Imran on a three-day visit to the U.S. He reached Washington on Sunday

U.S-Pakistan bilateral talks; Afghanistan on the agenda

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will hold a bilateral meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday afternoon to repair damaged ties between the two countries in recent times.

As per a schedule released by the White House, the meeting will begin at around 12:05 pm and would be followed by an expanded bilateral lunch at around 12.50 pm.

Khan would be accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, confirmed military spokesperson Asif Ghafoor.&nbsp;

The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after Trump struck down an aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil.

A tweet by Pakistan's Information Ministry on Sunday stated that the meeting is likely to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation on trade and investment, as well as working "toward peace in South Asia at large and Afghanistan in particular".

After accompanying Khan at the bilateral meeting, the Army Chief will visit the Pentagon to have interaction with US military leadership, informed Ghafoor.

"COAS at Washington, DC. On 22 July 19, after the meeting at White House as part of Prime Minister's delegation, COAS will visit Pentagon to interact with Acting Secretary Defence Mr. Richard Spencer, CJCS Gen Joseph Dunford, and Chief of Staff of US Army Gen Mark A Milley," Ghafoor wrote on Twitter.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will hold a bilateral meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday afternoon to repair damaged ties between the two countries in recent times.

Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan will hold a bilateral meeting with United States President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday afternoon to repair damaged ties between the two countries in recent times. As per a schedule released by the White House, the meeting will begin at around 12:05 pm and would be followed by an expanded bilateral lunch at around 12.50 pm. Khan would be accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, confirmed military spokesperson Asif Ghafoor. The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after Trump struck down an aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil. A tweet by Pakistan's Information Ministry on Sunday stated that the meeting is likely to focus on expanding bilateral cooperation on trade and investment, as well as working "toward peace in South Asia at large and Afghanistan in particular". After accompanying Khan at the bilateral meeting, the Army Chief will visit the Pentagon to have interaction with US military leadership, informed Ghafoor. "COAS at Washington, DC. On 22 July 19, after the meeting at White House as part of Prime Minister's delegation, COAS will visit Pentagon to interact with Acting Secretary Defence Mr. Richard Spencer, CJCS Gen Joseph Dunford, and Chief of Staff of US Army Gen Mark A Milley," Ghafoor wrote on Twitter.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Trump to hold bilateral meeting today

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-meets-pakistan-businessmen-during-us-visit-237467">Pakistan</a> needs to mobilise domestic tax revenue to ensure funds for social and development programs while reducing debt, the acting director of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/christine-lagarde-resigns-as-international-monetary-fund-chief-starting-race-for-her-successor-236536">International Monetary Fund</a> said on Sunday after a meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khans-cost-cutting-us-visit-to-take-qatar-airways-flight-to-us-236985">Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>.

The two officials discussed recent economic developments and implementation of Pakistan's IMF-supported economic reforms, which are aimed at stabilizing the economy, strengthening institutions and paving the way for sustainable and balanced growth, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imf-reaches-agreement-with-argentina-to-release-54-bn-loan-tranche-233428">David Lipton</a> said in a statement.

Khan's government faces mounting pressure as rising prices and tough austerity policies under Pakistan`s latest bailout from the IMF are squeezing the middle class that helped carry it to power.

Lipton said the IMF and other international partners were working closely with the Pakistani government to support the implementation of the reforms.

"I highlighted the need to mobilize domestic tax revenue now and on into the future to provide reliably for needed social and development spending while placing debt on a firm downward trend," Lipton said in a statement after the meeting.

Khan, who arrived in Washington on Sunday, is due to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday.&nbsp;

Trump is likely to press Khan for help in ending the war in Afghanistan and fighting militants.

Last year, Trump cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance to Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of offering "nothing but lies and deceit" while giving haven to terrorists, a charge angrily rejected by Islamabad.

In recent years, import-led consumption has propped up growth in Pakistan and helped hide the problems of an economy riddled with inefficiency and without a strong export base.

But Khan's government, like many of its predecessors, has been forced to turn to the IMF to prevent a balance-of-payments crisis.

Economic growth, which reached 5.5 per cent in the fiscal year to June 2018, is expected to slow to 2.4 per cent this financial year, according to IMF estimates, barely enough to keep pace with the growth in a population that now numbers 208 million.

Pakistan needs to mobilise domestic tax revenue to ensure funds for social and development programs while reducing debt, the acting director of the International Monetary Fund said on Sunday after a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan needs to mobilise domestic tax revenue to ensure funds for social and development programs while reducing debt, the acting director of the International Monetary Fund said on Sunday after a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The two officials discussed recent economic developments and implementation of Pakistan's IMF-supported economic reforms, which are aimed at stabilizing the economy, strengthening institutions and paving the way for sustainable and balanced growth, David Lipton said in a statement. Khan's government faces mounting pressure as rising prices and tough austerity policies under Pakistan`s latest bailout from the IMF are squeezing the middle class that helped carry it to power. Lipton said the IMF and other international partners were working closely with the Pakistani government to support the implementation of the reforms. "I highlighted the need to mobilize domestic tax revenue now and on into the future to provide reliably for needed social and development spending while placing debt on a firm downward trend," Lipton said in a statement after the meeting. Khan, who arrived in Washington on Sunday, is due to meet with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Trump is likely to press Khan for help in ending the war in Afghanistan and fighting militants. Last year, Trump cut off hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance to Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of offering "nothing but lies and deceit" while giving haven to terrorists, a charge angrily rejected by Islamabad. In recent years, import-led consumption has propped up growth in Pakistan and helped hide the problems of an economy riddled with inefficiency and without a strong export base. But Khan's government, like many of its predecessors, has been forced to turn to the IMF to prevent a balance-of-payments crisis. Economic growth, which reached 5.5 per cent in the fiscal year to June 2018, is expected to slow to 2.4 per cent this financial year, according to IMF estimates, barely enough to keep pace with the growth in a population that now numbers 208 million.

International Monetary Fund says Pakistan needs to mobilise tax revenue, cut debt

A group of Baloch activists disrupted the speech of Prime Minister of Pakistan <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-meets-pakistan-businessmen-during-us-visit-237467">Imran Khan</a> at the Capital one Arena here on Sunday (local time).

Khan was addressing a massive gathering of around 30,000 people when a group of Baloch activists inside the venue stood up from their seats and started raising the slogans, demanding the independence of Balochistan.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Baloch activists disrupt Pakistan PM Imran Khan's speech during a community event in Washington DC, USA. <a href="https://t.co/S9xdXF1yt8">pic.twitter.com/S9xdXF1yt8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1153126577456201733?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Khan is on a <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">three-day visit to the United States</a> and he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump tomorrow.

A day before his arrival in the US, the World Baloch Organisation (WBO) and the Baloch Republican Party had launched an awareness campaign on the enforced disappearances in Balochistan.

The campaign was aimed at urging Trump to help ensure an end to human rights abuses and help end enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province, stated WBO.

Human rights activists from various Baloch organisations have been continuing their campaigns around the world to highlight the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan.

For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue.

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved.

Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher.

Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

A group of Baloch activists disrupted the speech of Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan at the Capital one Arena here on Sunday (local time). Khan was addressing a massive gathering of around 30,000 people when a group of Baloch activists inside the venue stood up from their seats and started raising the slogans, demanding the independence of Balochistan.

A group of Baloch activists disrupted the speech of Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan at the Capital one Arena here on Sunday (local time). Khan was addressing a massive gathering of around 30,000 people when a group of Baloch activists inside the venue stood up from their seats and started raising the slogans, demanding the independence of Balochistan. #WATCH Baloch activists disrupt Pakistan PM Imran Khan's speech during a community event in Washington DC, USA. pic.twitter.com/S9xdXF1yt8 — ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2019 × Khan is on a three-day visit to the United States and he is scheduled to meet President Donald Trump tomorrow. A day before his arrival in the US, the World Baloch Organisation (WBO) and the Baloch Republican Party had launched an awareness campaign on the enforced disappearances in Balochistan. The campaign was aimed at urging Trump to help ensure an end to human rights abuses and help end enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province, stated WBO. Human rights activists from various Baloch organisations have been continuing their campaigns around the world to highlight the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan. For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved. Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

Baloch activists disrupt Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's speech in US

Imran Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. Following a meeting in the Oval Office, Trump will host the visiting prime minister for a working lunch at the White House. Imran Khan’s maiden visit to the US as Pakistan’s Prime Minister will be “weak in substance” and there is nothing he can promise that hasn’t been promised before, a former top diplomat has said.

Imran Khan's biggest diplomatic visit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-meets-pakistan-businessmen-during-us-visit-237467">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>'s visit to the United States lands in a major controversy after netizens question the welcome accorded to him during his maiden visit.&nbsp;

A row has erupted over Khan's US visit, netizens question that Khan was not given a due welcome upon his arrival in Washington. Khan was welcomed by his Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi,&nbsp;Pakistan's envoy to the US and senior state department officials.&nbsp;

The US State Department maintains that Khan was received by Acting Chief of Protocol Mary-Kate Fisher as he is on a working visit and not a state visit.

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Prime Minister Khan was received at the airport by Acting Chief of Protocol Mary-Kate Fisher, as is standard for an Official Working Visit to the White House: <a href="https://twitter.com/StateDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StateDept</a> to <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@WIONews</a> <a href="https://t.co/bNmGnDx5uT">https://t.co/bNmGnDx5uT</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1152976715204792321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Khan also boarded a commercial flight instead of a private jet - a move that is telling of Pakistan's current economic conditions.

Netizens were quick to comment on the welcome that was given to the Pak PM.

Watch: Will Afghanistan's allegation affect Imran Khan's US visit?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/afghans-allegation-will-affect-imran-khans-us-visit-237511/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Khan's three-day visit has already been marred by controversies. Ten members of the US Congress have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-apprised-of-persecution-of-mohajirs-in-pakistan-ahead-of-meeting-with-imran-khan-237508">written to President Donald Trump</a> raising serious concerns over the conversion of religious minorities in the South Asian nation.

Meanwhile, right ahead of Khan's meeting with the US President, the Afghan government accused Pakistan of being <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-blames-pakistan-for-kandahar-attack-ahead-of-imran-trump-meet-237084">responsible for the recent Kandahar attack</a>.&nbsp;

The Kandahar terror attack, alleges Afghanistan, was planned in Chaman in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Twelve people were killed in the attack which was claimed by the Taliban.

India has long accused Pakistan of using terror as a state policy to foment trouble - a&nbsp;sentiment which has been echoed by Kabul in recent years.

Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. He will be accompanied by General Bajwa and lieutenant General Hameed.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the United States lands in a major controversy after netizens question the welcome accorded to him during his maiden visit.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the United States lands in a major controversy after netizens question the welcome accorded to him during his maiden visit. A row has erupted over Khan's US visit, netizens question that Khan was not given a due welcome upon his arrival in Washington. Khan was welcomed by his Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Pakistan's envoy to the US and senior state department officials. The US State Department maintains that Khan was received by Acting Chief of Protocol Mary-Kate Fisher as he is on a working visit and not a state visit. Prime Minister Khan was received at the airport by Acting Chief of Protocol Mary-Kate Fisher, as is standard for an Official Working Visit to the White House: @StateDept to @WIONews https://t.co/bNmGnDx5uT — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 21, 2019 × Khan also boarded a commercial flight instead of a private jet - a move that is telling of Pakistan's current economic conditions. Netizens were quick to comment on the welcome that was given to the Pak PM. Watch: Will Afghanistan's allegation affect Imran Khan's US visit? Khan's three-day visit has already been marred by controversies. Ten members of the US Congress have written to President Donald Trump raising serious concerns over the conversion of religious minorities in the South Asian nation. Meanwhile, right ahead of Khan's meeting with the US President, the Afghan government accused Pakistan of being responsible for the recent Kandahar attack. The Kandahar terror attack, alleges Afghanistan, was planned in Chaman in Pakistan. Twelve people were killed in the attack which was claimed by the Taliban. India has long accused Pakistan of using terror as a state policy to foment trouble - a sentiment which has been echoed by Kabul in recent years. Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on Monday. He will be accompanied by General Bajwa and lieutenant General Hameed.

Ahead of much-awaited Trump-Khan meeting, row erupts on Washington's welcome accorded to Pakistan PM 

Afghanistan intelligence has recently released audio tapes, which reveal Pakistan's link to the Kandahar attack. Will this affect Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the US?

Afghans allegation will affect Imran Khan's US visit?

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived in Washington DC on a three-day official trip to the US. According to the reports, Khan did not receive the state protocol which the US gives to the heads of the government who arrive on an official trip.

No top official to welcome Imran Khan in US

A US-based non-profit organisation, the South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation, has written a letter to US President Donald Trump highlighting the abuses faced by Mohajirs in Pakistan, ahead of the leader`s meeting with the South Asian country`s <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-meets-pakistan-businessmen-during-us-visit-237467">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> on Monday.

In his letter, the organisation`s founder, Nadeem Nusrat, urged Trump to "raise several critical issues" with Khan during their upcoming meeting.&nbsp;

This includes the state of affairs in Karachi -- home to Mohajirs -- which remains deprived of even the most basic civic facilities, according to Nadeem.

He highlighted that Karachi`s millions of frustrated, poor, and unemployed, yet talented and educated, youth could easily fall prey to religious extremists, including ISIS, which recently vowed to make Pakistan its next powerbase.

"Reforms in Karachi are the key to turning the corner on resisting the terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan to benefit not only the interest of the US but those of the civilized world," Nadeem stated in his letter.

"As we all know, criminal and terrorist forces thrive in places where frustration, poverty and hunger dominate. This is why it is critical from the US safety and security perspective to work closely with Pakistan to ensure justice for people living in urban Sindh. Again, largescale political and financial reforms in Karachi are key to the elimination of the terrorist elements in Pakistan," he added.

He highlighted a few focus areas in Karachi which could be raised during the Khan-Trump meeting.&nbsp;

They range from the fair representation of the people of Karachi to the persecution of Mohajirs, or Indian Muslims who migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947.

"There must be a crack-down on the draconian brutality of the actions of the quasi-military police force which is the source of deaths, kidnappings, enforced disappearances, political engineering, and basic civil rights abuses," Nadeem said.

"Law and order is a serious issue in Karachi. Over 90 per cent of the personnel of every law enforcement agency operating in Karachi is recruited from outside the city. At first brush, that may not seem important. However, we get back to the ethnic and cultural prejudice," he wrote.

"The large majority of Karachi citizens subject to these abuses are Urdu-speaking Mohajirs: Mohajirs are the descendants of those Indian Muslims who migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947; The religious, cultural and ethnic differences of these Mohajirs from the law enforcement personnel, who are not Mohajirs, is the basis of the gross human rights atrocities," Nadeem stated.

"These non-local security forces treat citizens of Karachi with utmost disrespect and contempt. Human rights violations are a daily occurrence and thousands of Karachi`s citizens have gone missing in the last few years after being taken into unlawful custody by non-local law enforcement agencies.&nbsp;

Around 25,000 people in Karachi have also been killed in fake encounters at the hands of police and paramilitary forces," he said, highlighting the issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan.

He also outlined that a few law enforcement agencies patronise and protect organised criminal gangs -- known as tanker mafia -- that steal Karachi`s water from main pipelines and sell it to Karachi`s poor residents through privately-owned tankers at exorbitant prices.

"In addition, two federal governments in Pakistan, in 1990 and 1996, were dissolved due to their involvement in extrajudicial executions of Karachi citizens, but the state has prosecuted even a single culprit responsible for these crimes against humanity. These facts have been reported by Amnesty International, UNO`s Commission on Human Rights, UNO`s Special Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance, as well as many other independent human rights organizations," he added.

Nadeem further stated that these intimidation tactics to politically control the population of Karachi through the denial of basic human needs and the right of representation are adverse to the political and security interest of the US.

"If it continues, ISIS and similar terrorist organisations can prey on the vulnerabilities of this Karachi population and find sanctuaries there...Chinese influence is sneaking its way into the Karachi vicinity and maybe in a position, with the direct or indirect approval of the Pakistan government, to lure those needy citizens of Karachi to work and thereby be brought into the influence of the Chinese government," he stated.

"The World Bank has catalogued even more problems than I have described in this letter that the city of Karachi is facing. The authors of the report have made some important recommendations besides strongly urging the Pakistan Government to spend at least 10 billion dollars every year on top of the city`s regular annual budget to make Karachi a viable city. Both federal and Sindh governments, however, have refused to implement any of those recommendations," the founder said.

He requested Trump to instruct the US State Department and the USAID to work closely with Karachi and Pakistan`s elected leadership to promote fair representation of the citizens of Karachi in the local and national government, free speech, religious freedom, free trade, freedom from oppressive para-military police force actions and provide opportunities for basic human development.

A US-based non-profit organisation, the South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation, has written a letter to US President Donald Trump highlighting the abuses faced by Mohajirs in Pakistan, ahead of the leader`s meeting with the South Asian country`s Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday.

A US-based non-profit organisation, the South Asian Minorities Alliance Foundation, has written a letter to US President Donald Trump highlighting the abuses faced by Mohajirs in Pakistan, ahead of the leader`s meeting with the South Asian country`s Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday. In his letter, the organisation`s founder, Nadeem Nusrat, urged Trump to "raise several critical issues" with Khan during their upcoming meeting. This includes the state of affairs in Karachi -- home to Mohajirs -- which remains deprived of even the most basic civic facilities, according to Nadeem. He highlighted that Karachi`s millions of frustrated, poor, and unemployed, yet talented and educated, youth could easily fall prey to religious extremists, including ISIS, which recently vowed to make Pakistan its next powerbase. "Reforms in Karachi are the key to turning the corner on resisting the terrorist sanctuaries in Pakistan to benefit not only the interest of the US but those of the civilized world," Nadeem stated in his letter. "As we all know, criminal and terrorist forces thrive in places where frustration, poverty and hunger dominate. This is why it is critical from the US safety and security perspective to work closely with Pakistan to ensure justice for people living in urban Sindh. Again, largescale political and financial reforms in Karachi are key to the elimination of the terrorist elements in Pakistan," he added. He highlighted a few focus areas in Karachi which could be raised during the Khan-Trump meeting. They range from the fair representation of the people of Karachi to the persecution of Mohajirs, or Indian Muslims who migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947. "There must be a crack-down on the draconian brutality of the actions of the quasi-military police force which is the source of deaths, kidnappings, enforced disappearances, political engineering, and basic civil rights abuses," Nadeem said. "Law and order is a serious issue in Karachi. Over 90 per cent of the personnel of every law enforcement agency operating in Karachi is recruited from outside the city. At first brush, that may not seem important. However, we get back to the ethnic and cultural prejudice," he wrote. "The large majority of Karachi citizens subject to these abuses are Urdu-speaking Mohajirs: Mohajirs are the descendants of those Indian Muslims who migrated to Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947; The religious, cultural and ethnic differences of these Mohajirs from the law enforcement personnel, who are not Mohajirs, is the basis of the gross human rights atrocities," Nadeem stated. "These non-local security forces treat citizens of Karachi with utmost disrespect and contempt. Human rights violations are a daily occurrence and thousands of Karachi`s citizens have gone missing in the last few years after being taken into unlawful custody by non-local law enforcement agencies. Around 25,000 people in Karachi have also been killed in fake encounters at the hands of police and paramilitary forces," he said, highlighting the issue of enforced disappearances in Pakistan. He also outlined that a few law enforcement agencies patronise and protect organised criminal gangs -- known as tanker mafia -- that steal Karachi`s water from main pipelines and sell it to Karachi`s poor residents through privately-owned tankers at exorbitant prices. "In addition, two federal governments in Pakistan, in 1990 and 1996, were dissolved due to their involvement in extrajudicial executions of Karachi citizens, but the state has prosecuted even a single culprit responsible for these crimes against humanity. These facts have been reported by Amnesty International, UNO`s Commission on Human Rights, UNO`s Special Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearance, as well as many other independent human rights organizations," he added. Nadeem further stated that these intimidation tactics to politically control the population of Karachi through the denial of basic human needs and the right of representation are adverse to the political and security interest of the US. "If it continues, ISIS and similar terrorist organisations can prey on the vulnerabilities of this Karachi population and find sanctuaries there...Chinese influence is sneaking its way into the Karachi vicinity and maybe in a position, with the direct or indirect approval of the Pakistan government, to lure those needy citizens of Karachi to work and thereby be brought into the influence of the Chinese government," he stated. "The World Bank has catalogued even more problems than I have described in this letter that the city of Karachi is facing. The authors of the report have made some important recommendations besides strongly urging the Pakistan Government to spend at least 10 billion dollars every year on top of the city`s regular annual budget to make Karachi a viable city. Both federal and Sindh governments, however, have refused to implement any of those recommendations," the founder said. He requested Trump to instruct the US State Department and the USAID to work closely with Karachi and Pakistan`s elected leadership to promote fair representation of the citizens of Karachi in the local and national government, free speech, religious freedom, free trade, freedom from oppressive para-military police force actions and provide opportunities for basic human development.

Trump apprised of persecution of Mohajirs in Pakistan ahead of meeting with Imran Khan

Pakistan Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-visit-to-us-a-move-from-isolation-to-invitation-says-pak-foreign-minister-shah-mehmood-qureshi-237341">Imran Khan</a> on Saturday arrived in Washington for his three-day visit to meet President Donald Trump.

According to Dawn, Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Abdul Razzak Dawood are accompanying the prime minister.

This is the first time the two top generals are accompanying a prime minister in the White House.

"And the moment that everyone has been waiting for is here; Prime Minister Khan lands in the US for a 3-day official visit upon POTUS @realDonaldTrump's invitation. Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI who is already in the US receives PM Khan!," Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf officially tweeted.

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And the moment that everyone has been waiting for is here; Prime Minister Khan lands in US for a 3-day official visit upon POTUS <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> ‘s invitation. Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SMQureshiPTI</a> who is already in US receives PM Khan. On way to Pakistan House now! 
 
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PMIKVisitingUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PMIKVisitingUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/JTnPBNlaCc">pic.twitter.com/JTnPBNlaCc</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1152667139528167426?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While Khan will hold talks with Trump on July 22 during his visit to Pentagon.

Khan is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday.

Khan will stay at the residence of Pakistan's Ambassador to the US.

In a bid to cut down on expenses, Khan travelled through Qatar Airways on a commercial flight.

Khan also made a stopover at in Doha, he was hosted by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. In a series of tweets, PTI on Friday outlined the Pakistani PM's schedule and its expectations from the Khan-Trump meeting.

"Pak-US friendship has been a bumpy ride but a cordial friendship, nevertheless. PM Khan's visit to the US is rekindling that friendship again for mutual cooperation towards one goal,&nbsp;Peace &amp; Stability in the region!" PTI tweeted."

PM Khan's visit will also highlight Pakistan's policy of "peaceful neighbourhood" aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond," Khan's political party added.

"During his various engagements in Washington, the Prime Minister will outline his vision of "Naya Pakistan" and underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to a broader and multi-faceted relationship with the United States," PTI stated.

"The whole world acknowledges the importance of Pakistan's strategic location in the region. That is why it is imperative to let the world know of Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region. PM Khan's visit to the US is also a step towards that greater goal!" PTI also tweeted on Friday.

The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after the US President struck down aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year.

Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil.

Following the February 14, Pulwama terror attack -- the responsibility of which was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed -- the United States supported India in its fight against terrorism.

Washington told Pakistan to immediately stop supporting terrorists and also introduced a resolution with UK and France to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council. Masood was blacklisted by the council on May 1 this year.

In what is largely being seen as a move to appease Washington before the Khan-Trump meeting, Pakistan also arrested LeT chief Hafiz Saeed this week, sending him to seven days in judicial custody.

India has dismissed this move, labelling it as nothing more than "drama" as Hafiz has been arrested on multiple occasions previously as well.

"The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Hafiz Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. (ANI)&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday arrived in Washington for his three-day visit to meet President Donald Trump. According to Dawn, Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Abdul Razzak Dawood are accompanying the prime minister.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday arrived in Washington for his three-day visit to meet President Donald Trump. According to Dawn, Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the director-general of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Abdul Razzak Dawood are accompanying the prime minister. This is the first time the two top generals are accompanying a prime minister in the White House. "And the moment that everyone has been waiting for is here; Prime Minister Khan lands in the US for a 3-day official visit upon POTUS @realDonaldTrump's invitation. Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI who is already in the US receives PM Khan!," Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf officially tweeted. And the moment that everyone has been waiting for is here; Prime Minister Khan lands in US for a 3-day official visit upon POTUS @realDonaldTrump ‘s invitation. Foreign Minister @SMQureshiPTI who is already in US receives PM Khan. On way to Pakistan House now! #PMIKVisitingUS pic.twitter.com/JTnPBNlaCc — PTI (@PTIofficial) July 20, 2019 × While Khan will hold talks with Trump on July 22 during his visit to Pentagon. Khan is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday. Khan will stay at the residence of Pakistan's Ambassador to the US. In a bid to cut down on expenses, Khan travelled through Qatar Airways on a commercial flight. Khan also made a stopover at in Doha, he was hosted by Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. In a series of tweets, PTI on Friday outlined the Pakistani PM's schedule and its expectations from the Khan-Trump meeting. "Pak-US friendship has been a bumpy ride but a cordial friendship, nevertheless. PM Khan's visit to the US is rekindling that friendship again for mutual cooperation towards one goal, Peace & Stability in the region!" PTI tweeted." PM Khan's visit will also highlight Pakistan's policy of "peaceful neighbourhood" aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond," Khan's political party added. "During his various engagements in Washington, the Prime Minister will outline his vision of "Naya Pakistan" and underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to a broader and multi-faceted relationship with the United States," PTI stated. "The whole world acknowledges the importance of Pakistan's strategic location in the region. That is why it is imperative to let the world know of Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region. PM Khan's visit to the US is also a step towards that greater goal!" PTI also tweeted on Friday. The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after the US President struck down aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil. Following the February 14, Pulwama terror attack -- the responsibility of which was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed -- the United States supported India in its fight against terrorism. Washington told Pakistan to immediately stop supporting terrorists and also introduced a resolution with UK and France to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council. Masood was blacklisted by the council on May 1 this year. In what is largely being seen as a move to appease Washington before the Khan-Trump meeting, Pakistan also arrested LeT chief Hafiz Saeed this week, sending him to seven days in judicial custody. India has dismissed this move, labelling it as nothing more than "drama" as Hafiz has been arrested on multiple occasions previously as well. "The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Hafiz Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar. (ANI)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan arrives in Washington for 3-day US visit

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Pakistani businessmen on the first day of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-along-with-army-chief-isi-dg-reaches-us-237348">three-day visit to the United States</a> on Sunday.

The businessmen called on Khan at the Pakistan Embassy in the US capital, according to Geo News.

Khan urged the Pakistani business community in the US to invest in Pakistan and "benefit from the economic and business opportunities afforded by Pakistan`s strategic location and the connectivity to the broader region", the news outlet reported.

The Pakistani leader, accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Faiz Hameed, had arrived in Washington on Saturday.

Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House tomorrow. He will be accompanied by General Bajwa and Lieutenant General Hameed.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Pakistani businessmen on the first day of his three-day visit to the United States on Sunday. The businessmen called on Khan at the Pakistan Embassy in the US capital, according to Geo News.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Pakistani businessmen on the first day of his three-day visit to the United States on Sunday. The businessmen called on Khan at the Pakistan Embassy in the US capital, according to Geo News. Khan urged the Pakistani business community in the US to invest in Pakistan and "benefit from the economic and business opportunities afforded by Pakistan`s strategic location and the connectivity to the broader region", the news outlet reported. The Pakistani leader, accompanied by Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Faiz Hameed, had arrived in Washington on Saturday. Khan is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House tomorrow. He will be accompanied by General Bajwa and Lieutenant General Hameed.

Imran Khan meets Pakistan businessmen during US visit

Afghanistan intelligence has released audio tapes, which reveal Pakistan's link to the Kandahar attack.

Afghan released audio tapes reveals Pak link to Kandahar attack

Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-embarks-on-3-day-visit-to-us-will-hold-talks-with-donald-trump-237208">three-day visit to the US</a>&nbsp;is a definite sign of the easing of the bitter relations between the two countries.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-lawmakers-urge-trump-to-raise-paks-human-rights-abuse-issue-during-meeting-with-imran-khan-237318">Khan will meet US President Donald Trump </a>on July 22.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, earlier this week, described PM Imran Khan's visit to the United States as "a move from isolation to an invitation".

Khan and Trump have, however, met before on Twitter and indulged in a war of words.&nbsp;

Twitter spat

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump had tweeted earlier last year.

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The stand was reiterated in several interviews by the US President.

Eventually, Imran Khan - who had stormed to power on the back of the promise of 'Naya Pakistan' - was forced to hit back. In a series of tweets last year in November, he said, "Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war and over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion."

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Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war &amp; over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1064482777054220289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's dwindling economy

To turn Pakistan's cash-strapped economy around, Imran Khan made state visits to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China and Malaysia in a bid to get investments.

But such is the debt trap which Pakistan is caught in, it has again, for the thirteenth time been forced to accept a $6 billion bailout by the IMF. To cut down on expenses, Imran Khan has embarked on an austerity drive.

He is, in fact, travelling to the United States this time round in a commercial flight and will stay at the Ambassador's residence.

Mission United States

Accompanied by his army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, Imran Khan's agenda on his US trip is primarily focused on resuming military training programs with the US, getting permission to purchase spare parts for F-16 jets, assistance from the US to get off the FATF greylist and getting more loans to boost Pakistan's dwindling economy.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-lawmakers-urge-trump-to-raise-paks-human-rights-abuse-issue-during-meeting-with-imran-khan-237318">issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh</a> - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country.

The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance - improvements that have not occurred.

&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's three-day visit to the US is a definite sign of the easing of the bitter relations between the two countries. Khan will meet US President Donald Trump on July 22.

Pakistan Prime Minister Khan's three-day visit to the US is a definite sign of the easing of the bitter relations between the two countries. Khan will meet US President Donald Trump on July 22. Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, earlier this week, described PM Imran Khan's visit to the United States as "a move from isolation to an invitation". Khan and Trump have, however, met before on Twitter and indulged in a war of words. Twitter spat "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump had tweeted earlier last year. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × The stand was reiterated in several interviews by the US President. Eventually, Imran Khan - who had stormed to power on the back of the promise of 'Naya Pakistan' - was forced to hit back. In a series of tweets last year in November, he said, "Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war and over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion." Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war & over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan's dwindling economy To turn Pakistan's cash-strapped economy around, Imran Khan made state visits to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, China and Malaysia in a bid to get investments. But such is the debt trap which Pakistan is caught in, it has again, for the thirteenth time been forced to accept a $6 billion bailout by the IMF. To cut down on expenses, Imran Khan has embarked on an austerity drive. He is, in fact, travelling to the United States this time round in a commercial flight and will stay at the Ambassador's residence. Mission United States Accompanied by his army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, Imran Khan's agenda on his US trip is primarily focused on resuming military training programs with the US, getting permission to purchase spare parts for F-16 jets, assistance from the US to get off the FATF greylist and getting more loans to boost Pakistan's dwindling economy. Meanwhile, US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country. The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance - improvements that have not occurred.

Imran Khan's US visit: Focus on resuming military training programs, exiting FATF greylist

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh accepted <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/navjot-singh-sidhu-resigns-from-punjab-government-235689">Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation</a> on Saturday as state minister which he had announced earlier.

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Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh accepts Navjot Singh Sidhu’s resignation as State Minister. CM has forwarded his resignation to Governor of Punjab Vijayender Pal Singh Badnore. <a href="https://t.co/oOTWCLbgDm">pic.twitter.com/oOTWCLbgDm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1152448789111812097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 20, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The resignation letter has now been forwarded to Governor of Punjab Vijayender Pal Singh Badnore who is yet to accept it.

The cricketer-turned-politician <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ending-suspense-navjot-singh-sidhu-sends-resignation-to-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-236075">announced his resignation from the post of Punjab Cabinet minister</a> on July 14. He shared the resignation letter on Twitter addressed to former Congress party president Rahul Gandhi and said that he "submitted this on June 10, 2019".

"My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he said in a tweet.

This triggered a row of suspense on why it was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month.&nbsp;

Amrinder Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy.

On June 6, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh stripped Sidhu of the local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio.

"I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios.

"My department is being singled out publicly. I always regard him as my elder I always listen to him. But it hurts and now where is the collective responsibility? He (Amarinder) could have called me and said anything he wanted to say," Sidhu had added.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh accepted Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Saturday as state minister which he had announced earlier. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh accepts Navjot Singh Sidhu’s resignation as State Minister.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amrinder Singh accepted Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation on Saturday as state minister which he had announced earlier. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh accepts Navjot Singh Sidhu’s resignation as State Minister. CM has forwarded his resignation to Governor of Punjab Vijayender Pal Singh Badnore. pic.twitter.com/oOTWCLbgDm — ANI (@ANI) July 20, 2019 × The resignation letter has now been forwarded to Governor of Punjab Vijayender Pal Singh Badnore who is yet to accept it. The cricketer-turned-politician announced his resignation from the post of Punjab Cabinet minister on July 14. He shared the resignation letter on Twitter addressed to former Congress party president Rahul Gandhi and said that he "submitted this on June 10, 2019". "My letter to the Congress President Shri Rahul Gandhi Ji, submitted on 10 June 2019," he said in a tweet. This triggered a row of suspense on why it was not sent to Amarinder Singh in the past one month. Amrinder Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads since his controversial visit to Pakistan for the swearing-in ceremony of Imran Khan where he had hugged the Army Chief leading to a huge controversy. On June 6, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh stripped Sidhu of the local Government and Tourism and Cultural Affairs Departments and allotted him the Power and New and Renewable Energy Portfolio. "I cannot be taken for granted. I have been a performer throughout in 40 years of my life be it international cricket, or world-class commentary with Geoffrey Boycott, TV shows or motivational talks," Sidhu had told reporters after being stripped of the key portfolios. "My department is being singled out publicly. I always regard him as my elder I always listen to him. But it hurts and now where is the collective responsibility? He (Amarinder) could have called me and said anything he wanted to say," Sidhu had added.

Punjab CM Amarinder Singh accepts Navjot Singh Sidhu's resignation

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a 3-day visit to the United States, Now the key question is can Imran Khan's visit to White House turn things round?

Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit the White House

As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gears up for his first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-embarks-on-3-day-visit-to-us-will-hold-talks-with-donald-trump-237208">high-level visit to the United States</a>, experts believe that Islamabad is playing a double game in managing affairs between Washington and Beijing -- the two rival economies.

Pakistan remains China's closest ally as it is actively aiding, abetting and promoting Beijing's strategic goals and hegemony in the region and the world.

However, Pakistan knows its strategic significance in the region and hence leaving no stone unturned to convince the United States to gain financial and military assistance.

Taha Siddiqui, a Pakistani journalist living in exile in Paris, said, "Pakistan is going through economic turmoil and is in need of American financial and military assistance. It appears things seem to be on the hold and in review with regards to China's investments inside Pakistan, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor."

"The Pakistan military chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is accompanying the Pakistani PM, and is the defacto in-charge of Pakistan, wants to revive and restart the relationship with the US, and Bajwa knows Washington needs Islamabad in case of Afghanistan and if there is any conflict with Iran in the coming days. And therefore Pakistan may once again offer its services as a rental state," he added.

"It also knows that the Americans want to restrict the expansionary footprint of China in the region and therefore Pakistan may go for playing the double game whereby it keeps the US and China both engaged with Islamabad and seeks maximum financial benefit from both, and it can do so because of the geostrategic position it enjoys in the region," Siddiqui said.

The Trump administration appears to believe that the pressure it exerted on Pakistan, in an attempt to soften it over the last year, is what is paying dividends now with the country goading the Taliban -- most of whose leaders take shelter in Pakistan -- to the negotiating table. The reality is quite the opposite.

Quick to seize on President Trump's stated desire to withdraw from Afghanistan, Pakistan's decision to facilitate the talks has more to do with its keenness to drive the US out of Afghanistan in order to get the Taliban back in the saddle in Kabul.

Astonishingly, it seems to matter little to Trump that he himself recently accused Pakistan of deceiving Washington over the years by sheltering terrorist proxies such as the Taliban and the Haqqani network, supporting them in carrying out deadly attacks against US troops in Afghanistan.

Nor does it matter to him that the Afghan government blames Pakistan, particularly its spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, for keeping the Taliban militarily and politically alive throughout these years.

Junaid Qureshi, the Director of the Amsterdam-based European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) said, "The foreign policy of Pakistan towards the US and China might differ, yet it is fashioned through a balance of power principle, since the destabilised state of Pakistan requires someone to play as a gyroscope that counterweights the tilted scales and establishes an equilibrium.

"Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that Pakistan has happened to develop an important and strategic role for itself as it appears that it is a fundamental ingredient for China's rise in the region and beyond, through its provision of alternative energy supplies, transportation routes, and national security. Yet, it remains to be seen whether the country will succeed in clearing all its woes, considering the rise of extremism in Pakistan and the support to it by the military establishment. There is a growing realisation throughout the world, including in the US, that Pakistan has played a 'double-game'&nbsp;for decades.

"In this scenario, some may ask whether Islamabad`s marriage with China and simultaneously its affair with the US, is Pakistan`s next double game?" Qureshi mused.&nbsp;

As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gears up for his first high-level visit to the United States, experts believe that Islamabad is playing a double game in managing affairs between Washington and Beijing -- the two rival economies.

As Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan gears up for his first high-level visit to the United States, experts believe that Islamabad is playing a double game in managing affairs between Washington and Beijing -- the two rival economies. Pakistan remains China's closest ally as it is actively aiding, abetting and promoting Beijing's strategic goals and hegemony in the region and the world. However, Pakistan knows its strategic significance in the region and hence leaving no stone unturned to convince the United States to gain financial and military assistance. Taha Siddiqui, a Pakistani journalist living in exile in Paris, said, "Pakistan is going through economic turmoil and is in need of American financial and military assistance. It appears things seem to be on the hold and in review with regards to China's investments inside Pakistan, particularly the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor." "The Pakistan military chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, who is accompanying the Pakistani PM, and is the defacto in-charge of Pakistan, wants to revive and restart the relationship with the US, and Bajwa knows Washington needs Islamabad in case of Afghanistan and if there is any conflict with Iran in the coming days. And therefore Pakistan may once again offer its services as a rental state," he added. "It also knows that the Americans want to restrict the expansionary footprint of China in the region and therefore Pakistan may go for playing the double game whereby it keeps the US and China both engaged with Islamabad and seeks maximum financial benefit from both, and it can do so because of the geostrategic position it enjoys in the region," Siddiqui said. The Trump administration appears to believe that the pressure it exerted on Pakistan, in an attempt to soften it over the last year, is what is paying dividends now with the country goading the Taliban -- most of whose leaders take shelter in Pakistan -- to the negotiating table. The reality is quite the opposite. Quick to seize on President Trump's stated desire to withdraw from Afghanistan, Pakistan's decision to facilitate the talks has more to do with its keenness to drive the US out of Afghanistan in order to get the Taliban back in the saddle in Kabul. Astonishingly, it seems to matter little to Trump that he himself recently accused Pakistan of deceiving Washington over the years by sheltering terrorist proxies such as the Taliban and the Haqqani network, supporting them in carrying out deadly attacks against US troops in Afghanistan. Nor does it matter to him that the Afghan government blames Pakistan, particularly its spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence, for keeping the Taliban militarily and politically alive throughout these years. Junaid Qureshi, the Director of the Amsterdam-based European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS) said, "The foreign policy of Pakistan towards the US and China might differ, yet it is fashioned through a balance of power principle, since the destabilised state of Pakistan requires someone to play as a gyroscope that counterweights the tilted scales and establishes an equilibrium. "Nevertheless, it is crucial to note that Pakistan has happened to develop an important and strategic role for itself as it appears that it is a fundamental ingredient for China's rise in the region and beyond, through its provision of alternative energy supplies, transportation routes, and national security. Yet, it remains to be seen whether the country will succeed in clearing all its woes, considering the rise of extremism in Pakistan and the support to it by the military establishment. There is a growing realisation throughout the world, including in the US, that Pakistan has played a 'double-game' for decades. "In this scenario, some may ask whether Islamabad`s marriage with China and simultaneously its affair with the US, is Pakistan`s next double game?" Qureshi mused.

Pakistan's next double game: Marriage with China, affair with US

Ten US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh -&nbsp;including enforced disappearances -&nbsp;during his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-embarks-on-3-day-visit-to-us-will-hold-talks-with-donald-trump-237208">upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>.

In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country.

The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance -&nbsp;improvements that have not occurred.

"Nowhere is that failure more evident than in Sindh Province, which has continued to suffer from numerous economic and social injustices, often at the hands of the Pakistani government," the lawmakers state.

They go on to highlight the failures and "injustices" in Sindh, including the recent outbreak of HIV in the province, enforced disappearances and the forced conversions of young girls to Islam.

Highlighting the widespread issue of enforced disappearances at the hands of the Pakistani government, the ten leaders said, "Hundreds of people in Sindh have disappeared this way, including writers, students, activists, and politicians who campaign for human rights. Some of these individuals have ended up dead, and their families have never received the justice they deserve."

They also shed light on the human rights abuse of minorities, with young Hindu and Christian girls being kidnapped and forcefully converted to Islam. They are often married off to men decades older to them, the lawmakers said."

Other injustices in Sindh Province are deliberately carried out by the Pakistani state and its supporters," they stated.

"According to an independent Pakistani watchdog group, there were around one-thousand cases of forced conversions in Sindh Province in 2018 alone. The actual number is certainly higher. Shockingly, there are no laws in Sindh banning forced conversions," they added.

Other social injustices the Pakistani province faces is widespread medical negligence, with the recent outbreak of HIV serving as the prime example.

The reason behind the outbreak is being pegged on syringes and needles being reused, as well as unsafe blood transfusions by the lawmakers.

"In one town, at least 681 people tested positive for HIV in one month earlier this year.

Of these, 537 were children, including a tragic case of a 16-month-old little girl," the lawmakers claimed.

"This isn't the first time that reckless negligence has caused HIV outbreaks in Sindh Province -&nbsp;in one outbreak in 2016, 1,521 people were found to be HIV positive in another part of Sindh," they added.

The lawmakers slam Pakistan, stating that the outbreak is "simply unacceptable," especially when the United States has given Pakistan $283 million in health assistance since 2001."As you seek to change Pakistani behaviour on issues like terrorism, it is essential that you also push the Pakistani government to improve the lives of its citizens," the lawmakers lastly told Trump in the letter.

The 10 lawmakers include Brad Sherman, Adam B. Schiff, Eleanor H Norton, David E Price, David Schweikert, Dan Crenshaw, Juan Vargas, Carolyn B Maloney, Jan Schakosky and Ann Wagner. &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Ten US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Ten US lawmakers have written to US President Donald Trump, urging him to raise the issue of human rights abuses in Pakistan's Sindh - including enforced disappearances - during his upcoming meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. In a letter addressed to Trump on July 19, the lawmakers highlight that human rights abuses, at the hands of the authorities, continue to prevail in the Pakistani province, despite Washington having provided more than $30 billion in aid to the South Asian country. The aid, according to them, was supposed to improve social and economic conditions in Pakistan, as well as promote good governance - improvements that have not occurred. "Nowhere is that failure more evident than in Sindh Province, which has continued to suffer from numerous economic and social injustices, often at the hands of the Pakistani government," the lawmakers state. They go on to highlight the failures and "injustices" in Sindh, including the recent outbreak of HIV in the province, enforced disappearances and the forced conversions of young girls to Islam. Highlighting the widespread issue of enforced disappearances at the hands of the Pakistani government, the ten leaders said, "Hundreds of people in Sindh have disappeared this way, including writers, students, activists, and politicians who campaign for human rights. Some of these individuals have ended up dead, and their families have never received the justice they deserve." They also shed light on the human rights abuse of minorities, with young Hindu and Christian girls being kidnapped and forcefully converted to Islam. They are often married off to men decades older to them, the lawmakers said." Other injustices in Sindh Province are deliberately carried out by the Pakistani state and its supporters," they stated. "According to an independent Pakistani watchdog group, there were around one-thousand cases of forced conversions in Sindh Province in 2018 alone. The actual number is certainly higher. Shockingly, there are no laws in Sindh banning forced conversions," they added. Other social injustices the Pakistani province faces is widespread medical negligence, with the recent outbreak of HIV serving as the prime example. The reason behind the outbreak is being pegged on syringes and needles being reused, as well as unsafe blood transfusions by the lawmakers. "In one town, at least 681 people tested positive for HIV in one month earlier this year. Of these, 537 were children, including a tragic case of a 16-month-old little girl," the lawmakers claimed. "This isn't the first time that reckless negligence has caused HIV outbreaks in Sindh Province - in one outbreak in 2016, 1,521 people were found to be HIV positive in another part of Sindh," they added. The lawmakers slam Pakistan, stating that the outbreak is "simply unacceptable," especially when the United States has given Pakistan $283 million in health assistance since 2001."As you seek to change Pakistani behaviour on issues like terrorism, it is essential that you also push the Pakistani government to improve the lives of its citizens," the lawmakers lastly told Trump in the letter. The 10 lawmakers include Brad Sherman, Adam B. Schiff, Eleanor H Norton, David E Price, David Schweikert, Dan Crenshaw, Juan Vargas, Carolyn B Maloney, Jan Schakosky and Ann Wagner.

US lawmakers urge Trump to raise Pak's human rights abuse issue during meeting with Imran Khan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday embarked on a three-day visit to the United States for his first meeting with President Donald Trump.

He is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday.

In a bid to cut down on expenses, Khan travelled through Qatar Airways on a commercial flight, according to Dawn.

Reports had also suggested that Khan had requested to stay at the residence of Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, further bringing the costs down.

In a series of tweets, PTI on Friday outlined the Pakistani PM's schedule and its expectations from the Khan-Trump meeting.

"Pak-US friendship has been a bumpy ride but a cordial friendship, nevertheless. PM Khan's visit to US is rekindling that friendship again for mutual cooperation towards one goal: Peace and Stability in the region!" PTI tweeted.

"PM Khan's visit will also highlight Pakistan's policy of "peaceful neighbourhood" aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond," Khan's political party added.

"During his various engagements in Washington, the Prime Minister will outline his vision of "Naya Pakistan" and underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to a broader and multi-faceted relationship with the United States," PTI stated.

"The whole world acknowledges the importance of Pakistan's strategic location in the region. That is why it is imperative to let the world know of Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region. PM Khan's visit to the US is also a step towards that greater goal!" PTI also tweeted on Friday.

The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after the US President struck down aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil.

Following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack -- the responsibility of which was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed -- the United States supported India in its fight against terrorism.

Washington told Pakistan to immediately stop supporting terrorists and also introduced a resolution with UK and France to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council. Masood was blacklisted by the council on May 1 this year.

In what is largely being seen as a move to appease Washington before the Khan-Trump meeting, Pakistan also arrested LeT chief Hafiz Saeed this week, sending him to seven days in judicial custody.

India has dismissed this move, labelling it as nothing more than "drama" as Hafiz has been arrested on multiple occasions previously as well.

"The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Hafiz Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday embarked on a three-day visit to the United States for his first meeting with President Donald Trump. He is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday embarked on a three-day visit to the United States for his first meeting with President Donald Trump. He is expected to discuss Afghanistan and peace in the South Asian region during his upcoming meeting with Trump, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) said on Friday. In a bid to cut down on expenses, Khan travelled through Qatar Airways on a commercial flight, according to Dawn. Reports had also suggested that Khan had requested to stay at the residence of Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, further bringing the costs down. In a series of tweets, PTI on Friday outlined the Pakistani PM's schedule and its expectations from the Khan-Trump meeting. "Pak-US friendship has been a bumpy ride but a cordial friendship, nevertheless. PM Khan's visit to US is rekindling that friendship again for mutual cooperation towards one goal: Peace and Stability in the region!" PTI tweeted. "PM Khan's visit will also highlight Pakistan's policy of "peaceful neighbourhood" aimed at resolving disputes through dialogue and promoting the vision of peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia and beyond," Khan's political party added. "During his various engagements in Washington, the Prime Minister will outline his vision of "Naya Pakistan" and underscore the importance Pakistan attaches to a broader and multi-faceted relationship with the United States," PTI stated. "The whole world acknowledges the importance of Pakistan's strategic location in the region. That is why it is imperative to let the world know of Pakistan's efforts for peace in the region. PM Khan's visit to the US is also a step towards that greater goal!" PTI also tweeted on Friday. The US-Pakistan relationship has been strained in recent times, especially after the US President struck down aid amounting to $1.3 billion to Pakistan last year. Washington had said that the aid would remain suspended until Islamabad takes steps against harbouring terrorists on its soil. Following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack -- the responsibility of which was claimed by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed -- the United States supported India in its fight against terrorism. Washington told Pakistan to immediately stop supporting terrorists and also introduced a resolution with UK and France to blacklist JeM chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN Security Council. Masood was blacklisted by the council on May 1 this year. In what is largely being seen as a move to appease Washington before the Khan-Trump meeting, Pakistan also arrested LeT chief Hafiz Saeed this week, sending him to seven days in judicial custody. India has dismissed this move, labelling it as nothing more than "drama" as Hafiz has been arrested on multiple occasions previously as well. "The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Hafiz Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," said Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan embarks on 3-day US visit; to hold talks with Donald Trump

A Congressional report released earlier this week said that the security aid given by the US to Pakistan would remain suspended pending "decisive and irreversible" action against terrorist groups.

The report came ahead of Pakistan's Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/imran-khans-cost-cutting-us-visit-to-take-qatar-airways-flight-to-us-236985">Imran Khan's visit to the US</a> which is set to take place on July 21-24.

"The United States continues to press for 'decisive and irreversible action' against 'externally-focused militant groups and UN-designated terrorist organisations operating from its territory.' Pending such action, security assistance will remain suspended," the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) stated in the report.

The CRS, known as US Congress's think tank is a public policy research wing, which prepares reports on issues of interest for lawmakers to make informed decisions. It directly works with Members of Congress, their Committees and staff on a confidential and nonpartisan basis.

Its reports are prepared by eminent experts of the field and are not considered as an official view of the Congress.

Ties between the US and Pakistan strained after President Donald Trump while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August 2016, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

In November last year, Pentagon announced that it has suspended security assistance to Pakistan after Trump directed to do so.

"$1.66 billion of security assistance to Pakistan is suspended," Col Rob Manning, spokesman of the Department of Defence had said.

On November 19, Trump had said that Pakistan does not do "a damn thing" for the US while alleging that its government had helped al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Abbottabad.

In September 2017, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and the Taliban active on its soil.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Congressional report released earlier this week said that the security aid given by the US to Pakistan would remain suspended pending "decisive and irreversible" action against terrorist groups.

A Congressional report released earlier this week said that the security aid given by the US to Pakistan would remain suspended pending "decisive and irreversible" action against terrorist groups. The report came ahead of Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the US which is set to take place on July 21-24. "The United States continues to press for 'decisive and irreversible action' against 'externally-focused militant groups and UN-designated terrorist organisations operating from its territory.' Pending such action, security assistance will remain suspended," the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) stated in the report. The CRS, known as US Congress's think tank is a public policy research wing, which prepares reports on issues of interest for lawmakers to make informed decisions. It directly works with Members of Congress, their Committees and staff on a confidential and nonpartisan basis. Its reports are prepared by eminent experts of the field and are not considered as an official view of the Congress. Ties between the US and Pakistan strained after President Donald Trump while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August 2016, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. In November last year, Pentagon announced that it has suspended security assistance to Pakistan after Trump directed to do so. "$1.66 billion of security assistance to Pakistan is suspended," Col Rob Manning, spokesman of the Department of Defence had said. On November 19, Trump had said that Pakistan does not do "a damn thing" for the US while alleging that its government had helped al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city of Abbottabad. In September 2017, the Trump administration cancelled $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and the Taliban active on its soil. (With inputs from agencies)

Security assistance to Pakistan to remain suspended: Congressional report ahead of Imran Khan's visit

Pakistan on Friday said it has agreed with the country's clergy to introduce reforms in madrassa religious schools to bring them in line with conventional schools, curbing hate speech and extremist narratives.

The announcement came just before Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Washington for a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump, whose administration continues to press Pakistan over terrorist financing and curbing militancy.

The government will register more than 30,000 madrassas, which will teach subjects like English, mathematics and science, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood said.

He said the government will conduct their exams and is aiming for a first batch next June, although that is not a firm goal.

Pakistan's madrassas have long been accused of promoting extremist narratives and have been dubbed "nurseries of extremism".

"There will be no preaching of hate speech against any religion or sect," the minister said.

"We will look at their curriculum to see there is no hatred against any sect or faith," he added.

Pakistan pledged to crack down on religious seminaries suspected of fostering extremism following a school massacre by the Taliban in December 2014 that left more than 130 children dead, but the move faces stiff resistance from conservatives.

Madrassa reforms attempted by the past governments have failed due to pressure from the clergy. &nbsp;

Pakistan is a deeply religious Muslim-majority society and, despite misgivings about madrassas, clergy are generally well respected.

In another move ahead of Khan's US trip, Pakistan on Wednesday detained Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of an attack on the Indian city of Mumbai in 2008 that killed more than 160 people.

Pakistan on Friday said it has agreed with the country's clergy to introduce reforms in madrassa religious schools to bring them in line with conventional schools, curbing hate speech and extremist narratives.

Pakistan on Friday said it has agreed with the country's clergy to introduce reforms in madrassa religious schools to bring them in line with conventional schools, curbing hate speech and extremist narratives. The announcement came just before Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Washington for a Monday meeting with President Donald Trump, whose administration continues to press Pakistan over terrorist financing and curbing militancy. The government will register more than 30,000 madrassas, which will teach subjects like English, mathematics and science, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood said. He said the government will conduct their exams and is aiming for a first batch next June, although that is not a firm goal. Pakistan's madrassas have long been accused of promoting extremist narratives and have been dubbed "nurseries of extremism". "There will be no preaching of hate speech against any religion or sect," the minister said. "We will look at their curriculum to see there is no hatred against any sect or faith," he added. Pakistan pledged to crack down on religious seminaries suspected of fostering extremism following a school massacre by the Taliban in December 2014 that left more than 130 children dead, but the move faces stiff resistance from conservatives. Madrassa reforms attempted by the past governments have failed due to pressure from the clergy. Pakistan is a deeply religious Muslim-majority society and, despite misgivings about madrassas, clergy are generally well respected. In another move ahead of Khan's US trip, Pakistan on Wednesday detained Hafiz Saeed, the alleged mastermind of an attack on the Indian city of Mumbai in 2008 that killed more than 160 people.

Pakistan announces religious school reform ahead of PM Imran Khan's US visit

Trump Continues To Provoke People Ahead Of Imran Khan's U.S. Visit Imran Khan will meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday. To appease the U.S., Pakistan even arrested terrorist Hafiz Saeed, again. But having a cordial meeting with a 'know-it-all' POTUS will be difficult. He demonstrated his lack of knowledge on a host of things today too. Trump even asked Yazidi activist Nadia Murad why she won the Nobel Prize! Palki sums up.

Gravitas: Ahead of Imran khan's US visit, trump remains in 'characteristic' form

Pakistan PM Imran Khan plans to attempt Modi-style rally to impress Trump in Washington DC. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan plans to attempt Modi-style rally to impress Trump

After former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was arrested on corruption charges, PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal attacked Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying the party will never allow the cricketer-turned-politician to become Pakistan's "Adolf Hitler", referring to the German dictator.

"Is every civilian a terrorist here? We can sacrifice our lives, but we will not deviate from the path of exposing this government for what it is," The Express Tribune quoted Iqbal, the country's former interior minister, as saying.

Echoing similar sentiments, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto targetted the Khan's "selected government", alleging of conducting a "witch hunt" against the elected lawmakers.

Demanding Abbasi's release Bilawal said that "selective accountability by the selected government" will never be accepted despite using "illegal and unconstitutional tools" against the Opposition.

Abbasi was arrested in connection with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) scam, where he and others are accused of illegally awarding LNG terminal contracts for a period of 15 years to a company of their liking in violation of defined rules, incurring losses to the state exchequer.

He was nabbed on his way to Lahore for a press conference, becoming the country`s third high-profile politician to be arrested after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari.

Last year, NAB had launched an investigation against Abbasi and Sharif over the alleged misuse of authority.

Abbasi served as the prime minister from August 2017 to May 2018, following the disqualification of Sharif from office by the Pakistan Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal.

He also served as the petroleum and natural resources minister in the Sharif government.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was arrested on corruption charges, PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal attacked Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying the party will never allow the cricketer-turned-politician to become Pakistan's "Adolf Hitler", referring to the German dictator.

After former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was arrested on corruption charges, PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal attacked Prime Minister Imran Khan, saying the party will never allow the cricketer-turned-politician to become Pakistan's "Adolf Hitler", referring to the German dictator. "Is every civilian a terrorist here? We can sacrifice our lives, but we will not deviate from the path of exposing this government for what it is," The Express Tribune quoted Iqbal, the country's former interior minister, as saying. Echoing similar sentiments, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto targetted the Khan's "selected government", alleging of conducting a "witch hunt" against the elected lawmakers. Demanding Abbasi's release Bilawal said that "selective accountability by the selected government" will never be accepted despite using "illegal and unconstitutional tools" against the Opposition. Abbasi was arrested in connection with the liquefied natural gas (LNG) scam, where he and others are accused of illegally awarding LNG terminal contracts for a period of 15 years to a company of their liking in violation of defined rules, incurring losses to the state exchequer. He was nabbed on his way to Lahore for a press conference, becoming the country`s third high-profile politician to be arrested after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari. Last year, NAB had launched an investigation against Abbasi and Sharif over the alleged misuse of authority. Abbasi served as the prime minister from August 2017 to May 2018, following the disqualification of Sharif from office by the Pakistan Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal. He also served as the petroleum and natural resources minister in the Sharif government.

Won't let Imran Khan become 'Hitler of Pakistan': PML-N's Ahsan Iqbal

In a<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-a-bid-to-cut-costs-imran-khan-expresses-wish-to-stay-at-ambassadors-home-during-us-visit-233951"> bid to cut costs with the struggling economy</a> of&nbsp;his country, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to take Qatar Airways flight to the US.

The prime minister had so far used PAK1 for his foreign visits. PAK1 is the official airplane used by Pakistan prime ministers.

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PM Imran Khan will fly to Washington by Qatar Airways.
— Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) <a href="https://twitter.com/naeemul_haque/status/1151856958737133576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Imran's foreign visits so far included two times China trip, three times visit to Saudi Arabia, a once trip to Russia, Qatar and UAE.

Khan used PAK1 for his visits to all these countries.

The PM has also decided to&nbsp;stay at Pakistan House on his visit to the US Capitol.

Pakistan House is the Ambassador's residence in Washington DC.

Imran Khan will visit the US from July 21-24 where he will meet with the Pakistan diaspora.

The Pakistan Prime Minister will meet US President Donald Trump on July 22.

In a bid to cut costs with the struggling economy of his country, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to take Qatar Airways flight to the US. The prime minister had so far used PAK1 for his foreign visits.

In a bid to cut costs with the struggling economy of his country, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to take Qatar Airways flight to the US. The prime minister had so far used PAK1 for his foreign visits. PAK1 is the official airplane used by Pakistan prime ministers. PM Imran Khan will fly to Washington by Qatar Airways. — Naeem ul Haque (@naeemul_haque) July 18, 2019 × Imran's foreign visits so far included two times China trip, three times visit to Saudi Arabia, a once trip to Russia, Qatar and UAE. Khan used PAK1 for his visits to all these countries. The PM has also decided to stay at Pakistan House on his visit to the US Capitol. Pakistan House is the Ambassador's residence in Washington DC. Imran Khan will visit the US from July 21-24 where he will meet with the Pakistan diaspora. The Pakistan Prime Minister will meet US President Donald Trump on July 22.

Imran Khan's 'cost-cutting' drive; to take Qatar Airways flight to US

Pakistan on Wednesday arrested the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-arrests-2611-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-236587">Hafiz Saeed</a>, whose prosecution has long been sought by New Delhi and Washington over the ghastly attacks in India`s financial capital.

In Washington, US President Donald Trump welcomed the arrest. In a tweet on Wednesday morning, Trump wrote, "After a 10-year search, the so-called `mastermind` of the Mumbai terror attacks has been arrested in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-slaps-terror-financing-charges-against-hafiz-saeed-india-says-have-seen-this-before-232870">Pakistan</a>.

Great pressure has been exerted over the last two years to find him!"The US State Department also welcomed the arrest saying, "The arrest of LeT leader Hafiz Saeed is a positive step. A full and expeditious prosecution for his involvement in numerous acts of terror, such as the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, including six Americans is necessary. The victims of the terrorist attacks deserve justice."

Contrary to Trump`s characterisation of a prolonged `search`, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terror-court-grants-interim-pre-arrest-bail-to-hafiz-saeed-in-seminary-land-case-236176">Pakistani authorities</a> have been aware of Saeed`s whereabouts for years, critics have argued.

Analysts in Washington see the detention as major cosmetic move ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s maiden official visit to the United States and said, "clearly, much is being done to put a happy face on Imran Khan`s visit to Washington DC."

"I think the arrest of Hafiz Saeed is purely cosmetic because there is no historical basis to conclude otherwise. Washington probably believes as I do, but places other issues like Pakistan`s potential positive role in the Afghan peace process as a higher priority, an assumption that, in my opinion, is mistaken," said Lawrence Sellin, a retired US Army Reserve colonel, Iraq, and an Afghanistan veteran.

Trump`s South Asia policy was seen as radical two years ago for its tough stance on Pakistan, but with Imran Khan`s visit to Washington from July 21 to 23, the policy seems to have made a sudden U-turn on some key aspects.

The changed South Asia policy of the Trump administration now has a welcoming bouquet of positives for Pakistan.&nbsp;

Some of the positives that moved within weeks before the big Trump-Khan meet - Hafiz Saeed`s arrest, a four-party joint statement on Afghan peace process being released, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) being suddenly designated a terrorist organisation and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan for USD 6 billion being approved.

"I think this arrest should be seen in the same context as a number of other recent notable developments: Pakistan calling for India to resume dialogue, Pakistan arresting dozens of militants, and even Pakistan announcing it would be gifting a portrait of Donald Trump to the US President," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the US-based Wilson`s Center.

Pakistan is leading a charm offensive in advance of Khan`s visit to the US, in the hope that US officials will be receptive to a number of Pakistani pitches and asks," he said.

Pakistan faces the threat of international financial sanctions over lax controls on financial close that could go to terrorists. Islamabad needs to show action in the next few weeks to prevent itself from being blacklisted that would restrict its access to the international banking system.

Pulitzer Prize-winner journalist and former New York Times reporter Pir Zubair Shah told ANI about Pakistan facing its worst economic crisis."The news of Hafiz Saeed`s arrest is clearly an effort by Pakistan to show to the US that it is now serious in combating terrorism and is willing to listen to the US and on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) demands," Shah said.

Meanwhile, Taj Ayubi, an international affairs advisor to former Afghan president Hamid Karzai and someone who played an active role in the Afghan resistance against the Soviets, also told ANI, "Pakistan is financially stapled and is almost on the verge of an economic collapse. It is desperately hoping it can get US assistance, maybe the World Bank or other financial institution. For the Khan government, this trip here to the US will give the crippled economy a push where Saudi Arabia and China would help Pakistan."

Islamabad has announced a raft of arrests, seizures of assets and other actions over the past few months against militants, saying it was taking a "proactive approach and that our territory cannot be used against anyone."

Imran Khan`s White House meeting is expected by the experts to be dominated by Afghanistan, where Pakistan is playing a key role in supporting talks between the US and the Taliban, another jihadist group that Islamabad is accused of supporting.

But Pakistan`s relation with India is also expected to be discussed during the meet, with the two countries coming close to war earlier this year.

A source within the Indian government sounded a note of scepticism about Saeed`s arrest.`This is not the first time that Hafiz Saeed has been arrested or detained. This drama has taken place at least eight times since 2001.&nbsp;

The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," the official told ANI speaking on the condition of anonymity.

The official said that Pakistan`s sincerity to take action against terrorism will be judged based on their ability to demonstrate verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their soil."We hope that this time Hafiz Saeed will genuinely be brought to justice," the official said.

The Trump-Khan meeting will likely to be relatively short and experts do not anticipate many splashy announcements or new deals.&nbsp;

Experts say that this visit could be mere optics with nothing of substance on the table or maybe even a pie in the sky.

It is a major diplomatic victory for Imran Khan - just being invited to Washington DC to meet Trump. Nothing else needs to happen!

Pakistan on Wednesday arrested the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Hafiz Saeed, whose prosecution has long been sought by New Delhi and Washington over the ghastly attacks in India`s financial capital.

Pakistan on Wednesday arrested the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Hafiz Saeed, whose prosecution has long been sought by New Delhi and Washington over the ghastly attacks in India`s financial capital. In Washington, US President Donald Trump welcomed the arrest. In a tweet on Wednesday morning, Trump wrote, "After a 10-year search, the so-called `mastermind` of the Mumbai terror attacks has been arrested in Pakistan. Great pressure has been exerted over the last two years to find him!"The US State Department also welcomed the arrest saying, "The arrest of LeT leader Hafiz Saeed is a positive step. A full and expeditious prosecution for his involvement in numerous acts of terror, such as the Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people, including six Americans is necessary. The victims of the terrorist attacks deserve justice." Contrary to Trump`s characterisation of a prolonged `search`, Pakistani authorities have been aware of Saeed`s whereabouts for years, critics have argued. Analysts in Washington see the detention as major cosmetic move ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan`s maiden official visit to the United States and said, "clearly, much is being done to put a happy face on Imran Khan`s visit to Washington DC." "I think the arrest of Hafiz Saeed is purely cosmetic because there is no historical basis to conclude otherwise. Washington probably believes as I do, but places other issues like Pakistan`s potential positive role in the Afghan peace process as a higher priority, an assumption that, in my opinion, is mistaken," said Lawrence Sellin, a retired US Army Reserve colonel, Iraq, and an Afghanistan veteran. Trump`s South Asia policy was seen as radical two years ago for its tough stance on Pakistan, but with Imran Khan`s visit to Washington from July 21 to 23, the policy seems to have made a sudden U-turn on some key aspects. The changed South Asia policy of the Trump administration now has a welcoming bouquet of positives for Pakistan. Some of the positives that moved within weeks before the big Trump-Khan meet - Hafiz Saeed`s arrest, a four-party joint statement on Afghan peace process being released, the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) being suddenly designated a terrorist organisation and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan for USD 6 billion being approved. "I think this arrest should be seen in the same context as a number of other recent notable developments: Pakistan calling for India to resume dialogue, Pakistan arresting dozens of militants, and even Pakistan announcing it would be gifting a portrait of Donald Trump to the US President," said Michael Kugelman, deputy director of the Asia Program at the US-based Wilson`s Center. Pakistan is leading a charm offensive in advance of Khan`s visit to the US, in the hope that US officials will be receptive to a number of Pakistani pitches and asks," he said. Pakistan faces the threat of international financial sanctions over lax controls on financial close that could go to terrorists. Islamabad needs to show action in the next few weeks to prevent itself from being blacklisted that would restrict its access to the international banking system. Pulitzer Prize-winner journalist and former New York Times reporter Pir Zubair Shah told ANI about Pakistan facing its worst economic crisis."The news of Hafiz Saeed`s arrest is clearly an effort by Pakistan to show to the US that it is now serious in combating terrorism and is willing to listen to the US and on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) demands," Shah said. Meanwhile, Taj Ayubi, an international affairs advisor to former Afghan president Hamid Karzai and someone who played an active role in the Afghan resistance against the Soviets, also told ANI, "Pakistan is financially stapled and is almost on the verge of an economic collapse. It is desperately hoping it can get US assistance, maybe the World Bank or other financial institution. For the Khan government, this trip here to the US will give the crippled economy a push where Saudi Arabia and China would help Pakistan." Islamabad has announced a raft of arrests, seizures of assets and other actions over the past few months against militants, saying it was taking a "proactive approach and that our territory cannot be used against anyone." Imran Khan`s White House meeting is expected by the experts to be dominated by Afghanistan, where Pakistan is playing a key role in supporting talks between the US and the Taliban, another jihadist group that Islamabad is accused of supporting. But Pakistan`s relation with India is also expected to be discussed during the meet, with the two countries coming close to war earlier this year. A source within the Indian government sounded a note of scepticism about Saeed`s arrest.`This is not the first time that Hafiz Saeed has been arrested or detained. This drama has taken place at least eight times since 2001. The question is whether this time it would be more than a cosmetic exercise and whether Saeed will be tried and sentenced for his terrorist activities," the official told ANI speaking on the condition of anonymity. The official said that Pakistan`s sincerity to take action against terrorism will be judged based on their ability to demonstrate verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their soil."We hope that this time Hafiz Saeed will genuinely be brought to justice," the official said. The Trump-Khan meeting will likely to be relatively short and experts do not anticipate many splashy announcements or new deals. Experts say that this visit could be mere optics with nothing of substance on the table or maybe even a pie in the sky. It is a major diplomatic victory for Imran Khan - just being invited to Washington DC to meet Trump. Nothing else needs to happen!

Hafiz Saeed's arrest mere cosmetic, it's Pakistan's happy face for Donald Trump- Imran Khan meet

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/appreciate-icjs-decision-not-to-acquit-kulbhushan-jadhav-says-imran-khan-after-icjs-verdict-236784">Prime Minister Imran Khan's government</a> faces mounting pressure as rising prices and tough austerity policies under Pakistan's latest bailout from the International Monetary Fund are squeezing the middle class that helped carry it to power.

Rashid Mehmood owns a small shop selling children's clothing in Aabpara, the oldest market in the capital, Islamabad. He says he has faced a critical decline in sales over the past year, pointing to Khan's election last August.&nbsp;

The last six months had been "particularly harsh", he said.

"Do you see any customers coming into my store?" he asked as he stood in his empty shop, decorated with brightly coloured leggings and dresses.

He said had not made a sale in a week.

In normal times, Mehmood's store serves the kind of middle-class shoppers who in recent years have been behind an import-led consumption splurge that propped up growth and helped hide the problems of an economy riddled with inefficiency and without a strong export base.

Fed by low-interest rates, heavy borrowing and an over-valued rupee currency that, for a time at least, allowed imports to pour in, consumption gave an illusion of growth that has now been replaced by a severe economic hangover.

Like so many of its predecessors, Khan's government, which came to power vowing to root out corruption and create millions of jobs, has been forced to turn to the IMF to prevent a balance-of-payments crisis as the money runs out.&nbsp;

Economic growth, which reached 5.5 per cent in the fiscal year to June 2018, is expected to slow to 2.4 per cent this financial year, according to IMF estimates, barely enough to keep pace with the growth in a population that now numbers 208 million.

The rupee has lost about a quarter of its value in a slide that has driven up fuel costs and helped push a relentless increase in prices for food and other necessities.

The central bank, which this week raised interest rates to 13.25 per cent, expects inflation to average as much as 12 per cent this year.

As ever, the poorest have been hit hardest. But the squeeze on middle-income households poses a special challenge for Khan, who has enjoyed wide support among an urban middle class that has grown over the past two decades as poverty levels have come down from two-thirds of the population to about a quarter.

Further along in Aabpara market, Abida Jahan has come with her family from Haripur town, a couple of hours drive away, after the food-processing factory her husband worked in was shut down. They are looking for a gift to celebrate their daughter's 13th birthday.

However, the surge in prices has meant that they will likely go home empty handed.

"This is the same government that promised to decrease oil prices to 45 rupees," says Abida's husband, recalling that Khan's PTI party had promised to halve the price of fuel and build a new welfare state.

Shopping malls

Pakistan's growing middle class has helped reshape its urban landscape, symbolizing a promise of upward mobility.

Shopping malls with foreign retail brands and fast-food franchises have proliferated in recent years, serving a middle class who "define themselves by what they can buy and where they can eat", says Ammara Maqsood, author of The New Pakistani Middle Class.

In the first decade of the century, economic growth fuelled by privatisation led families to new prosperity marked by their ability to buy a motorbike, rent a home or send their children to private school.

Now businesses supplying consumers with everything from mobile phones to clothing, motorbikes, and cars bought on hire purchase are feeling the squeeze.

"It's a multiple effect," said Fatima Azim, chief executive of Azim Motors, which has a joint venture with Japanese car maker Suzuki Motors supplying small cars and motorbikes to mainly lower-middle-class customers.

"Income has not increased at all so no matter what, if they are going to a shopping mall or wherever, they are being affected," she said.

The government has placed the blame squarely on the corruption of past governments, notably that of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who championed big infrastructure projects that spurred growth but drained currency reserves.

Sharif is now serving a seven-year sentence for a corruption conviction he said was politically motivated.

How convincing the government's argument will be as the crisis bites remains to be seen and a nationwide strike by wholesalers and traders last weekend gave some taste of the growing unhappiness.

"Let's be honest, it feels like we are the ones who are being punished for forcing out the crooks," says Fawad Subhani, who owns a domestic appliance store in Islamabad.

"They were thieves, but they were thieves who also had money and friends with money."

Prime Minister Imran Khan's government faces mounting pressure as rising prices and tough austerity policies under Pakistan's latest bailout from the International Monetary Fund are squeezing the middle class that helped carry it to power.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's government faces mounting pressure as rising prices and tough austerity policies under Pakistan's latest bailout from the International Monetary Fund are squeezing the middle class that helped carry it to power. Rashid Mehmood owns a small shop selling children's clothing in Aabpara, the oldest market in the capital, Islamabad. He says he has faced a critical decline in sales over the past year, pointing to Khan's election last August. The last six months had been "particularly harsh", he said. "Do you see any customers coming into my store?" he asked as he stood in his empty shop, decorated with brightly coloured leggings and dresses. He said had not made a sale in a week. In normal times, Mehmood's store serves the kind of middle-class shoppers who in recent years have been behind an import-led consumption splurge that propped up growth and helped hide the problems of an economy riddled with inefficiency and without a strong export base. Fed by low-interest rates, heavy borrowing and an over-valued rupee currency that, for a time at least, allowed imports to pour in, consumption gave an illusion of growth that has now been replaced by a severe economic hangover. Like so many of its predecessors, Khan's government, which came to power vowing to root out corruption and create millions of jobs, has been forced to turn to the IMF to prevent a balance-of-payments crisis as the money runs out. Economic growth, which reached 5.5 per cent in the fiscal year to June 2018, is expected to slow to 2.4 per cent this financial year, according to IMF estimates, barely enough to keep pace with the growth in a population that now numbers 208 million. The rupee has lost about a quarter of its value in a slide that has driven up fuel costs and helped push a relentless increase in prices for food and other necessities. The central bank, which this week raised interest rates to 13.25 per cent, expects inflation to average as much as 12 per cent this year. As ever, the poorest have been hit hardest. But the squeeze on middle-income households poses a special challenge for Khan, who has enjoyed wide support among an urban middle class that has grown over the past two decades as poverty levels have come down from two-thirds of the population to about a quarter. Further along in Aabpara market, Abida Jahan has come with her family from Haripur town, a couple of hours drive away, after the food-processing factory her husband worked in was shut down. They are looking for a gift to celebrate their daughter's 13th birthday. However, the surge in prices has meant that they will likely go home empty handed. "This is the same government that promised to decrease oil prices to 45 rupees," says Abida's husband, recalling that Khan's PTI party had promised to halve the price of fuel and build a new welfare state. Shopping malls Pakistan's growing middle class has helped reshape its urban landscape, symbolizing a promise of upward mobility. Shopping malls with foreign retail brands and fast-food franchises have proliferated in recent years, serving a middle class who "define themselves by what they can buy and where they can eat", says Ammara Maqsood, author of The New Pakistani Middle Class. In the first decade of the century, economic growth fuelled by privatisation led families to new prosperity marked by their ability to buy a motorbike, rent a home or send their children to private school. Now businesses supplying consumers with everything from mobile phones to clothing, motorbikes, and cars bought on hire purchase are feeling the squeeze. "It's a multiple effect," said Fatima Azim, chief executive of Azim Motors, which has a joint venture with Japanese car maker Suzuki Motors supplying small cars and motorbikes to mainly lower-middle-class customers. "Income has not increased at all so no matter what, if they are going to a shopping mall or wherever, they are being affected," she said. The government has placed the blame squarely on the corruption of past governments, notably that of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who championed big infrastructure projects that spurred growth but drained currency reserves. Sharif is now serving a seven-year sentence for a corruption conviction he said was politically motivated. How convincing the government's argument will be as the crisis bites remains to be seen and a nationwide strike by wholesalers and traders last weekend gave some taste of the growing unhappiness. "Let's be honest, it feels like we are the ones who are being punished for forcing out the crooks," says Fawad Subhani, who owns a domestic appliance store in Islamabad. "They were thieves, but they were thieves who also had money and friends with money."

Pakistan price squeeze hits middle class as well as poor

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in favour of India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case is a big diplomatic victory. Pakistan, held to have acted in violation of the Vienna Convention, has been asked to grant consular access to Jadhav. Pakistan is now also under obligation to provide effective review and reconsideration of the conviction and (death) sentence of Jadhav. That means the death sentence to Jadhav cannot be carried out. That's about the crux of the judgement.

Looking beyond the diplomatic and legal victory, what is most obvious are the worries in the aftermath of the ICJ verdict. One, Jadhav's trial will continue in Pakistan. Two, the trial will continue in the military court as the status of such a court is the same as that of a civilian court. Three, Jadhav, even with the comfort of consular access, could continue to languish indefinitely in prison. Four, in prison, Jadhav would be in danger of being killed by one or more of the criminal inmates. Five, in effect, the guarantee against judicial execution is no guarantee of the right to life as long as Jadhav is in a Pakistani prison.

The worries arising from the victory for India are both a challenge and opportunity for Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The challenge is to rise to the needs of the situation, which require Khan to grasp the nettle and assert that he can break out of the military-dictated mould by rising to political and diplomatic statesmanship.

He would win not just India's appreciation but near-universal acclaim and applause should he dare where the generals fear to tread and order the unconditional release of Jadhav. In doing so, he would be stealing the Pakistani army's thunder but also that of the ICJ, which has not gone beyond the established precedent of consular access.

(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in favour of India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case is a big diplomatic victory. Pakistan, held to have acted in violation of the Vienna Convention, has been asked to grant consular access to Jadhav.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling in favour of India in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case is a big diplomatic victory. Pakistan, held to have acted in violation of the Vienna Convention, has been asked to grant consular access to Jadhav. Pakistan is now also under obligation to provide effective review and reconsideration of the conviction and (death) sentence of Jadhav. That means the death sentence to Jadhav cannot be carried out. That's about the crux of the judgement. Looking beyond the diplomatic and legal victory, what is most obvious are the worries in the aftermath of the ICJ verdict. One, Jadhav's trial will continue in Pakistan. Two, the trial will continue in the military court as the status of such a court is the same as that of a civilian court. Three, Jadhav, even with the comfort of consular access, could continue to languish indefinitely in prison. Four, in prison, Jadhav would be in danger of being killed by one or more of the criminal inmates. Five, in effect, the guarantee against judicial execution is no guarantee of the right to life as long as Jadhav is in a Pakistani prison. The worries arising from the victory for India are both a challenge and opportunity for Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The challenge is to rise to the needs of the situation, which require Khan to grasp the nettle and assert that he can break out of the military-dictated mould by rising to political and diplomatic statesmanship. He would win not just India's appreciation but near-universal acclaim and applause should he dare where the generals fear to tread and order the unconditional release of Jadhav. In doing so, he would be stealing the Pakistani army's thunder but also that of the ICJ, which has not gone beyond the established precedent of consular access. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Kulbhushan Jadhav verdict - Imran Khan should grasp the nettle

The ruling party of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched another blistering attack on the press, linking critical coverage to potential "treason" in the latest broadside against the beleaguered media.

The official account of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party fired off over two dozen tweets in English and Urdu late Tuesday, lambasting the press for coverage criticising the government and PM Imran&nbsp;Khan which it deemed "anti-state".

"Freedom of expression is beauty of democracy. Expressing enemy's stance is not freedom of speech but treason against its people," read one tweet.

"Media houses &amp; journalists must take care that in their quest for criticism on State, they intentionally or unintentionally do not end up propagating enemy's stance," read another, with the hashtag: #JournalismNotAgenda.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Media houses &amp; journalists must take care that in their quest for criticism on State, they intentionally or unintentionally do not end up propagating enemy’s stance. Freedom of expression is immense power. And with great power there is great responsibility!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JournalismNotAgenda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JournalismNotAgenda</a> <a href="https://t.co/YdxD9Al5Pb">pic.twitter.com/YdxD9Al5Pb</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1151131210871013377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 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>

Pakistan routinely ranks among the world's most dangerous countries for media workers, and reporters have frequently been detained, beaten and even killed for being critical of the government or powerful military.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Instead of serving as self appointed spokespersons of political parties, nitpicking &amp; manipulating stories to suit a particular narrative, the fundamental responsibility of a journalist is to be impartial and truthful to their profession and nation. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JournalismNotAgenda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JournalismNotAgenda</a> <a href="https://t.co/mtxAJJ4TFe">pic.twitter.com/mtxAJJ4TFe</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1151117986385678341?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 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>

In recent years the space for dissent has shrunk further, with the government announcing a crackdown on social networks and traditional media houses decrying pressure from authorities that they say has resulted in widespread self-censorship.

Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders recently warned of "disturbing dictatorial tendencies" after three Pakistani TV stations were briefly taken off air in what it called "brazen censorship".

The Committee to Protect Journalist last year warned that the powerful Pakistani military had "quietly, but effectively, set restrictions on reporting".

The government has defended its record, and last week Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a media freedom conference in London that there was "no question of gagging" journalists after being challenged on his country's record.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Freedom of press is a part of freedom of expression; given it does not hurt state or nation <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JournalismNotAgenda?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JournalismNotAgenda</a> <a href="https://t.co/rBhCRgP0Fb">pic.twitter.com/rBhCRgP0Fb</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1151111480328237056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Prime Minister Khan, a cricket hero who captained the national team to World Cup victory in 1992, was elected last summer after running a fiery campaign -&nbsp;vowing to crack down on corruption and build an Islamic welfare state.&nbsp;

But, nearly one year later, his rule has been marred by a crackdown on civil rights activists, the rounding up of opposition leaders, and increased pressure on the press.&nbsp;

His government is also struggling to right the country's floundering economy, with ballooning deficits, soaring inflation, and a sinking rupee stirring discontent.&nbsp;

Among other tweets, the PTI also warned that the media was a "powerful tool of depicting the positive image of our country. Anti-State actions not only impact the credibility of our journalism community but also sends out a wrong message to the world". 
&nbsp;

The ruling party of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched another blistering attack on the press, linking critical coverage to potential "treason" in the latest broadside against the beleaguered media.

The ruling party of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has launched another blistering attack on the press, linking critical coverage to potential "treason" in the latest broadside against the beleaguered media. The official account of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party fired off over two dozen tweets in English and Urdu late Tuesday, lambasting the press for coverage criticising the government and PM Imran Khan which it deemed "anti-state". "Freedom of expression is beauty of democracy. Expressing enemy's stance is not freedom of speech but treason against its people," read one tweet. "Media houses & journalists must take care that in their quest for criticism on State, they intentionally or unintentionally do not end up propagating enemy's stance," read another, with the hashtag: #JournalismNotAgenda. Media houses & journalists must take care that in their quest for criticism on State, they intentionally or unintentionally do not end up propagating enemy’s stance. Freedom of expression is immense power. And with great power there is great responsibility!#JournalismNotAgenda pic.twitter.com/YdxD9Al5Pb — PTI (@PTIofficial) July 16, 2019 × Pakistan routinely ranks among the world's most dangerous countries for media workers, and reporters have frequently been detained, beaten and even killed for being critical of the government or powerful military. Instead of serving as self appointed spokespersons of political parties, nitpicking & manipulating stories to suit a particular narrative, the fundamental responsibility of a journalist is to be impartial and truthful to their profession and nation. #JournalismNotAgenda pic.twitter.com/mtxAJJ4TFe — PTI (@PTIofficial) July 16, 2019 × In recent years the space for dissent has shrunk further, with the government announcing a crackdown on social networks and traditional media houses decrying pressure from authorities that they say has resulted in widespread self-censorship. Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders recently warned of "disturbing dictatorial tendencies" after three Pakistani TV stations were briefly taken off air in what it called "brazen censorship". The Committee to Protect Journalist last year warned that the powerful Pakistani military had "quietly, but effectively, set restrictions on reporting". The government has defended its record, and last week Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a media freedom conference in London that there was "no question of gagging" journalists after being challenged on his country's record. Freedom of press is a part of freedom of expression; given it does not hurt state or nation #JournalismNotAgenda pic.twitter.com/rBhCRgP0Fb — PTI (@PTIofficial) July 16, 2019 × Prime Minister Khan, a cricket hero who captained the national team to World Cup victory in 1992, was elected last summer after running a fiery campaign - vowing to crack down on corruption and build an Islamic welfare state. But, nearly one year later, his rule has been marred by a crackdown on civil rights activists, the rounding up of opposition leaders, and increased pressure on the press. His government is also struggling to right the country's floundering economy, with ballooning deficits, soaring inflation, and a sinking rupee stirring discontent. Among other tweets, the PTI also warned that the media was a "powerful tool of depicting the positive image of our country. Anti-State actions not only impact the credibility of our journalism community but also sends out a wrong message to the world".

Freedom of expression beauty of democracy, expressing enemy's stance is not freedom of speech: Imran Khan's PTI to local media

Pakistan legal team on <a href="Tuesday reached The Hague in the Netherlands">Tuesday reached The Hague in the Netherlands</a>, a day before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to announce its verdict in Kulbushan Jadhav case.

The team, led by Attorney General for Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan, also included Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, reported Express Tribune.&nbsp;

The 48-year-old former Naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism on April 11, 2017.&nbsp;

Following which, India approached ICJ against Pakistan "for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963" in the matter.

India has contended that it had not been informed of Mr Jadhav`s detention until long after his arrest and that Pakistan had failed to inform the accused of his rights.&nbsp;

It further alleged that, in violation of the Vienna Convention, the authorities of Pakistan had denied India its right of consular access to Jadhav, despite repeated requests.&nbsp;

Subsequently, on May 18, 2017, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till the adjudication of the case.&nbsp;

In February this year, the ICJ rejected five pleas made by Pakistan during the hearing of Jadhav's case, including the playing of the so-called "confessional statement" of the Indian national and a request to adjourn the hearing citing illness of its ad-hoc judge.&nbsp;

The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case started on February 18 at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague.

Pakistan had further urged the ICJ to dismiss India's plea for relief for its national Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in an "opaque trial."&nbsp;

Pakistan legal team on Tuesday reached The Hague in the Netherlands, a day before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to announce its verdict in Kulbushan Jadhav case.

Pakistan legal team on Tuesday reached The Hague in the Netherlands, a day before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is expected to announce its verdict in Kulbushan Jadhav case. The team, led by Attorney General for Pakistan Anwar Mansoor Khan, also included Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal, reported Express Tribune. The 48-year-old former Naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism on April 11, 2017. Following which, India approached ICJ against Pakistan "for egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963" in the matter. India has contended that it had not been informed of Mr Jadhav`s detention until long after his arrest and that Pakistan had failed to inform the accused of his rights. It further alleged that, in violation of the Vienna Convention, the authorities of Pakistan had denied India its right of consular access to Jadhav, despite repeated requests. Subsequently, on May 18, 2017, a 10-member bench of the ICJ restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till the adjudication of the case. In February this year, the ICJ rejected five pleas made by Pakistan during the hearing of Jadhav's case, including the playing of the so-called "confessional statement" of the Indian national and a request to adjourn the hearing citing illness of its ad-hoc judge. The four-day hearing in the Jadhav case started on February 18 at the ICJ headquarters in The Hague. Pakistan had further urged the ICJ to dismiss India's plea for relief for its national Jadhav, who has been sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in an "opaque trial."

Pakistan legal team in Hague for Kulbushan Jadhav verdict

People in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are facing immense difficulties due to the consistent increase in inflation rates and heavy pay taxes implemented by Islamabad for benefits that residents here never enjoy.

While Pakistan has been witnessing economic challenges in recent days owing to its incompetent policies, this occupied region, which is already marginalised, has borne the major brunt of unfair taxes and high inflation.

Locals of this region have accused the establishment and Prime Minister Imran Khan of being apathetic towards their plights and making tall claims of bringing prosperity.

They allege that Pakistan has actually done nothing for the welfare of the region. "Imran Khan has changed the lives of people for worse at the pretext of transforming Pakistan. Heavy taxes have been imposed.

Now, how will a person earning a meagre amount of Rs 500 per day, manage his living? How will poor people survive?" Muman Muneer, a miffed rickshaw puller in Muzaffarabad said on the current financial crunch in PoK.

"The rich government officials can bear this but not us. We are dependent on our daily earnings. We just want to say if Pakistan wants our welfare then it should do something and stop exploiting the common people," Muneer added.

A sharp rise in the fuel, food and transportation costs has severely hit the domestic budgets of people in the region.

People who left their homes for green pastures away from towns and cities are now returning home after a drastic reduction in their income.

Mohammad Salman, a young pendant seller said, "Everything has become expensive. Earlier, I would save Rs. 500 per month but now my monthly saving has reduced to Rs.300. Imran Khan has made everything costlier. The room rent is expensive. The food has become has expensive. There is no point in living here."

There has been no progress when it comes to employment and development of the region however the people continue to be subjected to hardships.

Another local in the region said, "Inflation has reached where it is impossible for the common man to survive. You can observe it for yourself. The petrol prices, which would hover around Rs. 90, have gone beyond Rs 160. A packet of flour used to cost us Rs 900 earlier but it is for Rs 1,100 now. The price of sugar has skyrocketed from Rs. 60 per kg to Rs 120 per kg."

The economic policies in the illegally occupied regions of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are decided according to the whims and fancies of Islamabad. The economic losses being faced by Pakistan due to policy paralysis are compensated from these regions. A sudden escalation in the prices is just one aspect of its exploitative design.

Pakistan's consumer price inflation rose to 9.41 per cent in March, marking the highest in past five years.

The cash-strapped country has recently received the 13th bailout package from the International Monetary Fund worth six billion US dollar.

People in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are facing immense difficulties due to the consistent increase in inflation rates and heavy pay taxes implemented by Islamabad for benefits that residents here never enjoy.

People in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) are facing immense difficulties due to the consistent increase in inflation rates and heavy pay taxes implemented by Islamabad for benefits that residents here never enjoy. While Pakistan has been witnessing economic challenges in recent days owing to its incompetent policies, this occupied region, which is already marginalised, has borne the major brunt of unfair taxes and high inflation. Locals of this region have accused the establishment and Prime Minister Imran Khan of being apathetic towards their plights and making tall claims of bringing prosperity. They allege that Pakistan has actually done nothing for the welfare of the region. "Imran Khan has changed the lives of people for worse at the pretext of transforming Pakistan. Heavy taxes have been imposed. Now, how will a person earning a meagre amount of Rs 500 per day, manage his living? How will poor people survive?" Muman Muneer, a miffed rickshaw puller in Muzaffarabad said on the current financial crunch in PoK. "The rich government officials can bear this but not us. We are dependent on our daily earnings. We just want to say if Pakistan wants our welfare then it should do something and stop exploiting the common people," Muneer added. A sharp rise in the fuel, food and transportation costs has severely hit the domestic budgets of people in the region. People who left their homes for green pastures away from towns and cities are now returning home after a drastic reduction in their income. Mohammad Salman, a young pendant seller said, "Everything has become expensive. Earlier, I would save Rs. 500 per month but now my monthly saving has reduced to Rs.300. Imran Khan has made everything costlier. The room rent is expensive. The food has become has expensive. There is no point in living here." There has been no progress when it comes to employment and development of the region however the people continue to be subjected to hardships. Another local in the region said, "Inflation has reached where it is impossible for the common man to survive. You can observe it for yourself. The petrol prices, which would hover around Rs. 90, have gone beyond Rs 160. A packet of flour used to cost us Rs 900 earlier but it is for Rs 1,100 now. The price of sugar has skyrocketed from Rs. 60 per kg to Rs 120 per kg." The economic policies in the illegally occupied regions of PoK and Gilgit Baltistan are decided according to the whims and fancies of Islamabad. The economic losses being faced by Pakistan due to policy paralysis are compensated from these regions. A sudden escalation in the prices is just one aspect of its exploitative design. Pakistan's consumer price inflation rose to 9.41 per cent in March, marking the highest in past five years. The cash-strapped country has recently received the 13th bailout package from the International Monetary Fund worth six billion US dollar.

People angry over rising inflation, heavy taxes in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-sentences-three-jaish-e-mohammed-activists-for-terror-funding-223365">Jaish-e-Mohammed</a> terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday.

The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.&nbsp;

In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone.

On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan.&nbsp;

He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad.

A team of Delhi Police`s Special Cell arrested a Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist from Jammu and Kashmir's Srinagar on Tuesday. The police had announced a reward of Rs 2 lakh on information leading to the arrest of Jaish terrorist Basir Ahmad. In April, the Delhi Police Special Cell had arrested a JeM terrorist from Srinagar identified as Faiyaz Ahmed Lone. On March 22, Delhi Police had arrested Sajjad Khan, an alleged associate of Pulwama terror attack mastermind Mudassir Ahmed Khan. He was arrested from the Red Fort area and was later to handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA)

Delhi Police Special Cell arrests Jaish-e-Mohammed  terrorist from Srinagar

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