A bitter battle is underway in Pakistan for&nbsp;the chairmanship of the Senate. The candidates for the election include&nbsp;Sadiq Sanjarni,&nbsp;the youngest ever chairman of the Senate in the country. and&nbsp;Yousaf Raza Gilani, the country's former prime minister and the newly elected senator from Islamabad.

Fearing another embarrassment, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had filed a&nbsp;petition in the&nbsp;Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)&nbsp;stating that Gilani's victory in the Senate polls should be declared null and void as the elections were not transparent.

The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday rejected a petition by Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party challenging former premier Yusuf Raza Gilani's upset win in the Senate elections, ruling that it was not appropriate to "unnecessarily drag" the judiciary in political matters.

The government's allegations were based on a video of Gilani's son Ali Haider talking with some PTI members and telling them how a vote can be "spoiled".

The PTI, in its petition, said that since seven votes were "spoiled" in the Senate elections and its candidate lost by just five votes, it showed that the PTI lawmakers in the video were bribed.

Refusing to take action on allegations of vote-buying in the polls just on the basis of video clips, the ECP urged the government's lawyer to make all persons involved in the video scandal a party to the case and said that if the charges of giving and receiving bribes are proven, then action should be taken against all the culprits.

The IHC on Wednesday also rejected a plea to disqualify the former premier's son who is a provincial lawmaker.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khan has alleged that senators belonging to the ruling PTI were being offered money to vote for Gilani.

"The Opposition used the money to win the Islamabad seat," he said while referring to Shaikh's loss to Gilani. He added that the same people were active to influence the election of the Senate chairman.&nbsp;

Gilani, who contested the Senate election as a Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate, defeated the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate and Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh by securing 169 votes against 164 votes by Shaikh on Wednesday, giving a major blow to Khan, who had personally campaigned for his cabinet colleague.

The Opposition had demanded the prime minister's resignation after the debacle,&nbsp;following which Khan decided to take a vote of confidence on Saturday, which he won comfortably.

Pakistan's Opposition parties on Monday nominated Gilani as their joint candidate for the Senate chairman election scheduled for later this week.

To endure&nbsp;Gilani's victory, the PDM, an&nbsp;alliance of 11 political parties, reached out to the Muslim league&nbsp;Quaid-i-Azam, an ally of Pakistan's government. It&nbsp;also nominated Maulana Ghafoor Haidri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) for the post of deputy chairman of Senate.

In an effort to sway votes in a tight competition, the government offered to support Haidri if his party supported Sadiq Sanjrani, who is supported by the government for the Senate chairmanship. However, Haidri rejected the offer, saying&nbsp;the Opposition is united and in consensus.

While on Tuesday, it seemed to get support from the Muttahida Qaumi&nbsp;Movement.

Although neither of the two parties promised their support, Imran Khan&nbsp;is a bit unnerved as he&nbsp;fears these parties might end up cross-voting at the last moment.

There are a total of 100 seats in the Senate, Imran khan's party, along with its allies,&nbsp;controls 48 seats while the Opposition controls 51 seats.&nbsp;

Fearing himself to be on a sticky wicket, Imran Khan&nbsp;has a plan to spin the narrative. This plan centres around Gilgit-Baltistan, which falls in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The assembly in Gilgit-Baltistan has adopted a resolution demanding that the region be declared an interim province.&nbsp;The resolution was passed on March 9, the same day the PTI in Islamabad was trying to woo the Opposition.

The region is ruled by the ruling PTI. It is significant as it&nbsp;is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan.&nbsp;It includes large parts of the greater Kashmir region.

The Indian Parliament&nbsp;has already passed a resolution&nbsp;defining the whole of Kashmir as an integral part of India.

Pakistan on the other hand, has always claimed Gilgit-Baltistan as part of its territory. However, it has never declared it a province.

&nbsp;

A bitter battle is underway in Pakistan for the chairmanship of the Senate. The candidates for the election include Sadiq Sanjarni, the youngest ever chairman of the Senate in the country.

A bitter battle is underway in Pakistan for the chairmanship of the Senate. The candidates for the election include Sadiq Sanjarni, the youngest ever chairman of the Senate in the country. and Yousaf Raza Gilani, the country's former prime minister and the newly elected senator from Islamabad. Fearing another embarrassment, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had filed a petition in the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) stating that Gilani's victory in the Senate polls should be declared null and void as the elections were not transparent. The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday rejected a petition by Prime Minister Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party challenging former premier Yusuf Raza Gilani's upset win in the Senate elections, ruling that it was not appropriate to "unnecessarily drag" the judiciary in political matters. The government's allegations were based on a video of Gilani's son Ali Haider talking with some PTI members and telling them how a vote can be "spoiled". The PTI, in its petition, said that since seven votes were "spoiled" in the Senate elections and its candidate lost by just five votes, it showed that the PTI lawmakers in the video were bribed. Refusing to take action on allegations of vote-buying in the polls just on the basis of video clips, the ECP urged the government's lawyer to make all persons involved in the video scandal a party to the case and said that if the charges of giving and receiving bribes are proven, then action should be taken against all the culprits. The IHC on Wednesday also rejected a plea to disqualify the former premier's son who is a provincial lawmaker. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Khan has alleged that senators belonging to the ruling PTI were being offered money to vote for Gilani. "The Opposition used the money to win the Islamabad seat," he said while referring to Shaikh's loss to Gilani. He added that the same people were active to influence the election of the Senate chairman. Gilani, who contested the Senate election as a Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate, defeated the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate and Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh by securing 169 votes against 164 votes by Shaikh on Wednesday, giving a major blow to Khan, who had personally campaigned for his cabinet colleague. 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. Pakistan's Opposition parties on Monday nominated Gilani as their joint candidate for the Senate chairman election scheduled for later this week. To endure Gilani's victory, the PDM, an alliance of 11 political parties, reached out to the Muslim league Quaid-i-Azam, an ally of Pakistan's government. It also nominated Maulana Ghafoor Haidri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) for the post of deputy chairman of Senate. In an effort to sway votes in a tight competition, the government offered to support Haidri if his party supported Sadiq Sanjrani, who is supported by the government for the Senate chairmanship. However, Haidri rejected the offer, saying the Opposition is united and in consensus. While on Tuesday, it seemed to get support from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement. Although neither of the two parties promised their support, Imran Khan is a bit unnerved as he fears these parties might end up cross-voting at the last moment. There are a total of 100 seats in the Senate, Imran khan's party, along with its allies, controls 48 seats while the Opposition controls 51 seats. Fearing himself to be on a sticky wicket, Imran Khan has a plan to spin the narrative. This plan centres around Gilgit-Baltistan, which falls in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The assembly in Gilgit-Baltistan has adopted a resolution demanding that the region be declared an interim province. The resolution was passed on March 9, the same day the PTI in Islamabad was trying to woo the Opposition. The region is ruled by the ruling PTI. It is significant as it is under the illegal occupation of Pakistan. It includes large parts of the greater Kashmir region. The Indian Parliament has already passed a resolution defining the whole of Kashmir as an integral part of India. Pakistan on the other hand, has always claimed Gilgit-Baltistan as part of its territory. However, it has never declared it a province.

Why is Pakistan PM Imran Khan staring at another defeat in Senate?

After losing the Islamabad seat in the Senate polls, the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan took a vote of confidence in the parliament. He won the vote but remains on a sticky wicket as he is bracing for yet another electoral challenge on March 12 when Pakistan's Senate will vote to elect the chairperson.&nbsp;

The Opposition has united behind one nominee, Yousaf Raza Gilani and since it enjoys the majority in the Senate, it may very well elect him to the post. As for the vote of confidence on Saturday, Khan arrived in Pakistan's national assembly to test his clout to dispel suggestions that he had lost the support of the majority of his lawmakers. So, he took a trust vote and secured 178 votes, six more than what he needed.&nbsp;

National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, while announcing the results, said, "Now, I announce the result, 178 members recorded their vote in the favour of resolution, and resolution is passed. Consequently, Imran Khan has obtained the vote of confidence from the national assembly and the command the confidence of the majority of the members of the national assembly as prime minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan."&nbsp;

So, Khan has won but the fact that he's trying to sell it off as a hard-fought victory is a bit absurd. The result of this vote was a foregone conclusion. Out of the 340 lawmakers in Pakistan's National Assembly, 157 are from his own party PTI, 20 others are from allied parties and there are two independents that support the PTI. Khan had to win the trust vote. This was just a political stunt to divert attention away from the PTI's defeat in Islamabad and to show the control Imran Khan still maintains in the parliament.&nbsp;

Outside the parliament, his goons took care of the rest. Three short videos tell the tale about the dire state of affairs in Pakistani politics.&nbsp;

The first one shows Imran Khan's supporters heckling Opposition leaders. Some of them brought shoes to provoke them and some of them even got into a scuffle with Opposition leaders. In the second video, a shoe is getting tossed at PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal and the third video shows one PTI supporter involved in a physical altercation with Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the man in the black waistcoat. He happens to be the former prime minister of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Now, former prime ministers are getting attacked in broad daylight. Forget a vote of confidence, Pakistan needs a vote of conscience and perhaps China feels it can fill that gap.&nbsp;

Chinese representatives in Pakistan are telling people what to do and this is a completely different story. &nbsp;

Zhang Heqing, Beijing's cultural counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Islamabad, recently tweeted a video of a Chinese girl doing what he called the 'Xinjiang dance'. The caption read, 'Off your hijab, let me see your eyes'. An awful statement to make irrespective of how one views the hijab, it did not go down well with the people of Pakistan. There were a thousand tweets condemning his post. Zhang Heqing had to delete it but it does not change a thing.&nbsp;

Thousands of Uighur women are being subjected to such derogatory treatment on a daily basis as the prime minister of Pakistan feigns total ignorance about the issue. His silence may be keeping China happy but it's not helping Pakistan's economy. Pakistan's debt-GDP ratio has reached 87%, that is 10 per cent more than the ideal ratio. In 2013, this ratio was 63.8% and in 2019, it grew to 86% and now it stands at 87.&nbsp;

Islamabad is borrowing more than it can afford. It is sinking deeper into debt, with no prospects of a decent GDP growth in the coming years. So, Imran Khan may hold as many trust votes as he wants and target as many former prime ministers as he wants and remain silent on the persecution of Muslims elsewhere as he much he likes, it may help him fool the people of Pakistan but he cannot fool the rest of the world.&nbsp;

After losing the Islamabad seat in the Senate polls, the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan took a vote of confidence in the parliament. He won the vote but remains on a sticky wicket as he is bracing for yet another electoral challenge on March 12 when Pakistan's Senate will vote to elect the chairperson.

After losing the Islamabad seat in the Senate polls, the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan took a vote of confidence in the parliament. He won the vote but remains on a sticky wicket as he is bracing for yet another electoral challenge on March 12 when Pakistan's Senate will vote to elect the chairperson. The Opposition has united behind one nominee, Yousaf Raza Gilani and since it enjoys the majority in the Senate, it may very well elect him to the post. As for the vote of confidence on Saturday, Khan arrived in Pakistan's national assembly to test his clout to dispel suggestions that he had lost the support of the majority of his lawmakers. So, he took a trust vote and secured 178 votes, six more than what he needed. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, while announcing the results, said, "Now, I announce the result, 178 members recorded their vote in the favour of resolution, and resolution is passed. Consequently, Imran Khan has obtained the vote of confidence from the national assembly and the command the confidence of the majority of the members of the national assembly as prime minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan." So, Khan has won but the fact that he's trying to sell it off as a hard-fought victory is a bit absurd. The result of this vote was a foregone conclusion. Out of the 340 lawmakers in Pakistan's National Assembly, 157 are from his own party PTI, 20 others are from allied parties and there are two independents that support the PTI. Khan had to win the trust vote. This was just a political stunt to divert attention away from the PTI's defeat in Islamabad and to show the control Imran Khan still maintains in the parliament. Outside the parliament, his goons took care of the rest. Three short videos tell the tale about the dire state of affairs in Pakistani politics. The first one shows Imran Khan's supporters heckling Opposition leaders. Some of them brought shoes to provoke them and some of them even got into a scuffle with Opposition leaders. In the second video, a shoe is getting tossed at PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal and the third video shows one PTI supporter involved in a physical altercation with Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the man in the black waistcoat. He happens to be the former prime minister of Pakistan. Now, former prime ministers are getting attacked in broad daylight. Forget a vote of confidence, Pakistan needs a vote of conscience and perhaps China feels it can fill that gap. Chinese representatives in Pakistan are telling people what to do and this is a completely different story. Zhang Heqing, Beijing's cultural counsellor at the Chinese embassy in Islamabad, recently tweeted a video of a Chinese girl doing what he called the 'Xinjiang dance'. The caption read, 'Off your hijab, let me see your eyes'. An awful statement to make irrespective of how one views the hijab, it did not go down well with the people of Pakistan. There were a thousand tweets condemning his post. Zhang Heqing had to delete it but it does not change a thing. Thousands of Uighur women are being subjected to such derogatory treatment on a daily basis as the prime minister of Pakistan feigns total ignorance about the issue. His silence may be keeping China happy but it's not helping Pakistan's economy. Pakistan's debt-GDP ratio has reached 87%, that is 10 per cent more than the ideal ratio. In 2013, this ratio was 63.8% and in 2019, it grew to 86% and now it stands at 87. Islamabad is borrowing more than it can afford. It is sinking deeper into debt, with no prospects of a decent GDP growth in the coming years. So, Imran Khan may hold as many trust votes as he wants and target as many former prime ministers as he wants and remain silent on the persecution of Muslims elsewhere as he much he likes, it may help him fool the people of Pakistan but he cannot fool the rest of the world.

Pakistani PM's electoral challenges reveal dire state of affairs

After failing to win a majority in the senate, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the government senators are being approached to gain their support for the opposition candidate in the upcoming election for the senate chair.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan: Government senators being approached to change loyalties

In a new twist to the acrimonious confidence vote, Pakistan opposition has alleged that two Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) were locked up in a container for four hours to pressurise them to vote in favour of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The explosive claim was made in a press conference by&nbsp;Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, who alleged that the government took the help of intelligence agencies to secure the vote of confidence for Khan.

Maryam, the daughter of PMN-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif,&nbsp;said that government lawmakers were "in touch" with her party.

She alleged that the spy agencies had "made people disappear" on behalf of the prime minister ahead of Saturday's trust vote, Dawn newspaper reported.

Khan decided to take a vote of confidence after finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost the Senate election, leading to calls by the Opposition for the prime minister's resignation.

The trust vote taken by Khan "has no legal, constitutional, political or moral value", Maryam Nawaz said.

"It has come to our personal knowledge that two MNAs who were not ready to vote for [the prime minister] until the last moment were taken to the compound of an institution in Golra (near Islamabad), kept locked up in a container there for four hours and were forced by personnel of agencies to vote in favour of Imran Khan," she said.

"The way you used Pakistan's secret agencies for your benefit is very shameful. Is this all agencies in Pakistan are left for? Will their role from now on be to throw their institution into politics in order to protect a man who is being rejected by the people?" she said.

She pointed that Prime Minister Khan knew he would "lose badly" if the agencies hadn't helped him, Dawn reported.

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of 11 opposition parties, has announced a long march in Islamabad on March 26.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In a new twist to the acrimonious confidence vote, Pakistan opposition has alleged that two Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) were locked up in a container for four hours to pressurise them to vote in favour of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a new twist to the acrimonious confidence vote, Pakistan opposition has alleged that two Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) were locked up in a container for four hours to pressurise them to vote in favour of Prime Minister Imran Khan. The explosive claim was made in a press conference by Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz, who alleged that the government took the help of intelligence agencies to secure the vote of confidence for Khan. Maryam, the daughter of PMN-N supremo and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, said that government lawmakers were "in touch" with her party. She alleged that the spy agencies had "made people disappear" on behalf of the prime minister ahead of Saturday's trust vote, Dawn newspaper reported. Khan decided to take a vote of confidence after finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost the Senate election, leading to calls by the Opposition for the prime minister's resignation. The trust vote taken by Khan "has no legal, constitutional, political or moral value", Maryam Nawaz said. "It has come to our personal knowledge that two MNAs who were not ready to vote for [the prime minister] until the last moment were taken to the compound of an institution in Golra (near Islamabad), kept locked up in a container there for four hours and were forced by personnel of agencies to vote in favour of Imran Khan," she said. "The way you used Pakistan's secret agencies for your benefit is very shameful. Is this all agencies in Pakistan are left for? Will their role from now on be to throw their institution into politics in order to protect a man who is being rejected by the people?" she said. She pointed that Prime Minister Khan knew he would "lose badly" if the agencies hadn't helped him, Dawn reported. The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of 11 opposition parties, has announced a long march in Islamabad on March 26. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak lawmakers were kept in containers during confidence vote, alleges opposition

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will face a test on Saturday as he seeks vote of confidence from the parliament. The vote of confidence will be held in Pakistan's National Assembly. On Thursday, Khan declared his intention to seek vote of confidence in parliament after Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Hafiz Sheikh lost his bid for Senate seat. Imran Khan government had been expected to win the indirect election given the numerical superiority but members of his ruling coalition are widely believed to have voted against Sheikh.

The Senate is the upper house of Pakistan's bicameral parliament.

Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), became the largest party in the Senate in Wednesday's poll. But although it gained ground, interim results on Thursday showed his ruling coalition was still a few seats short of a clear majority.

Imran is not the first Pakistani Prime Minister to face a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. In fact, under the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, all prime ministers of Pakistan, from 1985 to 2008, received a vote of confidence from the National Assembly.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-election-commission-convenes-meet-to-discuss-pm-imran-khans-allegations-against-it-368284">Pak election commission convenes meet to discuss PM Imran Khan's allegations against it</a>

These included the late Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Mir Zafarullah Jamali, Chaudhry Shujaat, Shaukat Aziz, and Yousuf Raza Gilani, reported Geo News. But Imran Khan is also the second in the history of Pakistan who has sought for a `voluntary` vote of confidence. Prior to it, Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had sought a voluntary vote of confidence from the National Assembly after his reinstatement was granted by the Supreme Court in 1993.

(With agency inputs)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will face a test on Saturday as he seeks vote of confidence from the parliament. The vote of confidence will be held in Pakistan's National Assembly.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will face a test on Saturday as he seeks vote of confidence from the parliament. The vote of confidence will be held in Pakistan's National Assembly. On Thursday, Khan declared his intention to seek vote of confidence in parliament after Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Hafiz Sheikh lost his bid for Senate seat. Imran Khan government had been expected to win the indirect election given the numerical superiority but members of his ruling coalition are widely believed to have voted against Sheikh. The Senate is the upper house of Pakistan's bicameral parliament. Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI), became the largest party in the Senate in Wednesday's poll. But although it gained ground, interim results on Thursday showed his ruling coalition was still a few seats short of a clear majority. Imran is not the first Pakistani Prime Minister to face a vote of confidence in the National Assembly. In fact, under the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, all prime ministers of Pakistan, from 1985 to 2008, received a vote of confidence from the National Assembly. Also Read | Pak election commission convenes meet to discuss PM Imran Khan's allegations against it These included the late Benazir Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif, Mir Zafarullah Jamali, Chaudhry Shujaat, Shaukat Aziz, and Yousuf Raza Gilani, reported Geo News. But Imran Khan is also the second in the history of Pakistan who has sought for a `voluntary` vote of confidence. Prior to it, Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had sought a voluntary vote of confidence from the National Assembly after his reinstatement was granted by the Supreme Court in 1993. (With agency inputs)

Imran Khan to seek vote of confidence in Pakistan parliament today

Pakistan opposition leader Maryam Nawaz said the trust vote secured by Prime Minister Imran Khan in National Assembly has 'no worth' as he had forced lawmakers on gunpoint to vote for him. &nbsp;

Speaking to reporters just after the conclusion of the National Assembly (NA) session, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Maryam said that the government turned the Parliament lodges into a bunker and government members were assigned to each of the 16 MNAs, who had allegedly sold their votes in the Senate polls to ensure their presence for the vote of confidence, Dawn reported. &nbsp;

"What worth does a vote have that you got by telling [MNAs] on gunpoint: 'Give me the vote or I won't spare you'?" she asked. Pakistan Opposition on Saturday rejected the confidence vote cast in favour of the country's Prime Minister Imran Khan during a National Assembly (NA) session, said Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. &nbsp;

Speaking to media in Sukkur just after the NA session concluded, Rehman said that the Constitution clearly stated that the president can summon a session "if he believes that the prime minister does not hold majority", Dawn reported.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Imran Khan won a trust vote in the National Assembly (NA) with his party securing votes above a majority mark in the 342-member lower house of parliament. &nbsp;

Khan decided to take a vote of confidence after finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, on Wednesday, faced a drubbing in the Senate election, reinforcing the Opposition to demand the Prime Minister's resignation.&nbsp;

"Here, the session was called over a summary by the fake prime minister. Summary is not involved in summoning such sessions, all of this is a drama," said the JUI-F chief, who is not part of the NA. &nbsp;

"We don't accept today's Assembly session, nor do we accept the confidence vote. This was not a confidence vote. We know which agencies watched the members of the assembly the entire night. [We know] who knocked on the doors of each member to ensure they were present," he added. &nbsp;

Rehman, who is the chief of the opposition alliance PDM, alleged that MNAs were 'forcefully' made to vote for Prime Minister Imran. He urged the premier to 'be courageous and ask the public to cast a vote of confidence [by] conducting a new election'.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan opposition leader Maryam Nawaz said the trust vote secured by Prime Minister Imran Khan in National Assembly has 'no worth' as he had forced lawmakers on gunpoint to vote for him.

Pakistan opposition leader Maryam Nawaz said the trust vote secured by Prime Minister Imran Khan in National Assembly has 'no worth' as he had forced lawmakers on gunpoint to vote for him. Speaking to reporters just after the conclusion of the National Assembly (NA) session, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) leader Maryam said that the government turned the Parliament lodges into a bunker and government members were assigned to each of the 16 MNAs, who had allegedly sold their votes in the Senate polls to ensure their presence for the vote of confidence, Dawn reported. "What worth does a vote have that you got by telling [MNAs] on gunpoint: 'Give me the vote or I won't spare you'?" she asked. Pakistan Opposition on Saturday rejected the confidence vote cast in favour of the country's Prime Minister Imran Khan during a National Assembly (NA) session, said Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Speaking to media in Sukkur just after the NA session concluded, Rehman said that the Constitution clearly stated that the president can summon a session "if he believes that the prime minister does not hold majority", Dawn reported. Earlier in the day, Imran Khan won a trust vote in the National Assembly (NA) with his party securing votes above a majority mark in the 342-member lower house of parliament. Khan decided to take a vote of confidence after finance minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, on Wednesday, faced a drubbing in the Senate election, reinforcing the Opposition to demand the Prime Minister's resignation. "Here, the session was called over a summary by the fake prime minister. Summary is not involved in summoning such sessions, all of this is a drama," said the JUI-F chief, who is not part of the NA. "We don't accept today's Assembly session, nor do we accept the confidence vote. This was not a confidence vote. We know which agencies watched the members of the assembly the entire night. [We know] who knocked on the doors of each member to ensure they were present," he added. Rehman, who is the chief of the opposition alliance PDM, alleged that MNAs were 'forcefully' made to vote for Prime Minister Imran. He urged the premier to 'be courageous and ask the public to cast a vote of confidence [by] conducting a new election'. (With inputs from agencies)

Trust vote won by Pak PM has 'no worth', says Maryam Nawaz 

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan won a vote of confidence from parliament on Saturday (March 6) in a session marked by an opposition boycott of the vote and clashes between government supporters and opposition leaders outside the parliament building.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan wins vote of confidence

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has won confidence vote in Pakistan parliament. He secured 178 votes.&nbsp;The special session of Pakistan's National Assembly was a show of strength for Imran Khan who on Thursday had said that he would seek vote of confidence for his government.&nbsp;Khan declared his intention to seek vote of confidence in parliament after Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Hafiz Sheikh lost his bid for Senate seat.&nbsp;

It's worth noting that when he was elected as PM in the year 2018, he had secured 176 votes in the assembly, two less than what he got on Saturday. In order to win the confidence vote, Imran Khan needed 172 votes in 342-member house.

The floor test took place without the Opposition as, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the alliance of opposition parties boycotted the confidence vote.

Scuffle outside parliament

Scuffle broke out outside the parliament as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers clashed with those of opposition parties. This took place as confidence vote proceedings went on inside the parliament.

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Shameful. Shoe thrown at PMLN leader Ahsan Iqbal, as opposition leaders are heckled by goons. <a href="https://t.co/l3yPwbRQLh">pic.twitter.com/l3yPwbRQLh</a>
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1368110937723592707?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Even former Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqaan Abbasi was heckled.

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This is the tabdeeli that was promised in Naya Pakistan. Supporters of PM Imran Khan attack former prime minister Shahid Khaqqan Abbasi. <a href="https://t.co/iDs0hk4K0m">pic.twitter.com/iDs0hk4K0m</a>
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1368106861128544256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 6, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Both sides held&nbsp; each other responsible for starting scuffles

The ruling coalition had 181 members but after the resignation of one of its lawmakers, Faisal Vowda, its strength was reduced to 180. The Opposition coalition has 160 members in the House. One seat was vacant.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had 157 members in the NA but following the resignation of Vowda, it now has 156 members in the National Assembly.

(With agency inputs)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has won confidence vote in Pakistan parliament. He secured 178 votes. The special session of Pakistan's National Assembly was a show of strength for Imran Khan who on Thursday had said that he would seek vote of confidence for his government.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has won confidence vote in Pakistan parliament. He secured 178 votes. The special session of Pakistan's National Assembly was a show of strength for Imran Khan who on Thursday had said that he would seek vote of confidence for his government. Khan declared his intention to seek vote of confidence in parliament after Pakistan Finance Minister Abdul Hafiz Sheikh lost his bid for Senate seat. It's worth noting that when he was elected as PM in the year 2018, he had secured 176 votes in the assembly, two less than what he got on Saturday. In order to win the confidence vote, Imran Khan needed 172 votes in 342-member house. The floor test took place without the Opposition as, Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), the alliance of opposition parties boycotted the confidence vote. Scuffle outside parliament Scuffle broke out outside the parliament as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers clashed with those of opposition parties. This took place as confidence vote proceedings went on inside the parliament. Shameful. Shoe thrown at PMLN leader Ahsan Iqbal, as opposition leaders are heckled by goons. pic.twitter.com/l3yPwbRQLh — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) March 6, 2021 × Even former Pakistan PM Shahid Khaqaan Abbasi was heckled. This is the tabdeeli that was promised in Naya Pakistan. Supporters of PM Imran Khan attack former prime minister Shahid Khaqqan Abbasi. pic.twitter.com/iDs0hk4K0m — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) March 6, 2021 × Both sides held each other responsible for starting scuffles The ruling coalition had 181 members but after the resignation of one of its lawmakers, Faisal Vowda, its strength was reduced to 180. The Opposition coalition has 160 members in the House. One seat was vacant. The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had 157 members in the NA but following the resignation of Vowda, it now has 156 members in the National Assembly. (With agency inputs)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan wins confidence vote in parliament

Imran Khan is on a sticky wicket. After getting clean bowled on the Islamabad seat in Pakistan's senate, he is trying to spin the narrative by holding a vote of confidence. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a match-report on Pak PM's game plan.

Gravitas: Pak PM gets 'clean bowled' in Islamabad

Pakistan's election commission has convened a crucial meeting on Friday after Prime Minister Imran Khan accused it of discrediting democracy and damaging the morality of the nation, according to media reports.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a televised address to the country on Thursday, lashed out at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which he said failed to stop corruption in Wednesday's closely-contested Senate elections.

"You (ECP) discredited democracy you damaged the morality of the nation by doing nothing to stop vote-buying," he alleged.

"You allowed corruption to occur at the top, and this happened right before you, and you knew it would happen. I kept saying that markets have opened and there is an auction going on. And when the Supreme Court gave you a chance, what reason was there to not bar code a mere 1,500 ballots" Khan said.

Khan's criticism of the ECP came after Opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani defeated ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday, in a major blow to the Prime Minister who personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague.

According to a report in the Geo TV, ECP convened the meeting to review the statements of Prime Minister Khan, who had levelled serious allegations on its role during the Senate polls. All members of the ECP will attend the meeting.

Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja summoned the meeting after the ECP members asked him for the same to discuss the highly objectionable comments made by Prime Minister Khan, the Dawn newspaper reported.

"The government should amend the Constitution, if it wants open voting for Senate elections, but should not expect from the Comm?ission to do the job of legislature," a senior official of the ECP was quoted as saying in the report.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the Senate elections would be held through a secret ballot, amid a raging controversy among the government and Opposition parties about allowing an open vote to avoid corruption.

According to the official, the ECP is bound to follow the law which provides for a secret ballot and any hasty attempt to make the votes traceable would have been a violation of the Constitution, the report said.

The official said that the prime minister instead of taking note of the uncalled for remarks made by members of his Cabinet chose to join the blame game, it said.

Under mounting pressure from the Opposition to resign, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that he will seek a vote of confidence on Saturday, in a bid to restore the legitimacy of his government after an embarrassing defeat of the finance minister in the hotly-contested Senate elections.

He also accused the grand Opposition alliance for "making a mockery of democracy" and said that he will never let the corrupt politicians off the hook.

Pakistan's election commission has convened a crucial meeting on Friday after Prime Minister Imran Khan accused it of discrediting democracy and damaging the morality of the nation, according to media reports.

Pakistan's election commission has convened a crucial meeting on Friday after Prime Minister Imran Khan accused it of discrediting democracy and damaging the morality of the nation, according to media reports. Prime Minister Imran Khan, in a televised address to the country on Thursday, lashed out at the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) which he said failed to stop corruption in Wednesday's closely-contested Senate elections. "You (ECP) discredited democracy you damaged the morality of the nation by doing nothing to stop vote-buying," he alleged. "You allowed corruption to occur at the top, and this happened right before you, and you knew it would happen. I kept saying that markets have opened and there is an auction going on. And when the Supreme Court gave you a chance, what reason was there to not bar code a mere 1,500 ballots" Khan said. Khan's criticism of the ECP came after Opposition Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) candidate and former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani defeated ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday, in a major blow to the Prime Minister who personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague. According to a report in the Geo TV, ECP convened the meeting to review the statements of Prime Minister Khan, who had levelled serious allegations on its role during the Senate polls. All members of the ECP will attend the meeting. Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja summoned the meeting after the ECP members asked him for the same to discuss the highly objectionable comments made by Prime Minister Khan, the Dawn newspaper reported. "The government should amend the Constitution, if it wants open voting for Senate elections, but should not expect from the Comm?ission to do the job of legislature," a senior official of the ECP was quoted as saying in the report. Pakistan's Supreme Court on Monday ruled that the Senate elections would be held through a secret ballot, amid a raging controversy among the government and Opposition parties about allowing an open vote to avoid corruption. According to the official, the ECP is bound to follow the law which provides for a secret ballot and any hasty attempt to make the votes traceable would have been a violation of the Constitution, the report said. The official said that the prime minister instead of taking note of the uncalled for remarks made by members of his Cabinet chose to join the blame game, it said. Under mounting pressure from the Opposition to resign, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced that he will seek a vote of confidence on Saturday, in a bid to restore the legitimacy of his government after an embarrassing defeat of the finance minister in the hotly-contested Senate elections. He also accused the grand Opposition alliance for "making a mockery of democracy" and said that he will never let the corrupt politicians off the hook.

Pak election commission convenes meet to discuss PM Imran Khan's allegations against it

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday lashed out at the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for "making a mockery of democracy", while also calling out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Imran made these remarks in an address to the nation where he explained the political situation in the country that emerged after Wednesday's Senate elections in which the opposition managed to stage an upset.

In a nationwide address, Imran Khan questioned the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) saying, "Your (ECP) major responsibility was transparency (during Senate polls) but why did you ask for a close ballot."This comes as the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured 18 seats.&nbsp;

He also announced that he will take a vote of confidence from Parliament on Saturday, adding that he will sit in opposition if failed to get a vote of confidence from the lower house.

However, the win was watered-down as the opposition's Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate defeated PTI from the Islamabad general seat. Yousaf Raza Gilani, the joint candidate of opposition parties, was elected senator from Islamabad, by defeating PTI's Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

Further blaming the opposition parties, Khan said, "They (the opposition) staged the entire drama on Hafeez Shaikh. "Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said the win of Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on the general seat of the Senate from Islamabad was a "negation of democracy".

"The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has unanimously decided that Prime Minister Imran Khan will seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly," Qureshi was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. Pakistan prime minister is now set to seek a confidence vote in the country's National Assembly on Saturday to prove the legitimacy of his government.

As Imran Khan attempted to sway public opinion, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari today said the "beginning of the end" had started for the incumbent PTI-led government and it was "too late" for anyone to attempt to save the government now.

"Now this puppet spectacle won't continue, now this drama won't continue, [Prime Minister] Imran Khan will have to correct his behaviour," said Bilawal, as quoted by Dawn."It is well and truly the beginning of the end and now no one can save this government," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday lashed out at the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for "making a mockery of democracy", while also calling out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday lashed out at the opposition alliance Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) for "making a mockery of democracy", while also calling out the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). Imran made these remarks in an address to the nation where he explained the political situation in the country that emerged after Wednesday's Senate elections in which the opposition managed to stage an upset. In a nationwide address, Imran Khan questioned the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) saying, "Your (ECP) major responsibility was transparency (during Senate polls) but why did you ask for a close ballot."This comes as the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) secured 18 seats. He also announced that he will take a vote of confidence from Parliament on Saturday, adding that he will sit in opposition if failed to get a vote of confidence from the lower house. However, the win was watered-down as the opposition's Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) candidate defeated PTI from the Islamabad general seat. Yousaf Raza Gilani, the joint candidate of opposition parties, was elected senator from Islamabad, by defeating PTI's Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. Further blaming the opposition parties, Khan said, "They (the opposition) staged the entire drama on Hafeez Shaikh. "Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Wednesday said the win of Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani on the general seat of the Senate from Islamabad was a "negation of democracy". "The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has unanimously decided that Prime Minister Imran Khan will seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly," Qureshi was quoted as saying by The Express Tribune. Pakistan prime minister is now set to seek a confidence vote in the country's National Assembly on Saturday to prove the legitimacy of his government. As Imran Khan attempted to sway public opinion, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari today said the "beginning of the end" had started for the incumbent PTI-led government and it was "too late" for anyone to attempt to save the government now. "Now this puppet spectacle won't continue, now this drama won't continue, [Prime Minister] Imran Khan will have to correct his behaviour," said Bilawal, as quoted by Dawn."It is well and truly the beginning of the end and now no one can save this government," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Ready to sit on opposition benches, says Imran Khan; questions ECP's responsibility

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament after the ruling Pakistan&nbsp;Tehreek-e-insaaf(PTI) lost a key&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/polling-for-pakistan-senates-37-seats-underway-after-weeks-of-acrimony-367695">Senate </a>seat&nbsp;in Islamabad.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-sindh-assembly-turns-into-a-wrestling-ring-367454/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Pakistan's finance minister and PM Imran's close aide Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost a key seat to the jointly hosted opposition candidate <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-ex-premier-gilani-defeats-finance-minister-in-hotly-contested-senate-election-367765">Yousuf Raza Gilani</a>, a PPP candidate as the PTI party suffered setbacks. The Pakistan PM had personally campaigned for his cabinet colleague.

"Yusuf Raza Gilani got 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes. Seven votes were rejected. A total number of polled votes was 340," the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced.

Gilani was supported by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of eleven opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party(PPP).

The Pakistan prime minister's PTI party had made serious voter fraud, bribery and corruption allegations amid the losses.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Addressing the media, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asked Prime Minister Khan to step down even as several other opposition leaders heavily criticised PM Imran Khan after Gilani's win&nbsp;calling for him to resign as the prime minister.

"Imran Khan should resign, this is not only the Opposition's demand but of the government's own members," Bilawal said, adding that a new era was starting in Pakistan's democratic journey.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaaf(PTI) lost a key Senate seat in Islamabad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to seek a vote of confidence in Parliament after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaaf(PTI) lost a key Senate seat in Islamabad. Watch: Pakistan's finance minister and PM Imran's close aide Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost a key seat to the jointly hosted opposition candidate Yousuf Raza Gilani, a PPP candidate as the PTI party suffered setbacks. The Pakistan PM had personally campaigned for his cabinet colleague. "Yusuf Raza Gilani got 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes. Seven votes were rejected. A total number of polled votes was 340," the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced. Gilani was supported by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of eleven opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party(PPP). The Pakistan prime minister's PTI party had made serious voter fraud, bribery and corruption allegations amid the losses. Addressing the media, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asked Prime Minister Khan to step down even as several other opposition leaders heavily criticised PM Imran Khan after Gilani's win calling for him to resign as the prime minister. "Imran Khan should resign, this is not only the Opposition's demand but of the government's own members," Bilawal said, adding that a new era was starting in Pakistan's democratic journey.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to seek vote of confidence after Senate election defeat

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has sent advice to President Alvi under article 91 to summon special session of the National Assembly for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-seek-vote-of-confidence-after-senate-election-defeat-367799">vote of confidence </a>which is likely to take place on Saturday.

The vote comes as PM Imran Khan's party suffered a setback in the Senate elections after Imran's close aide Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost a key seat to opposition candidate Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Under the article 91 of the Pakistani constitution, the president must approve the confidence motion, however, the motion is yet to be passed currently. After it gets passed then either the prime minister can ask the president or the president himself can call a special assembly session to seek the confidence vote.

Reports say PM Imran Khan is likely to be present during the confidence vote. The Pakistan PM is set to address the nation later today, reports said.

The move follows after Imran's PTI lost the key Islamabad seat, hours after the results were declared, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the PM Imran Khan had decided to seek a vote of confidence.

The decision was taken in the meeting of the party after consultations, Qureshi asserted. Members of Pakistan’s 96-member Upper House are elected for six-year terms and after almost every three years, elections are held for half of the House seats where Senators are elected by provincial lawmakers and members of the lower house.

Although the PTI had won the 2018 general elections, PM Imran Khan's coalition does not have a majority in the Senate.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has sent advice to President Alvi under article 91 to summon special session of the National Assembly for a vote of confidence which is likely to take place on Saturday.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has sent advice to President Alvi under article 91 to summon special session of the National Assembly for a vote of confidence which is likely to take place on Saturday. The vote comes as PM Imran Khan's party suffered a setback in the Senate elections after Imran's close aide Abdul Hafeez Shaikh lost a key seat to opposition candidate Yousuf Raza Gilani. Under the article 91 of the Pakistani constitution, the president must approve the confidence motion, however, the motion is yet to be passed currently. After it gets passed then either the prime minister can ask the president or the president himself can call a special assembly session to seek the confidence vote. Reports say PM Imran Khan is likely to be present during the confidence vote. The Pakistan PM is set to address the nation later today, reports said. The move follows after Imran's PTI lost the key Islamabad seat, hours after the results were declared, foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the PM Imran Khan had decided to seek a vote of confidence. The decision was taken in the meeting of the party after consultations, Qureshi asserted. Members of Pakistan’s 96-member Upper House are elected for six-year terms and after almost every three years, elections are held for half of the House seats where Senators are elected by provincial lawmakers and members of the lower house. Although the PTI had won the 2018 general elections, PM Imran Khan's coalition does not have a majority in the Senate.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan seeks vote of confidence after Senate election debacle

Pakistan's Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh was trounced by former premier Yusuf Raza Gilani in the crucial Senate elections on Wednesday, in a major setback for Prime Minister Imran Khan who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Party (PTI) had claimed that it enjoyed support of 182 members while 172 votes were needed to elect the senator.

"Yusuf Raza Gilani got 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes. Seven votes were rejected. Total number of polled votes was 340," the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced.

Prime Minister Khan had personally made efforts for Shaikh's victory in the hotly contested election. Gilani was supported by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of 11 opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party.

Interestingly, Shaikh was a minister in the cabinet of former prime minister Gilani during his tenure from 2008 to 2012.

Shehbaz Gill, a government spokesman, said that the Opposition won by a margin of five votes while seven votes were rejected. He announced to "challenge the elections".

In another twist, Fozia Arshad of the ruling party got 174 votes in the same house and defeated PDM-supported candidate Farzana Kausar who received 161 votes. Five votes were rejected in their case.

The members of the Senate - the upper house of parliament - are elected for six-year terms.

A total of 52 senators in the house of 104 will retire on March 11 on completion of their six year term, including four retiring senators from the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Since FATA has been merged with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, they will not be reelected and the Senate strength will shrink to 100. Twenty-three Senators each represent the four provinces while four are elected from Islamabad. The remaining four senators from FATA will retire in 2024 and the Senate will further contract to 96 members.

The voting was held for 37 seats as other candidates had ran unopposed.

The polling started at 9am and continued till 5pm without any break. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Prime Minister Khan, former president Asif Ali Zardari, PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif were among those who cast their votes.

The members are expected to follow the party line and vote for a candidate selected by their respective parties. But both the government and opposition had been accusing each other of using money to influence and swing the loyalty of lawmakers.

A video surfaced on Tuesday showing Ali Haider Gilani, son of the former premier, apparently explaining to at least two lawmakers how they can waste their votes during the election.

"Yousuf Raza Gilani's son was caught buying votes in the Senate and giving away tricks to waste votes. This is the character of the PDM and their joint candidate," said a tweet from PTI's official account.

Gilani belongs to the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) but was a joint opposition candidate from Islamabad.

Ali admitted that he was in the leaked video but rejected the allegation that he was trying to make a deal with the lawmakers to buy votes for his father.

Separately, the Sindh Assembly turned into a pandemonium after lawmakers belonging to the PTI and PPP got into physical brawl over the issue of a disgruntled PTI lawmaker, who was finally taken away from the assembly premises by fellow party members.

Earlier, the government tried to conduct the elections through open ballot but the plea was turned down by the Supreme Court on Monday.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh was trounced by former premier Yusuf Raza Gilani in the crucial Senate elections on Wednesday, in a major setback for Prime Minister Imran Khan who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague.

Pakistan's Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh was trounced by former premier Yusuf Raza Gilani in the crucial Senate elections on Wednesday, in a major setback for Prime Minister Imran Khan who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague. The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Party (PTI) had claimed that it enjoyed support of 182 members while 172 votes were needed to elect the senator. "Yusuf Raza Gilani got 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes. Seven votes were rejected. Total number of polled votes was 340," the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) announced. Prime Minister Khan had personally made efforts for Shaikh's victory in the hotly contested election. Gilani was supported by the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), an alliance of 11 opposition parties, including the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) and the Pakistan Peoples' Party. Interestingly, Shaikh was a minister in the cabinet of former prime minister Gilani during his tenure from 2008 to 2012. Shehbaz Gill, a government spokesman, said that the Opposition won by a margin of five votes while seven votes were rejected. He announced to "challenge the elections". In another twist, Fozia Arshad of the ruling party got 174 votes in the same house and defeated PDM-supported candidate Farzana Kausar who received 161 votes. Five votes were rejected in their case. The members of the Senate - the upper house of parliament - are elected for six-year terms. A total of 52 senators in the house of 104 will retire on March 11 on completion of their six year term, including four retiring senators from the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Since FATA has been merged with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, they will not be reelected and the Senate strength will shrink to 100. Twenty-three Senators each represent the four provinces while four are elected from Islamabad. The remaining four senators from FATA will retire in 2024 and the Senate will further contract to 96 members. The voting was held for 37 seats as other candidates had ran unopposed. The polling started at 9am and continued till 5pm without any break. National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, Prime Minister Khan, former president Asif Ali Zardari, PPP chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Leader of the Opposition Shehbaz Sharif were among those who cast their votes. The members are expected to follow the party line and vote for a candidate selected by their respective parties. But both the government and opposition had been accusing each other of using money to influence and swing the loyalty of lawmakers. A video surfaced on Tuesday showing Ali Haider Gilani, son of the former premier, apparently explaining to at least two lawmakers how they can waste their votes during the election. "Yousuf Raza Gilani's son was caught buying votes in the Senate and giving away tricks to waste votes. This is the character of the PDM and their joint candidate," said a tweet from PTI's official account. Gilani belongs to the Pakistan Peoples' Party (PPP) but was a joint opposition candidate from Islamabad. Ali admitted that he was in the leaked video but rejected the allegation that he was trying to make a deal with the lawmakers to buy votes for his father. Separately, the Sindh Assembly turned into a pandemonium after lawmakers belonging to the PTI and PPP got into physical brawl over the issue of a disgruntled PTI lawmaker, who was finally taken away from the assembly premises by fellow party members. Earlier, the government tried to conduct the elections through open ballot but the plea was turned down by the Supreme Court on Monday.

Pakistan's ex-premier Gilani defeats finance minister in hotly contested Senate election

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said that members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were as angry with the government as the public.&nbsp;

"The puppet government has been exposed across the country. We have shown that their own members are afraid of the government," Bilawal was quoted as saying by Geo News.&nbsp;

As the polling for 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway, the PPP chairman stated that even a single vote more would be a bonus for the party to lead in the elections for the Upper House of the Parliament.&nbsp;

Bilawal further remarked that Prime Minister Imran Khan will be 'ousted' with the collective effort of the people and the Opposition. "We will get him [Imran Khan] out of here together. PDM is with the people," he said. &nbsp;

Taking a jibe at the incumbent government, Bilawal said those, who should be winning the elections easily, are seen worried about the results. "They are losing, their government is leaving," he said.&nbsp;

Polling for the 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway via secret ballot as a total of 78 candidates are contesting from the federal capital and three provinces - Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.&nbsp;

The polls are being held after a long-drawn open ballot controversy that kept the ruling party and opposition in a war of words and a legal battle before the Supreme Court on Monday announced that the polls for the Upper House of the Parliament will be held through secret ballot, according to Article 226 of the Pakistan Constitution. The ruling PTI's numerical strength in the Senate is expected to almost double from the existing 14 seats. &nbsp;

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said that members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were as angry with the government as the public.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on Wednesday said that members of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) were as angry with the government as the public. "The puppet government has been exposed across the country. We have shown that their own members are afraid of the government," Bilawal was quoted as saying by Geo News. As the polling for 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway, the PPP chairman stated that even a single vote more would be a bonus for the party to lead in the elections for the Upper House of the Parliament. Bilawal further remarked that Prime Minister Imran Khan will be 'ousted' with the collective effort of the people and the Opposition. "We will get him [Imran Khan] out of here together. PDM is with the people," he said. Taking a jibe at the incumbent government, Bilawal said those, who should be winning the elections easily, are seen worried about the results. "They are losing, their government is leaving," he said. Polling for the 37 seats of Pakistan's Senate is underway via secret ballot as a total of 78 candidates are contesting from the federal capital and three provinces - Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The polls are being held after a long-drawn open ballot controversy that kept the ruling party and opposition in a war of words and a legal battle before the Supreme Court on Monday announced that the polls for the Upper House of the Parliament will be held through secret ballot, according to Article 226 of the Pakistan Constitution. The ruling PTI's numerical strength in the Senate is expected to almost double from the existing 14 seats.

Bilawal: Imran Khan's party members are as angry with 'puppet' govt as public  

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the onus of creating an "enabling environment" for progress in bilateral relations rests with India, though he welcomed the ceasefire agreement with New Delhi.

In his first comments since the militaries of India and Pakistan jointly announced on Thursday that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors, Khan Saturday said Pakistan remains ready to move forward to resolve "all outstanding issues" with India through dialogue.

"I welcome restoration of the ceasefire along the LOC. The onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rests with India. India must take necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand &amp; right of the Kashmiri people to self determination according to UNSC resolutions," Khan tweeted.

"We have always stood for peace &amp; remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue," Khan said in a series of tweets.

India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on Thursday to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC and other sectors after hotline discussions by their Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO). The decision by the two countries came into effect from the midnight of February 24/25.

In a series of tweets marking the second anniversary of Pakistan's retaliatory air strikes after the Indian Air Force (IAF) targetted a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror training camp at Balakot in 2019, Khan claimed that Pakistan have always stood for peace and remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue.

He said that Pakistan also demonstrated to the world its "responsible behaviour" by returning the captured Indian pilot.

IAF warplanes hit a JeM terror training camp in Balakot on February 26, 2019 to avenge killing of 40 CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack. Pakistan Air Force retaliated the next day but the IAF foiled the attack.

India has told Pakistan that it has no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India, asserting that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been and will remain an integral part of the country.

New Delhi has been maintaining its stand that "talks and terror" cannot go together as it continues to ask Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India.

Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship.

The relationship dipped further after India's war planes pounded a JeM terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

(with inputs)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the onus of creating an "enabling environment" for progress in bilateral relations rests with India, though he welcomed the ceasefire agreement with New Delhi.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the onus of creating an "enabling environment" for progress in bilateral relations rests with India, though he welcomed the ceasefire agreement with New Delhi. In his first comments since the militaries of India and Pakistan jointly announced on Thursday that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors, Khan Saturday said Pakistan remains ready to move forward to resolve "all outstanding issues" with India through dialogue. "I welcome restoration of the ceasefire along the LOC. The onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rests with India. India must take necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand & right of the Kashmiri people to self determination according to UNSC resolutions," Khan tweeted. "We have always stood for peace & remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue," Khan said in a series of tweets. India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on Thursday to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC and other sectors after hotline discussions by their Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO). The decision by the two countries came into effect from the midnight of February 24/25. In a series of tweets marking the second anniversary of Pakistan's retaliatory air strikes after the Indian Air Force (IAF) targetted a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror training camp at Balakot in 2019, Khan claimed that Pakistan have always stood for peace and remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue. He said that Pakistan also demonstrated to the world its "responsible behaviour" by returning the captured Indian pilot. IAF warplanes hit a JeM terror training camp in Balakot on February 26, 2019 to avenge killing of 40 CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack. Pakistan Air Force retaliated the next day but the IAF foiled the attack. India has told Pakistan that it has no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India, asserting that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been and will remain an integral part of the country. New Delhi has been maintaining its stand that "talks and terror" cannot go together as it continues to ask Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India. Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship. The relationship dipped further after India's war planes pounded a JeM terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (with inputs)

Pakistan PM yet again puts onus of restoring ceasefire along LoC on India

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Imran Khan PTI's visit to Sri Lanka was all about pushing propaganda. Some for Islamabad, some for its chief sponsor Beijing. The Pak PM couldn't stop praising China and used a business forum to rake up Kashmir. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Imran Khan raises Kashmir in Colombo

Imran Khan is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. His first visit to the island nation since becoming prime minister. On day one, they focused on boosting bilateral relations, expanding trade ties and attracting more investments but as the day ended, it became amply clear that Khan only wanted a new platform to push his anti-India agenda. Alongside, he also did some good PR for Pakistan's iron-brother China.&nbsp;

Imran Khan reached the residence of Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for dinner. A lavish banquet was held at Temple Trees. Imran Khan was visibly delighted with the reception. It followed one-on-one meetings and delegation-level-talks. Finally, a joint press briefing by the two prime ministers was held.&nbsp;

Imran Khan started by talking about inequality and why organisations like the United Nations need to look after countries that have been severely hit by the coronavirus. &nbsp;

Day one was about pleading for help and day two was about pushing propaganda for both Pakistan and China. Imran Khan attended a trade and investment conference and he admired China's rise. How China is helping Pakistan rise? He even invited Sri Lanka to join China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Then, it was the turn of Kashmir. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Knowing Khan would bring up Kashmir, Sri Lanka cancelled Khan's address to Parliament. Undeterred, he used a trade conference to talk about Kashmir. "My dream for the subcontinent is that we resolve our differences and our differences is only one, it’s the Kashmir issue. All we want is to resolve according to the UNSC resolution and this can only be resolved through dialogue," said Imran Khan, prime minister, Pakistan.&nbsp;

'Solve it through dialogue' is being said by the prime minister of a country that pursues terror as state policy. A country that pushes terrorists into the Kashmir valley. &nbsp;

Imran Khan should have instead raised the issue of forced cremations in Sri Lanka. Muslims and Christians, who died due to the coronavirus are being denied burials under Sri Lanka's new policy.&nbsp;

Every deceased man or woman, irrespective of their religion has to be cremated. The Islamic world is appalled at this as they are calling it an extension of Sri Lanka's persecution of Muslims. Imran Khan, who calls himself a leader of the Muslim world, chose to remain silent on it. Just like he does on the Uighur issue with China.&nbsp;

On February 15, Amnesty International wrote a letter to Imran Khan requesting him to take up the issue of forced cremations with Sri Lanka during his visit. It says 'honourable prime minister, we urge you to raise the issue of forced cremations at the highest levels possible during the visit to Sri Lanka'.&nbsp;

But he ignored it. Khan is looking forward to boost bilateral ties and the only point where he chose to embarrass his hosts was when he raised Kashmir. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Colombo must have prevailed later, because there was no mention of Kashmir in the joint statement as India is watching closely. It's an old relationship.&nbsp;

Pakistan is Sri Lanka's biggest trading partner in the region after India.&nbsp;

Pakistan is also trying to use its ancient Buddhist connections to promote cultural ties with Sri Lanka but the bedrock of this relationship is defence. Over the past three decades, Colombo has relied on Islamabad for military supplies. Lankan soldiers train in Pakistan. &nbsp;

Earlier this month, Sri Lanka also participated in Pakistan's multi-naval exercise, curiously named Aman, &nbsp;meaning peace, and of course, there's the old link of the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. As a young army officer in the 1970s, he went to Pakistan for an officers training course. &nbsp;

There's history, there's diplomacy, there's common interests and there's a common creditor in China to bind Sri Lanka and Pakistan. With the Rajapaksas in power, Sri Lanka was never going to be easy to navigate for New Delhi.&nbsp;

Imran Khan is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. His first visit to the island nation since becoming prime minister. On day one, they focused on boosting bilateral relations, expanding trade ties and attracting more investments but as the day ended, it became amply clear that Khan only wanted a new platform to push his anti-India agenda.

Imran Khan is on a two-day visit to Sri Lanka. His first visit to the island nation since becoming prime minister. On day one, they focused on boosting bilateral relations, expanding trade ties and attracting more investments but as the day ended, it became amply clear that Khan only wanted a new platform to push his anti-India agenda. Alongside, he also did some good PR for Pakistan's iron-brother China. Imran Khan reached the residence of Sri Lankan prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa for dinner. A lavish banquet was held at Temple Trees. Imran Khan was visibly delighted with the reception. It followed one-on-one meetings and delegation-level-talks. Finally, a joint press briefing by the two prime ministers was held. Imran Khan started by talking about inequality and why organisations like the United Nations need to look after countries that have been severely hit by the coronavirus. Day one was about pleading for help and day two was about pushing propaganda for both Pakistan and China. Imran Khan attended a trade and investment conference and he admired China's rise. How China is helping Pakistan rise? He even invited Sri Lanka to join China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Then, it was the turn of Kashmir. Knowing Khan would bring up Kashmir, Sri Lanka cancelled Khan's address to Parliament. Undeterred, he used a trade conference to talk about Kashmir. "My dream for the subcontinent is that we resolve our differences and our differences is only one, it’s the Kashmir issue. All we want is to resolve according to the UNSC resolution and this can only be resolved through dialogue," said Imran Khan, prime minister, Pakistan. 'Solve it through dialogue' is being said by the prime minister of a country that pursues terror as state policy. A country that pushes terrorists into the Kashmir valley. Imran Khan should have instead raised the issue of forced cremations in Sri Lanka. Muslims and Christians, who died due to the coronavirus are being denied burials under Sri Lanka's new policy. Every deceased man or woman, irrespective of their religion has to be cremated. The Islamic world is appalled at this as they are calling it an extension of Sri Lanka's persecution of Muslims. Imran Khan, who calls himself a leader of the Muslim world, chose to remain silent on it. Just like he does on the Uighur issue with China. On February 15, Amnesty International wrote a letter to Imran Khan requesting him to take up the issue of forced cremations with Sri Lanka during his visit. It says 'honourable prime minister, we urge you to raise the issue of forced cremations at the highest levels possible during the visit to Sri Lanka'. But he ignored it. Khan is looking forward to boost bilateral ties and the only point where he chose to embarrass his hosts was when he raised Kashmir. Colombo must have prevailed later, because there was no mention of Kashmir in the joint statement as India is watching closely. It's an old relationship. Pakistan is Sri Lanka's biggest trading partner in the region after India. Pakistan is also trying to use its ancient Buddhist connections to promote cultural ties with Sri Lanka but the bedrock of this relationship is defence. Over the past three decades, Colombo has relied on Islamabad for military supplies. Lankan soldiers train in Pakistan. Earlier this month, Sri Lanka also participated in Pakistan's multi-naval exercise, curiously named Aman, meaning peace, and of course, there's the old link of the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa. As a young army officer in the 1970s, he went to Pakistan for an officers training course. There's history, there's diplomacy, there's common interests and there's a common creditor in China to bind Sri Lanka and Pakistan. With the Rajapaksas in power, Sri Lanka was never going to be easy to navigate for New Delhi.

Imran Khan pushes anti-India agenda on two-day Sri Lanka visit

What is Imran Khan doing in Sri Lanka? Did he take his own plane? Is he going to speak in Lanka's parliament? How should India see this visit? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: What is Imran Khan doing in Sri Lanka?

Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan </a>on Tuesday while arriving at Colombo had crossed into the airspace of India's exclusive economic zone. The permission for it was sought from New Delhi from Islamabad a few days ago. India had given permission on Monday.

As a protocol. whenever heads of state or governments pass through the air space of any other country, the country is alerted&nbsp;with due permission taken. It is likely that Pak PM Imran Khan will use the same route to return back from Sri Lanka to Pakistan later today.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-imran-khan-doing-in-sri-lanka-365765/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

It is noteworthy that in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had denied permission for overflight for President Kovind's plane one time, and PM Modi's plane two times.&nbsp;

In September 2019, Pakistan denied the use of its airspace for President Kovind's plane during his Europe visit. In the same month, it denied overflight to PM Modi's plane to attend the UNGA session, followed by no permission to Air India one during PM's Saudi Arabia visit in October 2019. India had taken the matter with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday while arriving at Colombo had crossed into the airspace of India's exclusive economic zone. The permission for it was sought from New Delhi from Islamabad a few days ago.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday while arriving at Colombo had crossed into the airspace of India's exclusive economic zone. The permission for it was sought from New Delhi from Islamabad a few days ago. India had given permission on Monday. As a protocol. whenever heads of state or governments pass through the air space of any other country, the country is alerted with due permission taken. It is likely that Pak PM Imran Khan will use the same route to return back from Sri Lanka to Pakistan later today. Watch | It is noteworthy that in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had denied permission for overflight for President Kovind's plane one time, and PM Modi's plane two times. In September 2019, Pakistan denied the use of its airspace for President Kovind's plane during his Europe visit. In the same month, it denied overflight to PM Modi's plane to attend the UNGA session, followed by no permission to Air India one during PM's Saudi Arabia visit in October 2019. India had taken the matter with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Imran Khan crossed airspace of India's exclusive economic zone

Pakistan Prime Minister's obsession with Kashmir continues. During his visit to Sri Lanka Imran Khan once again has raised the issue of Kashmir and said that it is the only issue between India and Pakistan.

Pak PM's obsession with Kashmir continues; Imran Khan's raises Kashmir In Sri Lanka

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will be using the Indian air space to travel to Sri Lanka. He will be on a two-day visit to the country from today — his second visit that comes months after his visit to Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan had requested for use of air space, for which India granted permission. As a protocol, whenever heads of state or governments pass through the air space of any other country, the country is alerted and due permission is taken.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gunmen-kill-four-women-aid-workers-in-pakistan-365508" hreflang="en">Gunmen kill four women aid workers in Pakistan</a>

WION has learnt that permission was sent 10 days ago to New Delhi by Islamabad. India gave permission on Monday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-imran-khan-doing-in-sri-lanka-365765">WATCH|</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-what-is-imran-khan-doing-in-sri-lanka-365765/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Important to note, in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had denied permission for overflight for President Kovind's plane one time, and PM Modi's plane twice.&nbsp;

In September 2019, Pakistan denied the use of its airspace for President Kovind's plane during his Europe visit. In the same month, it denied overflight to PM Modi's plane to attend the UNGA session, followed by no permission to Air India one during PM's Saudi Arabia visit in October 2019. India had taken the matter with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will be using the Indian air space to travel to Sri Lanka. He will be on a two-day visit to the country from today — his second visit that comes months after his visit to Afghanistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan will be using the Indian air space to travel to Sri Lanka. He will be on a two-day visit to the country from today — his second visit that comes months after his visit to Afghanistan. Pakistan had requested for use of air space, for which India granted permission. As a protocol, whenever heads of state or governments pass through the air space of any other country, the country is alerted and due permission is taken. Also read| Gunmen kill four women aid workers in Pakistan WION has learnt that permission was sent 10 days ago to New Delhi by Islamabad. India gave permission on Monday. WATCH| Important to note, in the aftermath of India removing special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan had denied permission for overflight for President Kovind's plane one time, and PM Modi's plane twice. In September 2019, Pakistan denied the use of its airspace for President Kovind's plane during his Europe visit. In the same month, it denied overflight to PM Modi's plane to attend the UNGA session, followed by no permission to Air India one during PM's Saudi Arabia visit in October 2019. India had taken the matter with the International Civil Aviation Organization.

Pak PM Imran Khan to use Indian air space for travel to Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Wednesday in Colombo in which the talks were focused on trade, tourism and agriculture.&nbsp;

"Had a productive discussion with #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI &nbsp;this morning. The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism &amp; adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on," Rajapaksa in a tweet wrote.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Had a productive discussion with <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistani?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistani</a> PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> this morning. 
The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism &amp; adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SriLanka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SriLanka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/lka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#lka</a> <a href="https://t.co/j6iUMRcf4f">pic.twitter.com/j6iUMRcf4f</a>
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) <a href="https://twitter.com/GotabayaR/status/1364480021683789825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Imran on Tuesday met his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa in which he said he was looking forward to improving trade relations with Sri Lanka through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Watch |&nbsp;

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He earlier described his visit to the island nation as aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties.&nbsp;

In an address post his meeting with the Sri Lankan PM, Imran said CPEC means connectivity right up to Central Asia.&nbsp;

Imran said he and his Sri Lankan counterpart "discussed other areas where we can enhance our trading ties where Sri Lanka can benefit from Pakistan's connectivity in the future, right up to central Asia."&nbsp;

"And our trading ties will also mean that the two countries will get together," the Pakistani PM said.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Imran will participate in a joint 'Trade and Investment Conference' that aims to promote trade and investment between the two countries.&nbsp;

A number of agreements to boost bilateral cooperation will also be signed during the Pakistani PM's visit.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Wednesday in Colombo in which the talks were focused on trade, tourism and agriculture. "Had a productive discussion with #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI this morning.

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa met Pakistani PM Imran Khan on Wednesday in Colombo in which the talks were focused on trade, tourism and agriculture. "Had a productive discussion with #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI this morning. The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism & adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on," Rajapaksa in a tweet wrote. Had a productive discussion with #Pakistani PM @ImranKhanPTI this morning. The discussions were mainly focused on common interests such as Trade, Tourism & adoption of technology in Agriculture which both countries could positively leverage on#SriLanka #Pakistan #lka pic.twitter.com/j6iUMRcf4f — Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) February 24, 2021 × Imran on Tuesday met his Sri Lankan counterpart Mahinda Rajapaksa in which he said he was looking forward to improving trade relations with Sri Lanka through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Watch | He earlier described his visit to the island nation as aimed at strengthening the bilateral ties. In an address post his meeting with the Sri Lankan PM, Imran said CPEC means connectivity right up to Central Asia. Imran said he and his Sri Lankan counterpart "discussed other areas where we can enhance our trading ties where Sri Lanka can benefit from Pakistan's connectivity in the future, right up to central Asia." "And our trading ties will also mean that the two countries will get together," the Pakistani PM said. On Wednesday, Imran will participate in a joint 'Trade and Investment Conference' that aims to promote trade and investment between the two countries. A number of agreements to boost bilateral cooperation will also be signed during the Pakistani PM's visit.

Sri Lankan President meets Pakistan's Imran Khan

Pakistani journalist Saifullah Jan, known for his criticism of the country’s powerful institutions has demanded a judicial investigation into the torture and humiliation he faced at the hands of leaders of the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Speaking at the press conference on Friday, Saifullah Jan, member of the governing body of the Charsadda Press Club, said that the PTI leaders, including Abdullah, his brother Fahim, Zakat Committee chairman Iftikhar and other armed men, forcibly took him to the PTI's office in Charsadda bazaar, where he was allegedly stripped naked and tortured, The News International reported.

He further said that the leaders had also made a video of him while being naked. He was let go only after public pressure, the scribe said.

The journalist also said that though District Police Officer Mohammad Shoaib had ordered the cops at the Sardari Police Station to register the case as per the law but the police used "delaying tactics and did not include the relevant sections of the law in the FIR".

The scribe pointed that though his leg was fractured due to the torture but the police wrote in the FIR that he has suffered minor injuries.

As per the complaint, five names of the PTI have been registered. However, Saifullah said, the police removed Iftikhar's name, who is the main accused in the case.

While urging the chief justice of the Peshawar High Court to look into the matter, the journalist said that the police did not press charges against the accused and the local court granted bail to them, The News International reported.

(With inputs from ANI)

Pakistani journalist Saifullah Jan, known for his criticism of the country’s powerful institutions has demanded a judicial investigation into the torture and humiliation he faced at the hands of leaders of the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

Pakistani journalist Saifullah Jan, known for his criticism of the country’s powerful institutions has demanded a judicial investigation into the torture and humiliation he faced at the hands of leaders of the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Speaking at the press conference on Friday, Saifullah Jan, member of the governing body of the Charsadda Press Club, said that the PTI leaders, including Abdullah, his brother Fahim, Zakat Committee chairman Iftikhar and other armed men, forcibly took him to the PTI's office in Charsadda bazaar, where he was allegedly stripped naked and tortured, The News International reported. He further said that the leaders had also made a video of him while being naked. He was let go only after public pressure, the scribe said. The journalist also said that though District Police Officer Mohammad Shoaib had ordered the cops at the Sardari Police Station to register the case as per the law but the police used "delaying tactics and did not include the relevant sections of the law in the FIR". The scribe pointed that though his leg was fractured due to the torture but the police wrote in the FIR that he has suffered minor injuries. As per the complaint, five names of the PTI have been registered. However, Saifullah said, the police removed Iftikhar's name, who is the main accused in the case. While urging the chief justice of the Peshawar High Court to look into the matter, the journalist said that the police did not press charges against the accused and the local court granted bail to them, The News International reported. (With inputs from ANI)

'Was stripped naked, tortured at Imran Khan's party office': Pakistani Journalist

For Beijing, alliance with Pakistan is a geopolitical game-changer - a success of Chinese expansionism, and for Islamabad, it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

CPEC was sold as the ultimate solution to Pakistan's economic troubles. But, it was China that has squeezed all the benefits.

Foreign direct investment in Pakistan has seen a 27 per cent decline in the first seven months of the current fiscal, owing mainly to the fall in investment from its close ally China, a media report said on Tuesday.

The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan during the first seven years fell by 27 per cent compared to the same period last fiscal year, Dawn newspaper reported, quoting the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as saying.

The SBP, the central bank, on Monday said that the FDI during July-January FY-21 was USD 1.145 billion against an inflow of USD 1.577bn in the same period last fiscal year.

The inflow during January was USD 192.7 million compared to USD 219 million in the same month of the previous fiscal year, registering a 12 per cent decline.

However, the seven-month decline was mainly due to a decline in net FDI from China and an increase in net outflow to Norway, the report said.

The country-wise details showed that net inflow of FDI from China was USD 402.8 million against USD 502.6 million in the same period of last fiscal year.

So far, the net FDI from China is the highest in the list of inflows from other countries.

The inflows from China were USD 707.2 million during the seven months but the outflow of USD 304.4 million in the same period reduced the net FDI to USD 402.8 million.

Others from where over USD 100 million net FDIs were received were the Netherlands and Hong Kong, as they invested USD 122 million and USD 105 million, respectively, during the first seven months of FY21.

The inflows of FDI from the UK (USD 83.8m), the US (USD 73.5m) and Malta (USD 60.6m) were also significant during the seven months.

However, a drastic change in the inflows from Norway affected the overall inflow of FDI this year.

The SBP data shows that during the seven months of the previous fiscal year, the inflow from Norway was USD 288.5 million, while in the seven months of the current financial year a net outflow of USD 25.8 million was noted instead of any inflow from the Scandinavian country.

The power sector attracted the highest investment of USD 475.8 m against USD 373 m in the same period of last financial year; an increase of 27.6 per cent.

(With inputs from agencies)

For Beijing, alliance with Pakistan is a geopolitical game-changer - a success of Chinese expansionism, and for Islamabad, it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation.

For Beijing, alliance with Pakistan is a geopolitical game-changer - a success of Chinese expansionism, and for Islamabad, it is a life-time opportunity and its last chance for economic modernisation. CPEC was sold as the ultimate solution to Pakistan's economic troubles. But, it was China that has squeezed all the benefits. Foreign direct investment in Pakistan has seen a 27 per cent decline in the first seven months of the current fiscal, owing mainly to the fall in investment from its close ally China, a media report said on Tuesday. The Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan during the first seven years fell by 27 per cent compared to the same period last fiscal year, Dawn newspaper reported, quoting the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) as saying. The SBP, the central bank, on Monday said that the FDI during July-January FY-21 was USD 1.145 billion against an inflow of USD 1.577bn in the same period last fiscal year. The inflow during January was USD 192.7 million compared to USD 219 million in the same month of the previous fiscal year, registering a 12 per cent decline. However, the seven-month decline was mainly due to a decline in net FDI from China and an increase in net outflow to Norway, the report said. The country-wise details showed that net inflow of FDI from China was USD 402.8 million against USD 502.6 million in the same period of last fiscal year. So far, the net FDI from China is the highest in the list of inflows from other countries. The inflows from China were USD 707.2 million during the seven months but the outflow of USD 304.4 million in the same period reduced the net FDI to USD 402.8 million. Others from where over USD 100 million net FDIs were received were the Netherlands and Hong Kong, as they invested USD 122 million and USD 105 million, respectively, during the first seven months of FY21. The inflows of FDI from the UK (USD 83.8m), the US (USD 73.5m) and Malta (USD 60.6m) were also significant during the seven months. However, a drastic change in the inflows from Norway affected the overall inflow of FDI this year. The SBP data shows that during the seven months of the previous fiscal year, the inflow from Norway was USD 288.5 million, while in the seven months of the current financial year a net outflow of USD 25.8 million was noted instead of any inflow from the Scandinavian country. The power sector attracted the highest investment of USD 475.8 m against USD 373 m in the same period of last financial year; an increase of 27.6 per cent. (With inputs from agencies)

FDI in Pakistan down by 27 per cent in the first seven months; investment from China dwindles: Report

Pakistan Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati said Pakistan Railways had suffered Rs1.2 trillion losses during the past 50 years and the government plans to revive the collapsing organisation but did not elaborate how."The company has incurred 90 per cent of these losses in the last two decades alone," Dawn quoted Swati as saying.

Azam Swati, who recently got the Railways portfolio, also said, "The average loss is between Rs35 and 40 billion a year," adding that the government planned to revive the collapsing organisation sooner than later. But how? He didn`t elaborate.

The cash-strapped Prime Minister Imran Khan`s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government seems as clueless about its strategy for the railway`s revival as any previous administration. It has, apparently, put all its eggs in the Chinese basket, hoping that the investment of USD 6.8 billion on an upgrade of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) connecting Peshawar with Karachi would resuscitate the dying company, Dawn reported.

That may do the miracle. But for now, the project has already hit snags on terms of Chinese financing for the project, delaying work on it.

"Efforts have been made to restore the railway`s profitability in different periods but those fell through midway because of lack of their continuity," Nisar Memon, railway`s CEO, said.&nbsp;

The CEO said the major factors for deteriorating railway infrastructure and service and loss of freight business were decades of underinvestment in infrastructure, corruption, mismanagement, political interference, over-employment and loss of freight business to competing road transportation owing to lack of a national transportation policy.Citing the 2019-20 Economic Survey, Dawn reported, the railway owns 474 locomotives (458 diesel engines and 12 steam engines) for 7,791km length of the track. During the first eight months of FY20 (July-February), the number of passengers decreased to 39.4 million against 39.9m from the previous year.&nbsp;

Pakistan Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati said Pakistan Railways had suffered Rs1.2 trillion losses during the past 50 years and the government plans to revive the collapsing organisation but did not elaborate how.

Pakistan Federal Minister for Railways Muhammad Azam Khan Swati said Pakistan Railways had suffered Rs1.2 trillion losses during the past 50 years and the government plans to revive the collapsing organisation but did not elaborate how."The company has incurred 90 per cent of these losses in the last two decades alone," Dawn quoted Swati as saying. Azam Swati, who recently got the Railways portfolio, also said, "The average loss is between Rs35 and 40 billion a year," adding that the government planned to revive the collapsing organisation sooner than later. But how? He didn`t elaborate. The cash-strapped Prime Minister Imran Khan`s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government seems as clueless about its strategy for the railway`s revival as any previous administration. It has, apparently, put all its eggs in the Chinese basket, hoping that the investment of USD 6.8 billion on an upgrade of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) connecting Peshawar with Karachi would resuscitate the dying company, Dawn reported. That may do the miracle. But for now, the project has already hit snags on terms of Chinese financing for the project, delaying work on it. "Efforts have been made to restore the railway`s profitability in different periods but those fell through midway because of lack of their continuity," Nisar Memon, railway`s CEO, said. The CEO said the major factors for deteriorating railway infrastructure and service and loss of freight business were decades of underinvestment in infrastructure, corruption, mismanagement, political interference, over-employment and loss of freight business to competing road transportation owing to lack of a national transportation policy.Citing the 2019-20 Economic Survey, Dawn reported, the railway owns 474 locomotives (458 diesel engines and 12 steam engines) for 7,791km length of the track. During the first eight months of FY20 (July-February), the number of passengers decreased to 39.4 million against 39.9m from the previous year.

Pakistan railways suffered Rs 1.2 trillion losses in past 50 years, says railway minister

Pakistan faced a profound diplomatic embarrassment when the Government of Sri Lanka cancelled (Feb 17) the much-hyped Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan’s address to the Sri Lankan Parliament. It was originally scheduled for February 24. &nbsp;

This is seen as a major setback to the Pakistani establishment as Imran’s visit commencing on February 20, was seen in Pakistan as a significant move to further befriend Sri Lanka. It is also assessed by the diplomatic circles that it was a triumph of&nbsp;the Indian policymakers because the proposed Sri Lanka visit, more specifically the Parliament address was largely at China’s behest.

Now, Pakistan will have to recover with immense difficulty with the shock it received by the last-minute cancellation. Meanwhile, knowledgeable sources also say that the Parliament address was sabotaged to prevent Imran Khan for raking up the Kashmir issue on foreign soil, thus trying to cause a wedge between Indo-Sri Lanka warm ties. This has also left China red-faced as China was intently watching the upcoming visit for geopolitical reasons.&nbsp;

The cancellation has been officially confirmed now by Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Gunawardena. Although the Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker reckons that the address has been called off due to Covid-19 related precautionary measures, this explanation seems faint and far from convincing.

In the meantime, credible reports trickling in from Colombo indicate that there is no possibility of Sri Lanka signing any defence agreements with Pakistan during the visit of Imran Khan. Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanth Colombage did disclose that a number of agreements on economic cooperation, culture and other issues are on the cards but nothing on defence. &nbsp;

However, grounds for strong defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan do exist. &nbsp;From 2000 to 2009, Pak-Sri Lanka military cooperation was exceptionally strong. During the operations against the LTTE in its last phase in 2009, Sri Lanka had sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) which Pakistan had readily obliged. It is also pertinent to point out that the LTTE had tried to assassinate the Pakistani High Commissioner in Colombo, Bashir Wali Mohmand in 2009 as he was assisting the Sri Lankan forces’ efforts to exterminate the LTTE.

In a development linked to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit, the Sri Lankan Muslim community leaders are preparing to meet the visiting Pak PM to hand over their list of grievances by involving Imran Khan whom they described as a great Muslim leader. &nbsp;It is likely that the section of Muslims in Sri Lanka would highlight the human rights violations against the 9 per cent Muslim minority in Sri Lanka and alleged social discrimination. &nbsp;

Reacting to the cancellation of the Parliament address, Rauf Hakeem, opposition MP and leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress said (Feb. 17) that the Sri Lanka government had embarrassed the PM of a foreign country. Muslims in Sri Lanka are also believed to be agitated over the controversy of the government’s decision to allow only cremation and not the burial of all the COVID casualties. On his part, Imran Khan is expected to give a patient hearing to the ‘aggrieved’ Muslims. &nbsp;It could, in case, be interesting to Pakistan and Sri Lanka watchers to see how Imran’s forthcoming Colombo visit unfolds.

While the cancellation of the Parliament address by Imran Khan is dampening for Pakistan and its PM, it is also seen as a loss of face amid a slew of problems Pakistan is already grappling with. &nbsp; 
However, a more serious problem that Pakistan is facing at this juncture is the assessment by the experts that Pakistan is unlikely to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey’ list until June this year, despite its efforts to gather support from the member nations ahead of the plenary meet of the FATF slated in Paris from Feb 21 to 26. &nbsp;

This is yet another critical setback for Pakistan. It also means Pakistan has not done enough to improve its track record on terror funding despite repeated warnings by the FATF. Compounded with this, the latest report of denial of an address by PM Imran Khan to the Sri Lankan Parliament exposes Pakistan’s hollowed foreign policy bereft of any maturity or seen as an incorrigible nation, howsoever harsh it may sound.

Pakistan doesn’t seem to be learning any lesson and instead it continues to bask on India bashing and most of such reactions emanating from a deep sense of insecurity from India.&nbsp;

Let us dwell upon a couple of illustrations to prove our point. The Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Ahmad Bajwa, while addressing the cadets of the Air War College Institution ( AWCI), at the 34th Air War course at Karachi, under the aegis of the Pakistan Air Force ( PAF), warned ( Feb 17) that Pakistan was ready to give a befitting reply to any misadventure posed by its adversary.&nbsp; 
The tenor and syntax were aggressive and reminiscent of his similar speech earlier this month, again at a PAF function. In both cases, the army chief insinuated his warning towards India.&nbsp;

It was indeed unprovoked and avoidable and but the contents rob away any chances of toning down a sense of hostility in letter and spirit .&nbsp;

Army chief apart, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while addressing the participants of the Ninth International Maritime Conference in Karachi on Feb 15, accused India of taking recourse to what he termed belligerent and aggressive policies raising the chances of a conflict in the Indian Ocean. Crossing all limits of decency, Foreign Minister Qureshi also charged India for being driven by "extreme Hindutva ideology".

Again, such remarks coming from a senior minister against a sovereign country were totally uncalled for. It’s clearly evident that such manifestations are the result of a great sense of insecurity felt by Pakistan. This seems to have heightened following the perceived armament build-up by India, as assessed by media house Al-Jazeera. It further analyses that being in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue group, Pakistan is apprehensive with security concerns.

Though the well-known commentator and security analyst Zahid Hussain feels that India’s military preparedness is against China, Pakistan feels threatened by India . Pakistan recently hosted a naval exercise with the US, the UK, Russia participating.&nbsp;

Reeling under such massive level of apprehensions from perceived Indian threats, Pakistan first needs to tone down its rhetoric, address its domestic concerns, rein in the various terror groups bred in Pakistan and also straighten up its foreign policy creases so as not to face embarrassment as in Sri Lanka. It would then augur well with it to exaggerate concerns from India.

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal)

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan faced a profound diplomatic embarrassment when the Government of Sri Lanka cancelled (Feb 17) the much-hyped Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan’s address to the Sri Lankan Parliament.

Pakistan faced a profound diplomatic embarrassment when the Government of Sri Lanka cancelled (Feb 17) the much-hyped Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan’s address to the Sri Lankan Parliament. It was originally scheduled for February 24. This is seen as a major setback to the Pakistani establishment as Imran’s visit commencing on February 20, was seen in Pakistan as a significant move to further befriend Sri Lanka. It is also assessed by the diplomatic circles that it was a triumph of the Indian policymakers because the proposed Sri Lanka visit, more specifically the Parliament address was largely at China’s behest. Now, Pakistan will have to recover with immense difficulty with the shock it received by the last-minute cancellation. Meanwhile, knowledgeable sources also say that the Parliament address was sabotaged to prevent Imran Khan for raking up the Kashmir issue on foreign soil, thus trying to cause a wedge between Indo-Sri Lanka warm ties. This has also left China red-faced as China was intently watching the upcoming visit for geopolitical reasons. The cancellation has been officially confirmed now by Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Gunawardena. Although the Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker reckons that the address has been called off due to Covid-19 related precautionary measures, this explanation seems faint and far from convincing. In the meantime, credible reports trickling in from Colombo indicate that there is no possibility of Sri Lanka signing any defence agreements with Pakistan during the visit of Imran Khan. Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanth Colombage did disclose that a number of agreements on economic cooperation, culture and other issues are on the cards but nothing on defence. However, grounds for strong defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan do exist. From 2000 to 2009, Pak-Sri Lanka military cooperation was exceptionally strong. During the operations against the LTTE in its last phase in 2009, Sri Lanka had sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) which Pakistan had readily obliged. It is also pertinent to point out that the LTTE had tried to assassinate the Pakistani High Commissioner in Colombo, Bashir Wali Mohmand in 2009 as he was assisting the Sri Lankan forces’ efforts to exterminate the LTTE. In a development linked to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit, the Sri Lankan Muslim community leaders are preparing to meet the visiting Pak PM to hand over their list of grievances by involving Imran Khan whom they described as a great Muslim leader. It is likely that the section of Muslims in Sri Lanka would highlight the human rights violations against the 9 per cent Muslim minority in Sri Lanka and alleged social discrimination. Reacting to the cancellation of the Parliament address, Rauf Hakeem, opposition MP and leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress said (Feb. 17) that the Sri Lanka government had embarrassed the PM of a foreign country. Muslims in Sri Lanka are also believed to be agitated over the controversy of the government’s decision to allow only cremation and not the burial of all the COVID casualties. On his part, Imran Khan is expected to give a patient hearing to the ‘aggrieved’ Muslims. It could, in case, be interesting to Pakistan and Sri Lanka watchers to see how Imran’s forthcoming Colombo visit unfolds. While the cancellation of the Parliament address by Imran Khan is dampening for Pakistan and its PM, it is also seen as a loss of face amid a slew of problems Pakistan is already grappling with. However, a more serious problem that Pakistan is facing at this juncture is the assessment by the experts that Pakistan is unlikely to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey’ list until June this year, despite its efforts to gather support from the member nations ahead of the plenary meet of the FATF slated in Paris from Feb 21 to 26. This is yet another critical setback for Pakistan. It also means Pakistan has not done enough to improve its track record on terror funding despite repeated warnings by the FATF. Compounded with this, the latest report of denial of an address by PM Imran Khan to the Sri Lankan Parliament exposes Pakistan’s hollowed foreign policy bereft of any maturity or seen as an incorrigible nation, howsoever harsh it may sound. Pakistan doesn’t seem to be learning any lesson and instead it continues to bask on India bashing and most of such reactions emanating from a deep sense of insecurity from India. Let us dwell upon a couple of illustrations to prove our point. The Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Ahmad Bajwa, while addressing the cadets of the Air War College Institution ( AWCI), at the 34th Air War course at Karachi, under the aegis of the Pakistan Air Force ( PAF), warned ( Feb 17) that Pakistan was ready to give a befitting reply to any misadventure posed by its adversary. The tenor and syntax were aggressive and reminiscent of his similar speech earlier this month, again at a PAF function. In both cases, the army chief insinuated his warning towards India. It was indeed unprovoked and avoidable and but the contents rob away any chances of toning down a sense of hostility in letter and spirit . Army chief apart, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while addressing the participants of the Ninth International Maritime Conference in Karachi on Feb 15, accused India of taking recourse to what he termed belligerent and aggressive policies raising the chances of a conflict in the Indian Ocean. Crossing all limits of decency, Foreign Minister Qureshi also charged India for being driven by "extreme Hindutva ideology". Again, such remarks coming from a senior minister against a sovereign country were totally uncalled for. It’s clearly evident that such manifestations are the result of a great sense of insecurity felt by Pakistan. This seems to have heightened following the perceived armament build-up by India, as assessed by media house Al-Jazeera. It further analyses that being in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue group, Pakistan is apprehensive with security concerns. Though the well-known commentator and security analyst Zahid Hussain feels that India’s military preparedness is against China, Pakistan feels threatened by India . Pakistan recently hosted a naval exercise with the US, the UK, Russia participating. Reeling under such massive level of apprehensions from perceived Indian threats, Pakistan first needs to tone down its rhetoric, address its domestic concerns, rein in the various terror groups bred in Pakistan and also straighten up its foreign policy creases so as not to face embarrassment as in Sri Lanka. It would then augur well with it to exaggerate concerns from India. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal) (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: Pakistan's embarrassment is a spanner in Imran Khan's Colombo visit

Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the first Head of Government to visit Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office last year. The Prime Minister will visit Sri Lanka on February 23 and 24.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming the visit of the Prime Minister saying that bilateral talks would cover issues of trade and investment, health and education, agriculture and science and technology, defence and security, and culture and tourism. Key regional and international issues would also be discussed.

“During the visit, the reconstitution of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association will be announced to further promote parliamentary exchanges between the two countries,” the statement said.

Mr Khan will also participate in a joint ‘Trade and Investment Conference’.

A number of memorandums of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation will also be signed during the visit.

The prime minister was earlier scheduled to address the Sri Lankan parliament but the event was cancelled last night.&nbsp;The Sri Lankan government and the Pakistani government both maintained that the visit will undertake with the necessary Covid-19 protocols.

The prime minister will be holding delegation-level talks with the president and prime minister&nbsp;of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;During the visit, PM Khan will also be inaugurating a sports complex in Colombo.

Accompanying him in his high-level delegation would be the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Advisor on Trade and Commerce Razzaq Dawood.&nbsp;The prime mnister during his visit to Sri Lanka would be focusing on cultural tourism.

President Rajapaksa is familiar with Pakistan where he attended courses in military training institutions.

In a tweet, Sri Lankan President said that he looks forward to welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister and said that, “this visit will further reinforce our bilateral relationship and pave way for joint ventures that mutually benefit both our nations”.

Khan’s visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka has been balancing its act with immediate neighbours India &amp; China and Pakistan known to be an all-weather China ally

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the first Head of Government to visit Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office last year.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the first Head of Government to visit Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office last year. The Prime Minister will visit Sri Lanka on February 23 and 24. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming the visit of the Prime Minister saying that bilateral talks would cover issues of trade and investment, health and education, agriculture and science and technology, defence and security, and culture and tourism. Key regional and international issues would also be discussed. “During the visit, the reconstitution of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association will be announced to further promote parliamentary exchanges between the two countries,” the statement said. Mr Khan will also participate in a joint ‘Trade and Investment Conference’. A number of memorandums of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation will also be signed during the visit. The prime minister was earlier scheduled to address the Sri Lankan parliament but the event was cancelled last night. The Sri Lankan government and the Pakistani government both maintained that the visit will undertake with the necessary Covid-19 protocols. The prime minister will be holding delegation-level talks with the president and prime minister of Sri Lanka. During the visit, PM Khan will also be inaugurating a sports complex in Colombo. Accompanying him in his high-level delegation would be the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Advisor on Trade and Commerce Razzaq Dawood. The prime mnister during his visit to Sri Lanka would be focusing on cultural tourism. President Rajapaksa is familiar with Pakistan where he attended courses in military training institutions. In a tweet, Sri Lankan President said that he looks forward to welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister and said that, “this visit will further reinforce our bilateral relationship and pave way for joint ventures that mutually benefit both our nations”. Khan’s visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka has been balancing its act with immediate neighbours India & China and Pakistan known to be an all-weather China ally

Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

This is being seen as a move by the Sri Lankan government to maintain ties with India. It was being speculated that Khan would raise the Kashmir issue during his speech, which could have upset Delhi. &nbsp;

Sri Lankan ‘Express’ newspaper stated that giving an opportunity to the Pakistani prime minister could have been implied as giving Khan parity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so the planned speech was cancelled.&nbsp;

It is significant to mention that Imran khan’s speech at the Sri Lankan parliament had been included in PM's itinerary on the Pakistan government's request. &nbsp;

Imran Khan is scheduled to travel to Colombo on a two-day trip from February 22. He was to address the Sri Lankan parliament on February 24. He will also meet Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and attend an investors' conference, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

Imran's speech was added at the request of the Pakistan government. However, it was later cancelled, according to Sri Lankan media. Sri Lankan media have cited different reasons for the cancellation of Khan's address. &nbsp;

Sri Lanka's daily ‘Express’ quoted Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage as having said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had requested for cancellation on the pretext of Covid-19. However, the same newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying that there were elements within the Sri Lankan government, who did not want the speech to take place as they feared that doing so could further harm ties with India.

But another speculation doing the rounds is that the Sri Lankan government was concerned about Khan speaking about the rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka, who have faced abuses at the hands of the Buddhist majority, rising anti-Muslim sentiments, and biased government actions, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government had, moreover, made its compulsory cremation rule for those dying from Covid-19 applicable to Muslims in the country. The government, however, earlier this month exempted the Muslims from cremation and allowed them to bury their dead after a global outcry over the issue.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn.

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn. This is being seen as a move by the Sri Lankan government to maintain ties with India. It was being speculated that Khan would raise the Kashmir issue during his speech, which could have upset Delhi. Sri Lankan ‘Express’ newspaper stated that giving an opportunity to the Pakistani prime minister could have been implied as giving Khan parity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so the planned speech was cancelled. It is significant to mention that Imran khan’s speech at the Sri Lankan parliament had been included in PM's itinerary on the Pakistan government's request. Imran Khan is scheduled to travel to Colombo on a two-day trip from February 22. He was to address the Sri Lankan parliament on February 24. He will also meet Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and attend an investors' conference, reported Dawn. Imran's speech was added at the request of the Pakistan government. However, it was later cancelled, according to Sri Lankan media. Sri Lankan media have cited different reasons for the cancellation of Khan's address. Sri Lanka's daily ‘Express’ quoted Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage as having said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had requested for cancellation on the pretext of Covid-19. However, the same newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying that there were elements within the Sri Lankan government, who did not want the speech to take place as they feared that doing so could further harm ties with India. But another speculation doing the rounds is that the Sri Lankan government was concerned about Khan speaking about the rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka, who have faced abuses at the hands of the Buddhist majority, rising anti-Muslim sentiments, and biased government actions, reported Dawn. The Sri Lankan government had, moreover, made its compulsory cremation rule for those dying from Covid-19 applicable to Muslims in the country. The government, however, earlier this month exempted the Muslims from cremation and allowed them to bury their dead after a global outcry over the issue.

Sri Lankan government cancels Pak PM Imran Khan's address to Parliament

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