Russia has long supported India’s ascension to having a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council. But of late, Moscow's growing closeness to Islamabad is becoming a cause of worry for New Delhi.

India cannot ignore Russia's growing support to Pakistan.

In the last six years, a lot has changed between Russia and Pakistan, and leaving behind the cold war hostilities,&nbsp;both sides have expanded their relationship.&nbsp;

Russia used to have a strict embargo on weapon sales to Pakistan. But it was lifted in 2014 -- paving the way for Russian weapons to fall into the hands of the Pakistani army.&nbsp;

Islamabad also wants to rapidly expand its ties with Moscow, and it can count on Beijing's support to win it over.

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According to a report, Pakistan plans to link the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with the Eurasian Economic Union.

This is an alliance between Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. There is also a plan to expand the capacity of the Gwadar port.

Russia is reportedly ready for deals with Pakistan, and is keen on participating in gas pipelines, electricity and other energy projects.

In 2019, Russia had announced plans to invest $14 billion in Pakistan's energy sector.

Also, what keeps Russia and Pakistan together is Afghanistan. Islamabad has been playing broker between the Taliban and world powers.

Russia, which is party to the Afghanistan conflict, actively engages with Islamabad.

In fact, earlier this month, Pakistan participated in consultations with China, the United States and Russia. It was a video conference to speed up the intra-Afghan talks.

Russian news agency Tass carried a press release about the virtual meeting.

To be precise, Pakistan wants to shape the Russia-China-Pakistan axis. Beyond plans to sell military hardware, Russia has also been conducting joint military exercises with Pakistani troops. They are called friendship drills.

These military exercises have been happening since 2016. But such friendships may prove to be expensive for Russia. A crumbling Pakistan and a cornered China can only add to Vladimir Putin's problems.

Russia has long supported India’s ascension to having a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council. But of late, Moscow's growing closeness to Islamabad is becoming a cause of worry for New Delhi.

Russia has long supported India’s ascension to having a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council. But of late, Moscow's growing closeness to Islamabad is becoming a cause of worry for New Delhi. India cannot ignore Russia's growing support to Pakistan. In the last six years, a lot has changed between Russia and Pakistan, and leaving behind the cold war hostilities, both sides have expanded their relationship. Russia used to have a strict embargo on weapon sales to Pakistan. But it was lifted in 2014 -- paving the way for Russian weapons to fall into the hands of the Pakistani army. Islamabad also wants to rapidly expand its ties with Moscow, and it can count on Beijing's support to win it over. × According to a report, Pakistan plans to link the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with the Eurasian Economic Union. This is an alliance between Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. There is also a plan to expand the capacity of the Gwadar port. Russia is reportedly ready for deals with Pakistan, and is keen on participating in gas pipelines, electricity and other energy projects. In 2019, Russia had announced plans to invest $14 billion in Pakistan's energy sector. Also, what keeps Russia and Pakistan together is Afghanistan. Islamabad has been playing broker between the Taliban and world powers. Russia, which is party to the Afghanistan conflict, actively engages with Islamabad. In fact, earlier this month, Pakistan participated in consultations with China, the United States and Russia. It was a video conference to speed up the intra-Afghan talks. Russian news agency Tass carried a press release about the virtual meeting. To be precise, Pakistan wants to shape the Russia-China-Pakistan axis. Beyond plans to sell military hardware, Russia has also been conducting joint military exercises with Pakistani troops. They are called friendship drills. These military exercises have been happening since 2016. But such friendships may prove to be expensive for Russia. A crumbling Pakistan and a cornered China can only add to Vladimir Putin's problems.

Why India must be wary of Russia's engagement with Pakistan

Pakistan’s foreign minister has "warned" neighbouring India to refrain from launching any attacks on his country, saying that Islamabad would respond with full force if New Delhi embarks on “any misadventure.”

Shah Mahmood Qureshi claimed that India was plotting an attack on Pakistan, allegedly to divert attention from a recent deadly clash between India and China in a disputed area of the Himalayas that killed at least 20 Indian soldiers.&nbsp;

Chinese and Indian military commanders have meanwhile agreed to disengage their forces in the disputed area.

Qureshi alleged that India, “after being beaten and embarrassed” by China in the Himalayan incident was trying to find an excuse for an operation against Pakistan.

He, in his comments broadcast by Geo TV, offered no evidence for his allegations.

On Tuesday, Qureshi condemned India’s move ordering Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in New Delhi to reduce its staff by half within a week. The Indian foreign ministry said it would do the same in Islamabad after two Indian Embassy employees were seized at gunpoint in Pakistan.

Earlier, Pakistani authorities had said that two people, identified as drivers for the Indian High Commission, were arrested when they hit a pedestrian and tried to flee. They said police searched the vehicle and found counterfeit currency inside.

The two were released to the high commission and were transported to the border.

Pakistani and Indian forces have been on maximum alert since last year's airstrike by New Delhi -- in response to the Pulwama terror attack.

Pakistan’s foreign minister has "warned" neighbouring India to refrain from launching any attacks on his country, saying that Islamabad would respond with full force if New Delhi embarks on “any misadventure.

Pakistan’s foreign minister has "warned" neighbouring India to refrain from launching any attacks on his country, saying that Islamabad would respond with full force if New Delhi embarks on “any misadventure.” Shah Mahmood Qureshi claimed that India was plotting an attack on Pakistan, allegedly to divert attention from a recent deadly clash between India and China in a disputed area of the Himalayas that killed at least 20 Indian soldiers. Chinese and Indian military commanders have meanwhile agreed to disengage their forces in the disputed area. Qureshi alleged that India, “after being beaten and embarrassed” by China in the Himalayan incident was trying to find an excuse for an operation against Pakistan. He, in his comments broadcast by Geo TV, offered no evidence for his allegations. On Tuesday, Qureshi condemned India’s move ordering Pakistan’s diplomatic mission in New Delhi to reduce its staff by half within a week. The Indian foreign ministry said it would do the same in Islamabad after two Indian Embassy employees were seized at gunpoint in Pakistan. Earlier, Pakistani authorities had said that two people, identified as drivers for the Indian High Commission, were arrested when they hit a pedestrian and tried to flee. They said police searched the vehicle and found counterfeit currency inside. The two were released to the high commission and were transported to the border. Pakistani and Indian forces have been on maximum alert since last year's airstrike by New Delhi -- in response to the Pulwama terror attack.

New Delhi planning attack on Islamabad to distract from China row: Pak FM's latest bizarre claim

India has asked Pakistan to reduce its diplomatic presence in New Delhi by 50%. What are India's reasons behind this move?

Gravitas: India downgrades ties with Pakistan

Pakistan accused old foe India on Wednesday of funding militant groups, a day after the nuclear-armed neighbours said they would expel half the other’s embassy staff for the first time in nearly two decades.

Tuesday’s announcement of planned expulsions followed weeks of accusations and counter-accusations including espionage and the harassment of rival diplomats as relations plummet.

“India has fomented terrorism inside Pakistan by providing training, financial and material support to terrorist groups,” Aisha Farooqi, spokeswoman for Pakistan’s foreign ministry, said in a statement, following a failed attempt to blacklist an Indian citizen at the United Nations for allegedly providing funding to banned militant groups.

A spokesman for India’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but India has frequently levelled identical accusations at Pakistan.

Rajeev Bhatia, a fellow at Mumbai-based think tank Gateway House and a veteran Indian diplomat, said the planned “deep cut” in embassy staff was significant.

“It’s indicative of the dismal condition of the bilateral relationship,” he said.

Former officials in both countries said the move could eventually lead to the closure of the embassies altogether.

“I see a further downsizing embassy strengths of the two countries in the coming months,” said Brahma Chellaney, a political analyst at the New Delhi-based Center for Policy Research and a former Indian national security adviser.

“India is even ready to cut diplomatic ties if things continue the way they are.”

In August 2019, Pakistan suspended almost all trade and transport ties with India after New Delhi revoked autonomy and statehood for its portion of the Himalayan Kashmir region - territory also claimed by Islamabad.

With the latest expulsions, relations are now at an all-time low, outside of the three major wars the two countries have fought since independence from colonial power Britain in 1947, said Asif Yasin Malik, a retired Pakistani general and former defence secretary.

“They are as bad as they can be,” he said. “It is possible we will break diplomatic relations altogether.”

Pakistan accused old foe India on Wednesday of funding militant groups, a day after the nuclear-armed neighbours said they would expel half the other’s embassy staff for the first time in nearly two decades.

Pakistan accused old foe India on Wednesday of funding militant groups, a day after the nuclear-armed neighbours said they would expel half the other’s embassy staff for the first time in nearly two decades. Tuesday’s announcement of planned expulsions followed weeks of accusations and counter-accusations including espionage and the harassment of rival diplomats as relations plummet. “India has fomented terrorism inside Pakistan by providing training, financial and material support to terrorist groups,” Aisha Farooqi, spokeswoman for Pakistan’s foreign ministry, said in a statement, following a failed attempt to blacklist an Indian citizen at the United Nations for allegedly providing funding to banned militant groups. A spokesman for India’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but India has frequently levelled identical accusations at Pakistan. Rajeev Bhatia, a fellow at Mumbai-based think tank Gateway House and a veteran Indian diplomat, said the planned “deep cut” in embassy staff was significant. “It’s indicative of the dismal condition of the bilateral relationship,” he said. Former officials in both countries said the move could eventually lead to the closure of the embassies altogether. “I see a further downsizing embassy strengths of the two countries in the coming months,” said Brahma Chellaney, a political analyst at the New Delhi-based Center for Policy Research and a former Indian national security adviser. “India is even ready to cut diplomatic ties if things continue the way they are.” In August 2019, Pakistan suspended almost all trade and transport ties with India after New Delhi revoked autonomy and statehood for its portion of the Himalayan Kashmir region - territory also claimed by Islamabad. With the latest expulsions, relations are now at an all-time low, outside of the three major wars the two countries have fought since independence from colonial power Britain in 1947, said Asif Yasin Malik, a retired Pakistani general and former defence secretary. “They are as bad as they can be,” he said. “It is possible we will break diplomatic relations altogether.”

Pakistan claims India funds militants as diplomatic relations dive

India asked Pakistan to cut embassy staffs by half in 7 days. New Delhi plans to reduce staffs in Pak mission by 50 percent.India and Pakistan have 110 people working at their respective missions. Now, the strength will come down to 50

India asks Pak High Commission to reduce staffs in 7 days

Pakistan is trying to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir under the cover of ceasefire violations by its troops along the Line of Control, police chief Dilbagh Singh said on Tuesday.

"Pakistan is making efforts to send more Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba cadres into Kashmir. For that, they are trying to use the International Border sector in Jammu or the LoC in Nowshera sector (in Rajouri district)," he said.

"Efforts are also being made in Kupwara and Baramulla to push more terrorists into this side under the garb of ceasefire violations. The Army is foiling these efforts there," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony of a CRPF jawan here.

The CRPF jawan was killed during an encounter between militants and security forces in Pulwama district this morning. Two unidentified militants were killed in the encounter.

There has been a spurt in Pakistani shelling along the border in Jammu and Kashmir this year with over 2,027 cases of violation of a ceasefire agreement being reported till June 10.

Singh said the security grid at the border as well as in the hinterland were working in tandem to defeat the efforts against peace in the union territory.

"The border grid and the hinterland grid are working in synergy to foil these designs," he said.

The police chief also claimed that the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group was planning to carry out a major IED-based attack on security forces, and added that the grid was prepared to tackle it.

"We foiled a major vehicle-laden IED attack on 28th of last month. Jaish is now planning to have some big IED incident against the security forces. We are fully alert at all levels against such plans, I am sure our alertness will take care of those plans," he added.

Asked about the recent successes in operations against militants, the Director General of Police (DGP) said the security forces were carrying out nearly two dozen operations everyday based on the intelligence inputs they receive.

"There are around two dozen operations underway every day and sometimes one or two operations click and sometimes none. Our effort is that we act on all information we get about terrorists and terror activity," he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan is trying to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir under the cover of ceasefire violations by its troops along the Line of Control, police chief Dilbagh Singh said on Tuesday.

Pakistan is trying to push terrorists into Jammu and Kashmir under the cover of ceasefire violations by its troops along the Line of Control, police chief Dilbagh Singh said on Tuesday. "Pakistan is making efforts to send more Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Toiba cadres into Kashmir. For that, they are trying to use the International Border sector in Jammu or the LoC in Nowshera sector (in Rajouri district)," he said. "Efforts are also being made in Kupwara and Baramulla to push more terrorists into this side under the garb of ceasefire violations. The Army is foiling these efforts there," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of the wreath-laying ceremony of a CRPF jawan here. The CRPF jawan was killed during an encounter between militants and security forces in Pulwama district this morning. Two unidentified militants were killed in the encounter. There has been a spurt in Pakistani shelling along the border in Jammu and Kashmir this year with over 2,027 cases of violation of a ceasefire agreement being reported till June 10. Singh said the security grid at the border as well as in the hinterland were working in tandem to defeat the efforts against peace in the union territory. "The border grid and the hinterland grid are working in synergy to foil these designs," he said. The police chief also claimed that the Jaish-e-Mohammad terror group was planning to carry out a major IED-based attack on security forces, and added that the grid was prepared to tackle it. "We foiled a major vehicle-laden IED attack on 28th of last month. Jaish is now planning to have some big IED incident against the security forces. We are fully alert at all levels against such plans, I am sure our alertness will take care of those plans," he added. Asked about the recent successes in operations against militants, the Director General of Police (DGP) said the security forces were carrying out nearly two dozen operations everyday based on the intelligence inputs they receive. "There are around two dozen operations underway every day and sometimes one or two operations click and sometimes none. Our effort is that we act on all information we get about terrorists and terror activity," he said.

Pakistan trying to push terrorists into J&K under cover of ceasefire violations: Police chief

2 Indian embassy staffers who went missing in Islamabad have now been released. The officials were arrested for an alleged 'hit & run' case. Was this a petty tit-for-tat move over the explusion of Pak High Commission officials from India?

Gravitas: How Pakistan harasses Indian officials

Anti-India sentiments have given way to anti-govt protests in Nepal. Meanwhile the Nepal Parliament has fast-tracked a controversial bill for altering its map.

Gravitas: India-Nepal border dispute: Is there room for diplomacy?

India is not interested in land of Pakistan or China but wanted peace and amity, Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday.

Addressing virtual ''Jan Samvad'' rally of Gujarat BJP from Nagpur in Maharashtra, he said India believed in peace and non-violence and do not want to be strong by becoming an expansionist.

"India never tried to grab land of its neighbours like Bhutan and Bangladesh," he added.

The Minister of Road Transport &amp; Highways and MSME also said that COVID-19 crisis will not last long, as a vaccine is on its way soon.

"India do not want land of either Pakistan or China. All India want is peace, amity, love, and (want) to work together (with neighbouring countries)," Gadkari said.

His comments came at a time when India and China are engaged in a stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.

Talking about the completion of one year of the second term of the Modi government, Gadkari said its biggest achievement was to bring peace in the country by dealing with matters of internal and external security.

"...Whether it is about almost winning over the Maoist problem or securing the country from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism...There is China on the one side of our border and Pakistan on the other side. We want peace, not violence," he said.

During his speech, the Nagpur MP referred to famous novel "Mrityunjaya" by Marathi novelist Shivaji Sawant, saying peace and non-violence can be established by only those who are strong and not weak.

"We should not make India strong by becoming expansionist. We want to make India strong for establishing peace. We never tried to grab land of Bhutan. Our country made Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the prime minister of Bangladesh after winning the war (with Pakistan in 1971), and our soldiers returned thereafter.

"We took not a single inch of land. We do not want land either of Pakistan or China. All we want is peace, amity, love, and wanted to work together," he said.

Gadkari also said the coronavirus crisis will not last long as scientists in India and abroad have been working to develop a vaccine.

"This crisis is not going to last long. Effort is on in our country to develop a vaccine for coronavirus. Scientists across the world are working in this direction.

As per the information received by me, I can say with confidence that very soon we will find vaccine. Once we develop a vaccine, we won''t have to fear the crisis, Gadkari added.

As per the Union Health ministry, India saw the highest single-day spike of 11,929 novel coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the number of infections to over 3.20 lakh on Sunday, while the toll crossed the 9,000 mark with 311 more deaths.

India is not interested in land of Pakistan or China but wanted peace and amity, Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday. Addressing virtual ''Jan Samvad'' rally of Gujarat BJP from Nagpur in Maharashtra, he said India believed in peace and non-violence and do not want to be strong by becoming an expansionist.

India is not interested in land of Pakistan or China but wanted peace and amity, Union minister and senior BJP leader Nitin Gadkari said on Sunday. Addressing virtual ''Jan Samvad'' rally of Gujarat BJP from Nagpur in Maharashtra, he said India believed in peace and non-violence and do not want to be strong by becoming an expansionist. "India never tried to grab land of its neighbours like Bhutan and Bangladesh," he added. The Minister of Road Transport & Highways and MSME also said that COVID-19 crisis will not last long, as a vaccine is on its way soon. "India do not want land of either Pakistan or China. All India want is peace, amity, love, and (want) to work together (with neighbouring countries)," Gadkari said. His comments came at a time when India and China are engaged in a stand-off at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. Talking about the completion of one year of the second term of the Modi government, Gadkari said its biggest achievement was to bring peace in the country by dealing with matters of internal and external security. "...Whether it is about almost winning over the Maoist problem or securing the country from Pakistan-sponsored terrorism...There is China on the one side of our border and Pakistan on the other side. We want peace, not violence," he said. During his speech, the Nagpur MP referred to famous novel "Mrityunjaya" by Marathi novelist Shivaji Sawant, saying peace and non-violence can be established by only those who are strong and not weak. "We should not make India strong by becoming expansionist. We want to make India strong for establishing peace. We never tried to grab land of Bhutan. Our country made Sheikh Mujibur Rahman the prime minister of Bangladesh after winning the war (with Pakistan in 1971), and our soldiers returned thereafter. "We took not a single inch of land. We do not want land either of Pakistan or China. All we want is peace, amity, love, and wanted to work together," he said. Gadkari also said the coronavirus crisis will not last long as scientists in India and abroad have been working to develop a vaccine. "This crisis is not going to last long. Effort is on in our country to develop a vaccine for coronavirus. Scientists across the world are working in this direction. As per the information received by me, I can say with confidence that very soon we will find vaccine. Once we develop a vaccine, we won''t have to fear the crisis, Gadkari added. As per the Union Health ministry, India saw the highest single-day spike of 11,929 novel coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, taking the number of infections to over 3.20 lakh on Sunday, while the toll crossed the 9,000 mark with 311 more deaths.

India does not want land of China or Pakistan but peace: Nitin Gadkari

China has appointed a new PLA commander for its Western Theatre Command ground forces responsible for the Sino-India border, ahead of the key talks between senior Indian and Chinese military officials.

China appoints new PLA commander for India border

Amid the present border standoff with India, the latest satellite imagery has revealed that China is fast strengthening its naval base in Pakistan’s Gwadar Port.

China building Naval base at Gwadar?

Two officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were caught spying by Indian authorities on Sunday.&nbsp;

Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, were nabbed while they were engaged in a unwanted anti-India activity. They used to roam around assuming fake Indian identities.

India has declared them persona non grata and has asked them to leave the country within 24 hours.

Explaining how the two officials were apprehended by "Indian law enforcement authorities for indulging in espionage activities", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release said, "The Government has declared both these officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country within 24 hours."

<img alt="Persona non grata" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ced53513-a883-4f3b-ac1b-146b15da55de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WhatsApp%20Image%202020-05-31%20at%2010.35.09%20PM.jpeg" />

The Pakistani Charge de Affaires was issued a demarche in which India strongly protested "with regard to the activities of these officials" and "asked to ensure that no member of its diplomatic mission should indulge in activities inimical to India or behave in a manner incompatible with their diplomatic status."

The last time such an incident happened was in 2016.

India had then declared one Pakistan High Commission official Mehmood Akhtar as persona non grata after he was apprehended by Indian law enforcement authorities while receiving sensitive documents.

During his interrogation, Akhtar revealed that he belonged to Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army and joined Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) on deputation. He had been posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi since September 2013.&nbsp;

The Pakistan High Commissioner was then summoned by the Foreign Secretary with India registering a strong protest on the activities of Mehmood Akhtar.&nbsp;

That day itself, in an apparent tit-for-tat, Pakistan declared an Assistant Personnel and Welfare Officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Surjeet Singh as persona non grata.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-espionage-case-spies-used-fake-aadhar-card-caught-red-handed-in-karol-bagh-302225">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan espionage case: Spies used fake Aadhar card, caught red-handed in Karol Bagh</a>

(The story has been updated.)

Two officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were caught spying by Indian authorities on Sunday. Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, were nabbed while they were engaged in a unwanted anti-India activity.

Two officials at Pakistan High Commission in Delhi were caught spying by Indian authorities on Sunday. Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan High Commission, were nabbed while they were engaged in a unwanted anti-India activity. They used to roam around assuming fake Indian identities. India has declared them persona non grata and has asked them to leave the country within 24 hours. Explaining how the two officials were apprehended by "Indian law enforcement authorities for indulging in espionage activities", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a release said, "The Government has declared both these officials persona non grata for indulging in activities incompatible with their status as members of a diplomatic mission and asked them to leave the country within 24 hours." The Pakistani Charge de Affaires was issued a demarche in which India strongly protested "with regard to the activities of these officials" and "asked to ensure that no member of its diplomatic mission should indulge in activities inimical to India or behave in a manner incompatible with their diplomatic status." The last time such an incident happened was in 2016. India had then declared one Pakistan High Commission official Mehmood Akhtar as persona non grata after he was apprehended by Indian law enforcement authorities while receiving sensitive documents. During his interrogation, Akhtar revealed that he belonged to Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army and joined Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) on deputation. He had been posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi since September 2013. The Pakistan High Commissioner was then summoned by the Foreign Secretary with India registering a strong protest on the activities of Mehmood Akhtar. That day itself, in an apparent tit-for-tat, Pakistan declared an Assistant Personnel and Welfare Officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Surjeet Singh as persona non grata. Also read | Pakistan espionage case: Spies used fake Aadhar card, caught red-handed in Karol Bagh (The story has been updated.)

Two Pak High Commision officials caught spying; declared persona non grata by India

Indian authorities on Sunday nabbed two Pakistan High Commission officials, working in the visa section, red-handed in Delhi's Karol Bagh while trying to source sensitive document in an act of espionage. This resulted in India declaring them persona non grata.&nbsp;

The authorities&nbsp;also recovered a fake Aadhar card by the name of Nazir Gotam, resident of Geeta colony, and two Apple iPhone mobile phones and Rs 15,000 in cash.

On specific inputs that said Pakistan High Commission officials were involved in espionage, a trap was laid. The accused officials then reached a restaurant in Karol Bagh where they were apprehended.&nbsp;

"The Delhi Police have detained two Pakistan High Commission staff members for espionage-related activities. Two visa assistants Abid Hussain and Tahir Khan work as visa assistants and are ISI operatives," officials said.

Abid Hussain Abid, 42, and Tahir Khan, 44, had arrived in a Pakistani diplomatic car.&nbsp;

The car in fact had its windshield broken during the operation. Details that emerged later showed that the Pakistan High Commission was in the process of selling the car.

WION was the first portal to break the story on Sunday evening and had also reported how they had roamed around with fake Indian identities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/two-pak-high-commision-officials-caught-spying-declared-persona-non-grata-by-india-302208">Also read |&nbsp;Two Pak High Commision officials caught spying; declared persona non grata by India</a>

Indian authorities on Sunday nabbed two Pakistan High Commission officials, working in the visa section, red-handed in Delhi's Karol Bagh while trying to source sensitive document in an act of espionage.

Indian authorities on Sunday nabbed two Pakistan High Commission officials, working in the visa section, red-handed in Delhi's Karol Bagh while trying to source sensitive document in an act of espionage. This resulted in India declaring them persona non grata. The authorities also recovered a fake Aadhar card by the name of Nazir Gotam, resident of Geeta colony, and two Apple iPhone mobile phones and Rs 15,000 in cash. On specific inputs that said Pakistan High Commission officials were involved in espionage, a trap was laid. The accused officials then reached a restaurant in Karol Bagh where they were apprehended. "The Delhi Police have detained two Pakistan High Commission staff members for espionage-related activities. Two visa assistants Abid Hussain and Tahir Khan work as visa assistants and are ISI operatives," officials said. Abid Hussain Abid, 42, and Tahir Khan, 44, had arrived in a Pakistani diplomatic car. The car in fact had its windshield broken during the operation. Details that emerged later showed that the Pakistan High Commission was in the process of selling the car. WION was the first portal to break the story on Sunday evening and had also reported how they had roamed around with fake Indian identities. Also read | Two Pak High Commision officials caught spying; declared persona non grata by India

Pakistan espionage case: Spies used fake Aadhar card, caught red-handed in Karol Bagh

Indian police, on Friday,&nbsp;released a pigeon belonging to a Pakistani fisherman after the officials made sure that the bird, that flew&nbsp;across the contentious border between the nuclear-armed nations, was not a spy.

“The pigeon was set free yesterday (May 28) after nothing suspicious was found,” said Shailendra Mishra, a senior police official in Indian-administered Kashmir.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/arrest-warrant-issued-against-nawaz-sharif-in-national-depository-case-301767">Also read:&nbsp;Arrest warrant issued against Nawaz Sharif in national depository case</a>

Suspicions were raised by villagers after the bird flew in Indian territory. The villagers handed over the bird to Indian Police. Some&nbsp;numbers were inscribed on a ring on the pigeon’s leg, which the Indian Police, before investigation, suspected&nbsp;were codes meant for militant groups operating in the disputed region of Kashmir.

However, Habibullah, the owner of the pigeon, dismissed the assumption and claimed that the pigeon is "just an innocent bird."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/locust-attacks-in-pakistan-raise-fear-of-massive-food-shortages-301735">Also read:&nbsp;Locust attacks in Pakistan raise fear of massive food shortages</a>

He claimed that the number on the ring was his phone number from the time when his bird had participated in a pigeon racing contest.

“We had to take the bird into our custody to probe if it was being using for spying,” a senior Indian border security officer said requesting anonymity, while explaining this was part of the drill given border sensitivities.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Indian police, on Friday, released a pigeon belonging to a Pakistani fisherman after the officials made sure that the bird, that flew across the contentious border between the nuclear-armed nations, was not a spy.

Indian police, on Friday, released a pigeon belonging to a Pakistani fisherman after the officials made sure that the bird, that flew across the contentious border between the nuclear-armed nations, was not a spy. “The pigeon was set free yesterday (May 28) after nothing suspicious was found,” said Shailendra Mishra, a senior police official in Indian-administered Kashmir. Also read: Arrest warrant issued against Nawaz Sharif in national depository case Suspicions were raised by villagers after the bird flew in Indian territory. The villagers handed over the bird to Indian Police. Some numbers were inscribed on a ring on the pigeon’s leg, which the Indian Police, before investigation, suspected were codes meant for militant groups operating in the disputed region of Kashmir. However, Habibullah, the owner of the pigeon, dismissed the assumption and claimed that the pigeon is "just an innocent bird." Also read: Locust attacks in Pakistan raise fear of massive food shortages He claimed that the number on the ring was his phone number from the time when his bird had participated in a pigeon racing contest. “We had to take the bird into our custody to probe if it was being using for spying,” a senior Indian border security officer said requesting anonymity, while explaining this was part of the drill given border sensitivities. (With inputs from Reuters)

Just an innocent bird - India returns Pakistan's suspected spy bird

Pakistan, on Wednesday night,&nbsp;criticised India for starting the construction of the Ram temple&nbsp;in Ayodhya. The government&nbsp;said it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised.

"The commencement of construction of a mandir at the site of the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on May 26, 2020, is another step in this direction and the Government and people of Pakistan condemn it in the strongest terms," said&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) in a statement.

The ministry also alleged India of not setting the priorities right, and said that while the nation is battling a pandemic,&nbsp;"the RSS-BJP combine" was advancing the "Hindutva" agenda.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/covid-19-coronavirus-cases-in-pakistan-cross-61000-mark-death-toll-soars-to-1260-301537">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260</a>

Criticizing the Indian Supreme Court's judgement, Pakistan said the decision&nbsp;&nbsp;"completely failed to uphold the demands of justice".

The FO said the developments relating to the Babri Masjid, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and initiation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process are vivid illustrations of how the Muslims in India are being marginalised.

The Indian government has not responded to the allegations by the Pakistan government and has claimed that this is an internal matter of the country.

Pakistan, on Wednesday night, criticised India for starting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The government said it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised.

Pakistan, on Wednesday night, criticised India for starting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya. The government said it shows how the Muslims in the country are being marginalised. "The commencement of construction of a mandir at the site of the historic Babri Masjid in Ayodhya on May 26, 2020, is another step in this direction and the Government and people of Pakistan condemn it in the strongest terms," said Pakistan Foreign Office (FO) in a statement. The ministry also alleged India of not setting the priorities right, and said that while the nation is battling a pandemic, "the RSS-BJP combine" was advancing the "Hindutva" agenda. Also read| COVID 19: Coronavirus cases in Pakistan cross 61,000-mark, death toll soars to 1,260 Criticizing the Indian Supreme Court's judgement, Pakistan said the decision "completely failed to uphold the demands of justice". The FO said the developments relating to the Babri Masjid, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and initiation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process are vivid illustrations of how the Muslims in India are being marginalised. The Indian government has not responded to the allegations by the Pakistan government and has claimed that this is an internal matter of the country.

Pakistan criticizes construction of Ram Mandir; calls it Hindutva agenda

Pakistan Army has claimed shooting down&nbsp;an Indian "spying quadcopter" for allegedly violating the airspace along the Line of Control.

The incident, according to military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar, took place on Wednesday in&nbsp;Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-tries-to-fuel-tension-between-india-and-china-passes-offensive-remark-301359">Also read:&nbsp;Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark</a>

He claimed that the quadcopter was brought down as it had intruded 650 metres on Pakistan''s side of the LoC.

In April, too, the Pakistan Army had claimed to have shot down an Indian drone.

The constant retaliations and the rise in tension between the two countries started from the Balakot&nbsp;strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations.

Lately, the two countries have been engaged in crossfires along the borders, claiming few lives of personnel.

Pakistan Army has claimed shooting down an Indian "spying quadcopter" for allegedly violating the airspace along the Line of Control. The incident, according to military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar, took place on Wednesday in Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC.

Pakistan Army has claimed shooting down an Indian "spying quadcopter" for allegedly violating the airspace along the Line of Control. The incident, according to military spokesman Major General Babar Iftikhar, took place on Wednesday in Rakhchikri Sector of the LoC. Also read: Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark He claimed that the quadcopter was brought down as it had intruded 650 metres on Pakistan''s side of the LoC. In April, too, the Pakistan Army had claimed to have shot down an Indian drone. The constant retaliations and the rise in tension between the two countries started from the Balakot strike when the Indian Air Force jets bombed a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan on February 26 last year to avenge the killing of 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in the Pulwama terror attack on February 14. Pakistan retaliated on February 27 by attempting to target Indian military installations. Lately, the two countries have been engaged in crossfires along the borders, claiming few lives of personnel.

Pakistan army claims shooting Indian spying quadcopter along LoC

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday alleged that the Indian government's "arrogant expansionist policies" is becoming "a threat" to its neighbours as he tried to curry favour with Islamabad's all-weather ally, China.

The Indian government "with its arrogant expansionist policies, akin to Nazi's Lebensraum (Living Space), is becoming a threat to India's neighbours. Bangladesh through Citizenship Act, border disputes with Nepal &amp; China, &amp; Pak threatened with false flag operation,"&nbsp;Khan said in a series of tweets.

Several areas along the 3,500-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and North Sikkim have witnessed major military build-up by both the Indian and Chinese armies recently, in a clear signal of escalating tension and hardening of respective positions by the two sides even two weeks after they were engaged in two separate face-offs.

The LAC is the de-facto border between India and China.

Pakistan and China consider their relations as all-weather friends and their leaders often express support to each other on matters of core interests. Khan further alleged that India had "illegally annexed" Kashmir and dubbed it as "a war crime".

Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories.

India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Khan in his tweet said that the Indian government is "not only a threat to the country's minorities, but also a threat to regional peace." 
Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also alleged that India's "aggressive policy towards its neighbours is putting at stake the regional peace and security."

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday alleged that the Indian government's "arrogant expansionist policies" is becoming "a threat" to its neighbours as he tried to curry favour with Islamabad's all-weather ally, China.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday alleged that the Indian government's "arrogant expansionist policies" is becoming "a threat" to its neighbours as he tried to curry favour with Islamabad's all-weather ally, China. The Indian government "with its arrogant expansionist policies, akin to Nazi's Lebensraum (Living Space), is becoming a threat to India's neighbours. Bangladesh through Citizenship Act, border disputes with Nepal & China, & Pak threatened with false flag operation," Khan said in a series of tweets. Several areas along the 3,500-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh and North Sikkim have witnessed major military build-up by both the Indian and Chinese armies recently, in a clear signal of escalating tension and hardening of respective positions by the two sides even two weeks after they were engaged in two separate face-offs. The LAC is the de-facto border between India and China. Pakistan and China consider their relations as all-weather friends and their leaders often express support to each other on matters of core interests. Khan further alleged that India had "illegally annexed" Kashmir and dubbed it as "a war crime". Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda. Khan in his tweet said that the Indian government is "not only a threat to the country's minorities, but also a threat to regional peace." Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi also alleged that India's "aggressive policy towards its neighbours is putting at stake the regional peace and security."

Pak PM Imran Khan tries to fuel tension between India and China, passes offensive remark

India's lead counsel on the Kulbhushan Jadhav case, Harish Salve, on Saturday said that he might have to move the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to get direction for Pakistan to implement the court's judgement of the case.

India might have to hear to ICJ again

Shelling across the border between India and Pakistan killed three Indian civilians and wounded two Pakistani civilians, military officials from the two sides said on Sunday.&nbsp;Pakistani troops targetted civilians living near the LoC, killing three people, including a child and a woman, and wounding five.

Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged mortar and artillery shelling along the de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the disputed Kashmir region. The sporadic exchanges began on Saturday and continued into Sunday.

&nbsp;

Shelling across the border between India and Pakistan killed three Indian civilians and wounded two Pakistani civilians, military officials from the two sides said on Sunday.

Shelling across the border between India and Pakistan killed three Indian civilians and wounded two Pakistani civilians, military officials from the two sides said on Sunday. Pakistani troops targetted civilians living near the LoC, killing three people, including a child and a woman, and wounding five. Indian and Pakistani troops exchanged mortar and artillery shelling along the de facto border known as the Line of Control (LoC) that divides the disputed Kashmir region. The sporadic exchanges began on Saturday and continued into Sunday.

Shelling across India-Pakistan border kills three

Since 1947, relations between India and Pakistan has been through many high and low periods, but recent clashes could exacerbate matters and lead to a full-blown military conflict between the two nuclear-powered nations, as per the Munich Security Report 2020.

Since 1947, relations between India and Pakistan has been through many high and low periods, but recent clashes could exacerbate matters and lead to a full-blown military conflict between the two nuclear-powered nations, as per the Munich Security Report 2020. The report cited that in the event of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan, a death toll as high as 50-125 million people could be inevitable by 2025. As per the report, tensions between the main powers in the region are still active, namely India, Pakistan, and increasingly also China. "With India having completed its nuclear triad and Pakistan intending to do so, the risk of a regional nuclear arms race adds another delicate component to a worsening security situation," the report stated. Also read: India, Pakistan nuclear war could span for less than a week and 'kill 50-125 million people' - Study The report also takes into consideration the security situation in Afghanistan, which remains volatile to this day as well as the Pulwama attack which took place on February 14, 2019. The resulting escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan led to military exchanges between the two countries. "In this strained situation, any attack committed by the Kashmiri insurgency bears the risk of escalation, culminating into a military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed powers," the report further stated. The report, after assuming that India and Pakistan have a minimum of 100 and 150 strategic nuclear weapons, stated that a nuclear war between the two countries will deliver 15 to 100 kilotons of nuclear warheads and result in 16-36 million tons of black carbon smoke being released. Watch: UN Chief Guterres calls for Indo-Pak dialogue This would result in a 20-35 per cent decline in surface sunlight, 15-30 per cent decline in productivity on land and 5-15 per cent in oceans, with 50-125 million immediate deaths. The release of the report follows closely after India paid tributes to the martyrs of the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was orchestrated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) who sent a suicide bomber who blew himself off along the Jammu-Srinagar highway. India's retaliation to the underhanded ploy came in the form of an airstrike, which decimated a JeM training facility in Balakot, Pakistan.

Indo-Pak nuclear war could kill 12 crore people in 2025: Report

PoK activist Amjad Mirza, who lives in exile in Glasgow, has said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-grapples-with-drug-resistant-typhoid-outbreak-263941">Pakistan </a>has a devious agenda behind the opening of Kartarpur corridor.

He affirmed that Pakistani generals had grown desperate after losing the plot along the Kashmir border and wanted an alternate route to hamper peace and harmony in India, hence the corridor.

"Why has Pakistan taken this decision now? Why have they done it after 73 years? They have done it so because the gateway to Kashmir where they were spreading terrorism is closed now. This has resulted in the Pakistani army, the real ruler of the country, losing confidence among the common people. Through this corridor, they will now use the Khalistani extremists to hamper peace and harmony in Punjab." said Mirza.

The corridor which was inaugurated earlier this month, allows people from India to visit Sikh shrine <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-bonds-with-punjab-cm-amarinder-singh-over-bus-journey-to-kartarpur-gurdwara-261388">Kartarpur Gurdwara</a> without a visa. Pakistani leadership with Prime Minister Imran Khan at the front has congratulated itself time and again for opening the corridor.

Watch also:&nbsp;Kartarpur Corridor: 562 pilgrims use corridor on day 1

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He said Pakistan has nobody's welfare in mind and just wants to hatch anti-India plots.

Mirza asked "If they care so much for the people then they must open the routes to Ladakh and Kashmir. But they will never do this because people from across the border will meet and mingle with each other."

The activist also underlined the massive repression the illegally occupied regions of Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan were subjected to by the tyrannical rulers of Islamabad.

"When the People's National Alliance, an alliance of 26 parties and individuals, decided to go Muzaffarabad to highlight their issues, they were brutally baton-charged. Videos are available everywhere in which you can see police attacking bystanders from behind. Four people were killed, 150 people were arrested and around 100 were disappeared from that place." Said Mirza.

He, however, asserted that people under its occupation have vowed to gain independence.

"They know that people of PoK, who expressed their will on 22nd of October that they are no more going to live under the clutches of Pakistan, will find friends," added Mirza.

Amjad also added that Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-pm-imran-khan-gave-3-year-extension-to-army-chief-bajwa-263820">Imran Khan</a> was no better than his predecessors and in fact had proven to be more cruel and suppressive.

"Imran Khan Government has not rendered any justice to the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Not just Imran government but no Pakistani government has ever done any justice to the people of PoK and GB. Our friends are languishing in jails merely for carrying out environment based campaigns. People who carried protests against Chinese intentions of buying our mines have been sentenced for 70 years. One has even been sentenced for 90 years," said Mirza.

It is noteworthy that the number of anti-Pakistan protests in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan has increased considerably after the Government of India abrogated the article 370

People in different parts of these regions are taking to the streets demanding Pakistan to vacate their region and let them live an independent life.

PoK activist Amjad Mirza, who lives in exile in Glasgow, has said that Pakistan has a devious agenda behind the opening of Kartarpur corridor. He affirmed that Pakistani generals had grown desperate after losing the plot along the Kashmir border and wanted an alternate route to hamper peace and harmony in India, hence the corridor.

PoK activist Amjad Mirza, who lives in exile in Glasgow, has said that Pakistan has a devious agenda behind the opening of Kartarpur corridor. He affirmed that Pakistani generals had grown desperate after losing the plot along the Kashmir border and wanted an alternate route to hamper peace and harmony in India, hence the corridor. "Why has Pakistan taken this decision now? Why have they done it after 73 years? They have done it so because the gateway to Kashmir where they were spreading terrorism is closed now. This has resulted in the Pakistani army, the real ruler of the country, losing confidence among the common people. Through this corridor, they will now use the Khalistani extremists to hamper peace and harmony in Punjab." said Mirza. The corridor which was inaugurated earlier this month, allows people from India to visit Sikh shrine Kartarpur Gurdwara without a visa. Pakistani leadership with Prime Minister Imran Khan at the front has congratulated itself time and again for opening the corridor. Watch also: Kartarpur Corridor: 562 pilgrims use corridor on day 1 × He said Pakistan has nobody's welfare in mind and just wants to hatch anti-India plots. Mirza asked "If they care so much for the people then they must open the routes to Ladakh and Kashmir. But they will never do this because people from across the border will meet and mingle with each other." The activist also underlined the massive repression the illegally occupied regions of Pakistan occupied Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan were subjected to by the tyrannical rulers of Islamabad. "When the People's National Alliance, an alliance of 26 parties and individuals, decided to go Muzaffarabad to highlight their issues, they were brutally baton-charged. Videos are available everywhere in which you can see police attacking bystanders from behind. Four people were killed, 150 people were arrested and around 100 were disappeared from that place." Said Mirza. He, however, asserted that people under its occupation have vowed to gain independence. "They know that people of PoK, who expressed their will on 22nd of October that they are no more going to live under the clutches of Pakistan, will find friends," added Mirza. Amjad also added that Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was no better than his predecessors and in fact had proven to be more cruel and suppressive. "Imran Khan Government has not rendered any justice to the people of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB). Not just Imran government but no Pakistani government has ever done any justice to the people of PoK and GB. Our friends are languishing in jails merely for carrying out environment based campaigns. People who carried protests against Chinese intentions of buying our mines have been sentenced for 70 years. One has even been sentenced for 90 years," said Mirza. It is noteworthy that the number of anti-Pakistan protests in PoK and Gilgit Baltistan has increased considerably after the Government of India abrogated the article 370 People in different parts of these regions are taking to the streets demanding Pakistan to vacate their region and let them live an independent life.

Pakistan aims to spread unrest through Kartarpur Corridor: Pakistan activist

Indian army used artillery guns to target terrorist camps and terror launch pads operating in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday, sources said. Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat confirms strike

Indian army hits back at Pak terror, Army chief confirms strike

Prime Minister Imran Khan will not put down his resignation papers 'under any circumstances', the federal government said on Saturday after the opposition parties called off negotiations and vouched to go ahead with their 'Azadi march' to hold anti-government protests countrywide over the incumbent government's failure to fulfil any of its promises so far. 
 
The opposition parties called to "restore 'real' democracy in the country" and urged the Prime Minister to resign. 
 
Express Tribune quoted Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, the head of the government committee formed to hold talks with the opposition parties, as saying at a news conference, "The prime minister [Imran Khan] will not resign under any circumstances." 
 
"It is impossible to accept the opposition parties' demand [for the prime minister's resignation] and they only want to intimidate the government, but we will take action they stick to their stance," the minister added. 
 
Khattak was accompanied by Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, who is also a member of the committee formed by the prime minister particularly with the aim to hold talks with the opposition parties. 
 
The development comes after Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl's (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had refused to call off his October 31 anti-government march, backed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) until the prime minister's resignation. 
 
Reiterating the government's offer to negotiate, Khattak said, "We have included the National Assembly speaker [Asad Qaiser] and the Punjab Assembly speaker [Pervaiz Elahi] in the negotiating committee. The opposition parties should sit down with us and speak to us about their demands, which will be examined." 
 
The minister said the government was serious about addressing the opposition's issues. 
 
"If they have any evidence of rigging [in the 2018 general elections], they can present it to the parliamentary committee formed for this purpose," he proposed. 
 
On October 18, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had also called for the anti-government demonstrations and expressed support to JUI-F's 'Azadi March'. 
 
"We don't accept this artificial democracy... the democratic and socio-economic rights of the masses shall be restored... and for that Imran Khan has to resign," Bhutto had said in his address at a party rally in Karachi. 
 
He said all opposition parties had decided that the government must step down. 
 
"Our anti-government movement has started from Karachi," he said, as he announced his plan for further protests across the country. 
 
He said the PPP will protest in Thar on October 23, demonstrate in Kashmir on 26th whereas rallies in Punjab will begin from November 1. 
 
"We will tour the entire country and when we return from Kashmir, you [Imran Khan] will have to go...We will expose your incompetence in every nook and corner of the country." 
 
Meanwhile, the government warned that the opposition parties' refusal to come to the negotiating table on the JUI-F 'Azadi march' meant that they were working on an anti-Kashmir agenda and the state will enforce its writ allowing the "law to take its course" if they went ahead with the rally. 
 
Khattak warned that there could be chaos in the country if the opposition remained stubborn and refused to opt for dialogue. 
 
A few weeks ago, the JUI-F chief had termed the current government a result of the fake election and fake results.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will not put down his resignation papers 'under any circumstances', the federal government said on Saturday after the opposition parties called off negotiations and vouched to go ahead with their 'Azadi march' to hold anti-government protests countrywide over the incumbent government's failure to fulfil any of its promises so far.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will not put down his resignation papers 'under any circumstances', the federal government said on Saturday after the opposition parties called off negotiations and vouched to go ahead with their 'Azadi march' to hold anti-government protests countrywide over the incumbent government's failure to fulfil any of its promises so far. The opposition parties called to "restore 'real' democracy in the country" and urged the Prime Minister to resign. Express Tribune quoted Defence Minister Pervez Khattak, the head of the government committee formed to hold talks with the opposition parties, as saying at a news conference, "The prime minister [Imran Khan] will not resign under any circumstances." "It is impossible to accept the opposition parties' demand [for the prime minister's resignation] and they only want to intimidate the government, but we will take action they stick to their stance," the minister added. Khattak was accompanied by Education Minister Shafqat Mehmood, who is also a member of the committee formed by the prime minister particularly with the aim to hold talks with the opposition parties. The development comes after Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl's (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman had refused to call off his October 31 anti-government march, backed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) until the prime minister's resignation. Reiterating the government's offer to negotiate, Khattak said, "We have included the National Assembly speaker [Asad Qaiser] and the Punjab Assembly speaker [Pervaiz Elahi] in the negotiating committee. The opposition parties should sit down with us and speak to us about their demands, which will be examined." The minister said the government was serious about addressing the opposition's issues. "If they have any evidence of rigging [in the 2018 general elections], they can present it to the parliamentary committee formed for this purpose," he proposed. On October 18, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari had also called for the anti-government demonstrations and expressed support to JUI-F's 'Azadi March'. "We don't accept this artificial democracy... the democratic and socio-economic rights of the masses shall be restored... and for that Imran Khan has to resign," Bhutto had said in his address at a party rally in Karachi. He said all opposition parties had decided that the government must step down. "Our anti-government movement has started from Karachi," he said, as he announced his plan for further protests across the country. He said the PPP will protest in Thar on October 23, demonstrate in Kashmir on 26th whereas rallies in Punjab will begin from November 1. "We will tour the entire country and when we return from Kashmir, you [Imran Khan] will have to go...We will expose your incompetence in every nook and corner of the country." Meanwhile, the government warned that the opposition parties' refusal to come to the negotiating table on the JUI-F 'Azadi march' meant that they were working on an anti-Kashmir agenda and the state will enforce its writ allowing the "law to take its course" if they went ahead with the rally. Khattak warned that there could be chaos in the country if the opposition remained stubborn and refused to opt for dialogue. A few weeks ago, the JUI-F chief had termed the current government a result of the fake election and fake results.

Pakistan PM won't resign 'under any circumstances': Government on opposition's 'Azadi March'

The number of polio cases in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-asks-iraq-pakistan-to-speak-to-iran-about-defusing-tensions-254051">Pakistan</a> climbed to 72 this year with three new cases registered in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, authorities said on Saturday. 
 
In Sindh, a 17-month-old girl from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/whosoever-comes-to-kartarpur-is-our-guest-says-pakistan-prime-ministers-special-adviser-253969">Karachi's</a> Orangi Town became the latest victim of polio, bringing the total number of cases in the city to four and eighth such case across the province, The Express Tribune reported. 
 
The Emergency Operation Centre for Polio in Sindh said that the child developed a fever and slight weakness in the right leg after which she was taken to the doctors. 
 
The case was classified as acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) following which she was tested positive for the poliovirus, it added. 
 
Meanwhile, the Balochistan Health Department said that the total number of polio cases in the province had reached six this year after a 15-month-old boy was diagnosed with the disease. 
 
According to the victim's parents, the infant from Jaffarabad felt weakness in his legs and became paralysed after suffering from high fever. 
 
The Emergency Polio Centre has also kicked off a special polio vaccination campaign after a recent spike in the cases and officials are optimistic to control the epidemic. 
 
A 21-month-old boy was diagnosed with the deadly disease in Hazara division's Torghar district, raising the total number of such cases to 53 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. 
 
As per the country-wide figures, 72 polio cases have been reported during the current year including 53 cases from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, eight from Sindh, six from Balochistan and five from Punjab. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approves-tax-relief-for-gwadar-port-254040">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>, last month, expressed serious concern over the recent spike in polio cases in the country and directed federal and provincial government officials to undertake effective awareness and immunisation campaigns to eliminate the disease.

The number of polio cases in Pakistan climbed to 72 this year with three new cases registered in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, authorities said on Saturday.

The number of polio cases in Pakistan climbed to 72 this year with three new cases registered in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, authorities said on Saturday. In Sindh, a 17-month-old girl from Karachi's Orangi Town became the latest victim of polio, bringing the total number of cases in the city to four and eighth such case across the province, The Express Tribune reported. The Emergency Operation Centre for Polio in Sindh said that the child developed a fever and slight weakness in the right leg after which she was taken to the doctors. The case was classified as acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) following which she was tested positive for the poliovirus, it added. Meanwhile, the Balochistan Health Department said that the total number of polio cases in the province had reached six this year after a 15-month-old boy was diagnosed with the disease. According to the victim's parents, the infant from Jaffarabad felt weakness in his legs and became paralysed after suffering from high fever. The Emergency Polio Centre has also kicked off a special polio vaccination campaign after a recent spike in the cases and officials are optimistic to control the epidemic. A 21-month-old boy was diagnosed with the deadly disease in Hazara division's Torghar district, raising the total number of such cases to 53 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. As per the country-wide figures, 72 polio cases have been reported during the current year including 53 cases from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, eight from Sindh, six from Balochistan and five from Punjab. Prime Minister Imran Khan, last month, expressed serious concern over the recent spike in polio cases in the country and directed federal and provincial government officials to undertake effective awareness and immunisation campaigns to eliminate the disease.

Pakistan: 72 cases of polio registered

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