As Pakistan's Imran Khan-government continues to pat its back after arresting UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, claiming that it is adamant on eradicating terrorism from its soil, the reality is in stark contrast as per former Pakistan Envoy to United Kingdom, Wajid Shamsul Hasan. He, in an opinion piece, underlines how the apprehension of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind is a mere eyewash and propaganda exercise to appease the United States.

Hasan in an Op-ed published in investigative news portal 'Surkhiyan' writes that "ninth time arrest of the terror group Jamaat-ud-Dawa's chief has a lot to do with Khan's Washington Yatra."

"Hafiz's arrest provoked a prompt tweet from no less than President Trump who described his nabbing as a big success for his efforts. Indeed, Hafiz Saeed's case has been very important from an American point of view as well PAKISTAN where he was top of the order proxy warrior in the eyes of the Establishment," he opined.

"His arrest on the eve of Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the US was described as very timely development. It would wipe Trump's tears since Hafiz Saeed, leader of the banned Jamaatud Dawa is a UN-and US-designated global terrorist," he added.

Notwithstanding Pakistan's claim that the decision to nab Hafiz Saeed is part of Khan's new strategy to nab extremist elements to improve Pakistan's bargaining position with India and other countries, Hassan in his article unveils the truth behind the arrest of Saeed.

Quoting a statement from the horse's mouth i.e. Hafiz Saeed, Hassan said, "In his last Friday sermon before his arrest Hafiz Saeed gave reasons why he was going to be arrested just on the eve of Prime Minister Khan's official visit to Washington."

"According to him (Hafiz Saeed) he, his JuD and other likeminded groups who jointly fought with the erstwhile Soviet Union to get it out of Afghanistan and were found by the Americans as most favourable and tenacious proxy fighters for their war against Communist Russia as fodders for their guns. Hafiz Saeed recalled how on his single hundreds of jihadi fighters would collect to offer their fighting services for the Holy Jihad. He reminded his Jumma audience how he and others like him in the holy cause established their network of madaris around the Pak-Afghan border to sustain ready supply of volunteers for the Jihad," Hassan said.

"In the post Soviet withdrawal scenario from Afghanistan all these groups both in Afghanistan and Pakistan got banded together for fighting an anti- American, Anti NATO jihad shoulder to shoulder with Taliban According to Hafiz Saeed, in this anti American jihadi Alliances Iranian trained volunteers or Pasdarans have joined in support of their holy war against Washington. According to him, assistance in men that the United States used to get from Pakistan to fight the Soviets, has now joined JuD and other Jihadi forces fighting their battle against American occupation of Afghanistan, " Hassan added.

According to the former envoy, reliable sources close to Hafiz Saeed claim that now America has forced Pakistan Law enforcers to arrest him (Hafiz Saeed ) and his group members to please the Americans who are believed to be seeking Hafiz Saeed services and JuD volunteers to wage a proxy war on their behalf with Iran.

"In his sermon, Hafiz Saeed also revealed that at the behest of his Pakistani handlers he had reined in his Jihadi fighters from carrying on fresh attacks on Indian soldiers in Kashmir till such time when General Bajwa gets disappointed in Imran Khan's efforts to bring India to restart the composite dialogue," Hassan said.

However, as quoted by Hassan, Hafiz Saeed while meeting his followers despite his arrest, conveys to them not to worry, says "It is temporary flirtation of Pakistani leaders to hoodwink the Americans. Once they secure their pound of flesh, the business would be restored to back to usual."

Hassan stresses "those extremist elements believe that the government of Pakistan cannot lay off its claim on Indian held Kashmir and that ultimately Pakistan Army shall have to fall back on the proxy warriors to keep the issue alive and to continue to bleed India slowly to the pleasure of GHQ."

Meanwhile, Hafiz Saeed's arrest became more significant since it was welcomed by President Trump who claimed his success in his arrest in his tweet that after so many years of his efforts Pakistan has finally found Hafiz Saeed and arrested him. Ignorance being bliss for him President Trump did not know how many times in the past too Hafiz Saeed was arrested, tried in court and then released for want of credible evidence against him, said Hassan.

"Khan has been trying to dispel the impression that he has elements within his government who want to play foul. Indeed, his Interior Minister, a retired Brigadier of ISI, who has remained allegedly in cahoots with various extremist groups, continues to be a suspect in Washington after he was found harbouring Daniel Pearl kidnapper Omar Saeed Sheikh. Khan cannot do much about him as Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah is a nominee of the military in his government with the key portfolio of Interior that gives him overbearing power over intelligence apparatus and law enforcers," Hassan asserted.

Notably, if the Prosecution cannot prove Hafiz Saeed's involvement in terrorist activities, his detention would prove to be nothing more than what is popularly known as "protective custody" in which the arrested person is kept within his house, he does not go out, he can, however, meet anyone he wants to.

Further highlighting the real face of Pakistan's claimed efforts to curb terrorism, Hassan explained, "In Pakistan, the practice so far has been that government bans an organisation one day, the very next day it adopts a new name and becomes operational under the cover of a relief organisation.&nbsp;They are allowed very conveniently by law enforcers to circumvent the government ban on them."

Hassan quoting, Democrat leader State Hillary Clinton said "once (then) US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said it before the Congress that time has shown that such groups cannot be 'managed', nor their inherently violent proclivities turned on and off at will against one's adversary. And that a time comes when snakes that you feed in your backyard bite your hand too. Indeed, that is the lesson Pakistan learnt for its role of raising the Taliban and encouraging cross-border terrorism.

As Pakistan's Imran Khan-government continues to pat its back after arresting UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, claiming that it is adamant on eradicating terrorism from its soil, the reality is in stark contrast as per former Pakistan Envoy to United Kingdom, Wajid Shamsul Hasan.

As Pakistan's Imran Khan-government continues to pat its back after arresting UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, claiming that it is adamant on eradicating terrorism from its soil, the reality is in stark contrast as per former Pakistan Envoy to United Kingdom, Wajid Shamsul Hasan. He, in an opinion piece, underlines how the apprehension of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind is a mere eyewash and propaganda exercise to appease the United States. Hasan in an Op-ed published in investigative news portal 'Surkhiyan' writes that "ninth time arrest of the terror group Jamaat-ud-Dawa's chief has a lot to do with Khan's Washington Yatra." "Hafiz's arrest provoked a prompt tweet from no less than President Trump who described his nabbing as a big success for his efforts. Indeed, Hafiz Saeed's case has been very important from an American point of view as well PAKISTAN where he was top of the order proxy warrior in the eyes of the Establishment," he opined. "His arrest on the eve of Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the US was described as very timely development. It would wipe Trump's tears since Hafiz Saeed, leader of the banned Jamaatud Dawa is a UN-and US-designated global terrorist," he added. Notwithstanding Pakistan's claim that the decision to nab Hafiz Saeed is part of Khan's new strategy to nab extremist elements to improve Pakistan's bargaining position with India and other countries, Hassan in his article unveils the truth behind the arrest of Saeed. Quoting a statement from the horse's mouth i.e. Hafiz Saeed, Hassan said, "In his last Friday sermon before his arrest Hafiz Saeed gave reasons why he was going to be arrested just on the eve of Prime Minister Khan's official visit to Washington." "According to him (Hafiz Saeed) he, his JuD and other likeminded groups who jointly fought with the erstwhile Soviet Union to get it out of Afghanistan and were found by the Americans as most favourable and tenacious proxy fighters for their war against Communist Russia as fodders for their guns. Hafiz Saeed recalled how on his single hundreds of jihadi fighters would collect to offer their fighting services for the Holy Jihad. He reminded his Jumma audience how he and others like him in the holy cause established their network of madaris around the Pak-Afghan border to sustain ready supply of volunteers for the Jihad," Hassan said. "In the post Soviet withdrawal scenario from Afghanistan all these groups both in Afghanistan and Pakistan got banded together for fighting an anti- American, Anti NATO jihad shoulder to shoulder with Taliban According to Hafiz Saeed, in this anti American jihadi Alliances Iranian trained volunteers or Pasdarans have joined in support of their holy war against Washington. According to him, assistance in men that the United States used to get from Pakistan to fight the Soviets, has now joined JuD and other Jihadi forces fighting their battle against American occupation of Afghanistan, " Hassan added. According to the former envoy, reliable sources close to Hafiz Saeed claim that now America has forced Pakistan Law enforcers to arrest him (Hafiz Saeed ) and his group members to please the Americans who are believed to be seeking Hafiz Saeed services and JuD volunteers to wage a proxy war on their behalf with Iran. "In his sermon, Hafiz Saeed also revealed that at the behest of his Pakistani handlers he had reined in his Jihadi fighters from carrying on fresh attacks on Indian soldiers in Kashmir till such time when General Bajwa gets disappointed in Imran Khan's efforts to bring India to restart the composite dialogue," Hassan said. However, as quoted by Hassan, Hafiz Saeed while meeting his followers despite his arrest, conveys to them not to worry, says "It is temporary flirtation of Pakistani leaders to hoodwink the Americans. Once they secure their pound of flesh, the business would be restored to back to usual." Hassan stresses "those extremist elements believe that the government of Pakistan cannot lay off its claim on Indian held Kashmir and that ultimately Pakistan Army shall have to fall back on the proxy warriors to keep the issue alive and to continue to bleed India slowly to the pleasure of GHQ." Meanwhile, Hafiz Saeed's arrest became more significant since it was welcomed by President Trump who claimed his success in his arrest in his tweet that after so many years of his efforts Pakistan has finally found Hafiz Saeed and arrested him. Ignorance being bliss for him President Trump did not know how many times in the past too Hafiz Saeed was arrested, tried in court and then released for want of credible evidence against him, said Hassan. "Khan has been trying to dispel the impression that he has elements within his government who want to play foul. Indeed, his Interior Minister, a retired Brigadier of ISI, who has remained allegedly in cahoots with various extremist groups, continues to be a suspect in Washington after he was found harbouring Daniel Pearl kidnapper Omar Saeed Sheikh. Khan cannot do much about him as Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah is a nominee of the military in his government with the key portfolio of Interior that gives him overbearing power over intelligence apparatus and law enforcers," Hassan asserted. Notably, if the Prosecution cannot prove Hafiz Saeed's involvement in terrorist activities, his detention would prove to be nothing more than what is popularly known as "protective custody" in which the arrested person is kept within his house, he does not go out, he can, however, meet anyone he wants to. Further highlighting the real face of Pakistan's claimed efforts to curb terrorism, Hassan explained, "In Pakistan, the practice so far has been that government bans an organisation one day, the very next day it adopts a new name and becomes operational under the cover of a relief organisation. They are allowed very conveniently by law enforcers to circumvent the government ban on them." Hassan quoting, Democrat leader State Hillary Clinton said "once (then) US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said it before the Congress that time has shown that such groups cannot be 'managed', nor their inherently violent proclivities turned on and off at will against one's adversary. And that a time comes when snakes that you feed in your backyard bite your hand too. Indeed, that is the lesson Pakistan learnt for its role of raising the Taliban and encouraging cross-border terrorism.

Hafiz Saeed's ninth time arrest, Pakistan's bid to curb terror a mere eyewash, reveals former envoy

Donald Trump claims that PM Modi asked him to meditate on Kashmir issue. Later Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Rajya Sabha that no mediation request was made by PM Modi.

Trump: PM Modi asked me to meditate on Kashmir issue, Trump caught lying again

Nearly one year after the election that brought<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-will-not-allow-armed-militia-in-the-country-imran-khan-238076"> Imran Khan</a> to power in Pakistan, the cricket-hero-turned-prime-minister faces growing anger as he chases an elusive target, how to right the South Asian nation's teetering economy.

Pakistan has been staring down the barrel of a balance of payments crisis since before last year's July 25 vote, and analysts have long warned that the new government must act quickly.

In one of his earliest speeches, Khan -- who led the cricket-mad country to World Cup victory in 1992, and campaigned on vows to build an Islamic welfare state -- tried to reassure voters, telling them repeatedly, "Do not panic."

But since then the rupee has lost nearly 30 per cent of its value and inflation is running at nearly nine per cent, and likely to continue rising.

"The price of tomatoes is touching the skies," 30-year-old Shama Parveen, who walked several kilometres through Karachi's sweltering heat to find cheaper produce, told AFP. "Life has become hard."

Watch: Imran Khan supporters clash against Pakistan minority groups protestors in US

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/imran-khan-supporters-clash-against-pakistan-minority-groups-protestors-in-us-237943/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

"I need to earn at least 1,000 rupees ($6.30) daily to meet my expenses," said 60-year-old Mohammad Ashraf, who sells henna dye.

"Nowadays I can hardly save 500 or 600 rupees... I sometimes think if I fall ill, how could I afford the medicines and treatment? I would die, I think."

Analysts warn that with Pakistan's galloping population increase far outstripping growth -- set to slow to 2.4 per cent this year -- the country will find no short-term relief, even after the International Monetary Fund approved its latest $6 billion loans.

Pakistan has a rocky relationship with the IMF, which has bailed it out many times before, and Khan secured billions in loans and investment from "friendly countries" including China and Saudi Arabia before going to the Fund.

But it was not enough.

Pakistanis are facing the grimmest part of a seemingly endless economic cycle, austerity imposed on millions of poor people, and futile demands for deep-rooted structural reform.

Traders held a one-day strike earlier this month, and on Friday about 8,000 people marched through the city of Rawalpindi to protest against rising prices.

"This government has completely failed ... they are making the country poorer with each passing day," Ayaz Ahmed, a 32-year-old university graduate, told AFP at the protest.

Mass demonstrations organised by opposition parties are planned for Thursday to mark Khan's one-year anniversary in office.

Worse than nuclear sanctions?

But while discontent is rising on social media, where viral TikTok videos mock Khan's promises, street protests remain a luxury for many.

"I cannot afford to lose even one day of earnings," said Karachi spice vendor Naseem Akhtar.

Asghar Ali, an associate economics professor at the University of Karachi, estimates that up to eight million people could slip beneath the poverty line in the coming days.

He singled out Khan's anti-corruption drive -- which has seen opposition leaders jailed and businesses "harassed" -- as causing "havoc".&nbsp;

For Shahid Hasan Siddiqui, chairman of the Research Institute of Islamic Banking, the situation is "worse than 1998, when the country survived international sanctions after nuclear tests".

Taxes are the issue, he argued.

Just one per cent of Pakistan's adult population is estimated to pay taxes. Khan's government is pushing hard to broaden the tax base but it remains to be seen whether the latest schemes rolled out by officials will make a difference.

But a tax amnesty by Khan "allows the rich to get their black money whitened by paying a mere 1.5 per cent tax", Siddiqui said.&nbsp;

"On the contrary, every poor man who buys essentials pay 17 per cent in (sales) tax."&nbsp;

Rarely do the poor "get to see the inside of a hospital or the schools built with those taxes", agreed Pakistani author Mohammed Hanif in a scathing New York Times opinion piece excoriating Khan's Pakistan recently.

Umer Farooq, an investment analyst at AKD Securities, said the policies are "largely fair", however.

"The real challenge for the government is how they will implement them," he said.

In the meantime, despair is growing.

Mohammad Imran, a 35-year-old vegetable seller in Karachi, said he can no longer pay his debts.

"What should I do? I would commit suicide someday."

Nearly one year after the election that brought Imran Khan to power in Pakistan, the cricket-hero-turned-prime-minister faces growing anger as he chases an elusive target, how to right the South Asian nation's teetering economy.

Nearly one year after the election that brought Imran Khan to power in Pakistan, the cricket-hero-turned-prime-minister faces growing anger as he chases an elusive target, how to right the South Asian nation's teetering economy. Pakistan has been staring down the barrel of a balance of payments crisis since before last year's July 25 vote, and analysts have long warned that the new government must act quickly. In one of his earliest speeches, Khan -- who led the cricket-mad country to World Cup victory in 1992, and campaigned on vows to build an Islamic welfare state -- tried to reassure voters, telling them repeatedly, "Do not panic." But since then the rupee has lost nearly 30 per cent of its value and inflation is running at nearly nine per cent, and likely to continue rising. "The price of tomatoes is touching the skies," 30-year-old Shama Parveen, who walked several kilometres through Karachi's sweltering heat to find cheaper produce, told AFP. "Life has become hard." Watch: Imran Khan supporters clash against Pakistan minority groups protestors in US × "I need to earn at least 1,000 rupees ($6.30) daily to meet my expenses," said 60-year-old Mohammad Ashraf, who sells henna dye. "Nowadays I can hardly save 500 or 600 rupees... I sometimes think if I fall ill, how could I afford the medicines and treatment? I would die, I think." Analysts warn that with Pakistan's galloping population increase far outstripping growth -- set to slow to 2.4 per cent this year -- the country will find no short-term relief, even after the International Monetary Fund approved its latest $6 billion loans. Pakistan has a rocky relationship with the IMF, which has bailed it out many times before, and Khan secured billions in loans and investment from "friendly countries" including China and Saudi Arabia before going to the Fund. But it was not enough. Pakistanis are facing the grimmest part of a seemingly endless economic cycle, austerity imposed on millions of poor people, and futile demands for deep-rooted structural reform. Traders held a one-day strike earlier this month, and on Friday about 8,000 people marched through the city of Rawalpindi to protest against rising prices. "This government has completely failed ... they are making the country poorer with each passing day," Ayaz Ahmed, a 32-year-old university graduate, told AFP at the protest. Mass demonstrations organised by opposition parties are planned for Thursday to mark Khan's one-year anniversary in office. Worse than nuclear sanctions? But while discontent is rising on social media, where viral TikTok videos mock Khan's promises, street protests remain a luxury for many. "I cannot afford to lose even one day of earnings," said Karachi spice vendor Naseem Akhtar. Asghar Ali, an associate economics professor at the University of Karachi, estimates that up to eight million people could slip beneath the poverty line in the coming days. He singled out Khan's anti-corruption drive -- which has seen opposition leaders jailed and businesses "harassed" -- as causing "havoc". For Shahid Hasan Siddiqui, chairman of the Research Institute of Islamic Banking, the situation is "worse than 1998, when the country survived international sanctions after nuclear tests". Taxes are the issue, he argued. Just one per cent of Pakistan's adult population is estimated to pay taxes. Khan's government is pushing hard to broaden the tax base but it remains to be seen whether the latest schemes rolled out by officials will make a difference. But a tax amnesty by Khan "allows the rich to get their black money whitened by paying a mere 1.5 per cent tax", Siddiqui said. "On the contrary, every poor man who buys essentials pay 17 per cent in (sales) tax." Rarely do the poor "get to see the inside of a hospital or the schools built with those taxes", agreed Pakistani author Mohammed Hanif in a scathing New York Times opinion piece excoriating Khan's Pakistan recently. Umer Farooq, an investment analyst at AKD Securities, said the policies are "largely fair", however. "The real challenge for the government is how they will implement them," he said. In the meantime, despair is growing. Mohammad Imran, a 35-year-old vegetable seller in Karachi, said he can no longer pay his debts. "What should I do? I would commit suicide someday."

Soaring prices, rising anger in Imran Khan's Pakistan

President Trump offered to help mediate the long-running Kashmir conflict in a White House meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, briefly raising the prospect of a substantial shift in the U.S. role in the conflict before India swiftly rejected it.

WION EDIT: Why US wants to keep Pak on its side?

A few hours ago Pakistani PM Imran Khan wrapped his US visit. WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed. Watch this video to know what Imran Khan has to say.

WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed

Asserting that it is time to reset Pakistan and US relations, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that, in the past, Islamabad's point of view was not "appropriately presented" in front of Washington.

"I feel Pakistan had not been properly represented to the US. The Pakistani point of view had not been appropriately presented to the politicians of US as I sensed from my conversation with Speaker Pelosi and other representatives," said Khan, with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi standing beside him.

"I think it's time to reset the Pak-US relationship to one based on mutual respect," added Khan.

The Pakistan prime minister, who is in the US for a three-day visit made these remarks after concluding a meeting with Pelosi.

On terror, Khan said: "War on Terror has been the longest ongoing war. And the US knows our interests are mutual. We at Pakistan will be making sure there is a political solution to this war and we'll do everything we can to achieve that".

Pelosi invited Khan at the Capital Hill. Both leaders discussed the ties between their economies, people and nations.

"It's a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI of Pakistan to the U.S. Capitol as we meet to discuss the vital ties between our economies, people &amp; nations," tweeted Pelosi.

"It has been truly a pleasure to put the Pakistani point of view before the honourable politicians of the US. Looking forward to exploring possibilities of bilateral trade with the US along with security interests that will enable economic opportunities for both nations," said Khan.

Imran Khan also attended a reception called by Sheila Jackson Lee with a large number of Senators and Members of the US House of Representatives in attendance at the Capitol Hill.

Asserting that it is time to reset Pakistan and US relations, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that, in the past, Islamabad's point of view was not "appropriately presented" in front of Washington.

Asserting that it is time to reset Pakistan and US relations, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that, in the past, Islamabad's point of view was not "appropriately presented" in front of Washington. "I feel Pakistan had not been properly represented to the US. The Pakistani point of view had not been appropriately presented to the politicians of US as I sensed from my conversation with Speaker Pelosi and other representatives," said Khan, with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi standing beside him. "I think it's time to reset the Pak-US relationship to one based on mutual respect," added Khan. The Pakistan prime minister, who is in the US for a three-day visit made these remarks after concluding a meeting with Pelosi. On terror, Khan said: "War on Terror has been the longest ongoing war. And the US knows our interests are mutual. We at Pakistan will be making sure there is a political solution to this war and we'll do everything we can to achieve that". Pelosi invited Khan at the Capital Hill. Both leaders discussed the ties between their economies, people and nations. "It's a pleasure to welcome Prime Minister @ImranKhanPTI of Pakistan to the U.S. Capitol as we meet to discuss the vital ties between our economies, people & nations," tweeted Pelosi. "It has been truly a pleasure to put the Pakistani point of view before the honourable politicians of the US. Looking forward to exploring possibilities of bilateral trade with the US along with security interests that will enable economic opportunities for both nations," said Khan. Imran Khan also attended a reception called by Sheila Jackson Lee with a large number of Senators and Members of the US House of Representatives in attendance at the Capitol Hill.

Pakistan's point of view was not appropriately presented in front of United States: Imran Khan 

Imran Khan Says Indigeneous Groups In India Were Responsible For Pulwama Attacks In response to WION's Anas Mallick's question, Imran Khan speaks on Hafiz Saeed, the listed terrorist and says Pakistan doesn't allow armed militia. Khan further says that indigeneous groups in India were responsible for Pulwama attacks

Gravitas: Watch Imran Khan respond to WION on Hafiz Saeed & Pulwama attacks

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday met Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-meet-the-taliban-and-get-them-to-talk-to-afghan-government-says-imran-khan-at-us-institute-of-peace-238014">Imran Khan</a> and urged him to take actions in order to defeat terrorist organisations.

"Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met today with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Following up on their September 5, 2018 meeting in Islamabad, Secretary Pompeo emphasised the continued importance of the United States and Pakistan working together to advance shared priorities, including Pakistan's significant role in supporting the Afghan peace process and counterterrorism. Secretary Pompeo welcomed the occasion to discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation, including expanded trade and investment opportunities," said US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus.

"The Secretary looked forward to continued progress from Pakistan on shared security priorities, including defeating terrorist organisations, which he hoped would form the basis of a reinvigorated partnership," he added.

Watch: Imran Khan respond to WION on Hafiz Saeed &amp; Pulwama attacks

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-watch-imran-khan-respond-to-wion-on-hafiz-saeed-pulwama-attacks-238032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and Pakistani envoy Asad Majeed Khan were also present during the meeting.

This comes a day after US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/could-win-afghanistan-war-in-a-week-or-ten-days-but-chose-not-to-do-so-says-donald-trump-in-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-237798">Donald Trump</a> held a meeting with Khan in the White House.

During the meeting, Khan and Trump held a discussion on a wide range of issues including counterterrorism, defence, energy, and trade.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and urged him to take actions in order to defeat terrorist organisations. "Secretary Michael R.

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Tuesday met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and urged him to take actions in order to defeat terrorist organisations. "Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met today with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Following up on their September 5, 2018 meeting in Islamabad, Secretary Pompeo emphasised the continued importance of the United States and Pakistan working together to advance shared priorities, including Pakistan's significant role in supporting the Afghan peace process and counterterrorism. Secretary Pompeo welcomed the occasion to discuss opportunities for enhanced cooperation, including expanded trade and investment opportunities," said US State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus. "The Secretary looked forward to continued progress from Pakistan on shared security priorities, including defeating terrorist organisations, which he hoped would form the basis of a reinvigorated partnership," he added. Watch: Imran Khan respond to WION on Hafiz Saeed & Pulwama attacks × Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Foreign Secretary Sohail Mehmood and Pakistani envoy Asad Majeed Khan were also present during the meeting. This comes a day after US President Donald Trump held a meeting with Khan in the White House. During the meeting, Khan and Trump held a discussion on a wide range of issues including counterterrorism, defence, energy, and trade.

Mike Pompeo urges Pakistan PM Imran Khan to take action against terrorist organisations

Pakistan PM Imran Khan concludes 3-day U.S. visit, i this show we ask: Will meeting Donald Trump help Pak economy? Watch full video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Will meeting Donald Trump help Pak economy?

Calling Pulwama attack an act of indigenous groups based in India, Pakistan Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-point-of-view-was-not-appropriately-presented-in-front-of-united-states-imran-khan-238065">Imran Khan</a> on Tuesday&nbsp;said that his government&nbsp;will never allow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-urges-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-take-action-against-terrorist-organisations-238060">armed militia</a> in its territory.

"It is in the interest of Pakistan that we do not allow any armed militia in our country. We have suffered sectarian attacks, we are in the worst situation, our investments are badly affected due to this," said Pakistan PM.

Gravitas: Watch Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed &amp; Pulwama attacks

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-watch-imran-khan-respond-to-wion-on-hafiz-saeed-pulwama-attacks-238032/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Replying to a question by WION's Anas Mallick on Pulwama attack, Khan said it was an "act of indigenous groups based in India". "Even before this attack happened we had already decided that we will disarm all armed militia in Pakistan,"&nbsp; he added.

The Pakistan prime minister is in the US on a three-day visit.

Both India and the US have repeatedly told Pakistan to crack down on terror infrastructure on its soil. The Ministry of External Affairs has time and again asked for "verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their (Pakistan's) soil".

In a major diplomatic win, Indian efforts on the international front were recently rewarded after Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) chief, Masood Azhar, was blacklisted as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council following the gruesome February 14 Pulwama terror attack. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the attack, the responsibility of which was claimed by JeM.

Calling Pulwama attack an act of indigenous groups based in India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that his government will never allow armed militia in its territory.

Calling Pulwama attack an act of indigenous groups based in India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that his government will never allow armed militia in its territory. "It is in the interest of Pakistan that we do not allow any armed militia in our country. We have suffered sectarian attacks, we are in the worst situation, our investments are badly affected due to this," said Pakistan PM. Gravitas: Watch Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed & Pulwama attacks Replying to a question by WION's Anas Mallick on Pulwama attack, Khan said it was an "act of indigenous groups based in India". "Even before this attack happened we had already decided that we will disarm all armed militia in Pakistan," he added. The Pakistan prime minister is in the US on a three-day visit. Both India and the US have repeatedly told Pakistan to crack down on terror infrastructure on its soil. The Ministry of External Affairs has time and again asked for "verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their (Pakistan's) soil". In a major diplomatic win, Indian efforts on the international front were recently rewarded after Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) chief, Masood Azhar, was blacklisted as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council following the gruesome February 14 Pulwama terror attack. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the attack, the responsibility of which was claimed by JeM.

Pakistan will not allow armed militia in the country: Imran Khan

US President Donald Trump claims that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked him to meditate on Kashmir issue. Later Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh issued statements and clarified that no mediation request was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch this video to know more.

Rajnath Singh issues statement over Trump's Kashmir mediation claim

Donald Trump claimed recently that Indian PM Narendra Modi asked him to meditate on Kashmir issue. Later Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Rajya Sabha that no mediation request was made by PM Modi.

The blunders of a 'deal-maker', Trump called out for fake news

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured both the houses of Parliament&nbsp;that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. 
 
"I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," he said.

"It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar said. 
 
"The Shimla Agreement &amp; the Lahore declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India &amp; Pakistan bilaterally," Jaishankar told parliamentarians.

Meanwhile, Opposition members created ruckus in both the houses, seeking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">Prime Minister's clarification </a>on the issue. 
 
Following the ruckus, Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu said that everyone should be seen speaking in one voice on the issue.&nbsp;"It is a national issue. Country’s unity, integrity &amp; national interest is involved, we should be seen speaking in one voice," he said. 
 
Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-foreign-minister-s-jaishankar-clarifies-indias-stand-on-trump-remark-237861/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Jaishankar's statement comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">Donald Trump said that PM Modi</a> had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval office.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said.

Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured both the houses of Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured both the houses of Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue. "I would like to categorically assure the House that no such request has been made by PM Modi," he said. "It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar said. "The Shimla Agreement & the Lahore declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India & Pakistan bilaterally," Jaishankar told parliamentarians. Meanwhile, Opposition members created ruckus in both the houses, seeking Prime Minister's clarification on the issue. Following the ruckus, Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu said that everyone should be seen speaking in one voice on the issue. "It is a national issue. Country’s unity, integrity & national interest is involved, we should be seen speaking in one voice," he said. Watch: × Jaishankar's statement comes after Donald Trump said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Oval office. "I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said. Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." (With inputs from agencies)

Any mediation with Pakistan will require end to cross-border terrorism: S Jaishankar rejects Trump's remarks on Kashmir issue

US President Donald Trump stirred up the hornet's nest on Tuesday when he offered to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">mediate on Kashmir</a>. Trump, while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, even said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir - a claim sternly rejected by India.

But this is not the first time that Trump has offered his expert advice on the major global issues. Trump believes that unlike his predecessors, he has what it takes to negotiate a good deal for the US - be it North Korea, Iran, the Israel-Palestinian issue and now Kashmir.

The US President has invested a great deal of time, energy and effort into talking to North Korea. Recently, Trump became the first sitting US President to set foot on North Korean soil when he met Kim Jong-un last month.

Last year, Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear agreement. He thinks it is a lopsided deal and that the world should lean on Tehran to further curb its nuclear ambitions. Today, Washington's European allies are in talks with Iran to prevent the deal from unravelling.

The other issue that has engaged his attention is the Israel-Palestinian issue. Trump has made his son-in-law Jared Kushner the point person for what is known as the 'deal of the century'. It is still a work in progress, but some countries in the region have already begun distancing themselves from it.

Watch: All issues with Pakistan only bilateral, says MEA

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mea-all-issues-with-pakistan-only-bilateral-237822/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

And now he has <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trumps-statement-on-kashmir-amateurish-embarrassing-congressman-brad-sherman-237812">spoken about Kashmir</a>. Trump said if he can help, he would love to be a mediator - the statement has not gone down well with New Delhi.

India's External Affairs Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/any-mediation-with-pakistan-will-require-end-to-cross-border-terrorism-s-jaishankar-on-trumps-remarks-on-kashmir-issue-237840">S Jaishankar</a> said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue and that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. "Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar said.

US President Donald Trump stirred up the hornet's nest on Tuesday when he offered to mediate on Kashmir. Trump, while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, even said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir - a claim sternly rejected by India.

US President Donald Trump stirred up the hornet's nest on Tuesday when he offered to mediate on Kashmir. Trump, while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, even said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir - a claim sternly rejected by India. But this is not the first time that Trump has offered his expert advice on the major global issues. Trump believes that unlike his predecessors, he has what it takes to negotiate a good deal for the US - be it North Korea, Iran, the Israel-Palestinian issue and now Kashmir. The US President has invested a great deal of time, energy and effort into talking to North Korea. Recently, Trump became the first sitting US President to set foot on North Korean soil when he met Kim Jong-un last month. Last year, Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear agreement. He thinks it is a lopsided deal and that the world should lean on Tehran to further curb its nuclear ambitions. Today, Washington's European allies are in talks with Iran to prevent the deal from unravelling. The other issue that has engaged his attention is the Israel-Palestinian issue. Trump has made his son-in-law Jared Kushner the point person for what is known as the 'deal of the century'. It is still a work in progress, but some countries in the region have already begun distancing themselves from it. Watch: All issues with Pakistan only bilateral, says MEA And now he has spoken about Kashmir. Trump said if he can help, he would love to be a mediator - the statement has not gone down well with New Delhi. India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Parliament that Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not ask US President Donald Trump to mediate in the Kashmir issue and that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. "Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," Jaishankar said.

Trump takes his deal making skills too far with Kashmir comment

Amid the furor over US President Donald Trump's statement that India had asked for his intervention in the Kashmir problem, Rajya Sabha descended into chaos. As the Opposition protested and demanded a clarification from the government, External Affairs Minister S Jaishanakar reiterated India's stand that Kashmir is a bilateral issue. Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar categorically assured the House that no such request has been made by Prime Minister Modi to the US president. "It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross-border terrorism," S Jaishankar said.

Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar clarifies India's stand on Trump remark

Washington post dedicates entire supplement to Pakistan. It highlights minorities oppression in Pakistan. Protest held against Imran Khan in Washington D.C. Campaign against enforced disappearances in Pakistan. It is the demand for the protection of indigenous people. Watch this video to know more.

Washington: Pakistan minority groups protest

US President Donald Trump on Monday offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue as he met Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House for the first time.

WION Exclusive: Donald Trump offers to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir

India on Monday outrightly rejected United States President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">mediation to resolve Kashmir issue</a>.&nbsp;

In a statement, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar said, "No such request has been made by PM Narendra Modi to US President. It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally"

"Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally" Raveesh Kumar said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We have seen <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>'s remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India &amp; Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to US President. It has been India's consistent position...1/2
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1153371327371173895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to Shimla and Lahore accords, India and Pakistan will resolve their issues bilaterally without third-party intervention.

The latest development comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/working-with-pakistan-to-find-way-out-of-war-in-afghanistan-trump-on-meeting-with-pm-imran-khan-at-white-house-237765">Donald Trump</a> said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khan-trump-to-hold-bilateral-meeting-working-lunch-today-237715">hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan the Oval office</a>.

"I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said.

Trump last met PM Modi in Osaka, Japan on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-holds-20-bilaterals-pull-asides-on-day-2-of-g20-summit-231427">sidelines of G20 Summit </a>on June 29.

Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do."

Watch: Even as Imran khan meets Donald Trump, here's the story of Khan's visit so far

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-even-as-imran-khan-meets-donald-trump-heres-the-story-of-khans-visit-so-far-237784/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He also said that Kashmir "should be resolved" and he will speak to Indian Prime Minister and see "what we can do".

This is for the first time Trump has spoken on Kashmir publically.

Meanwhile, Pakistani PM said the US "can play a most important role in bringing peace in the subcontinent," adding that Islamabad tried its best "to start a dialogue, resolve our differences through dialogue but unfortunately.. haven't made headways as yet, but I'm hoping President Trump would push the process."

A fact sheet was issued by White House on Trump -Imran meeting in which it was mentioned that while Islamabad "has taken some steps against terrorist groups operating within Pakistan", it is "vital that Pakistan take action to shut down all groups once and for all."

India on Monday outrightly rejected United States President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought his mediation to resolve Kashmir issue.

India on Monday outrightly rejected United States President Donald Trump's claim that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sought his mediation to resolve Kashmir issue. In a statement, the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs Raveesh Kumar said, "No such request has been made by PM Narendra Modi to US President. It has been India's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally" "Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India and Pakistan bilaterally" Raveesh Kumar said. We have seen @POTUS's remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India & Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM @narendramodi to US President. It has been India's consistent position...1/2 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 22, 2019 According to Shimla and Lahore accords, India and Pakistan will resolve their issues bilaterally without third-party intervention. The latest development comes after Donald Trump said that PM Modi had asked him to mediate on Kashmir while he was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan the Oval office. "I was with Prime Minister Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject (Kashmir). And he actually said, 'would you like to be a mediator or arbitrator?' I said, 'where?' (PM Modi said) 'Kashmir'," Trump said. Trump last met PM Modi in Osaka, Japan on the sidelines of G20 Summit on June 29. Explaining his position, Trump said, "I would love to be a mediator, Its impossible to believe, two incredible countries that are very, very smart with very smart leadership can't solve a problem. But if you would want me to mediate or arbitrate, I would be willing to do." Watch: Even as Imran khan meets Donald Trump, here's the story of Khan's visit so far × He also said that Kashmir "should be resolved" and he will speak to Indian Prime Minister and see "what we can do". This is for the first time Trump has spoken on Kashmir publically. Meanwhile, Pakistani PM said the US "can play a most important role in bringing peace in the subcontinent," adding that Islamabad tried its best "to start a dialogue, resolve our differences through dialogue but unfortunately.. haven't made headways as yet, but I'm hoping President Trump would push the process." A fact sheet was issued by White House on Trump -Imran meeting in which it was mentioned that while Islamabad "has taken some steps against terrorist groups operating within Pakistan", it is "vital that Pakistan take action to shut down all groups once and for all."

India rubbishes Donald Trump’s claim that PM Modi asked him to mediate in resolving Kashmir issue

Hours after President Donald Trump claimed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> invited him for third-party mediation on Kashmir issue, US State Department on Monday said that the matter is a bilateral issue concerning Islamabad and New Delhi, however, Washington is "ready to assist".

"While Kashmir is a bilateral issue for both parties to discuss, the Trump administration welcomes Pakistan and India sitting down and the United States stands ready to assist. We believe the foundation for any successful dialogue between India and Pakistan is based on Pakistan taking sustained and irreversible steps against militants and terrorists on its territory," US state department spokesperson told ANI.

"These actions are in line with Prime Minister Khan`s stated commitments, and Pakistan`s international obligations. We will continue to support efforts that reduce tensions and create an environment conducive for dialogue. This first and foremost means tackling the menace of terrorism. As the President indicated, we stand ready to assist," it added.

Earlier in the day, Trump said that Modi had asked him to act as a mediator to resolve the Kashmir issue.

"So I was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject. And he actually said, would you actually like to be a mediator or arbitrator? Did I say, where? He said Kashmir because this has been going for many, many years. I was surprised at how long it has been going on," said Trump, who was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House.

"It should be resolved, so he has to think the same thing, so maybe I will speak to him and we will see what we can do," he added.

However, the US state department in its statement did not comment on T<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-rubbishes-donald-trumps-claim-that-pm-modi-asked-him-to-mediate-in-resolving-kashmir-issue-237794">rump's claim on Modi asking for his assistance to play the role of mediator</a> to resolve Kashmir issue.

After Trump made remarks on Kashmir, India in a swift response clarified that no such request was made by Modi to the US President.

"We have seen @POTUS's remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate if requested by India &amp; Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM @narendramodi to US President. It has been India's consistent position," tweeted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

"...that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Shimla Agreement &amp; the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India &amp; Pakistan bilaterally," he said in a subsequent tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We have seen <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>'s remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India &amp; Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> to US President. It has been India's consistent position...1/2
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1153371327371173895?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Hours after President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited him for third-party mediation on Kashmir issue, US State Department on Monday said that the matter is a bilateral issue concerning Islamabad and New Delhi, however, Washington is "ready to assist".

Hours after President Donald Trump claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited him for third-party mediation on Kashmir issue, US State Department on Monday said that the matter is a bilateral issue concerning Islamabad and New Delhi, however, Washington is "ready to assist". "While Kashmir is a bilateral issue for both parties to discuss, the Trump administration welcomes Pakistan and India sitting down and the United States stands ready to assist. We believe the foundation for any successful dialogue between India and Pakistan is based on Pakistan taking sustained and irreversible steps against militants and terrorists on its territory," US state department spokesperson told ANI. "These actions are in line with Prime Minister Khan`s stated commitments, and Pakistan`s international obligations. We will continue to support efforts that reduce tensions and create an environment conducive for dialogue. This first and foremost means tackling the menace of terrorism. As the President indicated, we stand ready to assist," it added. Earlier in the day, Trump said that Modi had asked him to act as a mediator to resolve the Kashmir issue. "So I was with Prime Minister Narendra Modi two weeks ago and we talked about this subject. And he actually said, would you actually like to be a mediator or arbitrator? Did I say, where? He said Kashmir because this has been going for many, many years. I was surprised at how long it has been going on," said Trump, who was hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House. "It should be resolved, so he has to think the same thing, so maybe I will speak to him and we will see what we can do," he added. However, the US state department in its statement did not comment on Trump's claim on Modi asking for his assistance to play the role of mediator to resolve Kashmir issue. After Trump made remarks on Kashmir, India in a swift response clarified that no such request was made by Modi to the US President. "We have seen @POTUS's remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate if requested by India & Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM @narendramodi to US President. It has been India's consistent position," tweeted MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. "...that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Any engagement with Pakistan would require an end to cross border terrorism. The Shimla Agreement & the Lahore Declaration provide the basis to resolve all issues between India & Pakistan bilaterally," he said in a subsequent tweet. We have seen @POTUS's remarks to the press that he is ready to mediate, if requested by India & Pakistan, on Kashmir issue. No such request has been made by PM @narendramodi to US President. It has been India's consistent position...1/2 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) July 22, 2019 ×

Kashmir is bilateral issue, US ready to assist: State Department

A Report On The History Of U.S.-Pakistan Relations Why the U.S. and Pakistan need each other? Here's a report on the history of the U.S.-Pakistan ties from the cold war era to the current day.

Gravitas: A brief history of US-Pakistan ties

Here's How The Visit To The U.S. Has Panned Out For Pakistan PM Imran Khan Thus Far Imran Khan's U.S. visit has been about prioritising army and ISI, settling domestic political scores, getting embarrassed on the track record on human rights and terrorism. Here's Palki summarising the story of Imran Khan's U.S. visit even as he meets U.S. President Trump to revive bilateral ties.

Gravitas: Even as Imran khan meets Donald Trump, here's the story of Khan's visit so far

Pakistan's main spy agency provided the US with a lead that helped them find and kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/could-win-afghanistan-war-in-a-week-or-ten-days-but-chose-not-to-do-so-says-donald-trump-in-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-237798">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> said Monday.

Pakistan has officially denied having any knowledge of the terror chief until he was shot dead in a night-time raid by US special forces on May 2, 2011, an incident that was a major national embarrassment and caused ties between the two countries to plummet.

Khan, who is visiting Washington on his first official trip, made his claim in an interview with Fox News when he was asked whether his country would release a jailed doctor whose fake immunisation drive helped the US track and kill the terror chief in 2011.

"This is a very emotive issue because Shakeel Afridi in Pakistan is considered a spy," he told host Bret Baier, referring to the doctor.&nbsp;

"We in Pakistan always felt that we were an ally of the US and if we had been given the information about <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fbi-adds-osama-bin-ladens-son-to-its-seeking-more-information-list-217428">Osama Bin Laden</a>, we should have taken him out."

Baier then asked if Khan understood the scepticism around the Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) for leaking key information, to which Khan replied:

"And yet it was ISI that gave the information which led to the location of Osama Bin Laden.

"If you ask CIA it was ISI which gave the initial location through the phone connection."

It was not immediately clear what Khan was referring to and he did not provide more detail.

"Governance implosion syndrome"

Though Pakistan officially denies knowing that Bin Laden was living on its territory, Asad Durrani, a former spymaster, told Al Jazeera in 2015 that the ISI probably knew where he was hiding and hoped to use him as a bargaining chip before he was killed.

The Al-Qaeda chief was tracked down after a 10-year manhunt to Abbottabad, a garrison town north of Islamabad where Pakistan's military academy is headquartered, sparking allegations authorities were colluding with the terror group.

A leaked Pakistani government report in 2013 said Bin Laden arrived in Pakistan in the spring or summer of 2002 -- after the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan -- and settled in Abbottabad in August 2005.

The report, which coined the term "governance implosion syndrome" to explain the extent of official failures to detect him, said he was once stopped for speeding and enjoyed wearing a cowboy hat.

Two former senior Pakistani military officials told AFP in 2015 that a defector from Pakistani intelligence assisted the US in its hunt for Osama bin Laden, but denied the two countries had officially worked together.

Pakistan's main spy agency provided the US with a lead that helped them find and kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. Pakistan has officially denied having any knowledge of the terror chief until he was shot dead in a night-time raid by US special forces on May 2, 2011, an incident that was a major national embarrassment and caused ties between the two countries to plummet.

Pakistan's main spy agency provided the US with a lead that helped them find and kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Laden, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. Pakistan has officially denied having any knowledge of the terror chief until he was shot dead in a night-time raid by US special forces on May 2, 2011, an incident that was a major national embarrassment and caused ties between the two countries to plummet. Khan, who is visiting Washington on his first official trip, made his claim in an interview with Fox News when he was asked whether his country would release a jailed doctor whose fake immunisation drive helped the US track and kill the terror chief in 2011. "This is a very emotive issue because Shakeel Afridi in Pakistan is considered a spy," he told host Bret Baier, referring to the doctor. "We in Pakistan always felt that we were an ally of the US and if we had been given the information about Osama Bin Laden, we should have taken him out." Baier then asked if Khan understood the scepticism around the Inter-Services Intelligence agency (ISI) for leaking key information, to which Khan replied: "And yet it was ISI that gave the information which led to the location of Osama Bin Laden. "If you ask CIA it was ISI which gave the initial location through the phone connection." It was not immediately clear what Khan was referring to and he did not provide more detail. "Governance implosion syndrome" Though Pakistan officially denies knowing that Bin Laden was living on its territory, Asad Durrani, a former spymaster, told Al Jazeera in 2015 that the ISI probably knew where he was hiding and hoped to use him as a bargaining chip before he was killed. The Al-Qaeda chief was tracked down after a 10-year manhunt to Abbottabad, a garrison town north of Islamabad where Pakistan's military academy is headquartered, sparking allegations authorities were colluding with the terror group. A leaked Pakistani government report in 2013 said Bin Laden arrived in Pakistan in the spring or summer of 2002 -- after the 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan -- and settled in Abbottabad in August 2005. The report, which coined the term "governance implosion syndrome" to explain the extent of official failures to detect him, said he was once stopped for speeding and enjoyed wearing a cowboy hat. Two former senior Pakistani military officials told AFP in 2015 that a defector from Pakistani intelligence assisted the US in its hunt for Osama bin Laden, but denied the two countries had officially worked together.

Pakistani intelligence led CIA to Osama Bin Laden: Imran Khan

US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">Donald Trump</a> on Monday said that he could win Afghanistan war in "a week or ten days" but he doesn't want to "wipe" Afghanistan off the face of the earth.&nbsp;

"We have been there (Afghanistan) for 19 years, and we've acted as policemen, not soldiers and again if we wanted to be soldiers it would be over in 10 days -- one week to 10 days if we wanted to. But I have not chosen that," Trump said at the Oval office while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/working-with-pakistan-to-find-way-out-of-war-in-afghanistan-trump-on-meeting-with-pm-imran-khan-at-white-house-237765">Imran Khan </a>who is in a three-day visit to the US. &nbsp;

During the discussion on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-has-no-military-solution-says-pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-in-us-diaspora-address-237567">Afghanistan peace process</a> with Khan, Trump warned that "Afghanistan would be wiped off the face of the Earth."

"Why would we kill millions of people. It wouldn't be fair in terms of humanity, it wouldn't be fair. So we're doing very well and I think that Pakistan is going to be a big help," Trump added.

"There is only one solution, and I feel, and I think that we will discuss this, is the closest we have been to a peace deal. And we hope that in the coming days we will be able to urge the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government and come to a settlement -- a political solution," Trump also said.

Trump on Monday hosted Imran Khan, who is on his first official visit to Washington seeking to revive a fractured relationship, at the Oval office.

Watch: Analysing the Afghanistan peace talks

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-analysing-the-afghanistan-peace-talks-237199/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

This is the first official meeting between the two leaders as Pakistan seeks to leverage support from the Trump administration on steps taken on containing terrorism, a point of contention with the US president often tweeting on Pakistan's support to terror elements on its soil.

During the meeting Khan-Trump meeting, the US President hailed Pakistan's help in advancing peace talks in Afghanistan, in a marked shift tone as the US seeks an accord with the Taliban to end the long-running war.

Pakistan was the Taliban's chief sponsor when it took power in neighbouring Afghanistan during the 1990s.&nbsp;

Its influence over the group, which has waged an insurgency since it was ousted from power by US-led forces in 2001, is seen as key in facilitating a political settlement with the government of President Ashraf Ghani.

The United States is pressing for a political agreement with the Taliban before presidential voting in Afghanistan in late September. This would clear the way for most US troops to withdraw from Afghanistan and bring an end to America's longest war.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said that he could win Afghanistan war in "a week or ten days" but he doesn't want to "wipe" Afghanistan off the face of the earth.

US President Donald Trump on Monday said that he could win Afghanistan war in "a week or ten days" but he doesn't want to "wipe" Afghanistan off the face of the earth. "We have been there (Afghanistan) for 19 years, and we've acted as policemen, not soldiers and again if we wanted to be soldiers it would be over in 10 days -- one week to 10 days if we wanted to. But I have not chosen that," Trump said at the Oval office while hosting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan who is in a three-day visit to the US. During the discussion on Afghanistan peace process with Khan, Trump warned that "Afghanistan would be wiped off the face of the Earth." "Why would we kill millions of people. It wouldn't be fair in terms of humanity, it wouldn't be fair. So we're doing very well and I think that Pakistan is going to be a big help," Trump added. "There is only one solution, and I feel, and I think that we will discuss this, is the closest we have been to a peace deal. And we hope that in the coming days we will be able to urge the Taliban to speak to the Afghan government and come to a settlement -- a political solution," Trump also said. Trump on Monday hosted Imran Khan, who is on his first official visit to Washington seeking to revive a fractured relationship, at the Oval office. Watch: Analysing the Afghanistan peace talks × This is the first official meeting between the two leaders as Pakistan seeks to leverage support from the Trump administration on steps taken on containing terrorism, a point of contention with the US president often tweeting on Pakistan's support to terror elements on its soil. During the meeting Khan-Trump meeting, the US President hailed Pakistan's help in advancing peace talks in Afghanistan, in a marked shift tone as the US seeks an accord with the Taliban to end the long-running war. Pakistan was the Taliban's chief sponsor when it took power in neighbouring Afghanistan during the 1990s. Its influence over the group, which has waged an insurgency since it was ousted from power by US-led forces in 2001, is seen as key in facilitating a political settlement with the government of President Ashraf Ghani. The United States is pressing for a political agreement with the Taliban before presidential voting in Afghanistan in late September. This would clear the way for most US troops to withdraw from Afghanistan and bring an end to America's longest war.

Could win Afghanistan war in 'a week or ten days' but chose not to do so, says Donald Trump in meeting with Pakistan PM Imran Khan

US President Donald Trump’s bombshell that he would like to mediate the vexed Kashmir conflict has set the stage for a high profile diplomatic tug-of-war between India and Pakistan involving the world’s sole superpower.

US government in damage control mode

US President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday discussed ways to resolve the Afghanistan conflict and the challenge terrorism poses to regional stability, the White House said.

Trump-Khan discuss Afghanistan, terrorism in first meeting

Afghanistan's government called on Tuesday for clarification of US President Donald Trump's remarks that he could win the Afghan war in just 10 days by "wiping out Afghanistan from the face of the earth," the presidential palace in Kabul said. Trump's remarks followed a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House on Monday. He voiced optimism that Pakistan could help broker a political settlement to end the nearly 18-year-old war in Afghanistan.

Kabul slams Trump's 'can wipe off Afghanistan in a week' comment

The peaceful protest by various minorities of Pakistan against Imran Khan's visit to the US was disrupted by the Pakistan prime minister's supporters outside the White House as they broke into a verbal clash with the protestors.

Imran Khan supporters clash against Pakistan minority groups protestors in US

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed the move of US President Donald Trump of mediating between India and Pakistan for Kashmir.

Imran said that the contentious issue of Kashmir between the two neighbours could never be resolved bilaterally.

“There was one point when there was General (Pervez) Musharraf and Prime Minister (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee of India when we did get close to the resolution of the Kashmir issue. But since then we are poles apart and I feel that India should come on the table; US could play a big part. President Trump certainly can play a big part," said Khan in an interview with Fox News.

On Monday evening, Donald Trump, during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, offered to mediate between the two countries to resolve the issue of Kashmir.

Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked him to help ease tensions between the two neighbouring countries on the “disputed” Kashmir region and that he would love to be a mediator.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed the move of US President Donald Trump of mediating between India and Pakistan for Kashmir. Imran said that the contentious issue of Kashmir between the two neighbours could never be resolved bilaterally.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has welcomed the move of US President Donald Trump of mediating between India and Pakistan for Kashmir. Imran said that the contentious issue of Kashmir between the two neighbours could never be resolved bilaterally. “There was one point when there was General (Pervez) Musharraf and Prime Minister (Atal Bihari) Vajpayee of India when we did get close to the resolution of the Kashmir issue. But since then we are poles apart and I feel that India should come on the table; US could play a big part. President Trump certainly can play a big part," said Khan in an interview with Fox News. On Monday evening, Donald Trump, during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House, offered to mediate between the two countries to resolve the issue of Kashmir. Trump said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked him to help ease tensions between the two neighbouring countries on the “disputed” Kashmir region and that he would love to be a mediator.

Kashmir issue can't be resolved bilaterally: Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan after Trump meeting

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on a three-day visit to the United States, on Monday met President Donald Trump for a one-on-one meeting at the White House, sources said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Meets Donald Trump

Ahead of his meeting with Donald Trump, Pakistan Prime Minister<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-disrupt-pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khans-speech-in-us-237564"> Imran Khan </a>on Sunday asserted that there is no military solution to Afghanistan and said that he will put the same thought in front of the US President.

"I was called Taliban Khan. But Allah is Al-Haq. The whole world says what I used to say years ago; there is no military solution to Afghanistan. I will put forth the same case in front of Donald Trump tomorrow!," said Khan, while addressing the largest<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/ahead-of-much-awaited-trump-khan-meeting-row-erupts-on-washingtons-welcome-accorded-to-pakistan-pm-237520"> mass gathering to Pakistan</a> diaspora here.

Imran Khan received the title of 'Taliban Khan'&nbsp;because of his relentless defence of the Taliban. Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House tomorrow.

He will be accompanied by Pakistan Army chief and Lieutenant General Hameed.

Afghanistan is marred by insurgency for two decades. In a bid to attain peace in the war-ravaged nation, US-led Afghanistan 'peace process'&nbsp;was initiated.

Pakistan has been the latest nation to be inducted into Afghanistan 'peace process'&nbsp;The Gulf News reported that 30,000 Pakistanis in the US gathered to welcome Khan in Capital One Arena stadium, which has a capacity of 20,000 people.

It was Imran Khan's first mass address to the US Pakistani community.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan desires peace and stability in the region and claimed that Pakistan has been able to curb the menace of terrorism.

"Pakistan has successfully curbed the menace of terrorism and held peaceful elections in erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). This is the beginning of development and prosperity," Qureshi said.

"Pakistan will continue to support the Afghan peace process for regional stability."

Imran Khan also praised China for its merit-based system.

"You go anywhere in the world, see China's communist party and you see how they reward merit and let the best of the best come up. The beauty of democracy is merit," he said.&nbsp;

Ahead of his meeting with Donald Trump, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday asserted that there is no military solution to Afghanistan and said that he will put the same thought in front of the US President.

Ahead of his meeting with Donald Trump, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday asserted that there is no military solution to Afghanistan and said that he will put the same thought in front of the US President. "I was called Taliban Khan. But Allah is Al-Haq. The whole world says what I used to say years ago; there is no military solution to Afghanistan. I will put forth the same case in front of Donald Trump tomorrow!," said Khan, while addressing the largest mass gathering to Pakistan diaspora here. Imran Khan received the title of 'Taliban Khan' because of his relentless defence of the Taliban. Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House tomorrow. He will be accompanied by Pakistan Army chief and Lieutenant General Hameed. Afghanistan is marred by insurgency for two decades. In a bid to attain peace in the war-ravaged nation, US-led Afghanistan 'peace process' was initiated. Pakistan has been the latest nation to be inducted into Afghanistan 'peace process' The Gulf News reported that 30,000 Pakistanis in the US gathered to welcome Khan in Capital One Arena stadium, which has a capacity of 20,000 people. It was Imran Khan's first mass address to the US Pakistani community. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan desires peace and stability in the region and claimed that Pakistan has been able to curb the menace of terrorism. "Pakistan has successfully curbed the menace of terrorism and held peaceful elections in erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Area (FATA). This is the beginning of development and prosperity," Qureshi said. "Pakistan will continue to support the Afghan peace process for regional stability." Imran Khan also praised China for its merit-based system. "You go anywhere in the world, see China's communist party and you see how they reward merit and let the best of the best come up. The beauty of democracy is merit," he said.

Afghanistan has no military solution, says Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan in US diaspora address

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday criticised Imran Khan's maiden trip to the United States, saying that the Prime Minister is an embarrassment to the nation even when he is representing his nation abroad.

Dubbing Khan as "Selected Prime Minister", Bilawal tweeted: "Pitty even when representing our country abroad Selected PM can't get of his container."

"Imran is a ruler, not a leader. Pakistan needs a leader who speaks for all Pakistanis, not just himself. If the government does opposition &amp; opposition does opposition then who's left to run the country?" he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pitty even when representing our country abroad Selected PM can’t get of his container. Imran is a ruler not a leader. 🇵🇰 needs a leader who speaks for all Pakistanis not just himself. If government does opposition &amp; opposition does opposition then who’s left to run the country?
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBhuttoZardari/status/1153083164560175105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Bhutto's remarks came after Khan while addressing a big gathering of the overseas Pakistanis in Washington on Sunday said that opposition leaders facing corruption cases in his country wanted an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). However, the Prime Minister further stressed that he would not rest until his government recovered the looted national wealth.

Khan in his speech apparently referred to jailed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari and said they had a way out, which was simply to return the looted public money, Geo News reported.

The 69-year-old former prime minister was convicted in the Al Azizia Steel Mills case and sentenced to seven years in jail. He is currently serving the sentence in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail.

Zardari was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on July 2 after the Islamabad High Court terminated his pre-arrest bail and that of his sister Faryal Talpur in the fake account case.

In his speech, Khan further announced to withdraw the A-class prison facilities from Sharif and Zardari and treat the former leaders just like any other ordinary prisoners.

Khan is on a three-day visit to the United States.

The Prime Minister is accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, according to military spokesperson Asif Ghafoor.

&nbsp;

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday criticised Imran Khan's maiden trip to the United States, saying that the Prime Minister is an embarrassment to the nation even when he is representing his nation abroad.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday criticised Imran Khan's maiden trip to the United States, saying that the Prime Minister is an embarrassment to the nation even when he is representing his nation abroad. Dubbing Khan as "Selected Prime Minister", Bilawal tweeted: "Pitty even when representing our country abroad Selected PM can't get of his container." "Imran is a ruler, not a leader. Pakistan needs a leader who speaks for all Pakistanis, not just himself. If the government does opposition & opposition does opposition then who's left to run the country?" he added. Pitty even when representing our country abroad Selected PM can’t get of his container. Imran is a ruler not a leader. 🇵🇰 needs a leader who speaks for all Pakistanis not just himself. If government does opposition & opposition does opposition then who’s left to run the country? — BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) July 21, 2019 × Bhutto's remarks came after Khan while addressing a big gathering of the overseas Pakistanis in Washington on Sunday said that opposition leaders facing corruption cases in his country wanted an NRO (National Reconciliation Ordinance). However, the Prime Minister further stressed that he would not rest until his government recovered the looted national wealth. Khan in his speech apparently referred to jailed former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former President Asif Ali Zardari and said they had a way out, which was simply to return the looted public money, Geo News reported. The 69-year-old former prime minister was convicted in the Al Azizia Steel Mills case and sentenced to seven years in jail. He is currently serving the sentence in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail. Zardari was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on July 2 after the Islamabad High Court terminated his pre-arrest bail and that of his sister Faryal Talpur in the fake account case. In his speech, Khan further announced to withdraw the A-class prison facilities from Sharif and Zardari and treat the former leaders just like any other ordinary prisoners. Khan is on a three-day visit to the United States. The Prime Minister is accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, according to military spokesperson Asif Ghafoor.

Bilawal Bhutto criticises Pakistan PM Imran Khan's trip to US

imran-khan

Imran Khan, News on Imran Khan, stories on Imran Khan, articles on Imran Khan, Imran Khan stories at Wion, Imran Khan news, Imran Khan latest news

imran khan