Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday launched special investment certificates for overseas Pakistanis to attract investment, offering them an opportunity to earn profits after a fixed period in a bid to help strengthen the country's fragile economy.

Speaking at the launch ceremony of the 'Pakistan Banao Certificates' - aimed at attracting investment from eight million overseas Pakistanis, Prime Minister Khan said while the crisis is not over for Pakistan as yet, the country will come out of this difficult period soon.

He said the days were not far away when Pakistani diaspora would be proud of the country.

"It is important for overseas Pakistanis to see the country prosper, as I have first-hand experience of how they were treated after the September 11 attacks,"&nbsp;he said.

The overseas Pakistanis can buy the certificates with minimum US $5,000 and any integral multiple of US $1,000 in excess thereof with no maximum limit.

The certificates would be of two maturities - one of three years at about 6.25 per cent return and another with five-year maturity carrying 6.75 per cent return.&nbsp;

Every overseas Pakistani having a national identity card and foreign bank account is eligible for the investment.

Talking about current financial difficulties, Khan said Pakistan would come out of it.

"There are ups and downs in life and it is important how we deal with difficult situations and come out of it stronger than before," he said.

Khan said with efforts Pakistan would become an "example of transformative change".

He also directed all embassies of the country to address problems of the overseas Pakistanis as he asked them to send remittances through banking channels.

Khan said that the balance of payment issues was only partially resolved.&nbsp;

"The easiest way to bring relief was to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), like previous governments kept doing, and the other route was to go to friendly nations and ask them to lend assistance to us. That is what we did, because we needed long-term solutions," Prime Minister Khan added.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday launched special investment certificates for overseas Pakistanis to attract investment, offering them an opportunity to earn profits after a fixed period in a bid to help strengthen the country's fragile economy.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday launched special investment certificates for overseas Pakistanis to attract investment, offering them an opportunity to earn profits after a fixed period in a bid to help strengthen the country's fragile economy. Speaking at the launch ceremony of the 'Pakistan Banao Certificates' - aimed at attracting investment from eight million overseas Pakistanis, Prime Minister Khan said while the crisis is not over for Pakistan as yet, the country will come out of this difficult period soon. He said the days were not far away when Pakistani diaspora would be proud of the country. "It is important for overseas Pakistanis to see the country prosper, as I have first-hand experience of how they were treated after the September 11 attacks," he said. The overseas Pakistanis can buy the certificates with minimum US $5,000 and any integral multiple of US $1,000 in excess thereof with no maximum limit. The certificates would be of two maturities - one of three years at about 6.25 per cent return and another with five-year maturity carrying 6.75 per cent return. Every overseas Pakistani having a national identity card and foreign bank account is eligible for the investment. Talking about current financial difficulties, Khan said Pakistan would come out of it. "There are ups and downs in life and it is important how we deal with difficult situations and come out of it stronger than before," he said. Khan said with efforts Pakistan would become an "example of transformative change". He also directed all embassies of the country to address problems of the overseas Pakistanis as he asked them to send remittances through banking channels. Khan said that the balance of payment issues was only partially resolved. "The easiest way to bring relief was to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), like previous governments kept doing, and the other route was to go to friendly nations and ask them to lend assistance to us. That is what we did, because we needed long-term solutions," Prime Minister Khan added.

To attract investment, Pakistan launches certificates for overseas citizens

Pakistan has dug up another issue in the ongoing saga of harassment of Indian mission and diplomats in Islamabad.&nbsp;

This time it is the Capital development authority of Pakistan that had demanded "completion certificate" from the Indian high commission in Islamabad on the new compound.&nbsp;

The authority has said the Indian mission has constructed, occupied and is functioning from the new building without a completion certificate.&nbsp;

Capital Development Authority is the nodal body for providing municipal services in Islamabad Capital Territory.&nbsp;

The Pakistani foreign ministry has raised the matter with India via a note verbale. India has taken up this matter with Pakistani high commission officials in Delhi.

The development comes, even as harassment of Indian diplomats continues. There were 4 major incidents of harassment of India diplomats in December of 2018.&nbsp;

On December 4 2018, the Indian high commissioner and deputy high commissioner were aggressively kept watched by Pakistani agencies during an event in Islamabad.&nbsp;

On December 10 someone tried to forcibly barge into the house of an Indian diplomat, on December 21 Indian High Commission team was questioned for 4 hours on the road in Peshawar and on December 25 electricity was cut for 4 hours at the house of an Indian diplomat.&nbsp;

Other than this there was a hacking attempt of social media accounts of Indian diplomats. India has sent note verbale to Pakistani foreign ministry and raised the matter many times with them.&nbsp;

In the last 2 weeks, Indian High commissioner Ajay Bisaria has met with Pakistan's foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood has met Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale to discuss a range of issues from Karatarpur corridor to harassment of diplomats.

Pakistan has dug up another issue in the ongoing saga of harassment of Indian mission and diplomats in Islamabad. This time it is the Capital development authority of Pakistan that had demanded "completion certificate" from the Indian high commission in Islamabad on the new compound.

Pakistan has dug up another issue in the ongoing saga of harassment of Indian mission and diplomats in Islamabad. This time it is the Capital development authority of Pakistan that had demanded "completion certificate" from the Indian high commission in Islamabad on the new compound. The authority has said the Indian mission has constructed, occupied and is functioning from the new building without a completion certificate. Capital Development Authority is the nodal body for providing municipal services in Islamabad Capital Territory. The Pakistani foreign ministry has raised the matter with India via a note verbale. India has taken up this matter with Pakistani high commission officials in Delhi. The development comes, even as harassment of Indian diplomats continues. There were 4 major incidents of harassment of India diplomats in December of 2018. On December 4 2018, the Indian high commissioner and deputy high commissioner were aggressively kept watched by Pakistani agencies during an event in Islamabad. On December 10 someone tried to forcibly barge into the house of an Indian diplomat, on December 21 Indian High Commission team was questioned for 4 hours on the road in Peshawar and on December 25 electricity was cut for 4 hours at the house of an Indian diplomat. Other than this there was a hacking attempt of social media accounts of Indian diplomats. India has sent note verbale to Pakistani foreign ministry and raised the matter many times with them. In the last 2 weeks, Indian High commissioner Ajay Bisaria has met with Pakistan's foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and Pakistani high commissioner Sohail Mahmood has met Indian foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale to discuss a range of issues from Karatarpur corridor to harassment of diplomats.

Pak says Indian High Commission functioning without completion certificate

A meeting to discuss the modalities on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the meeting in which Chief Secretary Punjab, DG BSF, DG Intel Punjab and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria were also present. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes.&nbsp;

The diplomats discussed land acquisition for the corridor on the Indian side, among other issues.&nbsp;

The Home Ministry is the nodal ministry that coordinates with the concerned authorities, including the local government. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the nodal ministry for the building and the development of the corridor on the Indian side.

According to sources in Pakistan, India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Corridor to Pakistan. The meeting may happen between the third week of January and February first week. Pakistan would accept the proposal and invite for a meeting, as and when proposed.&nbsp;

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In his letter to Rajnath Singh, the Punjab Chief Minister has requested the central government to put in place a simple procedure which would facilitate “khulle darshan deedar” of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, in keeping with the traditional Sikh Ardas (prayer). <a href="https://t.co/sOANbgxdtg">https://t.co/sOANbgxdtg</a>
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Meanwhile, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the Kartarpur corridor and requested him to scrap the condition of mandatory passport for devotees and put simple procedures in place.&nbsp;

This, he said in the letter, will enable "khulle darshan deedar” of the holy Gurudwara.&nbsp;

The Punjab CM suggested that any valid government document, such as the Aadhaar card, should be used for identification purposes. In the letter, he called on the central government to create adequate infrastructure at the border crossing to handle a large number of pilgrims. He added that the land proposed to be acquired should factor in both present and future requirements.

The Indian government on November 22 approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, India informed Pakistan about its decision and urged Islamabad to develop a corridor on its side from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri represented the Indian government at the ground-breaking ceremony for development of Kartarpur Corridor on the Pakistan side. 
&nbsp;

A meeting to discuss the modalities on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the meeting in which Chief Secretary Punjab, DG BSF, DG Intel Punjab and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria were also present.

A meeting to discuss the modalities on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the meeting in which Chief Secretary Punjab, DG BSF, DG Intel Punjab and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria were also present. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes. The diplomats discussed land acquisition for the corridor on the Indian side, among other issues. The Home Ministry is the nodal ministry that coordinates with the concerned authorities, including the local government. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the nodal ministry for the building and the development of the corridor on the Indian side. According to sources in Pakistan, India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Corridor to Pakistan. The meeting may happen between the third week of January and February first week. Pakistan would accept the proposal and invite for a meeting, as and when proposed. In his letter to Rajnath Singh, the Punjab Chief Minister has requested the central government to put in place a simple procedure which would facilitate “khulle darshan deedar” of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, in keeping with the traditional Sikh Ardas (prayer). https://t.co/sOANbgxdtg — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × Meanwhile, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the Kartarpur corridor and requested him to scrap the condition of mandatory passport for devotees and put simple procedures in place. This, he said in the letter, will enable "khulle darshan deedar” of the holy Gurudwara. The Punjab CM suggested that any valid government document, such as the Aadhaar card, should be used for identification purposes. In the letter, he called on the central government to create adequate infrastructure at the border crossing to handle a large number of pilgrims. He added that the land proposed to be acquired should factor in both present and future requirements. The Indian government on November 22 approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, India informed Pakistan about its decision and urged Islamabad to develop a corridor on its side from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri represented the Indian government at the ground-breaking ceremony for development of Kartarpur Corridor on the Pakistan side.

Meeting on Kartarpur corridor takes place in Home Ministry; diplomats discuss land acquisition 

A Pakistan High Commission official got involved in an altercation with an Indian woman at a&nbsp;market in Delhi. The lady complained against him to the&nbsp;police. The official was finally let off at the police station after he apologised to the lady.&nbsp;

As per the Indian government sources, there was no arrest.&nbsp;Pak&nbsp;government sources, on the other hand, claim&nbsp;that the officer was arrested.

Pak government sources told WION in Islamabad that the official was arrested and the government strongly protests this violation of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations and reserves the right to respond.

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

A Pakistan High Commission official got involved in an altercation with an Indian woman at a market in Delhi. The lady complained against him to the police. The official was finally let off at the police station after he apologised to the lady.

A Pakistan High Commission official got involved in an altercation with an Indian woman at a market in Delhi. The lady complained against him to the police. The official was finally let off at the police station after he apologised to the lady. As per the Indian government sources, there was no arrest. Pak government sources, on the other hand, claim that the officer was arrested. Pak government sources told WION in Islamabad that the official was arrested and the government strongly protests this violation of the Vienna convention on diplomatic relations and reserves the right to respond. The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

Pak official gets into altercation with Delhi woman, let off after apology

WION has accessed the initial draft on Kartarpur agreement which Pakistan will be proposing&nbsp;to India. According to the draft, Pakistan will be issuing a permit which will allow entry to 500 pilgrims per day. It will be visa-free travel but pilgrims will have to carry their passport and security clearance from India.&nbsp;

The government of India will have to share the details of pilgrims and their security clearance certificate with the Pakistan government&nbsp;three days prior to their entry through the Kartarpur corridor.&nbsp;

It is also proposed that the pilgrims must constitute a group of 15 people for the visit. The corridor will be open from 8 am to 5 pm. Both the sides will be creating a database of visiting pilgrims along with their travel history.

The Indian side is yet to receive the draft which says that, "Pakistan reserves the right to refuse entry, reduce the period of stay or terminate the stay in its territory of any pilgrim despite the grant of permit" if it considers "the pilgrim is found undesirable for security or other purposes."

In case of a dispute, it will be "amicably settled between parties through the diplomatic channel." Any side can terminate the agreement any time by giving one month's notice. The agreement also does not affect the existing commitments on border security.&nbsp;

On November 22, the Indian cabinet passed a resolution to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in 2019 and approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, Delhi informed Islamabad about its decision through Pakistan High Commission and urged&nbsp;Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the construction of the corridor on the Indian side on November 26 2018. Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri attended the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side as representatives of the government of India.

India has been doubtful of Pakistan's intentions owing to incidents like Pak foreign minister Shah Mehmood <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-googly-ensured-presence-of-indian-ministers-at-kartarpur-corridor-event-pakistan-foreign-minister-180412">Qureshi's "googly" remark</a>. Reacting to the remark, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said a few days ago, "Some people went from here and certain comments were made from that side, so I think there is hardly any need to speak further on this issue. I think their intentions on doing this thing was not with clear conscious which we felt from their certain statements."

The Transport Ministry is the nodal ministry for developing the corridor while the Home Ministry is in charge of coordinating with the concerned authorities, including the local government.

A high-level committee under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been constituted to review, monitor and oversee the activities as approved by the Cabinet for the implementation of the decisions in the matter.

Sources have told WION that India considers "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/kartarpur-corridor-high-point-of-diplomacy-for-imran-khan-government-pakistan-186836">Kartarpur corridor</a> a cultural initiative and not a diplomatic initiative" and it will not lead to the start of any dialogue process.&nbsp;

In a written statement in the Parliament, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side is envisaged to be an integrated development project with the government of India, funding for smooth and easy passage of Indian pilgrims with modern amenities."

India has also proposed pilgrim’s visit to shrines in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ground-report-kashmiri-pandits-demand-opening-of-sharada-temple-182956">Sharda Peeth</a>; Islamabad has not concurred with the proposal so far.

WION has accessed the initial draft on Kartarpur agreement which Pakistan will be proposing to India. According to the draft, Pakistan will be issuing a permit which will allow entry to 500 pilgrims per day.

WION has accessed the initial draft on Kartarpur agreement which Pakistan will be proposing to India. According to the draft, Pakistan will be issuing a permit which will allow entry to 500 pilgrims per day. It will be visa-free travel but pilgrims will have to carry their passport and security clearance from India. The government of India will have to share the details of pilgrims and their security clearance certificate with the Pakistan government three days prior to their entry through the Kartarpur corridor. It is also proposed that the pilgrims must constitute a group of 15 people for the visit. The corridor will be open from 8 am to 5 pm. Both the sides will be creating a database of visiting pilgrims along with their travel history. The Indian side is yet to receive the draft which says that, "Pakistan reserves the right to refuse entry, reduce the period of stay or terminate the stay in its territory of any pilgrim despite the grant of permit" if it considers "the pilgrim is found undesirable for security or other purposes." In case of a dispute, it will be "amicably settled between parties through the diplomatic channel." Any side can terminate the agreement any time by giving one month's notice. The agreement also does not affect the existing commitments on border security. On November 22, the Indian cabinet passed a resolution to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Devji in 2019 and approved the building of Kartarpur Corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, Delhi informed Islamabad about its decision through Pakistan High Commission and urged Pakistan to develop a corridor in their territory. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the construction of the corridor on the Indian side on November 26 2018. Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri attended the groundbreaking ceremony on the Pakistan side as representatives of the government of India. India has been doubtful of Pakistan's intentions owing to incidents like Pak foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's "googly" remark. Reacting to the remark, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar had said a few days ago, "Some people went from here and certain comments were made from that side, so I think there is hardly any need to speak further on this issue. I think their intentions on doing this thing was not with clear conscious which we felt from their certain statements." The Transport Ministry is the nodal ministry for developing the corridor while the Home Ministry is in charge of coordinating with the concerned authorities, including the local government. A high-level committee under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has been constituted to review, monitor and oversee the activities as approved by the Cabinet for the implementation of the decisions in the matter. Sources have told WION that India considers "Kartarpur corridor a cultural initiative and not a diplomatic initiative" and it will not lead to the start of any dialogue process. In a written statement in the Parliament, Minister of State for External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side is envisaged to be an integrated development project with the government of India, funding for smooth and easy passage of Indian pilgrims with modern amenities." India has also proposed pilgrim’s visit to shrines in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) including Sharda Peeth; Islamabad has not concurred with the proposal so far.

Kartarpur corridor: Pakistan's initial draft proposes permit-based entry to 500 pilgrims per day

A Pakistani man, believed to be mentally unstable, climbed a cellphone tower in Islamabad on Saturday, demanding to be made the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hits-and-misses-in-review-over-100-days-of-imran-khan-as-pak-pm-185726">prime minister of the country</a>

The man, identified as Muhammad Abbas, climbed up the tower in Islamabad's Blue Area with a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan"> Pakistan</a> flag in his hand, prompting police and rescue agencies to reach the spot.&nbsp;

Police tried to bring him down, but the man maintained that he will only climb down if they promise to make him the prime minister or else the authorities should make arrangements for Prime Minister Imran Khan to talk to him.

Police and rescue agencies said he demanded: "premiership to pay off the country's loans and steer it out of the financial crisis".

When he refused to climb down despite negotiations and assurances from police, authorities asked a mimicry artist, Shafaat Ali, to talk to him in Khan's voice.

He talked to the mimicry artist for about five minutes thinking he is talking to the PM himself and later climbed down.

Police have taken the man into custody and have moved him to the area police station.

A Pakistani man, believed to be mentally unstable, climbed a cellphone tower in Islamabad on Saturday, demanding to be made the prime minister of the country The man, identified as Muhammad Abbas, climbed up the tower in Islamabad's Blue Area with a Pakistan flag in his hand, prompting police and rescue agencies to reach the spot.

A Pakistani man, believed to be mentally unstable, climbed a cellphone tower in Islamabad on Saturday, demanding to be made the prime minister of the country The man, identified as Muhammad Abbas, climbed up the tower in Islamabad's Blue Area with a Pakistan flag in his hand, prompting police and rescue agencies to reach the spot. Police tried to bring him down, but the man maintained that he will only climb down if they promise to make him the prime minister or else the authorities should make arrangements for Prime Minister Imran Khan to talk to him. Police and rescue agencies said he demanded: "premiership to pay off the country's loans and steer it out of the financial crisis". When he refused to climb down despite negotiations and assurances from police, authorities asked a mimicry artist, Shafaat Ali, to talk to him in Khan's voice. He talked to the mimicry artist for about five minutes thinking he is talking to the PM himself and later climbed down. Police have taken the man into custody and have moved him to the area police station.

Man climbs cellphone tower in Pakistan, demands premiership

Harassment of Indian diplomats is back in Islamabad, from no gas connection in new residences, randomly switching off electricity to hostile questioning of guests at the reception. In the last several weeks, many of such incidents have been reported in the Pak city.&nbsp;

On 10th December, an intruder tried to enter the house an Indian diplomat in Islamabad. India has lodged a complaint. Other than this, the internet has also being blocked out.

In March of this year, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in respective countries reported harassment. &nbsp;After weeks of discussions that happened at a higher level, both the sides agreed to resolve the matter.&nbsp;

On 30 March 2018, India and Pakistan mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises, in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan. Same press releases were issued by New Delhi and Islamabad.

In July, speaking in the Parliament, Minister of state in Ministry of External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the incidents of harassment, aggressive surveillance and intimidation of the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and also the obstacles placed in the early completion of residential complex for the Indian High Commission officials. The Pakistan side was asked to resolve these issues and ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic Mission and its diplomatic and consular officials."

The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992.

India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed.

The government of India also picked up the matter of internet connectivity, and access to government websites in Islamabad. India sent a reminder last week stating that the official website of the government of India, ending with gov.in, and the internet connection at the high commission in Islamabad continues to be intermittently blocked. Specifically, the website indianvisaonline.gov.in which is used by applicants in Pakistan to apply for visas has been non-accessible for extended period causing disruption in the visa application process for the applicants.&nbsp;

India called on Pakistan to ensure that the internet service providers in the country restore internet service to the high commission and stop blocking Indian government websites.

Harassment of Indian diplomats is back in Islamabad, from no gas connection in new residences, randomly switching off electricity to hostile questioning of guests at the reception.

Harassment of Indian diplomats is back in Islamabad, from no gas connection in new residences, randomly switching off electricity to hostile questioning of guests at the reception. In the last several weeks, many of such incidents have been reported in the Pak city. On 10th December, an intruder tried to enter the house an Indian diplomat in Islamabad. India has lodged a complaint. Other than this, the internet has also being blocked out. In March of this year, Indian and Pakistani diplomats in respective countries reported harassment. After weeks of discussions that happened at a higher level, both the sides agreed to resolve the matter. On 30 March 2018, India and Pakistan mutually agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats and diplomatic premises, in line with the 1992 Code of Conduct for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan. Same press releases were issued by New Delhi and Islamabad. In July, speaking in the Parliament, Minister of state in Ministry of External Affairs General VK Singh said, "the Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the incidents of harassment, aggressive surveillance and intimidation of the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and also the obstacles placed in the early completion of residential complex for the Indian High Commission officials. The Pakistan side was asked to resolve these issues and ensure the safety and security of our diplomatic Mission and its diplomatic and consular officials." The functioning of diplomatic missions between India and Pakistan is governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, 1961 and the bilateral Code of Conduct signed by the two countries in 1992. India, Pakistan code of conduct of 1992 says safety and security of the premises of diplomatic personnel, their families shall be respected and protected. It also says intrusive and aggressive surveillance such as verbal and physical harassment shall not be allowed. The government of India also picked up the matter of internet connectivity, and access to government websites in Islamabad. India sent a reminder last week stating that the official website of the government of India, ending with gov.in, and the internet connection at the high commission in Islamabad continues to be intermittently blocked. Specifically, the website indianvisaonline.gov.in which is used by applicants in Pakistan to apply for visas has been non-accessible for extended period causing disruption in the visa application process for the applicants. India called on Pakistan to ensure that the internet service providers in the country restore internet service to the high commission and stop blocking Indian government websites.

Harassment of Indian diplomats returns in Islamabad

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that Pakistan will do everything within its power to further the peace process in Afghanistan as talks sponsored by the country between the US and the Taliban were being held in the UAE to end the 17-year bloody conflict.

The US and the Taliban have previously met on at least two occasions in Qatar but it is the first time that they are holding talks outside Doha, where the insurgent group has a political office, according to officials.

Khan highlighted the role being played by Pakistan in holding the talks between the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-ceasefire-push-in-focus-in-us-taliban-talks-185000">US and the Taliban </a>in Abu Dhabi.

He expressed his desire for peace to end the sufferings of the people of Afghanistan.

"Pakistan has helped in the dialogue between the Taliban and the US in Abu Dhabi. Let us pray that this leads to peace and ends almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people," Khan said on Twitter

Khan also said, "Pakistan will be doing everything within its power to further the peace process".

Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Pakistan were the only three nations to recognise the Taliban government during its five-year rule from 1996-2001.

The Taliban are fighting to flush out international forces and re-establish their regime in Afghanistan after their ouster in 2001.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that Pakistan will do everything within its power to further the peace process in Afghanistan as talks sponsored by the country between the US and the Taliban were being held in the UAE to end the 17-year bloody conflict.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Tuesday that Pakistan will do everything within its power to further the peace process in Afghanistan as talks sponsored by the country between the US and the Taliban were being held in the UAE to end the 17-year bloody conflict. The US and the Taliban have previously met on at least two occasions in Qatar but it is the first time that they are holding talks outside Doha, where the insurgent group has a political office, according to officials. Khan highlighted the role being played by Pakistan in holding the talks between the US and the Taliban in Abu Dhabi. He expressed his desire for peace to end the sufferings of the people of Afghanistan. "Pakistan has helped in the dialogue between the Taliban and the US in Abu Dhabi. Let us pray that this leads to peace and ends almost three decades of suffering of the brave Afghan people," Khan said on Twitter Khan also said, "Pakistan will be doing everything within its power to further the peace process". Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Pakistan were the only three nations to recognise the Taliban government during its five-year rule from 1996-2001. The Taliban are fighting to flush out international forces and re-establish their regime in Afghanistan after their ouster in 2001.

Pak will do everything within its power for Afghan peace: Imran Khan

Islamabad's green paradise: Margalla hills, a hiking destination

Pakistan's annual inflation rate jumped to 7 per cent in October, the highest in four years, from 5.12 per cent a month earlier, due to a steep rise in gas prices and multiple devaluations of the rupee.

On a month-on-month basis, prices spiked 2.56 per cent in October, according to data released by the Bureau of Statistics on Friday. Prices fell 0.06 per cent in September on the same basis.

The annual inflation rate is the highest since September 2014, when it had hit 7.68 per cent.

The surge in inflation was caused by a 104.91 per cent hike in gas prices. Pakistan's central bank had warned in September that rising oil prices and currency devaluations were likely to push up underlying inflation.

The country's central bank has devalued the local currency five times since December, weakening it by 26 per cent against the dollar during the period.

In September, Pakistan raised natural gas prices by up to 20 per cent, slashing consumer subsidies that were a fiscal drag on the government's budget.

In an effort to avert a looming currency crisis, Pakistan has been seeking economic assistance from the International Monetary Fund and friendly countries.

Saudi Arabia agreed to a $6 billion rescue package earlier this month and new Prime Minister Imran Khan is visiting China this week in search of fresh loans from Beijing.

Pakistan's annual inflation rate jumped to 7 per cent in October, the highest in four years, from 5.12 per cent a month earlier, due to a steep rise in gas prices and multiple devaluations of the rupee.

Pakistan's annual inflation rate jumped to 7 per cent in October, the highest in four years, from 5.12 per cent a month earlier, due to a steep rise in gas prices and multiple devaluations of the rupee. On a month-on-month basis, prices spiked 2.56 per cent in October, according to data released by the Bureau of Statistics on Friday. Prices fell 0.06 per cent in September on the same basis. The annual inflation rate is the highest since September 2014, when it had hit 7.68 per cent. The surge in inflation was caused by a 104.91 per cent hike in gas prices. Pakistan's central bank had warned in September that rising oil prices and currency devaluations were likely to push up underlying inflation. The country's central bank has devalued the local currency five times since December, weakening it by 26 per cent against the dollar during the period. In September, Pakistan raised natural gas prices by up to 20 per cent, slashing consumer subsidies that were a fiscal drag on the government's budget. In an effort to avert a looming currency crisis, Pakistan has been seeking economic assistance from the International Monetary Fund and friendly countries. Saudi Arabia agreed to a $6 billion rescue package earlier this month and new Prime Minister Imran Khan is visiting China this week in search of fresh loans from Beijing.

Pakistan October inflation at four-year high on gas price hike, rupee fall

The Pakistan government on Saturday strongly rejected reports that an Israeli aircraft carrying some officials secretly landed in Islamabad and flew away after several hours at the airport here.

It all started when an Israeli journalist Avi Scharf said in a tweet on October 25 that an Israeli business jet flew from Tel Aviv to Islamabad where it was on the ground for 10 hours, before flying back to Tel Aviv.

Social media users took note and flayed the Pakistan government with the&nbsp;opposition also joining in to demand an explanation about the "secret Israeli mission".

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry rejected the reports and said the "government would not negotiate in secret with either Israel or India".

He regretted such reports despite the fact that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had also denied reports of the presence of any Israeli aircraft in Pakistani airspace or at its airports.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ahsan Iqbal, who earlier led the Opposition's barrage, said Chaudhry's reaction showed the government was trying to hide something.

"The parliament should be taken into confidence over the issue," he demanded.

BBC Urdu reported that the aircraft in question was a Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global Express with the serial number 9394. It was registered on February 22, 2017 in the Isle of Man in the UK by a company called Multibird Overseas Ltd.

The Israeli journalist later said he was not "100 per cent sure" if the plane had landed in Islamabad.

Pakistan and Israel do not have diplomatic relations and their aircraft are not allowed to use each other's airspace.&nbsp;

The Pakistan government on Saturday strongly rejected reports that an Israeli aircraft carrying some officials secretly landed in Islamabad and flew away after several hours at the airport here.

The Pakistan government on Saturday strongly rejected reports that an Israeli aircraft carrying some officials secretly landed in Islamabad and flew away after several hours at the airport here. It all started when an Israeli journalist Avi Scharf said in a tweet on October 25 that an Israeli business jet flew from Tel Aviv to Islamabad where it was on the ground for 10 hours, before flying back to Tel Aviv. Social media users took note and flayed the Pakistan government with the opposition also joining in to demand an explanation about the "secret Israeli mission". Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry rejected the reports and said the "government would not negotiate in secret with either Israel or India". He regretted such reports despite the fact that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had also denied reports of the presence of any Israeli aircraft in Pakistani airspace or at its airports. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ahsan Iqbal, who earlier led the Opposition's barrage, said Chaudhry's reaction showed the government was trying to hide something. "The parliament should be taken into confidence over the issue," he demanded. BBC Urdu reported that the aircraft in question was a Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global Express with the serial number 9394. It was registered on February 22, 2017 in the Isle of Man in the UK by a company called Multibird Overseas Ltd. The Israeli journalist later said he was not "100 per cent sure" if the plane had landed in Islamabad. Pakistan and Israel do not have diplomatic relations and their aircraft are not allowed to use each other's airspace.

Pakistan government rejects reports of Israeli aircraft secretly landing in Islamabad 

A day after Pakistan announced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabia-offer-3-billion-defers-oil-payments-to-ease-crisis-pakistan-173067">Saudi's assent&nbsp;to provide rescue aid to it</a>, the country on Wednesday clarified that it still plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"Yes, we are going ahead into program negotiations with (IMF) in first week of November," Noor Ahmed, spokesman for Pakistan's finance ministry, told Reuters.

Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis.

The agreement was announced as the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-is-desperately-looking-for-loans-imran-khan-at-saudi-investment-conference-172963">new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan </a>attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The conference had been&nbsp;boycotted by several other leaders over the killing&nbsp;of Saudi journalist&nbsp;Jamal Khashoggi at the country's consulate in Istanbul.

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Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said earlier that the country was "desperate"&nbsp;for the financial assistance.&nbsp;

In an interview to journalists on October 20, PM Imran Khan was reported as saying that even though Pakistan was concerned about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, they were "desperate" for financial help from Saudi Arabia.

The existence of the&nbsp;interview was however <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-aide-denies-interview-where-the-pm-said-desperate-for-help-from-saudi-173113">later denied by&nbsp;the special&nbsp;assistant</a> to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Naeem ul Haque.

Khan who is currently in Riyadh is on his second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month.

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to it, the country on Wednesday clarified that it still plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to it, the country on Wednesday clarified that it still plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "Yes, we are going ahead into program negotiations with (IMF) in first week of November," Noor Ahmed, spokesman for Pakistan's finance ministry, told Reuters. Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis. The agreement was announced as the new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. The conference had been boycotted by several other leaders over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the country's consulate in Istanbul. × Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said earlier that the country was "desperate" for the financial assistance. In an interview to journalists on October 20, PM Imran Khan was reported as saying that even though Pakistan was concerned about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, they were "desperate" for financial help from Saudi Arabia. The existence of the interview was however later denied by the special assistant to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Naeem ul Haque. Khan who is currently in Riyadh is on his second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month.

Will seek IMF bailout in Nov, Pak finance ministry says despite Saudi financial assistance

The police in Islamabad barred journalists from posing questions to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he appeared before the Accountability Court here on Thursday.

Sharif appeared before Accountability Court-II Judge Arshad Malik, who is hearing the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment corruption cases against him and his family, Geo News reported.

While Sharif came for the hearing, the police told scribes that they could only exchange greetings with the three-time Pakistan prime minister, but are not allowed to talk about any other issues.

The trial against the Sharifs in the corruption cases against them had started on September 14 last year.

On July 6, Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were convicted in absentia in the Avenfield case by the Accountability Court. Apart from serving jail sentences, fines of eight million pounds and two million pounds were slapped on the father-daughter duo, respectively.

Sharif's son-in-law Captain (retd.) Muhammad Safdar, on the other hand, was given a one-year sentence but was exempted from paying fine.

However, last month, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the release of the trio in the Avenfield reference case, owing to lack of evidence.

Meanwhile, Sharif's two sons -- Hussain and Hasan have been absconding ever since the proceedings began last year, with the court having declared the two brothers as proclaimed offenders.

The police in Islamabad barred journalists from posing questions to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he appeared before the Accountability Court here on Thursday.

The police in Islamabad barred journalists from posing questions to former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he appeared before the Accountability Court here on Thursday. Sharif appeared before Accountability Court-II Judge Arshad Malik, who is hearing the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment corruption cases against him and his family, Geo News reported. While Sharif came for the hearing, the police told scribes that they could only exchange greetings with the three-time Pakistan prime minister, but are not allowed to talk about any other issues. The trial against the Sharifs in the corruption cases against them had started on September 14 last year. On July 6, Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz were convicted in absentia in the Avenfield case by the Accountability Court. Apart from serving jail sentences, fines of eight million pounds and two million pounds were slapped on the father-daughter duo, respectively. Sharif's son-in-law Captain (retd.) Muhammad Safdar, on the other hand, was given a one-year sentence but was exempted from paying fine. However, last month, the Islamabad High Court had ordered the release of the trio in the Avenfield reference case, owing to lack of evidence. Meanwhile, Sharif's two sons -- Hussain and Hasan have been absconding ever since the proceedings began last year, with the court having declared the two brothers as proclaimed offenders.

Pak police stop scribes from questioning Nawaz Sharif

The World Bank has recommended the Pakistani government to stop pursuing the water dispute case with India at the International Court of Arbitration (ICA). Instead, Islamabad has been advised to accept India's offer of consulting a "neutral expert".

Almost a fortnight after Pakistan moved the World Bank challenging India's alleged violation of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) by inaugurating the Kishanganga Dam, the institution has refrained from conceding to Islamabad's demand.

World Bank president Jim Yong Kim has asked Pakistan to not to take the matter to ICA, reported Pakistani daily Dawn. A source, cited by the newspaper, claimed the bank has taken cognizance of India's argument. According to New Delhi, the IWT of 1960 has not been violated as the Kishanganga hydropower station is a 'run-of-river' dam which will not deplete the water-level downstream flowing across the border.

Islamabad, however, disagrees with India's views, claiming the project not only violates the IWT but also depletes the share of Indus water flowing into Pakistan.

Notably, Pakistan had first moved the World Bank seeking the stoppage of Kishanganga hydropower project in November 2016. The bank had decided to appoint a former US chief justice as the arbitrator between the two sides. However, it rescinded its order in December 2016 and, instead, scheduled secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan on four occasions - in February, April, July and October 2017.

The meetings failed to yield results. While Pakistan remained firm on settling the matter through arbitration by internationally recognised courts, New Delhi wanted to resolve the issue in a bilateral framework, under the watch of a neutral expert.

"Pakistan believed that acceding to India’s proposal of referring the dispute to neutral experts or withdrawing from its stand would mean closing the doors of arbitration and surrendering its right of raising disputes before international courts. It will become a precedent and every time a dispute emerges between Pakistan and India, the latter will always opt for dispute resolution through neutral experts," an official privy to the matter was quoted as saying by the Dawn.

Islamabad, however, disagrees with India's views, claiming the project not only violates the IWT but also depletes the share of Indus water flowing into Pakistan.

The World Bank has recommended the Pakistani government to stop pursuing the water dispute case with India at the International Court of Arbitration (ICA). Instead, Islamabad has been advised to accept India's offer of consulting a "neutral expert". Almost a fortnight after Pakistan moved the World Bank challenging India's alleged violation of Indus Water Treaty (IWT) by inaugurating the Kishanganga Dam, the institution has refrained from conceding to Islamabad's demand. World Bank president Jim Yong Kim has asked Pakistan to not to take the matter to ICA, reported Pakistani daily Dawn. A source, cited by the newspaper, claimed the bank has taken cognizance of India's argument. According to New Delhi, the IWT of 1960 has not been violated as the Kishanganga hydropower station is a 'run-of-river' dam which will not deplete the water-level downstream flowing across the border. Islamabad, however, disagrees with India's views, claiming the project not only violates the IWT but also depletes the share of Indus water flowing into Pakistan. Notably, Pakistan had first moved the World Bank seeking the stoppage of Kishanganga hydropower project in November 2016. The bank had decided to appoint a former US chief justice as the arbitrator between the two sides. However, it rescinded its order in December 2016 and, instead, scheduled secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan on four occasions - in February, April, July and October 2017. The meetings failed to yield results. While Pakistan remained firm on settling the matter through arbitration by internationally recognised courts, New Delhi wanted to resolve the issue in a bilateral framework, under the watch of a neutral expert. "Pakistan believed that acceding to India’s proposal of referring the dispute to neutral experts or withdrawing from its stand would mean closing the doors of arbitration and surrendering its right of raising disputes before international courts. It will become a precedent and every time a dispute emerges between Pakistan and India, the latter will always opt for dispute resolution through neutral experts," an official privy to the matter was quoted as saying by the Dawn.

Kishanganga dam row: Stop pursuing water dispute with India at ICA, World Bank tells Pakistan

PM Modi is known for his signature shots - grand gestures which have the ‘Modi hallmark’. The day May 26th, 2014 was no different.

The red carpet was laid out on this day 4 years ago – the day of Modi’s coronation as prime minister.

It was also a moment to play diplomacy and engage in the Great Game, after all a party had come to power with one of the biggest majorities in Indian parliamentary history and it was the time to set the agenda.

Modi, still a PM-designate made a diplomatic coup of sorts by inviting Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif to his inauguration which was widely seen as a political masterstroke and hopes of peace once again echoed in the sub-continent.

Modi and Pakistan

As PM Modi took over the reins of power at New Delhi, equations in Islamabad was changing too – as was always the case with the Army playing a key role.

During Manmohan’s Singh’s tenure, India and Pakistan had an off-again and on-again relationship.

In the initial years, Pervez Musharraf had travelled to New Delhi engaging in “cricket diplomacy” however as Musharraf was forced to give up power and a civilian government came to power, India’s equation with Pakistan began to undergo subtle changes.

Then came 26/11 and attacks on Mumbai by Pakistan’s “non-state” actors and things went downhill from there.

India stopped talking with Pakistan and during Manmohan’s second term Pakistan was almost always kept out of the picture.

As a grand foreign policy initiative, PM Modi played “stopover diplomacy” at Lahore in December 2015 to meet PM Nawaz Sharif while on his way back from Kabul.

The move is seen as the first attempt to kick-start India-Pak dialogue stalled since 26/11 created a media frenzy as both prime ministers did some chai pe charcha.

Then just days later came the Pathankot terror attack at India’s Air Force base on January 2nd, 2016 and relations nose-dived once again.

The final nail in the coffin was the Uri terror attack in J&K a few months later in September 2016 and India went ahead and refused to take part in the SAARC summit to be held in Kathmandu that year.

PM Modi’s government has been engaging in a war of words with Pakistan in what seems to be an unending game of one-upmanship in the sub-continental power game with no end in sight.

With just months for his tenure to get over and Pakistan elections near, PM Modi could be looking at another diplomatic coup to bring back Pakistan on the national agenda, although it may look a distant dream right now but for a prime minister who is used to think out of the box another trademark Modi miracle cannot be far away.

As PM Modi took over the reins of power at New Delhi, equations in Islamabad was changing too – as was always the case with the Army playing a key role.

PM Modi is known for his signature shots - grand gestures which have the ‘Modi hallmark’. The day May 26th, 2014 was no different. The red carpet was laid out on this day 4 years ago – the day of Modi’s coronation as prime minister. It was also a moment to play diplomacy and engage in the Great Game, after all a party had come to power with one of the biggest majorities in Indian parliamentary history and it was the time to set the agenda. Modi, still a PM-designate made a diplomatic coup of sorts by inviting Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif to his inauguration which was widely seen as a political masterstroke and hopes of peace once again echoed in the sub-continent. Modi and Pakistan As PM Modi took over the reins of power at New Delhi, equations in Islamabad was changing too – as was always the case with the Army playing a key role. During Manmohan’s Singh’s tenure, India and Pakistan had an off-again and on-again relationship. In the initial years, Pervez Musharraf had travelled to New Delhi engaging in “cricket diplomacy” however as Musharraf was forced to give up power and a civilian government came to power, India’s equation with Pakistan began to undergo subtle changes. Then came 26/11 and attacks on Mumbai by Pakistan’s “non-state” actors and things went downhill from there. India stopped talking with Pakistan and during Manmohan’s second term Pakistan was almost always kept out of the picture. As a grand foreign policy initiative, PM Modi played “stopover diplomacy” at Lahore in December 2015 to meet PM Nawaz Sharif while on his way back from Kabul. The move is seen as the first attempt to kick-start India-Pak dialogue stalled since 26/11 created a media frenzy as both prime ministers did some chai pe charcha. Then just days later came the Pathankot terror attack at India’s Air Force base on January 2nd, 2016 and relations nose-dived once again. The final nail in the coffin was the Uri terror attack in J&K a few months later in September 2016 and India went ahead and refused to take part in the SAARC summit to be held in Kathmandu that year. PM Modi’s government has been engaging in a war of words with Pakistan in what seems to be an unending game of one-upmanship in the sub-continental power game with no end in sight. With just months for his tenure to get over and Pakistan elections near, PM Modi could be looking at another diplomatic coup to bring back Pakistan on the national agenda, although it may look a distant dream right now but for a prime minister who is used to think out of the box another trademark Modi miracle cannot be far away.

PM Modi's ‘Lahore stopover’ and the Pakistan question

American financial assistance to Pakistan is under review, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told lawmakers today and accused Islamabad of treating US diplomats "badly".&nbsp;

Pompeo was responding to questions from Congressman Dana Rohrabacher who said the US should stop providing any financial assistance to Pakistan until it releases Shakil Afridi, a doctor who helped the CIA hunt down Osama bin Laden in 2011.

"With respect to Pakistan, we released far fewer funds in 2018 than in the year prior. The remainder of the funds available are under review. My guess is that that number will be smaller still," he told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Rohrabacher said he sees no "reason" in giving any financial aid to Pakistan if it still keeps Afridi in jail.

Pompeo said he worked "diligently" on the issue of Afridi in his previous role as the CIA Director, but acknowledged that he has been "unsuccessful" so far.

"Please be aware that it's at my heart and I know it's important and we can do that. We can achieve that outcome," he said.

Rohrabacher intervened by saying that the situation is getting "worse" in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"These people in Karachi and the Sindhs and the others, they're now facing these people who are killing their leaders or killing their people who believe in certain things that are different than the radical Islamic philosophy of some of the people in the Pakistani government," he alleged.&nbsp;

Besides financial assistance issue, Pompeo said, the US also needs to take note of treatment meted out to American diplomats by Pakistan.

"Our State Department officials are being treated badly as well. Folks working in the embassies and in the consulates and other places are not being treated well by the Pakistani government either, a real problem that we need to take the measure of also," he said.

Congressman Brad Sharman hoped that the US State Department would reach out to the leaders of Pakistan about the "forced disappearances in Sind".

Pompeo was responding to questions from Congressman Dana Rohrabacher who said the US should stop providing any financial assistance to Pakistan until it releases Shakil Afridi, a doctor who helped the CIA hunt down Osama bin Laden in 2011

American financial assistance to Pakistan is under review, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told lawmakers today and accused Islamabad of treating US diplomats "badly". Pompeo was responding to questions from Congressman Dana Rohrabacher who said the US should stop providing any financial assistance to Pakistan until it releases Shakil Afridi, a doctor who helped the CIA hunt down Osama bin Laden in 2011. "With respect to Pakistan, we released far fewer funds in 2018 than in the year prior. The remainder of the funds available are under review. My guess is that that number will be smaller still," he told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rohrabacher said he sees no "reason" in giving any financial aid to Pakistan if it still keeps Afridi in jail. Pompeo said he worked "diligently" on the issue of Afridi in his previous role as the CIA Director, but acknowledged that he has been "unsuccessful" so far. "Please be aware that it's at my heart and I know it's important and we can do that. We can achieve that outcome," he said. Rohrabacher intervened by saying that the situation is getting "worse" in Pakistan. "These people in Karachi and the Sindhs and the others, they're now facing these people who are killing their leaders or killing their people who believe in certain things that are different than the radical Islamic philosophy of some of the people in the Pakistani government," he alleged. Besides financial assistance issue, Pompeo said, the US also needs to take note of treatment meted out to American diplomats by Pakistan. "Our State Department officials are being treated badly as well. Folks working in the embassies and in the consulates and other places are not being treated well by the Pakistani government either, a real problem that we need to take the measure of also," he said. Congressman Brad Sharman hoped that the US State Department would reach out to the leaders of Pakistan about the "forced disappearances in Sind".

Financial assistance to Pakistan under review: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

For a long time, India and many across the world have been saying that the Pakistan army that has been calling the shots in and not the civilian leadership. For the first time, documentary proof has shown, how Rawalpindi has been behind Pakistan's foreign policy.

Explosive revelations from Hillary Clinton's mails have shown how the Pakistani Army has been influencing Pakistani foreign policy.

Former Pakistani foreign minister Heena Rabbani Khar was reportedly under pressure from the Pakistani Army not to attend a conference in Bonn on Afghanistan.&nbsp;

The emails say:

"She said that during the defense committee meeting yesterday, the military had pressed hard for her to announce that she would not go to Bonn, but that she had been able to prevent that . But she was not sure she could sustain that argument in the days ahead.”

Ultimately, Pakistan withdrew from participation in the Bonn Conference due to a NATO airstrike in its territory on November 26, 2011 that resulted in the deaths of 26 Pakistani soldiers.

The emails confirmed&nbsp;how the military was responsible for Pakistan not participating in the Bonn conference.

“The Pakistani defence committee concluded its emergency meeting, called to discuss response to the November 27th Mohmand border incident. The MFA desk officer called to inform us of two decisions."

1st: Pakistan will not attend the Bonn conference

2nd: Foreign minister Khar urgently requests to speak with the secretary to explain that decision, as soon as possible.&nbsp;Khar is travelling by car to Lahore. Her cell phone number is... ”

The German ambassador in Pakistan had phoned the then Pakistan foreign minister and asked her to take part in the meet. The 5th December 2011 International Conference on Afghanistan was an important meet. Delegations from 85 states, 15 international organizations and the United Nations attended the conference.

The US did apologize for the 26 November 2011 incident that killed Pakistani soldiers. Secretary Clinton had called on foreign minister Khar and had said sorry.&nbsp;

Hillary said that the US is committed to working closely with "Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent this from ever happening again”.&nbsp;

The foreign minister of Pakistan informed that ground supply lines into Afghanistan are opening and Islamabad won't charge any transit fee in the larger interest of peace and security in Afghanistan.

Closing ground supplies the been the best possible blackmailing technique of Islamabad to trouble US in Afghanistan.

The mails also show how Pakistan's permanent representative Maleeha Lodhi has been acting as conduit between the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton and the then Pakistani army chief Kayani.

In a mail it is written:

"I got a call from Maleeha Lodhi (former Pakistan Ambassador to US and UK) who is in London. She gave a message from Kayani."

The Pakistani foreign minister Khar had even messaged the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton after Malala was shot. Khar had appreciated Clinton’s strong statement regarding Malala Yousafzai.

The mails clearly show what is known to the world for a long time. It's Rawalpindi that has been calling the shots and not Islamabad when it comes to Pakistan's foreign policy.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Closing ground supplies the been the best possible blackmailing technique of Islamabad to trouble US in Afghanistan.

For a long time, India and many across the world have been saying that the Pakistan army that has been calling the shots in and not the civilian leadership. For the first time, documentary proof has shown, how Rawalpindi has been behind Pakistan's foreign policy. Explosive revelations from Hillary Clinton's mails have shown how the Pakistani Army has been influencing Pakistani foreign policy. Former Pakistani foreign minister Heena Rabbani Khar was reportedly under pressure from the Pakistani Army not to attend a conference in Bonn on Afghanistan. The emails say: "She said that during the defense committee meeting yesterday, the military had pressed hard for her to announce that she would not go to Bonn, but that she had been able to prevent that . But she was not sure she could sustain that argument in the days ahead.” Ultimately, Pakistan withdrew from participation in the Bonn Conference due to a NATO airstrike in its territory on November 26, 2011 that resulted in the deaths of 26 Pakistani soldiers. The emails confirmed how the military was responsible for Pakistan not participating in the Bonn conference. “The Pakistani defence committee concluded its emergency meeting, called to discuss response to the November 27th Mohmand border incident. The MFA desk officer called to inform us of two decisions." 1st: Pakistan will not attend the Bonn conference 2nd: Foreign minister Khar urgently requests to speak with the secretary to explain that decision, as soon as possible. Khar is travelling by car to Lahore. Her cell phone number is... ” The German ambassador in Pakistan had phoned the then Pakistan foreign minister and asked her to take part in the meet. The 5th December 2011 International Conference on Afghanistan was an important meet. Delegations from 85 states, 15 international organizations and the United Nations attended the conference. The US did apologize for the 26 November 2011 incident that killed Pakistani soldiers. Secretary Clinton had called on foreign minister Khar and had said sorry. Hillary said that the US is committed to working closely with "Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent this from ever happening again”. The foreign minister of Pakistan informed that ground supply lines into Afghanistan are opening and Islamabad won't charge any transit fee in the larger interest of peace and security in Afghanistan. Closing ground supplies the been the best possible blackmailing technique of Islamabad to trouble US in Afghanistan. The mails also show how Pakistan's permanent representative Maleeha Lodhi has been acting as conduit between the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton and the then Pakistani army chief Kayani. In a mail it is written: "I got a call from Maleeha Lodhi (former Pakistan Ambassador to US and UK) who is in London. She gave a message from Kayani." The Pakistani foreign minister Khar had even messaged the then secretary of state Hillary Clinton after Malala was shot. Khar had appreciated Clinton’s strong statement regarding Malala Yousafzai. The mails clearly show what is known to the world for a long time. It's Rawalpindi that has been calling the shots and not Islamabad when it comes to Pakistan's foreign policy.

Watch: Hillary Clinton's mail trail shows how Pak Army influences foreign policy

Former Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif, who has been disqualified by the Islamabad High Court for holding Iqma (work permit),&nbsp;challenged the disqualification in the Pakistan Supreme Court on Saturday.

Stating his arguments in the court he said: "there was no constitutional bar or restrictions on public office holders seeking jobs abroad".

He added that he had given all details regarding his earnings in the nomination form filled by him and the papers did not require a special mention of 'salary'.

He further&nbsp;added that the amount just accounted to 0.5 per cent of his asset, and hiding such minuscule amount was absurd.&nbsp;

He also claimed that he had voluntarily disclosed his salary in 2011.

He said he was getting a salary worth 9,000 UAE dirhams under foreign salary income which he claims to be disclosed under the category of foreign remittance given in the nomination form.

The Islamabad High Court on April 26 disqualified Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif for holding an Iqama (work permit) of the United Arab Emirates.

In response to this, he challenged the Islamabad High Court's verdict&nbsp;in the Supreme Court of Pakistan in May.

The High Court&nbsp;announced its verdict on a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) &nbsp;leader Usman Dar stating that Asif did not mention his foreign employment in his nomination papers.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

Former Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif, who has been disqualified by the Islamabad High Court for holding Iqma (work permit), challenged the disqualification in the Pakistan Supreme Court on Saturday

Former Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif, who has been disqualified by the Islamabad High Court for holding Iqma (work permit), challenged the disqualification in the Pakistan Supreme Court on Saturday. Stating his arguments in the court he said: "there was no constitutional bar or restrictions on public office holders seeking jobs abroad". He added that he had given all details regarding his earnings in the nomination form filled by him and the papers did not require a special mention of 'salary'. He further added that the amount just accounted to 0.5 per cent of his asset, and hiding such minuscule amount was absurd. He also claimed that he had voluntarily disclosed his salary in 2011. He said he was getting a salary worth 9,000 UAE dirhams under foreign salary income which he claims to be disclosed under the category of foreign remittance given in the nomination form. The Islamabad High Court on April 26 disqualified Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif for holding an Iqama (work permit) of the United Arab Emirates. In response to this, he challenged the Islamabad High Court's verdict in the Supreme Court of Pakistan in May. The High Court announced its verdict on a petition filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Usman Dar stating that Asif did not mention his foreign employment in his nomination papers. (With inputs from ANI)

'No constitutional bar on public office holder seeking jobs abroad': Former Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif

A strong earthquake rattled parts of Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday.

The quake measured with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8, struck around 8: 25 AM and was felt for 15 to 20 seconds.

Earthquake tremors were felt in parts of Peshawar, Nowshera, and Kohat, along with Swat, Malakand division, Manshera, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Abbottabad, and Mardan.

Earthquake tremors were felt in parts of Peshawar, Nowshera, and Kohat, along with Swat, Malakand division, Manshera, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Abbottabad, and Mardan.

A strong earthquake rattled parts of Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on Wednesday. The quake measured with a preliminary magnitude of 5.8, struck around 8: 25 AM and was felt for 15 to 20 seconds. Earthquake tremors were felt in parts of Peshawar, Nowshera, and Kohat, along with Swat, Malakand division, Manshera, Dera Ismail Khan, Swat, Abbottabad, and Mardan.

Strong 5.8-magnitude earthquake rattles Pakistan's Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi on Tuesday inaugurated the long-delayed new airport in Islamabad in place of Benazir Bhutto airport.

Islamabad International Airport (IIA), which has been inaugurated after years of delay, &nbspis the first greenfield airport of Pakistan which plans to emerge as one of Asia's major aviation hubs.&nbsp

With a sleek glass-front entrance, spacious check-in areas and jetway bridges for boarding, the Y-shaped airport promise an end to the congestion that has frustrated air travel in the past.

"This airport rightly reflects what has happened in Pakistan in the last five years," said Abbasi.

A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight, PK-300, landed at the airport as part of its inauguration ceremony. A video shared by PIA on its official Twitter account, showed the pilot waving the country’s flag from the cockpit window.

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Pakistan Zindabad! The first flight arrives at the new Islamabad International Airport!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FirstFlightPIA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FirstFlightPIA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NewAirportwithPIA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NewAirportwithPIA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PIA?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PIA</a> <a href="https://t.co/JLvjmLzm7r">pic.twitter.com/JLvjmLzm7r</a>
— PIA (@Official_PIA) <a href="https://twitter.com/Official_PIA/status/991226318019809280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The new airport is capable of serving nine million passengers and 50,000 metric tonnes of cargo per year and plans to expand its target servicing to about 25 million passengers by 2025.

Abbasi's government is spending billions of dollars on upgrading Pakistan's transport infrastructure and ending energy blackouts, with freshly paved motorways as well as dams and power plants popping up across the country.

Abbasi, who has a pilot's license and is a founder of a Pakistani budget airline, said new airports in the cities of Multan, Faisalabad, Quetta and Peshawar were in the final stages.

"Nothing is impossible but this project definitely seemed impossible," quipped Abbasi, in reference to his government inheriting the project in 2013.

The new airport is about 15 km (nine miles) from the capital. Benazir Bhutto airport was in the nearby city of Rawalpindi and attached to a military base.

Islamabad International Airport (IIA), which has been inaugurated after years of delay, is the first greenfield airport of Pakistan which plans to emerge as one of Asia's major aviation hubs.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Abbasi on Tuesday inaugurated the long-delayed new airport in Islamabad in place of Benazir Bhutto airport. Islamabad International Airport (IIA), which has been inaugurated after years of delay, &nbspis the first greenfield airport of Pakistan which plans to emerge as one of Asia's major aviation hubs. With a sleek glass-front entrance, spacious check-in areas and jetway bridges for boarding, the Y-shaped airport promise an end to the congestion that has frustrated air travel in the past. "This airport rightly reflects what has happened in Pakistan in the last five years," said Abbasi. A Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight, PK-300, landed at the airport as part of its inauguration ceremony. A video shared by PIA on its official Twitter account, showed the pilot waving the country’s flag from the cockpit window. Pakistan Zindabad! The first flight arrives at the new Islamabad International Airport!#FirstFlightPIA #NewAirportwithPIA #PIA pic.twitter.com/JLvjmLzm7r — PIA (@Official_PIA) May 1, 2018 × The new airport is capable of serving nine million passengers and 50,000 metric tonnes of cargo per year and plans to expand its target servicing to about 25 million passengers by 2025. Abbasi's government is spending billions of dollars on upgrading Pakistan's transport infrastructure and ending energy blackouts, with freshly paved motorways as well as dams and power plants popping up across the country. Abbasi, who has a pilot's license and is a founder of a Pakistani budget airline, said new airports in the cities of Multan, Faisalabad, Quetta and Peshawar were in the final stages. "Nothing is impossible but this project definitely seemed impossible," quipped Abbasi, in reference to his government inheriting the project in 2013. The new airport is about 15 km (nine miles) from the capital. Benazir Bhutto airport was in the nearby city of Rawalpindi and attached to a military base.

Pakistan PM inaugurates long-delayed new airport in capital Islamabad

India has restarted its Track-II diplomacy — the Neemrana Dialogue — with Pakistan.&nbsp

News reports said Tuesday than an Indian delegation visited Pakistan from April 28 to 30.&nbsp

The Indian delegation was led by former MEA secretary and Pakistan expert Vivek Katju. Former NCERT chief JS Rajput was also part of the delegation.&nbsp

The Pakistani side was represented by former foreign secretary Inam ul Haque&nbspand Ishrat Hussain, former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan.&nbsp

The Indian news reports added that the initiative, to hold the dialogue again, was this time taken by Islamabad.&nbsp

The Neemrana Dialogue is a non-government inititiative — they are not government-to-government talks — and has been around for at least two decades.&nbsp

The idea of Track-II diplomacy is to at least get the people of two countries talking, even if their governments will not.&nbsp

What is different about the Neemrana Dialogue however is that the foreign ministries of both India and Pakistan have in the past got involved with it.&nbsp

There has however been very little dialogue of late between India and Pakistan, especially after the September 2016 terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 19 Indian soldiers died. &nbsp

India blames the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attack.&nbsp

The current NDA government led by Prime Minister Modi believes in being "tough" on Pakistan. But the restarting of the Neemrana Dialogue seems to indicate the government may now think that approach has run its course.&nbsp

The Indian delegation to the Neemrana Dialogue was led by former MEA secretary and Pakistan expert Vivek Katju. The Pakistani side was represented by former foreign secretary Inam ul Haque

India has restarted its Track-II diplomacy — the Neemrana Dialogue — with Pakistan. News reports said Tuesday than an Indian delegation visited Pakistan from April 28 to 30. The Indian delegation was led by former MEA secretary and Pakistan expert Vivek Katju. Former NCERT chief JS Rajput was also part of the delegation. The Pakistani side was represented by former foreign secretary Inam ul Haque&nbspand Ishrat Hussain, former governor of the State Bank of Pakistan. The Indian news reports added that the initiative, to hold the dialogue again, was this time taken by Islamabad. The Neemrana Dialogue is a non-government inititiative — they are not government-to-government talks — and has been around for at least two decades. The idea of Track-II diplomacy is to at least get the people of two countries talking, even if their governments will not. What is different about the Neemrana Dialogue however is that the foreign ministries of both India and Pakistan have in the past got involved with it. There has however been very little dialogue of late between India and Pakistan, especially after the September 2016 terror attack on an army camp in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir, in which 19 Indian soldiers died. India blames the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed and the Lashkar-e-Taiba for the attack. The current NDA government led by Prime Minister Modi believes in being "tough" on Pakistan. But the restarting of the Neemrana Dialogue seems to indicate the government may now think that approach has run its course.

India-Pakistan revive Track-II diplomacy, delegation visits Islamabad for talks

The Army did not establish Pakistan so it will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone, the country's Supreme Court said today as it censured security agencies for their failure to submit a detailed report on a protest led by a hardline cleric last year that paralysed the capital, Islamabad.

Two-member bench comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musheer Alam heard the suo motu case against the three-week long siege of the capital in November, 2017 by religious groups against so-called changes in the oath by parliamentarians.

Justice Isa used strong words to castigate a representative of the ministry of defence and deputy attorney general when he was informed that security agencies had not prepared any fresh report about the protest.

The judge said that since the previous report was rejected as unsatisfactory, it was the duty of intelligence agencies to come up with the new report, detailing who funded the protest.

"Who is paying you? Who is paying the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)? No one should consider themselves above the law," the judge said, addressing an army officer and deputy attorney general who present for hearing.

He said Pakistan was established through the efforts of a political leader (Jinnah) who was not surrounded by any army brigade.

The army did not establish this country and the state will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone,? he said further.

Last month the court had thrown out a report by ISI by passing highly critical remarks.

This report is deeply unsettling: it has been prepared by one of the premier agencies of the country, yet a journalist could have given more details [about the protests] than this report," Justice Isa had said.

Separately, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) also criticised the military while hearing a petition demanding to make an inquiry report about the protest public.

No army in the world is involved in commercial activities but our's is selling even cement, meat and bread,&nbsphe said referring towards alleged commercial activities of armed forces.

He said that the court will summon the defence secretary over the issue.

Two-member bench comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musheer Alam heard the suo motu case against the three-week long siege of the capital in November, 2017 by religious groups against so-called changes in the oath by parliamentarians.

The Army did not establish Pakistan so it will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone, the country's Supreme Court said today as it censured security agencies for their failure to submit a detailed report on a protest led by a hardline cleric last year that paralysed the capital, Islamabad. Two-member bench comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musheer Alam heard the suo motu case against the three-week long siege of the capital in November, 2017 by religious groups against so-called changes in the oath by parliamentarians. Justice Isa used strong words to castigate a representative of the ministry of defence and deputy attorney general when he was informed that security agencies had not prepared any fresh report about the protest. The judge said that since the previous report was rejected as unsatisfactory, it was the duty of intelligence agencies to come up with the new report, detailing who funded the protest. "Who is paying you? Who is paying the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)? No one should consider themselves above the law," the judge said, addressing an army officer and deputy attorney general who present for hearing. He said Pakistan was established through the efforts of a political leader (Jinnah) who was not surrounded by any army brigade. The army did not establish this country and the state will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone,? he said further. Last month the court had thrown out a report by ISI by passing highly critical remarks. This report is deeply unsettling: it has been prepared by one of the premier agencies of the country, yet a journalist could have given more details [about the protests] than this report," Justice Isa had said. Separately, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) also criticised the military while hearing a petition demanding to make an inquiry report about the protest public. No army in the world is involved in commercial activities but our's is selling even cement, meat and bread,&nbsphe said referring towards alleged commercial activities of armed forces. He said that the court will summon the defence secretary over the issue.

Pak court criticises Army over its failure to submit report on last year's protest

A top US State Department official visited Pakistan to review the progress made by Islamabad on regional security and stability and met Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other senior officials, but the meeting ended without any breakthrough, according to a media report.

The US Department of State's Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Alice Wells visited Islamabad for meetings with Foreign Secretary (Tehmina) Janjua and other senior officials, a statement, issued late yesterday, by the US Embassy here said.

"In her meetings, she discussed the status of the United States' South Asia strategy and efforts to make progress on regional security and stability," it added.

Wells was on a day-long trip to Islamabad to continue her talks in the wake of President Donald Trump's new South Asia and Afghanistan policy, in particular Pakistan's commitment in the war against terrorism.

In Washington, a State Department Spokesperson told PTI, "The purpose of Ambassador Wells' visit was to discuss the relationship between the United States and Pakistan, which is based on a broad range of shared interests, including a commitment to defeat all terrorist groups that threaten regional stability and security, and a desire to build economic and commercial ties that benefit both countries."&nbsp;

This is a follow on of Ambassador Wells' visit there last month as part of its ongoing dialogue on the bilateral relationship and Pakistani support for our South Asia strategy, the spokesperson said.

Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) spokeperson, Mohammad Faisal only shared a picture of Janjua receiving Wells on the micro-blogging site 'twitter', but did not share any details of the meeting.

The two sides failed to make any headway, instead some new issues cropped up during the meeting which may further complicate the already strained US-Pak ties, the report said.

The second round of Pakistan-US talks aimed at getting Islamabad to fulfil Washington's expectations, envisioned in its South Asia and Afghanistan policy, ended without any breakthrough, the Dawn reported.

Quoting a diplomatic source, it said that the agenda of both sides at the meeting at the FO were same as before, with the addition of two new issues - the restrictions on Pakistani diplomats that would come into effect from May 1 and a traffic accident involving US defence attach? Col Joseph Hall, who had earlier this month jumped a red light her and hit a motorcyclist, who later died.

Pakistan has demanded waiver of the diplomatic immunity to Hall, so that he could be prosecuted.

"There was no forward movement. But at the same time we must acknowledge that both sides continue to remain engaged in search of the elusive common ground," the source said.

The US' Afghan strategy has soured the ties between the two countries after they openly traded barbs over deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.

The US has been demanding Islamabad to use its influence to bring Taliban to negotiating table and but the latter said that it has only limited control of rebels who now have areas in Afghanistan to live and operate without any foreign assistance.

This was ambassador Wells' second trip in less than a month after her last visit to Islamabad between March 28 and April 3.&nbsp;

Wells was on a day-long trip to Islamabad to continue her talks in the wake of President Donald Trump's new South Asia and Afghanistan policy, in particular Pakistan's commitment in the war against terrorism

A top US State Department official visited Pakistan to review the progress made by Islamabad on regional security and stability and met Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other senior officials, but the meeting ended without any breakthrough, according to a media report. The US Department of State's Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Alice Wells visited Islamabad for meetings with Foreign Secretary (Tehmina) Janjua and other senior officials, a statement, issued late yesterday, by the US Embassy here said. "In her meetings, she discussed the status of the United States' South Asia strategy and efforts to make progress on regional security and stability," it added. Wells was on a day-long trip to Islamabad to continue her talks in the wake of President Donald Trump's new South Asia and Afghanistan policy, in particular Pakistan's commitment in the war against terrorism. In Washington, a State Department Spokesperson told PTI, "The purpose of Ambassador Wells' visit was to discuss the relationship between the United States and Pakistan, which is based on a broad range of shared interests, including a commitment to defeat all terrorist groups that threaten regional stability and security, and a desire to build economic and commercial ties that benefit both countries." This is a follow on of Ambassador Wells' visit there last month as part of its ongoing dialogue on the bilateral relationship and Pakistani support for our South Asia strategy, the spokesperson said. Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) spokeperson, Mohammad Faisal only shared a picture of Janjua receiving Wells on the micro-blogging site 'twitter', but did not share any details of the meeting. The two sides failed to make any headway, instead some new issues cropped up during the meeting which may further complicate the already strained US-Pak ties, the report said. The second round of Pakistan-US talks aimed at getting Islamabad to fulfil Washington's expectations, envisioned in its South Asia and Afghanistan policy, ended without any breakthrough, the Dawn reported. Quoting a diplomatic source, it said that the agenda of both sides at the meeting at the FO were same as before, with the addition of two new issues - the restrictions on Pakistani diplomats that would come into effect from May 1 and a traffic accident involving US defence attach? Col Joseph Hall, who had earlier this month jumped a red light her and hit a motorcyclist, who later died. Pakistan has demanded waiver of the diplomatic immunity to Hall, so that he could be prosecuted. "There was no forward movement. But at the same time we must acknowledge that both sides continue to remain engaged in search of the elusive common ground," the source said. The US' Afghan strategy has soured the ties between the two countries after they openly traded barbs over deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. The US has been demanding Islamabad to use its influence to bring Taliban to negotiating table and but the latter said that it has only limited control of rebels who now have areas in Afghanistan to live and operate without any foreign assistance. This was ambassador Wells' second trip in less than a month after her last visit to Islamabad between March 28 and April 3.

Talks between top US official, Pakistan Foreign Secretary over Afghanistan end without breakthrough

Two headlines this month beg the question US officials have been grappling with for more than a decade: Will the real Pakistan stand up, please?

Pakistan's The News reported that the government had designated Islamabad as a pilot project to regulate Friday prayer sermons in the city's 1,003 mosques, of which only 86 are state-controlled, in a bid to curb hate speech, extremism and demonisation of religions and communities.

The project is modelled on procedures in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt that are primarily intended to exert political control. The Islamabad project is in part designed to counter mounting criticism by the Trump administration, which has suspended funding to Pakistan, as well as growing unease in China over what Pakistani militancy could mean for its massive investment in the country.

It is also intended to support Pakistani efforts to evade blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a 37-member inter-governmental agency that polices adherence to anti-money laundering and funding of political violence measures.

The government has drawn up a list of 44 subjects on which prayer leaders should focus in their sermons. They include women rights, Muslim unity, Islamic principles of trade, cleanliness and health, concepts of an Islamic state, the importance of hard work, tolerance, and honesty, and the notion of the finality of the Prophet Mohammed.

The belief that Mohammed was the last prophet or Khatm-e-Nabuwwat is core to Muslim faith. Yet, it has allowed Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatives and others to whip up popular emotion in pursuit of political objectives, nowhere more so than in Pakistan where a draconian anti-blasphemy law has aided and abetted them.

The military late last year mediated an end to a weeks-long blockade of a main artery leading into Islamabad that disrupted traffic in multiple cities to protest a perceived softening of the government's adherence to Islam in a proposed piece of legislation. The protesters successfully called for the resignation of the justice minister for failing to refer to Prophet Mohammad in a constitutional bill.

The second headline reported that Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui demanded in a ruling that Parliament "take measures which can completely terminate those who scar (the belief in Khatm-e-Nabuwwat)."

Justice Siddiqui sits on the bench of a courthouse that last year had graffiti in a corridor demanding that blasphemers be beheaded. Siddiqui, who has defined blasphemers as terrorists, was ruling in a case brought before him by some of the protesters who had blockaded traffic that would effectively bar from public service Ahmadis, a sect considered heretic by orthodox Muslims because it views its 19th century founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, as a prophet.

Pressured by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan in 1974 excommunicated Ahmadis in a constitutional amendment that enshrined the principle of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat as integral to the Islamic faith. Pakistani President Zia ul-Haq criminalised Ahmadi practices a decade later by barring Ahmadis from "posing as Muslims" or using Islamic titles, greetings, scriptures or calls to prayer.

Siddiqui's ruling appeared to contradict the government's effort to get a grip on expressions of Sunni Muslim supremacism that amount to hate speech and discrimination of the other in a country in which extremism has been fuelled by intolerant, anti-pluralistic views.

The ruling, despite paying lip service to constitutional guarantees of "complete religious freedom, including all the basic rights of the minorities (non-Muslims)" and the state's obligation to "protect their life, wealth, property, dignity and protect their assets as citizens of Pakistan," spotlights contradictions in the constitution.

On one hand, the constitution recognises the principle of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat. On the other, Article 20 enshrines the notion of freedom of religion while Article 27 bans discrimination in recruitment for public office.

Without explicitly identifying Ahmadis, Siddiqui said it was "alarming" that "one of the minorities" was "often mistaken for being Muslims" due to their names and general attire. He warned that this "can lead them to gain access to dignified and sensitive posts, along with benefits."

Human rights activists and lawyers have called for the ruling to be challenged in the Supreme Court. "This is clear hate speech. What is the judge asking them to be terminated from? Their jobs? Doesn’t that take away their basic right to life and dignity?" said lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir.

The plaintiffs in Siddiqui's case were supporters of Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TPL), a political front for Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLR), which glorifies Mumtaz Qadri, who was executed in 2016 for killing Punjab governor Salman Taseer because of his opposition to Pakistan's blasphemy law.

Tens of thousands attended Qadri's funeral and his supporters have built a well-frequented shrine to honour him in his home town. Lawyers associated with TPL have instigated multiple blasphemy cases in Pakistani courts.

The Lahore-based Centre for Social Justice estimated that at least 1,472 people have been charged with blasphemy 1987 and 2016. Of the 730 Muslims charged, 501 were Ahmadis.

Activists and scholars argue that a rollback of the country's blasphemy law which applies the death sentence to those convicted is a requirement if Pakistan is serious about combating extremism. A study by political scientist Nilay Saiya of 51 Muslim majority countries concluded that those that enforced ant-blasphemy laws were more susceptible to political violence.

"Both the concept of blasphemy and the prescription of any sort of punishment for its occurrence stand contrary to the Qu'ran... The modern invocation of religious defamation laws stems from political leaders in Muslim-majority states... who have exploited such laws as a crafty way to use religion for political purposes including inflaming religious sensibilities, silencing criticism of the regime, generating patriotism, fostering national cohesion, co-opting Islamic supporters, and undercutting detractors," Saiya said.

Saiya argued that blasphemy laws encourage militants to attack with impunity individuals, homes, places of worship, and businesses of those believed to be blasphemers in the knowledge that the state will turn a blind eye to their actions.

"Violent non-state actors thus feel empowered to commit acts of terrorism with little or no fear of governmental reprisal because blasphemy laws, in effect, lend the authority of the state to religious figures and reinforce extreme views. Rather than control the forces of extremism, blasphemy laws appease and encourage them. The result, expectedly, is that states that attempt to curry favour with radicals embolden them to take matters into their own hands eventually such countries fall prey to violence carried out by those same radicals," Saiya said.

"The vagueness of the (Pakistani) language concerning blasphemy allowed radicals to interpret the code in very loose ways and open-endedly persecute those believed to be guilty of defiling, in any way, 'the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad'... Pakistan's blasphemy law thus opened the floodgate for extremism and terrorism which the government was unable to subsequently control," Saiya added.

Given Saiya's analysis, both headlines represent Pakistan. The problem, however, is that the Pakistan that wants to reign in supremacism, hate speech and extremism has little chance of succeeding with out far-reaching political and legal change that would uproot the vested interests of the Pakistan that sees religious and political militancy as a useful tool.

That may be a step too far for those interests even if they recognise a need to be seen to be advocating change with band-aid solutions like trying to control Friday prayer sermons.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Pakistan that wants to reign in supremacism, hate speech and extremism has little chance of succeeding with out far-reaching political and legal change.

Two headlines this month beg the question US officials have been grappling with for more than a decade: Will the real Pakistan stand up, please? Pakistan's The News reported that the government had designated Islamabad as a pilot project to regulate Friday prayer sermons in the city's 1,003 mosques, of which only 86 are state-controlled, in a bid to curb hate speech, extremism and demonisation of religions and communities. The project is modelled on procedures in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt that are primarily intended to exert political control. The Islamabad project is in part designed to counter mounting criticism by the Trump administration, which has suspended funding to Pakistan, as well as growing unease in China over what Pakistani militancy could mean for its massive investment in the country. It is also intended to support Pakistani efforts to evade blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a 37-member inter-governmental agency that polices adherence to anti-money laundering and funding of political violence measures. The government has drawn up a list of 44 subjects on which prayer leaders should focus in their sermons. They include women rights, Muslim unity, Islamic principles of trade, cleanliness and health, concepts of an Islamic state, the importance of hard work, tolerance, and honesty, and the notion of the finality of the Prophet Mohammed. The belief that Mohammed was the last prophet or Khatm-e-Nabuwwat is core to Muslim faith. Yet, it has allowed Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatives and others to whip up popular emotion in pursuit of political objectives, nowhere more so than in Pakistan where a draconian anti-blasphemy law has aided and abetted them. The military late last year mediated an end to a weeks-long blockade of a main artery leading into Islamabad that disrupted traffic in multiple cities to protest a perceived softening of the government's adherence to Islam in a proposed piece of legislation. The protesters successfully called for the resignation of the justice minister for failing to refer to Prophet Mohammad in a constitutional bill. The second headline reported that Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui demanded in a ruling that Parliament "take measures which can completely terminate those who scar (the belief in Khatm-e-Nabuwwat)." Justice Siddiqui sits on the bench of a courthouse that last year had graffiti in a corridor demanding that blasphemers be beheaded. Siddiqui, who has defined blasphemers as terrorists, was ruling in a case brought before him by some of the protesters who had blockaded traffic that would effectively bar from public service Ahmadis, a sect considered heretic by orthodox Muslims because it views its 19th century founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, as a prophet. Pressured by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan in 1974 excommunicated Ahmadis in a constitutional amendment that enshrined the principle of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat as integral to the Islamic faith. Pakistani President Zia ul-Haq criminalised Ahmadi practices a decade later by barring Ahmadis from "posing as Muslims" or using Islamic titles, greetings, scriptures or calls to prayer. Siddiqui's ruling appeared to contradict the government's effort to get a grip on expressions of Sunni Muslim supremacism that amount to hate speech and discrimination of the other in a country in which extremism has been fuelled by intolerant, anti-pluralistic views. The ruling, despite paying lip service to constitutional guarantees of "complete religious freedom, including all the basic rights of the minorities (non-Muslims)" and the state's obligation to "protect their life, wealth, property, dignity and protect their assets as citizens of Pakistan," spotlights contradictions in the constitution. On one hand, the constitution recognises the principle of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat. On the other, Article 20 enshrines the notion of freedom of religion while Article 27 bans discrimination in recruitment for public office. Without explicitly identifying Ahmadis, Siddiqui said it was "alarming" that "one of the minorities" was "often mistaken for being Muslims" due to their names and general attire. He warned that this "can lead them to gain access to dignified and sensitive posts, along with benefits." Human rights activists and lawyers have called for the ruling to be challenged in the Supreme Court. "This is clear hate speech. What is the judge asking them to be terminated from? Their jobs? Doesn’t that take away their basic right to life and dignity?" said lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir. The plaintiffs in Siddiqui's case were supporters of Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TPL), a political front for Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLR), which glorifies Mumtaz Qadri, who was executed in 2016 for killing Punjab governor Salman Taseer because of his opposition to Pakistan's blasphemy law. Tens of thousands attended Qadri's funeral and his supporters have built a well-frequented shrine to honour him in his home town. Lawyers associated with TPL have instigated multiple blasphemy cases in Pakistani courts. The Lahore-based Centre for Social Justice estimated that at least 1,472 people have been charged with blasphemy 1987 and 2016. Of the 730 Muslims charged, 501 were Ahmadis. Activists and scholars argue that a rollback of the country's blasphemy law which applies the death sentence to those convicted is a requirement if Pakistan is serious about combating extremism. A study by political scientist Nilay Saiya of 51 Muslim majority countries concluded that those that enforced ant-blasphemy laws were more susceptible to political violence. "Both the concept of blasphemy and the prescription of any sort of punishment for its occurrence stand contrary to the Qu'ran... The modern invocation of religious defamation laws stems from political leaders in Muslim-majority states... who have exploited such laws as a crafty way to use religion for political purposes including inflaming religious sensibilities, silencing criticism of the regime, generating patriotism, fostering national cohesion, co-opting Islamic supporters, and undercutting detractors," Saiya said. Saiya argued that blasphemy laws encourage militants to attack with impunity individuals, homes, places of worship, and businesses of those believed to be blasphemers in the knowledge that the state will turn a blind eye to their actions. "Violent non-state actors thus feel empowered to commit acts of terrorism with little or no fear of governmental reprisal because blasphemy laws, in effect, lend the authority of the state to religious figures and reinforce extreme views. Rather than control the forces of extremism, blasphemy laws appease and encourage them. The result, expectedly, is that states that attempt to curry favour with radicals embolden them to take matters into their own hands eventually such countries fall prey to violence carried out by those same radicals," Saiya said. "The vagueness of the (Pakistani) language concerning blasphemy allowed radicals to interpret the code in very loose ways and open-endedly persecute those believed to be guilty of defiling, in any way, 'the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad'... Pakistan's blasphemy law thus opened the floodgate for extremism and terrorism which the government was unable to subsequently control," Saiya added. Given Saiya's analysis, both headlines represent Pakistan. The problem, however, is that the Pakistan that wants to reign in supremacism, hate speech and extremism has little chance of succeeding with out far-reaching political and legal change that would uproot the vested interests of the Pakistan that sees religious and political militancy as a useful tool. That may be a step too far for those interests even if they recognise a need to be seen to be advocating change with band-aid solutions like trying to control Friday prayer sermons. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Will the real Pakistan stand up, please?

Amid worsening ties between the United Nations and Pakistan, the US embassy on Tuesday that Washington wants to estlabish a new relationship with Islamabad.

The statement was given by a senior aide to Trump during his visit to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Lisa Curtis, deputy assistant to the U.S. president, also voiced U.S. concerns about Pakistan&#39;s deficiencies in preventing terrorist-financing during her two-day trip to the nuclear-armed South Asian nation.

Last week, Washington persuaded member states of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to put Pakistan back on the watchlist of nations with inadequate terrorist financing or money laundering controls.

The U.S. move infuriated Islamabad amid fears it could hurt the fragile economy of Pakistan, whose de facto finance minister accused Washington of trying to embarrass his country.

&quot;Ms. Curtis said that the United States seeks to move toward a new relationship with Pakistan, based on a shared commitment to defeat all terrorist groups that threaten regional stability,&quot; the U.S. embassy said in a statement.

The embassy informed that this new relationship between the two nations would also be based on a shared vision of a peaceful future for Afghanistan

Tensions with historically Washington have pushed Pakistan further into the arms of China. Closer diplomatic and military ties between Beijing and Islamabad have come at a time when China is helping Pakistan&#39;s economy grow by investing billions in infrastructure projects.&nbsp;

In January, &nbsp;the Trump administration suspended about $2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan, days after Trump tweeted that Pakistan has given nothing but lies and deceit in return for generous aid.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The statement was given by a senior aide to Trump during his visit to Pakistan

Amid worsening ties between the United Nations and Pakistan, the US embassy on Tuesday that Washington wants to estlabish a new relationship with Islamabad. The statement was given by a senior aide to Trump during his visit to Pakistan. Lisa Curtis, deputy assistant to the U.S. president, also voiced U.S. concerns about Pakistan's deficiencies in preventing terrorist-financing during her two-day trip to the nuclear-armed South Asian nation. Last week, Washington persuaded member states of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to put Pakistan back on the watchlist of nations with inadequate terrorist financing or money laundering controls. The U.S. move infuriated Islamabad amid fears it could hurt the fragile economy of Pakistan, whose de facto finance minister accused Washington of trying to embarrass his country. "Ms. Curtis said that the United States seeks to move toward a new relationship with Pakistan, based on a shared commitment to defeat all terrorist groups that threaten regional stability," the U.S. embassy said in a statement. The embassy informed that this new relationship between the two nations would also be based on a shared vision of a peaceful future for Afghanistan Tensions with historically Washington have pushed Pakistan further into the arms of China. Closer diplomatic and military ties between Beijing and Islamabad have come at a time when China is helping Pakistan's economy grow by investing billions in infrastructure projects. In January, the Trump administration suspended about $2 billion in security assistance to Pakistan, days after Trump tweeted that Pakistan has given nothing but lies and deceit in return for generous aid.

US seeking new relationship with Pakistan, says President Trump's aide

Nails are buffed, blackheads scrubbed and coffee sipped to the sound of clipping scissors inside the &quot;Men&#39;s&quot; salon in Pakistan&#39;s capital Islamabad, where a growing number of male patrons are set on revamping their style.&nbsp;

Deeply conservative Pakistan has strict notions of masculinity where men are often expected to be austere and flamboyant styling is to be avoided.&nbsp;

But savvy entrepreneurs in urban centres have latched on to a new metrosexual trend: male beauty salons.

While women in urban Pakistan have long enjoyed access to the care of beauticians and stylists, expensive facials and mani-pedis for men are becoming more common as disposable incomes in the nation&#39;s swelling middle class grow -- per capita income jumped by 6.4 percent in 2017.&nbsp;

A vibrant social media culture has also fuelled the desire to be selfie-ready at any time, with influencers like Adnan Malik and Osman Khalid Butt attracting hundreds of thousands of followers online with their fashion-conscious posts.

At Tauseeq Haider&#39;s &quot;Men&#39;s&quot; salon, customers usually fork out a minimum of 1,400 rupees ($12.60) for a visit -- a far cry from the 200 rupees spent at traditional barber shops.

&quot;Men have equal right to be groomed and times have changed. It&#39;s no more just getting your haircut,&quot; says Haider.

&quot;Senior citizens, bureaucrats, they don&#39;t feel ashamed of saying that I need a facial, massage, my nails need to be done, please suggest what should I get,&quot; he adds.&nbsp;

In rural Pakistan, men have traditionally taken their fashion tips from Islamic dictates, with the Koran specifying the length of beard and moustache along with hygiene guidelines.

And in the cities, Bollywood and Western entertainment have long driven fashion trends for conscientious groomers.

But times are changing fast in the rapidly developing South Asian nation, with social media setting and wrecking trends in urban centres at the speed of a swipe.

&#39;More metrosexual&#39;&nbsp;

According to Lebanese salon owner Michael Kanaan, who has been based in Pakistan for more than a decade, rising wages and greater exposure to global culture is fanning the burgeoning demand.

&quot;The Pakistan male is becoming more metrosexual. It is all due to the internet and the age of satellites and and TVs,&quot; says Kanaan.

Economist Minhajul Haque agrees, saying Pakistani men are also subjected to a new slew of online advertising campaigns that have reinforced the trend.

&quot;There is this whole lot of clever marketing of male beauty products which is spurring demand,&quot; he explains.

Humayun Khan, 49, says he is fine with spending more money to look good and his wife is supportive of the new passion. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;I... get my nails done, get my haircut, get my facial and I am done for the day and after two weeks I come again,&quot; he says.

&quot;If I don&#39;t look good, my wife wouldn&#39;t like me,&quot; he laughs.&nbsp;

Stylist Ghulfam Ghori says Pakistani men are also now more concerned with skincare, opting for blackhead removal, acne treatments and even the occasional brush with makeup before major events like weddings.

&quot;Men are very conscious about their skin now... and consider it essential to get facials. Previously it was not common, but now the trend is increasing among men to get themselves groomed,&quot; says Ghori.&nbsp;

But it&#39;s not just the salons that are cashing in on Pakistani men&#39;s blossoming cosmopolitan predilections.

Zafar Bakhtawari, chairman of the D. Watson Group, one of Pakistan&#39;s biggest pharmacy chains, explains:&quot;I can say there is a revolution coming up in Pakistan in the male psyche that they are becoming very much conscious about their beauty, about their face, about their hair, about their dress and it&#39;s a great revolution.&quot;

A vibrant social media culture has also fuelled the desire to be selfie-ready at any time, with influencers like Adnan Malik and Osman Khalid Butt attracting hundreds of thousands of followers online with their fashion-conscious posts.

Nails are buffed, blackheads scrubbed and coffee sipped to the sound of clipping scissors inside the "Men's" salon in Pakistan's capital Islamabad, where a growing number of male patrons are set on revamping their style. Deeply conservative Pakistan has strict notions of masculinity where men are often expected to be austere and flamboyant styling is to be avoided. But savvy entrepreneurs in urban centres have latched on to a new metrosexual trend: male beauty salons. While women in urban Pakistan have long enjoyed access to the care of beauticians and stylists, expensive facials and mani-pedis for men are becoming more common as disposable incomes in the nation's swelling middle class grow -- per capita income jumped by 6.4 percent in 2017. A vibrant social media culture has also fuelled the desire to be selfie-ready at any time, with influencers like Adnan Malik and Osman Khalid Butt attracting hundreds of thousands of followers online with their fashion-conscious posts. At Tauseeq Haider's "Men's" salon, customers usually fork out a minimum of 1,400 rupees ($12.60) for a visit -- a far cry from the 200 rupees spent at traditional barber shops. "Men have equal right to be groomed and times have changed. It's no more just getting your haircut," says Haider. "Senior citizens, bureaucrats, they don't feel ashamed of saying that I need a facial, massage, my nails need to be done, please suggest what should I get," he adds. In rural Pakistan, men have traditionally taken their fashion tips from Islamic dictates, with the Koran specifying the length of beard and moustache along with hygiene guidelines. And in the cities, Bollywood and Western entertainment have long driven fashion trends for conscientious groomers. But times are changing fast in the rapidly developing South Asian nation, with social media setting and wrecking trends in urban centres at the speed of a swipe. 'More metrosexual' According to Lebanese salon owner Michael Kanaan, who has been based in Pakistan for more than a decade, rising wages and greater exposure to global culture is fanning the burgeoning demand. "The Pakistan male is becoming more metrosexual. It is all due to the internet and the age of satellites and and TVs," says Kanaan. Economist Minhajul Haque agrees, saying Pakistani men are also subjected to a new slew of online advertising campaigns that have reinforced the trend. "There is this whole lot of clever marketing of male beauty products which is spurring demand," he explains. Humayun Khan, 49, says he is fine with spending more money to look good and his wife is supportive of the new passion. "I... get my nails done, get my haircut, get my facial and I am done for the day and after two weeks I come again," he says. "If I don't look good, my wife wouldn't like me," he laughs. Stylist Ghulfam Ghori says Pakistani men are also now more concerned with skincare, opting for blackhead removal, acne treatments and even the occasional brush with makeup before major events like weddings. "Men are very conscious about their skin now... and consider it essential to get facials. Previously it was not common, but now the trend is increasing among men to get themselves groomed," says Ghori. But it's not just the salons that are cashing in on Pakistani men's blossoming cosmopolitan predilections. Zafar Bakhtawari, chairman of the D. Watson Group, one of Pakistan's biggest pharmacy chains, explains:"I can say there is a revolution coming up in Pakistan in the male psyche that they are becoming very much conscious about their beauty, about their face, about their hair, about their dress and it's a great revolution."

Pakistani men assert their right to be groomed as male beauty booms

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/preview/article/29908" target="_blank">United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions </a>monitoring team won&#39;t be allowed a direct access to 26/11 Mumbai terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed or his entities, according to a report in a Pakistan media daily.

The UN Council is scheduled to visit Pakistan this week, January 26, for an assessment of Islamabad&#39;s compliance with the world body&#39;s sanctions regime.

The visit was is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and India with respect to the inadequate implementation of the sanctions on JuD chief Hafiz Saeed.&nbsp;

Saeed was put under sanctions by the UN in December 2008, a month after the Mumbai terror attack.&nbsp;

The globally designated terrorist, who was released from house arrest last year in November, even urged the UN after his release asking for his name be removed from their list of sanctioned terrorists.

However, it did not happen.&nbsp;

The UN team will hold meetings with Pakistani officials on the list of the sanctioned outfits including JuD, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other organisations and individuals.

Expressing concern, former Pakistan Diplomat Husain Haqqani condemned the decision, saying it would be in Pakistan&#39;s interest to give complete access to Saaed and its entities. &nbsp;

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It would be in Pakistan&#39;s interest to give United Nations monitoring team complete access to Hafiz Saeed &amp; all entities associated with him. The very fact that Pak wants to hide him from rest of the world basically makes world more suspicious: Husain Haqqani, former Pak Diplomat <a href="https://t.co/p2nfgvHh6c">pic.twitter.com/p2nfgvHh6c</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/955392714433953792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said there&#39;s no case against Saeed, which is why he can&#39;t be prosecuted.

The UN Council is scheduled to visit Pakistan on January 26

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions monitoring team won't be allowed a direct access to 26/11 Mumbai terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed or his entities, according to a report in a Pakistan media daily. The UN Council is scheduled to visit Pakistan this week, January 26, for an assessment of Islamabad's compliance with the world body's sanctions regime. The visit was is taking place amid increasing pressure on Pakistan from the US and India with respect to the inadequate implementation of the sanctions on JuD chief Hafiz Saeed. Saeed was put under sanctions by the UN in December 2008, a month after the Mumbai terror attack. The globally designated terrorist, who was released from house arrest last year in November, even urged the UN after his release asking for his name be removed from their list of sanctioned terrorists. However, it did not happen. The UN team will hold meetings with Pakistani officials on the list of the sanctioned outfits including JuD, Al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, Falah-e-Insaniyat Foundation, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other organisations and individuals. Expressing concern, former Pakistan Diplomat Husain Haqqani condemned the decision, saying it would be in Pakistan's interest to give complete access to Saaed and its entities. It would be in Pakistan's interest to give United Nations monitoring team complete access to Hafiz Saeed & all entities associated with him. The very fact that Pak wants to hide him from rest of the world basically makes world more suspicious: Husain Haqqani, former Pak Diplomat pic.twitter.com/p2nfgvHh6c — ANI (@ANI) January 22, 2018 × Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said there's no case against Saeed, which is why he can't be prosecuted.

Pakistan won't allow UN sanctions monitoring team access to Hafiz Saeed: Reports

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba&nbsp;militants were arrested in Baramullah, Kashmir by Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday.&nbsp;

The militants went to Pakistan on a valid Pakistani visa obtained from&nbsp;Pakistan High Commission in Delhi for arms training in a camp located near Burma Town of Islamabad, Pakistan. It&#39;s&nbsp;run by terrorist commander operating under the code name Hanzala Adanan.&nbsp;

Arrested militants&nbsp;were identified as Abdul Majeed Bhat and Mohammad Ashraf Mir. They were nabbed after they returned back to India from their training via Wagah-Attari border before they could join militant ranks in Kashmir.&nbsp;

Abdul Majeed Bhat is resident of Kreeri while Mohammad Ashraf Mir is resident of Pal Pora in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.

During the questioning, the arrested militants confessed that they had undergone training and revealed that many Pakistanis&nbsp;participate in such training and most of them are from Balochistan.

They&nbsp;also said that the people from Balochistan getting arms training were as young as 10-year-olds.

The duo said they obtained their passports specifically for the purpose of getting arms training. The militants got their visas from Pakistani high commission.

Police have begun its investigation in the matter and an FIR has also been filed in Baramulla police station.

police have unearthed several such modules who lure young boys to Pakistan for training and coax them into joining&nbsp;militancy. In the past several such boys have been arrested while some of them had been killed in encounters.&nbsp;

In 2017,&nbsp;two militants-- Azharuddin alias Qazi resident of Natnusa, Kupwara and Sajad Ahmad alias Babar Resident of Duroo, Sopore in a Baramulla district were killed in an encounter in Amargarh, Sopore.

&nbsp;

The militants went to Pakistan on valid Pakistani visa to obtain arms training in a camp located near Burma Town of Islamabad, Pakistan

Two Lashkar-e-Taiba militants were arrested in Baramullah, Kashmir by Jammu and Kashmir Police on Saturday. The militants went to Pakistan on a valid Pakistani visa obtained from Pakistan High Commission in Delhi for arms training in a camp located near Burma Town of Islamabad, Pakistan. It's run by terrorist commander operating under the code name Hanzala Adanan. Arrested militants were identified as Abdul Majeed Bhat and Mohammad Ashraf Mir. They were nabbed after they returned back to India from their training via Wagah-Attari border before they could join militant ranks in Kashmir. Abdul Majeed Bhat is resident of Kreeri while Mohammad Ashraf Mir is resident of Pal Pora in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. During the questioning, the arrested militants confessed that they had undergone training and revealed that many Pakistanis participate in such training and most of them are from Balochistan. They also said that the people from Balochistan getting arms training were as young as 10-year-olds. The duo said they obtained their passports specifically for the purpose of getting arms training. The militants got their visas from Pakistani high commission. Police have begun its investigation in the matter and an FIR has also been filed in Baramulla police station. police have unearthed several such modules who lure young boys to Pakistan for training and coax them into joining militancy. In the past several such boys have been arrested while some of them had been killed in encounters. In 2017, two militants-- Azharuddin alias Qazi resident of Natnusa, Kupwara and Sajad Ahmad alias Babar Resident of Duroo, Sopore in a Baramulla district were killed in an encounter in Amargarh, Sopore.

Two Pakistan trained militants arrested in Baramulla

Four more witnesses recorded their statements before an anti-graft court in Pakistan holding the trial of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in corruption cases against him in the Panama Papers scandal that forced him to resign.

Three corruption cases were registered against Sharif on September 8 following the Supreme Court verdict of July 28 that also disqualified Sharif as the prime minister and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for the institution of cases.

Sharif, 67, appeared before the court along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar.

The court later adjourned the hearing till January 16.

The three cases against Sharif pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, several companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and London&#39;s Avenfield properties.

Sharif and some of his family members are facing charges relating to their overseas properties.

Sharif is accused in all three cases along with his sons. Maryam and her husband are only accused in the Avenfiled corruption case.

The political future of Sharif, who leads the country&#39;s most powerful political family and the ruling PML-N party, has been hanging in balance since then. If convicted, Sharif can be jailed.

Sharif&#39;s family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

The three cases against Sharif pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, several companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and London's Avenfield properties

Four more witnesses recorded their statements before an anti-graft court in Pakistan holding the trial of ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in corruption cases against him in the Panama Papers scandal that forced him to resign. Three corruption cases were registered against Sharif on September 8 following the Supreme Court verdict of July 28 that also disqualified Sharif as the prime minister and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for the institution of cases. Sharif, 67, appeared before the court along with his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar. The court later adjourned the hearing till January 16. The three cases against Sharif pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills, several companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and London's Avenfield properties. Sharif and some of his family members are facing charges relating to their overseas properties. Sharif is accused in all three cases along with his sons. Maryam and her husband are only accused in the Avenfiled corruption case. The political future of Sharif, who leads the country's most powerful political family and the ruling PML-N party, has been hanging in balance since then. If convicted, Sharif can be jailed. Sharif's family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

More witnesses record statements in Nawaz Sharif's corruption case

The United States is examining ways to mitigate any Pakistani retaliation as it piles pressure on Islamabad to crack down on militants, a senior US&nbsp;official said on Friday, cautioning that US&nbsp;action could extend beyond a new freeze in aid.

Pakistan is a crucial gateway for US&nbsp;military supplies destined for the US&nbsp;and other troops fighting a 16-year-old war in neighbouring, landlocked Afghanistan.

So far, the Pentagon says Pakistan has not given any indication that it would close its airspace or roads to military supplies and US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Jim Mattis played down concerns on Friday.

But Washington has only just begun to work through its new plan to suspend up to roughly $2 billion in US&nbsp;security assistance, announced on Thursday. It came days after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump tweeted that Pakistan had rewarded past US&nbsp;aid with &quot;nothing but lies &amp; deceit.&quot;

The senior Trump administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Washington hoped that the aid suspension would be enough to communicate its concern to Islamabad.

But the official cautioned that the freeze was also not the only tool that America had to pressure the country -- suggesting it might resort to other measures if needed.

&quot;We are considering many different things, not just the (financial) assistance issue,&quot; the official said.

&quot;We are also looking at Pakistan&#39;s potential response ... and we are looking at ways to deal with that and to mitigate the risks to the relationship.&quot;

The official declined to detail what steps were under consideration, including whether that might include possible unilateral US&nbsp;military action against militants in Pakistan.

But as Trump allow the US&nbsp;military to again ramp up its war effort in Afghanistan, including with the deployment of more US&nbsp;troops alongside Afghan forces, the official acknowledged a sense of urgency.

The United States has long blamed the militant safe havens in Pakistan for prolonging the war in Afghanistan, giving insurgents, including from the Haqqani network, a place to plot attacks and rebuild its forces.

&quot;We believe we owe it to the Americans in harms&#39; way in Afghanistan. We simply can&#39;t ignore the sanctuaries if we are going to make progress in Afghanistan,&quot; the official said.

Mattis plays down concerns&nbsp;

Mattis, speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, said he was not concerned about America&#39;s ability to use Pakistan as a gateway to resupply U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

&quot;I&#39;m not concerned, no,&quot; Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon, adding he had not gotten any indication from Pakistan that it might cut off those routes. Mattis travelled to Pakistan last month.

&quot;We&#39;re still working with Pakistan and we would restore the aid if we see decisive movements against the terrorists -- who are as much a threat against Pakistan as they are to us.&quot;

The United States has also said some of the frozen aid could be released on a case-by-case basis, and none of it will be spent elsewhere -- leaving the door open to full reconciliation.

The Pakistani reaction has so far been limited to harsh rhetoric, with Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif saying the United States was behaving towards Pakistan as &quot;a friend who always betrays.&quot;

But opposition leader Imran Khan, a former cricket star tipped as the next Pakistani prime minister, said it was time for Pakistan to &quot;delink&quot; from the United States.

The senior Trump administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity acknowledged that a Pakistani cut-off would greatly complicate US&nbsp;resupply efforts in Afghanistan.

The official said the administration was developing &quot;risk mitigation plans,&quot; but acknowledged that examination of a northern network of alternative routes used in the past was &quot;still at a very broad level.&quot;

&quot;If something were to happen to the ground lines of communication or airlines of communication through Pakistan, certainly that would be very difficult for the U.S. and we would have to look for alternatives,&quot; the official said.

&quot;And it would not be easy.&quot;

The senior Trump administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Washington hoped that the aid suspension would be enough to communicate its concern to Islamabad.

The United States is examining ways to mitigate any Pakistani retaliation as it piles pressure on Islamabad to crack down on militants, a senior US official said on Friday, cautioning that US action could extend beyond a new freeze in aid. Pakistan is a crucial gateway for US military supplies destined for the US and other troops fighting a 16-year-old war in neighbouring, landlocked Afghanistan. So far, the Pentagon says Pakistan has not given any indication that it would close its airspace or roads to military supplies and US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis played down concerns on Friday. But Washington has only just begun to work through its new plan to suspend up to roughly $2 billion in US security assistance, announced on Thursday. It came days after US President Donald Trump tweeted that Pakistan had rewarded past US aid with "nothing but lies & deceit." The senior Trump administration official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Washington hoped that the aid suspension would be enough to communicate its concern to Islamabad. But the official cautioned that the freeze was also not the only tool that America had to pressure the country -- suggesting it might resort to other measures if needed. "We are considering many different things, not just the (financial) assistance issue," the official said. "We are also looking at Pakistan's potential response ... and we are looking at ways to deal with that and to mitigate the risks to the relationship." The official declined to detail what steps were under consideration, including whether that might include possible unilateral US military action against militants in Pakistan. But as Trump allow the US military to again ramp up its war effort in Afghanistan, including with the deployment of more US troops alongside Afghan forces, the official acknowledged a sense of urgency. The United States has long blamed the militant safe havens in Pakistan for prolonging the war in Afghanistan, giving insurgents, including from the Haqqani network, a place to plot attacks and rebuild its forces. "We believe we owe it to the Americans in harms' way in Afghanistan. We simply can't ignore the sanctuaries if we are going to make progress in Afghanistan," the official said. Mattis plays down concerns Mattis, speaking to reporters at the Pentagon, said he was not concerned about America's ability to use Pakistan as a gateway to resupply U.S. forces in Afghanistan. "I'm not concerned, no," Mattis told reporters at the Pentagon, adding he had not gotten any indication from Pakistan that it might cut off those routes. Mattis travelled to Pakistan last month. "We're still working with Pakistan and we would restore the aid if we see decisive movements against the terrorists -- who are as much a threat against Pakistan as they are to us." The United States has also said some of the frozen aid could be released on a case-by-case basis, and none of it will be spent elsewhere -- leaving the door open to full reconciliation. The Pakistani reaction has so far been limited to harsh rhetoric, with Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif saying the United States was behaving towards Pakistan as "a friend who always betrays." But opposition leader Imran Khan, a former cricket star tipped as the next Pakistani prime minister, said it was time for Pakistan to "delink" from the United States. The senior Trump administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity acknowledged that a Pakistani cut-off would greatly complicate US resupply efforts in Afghanistan. The official said the administration was developing "risk mitigation plans," but acknowledged that examination of a northern network of alternative routes used in the past was "still at a very broad level." "If something were to happen to the ground lines of communication or airlines of communication through Pakistan, certainly that would be very difficult for the U.S. and we would have to look for alternatives," the official said. "And it would not be easy."

US weighs Pakistani blowback as it piles pressure on Islamabad

When the Pakistani government announced that they would allow the family of Kulbushan Jadhav to visit Islamabad and meet with the imprisoned Indian in Pakistan, it seemed like relations between the two neighbors were going to move in a positive direction, and that too after a long time.

&nbsp;

But this hope for progress was short-lived, and if anything, the relations have actually worsened, ever since 25th of December when the wife and mother of Mr. Jadhav met him at the Ministry of Foreign Office&rsquo;s compound in the Pakistani capital. Shortly after the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi lambasted the treatment Jadhav&rsquo;s family received during their one-day-long stay in Pakistan. Their counterparts in Islamabad refuted the accusations of ill-treatment, citing security protocol for the treatment the two women were subjected to. Insiders say that the meet-up was not in the hands of the civilian authorities, and the military was in charge of all affairs and therefore concerns for security overshadowed considerations for hospitality.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Adding fuel to this fire is the Line of Control (LoC), which has also heated up, and may very well be linked to the fall-out from the Jadhav meet-up.

&nbsp;

But as is always the case with the LoC &ndash; both sides have a different version of what has happened there and it is almost impossible to independently verify the information disseminated by the militaries on both sides.

&nbsp;

In this latest cross-border incident, Pakistan claims to have lost three of its soldiers while thwarting an Indian-backed non-state actors&rsquo; infiltration bid. The government further claimed that the non-state actors were attempting to plant mines on the Pakistani side of the border.

&nbsp;

On the other hand, India says its soldiers went inside Pakistani territory and killed three enemy soldiers in retaliation to Indian uniformed men killed a day earlier.

&nbsp;

What really happened? We may never get to know. And while on both sides the military guns have gone silent for now, the diplomatic spat continues with the latest controversy surfaced on Wednesday over the missing shoes of the wife of Jadhav, which the Pakistani officials confiscated, claiming that the shoes had some metallic object hidden in them. The shoe has been sent for testing at a lab.

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Somedays we do a story tht disgusts us. Today was one such day. But it wasnt cuz of what I covered. Rather it was cuz of how my fellow journos behaved with mother &amp; wife of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbushanJadhav</a> whn they left FO building. They shouted taunts. It was very shameful
&mdash; Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) <a href="https://twitter.com/TahaSSiddiqui/status/945320373117210624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

As a Pakistani journalist working for an Indian news outlet, I have been covering all of the happenings closely, and most of it is repetitive of what I have seen before, thus making it quite predictable. But there is one aspect this time that was and continues to surprise or rather shock me: the behavior of my fellow journalists who waited alongside me at the Pakistan Foreign Office complex for the arrival and exit of Jadhav&rsquo;s relatives accompanied by an Indian diplomat.

&nbsp;

Many of these journalists are familiar faces at Foreign Office briefings and have a number of years of experience before being allotted such an important news beat to cover. And yet on Monday, when they were covering the meet-up, they seemed to have lost all sense of ethics when it comes to reporting.

&nbsp;

In my profession, it is understandable to ask questions even if the subject is unwilling to answer them, and since the advent of television news, such interactions are often aired to show the audience the reluctance of the subjects being covered and make a point.

&nbsp;

But that day, the reporters did not ask questions, especially when the family was leaving the venue.

&nbsp;

They shouted accusations, allegations and slogans at the two women who may have met their loved one for the last time, given that Jadhav is on death row and can be executed any day.

&nbsp;

Whatever his alleged crimes are, the two women did not deserve such harassment, and that too from supposedly trained professionals.

&nbsp;

One reporter screamed how Jadhav&rsquo;s mother felt &ldquo;being a parent to a terrorist?&rdquo; Another one asked the wife if she supported her husband who was &ldquo;a killer of hundreds of Pakistanis?&rdquo; Another one asked if the women &ldquo;felt ashamed of his activities?&rdquo;

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The Pakistani Foreign Office had ensured that the reporters stayed at a distance so there was no up close interaction, and we did stand at a distance from the trio when they were exiting. But I had heard one of the government officials promising some of the journalists &ldquo;an interaction&rdquo; with the family once they came out. And not so surprisingly, when they exited the building, the Pakistani government&rsquo;s vehicle they were to be transported back was nowhere to be seen, giving enough time for the journalists to hurl taunts at the Indian visitors. As the four-wheeler arrived and the guests sat inside it, another journalist went even one step further and started to chant &ldquo;Pakistan Zindabad&rdquo; (Long-live Pakistan). This riled up others around too, and soon a large number of them joined in the chorus. Only once the vehicle was out of sight did they stop their self-perceived patriotic demeanor.

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While all this may have taken then less than ten minutes to transpire, it left me in a shock. Also, I felt like I was the only one who thought this was wrong, as I saw most of my brethren pack-up and move away from the location. Some of them even laughed about how they did a great job.

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I thought of talking to the foreign office officials about it, since they could perhaps put some sense into the reporters who misbehaved this way. But I stopped myself short of doing so, when I received a message, sent out to journalists on the Pakistani Foreign Office WhatsApp list, thanking everyone for &ldquo;being responsible media.&rdquo;

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I did not know what else to do but to report it for my channel. But I also decided to tweet about it &ndash; not only vent out the disgust I felt but also tell my neighbors that among the journalists present to cover the meeting between Jadhav and his family, reporters like me were also present who have publicly condemned such conduct by my fellow colleagues. Thankfully, the tweet has gone viral since then. And while the Indians may think that all Pakistani media personnel is unprofessional, I hope to give them a reason to think otherwise.

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(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

I received a message, sent out to journalists on the Pakistani Foreign Office WhatsApp list, thanking everyone for ?being responsible media.?

When the Pakistani government announced that they would allow the family of Kulbushan Jadhav to visit Islamabad and meet with the imprisoned Indian in Pakistan, it seemed like relations between the two neighbors were going to move in a positive direction, and that too after a long time. But this hope for progress was short-lived, and if anything, the relations have actually worsened, ever since 25th of December when the wife and mother of Mr. Jadhav met him at the Ministry of Foreign Office’s compound in the Pakistani capital. Shortly after the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi lambasted the treatment Jadhav’s family received during their one-day-long stay in Pakistan. Their counterparts in Islamabad refuted the accusations of ill-treatment, citing security protocol for the treatment the two women were subjected to. Insiders say that the meet-up was not in the hands of the civilian authorities, and the military was in charge of all affairs and therefore concerns for security overshadowed considerations for hospitality. Adding fuel to this fire is the Line of Control (LoC), which has also heated up, and may very well be linked to the fall-out from the Jadhav meet-up. But as is always the case with the LoC – both sides have a different version of what has happened there and it is almost impossible to independently verify the information disseminated by the militaries on both sides. In this latest cross-border incident, Pakistan claims to have lost three of its soldiers while thwarting an Indian-backed non-state actors’ infiltration bid. The government further claimed that the non-state actors were attempting to plant mines on the Pakistani side of the border. On the other hand, India says its soldiers went inside Pakistani territory and killed three enemy soldiers in retaliation to Indian uniformed men killed a day earlier. What really happened? We may never get to know. And while on both sides the military guns have gone silent for now, the diplomatic spat continues with the latest controversy surfaced on Wednesday over the missing shoes of the wife of Jadhav, which the Pakistani officials confiscated, claiming that the shoes had some metallic object hidden in them. The shoe has been sent for testing at a lab. Somedays we do a story tht disgusts us. Today was one such day. But it wasnt cuz of what I covered. Rather it was cuz of how my fellow journos behaved with mother & wife of #KulbushanJadhav whn they left FO building. They shouted taunts. It was very shameful — Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) December 25, 2017 × As a Pakistani journalist working for an Indian news outlet, I have been covering all of the happenings closely, and most of it is repetitive of what I have seen before, thus making it quite predictable. But there is one aspect this time that was and continues to surprise or rather shock me: the behavior of my fellow journalists who waited alongside me at the Pakistan Foreign Office complex for the arrival and exit of Jadhav’s relatives accompanied by an Indian diplomat. Many of these journalists are familiar faces at Foreign Office briefings and have a number of years of experience before being allotted such an important news beat to cover. And yet on Monday, when they were covering the meet-up, they seemed to have lost all sense of ethics when it comes to reporting. In my profession, it is understandable to ask questions even if the subject is unwilling to answer them, and since the advent of television news, such interactions are often aired to show the audience the reluctance of the subjects being covered and make a point. But that day, the reporters did not ask questions, especially when the family was leaving the venue. They shouted accusations, allegations and slogans at the two women who may have met their loved one for the last time, given that Jadhav is on death row and can be executed any day. Whatever his alleged crimes are, the two women did not deserve such harassment, and that too from supposedly trained professionals. One reporter screamed how Jadhav’s mother felt “being a parent to a terrorist?” Another one asked the wife if she supported her husband who was “a killer of hundreds of Pakistanis?” Another one asked if the women “felt ashamed of his activities?” The Pakistani Foreign Office had ensured that the reporters stayed at a distance so there was no up close interaction, and we did stand at a distance from the trio when they were exiting. But I had heard one of the government officials promising some of the journalists “an interaction” with the family once they came out. And not so surprisingly, when they exited the building, the Pakistani government’s vehicle they were to be transported back was nowhere to be seen, giving enough time for the journalists to hurl taunts at the Indian visitors. As the four-wheeler arrived and the guests sat inside it, another journalist went even one step further and started to chant “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long-live Pakistan). This riled up others around too, and soon a large number of them joined in the chorus. Only once the vehicle was out of sight did they stop their self-perceived patriotic demeanor. While all this may have taken then less than ten minutes to transpire, it left me in a shock. Also, I felt like I was the only one who thought this was wrong, as I saw most of my brethren pack-up and move away from the location. Some of them even laughed about how they did a great job. I thought of talking to the foreign office officials about it, since they could perhaps put some sense into the reporters who misbehaved this way. But I stopped myself short of doing so, when I received a message, sent out to journalists on the Pakistani Foreign Office WhatsApp list, thanking everyone for “being responsible media.” I did not know what else to do but to report it for my channel. But I also decided to tweet about it – not only vent out the disgust I felt but also tell my neighbors that among the journalists present to cover the meeting between Jadhav and his family, reporters like me were also present who have publicly condemned such conduct by my fellow colleagues. Thankfully, the tweet has gone viral since then. And while the Indians may think that all Pakistani media personnel is unprofessional, I hope to give them a reason to think otherwise. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why I am disgusted at the unethical way Pakistan treated Jadhav's family

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