Dozens of emerging painters' work is now being curated at an online exhibition gallery, MYART, sponsored by Art TV. The online gallery has received praise from Pakistan's artist community. Despite the millions of views that the exhibition received, only a few paintings have been sold.

Pakistan holds 'first' online-only art exhibition amid coronavirus lockdown

With over 1600 cases, Pakistan has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in South Asia. The country is already suffering from an economic crisis and has a poor record of treatment to minorities. The poor have been hard hit and at such harsh times, thousands of poor people in Karachi were denied food supplies and daily essentials, news agency ANI reported.&nbsp;

Hindus, who gathered at Rehrri Ghoth in Karachi, were asked to return by the officials, saying that the rations were only meant for Muslims.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-way-to-curb-coronavirus-harass-its-own-citizens-and-put-them-in-jail-289443">Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail</a>

Karachi is the capital city of Pakistan's Sindh province, which is the second-worst hit region in terms of the number of COVID-19 positive cases, over 500.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-virus-continues-to-spread-in-pakistan-as-1625-cases-reported-289435">Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported</a>

Earlier, the Sindh government ordered the local NGOs and administration to distribute the ration to daily wage workers and labourers. The distribution of the essentials was carried out by local and district governments.&nbsp;

The refusal of essentials to Hindus was seen in Karachi and other parts of Sindh.&nbsp;

Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist warned of a serious food crisis being faced by minorities and urged the Indian government to send supplies to Sindh via Rajasthan.&nbsp;

He also appealed to the Indian PM Narendra Modi to intervene immediately to address a potential humanitarian crisis in the province.&nbsp;

As many as 21 people have died from coronavirus in Pakistan and&nbsp;1,664 are infected, Dawn reported.&nbsp;&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

With over 1600 cases, Pakistan has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in South Asia. The country is already suffering from an economic crisis and has a poor record of treatment to minorities.

With over 1600 cases, Pakistan has reported the most number of coronavirus cases in South Asia. The country is already suffering from an economic crisis and has a poor record of treatment to minorities. The poor have been hard hit and at such harsh times, thousands of poor people in Karachi were denied food supplies and daily essentials, news agency ANI reported. Hindus, who gathered at Rehrri Ghoth in Karachi, were asked to return by the officials, saying that the rations were only meant for Muslims. Also read | Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail Karachi is the capital city of Pakistan's Sindh province, which is the second-worst hit region in terms of the number of COVID-19 positive cases, over 500. Also read | Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported Earlier, the Sindh government ordered the local NGOs and administration to distribute the ration to daily wage workers and labourers. The distribution of the essentials was carried out by local and district governments. The refusal of essentials to Hindus was seen in Karachi and other parts of Sindh. Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist warned of a serious food crisis being faced by minorities and urged the Indian government to send supplies to Sindh via Rajasthan. He also appealed to the Indian PM Narendra Modi to intervene immediately to address a potential humanitarian crisis in the province. As many as 21 people have died from coronavirus in Pakistan and 1,664 are infected, Dawn reported.

Coronavirus: Hindus denied essential supplies in Pakistan's Karachi

Pakistan`s southern province of Sindh on Monday reported 41 new cases of the novel coronavirus, marking the single largest surge so far that took the number of confirmed cases in the province to 76 and the national tally to 94.

Four of the 41 new cases were reported in provincial capital Karachi, while the remaining 37 cases involve those who arrived in Sukkur from the Taftan border with Iran, sources reported, citing Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister on Law, Murtaza Wahab.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-surge-to-93-in-pakistan-76-people-test-positive-in-sindh-286608">Coronavirus cases surge to 93 in Pakistan; 76 people test positive in Sindh</a>

A total of 25 people so far have been tested positive in Karachi alone, province's Health Department said in a tweet.

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"Sindh Health Department has 25 cases from Karachi, 1 case from Hyderabad and 50 cases from Taftan, Iran which brings the total number of cases to 76 in the province out of which 2 have recovered and 74 are still under treatment," tweeted the department.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sindh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sindh</a> Health Department has 25 cases from Karachi, 1 case from Hyderabad and 50 cases from Taftan, Iran. Which brings the total number of case to 76 in the province out of which 2 have recovered &amp; 74 are still under treatment. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SindhHealth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SindhHealth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CoronaVirusPakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CoronaVirusPakistan</a>
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Globally, the virus, which was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has killed more than 6000 people, while more than 150,000 others have been affected in over 130 countries.

Pakistan`s southern province of Sindh on Monday reported 41 new cases of the novel coronavirus, marking the single largest surge so far that took the number of confirmed cases in the province to 76 and the national tally to 94.

Pakistan`s southern province of Sindh on Monday reported 41 new cases of the novel coronavirus, marking the single largest surge so far that took the number of confirmed cases in the province to 76 and the national tally to 94. Four of the 41 new cases were reported in provincial capital Karachi, while the remaining 37 cases involve those who arrived in Sukkur from the Taftan border with Iran, sources reported, citing Advisor to Sindh Chief Minister on Law, Murtaza Wahab. Also read: Coronavirus cases surge to 93 in Pakistan; 76 people test positive in Sindh A total of 25 people so far have been tested positive in Karachi alone, province's Health Department said in a tweet. × "Sindh Health Department has 25 cases from Karachi, 1 case from Hyderabad and 50 cases from Taftan, Iran which brings the total number of cases to 76 in the province out of which 2 have recovered and 74 are still under treatment," tweeted the department. #Sindh Health Department has 25 cases from Karachi, 1 case from Hyderabad and 50 cases from Taftan, Iran. Which brings the total number of case to 76 in the province out of which 2 have recovered & 74 are still under treatment. #SindhHealth #CoronaVirusPakistan — Health and Population Welfare Department, Sindh (@SindhHealthDpt) March 16, 2020 × Globally, the virus, which was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan, has killed more than 6000 people, while more than 150,000 others have been affected in over 130 countries.

Covid-19 infects over 94 in Pakistan

Pakistan meanwhile has reported 20 positive cases of coronavirus. The worst-hit coronavirus state in Pakistan is Sindh with 15 cases of the infection. On March 10 two new cases were confirmed Hyderabad of a patient who had returned from Syria via Doha and another case in Karachi. The Pakistan Super League matches will still go ahead and will be staged in Sindh. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Cricket matches to go ahead in Karachi

2 workers are critical after getting hospitalised at the Pakistan Steel Mills Hospital and around 40 were taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre after chlorine gas leakage at Engro Polymer & Chemical Ltd in Karachi, Pakistan.

Karachi: 12 workers faint after chlorine gas leakage at Engro Polymer & Chemical Ltd

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-how-karachis-fatal-gas-leak-exposes-a-deepening-crisis-281235">mysterious toxic gas</a> has killed at least 14 people and sickened several others in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, police said on Tuesday.

Authorities were alerted to the incident when the residents of Karachi's Keamari area began rushing to nearby hospitals with severe breathing problems on Sunday night.

The source of a toxic gas leak remained unclear on Tuesday. Officials said 14 people have been killed so far, Dawn newspaper reported.

Ziauddin Hospital spokesperson Amir Shehzad told the newspaper that nine deaths took place at the hospital's Keamari Campus over the course of the past two days.

According to the police, two other deaths were reported at the Kutiyana Hospital.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/breaking-news-update-at-least-six-dead-in-gas-leak-in-Karachi">At least six dead in gas leak in Karachi; Pakistan navy launches investigation</a>

Dozens of others have been hospitalised in various medical facilities across the city.

"We are still clueless about the possible cause of the incident," Karachi police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon said.

Residents of the area protested in Keamari's Jackson Market, demanding answers from authorities on the deaths that have been caused from the mysterious gas.

Memon said that senior police officers in coordination with the doctors are trying to determine the exact nature of the incident.

Meanwhile, Karachi Commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani said that a ship that was offloading soybean or a similar substance could be the probable cause of the toxic gas.

"When offloading from this ship is halted, the smell too diminishes," he reasoned.

Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi rubbished the report that it was caused by a soybean ship as the crew and the vessel were fine.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered the Commissioner of Karachi police to submit a report on the matter on a priority basis, ARY News reported.

A mysterious toxic gas has killed at least 14 people and sickened several others in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, police said on Tuesday. Authorities were alerted to the incident when the residents of Karachi's Keamari area began rushing to nearby hospitals with severe breathing problems on Sunday night.

A mysterious toxic gas has killed at least 14 people and sickened several others in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi, police said on Tuesday. Authorities were alerted to the incident when the residents of Karachi's Keamari area began rushing to nearby hospitals with severe breathing problems on Sunday night. The source of a toxic gas leak remained unclear on Tuesday. Officials said 14 people have been killed so far, Dawn newspaper reported. Ziauddin Hospital spokesperson Amir Shehzad told the newspaper that nine deaths took place at the hospital's Keamari Campus over the course of the past two days. According to the police, two other deaths were reported at the Kutiyana Hospital. Also read: At least six dead in gas leak in Karachi; Pakistan navy launches investigation Dozens of others have been hospitalised in various medical facilities across the city. "We are still clueless about the possible cause of the incident," Karachi police chief Ghulam Nabi Memon said. Residents of the area protested in Keamari's Jackson Market, demanding answers from authorities on the deaths that have been caused from the mysterious gas. Memon said that senior police officers in coordination with the doctors are trying to determine the exact nature of the incident. Meanwhile, Karachi Commissioner Iftikhar Shallwani said that a ship that was offloading soybean or a similar substance could be the probable cause of the toxic gas. "When offloading from this ship is halted, the smell too diminishes," he reasoned. Maritime Affairs Minister Ali Zaidi rubbished the report that it was caused by a soybean ship as the crew and the vessel were fine. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered the Commissioner of Karachi police to submit a report on the matter on a priority basis, ARY News reported.

Pakistan: Toxic gas kills 14 people in Karachi; source of leak remains unclear

At least seven people died and more than 100 hospitalised after a gas leaked in Pakistan's port city of Karachi late on Sunday. It has been more than 24 hours and still, the cause of the leak remains unknown.

So why this leak is a significant challenge not just for Pakistan, but globally as well. Let's understand the developments.&nbsp;

Watch:

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Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, is Pakistan's largest city and one of the main commercial region.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/breaking-news-update-at-least-six-dead-in-gas-leak-in-Karachi">At least six dead in gas leak in Karachi; Pakistan navy launches investigation</a>

The leak is extremely close to Pakistan's nuclear facility and occurred at Keamari, a major tourist spot. In 2011, a seven-hour&nbsp;emergency was declared at the nuclear power plant in Karachi after a gas leak, which triggered massive fears. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Pakistan's nuclear installations also have a patchy track record, despite the country making contrary claims in an attempt to silence global concerns. In 2014, Pakistan's interior minister issued a policy paper, a classified document, that claimed that the terrorist network in the country is close to nuclear facilities in Pakistan's Punjab.&nbsp;

Reports have also said that the Pakistan Army has full control over the country's nuclear arms. Also, the Pakistan Army's support to terror organisations is well-known. So, terrorists based in Pakistan getting access to nuclear weapons remain a threat.

And Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's silence in this latest gas leak raises not just regional but global concerns.&nbsp;

At least seven people died and more than 100 hospitalised after a gas leaked in Pakistan's port city of Karachi late on Sunday. It has been more than 24 hours and still, the cause of the leak remains unknown.

At least seven people died and more than 100 hospitalised after a gas leaked in Pakistan's port city of Karachi late on Sunday. It has been more than 24 hours and still, the cause of the leak remains unknown. So why this leak is a significant challenge not just for Pakistan, but globally as well. Let's understand the developments. Watch: Karachi, the capital of Sindh province, is Pakistan's largest city and one of the main commercial region. Also read: At least six dead in gas leak in Karachi; Pakistan navy launches investigation The leak is extremely close to Pakistan's nuclear facility and occurred at Keamari, a major tourist spot. In 2011, a seven-hour emergency was declared at the nuclear power plant in Karachi after a gas leak, which triggered massive fears. Pakistan's nuclear installations also have a patchy track record, despite the country making contrary claims in an attempt to silence global concerns. In 2014, Pakistan's interior minister issued a policy paper, a classified document, that claimed that the terrorist network in the country is close to nuclear facilities in Pakistan's Punjab. Reports have also said that the Pakistan Army has full control over the country's nuclear arms. Also, the Pakistan Army's support to terror organisations is well-known. So, terrorists based in Pakistan getting access to nuclear weapons remain a threat. And Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's silence in this latest gas leak raises not just regional but global concerns.

Pakistan: How Karachi's fatal gas leak exposes a deepening crisis

Indian authorities have detained a Hong Kong-bound vessel that was bound to sail to Port Qasim in Karachi in Pakistan. The ship has been detained for incorrectly declaring an autoclave, which can be used in the launch process of ballistic missiles as an industrial dryer.

Karachi-bound ship detained in Gujarat’s Kandla Port, carrying ballistic missile cargo

In a massive development, New Delhi intercepted a Pakistan-bound vessel at Gujarat's Kandla Port on February 3. The Indian authorities successfully tracked the suspicious cargo that later could be used in an irresponsible manner. So why the Karachi-bound vessel raises concerns of Pakistan's growing nuclear assertiveness? Here are some concerning evidence that triggers international scrutiny.

Watch: 

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&nbsp;

Industrial dryer?

The vessel that is being docked at the port for more than two weeks has been probed by a team of scientists from India's Defence and Research Development (DRDO). And the initial findings suggest alarming revelations. The crewmembers earlier declared the vessel as an industrial dryer.

However, it is an autoclave. So what exactly is an autoclave? It's a machine used to launch ballistic missiles and for scientific and military purposes. The DRDO team says that the autoclave in question here is used to make the composite lining for solid-fuel ballistic missiles.&nbsp; In simpler language, it is a material strong enough to survive the impact of a missile's booster.

Why the route of the vessel raises suspicions?

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Several reports have claimed that the name of the vessel is Da Cui Yun and bears a Hong Kong flag. And it started its journey from the Port of Jiangyin in eastern China. We checked the most popular route between this port and the port of Kandla where it was detained. And it was found that the route was "out of range".

Why docking at Karachi raises eyebrows?

The vessel was seized at Port of Kandla, which is just 350 km away from Karachi, its main destination. Karachi is the home to SUPARCO, Pakistan ballistic missile programme's agency.

Pakistan and China nexus

Pakistan and China's nuclear bonhomie dates back to 1989 when Islamabad signed a deal with Beijing to purchase 34 solid-fuel M-11 ballistic missiles, which form the core of Pak's ballistic missile capability.

Today, a second high-level team from DRDO went to Kandla to examine the cargo. The Indian authorities have still not come out with the details. But there are some crucial questions not just from India but from world that seeks answers from Pakistan.

&nbsp;

In a massive development, New Delhi intercepted a Pakistan-bound vessel at Gujarat's Kandla Port on February 3. The Indian authorities successfully tracked the suspicious cargo that later could be used in an irresponsible manner.

In a massive development, New Delhi intercepted a Pakistan-bound vessel at Gujarat's Kandla Port on February 3. The Indian authorities successfully tracked the suspicious cargo that later could be used in an irresponsible manner. So why the Karachi-bound vessel raises concerns of Pakistan's growing nuclear assertiveness? Here are some concerning evidence that triggers international scrutiny. Watch: Industrial dryer? The vessel that is being docked at the port for more than two weeks has been probed by a team of scientists from India's Defence and Research Development (DRDO). And the initial findings suggest alarming revelations. The crewmembers earlier declared the vessel as an industrial dryer. However, it is an autoclave. So what exactly is an autoclave? It's a machine used to launch ballistic missiles and for scientific and military purposes. The DRDO team says that the autoclave in question here is used to make the composite lining for solid-fuel ballistic missiles. In simpler language, it is a material strong enough to survive the impact of a missile's booster. Why the route of the vessel raises suspicions? Several reports have claimed that the name of the vessel is Da Cui Yun and bears a Hong Kong flag. And it started its journey from the Port of Jiangyin in eastern China. We checked the most popular route between this port and the port of Kandla where it was detained. And it was found that the route was "out of range". Why docking at Karachi raises eyebrows? The vessel was seized at Port of Kandla, which is just 350 km away from Karachi, its main destination. Karachi is the home to SUPARCO, Pakistan ballistic missile programme's agency. Pakistan and China nexus Pakistan and China's nuclear bonhomie dates back to 1989 when Islamabad signed a deal with Beijing to purchase 34 solid-fuel M-11 ballistic missiles, which form the core of Pak's ballistic missile capability. Today, a second high-level team from DRDO went to Kandla to examine the cargo. The Indian authorities have still not come out with the details. But there are some crucial questions not just from India but from world that seeks answers from Pakistan.

EXPLAINED: Why Pakistan-bound ship raises key concerns

A Karachi-bound vessel was intercepted by Indian authorities at the Kandla port on February 3.

To this day, the ship continues to be docked at the port.

And the reason is a suspicious cargo that was wrongly declared in the manifest.

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/refined-palm-oil-cargoes-stuck-at-indian-ports-after-import-curbs-sources-275428" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/refined-palm-oil-cargoes-stuck-at-indian-ports-after-import-curbs-sources-275428&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiQ9Jjh_tfnAhVgzDgGHX3zDX8QFjAAegQIARAB&amp;usg=AOvVaw12OJ2y-uG4w-aDcdje4LtL" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/refined-palm-oil-cargoes-stuck-at-indian-ports-after-import-curbs-sources-275428" target="_blank">Refined palm oil cargoes stuck at Indian ports</a>

This cargo, in fact has military purposes, and is even used in the launch process of a ballistic missile.

The ship also bears a Hong Kong flag.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/karachi-bound-ship-detained-in-gujarats-kandla-port-carrying-ballistic-missile-cargo-281077/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

And started its voyage from the port of Jiangyin in Eastern China on January 17.

The vessel was bound for Port Qasim in Karachi. But made a brief stop at the Kandla Port on February 3.

And when the authorities conducted a detailed inspection, they discovered what is called an ''autoclave'', which is essentially a pressure chamber.

And it has multiple purposes - both civilian and military.

Also read: <a class="gs-title" data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/india/news-update-breaking-as-defence-ties-grow-Maldives-requests-another-vessel-from-India" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india/news-update-breaking-as-defence-ties-grow-Maldives-requests-another-vessel-from-India&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiisrX1_tfnAhXVxjgGHbHnCvQQFjAAegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0ksKqvror1wCq7dtsJDMru" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/india/news-update-breaking-as-defence-ties-grow-Maldives-requests-another-vessel-from-India" target="_blank">As defence ties grow, Maldives requests another vessel from India</a>

According to marine-traffic.com, the vessel is named Da Cui Yun and was manufactured in 2011 at the port of Hong Kong.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been looped in to inspect the entire vessel.

A team of the DRDO will conduct a search operation today to examine the autoclave.

And determine whether the cargo is in fact intended for military purposes.

If the findings are upheld, the authorities can seize the cargo.

A Karachi-bound vessel was intercepted by Indian authorities at the Kandla port on February 3. To this day, the ship continues to be docked at the port. And the reason is a suspicious cargo that was wrongly declared in the manifest.

A Karachi-bound vessel was intercepted by Indian authorities at the Kandla port on February 3. To this day, the ship continues to be docked at the port. And the reason is a suspicious cargo that was wrongly declared in the manifest. Also read: Refined palm oil cargoes stuck at Indian ports This cargo, in fact has military purposes, and is even used in the launch process of a ballistic missile. The ship also bears a Hong Kong flag. And started its voyage from the port of Jiangyin in Eastern China on January 17. The vessel was bound for Port Qasim in Karachi. But made a brief stop at the Kandla Port on February 3. And when the authorities conducted a detailed inspection, they discovered what is called an ''autoclave'', which is essentially a pressure chamber. And it has multiple purposes - both civilian and military. Also read: As defence ties grow, Maldives requests another vessel from India According to marine-traffic.com, the vessel is named Da Cui Yun and was manufactured in 2011 at the port of Hong Kong. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been looped in to inspect the entire vessel. A team of the DRDO will conduct a search operation today to examine the autoclave. And determine whether the cargo is in fact intended for military purposes. If the findings are upheld, the authorities can seize the cargo.

Suspicious Karachi-bound ship carrying explosives held in Gujarat

At least six people have died and several taken ill after a gas leak in Karachi's Keamari area.

Pakistan has deployed the Navy's biological team to determine the exact nature of the "mysterious gas leak".

According to local reports, the death toll is likely to rise with several people affected with many&nbsp;falling unconscious.

Those affected with the leak were shifted to Karachi’s Clifton area. Reports say at least 103 people have been hospitalised.

People affected complained of respiratory problem, reports indicated.

However, the Karachi port trust spokesperson has denied all reports of leakage.

The minister of maritime affairs said that there was "no leakage" and that it was a Malaysian ship that was bringing soybean from the US.&nbsp;

While the cause of the incident is yet to be investigated it is being suspected that the leakage occurred during offloading of chemicals from a cargo ship that was anchored at the Karachi port.

Meanwhile, an emergency has been declared in south Karachi with residents advised to not step out of their homes.

At least six people have died and several taken ill after a gas leak in Karachi's Keamari area. Pakistan has deployed the Navy's biological team to determine the exact nature of the "mysterious gas leak".

At least six people have died and several taken ill after a gas leak in Karachi's Keamari area. Pakistan has deployed the Navy's biological team to determine the exact nature of the "mysterious gas leak". According to local reports, the death toll is likely to rise with several people affected with many falling unconscious. Those affected with the leak were shifted to Karachi’s Clifton area. Reports say at least 103 people have been hospitalised. People affected complained of respiratory problem, reports indicated. However, the Karachi port trust spokesperson has denied all reports of leakage. The minister of maritime affairs said that there was "no leakage" and that it was a Malaysian ship that was bringing soybean from the US. While the cause of the incident is yet to be investigated it is being suspected that the leakage occurred during offloading of chemicals from a cargo ship that was anchored at the Karachi port. Meanwhile, an emergency has been declared in south Karachi with residents advised to not step out of their homes.

At least six dead in gas leak in Karachi; Pakistan navy launches investigation

Men can marry underage girls as per a judgement by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sindh-high-court-chief-justices-son-kidnapped-879">Sindh High Court </a>on Monday.

The High Court said that underage girls can be married as long as they have had their first menstrual cycle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/whats-pakistans-definition-of-child-abuse-279283">Opinion: What's Pakistan's definition of child abuse?</a> 
 
This ruling is in accordance with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sharia-law-in-indonesia-now-female-floggers-to-whip-women-for-premarital-sex-cuddling-in-public-277203">Sharia law</a>.

Watch: Pak Hindu girl 'abducted' from wedding, Forcibly converted to Islam

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The Court in Karachi passed down the ruling in a hearing about the alleged abduction, forced conversion and marriage of Huma Younus, a Catholic girl taken from her home on 10th October 2019.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-24-year-old-woman-allegedly-abducted-forcibly-converted-to-islam-277085">Pakistan: 24-year-old woman allegedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam</a>

Her parents believe her marriage is invalid in line with the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, which forbids marriage under the age of 18.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharia-should-be-the-only-law-say-67-of-pakistanis-141886">Sharia should be the only law, say 67% of Pakistanis</a>

Huma's parents produced evidence, including a baptismal certificate and testimony from her school, purporting to show she is 14 years old, born on 22nd May 2005.

The judges, Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Irshad Ali Shah ruled that, as per Shari'a law, even if Huma was a minor, the marriage between her and her alleged abductor, Abdul Jabbar, would be valid as she had already had her first menstrual cycle.

Men can marry underage girls as per a judgement by the Sindh High Court on Monday. The High Court said that underage girls can be married as long as they have had their first menstrual cycle.

Men can marry underage girls as per a judgement by the Sindh High Court on Monday. The High Court said that underage girls can be married as long as they have had their first menstrual cycle. Opinion: What's Pakistan's definition of child abuse? This ruling is in accordance with Sharia law. Watch: Pak Hindu girl 'abducted' from wedding, Forcibly converted to Islam The Court in Karachi passed down the ruling in a hearing about the alleged abduction, forced conversion and marriage of Huma Younus, a Catholic girl taken from her home on 10th October 2019. Also read: Pakistan: 24-year-old woman allegedly abducted, forcibly converted to Islam Her parents believe her marriage is invalid in line with the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act, which forbids marriage under the age of 18. Also read: Sharia should be the only law, say 67% of Pakistanis Huma's parents produced evidence, including a baptismal certificate and testimony from her school, purporting to show she is 14 years old, born on 22nd May 2005. The judges, Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and Irshad Ali Shah ruled that, as per Shari'a law, even if Huma was a minor, the marriage between her and her alleged abductor, Abdul Jabbar, would be valid as she had already had her first menstrual cycle.

Men can marry underage girls if they have had their first menstrual cycle: Pakistan court

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan raked a controversy again by likening hospital nurses to "hoors" (fairies).&nbsp;

The incident was just a few days back when Khan was speaking at a fundraiser event on Tuesday for the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.&nbsp;

As Khan recalled the event wherein he suffered a fatal fall a few years back, he said how he received an injection which not only relieved his pain but made him hallucinate.

He said the after-effects of the medicine was such that the nurses at the hospital looked like "hoors" to him.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/wion-edit-pakistans-minority-report-277143">WION Edit - Pakistan's minority report</a>

Pak prime minister's faux pas has ignited a flurry of critical comments with many taking to Twitter and slamming the PTI chief.&nbsp;

This is not the first time when Khan has come under the scanner for his comments.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-get-salary-hike-cabinet-to-hold-meeting-276911">Pakistan PM Imran Khan to get salary hike? Cabinet to hold meeting</a>

Earlier, Khan had blamed Hollywood and Bollywood for divorces in Pakistan.

Once while speaking on Kashmir, Khan claimed the support of 58 nations at the UN Human Rights Council when the UNHRC has just 47 members.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan raked a controversy again by likening hospital nurses to "hoors" (fairies). The incident was just a few days back when Khan was speaking at a fundraiser event on Tuesday for the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan raked a controversy again by likening hospital nurses to "hoors" (fairies). The incident was just a few days back when Khan was speaking at a fundraiser event on Tuesday for the Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. As Khan recalled the event wherein he suffered a fatal fall a few years back, he said how he received an injection which not only relieved his pain but made him hallucinate. He said the after-effects of the medicine was such that the nurses at the hospital looked like "hoors" to him. Also read: WION Edit - Pakistan's minority report Pak prime minister's faux pas has ignited a flurry of critical comments with many taking to Twitter and slamming the PTI chief. This is not the first time when Khan has come under the scanner for his comments. Also read: Pakistan PM Imran Khan to get salary hike? Cabinet to hold meeting Earlier, Khan had blamed Hollywood and Bollywood for divorces in Pakistan. Once while speaking on Kashmir, Khan claimed the support of 58 nations at the UN Human Rights Council when the UNHRC has just 47 members.

Another faux pas? When Pakistan PM Imran Khan likened nurses to 'hoors'

Protestors clashed with police in&nbsp;Pakistan's southern port city of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-issues-advisory-to-its-carriers-to-avoid-pak-airspace-over-extremist-threat-271757">Karachi</a> on Sunday, as&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of demonstrators attempted to march toward the&nbsp;US&nbsp;consulate to&nbsp;protest&nbsp;the&nbsp;killing&nbsp;of&nbsp;Iranian&nbsp;military&nbsp;commander&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-gather-to-pay-homage-to-slain-iran-general-soleimani-in-tehran-272439">Qasem Soleimani</a>.

Soleimani, a powerful&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-updates-on-iran-general-qassem-soleimanis-death-272457">Iranian&nbsp;military&nbsp;commander</a>&nbsp;and the architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, was killed in a&nbsp;US&nbsp;drone strike in Iraq on Friday.

In Karachi,&nbsp;thousands&nbsp;of Shiite&nbsp;protestors, including women and children, carrying images of Iran's Supreme Leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-be-a-war-crime-if-us-attacks-irans-cultural-sites-foreign-minister-zarif-272268">Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, as well as of Soleimani, marched and chanted slogans of "Death to America," and "Death to Israel."

The&nbsp;protest&nbsp;was organized by a diverse group of Shiite Muslim organizations.

Pakistani security forces blocked the road leading to the&nbsp;US&nbsp;consulate in Karachi using shipping containers. However, some&nbsp;protestors attempted to push through the security cordon and climb&nbsp;over&nbsp;the containers, leading to scuffles with security forces.

Police were able to push&nbsp;protestors back and prevent them from getting beyond the barricades. Following a brief period of tension on Sunday evening, the demonstration was called off.

Iran, with a Shiite Muslim majority, enjoys a large support base in&nbsp;Pakistan, it's neighbor to the east. Though&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;is a Sunni Muslim-majority country, it has a fairly large Shiite population.

"Pakistan&nbsp;should not in any way allow its soil to be used against Iran," a senior cleric, Shahanshah Naqvi, said while addressing the&nbsp;protest&nbsp;rally.

A smaller rally was also held in the capital, Islamabad, where&nbsp;protestors burnt&nbsp;US&nbsp;and Israeli flags.

It dispersed without any violence.

Earlier, the spokesperson of&nbsp;Pakistan's Army told local media the country would not allow its soil to be used against anyone, referring to speculation about an imminent military standoff between the United States and Iran.

He quoted&nbsp;Pakistani Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-condemns-the-nankana-sahib-gurdwara-incident-272270">Imran Khan</a> and the Army chief as saying they wanted a peaceful resolution to all disputes.

Protestors clashed with police in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Sunday, as thousands of demonstrators attempted to march toward the US consulate to protest the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani.

Protestors clashed with police in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Sunday, as thousands of demonstrators attempted to march toward the US consulate to protest the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani, a powerful Iranian military commander and the architect of Iran's spreading military influence in the Middle East, was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq on Friday. In Karachi, thousands of Shiite protestors, including women and children, carrying images of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as of Soleimani, marched and chanted slogans of "Death to America," and "Death to Israel." The protest was organized by a diverse group of Shiite Muslim organizations. Pakistani security forces blocked the road leading to the US consulate in Karachi using shipping containers. However, some protestors attempted to push through the security cordon and climb over the containers, leading to scuffles with security forces. Police were able to push protestors back and prevent them from getting beyond the barricades. Following a brief period of tension on Sunday evening, the demonstration was called off. Iran, with a Shiite Muslim majority, enjoys a large support base in Pakistan, it's neighbor to the east. Though Pakistan is a Sunni Muslim-majority country, it has a fairly large Shiite population. "Pakistan should not in any way allow its soil to be used against Iran," a senior cleric, Shahanshah Naqvi, said while addressing the protest rally. A smaller rally was also held in the capital, Islamabad, where protestors burnt US and Israeli flags. It dispersed without any violence. Earlier, the spokesperson of Pakistan's Army told local media the country would not allow its soil to be used against anyone, referring to speculation about an imminent military standoff between the United States and Iran. He quoted Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan and the Army chief as saying they wanted a peaceful resolution to all disputes.

Pakistan: Thousands march toward US consulate to protest Soleimani's killing

Pakistan&nbsp;will not&nbsp;take&nbsp;sides&nbsp;in the escalating&nbsp;confrontation&nbsp;between neighboring&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and the United States, its&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;minister&nbsp;said on Monday, following the killing of&nbsp;Iranian military commander <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-updates-on-iran-general-qassem-soleimanis-death-272457">Qasem Soleimani</a> in a&nbsp;US&nbsp;drone strike.

The killing puts&nbsp;Pakistan, which is majority Sunni Muslim but has a largely Shiite minority and is anxious to avoid any regional upheaval, in a sensitive position. An ally of Saudi Arabia, Tehran's arch regional foe,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;has a complex relationship with&nbsp;Iran, with which it shares a long border.

Thousands of Shiite protesters marched in several&nbsp;Pakistani cities on Sunday to show solidarity with&nbsp;Iran. Some clashed with police in the southern city of Karachi when they attempted to march on the&nbsp;US&nbsp;consulate.

"We're clear that&nbsp;Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state, and nor will&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;become a part of this regional conflict,"&nbsp;Foreign&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mahmood-qureshi-calls-for-maximum-restraint-amid-west-asia-tensions-272497">Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> told the upper house of parliament in a policy statement.

"Pakistan&nbsp;has&nbsp;taken a clear stance that&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;doesn't endorse any unilateral action," he said, in the government's first official response to the killing of Soleimani, the architect of efforts to extend&nbsp;Iran's influence across the region.

The killing has spurred fears of a major regional conflagration. On Monday hundreds of thousands of&nbsp;Iranians thronged Tehran's streets for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-be-a-war-crime-if-us-attacks-irans-cultural-sites-foreign-minister-zarif-272268">Soleimani's funeral</a> and his daughter said his death would bring a "dark day" for the United States.

"The Middle East was and is volatile and this region can’t afford another war. We are part of this region and when a fire erupts there,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;can't escape," said Qureshi.

Pakistan&nbsp;is grappling with a severe economic crisis and facing heightened tensions with neighboring India. Its long land frontier with&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is rife with cross-border militant activity.

Islamabad has also long had a tense relationship with the United States over the war in neighboring Afghanistan, where&nbsp;US&nbsp;officials have frequently accused it of supporting the Taliban, a charge&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;denies.

But it badly needs&nbsp;US&nbsp;support, both in handling its severe balance of payments problems and in dealing with its nuclear-armed neighbor India after the two came close to war last year.

Qureshi said he had discussed the regional situation with the&nbsp;foreign&nbsp;ministers of&nbsp;Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others.

Pakistan&nbsp;receives aid and buys&nbsp;much of its oil from Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, which is locked in a power struggle with Shiite&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;across a region where they back opposing&nbsp;sides&nbsp;in conflicts ranging from Syria to Yemen.

Qureshi said he feared Soleimani's death could trigger an&nbsp;upsurge in sectarian tensions, including in Afghanistan.

"We believe this could have a negative impact on Afghanistan, and that its peace process, where&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;has played an important role, could be affected and exploited by the spoilers," Qureshi said.

Pakistan will not take sides in the escalating confrontation between neighboring Iran and the United States, its foreign minister said on Monday, following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike.

Pakistan will not take sides in the escalating confrontation between neighboring Iran and the United States, its foreign minister said on Monday, following the killing of Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike. The killing puts Pakistan, which is majority Sunni Muslim but has a largely Shiite minority and is anxious to avoid any regional upheaval, in a sensitive position. An ally of Saudi Arabia, Tehran's arch regional foe, Pakistan has a complex relationship with Iran, with which it shares a long border. Thousands of Shiite protesters marched in several Pakistani cities on Sunday to show solidarity with Iran. Some clashed with police in the southern city of Karachi when they attempted to march on the US consulate. "We're clear that Pakistan's soil will not be used against any other state, and nor will Pakistan become a part of this regional conflict," Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told the upper house of parliament in a policy statement. "Pakistan has taken a clear stance that Pakistan doesn't endorse any unilateral action," he said, in the government's first official response to the killing of Soleimani, the architect of efforts to extend Iran's influence across the region. The killing has spurred fears of a major regional conflagration. On Monday hundreds of thousands of Iranians thronged Tehran's streets for Soleimani's funeral and his daughter said his death would bring a "dark day" for the United States. "The Middle East was and is volatile and this region can’t afford another war. We are part of this region and when a fire erupts there, Pakistan can't escape," said Qureshi. Pakistan is grappling with a severe economic crisis and facing heightened tensions with neighboring India. Its long land frontier with Iran is rife with cross-border militant activity. Islamabad has also long had a tense relationship with the United States over the war in neighboring Afghanistan, where US officials have frequently accused it of supporting the Taliban, a charge Pakistan denies. But it badly needs US support, both in handling its severe balance of payments problems and in dealing with its nuclear-armed neighbor India after the two came close to war last year. Qureshi said he had discussed the regional situation with the foreign ministers of Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and others. Pakistan receives aid and buys much of its oil from Sunni Muslim Saudi Arabia, which is locked in a power struggle with Shiite Iran across a region where they back opposing sides in conflicts ranging from Syria to Yemen. Qureshi said he feared Soleimani's death could trigger an upsurge in sectarian tensions, including in Afghanistan. "We believe this could have a negative impact on Afghanistan, and that its peace process, where Pakistan has played an important role, could be affected and exploited by the spoilers," Qureshi said.

'Pakistan will not become part of US-Iran conflict': Pakistan Foreign Minister Qureshi

Pakistan celebrated the return of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Dimuth+Karunaratne">Test cricket</a> for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Dimuth+Karunaratne">second test </a>in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0.

It took just 14 minutes and 16 balls for Pakistan to wrap up the win on the fifth morning as they took Sri Lanka's last three wickets without any addition to their overnight 212.

Pakistan had set a daunting 476-run target on Sunday and reduced the tourists to 212-7 at the close.

Teenage quick bowler Naseem Shah at 16 years and 307 days became the second youngest bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings as he bowled an express spell to finish with 5-31.

Fellow Pakistani and left-arm spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani holds the record and was just four days younger when he completed the feat against the West Indies at Georgetown in a 1957-58 series.

Naseem was aged six when international cricket was suspended in Pakistan following an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

Pakistan was forced to play all their home matches at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates before improved security allowed them to begin hosting limited-over series over the past four years.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karachi-test-day-1-pakistan-batsmen-fail-to-grab-initiative-against-lanka-269218">first test of the series</a> in Rawalpindi marked the return of Test cricket in Pakistan, but it ended in a draw after being spoiled by bad weather.

Pakistan skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/our-pride-has-been-hurt-says-azhar-ali-after-losing-test-series-against-australia-266799">Azhar Ali</a> thanked Sri Lanka for their part in allowing Test cricket to return.

"Special thanks to Sri Lanka from the bottom of our hearts," said Azhar. "They have given us immense happiness by playing in Pakistan, it was pretty emotional."

"Naseem is a special talent and we can build on our bowling attack in the years to come."

Sri Lankan skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suranga-lakmal-to-miss-sri-lankas-tour-of-pakistan-due-to-dengue-267040">Dimuth Karunaratne</a> praised Pakistan.

"We dominated the first two days and then they batted very well and put pressure back on us and outplayed us. We couldn't build pressure with the ball despite taking a lead of 80," said Karunaratne.

Pakistan turned the match on its head with a huge second-innings 555-3 declared on Sunday, with 174 from man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series Abid Ali, 135 from Shan Masood, 118 from Azhar and 100 not out from Babar Azam as the top four all reached three figures.&nbsp;

Abid had also scored a hundred in the first Test.

The final day began in a dramatic manner when Naseem dismissed Lasit Embuldeniya off the first ball, catching his gloves on the way to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

From the other end leg-spinner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brisbane-test-australia-beat-pakistan-by-an-innings-and-5-runs-264221">Yasir Shah</a> had Oshada Fernando caught in the slip for his overnight score of 102 after a 180-ball knock that contained 13 boundaries.

Naseem wrapped up the match by trapping Vishwa Fernando with the fifth ball of the next over, triggering jubilation among the Pakistan players who were all playing in their first Test series at home.

It is Pakistan's first series win at home against Sri Lanka since 1992.&nbsp;

The win lifts Pakistan to third in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-spearhead-boult-a-doubt-for-first-test-267610">World Test Championship</a> table with 80 points. Pakistan got 60 points from the win and 20 from the first Test draw.

India (360) and Australia (216) are currently first and second. Nine teams are competing in the Championship, with the top two contesting the final in June 2021.

Pakistan celebrated the return of Test cricket for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the second test in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0.

Pakistan celebrated the return of Test cricket for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the second test in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0. It took just 14 minutes and 16 balls for Pakistan to wrap up the win on the fifth morning as they took Sri Lanka's last three wickets without any addition to their overnight 212. Pakistan had set a daunting 476-run target on Sunday and reduced the tourists to 212-7 at the close. Teenage quick bowler Naseem Shah at 16 years and 307 days became the second youngest bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings as he bowled an express spell to finish with 5-31. Fellow Pakistani and left-arm spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani holds the record and was just four days younger when he completed the feat against the West Indies at Georgetown in a 1957-58 series. Naseem was aged six when international cricket was suspended in Pakistan following an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. Pakistan was forced to play all their home matches at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates before improved security allowed them to begin hosting limited-over series over the past four years. The first test of the series in Rawalpindi marked the return of Test cricket in Pakistan, but it ended in a draw after being spoiled by bad weather. Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali thanked Sri Lanka for their part in allowing Test cricket to return. "Special thanks to Sri Lanka from the bottom of our hearts," said Azhar. "They have given us immense happiness by playing in Pakistan, it was pretty emotional." "Naseem is a special talent and we can build on our bowling attack in the years to come." Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne praised Pakistan. "We dominated the first two days and then they batted very well and put pressure back on us and outplayed us. We couldn't build pressure with the ball despite taking a lead of 80," said Karunaratne. Pakistan turned the match on its head with a huge second-innings 555-3 declared on Sunday, with 174 from man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series Abid Ali, 135 from Shan Masood, 118 from Azhar and 100 not out from Babar Azam as the top four all reached three figures. Abid had also scored a hundred in the first Test. The final day began in a dramatic manner when Naseem dismissed Lasit Embuldeniya off the first ball, catching his gloves on the way to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. From the other end leg-spinner, Yasir Shah had Oshada Fernando caught in the slip for his overnight score of 102 after a 180-ball knock that contained 13 boundaries. Naseem wrapped up the match by trapping Vishwa Fernando with the fifth ball of the next over, triggering jubilation among the Pakistan players who were all playing in their first Test series at home. It is Pakistan's first series win at home against Sri Lanka since 1992. The win lifts Pakistan to third in the World Test Championship table with 80 points. Pakistan got 60 points from the win and 20 from the first Test draw. India (360) and Australia (216) are currently first and second. Nine teams are competing in the Championship, with the top two contesting the final in June 2021.

Cricket: Pakistan seal triumphant Test cricket return with Sri Lanka win

Pakistan's openers&nbsp;nullified Sri Lanka's first innings lead of 80 runs to leave the second Test firmly in the balance after day two in Karachi.

The day began with Sri Lanka resuming on 64 for 3 in response to Pakistan's first innings total of 191 but they quickly slid to 80 for 5 as both overnight batsmen Lasith Embul-Deniya and Angelo Mathews were caught behind.

However, the rest of the Lankan batting lineup led by former captain Dinesh Chandimal made the hosts work hard for the remaining wickets.

Chandimal shared a 67-run stand with Dhananjaya de Silva for the sixth wicket and then a 37-run partnership with Niroshan Dickwella for the seventh wicket.

Chandimal then combined with Dilruwan Perera for another half-century stand that erased Sri Lanka's deficit but a loose shot to Haris Sohail saw him fall for 74.

Perera went on to score 48 and led the visitors to 271 before Shaheen Shah Afridi wrapped up the innings with twin strikes for his maiden five-wicket haul.

At that point, the advantage was firmly with Sri Lanka but Pakistan were back level by stumps as the opening pair of Shan Masood and Abid Ali scored 57 runs from 14 overs and left the hosts in the red by just 23 runs.

Pakistan's openers nullified Sri Lanka's first innings lead of 80 runs to leave the second Test firmly in the balance after day two in Karachi. The day began with Sri Lanka resuming on 64 for 3 in response to Pakistan's first innings total of 191 but they quickly slid to 80 for 5 as both overnight batsmen Lasith Embul-Deniya and Angelo Mathews were caught behind.

Pakistan's openers nullified Sri Lanka's first innings lead of 80 runs to leave the second Test firmly in the balance after day two in Karachi. The day began with Sri Lanka resuming on 64 for 3 in response to Pakistan's first innings total of 191 but they quickly slid to 80 for 5 as both overnight batsmen Lasith Embul-Deniya and Angelo Mathews were caught behind. However, the rest of the Lankan batting lineup led by former captain Dinesh Chandimal made the hosts work hard for the remaining wickets. Chandimal shared a 67-run stand with Dhananjaya de Silva for the sixth wicket and then a 37-run partnership with Niroshan Dickwella for the seventh wicket. Chandimal then combined with Dilruwan Perera for another half-century stand that erased Sri Lanka's deficit but a loose shot to Haris Sohail saw him fall for 74. Perera went on to score 48 and led the visitors to 271 before Shaheen Shah Afridi wrapped up the innings with twin strikes for his maiden five-wicket haul. At that point, the advantage was firmly with Sri Lanka but Pakistan were back level by stumps as the opening pair of Shan Masood and Abid Ali scored 57 runs from 14 overs and left the hosts in the red by just 23 runs.

Karachi Test, day 2: Pak openers seize initiative as Sri Lanka wilt

Representatives of Pakistan's different law enforcement agencies on Friday attended a Destruction Ceremony of Confiscated Goods on the outskirts of Karachi.

Pakistan Custom authorities destroy contraband worth around US $250 million

Pakistan firebrand politician <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/azadi-march-fazlur-rehman-gives-imran-khan-2-day-ultimatum-to-resign-259415">Maulana Fazlur Rehman</a> on Sunday claimed that in Pakistan, the Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-pm-imran-khan-led-government-unveils-first-100-days-performance-report-180299">Imran Khan-led</a> government's "ship is about to sink".

"Previously we used to say that the economy's ship is rocking. I salute your tenacity. Now we can proudly say that the government's ship is about to sink," he said, speaking to protesters gathered on the city's Ring Road highway.

"The journey that was begun for the sake of the Constitution is near its destination now," said Rehman.

Rehman had launched a long march against Islamabad from Karachi on October 27. However, he had abruptly called off the party's sit-in 13 days later, reported Dawn.

The right wind politician had however announced that his party would continue its anti-government protests in other regions of the country as part of its so-called Plan B.

While boldly declaring that "victory is near", the JUI-F chief said that "even looking back would be a sin now".

He said that the government which had promised 10 million jobs had instead "rendered 2.5 million youth unemployed".

"Who can accept a government which is run by foreign hands when we had rid ourselves of foreign rule all those years ago?"

He said while the past government was blamed for the country's economic woes, "the FBR report had stated that all the money to have left the country went through the proper channels".

Pakistan firebrand politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday claimed that in Pakistan, the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government's "ship is about to sink". "Previously we used to say that the economy's ship is rocking.

Pakistan firebrand politician Maulana Fazlur Rehman on Sunday claimed that in Pakistan, the Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government's "ship is about to sink". "Previously we used to say that the economy's ship is rocking. I salute your tenacity. Now we can proudly say that the government's ship is about to sink," he said, speaking to protesters gathered on the city's Ring Road highway. "The journey that was begun for the sake of the Constitution is near its destination now," said Rehman. Rehman had launched a long march against Islamabad from Karachi on October 27. However, he had abruptly called off the party's sit-in 13 days later, reported Dawn. The right wind politician had however announced that his party would continue its anti-government protests in other regions of the country as part of its so-called Plan B. While boldly declaring that "victory is near", the JUI-F chief said that "even looking back would be a sin now". He said that the government which had promised 10 million jobs had instead "rendered 2.5 million youth unemployed". "Who can accept a government which is run by foreign hands when we had rid ourselves of foreign rule all those years ago?" He said while the past government was blamed for the country's economic woes, "the FBR report had stated that all the money to have left the country went through the proper channels".

Pakistan government 'ship is about to sink': Fazal-ur-Rehman

Sri Lanka arrived for the first Test cricket tour of Pakistan in 10 years on Monday following the deadly 2009 attack on their team that plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation.

"The arrival of Sri Lankan team is a historic occasion and we are delighted to host the two-match Test series starting from Wednesday," said Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Waseem Khan.

The first Test starts in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Wednesday, while the second begins in Karachi on December 19.

A video tweeted by the PCB showed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankan-cricket-team-to-go-ahead-with-pakistan-tour-despite-terror-fears-250656">Sri Lankan team</a> arriving in Islamabad and being escorted by armed security forces.

The tour marks the return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a decade of isolation triggered by the attack in Lahore, which killed eight people and wounded several cricketers.

For years, Pakistan has been forced to play all its home matches in a neutral venue the United Arab Emirates as foreign teams refused to tour the country over security fears.

But as security has improved Pakistan has hosted a smattering of smaller matches including Twenty20 series with Zimbabwe and the West Indies, and an increasing number of domestic league matches featuring international players.

But until now no team has returned for a Test match, the five-day format considered the pinnacle of the game.

Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for three one-day internationals and as many Twenty20s in September and October and said they were satisfied with the security arrangements before confirming the Test tour.

Sri Lanka arrived for the first Test cricket tour of Pakistan in 10 years on Monday following the deadly 2009 attack on their team that plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation.

Sri Lanka arrived for the first Test cricket tour of Pakistan in 10 years on Monday following the deadly 2009 attack on their team that plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation. "The arrival of Sri Lankan team is a historic occasion and we are delighted to host the two-match Test series starting from Wednesday," said Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Waseem Khan. The first Test starts in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Wednesday, while the second begins in Karachi on December 19. A video tweeted by the PCB showed the Sri Lankan team arriving in Islamabad and being escorted by armed security forces. The tour marks the return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a decade of isolation triggered by the attack in Lahore, which killed eight people and wounded several cricketers. For years, Pakistan has been forced to play all its home matches in a neutral venue the United Arab Emirates as foreign teams refused to tour the country over security fears. But as security has improved Pakistan has hosted a smattering of smaller matches including Twenty20 series with Zimbabwe and the West Indies, and an increasing number of domestic league matches featuring international players. But until now no team has returned for a Test match, the five-day format considered the pinnacle of the game. Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for three one-day internationals and as many Twenty20s in September and October and said they were satisfied with the security arrangements before confirming the Test tour.

Sri Lanka arrive for first Tests in Pakistan since 2009 attack

Journalists from across <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/consumer-inflation-hits-9-year-high-in-pakistan-266392">Pakistan</a> held protests on Thursday against the siege of offices of Dawn newspaper by a mob earlier this week.

Unknown people on Monday had staged demonstrations outside Islamabad office of Dawn for reporting that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/lessons-on-terrorism-and-rehabilitation-from-the-london-bridge-attack-265719">London Bridge attacker</a> was of Pakistani origin. Dawn had reported that Usman Khan who stabbed two people to death and injured three others in late November was of Pakistan origin.

The angry mob had staged a protest outside the office of Dawn and chanted slogans against the newspaper. They besieged the newspaper premises for several hours and did not allow the employees to enter or leave the building, reported Dawn.

On Tuesday, people also protested outside the Karachi Press Club against Dawn. They threatened to besiege the offices of the media group if "prompt action was not taken against the management and outlets of the organisation for publishing false news."

Condemning these acts, Thursday's protests by journalists occurred in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta. Addressing the Karachi protest, Dawn's Editor Zaffar Abbas said that "one by one, all of the media organisations are being suppressed" and called on all media houses to come together and remain united at such a time.

"When Geo is attacked, we remain quiet. When Dawn is attacked, most of us, again, remain quiet. When the distribution of Jang newspaper and The News is prevented, others seek to take advantage of the situation," he added.

Abbas said that the circulation of Dawn was also being stopped in certain cities once more.

"We must understand, the editors as well as the owners, that when someone views it as an opportunity to cash in on greater sales in such times, then what has happened with us can happen with them too. That's why we all need to stand together," he said.

Journalists from across Pakistan held protests on Thursday against the siege of offices of Dawn newspaper by a mob earlier this week. Unknown people on Monday had staged demonstrations outside Islamabad office of Dawn for reporting that London Bridge attacker was of Pakistani origin.

Journalists from across Pakistan held protests on Thursday against the siege of offices of Dawn newspaper by a mob earlier this week. Unknown people on Monday had staged demonstrations outside Islamabad office of Dawn for reporting that London Bridge attacker was of Pakistani origin. Dawn had reported that Usman Khan who stabbed two people to death and injured three others in late November was of Pakistan origin. The angry mob had staged a protest outside the office of Dawn and chanted slogans against the newspaper. They besieged the newspaper premises for several hours and did not allow the employees to enter or leave the building, reported Dawn. On Tuesday, people also protested outside the Karachi Press Club against Dawn. They threatened to besiege the offices of the media group if "prompt action was not taken against the management and outlets of the organisation for publishing false news." Condemning these acts, Thursday's protests by journalists occurred in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Quetta. Addressing the Karachi protest, Dawn's Editor Zaffar Abbas said that "one by one, all of the media organisations are being suppressed" and called on all media houses to come together and remain united at such a time. "When Geo is attacked, we remain quiet. When Dawn is attacked, most of us, again, remain quiet. When the distribution of Jang newspaper and The News is prevented, others seek to take advantage of the situation," he added. Abbas said that the circulation of Dawn was also being stopped in certain cities once more. "We must understand, the editors as well as the owners, that when someone views it as an opportunity to cash in on greater sales in such times, then what has happened with us can happen with them too. That's why we all need to stand together," he said.

Pakistan: Journalists hold protests, condemn act of laying siege to newspaper's office

At least nine members of the Pakistan navy were killed and 29 other people injured when their bus fell into a deep roadside ditch in the south of the country on Tuesday, officials said.

The bus was on its way to Karachi from a naval base in Balochistan province when it developed a technical fault and crashed on a mountain pass on the Makran Coastal Highway, Muhammad Jameel, assistant commissioner for Bela town near where the accident took place, told Reuters.

"Nine soldiers of the navy were killed and 29 others including women and children were injured in the incident," Jameel said, adding that victims were transferred to a nearby navy hospital.

At least nine members of the Pakistan navy were killed and 29 other people injured when their bus fell into a deep roadside ditch in the south of the country on Tuesday, officials said.

At least nine members of the Pakistan navy were killed and 29 other people injured when their bus fell into a deep roadside ditch in the south of the country on Tuesday, officials said. The bus was on its way to Karachi from a naval base in Balochistan province when it developed a technical fault and crashed on a mountain pass on the Makran Coastal Highway, Muhammad Jameel, assistant commissioner for Bela town near where the accident took place, told Reuters. "Nine soldiers of the navy were killed and 29 others including women and children were injured in the incident," Jameel said, adding that victims were transferred to a nearby navy hospital.

Nine members of Pakistan navy killed in bus crash: Officials

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief over the Karachi-Rawalpindi <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/over-40-killed-as-train-catches-fire-in-pakistan-several-injured-258940">Tezgam Express tragedy</a> that claimed the lives of 62 people and injured several others.

"Deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy of the Tezgam train. My condolences go to the victims' families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have ordered an immediate inquiry to be completed on an urgent basis," Khan wrote on Twitter.

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Deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy of the Tezgam train. My condolences go to the victims' families &amp; prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have ordered an immediate inquiry to be completed on an urgent basis.
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The incident happened in Liaquatpur, near Rahim Yar Khan of Punjab province when the train was en route for Lahore from Karachi, Geo TV reported.

The train caught fire following a gas cylinder explosion.

"Two cooking stoves blew up. They were cooking, they had (cooking) oil which added fuel to fire," Geo News quoted Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed as saying.

Rasheed also said that rescue operation was underway along with the efforts to restore the railway line. "The track will be functional in two hours", he added.

The district rescue service officer Baqir Hussain confirmed the death toll and added that the dead bodies would be identified through DNA tests.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief over the Karachi-Rawalpindi Tezgam Express tragedy that claimed the lives of 62 people and injured several others.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief over the Karachi-Rawalpindi Tezgam Express tragedy that claimed the lives of 62 people and injured several others. "Deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy of the Tezgam train. My condolences go to the victims' families and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have ordered an immediate inquiry to be completed on an urgent basis," Khan wrote on Twitter. Deeply saddened by the terrible tragedy of the Tezgam train. My condolences go to the victims' families & prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. I have ordered an immediate inquiry to be completed on an urgent basis. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 31, 2019 × The incident happened in Liaquatpur, near Rahim Yar Khan of Punjab province when the train was en route for Lahore from Karachi, Geo TV reported. The train caught fire following a gas cylinder explosion. "Two cooking stoves blew up. They were cooking, they had (cooking) oil which added fuel to fire," Geo News quoted Railways Minister Sheikh Rasheed as saying. Rasheed also said that rescue operation was underway along with the efforts to restore the railway line. "The track will be functional in two hours", he added. The district rescue service officer Baqir Hussain confirmed the death toll and added that the dead bodies would be identified through DNA tests.

Tezgam train tragedy: Prime Minister Imran Khan expresses grief

In Pakistan, Hindus are in minority as low as 1.6% of the entire population. But, this doesn't stop the Hindus from celebrating the festival. Even Hindu-Muslims celebrated Diwali together in Lahore, Karachi and other states of Pakistan.

Pakistan: Hindu minority celebrated Diwali in Lahore and Karachi

There is an ongoing dengue outbreak in Karachi with over 1,100 dengue cases reported in the first eight days of October. 
 
The public and private sector hospitals in Karachi have been receiving a growing number of high-grade fever cases with many of them testing positive for the Dandy Fever, Dawn reported. 
 
"North Nazimabad is a dengue hotspot along with Garden East, Union Council four&nbsp;of Metroville, Clifton Cantonment Board and Soldier Bazaar," said Dr Abdul Basit of Sindh's Dengue Control Programme on Tuesday. 
 
He also said that the department received data from hospitals and carried out fumigation (a process of disinfecting an area) in affected houses located in areas where plenty of cases were reported. 
 
"Routine fumigation is the responsibility of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and respective district municipal corporations," he said when asked why fumigation was not launched as a preventive measure before the monsoon. 
 
According to the official statistics, 115 dengue cases were reported in Karachi on Tuesday while eight in the rest of Sindh's districts. 
 
Reportedly, 4,403 dengue cases have come across this year in Sindh province, out of which 4,151 were reported from Karachi. The deadly fever has claimed 15 lives this year. 
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has asked for immediate anti-mosquito spray campaigns for eliminating mosquitoes. 
 
"Government should immediately start anti-mosquito spray campaigns on an emergency basis throughout Pakistan because the disease could only be prevented by eliminating mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment to combat this disease," the association said in a release.

There is an ongoing dengue outbreak in Karachi with over 1,100 dengue cases reported in the first eight days of October. The public and private sector hospitals in Karachi have been receiving a growing number of high-grade fever cases with many of them testing positive for the Dandy Fever, Dawn reported.

There is an ongoing dengue outbreak in Karachi with over 1,100 dengue cases reported in the first eight days of October. The public and private sector hospitals in Karachi have been receiving a growing number of high-grade fever cases with many of them testing positive for the Dandy Fever, Dawn reported. "North Nazimabad is a dengue hotspot along with Garden East, Union Council four of Metroville, Clifton Cantonment Board and Soldier Bazaar," said Dr Abdul Basit of Sindh's Dengue Control Programme on Tuesday. He also said that the department received data from hospitals and carried out fumigation (a process of disinfecting an area) in affected houses located in areas where plenty of cases were reported. "Routine fumigation is the responsibility of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and respective district municipal corporations," he said when asked why fumigation was not launched as a preventive measure before the monsoon. According to the official statistics, 115 dengue cases were reported in Karachi on Tuesday while eight in the rest of Sindh's districts. Reportedly, 4,403 dengue cases have come across this year in Sindh province, out of which 4,151 were reported from Karachi. The deadly fever has claimed 15 lives this year. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has asked for immediate anti-mosquito spray campaigns for eliminating mosquitoes. "Government should immediately start anti-mosquito spray campaigns on an emergency basis throughout Pakistan because the disease could only be prevented by eliminating mosquitoes. There is no vaccine or specific treatment to combat this disease," the association said in a release.

Dengue outbreak in Karachi, over 1100 test positive in 8 days

Honour killings have claimed over 70 live in the rural parts of Sindh during the first six months of 2019, according to official figures in the local media.

Official estimates said 78 people were killed between January to June this year in parts of Sindh as part of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-reserves-verdict-in-qandeel-baloch-case-verdict-tomorrow-252213">honour killings</a> also known as 'Karo-Kari', leading to registration of 65 cases, reported The Dawn.

Adding that 90 per cent of the cases were pending trial citing various reasons, the official data said an investigation by police into the majority of the cases remain inconclusive.

This comes after Inspector General of Police (IG) Syed Kaleem Imam chaired a meeting to look into the status of investigations into Karo-Kari killings in the region.

Imam had directed the police to prepare a detailed report on a case-to-case basis about the conviction and release of people in connection with Karo-Kari killings across the province.

Besides, he urged officials to ensure no loopholes are left during the probe and the same was adequately pursued before courts.

According to police, Karo-Kari killings, a heinous trend criticised by the authorities as well as human rights organisations, continues unabated as they find it hard to investigate such killings as both aggrieved and accused parties generally belong to the same family or tribe.

Honour killings have claimed over 70 live in the rural parts of Sindh during the first six months of 2019, according to official figures in the local media. Official estimates said 78 people were killed between January to June this year in parts of Sindh as part of honour killings also known as 'Karo-Kari', leading to registration of 65 cases, reported The Dawn.

Honour killings have claimed over 70 live in the rural parts of Sindh during the first six months of 2019, according to official figures in the local media. Official estimates said 78 people were killed between January to June this year in parts of Sindh as part of honour killings also known as 'Karo-Kari', leading to registration of 65 cases, reported The Dawn. Adding that 90 per cent of the cases were pending trial citing various reasons, the official data said an investigation by police into the majority of the cases remain inconclusive. This comes after Inspector General of Police (IG) Syed Kaleem Imam chaired a meeting to look into the status of investigations into Karo-Kari killings in the region. Imam had directed the police to prepare a detailed report on a case-to-case basis about the conviction and release of people in connection with Karo-Kari killings across the province. Besides, he urged officials to ensure no loopholes are left during the probe and the same was adequately pursued before courts. According to police, Karo-Kari killings, a heinous trend criticised by the authorities as well as human rights organisations, continues unabated as they find it hard to investigate such killings as both aggrieved and accused parties generally belong to the same family or tribe.

Pakistan: 'Karo- Kari' killings claim over 70 lives in 6 months in Sindh

Incessant rain threatened the first day-night international between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Friday, the first in Karachi for 10 years.

The pitch and its adjoining areas were covered as the scheduled toss at 2:30 pm (0930 GMT) were delayed with both teams inside their dressing rooms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karachi-gears-up-for-first-one-day-international-in-10-years-252234">Karachi</a> has not hosted a one-day international since January 2009 when Sri Lanka played two back-to-back matches at the National Stadium.

But in March of that year, during the same tour, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-squad-leave-for-pakistan-despite-security-concerns-251698">Sri Lankan team</a> bus was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-pakistani-bus-driver-for-2009-sri-lanka-team-recalls-attack-23006">attacked in Lahore</a>,&nbsp;forcing the suspension of international cricket in Pakistan.

Pakistan, forced to play home matches in the neutral venues of the United Arab Emirates, convinced Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to send their team, assuring them of stringent security with 2,000 personnel guarding the teams around the hotel and stadium.

Ten top Sri Lankan players, including their ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne and former captains Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, withdrew from the tour.

The tour was stalled after SLC received threats of possible terror attacks on their team in Pakistan before getting the all-clear last week.

The remaining two ODIs will be played in Karachi on Sunday and Wednesday.

Sri Lanka will also play three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9.

Incessant rain threatened the first day-night international between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Friday, the first in Karachi for 10 years. The pitch and its adjoining areas were covered as the scheduled toss at 2:30 pm (0930 GMT) were delayed with both teams inside their dressing rooms.

Incessant rain threatened the first day-night international between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Friday, the first in Karachi for 10 years. The pitch and its adjoining areas were covered as the scheduled toss at 2:30 pm (0930 GMT) were delayed with both teams inside their dressing rooms. Karachi has not hosted a one-day international since January 2009 when Sri Lanka played two back-to-back matches at the National Stadium. But in March of that year, during the same tour, the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked in Lahore, forcing the suspension of international cricket in Pakistan. Pakistan, forced to play home matches in the neutral venues of the United Arab Emirates, convinced Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to send their team, assuring them of stringent security with 2,000 personnel guarding the teams around the hotel and stadium. Ten top Sri Lankan players, including their ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne and former captains Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, withdrew from the tour. The tour was stalled after SLC received threats of possible terror attacks on their team in Pakistan before getting the all-clear last week. The remaining two ODIs will be played in Karachi on Sunday and Wednesday. Sri Lanka will also play three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9.

Rain threatens one-day international return in Karachi

Karachi hosts a one-day international for the first time in 10 years when Pakistan take on a depleted Sri Lanka on Friday, furthering the country's revival in international cricket.

"History will be made on Friday when Karachi will host the first ODI," said Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed.

"We must thank the Sri Lankan team for touring us."

Teams have been reluctant to visit the cricket-mad country since a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009.

Although no players were killed in the attack, several were injured and eight people died.

The attack forced Pakistan to play all their "home" Tests and most of its short-form games in the United Arab Emirates with Zimbabwe becoming the first team to return to Pakistan in 2015.

That tour was followed by a Twenty20 series by a World XI in 2017, a one-off T20 match against Sri Lanka that same year, and the West Indies for a Twenty20 series in Karachi in 2018.

The current tour — comprising of three one-day internationals and as many Twenty20s — was tainted by the withdrawal of 10 Sri Lankan players who cited security fears.

Sri Lanka then stalled the tour after receiving information of a possible militant attack on the team, before the all clear was finally given last week. 
High security

Pakistan have put in place stringent security measures normally reserved for heads of state.

All the arrangements are being led by the country's military, with around 2,000 security personnel on alert at the team's hotel and at the ground.

Sri Lankan skipper Lahiru Thirimanne — captaining the side after regular skipper Dimuth Karunaratne pulled out -- is confident cricket will be in focus.

"SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket) has presented us the security plan which we are getting in Pakistan so I am pretty happy with that and I explained to my family as well, so they don't have a concern," said Thirimanne earlier this week.

The captain said the decision by some of his teammates to pull out of the tour was a "personal matter".

"We still have a good team," he said. "I believe if we play to our potential we can do very well."

Sarfaraz and fast bowler Wahab Riaz are the only Pakistani players who have played a one-day international in Karachi before -- back in 2008.

"I can't wait for Friday," said Sarfaraz, who took over as ODI captain in 2017.

The remaining ODIs will also be in Karachi on Sunday and Wednesday.

The two teams will also play three Twenty20 internationals — all in Lahore — on October 5, 7 and 9.

Teams:

Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz.

Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

Karachi hosts a one-day international for the first time in 10 years when Pakistan take on a depleted Sri Lanka on Friday, furthering the country's revival in international cricket.

Karachi hosts a one-day international for the first time in 10 years when Pakistan take on a depleted Sri Lanka on Friday, furthering the country's revival in international cricket. "History will be made on Friday when Karachi will host the first ODI," said Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. "We must thank the Sri Lankan team for touring us." Teams have been reluctant to visit the cricket-mad country since a terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009. Although no players were killed in the attack, several were injured and eight people died. The attack forced Pakistan to play all their "home" Tests and most of its short-form games in the United Arab Emirates with Zimbabwe becoming the first team to return to Pakistan in 2015. That tour was followed by a Twenty20 series by a World XI in 2017, a one-off T20 match against Sri Lanka that same year, and the West Indies for a Twenty20 series in Karachi in 2018. The current tour — comprising of three one-day internationals and as many Twenty20s — was tainted by the withdrawal of 10 Sri Lankan players who cited security fears. Sri Lanka then stalled the tour after receiving information of a possible militant attack on the team, before the all clear was finally given last week. High security Pakistan have put in place stringent security measures normally reserved for heads of state. All the arrangements are being led by the country's military, with around 2,000 security personnel on alert at the team's hotel and at the ground. Sri Lankan skipper Lahiru Thirimanne — captaining the side after regular skipper Dimuth Karunaratne pulled out -- is confident cricket will be in focus. "SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket) has presented us the security plan which we are getting in Pakistan so I am pretty happy with that and I explained to my family as well, so they don't have a concern," said Thirimanne earlier this week. The captain said the decision by some of his teammates to pull out of the tour was a "personal matter". "We still have a good team," he said. "I believe if we play to our potential we can do very well." Sarfaraz and fast bowler Wahab Riaz are the only Pakistani players who have played a one-day international in Karachi before -- back in 2008. "I can't wait for Friday," said Sarfaraz, who took over as ODI captain in 2017. The remaining ODIs will also be in Karachi on Sunday and Wednesday. The two teams will also play three Twenty20 internationals — all in Lahore — on October 5, 7 and 9. Teams: Pakistan: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Abid Ali, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Hasnain, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Usman Shinwari, Wahab Riaz. Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (captain), Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Minod Bhanuka, Angelo Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara

Karachi gears up for first one-day international in 10 years

Members of Hindu community on Wednesday staged a protest at Teen Talwar in Karachi against the murder of a Sindhi Hindu girl, Namrita Chandani.

Slogans like 'Zalimon Jawab Do-Khoon Ka Hisab Do', 'We Want Justice', 'Namrita ke qatilon ko - saja do, saja do' were raised by people from minority Hindu community against the murder of Namrita.

<iframe data-google-container-id="4" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>The protesters also lighted candles expressing solidarity with the family of Namrita and demanded justice for the girl.

In yet another case highlighting the deplorable conditions of minorities in Pakistan, Chandni was found murdered in her hostel room.

Chandani, who belonged to Ghotki town where a Hindu temple was ransacked recently, was found lying on a charpoy on Tuesday with a piece of cloth tied to her neck while her room was locked from inside.

The police and authorities have tried to downplay the incident by saying that she committed suicide.

However, her family has asserted that she was murdered.

Her brother, Vishal, who is a medical consultant, said that the preliminary checkup showed that she was murdered.

"It was not a suicide, suicide marks are different, I found cable marks around her neck. There are marks on her hand too. The marks are of cable but her friend had said that she found her with dupatta around her neck," said Vishal Sundar.

When asked whether she was facing some problems, he said, "No there was nothing like that, I myself had talked with her two days back. She was a brilliant student".

He demanded that the case must be investigated fairly and citizens should support his family.

This comes a day after people vandalized properties including a temple in Ghotki after a school principal from the minority Hindu community was booked on charges of alleged blasphemy.

The mystery around the murder of Namrita has raised suspicions with people questioning whether it was a case of forced conversion.

In recent times, several cases of forced conversion have come to the fore, highlighting religious persecution in Pakistan.

Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam, US-based Sindhi Foundation has said.

According to Pakistan's own human rights commission, from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan.

The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported.

The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example of what minorities go through in Pakistan.

Jagjit Kaur daughter of the Granthi of Nanakana Sahib Gurdwara, the birthplace of Shri Guru Nanak Dev, in Pakistan, was allegedly abducted and forcibly converted to Islam after her marriage to a Muslim man.

The matter had raised a furore in India, with several political leaders across parties asking for action to be taken against the perpetrators.

The incidents have come at a time when Pakistan has been ranting up its diabolic rhetoric of the so-called mistreatment of minorities in India, particularly Muslims.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their country.

Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities was exposed once again after a former legislator of Prime Minister Imran Khan's party sought political asylum in India.

Baldev Kumar, a former MLA of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI party) from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtun Khwa (KPK) assembly and his family had come to India earlier this month to seek political asylum.

Members of Hindu community on Wednesday staged a protest at Teen Talwar in Karachi against the murder of a Sindhi Hindu girl, Namrita Chandani. Slogans like 'Zalimon Jawab Do-Khoon Ka Hisab Do', 'We Want Justice', 'Namrita ke qatilon ko - saja do, saja do' were raised by people from minority Hindu community against the murder of Namrita.

Members of Hindu community on Wednesday staged a protest at Teen Talwar in Karachi against the murder of a Sindhi Hindu girl, Namrita Chandani. Slogans like 'Zalimon Jawab Do-Khoon Ka Hisab Do', 'We Want Justice', 'Namrita ke qatilon ko - saja do, saja do' were raised by people from minority Hindu community against the murder of Namrita. The protesters also lighted candles expressing solidarity with the family of Namrita and demanded justice for the girl. In yet another case highlighting the deplorable conditions of minorities in Pakistan, Chandni was found murdered in her hostel room. Chandani, who belonged to Ghotki town where a Hindu temple was ransacked recently, was found lying on a charpoy on Tuesday with a piece of cloth tied to her neck while her room was locked from inside. The police and authorities have tried to downplay the incident by saying that she committed suicide. However, her family has asserted that she was murdered. Her brother, Vishal, who is a medical consultant, said that the preliminary checkup showed that she was murdered. "It was not a suicide, suicide marks are different, I found cable marks around her neck. There are marks on her hand too. The marks are of cable but her friend had said that she found her with dupatta around her neck," said Vishal Sundar. When asked whether she was facing some problems, he said, "No there was nothing like that, I myself had talked with her two days back. She was a brilliant student". He demanded that the case must be investigated fairly and citizens should support his family. This comes a day after people vandalized properties including a temple in Ghotki after a school principal from the minority Hindu community was booked on charges of alleged blasphemy. The mystery around the murder of Namrita has raised suspicions with people questioning whether it was a case of forced conversion. In recent times, several cases of forced conversion have come to the fore, highlighting religious persecution in Pakistan. Every year, around 1,000 young Sindhi Hindu girls between the age of 12 and 28 are abducted, forcibly married and converted to Islam, US-based Sindhi Foundation has said. According to Pakistan's own human rights commission, from January 2004 to May 2018, there were 7,430 cases of such abductions of Sindhi girls in Pakistan. The actual number is estimated to be much higher as most of the cases go unreported. The recent incident of abduction, forcible marriage and religious conversion of a Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib is a telling example of what minorities go through in Pakistan. Jagjit Kaur daughter of the Granthi of Nanakana Sahib Gurdwara, the birthplace of Shri Guru Nanak Dev, in Pakistan, was allegedly abducted and forcibly converted to Islam after her marriage to a Muslim man. The matter had raised a furore in India, with several political leaders across parties asking for action to be taken against the perpetrators. The incidents have come at a time when Pakistan has been ranting up its diabolic rhetoric of the so-called mistreatment of minorities in India, particularly Muslims. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in their country. Islamabad has also reportedly been discriminating against its religious minorities which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Pakistan's record of using unfair means of treatment against the minority communities was exposed once again after a former legislator of Prime Minister Imran Khan's party sought political asylum in India. Baldev Kumar, a former MLA of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI party) from Barikot in Khyber Pakhtun Khwa (KPK) assembly and his family had come to India earlier this month to seek political asylum.

Pakistan: Hindu community protest in Karachi against Namrita's murder

As Pakistan government is planning to take over the control of administrative affairs of Karachi, it has received fierce opposition from social media users across the country with people calling for a separate nation for Sindhis.

As the reports surfaced that the government is planning to invoke Article 149 in Karachi, hashtags such as #SindhRejectsKarachiCommittee" and "#UnitedSindhUnitedPakistan" became top Twitter trends in Pakistan.

Apart from the common public, several politicians, writers, and civil society activists have also condemned the federal government's plan to invoke Article 149.

This all began when Law Minister Farogh Naseem said that the centre is considering taking over the administrative affairs of Karachi by enforcing a constitutional clause.

"After getting approval of the cabinet the provision will be exercised and in case of any resistance shown by the provincial government we will approach the Supreme Court under Article 184 (1) of the Constitution to seek a directive in this regard and if the province still shows reluctance we will file a contempt petition in the SC," Dawn quoted Naseem as saying.

The opposition reacted immediately and pointed out the government's hysterical nature.

Pakistan People's Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the government is trying to build a narrative against India meanwhile doing the same in Karachi 
"You try to build a narrative against [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi, saying that he unconstitutionally captured Kashmir, and at the same time you try to occupy Karachi. This is bizarre," Bilawal said in his press conference.

Meanwhile, Twitterati has termed the government plan a"dirty tactic" to divert public opinion from the core issues.

"Mangi sb! #Article149 is just a dirty tactic to divert public opinion on other core issues. But remember Karachi is going to be an 'albatross around IK's neck','' said a user Zakir Darban.

Few have also called for a free country for Sindhis--Sindhudesh.

"Sindhis of Pakistan should start demanding #Sindhudesh ... a free country from Pakistan if there is even the slightest threat of Karachi being separated from #Sindh #SindhIsOne #SindhRejectsKarachiCommittee #Article149," tweeted a user.

"Karachi is a part of Sindh If anyone tries to divide Sindh We will divide Pakistan into 4 parts," tweeted another user.

"And it is #Karachi that gives you parasites free money.#Article149," tweeted another user.

"I like how PTI manages to give lollipop to Karachiites after every one month or so #Article149 #KarachiIsSindh," tweeted Abdul Hasseb Khashklei.

Twitter users have also accused the government of gaining complete control over Karachi because of it being an economic hub.

"National security state strikes. #Article149 Army wants the golden goose Karachi to lay eggs for them. #AnnexKarachi for that. Without Karachi's finances, there is no Pakistan, no Army. One Unit, Martial Law and now #Article149 @BBhuttoZardari @BakhtawarBZ @AseefaBZ RIP Karachi," TeenJay tweeted.

"Yes things aren't good in Karachi but they are also not that good in other parts of Sindh. Strangely no concern from Fed Govt for citizens living there. Also not convinced about overstretching #Article149 to handover Karachi to those who are quickly making a mess of Punjab and KP," said another twitterati.

As Pakistan government is planning to take over the control of administrative affairs of Karachi, it has received fierce opposition from social media users across the country with people calling for a separate nation for Sindhis.

As Pakistan government is planning to take over the control of administrative affairs of Karachi, it has received fierce opposition from social media users across the country with people calling for a separate nation for Sindhis. As the reports surfaced that the government is planning to invoke Article 149 in Karachi, hashtags such as #SindhRejectsKarachiCommittee" and "#UnitedSindhUnitedPakistan" became top Twitter trends in Pakistan. Apart from the common public, several politicians, writers, and civil society activists have also condemned the federal government's plan to invoke Article 149. This all began when Law Minister Farogh Naseem said that the centre is considering taking over the administrative affairs of Karachi by enforcing a constitutional clause. "After getting approval of the cabinet the provision will be exercised and in case of any resistance shown by the provincial government we will approach the Supreme Court under Article 184 (1) of the Constitution to seek a directive in this regard and if the province still shows reluctance we will file a contempt petition in the SC," Dawn quoted Naseem as saying. The opposition reacted immediately and pointed out the government's hysterical nature. Pakistan People's Party Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the government is trying to build a narrative against India meanwhile doing the same in Karachi "You try to build a narrative against [Indian Prime Minister Narendra] Modi, saying that he unconstitutionally captured Kashmir, and at the same time you try to occupy Karachi. This is bizarre," Bilawal said in his press conference. Meanwhile, Twitterati has termed the government plan a"dirty tactic" to divert public opinion from the core issues. "Mangi sb! #Article149 is just a dirty tactic to divert public opinion on other core issues. But remember Karachi is going to be an 'albatross around IK's neck','' said a user Zakir Darban. Few have also called for a free country for Sindhis--Sindhudesh. "Sindhis of Pakistan should start demanding #Sindhudesh ... a free country from Pakistan if there is even the slightest threat of Karachi being separated from #Sindh #SindhIsOne #SindhRejectsKarachiCommittee #Article149," tweeted a user. "Karachi is a part of Sindh If anyone tries to divide Sindh We will divide Pakistan into 4 parts," tweeted another user. "And it is #Karachi that gives you parasites free money.#Article149," tweeted another user. "I like how PTI manages to give lollipop to Karachiites after every one month or so #Article149 #KarachiIsSindh," tweeted Abdul Hasseb Khashklei. Twitter users have also accused the government of gaining complete control over Karachi because of it being an economic hub. "National security state strikes. #Article149 Army wants the golden goose Karachi to lay eggs for them. #AnnexKarachi for that. Without Karachi's finances, there is no Pakistan, no Army. One Unit, Martial Law and now #Article149 @BBhuttoZardari @BakhtawarBZ @AseefaBZ RIP Karachi," TeenJay tweeted. "Yes things aren't good in Karachi but they are also not that good in other parts of Sindh. Strangely no concern from Fed Govt for citizens living there. Also not convinced about overstretching #Article149 to handover Karachi to those who are quickly making a mess of Punjab and KP," said another twitterati.

Pakistan's plan for federal control over Karachi faces backlash, netizens demand separate nation for Sindhis

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-economic-crisis-countrys-debts-liabilities-exceed-the-size-of-its-gdp-245554">Pakistan</a> on Thursday carried out night training launch of&nbsp;surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan.

The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night.

The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres.It can deliver multiple types of warheads.

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Pakistan successfully carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads upto 290 KMs. CJCSC &amp; Services Chiefs congrat team. President &amp; PM conveyed appreciation to team &amp; congrats to the nation. <a href="https://t.co/hmoUKRPWev">pic.twitter.com/hmoUKRPWev</a>
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialDGISPR/status/1166955085924130816?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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These tests are a last-ditch effort by Pakistan to try and internationalise Jammu and Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks.

Pakistan has closed its airspace form August 28 to August 31, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken.

The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests.

Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile.

Reports indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August 26, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005.

According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests three days before the actual testing.But, the Indian government seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests.

The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action.So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan. The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night.

Pakistan on Thursday carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi in Balochistan. The director-general of Pakistan military operations tweeted out a video of the missile test which was carried out at night. The missile has a reported distance capability of 290 kilometres.It can deliver multiple types of warheads. Pakistan successfully carried out night training launch of surface to surface ballistic missile Ghaznavi, capable of delivering multiple types of warheads upto 290 KMs. CJCSC & Services Chiefs congrat team. President & PM conveyed appreciation to team & congrats to the nation. pic.twitter.com/hmoUKRPWev — DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 29, 2019 × These tests are a last-ditch effort by Pakistan to try and internationalise Jammu and Kashmir — something it has failed to do multiple times over the last few weeks. Pakistan has closed its airspace form August 28 to August 31, and now it seems clear as to why this decision was taken. The airspace closure was probably in light of the reported missile tests. Pakistan had issued a notice to airmen that the Sonmiani base in Balochistan has been activated and all ships were asked to steer clear due to an incoming missile. Reports indicate that Pakistan had informed India about the missile tests on August 26, keeping with the confidence-building measures adopted between the two countries in 2005. According to the agreement, both countries are supposed to inform each other about missile tests three days before the actual testing.But, the Indian government seems unperturbed by the possible missile tests. The tests have reportedly been attributed to the huge pressure on Imran Khan from anti-India elements within his country to take some sort of action.So the missile tests are nothing but a continuation of the Pakistan government's false call for help.

After failure at diplomatic front, Pakistan test-fires Ghaznavi missile

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