Around 2200 illegal shops in the historical areas of Karachi were demolished as part of a massive anti-encroachment drive launched by the civic authorities.

Accused of ignoring the encroachments on government land for years, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was forced to take action following directions from the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The drive brought about a radical change in the landscape of the city with the most notable transformation being visible in the historically significant Empress market, built in 1884 during British rule to commemorate Queen Victoria.&nbsp;

Situated in the bustling Saddar belt, which was once the epicentre of commercial and trade activities in Karachi, the market saw the construction of several illegal shops over the years.

The activity went unchecked and further spread to other old areas of the city with the authorities averse to taking any action due to the ethnic divide in the city, which has only grown in the last three decades.&nbsp;

However, with the apex court stepping in, Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar said illegal shops and stalls were being razed to the ground without any discrimination.

"It doesn't matter who owns the shops or stalls. When we (MQM) were in power and tried to do something we were accused of targeting the other ethnic communities in Karachi," Akhtar said.

"Our next challenge is to clear the encroachments along the tracks of Pakistan Railway in Karachi as the government is keen to resume the Karachi Circular Service," he added.&nbsp;

The KMC officials said as many as 1500 shops and stalls were demolished around the Empress market last week.

"Today we have razed 350 illegally-built shops in Aram Bagh furniture market and 450 shops near the Light House area with the help of heavy machinery," Metropolitan Commissioner Syed Saifur Rehman said.

"This drive will continue in all areas of Karachi which has seen a rapid increase in encroachments and illegal occupation of government land," he said.

"These people had encroached upon land... We had 175 shops registered with the KMC Land Department (but) they increased it to 350 illegally," Rehman said further.&nbsp;

The shop owners, meanwhile, accused the KMC of rendering people jobless.

All Karachi Tajir Ittehad Chairman Atiq Mir claimed as many as 800 shops were demolished in Aram Bagh and Lighthouse areas rendering at least one member of around 2,000 families jobless.

Mir also said that the shopkeepers whose shops were demolished were doing business in the market for the last 50 years.

"How did the KMC Land department take rent from them all these years," he questioned.&nbsp;

The shopkeepers affected by the drive held a protest rally outside the Karachi Press Club on Monday calling for allocation of alternative spaces for conducting business.

Meanwhile, some heritage experts have expressed concern over the government's plan to carry out beautification of the Empress market and its surrounding structures.

"They shouldn't do anything with these historical places without input from historians, heritage consultants and urban planners," Marvi Mazhar a heritage consultant and architect said.&nbsp;

Around 2200 illegal shops in the historical areas of Karachi were demolished as part of a massive anti-encroachment drive launched by the civic authorities. Accused of ignoring the encroachments on government land for years, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was forced to take action following directions from the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Around 2200 illegal shops in the historical areas of Karachi were demolished as part of a massive anti-encroachment drive launched by the civic authorities. Accused of ignoring the encroachments on government land for years, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) was forced to take action following directions from the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The drive brought about a radical change in the landscape of the city with the most notable transformation being visible in the historically significant Empress market, built in 1884 during British rule to commemorate Queen Victoria. Situated in the bustling Saddar belt, which was once the epicentre of commercial and trade activities in Karachi, the market saw the construction of several illegal shops over the years. The activity went unchecked and further spread to other old areas of the city with the authorities averse to taking any action due to the ethnic divide in the city, which has only grown in the last three decades. However, with the apex court stepping in, Karachi Mayor Wasim Akhtar said illegal shops and stalls were being razed to the ground without any discrimination. "It doesn't matter who owns the shops or stalls. When we (MQM) were in power and tried to do something we were accused of targeting the other ethnic communities in Karachi," Akhtar said. "Our next challenge is to clear the encroachments along the tracks of Pakistan Railway in Karachi as the government is keen to resume the Karachi Circular Service," he added. The KMC officials said as many as 1500 shops and stalls were demolished around the Empress market last week. "Today we have razed 350 illegally-built shops in Aram Bagh furniture market and 450 shops near the Light House area with the help of heavy machinery," Metropolitan Commissioner Syed Saifur Rehman said. "This drive will continue in all areas of Karachi which has seen a rapid increase in encroachments and illegal occupation of government land," he said. "These people had encroached upon land... We had 175 shops registered with the KMC Land Department (but) they increased it to 350 illegally," Rehman said further. The shop owners, meanwhile, accused the KMC of rendering people jobless. All Karachi Tajir Ittehad Chairman Atiq Mir claimed as many as 800 shops were demolished in Aram Bagh and Lighthouse areas rendering at least one member of around 2,000 families jobless. Mir also said that the shopkeepers whose shops were demolished were doing business in the market for the last 50 years. "How did the KMC Land department take rent from them all these years," he questioned. The shopkeepers affected by the drive held a protest rally outside the Karachi Press Club on Monday calling for allocation of alternative spaces for conducting business. Meanwhile, some heritage experts have expressed concern over the government's plan to carry out beautification of the Empress market and its surrounding structures. "They shouldn't do anything with these historical places without input from historians, heritage consultants and urban planners," Marvi Mazhar a heritage consultant and architect said.

2200 shops razed in Karachi as part of anti-encroachment drive

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The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

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A bomb killed at least two people and wounded eight others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said.

The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district.

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Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih takes office on Saturday, seeking help from India and the United States to climb out from under a mountain of Chinese debt that his predecessor racked up in a breakneck development of the coral islands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-white-house-to-restore-press-pass-to-cnns-acosta-177783">US judge orders White House to restore press pass to CNN's Acosta</a>

A US judge on Friday ordered the White House to temporarily restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass, which was revoked after a contentious news conference last week with President Donald Trump.

The White House withdrew Acosta's credentials on November 7 in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on news organizations, who he has called enemies of the people.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved. Over 1000 missing, 71 dead in California wildfire The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers. Pakistan: Explosion in Karachi kills 2, injures 8 A bomb killed at least two people and wounded eight others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said. The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district. PM Modi embraces Maldives as new leader Mohamed Solih takes office, China out of favour Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih takes office on Saturday, seeking help from India and the United States to climb out from under a mountain of Chinese debt that his predecessor racked up in a breakneck development of the coral islands. US judge orders White House to restore press pass to CNN's Acosta A US judge on Friday ordered the White House to temporarily restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass, which was revoked after a contentious news conference last week with President Donald Trump. The White House withdrew Acosta's credentials on November 7 in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on news organizations, who he has called enemies of the people.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A bomb killed at least two people and wounded 10 others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said.

The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district.

"A timed device planted underneath a pushcart exploded with a big bang, killing two people and wounding 10 others," senior police official Irfan Ali Bahadur told AFP.

Nobody has so far claimed responsibility but Karachi, the country's economic and commercial hub, has long been in the grip of militant, sectarian and ethic violence.

Police cordoned off the area after the explosion and bomb disposal officials were called to the scene.

Seemi Jamali, a senior doctor at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre where the dead and wounded were brought, confirmed the toll and said two of the injured were in a critical condition.

Violence in Pakistan has declined dramatically in recent years following a series of military operations along the northwestern border with Afghanistan, but militant groups are still able to carry out deadly attacks.&nbsp;

A bomb killed at least two people and wounded 10 others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said. The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district.

A bomb killed at least two people and wounded 10 others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said. The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district. "A timed device planted underneath a pushcart exploded with a big bang, killing two people and wounding 10 others," senior police official Irfan Ali Bahadur told AFP. Nobody has so far claimed responsibility but Karachi, the country's economic and commercial hub, has long been in the grip of militant, sectarian and ethic violence. Police cordoned off the area after the explosion and bomb disposal officials were called to the scene. Seemi Jamali, a senior doctor at Jinnah Post Graduate Medical Centre where the dead and wounded were brought, confirmed the toll and said two of the injured were in a critical condition. Violence in Pakistan has declined dramatically in recent years following a series of military operations along the northwestern border with Afghanistan, but militant groups are still able to carry out deadly attacks.

Pakistan: Explosion in Karachi kills 2, injures 10

Several armed men in plain dress barged into the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Thursday and harassed journalists, according to the office bearers of the club in Pakistan's southern port city.

The incident happened on Thursday night at 10:30 pm When dozens of armed men forced themselves into the club, which has been a symbol of struggle and expression of speech, one of the office-bearers said.

"Dozens of gunmen in plainclothes entered the KPC at 10:30 pm, harassed the journalists, examined different rooms, kitchen, the upper floor of the building and the sports hall. They forcibly made videos and took pictures with mobile cameras," he said.

Following the incident, the KPC office-bearers immediately informed the Additional Inspector General, Dr Amir Ahmed Shaikh, about the incident and were assured of an immediate inquiry into the matter.

Journalists have called for a protest on Friday afternoon against the incident.&nbsp;

Several armed men in plain dress barged into the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Thursday and harassed journalists, according to the office bearers of the club in Pakistan's southern port city.

Several armed men in plain dress barged into the Karachi Press Club (KPC) on Thursday and harassed journalists, according to the office bearers of the club in Pakistan's southern port city. The incident happened on Thursday night at 10:30 pm When dozens of armed men forced themselves into the club, which has been a symbol of struggle and expression of speech, one of the office-bearers said. "Dozens of gunmen in plainclothes entered the KPC at 10:30 pm, harassed the journalists, examined different rooms, kitchen, the upper floor of the building and the sports hall. They forcibly made videos and took pictures with mobile cameras," he said. Following the incident, the KPC office-bearers immediately informed the Additional Inspector General, Dr Amir Ahmed Shaikh, about the incident and were assured of an immediate inquiry into the matter. Journalists have called for a protest on Friday afternoon against the incident.

Armed men barge into Karachi press club; harass journalists

An autorickshaw driver got the scare of his life when he received a call from Pakistan's top investigation agency which sought an explanation from him about a whopping Rs 300 crore worth of transactions made to his account.

The driver, identified as Muhammad Rasheed, who lives in Karachi came to know about the huge transactions in his account when the Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) summoned him for an explanation.

"I got a call from the FIA office and they told me to show up for questioning. I was so scared as I didn't know what had happened," Rasheed said.

"When I went to the FIA office they showed me the record of my bank account," he said.

"The FIA officials told me that transactions of some 300 crore rupees were made through my salary bank account which I had opened back in 2005 when I was working for a private company as a driver," Rasheed said.

Rasheed said he had quit the job just after a month to start his own work.

"Three hundred crore rupees is a dream. I have never even seen one lakh rupees in my life," he lamented.

When asked about his former employer, Rasheed said he was unable to recall its name.

"My family and I live in a rented place. I work hard to make both ends meet. I can't even imagine such a huge amount. I suspect my salary account was being used for some other purposes," he said.

He said that he convinced the FIA officials about his present financial conditions.

Few days back a food vendor in Karachi's Orangi town also got the shock of his life when he found more than 200 crore rupees in his account.&nbsp;

The FIA is investigating large-scale money laundering cases after the Supreme Court appointed a Joint Investigation Unit (JIT) to probe into the matter.

The FIA is investigating several individual accounts, which have been used for money laundering by some influential businessmen and politicians.&nbsp;

In many cases dormant accounts of poor people have been activated with connivance of some bank officials for huge transactions.

The JIT has been probing since September into the money laundering cases revealing several suspicious accounts.

An autorickshaw driver got the scare of his life when he received a call from Pakistan's top investigation agency which sought an explanation from him about a whopping Rs 300 crore worth of transactions made to his account.

An autorickshaw driver got the scare of his life when he received a call from Pakistan's top investigation agency which sought an explanation from him about a whopping Rs 300 crore worth of transactions made to his account. The driver, identified as Muhammad Rasheed, who lives in Karachi came to know about the huge transactions in his account when the Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) summoned him for an explanation. "I got a call from the FIA office and they told me to show up for questioning. I was so scared as I didn't know what had happened," Rasheed said. "When I went to the FIA office they showed me the record of my bank account," he said. "The FIA officials told me that transactions of some 300 crore rupees were made through my salary bank account which I had opened back in 2005 when I was working for a private company as a driver," Rasheed said. Rasheed said he had quit the job just after a month to start his own work. "Three hundred crore rupees is a dream. I have never even seen one lakh rupees in my life," he lamented. When asked about his former employer, Rasheed said he was unable to recall its name. "My family and I live in a rented place. I work hard to make both ends meet. I can't even imagine such a huge amount. I suspect my salary account was being used for some other purposes," he said. He said that he convinced the FIA officials about his present financial conditions. Few days back a food vendor in Karachi's Orangi town also got the shock of his life when he found more than 200 crore rupees in his account. The FIA is investigating large-scale money laundering cases after the Supreme Court appointed a Joint Investigation Unit (JIT) to probe into the matter. The FIA is investigating several individual accounts, which have been used for money laundering by some influential businessmen and politicians. In many cases dormant accounts of poor people have been activated with connivance of some bank officials for huge transactions. The JIT has been probing since September into the money laundering cases revealing several suspicious accounts.

FIA summons auto rickshaw driver after Rs 300 crore transactions found in his account in Karachi

The chairman of Voice of Karachi, Nadeem Nusrat hit out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while terming Islamabad government as "military stooge".

Nusrat also called Khan a weak leader and said that he can only design policies but execution and decisions are in the hands of the military.

"Pakistan has been a military state since its inception. Imran Khan can design foreign policies but the question is will he be given enough room to work and execute these policies," Nusrat told ANI.

When asked about Pakistan Foreign Minister Mehmood Shah Qureshi's statement on India's call for the conducive environment, Nusrat asserted that Pakistan is answerable for several things including the freedom given to the leaders of terrorist outfit like Lashkar-e-Taiba.

He also stated that it will be difficult for Pakistan to blame other countries until it resolves its own issues. "It is sad that Pakistan finds it problematic that India helps Afghanistan and accuses Islamabad of spying. Pakistan considers Afghanistan as its backyard and forgets that it is a sovereign state. Pakistan should be held accountable for the killing of 25,000 people in Karachi, abduction of Balochs and Sindhis. Rather than talking about the so-called human rights violation in Kashmir, Pakistan should first resolve these issues," he said.

He further advised Pakistan to work on confidence-building measures "if it wants to improve relations with the neighbouring countries".

The chairman of Voice of Karachi, Nadeem Nusrat hit out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while terming Islamabad government as "military stooge". Nusrat also called Khan a weak leader and said that he can only design policies but execution and decisions are in the hands of the military.

The chairman of Voice of Karachi, Nadeem Nusrat hit out at Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan while terming Islamabad government as "military stooge". Nusrat also called Khan a weak leader and said that he can only design policies but execution and decisions are in the hands of the military. "Pakistan has been a military state since its inception. Imran Khan can design foreign policies but the question is will he be given enough room to work and execute these policies," Nusrat told ANI. When asked about Pakistan Foreign Minister Mehmood Shah Qureshi's statement on India's call for the conducive environment, Nusrat asserted that Pakistan is answerable for several things including the freedom given to the leaders of terrorist outfit like Lashkar-e-Taiba. He also stated that it will be difficult for Pakistan to blame other countries until it resolves its own issues. "It is sad that Pakistan finds it problematic that India helps Afghanistan and accuses Islamabad of spying. Pakistan considers Afghanistan as its backyard and forgets that it is a sovereign state. Pakistan should be held accountable for the killing of 25,000 people in Karachi, abduction of Balochs and Sindhis. Rather than talking about the so-called human rights violation in Kashmir, Pakistan should first resolve these issues," he said. He further advised Pakistan to work on confidence-building measures "if it wants to improve relations with the neighbouring countries".

Pakistan government a military stooge: Nadeem Nusrat

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif will file his nomination papers for three constituencies in Karachi. Former Punjab chief minister will submit his papers for three constituencies, as reported by the Express Tribune on Sunday.

Another PML-N leader Saleem Zia obtained the nomination papers on behalf of Shehbaz.

Later, while addressing the media, Zia accused Pakistan People's Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement of failing to restore peace in Karachi. He further claimed if PML-N was voted to power, it would change the fortune of the residents of Karachi.

Earlier,&nbspPakistan's Supreme Cour summoned&nbspSharif in connection with the case pertaining to corruption in 56 public sector companies.

The Chief Justice of Pakistan ordered Shahbaz Sharif to appear before the court to clarify his position regarding appointments of Heads of these companies on hefty salaries.

"Shehbaz Sharif should appear in person and explain how government officials were hired on such high incomes," CJP Mian Saqib Nisar remarked.

The president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) then asked the top court to allow him a chance to submit his response in the case.

Pakistan will go to the polls on July 25.

Earlier, Pakistan's Supreme Cour summoned Sharif in connection with the case pertaining to corruption in 56 public sector companies

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif will file his nomination papers for three constituencies in Karachi. Former Punjab chief minister will submit his papers for three constituencies, as reported by the Express Tribune on Sunday. Another PML-N leader Saleem Zia obtained the nomination papers on behalf of Shehbaz. Later, while addressing the media, Zia accused Pakistan People's Party and Muttahida Qaumi Movement of failing to restore peace in Karachi. He further claimed if PML-N was voted to power, it would change the fortune of the residents of Karachi. Earlier,&nbspPakistan's Supreme Cour summoned&nbspSharif in connection with the case pertaining to corruption in 56 public sector companies. The Chief Justice of Pakistan ordered Shahbaz Sharif to appear before the court to clarify his position regarding appointments of Heads of these companies on hefty salaries. "Shehbaz Sharif should appear in person and explain how government officials were hired on such high incomes," CJP Mian Saqib Nisar remarked. The president of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) then asked the top court to allow him a chance to submit his response in the case. Pakistan will go to the polls on July 25.

Shehbaz Sharif will contest Pakistan general polls from Karachi

Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25.

As per reports by ANI, the two leaders went to file their papers themselves. Bilawal is contesting from two assembly seats namely Karachi's Lyari and Larkana while Imran has filed his nomination from NA-243 in Karachi East district.&nbsp

In his first election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the scion of the storied Bhutto family who now heads the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is attempting to recapture the support his mother, two-time former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, enjoyed on her return from exile in 2007, before she was assassinated on the campaign trail.

Party leaders insist the 29-year-old Bhutto, Oxford-educated like his mother and grandfather — also a former prime minister — brings a fresh new appeal to the party as it attempts to revive its waning fortunes in a general election called for July 25.

Further, Bilawal's sister Asefa Bhutto also filed nomination forms to contest from Rato Dera of the Sindh assembly. She is also a covering candidate of Bilawal Bhutto in Larkana.

Earlier PTI's Imran had announced party candidates for the majority of the assemblies. Khan would himself contest elections from five constituencies including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Mianwali, and Bannu.

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday started accepting the nomination papers after the Supreme Court announced its verdict rejecting amendments in the forms.

The Lahore High Court ruled on June 1 that the nomination papers do not necessarily seek information regarding candidates' educational background, criminal record, and dual citizenship.

It further ordered the election body to add requirements under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution to the nomination papers.

The ECP will continue to receive the nomination papers, in compliance with the approved format as per Election Act 2017, from June 4 till June 8.

The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19.

Meanwhile, the number of non-Muslim voters in Pakistan has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 with the Hindus at 1.77 million maintaining their majority among the religious minority electorate, according to a new voters' list prepared by authorities ahead of the general elections.

The non-Muslim voters have registered an increase of 30 per cent over the last five years, the Dawn newspaper reported citing an official document.

The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19

Pakistan People's Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Pakistan Tehreek-e- Insaf chief Imran Khan filed their nomination papers on Friday for the upcoming general elections in the country, scheduled to be held on July 25. As per reports by ANI, the two leaders went to file their papers themselves. Bilawal is contesting from two assembly seats namely Karachi's Lyari and Larkana while Imran has filed his nomination from NA-243 in Karachi East district. In his first election campaign, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, the scion of the storied Bhutto family who now heads the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), is attempting to recapture the support his mother, two-time former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, enjoyed on her return from exile in 2007, before she was assassinated on the campaign trail. Party leaders insist the 29-year-old Bhutto, Oxford-educated like his mother and grandfather — also a former prime minister — brings a fresh new appeal to the party as it attempts to revive its waning fortunes in a general election called for July 25. Further, Bilawal's sister Asefa Bhutto also filed nomination forms to contest from Rato Dera of the Sindh assembly. She is also a covering candidate of Bilawal Bhutto in Larkana. Earlier PTI's Imran had announced party candidates for the majority of the assemblies. Khan would himself contest elections from five constituencies including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Mianwali, and Bannu. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday started accepting the nomination papers after the Supreme Court announced its verdict rejecting amendments in the forms. The Lahore High Court ruled on June 1 that the nomination papers do not necessarily seek information regarding candidates' educational background, criminal record, and dual citizenship. It further ordered the election body to add requirements under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution to the nomination papers. The ECP will continue to receive the nomination papers, in compliance with the approved format as per Election Act 2017, from June 4 till June 8. The nominations papers will be scrutinised on June 14 while any appeals against the decision regarding nomination process must be filed till June 19. Meanwhile, the number of non-Muslim voters in Pakistan has climbed to 3.63 million in 2018 with the Hindus at 1.77 million maintaining their majority among the religious minority electorate, according to a new voters' list prepared by authorities ahead of the general elections. The non-Muslim voters have registered an increase of 30 per cent over the last five years, the Dawn newspaper reported citing an official document.

Bilawal, Imran file nomination papers from Karachi constituencies

Pakistan's cricketer-turned-politician and Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has filed nomination papers from Karachi for the upcoming general elections due on July 25.

He had during a visit to Karachi last month announced his intention to contest a National Assembly seat from Pakistan's biggest city, which since 1988 has been dominated by the Mutthaida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party in national and provincial elections.&nbsp;

Khan filed his nomination papers from NA-243 constituency but PTI's senior leader Asad Umar said he would also be contesting on other NA seats.

Umar added that the PTI chairman would contest the elections from four or five different constituencies scattered across the country.

In the 2013 elections, Khan had contested from NA-1 (Peshawar - II), NA- 56 (Rawalpindi VII), NA-71 (Mianwali - I) and NA-126 (Lahore - IX).

Karachi has assumed significance in the coming elections as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) vice chairman Bilawal Bhutto has also filed his nomination papers day from NA-246.

Bilawal's sister Aseefa Bhutto and father Asif Ali Zardari will also contest elections from seats in Karachi.

Prominent human rights activist and lawyer Jibran Nasir has also announced he will be contesting a seat from Karachi as an independent candidate.

Political analysts believe that with the MQM now scattered into several groups and their founder-leader Altaf Hussain banned from politics in Pakistan, other political parties now see an opportune moment to end the MQM's stronghold on Karachi.

Since 1988, the MQM has won the majority of the national assembly and provincial assembly seats from Karachi and dominated the city's political landscape.

He had during a visit to Karachi last month announced his intention to contest a National Assembly seat from Pakistan's biggest city, which since 1988 has been dominated by the Mutthaida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party in national and provincial elections.

Pakistan's cricketer-turned-politician and Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan has filed nomination papers from Karachi for the upcoming general elections due on July 25. He had during a visit to Karachi last month announced his intention to contest a National Assembly seat from Pakistan's biggest city, which since 1988 has been dominated by the Mutthaida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party in national and provincial elections. Khan filed his nomination papers from NA-243 constituency but PTI's senior leader Asad Umar said he would also be contesting on other NA seats. Umar added that the PTI chairman would contest the elections from four or five different constituencies scattered across the country. In the 2013 elections, Khan had contested from NA-1 (Peshawar - II), NA- 56 (Rawalpindi VII), NA-71 (Mianwali - I) and NA-126 (Lahore - IX). Karachi has assumed significance in the coming elections as Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) vice chairman Bilawal Bhutto has also filed his nomination papers day from NA-246. Bilawal's sister Aseefa Bhutto and father Asif Ali Zardari will also contest elections from seats in Karachi. Prominent human rights activist and lawyer Jibran Nasir has also announced he will be contesting a seat from Karachi as an independent candidate. Political analysts believe that with the MQM now scattered into several groups and their founder-leader Altaf Hussain banned from politics in Pakistan, other political parties now see an opportune moment to end the MQM's stronghold on Karachi. Since 1988, the MQM has won the majority of the national assembly and provincial assembly seats from Karachi and dominated the city's political landscape.

Pak elections: Imran Khan files nomination for Karachi seat

The workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vandalised a party office here on Saturday.

The PTI workers broke into the premises of the Insaf House and smashed down doors and shattered windows. They also wrote on the walls of the party office which read - 'Karachi president usurping seats of candidates unacceptable PS-102' and 'Go Arif Alvi Go', Geo News reported.

The workers were unhappy with PTI chief Imran Khan's decision to field Firdous Shamim Naqvi as the candidate to contest from PS-102 in Karachi.

Local police later arrived at the scene and was not allowed inside the Insaf House by the party officials, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gulshan-e-Iqbal.

He added that the scuffle broke out due to an internal matter within PTI.

It has been learnt that Imran will contest from the NA-243 constituency in Karachi for the upcoming general elections, according to the report.

Hence, other PTI leaders are keen to contest the polls in provincial assembly constituencies (PS-101 and PS-102) along with Imran.

Taking cognizance of the incident, the local party leadership has said that it will take strict disciplinary action against the workers who were involved in the incident.

Pakistan will go to polls on July 25. For the time being, the country is governed by an interim government headed by former Pakistan Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, who was sworn-in on Friday.

&nbsp;

The workers were unhappy with PTI chief Imran Khan's decision to field Firdous Shamim Naqvi as the candidate to contest from PS-102 in Karachi

The workers of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vandalised a party office here on Saturday. The PTI workers broke into the premises of the Insaf House and smashed down doors and shattered windows. They also wrote on the walls of the party office which read - 'Karachi president usurping seats of candidates unacceptable PS-102' and 'Go Arif Alvi Go', Geo News reported. The workers were unhappy with PTI chief Imran Khan's decision to field Firdous Shamim Naqvi as the candidate to contest from PS-102 in Karachi. Local police later arrived at the scene and was not allowed inside the Insaf House by the party officials, according to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gulshan-e-Iqbal. He added that the scuffle broke out due to an internal matter within PTI. It has been learnt that Imran will contest from the NA-243 constituency in Karachi for the upcoming general elections, according to the report. Hence, other PTI leaders are keen to contest the polls in provincial assembly constituencies (PS-101 and PS-102) along with Imran. Taking cognizance of the incident, the local party leadership has said that it will take strict disciplinary action against the workers who were involved in the incident. Pakistan will go to polls on July 25. For the time being, the country is governed by an interim government headed by former Pakistan Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk, who was sworn-in on Friday.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf workers vandalise party office in Karachi

A Pakistan meteorological official confirmed that while the temperature remained around 45 degrees Centigrade but due to absence of sea breeze in the coastal city, the felt temperature was close to 49 degrees.

"There were no winds today from the sea and for Karachiites Wednesday was the hottest day since May 1981," one official confirmed.

He said due to load shedding in many parts of the city, it was very uncomfortable for the people in the month of fasting.&nbsp;Due to the extreme weather people preferred to stay indoors with little traffic seen on the roads especially afternoon with suffocating humidity.

People out on the roads could be seen wrapping their heads and faces in wet towels and cloth while in many areas people were seen cooling off with their feet in ice buckets.

Karachi and many parts of Pakistan have been in the grip of extremely hot weather since last month and temperatures have escalated since the start of Ramzan two weeks back.

According to the Edhi welfare trust, at one point due to the hot and humid weather over a period of four days at least 62 people&nbsp;died due to heat stroke but the provincial government has disputed these claims.&nbsp;

Karachi and many parts of Pakistan have been in the grip of extremely hot weather

A Pakistan meteorological official confirmed that while the temperature remained around 45 degrees Centigrade but due to absence of sea breeze in the coastal city, the felt temperature was close to 49 degrees. "There were no winds today from the sea and for Karachiites Wednesday was the hottest day since May 1981," one official confirmed. He said due to load shedding in many parts of the city, it was very uncomfortable for the people in the month of fasting. Due to the extreme weather people preferred to stay indoors with little traffic seen on the roads especially afternoon with suffocating humidity. People out on the roads could be seen wrapping their heads and faces in wet towels and cloth while in many areas people were seen cooling off with their feet in ice buckets. Karachi and many parts of Pakistan have been in the grip of extremely hot weather since last month and temperatures have escalated since the start of Ramzan two weeks back. According to the Edhi welfare trust, at one point due to the hot and humid weather over a period of four days at least 62 people died due to heat stroke but the provincial government has disputed these claims.

Karachi experiences hottest day since 1981

Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a fresh warning of heatwave in Karachi as the mercury to heat the maximum temerature, media reports said.

The warning has been issued for three-days starting from Tuesday to Thursday.

The intensity of the heatwaves would stay between moderate to severe, chinese news agency Xinhuanet reported.

According to the media reports, the temperature would remain between 40 to 44 degress celsius.

Citizens of the city are also advised to stay indoors and to avoid diirect sunlight to prevent the heatwave related issues like sun stroke and dehydration.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-heatwave-kills-65-people-in-karachi-welfare-organisation-138799">Sixty-five people died in three days </a>last week after temperature climbed up to 44 degrees Celsius&nbsp;in Karachi.

The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours.

Reports of heat stroke deaths in Karachi has stirred unease as the people fear a repeat of a heatwave in of 2015, when morgues and hospitals were overwhelmed and at least 1,300 mostly elderly and sick people died from the searing heat.

In 2015, the Edhi morgue ran out of freezer space after about 650 bodies were brought in the space of a few days.

Ambulances left decaying corpses outside in sweltering heat.

The provincial government has assured residents that there would be no repeat of 2015 and was working on ensuring those in need of care receive rapid treatment.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The warning has been issued for three-days starting from Tuesday to Thursday

Pakistan Meteorological Department issued a fresh warning of heatwave in Karachi as the mercury to heat the maximum temerature, media reports said. The warning has been issued for three-days starting from Tuesday to Thursday. The intensity of the heatwaves would stay between moderate to severe, chinese news agency Xinhuanet reported. According to the media reports, the temperature would remain between 40 to 44 degress celsius. Citizens of the city are also advised to stay indoors and to avoid diirect sunlight to prevent the heatwave related issues like sun stroke and dehydration. Sixty-five people died in three days last week after temperature climbed up to 44 degrees Celsius in Karachi. The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. Reports of heat stroke deaths in Karachi has stirred unease as the people fear a repeat of a heatwave in of 2015, when morgues and hospitals were overwhelmed and at least 1,300 mostly elderly and sick people died from the searing heat. In 2015, the Edhi morgue ran out of freezer space after about 650 bodies were brought in the space of a few days. Ambulances left decaying corpses outside in sweltering heat. The provincial government has assured residents that there would be no repeat of 2015 and was working on ensuring those in need of care receive rapid treatment. (With inputs from Reuters)

PMD issues fresh heatwave warning for three days in Karachi

By Manish Shukla

Bangladeshi terror groups are trying to bring weapons into the country from Pakistan's Karachi, a BSF report has said.&nbsp

The BSF report says a meeting was recently called by members of the Jamat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the Neo-JMB in Dhaka. Security agencies say the Neo-JMB is an offshoot of the JMB, a banned militant outfit.

The report says the meeting discussed the possibility of bringing arms and ammunition into the country, via the sea route, from Karachi to Chittagong.&nbsp

The BSF report has been shared with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.&nbsp

Indian intelligence agencies say the JMB and Neo-JMB are active along the India-Bangladesh border.&nbsp

The agencies say the JMB is targeting teenagers studying in madrasas in the country's border districts to co-opt them into jihadist activities.&nbsp

The Neo-JMB is reportedly trying to regroup with the Sarwar Tamim faction of the JMB.

Indian intelligence agenices say the porous border between India and Bangladesh and the presence of a large number of illegal migrants from Bangladesh make it easy for terrorists to enter India. Furthermore, the numerous madrasas near the border provide a platform for the radicalisation of local youth.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) says its probe into the Burdwan blast revealed JMB members would regularly visit the madrasas in the border districts. The agency added that documents seized at the site of the blast indicated the regular conduct of terror-training classes by the JMB in West Bengal.

The BSF report has been shared with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs

By Manish Shukla Bangladeshi terror groups are trying to bring weapons into the country from Pakistan's Karachi, a BSF report has said. The BSF report says a meeting was recently called by members of the Jamat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the Neo-JMB in Dhaka. Security agencies say the Neo-JMB is an offshoot of the JMB, a banned militant outfit. The report says the meeting discussed the possibility of bringing arms and ammunition into the country, via the sea route, from Karachi to Chittagong. The BSF report has been shared with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. Indian intelligence agencies say the JMB and Neo-JMB are active along the India-Bangladesh border. The agencies say the JMB is targeting teenagers studying in madrasas in the country's border districts to co-opt them into jihadist activities. The Neo-JMB is reportedly trying to regroup with the Sarwar Tamim faction of the JMB. Indian intelligence agenices say the porous border between India and Bangladesh and the presence of a large number of illegal migrants from Bangladesh make it easy for terrorists to enter India. Furthermore, the numerous madrasas near the border provide a platform for the radicalisation of local youth. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) says its probe into the Burdwan blast revealed JMB members would regularly visit the madrasas in the border districts. The agency added that documents seized at the site of the blast indicated the regular conduct of terror-training classes by the JMB in West Bengal.

Bangladeshi terror groups trying to bring in weapons from Karachi: BSF report

The body of 17-year-old&nbsp;Pakistani exchange student Sabika Sheikh, who was killed in a mass shooting at Texas high school, arrived home for funeral in&nbsp;Pakistan's southern city of Karachi early on Wednesday (May 23).

Sheikh was killed with eight students and two teachers when a gunman attacked Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas. Students said the teenaged boy charged with fatally shooting 10 people, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, opened fire in an art class shortly before 8 a.m. on Friday (May 18).

A Turkish airliner, brought the coffin of Sheikh from Texas and was received by family members and officials of the U.S. Consulate at the airport, local media reported.

The body was transported to her residence, where bereaved family and mourning relatives were present. Her father, Aziz Sheikh, and her uncle Abdul Jaleel Sheikh accompanied the body from the airport to the residence in the ambulance.

Sabika was part of the YES exchange program funded by the U.S. State Department, which provides scholarships for students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend an academic year in the United States. She had been due to return to&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;on June 9, at the end of the school year.

Sheikh was killed with eight students and two teachers when a gunman attacked Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas.

The body of 17-year-old Pakistani exchange student Sabika Sheikh, who was killed in a mass shooting at Texas high school, arrived home for funeral in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi early on Wednesday (May 23). Sheikh was killed with eight students and two teachers when a gunman attacked Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas. Students said the teenaged boy charged with fatally shooting 10 people, Dimitrios Pagourtzis, opened fire in an art class shortly before 8 a.m. on Friday (May 18). A Turkish airliner, brought the coffin of Sheikh from Texas and was received by family members and officials of the U.S. Consulate at the airport, local media reported. The body was transported to her residence, where bereaved family and mourning relatives were present. Her father, Aziz Sheikh, and her uncle Abdul Jaleel Sheikh accompanied the body from the airport to the residence in the ambulance. Sabika was part of the YES exchange program funded by the U.S. State Department, which provides scholarships for students from countries with significant Muslim populations to spend an academic year in the United States. She had been due to return to Pakistan on June 9, at the end of the school year.

Coffin carrying body of slain Pakistani student killed in Texas school mass shooting arrives home

A heatwave has killed 65 people in&nbsp;Pakistan's southern city of Karachi over the past three days, a social welfare organisation said on Tuesday, amid fears the death toll could climb as the high temperatures persist.

The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours.

Temperatures hit 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) on Monday, local media reported.

Faisal Edhi, who runs the Edhi Foundation that operates morgues and an ambulance service in Pakistan's biggest city, said the deaths occurred mostly in the poor areas of Karachi.

"Sixty-five people have died over the last three days," Edhi told Reuters. "We have the bodies in our cold storage facilities and their neighbourhood doctors have said they died of heat-stroke."

A government spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

But Sindh province's Health Secretary Fazlullah Pechuho told the English-language Dawn newspaper that no one has died from heat-stroke.

“Only doctors and hospitals can decide whether the cause of death was heat-stroke or not. I categorically reject that people have died due to heat-stroke in Karachi," Pechuho was quoted as saying.

Nonetheless, reports of heat stroke deaths in Karachi will stir unease amid fears of a repeat of a heatwave in of 2015, when morgues and hospitals were overwhelmed and at least 1,300 mostly elderly and sick people died from the searing heat.

In 2015, the Edhi morgue ran out of freezer space after about 650 bodies were brought in the space of a few days.

Ambulances left decaying corpses outside in sweltering heat.

The provincial government has assured residents that there would be no repeat of 2015 and was working on ensuring those in need of care receive rapid treatment.

Edhi said most of the dead brought to the morgue were working class factory workers who came from the low-income Landhi and Korangi areas of Karachi.

"They work around heaters and boilers in textile factories and there are eight to nine hours of (scheduled power outages) in these areas," he said.

Temperatures are expected to stay above 40C until Thursday, local media reported.

The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours

A heatwave has killed 65 people in Pakistan's southern city of Karachi over the past three days, a social welfare organisation said on Tuesday, amid fears the death toll could climb as the high temperatures persist. The heatwave has coincided with power outages and the holy month of Ramadan when most Muslims do not eat or drink during daylight hours. Temperatures hit 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit) on Monday, local media reported. Faisal Edhi, who runs the Edhi Foundation that operates morgues and an ambulance service in Pakistan's biggest city, said the deaths occurred mostly in the poor areas of Karachi. "Sixty-five people have died over the last three days," Edhi told Reuters. "We have the bodies in our cold storage facilities and their neighbourhood doctors have said they died of heat-stroke." A government spokesperson could not be reached for comment. But Sindh province's Health Secretary Fazlullah Pechuho told the English-language Dawn newspaper that no one has died from heat-stroke. “Only doctors and hospitals can decide whether the cause of death was heat-stroke or not. I categorically reject that people have died due to heat-stroke in Karachi," Pechuho was quoted as saying. Nonetheless, reports of heat stroke deaths in Karachi will stir unease amid fears of a repeat of a heatwave in of 2015, when morgues and hospitals were overwhelmed and at least 1,300 mostly elderly and sick people died from the searing heat. In 2015, the Edhi morgue ran out of freezer space after about 650 bodies were brought in the space of a few days. Ambulances left decaying corpses outside in sweltering heat. The provincial government has assured residents that there would be no repeat of 2015 and was working on ensuring those in need of care receive rapid treatment. Edhi said most of the dead brought to the morgue were working class factory workers who came from the low-income Landhi and Korangi areas of Karachi. "They work around heaters and boilers in textile factories and there are eight to nine hours of (scheduled power outages) in these areas," he said. Temperatures are expected to stay above 40C until Thursday, local media reported.

Pakistan: Heatwave kills 65 people in Karachi

Members of Christian community based out of Karachi in Pakistan met District Inspector on Friday to inform about mysterious disappearances of Christians and "raids" conducted in Youhanabad.

As reported by Dawn, residents of Youhanabad Christian colony, located in Gulshan-i-Iqbal Block 13-G, protested against disappearances of young Christian men.

Superintendent of Police Murtaza Bhutto moderated the discussions while Father Saleh Diego, Parish Priest at St Paul Parish, represented the community.

The members alleged that within a span of few weeks, 24 young Christian men were picked up by police on various pretexts or sometimes without any clarifications.

They further informed that some men, who appeared to be security officials, showed up wearing masks in the dead of the night, riding in cars without license plates.

The accused then broke down the doors across neighborhood and abducted the men.

The family members further alleged that these incidents started taking place since March 30 when six young men were taken away as part of the first incident.

On April 15, four youth were arrested and further 14 people disappeared.

Those abducted on May 8 are still missing.

As per a woman, whose husband is abducted, the alleged security officials had asked her husband's identity and demanded to see his identity card. They then assaulted the victim and dragged him away.

The victim was scheduled to appear for an interview at a call center when he was abducted.

Further, the family of another victim said on April 15 the alleged officers broke into their house using some sort of lock cutters.

Some arrested young men were blindfolded and transported to unknown areas.

One of them reported being tortured with electric shocks for three days in a row.

"They kept asking me to do exactly as they say. They constantly kept asking me about different people, encounters and weapons" victim informed.

He was taken away on April 15 on basis of a false case registered against him.

He was rescued by his family as they shared pictures of their abducted sons on social media platform, WhatsApp and managed to obtain bail for one of them.

Another victim who managed to return said he was being taken away by "officers".

The Christian community representatives further informed that the men raiding their homes bring a criminal named Shiraz with them who "identifies" the youngsters and abduct them.

Further, the victims are said to have no connection with any political organisation or community.

Some of the victims have been granted bail.

Christians filed an official complaint with IG Sindh and other notable figures. An FIR was also filed on behalf of the community.

They further requested the authorities to be informed in case the accused is arrested.

They had earlier reached out to relevant court as well regarding the matter but no action was said to be taken.&nbsp

The members alleged that within a span of few weeks, 24 young Christian men were picked up by police on various pretexts or sometimes without any clarifications

Members of Christian community based out of Karachi in Pakistan met District Inspector on Friday to inform about mysterious disappearances of Christians and "raids" conducted in Youhanabad. As reported by Dawn, residents of Youhanabad Christian colony, located in Gulshan-i-Iqbal Block 13-G, protested against disappearances of young Christian men. Superintendent of Police Murtaza Bhutto moderated the discussions while Father Saleh Diego, Parish Priest at St Paul Parish, represented the community. The members alleged that within a span of few weeks, 24 young Christian men were picked up by police on various pretexts or sometimes without any clarifications. They further informed that some men, who appeared to be security officials, showed up wearing masks in the dead of the night, riding in cars without license plates. The accused then broke down the doors across neighborhood and abducted the men. The family members further alleged that these incidents started taking place since March 30 when six young men were taken away as part of the first incident. On April 15, four youth were arrested and further 14 people disappeared. Those abducted on May 8 are still missing. As per a woman, whose husband is abducted, the alleged security officials had asked her husband's identity and demanded to see his identity card. They then assaulted the victim and dragged him away. The victim was scheduled to appear for an interview at a call center when he was abducted. Further, the family of another victim said on April 15 the alleged officers broke into their house using some sort of lock cutters. Some arrested young men were blindfolded and transported to unknown areas. One of them reported being tortured with electric shocks for three days in a row. "They kept asking me to do exactly as they say. They constantly kept asking me about different people, encounters and weapons" victim informed. He was taken away on April 15 on basis of a false case registered against him. He was rescued by his family as they shared pictures of their abducted sons on social media platform, WhatsApp and managed to obtain bail for one of them. Another victim who managed to return said he was being taken away by "officers". The Christian community representatives further informed that the men raiding their homes bring a criminal named Shiraz with them who "identifies" the youngsters and abduct them. Further, the victims are said to have no connection with any political organisation or community. Some of the victims have been granted bail. Christians filed an official complaint with IG Sindh and other notable figures. An FIR was also filed on behalf of the community. They further requested the authorities to be informed in case the accused is arrested. They had earlier reached out to relevant court as well regarding the matter but no action was said to be taken.

Mysterious disappearance of Christians in Youhanabad, community puts forth grievance

Pakistan’s World Cup-winning hockey goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness.&nbsp;

He was 49.&nbsp;

His health had steadily deteriorated over the past few days, and earlier today he was put on life support after his lungs and heart ailment worsened, as per media reports.&nbsp;

The hockey legend, who was known as the 1994 World Cup hero for Pakistan, had been suffering from heart ailment for the past three years.&nbsp;

He was undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karachi.&nbsp;

Last month, he had said he wanted his surgery to be done in India as the facilities there were better than those offered in any other country.

However, a Pakistan doctor said that there was no need to shift Mansoor to India, as the surgery was very much possible in Pakistan.

National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases' Dr Nadeem Qamar had said they were ready to perform the surgery on Ahmed.&nbsp;

He had also reached out to the Indian government for a visa so that he could get the needed treatment.

Mansoor Ahmed represented Pakistan in 338 hockey matches from 1986 to 2000.&nbsp;

Last month, Masoor had said he wanted his surgery to be done in India and requested the government to provide him with a visa on medical grounds

Pakistan’s World Cup-winning hockey goalkeeper Mansoor Ahmed passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was 49. His health had steadily deteriorated over the past few days, and earlier today he was put on life support after his lungs and heart ailment worsened, as per media reports. The hockey legend, who was known as the 1994 World Cup hero for Pakistan, had been suffering from heart ailment for the past three years. He was undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases in Karachi. Last month, he had said he wanted his surgery to be done in India as the facilities there were better than those offered in any other country. However, a Pakistan doctor said that there was no need to shift Mansoor to India, as the surgery was very much possible in Pakistan. National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases' Dr Nadeem Qamar had said they were ready to perform the surgery on Ahmed. He had also reached out to the Indian government for a visa so that he could get the needed treatment. Mansoor Ahmed represented Pakistan in 338 hockey matches from 1986 to 2000.

Pakistan hockey legend Mansoor Ahmed dies in Karachi

Hundreds of dead babies have been found dumped in Pakistan in the last year, news reports said Wednesday. &nbsp

Since the beginning of 2017, a total of 345 newbornds have been found dumped in Karachi. 99 per cent of the babies were girls.&nbsp

In the most horrific cases, the reports said, a four-day-old girl was found with her throat slit.&nbsp

Another newborn baby left on the steps of a mosque was stoned to death after a cleric assumed it was an "illegitimate baby".&nbsp

Like India, Pakistan suffers from a massive problem of female infanticide.&nbsp

Boys are preferred to girls because men are seen as wage earners&nbspand for a number of other societal reasons.&nbsp

Infanticide is a crime in Pakistan but the news reports quote police as blaming poverty and illiteracy for the continuation of the practice.&nbsp

The reports also quoted police as saying a crime can only be investigated if there has been a complaint but that in the last one year, there has only been one complaint&nbspabout infanticide in Karachi, a city of 15 million people.&nbsp

Since the beginning of 2017, 345 dead babies have been found dumped in Karachi. 99 per cent of the newborns were girls

Hundreds of dead babies have been found dumped in Pakistan in the last year, news reports said Wednesday. Since the beginning of 2017, a total of 345 newbornds have been found dumped in Karachi. 99 per cent of the babies were girls. In the most horrific cases, the reports said, a four-day-old girl was found with her throat slit. Another newborn baby left on the steps of a mosque was stoned to death after a cleric assumed it was an "illegitimate baby". Like India, Pakistan suffers from a massive problem of female infanticide. Boys are preferred to girls because men are seen as wage earners&nbspand for a number of other societal reasons. Infanticide is a crime in Pakistan but the news reports quote police as blaming poverty and illiteracy for the continuation of the practice. The reports also quoted police as saying a crime can only be investigated if there has been a complaint but that in the last one year, there has only been one complaint&nbspabout infanticide in Karachi, a city of 15 million people.

Hundreds of dead baby girls found dumped in Pakistan

A deep-seated cultural preference for boys appears to be prevalent in Pakistan's Karachi.

According to local media reports, hundreds of dead bodies of newborns have been recovered from garbage piles across Pakistan in the last few months.

A report in The News International said, "From January 2017 to April 2018, Edhi foundation and Chhipa Welfare organisation have found 345 such new born babies dumped in garbage in Karachi only and 99 percent of them were girls."

In February, a case was reported from Karachi's Edhi Center, wherein a 4-day-old girl was found dead with her throat slit.

Chhipa Welfare Foundation said that they came across 93 such cases in Karachi. Of them, seventy cases were reported in 2017, while 23 this year.

In another barbaric incident, a newborn was reportedly stoned to death by a Karachi-based cleric.

"A few people found a baby at the doorstep of a mosque in Karachi and they handed the baby over to the prayer leader. The cleric decried that this is an 'illegitimate baby' and he should be stoned. Resultantly, the baby was stoned to death," The News International quoted Anwar Kazmi, a senior manager at Edhi Foundation Karachi, as saying.

He further informed that he tried to register a case against the cleric but no action was taken.

Kazmi informed that usually, kids born out of wedlocks were abandoned and that girls were targeted more than the boys due to some social stigma.

As per the news piece, the police investigations in cases of female infanticide were not strong enough. Firstly, people refrained themselves from reporting such incidents to the law enforcing authorities and secondly, those cases were avoided. The laws to prevent crimes against infants were often violated.

The article also quoted an Oxford Institute of Population Ageing study, which found that couples in Pakistan bore children until they had the desired number of sons and daughters.

The research showed that the family planning decisions in the country were more favourable to boys as sons were perceived more valuable than daughters.

Hundreds of dead bodies of newborns have been recovered from garbage piles across Pakistan in the last few months

A deep-seated cultural preference for boys appears to be prevalent in Pakistan's Karachi. According to local media reports, hundreds of dead bodies of newborns have been recovered from garbage piles across Pakistan in the last few months. A report in The News International said, "From January 2017 to April 2018, Edhi foundation and Chhipa Welfare organisation have found 345 such new born babies dumped in garbage in Karachi only and 99 percent of them were girls." In February, a case was reported from Karachi's Edhi Center, wherein a 4-day-old girl was found dead with her throat slit. Chhipa Welfare Foundation said that they came across 93 such cases in Karachi. Of them, seventy cases were reported in 2017, while 23 this year. In another barbaric incident, a newborn was reportedly stoned to death by a Karachi-based cleric. "A few people found a baby at the doorstep of a mosque in Karachi and they handed the baby over to the prayer leader. The cleric decried that this is an 'illegitimate baby' and he should be stoned. Resultantly, the baby was stoned to death," The News International quoted Anwar Kazmi, a senior manager at Edhi Foundation Karachi, as saying. He further informed that he tried to register a case against the cleric but no action was taken. Kazmi informed that usually, kids born out of wedlocks were abandoned and that girls were targeted more than the boys due to some social stigma. As per the news piece, the police investigations in cases of female infanticide were not strong enough. Firstly, people refrained themselves from reporting such incidents to the law enforcing authorities and secondly, those cases were avoided. The laws to prevent crimes against infants were often violated. The article also quoted an Oxford Institute of Population Ageing study, which found that couples in Pakistan bore children until they had the desired number of sons and daughters. The research showed that the family planning decisions in the country were more favourable to boys as sons were perceived more valuable than daughters.

Karachi's struggle with female infanticide

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep of the series.

The West Indies fared better with the bat compared with the first two matches, reaching 153-6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss. Opener Andre Fletcher scored a 43-ball 52 -- his team's only half-century on this tour.

It was not enough, however, as Pakistan got to the total comfortably, with opener Babar Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51.

The hosts raced to 61 in the sixth over with left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashing two sixes and six boundaries in his 17-ball 40.

He miscued a drive off Rayad Emrit and was caught behind, but Azam and Hussain Talat continued Pakistan's domination with a 52-run stand.

Talat finished with 31, and Asif Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.5 overs.

"When I first took over the captaincy, (coach) Mickey Arthur told me that we should become consistent. We are giving the boys a consistent run in the team and so we are flourishing," said Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed.

He also thanked the fans in Karachi, his home city.

"Karachi has won (people's) hearts. I want to say that lot of people are hurt with no cricket in Pakistan, but we will try our best to have more," he said.

West Indian captain Jason Mohammed said his side fell short again but pointed to an improved performance.

"We weren't good enough again, but happier to play a decent game. There were lots of youngsters in our squad, including myself," said Mohammed.&nbsp

"The Karachi crowd was excellent."

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Earlier, Fletcher added an invaluable 72 runs for the second wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored a 25-ball 31 with two sixes and as many boundaries.

Denesh Ramdin cracked a fiery 18-ball 42 not out with four boundaries and three sixes -- two in the last over from Usman Shinwari -- as the West Indies scored 57 in the last five overs.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-27 while Mohammad Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each.

Two players made their T20 debuts on Tuesday -- teenage paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan and Andre McCarthy for the West Indies.

Pakistan won the first match by 143 runs and the second by 82 runs. Karachi hosted all three T20s, the first international matches in the city in nine years.&nbsp

The series is the latest in a number of steps taken recently to help revive international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended for years after a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.

The victory on Tuesday also strengthened Pakistan's position at the top of the world T20 rankings, with a four-point lead over second-placed Australia.

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Fakhar Zaman is the Man of the Match and Babar Azam is the Man of the Series<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ApnaKhelApneGhar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ApnaKhelApneGhar</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ix959bFpLV">pic.twitter.com/Ix959bFpLV</a>
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&nbsp

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Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> REPORT ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry">https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry</a> <a href="https://t.co/KNbyN6T6UN">pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/981253758926561280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

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With a 3-0 series win against West Indies, Pakistan have extended their lead at the top of the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC T20I Team Rankings! <a href="https://t.co/sFQyEdKFVq">pic.twitter.com/sFQyEdKFVq</a>
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Since Sarfraz took over as skipper in September 2016, Pakistan have notched up series wins over England, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a World XI side.

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep of the series. The West Indies fared better with the bat compared with the first two matches, reaching 153-6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss. Opener Andre Fletcher scored a 43-ball 52 -- his team's only half-century on this tour. It was not enough, however, as Pakistan got to the total comfortably, with opener Babar Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51. The hosts raced to 61 in the sixth over with left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashing two sixes and six boundaries in his 17-ball 40. He miscued a drive off Rayad Emrit and was caught behind, but Azam and Hussain Talat continued Pakistan's domination with a 52-run stand. Talat finished with 31, and Asif Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.5 overs. "When I first took over the captaincy, (coach) Mickey Arthur told me that we should become consistent. We are giving the boys a consistent run in the team and so we are flourishing," said Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. He also thanked the fans in Karachi, his home city. "Karachi has won (people's) hearts. I want to say that lot of people are hurt with no cricket in Pakistan, but we will try our best to have more," he said. West Indian captain Jason Mohammed said his side fell short again but pointed to an improved performance. "We weren't good enough again, but happier to play a decent game. There were lots of youngsters in our squad, including myself," said Mohammed. "The Karachi crowd was excellent." Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!#PAKvWI REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN — ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018 × Earlier, Fletcher added an invaluable 72 runs for the second wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored a 25-ball 31 with two sixes and as many boundaries. Denesh Ramdin cracked a fiery 18-ball 42 not out with four boundaries and three sixes -- two in the last over from Usman Shinwari -- as the West Indies scored 57 in the last five overs. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-27 while Mohammad Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each. Two players made their T20 debuts on Tuesday -- teenage paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan and Andre McCarthy for the West Indies. Pakistan won the first match by 143 runs and the second by 82 runs. Karachi hosted all three T20s, the first international matches in the city in nine years. The series is the latest in a number of steps taken recently to help revive international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended for years after a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. The victory on Tuesday also strengthened Pakistan's position at the top of the world T20 rankings, with a four-point lead over second-placed Australia. Fakhar Zaman is the Man of the Match and Babar Azam is the Man of the Series#PAKvWI #ApnaKhelApneGhar pic.twitter.com/Ix959bFpLV — PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) April 3, 2018 × Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!#PAKvWI REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN — ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018 × With a 3-0 series win against West Indies, Pakistan have extended their lead at the top of the @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Team Rankings! pic.twitter.com/sFQyEdKFVq — ICC (@ICC) April 4, 2018 × Since Sarfraz took over as skipper in September 2016, Pakistan have notched up series wins over England, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a World XI side.

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam shine as Pakistan whitewash West Indies in T20 series

Pakistan defeated West Indies by massive 143 runs in the first T20 match of three-match series in Karachi on Sunday.

West Indies' new T20 skipper Jason Mohammad won the toss and opt to bowl, playing first, Pakistan scored massive 203 runs in 20 overs.

In the second innings, Windies lost all the wickets at a low scoring total of 60 and suffered the embarrassing defeat.

Marlon Samuels scored the maximum 18 runs along with him Rayad Emrit (11) and Keemo Paul (10) reached double figures for the team and five batsmen could not score a single run.

In the absence of their regular skipper Carlos Brathwaite and stars like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard, Windies could not face Pakistan's pace attack.

Pakistani bowlers bowling the West Indies out for their lowest-ever T20 total -- 60 runs -- in 13.4 overs.

Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz and Shoaib Malik got two wickets each.

"I think we were excellent today," said Ahmed. "We have an important match tomorrow and with another win we can seal the series win," said Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed.

Jason Mohammad blamed the defeat on poor batting. He said, "It was a tough day. We did well with the ball till the last two overs. It was a good wicket, but our shot execution wasn`t good."

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The second biggest win in T20I history! ?? Pakistan have bowled the West Indies out for 60 in Karachi. They win the first T20I by 143 runs!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> Scorecard ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/7PjtsNpQVN">https://t.co/7PjtsNpQVN</a> <a href="https://t.co/QX8X1Ud6Aj">pic.twitter.com/QX8X1Ud6Aj</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/980506876084391937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Pakistan defeated West Indies by massive 143 runs in the first T20 match of three-match series in Karachi on Sunday

Pakistan defeated West Indies by massive 143 runs in the first T20 match of three-match series in Karachi on Sunday. West Indies' new T20 skipper Jason Mohammad won the toss and opt to bowl, playing first, Pakistan scored massive 203 runs in 20 overs. In the second innings, Windies lost all the wickets at a low scoring total of 60 and suffered the embarrassing defeat. Marlon Samuels scored the maximum 18 runs along with him Rayad Emrit (11) and Keemo Paul (10) reached double figures for the team and five batsmen could not score a single run. In the absence of their regular skipper Carlos Brathwaite and stars like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard, Windies could not face Pakistan's pace attack. Pakistani bowlers bowling the West Indies out for their lowest-ever T20 total -- 60 runs -- in 13.4 overs. Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz and Shoaib Malik got two wickets each. "I think we were excellent today," said Ahmed. "We have an important match tomorrow and with another win we can seal the series win," said Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. Jason Mohammad blamed the defeat on poor batting. He said, "It was a tough day. We did well with the ball till the last two overs. It was a good wicket, but our shot execution wasn`t good." The second biggest win in T20I history! ?? Pakistan have bowled the West Indies out for 60 in Karachi. They win the first T20I by 143 runs!#PAKvWI Scorecard ⬇️ https://t.co/7PjtsNpQVN pic.twitter.com/QX8X1Ud6Aj — ICC (@ICC) April 1, 2018 ×

Pakistan defeat West Indies by 143 runs in 1st T20

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan on Monday announced he would contest the upcoming general election from Karachi.

While addressing a gathering in city&rsquo;s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, Khan said Karachi was the city people would come to spend their vacations But over the years it has been abandoned by political parties.

He said that Karachi used to run the entire system of the country, adding that the division caused Karachi a lot of damage.&nbsp;

He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had the highest rate of terrorism but today it was a peaceful province.

&quot;Mafias prevail in this city. The tanker mafia for example - citizens do not have access to water because of it... The Rangers have been posted in the city because [political parties have] ruined the police,&quot; Khan said.

The PTI chief further stressed the need to elect a mayor who has administrative powers and financial resources to deal with the challenges being faced by the city.&nbsp;

He promised that if he came to power, his party would bring in a directly elected mayor who would solve Karachi&#39;s problems with his team of experts.

He was addressing a gathering in city’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chief Imran Khan on Monday announced he would contest the upcoming general election from Karachi. While addressing a gathering in city’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, Khan said Karachi was the city people would come to spend their vacations But over the years it has been abandoned by political parties. He said that Karachi used to run the entire system of the country, adding that the division caused Karachi a lot of damage. He said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had the highest rate of terrorism but today it was a peaceful province. "Mafias prevail in this city. The tanker mafia for example - citizens do not have access to water because of it... The Rangers have been posted in the city because [political parties have] ruined the police," Khan said. The PTI chief further stressed the need to elect a mayor who has administrative powers and financial resources to deal with the challenges being faced by the city. He promised that if he came to power, his party would bring in a directly elected mayor who would solve Karachi's problems with his team of experts.

Imran Khan to contest 2018 general elections from Karachi

Pakistan was created in 1947 as an independent home for Indian Muslims. A huge exchange of population took place during the partition which was often bloody.

Today, Muslims constitute 14% of India&#39;s population, while in Pakistan, Hindus are said to be just over 2%. Pakistan had around 300 temples till 1947, but most of them were demolished after the destruction of Babri Mosque in India in 1992.

Many Hindu temples converted into mosques, hotels or libraries have been abandoned.Majority of the existing Hindu temples in Pakistan are in a dilapidated condition.Even after that, the Islamic country houses a few well revered Hindu temples.

Here is the list of five famous Hindu temples of Pakistan:&nbsp;

1: Hinglaj Mata Mandir

Hinglaj Mata temple is a famous &lsquo;shakti peetha&rsquo; of Goddess Sati. The cave temple is situated on the Hingol River Banks in Hinglaj, a town on the Makran coast in the Lasbela district of Balochistan, Pakistan, and is the middle of the Hingol National Park.It is also known as &lsquo;Hinglaj Devi&lsquo;, &lsquo;Hingula Devi&lsquo; and &lsquo;Nani Mandir&lsquo;.

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Hinglaj Mata Mandir (Others)
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2: Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi

The 1,500-year-old Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Pakistan, the Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir has tucked away in Soldier Bazaar. The temple holds special significance for Hindus as it is the only shrine in the world which has a &ldquo;natural statue&rdquo; of Hanuman that is not man-made.

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Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi. (Others)
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3: Katas Raj Temples

Katas Raj, also known as Qila Katas, is a Hindu pilgrimage site comprising several temples linked to one another by walkways.Hindus believe that Katas Raj pond was formed after Lord Shiva wept on the death of Sati, his wife.The name of the complex is a derivative of &lsquo;Kataksha&rsquo;, a Sanskrit word that translates as &lsquo;tearful eyes&rsquo;.&nbsp;The Katas site houses the Satgraha or seven temples, a gathering of seven old temples, remains of a Buddhist stupa, a couple of medieval sanctuaries, havelis and some as the newly built sanctuaries, scattered around a lake considered sacred by Hindus.

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Katas Raj Temples (Others)
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4:&nbsp;Multan Sun Temple

The 5000-year-old Sun Temple of Multan, also known as the Aditya Sun Temple, was an ancient temple that was the base of a solar-cult dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya (also known as Aditya).The original Sun Temple at Multan is said to have been built by Samba, son of Krishna, to gain relief from the symptoms of his leprosy more than 5000 years ago.The Sun Temple at Multan was perhaps one of the oldest, largest and richest of all temples. It no longer exists but is buried deep in the ground.

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Multan Sun Temple (Others)
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5:&nbsp;Varun Dev Temple

Varun Dev temple,&nbsp;&nbsp;located at Manora Island Karachi is dedicated to the Lord of the Seas, Varuna, and is located on Manora Island on the shores of Karachi. Experts believe that the temple was built due to enhanced maritime trade activity in the Indian Ocean from the fourth to tenth centuries AD. The current structure of the temple dates back to 1917-1918.

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Varun Dev Temple (Others)
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The communal violence of the 1940s and the subsequent persecutions have resulted in the destruction of many Hindu temples in Pakistan

Pakistan was created in 1947 as an independent home for Indian Muslims. A huge exchange of population took place during the partition which was often bloody. Today, Muslims constitute 14% of India's population, while in Pakistan, Hindus are said to be just over 2%. Pakistan had around 300 temples till 1947, but most of them were demolished after the destruction of Babri Mosque in India in 1992. Many Hindu temples converted into mosques, hotels or libraries have been abandoned.Majority of the existing Hindu temples in Pakistan are in a dilapidated condition.Even after that, the Islamic country houses a few well revered Hindu temples. Here is the list of five famous Hindu temples of Pakistan: 1: Hinglaj Mata Mandir Hinglaj Mata temple is a famous ‘shakti peetha’ of Goddess Sati. The cave temple is situated on the Hingol River Banks in Hinglaj, a town on the Makran coast in the Lasbela district of Balochistan, Pakistan, and is the middle of the Hingol National Park.It is also known as ‘Hinglaj Devi‘, ‘Hingula Devi‘ and ‘Nani Mandir‘. Hinglaj Mata Mandir (Others) × 2: Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi The 1,500-year-old Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir is one of the oldest temples in Pakistan, the Shri Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir has tucked away in Soldier Bazaar. The temple holds special significance for Hindus as it is the only shrine in the world which has a “natural statue” of Hanuman that is not man-made. Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir in Karachi. (Others) × 3: Katas Raj Temples Katas Raj, also known as Qila Katas, is a Hindu pilgrimage site comprising several temples linked to one another by walkways.Hindus believe that Katas Raj pond was formed after Lord Shiva wept on the death of Sati, his wife.The name of the complex is a derivative of ‘Kataksha’, a Sanskrit word that translates as ‘tearful eyes’. The Katas site houses the Satgraha or seven temples, a gathering of seven old temples, remains of a Buddhist stupa, a couple of medieval sanctuaries, havelis and some as the newly built sanctuaries, scattered around a lake considered sacred by Hindus. Katas Raj Temples (Others) × 4: Multan Sun Temple The 5000-year-old Sun Temple of Multan, also known as the Aditya Sun Temple, was an ancient temple that was the base of a solar-cult dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya (also known as Aditya).The original Sun Temple at Multan is said to have been built by Samba, son of Krishna, to gain relief from the symptoms of his leprosy more than 5000 years ago.The Sun Temple at Multan was perhaps one of the oldest, largest and richest of all temples. It no longer exists but is buried deep in the ground. Multan Sun Temple (Others) × 5: Varun Dev Temple Varun Dev temple, located at Manora Island Karachi is dedicated to the Lord of the Seas, Varuna, and is located on Manora Island on the shores of Karachi. Experts believe that the temple was built due to enhanced maritime trade activity in the Indian Ocean from the fourth to tenth centuries AD. The current structure of the temple dates back to 1917-1918. Varun Dev Temple (Others) ×

Five historical Hindu temples of Pakistan

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugurated the much-awaited Lyari Expressway Project on Sunday.&nbsp;

The event marked the culmination of the project of the dedicated speedy vehicular carriageway, whose completion had been delayed for more than 15 years.

The expressway is 38 kilometres long and costed Rs 10 billion for its construction - including four interchanges, one at Sorab Goth, Manghopir, Sir Shah Suleman and Maripur. Besides, 20 major bridges are also part of the project.

The project had taken over 10 years to complete due to &quot;technical difficulties and encroachments,&quot; the Pakistani Prime Minister said while addressing the inauguration ceremony.

Although parts of the Lyari Expressway were open to traffic, a section of it remained incomplete for a number of years, rendering a vast portion inoperational.&nbsp;

Abbasi, who is also expected to inaugurate the Northbound Carriageway in Karachi, will leave for Gwadar on Monday where he will chair an important meeting related to development projects in the province.

The event marked the culmination of the project of the dedicated speedy vehicular carriageway, whose completion had been delayed for more than 15 years

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi inaugurated the much-awaited Lyari Expressway Project on Sunday. The event marked the culmination of the project of the dedicated speedy vehicular carriageway, whose completion had been delayed for more than 15 years. The expressway is 38 kilometres long and costed Rs 10 billion for its construction - including four interchanges, one at Sorab Goth, Manghopir, Sir Shah Suleman and Maripur. Besides, 20 major bridges are also part of the project. The project had taken over 10 years to complete due to "technical difficulties and encroachments," the Pakistani Prime Minister said while addressing the inauguration ceremony. Although parts of the Lyari Expressway were open to traffic, a section of it remained incomplete for a number of years, rendering a vast portion inoperational. Abbasi, who is also expected to inaugurate the Northbound Carriageway in Karachi, will leave for Gwadar on Monday where he will chair an important meeting related to development projects in the province.

Karachi expressway operational after 15 years

Pakistan&rsquo;s Chief Justice&nbsp;Saqib Nisar has come under fire after he compared the length of a speech to that of a woman&rsquo;s skirt.

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&quot;Speech should be like a woman&#39;s skirt, it should not be too long that one loses the interest and neither too short that it doesn&#39;t cover the subject,&quot; this is the top judge of Pakistan, Saqib Nisar. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/footinmouth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#footinmouth</a> <a href="https://t.co/SWzq2uHaQj">pic.twitter.com/SWzq2uHaQj</a>
&mdash; Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/954706770223607809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nisar said that a &quot;speech should be like a woman&#39;s skirt, not too long that one loses interest and neither too short that it doesn&#39;t cover the subject.&quot;

Nisar was quoting Winston Churchill during an event in Karachi.

However, the video of Nisar making this analogy soon went viral and received&nbsp;criticism on social platforms.

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Why am I not surprised that this is a statement from our chief justiceSaqib Nisar,&ldquo;A good speech should be like a woman&rsquo;s skirt long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.&rdquo; 
This is dehumanizing.When will we stop objectifying women?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimesUp?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimesUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaqibNisar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaqibNisar</a>
&mdash; Bariyah Faisal (@BariyahFaisal) <a href="https://twitter.com/BariyahFaisal/status/955989179179159557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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WDF strongly condemns the use of sexist language by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar in a recent event in Karachi. It&rsquo;s utterly shameful for a Chief Justice to be using such language and referring to women and their clothing in such a manner.
&mdash; Women Democratic Front (@WDF_Pk) <a href="https://twitter.com/WDF_Pk/status/954827148837126147?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Honourable <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChiefJustice?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChiefJustice</a> of Pakistan Miyan Saqib Nisar , sir we are so proud of you. ???????? <a href="https://t.co/eZF3498NwQ">pic.twitter.com/eZF3498NwQ</a>
&mdash; Syeda Bushra Aamir (@BushraAamir) <a href="https://twitter.com/BushraAamir/status/954650900932460544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Woman&#39;s rights activist in the country has shown outrage on the issue and highlighted the sexism woman face everywhere including the legal system.

A Karachi-based rights group, Woman Action Forum (WAF) has sent a letter to Nisar demanding an apology an said that the statement shows a deep-rooted sexism and double standards women are held.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A 'speech should be like a woman's skirt, not too long that one loses interest and neither too short that it doesn't cover the subject,' Saqib Nisar said

Pakistan’s Chief Justice Saqib Nisar has come under fire after he compared the length of a speech to that of a woman’s skirt. "Speech should be like a woman's skirt, it should not be too long that one loses the interest and neither too short that it doesn't cover the subject," this is the top judge of Pakistan, Saqib Nisar. #footinmouth pic.twitter.com/SWzq2uHaQj — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) January 20, 2018 × Nisar said that a "speech should be like a woman's skirt, not too long that one loses interest and neither too short that it doesn't cover the subject." Nisar was quoting Winston Churchill during an event in Karachi. However, the video of Nisar making this analogy soon went viral and received criticism on social platforms. Why am I not surprised that this is a statement from our chief justiceSaqib Nisar,“A good speech should be like a woman’s skirt long enough to cover the subject and short enough to create interest.” This is dehumanizing.When will we stop objectifying women?#TimesUp #SaqibNisar — Bariyah Faisal (@BariyahFaisal) January 24, 2018 × WDF strongly condemns the use of sexist language by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar in a recent event in Karachi. It’s utterly shameful for a Chief Justice to be using such language and referring to women and their clothing in such a manner. — Women Democratic Front (@WDF_Pk) January 20, 2018 × Honourable #ChiefJustice of Pakistan Miyan Saqib Nisar , sir we are so proud of you. ???????? pic.twitter.com/eZF3498NwQ — Syeda Bushra Aamir (@BushraAamir) January 20, 2018 × Woman's rights activist in the country has shown outrage on the issue and highlighted the sexism woman face everywhere including the legal system. A Karachi-based rights group, Woman Action Forum (WAF) has sent a letter to Nisar demanding an apology an said that the statement shows a deep-rooted sexism and double standards women are held.

Uproar after Pakistan Chief Justice's 'skirt' remark

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyer has once again sparked controversy, this time saying that he loves Pakistan as much as he loves India.

Speaking at a function in Karachi on Sunday, Aiyar said the need of the hour was for both countries to engage in uninterrupted dialogue.

He added, &quot;I love Pakistan because I love India. India should love thy neighbour as thyself.&quot; Aiyar asserted that &#39;Kashmir&#39; and &#39;India-directed terrorism&#39; are the two main issues that need to be dealt with.

The report cited Aiyar as saying that Pakistan has improved drastically in its approach to towards India, whereas the latter has improved only marginally.&nbsp;

&quot;There is only one way to resolve the India- Pakistan issue and that is by way of uninterrupted and un-interruptible dialogue,&quot; he said.

He further said that India and Pakistan should adopt a framework that was formulated by the regime led by former president General (retired) Pervez Musharraf.

Aiyar called for uninterrupted and uninterruptible dialogue between the two neighbours. He added that if talks continue on that framework, then both sides will be able to reach an agreement in as little as four minutes as it was already developed in three years.

Meanwhile, during the recently concluded Gujarat campaign, he had sparked a row by calling PM Modi &quot; neech&quot;.&nbsp;

Speaking at a function in Karachi on Sunday, Aiyar said the need of the hour was for both countries to engage in uninterrupted dialogue

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyer has once again sparked controversy, this time saying that he loves Pakistan as much as he loves India. Speaking at a function in Karachi on Sunday, Aiyar said the need of the hour was for both countries to engage in uninterrupted dialogue. He added, "I love Pakistan because I love India. India should love thy neighbour as thyself." Aiyar asserted that 'Kashmir' and 'India-directed terrorism' are the two main issues that need to be dealt with. The report cited Aiyar as saying that Pakistan has improved drastically in its approach to towards India, whereas the latter has improved only marginally. "There is only one way to resolve the India- Pakistan issue and that is by way of uninterrupted and un-interruptible dialogue," he said. He further said that India and Pakistan should adopt a framework that was formulated by the regime led by former president General (retired) Pervez Musharraf. Aiyar called for uninterrupted and uninterruptible dialogue between the two neighbours. He added that if talks continue on that framework, then both sides will be able to reach an agreement in as little as four minutes as it was already developed in three years. Meanwhile, during the recently concluded Gujarat campaign, he had sparked a row by calling PM Modi " neech".

I love Pakistan because I love India: Mani Shankar Aiyar

A Chinese national was shot in Zamzama park in&nbsp; Karachi, Pakistan by an unidentified person on Monday.

It is said to be a targeted killing as media reports have quoted police saying that he was followed by armed assailants.

During the incident, a passerby also got injured.

Police have begun an investigation into the matter, evidence has been collected from the site of evidence by the extra contingent of police and rangers.

Following the killing,&nbsp;reports say security has been beefed up in the area especially of&nbsp;Chinese nationals.

In 2017 two Chinese nationals were kidnapped from Jinnah area of Quetta provincial capital of Balochistan.

The presence of Chinese nationals has been increased in the past few years in Pakistan due to CPEC.

The Pakistani government has also deployed 15,000 military personnel to protect projects under the economic corridor.

(With inputs from ANI)

It is said to be a targeted killing as media reports have quoted police saying that he was followed by armed assailants

A Chinese national was shot in Zamzama park in Karachi, Pakistan by an unidentified person on Monday. It is said to be a targeted killing as media reports have quoted police saying that he was followed by armed assailants. During the incident, a passerby also got injured. Police have begun an investigation into the matter, evidence has been collected from the site of evidence by the extra contingent of police and rangers. Following the killing, reports say security has been beefed up in the area especially of Chinese nationals. In 2017 two Chinese nationals were kidnapped from Jinnah area of Quetta provincial capital of Balochistan. The presence of Chinese nationals has been increased in the past few years in Pakistan due to CPEC. The Pakistani government has also deployed 15,000 military personnel to protect projects under the economic corridor. (With inputs from ANI)

Chinese national shot dead in Karachi

Senior leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) London&#39;s deputy convener was found dead in a car in Karachi&#39;s Ilyas Goth area on Sunday.&nbsp;

Dr Hasan Zafar Arif, who taught Philosophy at the University of Karachi was identified using his national identity card.&nbsp;

&quot;The body of Hassan Zafar Arif, son of Maqbool Hassan, 70-72-years-old, was found from car number ANC-016, Lancer silver at Ilyas Goth,&quot; the Dawn quoted station house officer (SHO) at Ibrahim Hyderi police station as saying.

&quot;The body was shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC),&quot; he added.

As per the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Arif was not shot or had any wounds, however, some traces of blood were found on his face. The postmortem report also mentioned that there were no signs of torture on the body.&nbsp;

Further investigation is in process to figure out the cause of death and has been shifted to the mortuary.

MQM-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar, speaking to the media in Multan, expressed sympathy at the news and said that Arif belonged to MQM-London.&nbsp;

Also in September last year, another MQM leader Khawaja Izhar Hassan had managed to escape unhurt after unknown assailants on three motorcycles attacked him as he left the Karachi&#39;s Buffer Zone Eidgah after Eidul Azha prayers.&nbsp;

As per the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Arif was not shot or had any wounds, however, some traced of blood were found on his face. The postmortem report also mentioned that there were no signs of torture on the body

Senior leader of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) London's deputy convener was found dead in a car in Karachi's Ilyas Goth area on Sunday. Dr Hasan Zafar Arif, who taught Philosophy at the University of Karachi was identified using his national identity card. "The body of Hassan Zafar Arif, son of Maqbool Hassan, 70-72-years-old, was found from car number ANC-016, Lancer silver at Ilyas Goth," the Dawn quoted station house officer (SHO) at Ibrahim Hyderi police station as saying. "The body was shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC)," he added. As per the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Arif was not shot or had any wounds, however, some traces of blood were found on his face. The postmortem report also mentioned that there were no signs of torture on the body. Further investigation is in process to figure out the cause of death and has been shifted to the mortuary. MQM-Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar, speaking to the media in Multan, expressed sympathy at the news and said that Arif belonged to MQM-London. Also in September last year, another MQM leader Khawaja Izhar Hassan had managed to escape unhurt after unknown assailants on three motorcycles attacked him as he left the Karachi's Buffer Zone Eidgah after Eidul Azha prayers.

Karachi: MQM London convener found dead in car

Pakistan today freed 147 Indian fishermen who were imprisoned in Karachi eight months ago for allegedly fishing in its territorial waters, according to a media report.

Their release follows a December announcement by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal that nearly 300 Indian fishermen would be freed in two phases till January 8.

On December 28, Pakistan had released the first batch of 145 Indian fishermen, who were held there on similar charges.

The process for returning the 147 fishermen has been initiated, as they were set to travel to Lahore this afternoon on the Allama Iqbal Express from the Karachi Cantonment railway station, the Dawn reported.

From Lahore, the fishermen will cross the Wagah border and return home, the report quoted Karachi&#39;s Malir jail officials as saying.

They said the travel expenses of the fishermen were being borne by the Edhi Foundation, a Pakistan-based not-for-profit welfare organisation.

&quot;Some 262 Indian fishermen remain imprisoned at Malir jail still,&quot; jail superintendent Hassan Sehto said.

Fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other&#39;s territorial waters since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border and the wooden boats lack the technology to avoid being drifting away.

Owing to prolonged bureaucratic and legal procedures, the fishermen usually languish in jail for several months.

A number of non-governmental organisations in both India and Pakistan have raised the issue, pressing their governments to release arrested fishermen without much delay.

The fishermen were imprisoned in Karachi eight months ago for allegedly fishing in its territorial waters, according to a media report

Pakistan today freed 147 Indian fishermen who were imprisoned in Karachi eight months ago for allegedly fishing in its territorial waters, according to a media report. Their release follows a December announcement by Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal that nearly 300 Indian fishermen would be freed in two phases till January 8. On December 28, Pakistan had released the first batch of 145 Indian fishermen, who were held there on similar charges. The process for returning the 147 fishermen has been initiated, as they were set to travel to Lahore this afternoon on the Allama Iqbal Express from the Karachi Cantonment railway station, the Dawn reported. From Lahore, the fishermen will cross the Wagah border and return home, the report quoted Karachi's Malir jail officials as saying. They said the travel expenses of the fishermen were being borne by the Edhi Foundation, a Pakistan-based not-for-profit welfare organisation. "Some 262 Indian fishermen remain imprisoned at Malir jail still," jail superintendent Hassan Sehto said. Fishermen from Pakistan and India are frequently detained for illegally fishing in each other's territorial waters since the Arabian Sea does not have a clearly defined marine border and the wooden boats lack the technology to avoid being drifting away. Owing to prolonged bureaucratic and legal procedures, the fishermen usually languish in jail for several months. A number of non-governmental organisations in both India and Pakistan have raised the issue, pressing their governments to release arrested fishermen without much delay.

Pakistan releases 147 Indian fishermen, 262 remain imprisoned

At least 20 people including women and children were killed on Monday when a lorry toppled over and shed its load of coal onto a passenger van in southern Pakistan, police said.

Five people were injured in the accident in Khairpur district in Sindh province.

A senior district police official said the truck was trying to overtake the van when it toppled and crushed the other vehicle.

&quot;The van (was) buried under the coal and at least 17 people including children and women died on the spot,&quot; Azfar Mahesar told AFP.

Eight injured people were rushed to hospital but three subsequently died, said hospital doctor Ghulam Jafar.

Several of the bodies were badly crushed by the coal and so far just 10 have been identified, he added.&nbsp;

Pakistan has one of the world&#39;s worst records for fatal traffic accidents, due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.

At least 20 people including women and children were killed on Monday when a lorry toppled over and shed its load of coal onto a passenger van in southern Pakistan, police said

At least 20 people including women and children were killed on Monday when a lorry toppled over and shed its load of coal onto a passenger van in southern Pakistan, police said. Five people were injured in the accident in Khairpur district in Sindh province. A senior district police official said the truck was trying to overtake the van when it toppled and crushed the other vehicle. "The van (was) buried under the coal and at least 17 people including children and women died on the spot," Azfar Mahesar told AFP. Eight injured people were rushed to hospital but three subsequently died, said hospital doctor Ghulam Jafar. Several of the bodies were badly crushed by the coal and so far just 10 have been identified, he added. Pakistan has one of the world's worst records for fatal traffic accidents, due to poor roads, badly maintained vehicles and reckless driving.

20 killed as truck topples onto van in Pakistan

Karachi is the <a href="http://crss.pk/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/CRSS-Security-Report-Q3-2016-Final.pdf">most violent city in Pakistan</a>. <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/1287126/karachi-still-violent-city-report">A total of 1,046 deaths</a> related to terror and militancy were reported there in 2016, and nearly <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/1186638/growing-uncertainty-48-7-youth-karachi-want-leave-country/">50 per cent of the city&rsquo;s young people</a> want to leave Pakistan completely.

The <a href="http://www.researchcollective.org/Documents/Karachi_Violence_Duality_and_Negotiation.pdf">violence has various causes</a>, including divisions over <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/203433/political-violence-216-incidents-reported-in-three-months/">politics</a>, <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/1223201/national-highway-blocked-shia-groups-continue-protest-arrests-leaders">religion</a>, and <a href="http://www.dawn.com/news/583741/anp-mqm-clash-leaves-boy-dead">ethnicity</a>, as well as <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/29/world/asia/29karachi.html">organised crime</a>.

<a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/721785/timeline-attacks-on-minorities">More than 70 Christians were killed</a> while celebrating Easter in a park in 2016. <a href="http://www.voanews.com/a/pakistan-hindus-protest-forced-conversions-girls-islam/3460692.html">The forced conversion</a> of Hindu girls and the marginalisation of community members have been among other factors fuelling feelings of insecurity and isolation for minorities.

For many members of <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/malik-siraj-akbar/how-pakistan-abandoned-it_b_9001584.html">threatened minority communities</a>, places of worship offer solace. They also represent an important lesson for Pakistan&#39;s fragmented society. This can most clearly be seen in <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/947318/the-power-of-faith-hindus-celebrate-the-lady-of-good-health-with-catholics">the religious crossover</a>, known as syncretism, between Hindus and Christians, who both venerate the Virgin Mary in Karachi.

It serves as a vital message of the need to coexist and create structures that minimise discrimination.

A look back in history

The <a href="https://habib.edu.pk/HU-news/memory-tradition-community-walk-history-4th-annual-karachi-conference/">history</a> of Tamil and Goan Christian devotees in Karachi can be traced back to <a href="http://www.casas.org.uk/papers/pdfpapers/christiansinpakistan.pdf">nearly 50 years ago</a> when A M Anthony, a Tamil Christian, established Saint Anthony&rsquo;s Club at his house on Somerset Street, in the town of Saddar, a neighbourhood of Karachi.

As described to me by his granddaughter, devotees would gather to recite novena or nine-day, prayers to ask the Virgin Mary for blessings and good health. The Virgin Mary is known as Our Lady of Valenkanni, <a href="http://www.miraclehunter.com/marian_apparitions/approved_apparitions/vailankanni/">based on apparitions</a> she is believed to have made in the Indian town of Velankanni, in Tamil Nadu state, 2,000km south of Karachi.

After his landlord objected to the loud singing and recitation, Anthony and his fellow Christians, many of them immigrants from Chennai and Goa, were allowed a hall space in the premises of St. Anthony&rsquo;s Church.

The Christian devotees then invited both Hindus and Zoroastrians to join them in asking for benediction. In this way, novena prayers to Our Lady of Valenkanni became a part of Catholic churches&rsquo; ceremonial activities across Karachi and opened up the veneration of the Virgin Mary to new faiths.

For some Hindu devotees, Our Lady of Velankanni symbolises prosperity, aspirations, well-being, while providing answers to their prayers.

The origins of Our Lady of Velankanni

Of course, the home of Our Lady of Velankanni is in the town of Velankanni itself, which also demonstrates the intersection of Hindu and Catholic practices in contemporary religion.

The basilica attracts millions of devotees each year. As in Karachi, these include both Catholic and Hindu residents. Some Catholic devotees from Karachi embark on a spiritual journey to the Basilica of Our Lady of Valenkanni to ask the Mother for favours and intercessory graces.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/153075/width754/image-20170117-21183-vi79i8.jpg" />
<figcaption>
Basilica Our Lady of Velankanni in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. 

Three accounts of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Velankanni have <a href="http://www.velankannichurch.in/shrine-miracles.php" style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">been documented</a> over the years, and subsequently narrated by her devotees.
</figcaption>
</figure>

The first story dates back to the end of the 16th century and is a Hindu shepherd boy&rsquo;s sighting the Virgin Mary by a pond. She asked the boy for milk for her son, Jesus. The boy readily offered the milk. Locals remain intrigued until the Mother appeared at the site again. Thereafter, the pond was known as &ldquo;Matha Kulam&rdquo; or &ldquo;Our Lady&rsquo;s Pond&rdquo;.

The second event is said to have happened a few years later. A crippled boy in Nadu, Thittu was apparently cured by the Virgin Mother after he offered her buttermilk. The Catholic residents of a nearby town then built a shrine in recognition of the healing.

<a href="http://www.velankannichurch.com/pages/historyofvailankanni/historyofvailankanni.html">In the late 17th century</a>, Portuguese sailors transformed this early construction into a chapel, based on vows made during rough seas between China and Colombo on a merchant&#39;s vessel.

Today, Our Lady of Valenkanni has special meaning for both Hindu and Christian devotees because of the miracles she is associated with, including the <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/12/1227_041226_tsunami.html">2004 Boxing Day tsunami</a> which caused massive destruction in Tamil Nadu. Basilica officials were quick to report this as a miracle, as <a href="http://www.tfp.org/a-ray-of-hope-in-southern-asia/">2,000 pilgrims</a> were attending mass when the town of Valenkanni was hit. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/4130129.stm">News sources</a> and <a href="http://www.who.int/hac/crises/international/asia_tsunami/sitrep/en">official disaster reports</a> showed that the basilica was the only building to escape this large-scale catastrophe.

Acts of devotion

Some devotees make offerings to the Virgin Mary through purchases of expensive fabric for a sari. This is associated with the historical and symbolic depiction of the <a href="http://www.jstor.org/stable/24764255?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents">Virgin Mary draped in a saffron sari</a>, a common garb across the subcontinent. There are others who make sari offerings to the poor upon fulfillment of their vows.

<figure class="align-right "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/153213/width237/image-20170118-3914-gvkyhg.jpg" />
<figcaption>
The Virgin Mary wearing a sari in the Karachi church dedicated to her devotion.

One woman, I spoke to as part of my research, a Goan Christian born in Karachi, was taught devotion by her grandmother. In 2004 when she was visiting Valenkanni, she prayed to Our Lady of Good Health to be blessed with the gift of a child.
</figcaption>
</figure>

Nearly a year and a half after her return to Karachi, she gave birth to a boy. A few years later, she and her family completed rituals to fulfill their vow. She cut off four inches of hair while her husband and son shaved their heads. They bathed in the sea as part of the ritual. These practices are <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0009640708002023">taken from the Hindu faith</a>, showing that interfaith exchanges go both ways.

Since then, the woman has worn a head-covering during prayer times as a lifelong promise to the mother for the graces received through her son.

I heard other tales of devotion from A M Anthony&rsquo;s granddaughter:

<blockquote>
There was a lady who would not wear shoes. She would be spotted even at weddings without shoes &hellip; Imagine going everywhere barefoot in Karachi&rsquo;s heat. But that is how she fulfilled her vow and everyone knew about it.
</blockquote>

Spirituality and togetherness

Annually, <a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/947318/the-power-of-faith-hindus-celebrate-the-lady-of-good-health-with-catholics/">hundreds of devotees</a> come together in the premises of churches across Karachi and in Tamil Nadu to hoist a flag bearing an image of Our Lady of Valenkanni and partake in a short prayer followed by other rituals including the distribution of blessed medals by a priest.

The ceremony devoted to Our Lady of Valenkanni occurs on September 8, marking the <a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint.php?n=357">birthday of the Virgin Mary</a>.

Each year, Our Lady of Valenkanni&rsquo;s statue in Karachi is decorated with fresh flowers and streamers.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/153079/width754/image-20170117-21172-w5l898.jpg" />
<figcaption>
Nativity prepared by devotees in Karachi.
</figcaption>
</figure>

This day sees some members from the Hindu, Zoroastrian, and Muslim communities all venerating the Virgin Mary.

As the parish priest told me, &ldquo;Mary brings everyone together and it makes sense why you would see Muslims here who can tell you a lot about Surah Maryam.&rdquo; Named after Virgin Mary, <a href="http://ahadees.com/english-surah-19.html">Surah Maryam</a> appears in the 19th chapter of the Qu&rsquo;ran.

&ldquo;Muslims do not partake in novena prayers, but on September 8, they come here to respect Mary as the Mother of Jesus&rdquo;, Rodrigues said.

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/71030/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />For believers, miracles are not just about the healing of ailments and turning water into wine. They can be a way of dealing with the dominant, narrow and bigoted narrative prevalent in Pakistan&rsquo;s society.

&nbsp;

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-the-virgin-mary-brings-together-different-faiths-in-pakistan-and-india-71030">original article</a>.

&nbsp;

?Mary brings everyone together and it makes sense why you would see Muslims here who can tell you a lot about Surah Maryam," says the parish priest in Karachi

Karachi is the most violent city in Pakistan. A total of 1,046 deaths related to terror and militancy were reported there in 2016, and nearly 50 per cent of the city’s young people want to leave Pakistan completely. The violence has various causes, including divisions over politics, religion, and ethnicity, as well as organised crime. More than 70 Christians were killed while celebrating Easter in a park in 2016. The forced conversion of Hindu girls and the marginalisation of community members have been among other factors fuelling feelings of insecurity and isolation for minorities. For many members of threatened minority communities, places of worship offer solace. They also represent an important lesson for Pakistan's fragmented society. This can most clearly be seen in the religious crossover, known as syncretism, between Hindus and Christians, who both venerate the Virgin Mary in Karachi. It serves as a vital message of the need to coexist and create structures that minimise discrimination. A look back in history The history of Tamil and Goan Christian devotees in Karachi can be traced back to nearly 50 years ago when A M Anthony, a Tamil Christian, established Saint Anthony’s Club at his house on Somerset Street, in the town of Saddar, a neighbourhood of Karachi. As described to me by his granddaughter, devotees would gather to recite novena or nine-day, prayers to ask the Virgin Mary for blessings and good health. The Virgin Mary is known as Our Lady of Valenkanni, based on apparitions she is believed to have made in the Indian town of Velankanni, in Tamil Nadu state, 2,000km south of Karachi. After his landlord objected to the loud singing and recitation, Anthony and his fellow Christians, many of them immigrants from Chennai and Goa, were allowed a hall space in the premises of St. Anthony’s Church. The Christian devotees then invited both Hindus and Zoroastrians to join them in asking for benediction. In this way, novena prayers to Our Lady of Valenkanni became a part of Catholic churches’ ceremonial activities across Karachi and opened up the veneration of the Virgin Mary to new faiths. For some Hindu devotees, Our Lady of Velankanni symbolises prosperity, aspirations, well-being, while providing answers to their prayers. The origins of Our Lady of Velankanni Of course, the home of Our Lady of Velankanni is in the town of Velankanni itself, which also demonstrates the intersection of Hindu and Catholic practices in contemporary religion. The basilica attracts millions of devotees each year. As in Karachi, these include both Catholic and Hindu residents. Some Catholic devotees from Karachi embark on a spiritual journey to the Basilica of Our Lady of Valenkanni to ask the Mother for favours and intercessory graces. Basilica Our Lady of Velankanni in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Three accounts of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary in Velankanni have been documented over the years, and subsequently narrated by her devotees. The first story dates back to the end of the 16th century and is a Hindu shepherd boy’s sighting the Virgin Mary by a pond. She asked the boy for milk for her son, Jesus. The boy readily offered the milk. Locals remain intrigued until the Mother appeared at the site again. Thereafter, the pond was known as “Matha Kulam” or “Our Lady’s Pond”. The second event is said to have happened a few years later. A crippled boy in Nadu, Thittu was apparently cured by the Virgin Mother after he offered her buttermilk. The Catholic residents of a nearby town then built a shrine in recognition of the healing. In the late 17th century, Portuguese sailors transformed this early construction into a chapel, based on vows made during rough seas between China and Colombo on a merchant's vessel. Today, Our Lady of Valenkanni has special meaning for both Hindu and Christian devotees because of the miracles she is associated with, including the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami which caused massive destruction in Tamil Nadu. Basilica officials were quick to report this as a miracle, as 2,000 pilgrims were attending mass when the town of Valenkanni was hit. News sources and official disaster reports showed that the basilica was the only building to escape this large-scale catastrophe. Acts of devotion Some devotees make offerings to the Virgin Mary through purchases of expensive fabric for a sari. This is associated with the historical and symbolic depiction of the Virgin Mary draped in a saffron sari, a common garb across the subcontinent. There are others who make sari offerings to the poor upon fulfillment of their vows. The Virgin Mary wearing a sari in the Karachi church dedicated to her devotion. One woman, I spoke to as part of my research, a Goan Christian born in Karachi, was taught devotion by her grandmother. In 2004 when she was visiting Valenkanni, she prayed to Our Lady of Good Health to be blessed with the gift of a child. Nearly a year and a half after her return to Karachi, she gave birth to a boy. A few years later, she and her family completed rituals to fulfill their vow. She cut off four inches of hair while her husband and son shaved their heads. They bathed in the sea as part of the ritual. These practices are taken from the Hindu faith, showing that interfaith exchanges go both ways. Since then, the woman has worn a head-covering during prayer times as a lifelong promise to the mother for the graces received through her son. I heard other tales of devotion from A M Anthony’s granddaughter: There was a lady who would not wear shoes. She would be spotted even at weddings without shoes … Imagine going everywhere barefoot in Karachi’s heat. But that is how she fulfilled her vow and everyone knew about it. Spirituality and togetherness Annually, hundreds of devotees come together in the premises of churches across Karachi and in Tamil Nadu to hoist a flag bearing an image of Our Lady of Valenkanni and partake in a short prayer followed by other rituals including the distribution of blessed medals by a priest. The ceremony devoted to Our Lady of Valenkanni occurs on September 8, marking the birthday of the Virgin Mary. Each year, Our Lady of Valenkanni’s statue in Karachi is decorated with fresh flowers and streamers. Nativity prepared by devotees in Karachi. This day sees some members from the Hindu, Zoroastrian, and Muslim communities all venerating the Virgin Mary. As the parish priest told me, “Mary brings everyone together and it makes sense why you would see Muslims here who can tell you a lot about Surah Maryam.” Named after Virgin Mary, Surah Maryam appears in the 19th chapter of the Qu’ran. “Muslims do not partake in novena prayers, but on September 8, they come here to respect Mary as the Mother of Jesus”, Rodrigues said. For believers, miracles are not just about the healing of ailments and turning water into wine. They can be a way of dealing with the dominant, narrow and bigoted narrative prevalent in Pakistan’s society. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Hindus, Muslims and Christians overcome bigotry in Pakistan to worship Virgin Mary

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