Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Pakistan avoided the Islamic summit held in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-says-muslim-nations-considering-trade-through-gold-barter-system-to-avoid-sanctions-269452">Malaysia </a>as it was pressurised by Saudi Arabia.

It was "unfortunate" that Saudi Arabia "pressures" Pakistan, Erdogan said quoted a Turkish daily.

“Unfortunately, we see that Saudi Arabia pressures Pakistan. Now, there are promises that the country has given to Pakistan regarding the central bank. However, more than that, there are four million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia. They (&nbsp;threaten by saying that they )would send (Pakistani workers)&nbsp;back and re-employ Bangladeshis instead,” the Turkish president said.&nbsp;

The four-day Islamic summit hosted by Malaysia was concluded today and the countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt skipped it. Saudi Arabia claimed that the summit undermined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an association of 47 Muslim-majority nations.&nbsp;

Pakistan PM Imran Khan was slated to speak at the summit but pulled out from the event at the last minute.

Erdogan also said that Pakistan succumbed to Saudi's wishes "due to its economic difficulties".

"This is not a first for the countries since they have the tendency to put pressure on other countries in doing or not doing things," Erdogan added.&nbsp;

Erdogan also boasted that Turkey will continue its efforts to help other Muslim nations and will cooperate with Malaysia, Qatar, and Iran on regional and global issues. &nbsp;

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Pakistan avoided the Islamic summit held in Malaysia as it was pressurised by Saudi Arabia. It was "unfortunate" that Saudi Arabia "pressures" Pakistan, Erdogan said quoted a Turkish daily.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday that Pakistan avoided the Islamic summit held in Malaysia as it was pressurised by Saudi Arabia. It was "unfortunate" that Saudi Arabia "pressures" Pakistan, Erdogan said quoted a Turkish daily. “Unfortunately, we see that Saudi Arabia pressures Pakistan. Now, there are promises that the country has given to Pakistan regarding the central bank. However, more than that, there are four million Pakistanis working in Saudi Arabia. They ( threaten by saying that they )would send (Pakistani workers) back and re-employ Bangladeshis instead,” the Turkish president said. The four-day Islamic summit hosted by Malaysia was concluded today and the countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt skipped it. Saudi Arabia claimed that the summit undermined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an association of 47 Muslim-majority nations. Pakistan PM Imran Khan was slated to speak at the summit but pulled out from the event at the last minute. Erdogan also said that Pakistan succumbed to Saudi's wishes "due to its economic difficulties". "This is not a first for the countries since they have the tendency to put pressure on other countries in doing or not doing things," Erdogan added. Erdogan also boasted that Turkey will continue its efforts to help other Muslim nations and will cooperate with Malaysia, Qatar, and Iran on regional and global issues.

Saudi pressured Pakistan to withdraw from Malaysia summit: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-no-proof-i-want-an-immediate-trial-trump-on-impeachment-proceedings-269248">Trump administration</a> has approved a resumption of Pakistan's participation in a coveted US&nbsp;&nbsp;military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended, the State Department said on Thursday.

The decision to resume Islamabad's participation in the International Military Education and Training Program, or IMET - for more than a decade a pillar of US-Pakistani military ties - underscores warming relations that have followed meetings this year between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Pakistani <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-cuts-short-geneva-visit-calls-emergency-meeting-to-discuss-musharraf-verdict-268976">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>.

Washington also has credited Islamabad with helping to facilitate negotiations on a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-in-afghanistan-bomb-explosion-268979">Afghanistan</a>. The talks recently resumed between the United States and the Taliban, who US&nbsp;officials say receive sanctuary and other aid from the Pakistan's military-led intelligence agency. Pakistan denies the charge.

The State Department administers IMET. It was a small facet of US&nbsp;security aid programs for Pakistan worth some $2 billion that remain suspended on orders that Trump abruptly issued in January 2018 to compel the nuclear-armed South Asian nation to crackdown on Islamist militants. Trump's decision, announced in a tweet, blindsided US&nbsp;officials.

After an attack earlier this year by a Pakistan-based extremist group that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary troops, US&nbsp;officials called on Islamabad to take "sustained and irreversible action" against militants operating from its territory.

A State Department spokeswoman said in an email that Trump's 2018 decision to suspend security assistance authorized "narrow exceptions for programs that support vital US&nbsp;national security interests." The decision to restore Pakistani participation in IMET was "one such exception," she said.

The program "provides an opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between our countries on shared priorities," she added. "We want to continue to build on this foundation through concrete actions that advance regional security and stability."

A second US&nbsp;official said on condition of anonymity that Pakistan was in the process of selecting officers to send to the United States.

The restart of the program, however, is subject to approval by Congress. Republican and Democratic aides for the Senate and House of Representatives committees with jurisdiction over the process did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

IMET affords spaces to foreign military officers at US&nbsp;military education institutions, such as the US&nbsp;Army War College and the US&nbsp;Naval War College.

Pakistan's suspension from the program in August 2018 prompted the cancellation of 66 slots set aside that year for Pakistani military officers in one of the first known impacts of Trump's decision to halt security assistance.

The US&nbsp;military traditionally has sought to shield such educational programs from political tensions, arguing that the ties built by bringing foreign military officers to the United States pay long-term dividends.

The Trump administration has approved a resumption of Pakistan's participation in a coveted US military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended, the State Department said on Thursday.

The Trump administration has approved a resumption of Pakistan's participation in a coveted US military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended, the State Department said on Thursday. The decision to resume Islamabad's participation in the International Military Education and Training Program, or IMET - for more than a decade a pillar of US-Pakistani military ties - underscores warming relations that have followed meetings this year between US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Washington also has credited Islamabad with helping to facilitate negotiations on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. The talks recently resumed between the United States and the Taliban, who US officials say receive sanctuary and other aid from the Pakistan's military-led intelligence agency. Pakistan denies the charge. The State Department administers IMET. It was a small facet of US security aid programs for Pakistan worth some $2 billion that remain suspended on orders that Trump abruptly issued in January 2018 to compel the nuclear-armed South Asian nation to crackdown on Islamist militants. Trump's decision, announced in a tweet, blindsided US officials. After an attack earlier this year by a Pakistan-based extremist group that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary troops, US officials called on Islamabad to take "sustained and irreversible action" against militants operating from its territory. A State Department spokeswoman said in an email that Trump's 2018 decision to suspend security assistance authorized "narrow exceptions for programs that support vital US national security interests." The decision to restore Pakistani participation in IMET was "one such exception," she said. The program "provides an opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between our countries on shared priorities," she added. "We want to continue to build on this foundation through concrete actions that advance regional security and stability." A second US official said on condition of anonymity that Pakistan was in the process of selecting officers to send to the United States. The restart of the program, however, is subject to approval by Congress. Republican and Democratic aides for the Senate and House of Representatives committees with jurisdiction over the process did not immediately respond to requests for comment. IMET affords spaces to foreign military officers at US military education institutions, such as the US Army War College and the US Naval War College. Pakistan's suspension from the program in August 2018 prompted the cancellation of 66 slots set aside that year for Pakistani military officers in one of the first known impacts of Trump's decision to halt security assistance. The US military traditionally has sought to shield such educational programs from political tensions, arguing that the ties built by bringing foreign military officers to the United States pay long-term dividends.

US to resume military training program for Pakistan: State Department

Two judgments by the Pakistan judiciary – one questioning the extension of tenure of the incumbent army chief and the other awarding death sentence to former chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/from-us-perspective-pervez-musharraf-gets-a-well-earned-sentence-268959">Pervez Musharraf</a> for high treason- have attracted considerable attention because of being utterly out of character for the army dominated Pakistani polity. Do they signal the advent of a new dawn in Pakistan?&nbsp;

PM Imran Khan’s decision to grant the second tenure of three years to army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa was not unprecedented. Aside from the self- granted extensions of their tenures by army chiefs turned military dictators, the PPP government had given the second tenure of three years to the then army chief, Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in 2010. However, three days before Bajwa was to embark upon his new tenure, a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa took up a petition challenging his continuation in office and suspended the government notification issued for the purpose. 
 
During the tense three-day hearing, the judges questioned the government decision both on account of the utterly inept procedural handling of the matter and the absence of any legal or constitutional basis for it. At the end, in order not to precipitate a crisis, they ruled that Bajwa could continue in his post for a further period of six months and his continuation thereafter would depend upon adoption of suitable legislation by the Parliament concerning the appointment and terms and conditions of service of the Chief of Army Staff. &nbsp;

Subsequently, a special court, constituted by the Supreme Court and comprising a judge each of the Lahore, Peshawar and Sindh High Courts, has given a 2-1 verdict, awarding death sentence for high treason to the former military dictator Parvez Musharraf for his action in declaring an emergency and suspending the constitution in early November 2007, when he was President and Chief of Army Staff. The court relied on Article 6 of the Pakistan Constitution that stipulates that any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance the Constitution by force or unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason.&nbsp;

The treason case was filed by the Nawaz Sharif government in November 2013 and the Supreme Court agreed to set up a special court to try Musharraf. Within a few months, the then army chief Raheel Sharif indicated that he was against the trial and said that the army “Would preserve its own dignity and institutional pride.” With the army backing him, Musharraf dodged the trial and was able to secure an order from the Supreme Court in March 2016 to go abroad for medical treatment and has not returned to Pakistan since then, even though the special court gave him six opportunities to make his statement. 
 
Finally, when the court decided to hear the case on a daily basis in October 2019, Imran Khan’s government sacked the entire prosecution team! With no further inputs coming from the prosecution or Pervez Musharraf’s defence lawyers, the special court concluded its proceedings on November 19 and said that it would give its verdict on November 28. Caught by surprise, Musharraf’s defence team challenged the special court’s decision to announce its verdict in the Lahore High Court.&nbsp;

Strangely, the government also approached the Islamabad High Court to restrain the special court from going ahead with its verdict. The High Court granted the request and directed the special court to listen to all the parties and complete all legal formalities before pronouncing its judgement. It also directed the government to appoint a prosecutor by December 5. The special court stated that it was not bound by the decision of the Islamabad High Court. 
 
When it convened on December 17, both Pervez Musharraf’s lawyer and the prosecution tried to stall the proceedings, the former by saying that Musharraf must be given an opportunity to make a statement before the court and the latter making an attempt to widen the scope of the trial by bringing in charges against some alleged collaborators of Musharraf, including former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The special court rejected these pleas, ruling that Pervez Musharraf had foregone repeated opportunities to make his statement and the Supreme Court had decided that the case be proceeded with against Musharraf only. It then pronounced its split verdict to sentence Musharraf to death. &nbsp;

The Pakistani judiciary has, with a few exceptions, acted as a handmaiden of the army and helped them in subverting democratic processes. A recent example is its collaboration with the selective accountability process against Nawaz Sharif to rule him out of the 2018 election. Facilitation of his departure for medical treatment abroad by the judiciary seems to be the result of a nod from the army, keen to see him leave the country, in return for an end to his and his daughter’s strident campaign against them. 
 
The last time the judiciary mounted a challenge to the army was under the maverick Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who reopened the case of financing of the Nawaz Sharif led Islamic Jamhoori Ittehad by the ISI during the 1990 election to defeat Benazir Bhutto, hauled up a few retired generals on corruption charges and took up cases of forced disappearances in Baluchistan and the tribal areas. However, in the face of the resistance of Pakistan army, the court did not make much headway. 
 
Why Chief Justice Khosa, who is to retire later this month, took up the case of Bajwa’s extension has been a matter of speculation. Some observers ascribe it to his annoyance at Imran Khan’s criticism of the judiciary in letting Nawaz Sharif go abroad without the stringent conditions imposed by his government and the consequent desire to get even with the Prime Minister by showing the functioning of his government in a poor light in the matter of army chief’s extension. Others believe that the court might have been encouraged by senior army officers, whose promotion prospects would be marred by the continuation of Bajwa in his post. As for the special court, one of its members, Chief Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth of the Peshawar High Court has had a record of bold decisions, setting aside trials by military courts.&nbsp;

What do the above judgments mean for Pakistan’s democracy? &nbsp;

The continuation of Bajwa as army chief beyond the six months period approved by the Supreme Court would be more a function of his control over his senior army commanders than of the political dynamics within the Parliament. Should he be able to ensure cohesion within the army’s senior ranks, politicians in the government and opposition could be expected to bend over backwards to provide the legislation required for his continuation. The army and Imran Khan government have already rallied against the death sentence awarded to Musharraf. The army spokesperson has issued a statement that the special court judgment has been received by the rank and file of Pakistan armed forces “With a lot of pain and anguish”. 
 
He adds that Pervez Musharraf, who served Pakistan&nbsp;for over 40 years and fought wars for its defence “can surely not be a traitor” and complains that due legal process seems to have been ignored “including constitution of special court, denial of fundamental right of self-defence, undertaking individual-specific proceedings and concluding the case in haste.” He expresses the expectation of armed forces that justice would be dispensed in line with Pakistan’s constitution. This plea for justice in keeping with the constitution for a man who blew to pieces all constitutional tenets sounds bizarre, to say the least! The army would go to any length to thwart the judgment. Though Musharraf’s successors have not resorted to the extreme steps against constitutional governance that he did, the army leadership has continued to act well beyond its remit in violation of constitutional norms, including interference in elections. Any judicial harm coming to Musharraf could, therefore, leave his successors vulnerable to similar judicial action. 
 
Musharraf’s lawyer has said that he would file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The government has expressed its intent to support Musharraf during the appeal process. With the possibility of reversal of the special court judgment by the Supreme Court and power of the President to grant pardon, should the apex court uphold the judgment and no likelihood of Musharraf returning to the country, the death sentence remains largely symbolic and it is deterrent effect uncertain.&nbsp;

Pakistan is nowhere close to redressal of its civil-military imbalance. However, even if, as expected, the army leadership manages to overcome the hurdles thrown up by the above judgments, its inability to prevent the judges concerned from pronouncing them is a reminder of a sizeable body of opinion in Pakistan that does not see eye to eye with the army’s ways of functioning. This opinion, which the army has managed to keep under subjugation through heavy-handedness, must gain in strength if Pakistan is ever to become a normal state. &nbsp; 
 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

Two judgments by the Pakistan judiciary – one questioning the extension of tenure of the incumbent army chief and the other awarding death sentence to former chief Pervez Musharraf for high treason- have attracted considerable attention because of being utterly out of character for the army dominated Pakistani polity.

Two judgments by the Pakistan judiciary – one questioning the extension of tenure of the incumbent army chief and the other awarding death sentence to former chief Pervez Musharraf for high treason- have attracted considerable attention because of being utterly out of character for the army dominated Pakistani polity. Do they signal the advent of a new dawn in Pakistan? PM Imran Khan’s decision to grant the second tenure of three years to army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa was not unprecedented. Aside from the self- granted extensions of their tenures by army chiefs turned military dictators, the PPP government had given the second tenure of three years to the then army chief, Ashfaq Parvez Kayani in 2010. However, three days before Bajwa was to embark upon his new tenure, a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa took up a petition challenging his continuation in office and suspended the government notification issued for the purpose. During the tense three-day hearing, the judges questioned the government decision both on account of the utterly inept procedural handling of the matter and the absence of any legal or constitutional basis for it. At the end, in order not to precipitate a crisis, they ruled that Bajwa could continue in his post for a further period of six months and his continuation thereafter would depend upon adoption of suitable legislation by the Parliament concerning the appointment and terms and conditions of service of the Chief of Army Staff. Subsequently, a special court, constituted by the Supreme Court and comprising a judge each of the Lahore, Peshawar and Sindh High Courts, has given a 2-1 verdict, awarding death sentence for high treason to the former military dictator Parvez Musharraf for his action in declaring an emergency and suspending the constitution in early November 2007, when he was President and Chief of Army Staff. The court relied on Article 6 of the Pakistan Constitution that stipulates that any person who abrogates or subverts or suspends or holds in abeyance the Constitution by force or unconstitutional means shall be guilty of high treason. The treason case was filed by the Nawaz Sharif government in November 2013 and the Supreme Court agreed to set up a special court to try Musharraf. Within a few months, the then army chief Raheel Sharif indicated that he was against the trial and said that the army “Would preserve its own dignity and institutional pride.” With the army backing him, Musharraf dodged the trial and was able to secure an order from the Supreme Court in March 2016 to go abroad for medical treatment and has not returned to Pakistan since then, even though the special court gave him six opportunities to make his statement. Finally, when the court decided to hear the case on a daily basis in October 2019, Imran Khan’s government sacked the entire prosecution team! With no further inputs coming from the prosecution or Pervez Musharraf’s defence lawyers, the special court concluded its proceedings on November 19 and said that it would give its verdict on November 28. Caught by surprise, Musharraf’s defence team challenged the special court’s decision to announce its verdict in the Lahore High Court. Strangely, the government also approached the Islamabad High Court to restrain the special court from going ahead with its verdict. The High Court granted the request and directed the special court to listen to all the parties and complete all legal formalities before pronouncing its judgement. It also directed the government to appoint a prosecutor by December 5. The special court stated that it was not bound by the decision of the Islamabad High Court. When it convened on December 17, both Pervez Musharraf’s lawyer and the prosecution tried to stall the proceedings, the former by saying that Musharraf must be given an opportunity to make a statement before the court and the latter making an attempt to widen the scope of the trial by bringing in charges against some alleged collaborators of Musharraf, including former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. The special court rejected these pleas, ruling that Pervez Musharraf had foregone repeated opportunities to make his statement and the Supreme Court had decided that the case be proceeded with against Musharraf only. It then pronounced its split verdict to sentence Musharraf to death. The Pakistani judiciary has, with a few exceptions, acted as a handmaiden of the army and helped them in subverting democratic processes. A recent example is its collaboration with the selective accountability process against Nawaz Sharif to rule him out of the 2018 election. Facilitation of his departure for medical treatment abroad by the judiciary seems to be the result of a nod from the army, keen to see him leave the country, in return for an end to his and his daughter’s strident campaign against them. The last time the judiciary mounted a challenge to the army was under the maverick Chief Justice Iftikhar Chaudhry, who reopened the case of financing of the Nawaz Sharif led Islamic Jamhoori Ittehad by the ISI during the 1990 election to defeat Benazir Bhutto, hauled up a few retired generals on corruption charges and took up cases of forced disappearances in Baluchistan and the tribal areas. However, in the face of the resistance of Pakistan army, the court did not make much headway. Why Chief Justice Khosa, who is to retire later this month, took up the case of Bajwa’s extension has been a matter of speculation. Some observers ascribe it to his annoyance at Imran Khan’s criticism of the judiciary in letting Nawaz Sharif go abroad without the stringent conditions imposed by his government and the consequent desire to get even with the Prime Minister by showing the functioning of his government in a poor light in the matter of army chief’s extension. Others believe that the court might have been encouraged by senior army officers, whose promotion prospects would be marred by the continuation of Bajwa in his post. As for the special court, one of its members, Chief Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth of the Peshawar High Court has had a record of bold decisions, setting aside trials by military courts. What do the above judgments mean for Pakistan’s democracy? The continuation of Bajwa as army chief beyond the six months period approved by the Supreme Court would be more a function of his control over his senior army commanders than of the political dynamics within the Parliament. Should he be able to ensure cohesion within the army’s senior ranks, politicians in the government and opposition could be expected to bend over backwards to provide the legislation required for his continuation. The army and Imran Khan government have already rallied against the death sentence awarded to Musharraf. The army spokesperson has issued a statement that the special court judgment has been received by the rank and file of Pakistan armed forces “With a lot of pain and anguish”. He adds that Pervez Musharraf, who served Pakistan for over 40 years and fought wars for its defence “can surely not be a traitor” and complains that due legal process seems to have been ignored “including constitution of special court, denial of fundamental right of self-defence, undertaking individual-specific proceedings and concluding the case in haste.” He expresses the expectation of armed forces that justice would be dispensed in line with Pakistan’s constitution. This plea for justice in keeping with the constitution for a man who blew to pieces all constitutional tenets sounds bizarre, to say the least! The army would go to any length to thwart the judgment. Though Musharraf’s successors have not resorted to the extreme steps against constitutional governance that he did, the army leadership has continued to act well beyond its remit in violation of constitutional norms, including interference in elections. Any judicial harm coming to Musharraf could, therefore, leave his successors vulnerable to similar judicial action. Musharraf’s lawyer has said that he would file an appeal in the Supreme Court. The government has expressed its intent to support Musharraf during the appeal process. With the possibility of reversal of the special court judgment by the Supreme Court and power of the President to grant pardon, should the apex court uphold the judgment and no likelihood of Musharraf returning to the country, the death sentence remains largely symbolic and it is deterrent effect uncertain. Pakistan is nowhere close to redressal of its civil-military imbalance. However, even if, as expected, the army leadership manages to overcome the hurdles thrown up by the above judgments, its inability to prevent the judges concerned from pronouncing them is a reminder of a sizeable body of opinion in Pakistan that does not see eye to eye with the army’s ways of functioning. This opinion, which the army has managed to keep under subjugation through heavy-handedness, must gain in strength if Pakistan is ever to become a normal state. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Pervez Musharraf case: A new dawn in Pakistan?

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia&nbsp;including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysia-defends-muslim-summit-shunned-by-saudi-slammed-by-oic-269055">snubbed by Saudi Arabia</a>, home to Islam's holiest shrines.

The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations.

Issues including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/myanmar-rohingya-worlds-fastest-growing-refugee-crisis-267598">plight of Myanmar's Rohingya</a> and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis

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In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani&nbsp;slammed Washington's global clout.

"American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said.

The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries.

The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-nuclear-deal-parties-meet-as-accord-nears-collapse-266694">Islamic republic's nuclear programme</a>.

In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-suggests-he-could-stay-in-office-beyond-2020-268284/amp">Mahathir Mohamad</a> said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind".

He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence.

We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said.

With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC.&nbsp;

There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imran-khan-cancels-malaysia-summit-under-saudi-diplomatic-pressure-268893">withdrawing from the gathering</a> reportedly after Saudi pressure.

Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman.&nbsp;

But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes.

The president of sanctions-hit Iran called Thursday for Muslim countries to cooperate in fighting US "economic terrorism" at the opening of a summit aimed at tackling the Islamic world's woes. Hundreds of delegates are attending the gathering in Malaysia including heads of state and religious leaders but the meeting has been snubbed by Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's holiest shrines. The summit has also been criticised for undermining the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC), the Saudi-based global body representing Muslim nations and organisations. Issues including the plight of Myanmar's Rohingya and China's mostly Muslim Uighur minority could be discussed, although, with massive Chinese infrastructure in many Islamic nations, criticism may be muted. Also Watch: Plight of Rohingyas is world's fastest-growing refugee crisis × In opening remarks, Iran's President Hassan Rouhani slammed Washington's global clout. "American economic regime, and dollarisation of national and global economies, have provided the United States with the possibility of advancing its hegemony under the threat of sanctions and economic terrorism," he said. The Muslim world needs to be saved "from the domination of the United States dollar, and the American financial regime", he added, calling for greater financial cooperation between Islamic countries. The United States re-imposed crippling sanctions on Iran in 2018 after withdrawing from an international deal aimed at tackling the Islamic republic's nuclear programme. In his welcome address at the Kuala Lumpur event, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said that Muslim countries were "in a state of crisis, helpless and unworthy of this great religion which is meant to be good for mankind". He also insisted summit organisers were "not discriminating (against) or isolating anyone" after the absence of Saudi Arabia triggered speculation the meeting was aimed at countering the kingdom's influence. We have "invited almost all Muslim nations to participate in this summit, albeit at different levels", he said. With Saudi rivals Iran, Qatar and Turkey in attendance, analysts had suggested the meeting could be aimed at forming a rival bloc to the OIC. There were signs Riyadh was worried, with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan withdrawing from the gathering reportedly after Saudi pressure. Mahathir dismissed such concerns in a phone call this week with Saudi Arabia's King Salman. But the OIC, which has 57 members, launched a veiled attack Wednesday on the event, saying such gatherings would weaken Islam.

Iran urges to fight against US 'economic terrorism' at Muslim summit

Pakistan’s former dictator <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-an-army-general-dictator-and-convict-268670">Pervez Musharraf</a> called the High Court’s decision to sentence him to death on accounts of high treason &nbsp;a “personal vendetta”&nbsp;

In a video released in the later hours of Wednesday, Musharraf, speaking from his hospital bed in Dubai, announced that the allegations against him were politically motivated.

The former President of Pakistan who was tried and sentenced in absentia called the ruling "an unprecedented case in which neither the defendant nor his lawyer was allowed to defend the case."

A three-judge Bench handed out a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-handed-death-sentence-in-high-treason-case-268641">death sentence to Musharraf</a> for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency rule in 2007.&nbsp;

Also watch:&nbsp;Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital

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Musharraf was first booked for treason in December 2013 and was indicted on March 31, 2014, The prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year.&nbsp;

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/musharrafs-sentence-received-with-pain-anguish-he-can-never-be-a-traitor-pak-army-268772">Pakistan Army</a> received their former leader’s sentence with a “lot of pain and anguish,” saying that Musharraf could never be a traitor. &nbsp;

The Army issued a statement claiming that the decision has been "received with a lot of pain and anguish by rank and file of the Pakistan Armed forces."

"An ex-Army chief, chairman joint chief of staff committee and President of Pakistan, who served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defence of the country can surely never be a traitor," the Army said.

The 76-year-old Musharraf seized power in a coup against democratic Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1999 and later ruled as the 10th President of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Musharraf had resigned in 2008 over the threat of impeachment proceedings and had gone into exile in Dubai, however, he returned in 2013 to contest the polls in Pakistan but was barred from leaving the country.

"This case was taken up only due to personal vendetta by some people against me," Musharraf said in the video statement.

He was later permitted to move to Dubai to seek medical assistance in 2016, where he remains till date to seek treatment for amyloidosis and has refused to appear before the court, despite multiple orders.

His political party had earlier said it would challenge the verdict.&nbsp;

This is the first time in Pakistan's history that a former leader of the armed forces has been sentenced to death.

Pakistan’s former dictator Pervez Musharraf called the High Court’s decision to sentence him to death on accounts of high treason a “personal vendetta” In a video released in the later hours of Wednesday, Musharraf, speaking from his hospital bed in Dubai, announced that the allegations against him were politically motivated.

Pakistan’s former dictator Pervez Musharraf called the High Court’s decision to sentence him to death on accounts of high treason a “personal vendetta” In a video released in the later hours of Wednesday, Musharraf, speaking from his hospital bed in Dubai, announced that the allegations against him were politically motivated. The former President of Pakistan who was tried and sentenced in absentia called the ruling "an unprecedented case in which neither the defendant nor his lawyer was allowed to defend the case." A three-judge Bench handed out a death sentence to Musharraf for suspending the Constitution and imposing emergency rule in 2007. Also watch: Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital × Musharraf was first booked for treason in December 2013 and was indicted on March 31, 2014, The prosecution had tabled the entire evidence before the special court in September the same year. The Pakistan Army received their former leader’s sentence with a “lot of pain and anguish,” saying that Musharraf could never be a traitor. The Army issued a statement claiming that the decision has been "received with a lot of pain and anguish by rank and file of the Pakistan Armed forces." "An ex-Army chief, chairman joint chief of staff committee and President of Pakistan, who served the country for over 40 years, fought wars for the defence of the country can surely never be a traitor," the Army said. The 76-year-old Musharraf seized power in a coup against democratic Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in 1999 and later ruled as the 10th President of Pakistan. Musharraf had resigned in 2008 over the threat of impeachment proceedings and had gone into exile in Dubai, however, he returned in 2013 to contest the polls in Pakistan but was barred from leaving the country. "This case was taken up only due to personal vendetta by some people against me," Musharraf said in the video statement. He was later permitted to move to Dubai to seek medical assistance in 2016, where he remains till date to seek treatment for amyloidosis and has refused to appear before the court, despite multiple orders. His political party had earlier said it would challenge the verdict. This is the first time in Pakistan's history that a former leader of the armed forces has been sentenced to death.

Pakistan's former dictator Musharraf calls death sentence a 'personal vendetta'

Did Saudi Arabia Force Imran Khan's Decision To Pull Out Of The New Islamic Front 3 months ago at the #UNGA, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan hinted at a new islamic front comprising of Pakistan, Malaysia & Turkey.

Gravitas: Pakistan Pulls Out Of New Islamic Front

India's Firm Response To Pakistan PM Khan's Speech On Citizenship Law. #Gravitas

Gravitas: Citizenship Law: India Reacts To Imran Khan's Nuclear Threat

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan once again threatened nuclear war with India over Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests.

"We are worried there not only could be a refugee crisis in India but that it could lead to a conflict between two nuclear-armed countries," Khan said.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the new law is creating a refugee crisis in India, adding that millions of Muslims could flee away from India because of the curfew imposed in Kashmir.

Pakistani PM mentioned the two nuclear-armed countries, implying a clear message of threat to assert that if India provokes Pakistan - Islamabad will not hesitate to use its nuclear weapons. 
&nbsp; 
India was quick to react to Pakistani Prime Minister's comment, with the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar claiming that Khan was spreading falsehoods. 
&nbsp; 
"Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again peddled familiar falsehoods at a multilateral platform to advance his narrow political agenda on matters entirely internal to India," Kumar said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
The Indian ministry of foreign affairs also pointed out the state of minorities in Pakistan. 
&nbsp; 
"It should now be clear to the entire world that this is an established pattern of his habitual and compulsive abuse of global forums," said Kumar.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Kumar added that over the past 72 years - the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has systematically persecuted all of its minorities, forcing most of them to flee to India.

The Citizenship Act seeks to amend the definition of an illegal immigrant for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan once again threatened nuclear war with India over Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests. "We are worried there not only could be a refugee crisis in India but that it could lead to a conflict between two nuclear-armed countries," Khan said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan once again threatened nuclear war with India over Citizenship (Amendment) Act protests. "We are worried there not only could be a refugee crisis in India but that it could lead to a conflict between two nuclear-armed countries," Khan said. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the new law is creating a refugee crisis in India, adding that millions of Muslims could flee away from India because of the curfew imposed in Kashmir. Pakistani PM mentioned the two nuclear-armed countries, implying a clear message of threat to assert that if India provokes Pakistan - Islamabad will not hesitate to use its nuclear weapons. India was quick to react to Pakistani Prime Minister's comment, with the Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar claiming that Khan was spreading falsehoods. "Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again peddled familiar falsehoods at a multilateral platform to advance his narrow political agenda on matters entirely internal to India," Kumar said. The Indian ministry of foreign affairs also pointed out the state of minorities in Pakistan. "It should now be clear to the entire world that this is an established pattern of his habitual and compulsive abuse of global forums," said Kumar. Kumar added that over the past 72 years - the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has systematically persecuted all of its minorities, forcing most of them to flee to India. The Citizenship Act seeks to amend the definition of an illegal immigrant for Hindu, Sikh, Parsi, Buddhist and Christian immigrants from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, who have lived in India without documentation. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan once again issues nuclear threat to India, this time over Citizenship (Amendment) Act

India spoke at Global Refugee Forum in Geneva. Watch what India said at the Forum.

India speaks at Global Refugee Forum in Geneva

WION Dispatch: Imran Khan's another nuke threat to India?

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday summoned an emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) core committee to discuss the conviction of former military <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-an-army-general-dictator-and-convict-268670">dictator Pervez Musharraf</a> in a high treason case.

The Prime Minister was in Geneva on Tuesday to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-once-again-issues-nuclear-threat-to-india-this-time-over-citizenship-amendment-act-268834">"Global Refugee Forum"</a> when the special court formed to try the ex-president announced its verdict awarding him the death penalty for imposing a state of emergency in 2007 and suspending the Constitution.

Khan had to cut short his visit to the European country in the wake of the verdict, according to The News International.

The verdict, announced by a three-member bench of the special tribunal, was received with a 'lot of pain and anguish' by the Pakistan Army.

The government, too, expressed its reservations to the verdict, saying that the requirements for a fair trial under Article 10-A were not fulfilled in the case.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital

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Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan has already made it clear that the government will not oppose an appeal against the special court's verdict.

In the meeting today, the ruling party is further expected to discuss matters related to legislation regarding the extension of services of the army chief and the appointment of a chief election commissioner and other members of the electoral body.

The PTI's legal team will brief the members about the extension issue after the detailed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/musharrafs-sentence-received-with-pain-anguish-he-can-never-be-a-traitor-pak-army-268772">verdict of the Supreme Court</a> in this regard.

Meanwhile, UK-based Barrister Toby Cadman, a former representative of Musharraf at the United Nations, on Tuesday pointed out what he deemed 'flaws' in the capital punishment handed to the former president in a high treason case and called for a full review of the case.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday summoned an emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) core committee to discuss the conviction of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf in a high treason case.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday summoned an emergency meeting of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's (PTI) core committee to discuss the conviction of former military dictator Pervez Musharraf in a high treason case. The Prime Minister was in Geneva on Tuesday to attend the "Global Refugee Forum" when the special court formed to try the ex-president announced its verdict awarding him the death penalty for imposing a state of emergency in 2007 and suspending the Constitution. Khan had to cut short his visit to the European country in the wake of the verdict, according to The News International. The verdict, announced by a three-member bench of the special tribunal, was received with a 'lot of pain and anguish' by the Pakistan Army. The government, too, expressed its reservations to the verdict, saying that the requirements for a fair trial under Article 10-A were not fulfilled in the case. Also Watch: Musharraf has right to appeal within 30 days, currently in a Dubai hospital × Attorney General Anwar Mansoor Khan has already made it clear that the government will not oppose an appeal against the special court's verdict. In the meeting today, the ruling party is further expected to discuss matters related to legislation regarding the extension of services of the army chief and the appointment of a chief election commissioner and other members of the electoral body. The PTI's legal team will brief the members about the extension issue after the detailed verdict of the Supreme Court in this regard. Meanwhile, UK-based Barrister Toby Cadman, a former representative of Musharraf at the United Nations, on Tuesday pointed out what he deemed 'flaws' in the capital punishment handed to the former president in a high treason case and called for a full review of the case.

Imran Khan cuts short Geneva visit, calls emergency meeting to discuss Musharraf verdict

Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-on-one-day-trip-to-saudi-arabia-268288">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> has canceled his scheduled visit to Malaysia under pressure from Saudi Arabia, diplomatic sources told Geo News on Tuesday.

Also Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan pulls out of New Islamic Summit

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Sources said that the Prime Minister has apprised his Malaysian counterpart over his non-availability for the summit. 
 
Earlier, it was reported that Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was expected to represent his country at the summit instead of Khan. But the diplomat has also canceled his visit to the South Asian country. 
 
The development comes after a meeting between Khan with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in Riyadh on Saturday wherein matters related to bilateral relations were discussed. 
 
According to media reports Saudi Arabia has not been extended an invitation to attend the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-decided-to-mark-its-absence-at-the-kuala-lumpur-summit-268763">Kuala Lumpur Summit</a> starting tomorrow. 
 
The News International reported that Saudi Arabia had raised serious concerns over the Malaysian prime minister's statement where he had said the Muslim countries at Kuala Lumpur Summit would form a new platform to replace the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which "had failed to deliver the goods on issues faced by the Muslims across the world." 
 
It is worth noting that the OIC is headed by Saudi Arabia. 
 
Sources further said that Saudi Arabia and its allies, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Bahrain were perturbed over the expected presence of Qatari emir, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Iranian President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-rouhani-to-visit-japan-amid-heightened-tensions-with-united-states-268703">Hassan Rouhani</a> at the summit and fear a new but parallel leadership forum is being developed to undermine Saudi Arabia and its allies. 
 
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan while speaking to the media on Monday had said decision regarding PM Imran's visit to Malaysia would be taken keeping in mind the national interest. 
 
The summit is expected to be an important gathering of the Muslim leaders with a shared agenda related to the Muslim world and its collective challenges in a highly interconnected world. 
 
Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, during his weekly briefing, had said that the summit would provide Pakistan an opportunity to explain views and find solutions to the challenges facing the Muslim world particularly governance, development, terrorism, and Islamophobia.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has canceled his scheduled visit to Malaysia under pressure from Saudi Arabia, diplomatic sources told Geo News on Tuesday. Also Watch: Pakistan pulls out of New Islamic Summit × Sources said that the Prime Minister has apprised his Malaysian counterpart over his non-availability for the summit.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has canceled his scheduled visit to Malaysia under pressure from Saudi Arabia, diplomatic sources told Geo News on Tuesday. Also Watch: Pakistan pulls out of New Islamic Summit × Sources said that the Prime Minister has apprised his Malaysian counterpart over his non-availability for the summit. Earlier, it was reported that Pakistani foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi was expected to represent his country at the summit instead of Khan. But the diplomat has also canceled his visit to the South Asian country. The development comes after a meeting between Khan with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in Riyadh on Saturday wherein matters related to bilateral relations were discussed. According to media reports Saudi Arabia has not been extended an invitation to attend the Kuala Lumpur Summit starting tomorrow. The News International reported that Saudi Arabia had raised serious concerns over the Malaysian prime minister's statement where he had said the Muslim countries at Kuala Lumpur Summit would form a new platform to replace the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which "had failed to deliver the goods on issues faced by the Muslims across the world." It is worth noting that the OIC is headed by Saudi Arabia. Sources further said that Saudi Arabia and its allies, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait and Bahrain were perturbed over the expected presence of Qatari emir, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the summit and fear a new but parallel leadership forum is being developed to undermine Saudi Arabia and its allies. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan while speaking to the media on Monday had said decision regarding PM Imran's visit to Malaysia would be taken keeping in mind the national interest. The summit is expected to be an important gathering of the Muslim leaders with a shared agenda related to the Muslim world and its collective challenges in a highly interconnected world. Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, during his weekly briefing, had said that the summit would provide Pakistan an opportunity to explain views and find solutions to the challenges facing the Muslim world particularly governance, development, terrorism, and Islamophobia.

Pakistan: Imran Khan cancels Malaysia summit under Saudi diplomatic pressure

Since independence, there has been no more accurate barometer of the malfeasance of Pakistan’s government or the volatility of its political system than the frequent fate of the country’s leaders – assassination, execution, prison or disgrace.

Such is the fate of Pakistan’s former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death in absentia for treason over his 2007 suspension of the constitution in 2007 when he declared emergency rule in a move intended to extend his tenure. He resigned in 2008 to avoid impeachment.

The significance of the sentence is questionable and it is unlikely that the sentence will be carried out. Although Musharraf was formerly charged with treason in 2014, he was allowed to leave Pakistan in 2016 and is now living in Dubai.

It is indeed ironic that Musharraf, who initiated Pakistan’s duplicity against the US at the start of the Afghanistan war and worked in tandem with Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence agency (ISI), sought US support in 2018 to regain power in Pakistan by telling American lawmakers he was "ashamed" of the ISI, especially by being negligent about knowing the location of Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden inside Pakistan.

Just four days after 9/11, on September 15, 2001, Musharraf held a meeting with ISI Director Lt. General Mahmood Ahmed, Lt. General Muzaffar Usmani, Lt. General Jamshaid Gulzar Kiani, and Lt. General Mohammed Aziz Khan. The military officers argued that Pakistan should not help the US at all in its war against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Mahmood stated, “Let the US do its dirty work. Its enemies are our friends.” 
 
Musharraf countered that publicly agreeing with the US would lead to billions of dollars in aid and the lifting of sanctions against Pakistan due to its illicit nuclear activities.

On September 19, 2001, Musharraf still failed to condemn the 9/11 attacks, the Taliban or Al-Qaeda during an important televised speech, implying that Pakistan’s alliance with the US was only a temporary and opportunistic necessity. He said, “I have done everything for Afghanistan and the Taliban when the whole world was against them. We are trying our best to come out of this critical situation without any damage to them.”

Presumably with Musharraf’s approval, Pakistan’s ISI would continue to supply the Taliban in Afghanistan with fuel, weapons, and even military advisers, until at least November 2001.

Prior to the October 7, 2001 US attack on Afghanistan, Pakistan’s ISI Director Mahmood continued to meet with Taliban leader Mullah Omar and told him how to resist the US and not to hand over Osama bin Laden.

In addition, according to journalist Kathy Gannon, Mahmood, having just come from meetings with top officials in the US, gave Mullah Omar information about the likely next move by the Americans. By then, Mahmood knew there weren’t going to be a lot of US soldiers on the ground. He warned Mullah Omar that the Americans would be relying heavily on aerial bombardment and on the Northern Alliance. Mahmood gave additional information on targets likely to be hit, such as command and control systems and anti-aircraft defence emplacements and what types of weapons the US would use against those targets.

The ISI informed Musharraf that the Taliban would hold out at least until the spring of 2002, and then would mount a guerrilla war. Encouraged, Musharraf allowed the ISI to continue to supply the Taliban on a daily basis.

Also prior to the US attack, so many fuel tankers and supply trucks were crossing the Pakistan-Afghan border in Chaman, Balochistan, regular traffic was shut down to allow ISI supplies through to the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, where Pakistani military advisors remained until November 2001.

A December 8, 2001 New York Times article described ISI-sponsored convoys of rifles, ammunition, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers for Taliban fighters crossing the Khyber Pass border from Pakistan into Afghanistan between October 8 and 12, just after US bombing of Afghanistan began.

Jalaluddin Haqqani (Haqqani Network), who controlled the Khost region of eastern Afghanistan where most of Laden’s training camps and supporters were, made a secret trip to Pakistan, where ISI Director Mahmood advised him to hold out and not defect, promising that he will have help.

The same pattern of Pakistani duplicitous behaviour, initiated by Musharraf, continues to this day. No American should shed a tear for the fate of the father of that duplicity. 
 
(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Since independence, there has been no more accurate barometer of the malfeasance of Pakistan’s government or the volatility of its political system than the frequent fate of the country’s leaders – assassination, execution, prison or disgrace.

Since independence, there has been no more accurate barometer of the malfeasance of Pakistan’s government or the volatility of its political system than the frequent fate of the country’s leaders – assassination, execution, prison or disgrace. Such is the fate of Pakistan’s former military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, who was sentenced to death in absentia for treason over his 2007 suspension of the constitution in 2007 when he declared emergency rule in a move intended to extend his tenure. He resigned in 2008 to avoid impeachment. The significance of the sentence is questionable and it is unlikely that the sentence will be carried out. Although Musharraf was formerly charged with treason in 2014, he was allowed to leave Pakistan in 2016 and is now living in Dubai. It is indeed ironic that Musharraf, who initiated Pakistan’s duplicity against the US at the start of the Afghanistan war and worked in tandem with Pakistan’s Inter-Service Intelligence agency (ISI), sought US support in 2018 to regain power in Pakistan by telling American lawmakers he was "ashamed" of the ISI, especially by being negligent about knowing the location of Al-Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden inside Pakistan. Just four days after 9/11, on September 15, 2001, Musharraf held a meeting with ISI Director Lt. General Mahmood Ahmed, Lt. General Muzaffar Usmani, Lt. General Jamshaid Gulzar Kiani, and Lt. General Mohammed Aziz Khan. The military officers argued that Pakistan should not help the US at all in its war against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. Mahmood stated, “Let the US do its dirty work. Its enemies are our friends.” Musharraf countered that publicly agreeing with the US would lead to billions of dollars in aid and the lifting of sanctions against Pakistan due to its illicit nuclear activities. On September 19, 2001, Musharraf still failed to condemn the 9/11 attacks, the Taliban or Al-Qaeda during an important televised speech, implying that Pakistan’s alliance with the US was only a temporary and opportunistic necessity. He said, “I have done everything for Afghanistan and the Taliban when the whole world was against them. We are trying our best to come out of this critical situation without any damage to them.” Presumably with Musharraf’s approval, Pakistan’s ISI would continue to supply the Taliban in Afghanistan with fuel, weapons, and even military advisers, until at least November 2001. Prior to the October 7, 2001 US attack on Afghanistan, Pakistan’s ISI Director Mahmood continued to meet with Taliban leader Mullah Omar and told him how to resist the US and not to hand over Osama bin Laden. In addition, according to journalist Kathy Gannon, Mahmood, having just come from meetings with top officials in the US, gave Mullah Omar information about the likely next move by the Americans. By then, Mahmood knew there weren’t going to be a lot of US soldiers on the ground. He warned Mullah Omar that the Americans would be relying heavily on aerial bombardment and on the Northern Alliance. Mahmood gave additional information on targets likely to be hit, such as command and control systems and anti-aircraft defence emplacements and what types of weapons the US would use against those targets. The ISI informed Musharraf that the Taliban would hold out at least until the spring of 2002, and then would mount a guerrilla war. Encouraged, Musharraf allowed the ISI to continue to supply the Taliban on a daily basis. Also prior to the US attack, so many fuel tankers and supply trucks were crossing the Pakistan-Afghan border in Chaman, Balochistan, regular traffic was shut down to allow ISI supplies through to the Taliban stronghold of Kandahar, where Pakistani military advisors remained until November 2001. A December 8, 2001 New York Times article described ISI-sponsored convoys of rifles, ammunition, and rocket-propelled grenade launchers for Taliban fighters crossing the Khyber Pass border from Pakistan into Afghanistan between October 8 and 12, just after US bombing of Afghanistan began. Jalaluddin Haqqani (Haqqani Network), who controlled the Khost region of eastern Afghanistan where most of Laden’s training camps and supporters were, made a secret trip to Pakistan, where ISI Director Mahmood advised him to hold out and not defect, promising that he will have help. The same pattern of Pakistani duplicitous behaviour, initiated by Musharraf, continues to this day. No American should shed a tear for the fate of the father of that duplicity. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

From US perspective, Pervez Musharraf gets a well-earned sentence

An activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) hit out at Pakistan for its aim to alter the status of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has been trying to "illegally merge" the region with the Punjab province. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-using-terror-religion-as-tools-to-mislead-kashmiris-say-activists-246027">Nasir Aziz Khan</a>, the spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party, has reacted to an order dated December 11 issued by 'Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir' Services and General Administration Department (Regulations) saying the 'President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir' ordered renaming of 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir Management Group' as 'Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services' (JKAS) with immediate effect. 
 
The order was issued just a couple of days after PoK Prime Minister Farooq Haider Khan said in Muzaffarabad that he could be the last Prime Minister of PoK dropping enough hints that Pakistan could alter the status of PoK. 
 
Nasir Aziz said, "Prime Minister of PoK Raja Farooq Haider has said that the Pakistani administration has given him a clear message that he is the last Prime Minister of PoK and after this, there will be no Prime Minister here that clearly indicates that Pakistan is trying to illegally merge PoK with the Punjab province and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan has a similar intention for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/protests-demanding-release-of-baba-jan-resurface-in-pakistan-267461">Gilgit- Baltistan</a> also". 
 
Since its illegal occupation, Pakistan has played politics over PoK by calling it 'Azad' or 'free'. 
 
The recent order has exposed the real face of Pakistan and its hidden agenda over Kashmir. 
 
Nasir Aziz Khan added, "Pakistan has illegally occupied these regions which are known as PoK and Gilgit- Baltistan. As per United Nations convention, Pakistan had to withdraw from these regions but Pakistan did not comply with the United Nations Council's resolutions on Jammu &amp; Kashmir. They kept on persecuting the regions and sowed the seeds of communalism in the region. They established dummy set up in the region, where there is a Prime Minister, President, there is a legislative assembly but we can't make any legislation and they (Pakistani administrators) rule them directly or indirectly". 
 
Although Pakistan never had a legal claim over the illegally occupied territories of Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK, the unscrupulous administrators from Islamabad have violated human rights by persecuting the locals through draconian laws. 
 
"The Administrators in Pakistan who persecute the general public, they make fake claims on TV channels that they liberated these regions and they announce that we should merge the illegally occupied (PoK) region with Punjab province and other parts of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-protests-erupt-at-punjab-university-after-former-chairman-goes-missing-265675">Khyber Pakhtunkhwa</a> (KPK) and they are also mooting over the merger of Gilgit-Baltistan. So they want to merge both the areas with Pakistan. Pakistan never had any locus standi on regions of Jammu and Kashmir", said Nasir. 
 
He added, "They did not have any legal claim on it. Pakistan is the illegal occupier and aggressor as per UN resolutions, but the Kashmiri people who were blackmailed on the name of religion played puppets of Pakistan administration. Over one lakh people sacrificed their lives in their wrong influence. They abducted small children and a lot of children were orphaned. Hence, a criminal case could be filed against (Pakistan) under the International criminal court". 
 
Pakistan leadership might try to merge PoK with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which shared a border with PoK as well as Gilgit-Baltistan or make it a fifth province along with Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (which was till 2010 known as North Western Frontier Province). 
 
Since its occupation, Pakistan has misused the territories of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan by not only exploiting its land and resources but allowing China to foray in. 
 
The people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan have been fighting against the forceful occupation of their territory.

An activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) hit out at Pakistan for its aim to alter the status of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has been trying to "illegally merge" the region with the Punjab province.

An activist from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) hit out at Pakistan for its aim to alter the status of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government has been trying to "illegally merge" the region with the Punjab province. Nasir Aziz Khan, the spokesperson of United Kashmir People's National Party, has reacted to an order dated December 11 issued by 'Azad Government of the State of Jammu and Kashmir' Services and General Administration Department (Regulations) saying the 'President of Azad Jammu and Kashmir' ordered renaming of 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir Management Group' as 'Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services' (JKAS) with immediate effect. The order was issued just a couple of days after PoK Prime Minister Farooq Haider Khan said in Muzaffarabad that he could be the last Prime Minister of PoK dropping enough hints that Pakistan could alter the status of PoK. Nasir Aziz said, "Prime Minister of PoK Raja Farooq Haider has said that the Pakistani administration has given him a clear message that he is the last Prime Minister of PoK and after this, there will be no Prime Minister here that clearly indicates that Pakistan is trying to illegally merge PoK with the Punjab province and some parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan has a similar intention for Gilgit- Baltistan also". Since its illegal occupation, Pakistan has played politics over PoK by calling it 'Azad' or 'free'. The recent order has exposed the real face of Pakistan and its hidden agenda over Kashmir. Nasir Aziz Khan added, "Pakistan has illegally occupied these regions which are known as PoK and Gilgit- Baltistan. As per United Nations convention, Pakistan had to withdraw from these regions but Pakistan did not comply with the United Nations Council's resolutions on Jammu & Kashmir. They kept on persecuting the regions and sowed the seeds of communalism in the region. They established dummy set up in the region, where there is a Prime Minister, President, there is a legislative assembly but we can't make any legislation and they (Pakistani administrators) rule them directly or indirectly". Although Pakistan never had a legal claim over the illegally occupied territories of Gilgit-Baltistan and PoK, the unscrupulous administrators from Islamabad have violated human rights by persecuting the locals through draconian laws. "The Administrators in Pakistan who persecute the general public, they make fake claims on TV channels that they liberated these regions and they announce that we should merge the illegally occupied (PoK) region with Punjab province and other parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) and they are also mooting over the merger of Gilgit-Baltistan. So they want to merge both the areas with Pakistan. Pakistan never had any locus standi on regions of Jammu and Kashmir", said Nasir. He added, "They did not have any legal claim on it. Pakistan is the illegal occupier and aggressor as per UN resolutions, but the Kashmiri people who were blackmailed on the name of religion played puppets of Pakistan administration. Over one lakh people sacrificed their lives in their wrong influence. They abducted small children and a lot of children were orphaned. Hence, a criminal case could be filed against (Pakistan) under the International criminal court". Pakistan leadership might try to merge PoK with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which shared a border with PoK as well as Gilgit-Baltistan or make it a fifth province along with Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (which was till 2010 known as North Western Frontier Province). Since its occupation, Pakistan has misused the territories of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan by not only exploiting its land and resources but allowing China to foray in. The people of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan have been fighting against the forceful occupation of their territory.

Pak govt trying to 'illegally merge' PoK with Punjab province, says activisit

Proton X70, a premium sports vehicle, was handed over to Abdul Razzak Dawood, the commerce adviser of the prime minister, at a ceremony held at the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad today, Express Tribune reported.

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2/2 This gift is a demonstration of the love &amp; respect between the two countries and will further consolidate the excellent bilateral relations. <a href="https://twitter.com/ansukhera?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ansukhera</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aliya_hamza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@aliya_hamza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MYHCIslamabad?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MYHCIslamabad</a> <a href="https://t.co/GBCRfMJdeG">pic.twitter.com/GBCRfMJdeG</a>
— Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) <a href="https://twitter.com/razak_dawood/status/1206448352218558464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Malaysian <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malaysian-pm-mahathir-mohamad-suggests-he-could-stay-in-office-beyond-2020-268284/amp">prime minister</a> had announced the gift to Khan in March during Mohammad's three-day visit to Islamabad as a chief guest on the occasion of Pakistan Day parade.

Malaysia has also announced to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-malaysia-agree-to-elevate-their-bilateral-relation-to-strategic-level-204997">set up</a> a Proton car manufacturing unit in Pakistan, which will start production in June next year. It will be a joint venture between the Malaysian carmaker and its local partner Alhaj Automotive. This would be the company's first assembly plant set up in any South Asian country.

The Malaysian-based corporation, Proton was established in 1983 and has so far sold three million cars. Proton cars are sold in more than 25 countries, including Britain, Singapore, and Australia.

Proton X70, a premium sports vehicle, was handed over to Abdul Razzak Dawood, the commerce adviser of the prime minister, at a ceremony held at the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad today, Express Tribune reported.

Proton X70, a premium sports vehicle, was handed over to Abdul Razzak Dawood, the commerce adviser of the prime minister, at a ceremony held at the Malaysian High Commission in Islamabad today, Express Tribune reported. 2/2 This gift is a demonstration of the love & respect between the two countries and will further consolidate the excellent bilateral relations. @ansukhera @aliya_hamza @MYHCIslamabad pic.twitter.com/GBCRfMJdeG — Abdul Razak Dawood (@razak_dawood) December 16, 2019 × The Malaysian prime minister had announced the gift to Khan in March during Mohammad's three-day visit to Islamabad as a chief guest on the occasion of Pakistan Day parade. Malaysia has also announced to set up a Proton car manufacturing unit in Pakistan, which will start production in June next year. It will be a joint venture between the Malaysian carmaker and its local partner Alhaj Automotive. This would be the company's first assembly plant set up in any South Asian country. The Malaysian-based corporation, Proton was established in 1983 and has so far sold three million cars. Proton cars are sold in more than 25 countries, including Britain, Singapore, and Australia.

Imran Khan receives Proton X70 as gift from Malaysian counterpart

Pak PM Imran has cancelled his scheduled visit to Malaysia and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi will be representing Pakistan on his place at the Kuala Lumpur Summit. #KualaLumpurSummit #MalaysiaSummit #PakPM #ImranKhan

Pak decided to mark it's absence at the Kuala Lumpur Summit

Pakistan opposition's PPP Chairman <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-bail-plea-to-be-submitted-for-zardaris-release-on-medical-grounds-265853">Bilawal Bhutto Zardari</a> has accused Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-visit-bahrain-on-monday-268412">Imran Khan</a>-led government of modifying the route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to deprive&nbsp;people of Balochistan of their share of benefits from the projects.

"We brought revolutionary programmes such as CPEC for you, the people of Balochistan the vision of former president [<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-day-after-release-from-sub-jail-asif-ali-zardari-to-be-shifted-to-karachi-hospital-268059">Asif Ali</a>] Zardari was for the route, to begin with, the most backward areas of Pakistan, namely Fata and Balochistan, but I regret to say the route was changed and instead, the project began from Lahore and Sindh," DAWN quoted Bilawal as saying.

Bilawal was addressing a PPP workers' convention in Quetta. "We want the people of Balochistan to benefit from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/cpec-a-project-that-turns-into-a-roadblock-for-pakistan-economy-264876"> CPEC</a> but this incompetent, unqualified puppet government has failed in providing you the benefits. Only PPP is capable and it is the only party to have ever strived to deliver the benefits of a project to the residents of the area it is launched in," he added.

The CPEC is a multi-billion dollar development project, with a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/east-china-province-helps-xinjiang-make-great-e-commerce-progress-268160">Xinjiang</a> Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.

Bilawal also alleged that "selected prime minister" Imran Khan was not only "stealing" the share of resources that should go to the provinces, but was also "placing the burden of his incompetence" onto the people.

"He who promised 10 million jobs and 5 million homes is not only stealing existing jobs but the roof over people's heads in the name of encroachment," said the PPP chairman.&nbsp;

Pakistan opposition's PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government of modifying the route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to deprive people of Balochistan of their share of benefits from the projects.

Pakistan opposition's PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government of modifying the route of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to deprive people of Balochistan of their share of benefits from the projects. "We brought revolutionary programmes such as CPEC for you, the people of Balochistan the vision of former president [Asif Ali] Zardari was for the route, to begin with, the most backward areas of Pakistan, namely Fata and Balochistan, but I regret to say the route was changed and instead, the project began from Lahore and Sindh," DAWN quoted Bilawal as saying. Bilawal was addressing a PPP workers' convention in Quetta. "We want the people of Balochistan to benefit from CPEC but this incompetent, unqualified puppet government has failed in providing you the benefits. Only PPP is capable and it is the only party to have ever strived to deliver the benefits of a project to the residents of the area it is launched in," he added. The CPEC is a multi-billion dollar development project, with a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Bilawal also alleged that "selected prime minister" Imran Khan was not only "stealing" the share of resources that should go to the provinces, but was also "placing the burden of his incompetence" onto the people. "He who promised 10 million jobs and 5 million homes is not only stealing existing jobs but the roof over people's heads in the name of encroachment," said the PPP chairman.

Bilawal accuses Pak govt of changing CPEC route to deprive Baloch people of benefits

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has slammed Pakistan saying that religious freedom in the country continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present government.

The discriminatory legislation by the Imran&nbsp;Khan-led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities, the UN report stated.&nbsp;

The Commission added that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially the females, are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights.

In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan- religious freedom under attack', the UN commission expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan.

The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation that are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground.

The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that the minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens...

The report contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities.

As per the report, each year, hundreds of women under the age of 18 are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men with little or no hopes for being returned to their families.

Following these observations, the Commission has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has slammed Pakistan saying that religious freedom in the country continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present government.

The United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has slammed Pakistan saying that religious freedom in the country continues to "deteriorate" under the leadership of the present government. The discriminatory legislation by the Imran Khan-led government has empowered people with "extremist mindsets" to carry out attacks on religious minorities, the UN report stated. The Commission added that Christian and Hindu communities in Pakistan, especially the females, are "particularly vulnerable" to violation of such rights. In its 47-page detailed report titled, 'Pakistan- religious freedom under attack', the UN commission expressed concern over the volatile human rights situation in Pakistan. The report has outlined major issues like increasing "weaponisation and politicisation" of the blasphemy laws and the anti-Ahmadiyya legislation that are being used by Islamist groups not only to persecute religious minorities but also to gain political ground. The commission in its report has cited several prominent examples to substantiate that the minorities in the country are reduced to second class citizens... The report contended that blasphemy laws in Pakistan, which criminalise anyone who insults Islam, are often misused to lodge false cases against the minorities. As per the report, each year, hundreds of women under the age of 18 are abducted and forced to convert and marry Muslim men with little or no hopes for being returned to their families. Following these observations, the Commission has asked the Pakistan government to take more effective steps to prevent sectarian violence and hold the perpetrators of religious attacks to account.

United Nations slams Pakistan over religious freedom

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Bahrain on December 16 to attend the country`s National Day celebration as a Guest of Honour, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed on Sunday.

During his maiden visit to Bahrain after assuming office in August 2018, Khan will have a one-on-one meeting with country's King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa as well as delegation talks with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, MOFA said in a statement.

The exchange of views during the delegation talks and one-on-one meeting would cover the entire gamut of bilateral relations and matters pertaining to regional and international issues.

Khan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising of members of the Cabinet and senior government officials.

During the visit, Bahrain's highest civil award will be conferred upon the Pakistan Prime Minister.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Bahrain on December 16 to attend the country`s National Day celebration as a Guest of Honour, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed on Sunday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Bahrain on December 16 to attend the country`s National Day celebration as a Guest of Honour, Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) confirmed on Sunday. During his maiden visit to Bahrain after assuming office in August 2018, Khan will have a one-on-one meeting with country's King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa as well as delegation talks with Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, MOFA said in a statement. The exchange of views during the delegation talks and one-on-one meeting would cover the entire gamut of bilateral relations and matters pertaining to regional and international issues. Khan will be accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising of members of the Cabinet and senior government officials. During the visit, Bahrain's highest civil award will be conferred upon the Pakistan Prime Minister.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to visit Bahrain on Monday

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday departed for a one-day trip to Saudi Arabia. According to reports, Khan's one-day visit to the Saudi kingdom comes after Riyadh expressed its displeasure over Pakistan Prime Minister's decision to attend the Kuala Lumpur Summit that will be held in Malaysia from December 18 to 20.

Saudi Arabia's primary concern with the summit is that it sees the event as an attempt to provide an alternative to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).&nbsp;

During his visit, Khan is expected to discuss bilateral matters and recent developments in the region with the Saudi leadership.

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Radio Pakistan reported that Khan had left for Saudi Arabia on a one-day visit where he will hold talks with the Saudi leadership on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as the regional situation, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

The Summit in Malaysia is expected to see world leaders like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Iranian President Hasan Rouhani in attendance.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday departed for a one-day trip to Saudi Arabia. According to reports, Khan's one-day visit to the Saudi kingdom comes after Riyadh expressed its displeasure over Pakistan Prime Minister's decision to attend the Kuala Lumpur Summit that will be held in Malaysia from December 18 to 20.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday departed for a one-day trip to Saudi Arabia. According to reports, Khan's one-day visit to the Saudi kingdom comes after Riyadh expressed its displeasure over Pakistan Prime Minister's decision to attend the Kuala Lumpur Summit that will be held in Malaysia from December 18 to 20. Saudi Arabia's primary concern with the summit is that it sees the event as an attempt to provide an alternative to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). During his visit, Khan is expected to discuss bilateral matters and recent developments in the region with the Saudi leadership. × Radio Pakistan reported that Khan had left for Saudi Arabia on a one-day visit where he will hold talks with the Saudi leadership on the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as the regional situation, news agency ANI reported. The Summit in Malaysia is expected to see world leaders like Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and Iranian President Hasan Rouhani in attendance. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan on one-day trip to Saudi Arabia 

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan departed for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for a one-day visit to appease the Saudi Kingdom.

Imran Khan rushes to Riyadh after unhappy signals from Kingdom

Former Pakistan President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/court-adjourns-hearing-of-zardari-talpurs-bail-applications-till-december-11-266190">Asif Ali Zardari </a>will be shifted to a hospital in Karachi on Friday, a day after he was discharged from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) sub-jail after being granted bail by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), The News International reported.

The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader was scheduled to leave for Karachi yesterday but the party decided against it. The former Pakistan president was granted bail on medical grounds by the IHC in connection with two money laundering cases filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

He was arrested by the anti-corruption body on June 10 after the IHC had rejected his pre-arrest bail in the fake bank accounts case.

In October, Zardari was shifted to PIMS from judicial custody at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after the medical board stated that the former president was suffering from cardiac issues, diabetes, and other ailments and required urgent medical care.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Former Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will be shifted to a hospital in Karachi on Friday, a day after he was discharged from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) sub-jail after being granted bail by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), The News International reported.

Former Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari will be shifted to a hospital in Karachi on Friday, a day after he was discharged from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) sub-jail after being granted bail by the Islamabad High Court (IHC), The News International reported. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader was scheduled to leave for Karachi yesterday but the party decided against it. The former Pakistan president was granted bail on medical grounds by the IHC in connection with two money laundering cases filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). He was arrested by the anti-corruption body on June 10 after the IHC had rejected his pre-arrest bail in the fake bank accounts case. In October, Zardari was shifted to PIMS from judicial custody at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi after the medical board stated that the former president was suffering from cardiac issues, diabetes, and other ailments and required urgent medical care.

Pakistan: Day after release from sub-jail, Asif Ali Zardari to be shifted to Karachi hospital

In Pakistan, the clash between the lawyers and doctors at a Lahore hospital has taken an ugly twist resulting in the death of three patients. The political parties are now attacking the Imran Khan government as the area of the clash is governed by the Imran Khan government.

WION Dispatch: Lawyers stir in Pakistan claims lives of 3, Opposition targets Imran Khan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday took to Twitter to condemn the passing of contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to give Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, saying that it "violates all norms of international human rights law" with Islamabad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday took to Twitter to condemn the passing of contentious Citizenship (Amendment) Bill 2019, which seeks to give Indian citizenship to non-Muslim refugees from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, saying that it "violates all norms of international human rights law" with Islamabad. Khan in a tweet said: "We strongly condemn Indian Lok Sabha citizenship legislation which violates all norms of international human rights law and bilateral agreements with Pakistan. "It is part of the RSS `Hindu Rashtra` design of expansionism propagated by the fascist Modi govt." We strongly condemn Indian Lok Sabha citizenship legislation which violates all norms of int human rights law & bilateral agreements with Pak. It is part of the RSS "Hindu Rashtra" design of expansionism propagated by the fascist Modi Govt. https://t.co/XkRdBiSp3G — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 10, 2019 × Khan`s remarks come after the draft legislation was passed in the Lok Sabha on Monday midnight after the division of votes with 311 in its favour and 80 against it. The Bill would face its final hurdle in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday before becoming a law.

Imran condemns passing of India's Citizenship (Amendment) Bill

Indian-Americans, U.S. veterans protest against Pakistan on the streets of U.S.

Anti-Pakistan protests in U.S.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz on Saturday moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) for removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

Maryam, the daughter of former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-undergoes-check-up-at-london-bridge-hospital-264538">Nawaz Sharif</a>, filed the petition through Advocate Amjad Pervez, Express Tribune reported. The petition nominated the federal government, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director-general, passport and immigration director-general and others as respondents.

"I returned to Pakistan with my father (former prime minister Nawaz Sharif)&nbsp;despite being sentenced in the Al-Azizia reference," Maryam said in the petition.

She maintained that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard.

"The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam added.

She further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal.

"I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father`s illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," the PML-N leader urged the court.

A two-member LHC bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, will hear the petition on December 9.

Nawaz Sharif is currently undergoing treatment in London.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz on Saturday moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) for removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz on Saturday moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) for removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL). Maryam, the daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, filed the petition through Advocate Amjad Pervez, Express Tribune reported. The petition nominated the federal government, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director-general, passport and immigration director-general and others as respondents. "I returned to Pakistan with my father (former prime minister Nawaz Sharif) despite being sentenced in the Al-Azizia reference," Maryam said in the petition. She maintained that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. "The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam added. She further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father`s illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," the PML-N leader urged the court. A two-member LHC bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, will hear the petition on December 9. Nawaz Sharif is currently undergoing treatment in London.

Pakistan: Maryam Nawaz moves high court for removal of name from Exit Control List

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-hits-9-year-high-in-pakistan-266392">Pakistan</a> has welcomed the resumption of peace talks between the United States and Taliban which had remained suspended for three months and urged all parties to the Afghan conflict to engage constructively on the same.

"Pakistan welcomes the announcement regarding the resumption of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/no-specific-date-fixed-for-resumption-of-talks-with-us-taliban-political-office-spokesperson-tells-wion-266422">US-Taliban talks</a>. We hope that it will lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and ultimately to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan," the country's Foreign Office said in a statement, as cited by Dawn.

"Pakistan encourages all parties to the conflict to engage constructively as a shared responsibility," it added.

The US State Department said on Wednesday that&nbsp;America will shortly resume talks with the Taliban.

A statement released in this regard read that US negotiator on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, will head to Qatar to "rejoin talks with the Taliban to discuss steps that could lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire."

The US and Taliban had held 9 rounds of peace talks in Doha and had reached upon an agreement "in principle", albeit, the negotiations were called off by US President Donald Trump citing the group's continued attacks.

Pakistan has welcomed the resumption of peace talks between the United States and Taliban which had remained suspended for three months and urged all parties to the Afghan conflict to engage constructively on the same.

Pakistan has welcomed the resumption of peace talks between the United States and Taliban which had remained suspended for three months and urged all parties to the Afghan conflict to engage constructively on the same. "Pakistan welcomes the announcement regarding the resumption of the US-Taliban talks. We hope that it will lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and ultimately to a peaceful and stable Afghanistan," the country's Foreign Office said in a statement, as cited by Dawn. "Pakistan encourages all parties to the conflict to engage constructively as a shared responsibility," it added. The US State Department said on Wednesday that America will shortly resume talks with the Taliban. A statement released in this regard read that US negotiator on Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, will head to Qatar to "rejoin talks with the Taliban to discuss steps that could lead to intra-Afghan negotiations and a peaceful settlement of the war, specifically a reduction in violence that leads to a ceasefire." The US and Taliban had held 9 rounds of peace talks in Doha and had reached upon an agreement "in principle", albeit, the negotiations were called off by US President Donald Trump citing the group's continued attacks.

Pakistan welcomes resumption of US-Taliban talks

Inflation rose to 12.7 per cent year-on-year, the highest level in nine years mainly driven by an increase in prices of food items, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said in a report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Inflation</a>, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), edged up by 1.3 per cent over the previous month after the PBS revised its calculation methodology by setting the new base year 2015-16 instead of the previous 2007-08 financial year, Dawn reported.

In a statement, the Finance Ministry claimed that inflation would come down from the next month, however, without divulging further details on how they figured this out.

The data released on Wednesday showed that higher prices of food items have been the largest driver in overall inflation in November.

It has also been observed that the prices of essential food items are higher in rural areas than in urban areas, the report said.

Food inflation in urban areas rose by 16.6 per cent in November on a yearly basis and 2.4 per cent on a monthly basis and that in rural areas by 19.3 per cent and 3.4 per cent, respectively.

Similarly, non-food inflation in urban centres was recorded at 9.6 per cent year-on-year, while it was 9 per cent in rural areas.

The rise in non-food inflation is mainly driven by an increase in oil prices over the past few months and a combined impact of the depreciation of the exchange rate.

Economist Ashfaque Hasan Khan, however, believes that inflation is likely to be "more than 13 per cent in December, and the expected increase in inflation numbers would be based on a hike in energy prices, currency devaluation and high-interest rates."

"Higher prices of imported items and raw materials due to the currency devaluation are being passed on to consumers. Companies are also passing on the higher costs of working capital amid increased interest rates to the consumers," Khan was quoted as saying by Geo News.

The central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 13.25 per cent in November, as expected, to prevent food inflation, nearing the top of its target range, from further spreading.

State Bank of Pakistan Governor Reza Baqir was recently quoted as saying that rising inflation "has partly been the result of the need to restore competitiveness in the exchange rate, increased administered prices to reduce fiscal deficits in the public sector, and unforeseen food supply disruptions."

Inflation rose to 12.7 per cent year-on-year, the highest level in nine years mainly driven by an increase in prices of food items, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said in a report.

Inflation rose to 12.7 per cent year-on-year, the highest level in nine years mainly driven by an increase in prices of food items, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said in a report. Inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), edged up by 1.3 per cent over the previous month after the PBS revised its calculation methodology by setting the new base year 2015-16 instead of the previous 2007-08 financial year, Dawn reported. In a statement, the Finance Ministry claimed that inflation would come down from the next month, however, without divulging further details on how they figured this out. The data released on Wednesday showed that higher prices of food items have been the largest driver in overall inflation in November. It has also been observed that the prices of essential food items are higher in rural areas than in urban areas, the report said. Food inflation in urban areas rose by 16.6 per cent in November on a yearly basis and 2.4 per cent on a monthly basis and that in rural areas by 19.3 per cent and 3.4 per cent, respectively. Similarly, non-food inflation in urban centres was recorded at 9.6 per cent year-on-year, while it was 9 per cent in rural areas. The rise in non-food inflation is mainly driven by an increase in oil prices over the past few months and a combined impact of the depreciation of the exchange rate. Economist Ashfaque Hasan Khan, however, believes that inflation is likely to be "more than 13 per cent in December, and the expected increase in inflation numbers would be based on a hike in energy prices, currency devaluation and high-interest rates." "Higher prices of imported items and raw materials due to the currency devaluation are being passed on to consumers. Companies are also passing on the higher costs of working capital amid increased interest rates to the consumers," Khan was quoted as saying by Geo News. The central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 13.25 per cent in November, as expected, to prevent food inflation, nearing the top of its target range, from further spreading. State Bank of Pakistan Governor Reza Baqir was recently quoted as saying that rising inflation "has partly been the result of the need to restore competitiveness in the exchange rate, increased administered prices to reduce fiscal deficits in the public sector, and unforeseen food supply disruptions."

Consumer inflation hits 9-year-high in Pakistan

Contradicting the claim of the Imran Khan government, a top Pakistani minister said on Saturday that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-aims-to-spread-unrest-through-kartarpur-corridor-pakistan-activist-264007">Kartarpur Corridor </a>was the brainchild of Pakistan army chief and its opening would "hit India" forever. 
&nbsp; 
"India will remember forever the kind of wound inflicted on it by General Qamar Javed Bajwa by opening Kartarpur corridor," Pakistan's Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid said. He added that through this project Pakistan has created a new environment of peace and won the love of the Sikh community. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had earlier claimed that the Kartarpur Corridor was the initiative of Pakistan PM Imran Khan.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-officially-inaugurates-kartarpur-corridor-261021">Imran Khan</a> inaugurated the 4.7-km-long corridor which connects Pakistan's Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur to Dera Baba Nanak Shrine in India's Gurdaspur on November 9, marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

The religious shrine has great significance for the Sikh community as Guru Nanak Dev spent his last days in Kartarpur's Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The inauguration of the corridor came amid the straining ties between neighbours India and Pakistan due to Pulwama terror attack and abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

On General&nbsp;Bajwa's extension, the railway minister said that Imran Khan&nbsp;government has three more years and Bajwa also got an extension of three years, not six months, which indirectly suggested that the army chief will back the Pakistan government.

Rashid, who is known for his controversial statements, had earlier said in August when India abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir that there will be a full-blown war between India and Pakistan in the next two months. The railways minister had&nbsp;also been ridiculed in social media for his remarks in the past. The netizens trolled Rashid when he had said that Pakistan possessed "125-250 gram atom bombs" that may hit a targeted area in India.

(with inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

Contradicting the claim of the Imran Khan government, a top Pakistani minister said on Saturday that the Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of Pakistan army chief and its opening would "hit India" forever.

Contradicting the claim of the Imran Khan government, a top Pakistani minister said on Saturday that the Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of Pakistan army chief and its opening would "hit India" forever. "India will remember forever the kind of wound inflicted on it by General Qamar Javed Bajwa by opening Kartarpur corridor," Pakistan's Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid said. He added that through this project Pakistan has created a new environment of peace and won the love of the Sikh community. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had earlier claimed that the Kartarpur Corridor was the initiative of Pakistan PM Imran Khan. Imran Khan inaugurated the 4.7-km-long corridor which connects Pakistan's Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur to Dera Baba Nanak Shrine in India's Gurdaspur on November 9, marking the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. The religious shrine has great significance for the Sikh community as Guru Nanak Dev spent his last days in Kartarpur's Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The inauguration of the corridor came amid the straining ties between neighbours India and Pakistan due to Pulwama terror attack and abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. On General Bajwa's extension, the railway minister said that Imran Khan government has three more years and Bajwa also got an extension of three years, not six months, which indirectly suggested that the army chief will back the Pakistan government. Rashid, who is known for his controversial statements, had earlier said in August when India abrogated Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir that there will be a full-blown war between India and Pakistan in the next two months. The railways minister had also been ridiculed in social media for his remarks in the past. The netizens trolled Rashid when he had said that Pakistan possessed "125-250 gram atom bombs" that may hit a targeted area in India. (with inputs from agencies)

Kartarpur corridor General Bajwa's brainchild, claims top Pakistan minister

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-general-bajwas-brainchild-india-will-remember-this-wound-forever-top-pakistan-minister-265507">Pakistan Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid's </a>disclosure that Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of their Army Chief General Qamar Javed had exposed Islamabad's nefarious intent behind the initiative.

Even as he expressed serious concern over this admission by the Pak minister, the Chief Minister said that Rashid had completely bared open the wicked design of Pakistan behind the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-aims-to-spread-unrest-through-kartarpur-corridor-pakistan-activist-264007">Corridor</a>, which India had hoped would emerge as a bridge of peace between the two countries.

The chief minister also took a strong exception to Rashid's remarks that "the Corridor would hurt India, which would forever remember the wound inflicted on it by Gen Bajwa with the Corridor."

Terming it an open and blatant threat against India's security and integrity, Captain Amarinder warned <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-bonds-with-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-over-bus-journey-to-kartarpur-gurdwara-261388">Pakistan </a>not to attempt to indulge in any misadventure against its neighbour.

"Don't make the mistake of reading weakness in our gratitude for the opening of the Corridor," warned the Chief Minister, asserting that India would give a befitting response to any bid by Pakistan to attack its borders or its people.

Declaring that India would never let&nbsp;Pakistan fulfill its despicable ambitions against the former, he said any such attempt by Islamabad would be met with retaliation of the kind that they would never be able to survive.

Captain Amarinder recalled that he had all along maintained that while he was extremely happy, as a Sikh, at the opening of the Corridor to enable access to Indian devotees to the historic Kartarpur Gurdwara, the threat it posed to our country could not be ignored. The chief minister had, in fact, been repeatedly urging caution over the matter, warning that Pakistan was trying to win the sympathies of the Sikhs by opening the corridor to further the ISI-backed Referendum 2020 agenda.

This had been quite evident from various facts, most notably that Bajwa had disclosed the decision to build the Corridor to then Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu at the time of Imran Khan's swearing-in ceremony, said the Chief Minister.

"Imran had not even taken over then, yet their Army Chief had spoken about this to Sidhu. How was it possible unless Bajwa was the one behind the Corridor decision," asked Captain Amarinder, recalling that he had pointed this out long back.

Given the revelation of the minister, Captain Amarinder also urged Sidhu to be more cautious in his dealings with the Imran Khan government and not allow his personal friendship with the Pakistan prime minister to cloud his judgment in any way, as that could be harmful to India's interests.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday said that Pakistan Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid's disclosure that Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of their Army Chief General Qamar Javed had exposed Islamabad's nefarious intent behind the initiative.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday said that Pakistan Railway Minister Sheikh Rashid's disclosure that Kartarpur Corridor was the brainchild of their Army Chief General Qamar Javed had exposed Islamabad's nefarious intent behind the initiative. Even as he expressed serious concern over this admission by the Pak minister, the Chief Minister said that Rashid had completely bared open the wicked design of Pakistan behind the Corridor, which India had hoped would emerge as a bridge of peace between the two countries. The chief minister also took a strong exception to Rashid's remarks that "the Corridor would hurt India, which would forever remember the wound inflicted on it by Gen Bajwa with the Corridor." Terming it an open and blatant threat against India's security and integrity, Captain Amarinder warned Pakistan not to attempt to indulge in any misadventure against its neighbour. "Don't make the mistake of reading weakness in our gratitude for the opening of the Corridor," warned the Chief Minister, asserting that India would give a befitting response to any bid by Pakistan to attack its borders or its people. Declaring that India would never let Pakistan fulfill its despicable ambitions against the former, he said any such attempt by Islamabad would be met with retaliation of the kind that they would never be able to survive. Captain Amarinder recalled that he had all along maintained that while he was extremely happy, as a Sikh, at the opening of the Corridor to enable access to Indian devotees to the historic Kartarpur Gurdwara, the threat it posed to our country could not be ignored. The chief minister had, in fact, been repeatedly urging caution over the matter, warning that Pakistan was trying to win the sympathies of the Sikhs by opening the corridor to further the ISI-backed Referendum 2020 agenda. This had been quite evident from various facts, most notably that Bajwa had disclosed the decision to build the Corridor to then Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu at the time of Imran Khan's swearing-in ceremony, said the Chief Minister. "Imran had not even taken over then, yet their Army Chief had spoken about this to Sidhu. How was it possible unless Bajwa was the one behind the Corridor decision," asked Captain Amarinder, recalling that he had pointed this out long back. Given the revelation of the minister, Captain Amarinder also urged Sidhu to be more cautious in his dealings with the Imran Khan government and not allow his personal friendship with the Pakistan prime minister to cloud his judgment in any way, as that could be harmful to India's interests.

Pakistan minister's statements on Kartarpur Corridor exposes country's 'nefarious designs': Amarinder Singh

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