<p>Pakistan rights campaigners have accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of "baffling ignorance" after the former playboy cricketer blamed how women dress for a rise in rape cases.</p>

<p>In a weekend interview on live television, Oxford-educated Khan said an increase in rapes indicated the "consequences in any society where vulgarity is on the rise".</p>

<p>"The incidents of rape of women... (have) actually very rapidly increased in society," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He advised women to cover up to prevent temptation.</p>

<p>"This entire concept of purdah is to avoid temptation, not everyone has the willpower to avoid it," he said, using a term that can refer to modest dress or the segregation of the sexes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hundreds&nbsp;have signed a statement circulating online Wednesday calling Khan's comments "factually incorrect, insensitive and dangerous".</p>

<p>"Fault rests solely with the rapist and the system that enables the rapist, including a culture fostered by statements such as those made by (Khan)," the statement said.</p>

<p>The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, an independent rights watchdog, said Tuesday it was "appalled" by the comments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Not only does this betray a baffling ignorance of where, why and how rape occurs, but it also lays the blame on rape survivors, who, as the government must know, can range from young children to victims of honour crimes," it said.</p>

<p>Pakistan is a deeply conservative country where victims of sexual abuse are often viewed with suspicion and criminal complaints are rarely seriously investigated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Much of the country lives under an "honour" code where women who bring "shame" on the family can be subjected to violence or murder.</p>

<p>It regularly ranks among the worst places in the world for gender equality.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nationwide protests erupted last year when a police chief admonished a gang-rape victim for driving at night without a male companion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Franco-Pakistani mother was assaulted in front of her children on the side of a motorway after her car ran out of fuel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, Khan was also criticised &nbsp;after another television appearance where he failed to challenge a Muslim cleric's insistence that coronavirus had been unleashed because of the wrongdoings of women.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest controversy comes as the organisers behind International Women's Day marches battle what they have called a coordinated disinformation campaign against them, including doctored images and videos circulated online.</p>

<p>It has led to blasphemy accusations -- a hugely sensitive issue in Pakistan where allegations have previously led mobs to attack people.</p>

<p>The organisers of the annual rally have called for the prime minister to intervene.</p>

<p>In his weekend TV appearance, Khan also blamed divorce rates in Britain on the "sex, drugs and rock and roll" culture that began in the 1970s, when the twice-divorced Khan was gaining a reputation in London as a playboy.</p>


Pakistan rights campaigners have accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of "baffling ignorance" after the former playboy cricketer blamed how women dress for a rise in rape cases.

Pakistan rights campaigners have accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of "baffling ignorance" after the former playboy cricketer blamed how women dress for a rise in rape cases. In a weekend interview on live television, Oxford-educated Khan said an increase in rapes indicated the "consequences in any society where vulgarity is on the rise". "The incidents of rape of women... (have) actually very rapidly increased in society," he said. He advised women to cover up to prevent temptation. "This entire concept of purdah is to avoid temptation, not everyone has the willpower to avoid it," he said, using a term that can refer to modest dress or the segregation of the sexes. Hundreds have signed a statement circulating online Wednesday calling Khan's comments "factually incorrect, insensitive and dangerous". "Fault rests solely with the rapist and the system that enables the rapist, including a culture fostered by statements such as those made by (Khan)," the statement said. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, an independent rights watchdog, said Tuesday it was "appalled" by the comments. "Not only does this betray a baffling ignorance of where, why and how rape occurs, but it also lays the blame on rape survivors, who, as the government must know, can range from young children to victims of honour crimes," it said. Pakistan is a deeply conservative country where victims of sexual abuse are often viewed with suspicion and criminal complaints are rarely seriously investigated. Much of the country lives under an "honour" code where women who bring "shame" on the family can be subjected to violence or murder. It regularly ranks among the worst places in the world for gender equality. Nationwide protests erupted last year when a police chief admonished a gang-rape victim for driving at night without a male companion. The Franco-Pakistani mother was assaulted in front of her children on the side of a motorway after her car ran out of fuel. Last year, Khan was also criticised after another television appearance where he failed to challenge a Muslim cleric's insistence that coronavirus had been unleashed because of the wrongdoings of women. The latest controversy comes as the organisers behind International Women's Day marches battle what they have called a coordinated disinformation campaign against them, including doctored images and videos circulated online. It has led to blasphemy accusations -- a hugely sensitive issue in Pakistan where allegations have previously led mobs to attack people. The organisers of the annual rally have called for the prime minister to intervene. In his weekend TV appearance, Khan also blamed divorce rates in Britain on the "sex, drugs and rock and roll" culture that began in the 1970s, when the twice-divorced Khan was gaining a reputation in London as a playboy.

Backlash after Pakistan PM Imran Khan links rape to how women dress

<p>It’s clearly evident that the House in Pakistan under Prime Minister Imran Khan is sharply divided. There was a flicker of hope noticed in February this year when due to robust back-channel diplomacy and restraint on part of the otherwise vocal critics of an Indo-Pak thaw, gave rise to chances of peace. The guns on the borders were thought to have fallen silent reducing the sense of attrition and warmongering clouds. The aggressive tenor also showed signs of disappearance. Global pacifists and the diplomatic community saw that peace was perhaps on the anvil.</p>

<p>This was further carried forward when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the Pakistan National Day (March 23) hoping for cordial bilateral relations between the two neighbours. Imran Khan reciprocated articulating a similar tenor but wanted resolution of all mutual issues including Kashmir. This development again made the people on both sides hope that peace might dawn sooner than later and tranquil will prevail. This feeling got further boost when the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), functional under Pakistan’s commerce ministry, decided last week to resume trade ties with India, suspended since 2019 and allowing to import sugar and cotton from India. Again, this was seen as a forward movement towards the amelioration of further normalcy between India and Pakistan.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-pakistan-seeking-peace-with-india-is-it-for-real-375007">Opinion | Pakistan seeking peace with India: Is it for real?</a></strong></p>

<p>Sadly, however, the Pakistani Federal Cabinet, in a hurriedly convened meeting, didn’t endorse the ECC decision and there was an outright reversal of decision on an import of sugar and cotton from Pakistan. This was a major setback to a hopeful peace process set in motion barely a month ago ostensibly to give peace a chance. There were other indicators too which made one reckon that at least peace efforts were put to test in all earnest. These include a visible tone-down on parts of the Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other hawks in their rhetorics which were hitherto signalled acrimony. At the recently concluded Dushanbe meet also the Pakistan FM Qureshi chose to exercise restraint by not coming out with any anti-India remarks.</p>

<p>Under these circumstances, what could possibly be the compelling reason on part of Pakistan to take a sharp U-turn from its immediately earlier decision leading to the federal cabinet reversing the thought considered to have been executed after due diligence?&nbsp;This surely calls for a visceral examination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Prime Minister Imran Khan defending the cabinet decision on the imports said on April 2 that resuming trade with India would signal a wrong impression on Kashmir and further expressed that until India reverses the august 5, 2019 decision of abrogating Article 370, the status quo will remain. It’s difficult to fathom how the matter of Kashmir is linked to resumption of trade ties? ECC had already decided.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On this, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf stated on April 2 that the ECC had only explored the commercial angle and merely recommended import of items like sugar and cotton. Final decision rested with the Federal Cabinet. ECC, he further clarified with faint arguments, was an apolitical body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Judging by his afterthought statements, it would seem that there was a complete lack of coordination between the various ministries causing this volte-face. His defence was also weak when he said in defence that resumption of trade ties was strategically and politically untenable. This again seems far from being logical.</p>

<p>Judging by the rapid unfolding of these developments, it would appear that while PM Imran Khan had given a ‘go ahead’ for initiating the peace attempts, the hardliners within the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) must have prevailed over the decision and derailed the entire thing. Similarly, the religious extremists and the homegrown radicalised terror groups got the better of the political leadership in forcing the cabinet to reverse and reject the decision. Sadly again, it shows that the government in Pakistan is at the mercy of non-governmental ultra and extra-constitutional elements who are calling the shots. More crucially, they want to keep the Kashmir issue somehow alive by bringing it as a spanner in any move to restoring normalisation of relations.</p>

<p>Another factor dampening the prospects of peace efforts is a bunch of ministers within the cabinet. They include Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (surprising though, as he chose to be unprovocative at the recent Dushanbe meet towards his Indian counterpart), Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, another minister Shireen Mazari etc. These ministers, by deduction, must have reeled under their mentors from the ISI or religious extremist groups to rake up Kashmir mainly to divert attention from the core domestic ills that have afflicted Pakistan including the continued stay in the grey list in terror funding as ruled by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The poor economic condition and abysmal standing in the global community is also a major concern for Pakistan for which they continue to whip the Kashmir issue to be seen to remain alive in the domain of international politics though it’s highly illusory.</p>

<p>In a separate Pakistan related development, Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 2 expressed in a very despairing note that he was puzzled at what he described as cacophony over Pakistan not being invited to a conference on Climate Change. To prove his point, smattered with frustration, Imran Khan claimed that his government’s policies were driven solely by Pakistan’s commitment to its future generations of a clean and green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of Climate Change. To cover up the frustration arising out of a conspicuous exclusion, the Pakistan PM cited examples of a green Pakistan campaign and the 10 billion Tree Tsunami initiative. Imran’s statement came in the wake of US Climate Envoy John Kerry's trips to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi and Dhaka from April 1 to April 9 in an attempt to slow the impact of global warming. Pakistan’s exclusion is seen as good as Pakistan being ignored on the critical issue of Climate Change. That’s obviously difficult to swallow. With such marginalisation, Pakistan could have done well by taking a step further in resuming trade ties with India instead of a forthright reversal of the imports if needed commodities. It would surely have marked a good beginning.</p>

<p><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></p>


It’s clearly evident that the House in Pakistan under Prime Minister Imran Khan is sharply divided. There was a flicker of hope noticed in February this year when due to robust back-channel diplomacy and restraint on part of the otherwise vocal critics of an Indo-Pak thaw, gave rise to chances of peace.

It’s clearly evident that the House in Pakistan under Prime Minister Imran Khan is sharply divided. There was a flicker of hope noticed in February this year when due to robust back-channel diplomacy and restraint on part of the otherwise vocal critics of an Indo-Pak thaw, gave rise to chances of peace. The guns on the borders were thought to have fallen silent reducing the sense of attrition and warmongering clouds. The aggressive tenor also showed signs of disappearance. Global pacifists and the diplomatic community saw that peace was perhaps on the anvil. This was further carried forward when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on the Pakistan National Day (March 23) hoping for cordial bilateral relations between the two neighbours. Imran Khan reciprocated articulating a similar tenor but wanted resolution of all mutual issues including Kashmir. This development again made the people on both sides hope that peace might dawn sooner than later and tranquil will prevail. This feeling got further boost when the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), functional under Pakistan’s commerce ministry, decided last week to resume trade ties with India, suspended since 2019 and allowing to import sugar and cotton from India. Again, this was seen as a forward movement towards the amelioration of further normalcy between India and Pakistan. Also Read: Opinion | Pakistan seeking peace with India: Is it for real? Sadly, however, the Pakistani Federal Cabinet, in a hurriedly convened meeting, didn’t endorse the ECC decision and there was an outright reversal of decision on an import of sugar and cotton from Pakistan. This was a major setback to a hopeful peace process set in motion barely a month ago ostensibly to give peace a chance. There were other indicators too which made one reckon that at least peace efforts were put to test in all earnest. These include a visible tone-down on parts of the Army Chief General Qamar Bajwa, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and other hawks in their rhetorics which were hitherto signalled acrimony. At the recently concluded Dushanbe meet also the Pakistan FM Qureshi chose to exercise restraint by not coming out with any anti-India remarks. Under these circumstances, what could possibly be the compelling reason on part of Pakistan to take a sharp U-turn from its immediately earlier decision leading to the federal cabinet reversing the thought considered to have been executed after due diligence? This surely calls for a visceral examination. Prime Minister Imran Khan defending the cabinet decision on the imports said on April 2 that resuming trade with India would signal a wrong impression on Kashmir and further expressed that until India reverses the august 5, 2019 decision of abrogating Article 370, the status quo will remain. It’s difficult to fathom how the matter of Kashmir is linked to resumption of trade ties? ECC had already decided. On this, Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Security Advisor Moeed Yusuf stated on April 2 that the ECC had only explored the commercial angle and merely recommended import of items like sugar and cotton. Final decision rested with the Federal Cabinet. ECC, he further clarified with faint arguments, was an apolitical body. Judging by his afterthought statements, it would seem that there was a complete lack of coordination between the various ministries causing this volte-face. His defence was also weak when he said in defence that resumption of trade ties was strategically and politically untenable. This again seems far from being logical. Judging by the rapid unfolding of these developments, it would appear that while PM Imran Khan had given a ‘go ahead’ for initiating the peace attempts, the hardliners within the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) must have prevailed over the decision and derailed the entire thing. Similarly, the religious extremists and the homegrown radicalised terror groups got the better of the political leadership in forcing the cabinet to reverse and reject the decision. Sadly again, it shows that the government in Pakistan is at the mercy of non-governmental ultra and extra-constitutional elements who are calling the shots. More crucially, they want to keep the Kashmir issue somehow alive by bringing it as a spanner in any move to restoring normalisation of relations. Another factor dampening the prospects of peace efforts is a bunch of ministers within the cabinet. They include Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi (surprising though, as he chose to be unprovocative at the recent Dushanbe meet towards his Indian counterpart), Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed, another minister Shireen Mazari etc. These ministers, by deduction, must have reeled under their mentors from the ISI or religious extremist groups to rake up Kashmir mainly to divert attention from the core domestic ills that have afflicted Pakistan including the continued stay in the grey list in terror funding as ruled by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The poor economic condition and abysmal standing in the global community is also a major concern for Pakistan for which they continue to whip the Kashmir issue to be seen to remain alive in the domain of international politics though it’s highly illusory. In a separate Pakistan related development, Prime Minister Imran Khan on April 2 expressed in a very despairing note that he was puzzled at what he described as cacophony over Pakistan not being invited to a conference on Climate Change. To prove his point, smattered with frustration, Imran Khan claimed that his government’s policies were driven solely by Pakistan’s commitment to its future generations of a clean and green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of Climate Change. To cover up the frustration arising out of a conspicuous exclusion, the Pakistan PM cited examples of a green Pakistan campaign and the 10 billion Tree Tsunami initiative. Imran’s statement came in the wake of US Climate Envoy John Kerry's trips to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi and Dhaka from April 1 to April 9 in an attempt to slow the impact of global warming. Pakistan’s exclusion is seen as good as Pakistan being ignored on the critical issue of Climate Change. That’s obviously difficult to swallow. With such marginalisation, Pakistan could have done well by taking a step further in resuming trade ties with India instead of a forthright reversal of the imports if needed commodities. It would surely have marked a good beginning. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | On Pakistan’s sudden reversal on improving ties with India

<p>Prime Minister Imran Khan decided that Pakistan cannot go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances after holding consultations with key members of his Cabinet on importing cotton and sugar from the neighbouring country, a media report said on Saturday.</p>

<p>The prime minister after consultations on Friday instructed the Ministry of Commerce and his economic team to immediately take steps to facilitate the relevant sectors, value added, apparel and sugar, by finding alternative cheap sources of import of the needed commodities, the Dawn newspaper quoted sources as saying.</p>

<p>Various proposals have been presented to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) which considers these suggestions from an economic and commercial point of view. After consideration by the ECC, its decisions are presented to the Cabinet for ratification and final approval, the report said.</p>

<p>In the present case, a proposal was presented to the ECC to allow the import of cotton, cotton yarn and sugar from India keeping in view domestic requirements, it said.</p>

<p>With regards to the ECC decision to allow import of sugar, cotton and cotton yarn from India, Khan held consultations with key members of his Cabinet on Friday and decided that Pakistan could not go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances, it said.</p>

<p>The ECC had decided on commercial grounds to recommend these imports for the Cabinet's consideration.</p>

<p>While the decision was not on the formal agenda of the Cabinet meeting, the issue was brought up by Cabinet members and the prime minister instructed that the ECC's decision be deferred and immediately reviewed, the report said.</p>

<p>The Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Khan on Thursday rejected the proposal of the high-powered committee to import cotton from India, with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi asserting that there can be no normalisation of ties until New Delhi reverses its decision in 2019 to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>Pakistan's U-turn on Thursday came a day after the ECC, under newly-appointed Finance Minister Hammad Azhar, recommended importing cotton and sugar from India, lifting a nearly two-year-long ban on its import from the neighbouring country amidst tensions over the Kashmir issue.</p>

<p>India has said that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility, and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.</p>

<p>India has also told Pakistan that "talks and terror" cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India.</p>

<p>The ECC's decision had raised hopes of a partial revival of Pakistan-India bilateral trade relations, which were suspended after the August 5, 2019 decision of New Delhi to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.</p>

<p>In May 2020, Pakistan lifted the ban on the import of medicines and raw material of essential drugs from India amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.</p>

<p>India's move to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Pakistan also snapped all air and land links with India and suspended trade and railway services.</p>


Prime Minister Imran Khan decided that Pakistan cannot go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances after holding consultations with key members of his Cabinet on importing cotton and sugar from the neighbouring country, a media report said on Saturday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan decided that Pakistan cannot go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances after holding consultations with key members of his Cabinet on importing cotton and sugar from the neighbouring country, a media report said on Saturday. The prime minister after consultations on Friday instructed the Ministry of Commerce and his economic team to immediately take steps to facilitate the relevant sectors, value added, apparel and sugar, by finding alternative cheap sources of import of the needed commodities, the Dawn newspaper quoted sources as saying. Various proposals have been presented to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) which considers these suggestions from an economic and commercial point of view. After consideration by the ECC, its decisions are presented to the Cabinet for ratification and final approval, the report said. In the present case, a proposal was presented to the ECC to allow the import of cotton, cotton yarn and sugar from India keeping in view domestic requirements, it said. With regards to the ECC decision to allow import of sugar, cotton and cotton yarn from India, Khan held consultations with key members of his Cabinet on Friday and decided that Pakistan could not go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances, it said. The ECC had decided on commercial grounds to recommend these imports for the Cabinet's consideration. While the decision was not on the formal agenda of the Cabinet meeting, the issue was brought up by Cabinet members and the prime minister instructed that the ECC's decision be deferred and immediately reviewed, the report said. The Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Khan on Thursday rejected the proposal of the high-powered committee to import cotton from India, with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi asserting that there can be no normalisation of ties until New Delhi reverses its decision in 2019 to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan's U-turn on Thursday came a day after the ECC, under newly-appointed Finance Minister Hammad Azhar, recommended importing cotton and sugar from India, lifting a nearly two-year-long ban on its import from the neighbouring country amidst tensions over the Kashmir issue. India has said that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility, and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility. India has also told Pakistan that "talks and terror" cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India. The ECC's decision had raised hopes of a partial revival of Pakistan-India bilateral trade relations, which were suspended after the August 5, 2019 decision of New Delhi to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. In May 2020, Pakistan lifted the ban on the import of medicines and raw material of essential drugs from India amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. India's move to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Pakistan also snapped all air and land links with India and suspended trade and railway services.

No trade with India under current circumstances: Pak PM Khan

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is mighty disappointed with the US administration not inviting his country to a conference on climate change.</p>

<p>The prime minister's statement comes days after the White House announced names of 40 world leaders -- invited by US President Joe Biden -- to participate in a virtual global climate summit on April 22-23.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a White House statement, the invited leaders represent countries that are top polluters, show strong climate leadership, are “especially vulnerable” to climate impacts, or are “charting innovative pathways to a net-zero economy”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-invites-40-world-leaders-including-xi-and-putin-to-virtual-climate-summit-373539"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Biden invites 40 world leaders, including Xi and Putin, to virtual climate summit</strong></a></p>

<p>Imran Khan wasn’t on the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was also announced that US climate envoy John Kerry would travel to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, and Dhaka from April 1 to 9 in an effort to narrow differences on climate change goals.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-climate-envoy-to-travel-to-uae-india-and-bangladesh-374634"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US climate envoy to travel to UAE, India and Bangladesh</strong></a></p>

<p>Pakistan again did not feature on the list. And Imran Khan begs to differ.</p>

<p>Khan on Saturday took to Twitter to express his displeasure.</p>

<p>He wrote, "I am puzzled at the cacophony over Pak not being invited to a climate change conf! My govt's environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean &amp; green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change.</p>

<p>"Hence our initiatives of Green Pak, 10 bn-tree tsunami, nature based solutions, cleaning up our rivers etc. We have gained vast experience in 7 yrs, beg with KP, &amp; our policies are being recognised &amp; lauded. We are ready to help any state wanting to learn from our experience.</p>

<p>"I have already laid out priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 - COP26 - if the international community is serious about countering impact of climate change."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I am puzzled at the cacophony over Pak not being invited to a climate change conf! My govt's environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean &amp; green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change.</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1378231390702034947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hence our initiatives of Green Pak, 10 bn-tree tsunami, nature based solutions, cleaning up our rivers etc. We have gained vast experience in 7 yrs, beg with KP, &amp; our policies are being recognised &amp; lauded. We are ready to help any state wanting to learn from our experience.</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1378231394741129216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I have already laid out priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 - COP26 - if the international community is serious about countering impact of climate change.</p>
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1378231397870108673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Islamabad had earlier also suggested that Pakistan’s low emissions rate, coupled with its globally recognised tree-planting initiatives, qualify it for the summit.</p>

<p>Reports say that Khan and Biden haven't interacted even via telephone ever since the latter assumed office in January, 2021.</p>

<p>The US State Department though had, earlier this week, said that Washington looked forward to working with Islamabad on the climate crisis at different levels.</p>

<p>Notably, Russia and Pakistan's all-weather ally, China have made the cut to Biden's list of 40 countries.</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is mighty disappointed with the US administration not inviting his country to a conference on climate change. The prime minister's statement comes days after the White House announced names of 40 world leaders -- invited by US President Joe Biden -- to participate in a virtual global climate summit on April 22-23.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is mighty disappointed with the US administration not inviting his country to a conference on climate change. The prime minister's statement comes days after the White House announced names of 40 world leaders -- invited by US President Joe Biden -- to participate in a virtual global climate summit on April 22-23. According to a White House statement, the invited leaders represent countries that are top polluters, show strong climate leadership, are “especially vulnerable” to climate impacts, or are “charting innovative pathways to a net-zero economy”. Also read | Biden invites 40 world leaders, including Xi and Putin, to virtual climate summit Imran Khan wasn’t on the list. It was also announced that US climate envoy John Kerry would travel to Abu Dhabi, New Delhi, and Dhaka from April 1 to 9 in an effort to narrow differences on climate change goals. Also read | US climate envoy to travel to UAE, India and Bangladesh Pakistan again did not feature on the list. And Imran Khan begs to differ. Khan on Saturday took to Twitter to express his displeasure. He wrote, "I am puzzled at the cacophony over Pak not being invited to a climate change conf! My govt's environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean & green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change. "Hence our initiatives of Green Pak, 10 bn-tree tsunami, nature based solutions, cleaning up our rivers etc. We have gained vast experience in 7 yrs, beg with KP, & our policies are being recognised & lauded. We are ready to help any state wanting to learn from our experience. "I have already laid out priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 - COP26 - if the international community is serious about countering impact of climate change." I am puzzled at the cacophony over Pak not being invited to a climate change conf! My govt's environment policies are driven solely by our commitment to our future generations of a clean & green Pakistan to mitigate the impact of climate change. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 3, 2021 × Hence our initiatives of Green Pak, 10 bn-tree tsunami, nature based solutions, cleaning up our rivers etc. We have gained vast experience in 7 yrs, beg with KP, & our policies are being recognised & lauded. We are ready to help any state wanting to learn from our experience. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 3, 2021 × I have already laid out priorities for the UN Climate Change Conference 2021 - COP26 - if the international community is serious about countering impact of climate change. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 3, 2021 × Islamabad had earlier also suggested that Pakistan’s low emissions rate, coupled with its globally recognised tree-planting initiatives, qualify it for the summit. Reports say that Khan and Biden haven't interacted even via telephone ever since the latter assumed office in January, 2021. The US State Department though had, earlier this week, said that Washington looked forward to working with Islamabad on the climate crisis at different levels. Notably, Russia and Pakistan's all-weather ally, China have made the cut to Biden's list of 40 countries.

Imran Khan disappointed with Pakistan's exclusion from US-led global climate summit

Pakistan government did a U-turn on its decision to resume trade with India. A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan rejected a decision made by a government panel on Wednesday to allow imports of sugar and cotton from India to control prices and overcome a shortage.

Pakistan does U-turn on lifting ban on Indian imports

<p>The Pakistan cabinet on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to allow the import of white sugar by India.</p>

<p>Khan, who is also Minister-in-charge for Commerce, approved the Economic Coordination Committee's recommendation to allow sugar imports, according to a document accessed by WION.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="Imran Khan on sugar imports from India" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d7d63c67-3c29-4ea2-9612-cda3c56486d8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2812%29_29.jpg" /></p>

<p>However, some minister from the Imran administration rejected the proposal over the removal of special status from the Jammu and Kashmir region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-u-turns-decision-to-import-of-sugar-cotton-from-india-374837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>New Delhi in August 2019 abrogated Article 370 from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that angered Islamabad and further strained ties between both nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/flip-flop-pakistan-makes-a-u-turn-on-import-of-cotton-sugar-from-india-citing-kashmir-374757">Flip flop! Pakistan makes a U-turn on import of cotton, sugar from India, citing Kashmir</a></strong></p>

<p>"Today, the Cabinet reviewed the ECC decision to import sugar and cotton from India and cabinet after debate came to the decision to defer the matter," Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There was this impression that relations with India are progressing towards normalcy and that trade is resuming, all members including PM unequivocally express that untill India reviews its decision of Aug 5, 2019, it will not be possible to return to a normal relationship with India."</p>

<p>After the conclusion of the cabinet meeting, Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid told reporters that the import of sugar and cotton from India will be deferred till "India reverses its decision of removal of Article 370 from Kashmir".</p>

<p>According to the sources, Rashid, Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, and Asad Umar opposed the proposal by ECC of imports from India.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Pakistan cabinet on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to allow the import of white sugar by India. Khan, who is also Minister-in-charge for Commerce, approved the Economic Coordination Committee's recommendation to allow sugar imports, according to a document accessed by WION.

The Pakistan cabinet on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to allow the import of white sugar by India. Khan, who is also Minister-in-charge for Commerce, approved the Economic Coordination Committee's recommendation to allow sugar imports, according to a document accessed by WION. However, some minister from the Imran administration rejected the proposal over the removal of special status from the Jammu and Kashmir region. Watch | New Delhi in August 2019 abrogated Article 370 from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that angered Islamabad and further strained ties between both nations. Also read | Flip flop! Pakistan makes a U-turn on import of cotton, sugar from India, citing Kashmir "Today, the Cabinet reviewed the ECC decision to import sugar and cotton from India and cabinet after debate came to the decision to defer the matter," Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi said. "There was this impression that relations with India are progressing towards normalcy and that trade is resuming, all members including PM unequivocally express that untill India reviews its decision of Aug 5, 2019, it will not be possible to return to a normal relationship with India." After the conclusion of the cabinet meeting, Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid told reporters that the import of sugar and cotton from India will be deferred till "India reverses its decision of removal of Article 370 from Kashmir". According to the sources, Rashid, Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, and Asad Umar opposed the proposal by ECC of imports from India.

Pak cabinet move against imports from India seen as overturning PM's decision

<p>Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister&nbsp;Shah Mahmood Qureshi&nbsp;told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.</p>

<p>Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC).</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/bilateral-dialogue-is-the-only-way-forward-pak-fm-qureshi-374607/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added.</p>

<p>There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked about this, Qureshi said,&nbsp;"We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either."&nbsp;</p>

<p>''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. "</p>

<p>He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;"I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness."</p>

<p>He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's&nbsp;reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day.&nbsp;"PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.''</p>

<p>In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said.</p>

<p>On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said:&nbsp; "I was listening carefully. He didn't point&nbsp;or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan&nbsp;on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."</p>


Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference. Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC). Watch | ''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said. "So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two." "If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added. There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen. Asked about this, Qureshi said, "We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either." ''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. " He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement. "I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness." He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day. "PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.'' In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted. The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said. On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said: "I was listening carefully. He didn't point or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."

WION Exclusive: Dialogue with India only way forward, says Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi 

<p>Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday ruled out a general lockdown while acknowledging the country was going through a third wave of the pandemic.</p>

<p>Pakistan reported 4,757 new infections and 78 deaths on March 30, with two thirds of ventilators and around 80% of beds with oxygen facilities in major cities occupied.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-president-defence-minister-test-positive-for-covid-19-374231" hreflang="en">Pakistan's president, defence minister test positive for COVID-19</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have to adopt a balanced policy where the spread of the virus can be prevented and where the poor man and the country's economy are least affected," Khan told a national coordinating committee meeting.</p>

<p>Pakistan has opted for what officials call "smart lockdowns", short-term restrictions imposed often at neighbourhood level,&nbsp;to try to tame the disease while keeping the economy afloat.</p>

<p>While federal and provincial governments have announced restrictions on gatherings, public transportation, and mask mandates, the measures have largely not been enforced.</p>

<p>Khan said he would direct the government to reinforce the mask mandates.</p>

<p><strong>Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jumping-queue-pak-minister-creates-stir-for-getting-family-vaccinated-against-covid-19-374293" hreflang="en">Pak minister creates stir for getting family vaccinated against Covid-19&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>Some 800,000 doses of vaccine have been administered in Pakistan so far, all of them Sinopharm donated by Beijing, Health Minister Faisal Sultan said.</p>

<p>Sultan said half of another million doses bought from Sinopharm had arrived on Wednesday and the other half would arrive on Thursday.</p>

<p>Pakistan is scrambling to get more vaccine as it awaits WHO/COVAX/GAVI allocations of AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which have been delayed.</p>

<p>The country is planning to acquire enough of a concentrated form of the Chinese CanSino Biologics vaccine next month to locally produce 3 million doses.</p>

<p>"We are speeding up this process and want to take it to the next stage," Sultan said.</p>

<p>Pakistan has allowed the private sector to import and sell vaccine, but a legal dispute between an importer and the government over the price has delayed that mechanism.</p>


Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday ruled out a general lockdown while acknowledging the country was going through a third wave of the pandemic. Pakistan reported 4,757 new infections and 78 deaths on March 30, with two thirds of ventilators and around 80% of beds with oxygen facilities in major cities occupied.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday ruled out a general lockdown while acknowledging the country was going through a third wave of the pandemic. Pakistan reported 4,757 new infections and 78 deaths on March 30, with two thirds of ventilators and around 80% of beds with oxygen facilities in major cities occupied. Also read| Pakistan's president, defence minister test positive for COVID-19 "We have to adopt a balanced policy where the spread of the virus can be prevented and where the poor man and the country's economy are least affected," Khan told a national coordinating committee meeting. Pakistan has opted for what officials call "smart lockdowns", short-term restrictions imposed often at neighbourhood level, to try to tame the disease while keeping the economy afloat. While federal and provincial governments have announced restrictions on gatherings, public transportation, and mask mandates, the measures have largely not been enforced. Khan said he would direct the government to reinforce the mask mandates. Also read| Pak minister creates stir for getting family vaccinated against Covid-19 Some 800,000 doses of vaccine have been administered in Pakistan so far, all of them Sinopharm donated by Beijing, Health Minister Faisal Sultan said. Sultan said half of another million doses bought from Sinopharm had arrived on Wednesday and the other half would arrive on Thursday. Pakistan is scrambling to get more vaccine as it awaits WHO/COVAX/GAVI allocations of AstraZeneca’s vaccine, which have been delayed. The country is planning to acquire enough of a concentrated form of the Chinese CanSino Biologics vaccine next month to locally produce 3 million doses. "We are speeding up this process and want to take it to the next stage," Sultan said. Pakistan has allowed the private sector to import and sell vaccine, but a legal dispute between an importer and the government over the price has delayed that mechanism.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan rules out general lockdown

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan replied to a letter written by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi saying Pakistan desires peaceful relations with India. Modi had written to Khan on the occasion of Pakistan’s Republic Day on March 23.

Letter exchange between Indian PM Modi and Pak PM Imran Khan

Pakistan’s textile ministry headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan has recommended the lifting of a ban on the import of cotton from India to bridge the raw material shortfall the country’s textile sector is facing.

Pak seeks to lift ban on import of cotton from India

<p>Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran Khan removed his finance minister on Monday as part of a government shake-up aimed at bringing in policies to control "rising inflation", the information minister.</p>

<p>The removal - the second of a finance minister in the 2-1/2 years of Khan's tenure - comes amidst the restart of a $6 billion IMF bailout programme that had been suspended for one year over questions about fiscal and revenue reforms.</p>

<p>Cash-strapped&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;is also preparing to float Eurobonds worth around $2 billion to raise capital from international markets about two months before presenting a budget.</p>

<p>"There has been rising inflation, and the prime minister thinks that we need to bring in a fresh team which could devise pro-poor policies," information minister Shibli Faraz told local Dunya News TV.</p>

<p>He said Hammad Azhar, the minister for industries and production, would replace Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.</p>

<p>The central bank on March 19 kept its policy rate at 7% for a 10th consecutive month to support economic recovery while keeping inflation expectations well-anchored and maintaining financial stability. It also revised higher its growth rate for the current fiscal year.</p>

<p>The South Asian nation recorded 8.7% CPI Y/Y in February.</p>

<p>Sheikh had lost a parliamentary election earlier this month that was mandatory for him to keep the office of the finance minister constitutionally. However he could have stayed in office until June 10, and it is not clear whether the decision to remove him was also a move to cover for the consequences of that election loss.</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan removed his finance minister on Monday as part of a government shake-up aimed at bringing in policies to control "rising inflation", the information minister.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan removed his finance minister on Monday as part of a government shake-up aimed at bringing in policies to control "rising inflation", the information minister. The removal - the second of a finance minister in the 2-1/2 years of Khan's tenure - comes amidst the restart of a $6 billion IMF bailout programme that had been suspended for one year over questions about fiscal and revenue reforms. Cash-strapped Pakistan is also preparing to float Eurobonds worth around $2 billion to raise capital from international markets about two months before presenting a budget. "There has been rising inflation, and the prime minister thinks that we need to bring in a fresh team which could devise pro-poor policies," information minister Shibli Faraz told local Dunya News TV. He said Hammad Azhar, the minister for industries and production, would replace Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. The central bank on March 19 kept its policy rate at 7% for a 10th consecutive month to support economic recovery while keeping inflation expectations well-anchored and maintaining financial stability. It also revised higher its growth rate for the current fiscal year. The South Asian nation recorded 8.7% CPI Y/Y in February. Sheikh had lost a parliamentary election earlier this month that was mandatory for him to keep the office of the finance minister constitutionally. However he could have stayed in office until June 10, and it is not clear whether the decision to remove him was also a move to cover for the consequences of that election loss.

Pakistan PM Khan replaces finance minister

6 days after he tested positive, Imran Khan is out of isolation & is conducting meetings. Here's what WION's Palki has to say to the Pak PM.

Gravitas: Imran Khan is out of self-isolation

<p>Pakistan Interior Ministry on Wednesday decided not to renew the passport of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif who is currently residing in London.</p>

<p>The interior ministry stated this in response to a query by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made on February 19 regarding the "request for issuance of new diplomatic passport by the former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif", reported Dawn.</p>

<p>Sharif`s passport had expired in February of this year. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had already announced in January that the PML-N supremo`s passport would not be renewed as per instructions from Prime Minister Imran Khan.</p>

<p>The letter by the Ministry of Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs turned down the request and stated that the renewal of Nawaz Sharif`s passport would not be processed by the relevant authorities.</p>

<p>The interior ministry stated that in order to return to Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif may apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the Pakistan High Commission in the UK, and "the same may be issued once he produces prior bookings of travel to Pakistan through PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) only.</p>

<p>"The Ministry also said that Nawaz was declared a proclaimed offender by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a criminal appeal titled "Mian Nawaz Vs NAB", as well as Toshakhana Reference by an accountability court in Islamabad and declared absconder in reference in case of Mir Shakeelur Rehman by an accountability court in Lahore, reported Dawn.</p>

<p>"He being a fugitive of the law and absconder cannot seek any further relief unless he surrenders before the courts in Pakistan," the letter said.</p>

<p>IHC had granted eight-week bail to Nawaz Sharif on October 29, 2019, and had allowed him to travel abroad for four weeks for medical treatment on November 16, 2019 order.</p>

<p>As per the court directives, the duration could be extended based on medical reports. Meanwhile, Interior Ministry had asked for more information related to Nawaz`s health, reported Dawn.</p>

<p>Nawaz Sharif has been vocal about the misgovernance of PM Imran Khan and has held many virtual summits of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) criticising the incumbent government and had garnered the support of a large audience in Pakistan.</p>


Pakistan Interior Ministry on Wednesday decided not to renew the passport of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif who is currently residing in London.

Pakistan Interior Ministry on Wednesday decided not to renew the passport of former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif who is currently residing in London. The interior ministry stated this in response to a query by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs made on February 19 regarding the "request for issuance of new diplomatic passport by the former Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif", reported Dawn. Sharif`s passport had expired in February of this year. Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed had already announced in January that the PML-N supremo`s passport would not be renewed as per instructions from Prime Minister Imran Khan. The letter by the Ministry of Interior to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs turned down the request and stated that the renewal of Nawaz Sharif`s passport would not be processed by the relevant authorities. The interior ministry stated that in order to return to Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif may apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the Pakistan High Commission in the UK, and "the same may be issued once he produces prior bookings of travel to Pakistan through PIA (Pakistan International Airlines) only. "The Ministry also said that Nawaz was declared a proclaimed offender by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) in a criminal appeal titled "Mian Nawaz Vs NAB", as well as Toshakhana Reference by an accountability court in Islamabad and declared absconder in reference in case of Mir Shakeelur Rehman by an accountability court in Lahore, reported Dawn. "He being a fugitive of the law and absconder cannot seek any further relief unless he surrenders before the courts in Pakistan," the letter said. IHC had granted eight-week bail to Nawaz Sharif on October 29, 2019, and had allowed him to travel abroad for four weeks for medical treatment on November 16, 2019 order. As per the court directives, the duration could be extended based on medical reports. Meanwhile, Interior Ministry had asked for more information related to Nawaz`s health, reported Dawn. Nawaz Sharif has been vocal about the misgovernance of PM Imran Khan and has held many virtual summits of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) criticising the incumbent government and had garnered the support of a large audience in Pakistan.

Pak Interior Ministry refuses to renew Nawaz Sharif's passport

<p>Pakistani Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan </a>has raked up yet another controversy after he reportedly held a meeting with the media team on Thursday in person, despite being infected with the novel coronavirus.</p>

<p>Shibli Faraz, Federal Minister for Information &amp; Broadcasting, has posted the image of the Pakistani prime minister with the caption saying: "Prime minister with the media team today at Bani gala".</p>

<p>In the image posted on Twitter, seven people were seen sitting inside a room including Khan.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Prime minister with the media team today at Bani gala <a href="https://t.co/Vk0oWIUDed">pic.twitter.com/Vk0oWIUDed</a></p>
— Senator Shibli Faraz (@shiblifaraz) <a href="https://twitter.com/shiblifaraz/status/1375024974793162754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Though everyone present in the meeting is wearing masks and seated socially distant to each other, the Pakistani PM is receiving a lot of flak since it's been only a few days since he had tested positive for Covid-19, and most leaders who had contracted the deadly virus had&nbsp;held virtual meetings and kept themselves isolated from others.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Twitter user shared the image of UK PM Boris Johnson to show how he held virtual engagements when he had contracted Covid-19.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Bro that's how intelligent and sensible governments work when their premiere is sick. Protecting themselves and others," the user wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Bro that's how intelligent and sensible governments work when their premiere is sick. Protecting themselves and others. <a href="https://t.co/Df7h4TVMyN">pic.twitter.com/Df7h4TVMyN</a></p>
— ASK (@ASK7799) <a href="https://twitter.com/ASK7799/status/1375031509632057345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another social media user said that even if the meeting was held, what was the need to release its image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Horrible horrible messaging in a country where people already refuse to wear a mask and take covid seriously," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Meeting kr bhy li hai tu why release the images?<br />
<br />
Horrible horrible messaging in a country where people already refuse to wear a mask and take covid seriously</p>
— سعد (@saaadmalikk) <a href="https://twitter.com/saaadmalikk/status/1375041565110984709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Does he need to have a zoom meeting or a room meeting," another user asked on Twitter&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Very strange for the world and truly reflect approach &amp; wisdom to deal with #COVID19 in Pakistan."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Does he need to have a zoom meeting or a room meeting?<br />
<br />
Very strange for the world and truly reflect approach &amp; wisdom to deal with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> in Pakistan.</p>
— Ch.Amjad Farooq (@CPEC15) <a href="https://twitter.com/CPEC15/status/1375044124261376005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Here are more comments from the netizens on the image.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">He is positive. Still meeting with people?</p>
— #GodFather (@PTITiger_) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTITiger_/status/1375025170793050115?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">Shibli Faraz sahab 4-5 din baad apna test bhi kara lijiye ga</p>
— اسریٰ (@freakonomist5) <a href="https://twitter.com/freakonomist5/status/1375036201246285825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Disappointed!!!<br />
PM should be isolating, this picture shows utter disregard to Quarantine protocols.<br />
for 10 days atleast he should not meet anyone.<br />
That is why nation does not respects SOPs as leaders are the worst examples of not wearing masks and following SOPs and laws.</p>
— MAR (@MumtazAhmedRiaz) <a href="https://twitter.com/MumtazAhmedRiaz/status/1375042149041995776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Khan contracted the deadly virus on Saturday and the country's health minister tweeted that the Pakistani PM is self-isolating.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has raked up yet another controversy after he reportedly held a meeting with the media team on Thursday in person, despite being infected with the novel coronavirus.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has raked up yet another controversy after he reportedly held a meeting with the media team on Thursday in person, despite being infected with the novel coronavirus. Shibli Faraz, Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting, has posted the image of the Pakistani prime minister with the caption saying: "Prime minister with the media team today at Bani gala". In the image posted on Twitter, seven people were seen sitting inside a room including Khan. Prime minister with the media team today at Bani gala pic.twitter.com/Vk0oWIUDed — Senator Shibli Faraz (@shiblifaraz) March 25, 2021 × Though everyone present in the meeting is wearing masks and seated socially distant to each other, the Pakistani PM is receiving a lot of flak since it's been only a few days since he had tested positive for Covid-19, and most leaders who had contracted the deadly virus had held virtual meetings and kept themselves isolated from others. A Twitter user shared the image of UK PM Boris Johnson to show how he held virtual engagements when he had contracted Covid-19. "Bro that's how intelligent and sensible governments work when their premiere is sick. Protecting themselves and others," the user wrote. Bro that's how intelligent and sensible governments work when their premiere is sick. Protecting themselves and others. pic.twitter.com/Df7h4TVMyN — ASK (@ASK7799) March 25, 2021 × Another social media user said that even if the meeting was held, what was the need to release its image. "Horrible horrible messaging in a country where people already refuse to wear a mask and take covid seriously," he added. Meeting kr bhy li hai tu why release the images? Horrible horrible messaging in a country where people already refuse to wear a mask and take covid seriously — سعد (@saaadmalikk) March 25, 2021 × "Does he need to have a zoom meeting or a room meeting," another user asked on Twitter "Very strange for the world and truly reflect approach & wisdom to deal with #COVID19 in Pakistan." Does he need to have a zoom meeting or a room meeting? Very strange for the world and truly reflect approach & wisdom to deal with #COVID19 in Pakistan. — Ch.Amjad Farooq (@CPEC15) March 25, 2021 × Here are more comments from the netizens on the image. He is positive. Still meeting with people? — #GodFather (@PTITiger_) March 25, 2021 × Shibli Faraz sahab 4-5 din baad apna test bhi kara lijiye ga — اسریٰ (@freakonomist5) March 25, 2021 × Disappointed!!! PM should be isolating, this picture shows utter disregard to Quarantine protocols. for 10 days atleast he should not meet anyone. That is why nation does not respects SOPs as leaders are the worst examples of not wearing masks and following SOPs and laws. — MAR (@MumtazAhmedRiaz) March 25, 2021 × Khan contracted the deadly virus on Saturday and the country's health minister tweeted that the Pakistani PM is self-isolating.

Covid-hit Pak PM Imran Khan's in-person meeting sets Twitter abuzz

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day".</p>

<p>Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India.</p>

<p>"India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but an atmosphere of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is 'imperative' for it," Modi said in his letter to Khan.</p>

<p>Modi also extended greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day.</p>

<p>"As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said.</p>

<p>This reportedly is a routine letter sent every year.</p>

<p>Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.</p>

<p>It is learnt that a separate message was sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir.<br />
On Monday, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years.</p>

<p>Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India desires good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally but added that any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere. He said the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere.</p>

<p>The relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in 2019.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day". Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day". Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India. "India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but an atmosphere of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is 'imperative' for it," Modi said in his letter to Khan. Modi also extended greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said. This reportedly is a routine letter sent every year. Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. It is learnt that a separate message was sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi. Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years. Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India desires good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally but added that any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere. He said the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere. The relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in 2019.

PM Modi writes letter to Imran Khan; greets people of Pak on Pakistan Day

<p>A Pakistani man who attacked the former offices of the Charlie Hebdo magazine last September was radicalised by videos of preachers in his home country and anti-France demonstrations at the time, a report said Wednesday.</p>

<p>The 26-year-old had spent days leading up to his knife attack watching extremist preachers on YouTube and TikTok denouncing France and Charlie Hebdo, Le Parisien newspaper reported, citing the police investigation.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/video-al-qaeda-threatens-charlie-hebdo-for-republishing-prophet-mohammeds-cartoons-327114/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"I couldn't eat. I was crying watching the videos," Zaheer Hassan Mahmood told investigators.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Weeks before, the magazine had republished cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, which were considered blasphemous by many Muslims, to mark the start of a trial of men linked to a 2015 attack on its offices.</p>

<p>Mahmood said he did not realise the magazine had moved offices after the 2015 attack and presumed the two people he slashed with a meat cleaver were employees of the publication, the paper said.</p>

<p>Both victims, who worked for a TV production company with no links to Charlie Hebdo, sustained serious injuries.</p>

<p>Mahmood, from the village of Kothli Qazi in Punjab province, had entered France with false papers showing him as an unaccompanied minor, enabling him to claim asylum.</p>

<p>Islamist groups organised demonstrations in Pakistan in September against Charlie Hebdo and French President Emmanuel Macron, who defended freedom of expression and blasphemy, which is legal in France. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Mahmood watched videos by Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the late founder of the Islamist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party, and other radical preachers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was also influenced by Prime Minister Imran Khan, who accused Macron of "attacking Islam", the paper said.</p>

<p>Blasphemy is a criminal act in conservative Pakistan, where laws allow for the death penalty for anyone deemed to have insulted Islam or Islamic figures.</p>

<p>Mahmood said he initially intended to damage the office building, rather than attack people, and has offered to apologise to his victims.</p>

<p>Investigators have found a video he sent to a friend the day before his attack which called for the decapitation of blasphemers, and he received a call from Greece the same day which appeared to refer to a pre-meditated assault.</p>

<p>He has been charged with "attempted murder with relation to a terrorist enterprise".</p>


A Pakistani man who attacked the former offices of the Charlie Hebdo magazine last September was radicalised by videos of preachers in his home country and anti-France demonstrations at the time, a report said Wednesday.

A Pakistani man who attacked the former offices of the Charlie Hebdo magazine last September was radicalised by videos of preachers in his home country and anti-France demonstrations at the time, a report said Wednesday. The 26-year-old had spent days leading up to his knife attack watching extremist preachers on YouTube and TikTok denouncing France and Charlie Hebdo, Le Parisien newspaper reported, citing the police investigation. "I couldn't eat. I was crying watching the videos," Zaheer Hassan Mahmood told investigators. Weeks before, the magazine had republished cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed, which were considered blasphemous by many Muslims, to mark the start of a trial of men linked to a 2015 attack on its offices. Mahmood said he did not realise the magazine had moved offices after the 2015 attack and presumed the two people he slashed with a meat cleaver were employees of the publication, the paper said. Both victims, who worked for a TV production company with no links to Charlie Hebdo, sustained serious injuries. Mahmood, from the village of Kothli Qazi in Punjab province, had entered France with false papers showing him as an unaccompanied minor, enabling him to claim asylum. Islamist groups organised demonstrations in Pakistan in September against Charlie Hebdo and French President Emmanuel Macron, who defended freedom of expression and blasphemy, which is legal in France. Mahmood watched videos by Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the late founder of the Islamist Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) party, and other radical preachers. He was also influenced by Prime Minister Imran Khan, who accused Macron of "attacking Islam", the paper said. Blasphemy is a criminal act in conservative Pakistan, where laws allow for the death penalty for anyone deemed to have insulted Islam or Islamic figures. Mahmood said he initially intended to damage the office building, rather than attack people, and has offered to apologise to his victims. Investigators have found a video he sent to a friend the day before his attack which called for the decapitation of blasphemers, and he received a call from Greece the same day which appeared to refer to a pre-meditated assault. He has been charged with "attempted murder with relation to a terrorist enterprise".

Charlie Hebdo: Stabbings suspect 'radicalised by Pakistani groups'

After Pak PM Imran Khan tested positive for the Wuhan Virus, vaccine hesitancy is on the rise in Pakistan. WION's Molly Gambhir gets you a report.

Gravitas: Vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan

<p>Imran Khan getting infected with coronavirus is likely to have negative impact on Pakistan's already struggling vaccination drive. For months, Pakistan struggled to source vaccines for its<br />
citizens. Now when it finally has vaccine doses, the prime minister himself been tested positive just 2 days after getting a jab.</p>

<p>There are concerns this could lead to greater vaccine hesitancy in the country.</p>

<p>Imran Khan and his wife Bushra bibi have tested positive and are currently self-isolating. Indian PM has wished a speedy recovery to Imran khan. But what's making headlines is the fact that Imran khan got infected just two days after receiving his first vaccine shot. The jab was of the 'Made-in-China' Sinopharm vaccine which in January this year, was called one of the most unsafe vaccines with 73 side effects, by a Chinese doctor,</p>

<p>Nonetheless, Pakistan has received two batches of Sinopharm. The first shipment of 500,000 doses arrived in February. The second shipment of another half a million doses reached last week. Islamabad is also in talks with another Chinese company CanSino biologics to vaccinate its population of 220 million but the question is, how many in Pakistan will be willing to take the shot?</p>

<p>This, especially after knowing how ineffective Chinese vaccines could be. Asad Umar, the minister-in-charge of Pakistan's Covid-19 operation says Imran Khan had been infected prior to his vaccination and that the symptoms take a few days before manifesting.</p>

<p>The claims may be scientifically justified but in a country where polio still remains an endemic due to widespread conspiracies against inoculation, it might get slightly tough to convince the people.</p>

<p>Earlier this month, an Ipsos poll conducted on vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan showed that 2 in 5 Pakistanis are against taking the COVID-19 vaccine.</p>

<p>8 in 10 were completely oblivious of any vaccine names.</p>

<p>9 in 10 expected to be vaccinated free of cost.</p>

<p>43% expected to be vaccinated at home.</p>

<p>23% were worried about the side-effects...</p>

<p>And then there are people who think a vaccine is a tool of warfare.</p>

<p>https://twitter.Com/aasimzkhan/status/1351068270472916992</p>

<p>The news of Imran Khan testing positive is only adding fuel to such wild theories. The Pakistan government is caught on a sticky-wicket once again.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Imran Khan getting infected with coronavirus is likely to have negative impact on Pakistan's already struggling vaccination drive. For months, Pakistan struggled to source vaccines for its citizens.

Imran Khan getting infected with coronavirus is likely to have negative impact on Pakistan's already struggling vaccination drive. For months, Pakistan struggled to source vaccines for its citizens. Now when it finally has vaccine doses, the prime minister himself been tested positive just 2 days after getting a jab. There are concerns this could lead to greater vaccine hesitancy in the country. Imran Khan and his wife Bushra bibi have tested positive and are currently self-isolating. Indian PM has wished a speedy recovery to Imran khan. But what's making headlines is the fact that Imran khan got infected just two days after receiving his first vaccine shot. The jab was of the 'Made-in-China' Sinopharm vaccine which in January this year, was called one of the most unsafe vaccines with 73 side effects, by a Chinese doctor, Nonetheless, Pakistan has received two batches of Sinopharm. The first shipment of 500,000 doses arrived in February. The second shipment of another half a million doses reached last week. Islamabad is also in talks with another Chinese company CanSino biologics to vaccinate its population of 220 million but the question is, how many in Pakistan will be willing to take the shot? This, especially after knowing how ineffective Chinese vaccines could be. Asad Umar, the minister-in-charge of Pakistan's Covid-19 operation says Imran Khan had been infected prior to his vaccination and that the symptoms take a few days before manifesting. The claims may be scientifically justified but in a country where polio still remains an endemic due to widespread conspiracies against inoculation, it might get slightly tough to convince the people. Earlier this month, an Ipsos poll conducted on vaccine hesitancy in Pakistan showed that 2 in 5 Pakistanis are against taking the COVID-19 vaccine. 8 in 10 were completely oblivious of any vaccine names. 9 in 10 expected to be vaccinated free of cost. 43% expected to be vaccinated at home. 23% were worried about the side-effects... And then there are people who think a vaccine is a tool of warfare. https://twitter.Com/aasimzkhan/status/1351068270472916992 The news of Imran Khan testing positive is only adding fuel to such wild theories. The Pakistan government is caught on a sticky-wicket once again.

Imran Khan's COVID infection may have negative impact on vaccination drive

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. Imran Khan got vaccinated with the first dose of the Chinese vaccine Sinopham on Thursday.

Pakistani PM Imran Khan tested positive for Covid-19

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recovery from COVID-19.</p>

<p>"Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19." &nbsp;tweeted PM Modi.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Best wishes to Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> for a speedy recovery from COVID-19.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1373277949462466560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Imran Khan tested positive just two days after he received dose of Chinese Sinopharm COVID vaccine. Khan received the vaccine of Thursday.</p>

<p>He was tested positive on Saturday and is now self-isolating at home.</p>

<p>In Pakistan, the COVID-19 vaccine is being provided to people 60 years of age and above and to front-line health workers.</p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recovery from COVID-19. "Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday wished for Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's recovery from COVID-19. "Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19." tweeted PM Modi. Best wishes to Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI for a speedy recovery from COVID-19. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 20, 2021 × Imran Khan tested positive just two days after he received dose of Chinese Sinopharm COVID vaccine. Khan received the vaccine of Thursday. He was tested positive on Saturday and is now self-isolating at home. In Pakistan, the COVID-19 vaccine is being provided to people 60 years of age and above and to front-line health workers.

PM Modi sends wishes for Imran Khan's speedy recovery from COVID-19

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has tested positive for coronavirus, two days after he got his first shot of vaccination.</p>

<p>Imran Khan is "self isolating at home," Pakistan's health minister Faisal Sultan said in a tweet on Saturday.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Imran Khan has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self isolating at home</p>
— Faisal Sultan (@fslsltn) <a href="https://twitter.com/fslsltn/status/1373204642734223361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 20, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Khan received the first shot of vaccination against COVID-19 on Friday. He reportedly&nbsp;had shown symptoms of Covid-19&nbsp;on the same day he was administered the first dose of the vaccine.</p>

<p>The prime minister had urged the citizens of his country to ensure the full implementation of norms to prevent the surge in cases of coronavirus. He was vaccinated as part of the nationwide anti-coronavirus vaccination campaign which is underway in its first phase.</p>

<p>In Pakistan, the COVID-19 vaccine is being provided to people 60 years of age and above and to front-line health workers.</p>

<p>Pakistan on Thursday also imposed smart lockdowns in areas worst hit by the coronavirus as the country recorded a sharp increase in the positive cases. The rise in the cases came as the second batch of 500,000 Sinopharm vaccines sent by China reached Pakistan on Wednesday.<br />
Pakistan officials last week said that the country was hit by the third wave of the pandemic.</p>

<p>All markets, shopping malls, offices, and restaurants will remain closed in the areas of smart lockdown. However, grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, bakeries, meat and milk shops will be allowed to remain open.</p>

<p>Punjab province Health Minister Yasmin Rashid said that smart lockdowns are imposed in Gujrat, Sialkot, and Hafizabad, which will remain in effect till March 30 in Gujrat, March 24 in Sialkot and March 26 in Hafizabad.</p>

<p>The fresh measures were taken as Pakistan recorded the highest 3,495 new coronavirus cases in a single-day after three months as the national tally of infections reached 615,810 on Thursday, according to the official data. It is the highest number of new cases in a day since December 6 last year when 3,795 cases were recorded, according to the ministry of National Health Services reported.</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has tested positive for coronavirus, two days after he got his first shot of vaccination. Imran Khan is "self isolating at home," Pakistan's health minister Faisal Sultan said in a tweet on Saturday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has tested positive for coronavirus, two days after he got his first shot of vaccination. Imran Khan is "self isolating at home," Pakistan's health minister Faisal Sultan said in a tweet on Saturday. PM Imran Khan has tested positive for Covid-19 and is self isolating at home — Faisal Sultan (@fslsltn) March 20, 2021 × Khan received the first shot of vaccination against COVID-19 on Friday. He reportedly had shown symptoms of Covid-19 on the same day he was administered the first dose of the vaccine. The prime minister had urged the citizens of his country to ensure the full implementation of norms to prevent the surge in cases of coronavirus. He was vaccinated as part of the nationwide anti-coronavirus vaccination campaign which is underway in its first phase. In Pakistan, the COVID-19 vaccine is being provided to people 60 years of age and above and to front-line health workers. Pakistan on Thursday also imposed smart lockdowns in areas worst hit by the coronavirus as the country recorded a sharp increase in the positive cases. The rise in the cases came as the second batch of 500,000 Sinopharm vaccines sent by China reached Pakistan on Wednesday. Pakistan officials last week said that the country was hit by the third wave of the pandemic. All markets, shopping malls, offices, and restaurants will remain closed in the areas of smart lockdown. However, grocery stores, hospitals, pharmacies, bakeries, meat and milk shops will be allowed to remain open. Punjab province Health Minister Yasmin Rashid said that smart lockdowns are imposed in Gujrat, Sialkot, and Hafizabad, which will remain in effect till March 30 in Gujrat, March 24 in Sialkot and March 26 in Hafizabad. The fresh measures were taken as Pakistan recorded the highest 3,495 new coronavirus cases in a single-day after three months as the national tally of infections reached 615,810 on Thursday, according to the official data. It is the highest number of new cases in a day since December 6 last year when 3,795 cases were recorded, according to the ministry of National Health Services reported.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tests positive for coronavirus

<p>This is not the first time India and Pakistan are trying to make peace.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It has happened quite a few times in the last six&nbsp;years, even more in the last seven decades.</p>

<p>But all attempts have faltered often after highly-charged summits and high-profile visits.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-peace-with-pakistan-sustainable-371531/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>So there is a reason to be sceptical.</p>

<p>Each time a peace agreement was reached, Islamabad promised to uphold it.</p>

<p>However, it threw all diplomatic nicety and border restraint to the winds.</p>

<p>What has changed in the last six years, is India's response.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-pakistan-is-offering-peace-with-india-371510">Why Pakistan is offering peace with India</a></strong></p>

<p>New Delhi struck at Pakistan's terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.</p>

<p>History tells us that India-Pak peace is littered with many false dawns and this report explores why there is not any guarantee of any amity anytime soon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2014, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/narendra-modi">Narendra Modi</a>&nbsp;took oath as the Prime Minister of India and in attendance were dignitaries from all SAARC nations, including the then PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif.</p>

<p>This was the first time that a Pakistani leader was attending the oath-taking of an Indian prime minister-designate.</p>

<p>There was optimism in the air.</p>

<p>"I pointed out that we were at the beginning of our respective tenures with a clear mandate. This provides us the opportunity of meeting the hopes and aspirations of our peoples, that we will succeed in turning a new page in our relations," Sharif had said during that time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In 2015, New Delhi returned the courtesy, and in a surprise visit, Modi stopped over in Lahore shortly after his visit to Afghanistan.</p>

<p>The Indian PM was there to wish Sharif on his granddaughter's wedding.</p>

<p>Seasoned observers of Indo-Pak ties received the news with excitement and hope.</p>

<p>But Pakistan's army generals were miffed with the growing camaraderie and exactly a year later, the weather changed dramatically.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On January 2, 2016, there was a terror attack in Pathankot.</p>

<p>The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force was targeted, killing one civilian and seven security personnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It led to a breakdown in Indo-Pak relations.</p>

<p>This was just the beginning of Islamabad's naked aggression.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On September 18, 2016, there was another terror attack and this time the site was Uri.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the deadliest attack on the Indian security forces in two decades which killed at least 19 soldiers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The perpetrator was the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a terror group financed by the Pakistani deep state.</p>

<p>It quashed all hopes of a thaw with New Delhi responding by striking terror pads in Pak-occupied Kashmir.</p>

<p>In the four years that followed, the equation between both nations saw several flashpoints.</p>

<p>And the biggest was the 2019 Pulwama attack when the JeM targeted a CRPF convoy with a car laden with explosives.</p>

<p>As many as 49 security personnel lost their lives and several others received injuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India avenged these deaths with the Balakot airstrikes with the air force wiping out the biggest training camp of JeM.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The last year was one of the most active years at the Line of Control (LoC).&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were at least 4,600 ceasefire violations by Pakistan and a total of 46 security personnel were killed.</p>

<p>The ceasefire agreement reached on February 25 is a largely tactical move.</p>

<p>There's no guarantee that it would sustain because nothing much has changed materially on the ground.</p>

<p>On the diplomatic front, the rhetoric hasn't been toned down either.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Islamabad in collusion with other nations has kept the rhetorical fire on Kashmir alive on global platforms.</p>

<p>On the security front, Pakistan is openly trying to resurrect the Khalistan movement.</p>

<p>Pakistan Army's drones have been seized in Punjab and new terror groups have emerged in Kashmir with more secular names like "The Resistance Front".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation is hardly conducive to any kind of a thaw and Islamabad may be extending an olive branch.</p>

<p>There is neither any evidence of a fundamental shift in its policy on terror nor on the main bone of contention between the two countries: Kashmir.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


This is not the first time India and Pakistan are trying to make peace. It has happened quite a few times in the last six years, even more in the last seven decades.

This is not the first time India and Pakistan are trying to make peace. It has happened quite a few times in the last six years, even more in the last seven decades. But all attempts have faltered often after highly-charged summits and high-profile visits. Watch | So there is a reason to be sceptical. Each time a peace agreement was reached, Islamabad promised to uphold it. However, it threw all diplomatic nicety and border restraint to the winds. What has changed in the last six years, is India's response. Also read | Why Pakistan is offering peace with India New Delhi struck at Pakistan's terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. History tells us that India-Pak peace is littered with many false dawns and this report explores why there is not any guarantee of any amity anytime soon. In 2014, Narendra Modi took oath as the Prime Minister of India and in attendance were dignitaries from all SAARC nations, including the then PM of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif. This was the first time that a Pakistani leader was attending the oath-taking of an Indian prime minister-designate. There was optimism in the air. "I pointed out that we were at the beginning of our respective tenures with a clear mandate. This provides us the opportunity of meeting the hopes and aspirations of our peoples, that we will succeed in turning a new page in our relations," Sharif had said during that time. In 2015, New Delhi returned the courtesy, and in a surprise visit, Modi stopped over in Lahore shortly after his visit to Afghanistan. The Indian PM was there to wish Sharif on his granddaughter's wedding. Seasoned observers of Indo-Pak ties received the news with excitement and hope. But Pakistan's army generals were miffed with the growing camaraderie and exactly a year later, the weather changed dramatically. On January 2, 2016, there was a terror attack in Pathankot. The Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force was targeted, killing one civilian and seven security personnel. It led to a breakdown in Indo-Pak relations. This was just the beginning of Islamabad's naked aggression. On September 18, 2016, there was another terror attack and this time the site was Uri. It was the deadliest attack on the Indian security forces in two decades which killed at least 19 soldiers. The perpetrator was the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a terror group financed by the Pakistani deep state. It quashed all hopes of a thaw with New Delhi responding by striking terror pads in Pak-occupied Kashmir. In the four years that followed, the equation between both nations saw several flashpoints. And the biggest was the 2019 Pulwama attack when the JeM targeted a CRPF convoy with a car laden with explosives. As many as 49 security personnel lost their lives and several others received injuries. India avenged these deaths with the Balakot airstrikes with the air force wiping out the biggest training camp of JeM. The last year was one of the most active years at the Line of Control (LoC). There were at least 4,600 ceasefire violations by Pakistan and a total of 46 security personnel were killed. The ceasefire agreement reached on February 25 is a largely tactical move. There's no guarantee that it would sustain because nothing much has changed materially on the ground. On the diplomatic front, the rhetoric hasn't been toned down either. Islamabad in collusion with other nations has kept the rhetorical fire on Kashmir alive on global platforms. On the security front, Pakistan is openly trying to resurrect the Khalistan movement. Pakistan Army's drones have been seized in Punjab and new terror groups have emerged in Kashmir with more secular names like "The Resistance Front". The situation is hardly conducive to any kind of a thaw and Islamabad may be extending an olive branch. There is neither any evidence of a fundamental shift in its policy on terror nor on the main bone of contention between the two countries: Kashmir.

Why India needs to look at history as Pakistan pretends to extend hand of peace

Pakistan is aggressively pushing for talks with India. Imran Khan says peace with Pakistan will give India direct access to Central Asia. General Bajwa wants India to 'bury the past'. Where does India stand? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Pakistan makes another peace offer to India

Why does Pakistan suddenly want to talk peace with India? Is it because Islamabad wants to exit the FATF grey list or because it wants new friends? WION's Palki Sharma has the answers.

Gravitas: Why Pakistan wants to talk peace with India

India & Pakistan have tried to make peace several times in the past, but all attempts have faltered. As Islamabad extends the olive branch once again, what's the guarantee that it will keep its promise? WION's Palki Sharma gets you this report.

Gravitas: Is peace with Pakistan sustainable?

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said he wants to resolve all issues with India, countries Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa asserted that the peace between the two neighbours would help to "unlock" the potential of the South and Central Asia.

WION Dispatch: After Imran Khan, Pak's Army Chief talks peace with India

<p>Pakistan's Prime Minister, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan</a>, got <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccinated</a> against the deadly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> on Thursday. Unlike the majority of the foreign leaders, the Pakistan PM took the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan gets a Covid-19 vaccine shot <a href="https://t.co/ImezTXDvrw">pic.twitter.com/ImezTXDvrw</a></p>
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/omar_quraishi/status/1372513394272702464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Khan took a jab of the Chinese-made vaccine a day after Pakistan received half a million doses of the coronavirus vaccines as a donation from China.</p>

<p>This was the second consignment of the Sinopharm vaccine, which was received by Pakistan's health officials in Rawalpindi.</p>

<p>"China has always supported Pakistan during difficult times,"&nbsp;Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health, Dr Faisal Sultan said while receiving the vaccine doses.</p>

<p>In February first week, China had sent&nbsp;500,000 doses of Sinopharm to Pakistan, helping it kickstart its first round of&nbsp;vaccination drive against the coronavirus. Pakistan has been struggling to contain the spread of the virus with a toll of nearly&nbsp;612,315 cases and&nbsp;13,656 deaths.</p>


Pakistan's Prime Minister, Imran Khan, got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus on Thursday. Unlike the majority of the foreign leaders, the Pakistan PM took the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm.

Pakistan's Prime Minister, Imran Khan, got vaccinated against the deadly coronavirus on Thursday. Unlike the majority of the foreign leaders, the Pakistan PM took the Chinese vaccine Sinopharm. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan gets a Covid-19 vaccine shot pic.twitter.com/ImezTXDvrw — omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) March 18, 2021 × Khan took a jab of the Chinese-made vaccine a day after Pakistan received half a million doses of the coronavirus vaccines as a donation from China. This was the second consignment of the Sinopharm vaccine, which was received by Pakistan's health officials in Rawalpindi. "China has always supported Pakistan during difficult times," Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health, Dr Faisal Sultan said while receiving the vaccine doses. In February first week, China had sent 500,000 doses of Sinopharm to Pakistan, helping it kickstart its first round of vaccination drive against the coronavirus. Pakistan has been struggling to contain the spread of the virus with a toll of nearly 612,315 cases and 13,656 deaths.

Pakistan PM gets vaccinated against coronavirus with Chinese vaccine Sinopharm

<p>The joint opposition in Pakistan has postponed the&nbsp;long march demanding PM<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-protesters-throw-ink-at-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-special-assistant-outside-lahore-court-370627"> Imran Khan's</a> resignation amid differences on mass resignations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:</strong></p>

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<p>The alliance of eleven opposition parties, the Pakistan Democratic Movement(PDM) had announced that a huge anti-government long march would descend on Islamabad on March 26 to force the government to resign and pave the way for fresh elections.</p>

<p>However, the main bone of contention between the top opposition leaders remains the mass resignations. The PDM meeting failed to chalk out a consensus strategy due to divergence of views on the issue of en masse resignation from Parliament.</p>

<p>Pakistan Peoples Party(PPP) had earlier expressed reservation&nbsp;over resignations and had sought time to respond with the leaders expected to hold a meeting of the central executive committee.</p>

<p>According to sources, PPP leader and former president Asif Ali Zardari opposed resignation and said his party will only do so if PML(N) chief and former premier Nawaz Sharif returned from London where he has been staying since 2019 due to health concerns.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in a major embarrassment for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/either-imran-govt-is-incapable-or-cannot-make-decisions-supreme-court-of-pakistan-370840">Imran Khan</a> government, Pakistan's Supreme Court expressed its displeasure with the government saying that the government was incapable of running the country or making decisions.</p>

<p>The Imran Khan-led government has been slammed over its failure to convene a meeting of the council of common interests (CCI) for the last two months.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The joint opposition in Pakistan has postponed the long march demanding PM Imran Khan's resignation amid differences on mass resignations. Watch: The alliance of eleven opposition parties, the Pakistan Democratic Movement(PDM) had announced that a huge anti-government long march would descend on Islamabad on March 26 to force the government to resign and pave the way for fresh elections.

The joint opposition in Pakistan has postponed the long march demanding PM Imran Khan's resignation amid differences on mass resignations. Watch: The alliance of eleven opposition parties, the Pakistan Democratic Movement(PDM) had announced that a huge anti-government long march would descend on Islamabad on March 26 to force the government to resign and pave the way for fresh elections. However, the main bone of contention between the top opposition leaders remains the mass resignations. The PDM meeting failed to chalk out a consensus strategy due to divergence of views on the issue of en masse resignation from Parliament. Pakistan Peoples Party(PPP) had earlier expressed reservation over resignations and had sought time to respond with the leaders expected to hold a meeting of the central executive committee. According to sources, PPP leader and former president Asif Ali Zardari opposed resignation and said his party will only do so if PML(N) chief and former premier Nawaz Sharif returned from London where he has been staying since 2019 due to health concerns. Meanwhile, in a major embarrassment for the Imran Khan government, Pakistan's Supreme Court expressed its displeasure with the government saying that the government was incapable of running the country or making decisions. The Imran Khan-led government has been slammed over its failure to convene a meeting of the council of common interests (CCI) for the last two months.

Pakistan opposition's long march postponed over differences on mass resignations

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's special assistant Shahbaz Gill was attacked with eggs and ink at the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday.</p>

<p>According to the reports, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers threw two eggs and black ink at Gill inside the court premises.</p>

<p>Talking to reporters after the incident, Shahbaz said that "They are throwing the ink of their own black actions. We will not return 10 slaps in place of one. We will not curse in return for curses. We are Imran Khan's followers, we will not take revenge. We will, instead, teach you values."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ink and egg thrown on Shahbaz Gill , special assistant of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> at Lahore Hight Court <a href="https://t.co/GmzjVoJOc2">pic.twitter.com/GmzjVoJOc2</a></p>
— PANKAJ CHOUDHARY (@PANCHOBH) <a href="https://twitter.com/PANCHOBH/status/1371392208557936640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>He termed this act as gunda gardi (hooliganism).</p>

<p>He had tweeted an hour earlier than the incident suggesting that he knew of a deliberate assault.</p>

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<p>“Will be presenting myself before the honourable judges at the Lahore High Court at 2:00 pm today,” he had written on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gill remained unhurt, however, a few drops of the ink landed on his face and palms, TV footage showed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's special assistant Shahbaz Gill was attacked with eggs and ink at the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday. According to the reports, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers threw two eggs and black ink at Gill inside the court premises.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's special assistant Shahbaz Gill was attacked with eggs and ink at the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday. According to the reports, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers threw two eggs and black ink at Gill inside the court premises. Talking to reporters after the incident, Shahbaz said that "They are throwing the ink of their own black actions. We will not return 10 slaps in place of one. We will not curse in return for curses. We are Imran Khan's followers, we will not take revenge. We will, instead, teach you values." Ink and egg thrown on Shahbaz Gill , special assistant of PM @ImranKhanPTI at Lahore Hight Court pic.twitter.com/GmzjVoJOc2 — PANKAJ CHOUDHARY (@PANCHOBH) March 15, 2021 × He termed this act as gunda gardi (hooliganism). He had tweeted an hour earlier than the incident suggesting that he knew of a deliberate assault. × “Will be presenting myself before the honourable judges at the Lahore High Court at 2:00 pm today,” he had written on Twitter. Gill remained unhurt, however, a few drops of the ink landed on his face and palms, TV footage showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Protesters throw ink at Pakistan PM Imran Khan's special assistant outside Lahore court

<p>Pakistan Senate, or the Upper House of the Parliament, on Friday descended into chaotic fracas after Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz accused the opposition of installing cameras over the polling booth for the chairman and deputy chairman elections.</p>

<p>Ahead of the voting process, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar claimed that "spy" cameras were installed right over the polling booth. Senator Raza Rabbani added installing spy cameras was a violation of the law.</p>

<p>Federal Minister for Science and&nbsp;Technology Fawad Chaudhry, however, countered the allegation saying spy cameras can possibly be not detected, and the ministers might have mistaken CCTV cameras with them.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is one example of Spy Camera the camera can be fitted in a head of nail even,detection of such cameras is impossible, in all likelihood CCTV Camera cable is misunderstood as spy camera <a href="https://t.co/KPu8a2RCpA">pic.twitter.com/KPu8a2RCpA</a></p>
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1370260198561026050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Pakistan Senate met on Friday to elect its chairman and deputy chairman through a secret ballot following the oath taking of its 48 newly-elected members.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-senate-chairmanship-opposition-finds-secret-cameras-369901"><strong>Videos</strong></a> that made way to the social media showed Pakistan ministers engaging in a scuffle after so-called Chinese spy cameras were found hidden inside the hall.</p>

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<p>Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's nominee Sadiq Sanjrani, meanwhile, is expected to face a tough challenge from joint opposition candidate Yousaf Raza Gilani in the race for the chairmanship of the Senate. Notably, the former premier's surprise victory in the Senate polls had rattled the ruling party led by Prime Minister Imran Khan.</p>

<p>Incumbent Senate chairman and the ruling party's nominee Sanjrani is vying for a second term while Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) candidate and former prime minister Gilani, who defeated finance minister in the Senate polls last week, is confident of giving another setback to the government.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-elect-senate-chairman-in-knife-edge-battle-369842"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan to elect Senate chairman in knife-edge battle</strong></a></p>

<p>A tough competition is expected between the two sides in the House of 100. The winner will need to get a simple majority of 51. The PDM - an alliance of 11 Opposition parties - claims that it has the support of 51 senators. Similar claims have been made by the government.</p>

<p>The two sides have been blaming each other for using money and other tactics to woo lawmakers to support their candidates.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-when-things-turned-murky-in-pak-senate-370077"><strong>WATCH |</strong></a></p>

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<p>Ahead of the election, former prime minister and main opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior vice-resident Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asked the military establishment to stay away from politics.</p>

<p>PDM has fielded Maulana Ghafoor Haidri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) for deputy chairman while the ruling party has nominated Mirza Mohammad Afridi for deputy chairman.</p>

<p>Gilani defeated Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday in Senate polls, giving a major blow to Prime Minister Khan who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague. Gilani secured 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes.</p>

<p>The Opposition had demanded the Prime Minister's resignation after the debacle following which Khan decided to take a vote of confidence on Saturday which he won comfortably.</p>

<p>The ruling party challenged in the Election Commission of Pakistan the victory of Gilani in Senate polls on the basis of alleged fraud, urging it not to issue notification of his election.</p>

<p>Elections for the Upper House of the Parliament were held on March 3, days ahead of retiring of its members on March 11.</p>

<p>Senators are elected for six years but half of them retire after three years. A new chairman and his deputy are elected after three years to run the house.</p>

<p><em><strong>(with inputs)</strong></em></p>


Pakistan Senate, or the Upper House of the Parliament, on Friday descended into chaotic fracas after Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz accused the opposition of installing cameras over the polling booth for the chairman and deputy chairman elections.

Pakistan Senate, or the Upper House of the Parliament, on Friday descended into chaotic fracas after Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz accused the opposition of installing cameras over the polling booth for the chairman and deputy chairman elections. Ahead of the voting process, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar claimed that "spy" cameras were installed right over the polling booth. Senator Raza Rabbani added installing spy cameras was a violation of the law. Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, however, countered the allegation saying spy cameras can possibly be not detected, and the ministers might have mistaken CCTV cameras with them. This is one example of Spy Camera the camera can be fitted in a head of nail even,detection of such cameras is impossible, in all likelihood CCTV Camera cable is misunderstood as spy camera pic.twitter.com/KPu8a2RCpA — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) March 12, 2021 × Pakistan Senate met on Friday to elect its chairman and deputy chairman through a secret ballot following the oath taking of its 48 newly-elected members. Videos that made way to the social media showed Pakistan ministers engaging in a scuffle after so-called Chinese spy cameras were found hidden inside the hall. × Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's nominee Sadiq Sanjrani, meanwhile, is expected to face a tough challenge from joint opposition candidate Yousaf Raza Gilani in the race for the chairmanship of the Senate. Notably, the former premier's surprise victory in the Senate polls had rattled the ruling party led by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Incumbent Senate chairman and the ruling party's nominee Sanjrani is vying for a second term while Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) candidate and former prime minister Gilani, who defeated finance minister in the Senate polls last week, is confident of giving another setback to the government. Also read | Pakistan to elect Senate chairman in knife-edge battle A tough competition is expected between the two sides in the House of 100. The winner will need to get a simple majority of 51. The PDM - an alliance of 11 Opposition parties - claims that it has the support of 51 senators. Similar claims have been made by the government. The two sides have been blaming each other for using money and other tactics to woo lawmakers to support their candidates. WATCH | Ahead of the election, former prime minister and main opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior vice-resident Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asked the military establishment to stay away from politics. PDM has fielded Maulana Ghafoor Haidri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) for deputy chairman while the ruling party has nominated Mirza Mohammad Afridi for deputy chairman. Gilani defeated Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday in Senate polls, giving a major blow to Prime Minister Khan who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague. Gilani secured 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes. The Opposition had demanded the Prime Minister's resignation after the debacle following which Khan decided to take a vote of confidence on Saturday which he won comfortably. The ruling party challenged in the Election Commission of Pakistan the victory of Gilani in Senate polls on the basis of alleged fraud, urging it not to issue notification of his election. Elections for the Upper House of the Parliament were held on March 3, days ahead of retiring of its members on March 11. Senators are elected for six years but half of them retire after three years. A new chairman and his deputy are elected after three years to run the house. (with inputs)

Ruckus in Pak Senate after 'spy cameras' found hidden inside hall | WATCH

<p>Top officials of the Pakistan government are in panic mode after United Arab Emirates (UAE) demanded its $1billion back. The amount is deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP),&nbsp;the central bank of the country. The deadline to return the $1bn&nbsp;is 12 March. The money is demanded as the amount has reached its maturity.</p>

<p>Multiple attempts have been made to reach out to UAE, especially to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by top Pakistani officials. So far there hasn't been any response.&nbsp;Pakistani has pleaded to UAE that returning such a huge amount can impact its economic situation right now.</p>

<p>It is no secret that&nbsp;Pakistan's economy is in dire straits. According to a World Bank estimate, amid the Covid pandemic, Pakistan’s real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 % in financial year 2019 to -1.5% in FY2020.</p>

<p>Earlier this year, IMF and Pakistan had reached a staff-level agreement to release $500 million as part of a larger loan pact. The year 2019 saw the international financial institution&nbsp;agreeing to provide a $6bn loan to the country&nbsp;to rein in the debt crisis in exchange for reform measures.</p>


Top officials of the Pakistan government are in panic mode after United Arab Emirates (UAE) demanded its $1billion back. The amount is deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the central bank of the country.

Top officials of the Pakistan government are in panic mode after United Arab Emirates (UAE) demanded its $1billion back. The amount is deposited with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the central bank of the country. The deadline to return the $1bn is 12 March. The money is demanded as the amount has reached its maturity. Multiple attempts have been made to reach out to UAE, especially to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by top Pakistani officials. So far there hasn't been any response. Pakistani has pleaded to UAE that returning such a huge amount can impact its economic situation right now. It is no secret that Pakistan's economy is in dire straits. According to a World Bank estimate, amid the Covid pandemic, Pakistan’s real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 % in financial year 2019 to -1.5% in FY2020. Earlier this year, IMF and Pakistan had reached a staff-level agreement to release $500 million as part of a larger loan pact. The year 2019 saw the international financial institution agreeing to provide a $6bn loan to the country to rein in the debt crisis in exchange for reform measures.

Panic in Pak govt as UAE demands back its $1bn

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