The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) will be holding a crucial meeting in Islamabad today (March 16) to discuss the options of long march and mass resignations.

Pakistan: PML-N, JUI-F insist on mass resignations ahead of PDM meeting

After a stinging rebuke from the court and international outrage, the Islamabad zoo is being replaced by a National park. Does this mark the beginning of a better life for the animals inside? Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary: Pakistan revamps notorious Islamabad zoo

Pakistan is going to mortgage a park to secure loans. The Fatima Jinnah Park in Islamabad is going to be mortgaged to get a loan of $3 Billion. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report on the 'sad' state of affairs.

Gravitas: Pakistan to mortgage a park to secure loans

A team of Nepalese climbers on Saturday made history by scaling the world's second highest peak, Pakistan's K2, in the winter season.

Nepalese climbers make history by scaling K2 in winter

Two former dancing bears have been removed from a controversial Islamabad zoo, just weeks after the "world's loneliest elephant" was rescued from the institution.

Two bears taken from Islamabad zoo weeks after elephant rescue

Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of India's new Charge d’Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad. India had proposed the name of Suresh Kumar for CDA or deputy high commissioner and is soon expected to take charge.

Suresh had served on the Pakistan desk of India's Ministry of External Affairs. Gaurav Ahluwalia is the current Indian Charge d’ Affaires or top diplomat at the Indian mission in Pakistan.

As a protocol, countries send names of the envoys and diplomats, it will appoint to the country of the appointment. Usually, not much of a problem comes and the country of appointment accepts the name without much ado but when ties are between India and Pakistan, things can go in a different way.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Ministry of external affairs had sent the name of Jayant Khobragade, whose name was earlier proposed by New Delhi in June. Islamabad had rejected Khobragade's name, giving the rationale that he was senior for the post.

Khobragade had served in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Pakistan was India's envoy to Kyrgyz Republic between 2013 to 2017.

The Indian mission in Pakistan and the Pakistani mission in Delhi are headed by Deputy high commissioners. Ties between the 2 countries had deteriorated last year after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into 2 union territories(UT)--UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh.

Pakistan in reaction had expelled the then Indian Envoy to Islamabad, while refused to send its newly appointed envoy to New Delhi. With the espionage scandal earlier this year involving Pakistani diplomats, New Delhi announced the cutting of staff of Pakistani high commission by 50% and reduced its mission strength in Islamabad by half.

Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of India's new Charge d’Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad. India had proposed the name of Suresh Kumar for CDA or deputy high commissioner and is soon expected to take charge.

Pakistan has sent approval for the appointment of India's new Charge d’Affaires (CDA) at its mission in Islamabad. India had proposed the name of Suresh Kumar for CDA or deputy high commissioner and is soon expected to take charge. Suresh had served on the Pakistan desk of India's Ministry of External Affairs. Gaurav Ahluwalia is the current Indian Charge d’ Affaires or top diplomat at the Indian mission in Pakistan. As a protocol, countries send names of the envoys and diplomats, it will appoint to the country of the appointment. Usually, not much of a problem comes and the country of appointment accepts the name without much ado but when ties are between India and Pakistan, things can go in a different way. Earlier, the Ministry of external affairs had sent the name of Jayant Khobragade, whose name was earlier proposed by New Delhi in June. Islamabad had rejected Khobragade's name, giving the rationale that he was senior for the post. Khobragade had served in Russia, Kazakhstan, Spain, Pakistan was India's envoy to Kyrgyz Republic between 2013 to 2017. The Indian mission in Pakistan and the Pakistani mission in Delhi are headed by Deputy high commissioners. Ties between the 2 countries had deteriorated last year after New Delhi removed the special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated it into 2 union territories(UT)--UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh. Pakistan in reaction had expelled the then Indian Envoy to Islamabad, while refused to send its newly appointed envoy to New Delhi. With the espionage scandal earlier this year involving Pakistani diplomats, New Delhi announced the cutting of staff of Pakistani high commission by 50% and reduced its mission strength in Islamabad by half.

Pakistan agrees on the name of Suresh Kumar as India's top diplomat in Islamabad

After India handed a dossier against Pakistan to the UNSC, Islamabad has retaliated with a dossier of its own. India's Permanent Representative to UN PR Tirumurti has called it a 'dossier of lies'. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: India-Pakistan dossier war

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's anti-France rant has triggered chaos in Pakistan. More than 1,000 protesters have blocked a major highway connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how Imran Khan's campaign against France has got out of hand.

Gravitas: Imran Khan's anti-France rant triggers chaos in Pakistan

In Pakistan, a murderer has become a hero after he killed a man in the name of religion. What is the Imran Khan govt doing? Can Blasphemy be a cover for murder? Palki Sharma Upadhyay has a report.

Gravitas: Murder in the name of Blasphemy

The number of single-day coronavirus cases in Pakistan has topped the 1,000 mark for the first since July, while active cases have also doubled in one and a half months, according to health authorities.

In a statement on Saturday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said that 1,078 were reported from across the country on October 29, reports Dawn news.

While the number of new patients dropped to 807 the following day, the health authorities and medical experts expressed concern over the situation and advised the masses to ensure strict compliance to the health guidelines issued by the government.

The NCOC data showed that as many as 1,114 people contracted the virus in the country on July 30.

Since then the number of daily cases remained less than 1,000, with 330 cases reported on August 3 and 213 on August 30.

However, the number of new cases again rose to 330 a week later, after which there has been a constant increase in positive cases.

On October 3, 632 new cases were reported.

The number of daily cases jumped to 755 on October 14, 847 on October 23 and 1,078 on October 29.

Similarly, the number of active cases has more than doubled during the past one and a half months, as there were only 5,936 active cases reported on September 15, but the figure jumped to 12,121 on Saturday, Dawn news reported citing the NCOC data as saying.

In view of the deteriorating situation, the NCOC on Covid-19 held a special meeting on Saturday and discussed measures to stem further spread of the virus.

As of Sunday, Pakistan has reported a total of 333,970 cases with 6,823 deaths.

The number of single-day coronavirus cases in Pakistan has topped the 1,000 mark for the first since July, while active cases have also doubled in one and a half months, according to health authorities.

The number of single-day coronavirus cases in Pakistan has topped the 1,000 mark for the first since July, while active cases have also doubled in one and a half months, according to health authorities. In a statement on Saturday, the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) said that 1,078 were reported from across the country on October 29, reports Dawn news. While the number of new patients dropped to 807 the following day, the health authorities and medical experts expressed concern over the situation and advised the masses to ensure strict compliance to the health guidelines issued by the government. The NCOC data showed that as many as 1,114 people contracted the virus in the country on July 30. Since then the number of daily cases remained less than 1,000, with 330 cases reported on August 3 and 213 on August 30. However, the number of new cases again rose to 330 a week later, after which there has been a constant increase in positive cases. On October 3, 632 new cases were reported. The number of daily cases jumped to 755 on October 14, 847 on October 23 and 1,078 on October 29. Similarly, the number of active cases has more than doubled during the past one and a half months, as there were only 5,936 active cases reported on September 15, but the figure jumped to 12,121 on Saturday, Dawn news reported citing the NCOC data as saying. In view of the deteriorating situation, the NCOC on Covid-19 held a special meeting on Saturday and discussed measures to stem further spread of the virus. As of Sunday, Pakistan has reported a total of 333,970 cases with 6,823 deaths.

Pakistan’s daily Covid-19 cases top 1,000 since July 

From Dhaka & Islamabad to Baghdad & Tripoli, the Islamic backlash against Emmanuel Macron is only escalating. 'Boycott French Products' has become a rallying call among protesters. But Muslims in France have a different message. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Islamic backlash against Macron escalates

A massive explosion has killed seven persons and injured 112 in Peshawar, Pakistan. The blast was reported at the Dir Colony.

Pakistan: Huge explosion kills 7, injures 112 in Peshawar

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan and dismissed its National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusaf claims that New Delhi reached out to Islamabad for talks. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the Pakistan NSA's comments were "contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious".

Srivastava added, "As regards the purported message, let me make it clear that no such message was sent from our side." In an interview, Pakistani NSA had claimed that India had expressed "desire" for talks.

The MEA explained that these are Pakistan's "effort to divert attention from domestic failures of the present government and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines on a daily basis".

The spokesperson added that "his establishment (should) not to comment on India’s domestic policy." The comments by Pakistan NSA comes even as opposition in Pakistan plans massive rally against the Imran Khan government. The first such rally will happen on October 16 (Friday).

He said, "We've seen reports on the interview of senior Pakistani official to an India media outlets and he commented on India's internal matters. As always, this is Pakistan's efforts to divert attention from domestic failures and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines."

"The official is advised to restrict his advise to his establishment &amp; to not comment on India's domestic policies. His statements are contrary to facts, misleading &amp; fictitious. With regard to the purported message that was referred to, no such message was sent from our side," the MEA added.

India also highlighted Pakistan's support to "cross-border terrorism against India" with the country “resorting to unprovoked ceasefire violations to support terrorist infiltration."

He added," The Pakistani leadership continues to indulge in inappropriate, provocative and hate speech against India. Such support to terrorism against India and the use of derogatory and abusive language is not conducive to normal neighbourly relations."

No formal India Pakistan talks have happened in many years. Indian Prime Minister Modi tried to initiate peace with Islamabad during his famous stopover in Lahore in 2015 but this was followed by Pathankot terror by Pakistan based terrorist groups.

In a major snub to China, the MEA on Thursday said that the Union Territories of Ladakh, Jammu &amp; Kashmir and the north-eastern state Arunachal Pradesh have been, are and would always remain an "integral part of India." The MEA also said that "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters," days after Beijing remarked that it "does not recognise the UT of Ladakh, illegally set up by India."

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan and dismissed its National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusaf claims that New Delhi reached out to Islamabad for talks. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the Pakistan NSA's comments were "contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious".

India on Thursday slammed Pakistan and dismissed its National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusaf claims that New Delhi reached out to Islamabad for talks. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said that the Pakistan NSA's comments were "contrary to facts on the ground, misleading and fictitious". Srivastava added, "As regards the purported message, let me make it clear that no such message was sent from our side." In an interview, Pakistani NSA had claimed that India had expressed "desire" for talks. The MEA explained that these are Pakistan's "effort to divert attention from domestic failures of the present government and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines on a daily basis". The spokesperson added that "his establishment (should) not to comment on India’s domestic policy." The comments by Pakistan NSA comes even as opposition in Pakistan plans massive rally against the Imran Khan government. The first such rally will happen on October 16 (Friday). He said, "We've seen reports on the interview of senior Pakistani official to an India media outlets and he commented on India's internal matters. As always, this is Pakistan's efforts to divert attention from domestic failures and mislead its domestic constituents by pulling India into headlines." "The official is advised to restrict his advise to his establishment & to not comment on India's domestic policies. His statements are contrary to facts, misleading & fictitious. With regard to the purported message that was referred to, no such message was sent from our side," the MEA added. India also highlighted Pakistan's support to "cross-border terrorism against India" with the country “resorting to unprovoked ceasefire violations to support terrorist infiltration." He added," The Pakistani leadership continues to indulge in inappropriate, provocative and hate speech against India. Such support to terrorism against India and the use of derogatory and abusive language is not conducive to normal neighbourly relations." No formal India Pakistan talks have happened in many years. Indian Prime Minister Modi tried to initiate peace with Islamabad during his famous stopover in Lahore in 2015 but this was followed by Pathankot terror by Pakistan based terrorist groups. In a major snub to China, the MEA on Thursday said that the Union Territories of Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir and the north-eastern state Arunachal Pradesh have been, are and would always remain an "integral part of India." The MEA also said that "China has no locus standi to comment on India's internal matters," days after Beijing remarked that it "does not recognise the UT of Ladakh, illegally set up by India."

No message sent: India on Pakistan NSA's claim of New Delhi reaching out to Islamabad

A survey has revealed that a majority of Pakistanis fear that the South Asian country has been moving in the wrong direction since 2019. The survey was conducted by France-based lpsos, world’s third-largest market research company, and released on Sunday.

‘4 out of 5 Pakistanis fear country headed in wrong direction,’ says survey

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will on Monday hear a plea seeking a ban on airing speeches of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on television channels.

The plea was filed by a citizen, Amir Aziz, who has made the Sharif brothers, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Chairman and others, respondents.

In the petition, Aziz said that the convicted former premier during his recent speeches, especially the one delivered via video link during the all parties conference on September 20, had maligned the state institutions and a "convict`s speech cannot be allowed to be broadcast on media".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/now-pak-pm-imran-khan-accuses-nawaz-sharif-of-playing-indias-game-332092">Also read:&nbsp;Now, Pak PM Imran Khan accuses Nawaz Sharif of 'playing India's game'</a>

The petitioner stated that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo was also a convicted criminal and he cannot speak to the media.

Aziz pleaded the court to oblige PEMRA that Sharif`s next speech should not be aired on any TV channel.

On September 22, PEMRA banned broadcast and rebroadcast of any speech, interview or public address of absconders or proclaimed offenders.

The decision came at a time when the former Prime Minister, who left for London late last year after securing bail for medical treatmen, has been targeting the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government as well as many state institutions, including the judiciary and the military.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will on Monday hear a plea seeking a ban on airing speeches of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on television channels.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) will on Monday hear a plea seeking a ban on airing speeches of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif on television channels. The plea was filed by a citizen, Amir Aziz, who has made the Sharif brothers, the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) Chairman and others, respondents. In the petition, Aziz said that the convicted former premier during his recent speeches, especially the one delivered via video link during the all parties conference on September 20, had maligned the state institutions and a "convict`s speech cannot be allowed to be broadcast on media". Also read: Now, Pak PM Imran Khan accuses Nawaz Sharif of 'playing India's game' The petitioner stated that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo was also a convicted criminal and he cannot speak to the media. Aziz pleaded the court to oblige PEMRA that Sharif`s next speech should not be aired on any TV channel. On September 22, PEMRA banned broadcast and rebroadcast of any speech, interview or public address of absconders or proclaimed offenders. The decision came at a time when the former Prime Minister, who left for London late last year after securing bail for medical treatmen, has been targeting the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf-led government as well as many state institutions, including the judiciary and the military.

Islamabad HC to hear plea for banning Sharifs' speech

Pakistan's proposal to host 19th SAARC summit falls again due to lack of consensus. &nbsp;Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet on Thursday.

Sources say, "Most countries felt it’s not an opportune time for the event considering due to the COVID pandemic and most member countries were preoccupied with it".

The summit was to happen in 2016 in Islamabad but India along with most SAARC countries boycotted it due to Uri Terror attack perpetrated by Pak based terrorist.

The SAARC FMs meet is an annual gathering which has been taking place since 1997 on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly. Due to COVID, the meet happened virtually for the first time this year.&nbsp;

In Thursday meeting, Secretary-General of SAARC gave a report on the status of regional cooperation since the last informal meeting of the SAARC Council of Ministers took place in New York on 26th September 2019.

Last year, Pakistan had claimed consensus has been achieved for the summit, but no other country made a public pronouncement on it.

Pakistan's proposal to host 19th SAARC summit falls again due to lack of consensus. Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet on Thursday.

Pakistan's proposal to host 19th SAARC summit falls again due to lack of consensus. Plans to hold the 19th SAARC summit in Islamabad was on the agenda of the SAARC FMs virtual meet on Thursday. Sources say, "Most countries felt it’s not an opportune time for the event considering due to the COVID pandemic and most member countries were preoccupied with it". The summit was to happen in 2016 in Islamabad but India along with most SAARC countries boycotted it due to Uri Terror attack perpetrated by Pak based terrorist. The SAARC FMs meet is an annual gathering which has been taking place since 1997 on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly. Due to COVID, the meet happened virtually for the first time this year. In Thursday meeting, Secretary-General of SAARC gave a report on the status of regional cooperation since the last informal meeting of the SAARC Council of Ministers took place in New York on 26th September 2019. Last year, Pakistan had claimed consensus has been achieved for the summit, but no other country made a public pronouncement on it.

Pakistan proposal for SAARC Leaders Summit in Islamabad fails to get backing

SECP Joint Director Sajid Gondal has been missing from Islamabad since last night. His car was found in front of the National Agricultural Research Centre (NARC) on Park Road, located in Chak Shahzad.

SECP official Sajid Gondal's car was found abandoned by police

Islamabad High Court will hear petition to appoint Indian lawyer to represent Kulbhushan Jadhav who is on a death row in Pakistan. Pakistani media has said that the IHC will hear the matter on Thursday. India is still demanding an unimpeded consular access to Jadhav.

Pakistani media said that larger bench has been formed to hear the case. India has asked Pakistan let it appoint Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav's defense. The lawyer will present the case as a review petition will be filed to reconsider the death sentence handed to Jadhav.

"We are in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. We believe for a free and fair trial in keeping with the letter and spirit of International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment, we have asked that Jadhav be represented by an Indian lawyer," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said last month during a virtual briefing.

"However, it is important that Pakistan needs to address the core issues and these core issues involve providing all the necessary documents in this case as well as providing unimpeded consular access to Jadhav," he had said.

The story so far:

Kulbhushan Jadhav is on a death row in Pakistan and still in custody.

Pakistan claims that Kulbhushan Jadhav was involved in espionage activities when he was arrested from Balochistan in 2016.

Also Read: <a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/pak-directs-american-blogger-cynthia-ritchie-to-leave-country-within-15-days-324813">Pak directs American blogger Cynthia Ritchie to leave country within 15 days</a>

India has denied the allegations and has said that Kulbhushan Jadhav was abducted from the Iranian port of Chabahar.

India had even approached International Court of Justice (ICJ) that had said Pakistan haD committed an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations on several counts.

Islamabad High Court will hear petition to appoint Indian lawyer to represent Kulbhushan Jadhav who is on a death row in Pakistan. Pakistani media has said that the IHC will hear the matter on Thursday.

Islamabad High Court will hear petition to appoint Indian lawyer to represent Kulbhushan Jadhav who is on a death row in Pakistan. Pakistani media has said that the IHC will hear the matter on Thursday. India is still demanding an unimpeded consular access to Jadhav. Pakistani media said that larger bench has been formed to hear the case. India has asked Pakistan let it appoint Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav's defense. The lawyer will present the case as a review petition will be filed to reconsider the death sentence handed to Jadhav. "We are in touch with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. We believe for a free and fair trial in keeping with the letter and spirit of International Court of Justice (ICJ) judgment, we have asked that Jadhav be represented by an Indian lawyer," MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said last month during a virtual briefing. "However, it is important that Pakistan needs to address the core issues and these core issues involve providing all the necessary documents in this case as well as providing unimpeded consular access to Jadhav," he had said. The story so far: Kulbhushan Jadhav is on a death row in Pakistan and still in custody. Pakistan claims that Kulbhushan Jadhav was involved in espionage activities when he was arrested from Balochistan in 2016. Also Read: Pak directs American blogger Cynthia Ritchie to leave country within 15 days India has denied the allegations and has said that Kulbhushan Jadhav was abducted from the Iranian port of Chabahar. India had even approached International Court of Justice (ICJ) that had said Pakistan haD committed an egregious violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations on several counts.

Islamabad High Court to hear demand on Indian lawyer for Kulbhushan Jadhav today

Imran Khan has been named 'Man of the Year' by 'The Muslim 500' for his efforts for 'long-lasting peace with India'. Palki Sharma Upadhyay fact-checks Pak PM'S 'accomplishments' mentioned in the publication.

Gravitas: Imran Khan named 'Man of the Year'?

The situation of the newly constructed Islamabad International Airport (IIAP) has shocked many as portions of the airport’s departure lounge have collapsed due to rainfall.

Part of ceiling falls amid heavy rains of Islamabad airport

Monsoon rains have choked the drains in Karachi. Pakistan's Supreme Court has now ordered the National Disaster Management Authority - that's headed by a Lieutenant General - to clean up the drains.

Gravitas: Rains choke Karachi's gutters: Imran wants Army to help clean it

Saudi Arabia has made Pakistan repay $1 Billion from the loan it borrowed in 2018. According to reports, China helped Pakistan pay back the money to the Sheikhdom. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why Islamabad may be losing the support of the Islamic world.

Gravitas: Saudi Arabia makes Pakistan repay $1 Billion

The Pakistan government on Friday defended the ordinance promulgated to enable Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav to file a review petition against his death sentence as a move to stop India from going to the UN against Islamabad.

Pak defends Kulbhushan Jadhav's review petition, says decision taken to prevent India approach UN

A Pakistan-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has demanded the resumption of temple construction in Islamabad, which was stopped by pressure from Islamists.

In a statement, president of HRFP, Naveed Walter also condemned the negative propaganda against the Shri Krishna Mandir Complex through social, print and electronic media and also through religious and political mediums.

The new temple planned for Islamabad, the city`s first, was supposed to be a symbol of tolerance. Instead, violence and controversy have turned it into an emblem of Pakistan`s troubled relationship with its religious minorities.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-pakistans-cases-cross-260000-mark-before-eid-314269">Also read|&nbsp;COVID 19: Pakistan's cases cross 260,000 mark before Eid</a>

Several Muslim clerics ruled that no Hindu temple should be built because Pakistan is a Muslim country.

Walter said, "The Hindu`s temple construction should be as normal as the mosques and other worship places of all religions may construct in any country`s capital and areas around the world".

Naveed Walter added that if the one`s worship place is owned and funded by state then why the state adopted a different policy for others?

"The prayer &amp; worship places are a basic right of every citizen and religious minorities including Hindus", said Walter.

He said at the time of partition in 1947, almost 23 per cent of Pakistan`s population was comprised of non-Muslim minorities but today they declined to 5 per cent and will go down further if the same discriminatory practices will be continued.

Naveed Walter questioned if the Hindus temple construction stopping does not mean that the country`s land ownership only belonged to extremists who could make decisions to permit for establishing any temple, church, worship place or not?

"There are many same examples of not only about worship places, graveyards, community institutions but it has been seen severally in individual`s cases also as like the most recent issue of Nadeem Joseph, a Christian man with family who murdered by his neighbors in Peshawar for just moving in his new house in a Muslim area and wasthreatened to leave. On his bold stand on 4th June 2020, the perpetrators opened indiscriminate fire on Joseph and his mother-in-law. They both died," said Walter.

Naveed Walter said the incidents with groups and individuals happen differently but the resemblance in mindsets looks same on their levels.&nbsp;

A Pakistan-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has demanded the resumption of temple construction in Islamabad, which was stopped by pressure from Islamists.

A Pakistan-based human rights organisation, Human Rights Focus Pakistan (HRFP) has demanded the resumption of temple construction in Islamabad, which was stopped by pressure from Islamists. In a statement, president of HRFP, Naveed Walter also condemned the negative propaganda against the Shri Krishna Mandir Complex through social, print and electronic media and also through religious and political mediums. The new temple planned for Islamabad, the city`s first, was supposed to be a symbol of tolerance. Instead, violence and controversy have turned it into an emblem of Pakistan`s troubled relationship with its religious minorities. Also read| COVID 19: Pakistan's cases cross 260,000 mark before Eid Several Muslim clerics ruled that no Hindu temple should be built because Pakistan is a Muslim country. Walter said, "The Hindu`s temple construction should be as normal as the mosques and other worship places of all religions may construct in any country`s capital and areas around the world". Naveed Walter added that if the one`s worship place is owned and funded by state then why the state adopted a different policy for others? "The prayer & worship places are a basic right of every citizen and religious minorities including Hindus", said Walter. He said at the time of partition in 1947, almost 23 per cent of Pakistan`s population was comprised of non-Muslim minorities but today they declined to 5 per cent and will go down further if the same discriminatory practices will be continued. Naveed Walter questioned if the Hindus temple construction stopping does not mean that the country`s land ownership only belonged to extremists who could make decisions to permit for establishing any temple, church, worship place or not? "There are many same examples of not only about worship places, graveyards, community institutions but it has been seen severally in individual`s cases also as like the most recent issue of Nadeem Joseph, a Christian man with family who murdered by his neighbors in Peshawar for just moving in his new house in a Muslim area and wasthreatened to leave. On his bold stand on 4th June 2020, the perpetrators opened indiscriminate fire on Joseph and his mother-in-law. They both died," said Walter. Naveed Walter said the incidents with groups and individuals happen differently but the resemblance in mindsets looks same on their levels.

Pak-based rights group demands resumption of temple construction in Islamabad

The construction of a Hindu Temple in Islamabad has rattled Pakistan's extremists. From clerics to lawyers & politicians, several top leaders in Pakistan want the construction work to stop. WION's Palki Sharma busts Pakistan's hypocrisy on religion.

Gravitas: Hindu Temple rattles Pakistan's 'extremists'

The Hindu community in the Pakistan capital will finally be getting a proper temple, allowing them to offer prayers, without having to travel out of this city anymore. &nbsp;A crematorium, &nbsp;the first in the city, will also so be constructed, reports said.

A simple groundbreaking ceremony was held in Islamabad`s H-9 sector area, allocating at least 4 Kanal land for the construction of the first proper Hindu temple of the capital.

Parliamentary Secretary on Human Rights Lal Chand Malhi, performed the ceremony. He said the Hindu population in the capital has been increasing considerably in the past two decades, making it important to make a temple for them to worship in.

"The Hindu community in Islamabad has been demanding a temple for a long time now. The population has also increased while many Hindu temple structures in the capital have been abandoned," he was quoted as saying.

"Besides, there is no crematorium in Islamabad," he noted.

The Islamabad Hindu Panchayat has named the temple in Islamabad as Shri Krishna Mandir, to be constructed in a covered area of at least 20,000 square feet in H-9/2. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) allotted the area in 2017 as per the orders of the National Commission for Human Rights.

However, delay in fulfilment of formalities like approval of site map by the CDA and other authorities extended the overall process.

As per details of the site map, the temple complex will also have a cremation sit, apart from the space for separate structures of other religious rites.

Lal Chand said that the step should be taken as symbolic in reference to the reports coming from India, where Muslims are being prevented from going to mosques, while the Imran Khan-led government of Pakistan is building the temple, which he said proves the accommodative policy of the country.

Religious Affairs Minister Pir Noorul Haq Qadri maintained that the government of Pakistan would be bearing the cost of the construction, which is estimated to at least PKR 100 million.

Qadri has also taken the matter up with the Prime Minister Imran Khan, to allocate a special grant for the temple for its construction and maintenance.

The construction approval of the Hindu temple in the capital comes at a time when Pakistan government has been criticizing the Modi-led government for oppressing the Indian Muslims, closing doors of mosques, allowing a Hindu temple to be made at the Babri Mosque site.

The Hindu community in the Pakistan capital will finally be getting a proper temple, allowing them to offer prayers, without having to travel out of this city anymore.

The Hindu community in the Pakistan capital will finally be getting a proper temple, allowing them to offer prayers, without having to travel out of this city anymore. A crematorium, the first in the city, will also so be constructed, reports said. A simple groundbreaking ceremony was held in Islamabad`s H-9 sector area, allocating at least 4 Kanal land for the construction of the first proper Hindu temple of the capital. Parliamentary Secretary on Human Rights Lal Chand Malhi, performed the ceremony. He said the Hindu population in the capital has been increasing considerably in the past two decades, making it important to make a temple for them to worship in. "The Hindu community in Islamabad has been demanding a temple for a long time now. The population has also increased while many Hindu temple structures in the capital have been abandoned," he was quoted as saying. "Besides, there is no crematorium in Islamabad," he noted. The Islamabad Hindu Panchayat has named the temple in Islamabad as Shri Krishna Mandir, to be constructed in a covered area of at least 20,000 square feet in H-9/2. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) allotted the area in 2017 as per the orders of the National Commission for Human Rights. However, delay in fulfilment of formalities like approval of site map by the CDA and other authorities extended the overall process. As per details of the site map, the temple complex will also have a cremation sit, apart from the space for separate structures of other religious rites. Lal Chand said that the step should be taken as symbolic in reference to the reports coming from India, where Muslims are being prevented from going to mosques, while the Imran Khan-led government of Pakistan is building the temple, which he said proves the accommodative policy of the country. Religious Affairs Minister Pir Noorul Haq Qadri maintained that the government of Pakistan would be bearing the cost of the construction, which is estimated to at least PKR 100 million. Qadri has also taken the matter up with the Prime Minister Imran Khan, to allocate a special grant for the temple for its construction and maintenance. The construction approval of the Hindu temple in the capital comes at a time when Pakistan government has been criticizing the Modi-led government for oppressing the Indian Muslims, closing doors of mosques, allowing a Hindu temple to be made at the Babri Mosque site.

Islamabad to get its first Hindu temple and crematorium 73 years after the birth of Pakistan

Two officials of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan were freed hours after they went missing and were reportedly arrested by the authorities in Islamabad.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs of India asked Islamabad that the duo must be freed immediately.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-summons-pakistani-deputy-high-commissioner-over-missing-indian-officials-306033">Also read: MEA summons Pakistani deputy high commissioner over missing Indian officials</a> 
 
MEA had summoned the Pakistan deputy high commissioner and handed over a demarche in which it was made clear that there should be no interrogation or harassment of the Indian officials and the responsibility for the safety and security of the concerned diplomatic personnel lay squarely with the Pakistani authorities. The Pakistan side was asked to return the two officials along with the official car to the High Commission immediately.

The Pakistani media reported that the two Indian staffers were arrested by Pakistani agencies for their alleged involvement in a "hit and run" case, but there was no official word on it from Islamabad.

Accidents involving vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions have been frequent in recent years, Pakistani media reports said.

Earlier this year, an SUV belonging to the US Embassy drove into a car on a main artery of Islamabad, killing a woman and injuring five members of her family. The police arrested the Pakistani driver of the US Embassy and registered a case against him.

Monday's incident comes two weeks after India expelled two Pakistan High Commission officials here on charges of espionage. India had declared Abid Hussain and Muhammad Tahir as ''persona non grata'' after they were found obtaining sensitive documents relating to the movement of Indian Army troops from an Indian national, according to authorities here.

Following their expulsion, Pakistani agencies started harassing several Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad including charge d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia.

Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties by expelling the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad following India’s decision to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year.

(With inputs from PTI)

Two officials of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan were freed hours after they went missing and were reportedly arrested by the authorities in Islamabad. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs of India asked Islamabad that the duo must be freed immediately.

Two officials of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan were freed hours after they went missing and were reportedly arrested by the authorities in Islamabad. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs of India asked Islamabad that the duo must be freed immediately. Also read: MEA summons Pakistani deputy high commissioner over missing Indian officials MEA had summoned the Pakistan deputy high commissioner and handed over a demarche in which it was made clear that there should be no interrogation or harassment of the Indian officials and the responsibility for the safety and security of the concerned diplomatic personnel lay squarely with the Pakistani authorities. The Pakistan side was asked to return the two officials along with the official car to the High Commission immediately. The Pakistani media reported that the two Indian staffers were arrested by Pakistani agencies for their alleged involvement in a "hit and run" case, but there was no official word on it from Islamabad. Accidents involving vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions have been frequent in recent years, Pakistani media reports said. Earlier this year, an SUV belonging to the US Embassy drove into a car on a main artery of Islamabad, killing a woman and injuring five members of her family. The police arrested the Pakistani driver of the US Embassy and registered a case against him. Monday's incident comes two weeks after India expelled two Pakistan High Commission officials here on charges of espionage. India had declared Abid Hussain and Muhammad Tahir as ''persona non grata'' after they were found obtaining sensitive documents relating to the movement of Indian Army troops from an Indian national, according to authorities here. Following their expulsion, Pakistani agencies started harassing several Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad including charge d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia. Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties by expelling the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad following India’s decision to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan releases Indian High Commission officials after India lodges protest over reported arrest

The press in Pakistan has a habit of embarrassing the government. This time it has embarrassed Islamabad by depicting the reality.

PTV, Pakistan's state broadcaster aired a map with Kashmir rightfully portrayed as a part of India.&nbsp;

Kashmir was shown as a legitimate part of India on national TV&nbsp;in Pakistan.

The news channel was broadcasting a story about Pakistan's population. It didn't pay attention to the geographical details. What's worse, this happened on a children's show.

The news channel has apologised. It says it has zero-tolerance for such negligence and has promised strict action.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-true-story-of-naya-pakistan-304946/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

But the Pakistan government is mighty upset. Chaudhary Fawad Hussain, the minister of science and technology, couldn't stop himself from venting his frustration at the channel's owners.

&nbsp;He Tweeted: "Shameful .. Arshad Khan is heading PTV since decades, it seems he forgot he is the chairman and de-facto managing director of PTV and not Doordarshan. I expect Shibli Faraz the information and broadcasting minister to take all measures to teach them what Kashmir is to Pakistan."

This is not the first time that PTA has embarrassed the Pakistan government. The biggest problem in the world is money laundering --- said the Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan.

What's the biggest problem in Pakistan? 
As of last night, it was an incursion by the Indian Air Force as what People in Pakistan said.&nbsp;

Panic gripped Pakistan last night after rumours spread that Indian Air Force fighter jets had crossed the Line of Control. There were rumours of a breakout-style raid in the city of Karachi.

Some said that the authorities had put Karachi under blackout after IAF fighter jets were spotted near the city.

But the jets were from Pakistan Air Force. These people mistook their aircraft as India's.

The Indian air force has categorically denied any such mischievous activity.

But that's not the end of this Pakistan story. It gets more bizarre. A donkey has been arrested in Pakistan for gambling. This happened in Raheem Yaar Khan, a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan.

A donkey along with eight humans was arrested because its name was included in the FIR. It has been charged with participating in gambling.

The press in Pakistan has a habit of embarrassing the government. This time it has embarrassed Islamabad by depicting the reality. PTV, Pakistan's state broadcaster aired a map with Kashmir rightfully portrayed as a part of India.

The press in Pakistan has a habit of embarrassing the government. This time it has embarrassed Islamabad by depicting the reality. PTV, Pakistan's state broadcaster aired a map with Kashmir rightfully portrayed as a part of India. Kashmir was shown as a legitimate part of India on national TV in Pakistan. The news channel was broadcasting a story about Pakistan's population. It didn't pay attention to the geographical details. What's worse, this happened on a children's show. The news channel has apologised. It says it has zero-tolerance for such negligence and has promised strict action. But the Pakistan government is mighty upset. Chaudhary Fawad Hussain, the minister of science and technology, couldn't stop himself from venting his frustration at the channel's owners. He Tweeted: "Shameful .. Arshad Khan is heading PTV since decades, it seems he forgot he is the chairman and de-facto managing director of PTV and not Doordarshan. I expect Shibli Faraz the information and broadcasting minister to take all measures to teach them what Kashmir is to Pakistan." This is not the first time that PTA has embarrassed the Pakistan government. The biggest problem in the world is money laundering --- said the Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan. What's the biggest problem in Pakistan? As of last night, it was an incursion by the Indian Air Force as what People in Pakistan said. Panic gripped Pakistan last night after rumours spread that Indian Air Force fighter jets had crossed the Line of Control. There were rumours of a breakout-style raid in the city of Karachi. Some said that the authorities had put Karachi under blackout after IAF fighter jets were spotted near the city. But the jets were from Pakistan Air Force. These people mistook their aircraft as India's. The Indian air force has categorically denied any such mischievous activity. But that's not the end of this Pakistan story. It gets more bizarre. A donkey has been arrested in Pakistan for gambling. This happened in Raheem Yaar Khan, a city in the Punjab province of Pakistan. A donkey along with eight humans was arrested because its name was included in the FIR. It has been charged with participating in gambling.

Bizarre! Pakistan's press continues to embarrass Islamabad

India has expressed its concern over harassment of Hindus in Pakistan and raised the matter with the country. In a strongly-worded demarche sent to Pakistani high commission in Delhi, India raised the "systematic and targeted demolition" of houses belonging to minority Hindu community in Chak 52/DB, Yazman of Bahawalpur district in Punjab in Pakistan.

New Delhi "strongly condemned" the incident involving the "state authorities" targetting the minority Hindu community despite the occupants producing valid documents of ownership and legal relief granted against demolition.

On May 20, 25 houses were levelled and another 10 partly demolished, leaving their occupants – including young children – without any access to shelter. One Hindu lady was dragged out of the house by her hair so that demolition can happen.&nbsp;

While expressing concerns, India asked Pakistani High Commission to inform relevant authorities in Pakistan Government for urgent remedial action. Sources told WION that New Delhi called for the Pakistani government to "discharge of its responsibilities will look after the safety security will-being and protection of rights and freedom of its citizens belonging to minority communities."

The land was legally allotted by Board of Revenue in 2018 to the Hindu community but one Muhammad Boota keen to increase his landholding used his political connections to demolish the Hindu houses.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had earlier raised the matter and called the demolition of Hindu homes as illegal and inhumane. The HRCP called on Pakistan's Punjab government to compensate all those families affected by the demolition.

India has expressed its concern over harassment of Hindus in Pakistan and raised the matter with the country. In a strongly-worded demarche sent to Pakistani high commission in Delhi, India raised the "systematic and targeted demolition" of houses belonging to minority Hindu community in Chak 52/DB, Yazman of Bahawalpur district in Punjab in Pakistan.

India has expressed its concern over harassment of Hindus in Pakistan and raised the matter with the country. In a strongly-worded demarche sent to Pakistani high commission in Delhi, India raised the "systematic and targeted demolition" of houses belonging to minority Hindu community in Chak 52/DB, Yazman of Bahawalpur district in Punjab in Pakistan. New Delhi "strongly condemned" the incident involving the "state authorities" targetting the minority Hindu community despite the occupants producing valid documents of ownership and legal relief granted against demolition. On May 20, 25 houses were levelled and another 10 partly demolished, leaving their occupants – including young children – without any access to shelter. One Hindu lady was dragged out of the house by her hair so that demolition can happen. While expressing concerns, India asked Pakistani High Commission to inform relevant authorities in Pakistan Government for urgent remedial action. Sources told WION that New Delhi called for the Pakistani government to "discharge of its responsibilities will look after the safety security will-being and protection of rights and freedom of its citizens belonging to minority communities." The land was legally allotted by Board of Revenue in 2018 to the Hindu community but one Muhammad Boota keen to increase his landholding used his political connections to demolish the Hindu houses. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had earlier raised the matter and called the demolition of Hindu homes as illegal and inhumane. The HRCP called on Pakistan's Punjab government to compensate all those families affected by the demolition.

India concerned with harassment of Hindus in Pakistan; raises the matter with Islamabad

Pak PM Imran Khan secured billions of dollars in funds to fight this pandemic. But a report claims that the Pak govt is misusing relief money to pay electricity bills. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the story.

Gravitas:  Pakistan using relief money to pay bills?

A Pakistani foreign service official in Ukraine was charged with sexual harassment earlier this month. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how Pakistani diplomats have a history of embarrassing Islamabad.

Gravitas: Pakistani diplomats: A national embarrassment

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