The improved poll performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the by-elections is "indicative of the times to come," party supremo and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday.

Speaking to the media outside an accountability court here where he is facing corruption charges, a beaming Sharif said that in the by-polls held on Sunday, "We received more votes than we expected."

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 general elections and formed a government with the support of smaller parties and independents.

In the by-elections, Sharif's PML-N managed not only to improve its position in the National Assembly by bagging four NA seats but also extended gains in the Punjab provincial assembly by securing five more seats.

Most of the seats where by-polls were held were been vacated by those elected from more than one seat in the July general elections, including Prime Minister Khan who won in all the five NA constituencies he had contested.

"For the first time in Pakistan's history, we are seeing such a result after a government has been in power for 50 to 60 days," Sharif, 68, who is facing three corruption cases, said.

Stating that despite the current situation, people came out in droves to vote for the PML-N, the three-time former premier said.&nbsp;

"(Former prime minister) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emerged victorious in the by-election and we even nearly won from the Rawalpindi constituency. The other seats were not ours and we still defeated PTI," he said.

"These results send out a message and are indicative of the times to come," he cautioned Prime Minister Khan.

He also talked about his younger brother and president of the PML-N party Shehbaz Sharif, who was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on October 5 in a Rs 1,400 crore housing scam case.

Shahbaz, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and former Punjab Chief Minister, was accused by the country's anti-graft body of corruption in the Ashiana Housing case.

Asserting that everyone should pray for the well-being of the country, Nawaz Sharif said, "As prime minister and Punjab chief minister, Shehbaz Sharif and I fulfilled our responsibilities with honesty and this can be cross-checked."

"During our time things were not this expensive and people were happy," he claimed.

Basic items were affordable and the poor were satisfied, he said. "It is owing to the prayers of these satisfied citizens that the PML-N is emerging victorious," he contended.&nbsp;

"All of a sudden everything changed. I was imprisoned and cases are being made against me while Shehbaz has been imprisoned and remanded in the National Accountability Bureau's custody."

"The world knows how cases are being made against Shehbaz and me and everyone has verified this," he said.

"Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and I are facing a treason case, but God willing these times will change," he said.

Polling for the by-election was held in 35 constituencies on Sunday, with 11 seats each of the National and Punjab assemblies, nine of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two each of the Sindh and Balochistan up for grabs.&nbsp;

Results from the 11 NA constituencies saw Prime Minister Khan's PTI and the PML-N win four seats apiece.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) retained the two seats that were vacated by Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, while the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) won the NA-35 constituency in Bannu.&nbsp;

The PTI was unable to retain the two seats won by Prime Minister Khan in the general election.

The improved poll performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the by-elections is "indicative of the times to come," party supremo and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday.

The improved poll performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the by-elections is "indicative of the times to come," party supremo and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday. Speaking to the media outside an accountability court here where he is facing corruption charges, a beaming Sharif said that in the by-polls held on Sunday, "We received more votes than we expected." Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 general elections and formed a government with the support of smaller parties and independents. In the by-elections, Sharif's PML-N managed not only to improve its position in the National Assembly by bagging four NA seats but also extended gains in the Punjab provincial assembly by securing five more seats. Most of the seats where by-polls were held were been vacated by those elected from more than one seat in the July general elections, including Prime Minister Khan who won in all the five NA constituencies he had contested. "For the first time in Pakistan's history, we are seeing such a result after a government has been in power for 50 to 60 days," Sharif, 68, who is facing three corruption cases, said. Stating that despite the current situation, people came out in droves to vote for the PML-N, the three-time former premier said. "(Former prime minister) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emerged victorious in the by-election and we even nearly won from the Rawalpindi constituency. The other seats were not ours and we still defeated PTI," he said. "These results send out a message and are indicative of the times to come," he cautioned Prime Minister Khan. He also talked about his younger brother and president of the PML-N party Shehbaz Sharif, who was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on October 5 in a Rs 1,400 crore housing scam case. Shahbaz, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and former Punjab Chief Minister, was accused by the country's anti-graft body of corruption in the Ashiana Housing case. Asserting that everyone should pray for the well-being of the country, Nawaz Sharif said, "As prime minister and Punjab chief minister, Shehbaz Sharif and I fulfilled our responsibilities with honesty and this can be cross-checked." "During our time things were not this expensive and people were happy," he claimed. Basic items were affordable and the poor were satisfied, he said. "It is owing to the prayers of these satisfied citizens that the PML-N is emerging victorious," he contended. "All of a sudden everything changed. I was imprisoned and cases are being made against me while Shehbaz has been imprisoned and remanded in the National Accountability Bureau's custody." "The world knows how cases are being made against Shehbaz and me and everyone has verified this," he said. "Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and I are facing a treason case, but God willing these times will change," he said. Polling for the by-election was held in 35 constituencies on Sunday, with 11 seats each of the National and Punjab assemblies, nine of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two each of the Sindh and Balochistan up for grabs. Results from the 11 NA constituencies saw Prime Minister Khan's PTI and the PML-N win four seats apiece. The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) retained the two seats that were vacated by Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, while the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) won the NA-35 constituency in Bannu. The PTI was unable to retain the two seats won by Prime Minister Khan in the general election.

By-election results 'indicative of the times to come': Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday rapped the accountability court for its delay to complete the trial of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family in corruption cases and gave a final extension to it to conclude the hearings by November 17.

Three cases were launched against the Sharif family in September 2017 following his disqualification on July 28 the same year.

The Supreme Court had initially given a six-month deadline to the accountability court in Islamabad to wrap up the cases but subsequently extended the period on the demand of the trial court.

So far only one case was decided on July 6, whereas the trial in two cases are still on.&nbsp;

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday heard the extension plea of the accountability court judge, Justice Muhammad Arshad Malik.

The apex court accepted the plea and directed that the trial should be completed by November 17.

Remarking that the accountability court judge will be questioned if the trial is not wrapped up during the given time, the apex court said it will not any grant further extension to conclude the trial if the cases are not concluded by the new deadline.&nbsp;

The trial in Al Azizia and Flagship corruption cases are on, while the Avenfield case was already decided.

Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar were convicted and sentenced to prison for ten years, seven years and one year respectively in the Avenfield verdict.

However, the convictions were suspended by the Islamabad High Court and they were released from Adiala jail last month.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday rapped the accountability court for its delay to complete the trial of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family in corruption cases and gave a final extension to it to conclude the hearings by November 17.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday rapped the accountability court for its delay to complete the trial of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family in corruption cases and gave a final extension to it to conclude the hearings by November 17. Three cases were launched against the Sharif family in September 2017 following his disqualification on July 28 the same year. The Supreme Court had initially given a six-month deadline to the accountability court in Islamabad to wrap up the cases but subsequently extended the period on the demand of the trial court. So far only one case was decided on July 6, whereas the trial in two cases are still on. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday heard the extension plea of the accountability court judge, Justice Muhammad Arshad Malik. The apex court accepted the plea and directed that the trial should be completed by November 17. Remarking that the accountability court judge will be questioned if the trial is not wrapped up during the given time, the apex court said it will not any grant further extension to conclude the trial if the cases are not concluded by the new deadline. The trial in Al Azizia and Flagship corruption cases are on, while the Avenfield case was already decided. Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar were convicted and sentenced to prison for ten years, seven years and one year respectively in the Avenfield verdict. However, the convictions were suspended by the Islamabad High Court and they were released from Adiala jail last month.

Pak Supreme Court unhappy with accountability court's delay in concluding graft cases against Sharif family

China on Tuesday played down reports of Pakistan's plans to cut down a railway project under the multi-billion dollar CPEC by $ 2 billion, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured his support to the various projects under the flagship Belt and Road Initiative.

Pakistan's Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid recently announced plans to cut the $ 8.2 billion Karachi-Peshawar railway project by about $ 2 billion.

It is the biggest project under the $ 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which India opposes as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

On Sunday, Khan said Pakistan is reviewing the projects under the CPEC to safeguard the interest of the people in Balochistan province.

Khan in the past criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects.

He said that Balochistan had a number of reservations about the mega project.

Asked about Pakistan's plans to cut down the railway projects over fears of accumulating debt, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media on Tuesday that the new Pakistan government has expressed its support for the CPEC projects.

"You have only noted some aspects of the report. Recently on the advancement of the CPEC, we have noted that there are different comments and reports coming from the media.

"You can see that the new Pakistani government and Prime Minister (Khan) has made it clear that they will support the advancement of the CPEC," Lu said.

He was apparently referring to the assurances by the new government in Islamabad about the continuation of the CPEC projects during the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Pakistan.

Lu said the CPEC served the economic and social development and referred to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report which he said "made it clear that the advancement of the CPEC did not cause any burden to Pakistan".

"The IMF also said the CPEC from a long-term perspective will enhance Pakistan's capacity for the development," he said, adding that all the projects were conceived after extensive consultations with Pakistan.

About the comments by some Pakistan officials to cut down the cost of the projects, he said: "We should view such comments in a comprehensive way. Actually, the advancement of the CPEC is conducive to the inter- 
connectivity and prosperity of the region including Pakistan".

"We hope you can see that the CPEC is very important project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," Li added.

China had announced after the visit of Wang to Pakistan in September that the CPEC projects will be extended to the western areas of Pakistan, which included Balochistan.

The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar BRI, a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects

China on Tuesday played down reports of Pakistan's plans to cut down a railway project under the multi-billion dollar CPEC by $ 2 billion, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured his support to the various projects under the flagship Belt and Road Initiative.

China on Tuesday played down reports of Pakistan's plans to cut down a railway project under the multi-billion dollar CPEC by $ 2 billion, saying Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured his support to the various projects under the flagship Belt and Road Initiative. Pakistan's Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid recently announced plans to cut the $ 8.2 billion Karachi-Peshawar railway project by about $ 2 billion. It is the biggest project under the $ 50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which India opposes as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. On Sunday, Khan said Pakistan is reviewing the projects under the CPEC to safeguard the interest of the people in Balochistan province. Khan in the past criticised former prime minister Nawaz Sharif for the lack of transparency and corruption in the CPEC projects. He said that Balochistan had a number of reservations about the mega project. Asked about Pakistan's plans to cut down the railway projects over fears of accumulating debt, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media on Tuesday that the new Pakistan government has expressed its support for the CPEC projects. "You have only noted some aspects of the report. Recently on the advancement of the CPEC, we have noted that there are different comments and reports coming from the media. "You can see that the new Pakistani government and Prime Minister (Khan) has made it clear that they will support the advancement of the CPEC," Lu said. He was apparently referring to the assurances by the new government in Islamabad about the continuation of the CPEC projects during the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Pakistan. Lu said the CPEC served the economic and social development and referred to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) report which he said "made it clear that the advancement of the CPEC did not cause any burden to Pakistan". "The IMF also said the CPEC from a long-term perspective will enhance Pakistan's capacity for the development," he said, adding that all the projects were conceived after extensive consultations with Pakistan. About the comments by some Pakistan officials to cut down the cost of the projects, he said: "We should view such comments in a comprehensive way. Actually, the advancement of the CPEC is conducive to the inter- connectivity and prosperity of the region including Pakistan". "We hope you can see that the CPEC is very important project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)," Li added. China had announced after the visit of Wang to Pakistan in September that the CPEC projects will be extended to the western areas of Pakistan, which included Balochistan. The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar BRI, a pet project of President Xi Jinping aimed at enhancing China's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects

Different voices coming from Pak on CPEC: China

Two former prime ministers of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, facing allegations of treason appeared before a court along with a prominent journalist on Monday in a hearing to determine whether the case should go to trial.

The hearing was adjourned until October 22.

The case related to an interview Sharif gave to the English daily Dawn in which he was quoted as suggesting the Pakistani state played a role in the militant attack on the Indian city of Mumbai that killed 166 people in 2008.

India has repeatedly accused Pakistan intelligence agency of helping the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group carry out the attack. Pakistan has denied any state involvement, but its inaction against LeT leaders remains a major stumbling block to improving relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

Dawn assistant editor Cyril Almeida, who conducted the interview, had faced arrest if he failed to appear before the court and had been barred from leaving the country. Both the arrest orders and travel restrictions were removed on Monday.

"The court removed his name from the (exit control list), withdrew his arrest warrant and directed us to submit a reply on Oct. 22," Almeida's lawyer Ahmad Rauf told Reuters, while surrounded by activists protesting threats to media freedom in Pakistan.

Sharif was removed from office last year by the Supreme Court over corruption allegation and was sentenced earlier this year to 10 years in prison. Abbasi replaced his party leader as prime minister before an election earlier this year brought former cricket star Imran Khan to power.

Sharif has denied wrongdoing and accused the military of using the courts to orchestrate his removal and destabilise his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party to pave the way for Khan's election victory. Both the military and Khan deny that.

The inclusion of Almeida in the treason complaint has heightened concern over media freedom in Pakistan.

A report released by the Washington-based Committee to Protect Journalists last month said the military had established "lines of control" to pressure the media and journalists in Pakistan, and those who pushed back faced arrest, intimidation, and violence.

The military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history, denies any pressure on the media.

Two former prime ministers of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, facing allegations of treason appeared before a court along with a prominent journalist on Monday in a hearing to determine whether the case should go to trial.

Two former prime ministers of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif and Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, facing allegations of treason appeared before a court along with a prominent journalist on Monday in a hearing to determine whether the case should go to trial. The hearing was adjourned until October 22. The case related to an interview Sharif gave to the English daily Dawn in which he was quoted as suggesting the Pakistani state played a role in the militant attack on the Indian city of Mumbai that killed 166 people in 2008. India has repeatedly accused Pakistan intelligence agency of helping the Lashkar-e-Taiba militant group carry out the attack. Pakistan has denied any state involvement, but its inaction against LeT leaders remains a major stumbling block to improving relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours. Dawn assistant editor Cyril Almeida, who conducted the interview, had faced arrest if he failed to appear before the court and had been barred from leaving the country. Both the arrest orders and travel restrictions were removed on Monday. "The court removed his name from the (exit control list), withdrew his arrest warrant and directed us to submit a reply on Oct. 22," Almeida's lawyer Ahmad Rauf told Reuters, while surrounded by activists protesting threats to media freedom in Pakistan. Sharif was removed from office last year by the Supreme Court over corruption allegation and was sentenced earlier this year to 10 years in prison. Abbasi replaced his party leader as prime minister before an election earlier this year brought former cricket star Imran Khan to power. Sharif has denied wrongdoing and accused the military of using the courts to orchestrate his removal and destabilise his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party to pave the way for Khan's election victory. Both the military and Khan deny that. The inclusion of Almeida in the treason complaint has heightened concern over media freedom in Pakistan. A report released by the Washington-based Committee to Protect Journalists last month said the military had established "lines of control" to pressure the media and journalists in Pakistan, and those who pushed back faced arrest, intimidation, and violence. The military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history, denies any pressure on the media.

Two Pakistan former PMs, journalist face court in treason case

The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday passed a resolution in the Punjab Assembly, condemning party president Shehbaz Sharif`s arrest in connection with his alleged involvement in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case.

The resolution noted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government is using the unfair ruse to salvage their failed governance, Geo News reported.

The resolution also stated that nation-wide protests will be held if the current Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly is not released before the forthcoming by-elections.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Friday arrested Shehbaz on Friday for his alleged involvement in the Rs 14 billion scam and produced him before accountability court judge Najmul Hasan.

The NAB has been granted a 10-day physical remand of Shehbaz.

He is accused of having provided contracts at high rates to unqualified companies of his friends.

Shehbaz was arrested on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the housing scheme during his tenure as the chief minister of Punjab province from 2013 to 2018.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is himself jailed for his involvement in corruption references, termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the PTI government`s "worst victimisation."&nbsp;

The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday passed a resolution in the Punjab Assembly, condemning party president Shehbaz Sharif`s arrest in connection with his alleged involvement in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case.

The Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) on Saturday passed a resolution in the Punjab Assembly, condemning party president Shehbaz Sharif`s arrest in connection with his alleged involvement in the Ashiana Iqbal Housing Scheme case. The resolution noted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-led government is using the unfair ruse to salvage their failed governance, Geo News reported. The resolution also stated that nation-wide protests will be held if the current Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly is not released before the forthcoming by-elections. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Friday arrested Shehbaz on Friday for his alleged involvement in the Rs 14 billion scam and produced him before accountability court judge Najmul Hasan. The NAB has been granted a 10-day physical remand of Shehbaz. He is accused of having provided contracts at high rates to unqualified companies of his friends. Shehbaz was arrested on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the housing scheme during his tenure as the chief minister of Punjab province from 2013 to 2018. Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is himself jailed for his involvement in corruption references, termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the PTI government`s "worst victimisation."

PML-N pass resolution condemning Shehbaz Sharif's arrest

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on Saturday granted a 10-day remand of opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif to the country's top anti-graft body in a Rs 1,400 crore housing scam, the latest setback to the embattled Sharif family.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which arrested the PML-N president on Friday, had sought a 15-day remand to investigate his alleged involvement in the multi-billion rupees corruption case.

Shahbaz, 67, is the younger brother of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, who is facing corruption charges in three cases.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president, who was kept in a highly-secured lock-up inside the NAB Lahore office, arrived in court in an armoured vehicle, under heavy security.

A large number of PML-N workers gathered outside the court and chanted slogans against Prime Minister Imran Khan for taking "revenge" from the Sharif brothers.

Accountability Court judge Najamul Hasan accepted the request of the NAB prosecutor's plea and granted Shahbaz's physical remand for 10 days to interrogate him in the case.

Shahbaz, who has been accused of misusing his authority, denied corruption charges and told the court that he had saved billions of rupees in different developmental projects during his tenure as Punjab chief minister.

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He requested the judge to view his case as political victimisation as not a single rupee corruption against him has been proved.

Shahbaz was allegedly involved in the corruption of Rs 14 billion Ashiana Housing project and Rs 4 billion Punjab Saaf Pani Company scams.

He allegedly cancelled the award of contract of the Ashiana housing project to successful bidder 'Chaudhry Latif and Sons' to oblige his "favourite" firm the 'Lahore Casa Developers', a proxy group of 'Paragon City Private Limited', causing a loss of millions of rupees.

Nawaz termed his brother's arrest a worst political victimisation.

"Shahbaz Sharif being the chief minister had set great examples of transparency and honesty in all projects. PTI is responsible for this political victimisation and should be ready to reap what it is sowing today," he said.

Nawaz said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government should not make Shahbaz a victim of its own inefficiency.

"All know that the PTI government is responsible for this revenge," he said.

Shahbaz's son and opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz, who was also probed for presiding over the company's board of directors meetings many times to issue directions for award of contracts to favourite firms, said if this political victimisation continued, the PML-N would be on roads to fight this war.

He claimed that Shahbaz has been arrested to influence October 14 by-polls.

"We had faced the NAB in the (Pervez) Musharraf regime and we have the courage to face it in Imran Niazi's government," he said.

This Saaf Pani Company was established by Shahbaz's previous Punjab government to conceive, plan, design, execute and manage projects for the provision of safe drinking water in terms of both access and quality, to communities living in rural areas of the province.

Shahbaz's son-in-law Ali Imran Yousuf is also facing corruption inquiries in this case. He has fled to the UK and the NAB has written to the interior ministry to bring him back from abroad through Interpol.

Shahbaz's close confidant Ahad Cheea and Nawaz's principal secretary Fawad Hasan Fawad are already in the NAB's custody in the Ashiana housing scheme scam.

In July, Nawaz, his daughter Maryam and Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year, respectively, in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to the purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices.

However, the Islamabad High Court freed the trio on bail last month and suspended their sentence after they challenged the Avenfield verdict.

Nawaz is facing two more corruption cases filed by the NAB on the Supreme Court's order following the Panama Papers scandal.

The Panama Papers case is about alleged money laundering by Sharif in the 1990s when he twice served as Pakistan's prime minister to purchase assets in London.

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on Saturday granted a 10-day remand of opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif to the country's top anti-graft body in a Rs 1,400 crore housing scam, the latest setback to the embattled Sharif family.

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on Saturday granted a 10-day remand of opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif to the country's top anti-graft body in a Rs 1,400 crore housing scam, the latest setback to the embattled Sharif family. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which arrested the PML-N president on Friday, had sought a 15-day remand to investigate his alleged involvement in the multi-billion rupees corruption case. Shahbaz, 67, is the younger brother of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, who is facing corruption charges in three cases. The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president, who was kept in a highly-secured lock-up inside the NAB Lahore office, arrived in court in an armoured vehicle, under heavy security. A large number of PML-N workers gathered outside the court and chanted slogans against Prime Minister Imran Khan for taking "revenge" from the Sharif brothers. Accountability Court judge Najamul Hasan accepted the request of the NAB prosecutor's plea and granted Shahbaz's physical remand for 10 days to interrogate him in the case. Shahbaz, who has been accused of misusing his authority, denied corruption charges and told the court that he had saved billions of rupees in different developmental projects during his tenure as Punjab chief minister. × He requested the judge to view his case as political victimisation as not a single rupee corruption against him has been proved. Shahbaz was allegedly involved in the corruption of Rs 14 billion Ashiana Housing project and Rs 4 billion Punjab Saaf Pani Company scams. He allegedly cancelled the award of contract of the Ashiana housing project to successful bidder 'Chaudhry Latif and Sons' to oblige his "favourite" firm the 'Lahore Casa Developers', a proxy group of 'Paragon City Private Limited', causing a loss of millions of rupees. Nawaz termed his brother's arrest a worst political victimisation. "Shahbaz Sharif being the chief minister had set great examples of transparency and honesty in all projects. PTI is responsible for this political victimisation and should be ready to reap what it is sowing today," he said. Nawaz said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government should not make Shahbaz a victim of its own inefficiency. "All know that the PTI government is responsible for this revenge," he said. Shahbaz's son and opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz, who was also probed for presiding over the company's board of directors meetings many times to issue directions for award of contracts to favourite firms, said if this political victimisation continued, the PML-N would be on roads to fight this war. He claimed that Shahbaz has been arrested to influence October 14 by-polls. "We had faced the NAB in the (Pervez) Musharraf regime and we have the courage to face it in Imran Niazi's government," he said. This Saaf Pani Company was established by Shahbaz's previous Punjab government to conceive, plan, design, execute and manage projects for the provision of safe drinking water in terms of both access and quality, to communities living in rural areas of the province. Shahbaz's son-in-law Ali Imran Yousuf is also facing corruption inquiries in this case. He has fled to the UK and the NAB has written to the interior ministry to bring him back from abroad through Interpol. Shahbaz's close confidant Ahad Cheea and Nawaz's principal secretary Fawad Hasan Fawad are already in the NAB's custody in the Ashiana housing scheme scam. In July, Nawaz, his daughter Maryam and Capt (retd) Muhammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year, respectively, in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to the purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. However, the Islamabad High Court freed the trio on bail last month and suspended their sentence after they challenged the Avenfield verdict. Nawaz is facing two more corruption cases filed by the NAB on the Supreme Court's order following the Panama Papers scandal. The Panama Papers case is about alleged money laundering by Sharif in the 1990s when he twice served as Pakistan's prime minister to purchase assets in London.

Housing scam: Pak opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif remanded in NAB custody

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government`s "worst victimisation.''

This comes after Shehbaz was arrested on Friday by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pakistan`s anti-corruption body, for his alleged involvement in the Rs.14 billion (Pakistani Rupee) Ashiana Housing Scheme scam.

Shehbaz was summoned by the court for his involvement in the allegedly corrupt Saaf Pani Company, the erstwhile Punjab government`s flagship programme aimed at providing access to safe drinking water in rural areas of the province.

"Shehbaz, being the chief minister of Punjab, (had) set an example of public service with honesty. His services were acknowledged by the people, foreign governments and international organisations," Nawaz was quoted by Geo News, as saying.

Nawaz also asked the Imran Khan-led government to not "cover up its incompetence through such acts."

Shehbaz was arrested on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the housing scheme during his tenure as the chief minister of Punjab province from 2013 to 2018. He is accused of providing contracts on high rates to unqualified companies of his friends.

Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly and Shehbaz`s father, Hamza alleged that the PTI government was continuing its "pre-poll manipulation" of arresting key Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders before elections are conducted, as Shehbaz`s arrest comes about a week ahead of the by-polls on October 14.

The PML-N president was kept in a highly-secured lock-up inside the NAB`s Lahore office until he was scheduled to appear before the accountability court on Saturday.

Scores of party leaders, meanwhile, have gathered outside the Accountability Court in Lahore, chanting slogans in favour of Shehbaz.&nbsp;

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government`s "worst victimisation.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif termed the "ridiculous" arrest of his brother Shehbaz Sharif as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government`s "worst victimisation.'' This comes after Shehbaz was arrested on Friday by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Pakistan`s anti-corruption body, for his alleged involvement in the Rs.14 billion (Pakistani Rupee) Ashiana Housing Scheme scam. Shehbaz was summoned by the court for his involvement in the allegedly corrupt Saaf Pani Company, the erstwhile Punjab government`s flagship programme aimed at providing access to safe drinking water in rural areas of the province. "Shehbaz, being the chief minister of Punjab, (had) set an example of public service with honesty. His services were acknowledged by the people, foreign governments and international organisations," Nawaz was quoted by Geo News, as saying. Nawaz also asked the Imran Khan-led government to not "cover up its incompetence through such acts." Shehbaz was arrested on charges of misusing authority and corruption in the housing scheme during his tenure as the chief minister of Punjab province from 2013 to 2018. He is accused of providing contracts on high rates to unqualified companies of his friends. Leader of the Opposition in Punjab Assembly and Shehbaz`s father, Hamza alleged that the PTI government was continuing its "pre-poll manipulation" of arresting key Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leaders before elections are conducted, as Shehbaz`s arrest comes about a week ahead of the by-polls on October 14. The PML-N president was kept in a highly-secured lock-up inside the NAB`s Lahore office until he was scheduled to appear before the accountability court on Saturday. Scores of party leaders, meanwhile, have gathered outside the Accountability Court in Lahore, chanting slogans in favour of Shehbaz.

Pakistan: Nawaz accuses PTI of 'worst victimisation' after Shehbaz Sharif arrest

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-responds-to-indias-s-400-deal-with-russia-says-cant-prejudge-sanctions-decisions-169645">US responds to India's S-400 deal with Russia, says can't prejudge sanctions decisions</a>

Responding to the S-400 deal between India and Russia, the United States has said that it doesn't want to damage the capabilities of its allies.

"The intent of our implementation of CAATSA is to impose costs on Russia for its malign behaviour, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia's defence sector. CAATSA is not intended to impose damage to the military capabilities of our allies or partners," the US embassy said in a statement.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/denis-mukwege-nadia-murad-win-nobel-peace-prize-for-fighting-against-sexual-violence-as-a-weapon-of-war-169605">Denis Mukwege, Nadia Murad win Nobel Peace Prize for fighting against 'sexual violence as a weapon of war'</a>

The Nobel Committee today announced the names of this year's Peace Prize giving it to Democratic Republic of Congo's (Dr Congo) Denis Mukwege and Iraq's Nadia Murad for their contribution in fighting sex crimes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-accountability-bureau-arrests-pmln-leader-shehbaz-sharif-169658">Pakistan's Accountability Bureau arrests PML(N) leader </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-accountability-bureau-arrests-pmln-leader-shehbaz-sharif-169658">Shehbaz</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-accountability-bureau-arrests-pmln-leader-shehbaz-sharif-169658"> Sharif</a>

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau(NAB) today arrested former PM Nawaz Sharif's brother PML(N) leader Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Friday.

Shehbaz Sharif, 67, is the leader of the Opposition in Pakistan's National Assembly and a key leader of PML(N).&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/probe-opens-in-france-after-interpol-chief-reported-missing-169661">Probe opens in France after Interpol chief reported missing in China</a>

French police have opened an investigation into the whereabouts of the president of international police cooperation agency Interpol, after his wife reported he had gone missing after travelling home to his native China last week.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/women-cops-to-be-posted-at-sabarimala-dgp-169662">Women cops to be posted at Sabarimala: DGP</a>

Women police personnel will be posted at Sabarimala this month to facilitate pilgrimage of women devotees in view of the Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine, Kerala police chief Loknath Behera said Friday.

US responds to India's S-400 deal with Russia, says can't prejudge sanctions decisions Responding to the S-400 deal between India and Russia, the United States has said that it doesn't want to damage the capabilities of its allies.

US responds to India's S-400 deal with Russia, says can't prejudge sanctions decisions Responding to the S-400 deal between India and Russia, the United States has said that it doesn't want to damage the capabilities of its allies. "The intent of our implementation of CAATSA is to impose costs on Russia for its malign behaviour, including by stopping the flow of money to Russia's defence sector. CAATSA is not intended to impose damage to the military capabilities of our allies or partners," the US embassy said in a statement. Denis Mukwege, Nadia Murad win Nobel Peace Prize for fighting against 'sexual violence as a weapon of war' The Nobel Committee today announced the names of this year's Peace Prize giving it to Democratic Republic of Congo's (Dr Congo) Denis Mukwege and Iraq's Nadia Murad for their contribution in fighting sex crimes. Pakistan's Accountability Bureau arrests PML(N) leader Shehbaz Sharif Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau(NAB) today arrested former PM Nawaz Sharif's brother PML(N) leader Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Friday. Shehbaz Sharif, 67, is the leader of the Opposition in Pakistan's National Assembly and a key leader of PML(N). Probe opens in France after Interpol chief reported missing in China French police have opened an investigation into the whereabouts of the president of international police cooperation agency Interpol, after his wife reported he had gone missing after travelling home to his native China last week. Women cops to be posted at Sabarimala: DGP Women police personnel will be posted at Sabarimala this month to facilitate pilgrimage of women devotees in view of the Supreme Court order permitting women of all age groups to enter the Lord Ayyappa shrine, Kerala police chief Loknath Behera said Friday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

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

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

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

Pak police stop scribes from questioning Nawaz Sharif

A Pakistani top court has observed that the sentences of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law in a corruption case "may not be ultimately sustainable" as it issued a detailed judgement on Wednesday, two weeks after freeing the trio on bail.

On September 19, a two-judge bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) gave the judgment on petitions filed by Sharif, Maryam and Capt (retd) Safdar challenging the Avenfield verdict against them.

Justice Athar Minallah read the judgment and suspended the sentences handed to the three by Accountability Court judge Mohammad Bashir on July 6.&nbsp;

Sharif, Maryam and Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year, respectively, in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to the purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices.

The 41-page judgment on the IHC's September 19 order has been written by Justice Minallah, Geo News reported.

"In hindsight, the sentences awarded to the suspects may not be ultimately sustainable," it quoted the judge as saying.

"The accountability court which awarded the sentences did not state how or refer to evidence regarding how Maryam assisted Nawaz (Sharif) in the purchase of the Avenfield apartments," it added.

Further, the judgement stated, "The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) mostly relied on Panama Papers case to argue their points against suspension in sentences."

The prosecution did not challenge the acquittal, the judgment read.

It said the court findings are not final and the judges said their opinions or observations will not influence the appeals, the bench further said in its judgment.

"We accept the petitioners' pleas seeking a suspension in their sentences," Justice Minallah said.

Ordering their release, the two-judge bench directed the former premier, his daughter and son-in-law to submit bail bonds worth Rs 500,000 each. 
Sharif, 68, Maryam, 44, and Safdar, 54, were also disqualified to contest elections or to hold public office for a period of 10 years after release. Both&nbsp; 
Maryam and Safdar are politicians.&nbsp;

The sentences will on the trio remain suspended till the final adjudication of the appeals filed by them.

Sharif and Maryam were arrested on July 13 upon arrival in Lahore from London.

On July 16, the Sharifs had filed appeals for the Avenfield verdict to be overturned.

Apart from the Avenfield case, the Sharifs face jail terms if they are convicted in two more corruption cases related to Al-Azizia and Flagship cases. The cases against the family stemmed from Panama Papers case in April 2016.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by the NAB challenging the IHC's decision to hear Sharifs' petitions against the Avenfield verdict.

On September 15, the anti-graft body had moved the Supreme Court in an effort to keep the IHC from ruling on an application from the Sharif family seeking the suspension of the Avenfield verdict.&nbsp;

However, imposing a Rs 20,000 fine on the anti-graft bureau, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar noted that justice should be served to petitioners.

A Pakistani top court has observed that the sentences of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law in a corruption case "may not be ultimately sustainable" as it issued a detailed judgement on Wednesday, two weeks after freeing the trio on bail.

A Pakistani top court has observed that the sentences of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter and son-in-law in a corruption case "may not be ultimately sustainable" as it issued a detailed judgement on Wednesday, two weeks after freeing the trio on bail. On September 19, a two-judge bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) gave the judgment on petitions filed by Sharif, Maryam and Capt (retd) Safdar challenging the Avenfield verdict against them. Justice Athar Minallah read the judgment and suspended the sentences handed to the three by Accountability Court judge Mohammad Bashir on July 6. Sharif, Maryam and Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year, respectively, in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to the purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. The 41-page judgment on the IHC's September 19 order has been written by Justice Minallah, Geo News reported. "In hindsight, the sentences awarded to the suspects may not be ultimately sustainable," it quoted the judge as saying. "The accountability court which awarded the sentences did not state how or refer to evidence regarding how Maryam assisted Nawaz (Sharif) in the purchase of the Avenfield apartments," it added. Further, the judgement stated, "The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) mostly relied on Panama Papers case to argue their points against suspension in sentences." The prosecution did not challenge the acquittal, the judgment read. It said the court findings are not final and the judges said their opinions or observations will not influence the appeals, the bench further said in its judgment. "We accept the petitioners' pleas seeking a suspension in their sentences," Justice Minallah said. Ordering their release, the two-judge bench directed the former premier, his daughter and son-in-law to submit bail bonds worth Rs 500,000 each. Sharif, 68, Maryam, 44, and Safdar, 54, were also disqualified to contest elections or to hold public office for a period of 10 years after release. Both Maryam and Safdar are politicians. The sentences will on the trio remain suspended till the final adjudication of the appeals filed by them. Sharif and Maryam were arrested on July 13 upon arrival in Lahore from London. On July 16, the Sharifs had filed appeals for the Avenfield verdict to be overturned. Apart from the Avenfield case, the Sharifs face jail terms if they are convicted in two more corruption cases related to Al-Azizia and Flagship cases. The cases against the family stemmed from Panama Papers case in April 2016. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday rejected a petition filed by the NAB challenging the IHC's decision to hear Sharifs' petitions against the Avenfield verdict. On September 15, the anti-graft body had moved the Supreme Court in an effort to keep the IHC from ruling on an application from the Sharif family seeking the suspension of the Avenfield verdict. However, imposing a Rs 20,000 fine on the anti-graft bureau, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar noted that justice should be served to petitioners.

Convictions against Sharifs in Avenfield verdict may not be sustainable: Pak court

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on Tuesday directed authorities to auction the assets and seize the bank accounts of absconding former finance minister Ishaq Dar in a graft case filed against him in the Panama Papers scandal.

The case about owning "assets beyond known means of income" is among four graft cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) following the Supreme Court's order of July 28 against Dar and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family.

The decision came on an application filed by the NAB, seeking auction of Dar's assets and asking the court to appoint a beneficiary of recovered amount, Dawn newspaper reported.

The court said that the Punjab's provincial government will be responsible for auction. It empowered the provincial government to decide whether to sell or keep the seized assets, the report said.

Judge Mohammad Bashir had reserved the verdict on the application on Monday after the anti-graft watchdog submitted details of Dar's assets.

The NAB had earlier moved the Islamabad-based accountability court for the auction of movable and immovable properties owned by Dar, a close aide of Sharif, as he has been in London since October 2017.

Dar, the father-in-law of Sharif's younger daughter, was already declared as absconder in the corruption case after he went to London in October last year but never came back to face the trial.

The case of asset beyond means was launched against Dar in September 2017 on the orders of Supreme Court after it disqualified Sharif and ordered corruption cases against him, his children Maryam Nawaz, Husain and Hasan and son-in-law (retd) Captain Muhammad Safdar.

The anti-corruption watchdog already seized all of movable and immovable assets of 67-year-old Dar located in Lahore and Islamabad.

According to the case, Dar acquired assets worth Rs 831.7 million, which was disproportionate to the known sources of his income.&nbsp;

The Panama Papers case is about alleged money laundering by Sharif in the 1990s when he twice served as Pakistan's prime minister to purchase assets in London.

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on Tuesday directed authorities to auction the assets and seize the bank accounts of absconding former finance minister Ishaq Dar in a graft case filed against him in the Panama Papers scandal.

An anti-corruption court in Pakistan on Tuesday directed authorities to auction the assets and seize the bank accounts of absconding former finance minister Ishaq Dar in a graft case filed against him in the Panama Papers scandal. The case about owning "assets beyond known means of income" is among four graft cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) following the Supreme Court's order of July 28 against Dar and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family. The decision came on an application filed by the NAB, seeking auction of Dar's assets and asking the court to appoint a beneficiary of recovered amount, Dawn newspaper reported. The court said that the Punjab's provincial government will be responsible for auction. It empowered the provincial government to decide whether to sell or keep the seized assets, the report said. Judge Mohammad Bashir had reserved the verdict on the application on Monday after the anti-graft watchdog submitted details of Dar's assets. The NAB had earlier moved the Islamabad-based accountability court for the auction of movable and immovable properties owned by Dar, a close aide of Sharif, as he has been in London since October 2017. Dar, the father-in-law of Sharif's younger daughter, was already declared as absconder in the corruption case after he went to London in October last year but never came back to face the trial. The case of asset beyond means was launched against Dar in September 2017 on the orders of Supreme Court after it disqualified Sharif and ordered corruption cases against him, his children Maryam Nawaz, Husain and Hasan and son-in-law (retd) Captain Muhammad Safdar. The anti-corruption watchdog already seized all of movable and immovable assets of 67-year-old Dar located in Lahore and Islamabad. According to the case, Dar acquired assets worth Rs 831.7 million, which was disproportionate to the known sources of his income. The Panama Papers case is about alleged money laundering by Sharif in the 1990s when he twice served as Pakistan's prime minister to purchase assets in London.

Pakistan court allows auctioning of former finance minister Dar's assets

Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League`s (PML-N) founder Nawaz Sharif claimed that the extended deadline by the Supreme Court for the completion of proceedings against him would badly affect his party performance in the&nbsp;July 25&nbsp;general elections.

This is in reference to the trial in Avenfield properties, Gulf Steel Mills and Al-Azizia Steel Mills, that Sharif is facing.

Nawaz and his family are facing three corruption cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

While appearing before the accountability court, Sharif complained that the trial was being conducted at an unprecedentedly fast pace, to which Judge Mohammad Bashir of the accountability court responded saying that the deadlines for disposal of cases are already set."I want this case should conclude as early as possible since I am also suffering. If the Chief Justice of Pakistan wants to regulate this case, he may transfer it before his own bench to give a verdict to hang me or send me to jail," Dawn quoted the ousted Prime Minister as saying.

He claimed that no lawyer is willing to take his case after Sharif`s lawyer Khwaja Haris&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;terminated his legal services to Nawaz and his family in corruption cases, citing inability to appear before accountability court on weekends.

Haris also stated that the Supreme Court had dictated on completing the trial within a month, which was not possible.

When Sharif said that finding a new lawyer on such a short notice isn`t easy, Judge Bashir explained Sharif that he had not accepted Haris` application for the withdrawal of vakalatnama and he could still convince his lawyer to take back the case.

With the ongoing hindrances regarding the issue, the court put off the proceedings till&nbsp;Thursday.

Sharif said the Pakistani media couldn`t report freely and independently due to certain pressures.

He also questioned the credibility of the upcoming elections on&nbsp;July 25&nbsp;in such an environment.

Nawaz and his family are facing three corruption cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB)

Former Prime Minister and Pakistan Muslim League`s (PML-N) founder Nawaz Sharif claimed that the extended deadline by the Supreme Court for the completion of proceedings against him would badly affect his party performance in the July 25 general elections. This is in reference to the trial in Avenfield properties, Gulf Steel Mills and Al-Azizia Steel Mills, that Sharif is facing. Nawaz and his family are facing three corruption cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). While appearing before the accountability court, Sharif complained that the trial was being conducted at an unprecedentedly fast pace, to which Judge Mohammad Bashir of the accountability court responded saying that the deadlines for disposal of cases are already set."I want this case should conclude as early as possible since I am also suffering. If the Chief Justice of Pakistan wants to regulate this case, he may transfer it before his own bench to give a verdict to hang me or send me to jail," Dawn quoted the ousted Prime Minister as saying. He claimed that no lawyer is willing to take his case after Sharif`s lawyer Khwaja Haris on Monday terminated his legal services to Nawaz and his family in corruption cases, citing inability to appear before accountability court on weekends. Haris also stated that the Supreme Court had dictated on completing the trial within a month, which was not possible. When Sharif said that finding a new lawyer on such a short notice isn`t easy, Judge Bashir explained Sharif that he had not accepted Haris` application for the withdrawal of vakalatnama and he could still convince his lawyer to take back the case. With the ongoing hindrances regarding the issue, the court put off the proceedings till Thursday. Sharif said the Pakistani media couldn`t report freely and independently due to certain pressures. He also questioned the credibility of the upcoming elections on July 25 in such an environment.

Extended deadline in NAB cases hearing to hit party: Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan's army has denied abducting a British-Pakistani activist known for criticising the military, in an incident that prompted a wave of condemnation and increased fears of a crackdown on free speech.

Gul Bukhari, 52, was detained for several hours by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore late Tuesday, one day after the military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan.

She was released early Wednesday.

Pakistan has a history of enforced disappearances, often of people who criticise the security establishment -- largely seen as a red line few dare cross. The kidnappings have become increasingly brazen in recent years.

Bukhari is known for advocating human rights online and is also a prominent columnist whose articles are often highly critical of the military and its policies.

When news of her abduction broke it caused a furore, with widespread calls for her release and fingers broadly pointed at the military.&nbsp

The British High Commission expressed "concern" at the incident as activists called on the army, which is the most powerful institution in Pakistan and has ruled the country for nearly half its 70-year history, to tolerate dissent.

"(The) army is not behind the abduction of Gul Bukhari," Major General Asif Ghafoor, chief military spokesman, told reporters late Friday.

"We actually want a thorough investigation in this case," he said.

The military routinely says it is not involved in enforced disappearances, but the statement was a rare on-the-record denial.

It came as the powerful army is facing growing criticism of its policies within Pakistan, from disappearances to the use of militant proxies in Afghanistan and India.

A burgeoning civil rights movement by the country's ethnic Pashtuns and recent comments from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif have increasingly criticised the generals and caused uproar in the country.

Journalists have spoken of "pressure" not to cover the criticisms, adding to an atmosphere of repression.

During a wide-ranging press conference Monday that appeared to address the mounting criticism, the military issued a veiled warning to online critics, saying it has the capacity to monitor social media accounts.

Ghafoor briefly flashed an image on screen showing what appeared to be Twitter handles and names, including of at least one prominent journalist, but refused to elaborate further, fuelling the outcry over free speech.

Late Friday he said they "did not intend to implicate journalists".

Activists remained sceptical of the military's role in disappearances and curtailing of free speech.

"If they did not do it, then they need to come up with an action, a plan of enquiry (to investigate) who did," said Shahzad Ahmed, head of Bytes for All, a think-tank working for digital security and free speech.

"So far the fingers are being pointed towards them." &nbsp&nbsp

Gul Bukhari, 52, was detained for several hours by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore late Tuesday, one day after the military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan.

Pakistan's army has denied abducting a British-Pakistani activist known for criticising the military, in an incident that prompted a wave of condemnation and increased fears of a crackdown on free speech. Gul Bukhari, 52, was detained for several hours by unknown men in the eastern city of Lahore late Tuesday, one day after the military held a press conference warning that it is monitoring citizens who criticise Pakistan. She was released early Wednesday. Pakistan has a history of enforced disappearances, often of people who criticise the security establishment -- largely seen as a red line few dare cross. The kidnappings have become increasingly brazen in recent years. Bukhari is known for advocating human rights online and is also a prominent columnist whose articles are often highly critical of the military and its policies. When news of her abduction broke it caused a furore, with widespread calls for her release and fingers broadly pointed at the military. The British High Commission expressed "concern" at the incident as activists called on the army, which is the most powerful institution in Pakistan and has ruled the country for nearly half its 70-year history, to tolerate dissent. "(The) army is not behind the abduction of Gul Bukhari," Major General Asif Ghafoor, chief military spokesman, told reporters late Friday. "We actually want a thorough investigation in this case," he said. The military routinely says it is not involved in enforced disappearances, but the statement was a rare on-the-record denial. It came as the powerful army is facing growing criticism of its policies within Pakistan, from disappearances to the use of militant proxies in Afghanistan and India. A burgeoning civil rights movement by the country's ethnic Pashtuns and recent comments from former prime minister Nawaz Sharif have increasingly criticised the generals and caused uproar in the country. Journalists have spoken of "pressure" not to cover the criticisms, adding to an atmosphere of repression. During a wide-ranging press conference Monday that appeared to address the mounting criticism, the military issued a veiled warning to online critics, saying it has the capacity to monitor social media accounts. Ghafoor briefly flashed an image on screen showing what appeared to be Twitter handles and names, including of at least one prominent journalist, but refused to elaborate further, fuelling the outcry over free speech. Late Friday he said they "did not intend to implicate journalists". Activists remained sceptical of the military's role in disappearances and curtailing of free speech. "If they did not do it, then they need to come up with an action, a plan of enquiry (to investigate) who did," said Shahzad Ahmed, head of Bytes for All, a think-tank working for digital security and free speech. "So far the fingers are being pointed towards them."

Pakistan army denies abducting British activist

Pakistan's anti-corruption agency has approved an inquiry into former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and his predecessor Nawaz Sharif over a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project, the agency said on Wednesday.

According to news agency Reuters, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordered the inquiry against Abbasi, Sharif and "others for granting a 15-year contract of LNG terminal to a company of their liking in violation of rules and by misuse of their powers, which caused national exchequer a loss of billions of rupees".

NAB did not identify which one of the two terminal projects in Pakistan it was referring to.

Abbasi was the mastermind behind Pakistan's push to embrace LNG after Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party swept to power in a 2013 election. Pakistan is now seen as one of the world's fastest-growing LNG markets.

Abbasi was the mastermind behind Pakistan's push to embrace LNG after Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party swept to power in a 2013 election

Pakistan's anti-corruption agency has approved an inquiry into former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and his predecessor Nawaz Sharif over a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal project, the agency said on Wednesday. According to news agency Reuters, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordered the inquiry against Abbasi, Sharif and "others for granting a 15-year contract of LNG terminal to a company of their liking in violation of rules and by misuse of their powers, which caused national exchequer a loss of billions of rupees". NAB did not identify which one of the two terminal projects in Pakistan it was referring to. Abbasi was the mastermind behind Pakistan's push to embrace LNG after Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party swept to power in a 2013 election. Pakistan is now seen as one of the world's fastest-growing LNG markets.

Pakistan anti-graft agency orders inquiry into ex-PMs over LNG project

Ahead of Pakistan's general elections, a stiff broke&nbsp;out between the former wife of Imran Khan, Rehan Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan's supporters.

Reham Khan has written an autobiography: "a mother, wife, journalist and a warrior" which contains Reham's life experiences as per&nbsp;the book's promotional teaser video.

The book is scheduled to release this month the general elections will take place in July. According to media reports, the book is going to make major revelations.

A Twitter war erupted after actor and supporter of PTI, Hamza Ali Abbasi posted a summary of the book on Twitter.

"Had a very unfortunate experience of reading a manuscript of Reham Khan's book. Here is the summary: IK is the most evil man to walk the face of this planet. Reham is the most pious righteous (Tahajjud guzaar) woman ever and Shehbaz Sharif is an amazing guy! #RehamOnPMLNAgenda", Hamza wrote on Twitter.

And as a response to that later Reham also tweeted and alleged that the PTI has threatened her. She also attached a copy of an email sent to her by Abbasi.

She has alleged that Hamza Abbasi has been threatening her since August 2017. She further asked Abbasi that how he was able to read the manuscript when the book is not released yet. "Only possible through fraud or theft", she said.

Hamza Abbasi, however, has not responded to her to the allegation yet.

In February also she has alleged that she is receiving threats after which she left the country.

That time she had said that she will break her silence on certain matters.

Some people have also&nbsp;called this an agenda of The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party with Reham Khan.

Reham Khan has written an autobiography: 'a mother, wife, journalist and a warrior' which contains Reham's life experiences as per the book's promotional teaser video.

Ahead of Pakistan's general elections, a stiff broke out between the former wife of Imran Khan, Rehan Khan and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf founder Imran Khan's supporters. Reham Khan has written an autobiography: "a mother, wife, journalist and a warrior" which contains Reham's life experiences as per the book's promotional teaser video. The book is scheduled to release this month the general elections will take place in July. According to media reports, the book is going to make major revelations. A Twitter war erupted after actor and supporter of PTI, Hamza Ali Abbasi posted a summary of the book on Twitter. "Had a very unfortunate experience of reading a manuscript of Reham Khan's book. Here is the summary: IK is the most evil man to walk the face of this planet. Reham is the most pious righteous (Tahajjud guzaar) woman ever and Shehbaz Sharif is an amazing guy! #RehamOnPMLNAgenda", Hamza wrote on Twitter. And as a response to that later Reham also tweeted and alleged that the PTI has threatened her. She also attached a copy of an email sent to her by Abbasi. She has alleged that Hamza Abbasi has been threatening her since August 2017. She further asked Abbasi that how he was able to read the manuscript when the book is not released yet. "Only possible through fraud or theft", she said. Hamza Abbasi, however, has not responded to her to the allegation yet. In February also she has alleged that she is receiving threats after which she left the country. That time she had said that she will break her silence on certain matters. Some people have also called this an agenda of The Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party with Reham Khan.

Ahead of general elections, Imran Khan's ex-wife Reham Khan's upcoming book stirs political controversy

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday refused to take the blame for the power crisis in the country.

According to The News, the energy shortage in Pakistan has adversely impacted the economy. The country is currently facing up to 18 hours of power outages a day and is expected to face a more acute electricity crisis, if the matter is not dealt with a sense of urgency.

A special parliamentary committee on circular debt was told last month that the transmission and distribution system needs USD 40-50 billion in investment to put an end to load shedding across the country. These numbers severely question the PML-N government's approach to the power sector.

Geo News, however, quoted Sharif, as saying "When we left (office in July 2017), everything in the country was fine."

Sharif was addressing media outside an accountability court.

He was appearing before an accountability court in Islamabad, which adjourned the cross-examination of the Panama Gate Joint Investigation Team (JIT) head and prosecution's star witness, Wajid Zia, in the Al-Azizia reference against the Sharif family till June 11.

Accountability court's Judge Muhammad Bashir while adjourning the cross-examination directed the prosecution to submit final arguments in London flats case by tomorrow.

Sharif said that the PML (N) government that had just completed its tenure on May 31 had inaugurated many projects for the benefit of the people of the country.

"Before the end of (their) tenures, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had inaugurated many projects, including 39 mega projects and motorways."

Previously,&nbsp;Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was "playing politics" in courts and would pay a heavy price one day.

His remarks came after Sharif said in the Avenfield reference trial at the Islamabad accountability court earlier today that the case was filed against him as a "reciprocal punishment for taking legal action against (former president Pervez) Musharraf despite being warned not to do so."

Pakistan will hold elections on July 25.

According to The News, the energy shortage in Pakistan has adversely impacted the economy. The country is currently facing up to 18 hours of power outages a day and is expected to face a more acute electricity crisis, if the matter is not dealt with a sense of urgency

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday refused to take the blame for the power crisis in the country. According to The News, the energy shortage in Pakistan has adversely impacted the economy. The country is currently facing up to 18 hours of power outages a day and is expected to face a more acute electricity crisis, if the matter is not dealt with a sense of urgency. A special parliamentary committee on circular debt was told last month that the transmission and distribution system needs USD 40-50 billion in investment to put an end to load shedding across the country. These numbers severely question the PML-N government's approach to the power sector. Geo News, however, quoted Sharif, as saying "When we left (office in July 2017), everything in the country was fine." Sharif was addressing media outside an accountability court. He was appearing before an accountability court in Islamabad, which adjourned the cross-examination of the Panama Gate Joint Investigation Team (JIT) head and prosecution's star witness, Wajid Zia, in the Al-Azizia reference against the Sharif family till June 11. Accountability court's Judge Muhammad Bashir while adjourning the cross-examination directed the prosecution to submit final arguments in London flats case by tomorrow. Sharif said that the PML (N) government that had just completed its tenure on May 31 had inaugurated many projects for the benefit of the people of the country. "Before the end of (their) tenures, former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had inaugurated many projects, including 39 mega projects and motorways." Previously, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was "playing politics" in courts and would pay a heavy price one day. His remarks came after Sharif said in the Avenfield reference trial at the Islamabad accountability court earlier today that the case was filed against him as a "reciprocal punishment for taking legal action against (former president Pervez) Musharraf despite being warned not to do so." Pakistan will hold elections on July 25.

When we left, everything was fine: Nawaz Sharif refuses to take blame for Pakistan's electricity crisis

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second-ever democratic transition of power.

On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone.

But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high.

Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complaint of growing censorship.

"It is a chipping away. It`s behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them.

The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad`s rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country`s second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013.

PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote".&nbsp

Anti-corruption platform

PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power.

Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability.

In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests".

But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls.

"This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University.&nbsp

A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week.

PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018".

Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters.

Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors.

Menacing phone calls

A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated.&nbsp

Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif.

None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country".

Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described.

In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards.

Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly.

In the dock

Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them.6

Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election.&nbsp

The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party.

The Election Commision of Pakistan`s code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground.

Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government.

With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.&nbsp

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second-ever democratic transition of power

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second-ever democratic transition of power. On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone. But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high. Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complaint of growing censorship. "It is a chipping away. It`s behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them. The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad`s rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country`s second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013. PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote". Anti-corruption platform PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power. Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability. In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests". But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls. "This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University. A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week. PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018". Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters. Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors. Menacing phone calls A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated. Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif. None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country". Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described. In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards. Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly. In the dock Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them.6 Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election. The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party. The Election Commision of Pakistan`s code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground. Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government. With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.

Election to test Pakistan democracy amid allegations of military meddling

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second ever democratic transition of power.

On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone.

But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high.

Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship.

"It is a chipping away. It's behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them.

The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad's rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country's second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013.

PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote".

ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM

PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power.

Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability.

Also read: <a href="Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections">Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections</a>

In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests".

But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls.

"This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University.&nbsp

A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week.

PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018".

Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters.

Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors.

MENACING PHONE CALLS

A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated.

Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif.

None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country".

Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described.

In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards.

Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly.

IN THE DOCK

Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them.

Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election.

The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party.

The Election Commision of Pakistan's code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground.

Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government.

With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.

Newspapers are awash with accusations of military 'engineering' and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship. The elections are scheduled to take place on June 25

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second ever democratic transition of power. On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone. But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high. Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship. "It is a chipping away. It's behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them. The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad's rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country's second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013. PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote". ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power. Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability. Also read: Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests". But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls. "This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University. A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week. PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018". Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters. Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors. MENACING PHONE CALLS A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated. Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif. None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country". Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described. In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards. Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly. IN THE DOCK Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them. Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election. The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party. The Election Commision of Pakistan's code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground. Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government. With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.

Allegations of Army interference cast shadow over Pakistan general election

Pakistan's outgoing defence and foreign minister said today that positive developments had been made in giving India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA) on the pattern of most-favoured nation status but the decision was delayed due to the regional situation.

Khurram Dastagir Khan was addressing the media in the Foreign Office here on the last day of the current PML-N government. He was asked about reports on giving India MFN status.

"Negotiations were ongoing to grant India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA). In this regard, we had many positive developments. But in view of the developments in the region, it was decided that this would be dealt with at a time more congenial and appropriate for the two countries," he said.

He said the Indian leadership after the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi started issuing "aggressive statements and postures against Pakistan" but Pakistan in reaction followed a measured approach to provocations.

"We believe that regional connectivity and enhanced regional cooperation is the panacea for all ills facing our region," he said, adding "Pakistan faces Indian aggressive posture on the LoC and WB with equal and proportionate equanimity".

He hoped for a new vigour in ties with India after the upcoming general election in Pakistan.

"With a new government in Pakistan in less than three months, and one to form in India next year, we hope that a fresh vigour and mandate will be brought to the relations between both countries," he said. 
At one point the minister said that Pakistan adopted "a future oriented approach" with India but "our gestures were not reciprocated".

"In return, we have received negativity and aggression from India, with no dialogue at any level. We really hope that the new governments in both Pakistan and India are able to instill a fresh impetus in the relations between both the countries," he said.

He, however also warned India over continued firing across the Line of Control.

"If India has an assessment that it can pressurise Pakistan by deliberately heating up the LoC and the WB (working boundary), they are mistaken. We are vigilant at our physical, as well as ideological and diplomatic borders and are fully prepared to defend and safeguard them," he said.

"A large number of population in the South Asian region lives below the poverty line. Therefore, it is very important that economic and regional connectivity takes place, as other regions have managed to do so. But there has been no reciprocity so far from the Indian side," he said.

The minister also welcomed the statement after the recent Indo-Pak DGMOs meeting to restore the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

"The agreement recently reached by the DGMOs is a welcome development. This is the same 2003 agreement that both sides have pledged to honour and uphold. With this, a working level understanding on ground has been established," he said.&nbsp;

Khan welcomed the statement after the recent Indo-Pak DGMOs meeting to restore the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

Pakistan's outgoing defence and foreign minister said today that positive developments had been made in giving India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA) on the pattern of most-favoured nation status but the decision was delayed due to the regional situation. Khurram Dastagir Khan was addressing the media in the Foreign Office here on the last day of the current PML-N government. He was asked about reports on giving India MFN status. "Negotiations were ongoing to grant India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA). In this regard, we had many positive developments. But in view of the developments in the region, it was decided that this would be dealt with at a time more congenial and appropriate for the two countries," he said. He said the Indian leadership after the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi started issuing "aggressive statements and postures against Pakistan" but Pakistan in reaction followed a measured approach to provocations. "We believe that regional connectivity and enhanced regional cooperation is the panacea for all ills facing our region," he said, adding "Pakistan faces Indian aggressive posture on the LoC and WB with equal and proportionate equanimity". He hoped for a new vigour in ties with India after the upcoming general election in Pakistan. "With a new government in Pakistan in less than three months, and one to form in India next year, we hope that a fresh vigour and mandate will be brought to the relations between both countries," he said. At one point the minister said that Pakistan adopted "a future oriented approach" with India but "our gestures were not reciprocated". "In return, we have received negativity and aggression from India, with no dialogue at any level. We really hope that the new governments in both Pakistan and India are able to instill a fresh impetus in the relations between both the countries," he said. He, however also warned India over continued firing across the Line of Control. "If India has an assessment that it can pressurise Pakistan by deliberately heating up the LoC and the WB (working boundary), they are mistaken. We are vigilant at our physical, as well as ideological and diplomatic borders and are fully prepared to defend and safeguard them," he said. "A large number of population in the South Asian region lives below the poverty line. Therefore, it is very important that economic and regional connectivity takes place, as other regions have managed to do so. But there has been no reciprocity so far from the Indian side," he said. The minister also welcomed the statement after the recent Indo-Pak DGMOs meeting to restore the 2003 ceasefire agreement. "The agreement recently reached by the DGMOs is a welcome development. This is the same 2003 agreement that both sides have pledged to honour and uphold. With this, a working level understanding on ground has been established," he said.

Positive developments with India on granting market access: Pakistan

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

Asif, a staunch ally of ousted prime minister and PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified from parliament by a lower court in April as he was deemed not "honest" under a constitutional provision also used to oust Sharif.

Asif was removed for not declaring his employment and a source income from a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company, but the top court overturned the earlier ruling, which carried a lifetime ban from politics.

"God has granted mercy on a sinner like me, there is no count of God’s blessings. I am thankful to the judiciary," Khawaja Asif tweeted shortly after the verdict was announced.

Munir Malik, a senior member of Asif's counsel, told the English-language Dawn newspaper that Asif "can contest the upcoming election" after the ruling.

Asif, one of Pakistan's most prominent politicians, is part of Sharif's inner circle and one of the most senior figures in the ruling part.

He earlier headed the defence and power ministries and was foreign minister until the court disqualified him.

The Supreme Court's decision will have come as a surprise to many PML-N figures who have criticised the judiciary for bringing about a slew of cases against party officials and alleged bias from judges.

The judiciary and in particular the chief justice, Saqib Nisar, who has embraced an activist role in politics and the running of government, deny favouring any party.

Asif, one of Pakistan's most prominent politicians, is part of Sharif's inner circle and one of the most senior figures in the ruling part.

Former Pakistani foreign minister Khawaja Asif will be allowed to contest a July 25 general election after the Supreme Court on Friday overturned his disqualification from politics, in a boost to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. Asif, a staunch ally of ousted prime minister and PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif, was disqualified from parliament by a lower court in April as he was deemed not "honest" under a constitutional provision also used to oust Sharif. Asif was removed for not declaring his employment and a source income from a United Arab Emirates (UAE) company, but the top court overturned the earlier ruling, which carried a lifetime ban from politics. "God has granted mercy on a sinner like me, there is no count of God’s blessings. I am thankful to the judiciary," Khawaja Asif tweeted shortly after the verdict was announced. Munir Malik, a senior member of Asif's counsel, told the English-language Dawn newspaper that Asif "can contest the upcoming election" after the ruling. Asif, one of Pakistan's most prominent politicians, is part of Sharif's inner circle and one of the most senior figures in the ruling part. He earlier headed the defence and power ministries and was foreign minister until the court disqualified him. The Supreme Court's decision will have come as a surprise to many PML-N figures who have criticised the judiciary for bringing about a slew of cases against party officials and alleged bias from judges. The judiciary and in particular the chief justice, Saqib Nisar, who has embraced an activist role in politics and the running of government, deny favouring any party.

Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections

On the anniversary of the detonation of its nuclear test, Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif claimed that India's attitude towards Pakistan had changed after it conducted nuclear tests in 1998.

He said eight months after they conducted the test, the then Indian prime minister Vajpayee had visited Lahore by bus.&nbsp;

Sharif said, "India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 and it changed the language of its ministers towards us. But when Pakistan conducted the nuclear tests in its reply suddenly their attitude changed. Eight months after the nuclear tests, Indian prime minister Vajpayee visited Lahore by bus".

Sharif claims came when he was addressing a ceremony in Lahore on the 20th anniversary of the nuclear tests.

He further said, "It is because of my decision to conduct the nuclear tests that no one could challenge Pakistan".

He also said that he was asked by then US President Bill Clinton not to conduct nuclear tests and in return, he promised to give him $ 5 billion.

Sharif said Pakistan's defence had been made strong by an elected prime minister and not by a military dictator.&nbsp;

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Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998.&nbsp;

The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998.

Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device.&nbsp;

The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day".

&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Sharif said eight months after they conducted the test, the then Indian prime minister Vajpayee had visited Lahore by bus

On the anniversary of the detonation of its nuclear test, Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif claimed that India's attitude towards Pakistan had changed after it conducted nuclear tests in 1998. He said eight months after they conducted the test, the then Indian prime minister Vajpayee had visited Lahore by bus. Sharif said, "India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 and it changed the language of its ministers towards us. But when Pakistan conducted the nuclear tests in its reply suddenly their attitude changed. Eight months after the nuclear tests, Indian prime minister Vajpayee visited Lahore by bus". Sharif claims came when he was addressing a ceremony in Lahore on the 20th anniversary of the nuclear tests. He further said, "It is because of my decision to conduct the nuclear tests that no one could challenge Pakistan". He also said that he was asked by then US President Bill Clinton not to conduct nuclear tests and in return, he promised to give him $ 5 billion. Sharif said Pakistan's defence had been made strong by an elected prime minister and not by a military dictator. × Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998. The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998. Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device. The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day". (With inputs from PTI)

India's attitude towards Pakistan changed after Islamabad's nuclear tests: Nawaz Sharif

The security guards of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday thrashed a party worker of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) when he tried to shake hand with ex-PM at an event in Lahore.

In a video clipping, the man can be seen moving toward Nawaz and extending his hand.

The security personnel then quickly circle the man and continued beating him.

The supporter was manhandled despite Maryam Nawaz and the PML-N supremo asking the security officers to set him free.

Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam denounced the behaviour of the security officials, saying, “The PML-N supporters have a special relationship with their supremo.”

A video by ARY news shows the man walking towards Nawaz and extending his hand for a quick handshake.

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PML-N worker beaten by Nawaz Sharif security in ceremony <a href="https://t.co/JITkTeaI5J">pic.twitter.com/JITkTeaI5J</a>
— kashif Mirani PPP (@Kashif_A_Mirani) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kashif_A_Mirani/status/1001068525107269632?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Moments later the PML-N has issued a clarification saying that there was a security breach. They further said that the man wanted to shake hands with the ex-PM, despite the security personnel asking him to identify himself he failed to do so.

Later, talking to reporters, the man said he approached Nawaz because he wanted to pay his respect to him and Maryam.

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'It was my mistake to approach Nawaz Sharif on the stage in the way i did, i apologise for that and security did the right job by stoping me'... Please know that Pakistani media will not show u this passion of a Nawaz sharif lover <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DefenderOfPakNawazSharif?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DefenderOfPakNawazSharif</a> <a href="https://t.co/qLk1LlQaWM">pic.twitter.com/qLk1LlQaWM</a>
— Rabia Baluch (@RabiaBaluch) <a href="https://twitter.com/RabiaBaluch/status/1001109598219243520?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

In the video footage of the incident, the man was seen rushing towards Nawaz.

The security guards of former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday thrashed a party worker of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) when he tried to shake hand with ex-PM at an event in Lahore. In a video clipping, the man can be seen moving toward Nawaz and extending his hand. The security personnel then quickly circle the man and continued beating him. The supporter was manhandled despite Maryam Nawaz and the PML-N supremo asking the security officers to set him free. Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam denounced the behaviour of the security officials, saying, “The PML-N supporters have a special relationship with their supremo.” A video by ARY news shows the man walking towards Nawaz and extending his hand for a quick handshake. PML-N worker beaten by Nawaz Sharif security in ceremony pic.twitter.com/JITkTeaI5J — kashif Mirani PPP (@Kashif_A_Mirani) May 28, 2018 × Moments later the PML-N has issued a clarification saying that there was a security breach. They further said that the man wanted to shake hands with the ex-PM, despite the security personnel asking him to identify himself he failed to do so. Later, talking to reporters, the man said he approached Nawaz because he wanted to pay his respect to him and Maryam. 'It was my mistake to approach Nawaz Sharif on the stage in the way i did, i apologise for that and security did the right job by stoping me'... Please know that Pakistani media will not show u this passion of a Nawaz sharif lover #DefenderOfPakNawazSharif pic.twitter.com/qLk1LlQaWM — Rabia Baluch (@RabiaBaluch) May 28, 2018 ×

Watch: Man thrashed for trying to shake hands with Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country.

"The president has approved July 25 as the date for holding general elections in the country," a spokesman from Mamnoon Hussain's office told AFP.

The announcement comes as the current government enters its final week in office. It is expected to hand over power to a caretaker administration in the coming days.

Turmoil continues to rock the country after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court last July on corruption charges and later barred from politics for life.

Sharif was the 15th prime minister in Pakistan's seven-decade history -- roughly half of it under military rule -- to be removed before completing a full term.

After Sharif was ousted from power, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party (PML-N) took over the premiership.

Pakistan completed its first ever democratic transfer of power following elections in 2013, when the government headed by the Pakistan People's Party handed over to the PML-N, following a landslide victory.

"This is the second consecutive parliament to complete its tenure and we are now looking forward to go to the people to get their verdict on our performance," Finance Minister Miftah Ismail told AFP.

Increasing pressure

The general elections are expected to pit the PML-N against its main rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party led by former cricket star Imran Khan.

PTI is vowing to clean up the country’s rampant corruption, while investing in education and healthcare as Khan inches closer to his years-long dream of leading the country as prime minister.

With Sharif out, the PML-N continue to boast of their investment in the country’s rickety infrastructure and courting billions of dollars in Chinese investment.

Since he was ousted, Sharif and the PML-N have become increasingly vocal in their confrontation with the country’s military establishment and courts, claiming they are victims of a conspiracy to reduce the power of their party.

Despite the numerous court rulings against the PML-N, the party has won a string of recent by-elections proving it will likely remain a powerful force.

The PML-N continues to enjoy large swathes of support in the country's most populous Punjab province, but will enter the election under increasing pressure.&nbsp

In April, a Pakistan court disqualified Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif for violating the country's election laws, while interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was shot in the arm in a suspected assassination attempt in early May by an Islamist gunman.&nbsp

Sharif also sparked a firestorm earlier this month after suggesting Pakistani militants were behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, approaching what is seen as a red line in the country by touching on criticism of Pakistan's armed forces.

There have been increasing fears that media outlets are under heavy pressure from the security establishment heading into the elections, spurring accusations of self censorship by Pakistan's leading television news broadcasters. &nbsp

Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country

Pakistan will hold general elections on July 25, a presidential spokesman said Saturday, offering the prospect of what would be only the second ever democratic transfer of power in the nuclear-armed country. "The president has approved July 25 as the date for holding general elections in the country," a spokesman from Mamnoon Hussain's office told AFP. The announcement comes as the current government enters its final week in office. It is expected to hand over power to a caretaker administration in the coming days. Turmoil continues to rock the country after former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court last July on corruption charges and later barred from politics for life. Sharif was the 15th prime minister in Pakistan's seven-decade history -- roughly half of it under military rule -- to be removed before completing a full term. After Sharif was ousted from power, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi of Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party (PML-N) took over the premiership. Pakistan completed its first ever democratic transfer of power following elections in 2013, when the government headed by the Pakistan People's Party handed over to the PML-N, following a landslide victory. "This is the second consecutive parliament to complete its tenure and we are now looking forward to go to the people to get their verdict on our performance," Finance Minister Miftah Ismail told AFP. Increasing pressure The general elections are expected to pit the PML-N against its main rival, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party led by former cricket star Imran Khan. PTI is vowing to clean up the country’s rampant corruption, while investing in education and healthcare as Khan inches closer to his years-long dream of leading the country as prime minister. With Sharif out, the PML-N continue to boast of their investment in the country’s rickety infrastructure and courting billions of dollars in Chinese investment. Since he was ousted, Sharif and the PML-N have become increasingly vocal in their confrontation with the country’s military establishment and courts, claiming they are victims of a conspiracy to reduce the power of their party. Despite the numerous court rulings against the PML-N, the party has won a string of recent by-elections proving it will likely remain a powerful force. The PML-N continues to enjoy large swathes of support in the country's most populous Punjab province, but will enter the election under increasing pressure. In April, a Pakistan court disqualified Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif for violating the country's election laws, while interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was shot in the arm in a suspected assassination attempt in early May by an Islamist gunman. Sharif also sparked a firestorm earlier this month after suggesting Pakistani militants were behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks, approaching what is seen as a red line in the country by touching on criticism of Pakistan's armed forces. There have been increasing fears that media outlets are under heavy pressure from the security establishment heading into the elections, spurring accusations of self censorship by Pakistan's leading television news broadcasters.

Pakistan announces general elections on July 25

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

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

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

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

Ahead of the general elections in Pakistan which are scheduled to be held in July, the opposition parties in the country have failed to appoint a caretaker prime minister.

According to the law in Pakistan, a caretaker prime minister is appointed to fill in the temporary vacuum created after the conclusion of the existing government and appointment of the new government.

The current government will come to an end in Pakistan on May 31 while the elections will be held on July 25-27. The new goverment will therefore be formed within 60 days.&nbsp

The responsibility to appoint a neutral government lies with the leader of the house (Prime Minister) and leader of the opposition. The two are required to hold a consultation to suggest a name for the caretaker PM .

The leader of Opposition Party in Pakistan, Khursheed Shah who belongs to the Pakistan People's Party said he had held a discussion of five rounds with PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, but the two could not agree on a single name.

He added that now the speaker of the National Assembly will set a Parliamentary Committee to decide on the name of the Caretaker PM.

The Committee will include members from the two parties in Pakistan, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan's People's Party. The two parties will send the name of their nominees to the committee.

If the Parliamentary also fails to agree on a single name for the post, the decision will rest on the Election Commission of Pakistan which will appoint the Caretaker PM from the list of the nominees.

According to the law in Pakistan, a caretaker prime minister is appointed to fill in the temporary vacuum created after the conclusion of the existing government and appointment of the new government

Ahead of the general elections in Pakistan which are scheduled to be held in July, the opposition parties in the country have failed to appoint a caretaker prime minister. According to the law in Pakistan, a caretaker prime minister is appointed to fill in the temporary vacuum created after the conclusion of the existing government and appointment of the new government. The current government will come to an end in Pakistan on May 31 while the elections will be held on July 25-27. The new goverment will therefore be formed within 60 days. The responsibility to appoint a neutral government lies with the leader of the house (Prime Minister) and leader of the opposition. The two are required to hold a consultation to suggest a name for the caretaker PM . The leader of Opposition Party in Pakistan, Khursheed Shah who belongs to the Pakistan People's Party said he had held a discussion of five rounds with PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, but the two could not agree on a single name. He added that now the speaker of the National Assembly will set a Parliamentary Committee to decide on the name of the Caretaker PM. The Committee will include members from the two parties in Pakistan, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan's People's Party. The two parties will send the name of their nominees to the committee. If the Parliamentary also fails to agree on a single name for the post, the decision will rest on the Election Commission of Pakistan which will appoint the Caretaker PM from the list of the nominees.

Pakistan political parties fail to appoint caretaker PM

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was "playing politics" in courts and would pay a heavy price one day.

His remarks came after Sharif said in the Avenfield reference trial at the Islamabad accountability court earlier today that the case was filed against him as a "reciprocal punishment for taking legal action against (former president Pervez) Musharraf despite being warned not to do so."

While recording his statement in Avenfield reference, Nawaz said an intelligence agency officials had told him to "resign or he would be sent on an extended leave", The Nation reported.

Reacting to the statements, Chaudhry said, "I heard what he said carefully and it is a political statement, something that he says during his rallies and the question remains regarding what is his legal stance. Nawaz was asked only two questions regarding the Avenfield properties and the money in the accounts and he neither spoke about the money trail nor the source of the money. It would have been better for Nawaz to have fought a legal case legally and kept politics out."

He claimed that Sharif's "conspiracy theory" will not influence the decision of the court.

On Monday, Sharif reiterated that he had never owned properties in London.

The responses came in reply to the 128 questions put to him. The questionnaire has multiple about four apartments in Park Lane, Avenfield, London, sale proceed of Gulf Steel Mills (GSM), shares of Ahli Steel Mills, investment with Qatari royals, clearance of GSM's liabilities, litigation with Al-Tawfeek Investment and offshore companies Nielson and Nescoll.

During the questioning session with the judge Mohammad Bashir, the deposed prime minister accused the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for reporting selective evidence and portions from the witnesses' statements.

Sharif also criticised the inclusion of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) in the JIT, claiming that the JIT members are biased.

The former prime minister could respond to 55 of the 128 questions. The judge adjourned the proceedings till May 22.

The Pakistan Supreme Court, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases against them.

On the orders of the country's Supreme Court, the JIT was formed last year to probe the allegations on the Sharif family.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Supreme Court, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry on Wednesday said former prime minister Nawaz Sharif was "playing politics" in courts and would pay a heavy price one day. His remarks came after Sharif said in the Avenfield reference trial at the Islamabad accountability court earlier today that the case was filed against him as a "reciprocal punishment for taking legal action against (former president Pervez) Musharraf despite being warned not to do so." While recording his statement in Avenfield reference, Nawaz said an intelligence agency officials had told him to "resign or he would be sent on an extended leave", The Nation reported. Reacting to the statements, Chaudhry said, "I heard what he said carefully and it is a political statement, something that he says during his rallies and the question remains regarding what is his legal stance. Nawaz was asked only two questions regarding the Avenfield properties and the money in the accounts and he neither spoke about the money trail nor the source of the money. It would have been better for Nawaz to have fought a legal case legally and kept politics out." He claimed that Sharif's "conspiracy theory" will not influence the decision of the court. On Monday, Sharif reiterated that he had never owned properties in London. The responses came in reply to the 128 questions put to him. The questionnaire has multiple about four apartments in Park Lane, Avenfield, London, sale proceed of Gulf Steel Mills (GSM), shares of Ahli Steel Mills, investment with Qatari royals, clearance of GSM's liabilities, litigation with Al-Tawfeek Investment and offshore companies Nielson and Nescoll. During the questioning session with the judge Mohammad Bashir, the deposed prime minister accused the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) for reporting selective evidence and portions from the witnesses' statements. Sharif also criticised the inclusion of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and Military Intelligence (MI) in the JIT, claiming that the JIT members are biased. The former prime minister could respond to 55 of the 128 questions. The judge adjourned the proceedings till May 22. The Pakistan Supreme Court, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases against them. On the orders of the country's Supreme Court, the JIT was formed last year to probe the allegations on the Sharif family.

Nawaz Sharif will pay price for 'playing politics' in courts: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf

After Pakistan's oldest newspaper Dawn published an interview with&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-admits-pak-militant-groups-role-in-mumbai-terror-attacks--136372">former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif </a>claiming Pakistan military's role behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the country has <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/nawaz-sharif-interview-pakistan-military-cracks-down-on-dawn-137946">disrupted the distribution of newspapers in various parts</a>.

International media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the disruption of the distribution of one of the leading English newspapers in Pakistan.

In a statement released, the RSF said "The interview, which reportedly displeased the Pakistani military, appeared in the 12 May issue and the blocking began on 15 May. According to RSF's information, distribution is being disrupted in most of Balochistan province, in many cities in Sindh province and in all military cantonments".

The watchdog further said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharifs-2611-remark-pak-press-council-issues-notice-to-dawn-circulation-hit-137813">Press Council of Pakistan had notified DAWN's editor</a> that the newspaper breached the ethical code by publishing content that "may bring into contempt Pakistan or its people or tends to undermine its sovereignty or integrity as an independent country".

"The unwarranted blocking of the distribution of one of the main independent newspapers has yet again shown that the military are determined to maintain their grip on access to news and information in Pakistan," RSF said.

"It is clear that the military high command does not want to allow a democratic debate in the months preceding a general election. We call on the authorities to stop interfering in the dissemination of independent media and to restore distribution of Dawn".

In an interview to a Pakistani media Dawn,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-sc-disqualifies-nawaz-sharif-from-holding-office-for-life-130297">ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif&nbsp;</a>has admitted to Pakistan's role in the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai. He blamed the militant organisation in Pakistan for sending terrorists in India and killing 160 people in the Mumbai terror attacks. He also questioned "why the trials were not being completed in Pakistan".

(With inputs from AFP)

&nbsp;

After Pakistan's oldest newspaper Dawn published an interview with former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif claiming Pakistan military's role behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the country has disrupted the distribution of newspapers in various parts

After Pakistan's oldest newspaper Dawn published an interview with former Pak PM Nawaz Sharif claiming Pakistan military's role behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the country has disrupted the distribution of newspapers in various parts. International media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the disruption of the distribution of one of the leading English newspapers in Pakistan. In a statement released, the RSF said "The interview, which reportedly displeased the Pakistani military, appeared in the 12 May issue and the blocking began on 15 May. According to RSF's information, distribution is being disrupted in most of Balochistan province, in many cities in Sindh province and in all military cantonments". The watchdog further said that the Press Council of Pakistan had notified DAWN's editor that the newspaper breached the ethical code by publishing content that "may bring into contempt Pakistan or its people or tends to undermine its sovereignty or integrity as an independent country". "The unwarranted blocking of the distribution of one of the main independent newspapers has yet again shown that the military are determined to maintain their grip on access to news and information in Pakistan," RSF said. "It is clear that the military high command does not want to allow a democratic debate in the months preceding a general election. We call on the authorities to stop interfering in the dissemination of independent media and to restore distribution of Dawn". In an interview to a Pakistani media Dawn, ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif has admitted to Pakistan's role in the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai. He blamed the militant organisation in Pakistan for sending terrorists in India and killing 160 people in the Mumbai terror attacks. He also questioned "why the trials were not being completed in Pakistan". (With inputs from AFP)

Reporters Without Borders condemns Pakistan crackdown on Dawn newspaper after Sharif interview

Pakistan's ousted premier Nawaz Sharif on Monday denied ownership or any link with the purchase of properties in London as he recorded his statement before the accountability court here in a corruption case spiralling from the Panama Papers scandal.&nbsp

The Avenfield case is one of the three cases filed against Sharif, 68, and his family following the July 28 verdict of the Supreme Court, which had disqualified him and ordered institution of cases.

Sharif, his daughter Maryam, sons Hassan and Hussain and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar are accused in the case that is based on allegation that the properties in London were bought in 1990s with the corruption money when Sharif twice served as premier.

The court last week ordered Sharif, Maryam and Safdar to record final statements in their defense after a 19 prosecution witness testified in the case. Hassan and Hussain were not called as they were already declared as absconders.

Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir had prepared a questionnaire of around 127 questions and handed it over to the counsel representing the Sharif family.

The former prime minister read the written answers while elaborating his positions in the case. He firmly denied that he was direct or indirect owner of properties located in London.

"I was never involved in or associated with the acquisition of the London properties through any real or beneficial title,&nbsphe said.

Sharif also expressed serious reservations about the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) which was set up by the Supreme Court last year and its report led to Sharif's disqualification and start of corruption cases.

"There are and always have been reservations against the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) members, he said.

He especially mentioned representatives of Inter-Services Intelligence and Military Intelligence in the JIT and said their inclusion was "unnecessary".

He also said that other four members of the JIT were not neutral as some of them had political affiliations while others had a track record of anti-Sharif bias.

The court adjourned the hearing until tomorrow.

The three cases include Avenfield properties, Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment. Sharif is accused in all three with his two sons while his daughter and son-in-law are co-accused only in Avenfiled case.&nbsp

Pakistan's ousted premier Nawaz Sharif denied ownership or any link with the purchase of properties in London as he recorded his statement before the accountability court in a corruption case spiralling from the Panama Papers scandal

Pakistan's ousted premier Nawaz Sharif on Monday denied ownership or any link with the purchase of properties in London as he recorded his statement before the accountability court here in a corruption case spiralling from the Panama Papers scandal. The Avenfield case is one of the three cases filed against Sharif, 68, and his family following the July 28 verdict of the Supreme Court, which had disqualified him and ordered institution of cases. Sharif, his daughter Maryam, sons Hassan and Hussain and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar are accused in the case that is based on allegation that the properties in London were bought in 1990s with the corruption money when Sharif twice served as premier. The court last week ordered Sharif, Maryam and Safdar to record final statements in their defense after a 19 prosecution witness testified in the case. Hassan and Hussain were not called as they were already declared as absconders. Accountability Court Judge Muhammad Bashir had prepared a questionnaire of around 127 questions and handed it over to the counsel representing the Sharif family. The former prime minister read the written answers while elaborating his positions in the case. He firmly denied that he was direct or indirect owner of properties located in London. "I was never involved in or associated with the acquisition of the London properties through any real or beneficial title,&nbsphe said. Sharif also expressed serious reservations about the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) which was set up by the Supreme Court last year and its report led to Sharif's disqualification and start of corruption cases. "There are and always have been reservations against the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) members, he said. He especially mentioned representatives of Inter-Services Intelligence and Military Intelligence in the JIT and said their inclusion was "unnecessary". He also said that other four members of the JIT were not neutral as some of them had political affiliations while others had a track record of anti-Sharif bias. The court adjourned the hearing until tomorrow. The three cases include Avenfield properties, Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Flagship Investment. Sharif is accused in all three with his two sons while his daughter and son-in-law are co-accused only in Avenfiled case.

Never involved in or associated with acquisition of properties in London: Nawaz Sharif

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Saturday lambasted Nawaz Sharif's remarks on the 2008 Mumbai attacks, saying that such statements were "unbefitting and anti-Pakistan".

Speaking to media, Ashraf said, "Nawaz's statement was condemned worldwide and is not befitting of an ex-prime minister. Nawaz's statement benefitted India."

He asserted that such comments had hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan, Geo TV reported.

Calling Sharif to withdraw his statement immediately, Ashraf added, "His statement is anti-Pakistan and therefore he should withdraw it."

Last week, during an interview with the Dawn, Sharif had stated, "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?"

"We have isolated ourselves. Despite giving sacrifices, our narrative is not being accepted. Afghanistan's narrative is being accepted, but ours is not. We must look into it," he added.

His remarks were immediately picked up by Indian media, which termed the former prime minister's statement as a confession of Pakistan's role in the Mumbai attacks that left 166 people dead.

It was being seen as an admission of Pakistan's involvement in the terrorist attacks in 2008.

Later, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday accused Indian media of twisting the remarks of Sharif on the 26/11 terror attacks and appealed to members of the National Assembly not to indulge in political gamesmanship and put national security at risk.

Speaking to media, Ashraf said, 'Nawaz's statement was condemned worldwide and is not befitting of an ex-prime minister. Nawaz's statement benefitted India'

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Saturday lambasted Nawaz Sharif's remarks on the 2008 Mumbai attacks, saying that such statements were "unbefitting and anti-Pakistan". Speaking to media, Ashraf said, "Nawaz's statement was condemned worldwide and is not befitting of an ex-prime minister. Nawaz's statement benefitted India." He asserted that such comments had hurt the sentiments of the people of Pakistan, Geo TV reported. Calling Sharif to withdraw his statement immediately, Ashraf added, "His statement is anti-Pakistan and therefore he should withdraw it." Last week, during an interview with the Dawn, Sharif had stated, "Militant organisations are active. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill 150 people in Mumbai? Explain it to me. Why can't we complete the trial?" "We have isolated ourselves. Despite giving sacrifices, our narrative is not being accepted. Afghanistan's narrative is being accepted, but ours is not. We must look into it," he added. His remarks were immediately picked up by Indian media, which termed the former prime minister's statement as a confession of Pakistan's role in the Mumbai attacks that left 166 people dead. It was being seen as an admission of Pakistan's involvement in the terrorist attacks in 2008. Later, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Tuesday accused Indian media of twisting the remarks of Sharif on the 26/11 terror attacks and appealed to members of the National Assembly not to indulge in political gamesmanship and put national security at risk.

Former prime minister Pervaiz Ashraf calls Nawaz Sharif's 26/11 remark 'anti-Pakistan'

Since its birth in 1947, Pakistan has witnessed years of political instability and violence. Religious bigotry, extremism, and sectarianism have always threatened to shake the very foundations of a country which was carved out in the name of Islam.&nbsp;

The vagaries of democracy and hiccups in initial years ensured domination of military in Pakistan. Since independence from Britain in 1947, civilian rule has been repeatedly overturned by military coups.

Pakistan has spent more than 30 years under military rule (1958-1971, 1977-1988, 1999-2008). There have also been numerous unsuccessful military coup attempts since 1951.

The general elections in 2013 were historic because, for the first time, a civilian government (from 2008 to 2013) was able to serve its full term without being toppled by the military or brought down by any crisis.&nbsp;

Until 2013, Pakistan did not experience even one democratic transfer of power from one democratically elected government that had completed its tenure to another.

All of its previous democratic transitions have been aborted by a military coup.&nbsp;The elections were won by Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

Election process

Pakistan follows the Westminster first-past-the-post system. There are 342 seats in the National Assembly (or lower house) - the House of the People in the bicameral parliamentary system.

Out of these, 70 seats are reserved for women and non-Muslims and are allocated to parties according to their performance in polls.

To have a majority in the 342-member National Assembly, a party or coalition would need 172 seats or 50% plus one.

Results of Pakistani general election 2013

Four political parties emerged as the major players in 2013 elections

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 500px;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of the political party&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</td>
			<td>Number of seats won</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz - PML(N)</td>
			<td>166</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)</td>
			<td>42</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Imran Khan led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)</td>
			<td>35</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Altaf Hussain's Muttahida Qaumi Movement</td>
			<td>24</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Others</td>
			<td>75</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Total</td>
			<td>342&nbsp; &nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

According to the Election Commission of Pakistan, overall voter turnout in the 2013 general elections was recorded at 55.02% - much higher than elections since the 80s.&nbsp;

In 2013 over 46.2 million people exercised their right to vote in the elections.

The PML-N got the majority of votes (14.8 million) followed by the PTI (7.5 million), the PPP (6.8 million) and the MQM (2.4 million).&nbsp;

Independent candidates picked up 5.8 million votes.&nbsp;

Political and sectarian violence overshadowed the 2013 elections, leaving more than 130 people dead and scores more wounded.

Out of these, 70 seats are reserved for women and non-Muslims and are allocated to parties according to their performance in polls.

Since its birth in 1947, Pakistan has witnessed years of political instability and violence. Religious bigotry, extremism, and sectarianism have always threatened to shake the very foundations of a country which was carved out in the name of Islam. The vagaries of democracy and hiccups in initial years ensured domination of military in Pakistan. Since independence from Britain in 1947, civilian rule has been repeatedly overturned by military coups. Pakistan has spent more than 30 years under military rule (1958-1971, 1977-1988, 1999-2008). There have also been numerous unsuccessful military coup attempts since 1951. The general elections in 2013 were historic because, for the first time, a civilian government (from 2008 to 2013) was able to serve its full term without being toppled by the military or brought down by any crisis. Until 2013, Pakistan did not experience even one democratic transfer of power from one democratically elected government that had completed its tenure to another. All of its previous democratic transitions have been aborted by a military coup. The elections were won by Nawaz Sharif and his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. Election process Pakistan follows the Westminster first-past-the-post system. There are 342 seats in the National Assembly (or lower house) - the House of the People in the bicameral parliamentary system. Out of these, 70 seats are reserved for women and non-Muslims and are allocated to parties according to their performance in polls. To have a majority in the 342-member National Assembly, a party or coalition would need 172 seats or 50% plus one. Results of Pakistani general election 2013 Four political parties emerged as the major players in 2013 elections Name of the political party Number of seats won Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz - PML(N) 166 Bilawal Bhutto Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) 42 Imran Khan led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) 35 Altaf Hussain's Muttahida Qaumi Movement 24 Others 75 Total 342 According to the Election Commission of Pakistan, overall voter turnout in the 2013 general elections was recorded at 55.02% - much higher than elections since the 80s. In 2013 over 46.2 million people exercised their right to vote in the elections. The PML-N got the majority of votes (14.8 million) followed by the PTI (7.5 million), the PPP (6.8 million) and the MQM (2.4 million). Independent candidates picked up 5.8 million votes. Political and sectarian violence overshadowed the 2013 elections, leaving more than 130 people dead and scores more wounded.

Pakistan elections: When the Islamic Republic witnessed first transfer of power

The US today expressed "tremendous concern" that Pakistan terrorist Hafiz Saeed was out in the open.

US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said&nbspthat Washington had a reward on the Lashkar-e-Taiba chief's arrest.

"He (Hafiz Saeed) is out in the open, it is a tremendous concern to the US. We have a reward on him, for his arrest," Heather Nauert said when asked to comment on former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's statement on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

"We have a very strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi’s government. We have strong people-to-people ties with the Indian State dept," the US State Department spokesperson added.

Nawaz Sharif had recently said in an interview to Pakistani newspaper The Dawn that Pakistani terrorists or "non-state actors" were responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks.

"Militant organisations are active in Pakistan. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill over 150 people in Mumbai?," the former Pakistan prime minister had said without naming Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed terrorist outfits the Let and the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JuD).

India has blamed the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) for the 2008 attack on the city of Mumbai which claimed over 160 lives.

The US also blames LeT for the Mumbai attacks and has offered $10 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Hafiz Saeed.

Washington has asked Islamabad to prosecute Saeed multiple times and strongly condemned the decision to release the US-wanted terrorist from house arrest in November last year.

Last month, the US designated the Milli Muslim League (MML) as a foreign terrorist organisation, stating that banned LeT members make up the MML's leadership .

 
&nbsp

US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert was asked to comment on former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's statement on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks

The US today expressed "tremendous concern" that Pakistan terrorist Hafiz Saeed was out in the open. US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said&nbspthat Washington had a reward on the Lashkar-e-Taiba chief's arrest. "He (Hafiz Saeed) is out in the open, it is a tremendous concern to the US. We have a reward on him, for his arrest," Heather Nauert said when asked to comment on former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif's statement on the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. "We have a very strong relationship with Prime Minister Modi’s government. We have strong people-to-people ties with the Indian State dept," the US State Department spokesperson added. Nawaz Sharif had recently said in an interview to Pakistani newspaper The Dawn that Pakistani terrorists or "non-state actors" were responsible for the Mumbai terror attacks. "Militant organisations are active in Pakistan. Call them non-state actors, should we allow them to cross the border and kill over 150 people in Mumbai?," the former Pakistan prime minister had said without naming Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed terrorist outfits the Let and the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JuD). India has blamed the Pakistan-based terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) for the 2008 attack on the city of Mumbai which claimed over 160 lives. The US also blames LeT for the Mumbai attacks and has offered $10 million for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Hafiz Saeed. Washington has asked Islamabad to prosecute Saeed multiple times and strongly condemned the decision to release the US-wanted terrorist from house arrest in November last year. Last month, the US designated the Milli Muslim League (MML) as a foreign terrorist organisation, stating that banned LeT members make up the MML's leadership .

Hafiz Saeed out in open a tremendous concern: US

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