Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan is the undisputed troll supremo of South Asia. Recently, Khan unfollowed everyone from his Twitter account, causing a furore on Twitter.

The Pakistan PM, in his unfollow frenzy, did not also spare his first wife Jemima Goldsmith. Soon after, Twitter residents trolled Khan for “being inferior to former PM Nawaz Sharif”, ANI reported.

On Monday evening, users on Twitter started noticing that Imran Khan’s official account @ImranKhanPTI was no longer following anybody.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/bureaucrats-to-be-sacked-if-found-doing-corruption-pm-imran-khan-347753" hreflang="en">Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan</a>

But the focus of his unfollow spree remained on Jemima Goldsmith, a film producer and also his former wife.

Twitter users were quick to notice that Khan had continued to follow his first wife Jemima Goldsmith even after separating from her. Since then, Khan has married twice.

Khan had created his account in 2010. The centre of this debacle remains his ex wife and him!

Once you follow a person on Twitter, what they post, retweet, or like is visible on one’s home feed. The whole point of Twitter is to connect to people. But if one does not follow any person, they will have a blank feed, full of suggestions.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/pak-opposition-warns-imran-khan-govt-of-retaliation-if-it-uses-force-to-disrupt-lahore-rally-347992" hreflang="en">Pak opposition warns Imran Khan govt of retaliation if it uses force to disrupt Lahore rally</a>

Currently, the Pakistan PM is followed by 12.9 million followers. He continues to be trolled by users from around the world for abruptly unfollowing everyone.&nbsp;

When a head of state unfollows other heads of states on social media, it makes headlines around the world - signifying that something has gone awry. But Khan went an extra mile by leaving no one aside - everyone he followed is no longer in his following list.

Take a look at some hilarious reactions below.

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Prime Minister Imran Khan unfollows everyone on twitter 
no one anymore <a href="https://t.co/fOqwbv6DoQ">pic.twitter.com/fOqwbv6DoQ</a>
— Haseeb Balouch (@HaseebBalouch9) <a href="https://twitter.com/HaseebBalouch9/status/1336146900987338752?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> PM Imran Khan unfollows everyone from Twitter <a href="https://t.co/x2qBXn4W8u">pic.twitter.com/x2qBXn4W8u</a>
— An Individual (@GlobalAnalyzer) <a href="https://twitter.com/GlobalAnalyzer/status/1336056713829634051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Khan Sahb <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a>, if there's one person you must never unfollow... It's Jemima the gem.
— Mariam's Madness (@MaddyForLabour) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaddyForLabour/status/1336000770441965578?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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IK unfollows every one. I wish he should keep following <a href="https://twitter.com/Jemima_Khan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jemima_Khan</a> afterall she is a good lady and above all she is mother of his kids.<a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> <a href="https://t.co/qQkEy2v1HO">pic.twitter.com/qQkEy2v1HO</a>
— Hunzai (@sanahunzai) <a href="https://twitter.com/sanahunzai/status/1335952484695638017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan is the undisputed troll supremo of South Asia. Recently, Khan unfollowed everyone from his Twitter account, causing a furore on Twitter.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan is the undisputed troll supremo of South Asia. Recently, Khan unfollowed everyone from his Twitter account, causing a furore on Twitter. The Pakistan PM, in his unfollow frenzy, did not also spare his first wife Jemima Goldsmith. Soon after, Twitter residents trolled Khan for “being inferior to former PM Nawaz Sharif”, ANI reported. On Monday evening, users on Twitter started noticing that Imran Khan’s official account @ImranKhanPTI was no longer following anybody. Also read: Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan But the focus of his unfollow spree remained on Jemima Goldsmith, a film producer and also his former wife. Twitter users were quick to notice that Khan had continued to follow his first wife Jemima Goldsmith even after separating from her. Since then, Khan has married twice. Khan had created his account in 2010. The centre of this debacle remains his ex wife and him! Once you follow a person on Twitter, what they post, retweet, or like is visible on one’s home feed. The whole point of Twitter is to connect to people. But if one does not follow any person, they will have a blank feed, full of suggestions. Also read: Pak opposition warns Imran Khan govt of retaliation if it uses force to disrupt Lahore rally Currently, the Pakistan PM is followed by 12.9 million followers. He continues to be trolled by users from around the world for abruptly unfollowing everyone. When a head of state unfollows other heads of states on social media, it makes headlines around the world - signifying that something has gone awry. But Khan went an extra mile by leaving no one aside - everyone he followed is no longer in his following list. Take a look at some hilarious reactions below. Prime Minister Imran Khan unfollows everyone on twitter no one anymore pic.twitter.com/fOqwbv6DoQ — Haseeb Balouch (@HaseebBalouch9) December 8, 2020 × #Pakistan PM Imran Khan unfollows everyone from Twitter pic.twitter.com/x2qBXn4W8u — An Individual (@GlobalAnalyzer) December 7, 2020 × Khan Sahb @ImranKhanPTI, if there's one person you must never unfollow... It's Jemima the gem. — Mariam's Madness (@MaddyForLabour) December 7, 2020 × IK unfollows every one. I wish he should keep following @Jemima_Khan afterall she is a good lady and above all she is mother of his kids.@ImranKhanPTI pic.twitter.com/qQkEy2v1HO — Hunzai (@sanahunzai) December 7, 2020 ×

Pakistan PM Imran Khan trolled for unfollowing everyone on Twitter, including his first wife

Former Pakistani Prime Minister regretted the fact that none of the country's head of state have been able to complete their terms, underscoring the martial laws and assault on democracy time and again.&nbsp;

"Until now, none of the (elected) prime ministers have been allowed to complete their constitutional term. Every few years, democracy is attacked and martial law is imposed," Sharif was quoted as saying by Dawn news. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-warns-imran-khan-govt-of-retaliation-if-it-uses-force-to-disrupt-lahore-rally-347992">Pak opposition warns Imran Khan govt of retaliation if it uses force to disrupt Lahore rally</a>

"Tell me, hand on your heart, is this Quaid-i-Azam's Pakistan?," he asked referring to Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-christian-girl-killed-for-turning-down-muslim-mans-marriage-proposal-347920">Pakistan: Christian girl killed for turning down Muslim man's marriage proposal</a>

Speaking to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) social media convention, he also said that continually constitution was violated and the founders of the country are regarded as traitors, "popular leaders jailed and leaders were made out to be robbers," in a veiled attack on Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Sharif has been living in London since November 2019 when he was given permission to travel abroad as his health declined while serving a corruption sentence.&nbsp;

Pakistani Army that has always had its dubious role in country's politics and favours ruling party has come under sharp criticism from Sharif and other major opposition parties for rigging the last general election and installing Khan as the prime minister.&nbsp;

Speaking on his speeches criticism for slamming the nation's army, Sharif asked if it was "treason to expose those who have formed a state above a state".

Former Pakistani Prime Minister regretted the fact that none of the country's head of state have been able to complete their terms, underscoring the martial laws and assault on democracy time and again.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister regretted the fact that none of the country's head of state have been able to complete their terms, underscoring the martial laws and assault on democracy time and again. "Until now, none of the (elected) prime ministers have been allowed to complete their constitutional term. Every few years, democracy is attacked and martial law is imposed," Sharif was quoted as saying by Dawn news. Also read | Pak opposition warns Imran Khan govt of retaliation if it uses force to disrupt Lahore rally "Tell me, hand on your heart, is this Quaid-i-Azam's Pakistan?," he asked referring to Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Also read | Pakistan: Christian girl killed for turning down Muslim man's marriage proposal Speaking to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) social media convention, he also said that continually constitution was violated and the founders of the country are regarded as traitors, "popular leaders jailed and leaders were made out to be robbers," in a veiled attack on Prime Minister Imran Khan. Sharif has been living in London since November 2019 when he was given permission to travel abroad as his health declined while serving a corruption sentence. Pakistani Army that has always had its dubious role in country's politics and favours ruling party has come under sharp criticism from Sharif and other major opposition parties for rigging the last general election and installing Khan as the prime minister. Speaking on his speeches criticism for slamming the nation's army, Sharif asked if it was "treason to expose those who have formed a state above a state".

'State above a state': Sharif regrets that no Pak PM able to complete full term ever

Pakistan`s Opposition leader Fazlur Rehman has warned that they will retaliate if the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government uses force to disrupt the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) Lahore rally.

Addressing the late Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Amanullah Conference in Sarai Naurang, Lakki Marwat, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader blamed "selected rulers" for destroying the country`s economy, Geo News reported.

The opposition parties wanted their armed forces to carry on their duties as professional soldiers, he said, adding that "They are our strength and should concentrate to protect the geographical frontiers of the country."

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-christian-girl-killed-for-turning-down-muslim-mans-marriage-proposal-347920" hreflang="en">Pakistan: Christian girl killed for turning down Muslim man's marriage proposal</a>

Every institution should play its due role under the Constitution so that the country could face the challenges with unity, Marwat said, urging party workers to participate in the PDM`s Lahore rally to send a strong message to "selected rulers".

Deploring the arrest and registration of cases against opposition workers, Rehman said: "The Opposition cannot be cowed down through such tactics. The Lahore rally would be the last nail in the coffin of the selected government."

Rehman remarks come a day after Imran Khan ruled out the possibility of the government granting permission to the PDM for holding anti-government rallies and warned that police cases will be lodged against organisers.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bureaucrats-to-be-sacked-if-found-doing-corruption-pm-imran-khan-347753" hreflang="en">Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan</a>

In an interview to a private news channel, the premier had said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but will not stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he said.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Rana Sanaullah said people will express solidarity with the PDM at the Minar-e-Pakistan. He also said that the final decision about en masse resignation from national and provincial assemblies will be taken by the leadership of the Opposition`s 11-party alliance - PDM.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-seeks-debt-suspension-for-some-nations-till-covid-19-crisis-gets-over-347475">Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks debt suspension for some nations till Covid-19 crisis gets over</a>

"I was first accused of owning property worth two billion rupees in Australia. A fake case was lodged against me. Drug peddlers were brought from Faisalabad to testify against me, but the government did not find any witness against me despite all the pressure," said Sanaullah.

Underscoring the need for dialogues, Sanaullah said that if the Imran Khan-led government had held negotiations with the Opposition, the country`s current situation would have been different, reported ARY News.

He also said that his party will comply with the PDM leadership`s decision.

Pakistan`s Opposition leader Fazlur Rehman has warned that they will retaliate if the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government uses force to disrupt the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) Lahore rally.

Pakistan`s Opposition leader Fazlur Rehman has warned that they will retaliate if the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government uses force to disrupt the Pakistan Democratic Movement`s (PDM) Lahore rally. Addressing the late Sheikhul Hadith Maulana Amanullah Conference in Sarai Naurang, Lakki Marwat, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) leader blamed "selected rulers" for destroying the country`s economy, Geo News reported. The opposition parties wanted their armed forces to carry on their duties as professional soldiers, he said, adding that "They are our strength and should concentrate to protect the geographical frontiers of the country." Also read| Pakistan: Christian girl killed for turning down Muslim man's marriage proposal Every institution should play its due role under the Constitution so that the country could face the challenges with unity, Marwat said, urging party workers to participate in the PDM`s Lahore rally to send a strong message to "selected rulers". Deploring the arrest and registration of cases against opposition workers, Rehman said: "The Opposition cannot be cowed down through such tactics. The Lahore rally would be the last nail in the coffin of the selected government." Rehman remarks come a day after Imran Khan ruled out the possibility of the government granting permission to the PDM for holding anti-government rallies and warned that police cases will be lodged against organisers. Also read| Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan In an interview to a private news channel, the premier had said the government has decided against allowing the Opposition to hold the public gathering, Geo News reported. "We will file FIRs against everyone -- from the kursi wala to the sound system handlers but will not stop them [Opposition leaders] from going there," he said. Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz senior leader Rana Sanaullah said people will express solidarity with the PDM at the Minar-e-Pakistan. He also said that the final decision about en masse resignation from national and provincial assemblies will be taken by the leadership of the Opposition`s 11-party alliance - PDM. Also read| Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks debt suspension for some nations till Covid-19 crisis gets over "I was first accused of owning property worth two billion rupees in Australia. A fake case was lodged against me. Drug peddlers were brought from Faisalabad to testify against me, but the government did not find any witness against me despite all the pressure," said Sanaullah. Underscoring the need for dialogues, Sanaullah said that if the Imran Khan-led government had held negotiations with the Opposition, the country`s current situation would have been different, reported ARY News. He also said that his party will comply with the PDM leadership`s decision.

Pak opposition warns Imran Khan govt of retaliation if it uses force to disrupt Lahore rally

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has raised questions over the new social media rules imposed by the Pakistan government, the media reported on Saturday.

The court on Friday heard a petition filed by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) against the recently approved regulations titled 'Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020', The Express Tribune reported.

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The PBC contended that the rules violated rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah expressed his displeasure, saying that if the new rules discouraged criticism, it would "discourage accountability".

"Criticism is very important for democracy," he said, adding that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) should encourage it instead.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/major-embarrassment-for-pakistan-at-un-over-100-countries-decline-to-extend-support-to-resolution-backed-by-it-347332">Major embarrassment for Pakistan at UN: Over 100 countries decline to extend support to resolution backed by it</a>

The IHC later issued directions to the PTA to take into account the objections raised by PBC and satisfy the court at the next hearing on December 18.

The government approved the social media rules last month despite criticism from human rights activists and organisations.

One of the new rules requires a social media company` to remove, suspend or disable access to any online content within 24 hours, and in emergency situations, within six hours, after being intimated by the authority.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has raised questions over the new social media rules imposed by the Pakistan government, the media reported on Saturday. The court on Friday heard a petition filed by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) against the recently approved regulations titled 'Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020', The Express Tribune reported.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has raised questions over the new social media rules imposed by the Pakistan government, the media reported on Saturday. The court on Friday heard a petition filed by the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) against the recently approved regulations titled 'Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020', The Express Tribune reported. Also read| Pakistan: Woman fakes death to claim insurance worth $1.5 million The PBC contended that the rules violated rights guaranteed by the Constitution. IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah expressed his displeasure, saying that if the new rules discouraged criticism, it would "discourage accountability". "Criticism is very important for democracy," he said, adding that the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) should encourage it instead. Also read | Major embarrassment for Pakistan at UN: Over 100 countries decline to extend support to resolution backed by it The IHC later issued directions to the PTA to take into account the objections raised by PBC and satisfy the court at the next hearing on December 18. The government approved the social media rules last month despite criticism from human rights activists and organisations. One of the new rules requires a social media company` to remove, suspend or disable access to any online content within 24 hours, and in emergency situations, within six hours, after being intimated by the authority.

Islamabad HC questions government's new social media rules

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the government will introduce a new system of "reward and punishment" for the civil servants under which corrupt bureaucrats will be sacked instead of just transferring.

Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the completion of two years of Pakistan Citizen Portal at the Prime Minister House on Friday, Khan said he was dissatisfied over the performance of the current local governments, the Dawn reported.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cash-strapped-pakistan-seeks-debt-suspension-for-some-nations-till-covid-19-crisis-gets-over-347475">Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks debt suspension for some nations till Covid-19 crisis gets over</a>

"The government was introducing a new system of 'reward and punishment' for the civil servants. Under the new system officials would not be transferred but sacked if found involved in corruption and irregularities,"&nbsp;he said.

He also said under a separate new system introduced at the village level funds would be transferred directly to the councils.

"A new local government system is being introduced which will usher in a revolution. It will be implemented at the village level where people will be able to elect their representatives who will directly receive funds every year,"&nbsp;he added.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the government will introduce a new system of "reward and punishment" for the civil servants under which corrupt bureaucrats will be sacked instead of just transferring.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the government will introduce a new system of "reward and punishment" for the civil servants under which corrupt bureaucrats will be sacked instead of just transferring. Speaking at a ceremony to celebrate the completion of two years of Pakistan Citizen Portal at the Prime Minister House on Friday, Khan said he was dissatisfied over the performance of the current local governments, the Dawn reported. Also read| Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks debt suspension for some nations till Covid-19 crisis gets over "The government was introducing a new system of 'reward and punishment' for the civil servants. Under the new system officials would not be transferred but sacked if found involved in corruption and irregularities," he said. He also said under a separate new system introduced at the village level funds would be transferred directly to the councils. "A new local government system is being introduced which will usher in a revolution. It will be implemented at the village level where people will be able to elect their representatives who will directly receive funds every year," he added.

Bureaucrats to be sacked if found doing corruption: PM Imran Khan

Pakistan has issued special permits to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and two other members of the royal family to hunt the internationally protected houbara bustards during the hunting season 2020-21, according to a media report on Friday.

Sources said the two other hunters are governors and one of them is a defaulter as he has not paid the hunting fees for last year.

The hunters had been allocated certain hunting areas in two provinces&nbsp;Balochistan and Punjab, the Dawn newspaper reported.

They said that though the foreign ministry was expected to maintain the protocol and official hierarchy, the name of the most powerful person and ''real''&nbsp;ruler of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman has been mentioned at the bottom of the list of hunters sent to the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad.

The houbara bustard is a resident of the colder Central Asian region. It migrates southwards every year to spend its winters in a relatively warmer environment in Pakistan. 
Arab hunters are specially invited by the Pakistan government to hunt houbara bustards.

Owing to its dwindling population, the houbara is not only protected under various international nature conservation treaties but is also protected under local wildlife protection laws. Pakistanis are not allowed to hunt it.

The sources told the newspaper that earlier Prime Minister Imran Khan, when he was in the Opposition, used to criticise the then federal government for issuing houbara hunting permits and had not allowed houbara hunting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf ruled, but now has issued the permits to hunters from Saudi Arabia.

The sources said that the hunting permits issued by the foreign ministry's deputy chief of protocol (P&amp;I) on October 16 were delivered to the Saudi Embassy to be sent to the hunters.

Pakistan has issued special permits to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and two other members of the royal family to hunt the internationally protected houbara bustards during the hunting season 2020-21, according to a media report on Friday.

Pakistan has issued special permits to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and two other members of the royal family to hunt the internationally protected houbara bustards during the hunting season 2020-21, according to a media report on Friday. Sources said the two other hunters are governors and one of them is a defaulter as he has not paid the hunting fees for last year. The hunters had been allocated certain hunting areas in two provinces Balochistan and Punjab, the Dawn newspaper reported. They said that though the foreign ministry was expected to maintain the protocol and official hierarchy, the name of the most powerful person and ''real'' ruler of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman has been mentioned at the bottom of the list of hunters sent to the Saudi Embassy in Islamabad. The houbara bustard is a resident of the colder Central Asian region. It migrates southwards every year to spend its winters in a relatively warmer environment in Pakistan. Arab hunters are specially invited by the Pakistan government to hunt houbara bustards. Owing to its dwindling population, the houbara is not only protected under various international nature conservation treaties but is also protected under local wildlife protection laws. Pakistanis are not allowed to hunt it. The sources told the newspaper that earlier Prime Minister Imran Khan, when he was in the Opposition, used to criticise the then federal government for issuing houbara hunting permits and had not allowed houbara hunting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf ruled, but now has issued the permits to hunters from Saudi Arabia. The sources said that the hunting permits issued by the foreign ministry's deputy chief of protocol (P&I) on October 16 were delivered to the Saudi Embassy to be sent to the hunters.

Pak issues special permit to Saudi Crown Prince, two others to hunt rare houbara bustards: Report

Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan </a>has requested the international community for debt suspension till the end of the coronavirus pandemic for low-income and most affected countries as well as cancellation of debt of least developed nations, according to a media report on Friday.

Cash-strapped Pakistan's economic woes have further worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic and Khan's government is arranging finances from world bodies, including the International Monetary Fund, to tide over the crisis.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/major-embarrassment-for-pak-at-un-as-100-nations-reject-its-resolution-347386/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Presenting a 10-point agenda for urgent action before the UN General Assembly special session on COVID-19 on Thursday, Khan underlined the measures the international community needs to take to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dawn newspaper reported.

The first item on his list is a request for debt suspension till the end of the pandemic for low-income and most affected countries. The second one is "cancellation of debt of least developed countries" that are no longer in a position to repay their loans, it said.

Other items on the agenda include restructuring of the public sector debt of other developing countries under an agreed inclusive multilateral framework; a general allocation of special drawing rights of USD 500 billion; expanded concessional financing to lower income countries through multilateral development banks; and creation of a new 'liquidity and sustainability facility', which should provide short-term loans at lower costs.

The novel coronavirus has so far infected 410,072 people and claimed 8,260 lives in Pakistan.

Addressing the session, Khan said the coronavirus pandemic is the most serious global crisis since the Second World War.

Nearly 100 world leaders and several dozen ministers are participating in the two-day virtual UNGA special session that began on Thursday.

Pakistan's agenda also includes a reminder to rich nations to fulfil 0.7 per cent of their official development assistance commitments and mobilising the required USD 1.5 trillion annual investment in sustainable infrastructure.

The prime minister also urged the international community to help meet the agreed target of mobilising USD 100 billion per year for climate action in developing countries, the report said.

Khan also called for immediate action to stop the massive illicit financial outflows from developing countries to rich countries, to offshore tax havens. He also suggested immediate return of assets stolen by corrupt politicians and criminals back to these countries.

Earlier in his opening remarks at the special session, UNGA President Volkan Bozkir said, "Today marks an overdue and much-needed moment of reckoning. None of us could have imagined, this time last year, what was to come."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said "it is time to reset"&nbsp;the global response to crises like this. "As we build a strong recovery, we must seize the opportunity for change,"&nbsp;he added.

The deadly virus has infected nearly 65 million people across the world and killed close to 1.5 million.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has requested the international community for debt suspension till the end of the coronavirus pandemic for low-income and most affected countries as well as cancellation of debt of least developed nations, according to a media report on Friday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has requested the international community for debt suspension till the end of the coronavirus pandemic for low-income and most affected countries as well as cancellation of debt of least developed nations, according to a media report on Friday. Cash-strapped Pakistan's economic woes have further worsened due to the coronavirus pandemic and Khan's government is arranging finances from world bodies, including the International Monetary Fund, to tide over the crisis. Watch | Presenting a 10-point agenda for urgent action before the UN General Assembly special session on COVID-19 on Thursday, Khan underlined the measures the international community needs to take to defeat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Dawn newspaper reported. The first item on his list is a request for debt suspension till the end of the pandemic for low-income and most affected countries. The second one is "cancellation of debt of least developed countries" that are no longer in a position to repay their loans, it said. Other items on the agenda include restructuring of the public sector debt of other developing countries under an agreed inclusive multilateral framework; a general allocation of special drawing rights of USD 500 billion; expanded concessional financing to lower income countries through multilateral development banks; and creation of a new 'liquidity and sustainability facility', which should provide short-term loans at lower costs. The novel coronavirus has so far infected 410,072 people and claimed 8,260 lives in Pakistan. Addressing the session, Khan said the coronavirus pandemic is the most serious global crisis since the Second World War. Nearly 100 world leaders and several dozen ministers are participating in the two-day virtual UNGA special session that began on Thursday. Pakistan's agenda also includes a reminder to rich nations to fulfil 0.7 per cent of their official development assistance commitments and mobilising the required USD 1.5 trillion annual investment in sustainable infrastructure. The prime minister also urged the international community to help meet the agreed target of mobilising USD 100 billion per year for climate action in developing countries, the report said. Khan also called for immediate action to stop the massive illicit financial outflows from developing countries to rich countries, to offshore tax havens. He also suggested immediate return of assets stolen by corrupt politicians and criminals back to these countries. Earlier in his opening remarks at the special session, UNGA President Volkan Bozkir said, "Today marks an overdue and much-needed moment of reckoning. None of us could have imagined, this time last year, what was to come." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said "it is time to reset" the global response to crises like this. "As we build a strong recovery, we must seize the opportunity for change," he added. The deadly virus has infected nearly 65 million people across the world and killed close to 1.5 million.

Cash-strapped Pakistan seeks debt suspension for some nations till Covid-19 crisis gets over

Pakistan's Prime Minister&nbsp;Imran&nbsp;Khan on Thursday approved&nbsp;the Civil Servants (E&amp;D) Rules-2020 under the government's arrangement of institutional changes to improve the execution of organization and state foundations.&nbsp;

As indicated by a senior authority of the Prime Minister Office (PMO), the point of these guidelines is to guarantee straightforward and powerful inside responsibility of civil servants and get productivity and order their administration.&nbsp;

Under the new standards, request against government authorities should be chosen within 90 days.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/never-pressured-by-military-leadership-on-any-matter-imran-khan-346205" hreflang="en">Never pressured by military leadership on any matter: Imran Khan</a>

Unexpectedly, request deals and intentional returns have been remembered for the meaning of offense and the government employees associated with them will currently be continued against.&nbsp;

One of the fundamental highlights of the standards is that if there should be an occurrence of request, the case will be heard by the 'authority', 'request official' or a 'panel' rather than any 'approved official' who was relegated to choose the issue.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khans-kashmir-campaign-bombs-at-islamic-meet-346206" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM Imran Khan's Kashmir campaign bombs at Islamic meet</a>

In these terms the position signifies "the official who is approved to select an individual against whom the request is being started", the PMO official said.&nbsp;

Imran&nbsp;Khan said before it had been seen that at whatever point an official (yet not the power) was allocated to hold request, he generally discarded the issue either by granting minor discipline or under some impact or weight. He could likewise choose the case in whatever time he considered proper.&nbsp;

Nonetheless, the power will presently need to choose the case in 30 days.&nbsp;

As indicated by the new principles, if there should be an occurrence of Pakistan Administration Service and Police Service of Pakistan officials posted in territories, a two-month timetable has been given to the main secretary to submit truth discovering report, bombing which the Establishment Division can continue all alone.&nbsp;

To facilitate the request cycle, the level of approved official has been disposed of, leaving just two levels — the position and request official/advisory group.&nbsp;

Timetables have been presented at each progression of the procedures.&nbsp;

Around 10 to 14 days will be given to the denounced official to react to the charges while the panel or a request official to be appointed by the position should finish examinations in 60 days though the power should choose the case in 30 days.&nbsp;

Prior, no time span was fixed to finish up the procedures because of which cases waited on for quite a long time. Chance of individual hearing would likewise be given by the power/hearing official.&nbsp;

The procedural issues identifying with the arrangement of record, slackness on a piece of departmental delegates, suspension, and procedures against officials on nomination/leave/grant have been obviously given in the new guidelines.&nbsp;

The standards further express that the Establishment Division has been approved to give auxiliary guidelines to evade any postponement in settling the requests.&nbsp;

If there should arise an occurrence of numerous presumed officials in a solitary case, the limitation of selecting a solitary request official has been forced to guarantee straightforwardness and maintain a strategic distance from various choices in a solitary case.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday approved the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules-2020 under the government's arrangement of institutional changes to improve the execution of organization and state foundations.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday approved the Civil Servants (E&D) Rules-2020 under the government's arrangement of institutional changes to improve the execution of organization and state foundations. As indicated by a senior authority of the Prime Minister Office (PMO), the point of these guidelines is to guarantee straightforward and powerful inside responsibility of civil servants and get productivity and order their administration. Under the new standards, request against government authorities should be chosen within 90 days. Also read: Never pressured by military leadership on any matter: Imran Khan Unexpectedly, request deals and intentional returns have been remembered for the meaning of offense and the government employees associated with them will currently be continued against. One of the fundamental highlights of the standards is that if there should be an occurrence of request, the case will be heard by the 'authority', 'request official' or a 'panel' rather than any 'approved official' who was relegated to choose the issue. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan's Kashmir campaign bombs at Islamic meet In these terms the position signifies "the official who is approved to select an individual against whom the request is being started", the PMO official said. Imran Khan said before it had been seen that at whatever point an official (yet not the power) was allocated to hold request, he generally discarded the issue either by granting minor discipline or under some impact or weight. He could likewise choose the case in whatever time he considered proper. Nonetheless, the power will presently need to choose the case in 30 days. As indicated by the new principles, if there should be an occurrence of Pakistan Administration Service and Police Service of Pakistan officials posted in territories, a two-month timetable has been given to the main secretary to submit truth discovering report, bombing which the Establishment Division can continue all alone. To facilitate the request cycle, the level of approved official has been disposed of, leaving just two levels — the position and request official/advisory group. Timetables have been presented at each progression of the procedures. Around 10 to 14 days will be given to the denounced official to react to the charges while the panel or a request official to be appointed by the position should finish examinations in 60 days though the power should choose the case in 30 days. Prior, no time span was fixed to finish up the procedures because of which cases waited on for quite a long time. Chance of individual hearing would likewise be given by the power/hearing official. The procedural issues identifying with the arrangement of record, slackness on a piece of departmental delegates, suspension, and procedures against officials on nomination/leave/grant have been obviously given in the new guidelines. The standards further express that the Establishment Division has been approved to give auxiliary guidelines to evade any postponement in settling the requests. If there should arise an occurrence of numerous presumed officials in a solitary case, the limitation of selecting a solitary request official has been forced to guarantee straightforwardness and maintain a strategic distance from various choices in a solitary case.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan approves rules to improve bureaucracy performance

In Pakistan, the tussle between opposition and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan</a>-government is showing no signs of ending.&nbsp;

After a major show of strength in Peshawar on Sunday, another massive rally was organised in Multan. This was the fifth such demonstration held by the Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of several opposition parties.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-no-end-to-pak-oppns-tussle-with-imran-khan-346558/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Top leaders including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam's Maulana Fazlur Rehman to Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the sister of Bilawal Bhutto and a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party were present.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-pm-imran-khan-lost-control-of-anti-france-campaign-in-pakistan-345947">How PM Imran Khan lost control of anti-France campaign in Pakistan</a>

But the show-stopper was Maryam Nawaz, the vice president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).&nbsp;

Maryam called out the Pak government's backdoor efforts to stop the rally from being organised.&nbsp;

Earlier, Pakistan's Punjab government and the local administration in Multan had denied permission to the opposition for this rally.&nbsp;

The reason cited was the second wave of the novel coronavirus.&nbsp;

The Multan authorities blocked most routes to the stadium where the demonstration was scheduled and removed tents, chairs and detained several rival party leaders.&nbsp;

Kasim Gillani, son of Pakistan's former PM Yousaf Raza Gillani was also detained.&nbsp;

In a series of tweets, the Pakistani PM justified the crackdown.&nbsp;

"Problem confronting us in Pak during COVID 19 is of a political leadership that has never gone through any democratic struggle, nor worked with ordinary citizens to understand the problems they confront, nor contributed in any substantive way for betterment of ordinary citizens," he wrote.&nbsp;

"They think this is their last means of pressuring us for NRO - which will never happen. Having never worked a day in their lives, their "shahi" lifestyles are directly dependent on saving their families ill-gotten, illegally acquired wealth through robbing &amp; impoverish the nation," Khan said in another tweet.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, political debutante Aseefa Bhutto slammed Khan's crackdown in Multan rally.&nbsp;

The 27-year-old leader said if men from their parties are arrested, thousands of women will take to the streets. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In Pakistan, the tussle between opposition and Imran Khan-government is showing no signs of ending. After a major show of strength in Peshawar on Sunday, another massive rally was organised in Multan.

In Pakistan, the tussle between opposition and Imran Khan-government is showing no signs of ending. After a major show of strength in Peshawar on Sunday, another massive rally was organised in Multan. This was the fifth such demonstration held by the Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of several opposition parties. Watch | Top leaders including Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam's Maulana Fazlur Rehman to Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, the sister of Bilawal Bhutto and a member of the Pakistan Peoples Party were present. Also read | How PM Imran Khan lost control of anti-France campaign in Pakistan But the show-stopper was Maryam Nawaz, the vice president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). Maryam called out the Pak government's backdoor efforts to stop the rally from being organised. Earlier, Pakistan's Punjab government and the local administration in Multan had denied permission to the opposition for this rally. The reason cited was the second wave of the novel coronavirus. The Multan authorities blocked most routes to the stadium where the demonstration was scheduled and removed tents, chairs and detained several rival party leaders. Kasim Gillani, son of Pakistan's former PM Yousaf Raza Gillani was also detained. In a series of tweets, the Pakistani PM justified the crackdown. "Problem confronting us in Pak during COVID 19 is of a political leadership that has never gone through any democratic struggle, nor worked with ordinary citizens to understand the problems they confront, nor contributed in any substantive way for betterment of ordinary citizens," he wrote. "They think this is their last means of pressuring us for NRO - which will never happen. Having never worked a day in their lives, their "shahi" lifestyles are directly dependent on saving their families ill-gotten, illegally acquired wealth through robbing & impoverish the nation," Khan said in another tweet. Meanwhile, political debutante Aseefa Bhutto slammed Khan's crackdown in Multan rally. The 27-year-old leader said if men from their parties are arrested, thousands of women will take to the streets.

With another rally, tussle between Imran Khan-govt and opposition intensifies

Thousands attended Pakistan Democratic Movement's 5th rally in #Multan. Maryam Nawaz Sharif called out Imran Khan backdoor efforts to block opposition rallies. Meanwhile, the Pak PM has attacked the 'royal lifestyle' of opposition leaders

Gravitas: No end to Pak oppn's tussle with Imran Khan

India is all set to host the 19th meeting of the SCO Council of Heads of Government in a virtual format on Monday, which will be chaired by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu.

India to host SCO heads of govt meet on Nov 30, Pak PM Imran to skip

Vice-President of India Venkaiah Naidu said during his address at the SCO council of heads meeting that India condemned all forms of terrorism.

India hosts SCO heads of govt meet; PM Modi & Pak PM Imran Khan skips the meet

Earlier today, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Ali Qasim Gilani along with 30 opposition members were arrested.

Pak govt cracks down on opposition ahead of PDM rally in Multan

Pakistan's provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has registered an FIR against the newly-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of 11 Opposition parties, for holding an anti-government rally here on November 22 despite a ban imposed against it by the administration.

The FIR was registered on Sunday against the five district leaders of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) by the provincial authorities after Prime Minister Imran Khan blamed the rally behind the spike in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is the ruling party in the province.

The fourth show of strength by the PDM was held despite the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's warning that it may lodge cases against the PDM leaders if a spike in COVID-19 cases was witnessed in the province after the rally.

The alliance held four massive back-to-back gatherings against the government of Prime Minister Khan in Gujranwala, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar while the fifth rally was scheduled for November 30 in Multan despite prohibitive orders concerning COVID-19.

The PDM central leaders, including its chairman Maulana Fazlullah Rahman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Aftab Khan Sherpao, Asfandyar Wali and others, had also addressed the Peshawar rally. Bilawal was tested positive for COVID-19 last week. The FIR has been registered at the Pahari Pura Police station under various sections of the law like ban on brandishing of arms and use of loudspeakers.

Prime Minister Khan said that the PDM was a great hurdle in Pakistan's fight against coronavirus as it was refusing to halt gatherings despite administrative orders.

The political environment was heating up and so was the pandemic, as the cases of the coronavirus reached 398,024 after addition of 2,839 new patients in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

It showed that 40 more patients died, taking the COVID-19 toll in the country to 8,025. More deaths were feared as some 2,046 patients were in critical condition.

Khan in a tweet on Sunday termed the Opposition as the 'main' problem in the fight against the virus as they were not bothered about people's health. "So, when we did a smart lockdown to save our poor from becoming destitute &amp; save the economy from total collapse, these 'leaders' opposed &amp; demanded complete lockdown. Now, with the new spike, when we again need smart lockdown, they want jalsas (gatherings) not caring for the lives &amp; safety of people," he said.

The Opposition parties have refused to pay heed to what he said and announced its sixth rally to be held in Lahore on December 13.

On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced the formation of the PDM and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an "action plan" starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a "decisive long march" towards Islamabad in January 2021.

Pakistan's provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has registered an FIR against the newly-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of 11 Opposition parties, for holding an anti-government rally here on November 22 despite a ban imposed against it by the administration.

Pakistan's provincial Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has registered an FIR against the newly-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of 11 Opposition parties, for holding an anti-government rally here on November 22 despite a ban imposed against it by the administration. The FIR was registered on Sunday against the five district leaders of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) by the provincial authorities after Prime Minister Imran Khan blamed the rally behind the spike in the number of coronavirus cases and deaths. Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is the ruling party in the province. The fourth show of strength by the PDM was held despite the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's warning that it may lodge cases against the PDM leaders if a spike in COVID-19 cases was witnessed in the province after the rally. The alliance held four massive back-to-back gatherings against the government of Prime Minister Khan in Gujranwala, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar while the fifth rally was scheduled for November 30 in Multan despite prohibitive orders concerning COVID-19. The PDM central leaders, including its chairman Maulana Fazlullah Rahman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Aftab Khan Sherpao, Asfandyar Wali and others, had also addressed the Peshawar rally. Bilawal was tested positive for COVID-19 last week. The FIR has been registered at the Pahari Pura Police station under various sections of the law like ban on brandishing of arms and use of loudspeakers. Prime Minister Khan said that the PDM was a great hurdle in Pakistan's fight against coronavirus as it was refusing to halt gatherings despite administrative orders. The political environment was heating up and so was the pandemic, as the cases of the coronavirus reached 398,024 after addition of 2,839 new patients in the last 24 hours, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. It showed that 40 more patients died, taking the COVID-19 toll in the country to 8,025. More deaths were feared as some 2,046 patients were in critical condition. Khan in a tweet on Sunday termed the Opposition as the 'main' problem in the fight against the virus as they were not bothered about people's health. "So, when we did a smart lockdown to save our poor from becoming destitute & save the economy from total collapse, these 'leaders' opposed & demanded complete lockdown. Now, with the new spike, when we again need smart lockdown, they want jalsas (gatherings) not caring for the lives & safety of people," he said. The Opposition parties have refused to pay heed to what he said and announced its sixth rally to be held in Lahore on December 13. On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced the formation of the PDM and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an "action plan" starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a "decisive long march" towards Islamabad in January 2021.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government files FIR against Pakistan Democratic Movement for rally

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans shrill campaign to internationalise Kashmir has bombed after the 57-member Islamic bloc brushed aside Islamabads frenzied attempt to haul up India for abrogating Article 370 more than a year ago. 
 
In the latest attempt to slam India for its decision to fully mainstream Kashmir with the rest of India, it was once again Pakistan`s light-headed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who had an egg on his face. Qureshi was left red-faced after the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), holding its 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Niger`s Niamey, snubbed Pakistan by making no mention of Kashmir in its agenda. 
 
Despite the embarrassment, Qureshi, took the `Islamophobia` route to mention Kashmir in his speech, another wasted exercise, as the participating ministers remained focused on session`s theme "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/never-pressured-by-military-leadership-on-any-matter-imran-khan-346205" hreflang="en">Never pressured by military leadership on any matter: Imran Khan</a> 
 
The OIC, through its Secretary General Yousef Al-Othaimeen, had made it aptly clear that the agenda of this year`s Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) session would include a list of topics and "issues of concern" to the Muslim world. 
 
"In addition to the Palestinian cause, the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism, Islamophobia and defamation of religious, the Council will discuss the situation of Muslim minorities and communities in non-member states, fundraising for the Rohingya case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and other emerging matters," the OIC, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents, said in a statement released prior to the meeting. 
 
The much-expected agenda though came as a huge shocker for Pakistan which had for long been demanding a special OIC meeting on Kashmir.

"The meeting has not been convened so far because the Saudis, who wield a virtual veto in the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, has not supported Islamabad`s move. The latest omission of Kashmir from the agenda of the regular foreign ministers` meeting comes at a time when ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia/UAE remain strained over what Pakistani diplomats say are `unfulfilled expectations`," Pakistan`s leading daily Dawn said in a report.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bilawal-bhutto-slams-imran-khans-heartless-government-for-sacking-over-4500-psm-employees-346106" hreflang="en">Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees</a> 
 
Qureshi was to face more embarrassment after landing in Niger along with Sardar Masood Khan, the former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, who is now president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). 
 
The duo referred Niger as a "brotherly Islamic country" and urged the founding member of the OIC to raise the Kashmir issue at the forum of African Union (AU) and various other international platforms. 
 
But, as the two-day session kicked off on Friday, neither Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, nor any other participating country diverted from the pre-decided agenda. 
 
OIC Secretary General Al-Othaimeen said that the choice of the theme for the session, "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development", is a strong reminder that "terrorism is the single most serious threat to the region and the world, given its negative impact on growth rates and cooperation ties, in addition to worsening Human Development Indices (HDI) ranking". 
 
He also valued the role assigned to the OIC Sawt al-Hikma (Voice of Wisdom) Center, which acts in coordination with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to bring reason to bear and promote moderation and tolerance.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans shrill campaign to internationalise Kashmir has bombed after the 57-member Islamic bloc brushed aside Islamabads frenzied attempt to haul up India for abrogating Article 370 more than a year ago.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khans shrill campaign to internationalise Kashmir has bombed after the 57-member Islamic bloc brushed aside Islamabads frenzied attempt to haul up India for abrogating Article 370 more than a year ago. In the latest attempt to slam India for its decision to fully mainstream Kashmir with the rest of India, it was once again Pakistan`s light-headed Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who had an egg on his face. Qureshi was left red-faced after the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), holding its 47th session of the Council of Foreign Ministers in Niger`s Niamey, snubbed Pakistan by making no mention of Kashmir in its agenda. Despite the embarrassment, Qureshi, took the `Islamophobia` route to mention Kashmir in his speech, another wasted exercise, as the participating ministers remained focused on session`s theme "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development". Also read| Never pressured by military leadership on any matter: Imran Khan The OIC, through its Secretary General Yousef Al-Othaimeen, had made it aptly clear that the agenda of this year`s Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) session would include a list of topics and "issues of concern" to the Muslim world. "In addition to the Palestinian cause, the fight against violence, extremism and terrorism, Islamophobia and defamation of religious, the Council will discuss the situation of Muslim minorities and communities in non-member states, fundraising for the Rohingya case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as well as the promotion of dialogue among civilizations, cultures and religions, and other emerging matters," the OIC, with a membership of 57 states spread over four continents, said in a statement released prior to the meeting. The much-expected agenda though came as a huge shocker for Pakistan which had for long been demanding a special OIC meeting on Kashmir. "The meeting has not been convened so far because the Saudis, who wield a virtual veto in the 57-member bloc of Muslim countries, has not supported Islamabad`s move. The latest omission of Kashmir from the agenda of the regular foreign ministers` meeting comes at a time when ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia/UAE remain strained over what Pakistani diplomats say are `unfulfilled expectations`," Pakistan`s leading daily Dawn said in a report. Also read| Bilawal Bhutto slams Imran Khan's 'heartless government' for sacking over 4,500 PSM employees Qureshi was to face more embarrassment after landing in Niger along with Sardar Masood Khan, the former Pakistani Ambassador to the UN, who is now president of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The duo referred Niger as a "brotherly Islamic country" and urged the founding member of the OIC to raise the Kashmir issue at the forum of African Union (AU) and various other international platforms. But, as the two-day session kicked off on Friday, neither Mahamadou Issoufou, President of the Republic of Niger, nor any other participating country diverted from the pre-decided agenda. OIC Secretary General Al-Othaimeen said that the choice of the theme for the session, "United against Terrorism for Peace and Development", is a strong reminder that "terrorism is the single most serious threat to the region and the world, given its negative impact on growth rates and cooperation ties, in addition to worsening Human Development Indices (HDI) ranking". He also valued the role assigned to the OIC Sawt al-Hikma (Voice of Wisdom) Center, which acts in coordination with the International Islamic Fiqh Academy to bring reason to bear and promote moderation and tolerance.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's Kashmir campaign bombs at Islamic meet

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he was never pressured by the country's military leadership on any matter, including foreign policy. 
 
Responding to a question during an exclusive interview to Express News on Saturday night, the premier said that former leaders always claimed that they had a conflict with the army due to its interference in the foreign policy of the country. 
 
"I have always advocated that military is not the option to resolve the Afghan conflict and now we are pursuing the same policy," he explained. 
 
Commenting on the opposition's allegations that he was brought into power by the security establishment, Khan said: "I was never pressured by the military on any matter and they [military leadership] had never opposed my decisions." 
 
On the appointment of retired army officers on civilian's positions, the premier said Lt-Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa was his personal choice due to his experience of serving as the commander southern command and dealing with Chinese officials, The Express Tribune reported. 
 
He further added that Bajwa was inducted into the information ministry team because of his "outstanding performance" while he was the head of the military's media wing, the ISPR.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he was never pressured by the country's military leadership on any matter, including foreign policy. Responding to a question during an exclusive interview to Express News on Saturday night, the premier said that former leaders always claimed that they had a conflict with the army due to its interference in the foreign policy of the country.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he was never pressured by the country's military leadership on any matter, including foreign policy. Responding to a question during an exclusive interview to Express News on Saturday night, the premier said that former leaders always claimed that they had a conflict with the army due to its interference in the foreign policy of the country. "I have always advocated that military is not the option to resolve the Afghan conflict and now we are pursuing the same policy," he explained. Commenting on the opposition's allegations that he was brought into power by the security establishment, Khan said: "I was never pressured by the military on any matter and they [military leadership] had never opposed my decisions." On the appointment of retired army officers on civilian's positions, the premier said Lt-Gen (retd) Asim Saleem Bajwa was his personal choice due to his experience of serving as the commander southern command and dealing with Chinese officials, The Express Tribune reported. He further added that Bajwa was inducted into the information ministry team because of his "outstanding performance" while he was the head of the military's media wing, the ISPR.

Never pressured by military leadership on any matter: Imran Khan

Pakistan has freed a political activist who was serving a life sentence in the country's semi-autonomous north, part of the contested Kashmir region also claimed by India, his party told AFP Friday.

Baba Jan, a left-wing political and climate activist from the Hunza Valley in northern Gilgit-Baltistan, was convicted by an anti-terrorism court for participating in political riots in 2011 and lost an appeal against his life sentence in 2016.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-pm-imran-khan-lost-control-of-anti-france-campaign-in-pakistan-345947" hreflang="en">How PM Imran Khan lost control of anti-France campaign in Pakistan</a>

Pakistani media reported his release came after authorities struck a deal with activists, on the heels of recent protests, to free Jan following the local elections completed on Friday.

"We are happy to announce that Comrade Baba Jan ... (has) been released today after more than nine years incarceration," Ismat Raza Shahjahan, the deputy secretary of the Awami Workers Party, told AFP.

A second activist, Iftikhar Katbalai, was also released, she said.

A close friend of Baba Jan confirmed the news to AFP, calling it the "happiest day".

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-sri-lanka-trilateral-meet-on-maritime-security-begins-346031" hreflang="en">India, Maldives, Sri Lanka trilateral meet on maritime security begins</a>

Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the local Gilgit-Baltistan government, said Jan's release had been ordered by a court under a review petition.

Jan has vocally protested what he and supporters describe as political, constitutional and human rights violations in the region, organising rallies and demonstrations in protest.

He also protested the impact of climate change in Pakistan's north, famed for its soaring mountains — including many of the highest in the world, such as K2, second only to Everest — and verdant scenery.

Analysts have previously warned that his continued imprisonment was fuelling extremist and nationalistic views in the region.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-minister-threatens-opposition-leaders-with-firs-over-political-gatherings-345891" hreflang="en">Pakistan Minister threatens opposition leaders with FIRs over political gatherings</a>

Resentment has been building in Gilgit-Baltistan since Islamabad began mulling upgrading its constitutional status in a bid to provide legal cover to a multi-billion-dollar Chinese investment plan in the area.

Gilgit-Baltistan, which borders China and Afghanistan, is part of the Kashmir region which is not constitutionally part of Pakistan and is also claimed by India.

Earlier this month Prime Minister Imran Khan angered India by declaring that it will provisionally become a full province of Pakistan. He did not provide a timeline for the move.

Any change in status would require a constitutional amendment. If finalised, it would make Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan's fifth province.

New Delhi condemned Khan's announcement, saying it would "bring material changes to a part of Indian territory".

Human rights organisations have long demanded the release of Baba Jan. In 2012 an international petition for his release was signed by leading left wing intellectuals, including Noam Chomsky, Tariq Ali and David Graeber.

Pakistan has freed a political activist who was serving a life sentence in the country's semi-autonomous north, part of the contested Kashmir region also claimed by India, his party told AFP Friday.

Pakistan has freed a political activist who was serving a life sentence in the country's semi-autonomous north, part of the contested Kashmir region also claimed by India, his party told AFP Friday. Baba Jan, a left-wing political and climate activist from the Hunza Valley in northern Gilgit-Baltistan, was convicted by an anti-terrorism court for participating in political riots in 2011 and lost an appeal against his life sentence in 2016. Also read| How PM Imran Khan lost control of anti-France campaign in Pakistan Pakistani media reported his release came after authorities struck a deal with activists, on the heels of recent protests, to free Jan following the local elections completed on Friday. "We are happy to announce that Comrade Baba Jan ... (has) been released today after more than nine years incarceration," Ismat Raza Shahjahan, the deputy secretary of the Awami Workers Party, told AFP. A second activist, Iftikhar Katbalai, was also released, she said. A close friend of Baba Jan confirmed the news to AFP, calling it the "happiest day". Also read| India, Maldives, Sri Lanka trilateral meet on maritime security begins Faizullah Faraq, a spokesman for the local Gilgit-Baltistan government, said Jan's release had been ordered by a court under a review petition. Jan has vocally protested what he and supporters describe as political, constitutional and human rights violations in the region, organising rallies and demonstrations in protest. He also protested the impact of climate change in Pakistan's north, famed for its soaring mountains — including many of the highest in the world, such as K2, second only to Everest — and verdant scenery. Analysts have previously warned that his continued imprisonment was fuelling extremist and nationalistic views in the region. Also read| Pakistan Minister threatens opposition leaders with FIRs over political gatherings Resentment has been building in Gilgit-Baltistan since Islamabad began mulling upgrading its constitutional status in a bid to provide legal cover to a multi-billion-dollar Chinese investment plan in the area. Gilgit-Baltistan, which borders China and Afghanistan, is part of the Kashmir region which is not constitutionally part of Pakistan and is also claimed by India. Earlier this month Prime Minister Imran Khan angered India by declaring that it will provisionally become a full province of Pakistan. He did not provide a timeline for the move. Any change in status would require a constitutional amendment. If finalised, it would make Gilgit-Baltistan Pakistan's fifth province. New Delhi condemned Khan's announcement, saying it would "bring material changes to a part of Indian territory". Human rights organisations have long demanded the release of Baba Jan. In 2012 an international petition for his release was signed by leading left wing intellectuals, including Noam Chomsky, Tariq Ali and David Graeber.

Pakistan frees left-wing activist after nine years

In a major snub to Pakistan, Kashmir is not on the agenda of a meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). This is not the first time that Pakistan has suffered a setback at the OIC.

Gravitas: Pakistan gets a major snub from the Islamic world

There's been a reset in the Arab World. The Gulf countries have distanced themselves from Pakistan, and they are now leaning towards India. What do you think led to this?

Gravitas: Gulf distances itself from Pak, leans towards India

Pakistan Federal Information Minister Shibli Faraz has threatened Opposition leaders that first information reports (FIRs) will be registered against them if they participate in the Pakistan Democratic Movement ( PDM) rally.

Eleven political parties have joined hands to form a new multi-party alliance under the banner of Pakistan Democratic Movement against the government of Imran Khan.

The Minister criticised the opposition for boycotting a meeting of the parliamentary committee on the country's worsening COVID-19 situation and threatened to take legal action against them.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/from-beggar-to-lawyer-nisha-aspires-to-become-pakistans-first-transgender-judge-345689">From beggar to lawyer, this transgender now aims to become Pakistan's first such judge</a>

According to Dawn, the opposition stayed away from the meeting of the parliamentary panel — a decision that was "in line" with their decision that they would not attend any meeting that would be chaired by the National assembly speaker for his "biased attitude".

"Opposition members participated in the first four meetings of the committee but boycotted the fifth one. Members of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and allied parties attended the meeting, in which the data of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was discussed to devise a strategy to combat the disease," the minister said, as quoted by Dawn on Wednesday.

He added, "After the [PDM's] public meeting in Peshawar failed, the opposition should avoid holding more public gatherings. We warn that first information reports (FIRs) will be registered against the organisers of public gatherings and political leaders over their participation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-continues-to-ravage-pakistan-south-asia-345651">Coronavirus continues to ravage Pakistan &amp; South Asia</a>

These remarks from the federal minister comes after Pakistan reported over 3,000 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday.

Speaker Asad Qaiser while chairing the fifth meeting of the parliamentary committee on the pandemic at Parliament House said that irrespective of political differences and considering the current state of the pandemic, the opposition must have attended the meeting.

Dawn reported that Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan told the committee that Pakistan`s COVID-19 situation was alarming and would cause a devastating effect if the Standard Operating Procedures and the decision of the NCOC were not implemented.

The opposition in Pakistan had indicated prior to the meeting that they will be boycotting the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Coronavirus Disease (which took place on Wednesday) because of the biased conduct by the National Assembly speaker Qaiser.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/organisation-of-islamic-cooperation-snubs-pakistan-on-kashmir-again-345655">Organisation of Islamic Cooperation snubs Pakistan on Kashmir again</a>

Senior vice president of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Shahid Khaqan said that the speaker lost the trust of the Opposition parties and therefore, "he had no right to convene any such meeting."

The leader lambasted the federal government saying that they had no policy to deal with the worsening COVID-19 situation in the country. "If the government has any policy, then bring it to the National Assembly," he said.

Pakistan on Wednesday recorded the highest single-day spike of 3,009 COVID-19 cases in over four months, bringing the total number to 382,892.

Geo News citing National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) reported 59 COVID-19 deaths across the country in the past 24 hours. The country`s overall death toll has now hit 7,803.&nbsp;

Pakistan Federal Information Minister Shibli Faraz has threatened Opposition leaders that first information reports (FIRs) will be registered against them if they participate in the Pakistan Democratic Movement ( PDM) rally.

Pakistan Federal Information Minister Shibli Faraz has threatened Opposition leaders that first information reports (FIRs) will be registered against them if they participate in the Pakistan Democratic Movement ( PDM) rally. Eleven political parties have joined hands to form a new multi-party alliance under the banner of Pakistan Democratic Movement against the government of Imran Khan. The Minister criticised the opposition for boycotting a meeting of the parliamentary committee on the country's worsening COVID-19 situation and threatened to take legal action against them. Also read| From beggar to lawyer, this transgender now aims to become Pakistan's first such judge According to Dawn, the opposition stayed away from the meeting of the parliamentary panel — a decision that was "in line" with their decision that they would not attend any meeting that would be chaired by the National assembly speaker for his "biased attitude". "Opposition members participated in the first four meetings of the committee but boycotted the fifth one. Members of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and allied parties attended the meeting, in which the data of the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) was discussed to devise a strategy to combat the disease," the minister said, as quoted by Dawn on Wednesday. He added, "After the [PDM's] public meeting in Peshawar failed, the opposition should avoid holding more public gatherings. We warn that first information reports (FIRs) will be registered against the organisers of public gatherings and political leaders over their participation." Also read | Coronavirus continues to ravage Pakistan & South Asia These remarks from the federal minister comes after Pakistan reported over 3,000 COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. Speaker Asad Qaiser while chairing the fifth meeting of the parliamentary committee on the pandemic at Parliament House said that irrespective of political differences and considering the current state of the pandemic, the opposition must have attended the meeting. Dawn reported that Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan told the committee that Pakistan`s COVID-19 situation was alarming and would cause a devastating effect if the Standard Operating Procedures and the decision of the NCOC were not implemented. The opposition in Pakistan had indicated prior to the meeting that they will be boycotting the meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Coronavirus Disease (which took place on Wednesday) because of the biased conduct by the National Assembly speaker Qaiser. Also read | Organisation of Islamic Cooperation snubs Pakistan on Kashmir again Senior vice president of the Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) Shahid Khaqan said that the speaker lost the trust of the Opposition parties and therefore, "he had no right to convene any such meeting." The leader lambasted the federal government saying that they had no policy to deal with the worsening COVID-19 situation in the country. "If the government has any policy, then bring it to the National Assembly," he said. Pakistan on Wednesday recorded the highest single-day spike of 3,009 COVID-19 cases in over four months, bringing the total number to 382,892. Geo News citing National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) reported 59 COVID-19 deaths across the country in the past 24 hours. The country`s overall death toll has now hit 7,803.

Pakistan Minister threatens opposition leaders with FIRs over political gatherings

Major Snub To Pakistan: OIC agenda fails to mention Kashmir

Asserting that their stand against Pakistan sponsored terrorism, two prominent Members of European Parliament (MEP) wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, condemning Islamabad for not yet having brought to justice those who orchestrated the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-us-says-it-stands-with-india-and-remains-resolute-in-the-fight-against-terrorism-345464">Also read: US says it stands with India and remains resolute in the fight against terrorism</a> 
 
In a letter to Khan on November 24, Polish MEP Ryszard Czarnecki and Italian MEP Fulvio Martusciello requested to know what action has Pakistan "taken against Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terrorist organisation, based in Pakistan, known to have carried out the multiple shooting and bombing attacks that happened in Mumbai in 2008?” 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/12th-anniversary-of-2611-mumbai-remembers-martyrs-victims-with-flowers-tears-345470">Also read: 12th anniversary of 26/11 — Mumbai remembers martyrs, victims with flowers &amp; tears</a> 
 
They further asked, "What action has, and is, Pakistan taking against terrorist groups operating within the country in general?"

On November 26, 2008, ten terrorists trained by the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) carried out a series of coordinated attacks against multiple targets in Mumbai including the Taj Mahal hotel, the Oberoi hotel, the Leopold Cafe, the Nariman (Chabad) House, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station, killing 166 people.

In these gruesome attacks, nine terrorists were killed and the lone survivor, Ajmal Amir Kasab, was caught and was sentenced to death at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune in 2012. On November 11, 2012, Kasab was hanged in Yerawada Jail in Pune.

Pakistani authorities continue to deny culpability and are yet to take action on the multiple dossiers shared by India. A trial underway in a Pakistani anti-terrorism court against seven suspects has made little headway in more than a decade, as Pakistani officials serially question the sufficiency and legitimacy of evidence against them.

In a reminder to Khan, a Prime Minister who delivered a eulogy to Osama Bin Laden, hailing him as a "martyr" in May this year, the two MEPs said: "Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, often in pursuit of political or ideological aims," EU Chronicle reported.

They added that as "European politicians, we are committed to fighting against terrorism and extremist violence. We all have a responsibility to condemn terrorism and bring to justice those who perpetrate such actions."

Czarnecki and Martusciello highlighted in their letter to Khan: "On 26 November 2008, an extremist terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, based in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the Mumbai bombings in which 166 innocent people were murdered, nine attackers killed, and more than 300 individuals sustained injuries."

"Subsequent documented evidence from United States intelligence reports, from India's intelligence services including DNA, photographs and identification of the origins of the attackers; and an admission by Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's of the country's involvement in the crimes; highlight the engagement of accomplishes in Pakistan. However, to date, the senior coordinators and promoters who orchestrated the attacks remain at large," he added.

As Europe also suffers from the impacts of horrific acts of increasingly radical and extremist jihadi attacks, the politicians said it was "essential that justice is served on those who have carried out, instructed or supported such terrorist activities. It is equally important that leaders of countries publicly condemn these acts of violence and proceed to ensure justice is done for the victims, by apprehending and sentencing the perpetrators."&nbsp; 
 
Here is the full letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan by European Parliament members 
 
<img alt="letter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76daa8c3-b4ef-4f03-87c6-24f430c4328e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-11-26%20at%202.23.58%20PM.jpeg" /> 
<img alt="letter" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7d95b3c6-22c9-4448-b761-756f0e34dc5e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-11-26%20at%202.23.58%20PM%20%281%29.jpeg" />

(With inputs from agencies)

Asserting that their stand against Pakistan sponsored terrorism, two prominent Members of European Parliament (MEP) wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, condemning Islamabad for not yet having brought to justice those who orchestrated the 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

Asserting that their stand against Pakistan sponsored terrorism, two prominent Members of European Parliament (MEP) wrote to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, condemning Islamabad for not yet having brought to justice those who orchestrated the 2008 Mumbai terror attack. Also read: US says it stands with India and remains resolute in the fight against terrorism In a letter to Khan on November 24, Polish MEP Ryszard Czarnecki and Italian MEP Fulvio Martusciello requested to know what action has Pakistan "taken against Lashkar-e-Taiba, the terrorist organisation, based in Pakistan, known to have carried out the multiple shooting and bombing attacks that happened in Mumbai in 2008?” Also read: 12th anniversary of 26/11 — Mumbai remembers martyrs, victims with flowers & tears They further asked, "What action has, and is, Pakistan taking against terrorist groups operating within the country in general?" On November 26, 2008, ten terrorists trained by the Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) carried out a series of coordinated attacks against multiple targets in Mumbai including the Taj Mahal hotel, the Oberoi hotel, the Leopold Cafe, the Nariman (Chabad) House, and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus train station, killing 166 people. In these gruesome attacks, nine terrorists were killed and the lone survivor, Ajmal Amir Kasab, was caught and was sentenced to death at Yerwada Central Jail in Pune in 2012. On November 11, 2012, Kasab was hanged in Yerawada Jail in Pune. Pakistani authorities continue to deny culpability and are yet to take action on the multiple dossiers shared by India. A trial underway in a Pakistani anti-terrorism court against seven suspects has made little headway in more than a decade, as Pakistani officials serially question the sufficiency and legitimacy of evidence against them. In a reminder to Khan, a Prime Minister who delivered a eulogy to Osama Bin Laden, hailing him as a "martyr" in May this year, the two MEPs said: "Terrorism is the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, often in pursuit of political or ideological aims," EU Chronicle reported. They added that as "European politicians, we are committed to fighting against terrorism and extremist violence. We all have a responsibility to condemn terrorism and bring to justice those who perpetrate such actions." Czarnecki and Martusciello highlighted in their letter to Khan: "On 26 November 2008, an extremist terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, based in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, claimed responsibility for the Mumbai bombings in which 166 innocent people were murdered, nine attackers killed, and more than 300 individuals sustained injuries." "Subsequent documented evidence from United States intelligence reports, from India's intelligence services including DNA, photographs and identification of the origins of the attackers; and an admission by Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's of the country's involvement in the crimes; highlight the engagement of accomplishes in Pakistan. However, to date, the senior coordinators and promoters who orchestrated the attacks remain at large," he added. As Europe also suffers from the impacts of horrific acts of increasingly radical and extremist jihadi attacks, the politicians said it was "essential that justice is served on those who have carried out, instructed or supported such terrorist activities. It is equally important that leaders of countries publicly condemn these acts of violence and proceed to ensure justice is done for the victims, by apprehending and sentencing the perpetrators." Here is the full letter to Pakistan PM Imran Khan by European Parliament members (With inputs from agencies)

What Pakistan has done against 26/11 perpetrators: EU parliamentarians ask Imran Khan

To combat rising cases of sexual attacks on women and children in Pakistan, the federal Cabinet has approved in-principle two anti-rape ordinances aimed at handing out exemplary punishment, including chemical castration and hanging, to rapists, according to a media report.

A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Tuesday also decided to change the definition of rape, the Dawn News reported on Wednesday.

The Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance 2020 and Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 would be finalised in a week to be promulgated, Information Minister Shibli Faraz said.

The two anti-rape ordinances, approved in principal by the Cabinet, are aimed at handing out exemplary punishment to rapists, including chemical castration and hanging, the report said.

Hailing the "big decision", Faraz said the anti-rape ordinances change the basic definition of rape and suggest severe punishment for gang rape and hanging of rapists.

For the first time in the history of Pakistan, the definition of rape has been changed by incorporating "transgender" and "gang-rape" in it, the report said.

The proposed laws also prohibits the controversial ''two-finger''&nbsp;test performed on rape survivors. The World Health Organisation has already declared the test as ''unscientific, medically unnecessary and unreliable''. Human Rights groups have also termed the test as invasive, disrespectful and a gross violation of a woman's right to dignity and privacy.

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari tweeted, "Cabinet Committee on Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) will now finalise (the ordinances) and it should become operational in next few days. It includes an expansive definition of rape, establishment of special court, anti-rape crisis cell, protection of victims and witnesses and prohibition of two-finger test."

Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry termed the approval of the ordinances a landmark achievement of the government.

He said the ordinances also permitted chemical castration of habitual rapists.

To combat rising cases of sexual attacks on women and children in Pakistan, the federal Cabinet has approved in-principle two anti-rape ordinances aimed at handing out exemplary punishment, including chemical castration and hanging, to rapists, according to a media report.

To combat rising cases of sexual attacks on women and children in Pakistan, the federal Cabinet has approved in-principle two anti-rape ordinances aimed at handing out exemplary punishment, including chemical castration and hanging, to rapists, according to a media report. A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad on Tuesday also decided to change the definition of rape, the Dawn News reported on Wednesday. The Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance 2020 and Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 would be finalised in a week to be promulgated, Information Minister Shibli Faraz said. The two anti-rape ordinances, approved in principal by the Cabinet, are aimed at handing out exemplary punishment to rapists, including chemical castration and hanging, the report said. Hailing the "big decision", Faraz said the anti-rape ordinances change the basic definition of rape and suggest severe punishment for gang rape and hanging of rapists. For the first time in the history of Pakistan, the definition of rape has been changed by incorporating "transgender" and "gang-rape" in it, the report said. The proposed laws also prohibits the controversial ''two-finger'' test performed on rape survivors. The World Health Organisation has already declared the test as ''unscientific, medically unnecessary and unreliable''. Human Rights groups have also termed the test as invasive, disrespectful and a gross violation of a woman's right to dignity and privacy. Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari tweeted, "Cabinet Committee on Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC) will now finalise (the ordinances) and it should become operational in next few days. It includes an expansive definition of rape, establishment of special court, anti-rape crisis cell, protection of victims and witnesses and prohibition of two-finger test." Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry termed the approval of the ordinances a landmark achievement of the government. He said the ordinances also permitted chemical castration of habitual rapists.

Pak Cabinet approves in-principle chemical castration, hanging of rapists

Khadim Hussain Rizvi might be dead, but deep-rooted extremism in Pakistan is far from getting any weak.&nbsp;

The hardliners may have failed to make a dent in the last election, but they do have the power to influence the outcome.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-how-extremists-found-a-place-in-pakistans-mainstream-politics-344967/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rizvi, was one of the most controversial clerics in Pakistan, and his massive support base helped him become a national figure in a year of launching its own political party.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-military-and-china-imran-khan-government-now-surrenders-to-extremists-344981">After military and China, Imran Khan government now surrenders to extremists</a>

His Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) lost all 566 contested seats in the 2018 election but still managed to win 2.2 million votes, thereby becoming the fifth-largest party by votes.&nbsp;

On 13 seats, the hardliners got enough votes to ensure a loss for one of the main opposition parties: Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N)

It was able to win three seats in the provisional assembly of Sindh in 2018 to project itself as the guardian of Prophet Muhammad's honour.&nbsp;

TLP is not the only extremist party that has come into the mainstream in Pakistan.

Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, also launched his political party Milli Muslim League, and when its registration got rejected, the authorities bent the rules.&nbsp;

Saeed was allowed to field candidates through a dormant political entity, the Allah-u-Akbar Tehreek.

More than 260 candidates contested under this banner, all of them lost but a door was opened for Saeed to enter mainstream politics.&nbsp;

The same loopholes were used to field more hardliners like the members of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, a banned anti-Shia sectarian organisation.&nbsp;

Its head Ahmed Ludhianvi was allowed to contest with his assets being unfrozen and travel restrictions removed.&nbsp;

In the 2018 election, religious parties fielded more than 1,500 candidates in Pakistan, a major spike from just a few hundred in 2013.&nbsp;

It is believed that the hardliners were pushed by Pakistan's military to allow radicals to gain political space.&nbsp;

They are yet to find any seat in Pakistan's National Assembly, but they are coming out in streets to influence decisions made in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Khadim Hussain Rizvi might be dead, but deep-rooted extremism in Pakistan is far from getting any weak. The hardliners may have failed to make a dent in the last election, but they do have the power to influence the outcome.

Khadim Hussain Rizvi might be dead, but deep-rooted extremism in Pakistan is far from getting any weak. The hardliners may have failed to make a dent in the last election, but they do have the power to influence the outcome. Watch | Rizvi, was one of the most controversial clerics in Pakistan, and his massive support base helped him become a national figure in a year of launching its own political party. Also read | After military and China, Imran Khan government now surrenders to extremists His Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) lost all 566 contested seats in the 2018 election but still managed to win 2.2 million votes, thereby becoming the fifth-largest party by votes. On 13 seats, the hardliners got enough votes to ensure a loss for one of the main opposition parties: Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) It was able to win three seats in the provisional assembly of Sindh in 2018 to project itself as the guardian of Prophet Muhammad's honour. TLP is not the only extremist party that has come into the mainstream in Pakistan. Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai attacks, also launched his political party Milli Muslim League, and when its registration got rejected, the authorities bent the rules. Saeed was allowed to field candidates through a dormant political entity, the Allah-u-Akbar Tehreek. More than 260 candidates contested under this banner, all of them lost but a door was opened for Saeed to enter mainstream politics. The same loopholes were used to field more hardliners like the members of the Ahle Sunnat Wal Jamaat, a banned anti-Shia sectarian organisation. Its head Ahmed Ludhianvi was allowed to contest with his assets being unfrozen and travel restrictions removed. In the 2018 election, religious parties fielded more than 1,500 candidates in Pakistan, a major spike from just a few hundred in 2013. It is believed that the hardliners were pushed by Pakistan's military to allow radicals to gain political space. They are yet to find any seat in Pakistan's National Assembly, but they are coming out in streets to influence decisions made in Islamabad.

Khadim Rizvi is dead, but extremism in Pakistan is getting stronger

When <a href="wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan </a>became prime minister of Pakistan in 2018, he promised of creating a 'Naya Pakistan' or a 'New Pakistan'.&nbsp;

Khan said Pakistan will become an Islamic welfare state, provide jobs to 10 million people and restore nation's tattered image abroad.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-imran-khan-is-helpless-before-hardliners-344976/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Now is the time to understand what happened to these promises.&nbsp;

The cricketer-turned-politician first gave in to the whims and fancies of the Pakistani military. He was then accused of being a puppet in the hands of the Chinese government. The welfare state that he vowed was never built.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-tens-of-thousands-mourners-gather-for-funeral-of-cleric-who-endorsed-blasphemy-terrorised-minorities-344517">Pak: Tens of thousands mourners gather for funeral of cleric who endorsed blasphemy, terrorised minorities</a>

However, when things were seen that they couldn't get any worse, Khan decided to surrender to the nation's religious extremists.&nbsp;

Let's go back to 2018 when Pakistan's top court acquitted Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges.&nbsp;

Bibi, who was arrested in June 2009, should have been free after the Supreme Court's order, but she was kept in protective custody.&nbsp;

This was because religious hardliners took to the streets of Pakistan, organised violent protests and some even threatened to kill her. The protests paralysed Pakistan for three days.&nbsp;

The Christian woman had to wait another year to fly out to Canada, reunite with her family and finally feel freedom.

Fast forward to November 2020. Pakistan is once again held hostage by religious hardliners and the government again seems helpless.&nbsp;

Last weekend, extremist religious cleric, Khadim Hussain Rizvi organised a protest against the republication of the Prophet's cartoons in France.&nbsp;

His followers first assembled at Rawalpindi and then reached Islamabad border.&nbsp;

In a moments time, both the cities were virtually besieged, not just for hours, but for two days, with communication services shut down.&nbsp;

The helpless government instead signed an agreement with Rizvi's party.&nbsp;

Last week, the Pakistani government bowed down to hardlines who had taken to streets against French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

Khan was compelled to sign a deal with hardliners to cut diplomatic ties with Paris.&nbsp;

The government promised to enact legislation which would ultimately lead to the expulsion of the French Ambassador from Pakistan.&nbsp;

It also promised to have French products boycotted at a government level.&nbsp;

Can Pakistan snap ties with France?

France is one of the most important members of the European Union and Pakistan's top trade partners.&nbsp;

A 2016 study showed that Pakistan's import from France amounts to about 9 per cent of its total import from EU.

Several critical military equipment of Pakistan comes from France, which include Mirage fighter jet, Agosta-90B submarines, Minehunters, among others.&nbsp;

Pakistan gave in to the demands of a religious extremist and this explains the country's priorities at a time when troubles inside the country keep on rising.&nbsp;

Some of these include intensifying Covid-19 crisis, the biggest decline in Pakistan's stock exchange in 10 years, food inflation, and unemployment, among others.

The country also faces the risk of getting blacklisted in the terror financing issue.&nbsp;

Let's take a look at some of the figures.&nbsp;

According to the World Bank, Pakistan's real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 per cent in FY 2019 to -1.5 per cent in FY20.&nbsp;

Pakistan rupee has depreciated 13.8 per cent against the US dollar in FY20.&nbsp;

Its export values contracted 7.5 per cent and external debt has grown to 38.2 per cent of the GDP.&nbsp;

Instead of addressing these worrisome figures, Khan is busy allowing fundamentalists to set its agenda.&nbsp;

There have been protests against France in other countries, but those countries' leaders did not bow down to these invisible forces as Khan did.&nbsp;

In which part of the world, a democratically elected party has struck a deal with extremists on the country's foreign policies.&nbsp;

By putting military, then China and now extremists first, the Imran Khan govt is betraying those people because of whom he came to power.&nbsp; 
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When Imran Khan became prime minister of Pakistan in 2018, he promised of creating a 'Naya Pakistan' or a 'New Pakistan'. Khan said Pakistan will become an Islamic welfare state, provide jobs to 10 million people and restore nation's tattered image abroad.

When Imran Khan became prime minister of Pakistan in 2018, he promised of creating a 'Naya Pakistan' or a 'New Pakistan'. Khan said Pakistan will become an Islamic welfare state, provide jobs to 10 million people and restore nation's tattered image abroad. Watch | Now is the time to understand what happened to these promises. The cricketer-turned-politician first gave in to the whims and fancies of the Pakistani military. He was then accused of being a puppet in the hands of the Chinese government. The welfare state that he vowed was never built. Also read | Pak: Tens of thousands mourners gather for funeral of cleric who endorsed blasphemy, terrorised minorities However, when things were seen that they couldn't get any worse, Khan decided to surrender to the nation's religious extremists. Let's go back to 2018 when Pakistan's top court acquitted Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges. Bibi, who was arrested in June 2009, should have been free after the Supreme Court's order, but she was kept in protective custody. This was because religious hardliners took to the streets of Pakistan, organised violent protests and some even threatened to kill her. The protests paralysed Pakistan for three days. The Christian woman had to wait another year to fly out to Canada, reunite with her family and finally feel freedom. Fast forward to November 2020. Pakistan is once again held hostage by religious hardliners and the government again seems helpless. Last weekend, extremist religious cleric, Khadim Hussain Rizvi organised a protest against the republication of the Prophet's cartoons in France. His followers first assembled at Rawalpindi and then reached Islamabad border. In a moments time, both the cities were virtually besieged, not just for hours, but for two days, with communication services shut down. The helpless government instead signed an agreement with Rizvi's party. Last week, the Pakistani government bowed down to hardlines who had taken to streets against French President Emmanuel Macron. Khan was compelled to sign a deal with hardliners to cut diplomatic ties with Paris. The government promised to enact legislation which would ultimately lead to the expulsion of the French Ambassador from Pakistan. It also promised to have French products boycotted at a government level. Can Pakistan snap ties with France? France is one of the most important members of the European Union and Pakistan's top trade partners. A 2016 study showed that Pakistan's import from France amounts to about 9 per cent of its total import from EU. Several critical military equipment of Pakistan comes from France, which include Mirage fighter jet, Agosta-90B submarines, Minehunters, among others. Pakistan gave in to the demands of a religious extremist and this explains the country's priorities at a time when troubles inside the country keep on rising. Some of these include intensifying Covid-19 crisis, the biggest decline in Pakistan's stock exchange in 10 years, food inflation, and unemployment, among others. The country also faces the risk of getting blacklisted in the terror financing issue. Let's take a look at some of the figures. According to the World Bank, Pakistan's real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 per cent in FY 2019 to -1.5 per cent in FY20. Pakistan rupee has depreciated 13.8 per cent against the US dollar in FY20. Its export values contracted 7.5 per cent and external debt has grown to 38.2 per cent of the GDP. Instead of addressing these worrisome figures, Khan is busy allowing fundamentalists to set its agenda. There have been protests against France in other countries, but those countries' leaders did not bow down to these invisible forces as Khan did. In which part of the world, a democratically elected party has struck a deal with extremists on the country's foreign policies. By putting military, then China and now extremists first, the Imran Khan govt is betraying those people because of whom he came to power.

After military and China, Imran Khan government now surrenders to extremists

From Khadim Hussain Rizvi to Hafiz Saeed - radicals have contested elections in Pakistan and built a base of loyal supporters. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how the hardliners have spread their tentacles in the mainstream politics of Pakistan.

Gravitas: How extremists found a place in Pakistan's mainstream politics

Tens of thousands of Islamist supporters gathered in Lahore without a mask for the funeral of Khadim Hussain Rizvi - the radical cleric who created the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan.

Gravitas: Imran Khan helpless before Islamists: Radicals take over the streets of Lahore

After dancing to the tunes of Pakistan's military and China, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is now bowing down to religious hardliners. Pakistan's foreign policies are now being shaped by extremists.

Gravitas: Imran Khan is helpless before hardliners

With the population of 20 million people Karachi is Pakistan's largest city, A short distance from Karachi is the world's largest arid Mangroves forest. Pakistani government wants to build a mega housing project on an island on the outskirts of the city, but environment activists say the real estate project threaten the very existence of arid Mangroves forest.

Wion Dispatch: Leaders of Sindh take on Imran Khan over mangroves forest

The newly-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of 11 Opposition parties, will hold its anti-government rally here on Sunday

Pakistan Opposition parties hold massive anti-government rally despite COVID surge

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After military and China, Imran Khan government now surrenders to extremists