Scores of government employees in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-report-on-situation-in-pakistan-occupied-kashmir-is-highly-dubious-researcher-232443">Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir</a> have staged protests against the discriminatory financial policies of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/support-india-or-england-pakistani-fans-give-befitting-reply-to-former-england-cricketer-nasser-hussain-231126">Pakistan</a>.&nbsp;

The secretariat workers raised slogans against<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/guests-harassed-at-iftar-event-hosted-by-indian-mission-in-islamabad-223490"> Islamabad</a> and asked the government immediately to take actions to address the mounting crisis that has left their homes strapped of cash at a time when people are already enduring the blow of the inflation.&nbsp;

"We have been sitting here for the last four days. Our demands have been pending for the last one year. With the suggestion of Chief Secretary, a committee was formed but nothing has been done yet. Our principal demand is that the secretary workers should also be given allowances which the police and the health officials receive. They have been deprived of it," said a protestor.

The protesters are demanding that they should be treated at par with the employees in other parts of the country. Their demands include general incentives and other attendance allowance which the employees of each organisation receive across Pakistan.&nbsp;

The protesters who have also expressed their anger in the past said they are determined and won`t withdraw their demands until the justice is meted to them.

&nbsp;The issue pertaining to salary increment and non-payment of dues to the employees has remained chronic with most of the public sector enterprises in PoK. Over the last many years, disgruntled employees have held a stream of protests but no resolution has been reached till date.&nbsp;

Protesters say that they are not seeking anything unreasonable and even a small interference from higher authorities will resolve their issue. For more than seven decades, Pakistan has not just misruled the state but has used legislation as a tool to suppress the people of the region.

Scores of government employees in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir have staged protests against the discriminatory financial policies of Pakistan. The secretariat workers raised slogans against Islamabad and asked the government immediately to take actions to address the mounting crisis that has left their homes strapped of cash at a time when people are already enduring the blow of the inflation.

Scores of government employees in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir have staged protests against the discriminatory financial policies of Pakistan. The secretariat workers raised slogans against Islamabad and asked the government immediately to take actions to address the mounting crisis that has left their homes strapped of cash at a time when people are already enduring the blow of the inflation. "We have been sitting here for the last four days. Our demands have been pending for the last one year. With the suggestion of Chief Secretary, a committee was formed but nothing has been done yet. Our principal demand is that the secretary workers should also be given allowances which the police and the health officials receive. They have been deprived of it," said a protestor. The protesters are demanding that they should be treated at par with the employees in other parts of the country. Their demands include general incentives and other attendance allowance which the employees of each organisation receive across Pakistan. The protesters who have also expressed their anger in the past said they are determined and won`t withdraw their demands until the justice is meted to them. The issue pertaining to salary increment and non-payment of dues to the employees has remained chronic with most of the public sector enterprises in PoK. Over the last many years, disgruntled employees have held a stream of protests but no resolution has been reached till date. Protesters say that they are not seeking anything unreasonable and even a small interference from higher authorities will resolve their issue. For more than seven decades, Pakistan has not just misruled the state but has used legislation as a tool to suppress the people of the region.

Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir government employees stage protest against its discriminatory financial policies

A man shot his wife, their two children, and six of her family members on Monday and then burned the bodies when he set her family's home on fire in an alleged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-police-arrest-two-in-suspected-honour-killing-of-italian-woman-135993">honour killing</a> in central Pakistan, police said.

Muhammad Ajmal committed the attack as revenge for a suspected affair by his wife Kiran, said Imran Mehmood, a District Police Officer for the city of Multan, where the killings occurred. Ajmal returned to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a tailor, 25 days ago intending to carry out the killings, he said.

Mehmood said Ajmal confessed to the killings.

"This is an honour killing. He saw a picture of his wife with another man and believed she was having an affair," Mehmood said. "He does not repent his actions."

In addition to killing his wife and their two children, Ajmal also killed his three sisters-in-law, two of their children, and his mother-in-law.

Ajmal and his father, who was with him at the time of the murder, are both in custody and have been charged with murder, Mehmood said. Police are searching for his brother, who is also believed to be involved.

The deaths add to the hundreds of women and girls killed in Pakistan each year, according to human rights groups, by family members angered at the perceived damage to their honour, which may involve eloping, fraternizing with men or any infringement of conservative values regarding women.

Kiran's brother Ali Raza told Reuters that Ajmal and his sister were having marital problems and she had recently moved back to Pakistan and was living with her family.

"I am left with just my father, my whole family is gone," he said.

Mehmood said Ajmal has not been assigned an attorney yet and Reuters was unable to contact any of his family members for comment.

Pakistan adopted legislation against honour killings in 2016, introducing tough punishment and closing a legal loophole that allowed killers to walk free if pardoned by family members.

Police in Pakistan's most populous province of Punjab, where honour crimes have been rampant, said recently that the number of such killings had fallen since the law was introduced but rights groups estimate that nearly 1,000 such killings take place annually.

A man shot his wife, their two children, and six of her family members on Monday and then burned the bodies when he set her family's home on fire in an alleged honour killing in central Pakistan, police said.

A man shot his wife, their two children, and six of her family members on Monday and then burned the bodies when he set her family's home on fire in an alleged honour killing in central Pakistan, police said. Muhammad Ajmal committed the attack as revenge for a suspected affair by his wife Kiran, said Imran Mehmood, a District Police Officer for the city of Multan, where the killings occurred. Ajmal returned to Pakistan from Saudi Arabia, where he worked as a tailor, 25 days ago intending to carry out the killings, he said. Mehmood said Ajmal confessed to the killings. "This is an honour killing. He saw a picture of his wife with another man and believed she was having an affair," Mehmood said. "He does not repent his actions." In addition to killing his wife and their two children, Ajmal also killed his three sisters-in-law, two of their children, and his mother-in-law. Ajmal and his father, who was with him at the time of the murder, are both in custody and have been charged with murder, Mehmood said. Police are searching for his brother, who is also believed to be involved. The deaths add to the hundreds of women and girls killed in Pakistan each year, according to human rights groups, by family members angered at the perceived damage to their honour, which may involve eloping, fraternizing with men or any infringement of conservative values regarding women. Kiran's brother Ali Raza told Reuters that Ajmal and his sister were having marital problems and she had recently moved back to Pakistan and was living with her family. "I am left with just my father, my whole family is gone," he said. Mehmood said Ajmal has not been assigned an attorney yet and Reuters was unable to contact any of his family members for comment. Pakistan adopted legislation against honour killings in 2016, introducing tough punishment and closing a legal loophole that allowed killers to walk free if pardoned by family members. Police in Pakistan's most populous province of Punjab, where honour crimes have been rampant, said recently that the number of such killings had fallen since the law was introduced but rights groups estimate that nearly 1,000 such killings take place annually.

Pakistan: Man kills wife, two children, six others in alleged honor killing

Afghanistan`s former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Sunday lauded Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process, during a visit to the country for a conference.

"Pakistan is a very important country and Islamabad could play a key role in bringing peace in Afghanistan and now they are doing it," the former Prime Minister told Anadolu Agency in Bhurban.&nbsp;

He also appreciated Pakistan`s role in "bringing Taliban to the negotiating table," the Turkish state-run news agency reported."I praised Pakistan`s sincere efforts and I am sure they will continue its help to bring peace in our country," Hekmatyar said.

The 71-year-old leader was received by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi upon his arrival to the country on Saturday.&nbsp;

57 other Afghan leaders accompanied Hekmatyar during his visit for a peace conference."We welcome every country and individual who is taking any step for peace in Afghanistan. War always ends with peace and now the war in our country will also end with peace," he added.&nbsp;

He also demanded the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, outlining that the Afghan people need to "decide their future."

Afghanistan`s former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Sunday lauded Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process, during a visit to the country for a conference.

Afghanistan`s former Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar on Sunday lauded Pakistan's role in the Afghan peace process, during a visit to the country for a conference. "Pakistan is a very important country and Islamabad could play a key role in bringing peace in Afghanistan and now they are doing it," the former Prime Minister told Anadolu Agency in Bhurban. He also appreciated Pakistan`s role in "bringing Taliban to the negotiating table," the Turkish state-run news agency reported."I praised Pakistan`s sincere efforts and I am sure they will continue its help to bring peace in our country," Hekmatyar said. The 71-year-old leader was received by Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi upon his arrival to the country on Saturday. 57 other Afghan leaders accompanied Hekmatyar during his visit for a peace conference."We welcome every country and individual who is taking any step for peace in Afghanistan. War always ends with peace and now the war in our country will also end with peace," he added. He also demanded the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, outlining that the Afghan people need to "decide their future."

Former Afghan Prime Minister Gulbuddin Hekmatyar praises Pakistan's role in peace process

Pakistan's top judge has vowed to set up more than 100 gender-based violence courts in the patriarchal country regularly ranked as among the most dangerous in the world for women.

Chief Justice <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/justice-asif-khosa-takes-oath-as-new-chief-justice-of-pakistan-191188">Asif Saeed Khosa</a> said the Supreme Court is "in the offing to set up 116 gender-based violence courts and also child courts in every district in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-issues-death-warrant-to-mentally-ill-prisoner-227543">Pakistan</a>".

The courts "will be designed to look entirely different both in their infrastructure and working than other courts," he told judges in the capital Islamabad on Wednesday.

He offered no further details, and Supreme Court officials told AFP the plan is still being discussed.

Women have long fought for their rights in deeply conservative Muslim Pakistan, where activists say men commit "pervasive" violence against them, often with impunity.&nbsp;

Justice is elusive in a sluggish court system advocates say is slanted against female victims.

Many cases of violence against women in rural areas are not reported to authorities and instead mediated by village councils, often in a manner that is punitive for women.

Setting up gender-based violence courts is a "first step", said lawyer Benazir Jatoi -- though she warned that without clear mechanisms and effective implementation it was too soon to celebrate.

Jatoi cited violence against women centre that was briefly set up in the central city of Multan.

"The present government in its shortsighted understanding of the continuity of effective programmes stopped the funding for the centre," she told AFP.&nbsp;

"The newly-promised ... courts should not meet the same fate."

Pakistan's top judge has vowed to set up more than 100 gender-based violence courts in the patriarchal country regularly ranked as among the most dangerous in the world for women.

Pakistan's top judge has vowed to set up more than 100 gender-based violence courts in the patriarchal country regularly ranked as among the most dangerous in the world for women. Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said the Supreme Court is "in the offing to set up 116 gender-based violence courts and also child courts in every district in Pakistan". The courts "will be designed to look entirely different both in their infrastructure and working than other courts," he told judges in the capital Islamabad on Wednesday. He offered no further details, and Supreme Court officials told AFP the plan is still being discussed. Women have long fought for their rights in deeply conservative Muslim Pakistan, where activists say men commit "pervasive" violence against them, often with impunity. Justice is elusive in a sluggish court system advocates say is slanted against female victims. Many cases of violence against women in rural areas are not reported to authorities and instead mediated by village councils, often in a manner that is punitive for women. Setting up gender-based violence courts is a "first step", said lawyer Benazir Jatoi -- though she warned that without clear mechanisms and effective implementation it was too soon to celebrate. Jatoi cited violence against women centre that was briefly set up in the central city of Multan. "The present government in its shortsighted understanding of the continuity of effective programmes stopped the funding for the centre," she told AFP. "The newly-promised ... courts should not meet the same fate."

Will create gender-based violence courts: Pakistan Chief Justice Khosa

Two suspected ISIS terrorists, who were allegedly involved in the abductions of former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-anti-graft-body-files-corruption-case-against-former-prime-minister-164015">Yousaf Raza Gilani</a>'s son and a US national, were killed by Pakistani security agencies in Punjab province, police said Thursday.

The terrorists, identified as Muhammad Rizwan and Imran Saqi, were killed in a late night raid on a house in Multan district on Wednesday, the Punjab Police's counter-terrorism department (CTD) department said.

They were also involved in the killing of three intelligence officers.

In a statement, the CTD said it received information that five terrorists of banned terror group ISIS were hiding in a house in the district, around 350 km from Lahore.&nbsp;

It said a team surrounded the house and told the terrorists to surrender. "The terrorists instead of surrendering opened fire on the raiding team which returned fire, killing two terrorists on the spot while three of their accomplices managed to escape taking advantage of darkness," the CTD said.&nbsp;

The terrorists had planned to attack personnel of intelligence agencies. Nine hand grenades, explosives and weapons were seized from the house, it said.

They were involved in the kidnapping of US national Warren Weinstein in 2011 and Yosuf Gilani's son Ali Haider Gilani in 2013.

Weinstein, who was abducted from Lahore, was accidentally killed in a US drone strike in 2015 on the Afghan border, while Haider Gilani was rescued from Afghanistan after three years.&nbsp;

The terrorists had also killed two police officers in Faisalabad in an attempt to kidnap a senior law enforcement officer. Earlier this year, security agencies killed two other members of the group in Faisalabad in Punjab province.

Two suspected ISIS terrorists, who were allegedly involved in the abductions of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani's son and a US national, were killed by Pakistani security agencies in Punjab province, police said Thursday.

Two suspected ISIS terrorists, who were allegedly involved in the abductions of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani's son and a US national, were killed by Pakistani security agencies in Punjab province, police said Thursday. The terrorists, identified as Muhammad Rizwan and Imran Saqi, were killed in a late night raid on a house in Multan district on Wednesday, the Punjab Police's counter-terrorism department (CTD) department said. They were also involved in the killing of three intelligence officers. In a statement, the CTD said it received information that five terrorists of banned terror group ISIS were hiding in a house in the district, around 350 km from Lahore. It said a team surrounded the house and told the terrorists to surrender. "The terrorists instead of surrendering opened fire on the raiding team which returned fire, killing two terrorists on the spot while three of their accomplices managed to escape taking advantage of darkness," the CTD said. The terrorists had planned to attack personnel of intelligence agencies. Nine hand grenades, explosives and weapons were seized from the house, it said. They were involved in the kidnapping of US national Warren Weinstein in 2011 and Yosuf Gilani's son Ali Haider Gilani in 2013. Weinstein, who was abducted from Lahore, was accidentally killed in a US drone strike in 2015 on the Afghan border, while Haider Gilani was rescued from Afghanistan after three years. The terrorists had also killed two police officers in Faisalabad in an attempt to kidnap a senior law enforcement officer. Earlier this year, security agencies killed two other members of the group in Faisalabad in Punjab province.

Pakistan security forces kill two terrorist linked to abduction of Yousaf Raza Gilani's son

Pakistan's jailed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/nawaz-sharif-quizzed-in-jail-by-anti-graft-body-over-illegal-purchase-of-over-30-bulletproof-vehicles-222338">prime minister Nawaz Sharif </a>on Wednesday filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking permission to submit additional medical reports as the court resumed the hearing of his bail plea on medical grounds in a corruption case.

The petition filed by the lawyer of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's 69-year-old supremo sought approval to submit a verified medical report from a foreign doctor, the Express Tribune newspaper reported.

The petition also requests for a medical certificate from Aurora Healthcare Lahore to be part of the record, the paper said.

"Permission should be given to provide additional records so that justice can be ensured," stated the petition.

Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case.

Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated.

On March 26, the Supreme Court suspended <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-released-from-jail-after-he-gets-bail-205903">Sharif</a>'s seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case and granted him bail for six weeks with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan.

In May, the apex court rejected his review petition seeking bail on medical grounds and permission to go abroad for medical treatment.

The apex court ordered him to surrender before the court as soon as his interim bail period ended. The bench, however, suggested his counsel approach appropriate forum to get relief.

Sharif's counsel had approached IHC and cited medical reports stating that his condition was critical and required a stress-free environment to recuperate.&nbsp;

Pakistan's jailed prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking permission to submit additional medical reports as the court resumed the hearing of his bail plea on medical grounds in a corruption case.

Pakistan's jailed prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday filed an appeal in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking permission to submit additional medical reports as the court resumed the hearing of his bail plea on medical grounds in a corruption case. The petition filed by the lawyer of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's 69-year-old supremo sought approval to submit a verified medical report from a foreign doctor, the Express Tribune newspaper reported. The petition also requests for a medical certificate from Aurora Healthcare Lahore to be part of the record, the paper said. "Permission should be given to provide additional records so that justice can be ensured," stated the petition. Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated. On March 26, the Supreme Court suspended Sharif's seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case and granted him bail for six weeks with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan. In May, the apex court rejected his review petition seeking bail on medical grounds and permission to go abroad for medical treatment. The apex court ordered him to surrender before the court as soon as his interim bail period ended. The bench, however, suggested his counsel approach appropriate forum to get relief. Sharif's counsel had approached IHC and cited medical reports stating that his condition was critical and required a stress-free environment to recuperate.

Sharif files plea in court seeking permission to submit more medical reports

Pakistan's heaviest man, who weighs over 330 kg, has been shifted to a military hospital here after the wall of his house was broken by emergency service personnel with the help of the army.

Noorul Hassan, 55, a resident of Sadiqabad district of Punjab province, some 400kms from Lahore, is suffering from extreme obesity.

On Tuesday, personnel from the Rescue 1122 had to break the wall of his house to take him outside as he was too big to pass through the main gate of his house.

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa made special arrangements for Hassan's transfer and treatment after he appealed to him for help on social media.

Hassan, who is unable to move freely due to being overweight and also because of other medical complications, will get treatment, including laparoscopic surgery, at the hospital in Lahore.

On Tuesday, he was shifted to a military hospital for examination in Lahore. Later, he was shifted to Shalamar Hospital Lahore, a health facility under a public-private partnership.

According to media reports, Hassan is the heaviest man in Pakistan, but there is no official confirmation about this.

Earlier in 2017, Pakistan's most obese person with a weight of 360 kg underwent laparoscopic surgery and succeeded to bring his weight below 200 kg.

According to a survey report released by the Pakistan Endocrine Society last year, 29 per cent of the Pakistani population is overweight, out of which 51 per cent are categorized in the obesity class.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's heaviest man, who weighs over 330 kg, has been shifted to a military hospital here after the wall of his house was broken by emergency service personnel with the help of the army.

Pakistan's heaviest man, who weighs over 330 kg, has been shifted to a military hospital here after the wall of his house was broken by emergency service personnel with the help of the army. Noorul Hassan, 55, a resident of Sadiqabad district of Punjab province, some 400kms from Lahore, is suffering from extreme obesity. On Tuesday, personnel from the Rescue 1122 had to break the wall of his house to take him outside as he was too big to pass through the main gate of his house. Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa made special arrangements for Hassan's transfer and treatment after he appealed to him for help on social media. Hassan, who is unable to move freely due to being overweight and also because of other medical complications, will get treatment, including laparoscopic surgery, at the hospital in Lahore. On Tuesday, he was shifted to a military hospital for examination in Lahore. Later, he was shifted to Shalamar Hospital Lahore, a health facility under a public-private partnership. According to media reports, Hassan is the heaviest man in Pakistan, but there is no official confirmation about this. Earlier in 2017, Pakistan's most obese person with a weight of 360 kg underwent laparoscopic surgery and succeeded to bring his weight below 200 kg. According to a survey report released by the Pakistan Endocrine Society last year, 29 per cent of the Pakistani population is overweight, out of which 51 per cent are categorized in the obesity class.

Pakistan's 'heaviest' man shifted to hospital for treatment

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pakistani-president-asif-ali-zardari-arrested-on-corruption-charges-225991">Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari</a> was produced before an accountability court in Islamabad&nbsp;on Tuesday by the anti-graft body seeking his physical remand, a day after he was arrested from his residence in the fake bank accounts case.

A team of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) accompanied by police, including female officials, arrested the Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman hours after the Islamabad High Court rejected his bail plea.

Prior to his arrival at the court on Tuesday, a three-member team of doctors conducted a medical examination of the former president. According to the NAB sources, Zardari was found to be fit for physical remand.

Zardari, 63, and his sister are two of the main accused in the money laundering scandal which utilised fake bank accounts to channel illegally gained funds out of Pakistan.&nbsp;

According to the NAB officials, the duo made transactions of Rs 150 million through alleged fake bank accounts.&nbsp;

The arrest warrants were issued on Sunday by the NAB, the anti-corruption watchdog, which is probing them in the fake bank accounts case.

Zardari, the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013, has denied any link with the fake accounts. He has said the allegation was part of a vilification campaign by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party to malign opposition leaders.

He was elected as a member of the National Assembly from the NA-213 Nawabshah seat of Sindh province in last year's general election.&nbsp;

Zardari's arrest prompted a strong reaction from the Opposition and sporadic protests by PPP workers in various parts of the country, mostly in the party-ruled Sindh province.

Terming his father's arrest an act of political victimisation by the government, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the Constitution guarantees the right of a fair trial to every citizen. He appealed to party workers to remain calm and wait for party directives. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari was produced before an accountability court in Islamabad on Tuesday by the anti-graft body seeking his physical remand, a day after he was arrested from his residence in the fake bank accounts case.

Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari was produced before an accountability court in Islamabad on Tuesday by the anti-graft body seeking his physical remand, a day after he was arrested from his residence in the fake bank accounts case. A team of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) accompanied by police, including female officials, arrested the Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairman hours after the Islamabad High Court rejected his bail plea. Prior to his arrival at the court on Tuesday, a three-member team of doctors conducted a medical examination of the former president. According to the NAB sources, Zardari was found to be fit for physical remand. Zardari, 63, and his sister are two of the main accused in the money laundering scandal which utilised fake bank accounts to channel illegally gained funds out of Pakistan. According to the NAB officials, the duo made transactions of Rs 150 million through alleged fake bank accounts. The arrest warrants were issued on Sunday by the NAB, the anti-corruption watchdog, which is probing them in the fake bank accounts case. Zardari, the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013, has denied any link with the fake accounts. He has said the allegation was part of a vilification campaign by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party to malign opposition leaders. He was elected as a member of the National Assembly from the NA-213 Nawabshah seat of Sindh province in last year's general election. Zardari's arrest prompted a strong reaction from the Opposition and sporadic protests by PPP workers in various parts of the country, mostly in the party-ruled Sindh province. Terming his father's arrest an act of political victimisation by the government, PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said the Constitution guarantees the right of a fair trial to every citizen. He appealed to party workers to remain calm and wait for party directives.

Zardari produced before court, anti-graft body seeks physical remand

Senior officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold talks here on Monday under a bilateral arrangement to improve cooperation in different fields.

Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood will lead the Pakistan delegation while the Afghan side will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman at the first review session of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

"The forthcoming session will provide the two sides an opportunity to review progress made under this framework since the inaugural session and to exchange views on further collaboration in agreed areas of cooperation,? the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The APAPPS was established in May 2018 to provide a comprehensive and structured framework for institutional bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan in diverse areas of cooperation.

The mechanism works through five working groups on politico-diplomatic ties; military-to-military coordination; intelligence cooperation; economic cooperation and refugees' problem.

The inaugural session of APAPPS was held in Kabul on July 22, 2018, where the two sides had agreed to synergize efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation and build trust.

Senior officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold talks here on Monday under a bilateral arrangement to improve cooperation in different fields. Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood will lead the Pakistan delegation while the Afghan side will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman at the first review session of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

Senior officials from Pakistan and Afghanistan will hold talks here on Monday under a bilateral arrangement to improve cooperation in different fields. Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood will lead the Pakistan delegation while the Afghan side will be led by Deputy Foreign Minister Idrees Zaman at the first review session of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS). "The forthcoming session will provide the two sides an opportunity to review progress made under this framework since the inaugural session and to exchange views on further collaboration in agreed areas of cooperation,? the Foreign Office said in a statement. The APAPPS was established in May 2018 to provide a comprehensive and structured framework for institutional bilateral engagement between Pakistan and Afghanistan in diverse areas of cooperation. The mechanism works through five working groups on politico-diplomatic ties; military-to-military coordination; intelligence cooperation; economic cooperation and refugees' problem. The inaugural session of APAPPS was held in Kabul on July 22, 2018, where the two sides had agreed to synergize efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation and build trust.

Pakistan, Afghanistan to hold talks today to improve cooperation

Guests harassed at Indian Iftar Party in Islamabad, Pakistan. Cars of the guests entering the venue blocked and checked

Guests harassed at Indian Iftar Party in Islamabad

In this segment of WION, watch exclusive conversation with Mr. Arun Singh, Former Diplomat over harrasement with guests at Islamabad Iftar.

WION Exclusive: In Conversation with Mr. Arun Singh, Former Diplomat

Pakistani officials allegedly stopped and harassed the guests who were invited at an Iftar party hosted by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday. Indian Commission writes to Pak Govt over guests harassed in Iftar Party on Saturday.

Indian Commission writes to Pak Govt over guests harassed in Iftar Party on Saturday

Guests who had come for an Iftar event hosted by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-says-indian-high-commission-in-islamabad-functioning-without-certificate-of-completion-191744">Indian High Commission in Islamabad </a>on Saturday evening were harassed by Pakistani security agencies with the agency officials misbehaving with them. In fact, some guests were forced to turn back by the agencies and there were even reports of cars being lifted.

Overall, the Iftar organised at Serena Hotel in Islamabad saw a low turnout due to the harassment of the invitees. Pak security agencies had even resorted to manhandling the guests invited at the Iftar.

Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria spoke at the event and said, "I would apologise to all our friends who were subject to extra scrutiny".

The tradition of hosting an Iftar event by the Indian mission was started over 12 years ago by Sibi George who is currently the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland.

Watch: Pak agencies misbehave with guests at Iftar-dinner organised by IHC at Islamabad

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The harassment of Indian diplomats has been a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/investigate-harassment-of-our-diplomats-india-to-pakistan-204143">norm in Islamabad since months now</a>. From cutting electricity to being aggressively followed, many incidents were reported and India has had sent a number of note verbale asking Pakistan's&nbsp;foreign ministry to investigate the incidents.

India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of the diplomatic personnel and their families shall be respected and protected.

Hopeful on India Pak ties: Bisaria

The Indian envoy also spoke on the new government in Delhi. Bisaria said, "We had a new government which was sworn in just a couple of days ago. The new government comes with new hope, of new beginnings".

He added, "This new government has Prime Minister Modi as the PM and the new, very positive external affairs minister, who was the foreign secretary, Dr S Jaishankar. This government has come with a strong mandate of development and prosperity for the people"

Both PM Modi and PM Imran Khan will be attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan in the second week of June.

Bisaria said, "The two PMs, PM Modi and PM Imran Khan, had a conversation and spoke on the peace and development in the region. So, we are hoping that this relation also moves in a positive trajectory".

Imran had called to congratulate PM Modi, the latter called for the need to create an environment free from terror.

Guests who had come for an Iftar event hosted by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Saturday evening were harassed by Pakistani security agencies with the agency officials misbehaving with them.

Guests who had come for an Iftar event hosted by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad on Saturday evening were harassed by Pakistani security agencies with the agency officials misbehaving with them. In fact, some guests were forced to turn back by the agencies and there were even reports of cars being lifted. Overall, the Iftar organised at Serena Hotel in Islamabad saw a low turnout due to the harassment of the invitees. Pak security agencies had even resorted to manhandling the guests invited at the Iftar. Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria spoke at the event and said, "I would apologise to all our friends who were subject to extra scrutiny". The tradition of hosting an Iftar event by the Indian mission was started over 12 years ago by Sibi George who is currently the Indian Ambassador to Switzerland. Watch: Pak agencies misbehave with guests at Iftar-dinner organised by IHC at Islamabad The harassment of Indian diplomats has been a norm in Islamabad since months now. From cutting electricity to being aggressively followed, many incidents were reported and India has had sent a number of note verbale asking Pakistan's foreign ministry to investigate the incidents. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of the diplomatic personnel and their families shall be respected and protected. Hopeful on India Pak ties: Bisaria The Indian envoy also spoke on the new government in Delhi. Bisaria said, "We had a new government which was sworn in just a couple of days ago. The new government comes with new hope, of new beginnings". He added, "This new government has Prime Minister Modi as the PM and the new, very positive external affairs minister, who was the foreign secretary, Dr S Jaishankar. This government has come with a strong mandate of development and prosperity for the people" Both PM Modi and PM Imran Khan will be attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kyrgyzstan in the second week of June. Bisaria said, "The two PMs, PM Modi and PM Imran Khan, had a conversation and spoke on the peace and development in the region. So, we are hoping that this relation also moves in a positive trajectory". Imran had called to congratulate PM Modi, the latter called for the need to create an environment free from terror.

Guests harassed at Iftar event hosted by Indian mission in Islamabad 

Indian High Commission in Pakistan's Islamabad holds Iftar-Dinner. Pak agencies misbehave with guests at Iftar-dinner organised by IHC at Islamabad. Watch this video to know more in detail.

Pak agencies misbehave with guests at Iftar-dinner organised by IHC at Islamabad

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - May 11th, 2019

India has won a diplomatic victory by having JeM chief Masood Azhar proscribed by the UN Security Council. Its direct, on-ground effect may be marginal, but the connected effect with many other factors could still be a significant contributor especially towards influencing the future situation in J&amp;K. While the internal situation in Pakistan is at a new low due to the serious financial crisis being suffered and it is under all kinds of pressures internationally to stop its sponsorship of terror, there can be no certainty that this is going to have any impact. The Pakistan military leadership seems to have suddenly imposed on Prime Minister Imran Khan the very same set of advisors as were available to Parvez Musharraf in his heyday.&nbsp;

Three months after Pulwama, the situation in Kashmir is currently stable with violence at a lower level, no reports of any major infiltration and the LoC relatively quiet after high energy duels which followed Pulwama and then Balakot. Is Pakistan going to sit easy after a bit of chastising or will it up the ante once again through proxies, after the Indian general elections? This needs serious pondering but on one basic presumption; irrespective of who forms the next government in India, Pakistan’s attitude is unlikely to change. Imran Khan’s statement that chances of an agreement on J&amp;K would be highest if Narendra Modi returns to power, does not have much meaning considering the deep state’s attitude towards the Modi government remained intensely negative even when genuine attempts were being made by India to create the right environment for initiatives in 2015.&nbsp;

For sure the Pakistan Army is not going to turn angelic with any sense of regret. Its perception is that it handled the post-Pulwama situation with no trepidation and does not seem to be unnerved by the flurry of support India received. Sources state that perception seems to prevail that below the threshold of conventional conflict where Pakistan repeatedly engages India, it can match it incident to incident and response to a response. &nbsp;Abdication of J&amp;K would mean a waste of investment of 70 years of general effort and 30 years of focused one.

There is a likelihood that it will perceive an advantage in a switch off for tactical purposes with a comeback adopting a new strategy. What could embolden it to follow such a policy is the fact that the international strategic environment may be temporarily not in its favour but there is no permanence to such situations. &nbsp; It may, therefore, be willing to bide its time before returning with vengeance. Besides that, there is the entire issue of the ‘friendly’ terror groups. Kept restrained they are likely to implode internally causing a problem for the government and the Pakistan Army. Fighting them in the heartland areas of Punjab is going to be much more challenging, unlike the last time when the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had to be neutralised closer to the border areas under Operation Zarb-e-Azb and there was unrestricted use of heavy firepower.&nbsp;

If Pakistan, therefore, decides to take a tactical break as it probably did in 2011-12, then it is likely to come back with a fresh strategy. The revival of militancy or terror to levels of the early 2000s is near impossible as neither the numbers nor the finances are going to permit that. An intelligence appreciation reveals that more than just militancy and terror, the most effective way the proxy war in Kashmir has caused problems for India has been through the agitation mode (once called ‘agitational terror’ by the Indian Army). Mass agitation was a means of resistance in the Nineties too but the one which commenced in 2008 from my doorstep at Baramula was far more lethal. By that time the separatists under full guidance from across had set up effective networks for finance, drugs, media and legal coverage, besides information and psychological outreach. Hurriyat leader SAS Geelani had apparently taken a leaf from the essay of the American author Gene Sharp, ‘198 Ways of Non-Violent Revolution’, which also inspired the Arab Spring. &nbsp;The agitation converted mere street protest to stone throwing, unnerving the security forces (SF), who anywhere in the world are comfortable handling terrorists but never stone throwers; Israel has the same dilemma although it uses far more force to neutralise agitators. There is a manifold difference between just terror or criminal acts in terms of effectiveness and impact. Firstly, alienation runs much higher when people are at the forefront and mob control, not being among our strengths, the probability of creating ‘martyrs’ is always high; it helps the separatist cause. Secondly, everything for the separatists and the deep state is within manageable proportions with no possibility of triggers that may invite strong Indian retaliation. Within that threshold maximum traction is gained by the involvement of the public; especially when it reaches a stage where women and children get involved. Kashmir could sustain 2008, 2009 and 2010 before a ‘rest period’ was mandated.&nbsp;

It’s a challenge for the police as well as the Army, which cannot absolve itself of responsibility being the element of last resort. It is a domain no SF wishes to tackle because either way blame always comes on it. Unfortunately, perception prevails among those who have never witnessed street turbulence of this nature that these are protests akin to those seen in some of the metros; actually, these mobs are murderous with intent to kill and maim security personnel. Insufficient public and media sensitisation has led to this perception but equally not enough research has been done to specifically handle such mobs while minimising own casualties and those of civilians.&nbsp;

So while things may be quiet in Kashmir, the situation should be monitored carefully. Post election, things are likely to change. Simultaneous with everything we do it is important to revisit the long pending issue of developing better information handling capability. It’s something inexplicable why India does not invest in something which has paid such high dividends to our adversaries. More on that later.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fighting-pak-s-jk-strategy-2748011">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;

India has won a diplomatic victory by having JeM chief Masood Azhar proscribed by the UN Security Council. Its direct, on-ground effect may be marginal, but the connected effect with many other factors could still be a significant contributor especially towards influencing the future situation in J&K.

India has won a diplomatic victory by having JeM chief Masood Azhar proscribed by the UN Security Council. Its direct, on-ground effect may be marginal, but the connected effect with many other factors could still be a significant contributor especially towards influencing the future situation in J&K. While the internal situation in Pakistan is at a new low due to the serious financial crisis being suffered and it is under all kinds of pressures internationally to stop its sponsorship of terror, there can be no certainty that this is going to have any impact. The Pakistan military leadership seems to have suddenly imposed on Prime Minister Imran Khan the very same set of advisors as were available to Parvez Musharraf in his heyday. Three months after Pulwama, the situation in Kashmir is currently stable with violence at a lower level, no reports of any major infiltration and the LoC relatively quiet after high energy duels which followed Pulwama and then Balakot. Is Pakistan going to sit easy after a bit of chastising or will it up the ante once again through proxies, after the Indian general elections? This needs serious pondering but on one basic presumption; irrespective of who forms the next government in India, Pakistan’s attitude is unlikely to change. Imran Khan’s statement that chances of an agreement on J&K would be highest if Narendra Modi returns to power, does not have much meaning considering the deep state’s attitude towards the Modi government remained intensely negative even when genuine attempts were being made by India to create the right environment for initiatives in 2015. For sure the Pakistan Army is not going to turn angelic with any sense of regret. Its perception is that it handled the post-Pulwama situation with no trepidation and does not seem to be unnerved by the flurry of support India received. Sources state that perception seems to prevail that below the threshold of conventional conflict where Pakistan repeatedly engages India, it can match it incident to incident and response to a response. Abdication of J&K would mean a waste of investment of 70 years of general effort and 30 years of focused one. There is a likelihood that it will perceive an advantage in a switch off for tactical purposes with a comeback adopting a new strategy. What could embolden it to follow such a policy is the fact that the international strategic environment may be temporarily not in its favour but there is no permanence to such situations. It may, therefore, be willing to bide its time before returning with vengeance. Besides that, there is the entire issue of the ‘friendly’ terror groups. Kept restrained they are likely to implode internally causing a problem for the government and the Pakistan Army. Fighting them in the heartland areas of Punjab is going to be much more challenging, unlike the last time when the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had to be neutralised closer to the border areas under Operation Zarb-e-Azb and there was unrestricted use of heavy firepower. If Pakistan, therefore, decides to take a tactical break as it probably did in 2011-12, then it is likely to come back with a fresh strategy. The revival of militancy or terror to levels of the early 2000s is near impossible as neither the numbers nor the finances are going to permit that. An intelligence appreciation reveals that more than just militancy and terror, the most effective way the proxy war in Kashmir has caused problems for India has been through the agitation mode (once called ‘agitational terror’ by the Indian Army). Mass agitation was a means of resistance in the Nineties too but the one which commenced in 2008 from my doorstep at Baramula was far more lethal. By that time the separatists under full guidance from across had set up effective networks for finance, drugs, media and legal coverage, besides information and psychological outreach. Hurriyat leader SAS Geelani had apparently taken a leaf from the essay of the American author Gene Sharp, ‘198 Ways of Non-Violent Revolution’, which also inspired the Arab Spring. The agitation converted mere street protest to stone throwing, unnerving the security forces (SF), who anywhere in the world are comfortable handling terrorists but never stone throwers; Israel has the same dilemma although it uses far more force to neutralise agitators. There is a manifold difference between just terror or criminal acts in terms of effectiveness and impact. Firstly, alienation runs much higher when people are at the forefront and mob control, not being among our strengths, the probability of creating ‘martyrs’ is always high; it helps the separatist cause. Secondly, everything for the separatists and the deep state is within manageable proportions with no possibility of triggers that may invite strong Indian retaliation. Within that threshold maximum traction is gained by the involvement of the public; especially when it reaches a stage where women and children get involved. Kashmir could sustain 2008, 2009 and 2010 before a ‘rest period’ was mandated. It’s a challenge for the police as well as the Army, which cannot absolve itself of responsibility being the element of last resort. It is a domain no SF wishes to tackle because either way blame always comes on it. Unfortunately, perception prevails among those who have never witnessed street turbulence of this nature that these are protests akin to those seen in some of the metros; actually, these mobs are murderous with intent to kill and maim security personnel. Insufficient public and media sensitisation has led to this perception but equally not enough research has been done to specifically handle such mobs while minimising own casualties and those of civilians. So while things may be quiet in Kashmir, the situation should be monitored carefully. Post election, things are likely to change. Simultaneous with everything we do it is important to revisit the long pending issue of developing better information handling capability. It’s something inexplicable why India does not invest in something which has paid such high dividends to our adversaries. More on that later. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Fighting Pak’s J&K strategy: Islamabad will continue to pursue its designs

India Friday asked Pakistan to beef up security at the Indian&nbsp;high commission in Islamabad.&nbsp;

New Delhi in a demarche sent to Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs asked Islamabad to not only increase the security of its mission in Islamabad but also that of&nbsp;its diplomats.&nbsp;

The note verbale was sent on May 3.

This comes against the backdrop of harassment of Indian diplomats that has continued for months now.

In the latest incident, two Indian diplomats were locked in a room in Gurudwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad, Sheikhupura in April, 2019. The duo was prevented from visiting the gurudwara and delt aggressively by Pakistani security agencies.

India took up the issue with Islamabad.&nbsp;

Similarly, in November, 2018, Indian diplomats were stopped in the same gurudwara by Gopal Chawla, a close aide of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed.&nbsp;

On both the occasions, the Indian diplomats were present to do consular duties for the Indian pilgrims visiting the gurudwara.

Since December, Indian diplomats have been facing a number of problems from electricity being cut, to being stopped and questioned and sometimes even chased by Pakistan security agencies. &nbsp;

The development also assumes significance as it comes days after nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring over 500 others.&nbsp;

India Friday asked Pakistan to beef up security at the Indian high commission in Islamabad. New Delhi in a demarche sent to Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs asked Islamabad to not only increase the security of its mission in Islamabad but also that of its diplomats.

India Friday asked Pakistan to beef up security at the Indian high commission in Islamabad. New Delhi in a demarche sent to Pakistan's ministry of foreign affairs asked Islamabad to not only increase the security of its mission in Islamabad but also that of its diplomats. The note verbale was sent on May 3. This comes against the backdrop of harassment of Indian diplomats that has continued for months now. In the latest incident, two Indian diplomats were locked in a room in Gurudwara Sacha Sauda in Farooqabad, Sheikhupura in April, 2019. The duo was prevented from visiting the gurudwara and delt aggressively by Pakistani security agencies. India took up the issue with Islamabad. Similarly, in November, 2018, Indian diplomats were stopped in the same gurudwara by Gopal Chawla, a close aide of 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed. On both the occasions, the Indian diplomats were present to do consular duties for the Indian pilgrims visiting the gurudwara. Since December, Indian diplomats have been facing a number of problems from electricity being cut, to being stopped and questioned and sometimes even chased by Pakistan security agencies. The development also assumes significance as it comes days after nine suicide bombers, including a woman, carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on April 21, killing 253 people and injuring over 500 others.

India asks Pakistan to beef up security at its mission in Islamabad  

The US has imposed sanctions on Pakistan after Islamabad refused to take back its citizen deportees and visa over-stayers from America, warning that it may withhold visas of Pakistanis beginning from its senior officials.

The State Department on Friday said that consular <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/gunmen-kill-woman-polio-vaccinator-in-pakistan-213471">operations in Pakistan</a> remain unchanged as of now but as a result of such a sanction mentioned in a Federal Register notification dated April 22, the US may withhold visas of Pakistanis beginning with its senior officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pak-is-one-of-the-bris-earliest-and-most-enthusiastic-proponents-imran-khan-213669">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan BRI's earliest and most enthusiastic proponents: PM Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan is the latest to join the list of 10 nations that have been imposed with sanctions under a US law according to which countries refusing to take back deportees and visa over-stayers will be denied American visas.

Notably, eight of these countries have been slapped with such visa sanctions under the Trump administration. Two of them Ghana and Pakistan have been included in the list this year.&nbsp;

The other countries include Guyana in 2001, the Gambia in 2016, Cambodia, Eritrea, Guinea, and Sierra Leone in 2017, Burma and Laos in 2018.

Under Section 243 (d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Secretary of State is required to discontinue granting immigration or non-immigrant visas to a nation upon receiving notice from the Homeland Security Secretary that the country has denied or is unreasonably delaying accepting a citizen, subject, national or resident of that country.

The State Department tried to downplay the impact of the sanctions on Pakistan.&nbsp;

"Consular operations in Pakistan remain unchanged, a State Department Spokesperson told PTI when asked about the federal register notification.

This is a bilateral issue of ongoing discussion between the US and Pakistani governments and we are not going to get into the specifics at this time,&nbsp;the spokesperson added.

Former Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Hussain Haqqani, feels that this will make things difficult for Pakistanis.

''This measure will create hardship for Pakistanis who want or need to travel to the US and could have been avoided if Pakistani authorities had not ignored American requests to respect their legal requirements for deportation,'' Haqqani told PTI, days after the federal register notification.

He said that Pakistan's refusal to accept it's citizen deported from the US is not new.&nbsp;

''Pakistan's refusal to accept every Pakistani citizen deported from the US is not new. It seems that the US is no longer willing to overlook a wide range of official Pakistani behaviour. Bonhomie has been replaced by sanctions and restrictions based on Islamabad's policy decisions,'' Haqqani said.

While the law in this regard has been under existence since 1996, it is only in last several years that there had been increasing demand from lawmakers towards its enforcement against countries that had refused to accept deportees and visa over-stayers.&nbsp;

In the last few years, India has been taking such deportees on special planes at regular intervals.

The Trump administration after coming to power had said that it will strictly enforce such provisions by denying visas to people from those countries that refuse it accepting deportees and visa over-stayers.

While section 243 (d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act was used only twice before 2017, the Trump Administration has been effective in using this provision on many countries, including Pakistan.

However, the State Department federal register notification indicates that the number of visa denial under this sanction is far less.&nbsp;

Since the law was modified to cover non-immigrant visas in 1996, 318 visa applicants have been affected, the notification said.&nbsp;

During this same time period, tens of millions of aliens have received non-immigrant visas including, collectively, millions of applicants from the 10 countries affected, the notification said.

The Federal Register notification said that there is no set formula, though, notably State has never issued a blanket refusal for visas from the country in question.

For some countries, sanctions begin by targeting officials who work in the ministries responsible for accepting the return of that country's nationals with escalation scenarios that target family members of those officials and potentially officials of other ministries and then other categories of applicants if initial sanctions do not prove effective at encouraging greater cooperation on removals by the targeted government, the notification said.&nbsp;

The US has imposed sanctions on Pakistan after Islamabad refused to take back its citizen deportees and visa over-stayers from America, warning that it may withhold visas of Pakistanis beginning from its senior officials.

The US has imposed sanctions on Pakistan after Islamabad refused to take back its citizen deportees and visa over-stayers from America, warning that it may withhold visas of Pakistanis beginning from its senior officials. The State Department on Friday said that consular operations in Pakistan remain unchanged as of now but as a result of such a sanction mentioned in a Federal Register notification dated April 22, the US may withhold visas of Pakistanis beginning with its senior officials. Also read: Pakistan BRI's earliest and most enthusiastic proponents: PM Imran Khan Pakistan is the latest to join the list of 10 nations that have been imposed with sanctions under a US law according to which countries refusing to take back deportees and visa over-stayers will be denied American visas. Notably, eight of these countries have been slapped with such visa sanctions under the Trump administration. Two of them Ghana and Pakistan have been included in the list this year. The other countries include Guyana in 2001, the Gambia in 2016, Cambodia, Eritrea, Guinea, and Sierra Leone in 2017, Burma and Laos in 2018. Under Section 243 (d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the Secretary of State is required to discontinue granting immigration or non-immigrant visas to a nation upon receiving notice from the Homeland Security Secretary that the country has denied or is unreasonably delaying accepting a citizen, subject, national or resident of that country. The State Department tried to downplay the impact of the sanctions on Pakistan. "Consular operations in Pakistan remain unchanged, a State Department Spokesperson told PTI when asked about the federal register notification. This is a bilateral issue of ongoing discussion between the US and Pakistani governments and we are not going to get into the specifics at this time, the spokesperson added. Former Pakistan's Ambassador to the US, Hussain Haqqani, feels that this will make things difficult for Pakistanis. ''This measure will create hardship for Pakistanis who want or need to travel to the US and could have been avoided if Pakistani authorities had not ignored American requests to respect their legal requirements for deportation,'' Haqqani told PTI, days after the federal register notification. He said that Pakistan's refusal to accept it's citizen deported from the US is not new. ''Pakistan's refusal to accept every Pakistani citizen deported from the US is not new. It seems that the US is no longer willing to overlook a wide range of official Pakistani behaviour. Bonhomie has been replaced by sanctions and restrictions based on Islamabad's policy decisions,'' Haqqani said. While the law in this regard has been under existence since 1996, it is only in last several years that there had been increasing demand from lawmakers towards its enforcement against countries that had refused to accept deportees and visa over-stayers. In the last few years, India has been taking such deportees on special planes at regular intervals. The Trump administration after coming to power had said that it will strictly enforce such provisions by denying visas to people from those countries that refuse it accepting deportees and visa over-stayers. While section 243 (d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act was used only twice before 2017, the Trump Administration has been effective in using this provision on many countries, including Pakistan. However, the State Department federal register notification indicates that the number of visa denial under this sanction is far less. Since the law was modified to cover non-immigrant visas in 1996, 318 visa applicants have been affected, the notification said. During this same time period, tens of millions of aliens have received non-immigrant visas including, collectively, millions of applicants from the 10 countries affected, the notification said. The Federal Register notification said that there is no set formula, though, notably State has never issued a blanket refusal for visas from the country in question. For some countries, sanctions begin by targeting officials who work in the ministries responsible for accepting the return of that country's nationals with escalation scenarios that target family members of those officials and potentially officials of other ministries and then other categories of applicants if initial sanctions do not prove effective at encouraging greater cooperation on removals by the targeted government, the notification said.

US imposes sanction on Pakistan after Islamabad refuses to take back deportees

Former president and opposition Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari Thursday asked his supporters to "march towards Islamabad" and topple Prime Minister Imran Khan's government.

Addressing a rally at Garhi Khuda Baksh in Larkana on the 40th death anniversary of former prime minister and PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Zardari said it was time for the Khan's government to go.

"We cannot give them more time. We have to march towards Islamabad to oust the government to save this country," Zardari said.

He also accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of trying to repeal the 18th Amendment, which took away powers from the President to dissolve an elected government and impose martial law.

"Before the elections, I told you that they want to repeal the 18th Amendment," Zardari said. "That's why they are lodging cases against us. At the time, some friends believed me and some people made fun."

"Now you have seen that the 'selected' prime minister's (bubble) has burst. He said he does not have funds. If you can't collect funds through the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) then leave," he added.

Zardari, his son and PPP co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and his other close associates and business partners are facing money laundering and corruption charges from the National Accountability Bureau and the arrest of the former president and other key figures appear likely.

Earlier in the day, the Islamabad High Court issued a notice to Zardari on a petition seeking his disqualification as a lawmaker for hiding assets worth over USD 1 million including a flat in New York and bulletproof vehicles in the election nomination papers last year.

The petition was filed by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Khurram Sher Zaman and Usman Dar.

Zardari told the crowd that Khan as prime minister has sent Pakistan 50 years back with his economic policies.

"They don't care about the poor. We can't give them more time, we have to march to Islamabad for the sake of the country," he added.

In his speech, Bilawal asked why justice for Bhutto's "judicial murder" has not been served despite four decades having passed by.

Bhutto, the father-in-law of Zardari and father of Pakistan's slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was hanged in jail on April 4, 1979, on court orders in a murder case.

"Today is the 40th year of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's judicial murder," Bilawal said.

"This is a tragic chapter of history. This day is asking a question from this country: why was the protector of the poor public murdered? He opened the way for 90,000 prisoners to return home, he turned this country into an atomic power. Who signed his death warrant? That question is still awaiting an answer.

"The (former) president submitted a request eight years ago that we should get answers for the murder of our founder. Why do the scales of justice tip one side when it comes to us (Bhuttos)?" he asked.

Bilawal accused Khan and his ministers of becoming arrogant after coming into power.

He warned the government that if any attempt was made to repeal the 18th Amendment his party would end the government.

He also claimed that the prime minister didn't care about Sindh province, which is governed by the PPP.

"He only wants Sindh's resources and its gas. He wants to take away the rights of Sindh, steal KP's assets, and keep Balochistan deprived. Provincial governments make provincial decisions, and this is how nations are strengthened but this is beyond this puppet prime minister's understanding."

Bilawal said that the cases against him are based on "false allegations" and claimed that he has not been given a fair chance to present his answers in the court.

"I have not been able to record my statement before any court," he said.

"All I get are three minutes (to speak) before the court and then they say 'this is something we never heard'. I want to ask the honourable judges to summon old transcripts and recordings."&nbsp;

Former president and opposition Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari Thursday asked his supporters to "march towards Islamabad" and topple Prime Minister Imran Khan's government.

Former president and opposition Pakistan Peoples Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari Thursday asked his supporters to "march towards Islamabad" and topple Prime Minister Imran Khan's government. Addressing a rally at Garhi Khuda Baksh in Larkana on the 40th death anniversary of former prime minister and PPP founder Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Zardari said it was time for the Khan's government to go. "We cannot give them more time. We have to march towards Islamabad to oust the government to save this country," Zardari said. He also accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government of trying to repeal the 18th Amendment, which took away powers from the President to dissolve an elected government and impose martial law. "Before the elections, I told you that they want to repeal the 18th Amendment," Zardari said. "That's why they are lodging cases against us. At the time, some friends believed me and some people made fun." "Now you have seen that the 'selected' prime minister's (bubble) has burst. He said he does not have funds. If you can't collect funds through the FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) then leave," he added. Zardari, his son and PPP co-chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and his other close associates and business partners are facing money laundering and corruption charges from the National Accountability Bureau and the arrest of the former president and other key figures appear likely. Earlier in the day, the Islamabad High Court issued a notice to Zardari on a petition seeking his disqualification as a lawmaker for hiding assets worth over USD 1 million including a flat in New York and bulletproof vehicles in the election nomination papers last year. The petition was filed by the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders Khurram Sher Zaman and Usman Dar. Zardari told the crowd that Khan as prime minister has sent Pakistan 50 years back with his economic policies. "They don't care about the poor. We can't give them more time, we have to march to Islamabad for the sake of the country," he added. In his speech, Bilawal asked why justice for Bhutto's "judicial murder" has not been served despite four decades having passed by. Bhutto, the father-in-law of Zardari and father of Pakistan's slain prime minister Benazir Bhutto, was hanged in jail on April 4, 1979, on court orders in a murder case. "Today is the 40th year of Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto's judicial murder," Bilawal said. "This is a tragic chapter of history. This day is asking a question from this country: why was the protector of the poor public murdered? He opened the way for 90,000 prisoners to return home, he turned this country into an atomic power. Who signed his death warrant? That question is still awaiting an answer. "The (former) president submitted a request eight years ago that we should get answers for the murder of our founder. Why do the scales of justice tip one side when it comes to us (Bhuttos)?" he asked. Bilawal accused Khan and his ministers of becoming arrogant after coming into power. He warned the government that if any attempt was made to repeal the 18th Amendment his party would end the government. He also claimed that the prime minister didn't care about Sindh province, which is governed by the PPP. "He only wants Sindh's resources and its gas. He wants to take away the rights of Sindh, steal KP's assets, and keep Balochistan deprived. Provincial governments make provincial decisions, and this is how nations are strengthened but this is beyond this puppet prime minister's understanding." Bilawal said that the cases against him are based on "false allegations" and claimed that he has not been given a fair chance to present his answers in the court. "I have not been able to record my statement before any court," he said. "All I get are three minutes (to speak) before the court and then they say 'this is something we never heard'. I want to ask the honourable judges to summon old transcripts and recordings."

Zardari asks supporters to 'march towards Islamabad'; topple Imran Khan's government

India reacts to Pak National Day row

Islamabad: Indian diplomats will not attend Pak Day

India sends note verbale to Pak over diplomats facing harassment in Islamabad

Two Pakistani nationals were killed in the terror attack on two <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-mosque-shootings-kill-49-in-what-pm-calls-terrorist-attack-203560">mosques</a> in New Zealand and one of them died while he was attempting to stop the shooter during the attack, according to a media report. 
 
Naeem Rashid, succumbed to his wounds while under treatment following the attack and was identified as the individual who rushed at the right-wing terrorist attacking the mosque in Christchurch city, the Express Tribune reported. 
 
Rashid, hailing from Abbottabad, received bullet wounds as he tried to overpower the shooter as he entered one of the mosques in Christchurch, the daily said. His son, Talha Rashid also lost his life in the same attack that left at least 49 dead and many others wounded. &nbsp; 
 
A number of other Pakistan citizens were also present in the mosques during the time of the attack. 
 
Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal on Saturday released a list of nine Pakistani citizens missing after the mosque attacks. 
 
The Foreign Office spokesperson said that Pakistan's Mission in New Zealand is trying to ascertain further details. 
 
Earlier the FO had said that four Pakistani nationals were injured, while five were still missing after the horrific terrorist attacks. 
 
Australia-born, 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant, live-streamed footage of himself going room-to-room, victim to victim, shooting the wounded from close range as they struggled to crawl away. 
 
He also published a racist 'manifesto' on social media before the attack, featuring conspiracy theories about Europeans being 'displaced'&nbsp;by immigrants and details of two years of preparation and radicalization leading up to the shootings. 
 
His two targets were the Masjid al Noor mosque, where 41 people died, and a second, smaller mosque in the suburb of Linwood, where seven more died. The remaining victim succumbed in hospital. 
 
The survivors included 17 members of Bangladesh's cricket team, whose game against New Zealand on Saturday has been canceled, and a Palestinian man who fled for his life after seeing someone being shot in the head. 
 
The attack has shocked New Zealanders, who are used to seeing around 50 murders a year in the entire country of 4.8 million and pride themselves on living in a secure and welcoming place. 
 
Did police warn Muslims all over the country not to visit mosques? anywhere in New Zealand? in the wake of the Christchurch attacks.

Two Pakistani nationals were killed in the terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand and one of them died while he was attempting to stop the shooter during the attack, according to a media report.

Two Pakistani nationals were killed in the terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand and one of them died while he was attempting to stop the shooter during the attack, according to a media report. Naeem Rashid, succumbed to his wounds while under treatment following the attack and was identified as the individual who rushed at the right-wing terrorist attacking the mosque in Christchurch city, the Express Tribune reported. Rashid, hailing from Abbottabad, received bullet wounds as he tried to overpower the shooter as he entered one of the mosques in Christchurch, the daily said. His son, Talha Rashid also lost his life in the same attack that left at least 49 dead and many others wounded. A number of other Pakistan citizens were also present in the mosques during the time of the attack. Foreign Office spokesperson Mohammad Faisal on Saturday released a list of nine Pakistani citizens missing after the mosque attacks. The Foreign Office spokesperson said that Pakistan's Mission in New Zealand is trying to ascertain further details. Earlier the FO had said that four Pakistani nationals were injured, while five were still missing after the horrific terrorist attacks. Australia-born, 28-year-old Brenton Tarrant, live-streamed footage of himself going room-to-room, victim to victim, shooting the wounded from close range as they struggled to crawl away. He also published a racist 'manifesto' on social media before the attack, featuring conspiracy theories about Europeans being 'displaced' by immigrants and details of two years of preparation and radicalization leading up to the shootings. His two targets were the Masjid al Noor mosque, where 41 people died, and a second, smaller mosque in the suburb of Linwood, where seven more died. The remaining victim succumbed in hospital. The survivors included 17 members of Bangladesh's cricket team, whose game against New Zealand on Saturday has been canceled, and a Palestinian man who fled for his life after seeing someone being shot in the head. The attack has shocked New Zealanders, who are used to seeing around 50 murders a year in the entire country of 4.8 million and pride themselves on living in a secure and welcoming place. Did police warn Muslims all over the country not to visit mosques? anywhere in New Zealand? in the wake of the Christchurch attacks.

Pakistani man dies trying to overpower New Zealand mosque attacker

India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/decision-tomorrow-india-urges-unsc-to-list-masood-azhar-as-international-terrorist-202946">Session of the Human Rights Council</a> for its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-puts-jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhars-son-brother-under-preventive-detention-201325">support to terrorism</a> and raking up <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/jaish-e-mohammed-chief-masood-azhar-alive-says-pakistan-media-200960">Kashmir</a> and situation of minorities in the country.

In the Second Right of Reply, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Mini Devi Kumam said, "Despite its public commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for terrorism against India, Pakistan continues supporting terror attacks against India, the latest being the Pulwama terror attack last month."

She reminded Pakistan of its "infamous distinction" of hosting 132 UN-designated terrorists &amp; 22 terrorist entities.

The development comes ahead of the decision on listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under UN terror list by United Nation Security Council 1267 committee.

The Indian diplomat said, "India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and other UN proscribed terror organizations and prevent Jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan."

Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on 14th February.

On the issue of Islamabad raking up situation of minorities at the world body, Kumam while highlighting how "India is a secular State and safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of our polity", said, minorities in Pakistan face "blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, discrimination, denial of basic rights and freedoms, enforced disappearances and killings."

She further added, "Pakistan today stands out as the country having more cases of blasphemy than the rest of the world put together in the past few years."

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has consistently tried to raise the issue of minorities in India in the last 3 months while turning a blind eye to the situation in his own country.

New Delhi also rejected Pakistan's false narratives on Kashmir saying Pakistan "consistently misled the world" regarding its involvement in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir starting from its "aggression in 1947 and stationing its large troops in the Pakistan occupied territories in violation to the international laws."

India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council for its support to terrorism and raking up Kashmir and situation of minorities in the country.

India has slammed Pakistan at the 40th Session of the Human Rights Council for its support to terrorism and raking up Kashmir and situation of minorities in the country. In the Second Right of Reply, First Secretary at India's Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva Mini Devi Kumam said, "Despite its public commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control for terrorism against India, Pakistan continues supporting terror attacks against India, the latest being the Pulwama terror attack last month." She reminded Pakistan of its "infamous distinction" of hosting 132 UN-designated terrorists & 22 terrorist entities. The development comes ahead of the decision on listing of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar under UN terror list by United Nation Security Council 1267 committee. The Indian diplomat said, "India has been repeatedly urging Pakistan to take action against Jaish-e-Mohammed and other UN proscribed terror organizations and prevent Jihadis from being trained and armed inside Pakistan." Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel on 14th February. On the issue of Islamabad raking up situation of minorities at the world body, Kumam while highlighting how "India is a secular State and safeguarding the rights of minorities forms an essential core of our polity", said, minorities in Pakistan face "blasphemy laws, systemic persecution, discrimination, denial of basic rights and freedoms, enforced disappearances and killings." She further added, "Pakistan today stands out as the country having more cases of blasphemy than the rest of the world put together in the past few years." Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has consistently tried to raise the issue of minorities in India in the last 3 months while turning a blind eye to the situation in his own country. New Delhi also rejected Pakistan's false narratives on Kashmir saying Pakistan "consistently misled the world" regarding its involvement in the Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir starting from its "aggression in 1947 and stationing its large troops in the Pakistan occupied territories in violation to the international laws."

India slams Pakistan ahead of the decision on Masood Azhar; highlights Islamabad's role in Pulwama attack

Member of Pakistan's national assembly and member of the ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Dr Ramesh Vankwani who was in India for the Kumbh Mela has called both India and Pakistan to develop faith and sit for dialogue.&nbsp;

He said," World is moving towards peace. We have to develop faith over each other and if we do not have faith on other each other our will would weaken. Negative people are present on both sides of the border. We have to sideline them. Right now people of both the countries want peace."

Dr Ramesh Vankwani who is from the minority Hindu community of Pakistan and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj said, "Once France and Germany were enemies. But today no one asks if you stay in France or Germany. Even south and north Korea moving in a positive trajectory.US President Abraham Lincoln once said--Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”

He was present at an event on in Delhi were PM Modi and EAM Sushma addressed delegates from 182 countries who had come for Kumbh Mela.

Asked about Pakistan's involvement in Pulwama terror on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based Jaish e, Mohammad, Vankwani said, "Not at all. Don't even think Pakistan will ever allow its territory to be used against India. If there is evidence we will act. Whether Jaish is saying to take credit or if in fact, Jaish has done, you will see action by our govt."

Adding, "Time has moved, we now take action. Our biggest religion should be humanity. Loss due to terror is a loss for all on both sides of the border."

He said he met foreign minister Sushma for 20 minutes and was with the minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh last week during the Kumbha Mela visit along with people of other countries.

He said he will brief Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan about his meetings in Delhi and tell about the "grievances and what could be the solution". He also requested media from both the sides of the border to talk in a positive manner for the sake of peace in the region.

Vankwani is the head of the Pakistan Hindu council which is the representative body of all Hindus of Pakistan.

His presence in India comes even as New Delhi is asking Islamabad to act on terror groups on its territory in the aftermath of Pulwama attack.&nbsp;

The Pulwama attack which took place on 14th February is the worst attack on Indian forces in the last two decades and killed more than 40 paramilitary forces.

&nbsp;

Member of Pakistan's national assembly and member of the ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Dr Ramesh Vankwani who was in India for the Kumbh Mela has called both India and Pakistan to develop faith and sit for dialogue.

Member of Pakistan's national assembly and member of the ruling party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party Dr Ramesh Vankwani who was in India for the Kumbh Mela has called both India and Pakistan to develop faith and sit for dialogue. He said," World is moving towards peace. We have to develop faith over each other and if we do not have faith on other each other our will would weaken. Negative people are present on both sides of the border. We have to sideline them. Right now people of both the countries want peace." Dr Ramesh Vankwani who is from the minority Hindu community of Pakistan and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj said, "Once France and Germany were enemies. But today no one asks if you stay in France or Germany. Even south and north Korea moving in a positive trajectory.US President Abraham Lincoln once said--Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?” He was present at an event on in Delhi were PM Modi and EAM Sushma addressed delegates from 182 countries who had come for Kumbh Mela. Asked about Pakistan's involvement in Pulwama terror on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based Jaish e, Mohammad, Vankwani said, "Not at all. Don't even think Pakistan will ever allow its territory to be used against India. If there is evidence we will act. Whether Jaish is saying to take credit or if in fact, Jaish has done, you will see action by our govt." Adding, "Time has moved, we now take action. Our biggest religion should be humanity. Loss due to terror is a loss for all on both sides of the border." He said he met foreign minister Sushma for 20 minutes and was with the minister of state in the ministry of external affairs General VK Singh last week during the Kumbha Mela visit along with people of other countries. He said he will brief Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan about his meetings in Delhi and tell about the "grievances and what could be the solution". He also requested media from both the sides of the border to talk in a positive manner for the sake of peace in the region. Vankwani is the head of the Pakistan Hindu council which is the representative body of all Hindus of Pakistan. His presence in India comes even as New Delhi is asking Islamabad to act on terror groups on its territory in the aftermath of Pulwama attack. The Pulwama attack which took place on 14th February is the worst attack on Indian forces in the last two decades and killed more than 40 paramilitary forces.

Politician from Imran Khan's party Ramesh Vankwani urges India, Pakistan to go on path of peace, says Islamabad will act on terror if evidence given

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-pakistan-will-face-major-economic-loss-after-fatf-puts-it-on-grey-list-of-terror-financing-34131">Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has come hard on Pakistan </a>saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban. "

The FATF asked Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies and said, "Given the limited progress on action plan items due in January 2019, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/how-will-fatf-grey-listing-impact-pakistan-148048">FATF</a> urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019."

Pakistan was put on the greylist last year which meant the country came under financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply - supports financing of terror.

Even as Financial Action Task Force (FATF) came hard on Pakistan on for not doing enough on terror financing, the president of the anti-terror financing group Marshall Billingslea has said that the multilateral group will hold Islamabad accountable if the country does not fulfil its commitments.&nbsp;

Replying to WION's question that is Pakistan serious on acting on terror, in briefing post the week-long FATF plenary, Billingslea said, "I have engaged in my capacity as the president of FATF...I believe when they issue high-level commitment that they well understood what they were committing too and again as I have said we will hold them to it and we expect time table to be met and action plan to be fully implemented in line with FATF standards"

A high-level delegation from the government&nbsp;of Pakistan attended the FATF plenary.

In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies.

FATF said, "Pakistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by operationalising the integrated database for its currency declaration regime."

FATF has listed ten points including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists" for Pakistan to act on.&nbsp;

The development comes shot in the arm for New Delhi which has been focusing in global isolation of Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack which was claimed by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM).

&nbsp;

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban.

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the terror financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban. " The FATF asked Pakistan should continue to work on implementing its action plan to address its strategic deficiencies and said, "Given the limited progress on action plan items due in January 2019, the FATF urges Pakistan to swiftly complete its action plan, particularly those with timelines of May 2019." Pakistan was put on the greylist last year which meant the country came under financial jurisdiction with “structural deficiencies” in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply - supports financing of terror. Even as Financial Action Task Force (FATF) came hard on Pakistan on for not doing enough on terror financing, the president of the anti-terror financing group Marshall Billingslea has said that the multilateral group will hold Islamabad accountable if the country does not fulfil its commitments. Replying to WION's question that is Pakistan serious on acting on terror, in briefing post the week-long FATF plenary, Billingslea said, "I have engaged in my capacity as the president of FATF...I believe when they issue high-level commitment that they well understood what they were committing too and again as I have said we will hold them to it and we expect time table to be met and action plan to be fully implemented in line with FATF standards" A high-level delegation from the government of Pakistan attended the FATF plenary. In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies. FATF said, "Pakistan has taken steps towards improving its AML/CFT regime, including by operationalising the integrated database for its currency declaration regime." FATF has listed ten points including "demonstrating effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions against all 1267 and 1373 designated terrorists" for Pakistan to act on. The development comes shot in the arm for New Delhi which has been focusing in global isolation of Pakistan in the aftermath of the Pulwama attack which was claimed by Pakistan based Jaish-e-Mohammad(JeM).

Pakistan hasn't demonstrated proper understanding of terror financing: FATF

Pakistan on Monday conferred its highest civilian award to the crown prince of Saudi Arabia at the end of his two-day visit to the South Asian country. 
 
President Arif Alvi awarded the Nishan-e- Pakistan to Mohammad Bin Salman, also known as MBS, acknowledging his outstanding support for revitalizing bilateral relations between the two countries. 
 
The ceremony, telecast live on the state-run television, was held a day after the prince announced multi-billion dollar investments in Pakistan. 
 
The Saudi prince said the relationship between the two countries was based on the principle of Islamic solidarity. 
 
The award ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace and was attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. 
 
Bin Salman met with Alvi and Bajwa before the ceremony to discuss Pakistan's role in peace talks between the United States and the Afghan Taliban. 
 
Bin Salman's Pakistan trip comes as his global image has taken a hit after the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October last year at the Saudi Arabian embassy in Istanbul. 
 
The Saudi delegation travelling with the prince signed seven trade agreements on Sunday and $20 billion investment deals in areas including mining, petrol and renewable energy. 
 
These investments are said to be a major help to Pakistan overcome its financial crisis with a 6.6 per cent budget deficit of the gross domestic product amid declining foreign exchange reserves for which it has sought $12 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund. 
 
In another gesture towards Saudi's historic partner, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-saudi-crown-prince-orders-2100-pakistani-prisoners-released-198084">Bin Salman ordered the release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia</a>, according to Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain. 
 
Some 2.5 million Pakistanis work in Saudi Arabia and remittances sent by them are fundamental for the economy of the country, but a larger perception of them being abused and thousands being imprisoned exists. 
 
At the conclusion of his two-day visit to Pakistan, Bin Salman was scheduled to travel to India to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 
 
The tour comes at a time of escalated tensions between India and Pakistan following Thursday's attack against a security convoy in Indian Kashmir, which left 42 paramilitary troopers dead. Pakistan has dismissed India's allegations that Islamabad was involved in the attack. 
 
Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, who is travelling with the prince, told reporters in Islamabad that his country would try to de-escalate tensions between the two neighbours and see how differences between them could be resolved peacefully. 
 
India has vowed to retaliate and "isolate" Pakistan diplomatically in the international community.

Pakistan on Monday conferred its highest civilian award to the crown prince of Saudi Arabia at the end of his two-day visit to the South Asian country. President Arif Alvi awarded the Nishan-e- Pakistan to Mohammad Bin Salman, also known as MBS, acknowledging his outstanding support for revitalizing bilateral relations between the two countries.

Pakistan on Monday conferred its highest civilian award to the crown prince of Saudi Arabia at the end of his two-day visit to the South Asian country. President Arif Alvi awarded the Nishan-e- Pakistan to Mohammad Bin Salman, also known as MBS, acknowledging his outstanding support for revitalizing bilateral relations between the two countries. The ceremony, telecast live on the state-run television, was held a day after the prince announced multi-billion dollar investments in Pakistan. The Saudi prince said the relationship between the two countries was based on the principle of Islamic solidarity. The award ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace and was attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Bin Salman met with Alvi and Bajwa before the ceremony to discuss Pakistan's role in peace talks between the United States and the Afghan Taliban. Bin Salman's Pakistan trip comes as his global image has taken a hit after the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October last year at the Saudi Arabian embassy in Istanbul. The Saudi delegation travelling with the prince signed seven trade agreements on Sunday and $20 billion investment deals in areas including mining, petrol and renewable energy. These investments are said to be a major help to Pakistan overcome its financial crisis with a 6.6 per cent budget deficit of the gross domestic product amid declining foreign exchange reserves for which it has sought $12 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund. In another gesture towards Saudi's historic partner, Bin Salman ordered the release of 2,107 Pakistani prisoners in Saudi Arabia, according to Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain. Some 2.5 million Pakistanis work in Saudi Arabia and remittances sent by them are fundamental for the economy of the country, but a larger perception of them being abused and thousands being imprisoned exists. At the conclusion of his two-day visit to Pakistan, Bin Salman was scheduled to travel to India to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The tour comes at a time of escalated tensions between India and Pakistan following Thursday's attack against a security convoy in Indian Kashmir, which left 42 paramilitary troopers dead. Pakistan has dismissed India's allegations that Islamabad was involved in the attack. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, who is travelling with the prince, told reporters in Islamabad that his country would try to de-escalate tensions between the two neighbours and see how differences between them could be resolved peacefully. India has vowed to retaliate and "isolate" Pakistan diplomatically in the international community.

Pakistan honours Saudi Crown Prince with highest civilian award

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest.&nbsp;

Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl has taken responsibility for the attacks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani pledging to avenge the attack. He said "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs”

Remember on Friday, India had summoned Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack.&nbsp;

Multiple reactions are coming from Iran in the aftermath of the attack. Local Iranian media on Saturday reported that the Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, '“Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them.” Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack.

Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif and said his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack.&nbsp;

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and attack on the revolutionary guards in Iran.

In a press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India"s Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other."

Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue."

After the meet, Araqchi had also tweeted saying "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!"

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest.

Days after a terror attack in the southeastern Sistan and Balouchestan that killed 27 revolutionary guards, Iran on Sunday summoned Pakistan ambassador Riffat Masood to lodge a formal protest. Pakistan based Jaish ul-Adl has taken responsibility for the attacks with Iranian president Hassan Rouhani pledging to avenge the attack. He said "our nation will certainly take revenge for the blood of these dear martyrs” Remember on Friday, India had summoned Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood in the aftermath of Pulwama terror attack. Multiple reactions are coming from Iran in the aftermath of the attack. Local Iranian media on Saturday reported that the Commander of Revolution Guards (IRGC) Major General Mohammad Ali Jafari said, '“Iran will retaliate against the group [that conducted the attack] if Pakistan fails to punish them.” Iran's Parliament Speaker Ali Larijani has also slammed Pakistan and called on Islamabad to be held accountable for the terror attack. Meanwhile, Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi called on Iran's foreign minister Javad Zarif and said his country is ready to cooperate to investigate the attack. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had made a stopover in Tehran on Saturday while going to Bulgaria and had a meeting with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Seyyed Abbas Araqchi. During the meeting, both discussed the recent Pulwama terror attack in India and attack on the revolutionary guards in Iran. In a press statement issued by Iran's foreign ministry, "They condemned the recent terrorist attacks in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan and India"s Srinagar, and offered sympathy to each other." Adding further the release said, "The two sides underlined the necessity of establishing peace and calm in the region through dialogue." After the meet, Araqchi had also tweeted saying "we agreed on close cooperation to combat terrorism in the region. Enough is enough!"

After India, Iran lashes out on Pakistan on terror front; summons Pak envoy

Pakistan on Friday said the visit of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-gets-ready-to-woo-saudi-crown-prince-197632">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a> to the country was delayed by a day.

The crown prince was scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday on a two-day visit.

However, the arrival has been rescheduled and now he would arrive on Sunday, the Foreign Office said without divulging the reason for the change.

It further said the crown prince "will visit Pakistan on February 17-18, 2019" and the "visit programme remains unchanged".

Abdul Razzak Dawood, Advisor to prime minister on trade, said investment deals worth USD 10-15 billion dollars would be signed during the trip. On the top of the list is an agreement to set up an oil refinery in Pakistan.

Elaborate security arrangements have been planned during the visit of the powerful heir to the Saudi throne.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Friday said the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the country was delayed by a day. The crown prince was scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday on a two-day visit.

Pakistan on Friday said the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the country was delayed by a day. The crown prince was scheduled to arrive in Islamabad on Saturday on a two-day visit. However, the arrival has been rescheduled and now he would arrive on Sunday, the Foreign Office said without divulging the reason for the change. It further said the crown prince "will visit Pakistan on February 17-18, 2019" and the "visit programme remains unchanged". Abdul Razzak Dawood, Advisor to prime minister on trade, said investment deals worth USD 10-15 billion dollars would be signed during the trip. On the top of the list is an agreement to set up an oil refinery in Pakistan. Elaborate security arrangements have been planned during the visit of the powerful heir to the Saudi throne.

Pakistan says Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Islamabad delayed by a day

Pakistan's former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, who is heading a Saudi Arabia-led Islamic military coalition, on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest.

Saudi Arabia acquired the services of Gen. Raheel, who retired in November 2016, as head of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) in 2017. The IMCTC was cobbled together in December 2015 to combat terrorism.

Sharif, who is considered to be close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is leading a delegation of IMCTC - the 41-nation military coalition - to Pakistan.

During the meeting, Khan and Sharif "exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest", state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Sharif, who arrived in Islamabad Sunday ahead of the Saudi crown prince's maiden two-day trip starting February 16, has been busy meeting political and military bigwigs since then.

He has met Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Sharif apprised Qureshi of the measures that are being taken by the coalition in order to combat terrorism, said a statement by the Foreign Office.

The foreign minister "lauded the efforts of the coalition force to establish peace and stability in the region".

The two also talked about the importance of regional peace and stability and other matters of mutual interest.

A press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of the army, said "matters of mutual interest including regional peace and stability" were discussed during Gen Sharif's meeting with Gen Bajwa.

The former army chief has said the basic objective of IMCTC was to fight against the menace of terrorism until its eradication.

The Saudi government had surprised many countries by announcing that it had forged a coalition for coordinating and supporting military operations against terrorism in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan.

Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-rival for influence in the Arab world, was absent from the states named as participants, as proxy conflicts between the two regional powers range from Syria to Yemen.&nbsp;

In December last year, Gen. Raheel dismissed the notion that the military coalition was aimed against any particular country, nation or sect without any mentions.&nbsp;

Pakistan's former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, who is heading a Saudi Arabia-led Islamic military coalition, on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest.

Pakistan's former army chief Gen Raheel Sharif, who is heading a Saudi Arabia-led Islamic military coalition, on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Imran Khan and exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest. Saudi Arabia acquired the services of Gen. Raheel, who retired in November 2016, as head of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) in 2017. The IMCTC was cobbled together in December 2015 to combat terrorism. Sharif, who is considered to be close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, is leading a delegation of IMCTC - the 41-nation military coalition - to Pakistan. During the meeting, Khan and Sharif "exchanged views on regional peace and stability besides discussing matters of mutual interest", state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Sharif, who arrived in Islamabad Sunday ahead of the Saudi crown prince's maiden two-day trip starting February 16, has been busy meeting political and military bigwigs since then. He has met Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Senate Chairman Sadiq Sanjrani and Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. Sharif apprised Qureshi of the measures that are being taken by the coalition in order to combat terrorism, said a statement by the Foreign Office. The foreign minister "lauded the efforts of the coalition force to establish peace and stability in the region". The two also talked about the importance of regional peace and stability and other matters of mutual interest. A press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of the army, said "matters of mutual interest including regional peace and stability" were discussed during Gen Sharif's meeting with Gen Bajwa. The former army chief has said the basic objective of IMCTC was to fight against the menace of terrorism until its eradication. The Saudi government had surprised many countries by announcing that it had forged a coalition for coordinating and supporting military operations against terrorism in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan. Iran, Saudi Arabia's arch-rival for influence in the Arab world, was absent from the states named as participants, as proxy conflicts between the two regional powers range from Syria to Yemen. In December last year, Gen. Raheel dismissed the notion that the military coalition was aimed against any particular country, nation or sect without any mentions.

Saudi-led military coalition chief Raheel Sharif calls on Pak PM Imran Khan

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake jolted several cities in the northern parts of Pakistan on Saturday, the meteorological department said.&nbsp;

However, there was no immediate report of any casualty or damage.&nbsp;

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad, the epicentre of the quake was Hindu Kush, a mountain range that stretches near the Afghan-Pakistan border -- from central Afghanistan to northern Pakistan.

The earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale took place at a depth of 208 kilometres in the Hindu Kush Region in Afghanistan, it said.&nbsp;

The tremors were felt in various cities of Pakistan, including Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Kohat, Swat, Mianwali and Sargodha, the Dawn News reported.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, a mild tremor was also felt in Karachi at 7:38 am. According to the Met department, it was recorded at a 2.9 magnitude on the Richter scale.&nbsp;

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake jolted several cities in the northern parts of Pakistan on Saturday, the meteorological department said. However, there was no immediate report of any casualty or damage.

A 5.8 magnitude earthquake jolted several cities in the northern parts of Pakistan on Saturday, the meteorological department said. However, there was no immediate report of any casualty or damage. According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department's National Seismic Monitoring Centre in Islamabad, the epicentre of the quake was Hindu Kush, a mountain range that stretches near the Afghan-Pakistan border -- from central Afghanistan to northern Pakistan. The earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale took place at a depth of 208 kilometres in the Hindu Kush Region in Afghanistan, it said. The tremors were felt in various cities of Pakistan, including Peshawar, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Kohat, Swat, Mianwali and Sargodha, the Dawn News reported. Earlier in the day, a mild tremor was also felt in Karachi at 7:38 am. According to the Met department, it was recorded at a 2.9 magnitude on the Richter scale.

5.8 magnitude earthquake hits several Pakistan cities

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