Recalling India's move on SAARC for a regional strategy, Delhi has appreciated Islamabad finally showing enthusiasm for regional calls on COVID-19. Pakistan on Thursday hosted a meet on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-in-pakistan-due-to-coronavirus-rises-to-212-punjab-sindh-worst-affected-294307">COVID-19</a> pandemic in which the country had invited all the SAARC countries. India had participated in the meet.

Sources said, "Good to see Pak has realized the merit of regional cooperation and joining the initiative."

IPrime Minister Modi had called for SAARC video conference in March which sources said "regional cooperation is an important part of dealing with COVID-19" and since the meet, SAARC emergency fund has been established and "meaningful talks of health and commerce minister" have happened.&nbsp;

SAARC emergency fund has a corpus of $18 million&nbsp;with India's contribution being&nbsp;$10 million.&nbsp;

Pakistan was initially hesitant with the meet, sending junior advisor for the SAARC head of state video conference meet.

The country was last to announce its contribution for the SAARC COVID-19 meet. It also did not participate in SAARC agriculture meet on COVID-19 citing non-involvement of SAARC secretariat even though rest of the countries participated.

Recalling India's move on SAARC for a regional strategy, Delhi has appreciated Islamabad finally showing enthusiasm for regional calls on COVID-19. Pakistan on Thursday hosted a meet on COVID-19 pandemic in which the country had invited all the SAARC countries.

Recalling India's move on SAARC for a regional strategy, Delhi has appreciated Islamabad finally showing enthusiasm for regional calls on COVID-19. Pakistan on Thursday hosted a meet on COVID-19 pandemic in which the country had invited all the SAARC countries. India had participated in the meet. Sources said, "Good to see Pak has realized the merit of regional cooperation and joining the initiative." IPrime Minister Modi had called for SAARC video conference in March which sources said "regional cooperation is an important part of dealing with COVID-19" and since the meet, SAARC emergency fund has been established and "meaningful talks of health and commerce minister" have happened. SAARC emergency fund has a corpus of $18 million with India's contribution being $10 million. Pakistan was initially hesitant with the meet, sending junior advisor for the SAARC head of state video conference meet. The country was last to announce its contribution for the SAARC COVID-19 meet. It also did not participate in SAARC agriculture meet on COVID-19 citing non-involvement of SAARC secretariat even though rest of the countries participated.

Good to see Pakistan joining regional initiatives, India on Pak inviting SAARC countries for COVID-19 meet

Ahead of the US President Donald Trump's visit to India on Monday, Washington has said that Pakistan needs to act on terror groups for having a successful dialogue with India.

A senior US administration official said, "We continue to believe a core foundation of any successful dialogue between the two is based on continued momentum in Pakistan's efforts to crack down on terrorists and extremists on its territory. So we continue to look for that."

The comments come even as Pakistan remains on anti-terrorist financing body FATF's 'grey list' due to its failure to implement its action plan which calls acting on terror groups based on its territory and territories under control. The FATF in a statement released on Friday said, "all deadlines in the action plan have expired" and it now has time till June of this year or "FATF will take action".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/washington-looks-for-indian-support-ahead-of-taliban-us-deal-282155">Washington looks for Indian support ahead of Taliban-US deal</a>

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Asked, if US President will raise the mediation on Kashmir during his 2-day India tour, the official said, "I think what you'll hear from the President is very much encouraging a reduction in tensions between India and Pakistan, encouraging the two countries to engage in bilateral dialogue with each other to resolve their differences."

Adding, "President will urge both countries to seek to maintain peace and stability along the line of control and refrain from actions or statements that could increase tensions in the region".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/global-watchdog-fatf-keeps-pakistan-on-terrorism-financing-grey-list-282068">Global watchdog FATF keeps Pakistan on terrorism financing 'grey list'</a>

US President last year, during Pak Prime minister Imran Khan's Washington visit, had said that Washington can mediate between India and Pakistan, something he repeated many times later.

New Delhi had categorially dismissed the idea, with PM Modi during his meet with US President in France on the sidelines of G7 said, India and Pakistan can "bilaterally" resolve all issues and "we don't want to trouble any third country".

India's official stance when it comes to India and Pakistan ties is no third party mediation which has been stated under the Shimla and Lahore agreements.

Ahead of the US President Donald Trump's visit to India on Monday, Washington has said that Pakistan needs to act on terror groups for having a successful dialogue with India.

Ahead of the US President Donald Trump's visit to India on Monday, Washington has said that Pakistan needs to act on terror groups for having a successful dialogue with India. A senior US administration official said, "We continue to believe a core foundation of any successful dialogue between the two is based on continued momentum in Pakistan's efforts to crack down on terrorists and extremists on its territory. So we continue to look for that." The comments come even as Pakistan remains on anti-terrorist financing body FATF's 'grey list' due to its failure to implement its action plan which calls acting on terror groups based on its territory and territories under control. The FATF in a statement released on Friday said, "all deadlines in the action plan have expired" and it now has time till June of this year or "FATF will take action". Also read: Washington looks for Indian support ahead of Taliban-US deal × Asked, if US President will raise the mediation on Kashmir during his 2-day India tour, the official said, "I think what you'll hear from the President is very much encouraging a reduction in tensions between India and Pakistan, encouraging the two countries to engage in bilateral dialogue with each other to resolve their differences." Adding, "President will urge both countries to seek to maintain peace and stability along the line of control and refrain from actions or statements that could increase tensions in the region". Also read: Global watchdog FATF keeps Pakistan on terrorism financing 'grey list' US President last year, during Pak Prime minister Imran Khan's Washington visit, had said that Washington can mediate between India and Pakistan, something he repeated many times later. New Delhi had categorially dismissed the idea, with PM Modi during his meet with US President in France on the sidelines of G7 said, India and Pakistan can "bilaterally" resolve all issues and "we don't want to trouble any third country". India's official stance when it comes to India and Pakistan ties is no third party mediation which has been stated under the Shimla and Lahore agreements.

Islamabad has to act on terror for successful India-Pak dialogue: US

Japan has dismissed Pakistan foreign ministry statement on India-Japan 2+2 dialogue and asked Islamabad to take "resolute action" on terror and make efforts on "concerns of the international community".

Islamabad on Monday had issued a strongly worded statement on it being mentioned in India-Japan 2+2&nbsp;statement after the latter called on Pakistan to act on terror.

Speaking to WION exclusively from Tokyo, Atsushi Kaifu Deputy Press Secretary, Deputy Director-General for Press and Public Diplomacy, Japanese foreign ministry, said, "International community has been so far calling upon Pakistan to take resolute actions in countering terrorism."

Atsushi said: "The wordings in the related paragraph of the Japan-India 2+2&nbsp;dialogue reflects which reiterates the position of the government of Japan to hope Pakistan to continue to make its utmost effort to sweep concerns of the international community away."

The maiden India-Japan 2+2 joint statement mentioned Pakistan by name, calling on the country to take action against terror groups and "fully comply with international commitments including to FATF".&nbsp;

The move perturbed Islamabad, which on the Monday evening statement said that the "reference is gratuitous and completely unwarranted."

The statement from Islamabad said Japan hasn't taken "objective and balanced view" of the issues of peace and security in South Asia and Tokyo should refrain "from endorsing positions that are one-sided &amp; divorced from ground realities".

India-Japan maiden 2+2&nbsp;dialogue took place on November and saw the participation of India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar, defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart&nbsp;Taro Kono.

Japan has dismissed Pakistan foreign ministry statement on India-Japan 2+2 dialogue and asked Islamabad to take "resolute action" on terror and make efforts on "concerns of the international community".

Japan has dismissed Pakistan foreign ministry statement on India-Japan 2+2 dialogue and asked Islamabad to take "resolute action" on terror and make efforts on "concerns of the international community". Islamabad on Monday had issued a strongly worded statement on it being mentioned in India-Japan 2+2 statement after the latter called on Pakistan to act on terror. Speaking to WION exclusively from Tokyo, Atsushi Kaifu Deputy Press Secretary, Deputy Director-General for Press and Public Diplomacy, Japanese foreign ministry, said, "International community has been so far calling upon Pakistan to take resolute actions in countering terrorism." Atsushi said: "The wordings in the related paragraph of the Japan-India 2+2 dialogue reflects which reiterates the position of the government of Japan to hope Pakistan to continue to make its utmost effort to sweep concerns of the international community away." The maiden India-Japan 2+2 joint statement mentioned Pakistan by name, calling on the country to take action against terror groups and "fully comply with international commitments including to FATF". The move perturbed Islamabad, which on the Monday evening statement said that the "reference is gratuitous and completely unwarranted." The statement from Islamabad said Japan hasn't taken "objective and balanced view" of the issues of peace and security in South Asia and Tokyo should refrain "from endorsing positions that are one-sided & divorced from ground realities". India-Japan maiden 2+2 dialogue took place on November and saw the participation of India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar, defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Taro Kono.

Tokyo dismisses Pak statement on India-Japan 2+2 dialogue; asks Islamabad to take 'resolute action' on countering terror

The UK high court on Wednesday ruled in favour of India and heirs of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad in the 70-year-old case.&nbsp;

The case "High Commissioner for Pakistan in the UK v Prince Mukkaram Jah &amp; others’ or referred as "Hyderabad fund case" pertains to £35 million funds that are being held by the National Westminster Bank in London. India and the heir of the last Nizam of Hyderabad will get 306 crore, that is &nbsp;Rs 45,80,500

"Nizam VII was beneficially entitled to the fund and those claiming in right of Nizam VII -&nbsp;the Princes and India -&nbsp;are entitled to have the sum paid out to their order. I will leave it to the parties to frame an appropriate form of order for my approval" the judgement handed out by Justice Marcus Smith said.

On September 20, 1948, the foreign minister of the then princely state of Hyderabad, Nawab Moin Nawaz Jung, transferred &nbsp;£1,007,940, which is today's equivalent of £35 million to the account of Habib Ibrahim Rahimtoola, the Pakistani High Commissioner to the UK.

Pakistan claimed the funds were transferred as payments for arms shipments during the rebellion in the state or as an outright gift. The High Court held that "beneficial ownership" of the funds lay with the seventh Nizam concluding that India and the two grandsons of Nizam were now entitled to have the fund.&nbsp;

Khawar Qureshi, Pakistan's lawyer at International Court of Justice(ICJ) for Kulbhushan Jadhav case was one of the lawyers in the Hyderabad fund case.

The ministry of external affairs in a statement said: "The court rejected arguments advanced by Pakistan that the dispute was non-justiciable, either in whole or in part; that the doctrine of illegality somehow barred recovery; or that the claims of other parties were time-barred."&nbsp;

The case first came to focus in 1954 when Pakistan asserted its sovereignty since money was sent into the account of its then High Commissioner Rahimtoola. In 2013, Pakistan commenced the present proceedings but waved off the sovereignty or state immunity to claim ownership. These were against the bank for payment of the fund to Pakistan.

A dejected Pakistan has reacted saying it is "examining all aspects of the detailed judgment and will take further action in light of legal advice received."

Pakistan had put up an application to discontinue the proceedings it had initiated in June 2013 but it was dismissed by the High Court of Justice in London in 2015. The court ordered Islamabad to pay India the sum of 150,000 pounds towards legal costs it incurred to defeat Pakistan’s application.

The UK high court on Wednesday ruled in favour of India and heirs of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad in the 70-year-old case. The case "High Commissioner for Pakistan in the UK v Prince Mukkaram Jah & others’ or referred as "Hyderabad fund case" pertains to £35 million funds that are being held by the National Westminster Bank in London.

The UK high court on Wednesday ruled in favour of India and heirs of the seventh Nizam of Hyderabad in the 70-year-old case. The case "High Commissioner for Pakistan in the UK v Prince Mukkaram Jah & others’ or referred as "Hyderabad fund case" pertains to £35 million funds that are being held by the National Westminster Bank in London. India and the heir of the last Nizam of Hyderabad will get 306 crore, that is Rs 45,80,500 "Nizam VII was beneficially entitled to the fund and those claiming in right of Nizam VII - the Princes and India - are entitled to have the sum paid out to their order. I will leave it to the parties to frame an appropriate form of order for my approval" the judgement handed out by Justice Marcus Smith said. On September 20, 1948, the foreign minister of the then princely state of Hyderabad, Nawab Moin Nawaz Jung, transferred £1,007,940, which is today's equivalent of £35 million to the account of Habib Ibrahim Rahimtoola, the Pakistani High Commissioner to the UK. Pakistan claimed the funds were transferred as payments for arms shipments during the rebellion in the state or as an outright gift. The High Court held that "beneficial ownership" of the funds lay with the seventh Nizam concluding that India and the two grandsons of Nizam were now entitled to have the fund. Khawar Qureshi, Pakistan's lawyer at International Court of Justice(ICJ) for Kulbhushan Jadhav case was one of the lawyers in the Hyderabad fund case. The ministry of external affairs in a statement said: "The court rejected arguments advanced by Pakistan that the dispute was non-justiciable, either in whole or in part; that the doctrine of illegality somehow barred recovery; or that the claims of other parties were time-barred." The case first came to focus in 1954 when Pakistan asserted its sovereignty since money was sent into the account of its then High Commissioner Rahimtoola. In 2013, Pakistan commenced the present proceedings but waved off the sovereignty or state immunity to claim ownership. These were against the bank for payment of the fund to Pakistan. A dejected Pakistan has reacted saying it is "examining all aspects of the detailed judgment and will take further action in light of legal advice received." Pakistan had put up an application to discontinue the proceedings it had initiated in June 2013 but it was dismissed by the High Court of Justice in London in 2015. The court ordered Islamabad to pay India the sum of 150,000 pounds towards legal costs it incurred to defeat Pakistan’s application.

UK court rules in India's favour against Pakistan in Hyderabad funds case

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan is ready for a "conditional dialogue" with India, reported Dunya News quoted a foreign News Agency.

The report comes after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India is willing to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-willing-to-discuss-outstanding-issues-with-pakistan-bilaterally-jaishankar-246803">discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally</a> in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.

Pakistan is upset with the Indian government`s move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue.

Watch: Imran Khan cancels visit to Shiv temple in Pakistan

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However, Islamabad has been snubbed on all fronts as the international community has made it clear that the Kashmir issue is strictly New Delhi`s internal matter.

Pakistan has approached various world leaders to seek their interventions into the issue.

However, Pakistan has been told to engage bilaterally with India to end tensions.

India has repeatedly made it clear that talks with Pakistan are only possible after Islamabad stops sponsoring terror.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan is ready for a "conditional dialogue" with India, reported Dunya News quoted a foreign News Agency. The report comes after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India is willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan is ready for a "conditional dialogue" with India, reported Dunya News quoted a foreign News Agency. The report comes after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India is willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free of terror and violence. Pakistan is upset with the Indian government`s move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue. Watch: Imran Khan cancels visit to Shiv temple in Pakistan × However, Islamabad has been snubbed on all fronts as the international community has made it clear that the Kashmir issue is strictly New Delhi`s internal matter. Pakistan has approached various world leaders to seek their interventions into the issue. However, Pakistan has been told to engage bilaterally with India to end tensions. India has repeatedly made it clear that talks with Pakistan are only possible after Islamabad stops sponsoring terror.

Pakistan ready for 'conditional dialogue' with India: Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan is ready for a "conditional dialogue" with India, reported Dunya News quoted a foreign News Agency.

The report comes after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India is willing to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-willing-to-discuss-outstanding-issues-with-pakistan-bilaterally-jaishankar-246803">discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally</a> in an atmosphere free of terror and violence.

Pakistan is upset with the Indian government`s move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue.

However, Islamabad has been snubbed on all fronts as the international community has made it clear that the Kashmir issue is strictly New Delhi`s internal matter.

Pakistan has approached various world leaders to seek their interventions into the issue.

However, Pakistan has been told to engage bilaterally with India to end tensions.

India has repeatedly made it clear that talks with Pakistan are only possible after Islamabad stops sponsoring terror.

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has said that Pakistan is ready for a "conditional dialogue" with India, reported Dunya News quoted a foreign News Agency. The report comes after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that India is willing to discuss outstanding issues with Pakistan bilaterally in an atmosphere free of terror and violence. Pakistan is upset with the Indian government`s move to strip the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 and has found itself completely isolated despite desperate attempts aimed at internationalising the issue. However, Islamabad has been snubbed on all fronts as the international community has made it clear that the Kashmir issue is strictly New Delhi`s internal matter. Pakistan has approached various world leaders to seek their interventions into the issue. However, Pakistan has been told to engage bilaterally with India to end tensions. India has repeatedly made it clear that talks with Pakistan are only possible after Islamabad stops sponsoring terror.

Days after India removed special status for Jammu and Kashmir(J&amp;K), Pakistan after restoring to diplomatic means which failed, is trying to create tensions at the Line of Control(LoC).

It has been&nbsp;learnt&nbsp;that Islamabad has deployed medium-range artillery along LoC and mobilised its army as well.

Pakistan's latest move comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday&nbsp;in an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-have-succeeded-in-internationalising-the-issue-of-kashmir-claims-imran-in-national-address-245851">address to the nation on Kashmir</a> had issued&nbsp;a "nuclear threat" against India.

"India should remember that if situation turns out worse and moves towards a war they should remember that both countries have nuclear weapons and one should remember that repercussions will be around the world, not just India and Pakistan," Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had said in a televised address to the nation.

"Pakistan will now go to every extent, till their last breath on the issue," the Pakistan prime minister had said.&nbsp;

Pakistan earlier had been using small weapons during ceasefire violations. India has used Bofors to deal with increased Pakistani efforts to destabilize the LoC.

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It is understood that Islamabad has deployed its Special Service Group (SSG), an elite commando force and Border Action Team (BAT) at the LoC.

On the night of July 31 and August 1, Indian forces thwarted BAT attempt to infiltrate across the LoC at Karen sector.

Increased activity of terror groups has also been seen, according to sources including of associates of Masood Azhar, the chief of United Nation-listed terror group.

Jaish-e-Mohammed, have been noticed overlooking the training of terror groups, eager to cross over LoC. Increased movement of terrorist has been reported in Muzffarabad, Rawalakot and Kotli in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Days after India removed special status for Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), Pakistan after restoring to diplomatic means which failed, is trying to create tensions at the Line of Control(LoC).

Days after India removed special status for Jammu and Kashmir(J&K), Pakistan after restoring to diplomatic means which failed, is trying to create tensions at the Line of Control(LoC). It has been learnt that Islamabad has deployed medium-range artillery along LoC and mobilised its army as well. Pakistan's latest move comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday in an address to the nation on Kashmir had issued a "nuclear threat" against India. "India should remember that if situation turns out worse and moves towards a war they should remember that both countries have nuclear weapons and one should remember that repercussions will be around the world, not just India and Pakistan," Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan had said in a televised address to the nation. "Pakistan will now go to every extent, till their last breath on the issue," the Pakistan prime minister had said. Pakistan earlier had been using small weapons during ceasefire violations. India has used Bofors to deal with increased Pakistani efforts to destabilize the LoC. Watch Video: It is understood that Islamabad has deployed its Special Service Group (SSG), an elite commando force and Border Action Team (BAT) at the LoC. On the night of July 31 and August 1, Indian forces thwarted BAT attempt to infiltrate across the LoC at Karen sector. Increased activity of terror groups has also been seen, according to sources including of associates of Masood Azhar, the chief of United Nation-listed terror group. Jaish-e-Mohammed, have been noticed overlooking the training of terror groups, eager to cross over LoC. Increased movement of terrorist has been reported in Muzffarabad, Rawalakot and Kotli in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan increases military activity along LoC; deploys medium range artillery

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;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
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

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