A section of the Indian media earlier reported that&nbsp;Pakistan denied airspace to Indian aircraft carrying humanitarian aid and rescue teams to earthquake-hit Turkey.&nbsp;There was no confirmation either from the Indian or the Pakistani side of this development.

CNN-News18 reported that the Indian Air Force's C-17&nbsp;Globemaster&nbsp;had to take a detour because Pakistan denied permission to use its airspace.

However, it emerged that Indian planes didn't fly over Pakistan to reach Ankara. It is believed that the Indian establishment never asked for permission from the Pakistan aviation authorities&nbsp;with regard to sending their military aircraft.

Even during the evacuation of Indians from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, Indian military planes flew from Kabul to Dushanbe and used Iranian airspace to come back to India.

Reacting to the development,&nbsp;Turkish ambassador to India, Firat Sunel, told WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal that he has "no information"&nbsp; on Indian military aircraft not being allowed to fly over Pakistani airspace.

Earlier in the day, India sent two Indian Air Force's C-17 aircraft, one of which departed on Monday late at night, while the second batch flew off on early Tuesday.

The first batch of earthquake relief material carried search &amp;and rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines and other necessary equipment to help Turkey in the evacuation of civilians.

“First Indian C17 flight with more than 50 <a href="https://twitter.com/NDRFHQ">@NDRFHQ</a>. Search &amp; Rescue personnel, specially trained dog squads, drilling machines, relief material, medicines and other necessary utilities &amp; equipment reaches Adana, Türkiye. Second plane getting ready for departure,” Jaishankar had on Tuesday morning.

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First Indian C17 flight with more than 50 <a href="https://twitter.com/NDRFHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NDRFHQ</a> Search &amp; Rescue personnel, specially trained dog squads,drilling machines, relief material, medicines and other necessary utilities &amp; equipment reaches Adana,Türkiye. 
 
Second plane getting ready for departure. <a href="https://twitter.com/MevlutCavusoglu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MevlutCavusoglu</a> <a href="https://t.co/sSjuRJJrIO">pic.twitter.com/sSjuRJJrIO</a>
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1622829210908884992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Turkey's Ambassador to India Firat Sunel thanked New Delhi for sending relief materials and termed India as “dost” (which in English means friend)

““Dost” is a common word in Turkish and Hindi... We have a Turkish proverb: "Dost kara günde belli olur" (a friend in need is a friend indeed). Thank you very much India."

He also shared an exchange between Indian and Turkish authorities following the deadly earthquakes that rattled the country and its neighbour Syria.

On Monday, India’s junior foreign minister V Muraleedharan paid a visit to Turkey’s embassy in New Delhi to express condolences. He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sympathy and humanitarian support.

Meanwhile, the total death toll rose to 4,983 as the search and rescue operation to find the survivors was underway.

According to local media reports, Turkey has recorded 3,381 fatalities, while Syria reported 1,602 casualties.

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A section of the Indian media earlier reported that Pakistan denied airspace to Indian aircraft carrying humanitarian aid and rescue teams to earthquake-hit Turkey.

A section of the Indian media earlier reported that Pakistan denied airspace to Indian aircraft carrying humanitarian aid and rescue teams to earthquake-hit Turkey. There was no confirmation either from the Indian or the Pakistani side of this development. CNN-News18 reported that the Indian Air Force's C-17 Globemaster had to take a detour because Pakistan denied permission to use its airspace. However, it emerged that Indian planes didn't fly over Pakistan to reach Ankara. It is believed that the Indian establishment never asked for permission from the Pakistan aviation authorities with regard to sending their military aircraft. Even during the evacuation of Indians from Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover in August 2021, Indian military planes flew from Kabul to Dushanbe and used Iranian airspace to come back to India. Reacting to the development, Turkish ambassador to India, Firat Sunel, told WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal that he has "no information" on Indian military aircraft not being allowed to fly over Pakistani airspace. Earlier in the day, India sent two Indian Air Force's C-17 aircraft, one of which departed on Monday late at night, while the second batch flew off on early Tuesday. The first batch of earthquake relief material carried search &and rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), specially trained dog squads, medical supplies, drilling machines and other necessary equipment to help Turkey in the evacuation of civilians. “First Indian C17 flight with more than 50 @NDRFHQ. Search & Rescue personnel, specially trained dog squads, drilling machines, relief material, medicines and other necessary utilities & equipment reaches Adana, Türkiye. Second plane getting ready for departure,” Jaishankar had on Tuesday morning. First Indian C17 flight with more than 50 @NDRFHQ Search & Rescue personnel, specially trained dog squads,drilling machines, relief material, medicines and other necessary utilities & equipment reaches Adana,Türkiye. Second plane getting ready for departure. @MevlutCavusoglu pic.twitter.com/sSjuRJJrIO — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 7, 2023 × Earlier, Turkey's Ambassador to India Firat Sunel thanked New Delhi for sending relief materials and termed India as “dost” (which in English means friend) ““Dost” is a common word in Turkish and Hindi... We have a Turkish proverb: "Dost kara günde belli olur" (a friend in need is a friend indeed). Thank you very much India." He also shared an exchange between Indian and Turkish authorities following the deadly earthquakes that rattled the country and its neighbour Syria. On Monday, India’s junior foreign minister V Muraleedharan paid a visit to Turkey’s embassy in New Delhi to express condolences. He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sympathy and humanitarian support. Meanwhile, the total death toll rose to 4,983 as the search and rescue operation to find the survivors was underway. According to local media reports, Turkey has recorded 3,381 fatalities, while Syria reported 1,602 casualties. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Did Pakistan deny airspace to Indian military plane carrying humanitarian aid to Turkey? Here's what we know

The United States said that Pakistan has a right to defend itself from terrorism as the country has suffered tremendously from terrorist attacks.

Pakistan has a right to defend itself from terrorism, says U.S.

The Melbourne Cricket Club is very keen to host a Test series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Should that happen, it would be historic, as the world’s best-known rivals have not played a test series in the last 15 years.&nbsp;

Reports here are that MCC is pressing Cricket Australia (CA) to keep lobbying the International Cricket Council for India and Pakistan to play a test series here. It is for CA to host the matches. The Australian government is also backing the effort.&nbsp;

If Melbourne has reasons to yearn for hosting an India-Pakistan Test series, the same reasons and more may be cited by the two South Asian cricket powers for matches to be played only in their countries.&nbsp;

Cricket does not get any bigger than an India-Pakistan match. The political tensions that have precluded a Test series on home turf after 2007 would only charge a Test match with more excitement. An India-Pakistan cricket match is a turbo-charged gladiatorial event that is unrivalled as spectacle, sport, business, money-spinner especially for all those involved including media and a crowd-puller of staggering proportions. All these make for a potent war-like mix that gives the countries, the players, the crowds, the fans, the tycoons, sports icons and even the political leaders a high that makes it an unmatched blockbuster.&nbsp;

And, Australia got a taste of this in October last when the two teams played the T20 World Cup match at the one-lakh-capacity MCG, watched by a record 90,000-plus fans. No one could get enough of the event, the atmosphere, the noise and the thrill that came with every ball.&nbsp;

All the above are exactly the reasons why India and Pakistan would like to see their Test matches played in their own countries. Pakistan has made it clear that while it would be happy to play India anywhere, its board is firm that the contests should be either in India or Pakistan. The argument is why should the fans, stakeholders and cricket fraternity be deprived of a great contest, and all that flows from it, at home.&nbsp;

Unlike Pakistan, India is keeping its cards close to its chest. In fact, there is no compulsion for India at this stage to take a position on if, when and where cricket’s two fiercest rivals should stage their Test series. There are scheduling problems because there is no room for the clear three weeks required for a three-Test series until 2027. A three-week window in June-July next year falls out of the cricket season in Australia. India and Pakistan have two weeks clear in Dec-Jan 2025-26, in early Dec 2026 and Jan 2027 in the 2023-27 calendar.&nbsp;

Of course, if India and Pakistan want it and their boards agree to hold the test series on neutral ground, then these tentative schedules can easily be recast to hold the matches in Melbourne. &nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The Melbourne Cricket Club is very keen to host a Test series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Should that happen, it would be historic, as the world’s best-known rivals have not played a test series in the last 15 years.

The Melbourne Cricket Club is very keen to host a Test series between arch-rivals India and Pakistan at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Should that happen, it would be historic, as the world’s best-known rivals have not played a test series in the last 15 years. Reports here are that MCC is pressing Cricket Australia (CA) to keep lobbying the International Cricket Council for India and Pakistan to play a test series here. It is for CA to host the matches. The Australian government is also backing the effort. If Melbourne has reasons to yearn for hosting an India-Pakistan Test series, the same reasons and more may be cited by the two South Asian cricket powers for matches to be played only in their countries. Cricket does not get any bigger than an India-Pakistan match. The political tensions that have precluded a Test series on home turf after 2007 would only charge a Test match with more excitement. An India-Pakistan cricket match is a turbo-charged gladiatorial event that is unrivalled as spectacle, sport, business, money-spinner especially for all those involved including media and a crowd-puller of staggering proportions. All these make for a potent war-like mix that gives the countries, the players, the crowds, the fans, the tycoons, sports icons and even the political leaders a high that makes it an unmatched blockbuster. And, Australia got a taste of this in October last when the two teams played the T20 World Cup match at the one-lakh-capacity MCG, watched by a record 90,000-plus fans. No one could get enough of the event, the atmosphere, the noise and the thrill that came with every ball. All the above are exactly the reasons why India and Pakistan would like to see their Test matches played in their own countries. Pakistan has made it clear that while it would be happy to play India anywhere, its board is firm that the contests should be either in India or Pakistan. The argument is why should the fans, stakeholders and cricket fraternity be deprived of a great contest, and all that flows from it, at home. Unlike Pakistan, India is keeping its cards close to its chest. In fact, there is no compulsion for India at this stage to take a position on if, when and where cricket’s two fiercest rivals should stage their Test series. There are scheduling problems because there is no room for the clear three weeks required for a three-Test series until 2027. A three-week window in June-July next year falls out of the cricket season in Australia. India and Pakistan have two weeks clear in Dec-Jan 2025-26, in early Dec 2026 and Jan 2027 in the 2023-27 calendar. Of course, if India and Pakistan want it and their boards agree to hold the test series on neutral ground, then these tentative schedules can easily be recast to hold the matches in Melbourne. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

WION Spotlight | Melbourne raring to host India-Pakistan test series 

Historically, the relationship between India and Pakistan has been mired in conflicts, war, and lack of trust. Pakistan has continued to loom large on India’s horizon despite the growing gap between the two countries. Ambassador (retd) Sharat Sabharwal’s book "India’s Pakistan Conundrum: Managing a Complex Relationship" examines the nature of the Pakistani state, its internal dynamics, and its impact on India. The text looks at key issues of the India-Pakistan relationship, appraises a range of India’s policy options to address the Pakistan conundrum, and proposes a way forward for India’s Pakistan policy. Drawing on the author’s experience of two diplomatic stints in Pakistan, including as the High Commissioner of India, the book offers a unique insider’s perspective on this critical relationship.

Below are the selected excerpts from the book:

The Pakistan army sees nuclear arsenal as an umbrella under which they can use their terror card with impunity without inviting an Indian reprisal. One often heard it being said in Pakistan that there could be no war under a nuclear overhang. During my lectures to Pakistan army officers at their National Defence University, I told them that their statement would sound more meaningful if it were modified to state that there could be no war- overt or covert- under a nuclear overhang.

Pakistan is known to have acquired its nuclear weapon capability on the basis of the design of a bomb provided by China and a test reportedly conducted for Pakistan by China at its Lop Nur test site, much before it went overtly nuclear in 1998. Its nuclear blackmail also, therefore, started much before 1998. In an interview given to the veteran Indian journalist, Kuldip Nayar in January 1987, in the course of Operation Brasstacks, the Pakistani nuclear scientist, Dr. A.Q. Khan said, “They told us Pakistan could never produce the bomb, and they doubted my capabilities, but they know we have done it.” After Nayar went public with the story, Khan described the comments attributed to him as false and concocted, but the cat was already out of the bag. It is unlikely that someone in his sensitive position could have met an Indian journalist without authorisation from the higher quarters and made the above comment. It is, therefore, more than likely that he did it with due authorisation to hold out a nuclear threat to India. The subsequent denial seems to have been aimed at keeping Pakistan’s American patrons mollified.

In the middle of the night between May 27 and 28, 1998, the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Satish Chandra, was called in to the Pakistan Foreign Ministry by Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmad and I accompanied him. The meeting took place past 1 am. Shamshad, who was accompanied by senior Foreign Ministry officials, said that they had credible information that India was going to attack their nuclear facilities. When asked how, Shamshad responded that the attack was perhaps to be mounted by F16 aircraft stationed at the Chennai airfield and added that he had been instructed by his government to inform the Government of India through the High Commissioner that in the event of such an attack, there would be "massive retaliation with devastating consequences." The High Commissioner expressed his surprise at what Shamshad had said. He

pointed out that India did not possess F 16 aircraft. Shamshad said that the aircraft he had referred to could be Israeli. The High Commissioner also enquired whether the Foreign Secretary had talked of a possible attack against the nuclear installations and facilities included in the list given by Pakistan to India at the beginning of every year under the bilateral agreement on the prohibition of attack against the nuclear installations of each other. Shamshad mumbled that he had referred to those and “other” facilities. The meeting wrapped up in a few minutes with the High Commissioner assuring Shamshad that his demarche would be conveyed to the Government of India. The High Commissioner and I went to the High Commission to report the rather alarmist and unusual demarche of our hosts to New Delhi. In view of its nature, we decided to convey it on phone before sending a cable. But we found that for the capital of the country, which according to the Pakistanis was about to mount an attack of major import against their country, New Delhi seemed extraordinarily relaxed and it took us some time to reach the Indian Foreign Secretary, who had been alerted to the Pakistani demarche a few minutes earlier by the Indian Mission to the UN in New York. Unknown to us, the Pakistanis had also taken up the matter with all the P5 countries in their capitals and through their Missions to the UN in New York.

High Commissioner Chandra and I discussed Shamshad Ahmad’s demarche before sending our assessment to Delhi. It was our considered view that the Pakistanis were on the verge of carrying out their nuclear tests ( which happened on May 28) and were nervous about India attacking their testing site in the Chagai hills of Balochistan, which did not figure in the lists given to India at the beginning of every year under the agreement on the prohibition of attack against the nuclear installations of each other. That explained Shamshad's use of the word "other" while answering High Commissioner’s query about the facilities that he had in mind.

The policy of massive retaliation was announced by the then US Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, in 1954 when he said that the US would protect its allies through the deterrent of massive retaliatory power. His reference was to reliance on the American nuclear arsenal against a Soviet aggression. Since then, the term “massive retaliation” has come to denote disproportionate retaliation with nuclear weapons to an attack by an adversary. Therefore, in using the expression “massive retaliation with devastating consequences”, Shamshad had spoken of a nuclear response, thereby confirming the Indian position that Pakistan already possessed nuclear weapons capability acquired with the Chinese help. The impending tests were meant, inter alia, to bring this capability into the open. The Pakistanis surely did not believe that India would take any such action lying down and would not retaliate with whatever nuclear capability it had at that stage. All in all, it seems to have been a case of overreaction and nuclear bluster in response to a non-existent threat.

Years later, a retired Pakistan Foreign Office official, who was present at our meeting with Shamshad Ahmad, told me that they had reports of the presence of Israeli aircraft at the Chennai airfield with the aim to attack their nuclear testing site in Balochistan. At the same time, there was a US naval presence off the coast of Karachi. Their defence experts believed that if the reports of an attack being planned from India were correct, the US ships would move away before it was mounted and the ships did move away on May 27. These developments convinced them of the need of an urgent demarche. From what my interlocutor told me, they seemed to believe that the Americans were complicit in the plan to attack the Chagai hills testing site.

*****

Reproduced from India's Pakistan Conundrum: Managing a Complex Relationship by Sharat Sabharwal with permission of INFORMA UK Limited through PLSclear. No part of this extract may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Historically, the relationship between India and Pakistan has been mired in conflicts, war, and lack of trust. Pakistan has continued to loom large on India’s horizon despite the growing gap between the two countries.

Historically, the relationship between India and Pakistan has been mired in conflicts, war, and lack of trust. Pakistan has continued to loom large on India’s horizon despite the growing gap between the two countries. Ambassador (retd) Sharat Sabharwal’s book "India’s Pakistan Conundrum: Managing a Complex Relationship" examines the nature of the Pakistani state, its internal dynamics, and its impact on India. The text looks at key issues of the India-Pakistan relationship, appraises a range of India’s policy options to address the Pakistan conundrum, and proposes a way forward for India’s Pakistan policy. Drawing on the author’s experience of two diplomatic stints in Pakistan, including as the High Commissioner of India, the book offers a unique insider’s perspective on this critical relationship. Below are the selected excerpts from the book: The Pakistan army sees nuclear arsenal as an umbrella under which they can use their terror card with impunity without inviting an Indian reprisal. One often heard it being said in Pakistan that there could be no war under a nuclear overhang. During my lectures to Pakistan army officers at their National Defence University, I told them that their statement would sound more meaningful if it were modified to state that there could be no war- overt or covert- under a nuclear overhang. Pakistan is known to have acquired its nuclear weapon capability on the basis of the design of a bomb provided by China and a test reportedly conducted for Pakistan by China at its Lop Nur test site, much before it went overtly nuclear in 1998. Its nuclear blackmail also, therefore, started much before 1998. In an interview given to the veteran Indian journalist, Kuldip Nayar in January 1987, in the course of Operation Brasstacks, the Pakistani nuclear scientist, Dr. A.Q. Khan said, “They told us Pakistan could never produce the bomb, and they doubted my capabilities, but they know we have done it.” After Nayar went public with the story, Khan described the comments attributed to him as false and concocted, but the cat was already out of the bag. It is unlikely that someone in his sensitive position could have met an Indian journalist without authorisation from the higher quarters and made the above comment. It is, therefore, more than likely that he did it with due authorisation to hold out a nuclear threat to India. The subsequent denial seems to have been aimed at keeping Pakistan’s American patrons mollified. In the middle of the night between May 27 and 28, 1998, the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Satish Chandra, was called in to the Pakistan Foreign Ministry by Foreign Secretary Shamshad Ahmad and I accompanied him. The meeting took place past 1 am. Shamshad, who was accompanied by senior Foreign Ministry officials, said that they had credible information that India was going to attack their nuclear facilities. When asked how, Shamshad responded that the attack was perhaps to be mounted by F16 aircraft stationed at the Chennai airfield and added that he had been instructed by his government to inform the Government of India through the High Commissioner that in the event of such an attack, there would be "massive retaliation with devastating consequences." The High Commissioner expressed his surprise at what Shamshad had said. He pointed out that India did not possess F 16 aircraft. Shamshad said that the aircraft he had referred to could be Israeli. The High Commissioner also enquired whether the Foreign Secretary had talked of a possible attack against the nuclear installations and facilities included in the list given by Pakistan to India at the beginning of every year under the bilateral agreement on the prohibition of attack against the nuclear installations of each other. Shamshad mumbled that he had referred to those and “other” facilities. The meeting wrapped up in a few minutes with the High Commissioner assuring Shamshad that his demarche would be conveyed to the Government of India. The High Commissioner and I went to the High Commission to report the rather alarmist and unusual demarche of our hosts to New Delhi. In view of its nature, we decided to convey it on phone before sending a cable. But we found that for the capital of the country, which according to the Pakistanis was about to mount an attack of major import against their country, New Delhi seemed extraordinarily relaxed and it took us some time to reach the Indian Foreign Secretary, who had been alerted to the Pakistani demarche a few minutes earlier by the Indian Mission to the UN in New York. Unknown to us, the Pakistanis had also taken up the matter with all the P5 countries in their capitals and through their Missions to the UN in New York. High Commissioner Chandra and I discussed Shamshad Ahmad’s demarche before sending our assessment to Delhi. It was our considered view that the Pakistanis were on the verge of carrying out their nuclear tests ( which happened on May 28) and were nervous about India attacking their testing site in the Chagai hills of Balochistan, which did not figure in the lists given to India at the beginning of every year under the agreement on the prohibition of attack against the nuclear installations of each other. That explained Shamshad's use of the word "other" while answering High Commissioner’s query about the facilities that he had in mind. The policy of massive retaliation was announced by the then US Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, in 1954 when he said that the US would protect its allies through the deterrent of massive retaliatory power. His reference was to reliance on the American nuclear arsenal against a Soviet aggression. Since then, the term “massive retaliation” has come to denote disproportionate retaliation with nuclear weapons to an attack by an adversary. Therefore, in using the expression “massive retaliation with devastating consequences”, Shamshad had spoken of a nuclear response, thereby confirming the Indian position that Pakistan already possessed nuclear weapons capability acquired with the Chinese help. The impending tests were meant, inter alia, to bring this capability into the open. The Pakistanis surely did not believe that India would take any such action lying down and would not retaliate with whatever nuclear capability it had at that stage. All in all, it seems to have been a case of overreaction and nuclear bluster in response to a non-existent threat. Years later, a retired Pakistan Foreign Office official, who was present at our meeting with Shamshad Ahmad, told me that they had reports of the presence of Israeli aircraft at the Chennai airfield with the aim to attack their nuclear testing site in Balochistan. At the same time, there was a US naval presence off the coast of Karachi. Their defence experts believed that if the reports of an attack being planned from India were correct, the US ships would move away before it was mounted and the ships did move away on May 27. These developments convinced them of the need of an urgent demarche. From what my interlocutor told me, they seemed to believe that the Americans were complicit in the plan to attack the Chagai hills testing site. ***** Reproduced from India's Pakistan Conundrum: Managing a Complex Relationship by Sharat Sabharwal with permission of INFORMA UK Limited through PLSclear. No part of this extract may be reprinted or reproduced or utilised in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan’s nuclear brinkmanship

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that he is ready to engage with India provided the other side shows sincerity and purpose.

On the sidelines of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Sharif said that the engagement between the two countries is important for the peace and prosperity of the region but remained silent on the issue of terrorism in the recent past.

“We are willing to engage with India for the sake of peace, prosperity, and progress of the region. We cannot afford to have more poverty and unemployment on both sides of the border. Absolutely willing to have serious dialogue and discussions with our counterpart provided they show the sincerity of purpose,” Sharif said when asked about possible talks with India.

Sharif further said that the talks will be possible if both countries can keep aside issues that have caused rifts in the past and added that he is “committed to move forward”.

“If we don’t act speedily, then history will not forgive us. We can talk if they show that they are ready to discuss issues which have kept us at a distance over decades. This has to come to a stop and I am absolutely committed and ready to move forward.”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/massive-overhaul-in-pakistans-top-military-brass-12-major-generals-promoted-524990" hreflang="en">Massive overhaul in Pakistan's top military brass</a>

Pakistan was recently devastated by floods which claimed the lives of over 1000 people and Sharif made it clear that the top priority of the nation is to rebuild and provide a better future for children.

“We need to really provide education, health, medicine, and jobs to our children. Cannot afford to deploy or commit meagre resources to create tensions. Enough is enough.”

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that he is ready to engage with India provided the other side shows sincerity and purpose. On the sidelines of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Sharif said that the engagement between the two countries is important for the peace and prosperity of the region but remained silent on the issue of terrorism in the recent past.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Thursday that he is ready to engage with India provided the other side shows sincerity and purpose. On the sidelines of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Sharif said that the engagement between the two countries is important for the peace and prosperity of the region but remained silent on the issue of terrorism in the recent past. “We are willing to engage with India for the sake of peace, prosperity, and progress of the region. We cannot afford to have more poverty and unemployment on both sides of the border. Absolutely willing to have serious dialogue and discussions with our counterpart provided they show the sincerity of purpose,” Sharif said when asked about possible talks with India. Sharif further said that the talks will be possible if both countries can keep aside issues that have caused rifts in the past and added that he is “committed to move forward”. “If we don’t act speedily, then history will not forgive us. We can talk if they show that they are ready to discuss issues which have kept us at a distance over decades. This has to come to a stop and I am absolutely committed and ready to move forward.” Also read | Massive overhaul in Pakistan's top military brass Pakistan was recently devastated by floods which claimed the lives of over 1000 people and Sharif made it clear that the top priority of the nation is to rebuild and provide a better future for children. “We need to really provide education, health, medicine, and jobs to our children. Cannot afford to deploy or commit meagre resources to create tensions. Enough is enough.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif says 'want talks with India', but remains silent on terrorism

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will both be in the same room at the Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO summit but any structured bilateral between the sidelines is unlikely. India and Pakistan both became members of the grouping in 2017 and since then leaders of the 2 countries have been present at various meetings, including at Defence, foreign and NSA levels.&nbsp;

The grouping's meeting in the past has seen both Indian, and Pakistani leadership present under the same roof, but given the state of the relationship, no talks have happened. In 2019, the last time the in-person summit of SCO grouping happened in Kyrgyzstan, both Indian PM Modi and Pakistan's then Prime Minister Imran Khan were present together.

Earlier this year, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistani Foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto were present together at the SCO foreign ministers' meet in Tashkent, but no meeting happened. That time speaking to WION, Bhutto ruled out any meeting between the 2 leaders.

Earlier&nbsp;this year, as part of diplomatic protocols, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to the new Pakistani PM pointing out that New Delhi would like to have "normal neighbourly relations" calling for "constructive engagement" but also raising the issue of terror with Islamabad, calling for an "environment free of terror and violence". Last month, the Indian Prime Minister extended his condolences on the devastating floods in the country, responding to which the Pakistani PM thanked him and expressed optimism that his country will overcome the adverse impact of the natural calamity.

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Saddened to see the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and all those affected by this natural calamity and hope for an early restoration of normalcy.
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But on any chances of humanitarian assistance, MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said, "Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has shared his sadness at the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. You've seen his comments. He has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and all those affected by the natural calamity".

Under the present Modi government, attempts have been made to reach out to Islamabad since 2014. India invited the then Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif, the elder brother of the current Pakistani PM to the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi. Both PM Modi and Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif met on the sidelines of the&nbsp;SCO summit in Russia in July of 2015, and in the same year, both met on the sidelines of the Paris climate change summit in December 2015, a picture that showed both sitting together in a very informal close manner.&nbsp;

Later that month, PM Modi made a surprise visit to Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore. That was the first visit by any Indian Prime Minister to Pakistan in more than 10 years, raising hopes for peace between New Delhi and Islamabad. The then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also took the initiative to propose a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue in December 2015.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-asks-afghanistan-to-locate-and-arrest-of-jem-chief-maulana-masood-azhar-515965" hreflang="en">Pakistan asks Afghanistan to locate and arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar</a>

But all the outreach was followed by major terror attacks like the Pathankot Airbase attack on 2 January 2016, and the attack on the Indian army Camp in Uri in August 2016. 2018, attempts were again made, with a proposed meeting of Indian, and Pakistani foreign ministers on the sidelines of UNGA but it was cancelled at the last moment after terrorist entities brutally killed three police personnel in Jammu and Kashmir.

The big blow to ties came in February 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack in which India's 40 security personnel were martyred. This terrorist act was perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization proscribed by the United Nations which is led by UN-designated and internationally proscribed terrorist Masood Azhar. Later that year, Islamabad suspended People to people ties, and trade ties and downgraded its relationship with India after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.

A bilateral between Indian and Pakistani leaders is a farfetched thing now, a pull aside will be a miracle. While for India, the issue of Pakistan's support of terror has been a major concern, for Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif, any meeting with Indian PM Modi means facing the wrath of Imran Khan ahead of elections. For the foreseeable future, India-Pakistan ties remain in a deep freeze, a freeze that is unlikely to go very soon.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will both be in the same room at the Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO summit but any structured bilateral between the sidelines is unlikely.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan's new Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will both be in the same room at the Shanghai cooperation organization or SCO summit but any structured bilateral between the sidelines is unlikely. India and Pakistan both became members of the grouping in 2017 and since then leaders of the 2 countries have been present at various meetings, including at Defence, foreign and NSA levels. The grouping's meeting in the past has seen both Indian, and Pakistani leadership present under the same roof, but given the state of the relationship, no talks have happened. In 2019, the last time the in-person summit of SCO grouping happened in Kyrgyzstan, both Indian PM Modi and Pakistan's then Prime Minister Imran Khan were present together. Earlier this year, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Pakistani Foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto were present together at the SCO foreign ministers' meet in Tashkent, but no meeting happened. That time speaking to WION, Bhutto ruled out any meeting between the 2 leaders. Earlier this year, as part of diplomatic protocols, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to the new Pakistani PM pointing out that New Delhi would like to have "normal neighbourly relations" calling for "constructive engagement" but also raising the issue of terror with Islamabad, calling for an "environment free of terror and violence". Last month, the Indian Prime Minister extended his condolences on the devastating floods in the country, responding to which the Pakistani PM thanked him and expressed optimism that his country will overcome the adverse impact of the natural calamity. Saddened to see the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and all those affected by this natural calamity and hope for an early restoration of normalcy. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 29, 2022 × But on any chances of humanitarian assistance, MEA spokesman Arindam Bagchi said, "Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has shared his sadness at the devastation caused by the floods in Pakistan. You've seen his comments. He has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured and all those affected by the natural calamity". Under the present Modi government, attempts have been made to reach out to Islamabad since 2014. India invited the then Pakistani PM Nawaz Sharif, the elder brother of the current Pakistani PM to the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi. Both PM Modi and Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Russia in July of 2015, and in the same year, both met on the sidelines of the Paris climate change summit in December 2015, a picture that showed both sitting together in a very informal close manner. Later that month, PM Modi made a surprise visit to Pakistan's eastern city of Lahore. That was the first visit by any Indian Prime Minister to Pakistan in more than 10 years, raising hopes for peace between New Delhi and Islamabad. The then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also took the initiative to propose a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue in December 2015. Also read | Pakistan asks Afghanistan to locate and arrest JeM chief Masood Azhar But all the outreach was followed by major terror attacks like the Pathankot Airbase attack on 2 January 2016, and the attack on the Indian army Camp in Uri in August 2016. 2018, attempts were again made, with a proposed meeting of Indian, and Pakistani foreign ministers on the sidelines of UNGA but it was cancelled at the last moment after terrorist entities brutally killed three police personnel in Jammu and Kashmir. The big blow to ties came in February 2019 after the Pulwama terror attack in which India's 40 security personnel were martyred. This terrorist act was perpetrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), a Pakistan-based terrorist organization proscribed by the United Nations which is led by UN-designated and internationally proscribed terrorist Masood Azhar. Later that year, Islamabad suspended People to people ties, and trade ties and downgraded its relationship with India after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. A bilateral between Indian and Pakistani leaders is a farfetched thing now, a pull aside will be a miracle. While for India, the issue of Pakistan's support of terror has been a major concern, for Pakistani PM Shahbaz Sharif, any meeting with Indian PM Modi means facing the wrath of Imran Khan ahead of elections. For the foreseeable future, India-Pakistan ties remain in a deep freeze, a freeze that is unlikely to go very soon.

No structured Indo-Pak meet on the sidelines of SCO Summit in Samarkand

Virat Kohli has never shied away from expressing his thoughts. Be it about his form, the mental state is going through and much more. And most of the conversations have always revolved around cricket legend MS Dhoni.

The 33-year-old cricketer has not only often expressed his adulation of the World Cup-winning captain but has also spoken highly of the camaraderie shared between the two.

Speaking in a press conference shortly after Pakistan defeated India in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup, Kohli revealed that it was only Dhoni who reached out to him when he relinquished his Test captaincy.

“When I left Test captaincy, I received a text from only one person that I have played with earlier, and that is MS Dhoni,” the 33-year-old swashbuckling batsman said on Sunday.

“Many people have my contact number, and there are many people who keep giving suggestions on TV, but I didn’t receive a message from any of them. So, when a connection with any person is genuine enough, it comes out in such a manner, because there is a sense of security on both sides.”

“Neither I want anything from him, nor does he want anything from me. And neither was I ever insecure of him, nor was he insecure of me about anything,” Kohli added.

Kohli also said that following his sump in form, lot of experts and former cricketers contacted him over the last few months.

Kohli said he listened only to a few as he took an indirect dig on others.

"Giving a lot of suggestion on various platforms isn't important for me as many did it. If I want to tell anyone something, I will reach out personally. If you give suggestions in front of the whole world, then for me that has no value," Kohli added.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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Virat Kohli has never shied away from expressing his thoughts. Be it about his form, the mental state is going through and much more. And most of the conversations have always revolved around cricket legend MS Dhoni.

Virat Kohli has never shied away from expressing his thoughts. Be it about his form, the mental state is going through and much more. And most of the conversations have always revolved around cricket legend MS Dhoni. The 33-year-old cricketer has not only often expressed his adulation of the World Cup-winning captain but has also spoken highly of the camaraderie shared between the two. Speaking in a press conference shortly after Pakistan defeated India in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup, Kohli revealed that it was only Dhoni who reached out to him when he relinquished his Test captaincy. “When I left Test captaincy, I received a text from only one person that I have played with earlier, and that is MS Dhoni,” the 33-year-old swashbuckling batsman said on Sunday. “Many people have my contact number, and there are many people who keep giving suggestions on TV, but I didn’t receive a message from any of them. So, when a connection with any person is genuine enough, it comes out in such a manner, because there is a sense of security on both sides.” “Neither I want anything from him, nor does he want anything from me. And neither was I ever insecure of him, nor was he insecure of me about anything,” Kohli added. Kohli also said that following his sump in form, lot of experts and former cricketers contacted him over the last few months. Kohli said he listened only to a few as he took an indirect dig on others. "Giving a lot of suggestion on various platforms isn't important for me as many did it. If I want to tell anyone something, I will reach out personally. If you give suggestions in front of the whole world, then for me that has no value," Kohli added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Only MS Dhoni texted me after leaving Test captaincy’, recalls Virat Kohli

A three-member Pakistani delegation will visit India over the weekend for talks under the Indus Water Commission. The talks will be on water sharing issues under Indus Water Pact.

The visit comes months after the Indian delegation visited Islamabad for annual the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC). The Indian delegation was in the capital city from March 1 to March 3 and was led by PK Saxena, the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters.

This is the second Pakistani delegation to visit India in the last few weeks. Earlier this month, a Pakistani delegation visited Delhi for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) regional anti-terror structure (RATS) meet.

During the March Indus Water Commission meeting, the Indian side underscored that all its projects are fully compliant with the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty and provided technical details in support of this position. Both sides also discussed the issue of the Fazilka drain, and Pakistan assured that all necessary actions will continue to be taken to ensure the free flow of Fazilka drain into the river Sutlej.

Under the Indus water treaty of 1960, waters of three eastern rivers —Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—are allocated to India for unrestricted use while the three western rivers —Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab— go to Pakistan.

Additionally, New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, subject to specific criteria for design. &nbsp;

Pakistan can, under the treaty, raise objections to the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on the western rivers. In the past several, issues have been resolved. There is also a provision whereby both the countries can approach neutral experts or courts to resolve any issue.

A three-member Pakistani delegation will visit India over the weekend for talks under the Indus Water Commission. The talks will be on water sharing issues under Indus Water Pact.

A three-member Pakistani delegation will visit India over the weekend for talks under the Indus Water Commission. The talks will be on water sharing issues under Indus Water Pact. The visit comes months after the Indian delegation visited Islamabad for annual the meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC). The Indian delegation was in the capital city from March 1 to March 3 and was led by PK Saxena, the Indian Commissioner for Indus Waters. This is the second Pakistani delegation to visit India in the last few weeks. Earlier this month, a Pakistani delegation visited Delhi for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) regional anti-terror structure (RATS) meet. During the March Indus Water Commission meeting, the Indian side underscored that all its projects are fully compliant with the provisions of the Indus Water Treaty and provided technical details in support of this position. Both sides also discussed the issue of the Fazilka drain, and Pakistan assured that all necessary actions will continue to be taken to ensure the free flow of Fazilka drain into the river Sutlej. Under the Indus water treaty of 1960, waters of three eastern rivers —Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi—are allocated to India for unrestricted use while the three western rivers —Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab— go to Pakistan. Additionally, New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the three western rivers, subject to specific criteria for design. Pakistan can, under the treaty, raise objections to the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on the western rivers. In the past several, issues have been resolved. There is also a provision whereby both the countries can approach neutral experts or courts to resolve any issue.

3-member Pak delegation to reach India over the weekend for Indus water talks

India on Sunday “registered strong protest” with Pakistan over the continued targeting of members of the minority community hours after two Sikh men were brutally gunned down in broad daylight by unidentified assailants in Pakistan's Peshawar city.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it has asked the authorities concerned to “sincerely investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible for this deplorable incident.”

"We have seen the reports on the brutal killing of two Sikh traders by unidentified armed men in Peshawar. Sadly, this is not the first such case or a rare occurrence,” it said.

“We expect that the Government of Pakistan, in discharge of its responsibilities, will look after the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities,” it added.

The deceased—identified as Ranjit Singh (42) and Kuljeet Singh (38)— were at their shops selling spices at Batta Tal Chowk in the Sarband area when two assailants arrived on a motorbike and opened fire.

Police have been dispatched to the site to take note of the matter. They are determining whether the deceased were victims of targeted killings.

Around 15,000 Sikhs live in Peshawar, mostly in the Jogan Shah neighbourhood of the provincial capital.

Most of the members of the Sikh community in Peshawar are involved in business, while some also run pharmacies.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has strongly condemned the attack and directed the police to take immediate steps to arrest the culprits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/2-sikh-men-shot-dead-in-pakistan-outrage-in-indias-punjab-state-hate-killing-suspected-479132">2 Sikh men shot dead in Pakistan, hate crime suspected</a>

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also denounced the killing, saying, "Strongly condemn the killing of our Sikh citizens in Peshawar, KP. Pakistan belongs to all its people.”

“Have ordered a high level inquiry to ascertain facts. The killers will be arrested &amp; meted out exemplary punishment. My most sincere sympathies to the bereaved families."

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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India on Sunday “registered strong protest” with Pakistan over the continued targeting of members of the minority community hours after two Sikh men were brutally gunned down in broad daylight by unidentified assailants in Pakistan's Peshawar city.

India on Sunday “registered strong protest” with Pakistan over the continued targeting of members of the minority community hours after two Sikh men were brutally gunned down in broad daylight by unidentified assailants in Pakistan's Peshawar city. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs said it has asked the authorities concerned to “sincerely investigate the matter and take strict action against those responsible for this deplorable incident.” "We have seen the reports on the brutal killing of two Sikh traders by unidentified armed men in Peshawar. Sadly, this is not the first such case or a rare occurrence,” it said. “We expect that the Government of Pakistan, in discharge of its responsibilities, will look after the safety, security and well-being of its minority communities,” it added. The deceased—identified as Ranjit Singh (42) and Kuljeet Singh (38)— were at their shops selling spices at Batta Tal Chowk in the Sarband area when two assailants arrived on a motorbike and opened fire. Police have been dispatched to the site to take note of the matter. They are determining whether the deceased were victims of targeted killings. Around 15,000 Sikhs live in Peshawar, mostly in the Jogan Shah neighbourhood of the provincial capital. Most of the members of the Sikh community in Peshawar are involved in business, while some also run pharmacies. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Mahmood Khan has strongly condemned the attack and directed the police to take immediate steps to arrest the culprits. Also read | 2 Sikh men shot dead in Pakistan, hate crime suspected Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also denounced the killing, saying, "Strongly condemn the killing of our Sikh citizens in Peshawar, KP. Pakistan belongs to all its people.” “Have ordered a high level inquiry to ascertain facts. The killers will be arrested & meted out exemplary punishment. My most sincere sympathies to the bereaved families." WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

2 Sikh men killed: India slams Pak over ‘continued targeting of minority community members’

Two terrorists arrested by the Delhi Police said they met a Pakistan Army Major while undergoing training in Pakistan, vindicating&nbsp;New Delhi’s long-held assertion that Islamabad is perpetrating terrorism in India.

They identified the army personnel after they were shown a photo of him with IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was in Pakistani custody three years ago, the Indian Express newspaper reported citing a chargesheet filed in a Delhi court.

The two terrorists— Zeeshan Qamar (28), a resident of Allahabad in UP, and Osama alias Sami (22), a resident of Jamia Nagar in Delhi—identified Pakistani Major Hamza, a resident of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir who lives in Islamabad.

“He was the head of the training which accused Zeeshan and Osama took from one Jabbar, Rawalpindi. Hamza also told them that he was also present at the time of arrest of Wing Commander Abhinandan, who was captured at Pakistan border during retaliation of Balakot air strike. He is a Major in Pak Army,” Investigation Officer ACP Lalit Mohan Negi states in the chargesheet.

The Delhi court took note of the chargesheet on Monday that was filed on February 9 this year.

Zeeshan and Osama were arrested last year from their alleged role in a terror plot.

According to the chargesheet, Osama and Zeeshan got training in 2021 in Pakistan and were getting instructions from the Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI.

“They were asked to conduct recce of suitable locations in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh for planting IEDs,” it said.

Apart from these two, the Delhi Police had also arrested Jaan Mohammed Sheikh (47) from Maharashtra, Moolchand alias Saaju (47) from UP’s Rae Bareli, Mohd Abu Bakar (23) from UP’s Bahraich and Mohd Amir Javed (31) from Lucknow, in September.

Indian Air Force (IAF) commander Abhinandan Varthaman was held captive by Pakistan for 60 hours after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight.

The Pakistan Army was forced to release him due to the extensive pressure by the Indian side along with the international intervention into the matter.

Varthaman was part of the Srinagar-based 51 squadron and had flown to thwart an aerial attack launched by the Pakistanis on February 27, 2019.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two terrorists arrested by the Delhi Police said they met a Pakistan Army Major while undergoing training in Pakistan, vindicating New Delhi’s long-held assertion that Islamabad is perpetrating terrorism in India.

Two terrorists arrested by the Delhi Police said they met a Pakistan Army Major while undergoing training in Pakistan, vindicating New Delhi’s long-held assertion that Islamabad is perpetrating terrorism in India. They identified the army personnel after they were shown a photo of him with IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who was in Pakistani custody three years ago, the Indian Express newspaper reported citing a chargesheet filed in a Delhi court. The two terrorists— Zeeshan Qamar (28), a resident of Allahabad in UP, and Osama alias Sami (22), a resident of Jamia Nagar in Delhi—identified Pakistani Major Hamza, a resident of Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir who lives in Islamabad. “He was the head of the training which accused Zeeshan and Osama took from one Jabbar, Rawalpindi. Hamza also told them that he was also present at the time of arrest of Wing Commander Abhinandan, who was captured at Pakistan border during retaliation of Balakot air strike. He is a Major in Pak Army,” Investigation Officer ACP Lalit Mohan Negi states in the chargesheet. The Delhi court took note of the chargesheet on Monday that was filed on February 9 this year. Zeeshan and Osama were arrested last year from their alleged role in a terror plot. According to the chargesheet, Osama and Zeeshan got training in 2021 in Pakistan and were getting instructions from the Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI. “They were asked to conduct recce of suitable locations in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh for planting IEDs,” it said. Apart from these two, the Delhi Police had also arrested Jaan Mohammed Sheikh (47) from Maharashtra, Moolchand alias Saaju (47) from UP’s Rae Bareli, Mohd Abu Bakar (23) from UP’s Bahraich and Mohd Amir Javed (31) from Lucknow, in September. Indian Air Force (IAF) commander Abhinandan Varthaman was held captive by Pakistan for 60 hours after his aircraft was shot down in an aerial dogfight. The Pakistan Army was forced to release him due to the extensive pressure by the Indian side along with the international intervention into the matter. Varthaman was part of the Srinagar-based 51 squadron and had flown to thwart an aerial attack launched by the Pakistanis on February 27, 2019. (With inputs from agencies)

2 terrorists held in India met Pak Army Major who is seen in photo with IAF's Abhinandan

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asserted that repairing relations with its allies and neighbours, including India, would be the priority of his government.

Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Sharif blamed his predecessor Imran Khan for Pakistan’s “deteriorating” relations with neighbouring countries.

“My priority will be to mend ties with all allies and neighbours of Pakistan. The previous government made things worse,” Sharif said while responding to WION.

“I will work with all neighbours for the betterment of the environment, including India,” he added, before adding a rider that the peaceful relations between India and Pakistan is subjected to the Kashmir issue.

“I have already asked (Indian PM) Modi to resolve the Kashmir issue and move towards lasting peace,” he said.

Acknowledging that he has only one-half-years of his term, the prime minister assured that his administration will focus on bringing down inflation and put Pakistan on the path of development.

“The biggest challenge is to overcome the devastating economy and inflation. The term of the parliament is one and a half years, how long we have to stay, the allies will decide together,” Sharif said.

“As a Prime Minister, I am making short- and medium-term plans to reduce inflation. Nations can’t progress merely by words. The only way to move forward is to work more and more,” he added.

Immediately after assuming office, the prime minister abolished two weekly offs, and ordered to open all the government offices for six days a week.

Asked when will the cabinet be formed, Sharif said, “This is a coalition government, everyone has to be involved.”

He added that his brother and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will finalise the portfolios of PML-N party ministers.

Reacting to reports of President Arif Alvi taking sick leave hours before his swearing ceremony, Sharif said, “If the President is not well then, may Allah give him health.”

Meanwhile, Sharif is expected to make his first official visit to Saudi Arabia and China in a bid to boost Pakistan’s relations with both countries.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Pakistan has a new Prime Minister

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asserted that repairing relations with its allies and neighbours, including India, would be the priority of his government.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday asserted that repairing relations with its allies and neighbours, including India, would be the priority of his government. Speaking to reporters in Islamabad, Sharif blamed his predecessor Imran Khan for Pakistan’s “deteriorating” relations with neighbouring countries. “My priority will be to mend ties with all allies and neighbours of Pakistan. The previous government made things worse,” Sharif said while responding to WION. “I will work with all neighbours for the betterment of the environment, including India,” he added, before adding a rider that the peaceful relations between India and Pakistan is subjected to the Kashmir issue. “I have already asked (Indian PM) Modi to resolve the Kashmir issue and move towards lasting peace,” he said. Acknowledging that he has only one-half-years of his term, the prime minister assured that his administration will focus on bringing down inflation and put Pakistan on the path of development. “The biggest challenge is to overcome the devastating economy and inflation. The term of the parliament is one and a half years, how long we have to stay, the allies will decide together,” Sharif said. “As a Prime Minister, I am making short- and medium-term plans to reduce inflation. Nations can’t progress merely by words. The only way to move forward is to work more and more,” he added. Immediately after assuming office, the prime minister abolished two weekly offs, and ordered to open all the government offices for six days a week. Asked when will the cabinet be formed, Sharif said, “This is a coalition government, everyone has to be involved.” He added that his brother and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will finalise the portfolios of PML-N party ministers. Reacting to reports of President Arif Alvi taking sick leave hours before his swearing ceremony, Sharif said, “If the President is not well then, may Allah give him health.” Meanwhile, Sharif is expected to make his first official visit to Saudi Arabia and China in a bid to boost Pakistan’s relations with both countries. Watch | Gravitas: Pakistan has a new Prime Minister

Mending ties with India, other neighbours will be priority of my government: Pak PM Sharif

India,&nbsp;under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is more like to respond to the Pakistan military’s real or perceived provocation than in the past, an annual threat assessment report by the US intelligence community told the US Congress.

The report released by the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said that the crisis between India and Pakistan was of particular concern "because of the risk – however low – of an escalatory cycle between two nuclear-armed states."

"Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups; under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations, and each side's perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints," the ODNI report said.

The report also acknowledged the growing strain in relations between India and China in the wake 2020 border clash, saying that there is a growing risk of armed confrontation between the two Asian giants.

"We assess that the expanded military postures by both India and China along the disputed border elevate the risk of armed confrontation between two nuclear powers that might involve direct threats to US persons and interests and calls for US intervention. Previous standoffs have demonstrated that persistent low-level friction on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has the potential to escalate swiftly," the report noted.

The tensions between New Delhi and Beijing escalated following a deadly clash in Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020.

So far 14 rounds of talks have taken place to resolve the situation along&nbsp; the friction areas in eastern Ladakh, but with little success.

According to reports, India and China will be holding the 15th round of Corps Commander-level discussions on March 11 to try and resolve the issues.

As of now, China has a platoon-sized strength of troops on the Indian side of the&nbsp;Line of Actual Control&nbsp;(LAC)&nbsp;at Hot Springs.

Chinese troops are blocking Indian soldiers from accessing their traditional patrolling limits&nbsp;in Depsang Plains, which is close to India’s strategic Daulat Beg Oldie base in the north.

(With inputs from agencies)

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is more like to respond to the Pakistan military’s real or perceived provocation than in the past, an annual threat assessment report by the US intelligence community told the US Congress.

India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is more like to respond to the Pakistan military’s real or perceived provocation than in the past, an annual threat assessment report by the US intelligence community told the US Congress. The report released by the Office of Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) said that the crisis between India and Pakistan was of particular concern "because of the risk – however low – of an escalatory cycle between two nuclear-armed states." "Pakistan has a long history of supporting anti-India militant groups; under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is more likely than in the past to respond with military force to perceived or real Pakistani provocations, and each side's perception of heightened tensions raises the risk of conflict, with violent unrest in Kashmir or a militant attack in India being potential flashpoints," the ODNI report said. The report also acknowledged the growing strain in relations between India and China in the wake 2020 border clash, saying that there is a growing risk of armed confrontation between the two Asian giants. "We assess that the expanded military postures by both India and China along the disputed border elevate the risk of armed confrontation between two nuclear powers that might involve direct threats to US persons and interests and calls for US intervention. Previous standoffs have demonstrated that persistent low-level friction on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) has the potential to escalate swiftly," the report noted. The tensions between New Delhi and Beijing escalated following a deadly clash in Galwan Valley on June 15, 2020. So far 14 rounds of talks have taken place to resolve the situation along the friction areas in eastern Ladakh, but with little success. According to reports, India and China will be holding the 15th round of Corps Commander-level discussions on March 11 to try and resolve the issues. As of now, China has a platoon-sized strength of troops on the Indian side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) at Hot Springs. Chinese troops are blocking Indian soldiers from accessing their traditional patrolling limits in Depsang Plains, which is close to India’s strategic Daulat Beg Oldie base in the north. (With inputs from agencies)

India more likely to respond to Pakistan’s provocations under PM Modi: US Intel

Ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia next week, Moscow has assured that the cooperation between the two countries is not aimed that any “third country”, which means India.

Khan's visit is the first such bilateral visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Russia in decades.

Though the dates of the visit haven't been officially announced yet, Pakistan media reports quoting diplomatic sources have confirmed that Khan is expected to visit Moscow from February 23 to 26.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In response to WION's question at the weekly Russian foreign ministry presser, spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “I can assure you that the cooperation between Russia and Pakistan is not aimed at any third country. It is aimed at ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.”

She further said that both countries are “seeking to counter international terrorism and we seek to develop international trade”.&nbsp;

In 1999, the then Pakistani PM, Nawaz Sharif, visited Russia. It was followed by the visit of Pervez Musharraf in 2003, and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in 2011.

In 2017, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan went to Russia for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit (SCO) in Sochi, which wasn’t a bilateral visit.

The last formal bilateral meeting between both sides was when Sharif and President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017.

Commenting on the India-Pakistan ties, the Russian spokesperson said that Mosco is “interested in seeing relations between India and Pakistan as good neighbourly relations and we would like to see the settlement of existing conflicts, for example, the Kashmir issue”.

Reiterating the long-standing position of Moscow, she said that all issues between the two countries should be resolved bilaterally under the Shimla and Lahore pacts.

Zakharova also welcomed the continuation of the 2003 ceasefire pact and the “statements by Pakistani leadership on normalising Indo-Pakistan ties."

Spokesperson Maria brushed aside the view that Moscow doesn't keep Indian sensitivities in mind in the backdrop of Imran Khan's visit.

She said, "It is nothing to do with reality. Delhi and Moscow enjoy tight cooperation and recently we had a series of contact despite the pandemic restrictions."

Russian President Putin visited Delhi in December 2021 for the annual India-Russia summit.

Later this year, PM Modi will be visiting the country as part of the annual summit. Other than that, both countries are engaging under the 2+2 foreign and defence ministers dialogue, the first of which took place last year.&nbsp;

While defence forms one of the main pillars of ties, both sides have been engaging in the economic area, Covid crisis and connectivity.

Internationally, both are members of the BRICS, SCO, RIC grouping.

The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said, “We understand that our countries bear a huge responsibility for peace and stability in the region and the level of contact we have between our leadership, it attests to the fact that we are indeed taken into account positions of each other.”

Responding to India-Russia engagement on the Afghanistan situation, she said, “We will coordinate our joint steps in national capacity on the international arena when it comes to dealing with the crisis in the country.”

India has been part of the Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan while the Russian NSA attended the Delhi security meet involving NSAs of several countries in the region.

The NSAs meeting in Delhi saw the participation of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia next week, Moscow has assured that the cooperation between the two countries is not aimed that any “third country”, which means India.

Ahead of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to Russia next week, Moscow has assured that the cooperation between the two countries is not aimed that any “third country”, which means India. Khan's visit is the first such bilateral visit by a Pakistani prime minister to Russia in decades. Though the dates of the visit haven't been officially announced yet, Pakistan media reports quoting diplomatic sources have confirmed that Khan is expected to visit Moscow from February 23 to 26. In response to WION's question at the weekly Russian foreign ministry presser, spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, “I can assure you that the cooperation between Russia and Pakistan is not aimed at any third country. It is aimed at ensuring peace, security and stability in the region.” She further said that both countries are “seeking to counter international terrorism and we seek to develop international trade”. In 1999, the then Pakistani PM, Nawaz Sharif, visited Russia. It was followed by the visit of Pervez Musharraf in 2003, and Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari in 2011. In 2017, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan went to Russia for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit (SCO) in Sochi, which wasn’t a bilateral visit. The last formal bilateral meeting between both sides was when Sharif and President Vladimir Putin met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Astana, Kazakhstan in June 2017. Commenting on the India-Pakistan ties, the Russian spokesperson said that Mosco is “interested in seeing relations between India and Pakistan as good neighbourly relations and we would like to see the settlement of existing conflicts, for example, the Kashmir issue”. Reiterating the long-standing position of Moscow, she said that all issues between the two countries should be resolved bilaterally under the Shimla and Lahore pacts. Zakharova also welcomed the continuation of the 2003 ceasefire pact and the “statements by Pakistani leadership on normalising Indo-Pakistan ties." Spokesperson Maria brushed aside the view that Moscow doesn't keep Indian sensitivities in mind in the backdrop of Imran Khan's visit. She said, "It is nothing to do with reality. Delhi and Moscow enjoy tight cooperation and recently we had a series of contact despite the pandemic restrictions." Russian President Putin visited Delhi in December 2021 for the annual India-Russia summit. Later this year, PM Modi will be visiting the country as part of the annual summit. Other than that, both countries are engaging under the 2+2 foreign and defence ministers dialogue, the first of which took place last year. While defence forms one of the main pillars of ties, both sides have been engaging in the economic area, Covid crisis and connectivity. Internationally, both are members of the BRICS, SCO, RIC grouping. The Russian foreign ministry spokesperson said, “We understand that our countries bear a huge responsibility for peace and stability in the region and the level of contact we have between our leadership, it attests to the fact that we are indeed taken into account positions of each other.” Responding to India-Russia engagement on the Afghanistan situation, she said, “We will coordinate our joint steps in national capacity on the international arena when it comes to dealing with the crisis in the country.” India has been part of the Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan while the Russian NSA attended the Delhi security meet involving NSAs of several countries in the region. The NSAs meeting in Delhi saw the participation of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Ahead of PM Khan's visit, Russia assures Moscow-Islamabad cooperation not against India

India’s Charge d'Affaires who was summoned over the hijab controversy in Islamabad on Thursday hit back&nbsp;saying that Pakistan should “track their own record” before throwing “baseless” allegations against India, Indian media reported citing diplomatic officials.

According to reports, Indian envoy Suresh Kumar told his counterparts in Pakistan foreign office that “India is a secular country” and there are “processes in place”.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s foreign office said that the Indian diplomat was conveyed Pakistan's deep concern over alleged religious intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatisation and discrimination against Muslims in India.

A statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson said, "The Charge d' Affaires was urged to convey to the Government of India, Pakistan's extreme concern over the anti-hijab campaign, being spearheaded by RSS-BJP combine in Karnataka, which is part of its larger exclusionist and majoritarian agenda aimed at dehumanising and demonising Muslim women."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-hijab-row-from-dress-code-to-protests-what-really-is-the-issue-451444">Karnataka hijab row: From dress code to protests, what really is the issue?</a>

"The Indian government must hold the perpetrators of harassment against women in Karnataka to account and take adequate measures to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Muslim women," news agency PTI reported, citing the statement.

The hijab protests began on February 4 at the Government Girls PU college in Udupi district in southern Karnataka state when some students alleged that they had been barred from attending classes wearing hijab (a headscarf worn by Muslim women).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explainer-hijab-niqab-burqa-the-different-islamic-clothing-for-women-451678">Explainer: Hijab, Niqab, Burqa, the different Islamic clothing for women</a>

The pre-University education board had released a circular stating that the students can only wear the uniform approved by the school administration and no other religious practices will be allowed in colleges.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Ukraine Direct: India debates Hijab ban in colleges

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ukraine-direct-india-debates-hijab-ban-in-colleges-451812/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Following these protests, a three-day holiday from February 9 to 11 has been declared in all the universities under the Department of Higher Education and colleges under the department of Collegiate and Technical Education (DCTE).

(With inputs from agencies)

India’s Charge d'Affaires who was summoned over the hijab controversy in Islamabad on Thursday hit back saying that Pakistan should “track their own record” before throwing “baseless” allegations against India, Indian media reported citing diplomatic officials.

India’s Charge d'Affaires who was summoned over the hijab controversy in Islamabad on Thursday hit back saying that Pakistan should “track their own record” before throwing “baseless” allegations against India, Indian media reported citing diplomatic officials. According to reports, Indian envoy Suresh Kumar told his counterparts in Pakistan foreign office that “India is a secular country” and there are “processes in place”. Earlier in the day, Pakistan’s foreign office said that the Indian diplomat was conveyed Pakistan's deep concern over alleged religious intolerance, negative stereotyping, stigmatisation and discrimination against Muslims in India. A statement issued by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson said, "The Charge d' Affaires was urged to convey to the Government of India, Pakistan's extreme concern over the anti-hijab campaign, being spearheaded by RSS-BJP combine in Karnataka, which is part of its larger exclusionist and majoritarian agenda aimed at dehumanising and demonising Muslim women." Also read | Karnataka hijab row: From dress code to protests, what really is the issue? "The Indian government must hold the perpetrators of harassment against women in Karnataka to account and take adequate measures to ensure the safety, security and well-being of Muslim women," news agency PTI reported, citing the statement. The hijab protests began on February 4 at the Government Girls PU college in Udupi district in southern Karnataka state when some students alleged that they had been barred from attending classes wearing hijab (a headscarf worn by Muslim women). Also read | Explainer: Hijab, Niqab, Burqa, the different Islamic clothing for women The pre-University education board had released a circular stating that the students can only wear the uniform approved by the school administration and no other religious practices will be allowed in colleges. Watch | Gravitas Ukraine Direct: India debates Hijab ban in colleges Following these protests, a three-day holiday from February 9 to 11 has been declared in all the universities under the Department of Higher Education and colleges under the department of Collegiate and Technical Education (DCTE). (With inputs from agencies)

‘Look at your own record’: Indian envoy summoned over hijab controversy hits back at Pakistan

India on Tuesday summoned the South Korean envoy over a social media post of Hyundai’s Pakistan unit supporting Pakistan engineered ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’.

In a statement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India’s “strong displeasure on the unacceptable social media post” by Hyundai Pakistan was expressed to the Indian Ambassador in Seoul.

“Ambassador of Republic of Korea was summoned by MEA yesterday. Strong displeasure of government on unacceptable social media post by Hyundai Pakistan was conveyed to him,” the MEA said in a statement.

The MEA said that it welcomes investments by foreign companies in various sectors, but it also expected them to refrain from making misleading comments on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Earlier in the day, India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar received a call from South Korea's foreign minister Chung Eui-yong, where the controversial matter was discussed.

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Received a call from ROK FM Chung Eui-yong today. Discussed bilateral and multilateral issues as also the Hyundai matter.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1490975347906547713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, car manufacturer Hyundai said it regrets the offence caused to Indians due to an 'unauthorised'&nbsp;tweet from the account of its Pakistan partner.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kfc-pakistan-post-on-kashmir-starts-hyundai-like-controversy-451266">Now, did KFC just join Pakistan's Kashmir bandwagon after Hyundai and Kia?</a>

“As a business policy, Hyundai Motor Company does not comment on political or religious issues in any specific region. We deeply regret any offence caused to the people of India by this unofficial social media activity,” Hyundai said in a Twitter post on Tuesday.

Watch |&nbsp;Is Pakistan pushing corporates to peddle its anti-India agenda?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/is-pakistan-pushing-corporates-to-peddle-its-anti-india-agenda-451415/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Hyundai has been facing calls for a boycott by hundreds of social media users in India over the Kashmir post.

The social media users said the company must apologise for being insensitive to India’s position on the decades-old dispute over Kashmir.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Hyundai Pakistan's social media handles shared posts in solidarity with the "Kashmiri brothers" in their "struggle for freedom". The social media posts were later removed.

Pakistan observes February 5 as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ to show its support for the separatist movement in Kashmir.

(With inputs from agencies)

India on Tuesday summoned the South Korean envoy over a social media post of Hyundai’s Pakistan unit supporting Pakistan engineered ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’. In a statement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India’s “strong displeasure on the unacceptable social media post” by Hyundai Pakistan was expressed to the Indian Ambassador in Seoul.

India on Tuesday summoned the South Korean envoy over a social media post of Hyundai’s Pakistan unit supporting Pakistan engineered ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’. In a statement, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India’s “strong displeasure on the unacceptable social media post” by Hyundai Pakistan was expressed to the Indian Ambassador in Seoul. “Ambassador of Republic of Korea was summoned by MEA yesterday. Strong displeasure of government on unacceptable social media post by Hyundai Pakistan was conveyed to him,” the MEA said in a statement. The MEA said that it welcomes investments by foreign companies in various sectors, but it also expected them to refrain from making misleading comments on India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Earlier in the day, India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar received a call from South Korea's foreign minister Chung Eui-yong, where the controversial matter was discussed. Received a call from ROK FM Chung Eui-yong today. Discussed bilateral and multilateral issues as also the Hyundai matter. — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 8, 2022 × Meanwhile, car manufacturer Hyundai said it regrets the offence caused to Indians due to an 'unauthorised' tweet from the account of its Pakistan partner. Also read | Now, did KFC just join Pakistan's Kashmir bandwagon after Hyundai and Kia? “As a business policy, Hyundai Motor Company does not comment on political or religious issues in any specific region. We deeply regret any offence caused to the people of India by this unofficial social media activity,” Hyundai said in a Twitter post on Tuesday. Watch | Is Pakistan pushing corporates to peddle its anti-India agenda? Hyundai has been facing calls for a boycott by hundreds of social media users in India over the Kashmir post. The social media users said the company must apologise for being insensitive to India’s position on the decades-old dispute over Kashmir. On Saturday, Hyundai Pakistan's social media handles shared posts in solidarity with the "Kashmiri brothers" in their "struggle for freedom". The social media posts were later removed. Pakistan observes February 5 as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ to show its support for the separatist movement in Kashmir. (With inputs from agencies)

India takes tough stand over Hyundai Pakistan's post on Kashmir, summons South Korean envoy

India slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), highlighting how "terrorists enjoy free pass" in the country while the lives of "ordinary people, especially those belonging to the minority communities, are turned upside down."

The remarks from India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, R Madhu Sudan, came after Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue at the council during a debate on “protection of civilians in urban settings”.

"Member states are aware that Pakistan has an established history and policy of harbouring, aiding and actively supporting terrorists", he said on Monday.

Adding, “This is a country which has been globally recognised as one openly supporting, training, financing and arming terrorists as a matter of state policy.”

There have been a number of terror attacks in India—from the 2008 Mumbai terror attack to Uri and Pulwana attacks of 2016 and 2019—where the links with the Pakistan based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Muhammad have been established.

Other than India, there have been other international terror attacks, including the recent Texas attack, that have had links with Pakistan.

The main perpetrator of the Texas hostage incident was identified as Malik Faisal, a UK resident of Pakistani origin.

Pointing out that Pakistan holds the "ignoble record of hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the UNSC”, the Indian diplomat recalled when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan&nbsp;called the 9/11 conspirator, Osama Bin Laden, a “martyr” during a debate at the national assembly in June last year.

“Pakistani Prime Minister (Imran Khan)and foreign minister (Shah Mahmood Qureshi) have been called out for being supporters of terrorists, including Osama Bin Laden, but they continue to carry on the same path undeterred,” he said.

He also raised the issue of the 26/11 terror incident, saying that the “perpetrators of the heinous terror attack in Mumbai in 2008 continue to enjoy the patronage of the state which they represent”.

On Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue, the Indian diplomat reminded said, “The union territories of Jammu &amp; Kashmir and Ladakh were, are, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India, irrespective of what the representative of Pakistan believes or covets.”

&nbsp;He called on Pakistan to “immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation”.

India slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), highlighting how "terrorists enjoy free pass" in the country while the lives of "ordinary people, especially those belonging to the minority communities, are turned upside down.

India slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), highlighting how "terrorists enjoy free pass" in the country while the lives of "ordinary people, especially those belonging to the minority communities, are turned upside down." The remarks from India’s Permanent Mission to the UN, R Madhu Sudan, came after Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue at the council during a debate on “protection of civilians in urban settings”. "Member states are aware that Pakistan has an established history and policy of harbouring, aiding and actively supporting terrorists", he said on Monday. Adding, “This is a country which has been globally recognised as one openly supporting, training, financing and arming terrorists as a matter of state policy.” There have been a number of terror attacks in India—from the 2008 Mumbai terror attack to Uri and Pulwana attacks of 2016 and 2019—where the links with the Pakistan based terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba or Jaish-e-Muhammad have been established. Other than India, there have been other international terror attacks, including the recent Texas attack, that have had links with Pakistan. The main perpetrator of the Texas hostage incident was identified as Malik Faisal, a UK resident of Pakistani origin. Pointing out that Pakistan holds the "ignoble record of hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the UNSC”, the Indian diplomat recalled when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan called the 9/11 conspirator, Osama Bin Laden, a “martyr” during a debate at the national assembly in June last year. “Pakistani Prime Minister (Imran Khan)and foreign minister (Shah Mahmood Qureshi) have been called out for being supporters of terrorists, including Osama Bin Laden, but they continue to carry on the same path undeterred,” he said. He also raised the issue of the 26/11 terror incident, saying that the “perpetrators of the heinous terror attack in Mumbai in 2008 continue to enjoy the patronage of the state which they represent”. On Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue, the Indian diplomat reminded said, “The union territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were, are, and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India, irrespective of what the representative of Pakistan believes or covets.” He called on Pakistan to “immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation”.

Terrorists enjoy free pass in Pakistan: Indian diplomat Madhu Sudan at UNSC

Pakistan has always tried to reach out to India for peace, Pakistan’s former high commissioner to India Abdul Basit told WION in an exclusive conversation on Thursday, adding that it is high time that New Delhi reciprocates the gesture.

Basit spoke to WION in response to a report that Pakistan is unveiling its new National Security Policy, one of the agendas of which is to end hostility with India “for the next 100 years” and restore commercial ties.

“Pakistan has always tried to reach out to India. Let’s hope that in response to this new policy, India also understands and reaches out to Pakistan,” Basit, who was speaking after a long interval to an Indian-based channel, said.

He said that both countries need to trust each other again, adding that the desired peace won’t come to fruition until core problems are resolved.

And for that, Basit added, India and Pakistan must resolve the Kashmir issue “once and for all”.

“Mutual trust can't be built unless the fundamentals are attended,” Basit emphasised. “We have tried [in the past], it hasn’t [happened].”

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-new-national-security-policy-seeks-peace-with-india-for-the-next-100-years-444125">Pakistan’s new national security policy seeks ‘peace with India for the next 100 years’</a>

When asked if trading and business activities can be restored between the two nations, as spelt out in Pakistan’s new policy, even if the lingering border issue persists, Basit expressed pessimism.

Watch

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-pm-imran-khan-launches-first-ever-national-security-policy-444785/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“Geo-strategic and geo-economics [issues] are interlinked. One must work on both these fundamentals. We can’t isolate,” he said.

“This has been the case with India and Pakistan for so many years,” Basit said, asserting, “In my view, the geo-strategic and geo-economic issues have&nbsp;to go hand-in-hand.”

He also spoke about Pakistan’s chequered history of no elected prime minister having ever completed their five-year term.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-buys-25-chinese-j-10c-fighters-in-response-to-indias-rafale-441092">Pakistan buys 25 Chinese J-10C fighters in response to India's Rafale</a>

When asked if the issue of political stability can be taken care of in the new security policy, Basit said, “Civil-military relationship is improving. Since 2008, the party in power have been able to complete their terms.”

“The culture of ‘yes prime minister’ has changed,” he said, adding, “It does take time. It’s a gradual process.”

When asked if the Imran Khan-led government would be able to take the opposition on board since they weren’t consulted while formulating the new policy, Basit responded, “Let's hope that they are able to discuss in parliament and it is incorporated. The opposition has to be taken on board as without them, it's not going to work.”

Pakistan has always tried to reach out to India for peace, Pakistan’s former high commissioner to India Abdul Basit told WION in an exclusive conversation on Thursday, adding that it is high time that New Delhi reciprocates the gesture.

Pakistan has always tried to reach out to India for peace, Pakistan’s former high commissioner to India Abdul Basit told WION in an exclusive conversation on Thursday, adding that it is high time that New Delhi reciprocates the gesture. Basit spoke to WION in response to a report that Pakistan is unveiling its new National Security Policy, one of the agendas of which is to end hostility with India “for the next 100 years” and restore commercial ties. “Pakistan has always tried to reach out to India. Let’s hope that in response to this new policy, India also understands and reaches out to Pakistan,” Basit, who was speaking after a long interval to an Indian-based channel, said. He said that both countries need to trust each other again, adding that the desired peace won’t come to fruition until core problems are resolved. And for that, Basit added, India and Pakistan must resolve the Kashmir issue “once and for all”. “Mutual trust can't be built unless the fundamentals are attended,” Basit emphasised. “We have tried [in the past], it hasn’t [happened].” Also read | Pakistan’s new national security policy seeks ‘peace with India for the next 100 years’ When asked if trading and business activities can be restored between the two nations, as spelt out in Pakistan’s new policy, even if the lingering border issue persists, Basit expressed pessimism. Watch “Geo-strategic and geo-economics [issues] are interlinked. One must work on both these fundamentals. We can’t isolate,” he said. “This has been the case with India and Pakistan for so many years,” Basit said, asserting, “In my view, the geo-strategic and geo-economic issues have to go hand-in-hand.” He also spoke about Pakistan’s chequered history of no elected prime minister having ever completed their five-year term. Also read | Pakistan buys 25 Chinese J-10C fighters in response to India's Rafale When asked if the issue of political stability can be taken care of in the new security policy, Basit said, “Civil-military relationship is improving. Since 2008, the party in power have been able to complete their terms.” “The culture of ‘yes prime minister’ has changed,” he said, adding, “It does take time. It’s a gradual process.” When asked if the Imran Khan-led government would be able to take the opposition on board since they weren’t consulted while formulating the new policy, Basit responded, “Let's hope that they are able to discuss in parliament and it is incorporated. The opposition has to be taken on board as without them, it's not going to work.”

Pakistan always reached out, now it is India’s turn to do same: Ex-envoy Basit to WION

Peace with India and its immediate neighbours is set to be the central theme of Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy that is scheduled to be unveiled by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday.

The 100-page policy document has also put out elaborate plans to open trade and business ties with India without final settlement of the Kashmir issue, Pakistan-based newspaper Express Tribune reported on Tuesday quoting an official.

“Only a part of the national security policy will be made public,” the official clarified, saying in the rest of the world such policies often remained classified.

The official stressed that normalising commercial relations is contingent upon achieving progress in talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

“We are not seeking hostility with India for the next 100 years. The new policy seeks peace with immediate neighbours,” the official, who is associated with the development, was quoted as saying.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-has-less-nukes-than-pakistan-china-new-analysis-of-capabilities-426600">&nbsp;India has less nukes than Pakistan, China: New analysis of capabilities</a>

“Economic security will be the central theme of the new national security policy…. But geo-economics does not necessarily mean we overlook our geo-strategic and geo-political interests,” the official said.

The official further said that the Kashmir issue with India has been identified as a ‘vital national policy’ issue for Pakistan.

The official, however, clarified that there were no prospects of rapprochement with India under the current Modi-led government in New Delhi.

The country’s new National Security Policy would act as an umbrella document, to be used as a guideline for Pakistan`s foreign, international and defence related policies, he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-buys-25-chinese-j-10c-fighters-in-response-to-indias-rafale-441092">Pakistan buys 25 Chinese J-10C fighters in response to India's Rafale</a>

Pakistan and India have mostly been at loggerheads with each other throughout history.

During the first term of Narendra Modi in 2014, the relations took a positive turn when he announced his intentions to have cordial relations with Pakistan.

He had also visited Islamabad in 2015 unannounced to attend a marriage ceremony in Sharif’s family.

However, the relations between the two countries turned south following the horrific 2016 Uri attacks in which four terrorists launched grenade attacks on Indian Army soldiers in the Indian's Jammu and Kashmir on 18 September.

The attack killed 19 soldiers and injured 19–30 others. It was reported as “the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir in two decades”.

Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed was involved in the planning and execution of the attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

Peace with India and its immediate neighbours is set to be the central theme of Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy that is scheduled to be unveiled by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday.

Peace with India and its immediate neighbours is set to be the central theme of Pakistan’s first-ever National Security Policy that is scheduled to be unveiled by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday. The 100-page policy document has also put out elaborate plans to open trade and business ties with India without final settlement of the Kashmir issue, Pakistan-based newspaper Express Tribune reported on Tuesday quoting an official. “Only a part of the national security policy will be made public,” the official clarified, saying in the rest of the world such policies often remained classified. The official stressed that normalising commercial relations is contingent upon achieving progress in talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. “We are not seeking hostility with India for the next 100 years. The new policy seeks peace with immediate neighbours,” the official, who is associated with the development, was quoted as saying. Also read | India has less nukes than Pakistan, China: New analysis of capabilities “Economic security will be the central theme of the new national security policy…. But geo-economics does not necessarily mean we overlook our geo-strategic and geo-political interests,” the official said. The official further said that the Kashmir issue with India has been identified as a ‘vital national policy’ issue for Pakistan. The official, however, clarified that there were no prospects of rapprochement with India under the current Modi-led government in New Delhi. The country’s new National Security Policy would act as an umbrella document, to be used as a guideline for Pakistan`s foreign, international and defence related policies, he said. Also read | Pakistan buys 25 Chinese J-10C fighters in response to India's Rafale Pakistan and India have mostly been at loggerheads with each other throughout history. During the first term of Narendra Modi in 2014, the relations took a positive turn when he announced his intentions to have cordial relations with Pakistan. He had also visited Islamabad in 2015 unannounced to attend a marriage ceremony in Sharif’s family. However, the relations between the two countries turned south following the horrific 2016 Uri attacks in which four terrorists launched grenade attacks on Indian Army soldiers in the Indian's Jammu and Kashmir on 18 September. The attack killed 19 soldiers and injured 19–30 others. It was reported as “the deadliest attack on security forces in Kashmir in two decades”. Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed was involved in the planning and execution of the attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan’s new national security policy seeks ‘peace with India for the next 100 years’

Terrorists enjoy free pass in Pakistan, which has an established history and policy of actively supporting them and holds the ignoble record of hosting the largest number of militants proscribed by the UN Security Council, India has said, slamming Islamabad at the UN Security Council.

"I'm constrained to take the floor once again to respond to some frivolous remarks made by the representative of Pakistan earlier today," Counsellor in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Kajal Bhat said in the UN Security Council on Tuesday.

"This is not the first time the representative of Pakistan has misused platforms provided by the UN to propagate false and malicious propaganda against my country and seeking in vain to divert the world's attention from the sad state of his country where terrorists enjoy a free pass while the lives of ordinary people, especially those belonging to the minority communities are turned upside down,"&nbsp;she said.

India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador R Ravindra had already delivered the national statement at the UNSC open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security Through Preventive Diplomacy'.

Bhat took the floor to make a second statement in the Council after Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Munir Akram raked the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in his remarks at the open debate.

"India desires normal neighbourly relations with all countries including Pakistan, and is committed to addressing outstanding issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Simla agreement and the Lahore declaration.

"However, any meaningful dialogue can be held only in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence. The onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere. Till then India will continue to take firm and decisive steps to respond to cross-border terrorism,"&nbsp;she said.

Bhat, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, said in her remarks that UN member states are aware that Pakistan has an "established history and policy"&nbsp;of harbouring, aiding and actively supporting terrorists.

"This is a country which has been globally recognised as one openly supporting, training, financing and arming terrorists as a matter of state policy. It holds the ignoble record of hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the UN Security Council," she said.

Categorically stating India's position, Bhat said the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. "This includes the areas that are under the illegal occupation of Pakistan."

India called upon Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.&nbsp;

Terrorists enjoy free pass in Pakistan, which has an established history and policy of actively supporting them and holds the ignoble record of hosting the largest number of militants proscribed by the UN Security Council, India has said, slamming Islamabad at the UN Security Council.

Terrorists enjoy free pass in Pakistan, which has an established history and policy of actively supporting them and holds the ignoble record of hosting the largest number of militants proscribed by the UN Security Council, India has said, slamming Islamabad at the UN Security Council. "I'm constrained to take the floor once again to respond to some frivolous remarks made by the representative of Pakistan earlier today," Counsellor in India's Permanent Mission to the UN Kajal Bhat said in the UN Security Council on Tuesday. "This is not the first time the representative of Pakistan has misused platforms provided by the UN to propagate false and malicious propaganda against my country and seeking in vain to divert the world's attention from the sad state of his country where terrorists enjoy a free pass while the lives of ordinary people, especially those belonging to the minority communities are turned upside down," she said. India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador R Ravindra had already delivered the national statement at the UNSC open debate on 'Maintenance of International Peace and Security Through Preventive Diplomacy'. Bhat took the floor to make a second statement in the Council after Pakistan's Ambassador to the UN Munir Akram raked the issue of Jammu and Kashmir in his remarks at the open debate. "India desires normal neighbourly relations with all countries including Pakistan, and is committed to addressing outstanding issues, if any, bilaterally and peacefully in accordance with the Simla agreement and the Lahore declaration. "However, any meaningful dialogue can be held only in an atmosphere free of terror, hostility and violence. The onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere. Till then India will continue to take firm and decisive steps to respond to cross-border terrorism," she said. Bhat, who hails from Jammu and Kashmir, said in her remarks that UN member states are aware that Pakistan has an "established history and policy" of harbouring, aiding and actively supporting terrorists. "This is a country which has been globally recognised as one openly supporting, training, financing and arming terrorists as a matter of state policy. It holds the ignoble record of hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the UN Security Council," she said. Categorically stating India's position, Bhat said the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh were, are and will always be an integral and inalienable part of India. "This includes the areas that are under the illegal occupation of Pakistan." India called upon Pakistan to immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation.

Terrorists enjoy free pass: India slams Pak at UNSC after Islamabad's envoy rakes up Kashmir issue 

Kashmiris remember October 22, 1947 as the day of commencement of hell, till Indian soldiers rushed in to protect them. October 22, 1947 was when six to seven thousand Pakistani raiders, backed by the Pakistan army, which had embedded some of its soldiers within the raiders, crossed the Neelam River and began looting, plundering, raping, kidnapping and killing thousands of innocents, all with the intention of capturing Kashmir under the code name of Operation Gulmarg. Pakistan’s 7 Infantry Division was located close by seeking to exploit success achieved by its raiders. The target was to capture all territory upto the Banihal Pass. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
With Kashmir still an independent state, India could only watch as atrocities mounted. It was only when Srinagar was under direct threat did Maharaja Hari Singh, accede to India and Indian forces landed in Srinagar on October 27. The end result was that Kashmir, which till then was a paradise and had people of all religions living in harmony became a hell. Pakistan’s actions divided the state into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir, a scenario which continues to date. By the end of the war over 35,000 Kashmiri’s from all religions were killed, thousands were kidnapped and taken to western Pakistan to be sold as slaves.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-moscow-talks-are-a-chance-for-india-to-influence-afghan-situation-422413">Opinion | Moscow talks are a chance for India to influence Afghan situation</a>

Parents in Kashmir gave poison or killed their daughters to save them from Pakistani invaders. A survivor from the 1947 massacre, Suchwant Singh, then a resident of Kotli in Muzaffarabad district, states that his mother and sister were shot dead by their uncle to, ‘save them from rape and painful death,’ at the hands of Pakistani raiders. There are many more survivors from all religions for whom the horrors of the period continue to haunt. Those who recounted the incidents of the period state that the raiders claimed they were liberators but in reality, they were there to pillage, rape and loot. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

Pakistan, which blames India for not adhering to UN resolutions was the first to back down from implementing the resolution passed in May 1948. Knowing it was hated on both sides of the LOC and the resolution would be detrimental to its interests, it refused to withdraw troops as the first step in the resolution. Today, this shameless nation, responsible for mass killings and rapes, desires the same resolution to be implemented.&nbsp;

Pakistan continues to breed terrorist groups which claim innocent lives in Kashmir, all on the pretext that Kashmiri’s desire to be a part of Pakistan. It brought anti-national elements with illicit funds to incite violence and turned religion into a dividing factor. It attempted the same in Bangladesh in 1971 but failed miserably and was compelled into the largest surrender post the Second World War. It will never succeed in Kashmir too as the people of the region have understood Pakistan’s dirty games.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-the-battle-for-the-soul-of-islam-will-the-real-reformer-of-the-faith-stand-up-415259">Opinion | The Battle for the soul of Islam: Will the real reformer of the faith stand up?</a>

The BBC news, in an article titled, ‘Partition 70 years hence: When tribal warriors invaded Kashmir,’ of Oct 2017 mentions, ‘Pakistan repeated this strategy in Kashmir in 1965, during the Kashmir insurgency of 1988-2003, as well as in the Kargil War of 1999. It also used non-state actors in Afghanistan. But instead of liberating Kashmir or taming Afghanistan, it has led to the weakening of political processes, and has militarised society not only in Kashmir and Afghanistan, but also in Pakistan.’ Pakistan’s security issues, unrest in its western provinces, protests in POK and Sindh are a fallout of its philosophy of employing terrorism as an instrument of state policy.&nbsp;

The treachery of Pakistan impacted not only Kashmir but also Baluchistan. On August 12, 1947, it signed a standstill agreement with Kashmir, promising not to disturb its Status Quo, only to break it two weeks later by threatening it to join Pakistan. It launched Operation Gulmarg on October 22. This was repeated in 1948. Pakistan signed a similar standstill agreement with the Khan of Kalat on August 4, 1947, assuring that it would be an independent country. Like in the case of Kashmir, it broke that agreement, too and in March 1948 invaded and forcibly annexed Baluchistan. The Balochis fight for freedom stems from dishonouring of agreements by Pakistan.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/two-months-of-taliban-20-challenges-and-threats-420937">Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats</a>

Throughout its history, Pakistan has been known to break agreements. The latest is hosting Osama Bin Laden as a state guest and backing the Taliban with coalition funds from the US to target US forces, despite claiming to be a member in the fight against global terrorism. Pakistan’s pro-terrorist policies have been the bane of the region and grew from the world not sanctioning it for its misdeeds.&nbsp;

The incidents of 1947 were largely ignored by the world still grappling to pick up pieces after the Second World War. Kashmir was the last agenda for the global community. The fact that this was ignored, and Pakistan not chastised led to it breaking its agreement with the Khan of Kalat in 1948, Bangladesh genocide in 1971, killing of innocents in Baluchistan and Waziristan that goes on even today. Also, support to Taliban and Islamic State (Khorasan province) in Afghanistan leading to mass killing of innocents. Its support to terrorists operating in Kashmir is leading to loss of innocent lives.&nbsp;

It is time for the world to back Bangladesh’s call and term 25th March as world genocide day and globally recognise October 22 as black day. In addition, Pakistan must be sanctioned for its strategy of supporting terrorist groups operating across the region. Unless this is done, Pakistan will not change and innocent lives in the region will always be lost.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Kashmiris remember October 22, 1947 as the day of commencement of hell, till Indian soldiers rushed in to protect them. October 22, 1947 was when six to seven thousand Pakistani raiders, backed by the Pakistan army, which had embedded some of its soldiers within the raiders, crossed the Neelam River and began looting, plundering, raping, kidnapping and killing thousands of innocents, all with the intention of capturing Kashmir under the code name of Operation Gulmarg.

Kashmiris remember October 22, 1947 as the day of commencement of hell, till Indian soldiers rushed in to protect them. October 22, 1947 was when six to seven thousand Pakistani raiders, backed by the Pakistan army, which had embedded some of its soldiers within the raiders, crossed the Neelam River and began looting, plundering, raping, kidnapping and killing thousands of innocents, all with the intention of capturing Kashmir under the code name of Operation Gulmarg. Pakistan’s 7 Infantry Division was located close by seeking to exploit success achieved by its raiders. The target was to capture all territory upto the Banihal Pass. With Kashmir still an independent state, India could only watch as atrocities mounted. It was only when Srinagar was under direct threat did Maharaja Hari Singh, accede to India and Indian forces landed in Srinagar on October 27. The end result was that Kashmir, which till then was a paradise and had people of all religions living in harmony became a hell. Pakistan’s actions divided the state into Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Kashmir, a scenario which continues to date. By the end of the war over 35,000 Kashmiri’s from all religions were killed, thousands were kidnapped and taken to western Pakistan to be sold as slaves. Also Read | Opinion | Moscow talks are a chance for India to influence Afghan situation Parents in Kashmir gave poison or killed their daughters to save them from Pakistani invaders. A survivor from the 1947 massacre, Suchwant Singh, then a resident of Kotli in Muzaffarabad district, states that his mother and sister were shot dead by their uncle to, ‘save them from rape and painful death,’ at the hands of Pakistani raiders. There are many more survivors from all religions for whom the horrors of the period continue to haunt. Those who recounted the incidents of the period state that the raiders claimed they were liberators but in reality, they were there to pillage, rape and loot. Pakistan, which blames India for not adhering to UN resolutions was the first to back down from implementing the resolution passed in May 1948. Knowing it was hated on both sides of the LOC and the resolution would be detrimental to its interests, it refused to withdraw troops as the first step in the resolution. Today, this shameless nation, responsible for mass killings and rapes, desires the same resolution to be implemented. Pakistan continues to breed terrorist groups which claim innocent lives in Kashmir, all on the pretext that Kashmiri’s desire to be a part of Pakistan. It brought anti-national elements with illicit funds to incite violence and turned religion into a dividing factor. It attempted the same in Bangladesh in 1971 but failed miserably and was compelled into the largest surrender post the Second World War. It will never succeed in Kashmir too as the people of the region have understood Pakistan’s dirty games. Also Read | Opinion | The Battle for the soul of Islam: Will the real reformer of the faith stand up? The BBC news, in an article titled, ‘Partition 70 years hence: When tribal warriors invaded Kashmir,’ of Oct 2017 mentions, ‘Pakistan repeated this strategy in Kashmir in 1965, during the Kashmir insurgency of 1988-2003, as well as in the Kargil War of 1999. It also used non-state actors in Afghanistan. But instead of liberating Kashmir or taming Afghanistan, it has led to the weakening of political processes, and has militarised society not only in Kashmir and Afghanistan, but also in Pakistan.’ Pakistan’s security issues, unrest in its western provinces, protests in POK and Sindh are a fallout of its philosophy of employing terrorism as an instrument of state policy. The treachery of Pakistan impacted not only Kashmir but also Baluchistan. On August 12, 1947, it signed a standstill agreement with Kashmir, promising not to disturb its Status Quo, only to break it two weeks later by threatening it to join Pakistan. It launched Operation Gulmarg on October 22. This was repeated in 1948. Pakistan signed a similar standstill agreement with the Khan of Kalat on August 4, 1947, assuring that it would be an independent country. Like in the case of Kashmir, it broke that agreement, too and in March 1948 invaded and forcibly annexed Baluchistan. The Balochis fight for freedom stems from dishonouring of agreements by Pakistan. Also Read | Two months of Taliban 2.0: Challenges and threats Throughout its history, Pakistan has been known to break agreements. The latest is hosting Osama Bin Laden as a state guest and backing the Taliban with coalition funds from the US to target US forces, despite claiming to be a member in the fight against global terrorism. Pakistan’s pro-terrorist policies have been the bane of the region and grew from the world not sanctioning it for its misdeeds. The incidents of 1947 were largely ignored by the world still grappling to pick up pieces after the Second World War. Kashmir was the last agenda for the global community. The fact that this was ignored, and Pakistan not chastised led to it breaking its agreement with the Khan of Kalat in 1948, Bangladesh genocide in 1971, killing of innocents in Baluchistan and Waziristan that goes on even today. Also, support to Taliban and Islamic State (Khorasan province) in Afghanistan leading to mass killing of innocents. Its support to terrorists operating in Kashmir is leading to loss of innocent lives. It is time for the world to back Bangladesh’s call and term 25th March as world genocide day and globally recognise October 22 as black day. In addition, Pakistan must be sanctioned for its strategy of supporting terrorist groups operating across the region. Unless this is done, Pakistan will not change and innocent lives in the region will always be lost. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | October 22, 1947, the black day of Pakistani atrocities in Kashmir

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday did what he loves doing -- unnecessarily targetting India. He, in his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), termed New Delhi as a 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia.

The good&nbsp;part was India's delegate to the UNGA, Mijito Vinito, left the UNGA hall as soon as the recorded address of Khan's began playing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-delegate-walks-out-of-unga-hall-over-pak-pms-usual-kashmir-diatribe-330306">Also read |&nbsp;India's delegate walks out of UNGA hall over Pak PM's usual Kashmir diatribe</a>

<img alt="Indian delegate leaves" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8ea7b61e-bf05-4538-95b0-cab862f17a2d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Indian%20delegate%20leaves.jpg" />

"Muslims continue to be targeted with impunity in many countries. Our shrines are being destroyed; our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) insulted; the Holy Quran burnt – and all this in the name of freedom of speech," Khan said in his unsual demeanour, adding, "and the one country in the world today where, I am sad to say, the state sponsors Islamophobia, is India. The reason behind this is RSS ideology that unfortunately rules India today."

To this end, Khan urged the Assembly to declare an “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” and build a coalition to fight this scourge.

He continued, "This extremist ideology was founded in 1920s. The RSS founding fathers were inspired by the Nazis and they adopted their concepts of racial purity and supremacy. While the Nazis hate was directed at the Jews, the RSS directs it towards the Muslims and to a lesser extent towards the Christians."

"They believe that India is exclusively for Hindus and others are not equal citizens. The secularism of Gandhi and Nehru has been replaced by the dream of creating a Hindu Rashtra by subjugating, even cleansing India’s 200 million Muslims and other minorities."

"In 1992, the RSS destroyed the Babri Mosque; in 2002, some 2000 Muslims were slaughtered in Gujarat, and this was under the watch of Chief Minister Modi; and in 2007, over 50 Muslims were burnt alive by RSS arsonists aboard the Samjhota Express Train.&nbsp;

"The Hindutva ideology is set to marginalize almost 300 million human beings – Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. This is unprecedented in history and this does not augur well for the future of India as we all know that marginalisation of human beings leads to their radicalization. "

Imran Khan even appropriated the ill-famous Tablighi Jamaat episode and abused it for his own purpose. He said, "Muslims were falsely blamed, vilified and victimised for spreading the coronavirus. They were denied medical attention on many occasions, their businesses were boycotted."

Nothing is true.

And then came, his more-than-usual Kashmir diatribe.

"For over 72 years, India has illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir against the wishes of the Kashmiri people, and in blatant violation of the resolutions of the Security Council and indeed its own commitments to the people of Kashmir," he said.

"On 5th August last year, India illegally and unilaterally sought to change the status of the occupied territories and deployed additional troops, bringing the total number to 900,000, to impose a military siege on 8 million Kashmiris. All Kashmiri political leaders were incarcerated; about 13,000 Kashmiri youth were abducted and thousands tortured; a complete curfew was imposed, accompanied by a total communications blackout.&nbsp;

"The international community must investigate these grave violations and prosecute the Indian civil and military personnel involved in state terrorism and serious crimes against humanity, being perpetrated, I am sad to say, with complete impunity."

He continued, "The brave Kashmiri people will never submit to Indian occupation and oppression. Their struggle is indigenous. They are fighting for a just cause and generation after generation have laid down their lives to rid themselves of Indian occupation. 
The government and people of Pakistan are committed to standing by and supporting their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their legitimate struggle for self-determination.&nbsp;

"In order to divert attention from its illegal actions and atrocities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India is playing a dangerous game of upping the military ante against Pakistan in a nuclearised environment.&nbsp;

"There will be no durable peace and stability in South Asia until the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved on the basis of international legitimacy. Kashmir has been rightly described as a 'nuclear flash point'.

Pakistan has always called for a peaceful solution. To this end, India must rescind the measures it has instituted since 5 August 2019, end its military siege and other gross human rights violations, and agree to resolve the Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and of course the wishes of the people of Kashmir."

Pakistan's false claims did not stop here. The prime minister said Islamabad wanted a peaceful solution in Afghanistan too.

"I have consistently maintained over the past two decades that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. The only way forward was and is a political settlement which involves the full spectrum of Afghanistan’s political actors," he said.

Khan added, "Pakistan is deeply gratified that it has fulfilled its part of the responsibility. The Afghan leaders must now seize this historic opportunity to achieve reconciliation and restore peace in their war-torn country." 
&nbsp; 
Khan batted for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;

He said, "Pakistan continues to support a two-state solution – in line with the UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, within the internationally agreed parameters, and they are ; pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the Capital of a united, contiguous and independent Palestinian state."

Imran Khan said he considered Pakistan’s response to the coronavirus pandemic as a success story.

"However, we are still not out of the woods, like no country is out of the woods today," he added.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday did what he loves doing -- unnecessarily targetting India. He, in his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), termed New Delhi as a 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday did what he loves doing -- unnecessarily targetting India. He, in his address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), termed New Delhi as a 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia. The good part was India's delegate to the UNGA, Mijito Vinito, left the UNGA hall as soon as the recorded address of Khan's began playing. Also read | India's delegate walks out of UNGA hall over Pak PM's usual Kashmir diatribe "Muslims continue to be targeted with impunity in many countries. Our shrines are being destroyed; our Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) insulted; the Holy Quran burnt – and all this in the name of freedom of speech," Khan said in his unsual demeanour, adding, "and the one country in the world today where, I am sad to say, the state sponsors Islamophobia, is India. The reason behind this is RSS ideology that unfortunately rules India today." To this end, Khan urged the Assembly to declare an “International Day to Combat Islamophobia” and build a coalition to fight this scourge. He continued, "This extremist ideology was founded in 1920s. The RSS founding fathers were inspired by the Nazis and they adopted their concepts of racial purity and supremacy. While the Nazis hate was directed at the Jews, the RSS directs it towards the Muslims and to a lesser extent towards the Christians." "They believe that India is exclusively for Hindus and others are not equal citizens. The secularism of Gandhi and Nehru has been replaced by the dream of creating a Hindu Rashtra by subjugating, even cleansing India’s 200 million Muslims and other minorities." "In 1992, the RSS destroyed the Babri Mosque; in 2002, some 2000 Muslims were slaughtered in Gujarat, and this was under the watch of Chief Minister Modi; and in 2007, over 50 Muslims were burnt alive by RSS arsonists aboard the Samjhota Express Train. "The Hindutva ideology is set to marginalize almost 300 million human beings – Muslims, Christians and Sikhs. This is unprecedented in history and this does not augur well for the future of India as we all know that marginalisation of human beings leads to their radicalization. " Imran Khan even appropriated the ill-famous Tablighi Jamaat episode and abused it for his own purpose. He said, "Muslims were falsely blamed, vilified and victimised for spreading the coronavirus. They were denied medical attention on many occasions, their businesses were boycotted." Nothing is true. And then came, his more-than-usual Kashmir diatribe. "For over 72 years, India has illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir against the wishes of the Kashmiri people, and in blatant violation of the resolutions of the Security Council and indeed its own commitments to the people of Kashmir," he said. "On 5th August last year, India illegally and unilaterally sought to change the status of the occupied territories and deployed additional troops, bringing the total number to 900,000, to impose a military siege on 8 million Kashmiris. All Kashmiri political leaders were incarcerated; about 13,000 Kashmiri youth were abducted and thousands tortured; a complete curfew was imposed, accompanied by a total communications blackout. "The international community must investigate these grave violations and prosecute the Indian civil and military personnel involved in state terrorism and serious crimes against humanity, being perpetrated, I am sad to say, with complete impunity." He continued, "The brave Kashmiri people will never submit to Indian occupation and oppression. Their struggle is indigenous. They are fighting for a just cause and generation after generation have laid down their lives to rid themselves of Indian occupation. The government and people of Pakistan are committed to standing by and supporting their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their legitimate struggle for self-determination. "In order to divert attention from its illegal actions and atrocities in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, India is playing a dangerous game of upping the military ante against Pakistan in a nuclearised environment. "There will be no durable peace and stability in South Asia until the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is resolved on the basis of international legitimacy. Kashmir has been rightly described as a 'nuclear flash point'. Pakistan has always called for a peaceful solution. To this end, India must rescind the measures it has instituted since 5 August 2019, end its military siege and other gross human rights violations, and agree to resolve the Jammu & Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and of course the wishes of the people of Kashmir." Pakistan's false claims did not stop here. The prime minister said Islamabad wanted a peaceful solution in Afghanistan too. "I have consistently maintained over the past two decades that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. The only way forward was and is a political settlement which involves the full spectrum of Afghanistan’s political actors," he said. Khan added, "Pakistan is deeply gratified that it has fulfilled its part of the responsibility. The Afghan leaders must now seize this historic opportunity to achieve reconciliation and restore peace in their war-torn country." Khan batted for a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine. He said, "Pakistan continues to support a two-state solution – in line with the UN General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, within the internationally agreed parameters, and they are ; pre-1967 borders, and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the Capital of a united, contiguous and independent Palestinian state." Imran Khan said he considered Pakistan’s response to the coronavirus pandemic as a success story. "However, we are still not out of the woods, like no country is out of the woods today," he added.

Pak PM targets India at UNGA, terms it 'state sponsor' of Islamophobia

Prime Minister Imran Khan decided that Pakistan cannot go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances after holding consultations with key members of his Cabinet on importing cotton and sugar from the neighbouring country, a media report said on Saturday.

The prime minister after consultations on Friday instructed the Ministry of Commerce and his economic team to immediately take steps to facilitate the relevant sectors, value added, apparel and sugar, by finding alternative cheap sources of import of the needed commodities, the Dawn newspaper quoted sources as saying.

Various proposals have been presented to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) which considers these suggestions from an economic and commercial point of view. After consideration by the ECC, its decisions are presented to the Cabinet for ratification and final approval, the report said.

In the present case, a proposal was presented to the ECC to allow the import of cotton, cotton yarn and sugar from India keeping in view domestic requirements, it said.

With regards to the ECC decision to allow import of sugar, cotton and cotton yarn from India, Khan held consultations with key members of his Cabinet on Friday and decided that Pakistan could not go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances, it said.

The ECC had decided on commercial grounds to recommend these imports for the Cabinet's consideration.

While the decision was not on the formal agenda of the Cabinet meeting, the issue was brought up by Cabinet members and the prime minister instructed that the ECC's decision be deferred and immediately reviewed, the report said.

The Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Khan on Thursday rejected the proposal of the high-powered committee to import cotton from India, with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi asserting that there can be no normalisation of ties until New Delhi reverses its decision in 2019 to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan's U-turn on Thursday came a day after the ECC, under newly-appointed Finance Minister Hammad Azhar, recommended importing cotton and sugar from India, lifting a nearly two-year-long ban on its import from the neighbouring country amidst tensions over the Kashmir issue.

India has said that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility, and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.

India has also told Pakistan that "talks and terror" cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India.

The ECC's decision had raised hopes of a partial revival of Pakistan-India bilateral trade relations, which were suspended after the August 5, 2019 decision of New Delhi to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

In May 2020, Pakistan lifted the ban on the import of medicines and raw material of essential drugs from India amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

India's move to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Pakistan also snapped all air and land links with India and suspended trade and railway services.

Prime Minister Imran Khan decided that Pakistan cannot go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances after holding consultations with key members of his Cabinet on importing cotton and sugar from the neighbouring country, a media report said on Saturday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan decided that Pakistan cannot go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances after holding consultations with key members of his Cabinet on importing cotton and sugar from the neighbouring country, a media report said on Saturday. The prime minister after consultations on Friday instructed the Ministry of Commerce and his economic team to immediately take steps to facilitate the relevant sectors, value added, apparel and sugar, by finding alternative cheap sources of import of the needed commodities, the Dawn newspaper quoted sources as saying. Various proposals have been presented to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) which considers these suggestions from an economic and commercial point of view. After consideration by the ECC, its decisions are presented to the Cabinet for ratification and final approval, the report said. In the present case, a proposal was presented to the ECC to allow the import of cotton, cotton yarn and sugar from India keeping in view domestic requirements, it said. With regards to the ECC decision to allow import of sugar, cotton and cotton yarn from India, Khan held consultations with key members of his Cabinet on Friday and decided that Pakistan could not go ahead with any trade with India under the current circumstances, it said. The ECC had decided on commercial grounds to recommend these imports for the Cabinet's consideration. While the decision was not on the formal agenda of the Cabinet meeting, the issue was brought up by Cabinet members and the prime minister instructed that the ECC's decision be deferred and immediately reviewed, the report said. The Cabinet headed by Prime Minister Khan on Thursday rejected the proposal of the high-powered committee to import cotton from India, with Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi asserting that there can be no normalisation of ties until New Delhi reverses its decision in 2019 to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan's U-turn on Thursday came a day after the ECC, under newly-appointed Finance Minister Hammad Azhar, recommended importing cotton and sugar from India, lifting a nearly two-year-long ban on its import from the neighbouring country amidst tensions over the Kashmir issue. India has said that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility, and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility. India has also told Pakistan that "talks and terror" cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India. The ECC's decision had raised hopes of a partial revival of Pakistan-India bilateral trade relations, which were suspended after the August 5, 2019 decision of New Delhi to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. In May 2020, Pakistan lifted the ban on the import of medicines and raw material of essential drugs from India amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. India's move to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 angered Pakistan, which downgraded diplomatic ties and expelled the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad. Pakistan also snapped all air and land links with India and suspended trade and railway services.

No trade with India under current circumstances: Pak PM Khan

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister&nbsp;Shah Mahmood Qureshi&nbsp;told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that&nbsp;India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC).

Watch |&nbsp;

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''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said.&nbsp;

"So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two."&nbsp;

"If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added.

There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen.&nbsp;

Asked about this, Qureshi said,&nbsp;"We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either."&nbsp;

''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. "

He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;"I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness."

He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's&nbsp;reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day.&nbsp;"PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.''

In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted.&nbsp;

The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said.

On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said:&nbsp; "I was listening carefully. He didn't point&nbsp;or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan&nbsp;on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference. Qureshi reiterated that Pakistan would take two steps if India takes one towards peace, while taking note of recent mutual overtures like the exchange of letters between the prime ministers of the two countries and the neighours' decision to strictly observe ceasefire along Line of Control (LoC). Watch | ''Pakistan has never shied away from talks, we believe that dialogue is the only way forward. There are two nuclear powers, who cannot indulge in the stupidity of war, this would be equivalent to suicide,'' he said. "So when there’s no other solution, no military solution, then what's the way forward except dialogue? For dialogue, if India can consider for an enabling environment, then Pakistan has earlier said that if India takes one step, Pakistan will take two." "If India wants to move forward with Pakistan, now they would have to create a conducive environment and for that take some steps to create an enabling environment," the minister added. There was wide expectation that Jaishankar and Qureshi would have a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of Heart of Asia conference in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on peace in Afghanistan. But it did not happen. Asked about this, Qureshi said, "We haven't met, have had no talk and no pull-aside meeting happened that you [media] were watching closely. I didn’t receive any request from him, neither did we [request] and moreover, we didn't have any schedule of meeting either." ''He was busy on his programme and I was also engaged with my prior schedule - so we couldn't met bilaterally. " He expressed happiness about the ceasefire agreement. "I am happy that we have come to the understanding of 2003 ceasefire agreement on LoC, which is a welcome move and Kashmiris also express happiness." He mentioned Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's reply to Indian Prime Narendra Modi's letter on Pakistan National Day. "PM Modi also wrote to Imran Khan and [sent] wishes to Pakistani PM and Pakistani citizens on its National day and PM Imran Khan also wrote to PM Modi.'' In his letter, Khan thanked Modi and he has said that Pakistan's longstanding wish has been that it wants better relations with every of its neighbour and live with peace, Qureshi noted. The need is to resolve all outstanding issues, he said. On Jaishankar not bringing up Pakistan-related issues during his speech at Heart of Asia, Qureshi said: "I was listening carefully. He didn't point or mention anything negative about Pakistan, which they usually did in the past...PM Modi's letter to Prime Minister Imran Khan and India not slamming or blaming Pakistan on Heart of Asia summit, I would consider it a positive move."

WION Exclusive: Dialogue with India only way forward, says Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi 

Before the Heart of Asia Summit, there was intense speculation. Many were hoping for a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan. In the end, the leaders had an awkward encounter.

Gravitas: No India-Pakistan bilateral in Tajikistan

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day".

Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

"India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but an atmosphere of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is 'imperative' for it," Modi said in his letter to Khan.

Modi also extended greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

"As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said.

This reportedly is a routine letter sent every year.

Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

It is learnt that a separate message was sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi.&nbsp;

Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. 
On Monday, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years.

Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India desires good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally but added that any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere. He said the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere.

The relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in 2019.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day". Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to his Pakistani counterpart, Imran Khan, on the occasion of "Pakistan Day". Pakistan Day is celebrated to mark the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940 when the All-India Muslim League demanded a separate nation for the Muslims of India. "India desires cordial relations with Pakistan but an atmosphere of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is 'imperative' for it," Modi said in his letter to Khan. Modi also extended greetings to the people of that country on the occasion of Pakistan Day. "As a neighbouring country, India desires cordial relations with the people of Pakistan. For this, an environment of trust, devoid of terror and hostility, is imperative," he said. This reportedly is a routine letter sent every year. Modi also conveyed his best wishes to Khan and the people of Pakistan in dealing with the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. It is learnt that a separate message was sent by President Ram Nath Kovind to his Pakistani counterpart Arif Alvi. Last month, the Indian and Pakistani armies recommitted themselves to the 2003 ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. On Monday, a delegation of Pakistani officials arrived in India for a meeting of the permanent Indus commission. It is the first such dialogue in over two-and-a-half years. Last week, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said India desires good neighbourly ties with Pakistan and is committed to addressing issues, if any, bilaterally but added that any meaningful dialogue can only be held in a conducive atmosphere. He said the onus is on Islamabad to create such an atmosphere. The relations between the two countries nosedived after India withdrew special status of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two union territories in 2019.

PM Modi writes letter to Imran Khan; greets people of Pak on Pakistan Day

The Indian delegation will be led by PK Saxena who will be joined by his advisors from the Central Water Commission, the Central Electricity Authority and the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation.

India, Pakistan to hold talks under Indus Water Treaty today

Pakistan Senate, or the Upper House of the Parliament, on Friday descended into chaotic fracas after Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz accused the opposition of installing cameras over the polling booth for the chairman and deputy chairman elections.

Ahead of the voting process, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar claimed that "spy" cameras were installed right over the polling booth. Senator Raza Rabbani added installing spy cameras was a violation of the law.

Federal Minister for Science and&nbsp;Technology Fawad Chaudhry, however, countered the allegation saying spy cameras can possibly be not detected, and the ministers might have mistaken CCTV cameras with them.

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This is one example of Spy Camera the camera can be fitted in a head of nail even,detection of such cameras is impossible, in all likelihood CCTV Camera cable is misunderstood as spy camera <a href="https://t.co/KPu8a2RCpA">pic.twitter.com/KPu8a2RCpA</a>
— Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) <a href="https://twitter.com/fawadchaudhry/status/1370260198561026050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan Senate met on Friday to elect its chairman and deputy chairman through a secret ballot following the oath taking of its 48 newly-elected members.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-senate-chairmanship-opposition-finds-secret-cameras-369901">Videos</a> that made way to the social media showed Pakistan ministers engaging in a scuffle after so-called Chinese spy cameras were found hidden inside the hall.

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Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's nominee Sadiq Sanjrani, meanwhile, is expected to face a tough challenge from joint opposition candidate Yousaf Raza Gilani in the race for the chairmanship of the Senate. Notably, the former premier's surprise victory in the Senate polls had rattled the ruling party led by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Incumbent Senate chairman and the ruling party's nominee Sanjrani is vying for a second term while Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) candidate and former prime minister Gilani, who defeated finance minister in the Senate polls last week, is confident of giving another setback to the government.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-elect-senate-chairman-in-knife-edge-battle-369842">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan to elect Senate chairman in knife-edge battle</a>

A tough competition is expected between the two sides in the House of 100. The winner will need to get a simple majority of 51. The PDM - an alliance of 11 Opposition parties - claims that it has the support of 51 senators. Similar claims have been made by the government.

The two sides have been blaming each other for using money and other tactics to woo lawmakers to support their candidates.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-when-things-turned-murky-in-pak-senate-370077">WATCH |</a>

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Ahead of the election, former prime minister and main opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior vice-resident Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asked the military establishment to stay away from politics.

PDM has fielded Maulana Ghafoor Haidri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) for deputy chairman while the ruling party has nominated Mirza Mohammad Afridi for deputy chairman.

Gilani defeated Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday in Senate polls, giving a major blow to Prime Minister Khan who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague. Gilani secured 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes.

The Opposition had demanded the Prime Minister's resignation after the debacle following which Khan decided to take a vote of confidence on Saturday which he won comfortably.

The ruling party challenged in the Election Commission of Pakistan the victory of Gilani in Senate polls on the basis of alleged fraud, urging it not to issue notification of his election.

Elections for the Upper House of the Parliament were held on March 3, days ahead of retiring of its members on March 11.

Senators are elected for six years but half of them retire after three years. A new chairman and his deputy are elected after three years to run the house.

(with inputs)

Pakistan Senate, or the Upper House of the Parliament, on Friday descended into chaotic fracas after Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz accused the opposition of installing cameras over the polling booth for the chairman and deputy chairman elections.

Pakistan Senate, or the Upper House of the Parliament, on Friday descended into chaotic fracas after Federal Minister for Information Shibli Faraz accused the opposition of installing cameras over the polling booth for the chairman and deputy chairman elections. Ahead of the voting process, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar claimed that "spy" cameras were installed right over the polling booth. Senator Raza Rabbani added installing spy cameras was a violation of the law. Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, however, countered the allegation saying spy cameras can possibly be not detected, and the ministers might have mistaken CCTV cameras with them. This is one example of Spy Camera the camera can be fitted in a head of nail even,detection of such cameras is impossible, in all likelihood CCTV Camera cable is misunderstood as spy camera pic.twitter.com/KPu8a2RCpA — Ch Fawad Hussain (@fawadchaudhry) March 12, 2021 × Pakistan Senate met on Friday to elect its chairman and deputy chairman through a secret ballot following the oath taking of its 48 newly-elected members. Videos that made way to the social media showed Pakistan ministers engaging in a scuffle after so-called Chinese spy cameras were found hidden inside the hall. × Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party's nominee Sadiq Sanjrani, meanwhile, is expected to face a tough challenge from joint opposition candidate Yousaf Raza Gilani in the race for the chairmanship of the Senate. Notably, the former premier's surprise victory in the Senate polls had rattled the ruling party led by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Incumbent Senate chairman and the ruling party's nominee Sanjrani is vying for a second term while Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) candidate and former prime minister Gilani, who defeated finance minister in the Senate polls last week, is confident of giving another setback to the government. Also read | Pakistan to elect Senate chairman in knife-edge battle A tough competition is expected between the two sides in the House of 100. The winner will need to get a simple majority of 51. The PDM - an alliance of 11 Opposition parties - claims that it has the support of 51 senators. Similar claims have been made by the government. The two sides have been blaming each other for using money and other tactics to woo lawmakers to support their candidates. WATCH | Ahead of the election, former prime minister and main opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) senior vice-resident Shahid Khaqan Abbasi asked the military establishment to stay away from politics. PDM has fielded Maulana Ghafoor Haidri of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) for deputy chairman while the ruling party has nominated Mirza Mohammad Afridi for deputy chairman. Gilani defeated Finance Minister Abdul Hafeez Shaikh on Wednesday in Senate polls, giving a major blow to Prime Minister Khan who had personally campaigned for his Cabinet colleague. Gilani secured 169 votes while Shaikh got 164 votes. The Opposition had demanded the Prime Minister's resignation after the debacle following which Khan decided to take a vote of confidence on Saturday which he won comfortably. The ruling party challenged in the Election Commission of Pakistan the victory of Gilani in Senate polls on the basis of alleged fraud, urging it not to issue notification of his election. Elections for the Upper House of the Parliament were held on March 3, days ahead of retiring of its members on March 11. Senators are elected for six years but half of them retire after three years. A new chairman and his deputy are elected after three years to run the house. (with inputs)

Ruckus in Pak Senate after 'spy cameras' found hidden inside hall | WATCH

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the onus of creating an "enabling environment" for progress in bilateral relations rests with India, though he welcomed the ceasefire agreement with New Delhi.

In his first comments since the militaries of India and Pakistan jointly announced on Thursday that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors, Khan Saturday said Pakistan remains ready to move forward to resolve "all outstanding issues" with India through dialogue.

"I welcome restoration of the ceasefire along the LOC. The onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rests with India. India must take necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand &amp; right of the Kashmiri people to self determination according to UNSC resolutions," Khan tweeted.

"We have always stood for peace &amp; remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue," Khan said in a series of tweets.

India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on Thursday to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC and other sectors after hotline discussions by their Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO). The decision by the two countries came into effect from the midnight of February 24/25.

In a series of tweets marking the second anniversary of Pakistan's retaliatory air strikes after the Indian Air Force (IAF) targetted a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror training camp at Balakot in 2019, Khan claimed that Pakistan have always stood for peace and remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue.

He said that Pakistan also demonstrated to the world its "responsible behaviour" by returning the captured Indian pilot.

IAF warplanes hit a JeM terror training camp in Balakot on February 26, 2019 to avenge killing of 40 CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack. Pakistan Air Force retaliated the next day but the IAF foiled the attack.

India has told Pakistan that it has no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India, asserting that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been and will remain an integral part of the country.

New Delhi has been maintaining its stand that "talks and terror" cannot go together as it continues to ask Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India.

Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship.

The relationship dipped further after India's war planes pounded a JeM terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed.

(with inputs)

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the onus of creating an "enabling environment" for progress in bilateral relations rests with India, though he welcomed the ceasefire agreement with New Delhi.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the onus of creating an "enabling environment" for progress in bilateral relations rests with India, though he welcomed the ceasefire agreement with New Delhi. In his first comments since the militaries of India and Pakistan jointly announced on Thursday that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on the ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) and other sectors, Khan Saturday said Pakistan remains ready to move forward to resolve "all outstanding issues" with India through dialogue. "I welcome restoration of the ceasefire along the LOC. The onus of creating an enabling environment for further progress rests with India. India must take necessary steps to meet the long-standing demand & right of the Kashmiri people to self determination according to UNSC resolutions," Khan tweeted. "We have always stood for peace & remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue," Khan said in a series of tweets. India and Pakistan issued a joint statement on Thursday to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC and other sectors after hotline discussions by their Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO). The decision by the two countries came into effect from the midnight of February 24/25. In a series of tweets marking the second anniversary of Pakistan's retaliatory air strikes after the Indian Air Force (IAF) targetted a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror training camp at Balakot in 2019, Khan claimed that Pakistan have always stood for peace and remain ready to move forward to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue. He said that Pakistan also demonstrated to the world its "responsible behaviour" by returning the captured Indian pilot. IAF warplanes hit a JeM terror training camp in Balakot on February 26, 2019 to avenge killing of 40 CRPF personnel in the Pulwama terror attack. Pakistan Air Force retaliated the next day but the IAF foiled the attack. India has told Pakistan that it has no locus standi to comment on internal affairs of India, asserting that the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have been and will remain an integral part of the country. New Delhi has been maintaining its stand that "talks and terror" cannot go together as it continues to ask Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India. Ties between India and Pakistan nosedived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country. Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship. The relationship dipped further after India's war planes pounded a JeM terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF jawans were killed. (with inputs)

Pakistan PM yet again puts onus of restoring ceasefire along LoC on India

Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings, and cease firing along the Line of Control ( LoC ).

India-Pakistan to cease all firing along LoC

India has invited Pakistani diplomats for its Covid vaccination drive as part of the offer to the entire diplomatic community based in the national capital Delhi. The offer to the foreign diplomats based in Delhi is in line with India's domestic vaccine rollout.&nbsp;

Pakistan still has to take a call on if its diplomats will take part in the vaccination drive.

India has been in past reaching out to foreign diplomats on its vaccination drive and how it is dealing with the Covid crisis. December saw over 50 foreign envoys being taken to the southern city of Hyderabad to showcase the country's vaccine production centres at two biotechnology companies - Bharat Biotech and Biological E.&nbsp;

During the one-day visit, the foreign envoys were briefed on India’s indigenous efforts to develop COVID vaccines and clinical trials.

A release by MEA said, "India’s R&amp;D facilities, manufacturing capacity, foreign collaborations, etc. in the fields of pharmaceuticals, including vaccine production, were highlighted....India is committed to partnering with all interested countries in vaccine-related efforts, in the service of humanity."

Earlier in November, foreign envoys were briefed on the action plan to deal with the Covid crisis by Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. Around 190 heads of diplomatic missions were present in the briefing that took place at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan.

India began its mega vaccination drive on January 16, and so far over 41 lakh healthcare workers have been vaccinated. This even as New Delhi has gifted India-manufactured vaccines to more than ten countries in the region and many West Asian countries.&nbsp;

In the neighbourhood, four countries -- Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka began their vaccination drive in last two weeks using India-manufactured and India gifted vaccines. &nbsp;

In contrast, Pakistan began its vaccination on Tuesday with Prime Minister Imran Khan thanking China for sending 50,000 doses of its vaccine -Sinopharm.

India has invited Pakistani diplomats for its Covid vaccination drive as part of the offer to the entire diplomatic community based in the national capital Delhi.

India has invited Pakistani diplomats for its Covid vaccination drive as part of the offer to the entire diplomatic community based in the national capital Delhi. The offer to the foreign diplomats based in Delhi is in line with India's domestic vaccine rollout. Pakistan still has to take a call on if its diplomats will take part in the vaccination drive. India has been in past reaching out to foreign diplomats on its vaccination drive and how it is dealing with the Covid crisis. December saw over 50 foreign envoys being taken to the southern city of Hyderabad to showcase the country's vaccine production centres at two biotechnology companies - Bharat Biotech and Biological E. During the one-day visit, the foreign envoys were briefed on India’s indigenous efforts to develop COVID vaccines and clinical trials. A release by MEA said, "India’s R&D facilities, manufacturing capacity, foreign collaborations, etc. in the fields of pharmaceuticals, including vaccine production, were highlighted....India is committed to partnering with all interested countries in vaccine-related efforts, in the service of humanity." Earlier in November, foreign envoys were briefed on the action plan to deal with the Covid crisis by Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. Around 190 heads of diplomatic missions were present in the briefing that took place at Delhi's Vigyan Bhawan. India began its mega vaccination drive on January 16, and so far over 41 lakh healthcare workers have been vaccinated. This even as New Delhi has gifted India-manufactured vaccines to more than ten countries in the region and many West Asian countries. In the neighbourhood, four countries -- Nepal, Bangladesh, Maldives and Sri Lanka began their vaccination drive in last two weeks using India-manufactured and India gifted vaccines. In contrast, Pakistan began its vaccination on Tuesday with Prime Minister Imran Khan thanking China for sending 50,000 doses of its vaccine -Sinopharm.

Pakistani diplomats invited for Covid vaccination by India as part of offer to diplomatic community

Pakistan&nbsp;police on Friday claimed to have arrested the main accused in the vandalisation of a Hindu temple by a mob led by members of a radical Islamist party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

The main accused identified as Faizullah was arrested from Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief Sanaullah Abbasi said on Friday, claiming that he instigated and facilitated the mob for attacking the temple and damaging the Samadhi of a religious leader there.

The police chief informed that 110 people have been arrested in the case so far.

The attack on the temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Karak district last week by members of radical Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party (Fazal ur Rehman group) drew strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders.

The temple was attacked by the mob after members of the Hindu community received permission from local authorities to renovate its decades-old building. The mob had demolished the newly constructed work alongside the old structure.

The Supreme Court has ordered the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) to start reconstruction of the damaged temple and instructed authorities to recover the money for the restoration work from the attackers whose act has caused "international embarrassment" to Pakistan.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country.

The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents. They often complain of harassment by the extremists.

Pakistan police on Friday claimed to have arrested the main accused in the vandalisation of a Hindu temple by a mob led by members of a radical Islamist party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan police on Friday claimed to have arrested the main accused in the vandalisation of a Hindu temple by a mob led by members of a radical Islamist party in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The main accused identified as Faizullah was arrested from Karak district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police chief Sanaullah Abbasi said on Friday, claiming that he instigated and facilitated the mob for attacking the temple and damaging the Samadhi of a religious leader there. The police chief informed that 110 people have been arrested in the case so far. The attack on the temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's (KP) Karak district last week by members of radical Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party (Fazal ur Rehman group) drew strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders. The temple was attacked by the mob after members of the Hindu community received permission from local authorities to renovate its decades-old building. The mob had demolished the newly constructed work alongside the old structure. The Supreme Court has ordered the Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) to start reconstruction of the damaged temple and instructed authorities to recover the money for the restoration work from the attackers whose act has caused "international embarrassment" to Pakistan. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country. The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents. They often complain of harassment by the extremists.

Main accused in Pakistan Hindu temple vandalism arrested

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