Pakistan Army Chief Javed Bajwa's tenure has been extended till May 2020. Watch video to know more.

Pakistan: Bajwa's tenure extended till May 2020

Pakistan's Apex court slams Imran Khan govt over Bajwa's tenure. Watch video to know more.

Pakistan's Apex court slams Imran Khan govt over Bajwa's tenure

The Supreme Court of Pakistan granted a conditional extension to incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday.

Bajwa will continue serving as&nbsp;Chief of Army Staff for six months, the court ruled. The Parliament will decide on his further tenure.

"The extension of the Army Chief was challenged. The government moved from one position to another. This was done through Article 342 of the Constitution and Section 255 of the army rules and regulations," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said while delivering the verdict.

Pakistan Chief Justice also said that&nbsp;"In spite of the assistance from the Attorney General,"&nbsp;the court "could not find any provision in the law."&nbsp;

"Attorney General explained under practice but it was not in law."

"The extension of Chief of Army Staff (COAS)&nbsp;is for 6 months, subject to relative legislation through parliament which will decide his further tenure," Pak Chief Justice then ruled.

"President on the advice of the Prime Minister subject to law can appoint an Army Chief, but the law does not specify the tenure. Attorney General has assured that the practice will be codified under the law. Considering Chief of the Army Staff is responsible for the command, administration and is the head of General Headquarter, while exercising judicial restraint say that the matter shall be taken through an act of parliament,"&nbsp;Khosa said while dismissing the petition.

In a surprise ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court suspended the decision to extend his tenure, approved by the government in August, citing a series of irregularities and ordering the government and the army to produce legal provisions and detailed arguments on the reasoning behind the move.

On August 19, Prime Minister Khan had approved an extension in the tenure of Gen Bajwa for another three years.

"General Qamar Javed Bajwa is appointed Chief of Army Staff for another term of three years from the date of completion of current tenure," the brief notification issued by the prime minister`s office had said.

Khan extended his tenure citing "regional security environment", according to a local media report.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's government on Tuesday amended its Army Regulations (Rules) to include a provision for an "extension in tenure" of Bajwa.&nbsp;

It is to be noted that over the past two decades, Gen Raheel Sharif is the only army chief to have retired on time.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Supreme Court of Pakistan granted a conditional extension to incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday. Bajwa will continue serving as Chief of Army Staff for six months, the court ruled.

The Supreme Court of Pakistan granted a conditional extension to incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday. Bajwa will continue serving as Chief of Army Staff for six months, the court ruled. The Parliament will decide on his further tenure. "The extension of the Army Chief was challenged. The government moved from one position to another. This was done through Article 342 of the Constitution and Section 255 of the army rules and regulations," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said while delivering the verdict. Pakistan Chief Justice also said that "In spite of the assistance from the Attorney General," the court "could not find any provision in the law." "Attorney General explained under practice but it was not in law." "The extension of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is for 6 months, subject to relative legislation through parliament which will decide his further tenure," Pak Chief Justice then ruled. "President on the advice of the Prime Minister subject to law can appoint an Army Chief, but the law does not specify the tenure. Attorney General has assured that the practice will be codified under the law. Considering Chief of the Army Staff is responsible for the command, administration and is the head of General Headquarter, while exercising judicial restraint say that the matter shall be taken through an act of parliament," Khosa said while dismissing the petition. In a surprise ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court suspended the decision to extend his tenure, approved by the government in August, citing a series of irregularities and ordering the government and the army to produce legal provisions and detailed arguments on the reasoning behind the move. On August 19, Prime Minister Khan had approved an extension in the tenure of Gen Bajwa for another three years. "General Qamar Javed Bajwa is appointed Chief of Army Staff for another term of three years from the date of completion of current tenure," the brief notification issued by the prime minister`s office had said. Khan extended his tenure citing "regional security environment", according to a local media report. Meanwhile, Pakistan's government on Tuesday amended its Army Regulations (Rules) to include a provision for an "extension in tenure" of Bajwa. It is to be noted that over the past two decades, Gen Raheel Sharif is the only army chief to have retired on time. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Supreme Court gives 6-month extension to Army Chief Qamar Bajwa

Pak SC hearing Bajwa extension case: Watch live updates here

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fake-accounts-case-asif-ali-zardaris-remand-extended-till-august-8-239293">The Islamabad High Court (IHC)</a> on Tuesday reserved its verdict on the maintainability of a petition accusing Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-supreme-court-puts-army-chief-bajwas-tenure-extension-on-hold-264579">Imran Khan</a> of contempt of court for his recent remarks on the judiciary.

The petition, which was filed by Advocate Saleemullah Khan yesterday, said that the premier had "committed serious contempt", Dawn reported. 
 
It refers to remarks made by the prime minister during a speech he delivered at the inaugural ceremony of Havelian-Mansehra section of the Hazara motorway at Havelian, where he urged Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa and senior judge of the Supreme Court Justice Gulzar Ahmed to restore public confidence in the judiciary. The premier said there was a perceived disparity in how the powerful and common people were treated in the country's judicial system.

Imran's statements had come days after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pervez-musharraf-approaches-hc-as-verdict-on-high-treason-case-nears-264139">Lahore High Court (LHC)</a> issued a verdict allowing former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-undergoes-check-up-at-london-bridge-hospital-264538">Nawaz Sharif </a>to travel abroad for four weeks for medical treatment. 
 
The LHC, in its order, had also exempted Nawaz from paying the indemnity bond worth Rs7 billion, which the government had demanded from the PML-N supremo as a condition to let him go.

The prime minister comments had also garnered a reaction from Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who said: "Do not hurl taunts at us for favoring the powerful, because everybody is equal before us."

During the proceedings today,<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-islamabad-high-court-rejects-plea-to-drop-terrorism-charges-against-pervez-musharraf-254918"> IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah</a>, who was hearing the petition, asked the appellant: "What problem do you have with the prime minister's speech?" 
 
The petitioner responded that the prime minister had "ridiculed the judiciary".

He stressed that the prime minister criticized senior judges of the Supreme Court which amounted to contempt of court. (ANI)

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday reserved its verdict on the maintainability of a petition accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan of contempt of court for his recent remarks on the judiciary.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday reserved its verdict on the maintainability of a petition accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan of contempt of court for his recent remarks on the judiciary. The petition, which was filed by Advocate Saleemullah Khan yesterday, said that the premier had "committed serious contempt", Dawn reported. It refers to remarks made by the prime minister during a speech he delivered at the inaugural ceremony of Havelian-Mansehra section of the Hazara motorway at Havelian, where he urged Chief Justice of Pakistan Asif Saeed Khosa and senior judge of the Supreme Court Justice Gulzar Ahmed to restore public confidence in the judiciary. The premier said there was a perceived disparity in how the powerful and common people were treated in the country's judicial system. Imran's statements had come days after the Lahore High Court (LHC) issued a verdict allowing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for four weeks for medical treatment. The LHC, in its order, had also exempted Nawaz from paying the indemnity bond worth Rs7 billion, which the government had demanded from the PML-N supremo as a condition to let him go. The prime minister comments had also garnered a reaction from Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, who said: "Do not hurl taunts at us for favoring the powerful, because everybody is equal before us." During the proceedings today, IHC Chief Justice Athar Minallah, who was hearing the petition, asked the appellant: "What problem do you have with the prime minister's speech?" The petitioner responded that the prime minister had "ridiculed the judiciary". He stressed that the prime minister criticized senior judges of the Supreme Court which amounted to contempt of court. (ANI)

Pakistan: Court reserves verdict on petition accusing Imran Khan of contempt

Influential Pakistan cleric and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday called for re-elections to take place in the country within the next three months.

In an interview to a private news channel during a current affairs program, Rehman said that the opposition's Rehbar Committee made a straightforward demand that they wanted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-asks-party-not-to-worry-about-foreign-funding-case-263744">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>'s resignation or something at par with the resignation, Express Tribune reported.

"We are getting what we asked for, new elections will be held within three months from now," the Maulana said while asserting that the political scenario in the country will change drastically soon.

The Rahbar Committee is a conglomerate of all opposition parties in Pakistan formed to decide whether to negotiate with the government or not on the 'Azadi March' as the parties rolled back their plans to hold direct talks.

Rehman, the patriarch of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/azadi-march-caravan-reaches-islamabad-opposition-rally-to-take-place-today-259205">'Azadi March'</a>, has further called an all-party conference (APC) in Islamabad on Tuesday to deliberate on the next course of action for the anti-government campaign by the opposition.

The conference will be hosted by the JUI-F leader and, according to sources, notices have been issued to nine parties so far in order to decide a strategy against the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Fazl telephoned Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) General Secretary Ahsan Iqbal to discuss the political situation in the country, especially after the Azadi March.

The other parties that have been invited are Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan and Jamiat Ahle Hadith.

According to media reports, PML-N Vice-president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-maryam-nawaz-gets-bail-in-chaudhry-sugar-mills-case-259901">Maryam Nawaz</a> has decided against attending the conference.

The 'Azadi March', continuing since last month, has travelled long, slogan-laden miles within Pakistan and converged to drop anchor in the country's capital, Islamabad. The primary demand of the march and the 'dharna' (sit-in) is the resignation of Khan, who has quite expectedly refused to oblige.

It should also be noted that Imran Khan is getting a taste of his own medicine as he, being the opposition leader in 2014, had led a similar anti-government caravan seeking ouster of then Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/court-to-hear-nawaz-sharifs-appeal-against-al-azizia-reference-on-monday-264328">Nawaz Sharif</a>.

Four inconclusive rounds of talks between representatives nominated by Khan and the Rahbar committee of the opposition parties led by Fazlur Rehman have already been held, and media reports suggest that these talks have not made much headway towards finding a way to defuse the escalating crisis.

Maulana Fazlur, a religious leader who is also among the most pragmatic and deft politicians in Pakistan, had in June this year announced that his party would hold a long march to Islamabad in October. The march kicked off from the port city of Karachi on 27 October, with rallies from Balochistan province also joining the march in Karachi, and descended upon Islamabad on October 31.

The most remarkable feature of the Maulana's march was the massive number of participants that he succeeded in attracting, and despite wide variations in the figures claimed by the different factions based on their leanings it was clear that with close to 100,000 people this was the biggest such congregation at a political rally in Pakistan in the last several years.

Influential Pakistan cleric and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday called for re-elections to take place in the country within the next three months.

Influential Pakistan cleric and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Monday called for re-elections to take place in the country within the next three months. In an interview to a private news channel during a current affairs program, Rehman said that the opposition's Rehbar Committee made a straightforward demand that they wanted Prime Minister Imran Khan's resignation or something at par with the resignation, Express Tribune reported. "We are getting what we asked for, new elections will be held within three months from now," the Maulana said while asserting that the political scenario in the country will change drastically soon. The Rahbar Committee is a conglomerate of all opposition parties in Pakistan formed to decide whether to negotiate with the government or not on the 'Azadi March' as the parties rolled back their plans to hold direct talks. Rehman, the patriarch of the 'Azadi March', has further called an all-party conference (APC) in Islamabad on Tuesday to deliberate on the next course of action for the anti-government campaign by the opposition. The conference will be hosted by the JUI-F leader and, according to sources, notices have been issued to nine parties so far in order to decide a strategy against the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. Fazl telephoned Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) General Secretary Ahsan Iqbal to discuss the political situation in the country, especially after the Azadi March. The other parties that have been invited are Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party, Awami National Party, Jamiat Ulema-i-Pakistan and Jamiat Ahle Hadith. According to media reports, PML-N Vice-president Maryam Nawaz has decided against attending the conference. The 'Azadi March', continuing since last month, has travelled long, slogan-laden miles within Pakistan and converged to drop anchor in the country's capital, Islamabad. The primary demand of the march and the 'dharna' (sit-in) is the resignation of Khan, who has quite expectedly refused to oblige. It should also be noted that Imran Khan is getting a taste of his own medicine as he, being the opposition leader in 2014, had led a similar anti-government caravan seeking ouster of then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Four inconclusive rounds of talks between representatives nominated by Khan and the Rahbar committee of the opposition parties led by Fazlur Rehman have already been held, and media reports suggest that these talks have not made much headway towards finding a way to defuse the escalating crisis. Maulana Fazlur, a religious leader who is also among the most pragmatic and deft politicians in Pakistan, had in June this year announced that his party would hold a long march to Islamabad in October. The march kicked off from the port city of Karachi on 27 October, with rallies from Balochistan province also joining the march in Karachi, and descended upon Islamabad on October 31. The most remarkable feature of the Maulana's march was the massive number of participants that he succeeded in attracting, and despite wide variations in the figures claimed by the different factions based on their leanings it was clear that with close to 100,000 people this was the biggest such congregation at a political rally in Pakistan in the last several years.

Influential Pakistan cleric calls for re-election in next 3 months

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/dutch-king-and-queen-meet-president-ram-nath-kovind-pm-modi-at-rashtrapati-bhawan-255745">Queen Maxima</a> of the Netherlands arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a three-day visit in her capacity as the United Nations Secretary General's Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for inclusive finance for development.

The Queen, accompanied by a six-member delegation, was welcomed by officials of Pakistan's foreign ministry and the Dutch embassy, Express Tribune reported.

Pakistan's Foreign Office, in a statement, had said that the Dutch queen, during her visit, will meet President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-asks-party-not-to-worry-about-foreign-funding-case-263744">Imran Khan</a> besides holding talks with a range of stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

The Queen will also attend the launch of the Micro Payment Gateway, an initiative of the State Bank of Pakistan.

The Queen has been the UN Secretary General's Special Advocate for inclusive finance for development since 2009. In this capacity, she is actively engaged worldwide in promoting access of individuals and enterprises to financial services at a reasonable cost, with the aim of improving economic and social development opportunities.

"She [Queen Maxima] plans to discuss progress made on providing access to financial services with the aim of improving the financial lives of people in Pakistan. The Special Advocate will undertake the visit at the invitation of the Pakistani government. It is a follow-up to Her Majesty's visit as the UNSGSA in February 2016," read a statement issued by the UNSGSA earlier this month.

"In Islamabad, the UNSGSA will speak with international development partners, representatives from the fintech sector, the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Reza Baqir, the Prime Minister's Financial Advisor Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and the Chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Usman Mubin. The Special Advocate will also meet with President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan," the statement added.

Queen Maxima had earlier visited Pakistan in February 2016.

She is also the latest <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/britains-prince-william-and-wife-kate-middleton-in-pakistan-for-5-day-visit-255996">royal to visit Pakistan</a> following the October tour of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a three-day visit in her capacity as the United Nations Secretary General's Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for inclusive finance for development.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrived in Pakistan on Monday on a three-day visit in her capacity as the United Nations Secretary General's Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for inclusive finance for development. The Queen, accompanied by a six-member delegation, was welcomed by officials of Pakistan's foreign ministry and the Dutch embassy, Express Tribune reported. Pakistan's Foreign Office, in a statement, had said that the Dutch queen, during her visit, will meet President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan besides holding talks with a range of stakeholders from the public and private sectors. The Queen will also attend the launch of the Micro Payment Gateway, an initiative of the State Bank of Pakistan. The Queen has been the UN Secretary General's Special Advocate for inclusive finance for development since 2009. In this capacity, she is actively engaged worldwide in promoting access of individuals and enterprises to financial services at a reasonable cost, with the aim of improving economic and social development opportunities. "She [Queen Maxima] plans to discuss progress made on providing access to financial services with the aim of improving the financial lives of people in Pakistan. The Special Advocate will undertake the visit at the invitation of the Pakistani government. It is a follow-up to Her Majesty's visit as the UNSGSA in February 2016," read a statement issued by the UNSGSA earlier this month. "In Islamabad, the UNSGSA will speak with international development partners, representatives from the fintech sector, the governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Reza Baqir, the Prime Minister's Financial Advisor Abdul Hafeez Shaikh and the Chairman of the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA), Usman Mubin. The Special Advocate will also meet with President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan," the statement added. Queen Maxima had earlier visited Pakistan in February 2016. She is also the latest royal to visit Pakistan following the October tour of Britain's Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Dutch Queen Maxima arrives in Pakistan on 3 day visit

Former Pakistan prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ailing-nawaz-sharif-to-undergo-tests-scan-in-london-264009">Nawaz Sharif </a>on Saturday sought exemption from his personal appearance in the hearing of an application against his conviction in the Al-Azizia Reference case, reported Dunya News.

The plea said that advocate Ibrahim Haroon would appear in Islamabad High Court for representing Sharif. Sharif is in London for medical treatment after Lahore High Court allowed him to travel without "condition," as per Dawn.

Sharif is undergoing tests and scans to diagnose his illness. He was rushed from Lahore`s Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health.

He was diagnosed with acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder, in which the immune system destroys platelets.

Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. He was serving a seven-year jail sentence in connection with the case. He has also got bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday sought exemption from his personal appearance in the hearing of an application against his conviction in the Al-Azizia Reference case, reported Dunya News.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday sought exemption from his personal appearance in the hearing of an application against his conviction in the Al-Azizia Reference case, reported Dunya News. The plea said that advocate Ibrahim Haroon would appear in Islamabad High Court for representing Sharif. Sharif is in London for medical treatment after Lahore High Court allowed him to travel without "condition," as per Dawn. Sharif is undergoing tests and scans to diagnose his illness. He was rushed from Lahore`s Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. He was diagnosed with acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder, in which the immune system destroys platelets. Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. He was serving a seven-year jail sentence in connection with the case. He has also got bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case.

Pakistan: Ailing former PM Nawaz Sharif seeks exemption from personal appearance in Al-Azizia case

PoK activist Amjad Mirza, who lives in exile in Glasgow, has said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-grapples-with-drug-resistant-typhoid-outbreak-263941">Pakistan </a>has a devious agenda behind the opening of Kartarpur corridor.

He affirmed that Pakistani generals had grown desperate after losing the plot along the Kashmir border and wanted an alternate route to hamper peace and harmony in India, hence the corridor.

"Why has Pakistan taken this decision now? Why have they done it after 73 years? They have done it so because the gateway to Kashmir where they were spreading terrorism is closed now. This has resulted in the Pakistani army, the real ruler of the country, losing confidence among the common people. Through this corridor, they will now use the Khalistani extremists to hamper peace and harmony in Punjab." said Mirza.

The corridor which was inaugurated earlier this month, allows people from India to visit Sikh shrine <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">Kartarpur Gurdwara</a> without a visa. Pakistani leadership with Prime Minister Imran Khan at the front has congratulated itself time and again for opening the corridor.

Watch also:&nbsp;Kartarpur Corridor: 562 pilgrims use corridor on day 1

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He said Pakistan has nobody's welfare in mind and just wants to hatch anti-India plots.

Mirza asked "If they care so much for the people then they must open the routes to Ladakh and Kashmir. But they will never do this because people from across the border will meet and mingle with each other."

The activist also underlined the massive repression the illegally occupied regions of Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan were subjected to by the tyrannical rulers of Islamabad.

"When the People's National Alliance, an alliance of 26 parties and individuals, decided to go Muzaffarabad to highlight their issues, they were brutally baton-charged. Videos are available everywhere in which you can see police attacking bystanders from behind. Four people were killed, 150 people were arrested and around 100 were disappeared from that place." Said Mirza.

He, however, asserted that people under its occupation have vowed to gain independence.

"They know that people of PoK, who expressed their will on 22nd of October that they are no more going to live under the clutches of Pakistan, will find friends," added Mirza.

Amjad also added that Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-pm-imran-khan-gave-3-year-extension-to-army-chief-bajwa-263820">Imran Khan</a> was no better than his predecessors and in fact had proven to be more cruel and suppressive.

"Imran Khan Government has not rendered any justice to the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Not just Imran government but no Pakistani government has ever done any justice to the people of PoK and GB. Our friends are languishing in jails merely for carrying out environment based campaigns. People who carried protests against Chinese intentions of buying our mines have been sentenced for 70 years. One has even been sentenced for 90 years," said Mirza.

It is noteworthy that the number of anti-Pakistan protests in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan has increased considerably after the Government of India abrogated the article 370

People in different parts of these regions are taking to the streets demanding Pakistan to vacate their region and let them live an independent life.

PoK activist Amjad Mirza, who lives in exile in Glasgow, has said that Pakistan has a devious agenda behind the opening of Kartarpur corridor. He affirmed that Pakistani generals had grown desperate after losing the plot along the Kashmir border and wanted an alternate route to hamper peace and harmony in India, hence the corridor.

PoK activist Amjad Mirza, who lives in exile in Glasgow, has said that Pakistan has a devious agenda behind the opening of Kartarpur corridor. He affirmed that Pakistani generals had grown desperate after losing the plot along the Kashmir border and wanted an alternate route to hamper peace and harmony in India, hence the corridor. "Why has Pakistan taken this decision now? Why have they done it after 73 years? They have done it so because the gateway to Kashmir where they were spreading terrorism is closed now. This has resulted in the Pakistani army, the real ruler of the country, losing confidence among the common people. Through this corridor, they will now use the Khalistani extremists to hamper peace and harmony in Punjab." said Mirza. The corridor which was inaugurated earlier this month, allows people from India to visit Sikh shrine Kartarpur Gurdwara without a visa. Pakistani leadership with Prime Minister Imran Khan at the front has congratulated itself time and again for opening the corridor. Watch also: Kartarpur Corridor: 562 pilgrims use corridor on day 1 × He said Pakistan has nobody's welfare in mind and just wants to hatch anti-India plots. Mirza asked "If they care so much for the people then they must open the routes to Ladakh and Kashmir. But they will never do this because people from across the border will meet and mingle with each other." The activist also underlined the massive repression the illegally occupied regions of Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan were subjected to by the tyrannical rulers of Islamabad. "When the People's National Alliance, an alliance of 26 parties and individuals, decided to go Muzaffarabad to highlight their issues, they were brutally baton-charged. Videos are available everywhere in which you can see police attacking bystanders from behind. Four people were killed, 150 people were arrested and around 100 were disappeared from that place." Said Mirza. He, however, asserted that people under its occupation have vowed to gain independence. "They know that people of PoK, who expressed their will on 22nd of October that they are no more going to live under the clutches of Pakistan, will find friends," added Mirza. Amjad also added that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was no better than his predecessors and in fact had proven to be more cruel and suppressive. "Imran Khan Government has not rendered any justice to the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Not just Imran government but no Pakistani government has ever done any justice to the people of PoK and GB. Our friends are languishing in jails merely for carrying out environment based campaigns. People who carried protests against Chinese intentions of buying our mines have been sentenced for 70 years. One has even been sentenced for 90 years," said Mirza. It is noteworthy that the number of anti-Pakistan protests in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan has increased considerably after the Government of India abrogated the article 370 People in different parts of these regions are taking to the streets demanding Pakistan to vacate their region and let them live an independent life.

Pakistan aims to spread unrest through Kartarpur Corridor: Pakistan activist

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-prime-minister-nawaz-sharif-reaches-london-for-treatment-263305">London for medical treatment</a>, will undergo further tests at a private clinic in coming days, Dunya News reported.

Sources close to Sharif`s family on Friday said that the former prime minister will undergo Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) scan next week which will help in diagnosing the disease. Meanwhile, Sharif received two therapies at his house.

Sharif's physician Dr. Adnan said that it might take months Nawaz Sharif to fully recover.

Sharif, who arrived in London on Tuesday after Lahore High Court allowed him to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-hc-admits-plea-seeking-unconditional-travel-permit-to-nawaz-sharif-262508">travel without "condition"</a>, visited Guys` Hospital, in central London the following day, Dawn had reported.

He went for a consultation with experts in haematology section of the hospital.

Haematology is a speciality covering the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders.

Sharif had arrived in London via Doha in an air ambulance equipped with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and an operation theatre with a team of doctors and paramedics on board.

The ailing leader was later taken to Avenfield House in London`s Park Lane area. He was accompanied by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Khan. Close aides of Sharif and party workers greeted him upon his arrival at his residence.

Also watch:&nbsp;WION Dispatch - Is Nawaz Sharif really that ill?

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The former prime minister's departure to the UK was delayed by over a week after his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the Exit Control List.

Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case.

He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He has also got bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case.

Sharif was rushed from Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health.

He was diagnosed with the acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder, in which the immune system destroys platelets.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in London for medical treatment, will undergo further tests at a private clinic in coming days, Dunya News reported.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is in London for medical treatment, will undergo further tests at a private clinic in coming days, Dunya News reported. Sources close to Sharif`s family on Friday said that the former prime minister will undergo Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) scan next week which will help in diagnosing the disease. Meanwhile, Sharif received two therapies at his house. Sharif's physician Dr. Adnan said that it might take months Nawaz Sharif to fully recover. Sharif, who arrived in London on Tuesday after Lahore High Court allowed him to travel without "condition", visited Guys` Hospital, in central London the following day, Dawn had reported. He went for a consultation with experts in haematology section of the hospital. Haematology is a speciality covering the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders. Sharif had arrived in London via Doha in an air ambulance equipped with an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and an operation theatre with a team of doctors and paramedics on board. The ailing leader was later taken to Avenfield House in London`s Park Lane area. He was accompanied by his younger brother Shehbaz Sharif and personal physician Dr Adnan Khan. Close aides of Sharif and party workers greeted him upon his arrival at his residence. Also watch: WION Dispatch - Is Nawaz Sharif really that ill? × The former prime minister's departure to the UK was delayed by over a week after his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the Exit Control List. Sharif has secured an eight-week bail on medical grounds from the Islamabad High Court in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. He was serving seven years imprisonment in connection with the case. He has also got bail from the Lahore High Court in the money laundering case. Sharif was rushed from Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. He was diagnosed with the acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), a bleeding disorder, in which the immune system destroys platelets.

Ailing Nawaz Sharif to undergo tests, scan in London

Pak PM Imran Khan gave 3-year extension to Army chief Bajwa. Watch video to know more.

Pak PM Imran Khan gave 3-year extension to Army chief Bajwa

Imran Khan Questions Nawaz Sharif's 'Health' Condition.

Gravitas: Imran Khan Taunts Nawaz Sharif

After the Election Commission of Pakistan&nbsp;(ECP) ordered hearing of the foreign funding case against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf on a daily basis, Prime Minister Imran Khan assured his party leaders not to worry about the case.&nbsp;

Addressing a meeting with government spokespersons at Prime Minister Office, Khan said that the PTI had already got an audit of the party funds conducted and its proof had been submitted to the courts and relevant forums, Dawn reported.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said Khan was of the view that the ECP could try any case, but it was the government's request to hear cases of all three major parties: PTI, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) simultaneously.

"We have already filed applications in the ECP for probing the party funding of PPP and PML-N; therefore, we demand that the commission should hear cases of three parties at the same time and not to single out PTI," the Prime Minister was quoted as saying.

"Party members should not be worried regarding the foreign funding case because party funds have already been audited and their reports have been presented before the courts," he added.

The order of day-to-day hearing came after the opposition's Rehbar Committee on Wednesday submitted an application, asking the ECP to decide the case before the expiry of the chief election commissioner's term next month. The application pointed out that the foreign funding case against the PTI had been pending with the ECP for the past five years.

"We urge that in the interest of justice the case may be heard on a daily basis and decided at the earliest during the term of the Commission [CEC]," it stated. The foreign funding case is fixed for hearing before the scrutiny committee on Nov 26. The scrutiny committee during its last meeting on Nov 12 had been told that a writ petition of the party was pending before the Islamabad High Court and it was unable to attend its meeting till a decision by the court and appointment of a new lead lawyer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered hearing of the foreign funding case against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf on a daily basis, Prime Minister Imran Khan assured his party leaders not to worry about the case.

After the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) ordered hearing of the foreign funding case against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf on a daily basis, Prime Minister Imran Khan assured his party leaders not to worry about the case. Addressing a meeting with government spokespersons at Prime Minister Office, Khan said that the PTI had already got an audit of the party funds conducted and its proof had been submitted to the courts and relevant forums, Dawn reported. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said Khan was of the view that the ECP could try any case, but it was the government's request to hear cases of all three major parties: PTI, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) simultaneously. "We have already filed applications in the ECP for probing the party funding of PPP and PML-N; therefore, we demand that the commission should hear cases of three parties at the same time and not to single out PTI," the Prime Minister was quoted as saying. "Party members should not be worried regarding the foreign funding case because party funds have already been audited and their reports have been presented before the courts," he added. The order of day-to-day hearing came after the opposition's Rehbar Committee on Wednesday submitted an application, asking the ECP to decide the case before the expiry of the chief election commissioner's term next month. The application pointed out that the foreign funding case against the PTI had been pending with the ECP for the past five years. "We urge that in the interest of justice the case may be heard on a daily basis and decided at the earliest during the term of the Commission [CEC]," it stated. The foreign funding case is fixed for hearing before the scrutiny committee on Nov 26. The scrutiny committee during its last meeting on Nov 12 had been told that a writ petition of the party was pending before the Islamabad High Court and it was unable to attend its meeting till a decision by the court and appointment of a new lead lawyer.

Pak PM Imran Khan asks party not to 'worry' about foreign funding case

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday welcomed the release of American and Australian professors Kevin King and Timothy Weeks by the Taliban, expressing hope that the step would give a confidence boost to all parties involved in the Afghan peace process.

The<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-release-two-western-hostages-in-afghanistan-263145"> two professors were released by the Taliban </a>as part of a prisoner swap deal between the group and the Afghan government, under which the latter released three terrorists, including Anas Haqqani, from Bagram prison on Monday evening.

Taking to Twitter, Khan said that Pakistan 'facilitated' the release of the two professors "as part of its policy of supporting initiatives for a negotiated political settlement of the Afghan conflict."

Anas Haqqani, a leading member in Haqqani network group and senior Taliban members - Haji Mali and Abdul Rashid - were released by the Afghan government on Monday and flown to Doha, albeit they will remain under the house arrest.

The two professors released by the Taliban were abducted in 2016 outside the American University in Kabul where they both worked as teachers.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday welcomed the release of American and Australian professors Kevin King and Timothy Weeks by the Taliban, expressing hope that the step would give a confidence boost to all parties involved in the Afghan peace process.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday welcomed the release of American and Australian professors Kevin King and Timothy Weeks by the Taliban, expressing hope that the step would give a confidence boost to all parties involved in the Afghan peace process. The two professors were released by the Taliban as part of a prisoner swap deal between the group and the Afghan government, under which the latter released three terrorists, including Anas Haqqani, from Bagram prison on Monday evening. Taking to Twitter, Khan said that Pakistan 'facilitated' the release of the two professors "as part of its policy of supporting initiatives for a negotiated political settlement of the Afghan conflict." Anas Haqqani, a leading member in Haqqani network group and senior Taliban members - Haji Mali and Abdul Rashid - were released by the Afghan government on Monday and flown to Doha, albeit they will remain under the house arrest. The two professors released by the Taliban were abducted in 2016 outside the American University in Kabul where they both worked as teachers.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan welcomes release of US, Australian professors in Afghanistan

Thousands of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) protesters continued to block highways across Pakistan for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday as part of what the party calls 'Plan B', initiated in a bid to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The protests, led by JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, had begun with an anti-government Azadi March on October 27 from Karachi.

After a 13-day sit-in on Islamabad's main highway, Rehman had ordered the protesters to disperse across the country on Wednesday.

Acting on the same, the JUI-F and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party workers continued to block the Quetta-Chaman Highway on Sunday, affecting the traffic in the region. The sit-ins were also witnessed on Indus Highway Link Road as well as the Hub River Road, Geo News reported.

Fazlur, who is amongst the most pragmatic and deft politicians in Pakistan, had in June this year announced that his party would hold a long march to Islamabad in October. The march kicked off from the port city of Karachi on 27 October, with rallies from Balochistan province also joining the march in Karachi, and descended upon Islamabad on October 31.

After initial objections, the two main Pakistani opposition parties, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) had joined several smaller parties in extending support to the Maulana.&nbsp;

Thousands of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) protesters continued to block highways across Pakistan for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday as part of what the party calls 'Plan B', initiated in a bid to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Thousands of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) protesters continued to block highways across Pakistan for the fourth consecutive day on Sunday as part of what the party calls 'Plan B', initiated in a bid to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan. The protests, led by JUI-F chief Fazlur Rehman, had begun with an anti-government Azadi March on October 27 from Karachi. After a 13-day sit-in on Islamabad's main highway, Rehman had ordered the protesters to disperse across the country on Wednesday. Acting on the same, the JUI-F and Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party workers continued to block the Quetta-Chaman Highway on Sunday, affecting the traffic in the region. The sit-ins were also witnessed on Indus Highway Link Road as well as the Hub River Road, Geo News reported. Fazlur, who is amongst the most pragmatic and deft politicians in Pakistan, had in June this year announced that his party would hold a long march to Islamabad in October. The march kicked off from the port city of Karachi on 27 October, with rallies from Balochistan province also joining the march in Karachi, and descended upon Islamabad on October 31. After initial objections, the two main Pakistani opposition parties, the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) had joined several smaller parties in extending support to the Maulana.

Pakistan: Thousands of JUI-F protesters continue to block highways for fourth consecutive day

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif will leave abroad for treatment on Tuesday, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) said today.

PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said an air ambulance will arrive on Tuesday morning for Nawaz's departure, reports Dawn.&nbsp;

The development comes a day after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lahore-hc-allows-nawaz-sharif-to-travel-abroad-for-treatment-without-conditions-262611">Lahore High Court </a>(LHC) removed Pakistan government's conditional permit to Nawaz. In a blow to Imran Khan government, the HC ordered to remove Nawaz's name from Exit Control List (ECL) without any conditions.

Earlier, the PTI government had given "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pml-n-rejects-pak-govts-one-time-permission-to-nawaz-sharif-to-travel-abroad-for-treatment-261938">one-time</a>" permission to Nawaz to go abroad for four weeks and asked the Sharif family to submit an indemnity bond worth over Rs 7.5 billion.

The spokesperson added that the doctors carried a detailed examination of Nawaz's health and made consultations in order to make Nawaz fit to travel.&nbsp;

Aurangzeb also said that high-dose of steroids are being given to former PM so that his platelet count can be brought to a level suitable for travel. He also said that medications are also given to Nawaz for lowering his blood sugar levels.

A few hours earlier, Nawaz's doctor, Adnan Khan tweeted that Nawaz will travel to London within 48 hours once he is "clinically stabilised, made travel-worthy &amp; is safe for air travel".&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Former PM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NawazSharif?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NawazSharif</a> is scheduled to travel abroad, to London-UK, for medical treatment within 48 hours once he’s clinically stabilised, made travel-worthy &amp; is safe for air travel. 
He will make the journey in a fully equipped &amp; medically staffed Air Ambulance; arriving soon.
— Dr. Adnan Khan (@Dr_Khan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dr_Khan/status/1195930431130161152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Earlier on Saturday, PML-N chief and Nawaz's brother Shehbaz Sharif hailed the verdict and added that he will accompany his brother to London. He also said that former PM's daughter Maryam Nawaz will stay in Pakistan.

Shehbaz also signed an undertaking which said that he would ensure that his brother returns to Pakistan "within four weeks or on certification by doctors that he has regained his health and is fit to return back". The PML-N chief said that initially they are travelling to London but can move abroad if the doctor advises them.&nbsp;

The former PM was suffering from a serious immune disorder and is advised to go abroad for medical treatment.&nbsp;

Nawaz is convicted in two corruption cases and is a suspect in one case. He was serving a seven-year sentence when he was admitted to a private hospital last month due to the deterioration of his health. He was later granted bail from high courts from two corruption cases on health grounds.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif will leave abroad for treatment on Tuesday, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) said today. PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said an air ambulance will arrive on Tuesday morning for Nawaz's departure, reports Dawn.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif will leave abroad for treatment on Tuesday, Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) said today. PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said an air ambulance will arrive on Tuesday morning for Nawaz's departure, reports Dawn. The development comes a day after the Lahore High Court (LHC) removed Pakistan government's conditional permit to Nawaz. In a blow to Imran Khan government, the HC ordered to remove Nawaz's name from Exit Control List (ECL) without any conditions. Earlier, the PTI government had given "one-time" permission to Nawaz to go abroad for four weeks and asked the Sharif family to submit an indemnity bond worth over Rs 7.5 billion. The spokesperson added that the doctors carried a detailed examination of Nawaz's health and made consultations in order to make Nawaz fit to travel. Aurangzeb also said that high-dose of steroids are being given to former PM so that his platelet count can be brought to a level suitable for travel. He also said that medications are also given to Nawaz for lowering his blood sugar levels. A few hours earlier, Nawaz's doctor, Adnan Khan tweeted that Nawaz will travel to London within 48 hours once he is "clinically stabilised, made travel-worthy & is safe for air travel". Former PM #NawazSharif is scheduled to travel abroad, to London-UK, for medical treatment within 48 hours once he’s clinically stabilised, made travel-worthy & is safe for air travel. He will make the journey in a fully equipped & medically staffed Air Ambulance; arriving soon. — Dr. Adnan Khan (@Dr_Khan) November 17, 2019 × Earlier on Saturday, PML-N chief and Nawaz's brother Shehbaz Sharif hailed the verdict and added that he will accompany his brother to London. He also said that former PM's daughter Maryam Nawaz will stay in Pakistan. Shehbaz also signed an undertaking which said that he would ensure that his brother returns to Pakistan "within four weeks or on certification by doctors that he has regained his health and is fit to return back". The PML-N chief said that initially they are travelling to London but can move abroad if the doctor advises them. The former PM was suffering from a serious immune disorder and is advised to go abroad for medical treatment. Nawaz is convicted in two corruption cases and is a suspect in one case. He was serving a seven-year sentence when he was admitted to a private hospital last month due to the deterioration of his health. He was later granted bail from high courts from two corruption cases on health grounds.

Former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif to leave on Tuesday to London for treatment

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he holds no grudge against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-hc-admits-plea-seeking-unconditional-travel-permit-to-nawaz-sharif-262508">Nawaz Sharif</a> and that the ailing former premier's health is more important than politics. 
 
Khan's remark, on Friday, came a day after PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif warned that he would hold the former responsible in case anything happened to his brother as his administration was "dilly-dallying on the removal of Nawaz's name from the no-fly list", Express Tribune reported. 
 
Presiding over a meeting of the PTI core committee, the prime minister said that his government had facilitated Sharif at every forum on humanitarian grounds and had also come up with a legal option to strike his name off the Exit Control List (ECL). 
 
He also said that the government had no issues if the Sharif family opted to approach the court instead of furnishing an indemnity bond for the removal of the former prime minister's name from the ECL. 
 
Pakistan's Interior Ministry on Wednesday had decided to grant Sharif a "one-time" permission to travel abroad for medical treatment for four weeks provided that he submits an indemnity bond of Rs 7 billion. The decision, however, was snubbed by the PML-N and challenged in the Lahore High Court on Friday. 
 
On the same day, the High Court admitted a plea seeking the removal of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/lahore-high-court-asks-for-governments-response-to-nawaz-sharifs-plea-to-fly-abroad-262211">Sharif's name</a> from the no-fly list unconditionally. 
 
Khan, however, regretted that the Sharif family was "playing politics" on the 69-year-old politician's health. He said that Sharif's health was deteriorating and his family's first priority should be to take him abroad for treatment instead of wrangling over the issue of the indemnity bond. 
 
Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he holds no grudge against Nawaz Sharif and that the ailing former premier's health is more important than politics.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that he holds no grudge against Nawaz Sharif and that the ailing former premier's health is more important than politics. Khan's remark, on Friday, came a day after PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif warned that he would hold the former responsible in case anything happened to his brother as his administration was "dilly-dallying on the removal of Nawaz's name from the no-fly list", Express Tribune reported. Presiding over a meeting of the PTI core committee, the prime minister said that his government had facilitated Sharif at every forum on humanitarian grounds and had also come up with a legal option to strike his name off the Exit Control List (ECL). He also said that the government had no issues if the Sharif family opted to approach the court instead of furnishing an indemnity bond for the removal of the former prime minister's name from the ECL. Pakistan's Interior Ministry on Wednesday had decided to grant Sharif a "one-time" permission to travel abroad for medical treatment for four weeks provided that he submits an indemnity bond of Rs 7 billion. The decision, however, was snubbed by the PML-N and challenged in the Lahore High Court on Friday. On the same day, the High Court admitted a plea seeking the removal of Sharif's name from the no-fly list unconditionally. Khan, however, regretted that the Sharif family was "playing politics" on the 69-year-old politician's health. He said that Sharif's health was deteriorating and his family's first priority should be to take him abroad for treatment instead of wrangling over the issue of the indemnity bond. Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket was cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list.

'No grudge' against Nawaz Sharif: Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Rejecting the claims of Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government, the Lahore High Court on Friday admitted a plea seeking the removal of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pml-n-rejects-pak-govts-one-time-permission-to-nawaz-sharif-to-travel-abroad-for-treatment-261938">Nawaz Sharif`s </a>name from the no-fly list unconditionally.

A bench comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem adjourned the matter for hearing on Saturday.

During the hearing, the government opposed the plea filed by PML-N president and Nawaz`s brother Shehbaz Sharif against the condition imposed by the government on Nawaz`s travel, Dunya News reported.

The bench asked if the former premier wanted to go abroad for medical treatment, Nawaz`s counsel said: "If the court permits."

The bench questioned whether the federal government had the mandate to set conditions for removing Nawaz`s name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

Justice Najafi inquired if Nawaz was placed on the ECL in 2018 with the recommendation of the NAB`s Lahore or Islamabad bureau.

Addressing a press conference alongside the PML-N`s top leadership on Thursday, its president Shehbaz Sharif accused the government of playing "dirty politics" on the former prime minister`s health, reported Dawn.

PML-N decision comes a day after Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem announced that Sharif will be given "one-time" permission to travel aboard for his medical treatment for a period of four weeks. The permission will be subject to the Sharif family submitting an indemnity bond "to the tune of Paksitani rupee 7-7.5 billion."

Nawaz is required to travel to London for treatment as his health deteriorated in the Kot Lakhpat jail where he was serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case.

Nawaz was rushed to hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count -- that had dropped to dangerous levels -- back to normal.

Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket had been canceled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list.

The federal government and National Accountability Bureau were both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif`s name from the ECL, sources told Geo News.&nbsp;

Rejecting the claims of Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government, the Lahore High Court on Friday admitted a plea seeking the removal of Nawaz Sharif`s name from the no-fly list unconditionally.

Rejecting the claims of Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government, the Lahore High Court on Friday admitted a plea seeking the removal of Nawaz Sharif`s name from the no-fly list unconditionally. A bench comprising Justice Ali Baqar Najafi and Justice Sardar Ahmad Naeem adjourned the matter for hearing on Saturday. During the hearing, the government opposed the plea filed by PML-N president and Nawaz`s brother Shehbaz Sharif against the condition imposed by the government on Nawaz`s travel, Dunya News reported. The bench asked if the former premier wanted to go abroad for medical treatment, Nawaz`s counsel said: "If the court permits." The bench questioned whether the federal government had the mandate to set conditions for removing Nawaz`s name from the Exit Control List (ECL). Justice Najafi inquired if Nawaz was placed on the ECL in 2018 with the recommendation of the NAB`s Lahore or Islamabad bureau. Addressing a press conference alongside the PML-N`s top leadership on Thursday, its president Shehbaz Sharif accused the government of playing "dirty politics" on the former prime minister`s health, reported Dawn. PML-N decision comes a day after Federal Minister for Law and Justice Farogh Naseem announced that Sharif will be given "one-time" permission to travel aboard for his medical treatment for a period of four weeks. The permission will be subject to the Sharif family submitting an indemnity bond "to the tune of Paksitani rupee 7-7.5 billion." Nawaz is required to travel to London for treatment as his health deteriorated in the Kot Lakhpat jail where he was serving seven-year imprisonment in a corruption case. Nawaz was rushed to hospital from Kot Lakhpat jail last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count -- that had dropped to dangerous levels -- back to normal. Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket had been canceled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list. The federal government and National Accountability Bureau were both hesitant to take off Nawaz Sharif`s name from the ECL, sources told Geo News.

Lahore HC admits plea seeking unconditional travel permit to Nawaz Sharif

Foreign minister S Jaishankar said that if <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fatf-blues-looms-as-group-finds-deficiencies-in-terror-combating-measures-260754">Pakistan </a>wants the resumption of talks with India, it needs to demonstrate real willingness to cooperate on terrorism.&nbsp;

"The relationship is difficult since many years, mainly because Pakistan has developed an important terrorist industry and sends terrorists to India to carry out attacks. Pakistan itself does not deny this situation," Jaishankar said in an interview to a French newspaper Le Monde.&nbsp;

He added: "Now, tell me: which country would be willing to talk and negotiate with a neighbour who openly practices terrorism against it? If one of your neighbours did, would you, France, pretend that everything is fine? We need actions that demonstrate a real willingness to cooperate."

The relations between India and Pakistan are tensed since the Pulwama suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir which was carried on by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Nearly 30 security officials were killed in the Pulwama attack. The relations worsened after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution.&nbsp;

Over the years, terrorism in Pakistan, which is often state-sponsored has paralysed the nation and has carried out attacks in India.&nbsp;

On October 18, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) declared that Pakistan will remain in the grey list because of failing to fulfill its commitments to control terrorism.&nbsp;

FATF is an international watchdog that aims to control terror finance. If Pakistan fails to meet FATF commitments by February 2020, the counrtry can be blacklisted.&nbsp;

(with ANI inputs)

Foreign minister S Jaishankar said that if Pakistan wants the resumption of talks with India, it needs to demonstrate real willingness to cooperate on terrorism.

Foreign minister S Jaishankar said that if Pakistan wants the resumption of talks with India, it needs to demonstrate real willingness to cooperate on terrorism. "The relationship is difficult since many years, mainly because Pakistan has developed an important terrorist industry and sends terrorists to India to carry out attacks. Pakistan itself does not deny this situation," Jaishankar said in an interview to a French newspaper Le Monde. He added: "Now, tell me: which country would be willing to talk and negotiate with a neighbour who openly practices terrorism against it? If one of your neighbours did, would you, France, pretend that everything is fine? We need actions that demonstrate a real willingness to cooperate." The relations between India and Pakistan are tensed since the Pulwama suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir which was carried on by Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). Nearly 30 security officials were killed in the Pulwama attack. The relations worsened after India abrogated Article 370 of the Constitution. Over the years, terrorism in Pakistan, which is often state-sponsored has paralysed the nation and has carried out attacks in India. On October 18, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) declared that Pakistan will remain in the grey list because of failing to fulfill its commitments to control terrorism. FATF is an international watchdog that aims to control terror finance. If Pakistan fails to meet FATF commitments by February 2020, the counrtry can be blacklisted. (with ANI inputs)

Pakistan needs to demonstrate real willingness to cooperate on terrorism: Foreign minister Jaishankar

The Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday rejected Pakistan government's "one-time permission" to former PM Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment.&nbsp;

The PML-N described the government's decision as "biased" and "based on revenge politics". On Wednesday, federal minister for law and Justice Farogh Naseem had announced in a press conference that the government had&nbsp;decided to give "one-time" permission to Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for his illness for a period of four weeks, Dawn reported.&nbsp;

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar who accompanied Naseem in the press conference added that the Sharif family will have to submit an indemnity bond "to the tune of Rs7-7.5 billion" in order to get the permission.&nbsp;

After the government's announcement, PML-N held a press conference, where party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said the surety bonds had been submitted and all legal and constitutional requirements had already been met during the time of securing bail from various courts. She added that submitting security bonds was unacceptable to the party.

On November 12, the Pakistan government had removed former PM's name from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-strikes-nawaz-sharifs-name-off-exit-control-list-permits-him-to-go-abroad-for-treatment-261674">Exit Control List (ECL)</a>, allowing Sharif to travel overseas for medical treatment. The relief to Sharif was conditional and on the assurance that he will return to the country to face the charges after his treatment. Pakistan government also asked Sharif to submit multiple bonds.&nbsp;

Sharif is required to travel to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistan-pm-nawaz-sharif-agrees-to-go-to-london-for-medical-treatment-report-260715">London </a>for treatment after his health deteriorated with a fall of platelet count. On October 22, Nawaz, who was serving a seven-year jail term in a corruption case, was admitted to hospital after his platelets dropped to a critical level of 2000.&nbsp;

On medical grounds, the High Court in Islamabad granted bail to Sharif for eight weeks, suspending his seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. He had earlier been given bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case on the same ground by the Lahore High Court. 
&nbsp;

The Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday rejected Pakistan government's "one-time permission" to former PM Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment.

The Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday rejected Pakistan government's "one-time permission" to former PM Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for medical treatment. The PML-N described the government's decision as "biased" and "based on revenge politics". On Wednesday, federal minister for law and Justice Farogh Naseem had announced in a press conference that the government had decided to give "one-time" permission to Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for his illness for a period of four weeks, Dawn reported. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar who accompanied Naseem in the press conference added that the Sharif family will have to submit an indemnity bond "to the tune of Rs7-7.5 billion" in order to get the permission. After the government's announcement, PML-N held a press conference, where party spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb said the surety bonds had been submitted and all legal and constitutional requirements had already been met during the time of securing bail from various courts. She added that submitting security bonds was unacceptable to the party. On November 12, the Pakistan government had removed former PM's name from Exit Control List (ECL), allowing Sharif to travel overseas for medical treatment. The relief to Sharif was conditional and on the assurance that he will return to the country to face the charges after his treatment. Pakistan government also asked Sharif to submit multiple bonds. Sharif is required to travel to London for treatment after his health deteriorated with a fall of platelet count. On October 22, Nawaz, who was serving a seven-year jail term in a corruption case, was admitted to hospital after his platelets dropped to a critical level of 2000. On medical grounds, the High Court in Islamabad granted bail to Sharif for eight weeks, suspending his seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. He had earlier been given bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case on the same ground by the Lahore High Court.

PML-N rejects Pak govt's 'one-time' permission to Nawaz Sharif to travel abroad for treatment

The Pakistan Cabinet will decide on removing former Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../danger-to-nawaz-sharifs-health-increasing- everyday-pml-n-261229">Nawaz Sharif</a> from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../pakistan-cabinet-to-decide-on-removing-nawaz- sharif-from-ecl-today-261526">Exit Control List</a> (ECL) based on the recommendations from a sub-committee which is set to meet again at 9:30 pm on Tuesday.

Efforts are on to remove former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's name from the Exit Control List (ECL) so that he could fly abroad to get the required medical treatment. 
The meeting of sub-committee was chaired by Law Minister Farogh Naseem, which was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar, Sharif's personal physician Adnan Khan, PML-N leader Ataullah Tarar and Health Secretary Momin Agha, reported The Dawn.

But after nearly five hours of deliberations, the meeting ended without any decision, with Law Minister Farogh Naseem terming the issue of striking Nawaz's name off the Exit Control List (ECL) "a bit complex" as some documents that the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../government-nab-both-hesitant-to-take-nawaz- sharifs-name-off-no-fly-list-261148">National Accountability Bureau</a> (NAB) had to produce were missing. 
PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif has also been directed to produce additional documents because they were "not fully prepared".

The health secretary submitted three medical reports, one of which clearly stated that Nawaz needed to be shifted abroad for medical treatment, the NAB prosecutor also gave approval for Nawaz travel on humanitarian grounds.

Mahmood Ayaz, the head of the medical board which was examining Sharif at Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), and Interior Secretary Azam Suleman also attended the meeting.

Nawaz was rushed from Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count,&nbsp;that had dropped to dangerous levels,&nbsp;back to normal.

Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket had been cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list.

The Pakistan Cabinet will decide on removing former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from the Exit Control List (ECL) based on the recommendations from a sub-committee which is set to meet again at 9:30 pm on Tuesday.

The Pakistan Cabinet will decide on removing former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif from the Exit Control List (ECL) based on the recommendations from a sub-committee which is set to meet again at 9:30 pm on Tuesday. Efforts are on to remove former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's name from the Exit Control List (ECL) so that he could fly abroad to get the required medical treatment. The meeting of sub-committee was chaired by Law Minister Farogh Naseem, which was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar, Sharif's personal physician Adnan Khan, PML-N leader Ataullah Tarar and Health Secretary Momin Agha, reported The Dawn. But after nearly five hours of deliberations, the meeting ended without any decision, with Law Minister Farogh Naseem terming the issue of striking Nawaz's name off the Exit Control List (ECL) "a bit complex" as some documents that the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had to produce were missing. PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif has also been directed to produce additional documents because they were "not fully prepared". The health secretary submitted three medical reports, one of which clearly stated that Nawaz needed to be shifted abroad for medical treatment, the NAB prosecutor also gave approval for Nawaz travel on humanitarian grounds. Mahmood Ayaz, the head of the medical board which was examining Sharif at Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), and Interior Secretary Azam Suleman also attended the meeting. Nawaz was rushed from Kot Lakhpat jail to the hospital last month after his personal physician Dr Adnan raised an alarm over his deteriorating health. Doctors have been struggling to bring his platelet count, that had dropped to dangerous levels, back to normal. Sharif was expected to leave Pakistan on Sunday. However, his ticket had been cancelled as the authorities did not remove his name from the ECL list.

Pakistan cabinet to decide on Nawaz Sharif's ECL issue

No doubt Kartarpur corridor was the focal point of the connect between Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh when they met on Saturday, but there was another, equally interesting subject of common interest they discovered and talked about during the short bus ride from the Pak side of the zero line&nbsp;to Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara. 
 
"Cricket, of course, is always a common thread between every Indian and Pakistani. It bonds as well as it fires passions between the two sides. But this bus ride was one of bonding, with Captain Amarinder Singh helping Imran discover a special connection between their families, even though the two had not met before and did not know each other personally," a statement from office Chief Minister Singh read. 
 
During the short journey, Captain Amarinder Singh told Khan that he had seen him play during his cricketing days. 
 
During his conversation with Khan, Singh told the Pak premier that his uncle, Jahangir Khan (who was married to Imran Khan's maternal aunt, Mubarak, and was a cricketer during the British Raj era) had played for Patiala, along with Mohd Nisar, Lala Amarnath, fast bowler Amar Singh and the two Ali batsmen (Wazir Ali and Amir Ali), the statement read. 
 
These seven players were part of the team captained by Amarinder Singh's father, Maharaja Yadvinder Singh, in 1934-35, for India and for Patiala, a fascinating bit of information that Imran enjoyed hearing from the Chief Minister, the statement added. 
 
The bus ride lasted for less than five minutes, but, "thanks to cricket, it was enough to break the ice between Imran Khan and Captain Amarinder." 
 
Prime Minister Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had received the Chief Minister and the Indian delegation at the Zero Point. Captain Amarinder Singh hoped the journey through Kartarpur corridor would continue in the future to build a stronger connection between the two countries,&nbsp;one that is as powerful as cricket, which he hoped the two sides will try to play in the true spirit of the sport in future, the statement read. 
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Imran Khan had on Saturday inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor at Gurdaspur and Kartarpur respectively, facilitating the visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib. 
 
The corridor, which connects Dera Baba Nanak in India's Punjab with Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province, was formally opened to pilgrims on Saturday, three days before the 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, on November 12. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising the corridor.

No doubt Kartarpur corridor was the focal point of the connect between Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh when they met on Saturday, but there was another, equally interesting subject of common interest they discovered and talked about during the short bus ride from the Pak side of the zero line to Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara.

No doubt Kartarpur corridor was the focal point of the connect between Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh when they met on Saturday, but there was another, equally interesting subject of common interest they discovered and talked about during the short bus ride from the Pak side of the zero line to Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara. "Cricket, of course, is always a common thread between every Indian and Pakistani. It bonds as well as it fires passions between the two sides. But this bus ride was one of bonding, with Captain Amarinder Singh helping Imran discover a special connection between their families, even though the two had not met before and did not know each other personally," a statement from office Chief Minister Singh read. During the short journey, Captain Amarinder Singh told Khan that he had seen him play during his cricketing days. During his conversation with Khan, Singh told the Pak premier that his uncle, Jahangir Khan (who was married to Imran Khan's maternal aunt, Mubarak, and was a cricketer during the British Raj era) had played for Patiala, along with Mohd Nisar, Lala Amarnath, fast bowler Amar Singh and the two Ali batsmen (Wazir Ali and Amir Ali), the statement read. These seven players were part of the team captained by Amarinder Singh's father, Maharaja Yadvinder Singh, in 1934-35, for India and for Patiala, a fascinating bit of information that Imran enjoyed hearing from the Chief Minister, the statement added. The bus ride lasted for less than five minutes, but, "thanks to cricket, it was enough to break the ice between Imran Khan and Captain Amarinder." Prime Minister Khan and Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had received the Chief Minister and the Indian delegation at the Zero Point. Captain Amarinder Singh hoped the journey through Kartarpur corridor would continue in the future to build a stronger connection between the two countries, one that is as powerful as cricket, which he hoped the two sides will try to play in the true spirit of the sport in future, the statement read. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Imran Khan had on Saturday inaugurated the Kartarpur Corridor at Gurdaspur and Kartarpur respectively, facilitating the visa-free travel of Indian pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib. The corridor, which connects Dera Baba Nanak in India's Punjab with Darbar Sahib at Kartarpur in Narowal district of Pakistan's Punjab province, was formally opened to pilgrims on Saturday, three days before the 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev, on November 12. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising the corridor.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan bonds with Punjab CM Amarinder Singh over bus journey to Kartarpur gurdwara

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday formally inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor, facilitating the entry of Sikh pilgrims from India into Gurdwara Darbar Sahib here. 
 
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Khan said he became aware of the importance of Kartarpur Sahib only a year ago. 
 
"I only got to know a year ago regarding the value of Kartarpur Sahib. This is the Medina for the Sikhs of the world," The Express News reported. 
 
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu were present at the gathering during Khan's address. 
 
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha' of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan. 
 
India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday formally inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor, facilitating the entry of Sikh pilgrims from India into Gurdwara Darbar Sahib here.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday formally inaugurated the Kartarpur corridor, facilitating the entry of Sikh pilgrims from India into Gurdwara Darbar Sahib here. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Khan said he became aware of the importance of Kartarpur Sahib only a year ago. "I only got to know a year ago regarding the value of Kartarpur Sahib. This is the Medina for the Sikhs of the world," The Express News reported. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu were present at the gathering during Khan's address. Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Integrated Check Post (ICP) of the corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and flagged off the first 'jatha' of devotees travelling to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Narowal district of Punjab province in Pakistan. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan officially inaugurates Kartarpur corridor

The first 'jatha'&nbsp;of Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district today.

Among the first group of 550 pilgrims are former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, actor-politician Sunny Deol, and Union Ministers Hardeep Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal and SAD chief Sukhbir Badal and several ministers, MPs and MLAs from Punjab who will travel to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur Corridor.

As a part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev, the Prime Minister paid his obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurdwara in Sultanpur Lodhi on Saturday.

Wearing an orange headcover, Modi offered his prayers at the gurdwara.

After paying his obeisance, he was garlanded with a sacred 'chadar'.

Union Minister Harsimrat Badal and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh were also present with Modi at the gurdwara.

Later in the day, Modi is slated to inaugurate the Kartarpur Corridor in Gurdaspur district. The 4.7-kilometre-long route will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Kartarpur Darbar Sahib in Pakistan.

Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, will lead the Indian delegation as the religious leader.

On the other hand, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will also inaugurate the other side of the route on the same day, apart from other events that will be hosted to mark Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary.

The first 'jatha' of Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district today.

The first 'jatha' of Sikh pilgrims from India arrived in Pakistan through the Kartarpur Corridor on Saturday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the Integrated Check Post of the Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district today. Among the first group of 550 pilgrims are former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh, actor-politician Sunny Deol, and Union Ministers Hardeep Puri and Harsimrat Kaur Badal and SAD chief Sukhbir Badal and several ministers, MPs and MLAs from Punjab who will travel to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib through the Kartarpur Corridor. As a part of the 550th birth anniversary celebrations of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev, the Prime Minister paid his obeisance at Ber Sahib Gurdwara in Sultanpur Lodhi on Saturday. Wearing an orange headcover, Modi offered his prayers at the gurdwara. After paying his obeisance, he was garlanded with a sacred 'chadar'. Union Minister Harsimrat Badal and Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh were also present with Modi at the gurdwara. Later in the day, Modi is slated to inaugurate the Kartarpur Corridor in Gurdaspur district. The 4.7-kilometre-long route will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur and Gurdwara Kartarpur Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. Giani Harpreet Singh, the Jathedar of Akal Takht, will lead the Indian delegation as the religious leader. On the other hand, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will also inaugurate the other side of the route on the same day, apart from other events that will be hosted to mark Guru Nanak Dev's birth anniversary.

First 'jatha' of Sikh pilgrims from India arrive in Pakistan through Kartapur Corridor

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked his Pakistan counterpart for 'respecting sentiments of India' ''I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan Niazi for respecting the sentiments of India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday thanked his Pakistan counterpart for 'respecting sentiments of India' ''I would like to thank the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan Niazi for respecting the sentiments of India. I thank him for his cooperation,'' said Modi after inaugurating the integrated checkpost of Kartarpur Corridor at Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur. The checkpost connects Punjab to Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan's Narowal district. ''The opening of Kartarpur Sahib corridor before the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devi Ji has brought us immense happiness,'' Modi said. Modi inaugurated passenger terminal building where pilgrims will get clearance to travel through the corridor. Earlier, Modi honoured with "Qaumi Sewa" Award by Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) for the initiative to open Kartarpur corridor and other initiatives. Meanwhile, the first batch of Indian pilgrims have already arrived in Kartarpur in Pakistan. The first batch comprising 500 pilgrims will include several dignitaries including former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Amarinder Singh and former Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal.

PM Modi thanks Imran Khan for 'respecting sentiments of India' 

Former Pakistan prime minister&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif has reportedly agreed to go to London for medical treatment.&nbsp;

Sharif was shifted to his residence on Wednesday&nbsp;in Lahore after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-remains-critical-platelet-count-drops-again-259651">receiving treatment </a>for multiple diseases at a hospital in Pakistan. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has been set up at his Jati Umra residence.

On October 22, the ailing former PM was shifted to hospital after his platelets dropped to a critical level of 2000.&nbsp;

Shehbaz Sharif, president of Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) was the main factor behind convincing his brother Nawaz to get treatment in London in a hospital where patients with low-platelet count get private treatment, GEO News reported. Nawaz earlier insisted on getting treatment in Lahore.&nbsp;

Doctors said that platelets count of at least 50000 is required for air travel and the ex-PM will be given a high dose in order to increase the platelets which will allow him to travel to London.

A source close to Nawaz's family told Dawn news that PML-N had shared with the Pakistani government, the doctors' recommendations. The source added that Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former PM, will not accompany him to London as her passport is with the authorities for bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case.

Sharif is expected to leave for London this week if his name is cleared by the government from the Exit Control List (ECL).

Pakistan's Interior Minister Ijaz Shah hinted that government will not be a hindrance if Sharif wishes for treatment abroad.&nbsp;"If going abroad for treatment is the only option for Nawaz Sharif, then the government will find a way," Shah earlier had said.

The High Court in Islamabad had last week granted bail to Sharif for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-former-pm-nawaz-sharif-granted-bail-on-medical-grounds-for-8-weeks-258663">eight weeks</a>, suspending his seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case on medical grounds. Earlier, he was given bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case on the same ground by the Lahore High Court.

On December 24, 2018, a court sentenced Sharif to seven years in the Al Azizia corruption case and acquitted him in the Flagship case. On October 25, Sharif was granted bail in&nbsp;Chaudhry Sugar Mills case after he was diagnosed with an acute immune disorder.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has reportedly agreed to go to London for medical treatment. Sharif was shifted to his residence on Wednesday in Lahore after receiving treatment for multiple diseases at a hospital in Pakistan.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif has reportedly agreed to go to London for medical treatment. Sharif was shifted to his residence on Wednesday in Lahore after receiving treatment for multiple diseases at a hospital in Pakistan. The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has been set up at his Jati Umra residence. On October 22, the ailing former PM was shifted to hospital after his platelets dropped to a critical level of 2000. Shehbaz Sharif, president of Pakistan Muslim League- Nawaz (PML-N) was the main factor behind convincing his brother Nawaz to get treatment in London in a hospital where patients with low-platelet count get private treatment, GEO News reported. Nawaz earlier insisted on getting treatment in Lahore. Doctors said that platelets count of at least 50000 is required for air travel and the ex-PM will be given a high dose in order to increase the platelets which will allow him to travel to London. A source close to Nawaz's family told Dawn news that PML-N had shared with the Pakistani government, the doctors' recommendations. The source added that Maryam Nawaz, daughter of former PM, will not accompany him to London as her passport is with the authorities for bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case. Sharif is expected to leave for London this week if his name is cleared by the government from the Exit Control List (ECL). Pakistan's Interior Minister Ijaz Shah hinted that government will not be a hindrance if Sharif wishes for treatment abroad. "If going abroad for treatment is the only option for Nawaz Sharif, then the government will find a way," Shah earlier had said. The High Court in Islamabad had last week granted bail to Sharif for eight weeks, suspending his seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case on medical grounds. Earlier, he was given bail in the Chaudhry Sugar Mills case on the same ground by the Lahore High Court. On December 24, 2018, a court sentenced Sharif to seven years in the Al Azizia corruption case and acquitted him in the Flagship case. On October 25, Sharif was granted bail in Chaudhry Sugar Mills case after he was diagnosed with an acute immune disorder.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif agrees to go to London for medical treatment: Report

Kartarpur Opening: 570-600 Indians in 1st list sent to Pakistan. To know more watch the video

Kartarpur Opening: 570-600 Indians in 1st list sent to Pakistan

Congress leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/reply-to-my-letters-else-will-go-to-kartarpur-as-ordinary-devotee-navjot-sidhu-to-mea-260604">Navjot Singh Sidhu</a> has been granted political clearance on Thursday to travel through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Pakistan, reports said.&nbsp;

Navjot Singh Sidhu has been invited by the Imran Khan government in Pakistan to attend the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9. The cricketer-turned-politician sought political clearance from the MEA.

Earlier in the day, Navjot Singh Sidhu has written yet another letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting to at least reply to his letters seeking permission to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

"Sir, Despite repeated reminders you have not responded to whether or not the government has permitted me to go to Pakistan for the inauguration ceremony of Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor. The delay and no response is a hindrance to my future course of action," read the letter by Sidhu dated November 7.

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Navjot Singh Sidhu, Congress writes to EAM, S Jaishankar again, requesting permission to attend <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KartarpurCorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KartarpurCorridor</a> inauguration. Letter states,"Despite repeated reminders you haven't responded to whether or not the govt has granted me permission to go to Pak for the inauguration" <a href="https://t.co/HUR9qO6A5b">pic.twitter.com/HUR9qO6A5b</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1192387696619974656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Former Punjab minister also stressed that as a "law-abiding citizen" he prefers to visit Pakistan after Central government's approval.

Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of MEA, at a weekly briefing said that "He can do whatever he wants. I have already said that this is a big occasion, and we cannot focus on an individual traveller's plans to go to Kartarpur. I would not like to comment on that in this forum," Kumar said. 
 
(With inputs from ANI)

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu has been granted political clearance on Thursday to travel through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Pakistan, reports said. Navjot Singh Sidhu has been invited by the Imran Khan government in Pakistan to attend the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9.

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu has been granted political clearance on Thursday to travel through the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Pakistan, reports said. Navjot Singh Sidhu has been invited by the Imran Khan government in Pakistan to attend the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor on November 9. The cricketer-turned-politician sought political clearance from the MEA. Earlier in the day, Navjot Singh Sidhu has written yet another letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting to at least reply to his letters seeking permission to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. "Sir, Despite repeated reminders you have not responded to whether or not the government has permitted me to go to Pakistan for the inauguration ceremony of Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor. The delay and no response is a hindrance to my future course of action," read the letter by Sidhu dated November 7. Navjot Singh Sidhu, Congress writes to EAM, S Jaishankar again, requesting permission to attend #KartarpurCorridor inauguration. Letter states,"Despite repeated reminders you haven't responded to whether or not the govt has granted me permission to go to Pak for the inauguration" pic.twitter.com/HUR9qO6A5b — ANI (@ANI) November 7, 2019 × Former Punjab minister also stressed that as a "law-abiding citizen" he prefers to visit Pakistan after Central government's approval. Raveesh Kumar, spokesperson of MEA, at a weekly briefing said that "He can do whatever he wants. I have already said that this is a big occasion, and we cannot focus on an individual traveller's plans to go to Kartarpur. I would not like to comment on that in this forum," Kumar said. (With inputs from ANI)

Kartarpur corridor: Navjot Singh Sidhu gets political clearance from MEA to visit Pakistan

With only two days left for the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday has written yet another letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting to at least reply to his letters seeking permission to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

"Sir, Despite repeated reminders you have not responded to whether or not the government has granted me permission to go to Pakistan for the inauguration ceremony of Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor. The delay and no response is a hindrance to my future course of action," read the letter by Sidhu dated November 7.

Former Punjab minister also stressed that as a "law-abiding citizen" he prefers to visit Pakistan after Central government`s approval.

But he warned that if the MEA won`t respond to his letter then he will go to Pakistan like any other Sikh devotee on "eligible visa".

"I categorically state that if the government has any inhibitions and say no then, as a law-abiding citizen, I will not go. But if you don`t respond to my third letter, then I will proceed to Pakistan as millions of Sikh devotees go on eligible visa. Awaiting your response," the letter said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier sent a formal invitation to Sidhu to attend the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan.

Sidhu, who has expressed his willingness to attend the inaugural ceremony, had written to Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday, requesting permission to visit Pakistan for the same.

The Kartarpur Corridor will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab`s Gurdaspur district with Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan.

Sidhu, who had earlier attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, has not been included in a Congress delegation, which will be visiting the gurdwara on November 9.

Navjot Singh Sidhu`s visit to Pakistan in 2018 had drawn criticism from various quarters in India after he hugged the Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor from the Indian side while Imran Khan will open the route on the other side.

India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

With only two days left for the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday has written yet another letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting to at least reply to his letters seeking permission to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan.

With only two days left for the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu on Thursday has written yet another letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar requesting to at least reply to his letters seeking permission to visit Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. "Sir, Despite repeated reminders you have not responded to whether or not the government has granted me permission to go to Pakistan for the inauguration ceremony of Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur Corridor. The delay and no response is a hindrance to my future course of action," read the letter by Sidhu dated November 7. Former Punjab minister also stressed that as a "law-abiding citizen" he prefers to visit Pakistan after Central government`s approval. But he warned that if the MEA won`t respond to his letter then he will go to Pakistan like any other Sikh devotee on "eligible visa". "I categorically state that if the government has any inhibitions and say no then, as a law-abiding citizen, I will not go. But if you don`t respond to my third letter, then I will proceed to Pakistan as millions of Sikh devotees go on eligible visa. Awaiting your response," the letter said. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had earlier sent a formal invitation to Sidhu to attend the inaugural ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan. Sidhu, who has expressed his willingness to attend the inaugural ceremony, had written to Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday, requesting permission to visit Pakistan for the same. The Kartarpur Corridor will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab`s Gurdaspur district with Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan. Sidhu, who had earlier attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, has not been included in a Congress delegation, which will be visiting the gurdwara on November 9. Navjot Singh Sidhu`s visit to Pakistan in 2018 had drawn criticism from various quarters in India after he hugged the Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor from the Indian side while Imran Khan will open the route on the other side. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

If government has inhibitions, I will not go for Kartarpur inauguration: Navjot Singh Sidhu

First jatha to take part in inaugural of Kartarpur in Pakistan, India asks for the highest level of security&nbsp;

The first Jatha from India visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib will take part in the inaugural of Kartarpur in Pakistan, government sources said on Wednesday noting that Islamabad has not shared details of the exact programme or discussed details.

The sources said dignitaries who are part of the first jatha of 550 crossing over from India to Kartarpur will go as pilgrims.

They said India has categorically asked Pakistan to provide the highest levels of security to visiting VVIPs as the threat of anti-India activities by SFJ remains India's concern.

Pakistan has requested that the first jatha should be part of the inauguration ceremony.

The dignitaries in the first jatha include former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri. There will also be 150 parliamentarians.

The government sources also said that Pakistan has denied India's request to allow an advance team from India to see the arrangements and protocol at Kartarpur.

They said that Pakistan has only allowed Indian High Commission officials to visit the site. India had requested Pakistan to allow an advance team from India to see the arrangements and protocol.

India is also yet to receive a confirmation from Pakistan on the list of prominent Sikh leaders and other dignitaries who are part of the inaugural 'jatha' visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib on November 9.

The sources said India has asked Pakistan that the security of pilgrims should be taken care of in view of activities of Khalistani groups such as Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) as also Lashkar-e-Taiba. Also, no anti-India activity should be allowed and no embarrassment should be caused.

Pakistan has assured the security of pilgrims, sources said.

They said India has shared specific terror threats with Pakistan and will wait and watch how Islamabad keeps its commitment.

The inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, which will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district with Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, will take place later this week.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor on the Indian side.

India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev.

The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Guru Nanak Dev.

First jatha to take part in inaugural of Kartarpur in Pakistan, India asks for the highest level of security The first Jatha from India visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib will take part in the inaugural of Kartarpur in Pakistan, government sources said on Wednesday noting that Islamabad has not shared details of the exact programme or discussed details.

First jatha to take part in inaugural of Kartarpur in Pakistan, India asks for the highest level of security The first Jatha from India visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib will take part in the inaugural of Kartarpur in Pakistan, government sources said on Wednesday noting that Islamabad has not shared details of the exact programme or discussed details. The sources said dignitaries who are part of the first jatha of 550 crossing over from India to Kartarpur will go as pilgrims. They said India has categorically asked Pakistan to provide the highest levels of security to visiting VVIPs as the threat of anti-India activities by SFJ remains India's concern. Pakistan has requested that the first jatha should be part of the inauguration ceremony. The dignitaries in the first jatha include former prime minister Manmohan Singh, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal and Union Ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep Singh Puri. There will also be 150 parliamentarians. The government sources also said that Pakistan has denied India's request to allow an advance team from India to see the arrangements and protocol at Kartarpur. They said that Pakistan has only allowed Indian High Commission officials to visit the site. India had requested Pakistan to allow an advance team from India to see the arrangements and protocol. India is also yet to receive a confirmation from Pakistan on the list of prominent Sikh leaders and other dignitaries who are part of the inaugural 'jatha' visiting Gurudwara Darbar Sahib on November 9. The sources said India has asked Pakistan that the security of pilgrims should be taken care of in view of activities of Khalistani groups such as Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) as also Lashkar-e-Taiba. Also, no anti-India activity should be allowed and no embarrassment should be caused. Pakistan has assured the security of pilgrims, sources said. They said India has shared specific terror threats with Pakistan and will wait and watch how Islamabad keeps its commitment. The inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, which will connect Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur district with Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, will take place later this week. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the corridor on the Indian side. India and Pakistan had on October 24 signed an agreement on the modalities for operationalising Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, paving the way for its inauguration ahead of the 550th birth anniversary of the Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Guru Nanak Dev.

First jatha to take part in inaugural of Kartarpur in Pakistan, India asks for highest level of security

Just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan&nbsp;Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor in a major U-turn announced that Indian Sikh pilgrims would require a passport.

"As we have a security link, the entry would be a legal one under a permit on a passport-based identity. There will be no compromise on security or sovereignty," Gen Ghafoor said while talking on a private TV channel.

This comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 1 announced that his government had waived off two requirements for Indian pilgrims visiting Kartarpur - they won't need a passport just a valid ID and no advance booking was required.

"For Sikhs coming for a pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived 2 requirements: i) they won't need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on the day of inauguration &amp; on Guruji's 550th birthday," Khan had said in a tweet.

Pakistan did not agree to India's demand to make the Kartapur Gurdwara's visit, charge-free.

Following the low-key ceremony to sign the agreement, New Delhi had expressed disappointment at Pakistan's refusal to waive $20 service charge on Indians visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara and urged Islamabad to reconsider its decision given the "religious and spiritual sentiments" of the pilgrims.

According to the home ministry, the agreement, which lays a formal framework for operationalising the corridor, stated that Indian pilgrims of all faiths and persons of Indian origin can use the corridor.

The travel will be visa-free and pilgrims need to carry only a valid passport. Persons of Indian Origin need to carry OCI card along with the passport of their country.

The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Both countries will hold events to mark the opening of their sections of the corridor.&nbsp;

Just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor in a major U-turn announced that Indian Sikh pilgrims would require a passport.

Just days before the inauguration of the Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan Army spokesman Major Gen Asif Ghafoor in a major U-turn announced that Indian Sikh pilgrims would require a passport. "As we have a security link, the entry would be a legal one under a permit on a passport-based identity. There will be no compromise on security or sovereignty," Gen Ghafoor said while talking on a private TV channel. This comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on November 1 announced that his government had waived off two requirements for Indian pilgrims visiting Kartarpur - they won't need a passport just a valid ID and no advance booking was required. "For Sikhs coming for a pilgrimage to Kartarpur from India, I have waived 2 requirements: i) they won't need a passport - just a valid ID; ii) they no longer have to register 10 days in advance. Also, no fee will be charged on the day of inauguration & on Guruji's 550th birthday," Khan had said in a tweet. Pakistan did not agree to India's demand to make the Kartapur Gurdwara's visit, charge-free. Following the low-key ceremony to sign the agreement, New Delhi had expressed disappointment at Pakistan's refusal to waive $20 service charge on Indians visiting Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara and urged Islamabad to reconsider its decision given the "religious and spiritual sentiments" of the pilgrims. According to the home ministry, the agreement, which lays a formal framework for operationalising the corridor, stated that Indian pilgrims of all faiths and persons of Indian origin can use the corridor. The travel will be visa-free and pilgrims need to carry only a valid passport. Persons of Indian Origin need to carry OCI card along with the passport of their country. The corridor will facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims, who will have to just obtain a permit to visit Kartarpur Sahib, which was established in 1522 by Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev. Both countries will hold events to mark the opening of their sections of the corridor.

In major U-turn on Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan Army says passport 'must' for Indian pilgrims

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