Imran Khan has completed one year of being Prime Minister of Pakistan. See how was Pakistan's economy changed under Imran Khan. Price of bread is up by 25% in the last year. You can imagine it all by yourself now. Watch this video to know more.

Has Imran Khan delivered 'Naya Pakistan'?

Imran Khan has completed one year of being Prime Minister of Pakistan. See how was Pakistan's economy changed under Imran Khan. Price of bread is up by 25% in the last year, petrol prices up by over 20%. You can imagine it all by yourself now. Watch this video to know more.

Inflation crippling Pak economy, petrol prices up by over 20%

Pakistanis erupted into unprovoked clashes with Indians in the UK. Watch this video to know more.

UK: Pakistanis erupted into unprovoked clashes with Indians

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is being snubbed by the country`s opposition for "begging" abroad, on Thursday asserted that he never bowed down to anyone.

"Neither have I bowed down to anyone nor will I let my nation to do so. We are a self-respecting nation. All my struggle is focused to make our country one of the great nations of the world based on the principles set by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) upon which he founded the state of Madinah," Khan said while addressing a gathering at Islamabad airport upon returning to Pakistan after his three-day trip to the United States.

Khan`s remarks came in response to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari`s claim of the Prime Minister having caused "embarrassment" to the nation during his maiden visit to the US.

Dubbing Khan as "Selected Prime Minister", Bilawal had tweeted, "Pitty even when representing our country abroad Selected PM can`t get of his container" earlier this week.

"Imran is a ruler, not a leader. Pakistan needs a leader who speaks for all Pakistanis, not just himself. If the government does opposition &amp; opposition does opposition then who`s left to run the country?" he added.

Khan, who took a commercial flight to the US instead of a private jet to cut down on expenses, was not accorded due state protocol in the country and was instead received by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Dulles International Airport.&nbsp;

During his visit, Khan had his first face-to-face interaction with US President Donald Trump. He also met Secretary of State Micheal R. Pompeo.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is being snubbed by the country`s opposition for "begging" abroad, on Thursday asserted that he never bowed down to anyone.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is being snubbed by the country`s opposition for "begging" abroad, on Thursday asserted that he never bowed down to anyone. "Neither have I bowed down to anyone nor will I let my nation to do so. We are a self-respecting nation. All my struggle is focused to make our country one of the great nations of the world based on the principles set by the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) upon which he founded the state of Madinah," Khan said while addressing a gathering at Islamabad airport upon returning to Pakistan after his three-day trip to the United States. Khan`s remarks came in response to Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari`s claim of the Prime Minister having caused "embarrassment" to the nation during his maiden visit to the US. Dubbing Khan as "Selected Prime Minister", Bilawal had tweeted, "Pitty even when representing our country abroad Selected PM can`t get of his container" earlier this week. "Imran is a ruler, not a leader. Pakistan needs a leader who speaks for all Pakistanis, not just himself. If the government does opposition & opposition does opposition then who`s left to run the country?" he added. Khan, who took a commercial flight to the US instead of a private jet to cut down on expenses, was not accorded due state protocol in the country and was instead received by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Dulles International Airport. During his visit, Khan had his first face-to-face interaction with US President Donald Trump. He also met Secretary of State Micheal R. Pompeo.

Neither have I bowed down to anyone nor will I let my nation to do so: Imran Khan

India is in touch with Pakistan regarding Kulbhushan Jadhav's consular access. New Delhi has conveyed its demand for full consular access under the ICJ verdict and Vienna convention to Islamabad.

Speaking at the weekly Ministry of External Affairs weekly presser, spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "There have been favourable judgement from the International Court of Justice in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav. We expect full consular access should be granted to him at the earliest in full compliance and conformity of ICJ judgement and Vienna convention. We are in touch with Pakistani authorities in this regard through diplomatic channels."

Meanwhile, Pakistan ministry has informed Jadhav about his rights and that Islamabad will be giving him consular access

The Pakistani foreign ministry said, "Process is underway regarding the implementation of ICJ verdict"

India got a major victory last week at the world court, with the Hague based organisation calling Islamabad to give India consular access to Kulbhushan. The Court declared that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further "delay of his rights."&nbsp;

The court unanimously found that it had jurisdiction in the case and by a vote of 15-1, pronounced its verdict, with the sole dissenting Judge being Ad Hoc Judge Tassdduq Hussain Jillani who is the former Chief justice of Pakistan.

India was first informed about Jadhav's custody by Pakistani authorities on 25 March 2016. In 2017 Islamabad announced that the military has awarded death sentence to him.

New Delhi then went to the world court on May 8, 2017 and filed a case against Pakistan for "egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging.

India is in touch with Pakistan regarding Kulbhushan Jadhav's consular access. New Delhi has conveyed its demand for full consular access under the ICJ verdict and Vienna convention to Islamabad.

India is in touch with Pakistan regarding Kulbhushan Jadhav's consular access. New Delhi has conveyed its demand for full consular access under the ICJ verdict and Vienna convention to Islamabad. Speaking at the weekly Ministry of External Affairs weekly presser, spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, "There have been favourable judgement from the International Court of Justice in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav. We expect full consular access should be granted to him at the earliest in full compliance and conformity of ICJ judgement and Vienna convention. We are in touch with Pakistani authorities in this regard through diplomatic channels." Meanwhile, Pakistan ministry has informed Jadhav about his rights and that Islamabad will be giving him consular access The Pakistani foreign ministry said, "Process is underway regarding the implementation of ICJ verdict" India got a major victory last week at the world court, with the Hague based organisation calling Islamabad to give India consular access to Kulbhushan. The Court declared that Pakistan is under an obligation to inform Jadhav without further "delay of his rights." The court unanimously found that it had jurisdiction in the case and by a vote of 15-1, pronounced its verdict, with the sole dissenting Judge being Ad Hoc Judge Tassdduq Hussain Jillani who is the former Chief justice of Pakistan. India was first informed about Jadhav's custody by Pakistani authorities on 25 March 2016. In 2017 Islamabad announced that the military has awarded death sentence to him. New Delhi then went to the world court on May 8, 2017 and filed a case against Pakistan for "egregious violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963” and got a stay on his hanging.

India in touch with Pakistan over Kulbhushan Jadhav's consular access; Islamabad informs him of his rights

Delegations from India and Pakistan on Sunday resumed talks on the Kartarpur Corridor with India requesting that permission be given to 5,000 pilgrims to cross the border and visit Kartarpur Sahib daily. Pakistan delegation in Wagah on Sunday agreed to allow visa-free, year-long travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders. Pakistan has also agreed to allow 5,000 pilgrims, every day, to visit the Gurdwara on foot, both as individuals or in groups.

India-Pak Kartarpur meet: Pakistan to allow 5,000 pilgrims a day

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Meet will be on 13-14 June. There is information coming out through sources that there will be no formal talks between India & Pakistan at SCO sideline. Watch this video to know more.

Sources: No India-Pak dialogues on the sidelines of SCO summit

India has asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-keen-to-finalise-pact-for-kartarpur-corridor-opening-211605">Pakistan</a> to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages.

The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May.

The issue was earlier raised on April 16 in the second technical meet on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/500-year-old-well-discovered-near-gurdwara-on-kartarpur-corridor-in-pakistan-214166">Kartarpur</a> .

Work is on in full swing on the Indian side to build the corridor. New Delhi is building a Passenger Terminal Building (PTB ) at the cost of Rs 195 crore on its side of the border, which is expected to be completed by September.

Around 50 acres of land has been demarcated to build the PTB with Rs 10 crore been given as compensation for land acquisition done for the project.

Passenger Terminal Building will be able to cater to 5000 pilgrims per day.

In March, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks over Khalistani concerns.

Khalistani and close aide of Hafiz Saeed, Gopal Singh Chawla was appointed to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee by Pakistan, irking New Delhi.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee will overlook the construction of Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan.

Pakistan is yet to respond on New Delhi's concerns.

India has asked Pakistan to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages. The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May.

India has asked Pakistan to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages. The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May. The issue was earlier raised on April 16 in the second technical meet on Kartarpur . Work is on in full swing on the Indian side to build the corridor. New Delhi is building a Passenger Terminal Building (PTB ) at the cost of Rs 195 crore on its side of the border, which is expected to be completed by September. Around 50 acres of land has been demarcated to build the PTB with Rs 10 crore been given as compensation for land acquisition done for the project. Passenger Terminal Building will be able to cater to 5000 pilgrims per day. In March, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks over Khalistani concerns. Khalistani and close aide of Hafiz Saeed, Gopal Singh Chawla was appointed to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee by Pakistan, irking New Delhi. The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee will overlook the construction of Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan. Pakistan is yet to respond on New Delhi's concerns.

Kartarpur corridor: India asks Pakistan to build bridge on Ravi river

India on Thursday had suspended trade with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-suspends-loc-trade-with-pakistan-says-route-being-misused-211563">Pakistan at the Line of Control</a>(LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade.&nbsp;

What India found was that almonds produced in California were being traded through the LoC and later used to fuel terror in the state by providing hawala money.

The national investigating agency(NIA) was able to find out modus operandi of dubious hawala transactions for terror financing.&nbsp;

Terror groups, identifying themselves as Pakistani trade firms, used to hand over the money to terrorist organizations on the Indian side through the hawala route. Some of the Pakistani firms had a close association with terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen.

Pakistani traders under invoiced products like California almonds which they received.&nbsp;

On receipt of the consignment, a trader on the Indian side sold the California almonds at the prevailing market price and made extra and undue profit to the extent of under-invoicing.&nbsp;

The extra money generated was handed over by the trader to terrorist organizations in the Valley to fuel anti-India operations.

Basically, Rs 1,200 per kg almonds were under invoiced to Rs 200. On the Indian side, almonds were sold at Rs 1,200, thus getting a profit of Rs 1,000 and addition Rs 1,000 from terror groups from Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has already chargesheeted businessman Zahoo Ahmed Watali who was the president of LoC traders association. He was found to be funnelling money to terrorists, separatists and subversive elements in the Valley.&nbsp;

Other than funding terror, the trade route had become a channel of funnelling drugs such as cocaine, brown sugar and heroine and supply of arms to support terrorists in the Valley.&nbsp;

Upto 66.5 kg heroin was seized from a Valley-based consignee and the drugs came through the LoC trade. A large cache that was concealed in a consignment of bananas was seized from across the LoC from a driver from Kulgam in the Valley.

The route had become a way to pump fake currency notes - Rs 57 lakh, Rs 20 lakh, Rs 15 lakh&nbsp;and Rs 7.5 lakh&nbsp;- &nbsp;fake currency notes were&nbsp;seized at different time.

Trade was allowed through two Trade Facilitation Centres (TFCs) at Salamabad in Uri, part of the Baramulla district and at Chakkan-da-Bagh in the Poonch district.&nbsp;

The cross-LoC trade was started in 2008 as part of Confidence Building Measures by India and Pakistan for trade between Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK) for 21 agreed items on barter system.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-suspends-cross-loc-trade-with-pakistan-in-jammu-and-kashmir-211807/embed" width="560"></iframe></div>

India on Thursday had suspended trade with Pakistan at the Line of Control(LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade.

India on Thursday had suspended trade with Pakistan at the Line of Control(LoC), among several reasons was infiltration of third-party goods such as California almonds, when in fact, LoC trade was opened for only intra-Kashmir trade. What India found was that almonds produced in California were being traded through the LoC and later used to fuel terror in the state by providing hawala money. The national investigating agency(NIA) was able to find out modus operandi of dubious hawala transactions for terror financing. Terror groups, identifying themselves as Pakistani trade firms, used to hand over the money to terrorist organizations on the Indian side through the hawala route. Some of the Pakistani firms had a close association with terror groups like Hizbul Mujahideen. Pakistani traders under invoiced products like California almonds which they received. On receipt of the consignment, a trader on the Indian side sold the California almonds at the prevailing market price and made extra and undue profit to the extent of under-invoicing. The extra money generated was handed over by the trader to terrorist organizations in the Valley to fuel anti-India operations. Basically, Rs 1,200 per kg almonds were under invoiced to Rs 200. On the Indian side, almonds were sold at Rs 1,200, thus getting a profit of Rs 1,000 and addition Rs 1,000 from terror groups from Pakistan. The Enforcement Directorate(ED) has already chargesheeted businessman Zahoo Ahmed Watali who was the president of LoC traders association. He was found to be funnelling money to terrorists, separatists and subversive elements in the Valley. Other than funding terror, the trade route had become a channel of funnelling drugs such as cocaine, brown sugar and heroine and supply of arms to support terrorists in the Valley. Upto 66.5 kg heroin was seized from a Valley-based consignee and the drugs came through the LoC trade. A large cache that was concealed in a consignment of bananas was seized from across the LoC from a driver from Kulgam in the Valley. The route had become a way to pump fake currency notes - Rs 57 lakh, Rs 20 lakh, Rs 15 lakh and Rs 7.5 lakh - fake currency notes were seized at different time. Trade was allowed through two Trade Facilitation Centres (TFCs) at Salamabad in Uri, part of the Baramulla district and at Chakkan-da-Bagh in the Poonch district. The cross-LoC trade was started in 2008 as part of Confidence Building Measures by India and Pakistan for trade between Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan occupied Kashmir(POK) for 21 agreed items on barter system.

How trade in California almonds through LoC route funded terror in J&K

India boycotts Pakistan National Day event

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti opined that opening corridors like the Kartarpur Corridor would "promote friendship" between India and Pakistan.

"It's a very welcome step that the Kartarpur Corridor is being opened. I wish we could have more such corridors - Jammu-Sialkot, etc. These roots can allow people and goods to go across from these borders. It would promote friendship rather than animosity between the two sides," Mufti told ANI on Tuesday.

Following delegation-level talks on March 14, experts from India and Pakistan held a meeting at the Zero Point of the Kartarpur Corridor to discuss technical details, including Finished Road Level, High Flood level.

The next meeting on operationalisation of the corridor will be held at Wagah on April 2.

Meanwhile, Mufti, while taking a jibe at BJP`s 'Main Bhi Chowkidar'&nbsp;campaign, said, "This is for the first time in the history of our country, with our Prime Minister as the 'Chowkidar', you still have people like Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi, who are looting the country with thousands and thousands of crore rupees and they have left the country. So, I don't know what kind of a 'Chowkidar'&nbsp;you are talking about."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign on Saturday, a day after which he and a number of other BJP leaders added the prefix 'chowkidar'&nbsp;to their respective Twitter handles.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti opined that opening corridors like the Kartarpur Corridor would "promote friendship" between India and Pakistan.

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mehbooba Mufti opined that opening corridors like the Kartarpur Corridor would "promote friendship" between India and Pakistan. "It's a very welcome step that the Kartarpur Corridor is being opened. I wish we could have more such corridors - Jammu-Sialkot, etc. These roots can allow people and goods to go across from these borders. It would promote friendship rather than animosity between the two sides," Mufti told ANI on Tuesday. Following delegation-level talks on March 14, experts from India and Pakistan held a meeting at the Zero Point of the Kartarpur Corridor to discuss technical details, including Finished Road Level, High Flood level. The next meeting on operationalisation of the corridor will be held at Wagah on April 2. Meanwhile, Mufti, while taking a jibe at BJP`s 'Main Bhi Chowkidar' campaign, said, "This is for the first time in the history of our country, with our Prime Minister as the 'Chowkidar', you still have people like Nirav Modi, Vijay Mallya and Mehul Choksi, who are looting the country with thousands and thousands of crore rupees and they have left the country. So, I don't know what kind of a 'Chowkidar' you are talking about." Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign on Saturday, a day after which he and a number of other BJP leaders added the prefix 'chowkidar' to their respective Twitter handles.

Wish we could have more corridors like Kartarpur between India, Pakistan: Mehbooba Mufti

India-Pak hold technical talks related to Kartarpur Corridor issue

China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-qureshi-visits-china-to-boost-bilateral-ties-foreign-office-203916">Shah Mehmood Qureshi </a>on Tuesday.

Qureshi is visiting China, days after Beijing for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Wednesday to designate Pakistan-based chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/there-is-time-for-continued-consultations-issue-will-be-resolved-china-to-india-on-masood-azhars-blacklisting-203822">(JeM) terror group Masood Azhar</a> as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing.

The JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead and raised tensions between India and Pakistan.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jpdx-dMwZWk" width="560"></iframe>

"As a neighbour, China would like to see easing of tensions between the two. We would like to see the two countries continue to engage in dialogue for the peace and stability of the region," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here. 
&nbsp; 
"I believe the issues causing regional tensions will be discussed," Geng said.

To another question whether the issue of listing of Azhar would figure in the talks especially in the backdrop of Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui expressing confidence that it would be resolved, Geng said, "well I can't prejudge the topics" that are going figure in the talks.

"But they will discuss issues of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern," he said.

As per listing of Azhar, "China will continue to deal with the issue with a responsible and constructive manner and will maintain close communication with all parties, including India and Pakistan," he said.

Lu on Sunday exuded confidence of resolving the sticky issue of designating Azhar as a global terrorist through consultations.

"I am quite sure this matter (listing of Azhar by the UN) will be resolved. This is only a technical hold and the matter can be resolved through continued consultation," Luo said on the sidelines of an event at the Chinese embassy.

According reports in the Pakistani media, Qureshi, during his three-day visit to China will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

Both sides will also discuss the regional situation and cooperation at multilateral fora.

Qureshi will also address the Political Parties Forum on the CPEC and participate in the ruling parties' dialogue between the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and the Communist Party of China. He will also call on the Chinese leadership, the reports said.

The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India is opposed to the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Geng said China welcomed the talks between India and Pakistan last week to open the Kartarupur Corridor.

India and Pakistan last year agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

"We welcome this interaction. Hope this can further ease tensions between both sides and improve regional situation. India and Pakistan are neighbours and always live with each other," he said.

Good relations between both will serve the interest of both and common aspirations of the international community, he said.

"We hope the two sides continue to show goodwill meet halfway, resolve difference through dialogue and uphold regional peace and stability together," he said. 
Asked whether Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou who recently visited Pakistan would visit India also, Geng said "as far as I know China and India maintain communication at various levels. So if there such a visit we will release the information in a timely manner."

China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday.

China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday. Qureshi is visiting China, days after Beijing for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Wednesday to designate Pakistan-based chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed(JeM) terror group Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing. The JeM has claimed responsibility for the February 14 Pulwama attack that left 40 CRPF personnel dead and raised tensions between India and Pakistan. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27. "As a neighbour, China would like to see easing of tensions between the two. We would like to see the two countries continue to engage in dialogue for the peace and stability of the region," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here. "I believe the issues causing regional tensions will be discussed," Geng said. To another question whether the issue of listing of Azhar would figure in the talks especially in the backdrop of Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui expressing confidence that it would be resolved, Geng said, "well I can't prejudge the topics" that are going figure in the talks. "But they will discuss issues of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual concern," he said. As per listing of Azhar, "China will continue to deal with the issue with a responsible and constructive manner and will maintain close communication with all parties, including India and Pakistan," he said. Lu on Sunday exuded confidence of resolving the sticky issue of designating Azhar as a global terrorist through consultations. "I am quite sure this matter (listing of Azhar by the UN) will be resolved. This is only a technical hold and the matter can be resolved through continued consultation," Luo said on the sidelines of an event at the Chinese embassy. According reports in the Pakistani media, Qureshi, during his three-day visit to China will hold comprehensive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Both sides will also discuss the regional situation and cooperation at multilateral fora. Qureshi will also address the Political Parties Forum on the CPEC and participate in the ruling parties' dialogue between the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and the Communist Party of China. He will also call on the Chinese leadership, the reports said. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). India is opposed to the project as it passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Geng said China welcomed the talks between India and Pakistan last week to open the Kartarupur Corridor. India and Pakistan last year agreed to open up a special border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev - to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. "We welcome this interaction. Hope this can further ease tensions between both sides and improve regional situation. India and Pakistan are neighbours and always live with each other," he said. Good relations between both will serve the interest of both and common aspirations of the international community, he said. "We hope the two sides continue to show goodwill meet halfway, resolve difference through dialogue and uphold regional peace and stability together," he said. Asked whether Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Kong Xuanyou who recently visited Pakistan would visit India also, Geng said "as far as I know China and India maintain communication at various levels. So if there such a visit we will release the information in a timely manner."

Regional tensions to be discussed during talks with Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi: China

In view of the heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired the meeting of National Security Council (NSC) in Delhi, which was attended by the members of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

Among those present in the meeting were National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

The NSC meeting, which comes two days after Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was detained by the Pakistani Army, returned home on March 1, took stock of the prevailing security situation.

Wing Commander Abhinandan, flying the MiG 21 Bison, was chasing Pakistani F-16 fighters which had transgressed into the Indian airspace. In the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Although he ejected safely, the pilot was taken into custody by the Pakistan Army upon landing.

On February 28, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the release of Abhinandan on March 1, calling his decision a “peace gesture.”

However, India used diplomatic and military pressure to ensure that Pakistan releases Abhinandan unconditionally, top sources in New Delhi said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made no compromises on the Pakistani proposal for holding talks, sources said.

India mounted pressure on Pakistan through the international community, with NSA Doval holding talks with the US and other P-5 countries, the sources said. The External Affairs Ministry also exerted pressure on Pakistan through the Arab world to ensure smooth release of Abhinandan, they said.&nbsp;

In view of the heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired the meeting of National Security Council (NSC) in Delhi, which was attended by the members of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS).

In view of the heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday chaired the meeting of National Security Council (NSC) in Delhi, which was attended by the members of Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). Among those present in the meeting were National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, and Home Minister Rajnath Singh. The NSC meeting, which comes two days after Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was detained by the Pakistani Army, returned home on March 1, took stock of the prevailing security situation. Wing Commander Abhinandan, flying the MiG 21 Bison, was chasing Pakistani F-16 fighters which had transgressed into the Indian airspace. In the process, his plane crossed over to Pakistani side and was shot down. Although he ejected safely, the pilot was taken into custody by the Pakistan Army upon landing. On February 28, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan announced the release of Abhinandan on March 1, calling his decision a “peace gesture.” However, India used diplomatic and military pressure to ensure that Pakistan releases Abhinandan unconditionally, top sources in New Delhi said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made no compromises on the Pakistani proposal for holding talks, sources said. India mounted pressure on Pakistan through the international community, with NSA Doval holding talks with the US and other P-5 countries, the sources said. The External Affairs Ministry also exerted pressure on Pakistan through the Arab world to ensure smooth release of Abhinandan, they said.

Amid high tensions between India and Pakistan, PM Modi calls National Security Council meeting

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was held captive by the Pakistanis for two days after his jet was shot down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has suffered injuries to his lower spine and rib.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying Abhinandan might have hurt his spine while ejecting from his MiG-21.&nbsp;

The sources added that the injury to his rib may have been caused by the attack on him by local Pakistani villagers.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/abhinandans-moustache-takes-internet-by-storm-200797">Abhinandan's jet was shot down on Wednesday</a>. (He was before that able <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-says-it-is-seeking-information-on-whether-pakistan-used-f-16s-to-shoot-down-indian-jet-200891">to shoot down a Pakistani F-16</a>.)&nbsp;

When he landed, he asked the locals whether he was in India or Pakistan. They said India but Abhinandan realised better and backed away from away.&nbsp;

He fired his service revolver in the air to keep the locals off him, and tried to swallow the documents he had on his possession.&nbsp;

The locals caught up with him and began to beat him.

He was finally rescued by Pakistan Army personnel.&nbsp;

Abhinandan was returned to India on Friday night.&nbsp;

After his return, he was kept at the&nbsp;Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. He is currently undergoing a "cooling down" process, a series of medical check-ups which are expected to last till Sunday. He will then be debriefed.&nbsp;

He will undergo further&nbsp;check-ups and treatment at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi.&nbsp;

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Minister of State for Defence Subhash Rao Bhamre met IAF Wing Commander <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AbhinandanVarthaman?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AbhinandanVarthaman</a> at Army Hospital Research And Referral in Delhi, today. <a href="https://t.co/cCwNKoaBTi">pic.twitter.com/cCwNKoaBTi</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102210708471799808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The sources added Sunday that Abhinandan had been checked for bugs — an MRI had been done on him — but that none were found planted on him. The MRI is what had shown up the injuries to the lower spine and the rib.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was held captive by the Pakistanis for two days after his jet was shot down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has suffered injuries to his lower spine and rib.

Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was held captive by the Pakistanis for two days after his jet was shot down in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, has suffered injuries to his lower spine and rib. The news agency ANI quoted sources as saying Abhinandan might have hurt his spine while ejecting from his MiG-21. The sources added that the injury to his rib may have been caused by the attack on him by local Pakistani villagers. Abhinandan's jet was shot down on Wednesday. (He was before that able to shoot down a Pakistani F-16.) When he landed, he asked the locals whether he was in India or Pakistan. They said India but Abhinandan realised better and backed away from away. He fired his service revolver in the air to keep the locals off him, and tried to swallow the documents he had on his possession. The locals caught up with him and began to beat him. He was finally rescued by Pakistan Army personnel. Abhinandan was returned to India on Friday night. After his return, he was kept at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in Delhi. He is currently undergoing a "cooling down" process, a series of medical check-ups which are expected to last till Sunday. He will then be debriefed. He will undergo further check-ups and treatment at the Army's Research and Referral Hospital in Delhi. Minister of State for Defence Subhash Rao Bhamre met IAF Wing Commander #AbhinandanVarthaman at Army Hospital Research And Referral in Delhi, today. pic.twitter.com/cCwNKoaBTi — ANI (@ANI) March 3, 2019 × The sources added Sunday that Abhinandan had been checked for bugs — an MRI had been done on him — but that none were found planted on him. The MRI is what had shown up the injuries to the lower spine and the rib. (With inputs from ANI)

Wing Commander Abhinandan's lower spine, rib hurt: Sources

India has made it clear, that it will not talk to Islamabad unless it takes immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control. A source told WION, it is Pakistan that has to create a "conducive environment" for talks.

The development comes as part of New Delhi's long-standing policy that talks and terror cannot go together.&nbsp;

Reiterating India's stance, Indian Ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Varma said in an interview to a Russian news agency, "New Delhi is ready for a dialogue with Pakistan when Islamabad can take really serious actions to combat terrorist groups".

Islamabad is facing global isolation from New York to Abu Dhabi to Paris. In New York, France along with Russia, US and UK have backed the proposal to list Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council. JeM was responsible for the Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 personnel of the CRPF were killed.

In Abu Dhabi, India was the Guest of Honour at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and despite Pakistan's insistence that invite to Delhi should be cancelled, the pleas were not taken into consideration. Without naming Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who represented India said, "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing funding and shelter to the terror organisations, based in their country."&nbsp;

In Paris during the FATF meet(Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism ), Pakistan received an admonition with the country being asked to take make more efforts to combat the terrorist groups based on its territory.

India has made it clear, that it will not talk to Islamabad unless it takes immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control.

India has made it clear, that it will not talk to Islamabad unless it takes immediate and verifiable action against terrorism emanating from territories under its control. A source told WION, it is Pakistan that has to create a "conducive environment" for talks. The development comes as part of New Delhi's long-standing policy that talks and terror cannot go together. Reiterating India's stance, Indian Ambassador to Russia Venkatesh Varma said in an interview to a Russian news agency, "New Delhi is ready for a dialogue with Pakistan when Islamabad can take really serious actions to combat terrorist groups". Islamabad is facing global isolation from New York to Abu Dhabi to Paris. In New York, France along with Russia, US and UK have backed the proposal to list Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) as an international terrorist under the 1267 committee of the United Nations Security Council. JeM was responsible for the Pulwama terror attack in which more than 40 personnel of the CRPF were killed. In Abu Dhabi, India was the Guest of Honour at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and despite Pakistan's insistence that invite to Delhi should be cancelled, the pleas were not taken into consideration. Without naming Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj who represented India said, "If we want to save the humanity then we must tell the states who provide shelter and funding to the terrorists, to dismantle the infrastructure of the terrorist camps and stop providing funding and shelter to the terror organisations, based in their country." In Paris during the FATF meet(Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering and Financing of Terrorism ), Pakistan received an admonition with the country being asked to take make more efforts to combat the terrorist groups based on its territory.

New Delhi asks Pakistan to create conducive environment for talks by shunning support to terror

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday urged Pakistan to admit to, and release the Prisoners of War (POWs) still in its captivity from the 1971 war.

In an informal chat with media persons as part of his tour of the border areas in the wake of the escalating tensions at the LoC, the Chief Minister also urged the Indian government to take up the issue with Islamabad.

Expressing happiness that talks to further thrash out the modalities for Kartarpur corridor were on track despite the tensions, Captain Amarinder requested the Central government to allow 5,000-10,000 pilgrims to cross through every day once the corridor becomes operational.

He recalled his own family’s close connection with the Kartarpur Gurdwara, which his grandfather Bhupinder Singh had helped to rebuild after the 1928 floods.

On the compensation to the people whose land was being acquired for the corridor, Captain Amarinder said, “The state government will thrash out the matter with the Indian government.”

He hoped that tensions along the border are resolved soon and Sikhs across the globe get the opportunity to have ‘Khule Darshan Deedar’ of the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara with the fast completion of the corridor.

The Chief Minister, who went around Haruwal village in Gurdaspur district as part of his tour of the border villages to instil confidence among the residents, said he would be the first one to cross the border to pay his obeisance at the historic Gurdwara.

The Chief Minister assured the residents that there was no need for panic or fear as the armed forces were fully prepared to deal with the situation. He urged the people not to worry and assured them of his government’s full support.

Addressing a gathering at Dera Baba Nanak, the Chief Minister said he was in constant touch with the central government and the state government was well prepared for any eventuality.

Amid loud cheers and slogans of Jai Hind, the Chief Minister said that even when he had come here as a serving military officer, what struck him the most was the indomitable courage and enthusiasm of the people.

During his tour, the Chief Minister shared a cup of tea with BSF personnel at the BSF border observation post in Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur (10 Battalion BSF sector HQ BSF Gurdaspur). &nbsp;

He also interacted with Indian Army officers and men at an army camp in the border district of Gurdaspur to boost their morale and appreciated their courage in these stressful times.

Earlier, on arrival in Gurdaspur, the Chief Minister took stock of the situation and was briefed by DIG Border Range and Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur regarding the steps taken for the safety and security of the residents.

The Chief Minister asked the Civil and Public administration to keep up the preparedness level and further intensify dissemination of information useful to the public to ensure their safety and security at all costs.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday urged Pakistan to admit to, and release the Prisoners of War (POWs) still in its captivity from the 1971 war.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Friday urged Pakistan to admit to, and release the Prisoners of War (POWs) still in its captivity from the 1971 war. In an informal chat with media persons as part of his tour of the border areas in the wake of the escalating tensions at the LoC, the Chief Minister also urged the Indian government to take up the issue with Islamabad. Expressing happiness that talks to further thrash out the modalities for Kartarpur corridor were on track despite the tensions, Captain Amarinder requested the Central government to allow 5,000-10,000 pilgrims to cross through every day once the corridor becomes operational. He recalled his own family’s close connection with the Kartarpur Gurdwara, which his grandfather Bhupinder Singh had helped to rebuild after the 1928 floods. On the compensation to the people whose land was being acquired for the corridor, Captain Amarinder said, “The state government will thrash out the matter with the Indian government.” He hoped that tensions along the border are resolved soon and Sikhs across the globe get the opportunity to have ‘Khule Darshan Deedar’ of the historic Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara with the fast completion of the corridor. The Chief Minister, who went around Haruwal village in Gurdaspur district as part of his tour of the border villages to instil confidence among the residents, said he would be the first one to cross the border to pay his obeisance at the historic Gurdwara. The Chief Minister assured the residents that there was no need for panic or fear as the armed forces were fully prepared to deal with the situation. He urged the people not to worry and assured them of his government’s full support. Addressing a gathering at Dera Baba Nanak, the Chief Minister said he was in constant touch with the central government and the state government was well prepared for any eventuality. Amid loud cheers and slogans of Jai Hind, the Chief Minister said that even when he had come here as a serving military officer, what struck him the most was the indomitable courage and enthusiasm of the people. During his tour, the Chief Minister shared a cup of tea with BSF personnel at the BSF border observation post in Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur (10 Battalion BSF sector HQ BSF Gurdaspur). He also interacted with Indian Army officers and men at an army camp in the border district of Gurdaspur to boost their morale and appreciated their courage in these stressful times. Earlier, on arrival in Gurdaspur, the Chief Minister took stock of the situation and was briefed by DIG Border Range and Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur regarding the steps taken for the safety and security of the residents. The Chief Minister asked the Civil and Public administration to keep up the preparedness level and further intensify dissemination of information useful to the public to ensure their safety and security at all costs.

Captain Amarinder seeks release of 1971 war prisoners from Pakistan

BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvergiya Friday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for "doubting" the success of the strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at training camps of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed at Balakot</a> in Pakistan.

BJP's state president Dilip Ghosh also criticised her saying it is "condemnable" that an Indian politician, and not a Pakistani one, is demanding evidence of success of the air strike.

"It is a matter of shame that just for the sake of politics, a chief minister is doubting our armed forces, when the entire country stands by the armed forces. We condemn such statements," Vijayvergiya told reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting here.

Banerjee Thursday said the nation has a right to know what actually happened at Balakot in Pakistan following the IAF's air strike there, as several foreign media had reported that not much damage was done by the air strike.

She had said, "We have the right to know, people of this country want to know how many were killed. Where was the bomb actually dropped? Was it dropped on the target?"

Government officials had said on Tuesday that in a pre-dawn strike, the IAF bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp at Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, killing over 350 terrorists, trainers and senior commanders.

Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility of the Pulwama terror attack that left over 40 CRPF jawans dead on February 14.

It was up to the political leadership to decide when and how to release evidence of the Balakot strike's success, Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor, assistant chief of Air Staff, said Thursday on the scepticism in some quarters about whether IAF fighters had hit the intended targets.

State BJP president Dilip Ghosh too slammed Banerjee, also Trinamool Congress supremo, for asking for evidence of the success of the air strike.

"Had a Pakistani politician asked such a question, we would have understood it. But it is shameful and condemnable that a politician from India, and that too a chief minister, has been raising such questions," Ghosh said.

Vijayvergiya also claimed that the return of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman from the custody of Pakistan is a diplomatic victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It is a diplomatic victory of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/iafs-balakot-operation-against-jem-is-proof-of-narendra-modi-governments-decisiveness-199973">Narendra Modiji</a> that for last two days Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been wishing to talk to our prime minister. But our PM said first Pakistan has to release our pilot and stop exporting terrorism. This is our diplomatic victory," Vijayvergiya said.

Pakistan held Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Wednesday after fighter jets of both the nations engaged in an air battle following an unsuccessful attempt to target Indian military installations in retaliatory strikes. The pilot is scheduled to return via Attari border Friday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday announced in a joint session of Pakistani Parliament that the pilot would be released on Friday as a gesture of peace.

BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvergiya Friday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for "doubting" the success of the strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at training camps of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed at Balakot in Pakistan.

BJP national general secretary Kailash Vijayvergiya Friday slammed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for "doubting" the success of the strike by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at training camps of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed at Balakot in Pakistan. BJP's state president Dilip Ghosh also criticised her saying it is "condemnable" that an Indian politician, and not a Pakistani one, is demanding evidence of success of the air strike. "It is a matter of shame that just for the sake of politics, a chief minister is doubting our armed forces, when the entire country stands by the armed forces. We condemn such statements," Vijayvergiya told reporters on the sidelines of a party meeting here. Banerjee Thursday said the nation has a right to know what actually happened at Balakot in Pakistan following the IAF's air strike there, as several foreign media had reported that not much damage was done by the air strike. She had said, "We have the right to know, people of this country want to know how many were killed. Where was the bomb actually dropped? Was it dropped on the target?" Government officials had said on Tuesday that in a pre-dawn strike, the IAF bombed and destroyed Jaish-e-Mohammed's biggest training camp at Balakot in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, killing over 350 terrorists, trainers and senior commanders. Jaish-e-Mohammed had claimed responsibility of the Pulwama terror attack that left over 40 CRPF jawans dead on February 14. It was up to the political leadership to decide when and how to release evidence of the Balakot strike's success, Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor, assistant chief of Air Staff, said Thursday on the scepticism in some quarters about whether IAF fighters had hit the intended targets. State BJP president Dilip Ghosh too slammed Banerjee, also Trinamool Congress supremo, for asking for evidence of the success of the air strike. "Had a Pakistani politician asked such a question, we would have understood it. But it is shameful and condemnable that a politician from India, and that too a chief minister, has been raising such questions," Ghosh said. Vijayvergiya also claimed that the return of IAF pilot Abhinandan Varthaman from the custody of Pakistan is a diplomatic victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "It is a diplomatic victory of Narendra Modiji that for last two days Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been wishing to talk to our prime minister. But our PM said first Pakistan has to release our pilot and stop exporting terrorism. This is our diplomatic victory," Vijayvergiya said. Pakistan held Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman Wednesday after fighter jets of both the nations engaged in an air battle following an unsuccessful attempt to target Indian military installations in retaliatory strikes. The pilot is scheduled to return via Attari border Friday. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday announced in a joint session of Pakistani Parliament that the pilot would be released on Friday as a gesture of peace.

BJP leader Vijayvergiya slams Mamata for 'doubting' success of air strike in Balakot

Russia is ready to mediate between India and Pakistan to try to calm tensions between the two nuclear powers, Russian government officials said on Thursday, warning of the risk of further clashes between the two countries.

Moscow made the offer after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/as-a-peace-gesture-we-are-releasing-captured-pilot-tomorrow-pm-imran-khan-200295">Pakistan said it was considering returning a captured Indian pilot </a>and as US President Donald Trump said American mediation was helping to defuse the crisis.

Russia has particularly close relations with India which buys large quantities of Russian military equipment and its relationship with Pakistan has warmed in recent years.

When asked on Thursday if Russia was ready to help mediate between the two countries, the TASS news agency quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying:&nbsp;

"If they want this, then of course."

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova later said Moscow was ready to do anything it could to help.

"We are concerned about the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan and the dangerous manoeuvring of the two countries’ armed forces near ??the line of control, which risks direct military clashes," Zakharova told reporters.&nbsp;

Lavrov spoke to Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday on the sidelines of an event in China after which he said he hoped tensions could be de-escalated and that both countries would show restraint.&nbsp;

Russia is ready to mediate between India and Pakistan to try to calm tensions between the two nuclear powers, Russian government officials said on Thursday, warning of the risk of further clashes between the two countries.

Russia is ready to mediate between India and Pakistan to try to calm tensions between the two nuclear powers, Russian government officials said on Thursday, warning of the risk of further clashes between the two countries. Moscow made the offer after Pakistan said it was considering returning a captured Indian pilot and as US President Donald Trump said American mediation was helping to defuse the crisis. Russia has particularly close relations with India which buys large quantities of Russian military equipment and its relationship with Pakistan has warmed in recent years. When asked on Thursday if Russia was ready to help mediate between the two countries, the TASS news agency quoted Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov as saying: "If they want this, then of course." Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova later said Moscow was ready to do anything it could to help. "We are concerned about the escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan and the dangerous manoeuvring of the two countries’ armed forces near ??the line of control, which risks direct military clashes," Zakharova told reporters. Lavrov spoke to Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday on the sidelines of an event in China after which he said he hoped tensions could be de-escalated and that both countries would show restraint.

Russia offers to help mediate between India and Pakistan

Britain is "deeply concerned" about rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday.

May told parliament that the government was working with international partners including through the United Nations to de-escalate tensions and monitor developments.

Pakistan carried out air strikes and shot down two Indian jets on Wednesday, Pakistani officials said, a day after Indian warplanes struck inside Pakistan for the first time since a war in 1971.

Tensions have been elevated between the nuclear neighbours since a suicide car bombing by Pakistan-based militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police on February 14, but the risk of conflict rose dramatically on Tuesday (February 26) when India launched an air strike on what it said was a militant training base.

The latest escalation marks a sudden turnaround in relations between the two countries, that both claim the mountainous Himalayan region of Kashmir in full but rule in part.

Britain is "deeply concerned" about rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday. May told parliament that the government was working with international partners including through the United Nations to de-escalate tensions and monitor developments.

Britain is "deeply concerned" about rising tensions between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday. May told parliament that the government was working with international partners including through the United Nations to de-escalate tensions and monitor developments. Pakistan carried out air strikes and shot down two Indian jets on Wednesday, Pakistani officials said, a day after Indian warplanes struck inside Pakistan for the first time since a war in 1971. Tensions have been elevated between the nuclear neighbours since a suicide car bombing by Pakistan-based militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary police on February 14, but the risk of conflict rose dramatically on Tuesday (February 26) when India launched an air strike on what it said was a militant training base. The latest escalation marks a sudden turnaround in relations between the two countries, that both claim the mountainous Himalayan region of Kashmir in full but rule in part.

UK deeply concerned about rising tension between India and Pakistan: Theresa May

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan.&nbsp;

The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven"&nbsp;in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests."

Coming out strongly against "Islamabad’s narrow approach to counterterrorism cooperation" by "using some groups as policy tools and confronting only the militant groups that directly threaten Pakistan", the report said, will certainly "frustrate US counterterrorism efforts against the Taliban."

The report comes even as the US has been engaged with Taliban for a pact that will see <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-talks-arab-divide-shadows-the-talks-as-us-says-negotiations-will-continue-193946">American troops leave Afghanistan </a>after 17 years. On the situation in Afghanistan, the report assesses a stalemate between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the coming year in terms of making any gains "if coalition support remains at current levels."

Lauding the Afghan forces, it said it has been able to "secure cities and other government strongholds" but the Taliban has "increased large-scale attacks".

Indo-Pak ties

The 42-page report doesn't see a major breakthrough in India-Pakistan ties. It listed "cross-border terrorism, firing across the Line of Control (LoC), divisive national elections in India, and Islamabad’s perception of its position with the United States relative to India" as the main factors that is contributing to "strained" Indo-Pak ties at least till May, 2019 when India's elections get over.

It further adds,"continued terrorist attacks and cross-border firing in Kashmir" has hardened "each country’s position" and "reduced their political will to seek rapprochement".

In November last year, both countries agreed to build Kartarpur corridor so that Indian pilgrims can visit the holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak stayed for 18 years. It is expected to be opened this year to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji.

India-China ties

On India-China ties the report was gloomy saying that relations will remain tense despite "efforts on both sides to manage tensions." It said "misperceptions of military movements or construction" might result in tensions "escalating into armed conflict."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan Summit in April. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India for the second informal summit. 2017 was a tense year for Sino India ties as the Chinese army sought to build a road in the Doklam area of Bhutan which was repelled by the Indian Army leading to a 73-day standoff.

Indian elections

The report also spoke on the Indian general elections saying that if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) stresses on "Hindu nationalist themes" it might result in "the possibility of communal violence". It added, communal clashes "could alienate Indian Muslims and allow Islamist terrorist groups in India to expand their influence."

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan. The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven" in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests.

A United States intelligence report has warned terror attacks in India and Afghanistan due to "safe havens" provided to militants by Pakistan. The "worldwide threat assessment of US intelligence community" report released by "The office of the director of national intelligence" said, "militant groups supported by Pakistan will continue to take advantage of their "safe haven" in Pakistan to plan and conduct attacks in India and Afghanistan, including against US interests." Coming out strongly against "Islamabad’s narrow approach to counterterrorism cooperation" by "using some groups as policy tools and confronting only the militant groups that directly threaten Pakistan", the report said, will certainly "frustrate US counterterrorism efforts against the Taliban." The report comes even as the US has been engaged with Taliban for a pact that will see American troops leave Afghanistan after 17 years. On the situation in Afghanistan, the report assesses a stalemate between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the coming year in terms of making any gains "if coalition support remains at current levels." Lauding the Afghan forces, it said it has been able to "secure cities and other government strongholds" but the Taliban has "increased large-scale attacks". Indo-Pak ties The 42-page report doesn't see a major breakthrough in India-Pakistan ties. It listed "cross-border terrorism, firing across the Line of Control (LoC), divisive national elections in India, and Islamabad’s perception of its position with the United States relative to India" as the main factors that is contributing to "strained" Indo-Pak ties at least till May, 2019 when India's elections get over. It further adds,"continued terrorist attacks and cross-border firing in Kashmir" has hardened "each country’s position" and "reduced their political will to seek rapprochement". In November last year, both countries agreed to build Kartarpur corridor so that Indian pilgrims can visit the holy Gurudwara at Kartarpur, where the founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak stayed for 18 years. It is expected to be opened this year to celebrate the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji. India-China ties On India-China ties the report was gloomy saying that relations will remain tense despite "efforts on both sides to manage tensions." It said "misperceptions of military movements or construction" might result in tensions "escalating into armed conflict." Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met four times in 2018 starting with the famous Wuhan Summit in April. In 2019, Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit India for the second informal summit. 2017 was a tense year for Sino India ties as the Chinese army sought to build a road in the Doklam area of Bhutan which was repelled by the Indian Army leading to a 73-day standoff. Indian elections The report also spoke on the Indian general elections saying that if the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) stresses on "Hindu nationalist themes" it might result in "the possibility of communal violence". It added, communal clashes "could alienate Indian Muslims and allow Islamist terrorist groups in India to expand their influence."

Militant groups supported by Pak will continue to conduct attacks on India, Afghanistan: US intelligence report

Pakistan on Thursday described I<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-india-says-yet-to-receive-draft-191857">ndia's response to its proposal</a> to finalise an agreement on the opening of the Kartarpur corridor as "childish", saying that Islamabad's reply will be "mature".

Foreign Office spokesperson <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meeting-on-kartarpur-corridor-takes-place-in-home-ministry-diplomats-discuss-land-acquisition-190512">Muhammad Faisal said that Pakistan</a> shared a detailed proposal along with a draft agreement with the Indian authorities and invited an Indian delegation to Pakistan to discuss and finalise modalities for the agreement.

Instead of responding to Pakistan's initiative, India asked a Pakistani delegation to visit New Delhi and suggested two possible dates - February 26 and March 7 - for the meeting, Faisal told the media.

"Pakistan, unlike India, would come out with a very mature and well considered response on this highly important matter and respond to the Indian move very soon," he said.

The much-awaited corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur -- the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev-- with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

It will enable Sikh devotees to offer prayers at the historic shrine where Guru Nanak had spent his last 18 years.

Faisal alleged that India committed 2,300 ceasefire violations last year and these violations are still on the surge.

Pakistan is responding in a befitting manner to the "unprovoked Indian firing" on the Line of Control, he said, adding that Pakistan would respond to India in the same coin.

"If it (India) speaks the language of peace, we will respond peacefully and if it speaks the language of bullet, we will respond with the bullet," he said.

Faisal also rejected the Indian claim about sinking of its&nbsp;fishing boat in Pakistani waters on January 17th.

He, however, alleged that poaching in Pakistani exclusive economic zones is a frequent activity by the Indian fishing boats.

He said Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) conducts anti-poaching operations as per the laws and international regulations and the relevant UN convention.

Pakistan on Thursday described India's response to its proposal to finalise an agreement on the opening of the Kartarpur corridor as "childish", saying that Islamabad's reply will be "mature".

Pakistan on Thursday described India's response to its proposal to finalise an agreement on the opening of the Kartarpur corridor as "childish", saying that Islamabad's reply will be "mature". Foreign Office spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said that Pakistan shared a detailed proposal along with a draft agreement with the Indian authorities and invited an Indian delegation to Pakistan to discuss and finalise modalities for the agreement. Instead of responding to Pakistan's initiative, India asked a Pakistani delegation to visit New Delhi and suggested two possible dates - February 26 and March 7 - for the meeting, Faisal told the media. "Pakistan, unlike India, would come out with a very mature and well considered response on this highly important matter and respond to the Indian move very soon," he said. The much-awaited corridor will connect Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur -- the final resting place of Sikh faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev-- with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. It will enable Sikh devotees to offer prayers at the historic shrine where Guru Nanak had spent his last 18 years. Faisal alleged that India committed 2,300 ceasefire violations last year and these violations are still on the surge. Pakistan is responding in a befitting manner to the "unprovoked Indian firing" on the Line of Control, he said, adding that Pakistan would respond to India in the same coin. "If it (India) speaks the language of peace, we will respond peacefully and if it speaks the language of bullet, we will respond with the bullet," he said. Faisal also rejected the Indian claim about sinking of its fishing boat in Pakistani waters on January 17th. He, however, alleged that poaching in Pakistani exclusive economic zones is a frequent activity by the Indian fishing boats. He said Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) conducts anti-poaching operations as per the laws and international regulations and the relevant UN convention.

Unlike India, we will come out with mature response to finalise Kartarpur agreement: Pakistan

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful&nbsp;career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to&nbsp;the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s.

Now an expert on South Asian affairs, he is also a prolific writer, part-time journalist and academic. Haqqani is currently in India. He spoke exclusively to WION on India-Pakistan relations, the Kartarpur corridor, China's Belt and Road Initiative with Pak and Imran Khan's 'Naya Pakistan'.

WION: How do you view the current relations between India and Pakistan?

Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan relations are at a stalemate. India wants&nbsp;terrorism to be resolved, it also wants justice for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, wants to normalise relations without addressing any of these concerns.

Pakistan's definition of normalisation is not the same as India's definition of normalisation of relations. Ideally, India and Pakistan should have the kind of relations which the United States and Canada have, also like Franco-German relations.

WION: Then what kind of template do you see for India-Pakistan relations?

Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan are neighbours and they will always be neighbours, until 1947, India and Pakistan had the same currency, the same communications network, the same railway network. It was the most integrated region in the world, now it is the least integrated.

The template for India and Pakistan should be in which we are two countries and we respect each other's sovereignty but we have open borders and a large amount of trade with each other and lot of travel basically not looking upon each other as enemies.

WION: On the question of terrorism, how can the stalemate be broken?

Husain Haqqani: Pakistan is hoping the terrorism issue will just fall by the wayside, everyone will forget about it and new things will start coming. India, of course, does not accept it. India wants those who were involved in the Mumbai attacks either punished or identified and there is some kind of acknowledgement that terrorism in India was supported by the Pakistan state and at least tolerated by the Pakistan state.

People like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar whose involvement in terrorism has been acknowledged by the international community should not be allowed to roam freely in Pakistan.

WION: How do you view the Kartarpur corridor and its impact on India-Pak relations?

Husain Haqqani: All openings in the relations between India and Pakistan must be welcomed but the Kartarpur corridor is simply a very limited effort to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from Indian Punjab to Pakistani Punjab, it does not address any of the major issues between India and Pakistan.

WION: What do you make of trade relations between China and Pakistan and Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). Where do you think it is headed?

Husain Haqqani: BRI for Pakistan could have worked if it had also involved other countries in the region, though it has been talked about but it is not the case. The road initiative is now creating a corridor in which Pakistan is becoming more dependent on China than ever.

A huge amount of Chinese investment and lending will create a debt trap for Pakistan including several parts of like Baluchistan, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan. These are terrorities where people feel resentful since they feel Chinese investment will not provide any jobs to the locals and it will only facilitate the Pakistani state and China but nothing for the people.

WION: What are your thoughts on 100 days of PM Imran Khan's tenure?

Husain Haqqani: Imran Khan's government has been the most disappointing in recent Pakistani history. It is a civilian government which is more dependent on Pakistan military, the mantra in Pakistan is that the military and civilian government are on the same page but in reality&nbsp;the civilian government has accepted subservience to the military.&nbsp;

The government has not been able to address the economic issues and all we have is Imran Khan's status as a cricket celebrity that is supposed to make the people of Pakistan feel good. There are too many fronts which have been&nbsp;opened, Pakistan's isolation has not been broken and Pakistan's economy has not been fixed, all that has been done is more borrowing and more begging from other nations.

WION: And what about 'Naya(new) Pakistan' then?

Husain Haqqani: Naya Pakistan is nothing but purana(old) Pakistan led by a cricket celebrity who claims to bring a clean government but there&nbsp;are questions being asked now about how clean that government really is!

The real naya Pakistan would be at peace with itself and with its neighbours, also which respects the Sindhis, the Baloch, the Muhajirs, the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan. It would be a country where there are opportunities within and it does not completely depend either on the US or China and lives within its own resources and is not heavily militarised.

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s.

Former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani has had a successful career serving as Pakistan's ambassador to the US during President Bush's administration. In his early years, he served both Nawaz Sharif and former PM Benazir Bhutto during the tumultuous period in the late 80s and early 90s. Now an expert on South Asian affairs, he is also a prolific writer, part-time journalist and academic. Haqqani is currently in India. He spoke exclusively to WION on India-Pakistan relations, the Kartarpur corridor, China's Belt and Road Initiative with Pak and Imran Khan's 'Naya Pakistan'. WION: How do you view the current relations between India and Pakistan? Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan relations are at a stalemate. India wants terrorism to be resolved, it also wants justice for the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Pakistan, on the other hand, wants to normalise relations without addressing any of these concerns. Pakistan's definition of normalisation is not the same as India's definition of normalisation of relations. Ideally, India and Pakistan should have the kind of relations which the United States and Canada have, also like Franco-German relations. WION: Then what kind of template do you see for India-Pakistan relations? Husain Haqqani: India and Pakistan are neighbours and they will always be neighbours, until 1947, India and Pakistan had the same currency, the same communications network, the same railway network. It was the most integrated region in the world, now it is the least integrated. The template for India and Pakistan should be in which we are two countries and we respect each other's sovereignty but we have open borders and a large amount of trade with each other and lot of travel basically not looking upon each other as enemies. WION: On the question of terrorism, how can the stalemate be broken? Husain Haqqani: Pakistan is hoping the terrorism issue will just fall by the wayside, everyone will forget about it and new things will start coming. India, of course, does not accept it. India wants those who were involved in the Mumbai attacks either punished or identified and there is some kind of acknowledgement that terrorism in India was supported by the Pakistan state and at least tolerated by the Pakistan state. People like Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar whose involvement in terrorism has been acknowledged by the international community should not be allowed to roam freely in Pakistan. WION: How do you view the Kartarpur corridor and its impact on India-Pak relations? Husain Haqqani: All openings in the relations between India and Pakistan must be welcomed but the Kartarpur corridor is simply a very limited effort to facilitate the movement of pilgrims from Indian Punjab to Pakistani Punjab, it does not address any of the major issues between India and Pakistan. WION: What do you make of trade relations between China and Pakistan and Belt and Road Initiative(BRI). Where do you think it is headed? Husain Haqqani: BRI for Pakistan could have worked if it had also involved other countries in the region, though it has been talked about but it is not the case. The road initiative is now creating a corridor in which Pakistan is becoming more dependent on China than ever. A huge amount of Chinese investment and lending will create a debt trap for Pakistan including several parts of like Baluchistan, Sindh, Gilgit-Baltistan. These are terrorities where people feel resentful since they feel Chinese investment will not provide any jobs to the locals and it will only facilitate the Pakistani state and China but nothing for the people. WION: What are your thoughts on 100 days of PM Imran Khan's tenure? Husain Haqqani: Imran Khan's government has been the most disappointing in recent Pakistani history. It is a civilian government which is more dependent on Pakistan military, the mantra in Pakistan is that the military and civilian government are on the same page but in reality the civilian government has accepted subservience to the military. The government has not been able to address the economic issues and all we have is Imran Khan's status as a cricket celebrity that is supposed to make the people of Pakistan feel good. There are too many fronts which have been opened, Pakistan's isolation has not been broken and Pakistan's economy has not been fixed, all that has been done is more borrowing and more begging from other nations. WION: And what about 'Naya(new) Pakistan' then? Husain Haqqani: Naya Pakistan is nothing but purana(old) Pakistan led by a cricket celebrity who claims to bring a clean government but there are questions being asked now about how clean that government really is! The real naya Pakistan would be at peace with itself and with its neighbours, also which respects the Sindhis, the Baloch, the Muhajirs, the residents of Gilgit-Baltistan. It would be a country where there are opportunities within and it does not completely depend either on the US or China and lives within its own resources and is not heavily militarised.

Imran Khan government most disappointing in Pakistan's recent history: Ex-diplomat Husain Haqqani to WION

India has hit out at Pakistan on its continued support to terror and said Islamabad is "trying to deflect the attention of the financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists."&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in a weekly media briefing, asked, "Why is Pakistan allowing safe haven to a terrorist group?" and questioned the lack of seriousness by Pakistan to take action against the perpetrators of Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks.&nbsp;

Kumar added, "If Pakistan is ready for dialogue, why hasn't Pakistan taken any action against Mumbai and Pathankot terror attack perpetrators? They continue to provide support to the banned terrorist outfits."

On India-Pak&nbsp;talks, Kumar said, "no seriousness in Pakistan&nbsp;saying it wants dialogue and it (Pakistan) has to back up it up with action."

MEA spokesperson gave examples of how Pak ministers have been sharing the stage with terrorists like Hafiz Saeed. In September 2018, Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony and member of Imran Khan's government shared the stage with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.&nbsp;

In December, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi vowed to protect Hafiz Saeed "as long as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is in the government." A prominent leader from PTI also opened Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) centres in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

JuD is no longer on the list of banned terrorist groups with the lapse of the ordinance under which they were put on the list earlier.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first interview of 2019 said New Delhi is open to dialogue with Islamabad but "amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard."&nbsp;Last year, on&nbsp;the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, New Delhi had called on Pakistan to give up "double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice."

The MEA also slammed Pakistan on the issue of raising the so-called bad situation of minorities in India. Raveesh noted, "Pakistan said minorities are not treated well in India, I think Pakistan should be the last country to lecture us on plurality and inclusive society. We and the world are fully aware of the situation of minorities in their country."

Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said, "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities." On the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, Khan tweeted, "Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-ensure-our-minorities-are-treated-as-equals-unlike-what-is-happening-in-india-imran-khan-186352">our minorities are treated as equal citizens</a>, unlike what is happening in India."

India has hit out at Pakistan on its continued support to terror and said Islamabad is "trying to deflect the attention of the financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists.

India has hit out at Pakistan on its continued support to terror and said Islamabad is "trying to deflect the attention of the financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists." Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, in a weekly media briefing, asked, "Why is Pakistan allowing safe haven to a terrorist group?" and questioned the lack of seriousness by Pakistan to take action against the perpetrators of Mumbai and Pathankot terror attacks. Kumar added, "If Pakistan is ready for dialogue, why hasn't Pakistan taken any action against Mumbai and Pathankot terror attack perpetrators? They continue to provide support to the banned terrorist outfits." On India-Pak talks, Kumar said, "no seriousness in Pakistan saying it wants dialogue and it (Pakistan) has to back up it up with action." MEA spokesperson gave examples of how Pak ministers have been sharing the stage with terrorists like Hafiz Saeed. In September 2018, Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri, Pakistan's Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Inter-faith Harmony and member of Imran Khan's government shared the stage with 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. In December, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi vowed to protect Hafiz Saeed "as long as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is in the government." A prominent leader from PTI also opened Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) centres in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. JuD is no longer on the list of banned terrorist groups with the lapse of the ordinance under which they were put on the list earlier. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first interview of 2019 said New Delhi is open to dialogue with Islamabad but "amid the noise of bombs and guns, the dialogue cannot be heard." Last year, on the 10th anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, New Delhi had called on Pakistan to give up "double standards and to expeditiously bring the perpetrators of the horrific attack to justice." The MEA also slammed Pakistan on the issue of raising the so-called bad situation of minorities in India. Raveesh noted, "Pakistan said minorities are not treated well in India, I think Pakistan should be the last country to lecture us on plurality and inclusive society. We and the world are fully aware of the situation of minorities in their country." Last month, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said, "We will show the Modi government how to treat minorities." On the birth anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, Khan tweeted, "Naya Pak is Quaid's Pak and we will ensure that our minorities are treated as equal citizens, unlike what is happening in India."

Pakistan trying to deflect attention from financial crisis by mainstreaming terrorists: MEA

Pakistan on Thursday again rejected the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/one-surgical-strike-not-enough-says-pm-modi-pak-calls-remark-political-statements-made-ahead-of-ls-polls-187817"> 2016 surgical strike as a</a> "figment of Indian imagination", saying there was no such 'event'.

The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/launch-surgical-strike-and-we-will-retaliate-with-10-pakistan-tells-india-171357">terror launch pads across the</a> Line of Control on September 29, 2016, but Pakistan denied any such attacks.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said&nbsp;when asked about the assertions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the surgical strikes in an interview on the New Year.

"There was no such event. It is a figment of Indian imagination. The Indian media is itself doubting the claims of their government," he said.

In an interview on Tuesday, PM Modi had asserted that it would be a "big mistake" to think that Pakistan will mend its ways after just "one war", referring to the 2016 surgical strike.

A surgical strike is a military attack aimed to harm only the intended target and ensure minimal collateral damage to general public infrastructure and utilities around it.

"Pakistan will never improve on the basis of one war. That nation will still take some time to improve. But, can we hear anything in the midst of bombs? Today, terror-supporting Pakistan is isolated," Modi was quoted as saying in tweets by the PMO.

He also said all PMs of India, across all parties never opposed dialogue with Pakistan.

On a dialogue between India and Pakistan, Faisal said that Islamabad wanted a dialogue with India but New Delhi was shying away.

"If India shies away from dialogue, we cannot do much. It takes two to tango. Our position on the matter is clear," he said, adding that a letter by Prime Minister Imran Khan, written to his Indian counterpart on September 14, clearly laid down Pakistan's policy.

India has also made it clear to Islamabad that talks and terror cannot go together.

"Obviously we would like to discuss the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, first and foremost, in addition to all other matters. We, unlike India do not shy away from having a dialogue for resolution of all outstanding issues between the two countries," he said.

Faisal also said that Pakistan's desire for peace must not be misconstrued as its "weakness".

Terming India-Pakistan relations as a "difficult and complicated one", he said, "We are slowly moving forward."

Condemning the alleged violation of the Line of Control by Indian drones, he said Pakistan was vigilant and responded effectively to these threats.

"Any misadventure by India would be responded in a befitting manner," he said.

Asked about the reports claiming 23 Indian passports were misplaced by the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi, he said "the matter has been looked into. There is no evidence that the alleged missing 23 passports were received by the Mission. As such, reports in this regard are baseless and speculative."

Pakistan on Thursday again rejected the 2016 surgical strike as a "figment of Indian imagination", saying there was no such 'event'. The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control on September 29, 2016, but Pakistan denied any such attacks.

Pakistan on Thursday again rejected the 2016 surgical strike as a "figment of Indian imagination", saying there was no such 'event'. The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the Line of Control on September 29, 2016, but Pakistan denied any such attacks. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said when asked about the assertions made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the surgical strikes in an interview on the New Year. "There was no such event. It is a figment of Indian imagination. The Indian media is itself doubting the claims of their government," he said. In an interview on Tuesday, PM Modi had asserted that it would be a "big mistake" to think that Pakistan will mend its ways after just "one war", referring to the 2016 surgical strike. A surgical strike is a military attack aimed to harm only the intended target and ensure minimal collateral damage to general public infrastructure and utilities around it. "Pakistan will never improve on the basis of one war. That nation will still take some time to improve. But, can we hear anything in the midst of bombs? Today, terror-supporting Pakistan is isolated," Modi was quoted as saying in tweets by the PMO. He also said all PMs of India, across all parties never opposed dialogue with Pakistan. On a dialogue between India and Pakistan, Faisal said that Islamabad wanted a dialogue with India but New Delhi was shying away. "If India shies away from dialogue, we cannot do much. It takes two to tango. Our position on the matter is clear," he said, adding that a letter by Prime Minister Imran Khan, written to his Indian counterpart on September 14, clearly laid down Pakistan's policy. India has also made it clear to Islamabad that talks and terror cannot go together. "Obviously we would like to discuss the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir, first and foremost, in addition to all other matters. We, unlike India do not shy away from having a dialogue for resolution of all outstanding issues between the two countries," he said. Faisal also said that Pakistan's desire for peace must not be misconstrued as its "weakness". Terming India-Pakistan relations as a "difficult and complicated one", he said, "We are slowly moving forward." Condemning the alleged violation of the Line of Control by Indian drones, he said Pakistan was vigilant and responded effectively to these threats. "Any misadventure by India would be responded in a befitting manner," he said. Asked about the reports claiming 23 Indian passports were misplaced by the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi, he said "the matter has been looked into. There is no evidence that the alleged missing 23 passports were received by the Mission. As such, reports in this regard are baseless and speculative."

Surgical strike figment of Indian imagination: Pakistan

Just days after laying the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-separates-himself-from-pakistan-foreign-ministers-googly-remark-181167">foundation stone for the</a> Kartarpur corridor, PM Imran Khan told a Pakistani TV channel that the Army and PTI was one on the Kartarpur issue.

"The whole country backs the Kartarpur initiative," the Pakistan prime minister said, adding, "we need to move on from the past."

The Pakistan prime minister distanced himself from foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who reportedly said that PM Imran Khan had bowled a "googly" to ensure Indian government's presence at the Kartarpur corridor.

Imran said he used the Germany-France analogy in India-Pak relations as the two nations had fought wars just as the two European powers earlier.

Shah Mahmood perhaps said the googly comment in some other manner, he asserted while adding, "I believe Kartarpur corridor is an excellent initiative."&nbsp;

"I saw so much of happiness..the minister cried," he said while describing the Kartarpur event.

"After Kartarpur, it would be very difficult for Indians to do propaganda against Pakistan and perhaps that's what Shah Mahmood meant as well," he said.

"India does not want to sit down for discussion because they want to use the anti-Pak rhetoric in the upcoming 2019 election," he declared&nbsp;during the TV interview.

"I completely believe in a two-nation theory, we are two separate nations," he told the TV channel.

On the question whether all the decisions of the government were always his own, the prime minister said, "There is no decision which is not mine..all are mine and General Bajwa stands right beside those decisions."

On Pakistan-China relations, the Pak PM said that he wanted to replicate the China model which created special export zones. The Pakistan prime minister acknowledged that the country was lagging behind in 'ease of doing business' but asserted that although it was a slow process but his government was trying its best ease of doing business. 
&nbsp;

Just days after laying the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor, PM Imran Khan told a Pakistani TV channel that the Army and PTI was one on the Kartarpur issue.

Just days after laying the foundation stone for the Kartarpur corridor, PM Imran Khan told a Pakistani TV channel that the Army and PTI was one on the Kartarpur issue. "The whole country backs the Kartarpur initiative," the Pakistan prime minister said, adding, "we need to move on from the past." The Pakistan prime minister distanced himself from foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi who reportedly said that PM Imran Khan had bowled a "googly" to ensure Indian government's presence at the Kartarpur corridor. Imran said he used the Germany-France analogy in India-Pak relations as the two nations had fought wars just as the two European powers earlier. Shah Mahmood perhaps said the googly comment in some other manner, he asserted while adding, "I believe Kartarpur corridor is an excellent initiative." "I saw so much of happiness..the minister cried," he said while describing the Kartarpur event. "After Kartarpur, it would be very difficult for Indians to do propaganda against Pakistan and perhaps that's what Shah Mahmood meant as well," he said. "India does not want to sit down for discussion because they want to use the anti-Pak rhetoric in the upcoming 2019 election," he declared during the TV interview. "I completely believe in a two-nation theory, we are two separate nations," he told the TV channel. On the question whether all the decisions of the government were always his own, the prime minister said, "There is no decision which is not mine..all are mine and General Bajwa stands right beside those decisions." On Pakistan-China relations, the Pak PM said that he wanted to replicate the China model which created special export zones. The Pakistan prime minister acknowledged that the country was lagging behind in 'ease of doing business' but asserted that although it was a slow process but his government was trying its best ease of doing business.

India does not want discussion because it wants to use anti-Pak rhetoric in 2019 elections: Pak PM Imran

Soon after home minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cabinet-has-approved-building-of-kartarpur-corridor-urge-pak-government-to-reciprocate-rajnath-singh-178726">Rajanth Singh announced today </a>that the government will&nbsp;be building the&nbsp;Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan said it would&nbsp;shortly announce&nbsp;good news about the&nbsp;famous corridor.

While declaring that the Cabinet had approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor, home minister Rajnath Singh urged Pakistan to reciprocate India's move.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, the home minister informed.

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As major attraction for pilgrims and tourists, a heritage complex at Sultanpur Lodhi, “Pind Babe Nanak da” to be developed to depict life in the times of Shri Guru Nanak Devji. Sultanpur Lodhi railway station to be upgraded and developed.
— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1065494710209400833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Indian government sources said the Kartarpur corridor will be completed&nbsp;on August 31st, 2019.

Navjot Sidhu who had gone to PM Imran Khan's swearing-in ceremony had said that Pakistan Army chief General &nbsp;Qamar Javed Bajwa had told him that his country may open a route to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

After the announcement was made by the Indian government, Sidhu tweeted saying: "I welcome this auspicious step by the Union Cabinet, it will be a cup of joy for 12 crore ‘Nanak Naam Laivas.’ It will build bridges, burn animosity and will act like a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries."

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The Kartarpur corridor will provide smooth and easy passage to pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib throughout the year. Government of Pakistan will be urged to reciprocate and develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory.
— राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajnathsingh/status/1065494395317874688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I welcome this auspicious step by the Union Cabinet, it will be a cup of joy for 12 Crore ‘Nanak Naam Laivas.’ It will build bridges, burn animosity and will act like a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GuruNanakJayanti?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GuruNanakJayanti</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kartarpurcorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kartarpurcorridor</a>
— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp/status/1065517369529896960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Finance minister Arun Jaitley said the government desires that pilgrims be able to visit the holy shrine throughout the year.

He also&nbsp;requested the Pakistan government to recognise the sentiments of Sikh community and to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its&nbsp;territory as well.

The Kartarpur corridor will be built by the government from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to International Border(IB) along the Pakistan border.

Soon after home minister Rajanth Singh announced today that the government will be building the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan said it would shortly announce good news about the famous corridor.

Soon after home minister Rajanth Singh announced today that the government will be building the Kartarpur corridor, Pakistan said it would shortly announce good news about the famous corridor. While declaring that the Cabinet had approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor, home minister Rajnath Singh urged Pakistan to reciprocate India's move. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji, the home minister informed. As major attraction for pilgrims and tourists, a heritage complex at Sultanpur Lodhi, “Pind Babe Nanak da” to be developed to depict life in the times of Shri Guru Nanak Devji. Sultanpur Lodhi railway station to be upgraded and developed. — राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) November 22, 2018 × Indian government sources said the Kartarpur corridor will be completed on August 31st, 2019. Navjot Sidhu who had gone to PM Imran Khan's swearing-in ceremony had said that Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa had told him that his country may open a route to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib on the occasion of the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev. After the announcement was made by the Indian government, Sidhu tweeted saying: "I welcome this auspicious step by the Union Cabinet, it will be a cup of joy for 12 crore ‘Nanak Naam Laivas.’ It will build bridges, burn animosity and will act like a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries." The Kartarpur corridor will provide smooth and easy passage to pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib throughout the year. Government of Pakistan will be urged to reciprocate and develop a corridor with suitable facilities in their territory. — राजनाथ सिंह (@rajnathsingh) November 22, 2018 × I welcome this auspicious step by the Union Cabinet, it will be a cup of joy for 12 Crore ‘Nanak Naam Laivas.’ It will build bridges, burn animosity and will act like a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries. #GuruNanakJayanti #Kartarpurcorridor — Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) November 22, 2018 × Finance minister Arun Jaitley said the government desires that pilgrims be able to visit the holy shrine throughout the year. He also requested the Pakistan government to recognise the sentiments of Sikh community and to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its territory as well. The Kartarpur corridor will be built by the government from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to International Border(IB) along the Pakistan border.

Expect good news soon, says Pakistan after India decides to build Kartarpur corridor

After India and Pakistan <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/ceasefire-dialogue-offer-opportunity-to-save-jk-from-bloodshed-mehbooba-141939">DGMS announced a ceasefire </a>agreement last week, minister of state for home affairs(MoS) Hansraj Ahir said the government will be "constrained to revoke the ceasefire agreement" in view of cross-border firing.

In the latest incident, two BSF personnel were <a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/two-bsf-personnel-killed-as-pak-violates-ceasefire-in-jk-141850">killed after Pakistani troops opened fire in Akhnoor</a>, Kanachak and Khour sectors of Jammu district on Sunday. The sudden firing led to the death of Assistant Sub-inspector Satya Narayan Yadav and Constable Vijay Kumar Pandey. At least 13 people were injured during the cross-border firing.

Speaking about the incident, Ahir said: &nbsp;"We had decided to suspend operations in view of Ramzan. However, there is no respite in cross-border terrorism and ceasefire violations on the part of Pakistan," adding,"we will be constrained to revoke the ceasefire agreement."

MoS Ahir added that India will continue to follow the &nbsp;"no-first-strike" policy.

Meanwhile, BSF's Jammu frontier IG Ram Awtar said &nbsp;Islamabad says one thing and does another.

India and Pakistan DGMOs last week had agreed to implement the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit".&nbsp;

"Suddenly, Pakistan started firing around 1.15 am, injuring two of our personnel who later succumbed,"BSF IG Awtar said. Indian troops stationed at the border returned fire, he informed.

"After every incident, we do a detailed study and accordingly take precautionary measures for the future. This incident of cross-border firing will be probed as well," the BSF IG said.

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BSF's Jammu frontier IG Ram Awtar said Islamabad says one thing and does another.

After India and Pakistan DGMS announced a ceasefire agreement last week, minister of state for home affairs(MoS) Hansraj Ahir said the government will be "constrained to revoke the ceasefire agreement" in view of cross-border firing. In the latest incident, two BSF personnel were killed after Pakistani troops opened fire in Akhnoor, Kanachak and Khour sectors of Jammu district on Sunday. The sudden firing led to the death of Assistant Sub-inspector Satya Narayan Yadav and Constable Vijay Kumar Pandey. At least 13 people were injured during the cross-border firing. Speaking about the incident, Ahir said: "We had decided to suspend operations in view of Ramzan. However, there is no respite in cross-border terrorism and ceasefire violations on the part of Pakistan," adding,"we will be constrained to revoke the ceasefire agreement." MoS Ahir added that India will continue to follow the "no-first-strike" policy. Meanwhile, BSF's Jammu frontier IG Ram Awtar said Islamabad says one thing and does another. India and Pakistan DGMOs last week had agreed to implement the ceasefire pact of 2003 in "letter and spirit". "Suddenly, Pakistan started firing around 1.15 am, injuring two of our personnel who later succumbed,"BSF IG Awtar said. Indian troops stationed at the border returned fire, he informed. "After every incident, we do a detailed study and accordingly take precautionary measures for the future. This incident of cross-border firing will be probed as well," the BSF IG said.

No respite in border firing, will be constrained to revoke ceasefire: MoS Home Hansraj Ahir

As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jammu-and-kashmir-1-bsf-soldier-killed-in-ceasefire-violation-by-">Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner </a>&nbsp;over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC).

Pakistan's Foreign Office said its acting foreign secretary summoned High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria and "condemned" the firing in Pukhlian, Cahprar, Harpal, Charwah and Shakargarh sectors across LoC.

Pakistan said the firing had led to the death of four family members in Khanoor village and had injured 10 due to &nbsp;"unprovoked ceasefire violations".

The Indian side was still firing at Pakistani positions, it said.

Indian officials told PTI that 4 civilians and a BSF soldier was killed and 12 injured as Pakistani Rangers opened fire on villages in Jammu area today.

Earlier on Friday, a BSF soldier and four civilians lost their lives during firing along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. Pak troops had opened fire in RS Pura and Arnia sectors. &nbsp;

The soldier killed in the violation hailed from Jharkhand.

Pakistan said the Indian envoy was informed that the "deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws".&nbsp;

"The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," Pakistan's foreign office added. &nbsp;

Pakistan said in 2018, Indian security forces had carried out more than 1,050 ceasefire violations along the LoC resulting in the deaths of 28 civilians, and injuring 117 others.&nbsp;

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The Indian side was still firing at Pakistani positions, it said.

As PM Modi prepares to visit J&K on Saturday, Pakistan today summoned Indian High Commissioner over "unprovoked ceasefire violations" allegedly carried out by Indian forces along the Line of Control(LoC). Pakistan's Foreign Office said its acting foreign secretary summoned High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria and "condemned" the firing in Pukhlian, Cahprar, Harpal, Charwah and Shakargarh sectors across LoC. Pakistan said the firing had led to the death of four family members in Khanoor village and had injured 10 due to "unprovoked ceasefire violations". The Indian side was still firing at Pakistani positions, it said. Indian officials told PTI that 4 civilians and a BSF soldier was killed and 12 injured as Pakistani Rangers opened fire on villages in Jammu area today. Earlier on Friday, a BSF soldier and four civilians lost their lives during firing along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir. Pak troops had opened fire in RS Pura and Arnia sectors. The soldier killed in the violation hailed from Jharkhand. Pakistan said the Indian envoy was informed that the "deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws". "The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," Pakistan's foreign office added. Pakistan said in 2018, Indian security forces had carried out more than 1,050 ceasefire violations along the LoC resulting in the deaths of 28 civilians, and injuring 117 others.

Pakistan summons Indian High Commissioner over 'unprovoked ceasefire violations' along LoC

Pakistan troops opened fire in Poonch on Thursday night leading to the death of a civilian.

Mohd Iqhlaq Sadeeq, 20, belonging to Bagial Dara Kalsan died during the shelling.

Pakistan troops opened fire in Poonch again

Pakistan troops opened fire in Poonch on Thursday night leading to the death of a civilian. Mohd Iqhlaq Sadeeq, 20, belonging to Bagial Dara Kalsan died during the shelling.

J&K: Pak troops open fire in Poonch, 1 civilian killed

Goods worth Rs 3432.94 crore were traded between business establishments of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) via two LoC points of Chakan-Da-Bagh and Salamabad along the Indo-Pak border during last three years. &nbsp;

The information was provided by Jammu and Kashmir Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga in a written reply to a question of National Conference MLC Shehnaz Ganai in the state Legislative Council today. &nbsp;

The value of items traded by the Indian businessmen in the state during the three-year period amounted to Rs 1676.77 crore while that by the PoK businessmen stood at Rs 1756.17 crore for the same period, the minister said. &nbsp;

Items worth Rs 2367.82 crore were traded via Salamabad crossing point in Uri area of Baramulla district (Kashmir) along the Indo-Pak border and Rs 1065.12 crore worth trade was conducted via Chakan-Da-Bagh crossing point in Poonch district of Jammu region, Ganga elaborated. &nbsp;

As many as 21 items are traded along these points between traders of PoK and J&amp;K since the trade started in 2005, he said. &nbsp;

The state government, in terms of cabinet decision, has conveyed its agreement for establishing the banking facility for cross-LoC trade to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, he said. &nbsp;

A final decision, however, is to be taken up further by the Indian government in consultation and mutual agreement with the Government of Pakistan, he said. &nbsp;

Similarly, the state government has also conveyed its support and agreement to the opening of seven additional trade routes and two additional contact and meeting points as recommended by the working groups, he said. &nbsp;

A final decision in this regard is to be taken by the governments of the two countries, the minister added. &nbsp;

He said the state has requested the Centre to include 21 more items in the list of the trade items. He added that a final decision is to be taken following due process of the bilateral diplomatic protocol.

The value of items traded by the Indian businessmen in the state during the three-year period amounted to Rs 1676.77 cr while that by the PoK businessmen stood at Rs 1756.17 cr

Goods worth Rs 3432.94 crore were traded between business establishments of Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) via two LoC points of Chakan-Da-Bagh and Salamabad along the Indo-Pak border during last three years. The information was provided by Jammu and Kashmir Industries Minister Chander Prakash Ganga in a written reply to a question of National Conference MLC Shehnaz Ganai in the state Legislative Council today. The value of items traded by the Indian businessmen in the state during the three-year period amounted to Rs 1676.77 crore while that by the PoK businessmen stood at Rs 1756.17 crore for the same period, the minister said. Items worth Rs 2367.82 crore were traded via Salamabad crossing point in Uri area of Baramulla district (Kashmir) along the Indo-Pak border and Rs 1065.12 crore worth trade was conducted via Chakan-Da-Bagh crossing point in Poonch district of Jammu region, Ganga elaborated. As many as 21 items are traded along these points between traders of PoK and J&K since the trade started in 2005, he said. The state government, in terms of cabinet decision, has conveyed its agreement for establishing the banking facility for cross-LoC trade to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, he said. A final decision, however, is to be taken up further by the Indian government in consultation and mutual agreement with the Government of Pakistan, he said. Similarly, the state government has also conveyed its support and agreement to the opening of seven additional trade routes and two additional contact and meeting points as recommended by the working groups, he said. A final decision in this regard is to be taken by the governments of the two countries, the minister added. He said the state has requested the Centre to include 21 more items in the list of the trade items. He added that a final decision is to be taken following due process of the bilateral diplomatic protocol.

Jammu and Kashmir: Goods over Rs 3,432 crore traded via two LoC points in 3 years  

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