding and intensifying aspects of bilateral cooperation and coordination," a Saudi statement said.

Although the kingdom was the first foreign country Khan visited after taking office, Riyadh appeared frustrated with Islamabad last year.&nbsp;

Last year, Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations were strained.

In a sharply worded statement in August, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene a high-level meeting on Kashmir.&nbsp;

The call raised eyebrows in Riyadh, where it was widely seen as a warning that Pakistan was preparing to call for a session outside OIC auspices.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia prides itself on its role as guardian of Islam's holiest sites and is particularly sensitive about any move that might undermine its leadership of the 57-member pan-Islamic body.&nbsp;

And while the wealthy nation has supported Pakistan with billions of dollars in aid and loans in recent years, observers say the kingdom is also keen not to upset India, a key business partner and importer of Saudi oil.

The kingdom recalled $1 billion of a $3 billion loan to cash-strapped Pakistan, and an expired multi-billion-dollar oil credit facility to Islamabad has not been renewed, a diplomatic source told AFP in September.&nbsp;

Prior to that, Pakistan rebuffed calls to send ground troops to support the troubled Saudi-led military campaign against Yemen's Huthi rebels.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia and its long-standing ally Pakistan on Saturday signed several agreements on Saturday. Both countries have vowed to reser ties which have been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue.

Saudi Arabia and its long-standing ally Pakistan on Saturday signed several agreements on Saturday. Both countries have vowed to reser ties which have been strained over policy disagreements on Kashmir issue. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was given a warm welcome by Saudi official in Jeddah. This is Khan's seventh Saudi visit after he took over as prime minister of the country. Imran Khan was greeted by Saudi Arabia's de-facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the airport, before holding talks with Saudi officials at Jeddah's Al-Salam Palace. "They affirmed the depth of relations between the two brotherly countries and underscored the importance of expanding and intensifying aspects of bilateral cooperation and coordination," a Saudi statement said. Although the kingdom was the first foreign country Khan visited after taking office, Riyadh appeared frustrated with Islamabad last year. Last year, Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations were strained. In a sharply worded statement in August, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on the Saudi-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene a high-level meeting on Kashmir. The call raised eyebrows in Riyadh, where it was widely seen as a warning that Pakistan was preparing to call for a session outside OIC auspices. Saudi Arabia prides itself on its role as guardian of Islam's holiest sites and is particularly sensitive about any move that might undermine its leadership of the 57-member pan-Islamic body. And while the wealthy nation has supported Pakistan with billions of dollars in aid and loans in recent years, observers say the kingdom is also keen not to upset India, a key business partner and importer of Saudi oil. The kingdom recalled $1 billion of a $3 billion loan to cash-strapped Pakistan, and an expired multi-billion-dollar oil credit facility to Islamabad has not been renewed, a diplomatic source told AFP in September. Prior to that, Pakistan rebuffed calls to send ground troops to support the troubled Saudi-led military campaign against Yemen's Huthi rebels. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to reset strained ties

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday requested&nbsp;the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to vehemently counter Islamophobia and the false equation of Islam with radicalisation and terrorism.

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Prime Minister Imran Khan met the Islamabad-based Ambassadors of countries belonging to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (<a href="https://twitter.com/OIC_OCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OIC_OCI</a>) today to discuss combating Islamophobia and promoting inter-faith harmony. <a href="https://t.co/EbS7zAwo6D">pic.twitter.com/EbS7zAwo6D</a>
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Islamophobia exists just like anti-semitism. However, it has become a political tool to silence the critics of Islam.&nbsp;Criticism of any religion is not the same as discrimination against its followers.

The Pakistan government has decided that there would be no compromise on the country's controversial blasphemy law, days after the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a review of Islamabad eligibility for the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status in wake of an "alarming" increase in the use of blasphemy accusations in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-islamophobia-become-a-political-tool-382821">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-has-islamophobia-become-a-political-tool-382821/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Prime Minister Imran Khan said&nbsp;that the vilification of Islamic precepts and religious personalities, wrongly justified under the garb of the right to freedom of expression or opinion, hurts the sentiments of 1.5 billion Muslims around the world.

However, Pakistan fails to question its ''all-weather friend'' China on its exploitation of Uighur Muslims in concentration camps.

The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases.

Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

While Imran Khan claims that Pakistan's initiatives are aimed at&nbsp;mutual understanding and promoting inter-faith harmony, nurses in his country are forcing their Christian colleagues&nbsp;for religious conversion.

Imran&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;had hoped a fight over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed would result in an easy win, placating the ultra-conservative quarters at home while being hailed as a defender of Islam abroad.&nbsp;The gamble seems to have backfired spectacularly.

For the past weeks, riots have again engulfed Pakistan, with police officers killed and taken hostage, and the French embassy taking the "urgent" step of advising its citizens to leave the country.

Khan&nbsp;scrambled&nbsp;to keep order, months after launching a war of words with President Emmanuel Macron following the French leader's defence of the magazine Charlie Hebdo's right to republish images of Mohammed, an act deemed blasphemous by many Muslims.

When Macron openly backed the magazine,&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;took up a crusade, accusing the French leader of insulting Islam and using an address to the United Nations as an opportunity to lambast the West.&nbsp;

But rather than appease the religious right,&nbsp;Khan's grievance appeared&nbsp;only to have encouraged the extremists, with the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the Movement at the Service of the Prophet, calling for the expulsion of the French ambassador.&nbsp;

The violence only ended after Khan's government allegedly agreed to a deal with the TLP that would see the French ambassador booted out after receiving parliamentary approval.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday requested the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to vehemently counter Islamophobia and the false equation of Islam with radicalisation and terrorism.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday requested the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to vehemently counter Islamophobia and the false equation of Islam with radicalisation and terrorism. Prime Minister Imran Khan met the Islamabad-based Ambassadors of countries belonging to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (@OIC_OCI) today to discuss combating Islamophobia and promoting inter-faith harmony. pic.twitter.com/EbS7zAwo6D — Prime Minister's Office, Pakistan (@PakPMO) May 3, 2021 × Islamophobia exists just like anti-semitism. However, it has become a political tool to silence the critics of Islam. Criticism of any religion is not the same as discrimination against its followers. The Pakistan government has decided that there would be no compromise on the country's controversial blasphemy law, days after the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a review of Islamabad eligibility for the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status in wake of an "alarming" increase in the use of blasphemy accusations in the country. Watch | Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the vilification of Islamic precepts and religious personalities, wrongly justified under the garb of the right to freedom of expression or opinion, hurts the sentiments of 1.5 billion Muslims around the world. However, Pakistan fails to question its ''all-weather friend'' China on its exploitation of Uighur Muslims in concentration camps. The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases. Pakistan's blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan's human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life. While Imran Khan claims that Pakistan's initiatives are aimed at mutual understanding and promoting inter-faith harmony, nurses in his country are forcing their Christian colleagues for religious conversion. Imran Khan had hoped a fight over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed would result in an easy win, placating the ultra-conservative quarters at home while being hailed as a defender of Islam abroad. The gamble seems to have backfired spectacularly. For the past weeks, riots have again engulfed Pakistan, with police officers killed and taken hostage, and the French embassy taking the "urgent" step of advising its citizens to leave the country. Khan scrambled to keep order, months after launching a war of words with President Emmanuel Macron following the French leader's defence of the magazine Charlie Hebdo's right to republish images of Mohammed, an act deemed blasphemous by many Muslims. When Macron openly backed the magazine, Khan took up a crusade, accusing the French leader of insulting Islam and using an address to the United Nations as an opportunity to lambast the West. But rather than appease the religious right, Khan's grievance appeared only to have encouraged the extremists, with the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), the Movement at the Service of the Prophet, calling for the expulsion of the French ambassador. The violence only ended after Khan's government allegedly agreed to a deal with the TLP that would see the French ambassador booted out after receiving parliamentary approval.

Has Islamophobia become a political tool?

Has Islamophobia become a political tool? Pak PM Imran Khan has asked 30 Islamic countries to counter 'growing Islamophobia'. Is Pak deliberately blurring the lines between criticism & discrimination? Here's what

Gravitas: Has Islamophobia become a political tool?

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai to resign saying that he wanted to appoint a new governor. In a letter to Yasinzai, Imran Khan maintained that it was a "pleasure" to work with him.

However, the letter states that "dexterity and deftness" was required given the "current political situation". It quickly adds that the PM's decision was in no way a bad reflection on the governor's "competence"

Here is Imran Khan's full letter

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Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan has vital Chinese interests. Many major projects to be developed under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are in Balochistan. The region has long resented Pakistani rule and there are even armed groups carrying out operations against Pakistani forces.

The heavy Chinese involvement in the province has exacerbated the resentment in the local population.

Despite Balochistan being rich in minerals and natural resources, it is Pakistan`s poorest province and regularly ranks at the bottom of the country`s socioeconomic indicators on healthcare, education, and population welfare

Amanullah Khan Yasinzai was appointed as the governor of Balochistan by President Dr Arif Alvi on the recommendation of Prime Minister Imran in October 2018, reported Dawn.

The Balochistan Governor served as He served as the chief justice of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) from 2005 to 2009

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai to resign saying that he wanted to appoint a new governor. In a letter to Yasinzai, Imran Khan maintained that it was a "pleasure" to work with him.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked Balochistan Governor Amanullah Khan Yasinzai to resign saying that he wanted to appoint a new governor. In a letter to Yasinzai, Imran Khan maintained that it was a "pleasure" to work with him. However, the letter states that "dexterity and deftness" was required given the "current political situation". It quickly adds that the PM's decision was in no way a bad reflection on the governor's "competence" Here is Imran Khan's full letter Balochistan, the largest province of Pakistan has vital Chinese interests. Many major projects to be developed under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are in Balochistan. The region has long resented Pakistani rule and there are even armed groups carrying out operations against Pakistani forces. The heavy Chinese involvement in the province has exacerbated the resentment in the local population. Despite Balochistan being rich in minerals and natural resources, it is Pakistan`s poorest province and regularly ranks at the bottom of the country`s socioeconomic indicators on healthcare, education, and population welfare Amanullah Khan Yasinzai was appointed as the governor of Balochistan by President Dr Arif Alvi on the recommendation of Prime Minister Imran in October 2018, reported Dawn. The Balochistan Governor served as He served as the chief justice of the Balochistan High Court (BHC) from 2005 to 2009

Pakistan PM Imran Khan asks Balochistan governor to resign

After succumbing to the demands of the proscribed radical Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which was banned by the government, Prime Minister Imran Khan appears to want to impose Islamic blasphemy laws across the world.

"I want the Muslim countries to devise a joint line of action over the blasphemy issue with a warning of trade boycott of countries where such incidents will happen," Khan said in an address last week, reported The Spectator.

This comes after three days of violent protests last month, where hundreds of protesters and police personnel were injured and thousands of TLP activists and supporters were arrested and booked for attacking law enforcement personnel and blocking main roads and highways in protest against the arrest of their leader Saad Hussain Rizvi.

The banned group had demanded the expulsion of the French ambassador and a boycott of French goods after Charlie Hebdo republished its Muhammad cartoons in September last year.

Several police vehicles were torched, buildings were attacked and policemen were kidnapped and tortured by the activists of the TLP across the Punjab province.

Arab News reported that at least six policemen were killed and over 800 were injured, citing official figures.

While Imran Khan has reminded the TLP of the economic consequences of rushing against France, he has also reassured the group that he shares the `same goals` as them, which was exemplified when the premier presented a resolution in Parliament to expel the French ambassador last week, writes Kunwar Khuldune Shahid for The Spectator.

However, Khan has stopped short of implementing a trade ban given the hundreds of millions worth of aid France gives to Pakistan and the billions worth of trade and aid the country gets from the European Union (EU), instead of exporting Pakistan`s murderous blasphemous laws.

Pakistan is one of 12 Muslim countries where blasphemy is still punishable by death. Hundreds have been on death row in Pakistan for `committing blasphemy` by teaching certain ideas at universities, liking a post on Facebook, or drinking water from a Muslim`s glass.

Earlier last month, two Christian nurses were charged with blasphemy for removing a sticker with an Islamic inscription on it in a Faisalabad hospital ward while in March, the Aurat [Women`s] March in Pakistan has been accused of blasphemy for demanding human rights for women, reported The Spectator.

In 2020, a Muslim woman from the constitutionally excommunicated Ahmadiyya community was arrested for blasphemy after giving charity to a mosque and an Ahmadi man was shot dead in a courtroom during his blasphemy trial.

Shahid wrote that Ahmadi killings and state-backed demolition of their mosques, has continued in 2021, with the likes of the TLP, along with the Pakistan government`s advisory Council of Islamic Ideology, demanding that the Ahmadiyya sect be collectively declared as blasphemers and apostates.

While Khan aggressively clamours against Western Islamophobia, Pakistan continues to conduct its own brutal `Islamophobia` against Ahmadiyya and Shia Islam. Meanwhile, blasphemy against Hinduism continues, with Khan`s ministers openly mocking Hindu deities and around 1,000 Hindu and Christian girls, mostly underage, forcibly converted to Islam each year.

In his quest, the Pakistan PM recently co-founded an `anti-Islamophobia TV channel` in 2019, along with Mahathir Mohamad - who believes Muslims have a right to `kill millions of French` - and Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Though Khan has previously confessed that when living in Pakistan there is a fear associated with talking about `anything perceived to be sacrilegious, it is the same fear he now wants to instil in the West.

After succumbing to the demands of the proscribed radical Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which was banned by the government, Prime Minister Imran Khan appears to want to impose Islamic blasphemy laws across the world.

After succumbing to the demands of the proscribed radical Islamist group Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), which was banned by the government, Prime Minister Imran Khan appears to want to impose Islamic blasphemy laws across the world. "I want the Muslim countries to devise a joint line of action over the blasphemy issue with a warning of trade boycott of countries where such incidents will happen," Khan said in an address last week, reported The Spectator. This comes after three days of violent protests last month, where hundreds of protesters and police personnel were injured and thousands of TLP activists and supporters were arrested and booked for attacking law enforcement personnel and blocking main roads and highways in protest against the arrest of their leader Saad Hussain Rizvi. The banned group had demanded the expulsion of the French ambassador and a boycott of French goods after Charlie Hebdo republished its Muhammad cartoons in September last year. Several police vehicles were torched, buildings were attacked and policemen were kidnapped and tortured by the activists of the TLP across the Punjab province. Arab News reported that at least six policemen were killed and over 800 were injured, citing official figures. While Imran Khan has reminded the TLP of the economic consequences of rushing against France, he has also reassured the group that he shares the `same goals` as them, which was exemplified when the premier presented a resolution in Parliament to expel the French ambassador last week, writes Kunwar Khuldune Shahid for The Spectator. However, Khan has stopped short of implementing a trade ban given the hundreds of millions worth of aid France gives to Pakistan and the billions worth of trade and aid the country gets from the European Union (EU), instead of exporting Pakistan`s murderous blasphemous laws. Pakistan is one of 12 Muslim countries where blasphemy is still punishable by death. Hundreds have been on death row in Pakistan for `committing blasphemy` by teaching certain ideas at universities, liking a post on Facebook, or drinking water from a Muslim`s glass. Earlier last month, two Christian nurses were charged with blasphemy for removing a sticker with an Islamic inscription on it in a Faisalabad hospital ward while in March, the Aurat [Women`s] March in Pakistan has been accused of blasphemy for demanding human rights for women, reported The Spectator. In 2020, a Muslim woman from the constitutionally excommunicated Ahmadiyya community was arrested for blasphemy after giving charity to a mosque and an Ahmadi man was shot dead in a courtroom during his blasphemy trial. Shahid wrote that Ahmadi killings and state-backed demolition of their mosques, has continued in 2021, with the likes of the TLP, along with the Pakistan government`s advisory Council of Islamic Ideology, demanding that the Ahmadiyya sect be collectively declared as blasphemers and apostates. While Khan aggressively clamours against Western Islamophobia, Pakistan continues to conduct its own brutal `Islamophobia` against Ahmadiyya and Shia Islam. Meanwhile, blasphemy against Hinduism continues, with Khan`s ministers openly mocking Hindu deities and around 1,000 Hindu and Christian girls, mostly underage, forcibly converted to Islam each year. In his quest, the Pakistan PM recently co-founded an `anti-Islamophobia TV channel` in 2019, along with Mahathir Mohamad - who believes Muslims have a right to `kill millions of French` - and Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Though Khan has previously confessed that when living in Pakistan there is a fear associated with talking about `anything perceived to be sacrilegious, it is the same fear he now wants to instil in the West.

Imran Khan seeking to impose Pakistan's murderous blasphemy laws across world

A cartoon has destabilised Pakistan, a country of 220 million people. Islamist radicals have taken law and order hostage and the prime minister, who once asked his citizens to unite against France, is now having a tough time explaining why he can't send the French ambassador back. &nbsp;

The violent protests, which began almost a week back, is far from being over. On one hand, are the supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and on the other, Pakistan's security forces. They are clashing endlessly.&nbsp;

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There's violence in almost every major city, such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, etc. Every city in Pakistan is grappling with unrest.&nbsp;

What do the protesters want? Four things:&nbsp;the release of their leader Saad Hussain Rizvi, the lift of the ban on their group, quashing of all cases against its members, release of the arrested protesters and expelling of the French ambassador to Pakistan, Marc Barety.&nbsp;

Have the demands been met? So far, Islamabad has only agreed to release some of those arrested for disrupting law and order. It says it won't lift the ban on TLP and won't release its leader.&nbsp;

For the fourth demand, Imran Khan says, expelling the French ambassador will not change a thing. Besides ruining Islamabad's already rocky ties with European nations and maybe triggering some sanctions. Imran Khan said, "My question is that, will sending the French ambassador back and cutting ties stop this? Is there a guarantee&nbsp;that no one will insult the Prophet afterwards? Is there a guarantee?"&nbsp;

Khan added, "When we expel the French ambassador and cut ties with France, it means we will cut ties with the European Union (EU). Half of our textile export goes to Europe, this means half of our textile exports will be reduced there, which means unemployment and the closure of the factories."&nbsp;

When Charlie Hebdo republished Prophet Muhammad's caricatures, Imran Khan went all out to project himself as the custodian of Islamic faith. He put out sanctimonious tweets, preaching Emmanuel Macron on what the hallmarks of a true leader are. He also milked anti-France sentiments and gave a free run to protesters in his country. Rallies were held across Pakistan, calling for the death for Emmanuel Macron and the boycott of French products. &nbsp;

The Imran Khan govt led from the front and now when the chickens have come home to roost, the same prime minister is preaching tolerance, and to save face, the Pakistan govt has introduced a resolution on the expulsion of the French ambassador in Pakistan's national assembly. The debate has kickstarted, but not how the PTI wanted it to.&nbsp;

The opposition is going all guns blazing in exposing Imran Khan's hypocrisy. Ahsan Iqbal, opposition lawmaker, said, "The blasphemy was committed in France and we have to discuss this issue here in the Parliament. Mr&nbsp;Speaker, I was expecting that whenever there is a session over the honour and respect of Prophet Muhammad, it would be the most important session for any lawmaker or a Pakistani Muslim, (more) than any business. So, I expect that the prime minister should be on his chair during the session, and today's resolution should be presented by the prime minister himself."&nbsp;

Imran Khan also has some advice for Western nations. He has asked them to criminalise blasphemy against Islam. He says that insulting Prophet Muhammad should be treated the same way as the denial of holocaust. Says the leader of a country that uses faith to justify terrorism. &nbsp;

Why other Islamic countries are not protesting? The protests in Pakistan are as much religious as they are political. The TLP has a history of being backed by the Pakistan Army and the ISI. It was brought into the mainstream as a tool of political engineering and to launch Imran Khan to power. Now, this party has gone rogue and it has turned blasphemy into a political weapon and won the support of the general public. Imagine the implications to South Asia, if this party comes to power in the future.&nbsp;

A cartoon has destabilised Pakistan, a country of 220 million people. Islamist radicals have taken law and order hostage and the prime minister, who once asked his citizens to unite against France, is now having a tough time explaining why he can't send the French ambassador back.

A cartoon has destabilised Pakistan, a country of 220 million people. Islamist radicals have taken law and order hostage and the prime minister, who once asked his citizens to unite against France, is now having a tough time explaining why he can't send the French ambassador back. The violent protests, which began almost a week back, is far from being over. On one hand, are the supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and on the other, Pakistan's security forces. They are clashing endlessly. There's violence in almost every major city, such as Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Multan, Peshawar, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, etc. Every city in Pakistan is grappling with unrest. What do the protesters want? Four things: the release of their leader Saad Hussain Rizvi, the lift of the ban on their group, quashing of all cases against its members, release of the arrested protesters and expelling of the French ambassador to Pakistan, Marc Barety. Have the demands been met? So far, Islamabad has only agreed to release some of those arrested for disrupting law and order. It says it won't lift the ban on TLP and won't release its leader. For the fourth demand, Imran Khan says, expelling the French ambassador will not change a thing. Besides ruining Islamabad's already rocky ties with European nations and maybe triggering some sanctions. Imran Khan said, "My question is that, will sending the French ambassador back and cutting ties stop this? Is there a guarantee that no one will insult the Prophet afterwards? Is there a guarantee?" Khan added, "When we expel the French ambassador and cut ties with France, it means we will cut ties with the European Union (EU). Half of our textile export goes to Europe, this means half of our textile exports will be reduced there, which means unemployment and the closure of the factories." When Charlie Hebdo republished Prophet Muhammad's caricatures, Imran Khan went all out to project himself as the custodian of Islamic faith. He put out sanctimonious tweets, preaching Emmanuel Macron on what the hallmarks of a true leader are. He also milked anti-France sentiments and gave a free run to protesters in his country. Rallies were held across Pakistan, calling for the death for Emmanuel Macron and the boycott of French products. The Imran Khan govt led from the front and now when the chickens have come home to roost, the same prime minister is preaching tolerance, and to save face, the Pakistan govt has introduced a resolution on the expulsion of the French ambassador in Pakistan's national assembly. The debate has kickstarted, but not how the PTI wanted it to. The opposition is going all guns blazing in exposing Imran Khan's hypocrisy. Ahsan Iqbal, opposition lawmaker, said, "The blasphemy was committed in France and we have to discuss this issue here in the Parliament. Mr Speaker, I was expecting that whenever there is a session over the honour and respect of Prophet Muhammad, it would be the most important session for any lawmaker or a Pakistani Muslim, (more) than any business. So, I expect that the prime minister should be on his chair during the session, and today's resolution should be presented by the prime minister himself." Imran Khan also has some advice for Western nations. He has asked them to criminalise blasphemy against Islam. He says that insulting Prophet Muhammad should be treated the same way as the denial of holocaust. Says the leader of a country that uses faith to justify terrorism. Why other Islamic countries are not protesting? The protests in Pakistan are as much religious as they are political. The TLP has a history of being backed by the Pakistan Army and the ISI. It was brought into the mainstream as a tool of political engineering and to launch Imran Khan to power. Now, this party has gone rogue and it has turned blasphemy into a political weapon and won the support of the general public. Imagine the implications to South Asia, if this party comes to power in the future.

TLP’s violent protests bring more turmoil to Pakistan 

Pakistan police on Wednesday launched a probe into the shooting of a former senior journalist, who has been an open critic of the country's military and its interference in politics.&nbsp;

Unidentified gunmen shot Absar Alam as he was taking a walk in a park near his home in Islamabad on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Alam, who headed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the nation's electronic media watchdog, was rushed to the hospital after getting shot and is out of danger, police said in a statement. &nbsp;

In a video message uploaded on Twitter, Alam said that he was shot in the ribs, but he has lost his "spirit".&nbsp;

"I have not lost my spirit, and I will not lose my spirit," he said in the video as he was being taken to hospital after the attack.&nbsp;

The Islamabad Police have constituted a special team to probe the matter and in a tweet said that the team has been ordered to "use all scientific and forensic methods" to find the accused.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/tlps-violent-protests-bring-more-turmoil-to-pakistan-378883">TLP’s violent protests bring more turmoil to Pakistan</a>&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan's </a>relations with the media have taken a toll since he took office in 2018.

The country's several opposition parties also blame the military and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for installing Khan as the prime minister of the country.&nbsp;

"We vehemently deny this. The military has nothing to do with this," the military's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing told news agency Reuters.

Maryam Nawaz, Vice President of PML-N, condemned the attack, adding that silencing the voice of dissent is cancer that has "plagued" Pakistan for several years.

"Absar Alam sahab is the latest victim of this cruel and barbaric crime. May Allah SWT heal his wounds and the wounds of this country," she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Pakistan police on Wednesday launched a probe into the shooting of a former senior journalist, who has been an open critic of the country's military and its interference in politics.

Pakistan police on Wednesday launched a probe into the shooting of a former senior journalist, who has been an open critic of the country's military and its interference in politics. Unidentified gunmen shot Absar Alam as he was taking a walk in a park near his home in Islamabad on Tuesday. Watch | Alam, who headed the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA), the nation's electronic media watchdog, was rushed to the hospital after getting shot and is out of danger, police said in a statement. In a video message uploaded on Twitter, Alam said that he was shot in the ribs, but he has lost his "spirit". "I have not lost my spirit, and I will not lose my spirit," he said in the video as he was being taken to hospital after the attack. The Islamabad Police have constituted a special team to probe the matter and in a tweet said that the team has been ordered to "use all scientific and forensic methods" to find the accused. Also read | TLP’s violent protests bring more turmoil to Pakistan Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's relations with the media have taken a toll since he took office in 2018. The country's several opposition parties also blame the military and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for installing Khan as the prime minister of the country. "We vehemently deny this. The military has nothing to do with this," the military's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) wing told news agency Reuters. Maryam Nawaz, Vice President of PML-N, condemned the attack, adding that silencing the voice of dissent is cancer that has "plagued" Pakistan for several years. "Absar Alam sahab is the latest victim of this cruel and barbaric crime. May Allah SWT heal his wounds and the wounds of this country," she was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Pakistan: Probe opened after senior journalist critical of military attacked

The Civil War in Pakistan persists. 1 cartoon has destablised a country of 220 million people. PM Imran Khan who once projected himself as the custodian of Islamic faith is now preaching tolerance. WION’s Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Pakistan, protests & blasphemy

Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran Khan had hoped a fight over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed would result in an easy win,&nbsp;placating the ultra-conservative quarters at home while being hailed as a defender of Islam abroad.&nbsp;

The gamble seems to have backfired spectacularly.

For the past week, riots have again engulfed&nbsp;Pakistan, with police officers killed and taken hostage, and the French embassy taking the "urgent" step of advising its citizens to leave the country.

Khan is now scrambling to keep order, months after launching a war of words with President Emmanuel Macron following the French leader's defence of the magazine Charlie Hebdo's right to republish images of Mohammed, an act deemed blasphemous by many Muslims.

When Macron openly backed the magazine, Khan took up a crusade,&nbsp;accusing the French leader of insulting Islam and using an address to the United Nations as an opportunity to lambast the West.&nbsp;

But rather than appease the religious right, Khan's grievance appears only to have encouraged the extremists, with the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;(TLP) -- the Movement at the Service of the Prophet,&nbsp;calling for the expulsion of the French ambassador.&nbsp;

"I think the prime minister has realised that appeasing the radical forces isn't an easy task because when you try to please them they demand more and more," security analyst Amir Rana told AFP.&nbsp;

"So far he has failed to maintain the balance."&nbsp;

Protests turn violent&nbsp;

Few issues resonate in Islamic&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;quite like blasphemy, where the publication of the cartoons in Europe has long stoked outrage.

"No Pakistani politician or military dictator has or is going to challenge the idea that the honour and the sanctity of Islam and the prophet, and his person in particular, are not important to them," said political analyst Mosharraf Zaidi.&nbsp;

"Any time that the prime minister is representing that view, it's one that has salience in the Pakistani mainstream."&nbsp;

Khan's rhetoric coincided with a wave of Francophobia that prompted a nationwide boycott of French goods, and upstart party TLP sent its supporters into the streets.

The outrage quickly boiled over into violence.

In September, a Pakistani national stabbed two people outside Charlie Hebdo's former office in Paris just days after Khan railed against Islamophobia at the UN general summit.&nbsp;

The assailant later admitted to being inspired by the likes of Khadim Rizvi, the late leader of the TLP.

The protests in&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;reached a violent climax in November when the group laid siege to the capital, Islamabad, sparking days of fighting.

The violence only ended after Khan's government allegedly agreed to a deal with the TLP that would see the French ambassador booted out after receiving parliamentary approval.&nbsp;

But last week, the TLP said the government had reneged on the agreement,&nbsp;a deal officials have been vague about,&nbsp;and its new leader Saad Rizvi called for a march on Islamabad, to take place on Tuesday.&nbsp;

When his arrest was met with nationwide rioting, Khan's government retaliated by officially banning the TLP, effectively labelling them a terrorist outfit.

"No one can be above the law and the constitution," tweeted Khan over the weekend, where he also called for Western nations to outlaw blasphemous speech.

But even then he hedged his bets, suggesting he sympathised with their ideology, if not their methods.

Banning the TLP may have little impact, however, as other religious parties have now thrown their support behind the group.

"The Pakistani state has, over decades, actively fostered the ideology that led to the TLP and that leads many in the population to sympathise with the TLP," said Madiha Afzal, a Brookings Institution fellow.

"Khan attempted to try to thread this needle in his tweets about the group... but it is a tough line to walk: not disavowing the group's ideology and demands while taking action."

Khan appears to have few easy options -- crack down even harder on a group claiming to defend Islam and risk sparking a wider confrontation in the deeply religious country.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Or, the government can accede to some of the TLP's demands and embolden religious fanatics to continue using violence in the future as a potent bargaining chip.

"There is no doubt there is a bind," said Zaidi.&nbsp;

"Pakistan&nbsp;has to certainly manage its relationship not just with France and other nations and the rest of the world but it must also be seen to be responsive to the sentiments of Pakistani Muslims."

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had hoped a fight over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed would result in an easy win, placating the ultra-conservative quarters at home while being hailed as a defender of Islam abroad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had hoped a fight over cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed would result in an easy win, placating the ultra-conservative quarters at home while being hailed as a defender of Islam abroad. The gamble seems to have backfired spectacularly. For the past week, riots have again engulfed Pakistan, with police officers killed and taken hostage, and the French embassy taking the "urgent" step of advising its citizens to leave the country. Khan is now scrambling to keep order, months after launching a war of words with President Emmanuel Macron following the French leader's defence of the magazine Charlie Hebdo's right to republish images of Mohammed, an act deemed blasphemous by many Muslims. When Macron openly backed the magazine, Khan took up a crusade, accusing the French leader of insulting Islam and using an address to the United Nations as an opportunity to lambast the West. But rather than appease the religious right, Khan's grievance appears only to have encouraged the extremists, with the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) -- the Movement at the Service of the Prophet, calling for the expulsion of the French ambassador. "I think the prime minister has realised that appeasing the radical forces isn't an easy task because when you try to please them they demand more and more," security analyst Amir Rana told AFP. "So far he has failed to maintain the balance." Protests turn violent Few issues resonate in Islamic Pakistan quite like blasphemy, where the publication of the cartoons in Europe has long stoked outrage. "No Pakistani politician or military dictator has or is going to challenge the idea that the honour and the sanctity of Islam and the prophet, and his person in particular, are not important to them," said political analyst Mosharraf Zaidi. "Any time that the prime minister is representing that view, it's one that has salience in the Pakistani mainstream." Khan's rhetoric coincided with a wave of Francophobia that prompted a nationwide boycott of French goods, and upstart party TLP sent its supporters into the streets. The outrage quickly boiled over into violence. In September, a Pakistani national stabbed two people outside Charlie Hebdo's former office in Paris just days after Khan railed against Islamophobia at the UN general summit. The assailant later admitted to being inspired by the likes of Khadim Rizvi, the late leader of the TLP. The protests in Pakistan reached a violent climax in November when the group laid siege to the capital, Islamabad, sparking days of fighting. The violence only ended after Khan's government allegedly agreed to a deal with the TLP that would see the French ambassador booted out after receiving parliamentary approval. But last week, the TLP said the government had reneged on the agreement, a deal officials have been vague about, and its new leader Saad Rizvi called for a march on Islamabad, to take place on Tuesday. When his arrest was met with nationwide rioting, Khan's government retaliated by officially banning the TLP, effectively labelling them a terrorist outfit. "No one can be above the law and the constitution," tweeted Khan over the weekend, where he also called for Western nations to outlaw blasphemous speech. But even then he hedged his bets, suggesting he sympathised with their ideology, if not their methods. Banning the TLP may have little impact, however, as other religious parties have now thrown their support behind the group. "The Pakistani state has, over decades, actively fostered the ideology that led to the TLP and that leads many in the population to sympathise with the TLP," said Madiha Afzal, a Brookings Institution fellow. "Khan attempted to try to thread this needle in his tweets about the group... but it is a tough line to walk: not disavowing the group's ideology and demands while taking action." Khan appears to have few easy options -- crack down even harder on a group claiming to defend Islam and risk sparking a wider confrontation in the deeply religious country. Or, the government can accede to some of the TLP's demands and embolden religious fanatics to continue using violence in the future as a potent bargaining chip. "There is no doubt there is a bind," said Zaidi. "Pakistan has to certainly manage its relationship not just with France and other nations and the rest of the world but it must also be seen to be responsive to the sentiments of Pakistani Muslims."

Pakistan PM Imran Khan battles fallout in France blasphemy row

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Western governments should treat the people who insult the Prophet the same as those who deny the Holocaust, reported the Pakistani newspaper, Dawn.

Imran said insulting the Prophet hurts Muslims across the world. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-battles-fallout-in-france-blasphemy-row-378718">Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan battles fallout in France blasphemy row</a>

“We Muslims have the greatest love &amp; respect for our Prophet,” he tweeted. “We cannot tolerate any such disrespect &amp; abuse.”

Denying the Holocaust is an illegal offence in several European countries — including Germany and France — and offenders can be sent to prison.

Khan wants to see governments take an equally harsh position on those who blaspheme against the Prophet Muhammad.

"I ... call on Western governments who have outlawed any negative comment on the holocaust to use the same standards to penalise those deliberately spreading their message of hate against Muslims by abusing our Prophet," Khan tweeted.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I also call on Western govts who have outlawed any negative comment on the holocaust to use the same standards to penalise those deliberately spreading their message of hate against Muslims by abusing our Prophet PBUH.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1383312238195343361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2021</a></blockquote>
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For the past week, riots have again engulfed Pakistan, with police officers killed and taken hostage, and the French embassy taking the "urgent" step of advising its citizens to leave the country.

Khan is now scrambling to keep order, months after launching a war of words with President Emmanuel Macron following the French leader's defence of the magazine Charlie Hebdo's right to republish images of Mohammed, an act deemed blasphemous by many Muslims.

When Macron openly backed the magazine, Khan took up a crusade, accusing the French leader of insulting Islam and using an address to the United Nations as an opportunity to lambast the West.&nbsp;

But rather than appease the religious right, Khan's grievance appears only to have encouraged the extremists, with the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) -- the Movement at the Service of the Prophet, calling for the expulsion of the French ambassador.&nbsp;

"I think the prime minister has realised that appeasing the radical forces isn't an easy task because when you try to please them they demand more and more," security analyst Amir Rana told AFP.&nbsp;

"So far he has failed to maintain the balance."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Western governments should treat the people who insult the Prophet the same as those who deny the Holocaust, reported the Pakistani newspaper, Dawn.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that Western governments should treat the people who insult the Prophet the same as those who deny the Holocaust, reported the Pakistani newspaper, Dawn. Imran said insulting the Prophet hurts Muslims across the world. Also read | Pakistan PM Imran Khan battles fallout in France blasphemy row “We Muslims have the greatest love & respect for our Prophet,” he tweeted. “We cannot tolerate any such disrespect & abuse.” Denying the Holocaust is an illegal offence in several European countries — including Germany and France — and offenders can be sent to prison. Khan wants to see governments take an equally harsh position on those who blaspheme against the Prophet Muhammad. "I ... call on Western governments who have outlawed any negative comment on the holocaust to use the same standards to penalise those deliberately spreading their message of hate against Muslims by abusing our Prophet," Khan tweeted. I also call on Western govts who have outlawed any negative comment on the holocaust to use the same standards to penalise those deliberately spreading their message of hate against Muslims by abusing our Prophet PBUH. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 17, 2021 × For the past week, riots have again engulfed Pakistan, with police officers killed and taken hostage, and the French embassy taking the "urgent" step of advising its citizens to leave the country. Khan is now scrambling to keep order, months after launching a war of words with President Emmanuel Macron following the French leader's defence of the magazine Charlie Hebdo's right to republish images of Mohammed, an act deemed blasphemous by many Muslims. When Macron openly backed the magazine, Khan took up a crusade, accusing the French leader of insulting Islam and using an address to the United Nations as an opportunity to lambast the West. But rather than appease the religious right, Khan's grievance appears only to have encouraged the extremists, with the radical Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) -- the Movement at the Service of the Prophet, calling for the expulsion of the French ambassador. "I think the prime minister has realised that appeasing the radical forces isn't an easy task because when you try to please them they demand more and more," security analyst Amir Rana told AFP. "So far he has failed to maintain the balance." (With inputs from agencies)

Insulting Prophet should be same as denying Holocaust: Imran Khan

Pakistan witnessed a 3-hour social media blackout as Islamist radicals tried taking the country hostage. Has Imran Khan exposed his hypocrisy on blocking the Internet? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Social media blackout in Pakistan

The Imran Khan government in Pakistan on Friday announced a ban on social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram till 3&nbsp;pm, in the wake of violent Islamist protests against France.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been directed to close down social media websites and apps for a few hours.&nbsp;The blocked sites&nbsp;and apps include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok.n

The move comes a day after the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority banned all TV and radio coverage of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

TLP is engaged in a days-long protest against France over depiction of Prophet Muhammad in cartoons in that country. The Islamist group is demanding the expulsion of the French envoy to Pakistan and snapping of diplomatic ties. France has asked its citizens to leave the country.

According to the statement issued by the Pakistan government, "Complete access to social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Telegram) may be blocked from 1100hrs to 1500hrs on 16th April 2021 across the country.”

Last year, the government formed a new draconian social media lawn titled "Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020," under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (PECA).

As per the ambit of new rules, it includes all social media users, social media companys', service providers, website owners or information systems.

Under the new rules, they cannot publish, host, display, change, transmit, update or share any content that belongs to someone else, is blasphemous, pedophilic, pornographic, is against the religious, cultural, ethnic sensitivities and beliefs, harms minors, or threatens the security, integrity of Pakistan's defence or public order.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Imran Khan government in Pakistan on Friday announced a ban on social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram till 3 pm, in the wake of violent Islamist protests against France.

The Imran Khan government in Pakistan on Friday announced a ban on social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram till 3 pm, in the wake of violent Islamist protests against France. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been directed to close down social media websites and apps for a few hours. The blocked sites and apps include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok.n The move comes a day after the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority banned all TV and radio coverage of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). TLP is engaged in a days-long protest against France over depiction of Prophet Muhammad in cartoons in that country. The Islamist group is demanding the expulsion of the French envoy to Pakistan and snapping of diplomatic ties. France has asked its citizens to leave the country. According to the statement issued by the Pakistan government, "Complete access to social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Telegram) may be blocked from 1100hrs to 1500hrs on 16th April 2021 across the country.” Last year, the government formed a new draconian social media lawn titled "Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020," under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (PECA). As per the ambit of new rules, it includes all social media users, social media companys', service providers, website owners or information systems. Under the new rules, they cannot publish, host, display, change, transmit, update or share any content that belongs to someone else, is blasphemous, pedophilic, pornographic, is against the religious, cultural, ethnic sensitivities and beliefs, harms minors, or threatens the security, integrity of Pakistan's defence or public order. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak govt blacks out social media in wake of Islamist protests

900+ Sikh pilgrims have been stranded in Pakistan as protesters block highways & roads. What are the protests about? What is Imran Khan govt doing to stop them? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Unrest & Protests grip Pakistan

Remittances of $2.7 billion in March from Pakistani workers employed abroad exceeded $2 billion for the 10th consecutive month and were up 43 per cent&nbsp;from a year earlier, the central bank said on Monday.

Proactive policy steps by the government and State Bank to spur inflows through formal channels, combined with limited cross-border travel, medical expenses, and altruistic transfers amid the pandemic to fuel the rise, it said in a statement.

"The love and commitment of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan is unparalleled," Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Twitter.

"You sent over $2 billion for 10 straight months despite COVID, breaking all records. We thank you."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The love &amp; commitment of Overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan is unparalleled. You sent over $2bn for 10 straight mths despite Covid, breaking all records. Your remittances rose to $2.7bn in Mar, 43% higher than last yr. So far this fiscal yr, your remittances rose 26%. We thank you
- Imran Khan (mImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1381457965010542594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The inflows came mainly from the nations of Saudi Arabia, standing at $5.7 billion; the United Arab Emirates, at $4.5 billion; with $2.9 billion from Britain and $1.9 billion from the United States, the central bank said.

Remittances of $2.7 billion in March from Pakistani workers employed abroad exceeded $2 billion for the 10th consecutive month and were up 43 per cent from a year earlier, the central bank said on Monday.

Remittances of $2.7 billion in March from Pakistani workers employed abroad exceeded $2 billion for the 10th consecutive month and were up 43 per cent from a year earlier, the central bank said on Monday. Proactive policy steps by the government and State Bank to spur inflows through formal channels, combined with limited cross-border travel, medical expenses, and altruistic transfers amid the pandemic to fuel the rise, it said in a statement. "The love and commitment of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan is unparalleled," Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Twitter. "You sent over $2 billion for 10 straight months despite COVID, breaking all records. We thank you." The love & commitment of Overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan is unparalleled. You sent over $2bn for 10 straight mths despite Covid, breaking all records. Your remittances rose to $2.7bn in Mar, 43% higher than last yr. So far this fiscal yr, your remittances rose 26%. We thank you - Imran Khan (mImranKhanPTI) April 12, 2021 × The inflows came mainly from the nations of Saudi Arabia, standing at $5.7 billion; the United Arab Emirates, at $4.5 billion; with $2.9 billion from Britain and $1.9 billion from the United States, the central bank said.

Remittances to Pakistan exceed $2 billion for 10th straight month

A protest erupted against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding a public apology from him for his statement blaming 'vulgarity' in society for rape and sexual violence. &nbsp;

The demonstration was organised on Thursday by rights activist and civil society representatives outside the National Press Club here, Pakistan's News International reported.&nbsp;

The protestors criticised Khan for what they called 'victim-blaming' and called for an apology for the comment he made during a question and answer session with the public when he was asked for suggesting a solution to rising child abuse cases in the country.&nbsp;

The protestors were holding placards and banners inscribed with their demand for an apology and said that such statements would encourage rapists.&nbsp;

"It can be considered an opinion when a common person says such thing but if a prime minister makes such comment, it becomes a policy statement. We cannot ignore such a statement which puts the burden of such crimes on the way women dress up. It is a dangerous statement for women like us who work in offices, fields and factories," said one protestor.&nbsp;

Last week, Khan has blamed 'fahashi' (vulgarity) for surge in rape and sexual violence instead of the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. &nbsp;

As he took calls from the people on Sunday, Khan, when asked by a caller what the government plans to do in the light of rising incidents of rape and sexual violence, especially against children, said that there are some fights that governments and legislation alone cannot win and that the society must join in the fight. He said it was important for societies to protect themselves against 'fahashi' (vulgarity), reported Geo News. &nbsp;

The prime minister said incidents of rape and sexual violence that make their way to the media are just one per cent of the actual horrific crimes of such nature that take place.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A protest erupted against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding a public apology from him for his statement blaming 'vulgarity' in society for rape and sexual violence.

A protest erupted against Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, demanding a public apology from him for his statement blaming 'vulgarity' in society for rape and sexual violence. The demonstration was organised on Thursday by rights activist and civil society representatives outside the National Press Club here, Pakistan's News International reported. The protestors criticised Khan for what they called 'victim-blaming' and called for an apology for the comment he made during a question and answer session with the public when he was asked for suggesting a solution to rising child abuse cases in the country. The protestors were holding placards and banners inscribed with their demand for an apology and said that such statements would encourage rapists. "It can be considered an opinion when a common person says such thing but if a prime minister makes such comment, it becomes a policy statement. We cannot ignore such a statement which puts the burden of such crimes on the way women dress up. It is a dangerous statement for women like us who work in offices, fields and factories," said one protestor. Last week, Khan has blamed 'fahashi' (vulgarity) for surge in rape and sexual violence instead of the deteriorating law and order situation in the country. As he took calls from the people on Sunday, Khan, when asked by a caller what the government plans to do in the light of rising incidents of rape and sexual violence, especially against children, said that there are some fights that governments and legislation alone cannot win and that the society must join in the fight. He said it was important for societies to protect themselves against 'fahashi' (vulgarity), reported Geo News. The prime minister said incidents of rape and sexual violence that make their way to the media are just one per cent of the actual horrific crimes of such nature that take place. (With inputs from agencies)

Protest erupts in Pak demanding Imran Khan to apologise over rape statement 

Any Pakistani citizen who criticises the armed forces of the Islamic republic may now land in prison for two years, along with a fine worth Rs500,000 — or both. A parliamentary panel in the country has endorsed the&nbsp;controversial law.

Despite the sharp criticism by the Opposition parties which called it ultra vires of the fundamental rights, the legislation was adopted by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior on Wednesday.

Coup-prone Pakistan has been under military rule for almost half of its existence, with many governments deposed before completing its term, mostly at the behest of the country's powerful armed forces.

The law, which aims to amend the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), was introduced for discussion by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Amjad Ali Khan.

However, a difference erupted over the law between the 11-member body after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) opposed the harsh punishment suggested in the bill.

PML-N's Marriyum Aurangzeb and Chaudhry Nadeem Abbas Rebaira as well as Syed Agha Rafiullah of the PPP said that the amendment would be used to curb the freedom of expression in the country.

The vote was tied at 5-5 and the stalemate was broken by the chairman of the committee, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, who belonged to the ruling PTI. Normally, the chairmen of committees remain neutral.

The bill suggests that armed forces personnel would not be subjected to any deliberate ridicule, insult and defamation, and those targeting them would be punished.

The only saving grace is that the trial of such critics would be held in a civil court and not in a military court.

But in order to become a law, the bill still needs to face the hurdle of being separately passed by the National Assembly (NA) and the Senate, the lower and the upper houses of Parliament. While the government enjoys a majority in the NA, the Opposition controls the Senate.

Often, the bills opposed by the Opposition parties at the committee stage are killed in the Senate.

(With inputs from agencies)

Any Pakistani citizen who criticises the armed forces of the Islamic republic may now land in prison for two years, along with a fine worth Rs500,000 — or both. A parliamentary panel in the country has endorsed the controversial law.

Any Pakistani citizen who criticises the armed forces of the Islamic republic may now land in prison for two years, along with a fine worth Rs500,000 — or both. A parliamentary panel in the country has endorsed the controversial law. Despite the sharp criticism by the Opposition parties which called it ultra vires of the fundamental rights, the legislation was adopted by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior on Wednesday. Coup-prone Pakistan has been under military rule for almost half of its existence, with many governments deposed before completing its term, mostly at the behest of the country's powerful armed forces. The law, which aims to amend the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), was introduced for discussion by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Amjad Ali Khan. However, a difference erupted over the law between the 11-member body after Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) opposed the harsh punishment suggested in the bill. PML-N's Marriyum Aurangzeb and Chaudhry Nadeem Abbas Rebaira as well as Syed Agha Rafiullah of the PPP said that the amendment would be used to curb the freedom of expression in the country. The vote was tied at 5-5 and the stalemate was broken by the chairman of the committee, Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, who belonged to the ruling PTI. Normally, the chairmen of committees remain neutral. The bill suggests that armed forces personnel would not be subjected to any deliberate ridicule, insult and defamation, and those targeting them would be punished. The only saving grace is that the trial of such critics would be held in a civil court and not in a military court. But in order to become a law, the bill still needs to face the hurdle of being separately passed by the National Assembly (NA) and the Senate, the lower and the upper houses of Parliament. While the government enjoys a majority in the NA, the Opposition controls the Senate. Often, the bills opposed by the Opposition parties at the committee stage are killed in the Senate. (With inputs from agencies)

Mocking Pak army can land Pakistanis in jail for 2 years now

Uzbekistan has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and leaders in Central Asia for an international connectivity summit from 15th to 16th July that will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent.

The summit named "Central Asia and South Asia regional connectivity: Challenges and opportunities" is being organised as an initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It will have three common themes of discussion--economic, cultural, security--connectivity and aims to refresh historical ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaders and representatives of Russia, Iran, China, the US, and the European Union will also be invited to the summit.

The invitation to India was extended during Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov's New Delhi visit in late February. Kamilov has already visited the capitals of the other four Central Asian countries to extend the invitation. In March, Kamilov had visited Islamabad to hand over the invitation to Khan.

The summit will see a gathering of leaders from South and Central Asia and aims to increase connectivity between the two regions. This is the first such initiative of this kind from Uzbekistan, which is a doubly landlocked country. Uzbekistan, along with Liechtenstein are the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world.

Uzbekistan has been keen on using the India-built Chabahar port in Iran. Both countries formed the group with Iran for increasing engagement on the port. Afghanistan will be invited for the next meet of the grouping. During the December virtual summit between Indian PM Modi and Uzbek President&nbsp; Mirziyoyev, the latter announced the intention to join International North-South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow.

Uzbekistan is the only Central Asian country with which India has held a virtual summit so far. In strategic space and defence, both sides are increasing engagement. India and Uzbekistan held military exercises Dustlik-2 from 9th to 21st March at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. On Afghanistan as well, both sides hold regular exchanges.

With other countries in the region, Afghanistan is increasing engagement on connectivity, especially with air corridors and the Chabahar port project backed by New Delhi. A trans-Afghan railway is being planned, with Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan being part of it.

Uzbekistan has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and leaders in Central Asia for an international connectivity summit from 15th to 16th July that will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent.

Uzbekistan has invited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and leaders in Central Asia for an international connectivity summit from 15th to 16th July that will take place in the Uzbek capital Tashkent. The summit named "Central Asia and South Asia regional connectivity: Challenges and opportunities" is being organised as an initiative of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. It will have three common themes of discussion--economic, cultural, security--connectivity and aims to refresh historical ties. Leaders and representatives of Russia, Iran, China, the US, and the European Union will also be invited to the summit. The invitation to India was extended during Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov's New Delhi visit in late February. Kamilov has already visited the capitals of the other four Central Asian countries to extend the invitation. In March, Kamilov had visited Islamabad to hand over the invitation to Khan. The summit will see a gathering of leaders from South and Central Asia and aims to increase connectivity between the two regions. This is the first such initiative of this kind from Uzbekistan, which is a doubly landlocked country. Uzbekistan, along with Liechtenstein are the only two doubly landlocked countries in the world. Uzbekistan has been keen on using the India-built Chabahar port in Iran. Both countries formed the group with Iran for increasing engagement on the port. Afghanistan will be invited for the next meet of the grouping. During the December virtual summit between Indian PM Modi and Uzbek President Mirziyoyev, the latter announced the intention to join International North-South Transport Corridor that connects Mumbai to Moscow. Uzbekistan is the only Central Asian country with which India has held a virtual summit so far. In strategic space and defence, both sides are increasing engagement. India and Uzbekistan held military exercises Dustlik-2 from 9th to 21st March at Chaubatia, Uttarakhand. On Afghanistan as well, both sides hold regular exchanges. With other countries in the region, Afghanistan is increasing engagement on connectivity, especially with air corridors and the Chabahar port project backed by New Delhi. A trans-Afghan railway is being planned, with Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan being part of it.

Uzbekistan invites Indian PM Modi, Pak PM Khan, other leaders for connectivity summit

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