Pakistan&rsquo;s interior minister and PM Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s longstanding ally Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan&nbsp; said on Thursday that he will quit his post after the Supreme Court verdict on<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/panamagate-jit-finds-disparities-in-sharif-family-income-17801"> corruption accusations against Sharif</a>, whatever the outcome.

&quot;The day Supreme Court decides, whether it is in favour of Nawaz Sharif or against him, I have decided I will quit from my ministry and I will also quit from the National Assembly,&quot; Khan said, Reuters reported.

&nbsp;Khan&rsquo;s announcement is a fresh blow to the PM who is awaiting a ruling that could remove him from office.

Khan said he had argued with members of Sharif&rsquo;s PML-N party over how to tackle the Panama papers leak, which had led to a probe into how the PM obtained his wealth.&nbsp;

Earlier this month Sharif and his <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maryam-nawaz-forged-documents-used-font-not-available-in-2006-jit-17863">family members</a> dismissed a report from the Joint Investigation team that raised questions about his wealth.&nbsp;

Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan announcement is a fresh blow to the PM who is awaiting a ruling that could remove him from office

Pakistan’s interior minister and PM Nawaz Sharif’s longstanding ally Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said on Thursday that he will quit his post after the Supreme Court verdict on corruption accusations against Sharif, whatever the outcome. "The day Supreme Court decides, whether it is in favour of Nawaz Sharif or against him, I have decided I will quit from my ministry and I will also quit from the National Assembly," Khan said, Reuters reported. Khan’s announcement is a fresh blow to the PM who is awaiting a ruling that could remove him from office. Khan said he had argued with members of Sharif’s PML-N party over how to tackle the Panama papers leak, which had led to a probe into how the PM obtained his wealth. Earlier this month Sharif and his family members dismissed a report from the Joint Investigation team that raised questions about his wealth.

Panamagate: Pakistan interior minister vows to quit in fresh setback for PM Sharif

Beleaguered Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s younger brother and Punjab province Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to replace him if he is disqualified by the Supreme Court for alleged corruption and money laundering in the sensitive Panama Papers case, according to a media report.

Since Shehbaz is not a member of the National Assembly -- the lower house of the Parliament -- he cannot succeed immediately and would have to contest elections.

Therefore, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif will most likely become the interim prime minister for 45 days till Shehbaz is elected in by-polls, Geo News reported, citing sources, that it was decided in a high-level huddle of ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) yesterday.

It was also decided during the meeting that the party will utilise all legal and constitutional options available if the verdict goes against the premier.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sharif, was also attended by Shehbaz along with federal ministers, advisers and the legal team representing the Sharif family in the Panama Papers case. 
 
The meeting reviewed the situation following developments in the Supreme Court.

According to sources, the legal team briefed the prime minister on the Panama Papers case. Speaking in a talk show, Asif rebuffed the media reports.

&quot;The entire party is behind the leadership of Nawaz Sharif. There is no any prime ministerial candidate. There has been no discussion in the meeting on this issue&quot;.

The Supreme Court yesterday concluded hearing the sensitive Panama Papers case against beleaguered Prime Minister Sharif, 67, and his family for alleged corruption and money laundering, but reserved its verdict that could jeopardise his political future.

The judgement was reserved after counsels of both sides concluded their arguments before a three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan. The bench did not immediately give any date to give its judgement.

A six-member JIT was set up in May by the Supreme Court with the mandate to probe the Sharif family for allegedly failing to provide the trail of money used to buy properties in London in 1990s.

The JIT has recommended that the report&#39;s Volume-X should be treated as confidential as it contains the details of correspondence with other countries.

So far Sharif has refused to quit, calling the investigators&#39; report a compilation of &quot;allegations and assumptions&quot;. His decision to stay in power was endorsed by the federal Cabinet last week.

(PTI)

Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's younger brother and Punjab province Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to replace him if he is disqualified by the Supreme Court for alleged corruption

Beleaguered Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's younger brother and Punjab province Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to replace him if he is disqualified by the Supreme Court for alleged corruption and money laundering in the sensitive Panama Papers case, according to a media report. Since Shehbaz is not a member of the National Assembly -- the lower house of the Parliament -- he cannot succeed immediately and would have to contest elections. Therefore, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif will most likely become the interim prime minister for 45 days till Shehbaz is elected in by-polls, Geo News reported, citing sources, that it was decided in a high-level huddle of ruling Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) yesterday. It was also decided during the meeting that the party will utilise all legal and constitutional options available if the verdict goes against the premier. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Sharif, was also attended by Shehbaz along with federal ministers, advisers and the legal team representing the Sharif family in the Panama Papers case. The meeting reviewed the situation following developments in the Supreme Court. According to sources, the legal team briefed the prime minister on the Panama Papers case. Speaking in a talk show, Asif rebuffed the media reports. "The entire party is behind the leadership of Nawaz Sharif. There is no any prime ministerial candidate. There has been no discussion in the meeting on this issue". The Supreme Court yesterday concluded hearing the sensitive Panama Papers case against beleaguered Prime Minister Sharif, 67, and his family for alleged corruption and money laundering, but reserved its verdict that could jeopardise his political future. The judgement was reserved after counsels of both sides concluded their arguments before a three-judge bench of the apex court headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan. The bench did not immediately give any date to give its judgement. A six-member JIT was set up in May by the Supreme Court with the mandate to probe the Sharif family for allegedly failing to provide the trail of money used to buy properties in London in 1990s. The JIT has recommended that the report's Volume-X should be treated as confidential as it contains the details of correspondence with other countries. So far Sharif has refused to quit, calling the investigators' report a compilation of "allegations and assumptions". His decision to stay in power was endorsed by the federal Cabinet last week. (PTI)

Nawaz Sharif's brother to replace him in case of conviction: Report

The chairman of Pakistan&#39;s financial regulator was arrested today accused of forging documents in the&nbsp;Panama Papers case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.&nbsp;

Head of the Securities and Exchange Commission Zafar Hijazi has been accused by investigators of tampering records of a sugar mill owned by the Sharif family.&nbsp;

Hijazi appeared in court on Friday morning for a bail hearing and was arrested during the proceedings.

Meanwhile, Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court concluded hearing the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/panamagate-jit-finds-disparities-in-sharif-family-income-17801">Panama Papers case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif </a>and his family for alleged corruption which has gripped the country.

The three-member bench did not give any date to give its judgement.&nbsp;Justice Saeed observed that the court will not deviate from any law while delivering its judgement.&nbsp;

&quot;We are conscious of the fundamental rights of petitioners and respondents,&quot; the judge said.

The apex court also opened the final part of the 10-volume report submitted by the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/family-subjected-to-accountability-during-previous-regimes-nawaz-sharif-16862"> Joint Investigation Team(JIT) it had set up to probe the allegations</a> of money laundering by Sharif. 
&nbsp;

Zafar Hijazi has been accused by investigators of tampering records of a sugar mill owned by the Sharif family

The chairman of Pakistan's financial regulator was arrested today accused of forging documents in the Panama Papers case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Head of the Securities and Exchange Commission Zafar Hijazi has been accused by investigators of tampering records of a sugar mill owned by the Sharif family. Hijazi appeared in court on Friday morning for a bail hearing and was arrested during the proceedings. Meanwhile, Pakistan's Supreme Court concluded hearing the Panama Papers case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family for alleged corruption which has gripped the country. The three-member bench did not give any date to give its judgement. Justice Saeed observed that the court will not deviate from any law while delivering its judgement. "We are conscious of the fundamental rights of petitioners and respondents," the judge said. The apex court also opened the final part of the 10-volume report submitted by the Joint Investigation Team(JIT) it had set up to probe the allegations of money laundering by Sharif.

Pakistan's head of the Securities and Exchange Commission linked to Sharif arrested

PM&nbsp;Nawaz Sharif&#39;s legal&nbsp;team has dismissed as &quot;illegal and biased&quot; the Panama Papers probe by Pakistan&#39;s Joint investigation team&nbsp;(JIT).&nbsp;

The Joint Investigation Team in its final report recommended the filing of graft case against him and his children as the Supreme Court resumed the hearing of the Panama Papers graft case.

The JIT was formed after the Supreme Court&rsquo;s judgment on April 20 &nbsp;to probe Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family&#39;s offshore business dealings.&nbsp;

The panel submitted its 60-day investigation report to the court on July 10, pointing out discrepancies in the wealth details of Sharif and members of his family.&nbsp;

The report found them &ldquo;guilty&rdquo; of being beneficial owners of multiple offshore companies, and recommended initiation of reference against Sharif and his family members in the National Accountability Bureau.

Following the report, the special bench, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, issued notices to the parties to submit their responses.

The opposition parties have been demanding the prime minister&rsquo;s resignation since the JIT report became public.&nbsp;

Khawja Harris on behalf of PM Sharif filed a response to the JIT report, rejecting its findings and accusing it of bias and violation of the original mandate, reports PTI.&nbsp;

&quot;The JIT report is not only against the law but also the constitution of the country and its finding are, therefore, of no legal value,&quot; he said. 
&nbsp;

Khawja Harris&nbsp;also objected to the documents obtained from the foreign countries, which he said was against laws of the country.&nbsp;He asked the court to provide the volume 10 of the report which was kept confidential on JIT&#39;s request.

Harris also urged the court to reject the JIT report.&nbsp;Finance minister Ishaq Dar on his behalf separately submitted objections over the JIT report in the Supreme Court registrar&#39;s office.

Meanwhile, Imran Khan&#39;s Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s brother and current Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif over allegations of conflict of interest.&nbsp;The plea alleges that Shahbaz &quot;violated his oath&quot; that he took when he assumed the office of Punjab chief minister as he remained involved in his private business despite holding a public office.&nbsp;

The petition would be heard by the Lahore High Court on Tuesday.

Pak Army distances itself

The Pakistan Army has said that it has no direct link with the Panama case Joint Investigation Team against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members,&nbsp;

Reports had claimed that the army is part of a controversy to remove the civilian government.&nbsp;

Geo News quoted major general Asif Ghafoor, director general, of Pakistan Army&rsquo;s media wing as saying, &quot;I don&#39;t think this even merits a response. I have shown you what the army is doing&quot;.

Gafoor faced a flurry&nbsp;of questions on the Panamagate controversy during a press conference, ANI reported.

He said the members of the JIT worked with honesty and dedication and added that &quot;it is a sub-judice matter and the Supreme Court will make its decision in the case&quot;.

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Nawaz Sharif is the first sitting premier to appear before a team probing graft charges (WION)
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The proceedings in the case are expected to begin from 9.30 am

PM Nawaz Sharif's legal team has dismissed as "illegal and biased" the Panama Papers probe by Pakistan's Joint investigation team (JIT). The Joint Investigation Team in its final report recommended the filing of graft case against him and his children as the Supreme Court resumed the hearing of the Panama Papers graft case. The JIT was formed after the Supreme Court’s judgment on April 20 to probe Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family's offshore business dealings. The panel submitted its 60-day investigation report to the court on July 10, pointing out discrepancies in the wealth details of Sharif and members of his family. The report found them “guilty” of being beneficial owners of multiple offshore companies, and recommended initiation of reference against Sharif and his family members in the National Accountability Bureau. Following the report, the special bench, headed by Justice Ejaz Afzal Khan, issued notices to the parties to submit their responses. The opposition parties have been demanding the prime minister’s resignation since the JIT report became public. Khawja Harris on behalf of PM Sharif filed a response to the JIT report, rejecting its findings and accusing it of bias and violation of the original mandate, reports PTI. "The JIT report is not only against the law but also the constitution of the country and its finding are, therefore, of no legal value," he said. Khawja Harris also objected to the documents obtained from the foreign countries, which he said was against laws of the country. He asked the court to provide the volume 10 of the report which was kept confidential on JIT's request. Harris also urged the court to reject the JIT report. Finance minister Ishaq Dar on his behalf separately submitted objections over the JIT report in the Supreme Court registrar's office. Meanwhile, Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking disqualification of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s brother and current Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif over allegations of conflict of interest. The plea alleges that Shahbaz "violated his oath" that he took when he assumed the office of Punjab chief minister as he remained involved in his private business despite holding a public office. The petition would be heard by the Lahore High Court on Tuesday. Pak Army distances itself The Pakistan Army has said that it has no direct link with the Panama case Joint Investigation Team against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his family members, Reports had claimed that the army is part of a controversy to remove the civilian government. Geo News quoted major general Asif Ghafoor, director general, of Pakistan Army’s media wing as saying, "I don't think this even merits a response. I have shown you what the army is doing". Gafoor faced a flurry of questions on the Panamagate controversy during a press conference, ANI reported. He said the members of the JIT worked with honesty and dedication and added that "it is a sub-judice matter and the Supreme Court will make its decision in the case". Nawaz Sharif is the first sitting premier to appear before a team probing graft charges (WION) ×

Panama Papers case: PM Nawaz Sharif's legal team dismisses JIT report

Amid calls for his resignation, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday got into a huddle with his top aides to chalk out a strategy to deal with the Panama case probe panel&#39;s damning report that recommended the filing of a graft case against him and his family.

The six-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) that probed the Sharif family&#39;s business dealings in its 10-volume report submitted to the apex court on Monday recommended that a corruption case should be filed against Sharif and his sons Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz, as well as daughter Maryam Nawaz, under the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance 1999.

It found Sharif and his children to be &quot;living beyond the known means of income&quot;.

The report, however, was slammed by the Sharif government as &quot;trash&quot; with Sharif&#39;s close aide and minister for development Ahsan Iqbal in a press conference with other ministers, saying they will challenge the report in the Supreme Court and will &quot;completely expose and unveil its contradictions and falsifications&quot;.

Sharif on Tuesday consulted senior party leaders and loyalists to formulate a policy to deal with the legal and political consequences of the high-level inquiry report against him.

Sharif also called his younger brother and Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif from Lahore to be a part of a meeting attended by defence minister Khawaja Asif, railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq, interior&nbsp;minister Nisar Ali Khan, minister of planning and development Ahsan Iqbal, minister of petroleum Khaqan Abbasi and other members of his legal team.

According to sources, Tuesday&#39;s meeting was more focused on how to defend the prime minister and his family in the Supreme Court which will hear the case on July 17 and has already asked the parties to respond in the light of the JIT report.

&quot;The meeting has also expressed complete confidence in the leadership of the prime minister,&quot; sources said.

Sharif faces formidable legal and political challenges after the report. His fate is dependent on the verdict of the Supreme Court which will hear the arguments and decide on a future course of action.

It is likely that it may ask the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to launch the corruption case against Sharif and his children. But it may also reject the report after hearing the objections by the Sharif legal team.

But even before any action is taken, opposition parties have joined hands and are asking for his removal.

&quot;Sharif has no reason to stay in power. He should resign immediately,&quot; Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi said.

Pakistan Peoples Party leader Syed Khurshid Shah said the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) should start working on in-house change by replacing Sharif.

Sharif&#39;s nemesis Imran Khan told the media on Monday that Sharif should resign.

&quot;There is no need of further trial or proceedings. He should go away and should be barred from leaving the country along with other family members,&quot; Khan had said.

Replying to the opposition, finance minister Ishaq Dar rejected the call for Sharif&#39;s resignation and said: &quot;why he should resign. There is no allegation against him. The JIT report is faulty and we will defend the case before the Supreme Court&quot;.

Railway minister Saad Rafique alleged that the conspiracy to remove Sharif was hatched outside and is being implemented through Imran.

Both the ministers were of the view that the JIT report was not final and it cannot force Sharif to resign.

Only the Supreme Court has the authority to take the final decision about the future of the prime minister, they said.&nbsp;

Sharif faces formidable legal and political challenges after the JIT report. His fate is dependent on the verdict of the Supreme Court which will hear the arguments and decide on a future course of action

Amid calls for his resignation, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday got into a huddle with his top aides to chalk out a strategy to deal with the Panama case probe panel's damning report that recommended the filing of a graft case against him and his family. The six-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) that probed the Sharif family's business dealings in its 10-volume report submitted to the apex court on Monday recommended that a corruption case should be filed against Sharif and his sons Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz, as well as daughter Maryam Nawaz, under the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance 1999. It found Sharif and his children to be "living beyond the known means of income". The report, however, was slammed by the Sharif government as "trash" with Sharif's close aide and minister for development Ahsan Iqbal in a press conference with other ministers, saying they will challenge the report in the Supreme Court and will "completely expose and unveil its contradictions and falsifications". Sharif on Tuesday consulted senior party leaders and loyalists to formulate a policy to deal with the legal and political consequences of the high-level inquiry report against him. Sharif also called his younger brother and Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif from Lahore to be a part of a meeting attended by defence minister Khawaja Asif, railways minister Khawaja Saad Rafiq, interior minister Nisar Ali Khan, minister of planning and development Ahsan Iqbal, minister of petroleum Khaqan Abbasi and other members of his legal team. According to sources, Tuesday's meeting was more focused on how to defend the prime minister and his family in the Supreme Court which will hear the case on July 17 and has already asked the parties to respond in the light of the JIT report. "The meeting has also expressed complete confidence in the leadership of the prime minister," sources said. Sharif faces formidable legal and political challenges after the report. His fate is dependent on the verdict of the Supreme Court which will hear the arguments and decide on a future course of action. It is likely that it may ask the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to launch the corruption case against Sharif and his children. But it may also reject the report after hearing the objections by the Sharif legal team. But even before any action is taken, opposition parties have joined hands and are asking for his removal. "Sharif has no reason to stay in power. He should resign immediately," Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf senior leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi said. Pakistan Peoples Party leader Syed Khurshid Shah said the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) should start working on in-house change by replacing Sharif. Sharif's nemesis Imran Khan told the media on Monday that Sharif should resign. "There is no need of further trial or proceedings. He should go away and should be barred from leaving the country along with other family members," Khan had said. Replying to the opposition, finance minister Ishaq Dar rejected the call for Sharif's resignation and said: "why he should resign. There is no allegation against him. The JIT report is faulty and we will defend the case before the Supreme Court". Railway minister Saad Rafique alleged that the conspiracy to remove Sharif was hatched outside and is being implemented through Imran. Both the ministers were of the view that the JIT report was not final and it cannot force Sharif to resign. Only the Supreme Court has the authority to take the final decision about the future of the prime minister, they said.

Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif meets top aides after JIT fallout

In a setback to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, a Supreme Court ordered probe panel in its final report on the Panamagate today recommended the filing of a corruption case against him and his children after finding &quot;significant&quot; disparities in their income and actual wealth.

The six-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) that probed the Sharif family&#39;s business dealings in its report submitted to the apex court recommended that a corruption case should be filed against Sharif and his sons Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz, as well as daughter Maryam Nawaz, under the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance 1999.

The report, however, was slammed by the Nawaz Sharif government as &quot;trash&quot; with Sharif&#39;s close aide and minister for development Ahsan Iqbal in press conference with other ministers, saying they will challenge the report in the Supreme Court and will &quot;completely expose and unveil its contradictions and falsifications&quot;.

Sharif&#39;s daughter Maryam also rejected the report, saying, &quot;JIT report REJECTED. Every contradiction will not only be contested but decimated in SC. NOT a penny of public exchequer involved.&quot;

The JIT report said the assets of all four respondents were found to be more than the sources of their income.

&quot;Significant gap/disparity amongst the known and declared sources of income and the wealth accumulated by the Respondent No. 1, 6, 7 and 8 have been observed,&quot; the JIT observed in its concluding remarks.

Respondent 1 refers to Prime Minister Sharif; Respondent 6 was Maryam; Respondent 7 Hussain; while Respondent 8 was Hassan.

The report said the financial structure and health of companies in Pakistan having linkages to the Sharif family also do no substantiate their wealth.

It also highlighted &quot;irregular movement&quot; of huge sums of money in the form &quot;loans and gifts&quot; between Sharif and his youngest son from various companies set up in Saudi Arabia, the UK and the UAE.

The report said the role of off-shore companies is critical as they have been identified to be linked with their businesses in UK.

The JIT also said that the Sharifs were unable to provide substantive evidence of a reliable money trail, used to buy expensive properties in London.

Sharif, 67, who has denied money-laundering allegations against him and his family, today held consultations with his close aides after the report was filed with the court.

Sharif&#39;s close aide and minister for development Iqbal later said, &quot;If you review this report, it has no logical argument neither it quoted authentic sources nor material, but is based on things that have no authenticity before the law. Therefore, we are rejecting this report, terming it rubbish.&quot;

Iqbal, while announcing that his party will challenge the report before the apex court, said, &quot;We not only condemn this report but will completely expose and unveil its contradictions and falsification before the Supreme Court. We will demolish this report.&quot;

Iqbal said the report was based on accusations leveled by Imran and his party and there was nothing new in it.

Zafarullah Khan, another close aide of Sharif, said, &quot;It is a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf report and not JIT report...It is Imran Nama.&quot;

He said that the Supreme Court bench will consign the report to a &quot;trash bin, where it rightfully belongs&quot;.

Earlier, JIT chief Wajid Zia presented the 10-volume report along with evidence to the three-member special bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal, Justice Azmat Saeed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan.

The court ordered that its copies should be provided to the parties in the case, including Sharif family.

However, JIT chief Zia asked the court that its 10th volume of the report should not be made public as it consists of correspondence with a foreign government. 
The bench has adjourned the hearing till Monday.

The six-member JIT was set up in May by the Supreme Court with the mandate to probe the Sharif family for allegedly failing to provide the trail of money used to buy properties in London in 1990s.

The JIT has also probed several serving and former officials in connection with the case.

The six-member JIT included Federal Investigation Agency&#39;s (FIA) Additional Director General Wajid Zia, Military Intelligence&#39;s Brig Kamran Khurshid, National Accountability Bureau&#39;s (NAB) Director Irfan Naeem Mangi, State Bank of Pakistan&#39;s Amer Aziz, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan&#39;s (SECP) Executive Director Bilal Rasool and Inter- Services Intelligence&#39;s Brig Muhammad Nauman Saeed.

Last year, the Panama Papers revealed that three of Prime Minister Sharif&#39;s children owned offshore companies and assets not shown on his family&#39;s wealth statement. The assets in question include four expensive flats in Park Lane, London.

The top court took up the case in October last year on petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Awami Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami and reserved the verdict in February after conducting hearings on a daily basis.

The JIT questioned Sharif family including the Prime Minister, his younger brother and Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif, sons Hassan and Hussain, daughter Maryam, son-in-law Captain Safdar, cousin Tariq Shafi and close relative Ishaq Dar.

It also probed several serving and former officials.

Meanwhile, Sharif&#39;s rival Imran told the media that the PML-N chief should resign as prime minister.

&quot;There is no need of further trial or proceedings. He should go away and should be barred from leaving the country along with other family members,&quot; he said.

A Joint Investigation Team set up to probe the Sharif family's business dealings has found disparities in their income and actual wealth

In a setback to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, a Supreme Court ordered probe panel in its final report on the Panamagate today recommended the filing of a corruption case against him and his children after finding "significant" disparities in their income and actual wealth. The six-member Joint Investigation Team (JIT) that probed the Sharif family's business dealings in its report submitted to the apex court recommended that a corruption case should be filed against Sharif and his sons Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz, as well as daughter Maryam Nawaz, under the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) ordinance 1999. The report, however, was slammed by the Nawaz Sharif government as "trash" with Sharif's close aide and minister for development Ahsan Iqbal in press conference with other ministers, saying they will challenge the report in the Supreme Court and will "completely expose and unveil its contradictions and falsifications". Sharif's daughter Maryam also rejected the report, saying, "JIT report REJECTED. Every contradiction will not only be contested but decimated in SC. NOT a penny of public exchequer involved." The JIT report said the assets of all four respondents were found to be more than the sources of their income. "Significant gap/disparity amongst the known and declared sources of income and the wealth accumulated by the Respondent No. 1, 6, 7 and 8 have been observed," the JIT observed in its concluding remarks. Respondent 1 refers to Prime Minister Sharif; Respondent 6 was Maryam; Respondent 7 Hussain; while Respondent 8 was Hassan. The report said the financial structure and health of companies in Pakistan having linkages to the Sharif family also do no substantiate their wealth. It also highlighted "irregular movement" of huge sums of money in the form "loans and gifts" between Sharif and his youngest son from various companies set up in Saudi Arabia, the UK and the UAE. The report said the role of off-shore companies is critical as they have been identified to be linked with their businesses in UK. The JIT also said that the Sharifs were unable to provide substantive evidence of a reliable money trail, used to buy expensive properties in London. Sharif, 67, who has denied money-laundering allegations against him and his family, today held consultations with his close aides after the report was filed with the court. Sharif's close aide and minister for development Iqbal later said, "If you review this report, it has no logical argument neither it quoted authentic sources nor material, but is based on things that have no authenticity before the law. Therefore, we are rejecting this report, terming it rubbish." Iqbal, while announcing that his party will challenge the report before the apex court, said, "We not only condemn this report but will completely expose and unveil its contradictions and falsification before the Supreme Court. We will demolish this report." Iqbal said the report was based on accusations leveled by Imran and his party and there was nothing new in it. Zafarullah Khan, another close aide of Sharif, said, "It is a Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf report and not JIT report...It is Imran Nama." He said that the Supreme Court bench will consign the report to a "trash bin, where it rightfully belongs". Earlier, JIT chief Wajid Zia presented the 10-volume report along with evidence to the three-member special bench of the Supreme Court comprising Justice Ejaz Afzal, Justice Azmat Saeed and Justice Ijazul Ahsan. The court ordered that its copies should be provided to the parties in the case, including Sharif family. However, JIT chief Zia asked the court that its 10th volume of the report should not be made public as it consists of correspondence with a foreign government. The bench has adjourned the hearing till Monday. The six-member JIT was set up in May by the Supreme Court with the mandate to probe the Sharif family for allegedly failing to provide the trail of money used to buy properties in London in 1990s. The JIT has also probed several serving and former officials in connection with the case. The six-member JIT included Federal Investigation Agency's (FIA) Additional Director General Wajid Zia, Military Intelligence's Brig Kamran Khurshid, National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) Director Irfan Naeem Mangi, State Bank of Pakistan's Amer Aziz, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan's (SECP) Executive Director Bilal Rasool and Inter- Services Intelligence's Brig Muhammad Nauman Saeed. Last year, the Panama Papers revealed that three of Prime Minister Sharif's children owned offshore companies and assets not shown on his family's wealth statement. The assets in question include four expensive flats in Park Lane, London. The top court took up the case in October last year on petitions filed by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Awami Muslim League and Jamaat-e-Islami and reserved the verdict in February after conducting hearings on a daily basis. The JIT questioned Sharif family including the Prime Minister, his younger brother and Punjab chief minister Shehbaz Sharif, sons Hassan and Hussain, daughter Maryam, son-in-law Captain Safdar, cousin Tariq Shafi and close relative Ishaq Dar. It also probed several serving and former officials. Meanwhile, Sharif's rival Imran told the media that the PML-N chief should resign as prime minister. "There is no need of further trial or proceedings. He should go away and should be barred from leaving the country along with other family members," he said.

Panamagate: JIT finds disparities in Sharif family income

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Saturday threatened to reject the findings of a joint investigation team (JIT) probing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s family for tax evasion, threatening to push the country&#39;s politics against a precipice.

The six-member JIT set up in May by the Supreme Court is investigating the Sharifs for allegedly failing to provide the trail of money used to buy properties in London in 1990s.

The JIT questioned Sharif, his daughter and two sons, and several of his family members, close aides and top current and former officials.

It is expected to submit it report on July 10 at the completion of a 60-day deadline.

Four federal ministers considered close to Sharif in a press conference said the PML-N will not accept the JIT report if it did not record the statements of the former Qatari prime minister Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani.

&quot;The JIT report will be compromised without his (Qatari prince) statements and we will not accept it,&quot; Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said.

Al-Thani in two letters written to Supreme Court revealed that late Muhammad Shairf, father of Nawaz Sharif, had invested 12 million dirham in real estate business of the royal family.

According to letters by the Qatari royal, the money invested by late Sharif was returned to the family with profits. The Sharifs have maintained that the same money was used to buy properties in London.

However, opposition parties allege that the London properties was bought through ill-gotten money in 1990s when Sharif served twice as Pakistan&#39;s prime minister.

During the week, local media reported that two members of the JIT has gone to Qatar to record his statement but it later emerged that the they had gone to UAE for official work.

It for the first time that PML-N has indicated that it might reject the report. But any such action may result in widespread unrest in the country.

Sharif&#39;s nemesis Imran Khan had already threatened that he would protest if the government tried to derail the probe.

The current crisis started after the Panama Papers showed that Sharif&#39;s children owned the London properties and manage them through offshore companies.

Four federal ministers considered close to Sharif have said that the PML-N will not accept the JIT report if it did not record the statements of the former Qatari prime minister Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz on Saturday threatened to reject the findings of a joint investigation team (JIT) probing Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's family for tax evasion, threatening to push the country's politics against a precipice. The six-member JIT set up in May by the Supreme Court is investigating the Sharifs for allegedly failing to provide the trail of money used to buy properties in London in 1990s. The JIT questioned Sharif, his daughter and two sons, and several of his family members, close aides and top current and former officials. It is expected to submit it report on July 10 at the completion of a 60-day deadline. Four federal ministers considered close to Sharif in a press conference said the PML-N will not accept the JIT report if it did not record the statements of the former Qatari prime minister Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani. "The JIT report will be compromised without his (Qatari prince) statements and we will not accept it," Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Railways Minister Khawaja Saad Rafique, Petroleum Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said. Al-Thani in two letters written to Supreme Court revealed that late Muhammad Shairf, father of Nawaz Sharif, had invested 12 million dirham in real estate business of the royal family. According to letters by the Qatari royal, the money invested by late Sharif was returned to the family with profits. The Sharifs have maintained that the same money was used to buy properties in London. However, opposition parties allege that the London properties was bought through ill-gotten money in 1990s when Sharif served twice as Pakistan's prime minister. During the week, local media reported that two members of the JIT has gone to Qatar to record his statement but it later emerged that the they had gone to UAE for official work. It for the first time that PML-N has indicated that it might reject the report. But any such action may result in widespread unrest in the country. Sharif's nemesis Imran Khan had already threatened that he would protest if the government tried to derail the probe. The current crisis started after the Panama Papers showed that Sharif's children owned the London properties and manage them through offshore companies.

Pakistan tense ahead of Sharif probe completion

In what is being termed&nbsp;an unprecedented move by a sitting Pakistani&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister, Nawaz Sharif appeared before a joint investigation team (JIT) formed by&nbsp;Supreme Court&nbsp;to look into Panama papers, which had named 400&nbsp;from Pakistan, including the family of&nbsp;the PM.&nbsp;

The hearing that lasted for four hours started at 11&nbsp;am. Sharif came out and spoke briefly to the press, reading out from a pre-written statement. &quot;We have presented ourselves before the court. I have given account for every penny. Whatever and how big of a conspiracy the opposing forces in the country hatch against me, they will not be able to find any fault,&quot; Sharif told journalists outside the Federal Judicial Academy, which has become the temporary office for the JIT.

Hundreds of&nbsp;workers&nbsp;from&nbsp;Sharif&#39;s party&nbsp;had appeared outside the building to support him, chanting slogans,&nbsp;and holding banners in his&nbsp;favour. More than 2,600 police&nbsp;personnel&nbsp;were deputed to secure the area.

Speaking exclusively to WION, journalist Umar Cheema who was part of the Panama papers investigations,&nbsp;also termed it a historic day&nbsp;for&nbsp;Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;Many people had always dreamt of this day and it has finally happened --&nbsp;the top man in the country has appeared for accountability. It is a good day for the rule of law in the country,&quot;&nbsp;Cheema said.&nbsp;

On the other hand, the political opposition in the country, namely the Pakistan&nbsp;Tehreek-e-Insaaf&nbsp;(PTI) took this opportunity to lash out at Sharif and his family, calling them criminals. &quot;Nawaz Sharif has not presented himself, but he was summoned. Let us not forget that he is facing criminal charges. There is no glory in that,&quot;&nbsp;PTI spokesperson&nbsp;Fawad Choudhry&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

Going forward, the Pakistan&nbsp;PM&#39;s brother,&nbsp;Shahbaz Sharif,&nbsp;will&nbsp;appear&nbsp;before the JIT on Saturday,&nbsp;and his son-in-law, Captain&nbsp;Safdar&nbsp;(retd), will be appearing on&nbsp;June&nbsp;24.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Earlier this month, Sharif&#39;s two sons, Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz,&nbsp;had also been grilled by the JIT in multiple interrogation sessions.&nbsp;&nbsp;

This is the first sitting Pakistan PM to appear before the JIT; a move putting faith in 'rule of law'

In what is being termed an unprecedented move by a sitting Pakistani prime minister, Nawaz Sharif appeared before a joint investigation team (JIT) formed by Supreme Court to look into Panama papers, which had named 400 from Pakistan, including the family of the PM. The hearing that lasted for four hours started at 11 am. Sharif came out and spoke briefly to the press, reading out from a pre-written statement. "We have presented ourselves before the court. I have given account for every penny. Whatever and how big of a conspiracy the opposing forces in the country hatch against me, they will not be able to find any fault," Sharif told journalists outside the Federal Judicial Academy, which has become the temporary office for the JIT. Hundreds of workers from Sharif's party had appeared outside the building to support him, chanting slogans, and holding banners in his favour. More than 2,600 police personnel were deputed to secure the area. Speaking exclusively to WION, journalist Umar Cheema who was part of the Panama papers investigations, also termed it a historic day for Pakistan. "Many people had always dreamt of this day and it has finally happened -- the top man in the country has appeared for accountability. It is a good day for the rule of law in the country," Cheema said. On the other hand, the political opposition in the country, namely the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) took this opportunity to lash out at Sharif and his family, calling them criminals. "Nawaz Sharif has not presented himself, but he was summoned. Let us not forget that he is facing criminal charges. There is no glory in that," PTI spokesperson Fawad Choudhry said. Going forward, the Pakistan PM's brother, Shahbaz Sharif, will appear before the JIT on Saturday, and his son-in-law, Captain Safdar (retd), will be appearing on June 24. Earlier this month, Sharif's two sons, Hassan Nawaz and Hussain Nawaz, had also been grilled by the JIT in multiple interrogation sessions.

Panama Papers: Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif appears before probe body in landmark move

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who on Thursday appeared before a probe panel investigating his wealth, alleged slandering of his family and said&nbsp;&quot;some unseen elements&quot; were hatching conspiracies against his democratically-elected government.

The Pakistan PM, the first sitting prime minister to record a statement before a joint investigation team (JIT),&nbsp;claimed his family was &quot;subjected to accountability during previous regimes&quot;.

&quot;What is happening here is not about corruption allegations against me, it is about slandering the businesses and accounts of my family,&quot; a defiant Sharif said as he read from a statement&nbsp;after appearing before the JIT.

&quot;Today, I have just presented my stance before the Joint Investigation Team,&quot; Nawaz Sharif said.

&quot;It should be noted that these allegations have nothing to do with my tenure as the prime minister and are not charges of corruption. They are charges against me and my family on a personal level about the family business,&quot; Sharif said after nearly three hours of questioning by the six-member team.

Panama leaks suggest that three of PM Sharif&#39;s four children -- his daughter Maryam, and his sons Hasan and Hussein --&nbsp;own offshore companies and assets not shown on official records.

The JIT was constituted by Pakistan&#39;s top court to probe allegations against him following the 2016 Panama Papers leak.

The JIT comprises anti-corruption officials, along with members of the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency and Military Intelligence.

The JIT summoned Nawaz Sharif last week to &quot;appear and associate with the JIT and also bring all relevant record&quot;.

The Panama Papers are 11.5 million secret documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca that document the offshore dealings of many of the world&#39;s rich and powerful.

The leaked documents illustrate how wealthy individuals and public officials keep their finances hidden.&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;Panama Papers appeared to show that Sharif&#39;s daughter and two sons owned offshore holding companies registered in the British Virgin Islands and used them to buy flats in London.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan has alleged that the money and the flats held by the companies were gained by corrupt means.

The Supreme Court agreed last year to investigate the Sharif family&#39;s offshore wealth after the opposition threatened protests after the leaking of the Panama Papers.

In April, the top court ruled there was insufficient evidence to remove Sharif from office over corruption allegations levelled by the opposition, but it ordered further investigations.

Sharif, whose father was a prominent industrialist, has said his family wealth was acquired legally.

A three-time prime minister, Sharif was ousted twice in the 1990s, including in a 1999 military coup.&nbsp;

He swept back to power in an election in 2013 but rumours of tension between his government and Pakistan&#39;s&nbsp;powerful military occasionally circulate.

The Supreme Court has given the panel two months to investigate the family and then deliver its findings.

Opinion polls suggest Sharif&#39;s party is likely to win the next election, due next year, Reuters reports.

&nbsp;

The Pakistan PM made the statement before the media after appearing before Joint Investigation Team probing the graft charges against him

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who on Thursday appeared before a probe panel investigating his wealth, alleged slandering of his family and said "some unseen elements" were hatching conspiracies against his democratically-elected government. The Pakistan PM, the first sitting prime minister to record a statement before a joint investigation team (JIT), claimed his family was "subjected to accountability during previous regimes". "What is happening here is not about corruption allegations against me, it is about slandering the businesses and accounts of my family," a defiant Sharif said as he read from a statement after appearing before the JIT. "Today, I have just presented my stance before the Joint Investigation Team," Nawaz Sharif said. "It should be noted that these allegations have nothing to do with my tenure as the prime minister and are not charges of corruption. They are charges against me and my family on a personal level about the family business," Sharif said after nearly three hours of questioning by the six-member team. Panama leaks suggest that three of PM Sharif's four children -- his daughter Maryam, and his sons Hasan and Hussein -- own offshore companies and assets not shown on official records. The JIT was constituted by Pakistan's top court to probe allegations against him following the 2016 Panama Papers leak. The JIT comprises anti-corruption officials, along with members of the powerful Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency and Military Intelligence. The JIT summoned Nawaz Sharif last week to "appear and associate with the JIT and also bring all relevant record". The Panama Papers are 11.5 million secret documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca that document the offshore dealings of many of the world's rich and powerful. The leaked documents illustrate how wealthy individuals and public officials keep their finances hidden. Panama Papers appeared to show that Sharif's daughter and two sons owned offshore holding companies registered in the British Virgin Islands and used them to buy flats in London. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan has alleged that the money and the flats held by the companies were gained by corrupt means. The Supreme Court agreed last year to investigate the Sharif family's offshore wealth after the opposition threatened protests after the leaking of the Panama Papers. In April, the top court ruled there was insufficient evidence to remove Sharif from office over corruption allegations levelled by the opposition, but it ordered further investigations. Sharif, whose father was a prominent industrialist, has said his family wealth was acquired legally. A three-time prime minister, Sharif was ousted twice in the 1990s, including in a 1999 military coup. He swept back to power in an election in 2013 but rumours of tension between his government and Pakistan's powerful military occasionally circulate. The Supreme Court has given the panel two months to investigate the family and then deliver its findings. Opinion polls suggest Sharif's party is likely to win the next election, due next year, Reuters reports.

Nawaz Sharif alleges 'slandering of family' after appearing before probe panel

It was a rare snub to Pakistan from a normally reliable ally, but Chinese President Xi Jinping missed a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summer in Astana, the Kazakh capital, after two Chinese teachers were murdered in Balochistan.

Sharif met the presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Russia, but a meeting with Xi Jinping was notably missing.

More, the state-run media in China emphasised Xi&#39;s meetings with leaders from India and Russia. Xi&#39;s snub comes after deep disappointment and grief felt in China over the killings, after two Chinese teachers were kidnapped&nbsp;in Quetta last month and were reportedly murdered by Islamic State terrorists.

News of their kiling was published just before the SCO summit on June 8-9, in which Pakistan and India were made members.

&nbsp;

Economic connections?

Hua Chunying, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said the murders were in no way connected to the $50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which Baloch nationalists oppose. The CPEC, in turn, is part of China&#39;s multi-billion dollar Belt and Road intuitive (BRI).

&quot;This incident will not have any necessary connection with the BRI,&quot; nor with the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, meeting being held in Astana, Hua had said.

China has deployed hundreds of Chinese workers to work for the CPEC which connects Gwadar port in Balochistan with China&#39;s Xinjiang through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Hua said Pakistan pays great attention to the protection of Chinese citizens in the institutions there and made great efforts for their security.

&quot;As per BRI we should be prepared for risks if want to go global. Since the three years after the BRI,&quot; she had said.

This comes after deep disappointment felt in China over the killings, after two teachers were kidnapped?in Quetta last month

It was a rare snub to Pakistan from a normally reliable ally, but Chinese President Xi Jinping missed a meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summer in Astana, the Kazakh capital, after two Chinese teachers were murdered in Balochistan. Sharif met the presidents of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Russia, but a meeting with Xi Jinping was notably missing. More, the state-run media in China emphasised Xi's meetings with leaders from India and Russia. Xi's snub comes after deep disappointment and grief felt in China over the killings, after two Chinese teachers were kidnapped in Quetta last month and were reportedly murdered by Islamic State terrorists. News of their kiling was published just before the SCO summit on June 8-9, in which Pakistan and India were made members. Economic connections? Hua Chunying, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said the murders were in no way connected to the $50 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which Baloch nationalists oppose. The CPEC, in turn, is part of China's multi-billion dollar Belt and Road intuitive (BRI). "This incident will not have any necessary connection with the BRI," nor with the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, meeting being held in Astana, Hua had said. China has deployed hundreds of Chinese workers to work for the CPEC which connects Gwadar port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Hua said Pakistan pays great attention to the protection of Chinese citizens in the institutions there and made great efforts for their security. "As per BRI we should be prepared for risks if want to go global. Since the three years after the BRI," she had said.

Xi Jinping snubs Pak's Sharif after two Chinese nationals killed in Balochistan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held bilateral talks with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev after reaching Astana earlier today, happened to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Leaders&#39; Lounge at the Astana Opera before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) concert.

They reportedly exchanged greetings even as it was the first occasion when the two leaders came across each other after Sharif&#39;s operation. Prime Minister Modi, hence, enquired about Sharif&#39;s health and also asked about his mother and family.

Prime Minister Modi is in the Kazakh capital to attend the two-day summit of SCO, which is a consortium focussing on security and trade.

India and Pakistan, which so far have had an observer status till now, will be formally inducted in the six-nation bloc that includes China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Prime Minister Modi is also set to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The chance meeting of Prime Minister Modi and PM Sharif comes amidst a highly-strained atmosphere between the two neighbouring nations following the death sentence awarded to former Indian Naval Officer Kulbhushan Jadhav.

India moved the ICJ against the death penalty awarded to Jadhav by a Pakistan military court on May 8 for espionage.

Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy.

During the last trial on May 18, the ICJ had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav.&nbsp;

(ANI)

PM Modi happened to meet Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif at the Leaders' Lounge at the Astana Opera ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation concert

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who held bilateral talks with Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbayev after reaching Astana earlier today, happened to meet Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Leaders' Lounge at the Astana Opera before the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) concert. They reportedly exchanged greetings even as it was the first occasion when the two leaders came across each other after Sharif's operation. Prime Minister Modi, hence, enquired about Sharif's health and also asked about his mother and family. Prime Minister Modi is in the Kazakh capital to attend the two-day summit of SCO, which is a consortium focussing on security and trade. India and Pakistan, which so far have had an observer status till now, will be formally inducted in the six-nation bloc that includes China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Prime Minister Modi is also set to hold a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The chance meeting of Prime Minister Modi and PM Sharif comes amidst a highly-strained atmosphere between the two neighbouring nations following the death sentence awarded to former Indian Naval Officer Kulbhushan Jadhav. India moved the ICJ against the death penalty awarded to Jadhav by a Pakistan military court on May 8 for espionage. Pakistan claims its security forces arrested Jadhav from its restive Balochistan province on March 3 last year after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains he was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Indian Navy. During the last trial on May 18, the ICJ had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav. (ANI)

PM Modi, Nawaz Sharif exchange greetings in Kazakhstan

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) have threatened to launch a countrywide movement if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif doesn&#39;t resign in seven days.

In a joint declaration issued by the two bar associations, they said that following the Supreme Court&#39;s order on the Panama Papers case, the Prime Minister should no longer hold the position and resign within seven days, The Dawn reported.

&quot;For fair and independent inquiry against the premier, Nawaz Sharif should step down till the final report of the JIT. In case he does not resign till May 27, the lawyers throughout Pakistan will launch nationwide campaign and moment to ensure the resignation,&quot; the statement said.

The notification came soon after SCBA and LHCBA members clashed, with the lawyers supporting the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML_N) government at the all Pakistan lawyers&#39; representatives&#39; convention on May 19.

The PML-N lawyers locked SCBA President Rasheed A Rizvi in the Lahore High Court&#39;s library. During the ruckus, the locks were broken by SCBA members and Rizvi was released.

Rizvi, who was accompanied by Secretary SCBA Aftab Bajwa and LHCBA President Zulfiqar Chaudhry, asserted that the convention would be held under any circumstances.The PML-N&#39;s Lawyers Wing representatives argued that the Panama Papers case was still sub judice and that was why demands for the prime minister`s resignation at this point was not appropriate.Earlier in April, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) had given a similar ultimatum to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The bar association had asked the premier to resign within a week, or face a lawyers` movement bigger than the one that followed ex-chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry&#39;s ouster.

Pakistan&#39;s top court has ordered the formation of a Joint Investigating Team to probe the Panama Papers leak which reveal that Nawaz Sharif lied about the investments made by his children in offshore companies. 
 
(ANI)

The Supreme Court Bar Association and the Lahore High Court Bar Association have threatened to launch a countrywide movement if Sharif doesn't resign

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) have threatened to launch a countrywide movement if Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif doesn't resign in seven days. In a joint declaration issued by the two bar associations, they said that following the Supreme Court's order on the Panama Papers case, the Prime Minister should no longer hold the position and resign within seven days, The Dawn reported. "For fair and independent inquiry against the premier, Nawaz Sharif should step down till the final report of the JIT. In case he does not resign till May 27, the lawyers throughout Pakistan will launch nationwide campaign and moment to ensure the resignation," the statement said. The notification came soon after SCBA and LHCBA members clashed, with the lawyers supporting the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML_N) government at the all Pakistan lawyers' representatives' convention on May 19. The PML-N lawyers locked SCBA President Rasheed A Rizvi in the Lahore High Court's library. During the ruckus, the locks were broken by SCBA members and Rizvi was released. Rizvi, who was accompanied by Secretary SCBA Aftab Bajwa and LHCBA President Zulfiqar Chaudhry, asserted that the convention would be held under any circumstances.The PML-N's Lawyers Wing representatives argued that the Panama Papers case was still sub judice and that was why demands for the prime minister`s resignation at this point was not appropriate.Earlier in April, the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) had given a similar ultimatum to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. The bar association had asked the premier to resign within a week, or face a lawyers` movement bigger than the one that followed ex-chief justice Iftikhar Chaudhry's ouster. Pakistan's top court has ordered the formation of a Joint Investigating Team to probe the Panama Papers leak which reveal that Nawaz Sharif lied about the investments made by his children in offshore companies. (ANI)

Pakistan lawyers set 7-day deadline for PM Nawaz Sharif to resign

China and Pakistan today signed six pacts to boost cooperation on the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, including one on building an airport at the strategic Gwadar port city, with President Xi Jinping asserting that ties with Islamabad were a priority.

The pacts were signed in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang ahead of the much-publicised Belt and Road (B&amp;R) Forum beginning tomorrow.

The agreements included accords of cooperation in diverse fields, framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, Economic and Technical Cooperation with assistance of 1.5 billion yuan (USD 210 million) for Gwadar Airport, 0.8 billion yuan (USD 115 million) for Economic and Technical Cooperation for Gwadar Airport and 1.1 billion yuan (USD 160 million) for East bay Expressway, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported.

After the MoUs and agreements were signed, Xi told Sharif that the bilateral ties remain &quot;a priority for China&quot; and Beijing was willing to enrich the &quot;all-weather&quot; strategic and cooperative partnership with Pakistan.

Sharif also attended a presentation made by China&#39;s National Energy Administration (NEA) on the construction of Bhasha Dam, a project which he said is of critical importance for the future of Pakistan.

Pakistani media reported that Chinese companies had &quot;conducted survey and studies on the North Indus Cascade project.

The report said China&#39;s interest in providing USD 50 billion to fund the project could generate 40,000 MW hydro electricity.

The pacts deal with the increasing bilateral cooperation within the framework of China&#39;s ambitious Silk Road project, upgrading the main railway track between Karachi and Peshawar - referred to as ML-1 or Main Line-1, and an MoU for the establishment of a dry port in Havelian, Radio Pakistan reported.

Three agreements were signed pertaining to economic and technical cooperation worth 3.4 billion yuan (about USD 490 million) for the strategic Gwadar port in southern Pakistan and East Bay expressway, a 19 kilometre controlled access road under construction in Gwadar.

Sharif, the only head of government to be represented at the B&amp;R summit, is leading perhaps the largest delegation to Beijing - four chief ministers and five federal ministers.

Li said China is willing to work with Pakistan in translating mutual political trust into more fruits of mutually beneficial cooperation.

Citing positive results achieved in the cooperation on the corridor, Li said both the sides should efficiently dovetail their development strategies, advance major transportation and energy projects as scheduled, enhance cooperation on industrial capacity, and boost a balanced development of trade.

Li expressed the hope that Pakistan will intensify its efforts in protecting the safety of Chinese personnel in the nation, and ensure the security of related projects.

On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a part of the B&amp;R initiative, Xi said the supplementary projects in and around the Gwadar port in the restive Balochistan province should be steadily advanced and the study on the construction of industrial parks along the corridor facilitated.

The deep-water port and the CPEC is of significance to China as they together facilitate Beijing&#39;s access to the Arabian Sea and resultantly links it with Eurasia and Africa.

The Gwadar port opposite the Mumbai&#39;s port housing the Indian Navy&#39;s western naval command provides a berth for China in the Arabian Sea and to the Indian Ocean.

China has already announced plans to station its marines there as well in Djibouti in Horn of Africa in Indian Ocean.

India opposes the CPEC as it runs through the Pakistan- Occupied Kashmir. In the last few days, China tried to assuage India&#39;s feelings by asserting that the commercial corridor will not have any impact on its stand that the Kashmir issue should be settled by India and Pakistan through dialogue.

But India is not attending the high-profile B&amp;R summit. It worries over a 3,000-km-long project connecting the Gwadar port and Xinjiang stem from the fact Gwadar, which was taken over by the Chinese, will become a future naval base.

During his meeting with Sharif, Xi stressed that a long- term planning for the corridor should be completed as soon as possible and cooperation programmes covering energy, transportation infrastructure and people&#39;s livelihoods should be promoted.

The two countries should not only continue high-level exchanges, but increase interactions between governments, legislative bodies and political parties, Xi was quoted as saying by China&#39;s state-run Xinhua news agency.

He said the two countries should strengthen cooperation on areas including anti-terrorism and security, and enhance coordination on major international and regional affairs.

Xi said China wants to deepen cooperation with Pakistan under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

Sharif said Pakistan will continue to cooperate with China under multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the SCO to contribute to stability and development in the region and beyond. He said the China-Pakistan friendship is solid and stressed that it was a national consensus to deepen ties with Beijing and participate in the B&amp;R initiative.

Pakistan is willing to work with China in actively implementing various projects related to the CPEC and steadily pushing forward the cooperation on energy and infrastructure construction, including the Gwadar port project, he said.

&quot;Pakistan fully supports China&#39;s vision of the Belt and Road Forum,&quot; Sharif said at a separate meeting with Premier Li.

&quot;Pakistan considers China its most valuable friend,&quot; he said, adding that the participation of the chief ministers of all the four Pakistani provinces at the B&amp;R forum was an indication that &quot;we are all one for [the success of] the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor&quot;, he said.

Sharif said that the country will accelerate the construction of the corridor and take measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and enterprises.

Pakistan hoped that bilateral industrial and trade cooperation will be strengthened, and will work to facilitate Chinese enterprises&#39; investment in the nation, he said.

After their meeting, Li and Sharif witnessed the signing of documents related to cooperation on economy and technology.

He reaffirmed Pakistan&#39;s commitment for the completion of early results under the CPEC.

Pakistan&#39;s Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, who is incharge of the CPEC, meanwhile told state-run APP that on the agenda of Sharif&#39;s visit to Beijing also included deals to build an airport and expressway in Gwadar.&nbsp;

(PTI)&nbsp;

The agreements included accords of cooperation in diverse fields

China and Pakistan today signed six pacts to boost cooperation on the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, including one on building an airport at the strategic Gwadar port city, with President Xi Jinping asserting that ties with Islamabad were a priority. The pacts were signed in the presence of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang ahead of the much-publicised Belt and Road (B&R) Forum beginning tomorrow. The agreements included accords of cooperation in diverse fields, framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative, Economic and Technical Cooperation with assistance of 1.5 billion yuan (USD 210 million) for Gwadar Airport, 0.8 billion yuan (USD 115 million) for Economic and Technical Cooperation for Gwadar Airport and 1.1 billion yuan (USD 160 million) for East bay Expressway, state-run Associated Press of Pakistan reported. After the MoUs and agreements were signed, Xi told Sharif that the bilateral ties remain "a priority for China" and Beijing was willing to enrich the "all-weather" strategic and cooperative partnership with Pakistan. Sharif also attended a presentation made by China's National Energy Administration (NEA) on the construction of Bhasha Dam, a project which he said is of critical importance for the future of Pakistan. Pakistani media reported that Chinese companies had "conducted survey and studies on the North Indus Cascade project. The report said China's interest in providing USD 50 billion to fund the project could generate 40,000 MW hydro electricity. The pacts deal with the increasing bilateral cooperation within the framework of China's ambitious Silk Road project, upgrading the main railway track between Karachi and Peshawar - referred to as ML-1 or Main Line-1, and an MoU for the establishment of a dry port in Havelian, Radio Pakistan reported. Three agreements were signed pertaining to economic and technical cooperation worth 3.4 billion yuan (about USD 490 million) for the strategic Gwadar port in southern Pakistan and East Bay expressway, a 19 kilometre controlled access road under construction in Gwadar. Sharif, the only head of government to be represented at the B&R summit, is leading perhaps the largest delegation to Beijing - four chief ministers and five federal ministers. Li said China is willing to work with Pakistan in translating mutual political trust into more fruits of mutually beneficial cooperation. Citing positive results achieved in the cooperation on the corridor, Li said both the sides should efficiently dovetail their development strategies, advance major transportation and energy projects as scheduled, enhance cooperation on industrial capacity, and boost a balanced development of trade. Li expressed the hope that Pakistan will intensify its efforts in protecting the safety of Chinese personnel in the nation, and ensure the security of related projects. On the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a part of the B&R initiative, Xi said the supplementary projects in and around the Gwadar port in the restive Balochistan province should be steadily advanced and the study on the construction of industrial parks along the corridor facilitated. The deep-water port and the CPEC is of significance to China as they together facilitate Beijing's access to the Arabian Sea and resultantly links it with Eurasia and Africa. The Gwadar port opposite the Mumbai's port housing the Indian Navy's western naval command provides a berth for China in the Arabian Sea and to the Indian Ocean. China has already announced plans to station its marines there as well in Djibouti in Horn of Africa in Indian Ocean. India opposes the CPEC as it runs through the Pakistan- Occupied Kashmir. In the last few days, China tried to assuage India's feelings by asserting that the commercial corridor will not have any impact on its stand that the Kashmir issue should be settled by India and Pakistan through dialogue. But India is not attending the high-profile B&R summit. It worries over a 3,000-km-long project connecting the Gwadar port and Xinjiang stem from the fact Gwadar, which was taken over by the Chinese, will become a future naval base. During his meeting with Sharif, Xi stressed that a long- term planning for the corridor should be completed as soon as possible and cooperation programmes covering energy, transportation infrastructure and people's livelihoods should be promoted. The two countries should not only continue high-level exchanges, but increase interactions between governments, legislative bodies and political parties, Xi was quoted as saying by China's state-run Xinhua news agency. He said the two countries should strengthen cooperation on areas including anti-terrorism and security, and enhance coordination on major international and regional affairs. Xi said China wants to deepen cooperation with Pakistan under the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation. Sharif said Pakistan will continue to cooperate with China under multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations and the SCO to contribute to stability and development in the region and beyond. He said the China-Pakistan friendship is solid and stressed that it was a national consensus to deepen ties with Beijing and participate in the B&R initiative. Pakistan is willing to work with China in actively implementing various projects related to the CPEC and steadily pushing forward the cooperation on energy and infrastructure construction, including the Gwadar port project, he said. "Pakistan fully supports China's vision of the Belt and Road Forum," Sharif said at a separate meeting with Premier Li. "Pakistan considers China its most valuable friend," he said, adding that the participation of the chief ministers of all the four Pakistani provinces at the B&R forum was an indication that "we are all one for [the success of] the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor", he said. Sharif said that the country will accelerate the construction of the corridor and take measures to ensure the safety of Chinese personnel and enterprises. Pakistan hoped that bilateral industrial and trade cooperation will be strengthened, and will work to facilitate Chinese enterprises' investment in the nation, he said. After their meeting, Li and Sharif witnessed the signing of documents related to cooperation on economy and technology. He reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment for the completion of early results under the CPEC. Pakistan's Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, who is incharge of the CPEC, meanwhile told state-run APP that on the agenda of Sharif's visit to Beijing also included deals to build an airport and expressway in Gwadar. (PTI)

China, Pakistan ink 6 pacts ahead of OBOR summit, Xi says ties priority

The April meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal was &quot;a part of a back-channel diplomacy&quot;, Pakistan&#39;s civil leadership informed the Army officials.

According to Geo News, Prime Minister Sharif, during one of his recent meetings with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa, had taken the latter into confidence over Jindal&#39;s visit to Pakistan.

Jindal went to Pakistan to reduce tension between the two neighbouring countries, Geo News quoted a BBC Urdu report, as saying.

The report also stated that COAS Bajwa also took his officials into confidence over the matter.

Earlier in April, businessman and entrepreneur Sajjan Jindal made a visit to Pakistan and met Nawaz Sharif.

Sajjan Jindal, along with other businessmen, met PM Nawaz Sharif in Murree.

The meeting came at a time when the two neighbouring nations were going through turbulent times.

(ANI)

According to Geo News, Prime Minister Sharif, during one of his recent meetings with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa, had taken the latter into confidence over Jindal's visit to Pakistan

The April meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Indian steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal was "a part of a back-channel diplomacy", Pakistan's civil leadership informed the Army officials. According to Geo News, Prime Minister Sharif, during one of his recent meetings with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa, had taken the latter into confidence over Jindal's visit to Pakistan. Jindal went to Pakistan to reduce tension between the two neighbouring countries, Geo News quoted a BBC Urdu report, as saying. The report also stated that COAS Bajwa also took his officials into confidence over the matter. Earlier in April, businessman and entrepreneur Sajjan Jindal made a visit to Pakistan and met Nawaz Sharif. Sajjan Jindal, along with other businessmen, met PM Nawaz Sharif in Murree. The meeting came at a time when the two neighbouring nations were going through turbulent times. (ANI)

Pakistan's PM Nawaz Sharif says meeting with Jindal part of back-channel diplomacy

Pakistan&#39;s opposition parties Friday questioned the timing and the motive behind the meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Indian steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal at a private residence of the prime minister this week.

Opposition parties raised their doubts at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, with lawmakers from Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Asif Ali Zardari&#39;s Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalling the discussion on agenda items with a barrage of questions on Jindal&#39;s &quot;secret&quot; visit on Wednesday.

Jindal is said to be the man who had arranged a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sharif in Lahore on December 25 in 2015 on Sharif&#39;s birthday - also the day when his grand daughter Mehr-un-Nisa was married.

The Jindal-Sharif meeting has triggered speculation in the Pakistani media that the India-Pakistan talks could be revived after the bilateral ties strained over cross-border terror attacks in India and over the death penalty to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court on spying charges.

PTI chief whip Shireen Mazari asked the government representatives how the Indian steel magnate was allowed to travel to the hill resort of Murree, 45 kms from the Pakistani capital, when he had a restricted visa for Islamabad and Lahore.

&quot;If he came on a private visit, why did we receive reports regarding his welcome through the Foreign Office?&quot; she said.

She was joined by PPP&#39;s Nafeesa Shah, who criticised the government&#39;s silence over the visit until the media broke the news.

&quot;Why is the government quiet with regard to the visit of Jindal. Why so much secrecy over it?&quot; she said.

Committee chairman Leghari retrieved the situation when he said that Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb had already said that it was a private visit and nothing to do with diplomacy or relations with India.

Meanwhile, speculations were rife about the purpose of the visit, which took&nbsp;place weeks after Kulbhushan Jadhav was given the death penalty. India has said it would go to any length to save him.

It has also been said that the meeting was part of a &quot;back-channel&quot; diplomacy to clear the way for a meeting between Sharif and Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in June in Kazakhstan.

Imran Khan&#39;s party today (April 28) submitted an adjournment motion in the National Assembly secretariat. It urged that the agenda should be postponed to discuss the visit and meeting between Jindal with Sharif.

&quot;Jindal&#39;s secret visit to Pakistan after Kulbhushan Jadhav has been awarded the death sentence is significant,&quot; according to the motion, filed by PTI lawmaker Murad Saeed.&nbsp; 
 
(PTI)

Pakistan's opposition parties questioned the timing and the motive behind the meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Indian steel tycoon

Pakistan's opposition parties Friday questioned the timing and the motive behind the meeting between Nawaz Sharif and Indian steel tycoon Sajjan Jindal at a private residence of the prime minister this week. Opposition parties raised their doubts at a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs in Islamabad, with lawmakers from Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Asif Ali Zardari's Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) stalling the discussion on agenda items with a barrage of questions on Jindal's "secret" visit on Wednesday. Jindal is said to be the man who had arranged a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sharif in Lahore on December 25 in 2015 on Sharif's birthday - also the day when his grand daughter Mehr-un-Nisa was married. The Jindal-Sharif meeting has triggered speculation in the Pakistani media that the India-Pakistan talks could be revived after the bilateral ties strained over cross-border terror attacks in India and over the death penalty to Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav by a Pakistani military court on spying charges. PTI chief whip Shireen Mazari asked the government representatives how the Indian steel magnate was allowed to travel to the hill resort of Murree, 45 kms from the Pakistani capital, when he had a restricted visa for Islamabad and Lahore. "If he came on a private visit, why did we receive reports regarding his welcome through the Foreign Office?" she said. She was joined by PPP's Nafeesa Shah, who criticised the government's silence over the visit until the media broke the news. "Why is the government quiet with regard to the visit of Jindal. Why so much secrecy over it?" she said. Committee chairman Leghari retrieved the situation when he said that Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb had already said that it was a private visit and nothing to do with diplomacy or relations with India. Meanwhile, speculations were rife about the purpose of the visit, which took place weeks after Kulbhushan Jadhav was given the death penalty. India has said it would go to any length to save him. It has also been said that the meeting was part of a "back-channel" diplomacy to clear the way for a meeting between Sharif and Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting in June in Kazakhstan. Imran Khan's party today (April 28) submitted an adjournment motion in the National Assembly secretariat. It urged that the agenda should be postponed to discuss the visit and meeting between Jindal with Sharif. "Jindal's secret visit to Pakistan after Kulbhushan Jadhav has been awarded the death sentence is significant," according to the motion, filed by PTI lawmaker Murad Saeed. (PTI)

Sajjan Jindal's secret meeting with Nawaz Sharif sparks controversy in Pakistan

Iran&#39;s foreign ministry has summoned Pakistan&#39;s ambassador in Tehran to protest against the killing of nine Iranian border guards by Sunni militants attacking from neighbouring Pakistan, Iran&#39;s state news agency IRNA reported on Friday.

The Sunni Muslim militant group called Jaish al Adl, or the Army of Justice, has claimed responsibility for the attack on Wednesday in Iran&#39;s Sistan-Baluchestan Province.

&quot;Iran expects Pakistan to take serious and essential measures to arrest and punish those terrorists responsible for the killing of our nine guards,&quot; IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying.

&quot;The message was delivered to Ambassador Asif Ali Khan Durrani on Friday,&quot; he said.

Iran&#39;s southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province, whose majority population is Sunni Muslim Baluch people like those across the border in Pakistan&#39;s Baluchistan province, lies on a major transit route for drug smugglers. It has long been plagued by unrest both from them and from separatist militants.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also called on Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to prosecute the militants who had killed the Iranian border guards.

&quot;Regrettably, a lack of appropriate measures and necessary prosecution on the part of the Pakistani government have caused great loss of lives and property for Iran,&quot; Rouhani said in a statement, quoted by the semi-official Mehr news agency.

&quot;We expect those responsible for this terrorist attack to be arrested and prosecuted,&quot; President Hassan Rouhani said in a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

(Reuters &amp; AFP)

Sunni Muslim militant group called Jaish al Adl, or the Army of Justice, has claimed responsibility for the attack

Iran's foreign ministry has summoned Pakistan's ambassador in Tehran to protest against the killing of nine Iranian border guards by Sunni militants attacking from neighbouring Pakistan, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported on Friday. The Sunni Muslim militant group called Jaish al Adl, or the Army of Justice, has claimed responsibility for the attack on Wednesday in Iran's Sistan-Baluchestan Province. "Iran expects Pakistan to take serious and essential measures to arrest and punish those terrorists responsible for the killing of our nine guards," IRNA quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi as saying. "The message was delivered to Ambassador Asif Ali Khan Durrani on Friday," he said. Iran's southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province, whose majority population is Sunni Muslim Baluch people like those across the border in Pakistan's Baluchistan province, lies on a major transit route for drug smugglers. It has long been plagued by unrest both from them and from separatist militants. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also called on Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to prosecute the militants who had killed the Iranian border guards. "Regrettably, a lack of appropriate measures and necessary prosecution on the part of the Pakistani government have caused great loss of lives and property for Iran," Rouhani said in a statement, quoted by the semi-official Mehr news agency. "We expect those responsible for this terrorist attack to be arrested and prosecuted," President Hassan Rouhani said in a letter to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. (Reuters & AFP)

Iran summons Pakistan envoy over border guards killings

Following the Pakistan Supreme Court&#39;s verdict on Panamagate, Indian defence experts on Friday characterised it as &quot;considerable relief&quot; to Nawaz Sharif, while others said it weakened the position of the Pakistan prime minister.

&quot;Nawaz Sharif&#39;s position has weakened ever since the Panama leak appeared in the newspaper and his party also lost considerable support. With this judgement, Sharif&#39;s position has further weakened,&quot; defence expert Qamar Agha told ANI.

Defence expert Uday Bhaskar said that the apex court&#39;s verdict has given a big relief to Sharif.

&quot;I would characterise this judgement of Pakistan Supreme Court as providing considerable relief to Nawaz Sharif, because though it was slightly split verdict three judges were in favour of Sharif while two were against. This gives a lot of relief to the prime minister as there was no incriminating evidence that would call for further judicial action,&quot; he told ANI.

Announcing the much-awaited Panamagate case verdict, the Pakistan Supreme Court yesterday neither gave a clean chit nor a disqualification to Nawaz Sharif, but ordered the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe how money was transferred to Qatar.

According to the Dawn, defence minister Khawaja Asif told reporters outside the court that the verdict was split 3-2.

&quot;They have said what the PM already said in his letter -- that a commission should be constituted to investigate the matter,&quot; he said.

&quot;We are ready for all kinds of investigation. It has been established today that any evidence or sacrifices given by our opponents in the SC were not enough. We have succeeded,&quot; he added.

The Panama Papers, which refer to a massive trove of secret documents leaked from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca -- specialising in helping the global elite stash wealth in offshore tax havens -- had said that the prime minister&#39;s children Maryam, Hasan and Hussain Nawaz &quot;were owners or had the right to authorise transactions for several [offshore] companies.&quot;

At least eight offshore companies were found to have links to the Sharif family in the documents that were leaked following which the case was filed by various petitioners -- PTI chief Imran Khan, Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed -- seeking disqualification of prime minister Sharif over his alleged misstatement in his address to the nation on April 5 and his speech before the National Assembly on May 16, 2016.

The petitioners claimed that the prime minister lied about the investments made by his children in offshore companies, which led to the acquisition of four apartments in London&#39;s upscale Park Lane neighbourhood.&nbsp;

(ANI)

 
&nbsp;

Some say the split verdict of 3-2 in favour of Nawaz Sharif provided him a 'considerable relief', while others said it weakened his position

Following the Pakistan Supreme Court's verdict on Panamagate, Indian defence experts on Friday characterised it as "considerable relief" to Nawaz Sharif, while others said it weakened the position of the Pakistan prime minister. "Nawaz Sharif's position has weakened ever since the Panama leak appeared in the newspaper and his party also lost considerable support. With this judgement, Sharif's position has further weakened," defence expert Qamar Agha told ANI. Defence expert Uday Bhaskar said that the apex court's verdict has given a big relief to Sharif. "I would characterise this judgement of Pakistan Supreme Court as providing considerable relief to Nawaz Sharif, because though it was slightly split verdict three judges were in favour of Sharif while two were against. This gives a lot of relief to the prime minister as there was no incriminating evidence that would call for further judicial action," he told ANI. Announcing the much-awaited Panamagate case verdict, the Pakistan Supreme Court yesterday neither gave a clean chit nor a disqualification to Nawaz Sharif, but ordered the formation of a Joint Investigation Team (JIT) to probe how money was transferred to Qatar. According to the Dawn, defence minister Khawaja Asif told reporters outside the court that the verdict was split 3-2. "They have said what the PM already said in his letter -- that a commission should be constituted to investigate the matter," he said. "We are ready for all kinds of investigation. It has been established today that any evidence or sacrifices given by our opponents in the SC were not enough. We have succeeded," he added. The Panama Papers, which refer to a massive trove of secret documents leaked from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca -- specialising in helping the global elite stash wealth in offshore tax havens -- had said that the prime minister's children Maryam, Hasan and Hussain Nawaz "were owners or had the right to authorise transactions for several [offshore] companies." At least eight offshore companies were found to have links to the Sharif family in the documents that were leaked following which the case was filed by various petitioners -- PTI chief Imran Khan, Jamaat-i-Islami emir Sirajul Haq and Sheikh Rashid Ahmed -- seeking disqualification of prime minister Sharif over his alleged misstatement in his address to the nation on April 5 and his speech before the National Assembly on May 16, 2016. The petitioners claimed that the prime minister lied about the investments made by his children in offshore companies, which led to the acquisition of four apartments in London's upscale Park Lane neighbourhood. (ANI)

Pakistan top court verdict on Panamagate has Indian defence experts divided

Pakistan Supreme Court today ordered a probe into the&nbsp;Panama Papers case. The court directed a five-member team to be formed to investigate the contents of the Panama Papers.

The joint investigation team(JIT) has been asked to submit the report within two weeks, according to WION sources. The court has directed Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif to appear before the investigation team which will look into the controversial Panama Papers.&nbsp;

Reports said the joint investigation team will consist of members of Pakistan&#39;s Inter-Services&nbsp;Intelligence(ISI).&nbsp;Even though the Pakistan prime minister was given a reprieve after the Supreme Court ordered an investigation into corruption allegations, but his fate still hangs in balance with the court deciding&nbsp;to form an investigation team.

&quot;A thorough investigation is required,&quot; Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said.

According to media reports, three judges said&nbsp;further investigation was needed in the case but two other judges wanted the Pakistan prime minister to be disqualified.

The highly-anticipated decision threatens to plunge Nawaz Sharif&#39;s governing party into turmoil ahead of general elections which is due to be held by next year even as security and the economy improve in the militancy-plagued country.

The controversy erupted with the publication of the so-called Panama Papers last year, 11.5 million secret documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca which documented the offshore dealings of many of the world&#39;s rich and powerful.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Whatever the verdict, am amazed &amp; humbled to see the overwhelming support for Nawaz Sharif. For a leader, that&#39;s the most prized possession.
&mdash; Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryamNSharif/status/854937661735411712">April 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Among the global elite implicated were three of Sharif&#39;s four children - his daughter and presumptive political heir Maryam, and his sons Hasan and Hussein.

At the heart of the matter is the legitimacy of the funds used by the Sharif family to purchase several high-end London properties via offshore companies.

Sharif&#39;s ruling PML-N party insists the wealth was acquired legally through family businesses in Pakistan and the Gulf.

But lawyers for Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party, argue the paper trail for the funds is non-existent, and say the onus is on Sharif to prove his relatives did not engage in money laundering.&nbsp;

The case has dominated headlines in Pakistan for the better part of a year.&nbsp;The court has taken such action before holding former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in contempt in 2012 for refusing to re-open corruption investigations into then President Asif Ali Zardari, resulting in his disqualification.

The controversy is the latest to hit Sharif, an industrialist serving his third term as prime minister after the first two terms were interrupted by interventions from the country&#39;s powerful military.

Late Wednesday, he detailed his party&#39;s infrastructure achievements in televised comments at the inauguration of a power plant, without mentioning the looming verdict.

(WION with Agency inputs)

A five-member joint investigation team consisting of ISI members is set to probe Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan Supreme Court today ordered a probe into the Panama Papers case. The court directed a five-member team to be formed to investigate the contents of the Panama Papers. The joint investigation team(JIT) has been asked to submit the report within two weeks, according to WION sources. The court has directed Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif to appear before the investigation team which will look into the controversial Panama Papers. Reports said the joint investigation team will consist of members of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence(ISI). Even though the Pakistan prime minister was given a reprieve after the Supreme Court ordered an investigation into corruption allegations, but his fate still hangs in balance with the court deciding to form an investigation team. "A thorough investigation is required," Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said. According to media reports, three judges said further investigation was needed in the case but two other judges wanted the Pakistan prime minister to be disqualified. The highly-anticipated decision threatens to plunge Nawaz Sharif's governing party into turmoil ahead of general elections which is due to be held by next year even as security and the economy improve in the militancy-plagued country. The controversy erupted with the publication of the so-called Panama Papers last year, 11.5 million secret documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca which documented the offshore dealings of many of the world's rich and powerful. Whatever the verdict, am amazed & humbled to see the overwhelming support for Nawaz Sharif. For a leader, that's the most prized possession. — Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) April 20, 2017 × Among the global elite implicated were three of Sharif's four children - his daughter and presumptive political heir Maryam, and his sons Hasan and Hussein. At the heart of the matter is the legitimacy of the funds used by the Sharif family to purchase several high-end London properties via offshore companies. Sharif's ruling PML-N party insists the wealth was acquired legally through family businesses in Pakistan and the Gulf. But lawyers for Pakistani cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party, argue the paper trail for the funds is non-existent, and say the onus is on Sharif to prove his relatives did not engage in money laundering. The case has dominated headlines in Pakistan for the better part of a year. The court has taken such action before holding former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani in contempt in 2012 for refusing to re-open corruption investigations into then President Asif Ali Zardari, resulting in his disqualification. The controversy is the latest to hit Sharif, an industrialist serving his third term as prime minister after the first two terms were interrupted by interventions from the country's powerful military. Late Wednesday, he detailed his party's infrastructure achievements in televised comments at the inauguration of a power plant, without mentioning the looming verdict. (WION with Agency inputs)

Pakistan Supreme Court orders probe in Panama Papers case, Pak PM Nawaz Sharif under scanner

Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has barred his party leaders from making any controversial statements about former army chief General Raheel Sharif amid his appointment as the head of a 41-nation Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries.

The former army chief&#39;s appointment had been criticised by some Pakistani politicians, retired army officers, journalists, intellectuals, who had questioned the decision of the retired general to join a foreign military alliance.

The prime minister found contradictory statements being made by senior leaders of his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party.

&quot;Nawaz Sharif has prohibited PML-N leaders from giving any controversial statements about General (retired) Raheel Sharif,&quot; Radio Pakistan quoted PM Sharif as saying.

The prime minister said the entire nation hailed the former army chief for his &quot;meritorious services&quot;.

Sharif&#39;s directions to leaders of his party came days after Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair called Gen Sharif &quot;just another general&quot; and said he should not be made &quot;larger than life&quot;.

&quot;Raheel Sharif was made larger than life and that&#39;s the reason that when he is allotted a piece of land ? which he deserves ? it raises eyebrows,&quot; Zubair said.

&quot;He is a normal general like any other generals and it&#39;s his right to acquire the piece of land he was given. Let&#39;s be fair with him ? let&#39;s not make him larger than life. This will only create more problems for him,&quot; he said.

Zubair was referring to the news that Gen Sharif has been awarded agricultural land for his services.

&quot;His [Sharif&#39;s] job as chief of the Saudi-led alliance is also being seen as something extraordinary ? when it should be his prerogative as a normal person,&quot; the Sindh governor added.

Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron) Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch said last month that General Sharif should not accept the controversial position.

Gen Sharif, who retired as Pakistan&#39;s army chief last November, is likely to assume command of the 41-nation anti-terrorism alliance, being dubbed the &#39;Muslim NATO&#39;, this month.

(PTI)

General Sharif is likely to assume command of a 41-nation anti-terrorism alliance, being dubbed the 'Muslim NATO', this month

Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has barred his party leaders from making any controversial statements about former army chief General Raheel Sharif amid his appointment as the head of a 41-nation Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries. The former army chief's appointment had been criticised by some Pakistani politicians, retired army officers, journalists, intellectuals, who had questioned the decision of the retired general to join a foreign military alliance. The prime minister found contradictory statements being made by senior leaders of his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. "Nawaz Sharif has prohibited PML-N leaders from giving any controversial statements about General (retired) Raheel Sharif," Radio Pakistan quoted PM Sharif as saying. The prime minister said the entire nation hailed the former army chief for his "meritorious services". Sharif's directions to leaders of his party came days after Sindh Governor Muhammad Zubair called Gen Sharif "just another general" and said he should not be made "larger than life". "Raheel Sharif was made larger than life and that's the reason that when he is allotted a piece of land ? which he deserves ? it raises eyebrows," Zubair said. "He is a normal general like any other generals and it's his right to acquire the piece of land he was given. Let's be fair with him ? let's not make him larger than life. This will only create more problems for him," he said. Zubair was referring to the news that Gen Sharif has been awarded agricultural land for his services. "His [Sharif's] job as chief of the Saudi-led alliance is also being seen as something extraordinary ? when it should be his prerogative as a normal person," the Sindh governor added. Minister for States and Frontier Regions (Safron) Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch said last month that General Sharif should not accept the controversial position. Gen Sharif, who retired as Pakistan's army chief last November, is likely to assume command of the 41-nation anti-terrorism alliance, being dubbed the 'Muslim NATO', this month. (PTI)

Pakistan PM bars his partymen from commenting on former Army chief General Raheel Sharif

Wickremesinghe speaks exclusively to WION on ties with India and China, terrorism, LTTE and more

As part of the World Is One Global Leadership series, WION’s senior international correspondent Padma Rao Sundarji speaks to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Read the full transcript below. PRS: Mr Prime Minister, thank you for talking to WION for our new World is One Global Leaders series.Sri Lanka's current coalition government came to power in 2015 promising to improve relations with closest neighbour India. They had plunged into a deep freeze under the previous government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa. There have been a series of high-profile visits and symbolic gestures. but some core issues remain unresolved. Colombo's growing closeness to China, for instance, is seen as a "strategic threat". What is your government doing to reassure New Delhi? RW: We have always been friendly with China, but not at the expense of India. We are friendly with many countries but not at the expense of others. Our relationship with India is different from that with China. What you have to look at is our relationship vis-a-vis India and not get too worried about how we are doing with China, or the UK, or anyone else. As far as we are concerned, the Sri Lankan and Indian governments do understand what's happening and we are moving closely. So if there is some uneasiness, it is the Indian media that report from their point of view. There is nothing I can do about it. We have our good defence relationships, we have our economic relationships. we are looking at a number of projects. We are looking at how India can participate in Sri Lanka's effort to develop the Trincomalee harbour together with Japan. It's being planned out by (Singapore- based company) Surbana Jarong, which is also doing Amravati in India. We are both committed to seeing the success of the Bay of Bengal as an economic area - there's a lot of potential there in the next ten years. We are working with each other on an economic and technical cooperation agreement, one that will also lay the basis for a closer relationship between Sri Lanka and the economies of the five southern Indian states which should be at least worth 500 billion US dollars. And if we all work together, that can grow to nearly a trillion US dollars. On the security side, there is very close sharing of information. There are a lot of informal contacts between your ministers and our ministers, your officials and ours. I think this has been one of the good periods of the relationship between India and Sri Lanka. PRS: Your bilateral relationship with Beijing is your sovereign prerogative, of course. And yet, that relationship is skewered heavily in favour of China. You owe China 8 billion US dollars, i.e. a 12th of your overall overseas debt of over 60 billion dollars. Surely China's not offering you a mere hand of friendship? Surely it's more like an iron fist in a velvet glove? RW: I don't know why you are so worried about China. No one has offered us an iron fist, with or without a velvet glove. The bulk of the Chinese loans have been on infrastructure projects. When we were in the opposition, we argued whether some of those projects were the best options. But you have to remember that after the global financial crisis of 2007, China was one of the major players to assist a large number of countries with infrastructure development. It also helped the Chinese themselves. They send their work force out, they even send foodstuff. So I don't think you should take Sri Lanka as an exception. Many countries received assistance from China. Now there is the Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in place. In fact and if at all, it is Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) who really have a special friendship, not Sri Lanka and China. Some people feel that the BRICS are trying to dominate other developing economies.So there are various views. Sri Lanka doesn't cooperate with China or Brazil even on global economy. But yes, we have taken a large number of loans from China but also from others. To repay those commercial loans is a concern.Therefore, we are now inviting foreign investment to our country. PRS: In your southeastern port of Hambantota, you have offered Chinese companies equity in exchange for some of that debt, even land for a Free Trade Zone.The nearby Mattala airport, too, is being run by Chinese companies. In Colombo, you delayed the Port City Project to assure India. After all, 80 per cent of transshipments from India transit Colombo. But the Project has been recommenced and is firmly in China's hands. Surely China's 'String of Pearls' is beginning to choke Sri Lanka? RW: Mattala airport is run by the Sri Lanka Airports Authority (SLAA). But we thought we would call for anyone interested in running the airport jointly with the SLAA. Sri Lanka has been the hub of the Indian Ocean and even from time immemorial, Chinese ships have come to Sri Lanka on the Silk Route. Hambantota port was built with Chinese assistance. There is also an agreement that our former President Mahinda Rajapaksa initialed with a Chinese company to further develop and run operations there. All our government has done is to say that we are unable to pay the debts of the Hambantota port and will therefore be unable to proceed with it. Or, that we will have to offer it to anyone who is willing to take it up. We discussed this with the Chinese and finally persuaded their government for a debt-to-equity transfer. Some Chinese companies applied. We took the best and have got the Chinese to agree to go up to 1.5 billion US dollars to pay for their share of the Joint Venture (JV). We have 20 per cent for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). We could take that up to 40 per cent, even 45 per cent So if anyone else in Sri Lanka wants to invest in Hambantota, we will give them the freedom to do so. But it's a JV and the JV area of the land is leased out. It will come back to us when the lease is over.The military and security aspects of the Hambantota port are in the hands of the Sri Lankan Navy. Last week, your naval authorities and ours had a discussion on this matter. We have a large amount of land in Hambantota. And we have a port. But that port must have a load to carry. which means there must be industries.The land will be invested in and leased out to any industrial estate operator. The Chinese have indicated interest in taking some of the land themselves. But just outside that area, there is another very good block of land - closer to Galle than Hambantota It is fully developed. We want to work on that together with the Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation.Then, there's more land in our north-western province. We are talking to Surbana Jarong on building an industrial estate there. Even Thais have come and looked at it. So Sri Lanka is like any other country! Industrial land is held by the government and any interested investor can lease it to run their industrial estate. We like it because that means bringing in investor to the country. Even India is discussing an industrial estate in Sri Lanka. PRS: Is that an open invitation also to India to invest in Hambantota? RW: Well, Indian ships can come to Hambantota, there is no problem at all. And we are already working with india. As I told you, we are developing Trincomalee port and we'd like India to participate and take a project or two there. We would also like Japan to do so. PRS: . Chinese military submarines have docked in Sri Lanka and caused annoyance to India. Mr Wickremesinghe, can you put on record through this interview to WION an assurance for India, that there will be no element of Chinese military presence in Sri Lanka's sovereign territory, at least during the remaining two years of your tenure in office ? RW: Chinese military submarines have been coming to Sri Lanka regularly. There is only one instance which became an issue. That was under former President Rajapaksa. Chinese submarines came here and the Indian government claimed - and I think - they were not informed. Actually, it was more troublesome for us because the Chinese submarines came just when Japan's prime minister was visiting Colombo! After we formed the government, we asked the Chinese why they sent them, considering they always followed protocol? They told us that they had indeed informed the government of Sri Lanka of the time. As far as China is concerned and just like any other country, their people will come to Sri Lanka and visit us at times agreed to by the Sri Lankan authorities and at times convenient to us. But there is no defence relationship with China. PRS: But of course Sri Lanka had a defence relationship with China, towards the end of the 30-year long civil war against the separatist terror group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). China provided a lot of military equipment and helped Sri Lanka defeat the Tigers. So are you really saying that there will continue to be occasional visits by the Chinese, but that the Indian government will be kept informed? RW: Actually, New Delhi is aware that there will be visits by the Chinese and other countries and that normal practices will be followed in all cases. PRS: In your address to a recent counter-terrorism conference, you said that the greatest "challenge" to the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) comes from "non-state-actors". Whom do you mean in Sri Lanka's case? RW: We had non-state actors. we had the LTTE's 'Sea Tigers.' Even the latest Australian defence studies say that non-state actors are going to be the biggest issue. It's already happening off the waters of Somalia. And it can keep increasing because the shipping lanes of the Indian Ocean are the most vital economic waterways of the world. PRS: But the "Sea Tigers" are a thing of the past... RW: Sure, but pirates are now using new technology. Look at the attack on the Saudi ship off the coast of Yemen. It was completely new technology. It was probably an automated boat run by robotics. So the Sea Tigers may have disappeared, but the Somali pirates are there. Piracy is becoming much easier. And the most vulnerable in this region are the high seas. PRS: Sri Lanka has 21.2 million Muslim citizens. After Hindus, they are your country's second largest minority. Your justice minister recently told your parliament that 31 "elite Muslims" from Sri Lanka have joined the Islamic State (IS). There is growing radicalization in the Maldives. And at least by the time Osama Bin Laden was located and killed in Pakistan, it should be clear to all that that country is the 'epicentre of terrorism". India, most of all, is a victim of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. But Pakistan, too, is Sri Lanka's close ally and supplied weapons to help you defeat the LTTE. You met Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif recently. Surely you expressed your concern over that country hosting globally banned Islamist terror groups like the Lashkar-i-Tayyaba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM)? RW: I met Mr Sharif only for a very short time on the periphery of a conference in Davos. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned, the vast majority of our Muslims work together with other Sri Lankans. Yes, there were those who went to IS in Syria. Some have been killed. We have traced the others and are speaking to their families. we are speaking with their families. The latest message we are receiving from those men is that they are trapped and there is a lot of pressure on them as Iraqi, Syrian and other forces advance. PRS: The Indo-Sri Lanka accord of 1987 still seems relevant to New Delhi, at least on two counts. The first is on the promise of maximum autonomy for Sri Lankan Tamils in - and a merger of - your Northern and Eastern Provinces. The 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution to bring that about was co-authored by India. But your own Tamils say that very little progress has been made to implement that amendment, even by your government. Millions of Sinhalese Sri Lankans in the southern part of your country are staunchly opposed to it. Is this 30-year-old amendment now itself outdated and in need an amendment? RW: Not really. We have a constituent assembly to draft a new constitution. At the moment, there is a steering committee, we are discussing devolution. But may I tell you, every provincial council in Sri Lanka wants more power. At the moment, the division seems to be more between Colombo's parliament and all our provincial councils! It's not just a Tamil-vs Sinhalese issue, it's a centre-vs periphery issue. But we have to be realistic as to what can be given so we are discussing it. We are a democratic country. PRS: But is New Delhi also being flexible about the 13th Amendment? RW: Yes, there has always been flexibility. We appreciate that. PRS: The other aspect of the Accord relevant to India is the right an appendix grants New Delhi to develop Trincomalee port and a free trade zone there. But you say you have already awarded that development to the Singapore-based company, Surbana Jarong. Further, there is discord over 31 oil tanks that were leased out to the Indian Oil Corporation through another bilateral agreement signed in 2003. You were PM then yourself. Now, your government is asking for them to be returned. RW: You are all behind times. Trincomalee port is a Sri Lankan port. And in the Indo-Sri Lanka accord, we said we would not do anything prejudicial to the security of India. Surbana Jarong are the town planners in Trincomalee, just like in your Amravati. In fact, AP CM Chandrababu Naidu and I have remarked on how good that company is. So, we can engage whomsoever we want, to plan Trincomalee and we happen to have engaged one that is also planning out in Andhra Pradesh. As far as the Indian Free Trade Zone is concerned, yes. We have said we welcome India. And once India's areas are allocated and they are ready, we would like to have a free trade zone. And maybe India - or some other country - could operate hotels there. Right now, it's a zone in planning - where are the industries going to be located, where the tourism belt, how we are going to dispose of waste, etc. We are also asking the Japanese to be a part of it. Indian Oil Corporation is currently looking at the feasibility of a refinery to be run jointly with the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC). We should then be able to also refine petroleum to sell to India and others. Once that decision is taken, we'll know about the oil tanks. But I think remaining issues on the oil tanks have been settled between the two governments. PRS: But Mr Wickremesinghe, you make it sound as though all were hunky-dory between India and Sri Lanka. The Free Trade Agreement, for one, is still stuck over a raft of issues. Primarily it is the fear in minds of Sri Lankans that India's millions will invade the island and take away all your jobs. And yet, that's exactly what seems to be happening through your relationship with China, the world's most populated country. Chinese already enjoy a sprawling presence all over your small island-nation. Sri Lankans working with Chinese companies say they are obliged to learn Chinese and even follow China's, not Sri Lanka's labor laws. Critics in your own country say there is a quasi-colonization of Sri Lanka by China underway. The irony is that China is not even culturally, linguistically, historically and religiously linked to Sri Lanka like India is..... RW: I don't think we have to bring China into all these things. There isn't a sprawling Chinese presence here either - there are more Indians. But certainly, Mode Four is not part of free trade agreements, either with India or with any other country. The usual negotiations are taking place with India. But also with China, Singapore. We just finished talks with the European Union (EU) and will enter the next round. PRS : The opposition faction under former President Mahinda Rajapaksa is appalled at your government becoming a co-signatory to a US-sponsored resolution for investigation into alleged human rights violations by the Sri Lankan Armed Forces during the final stages of the civil war. There is widespread confusion among ordinary Sri Lankans on whether the international community will continue to insist - and Colombo will be pushed to relent - over involving foreigners in that investigation. How could Colombo possibly have joined hands with countries, many of whom have themselves sheltered and nurtured the separatist LTTE for several decades? RW: Yes, we co-sponsored resolution 30-10215 and have gained a longer reprieve for two further years to sort out issues. In that resolution, there is provision for us to use expertise from abroad - legal opinion, judges, etc. - wherever we think it necessary. But like in India, foreign judges cannot sit on a bench in Sri Lanka. And on policy matters and like all South Asian countries including India, Sri Lanka will not join the International Criminal Court in Rome. PRS: First, the encounter with an LTTE operative 'Gobi' and his men and the subsequent unearthing of caches of weapons in the Northern Province some years ago. And more recently, the plot to assassinate your moderate Tamil National Alliance (TNA) leader, Mr M A Sumanthiran. Is the LTTE on the rise in Sri Lanka again? Or and like you often accused your predecessor government of doing, are these merely 'engineered' rumours to justify the continued presence of the armed forces in the former war zones even eight years after the war ended? RW: The LTTE has been wiped out. There may be some small groups being used by others. And the numbers of the army in the North are being reduced gradually. PRS: Former LTTE rebel Karuna has founded a "Tamil Freedom Party" in Batticaloa, while another former Tiger has just started a 'Rehabilitated Liberation Tigers Party" in Trincomalee. After 30 years of a debilitating war against the separatist LTTE in which more than 120,000 people were killed, how can the election commission of sovereign and united Sri Lanka possibly register party names containing words like 'Tamil Freedom' and "Liberation Tigers' all over again? RW: That has been questioned by some people but finally it's up to the election commission. There are no words that are banned, as such. At one stage, the LTTE was a prohibited name though.... PRS: You have you have pointed out the strategic importance of Sri Lanka's location in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) But many countries like Japan, India and the United States conduct routine joint naval exercises here. One just concluded in Hambantota. But all three countries I mention have territorial and other disputes with China, which is sprawling in the IOR and whose One-Belt-One-Road initiative Sri Lanka is part of. From your long years of political experience, what do you see in the region in future? Cooperation ? Or confrontation? RW: I think there will be cooperation. PRS: between all countries? RW: Between all countries. PRS: Including India and China? RW: Yes! There is already cooperation between India and China. PRS: Mr Prime Minister, a very last question. What is your personal equation with India's PM, Narendra Modi? RW: I have known him for a long time. In fact, I've kept in touch with him since his days as Chief Minister of Gujarat, when no one thought he would be the prime ministerial candidate. We continue that acquaintance and friendship. (WION)

WION Global Leadership Series: Ties with China not at India's expense, says Sri Lanka PM Ranil Wickremesinghe

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain has given his approval to the much-awaited Hindu Marriage Bill, 2017 on the advice of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, turning it into a law.

It is the first personal law in Pakistan to regulate the marriages in the Hindu community providing a mechanism for registration of Hindu marriage which includes conditions for contracting the marriage, a procedure for dissolution of the marriage and the grounds on the basis of which such a marriage can be dissolved.

The law aims to protect marriages, families, mothers and their children and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Hindu families. It is a consolidated law for solemnisation of marriages by Hindu families residing in Pakistan, according to a government press release.

Sharif said on the occasion, the government is focused on the provision of equal rights to minority communities residing in Pakistan, reports the Express Tribune.

&quot;They are as patriotic as any other community and, therefore, it is the responsibility of the state to provide equal protection to them,&quot; he added.

The law provides for procedures relating to restitution of conjugal rights, judicial separation, void and voidable marriages, termination of marriage, the financial security of spouses and children, alternate relief in termination of marriages, and termination of marriage by mutual consent.

It also provides divorcees with the right to marry again, the entitlement of remarriage by a Hindu widow at her own will and consent after the stipulated time, and the legitimacy of children.

Marriages solemnised before the law comes into effect will be retroactively validated, but family courts would need to be petitioned for the relevant registration and documentation.

The law also provides for punishments of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 100,000 or both for contraventions.

All the offences under the law shall be non-cognisable and non-compoundable and can be tried by a first class magistrate.&nbsp;

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In a landmark move, the Hindu marriage bill becomes law in Pakistan (WION)
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(ANI)&nbsp;

It is the country's first personal law to regulate marriages in the Hindu community providing a mechanism for registration of Hindu marriage

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain has given his approval to the much-awaited Hindu Marriage Bill, 2017 on the advice of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, turning it into a law. It is the first personal law in Pakistan to regulate the marriages in the Hindu community providing a mechanism for registration of Hindu marriage which includes conditions for contracting the marriage, a procedure for dissolution of the marriage and the grounds on the basis of which such a marriage can be dissolved. The law aims to protect marriages, families, mothers and their children and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Hindu families. It is a consolidated law for solemnisation of marriages by Hindu families residing in Pakistan, according to a government press release. Sharif said on the occasion, the government is focused on the provision of equal rights to minority communities residing in Pakistan, reports the Express Tribune. "They are as patriotic as any other community and, therefore, it is the responsibility of the state to provide equal protection to them," he added. The law provides for procedures relating to restitution of conjugal rights, judicial separation, void and voidable marriages, termination of marriage, the financial security of spouses and children, alternate relief in termination of marriages, and termination of marriage by mutual consent. It also provides divorcees with the right to marry again, the entitlement of remarriage by a Hindu widow at her own will and consent after the stipulated time, and the legitimacy of children. Marriages solemnised before the law comes into effect will be retroactively validated, but family courts would need to be petitioned for the relevant registration and documentation. The law also provides for punishments of imprisonment and fines up to Rs 100,000 or both for contraventions. All the offences under the law shall be non-cognisable and non-compoundable and can be tried by a first class magistrate. In a landmark move, the Hindu marriage bill becomes law in Pakistan (WION) × (ANI)

Hindu Marriage Bill becomes law in Pakistan

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said that forcible conversion and destruction of worship places of other religions is a crime in Islam and in Pakistan as he greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Holi.

Addressing a function to celebrate Holi with Hindus here, he insisted that it was not anyone&#39;s job to decide who will go to hell or heaven, but to make Pakistan a heaven on earth.

In his inclusive message to minorities in Pakistan, the prime minister said &quot;no one can force others to adopt a certain religion&quot;.

&quot;Islam gives importance to every human being regardless of his caste, creed or religion and I say it clearly that forcing anyone to convert his religion is a crime and it is our duty to protect the worship places of the minorities in Pakistan,&quot; Sharif told the gathering.

Leading members of the Hindu community and minority lawmakers attended the function where the prime minister insisted that in Pakistan the fight was between terrorists and those who wanted to see the country progress and develop into an Asian tiger.

&quot;There is no fight in Pakistan over religion. If there is any fight it is with these terrorists and miscreants who use religion to mislead people and kill innocent people and don?t want to see this country develop or prosper,&quot; he said.

Sharif admitted that in the past some miscreants had attempted to create divisions on the basis of religion but insisted that Pakistan was created where everyone was free to practice his religion and go to his worship place.

&quot;Pakistan didn&#39;t come into existence to be against any religion. It is wrong to consider any religion inferior. I want to see a Pakistan where there are equal opportunities for every person of any religion to progress and make a good life for himself and his family. And there is peace and protection for everyone,&quot; the prime minister said.

The Hindu community has constantly complained about their people in the rural areas being forced to convert to Islam and their women being kidnapped and forcibly converted.

The premier noted that since 2013 the law and order situation had improved in Karachi and other parts of Sindh and there had been a marked decrease in cases of Hindu traders and businessmen being kidnapped for ransom.

&quot;Pakistan has the best future in Asia but for that we need to ensure every citizen is given equal opportunities and equal rights&nbsp; 
no matter what is his religion or belief.&quot;

The Hindu community celebrated the Holi festival with fervor and enthusiasm in Karachi with functions held all over the city and Sharif said he was happy to see the celebrations in every nook and corner of Karachi without any hinderance.

Sharif greeted the gathering with &#39;Happy Holi&#39;. He also referred to L K Advani when someone mentioned his love for the famous Hindi song &#39;Baharo phool barsao&#39;, saying a decade ago he (Sharif) could sing this song as melodiously as Mohammad Rafi.

He also said that Health cards should be started in Sindh and announced 500 million rupees for the welfare of the Hindu community.

(PTI)

Greeting the Hindus on the eve of Holi, the prime minister said 'no one can force others to adopt a certain religion'

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today said that forcible conversion and destruction of worship places of other religions is a crime in Islam and in Pakistan as he greeted the Hindu community on the occasion of Holi. Addressing a function to celebrate Holi with Hindus here, he insisted that it was not anyone's job to decide who will go to hell or heaven, but to make Pakistan a heaven on earth. In his inclusive message to minorities in Pakistan, the prime minister said "no one can force others to adopt a certain religion". "Islam gives importance to every human being regardless of his caste, creed or religion and I say it clearly that forcing anyone to convert his religion is a crime and it is our duty to protect the worship places of the minorities in Pakistan," Sharif told the gathering. Leading members of the Hindu community and minority lawmakers attended the function where the prime minister insisted that in Pakistan the fight was between terrorists and those who wanted to see the country progress and develop into an Asian tiger. "There is no fight in Pakistan over religion. If there is any fight it is with these terrorists and miscreants who use religion to mislead people and kill innocent people and don?t want to see this country develop or prosper," he said. Sharif admitted that in the past some miscreants had attempted to create divisions on the basis of religion but insisted that Pakistan was created where everyone was free to practice his religion and go to his worship place. "Pakistan didn't come into existence to be against any religion. It is wrong to consider any religion inferior. I want to see a Pakistan where there are equal opportunities for every person of any religion to progress and make a good life for himself and his family. And there is peace and protection for everyone," the prime minister said. The Hindu community has constantly complained about their people in the rural areas being forced to convert to Islam and their women being kidnapped and forcibly converted. The premier noted that since 2013 the law and order situation had improved in Karachi and other parts of Sindh and there had been a marked decrease in cases of Hindu traders and businessmen being kidnapped for ransom. "Pakistan has the best future in Asia but for that we need to ensure every citizen is given equal opportunities and equal rights no matter what is his religion or belief." The Hindu community celebrated the Holi festival with fervor and enthusiasm in Karachi with functions held all over the city and Sharif said he was happy to see the celebrations in every nook and corner of Karachi without any hinderance. Sharif greeted the gathering with 'Happy Holi'. He also referred to L K Advani when someone mentioned his love for the famous Hindi song 'Baharo phool barsao', saying a decade ago he (Sharif) could sing this song as melodiously as Mohammad Rafi. He also said that Health cards should be started in Sindh and announced 500 million rupees for the welfare of the Hindu community. (PTI)

Pakistan: Prime Minister Sharif calls forcible conversion a crime in Islam

In a relief to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and several others, an anti-terrorism court has rejected a plea seeking their trial in a case involving killing of 14 supporters of Canada-based cleric Tahirul Qadri. 
 
Nawaz, Shahbaz, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Defence Minister Khwaja Asif were among 12 top government functionaries booked by Lahore police in the murder of 14 supporters of Qadri in June, 2014. 
 
During an anti-encroachment operation by police outside the residence of Qadri, 14 people, including two women, were killed and over 100 suffered bullet injuries. 
 
Lahore&#39;s Anti-Terrorism Court rejected the plea to try the premier, chief minister and 10 ministers, observing the court cannot summon a person in a complaint unless &quot;direct documentary evidence&quot; is furnished by plaintiff. 
 
The court, however, summoned 125 officials, including Inspector General of Police Punjab Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera. The plaintiff presented 56 witnesses in support of the allegations. 
 
Qadri who is also the head of Pakistan Awami Tahreek criticised the ATC decision saying: &quot;The main plea to try the rulers in the murder case is not accepted by the ATC and lower level officials have been made scapegoat. The court has summoned those who implemented the orders but ignored the authorities who issued the orders to kill innocent workers. We will not accept sacrifice of goats.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
He said his party will challenge the ATC decision in the Lahore High Court.

(PTI)

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was accused killing 14 supporters of Canada-based cleric Tahirul Qadri

In a relief to Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, his brother and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and several others, an anti-terrorism court has rejected a plea seeking their trial in a case involving killing of 14 supporters of Canada-based cleric Tahirul Qadri. Nawaz, Shahbaz, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Defence Minister Khwaja Asif were among 12 top government functionaries booked by Lahore police in the murder of 14 supporters of Qadri in June, 2014. During an anti-encroachment operation by police outside the residence of Qadri, 14 people, including two women, were killed and over 100 suffered bullet injuries. Lahore's Anti-Terrorism Court rejected the plea to try the premier, chief minister and 10 ministers, observing the court cannot summon a person in a complaint unless "direct documentary evidence" is furnished by plaintiff. The court, however, summoned 125 officials, including Inspector General of Police Punjab Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera. The plaintiff presented 56 witnesses in support of the allegations. Qadri who is also the head of Pakistan Awami Tahreek criticised the ATC decision saying: "The main plea to try the rulers in the murder case is not accepted by the ATC and lower level officials have been made scapegoat. The court has summoned those who implemented the orders but ignored the authorities who issued the orders to kill innocent workers. We will not accept sacrifice of goats." He said his party will challenge the ATC decision in the Lahore High Court. (PTI)

Pakistan court drops plea to try PM Sharif in murder case

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the occasion of &#39;Kashmir Solidarity Day&#39;&nbsp;said Kashmir is the &quot;core dispute&quot; between India and Pakistan and peace will be difficult in the region without resolving the issue.&nbsp;

&quot;Jammu &amp; Kashmir is the core dispute between Pakistan and India. The dream of peace and prosperity of the people of this region will remain elusive without resolving this dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions,&quot; Sharif said on Sunday.&nbsp;

He referred to the Kashmir conflict as the &quot;unfinished agenda of partition&quot;&nbsp;and said, &quot;for the last seven decades India has denied the people of Kashmir the right to self-determination promised to them by the international community through numerous UN Security Council resolutions&quot;.

India&#39;s home minister Rajnath Singh retaliated by saying a referendum must be conducted in Pakistan to determine whether their citizens wanted to remain there or to merge with India.

He also said that Kashmir was always with India and will always remain a part of it.

&quot;Now Pakistan wants a referendum on Kashmir but one thing is clear that Kashmir was with India and will be with India and no power can change that.&nbsp;

There should instead be a referendum in Pakistan, asking whether its people want to remain in the same country or want to merge with India,&quot; ANI quoted Rajnath Singh as saying at an election rally in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. 
 
The Press Trust of India had earlier quoted Sharif as saying, &quot;the people of Pakistan join their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in observing Kashmir Solidarity Day today to reaffirm our moral, diplomatic and political support to the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their basic human rights, especially the right to self-determination enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.&quot;

He said, &quot;Pakistan&nbsp;strongly condemns the systemic state terrorism and brutal killings of the innocent people of Kashmir by Indian forces,&nbsp;However, all the Indian brutalities have failed to deter the people of Kashmir from their cause for freedom from Indian subjugation.&quot;

He called on the international community to raise their voice against the &quot;gross violations of human rights and the reign of terror unleashed by Indian forces&quot; in Kashmir.&nbsp;

&quot;We urge India to stop bloodbath in Kashmir and allow the holding of free and fair plebiscite under the UN auspices,&quot; he added.

The Kashmir conflict dates back to 1947 when India and Pakistan gained independence from Britain. The two countries have fought two wars over Kashmir&nbsp;in 1965 and 1971, along with the Kargil conflict in 1999 which threatened to escalate into an all-out war between the two countries but ended after India pushed back Pakistani infiltrators in a high altitude battle involving the Indian Army and Air Force. &nbsp; &nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies)

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On 'Kashmir Solidarity Day', Nawaz Sharif called on international community to raise voice against 'atrocities committed against Kashmiri's'

Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on the occasion of 'Kashmir Solidarity Day' said Kashmir is the "core dispute" between India and Pakistan and peace will be difficult in the region without resolving the issue. "Jammu & Kashmir is the core dispute between Pakistan and India. The dream of peace and prosperity of the people of this region will remain elusive without resolving this dispute in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions," Sharif said on Sunday. He referred to the Kashmir conflict as the "unfinished agenda of partition" and said, "for the last seven decades India has denied the people of Kashmir the right to self-determination promised to them by the international community through numerous UN Security Council resolutions". India's home minister Rajnath Singh retaliated by saying a referendum must be conducted in Pakistan to determine whether their citizens wanted to remain there or to merge with India. He also said that Kashmir was always with India and will always remain a part of it. "Now Pakistan wants a referendum on Kashmir but one thing is clear that Kashmir was with India and will be with India and no power can change that. There should instead be a referendum in Pakistan, asking whether its people want to remain in the same country or want to merge with India," ANI quoted Rajnath Singh as saying at an election rally in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. The Press Trust of India had earlier quoted Sharif as saying, "the people of Pakistan join their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in observing Kashmir Solidarity Day today to reaffirm our moral, diplomatic and political support to the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their basic human rights, especially the right to self-determination enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions." He said, "Pakistan strongly condemns the systemic state terrorism and brutal killings of the innocent people of Kashmir by Indian forces, However, all the Indian brutalities have failed to deter the people of Kashmir from their cause for freedom from Indian subjugation." He called on the international community to raise their voice against the "gross violations of human rights and the reign of terror unleashed by Indian forces" in Kashmir. "We urge India to stop bloodbath in Kashmir and allow the holding of free and fair plebiscite under the UN auspices," he added. The Kashmir conflict dates back to 1947 when India and Pakistan gained independence from Britain. The two countries have fought two wars over Kashmir in 1965 and 1971, along with the Kargil conflict in 1999 which threatened to escalate into an all-out war between the two countries but ended after India pushed back Pakistani infiltrators in a high altitude battle involving the Indian Army and Air Force. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Kashmir 'core dispute' between India and Pakistan: Sharif

Only hours before Pakistan&#39;s&nbsp;Supreme Court resumed hearing the Panama Papers case on Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz handed over evidence documenting the legitimacy of their assets to the top court, reports Dawn.

The documents, totalling&nbsp;about 400 pages, contain the pertinent details of transactions and receipt payments dating back to 2011, Dawn reports.&nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif&#39;s sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz both did not produce the relevant documents within the time given to them by the court, reports Dawn. Both men live abroad.&nbsp;

Akram Sheikh, who is representing Sharif&#39;s children, opposed forming a commission specifically to probe the Panama Papers case, and pleaded that the court continue hearing the case instead, Dawn reports.

The bench adjourned the hearing until November 17, which is the date&nbsp;they&nbsp;will decided whether or not to form a committee to investigate the Panama Paper case, Dawn reports.

Justice Asid Saeed Khosa had asked the prime minister&#39;s counsel to prove&nbsp;the money was sent abroad by legal means, to which the government requested 15 days to prepare the required documents, Dawn reports. But the court refused, offering them only seven days.

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and Awami Muslim League chief&nbsp;Shaikh Rashid have turned in the evidence to support their claims against the premier&#39;s family.

The Panama Papers refers to 11.5 million leaked documents, some dating back to as far as the 1970s,&nbsp;detailing the financial and attorney-client services by the Panamanian law firm,&nbsp;Mossack Fonseca. The International Consortium of International Journalists, in tandem with journalist from media outlets from around the world, inspected the leaks for wrondoing, before turning them over to the public.

The leaked documents illustrate how wealthy&nbsp;individuals and public officials keep their finances hidden. While offshore business entities are legal, reporters found some usages of shell corporations were used to fraud, kleptocracy, tax evasion, evading international sanctions, and other illegal purposes.

Most media dutifully pointed out, being singled out in connection with the&nbsp;Panama Papers is not proof of guilt.

(WION)

<section data-id="552" data-type="adsense">&nbsp;</section>

Pakistan's Prime Minister handed over evidence legitimising assets to Pakistan's top court

Only hours before Pakistan's Supreme Court resumed hearing the Panama Papers case on Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz handed over evidence documenting the legitimacy of their assets to the top court, reports Dawn. The documents, totalling about 400 pages, contain the pertinent details of transactions and receipt payments dating back to 2011, Dawn reports. Nawaz Sharif's sons Hassan and Hussain Nawaz both did not produce the relevant documents within the time given to them by the court, reports Dawn. Both men live abroad. Akram Sheikh, who is representing Sharif's children, opposed forming a commission specifically to probe the Panama Papers case, and pleaded that the court continue hearing the case instead, Dawn reports. The bench adjourned the hearing until November 17, which is the date they will decided whether or not to form a committee to investigate the Panama Paper case, Dawn reports. Justice Asid Saeed Khosa had asked the prime minister's counsel to prove the money was sent abroad by legal means, to which the government requested 15 days to prepare the required documents, Dawn reports. But the court refused, offering them only seven days. Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan and Awami Muslim League chief Shaikh Rashid have turned in the evidence to support their claims against the premier's family. The Panama Papers refers to 11.5 million leaked documents, some dating back to as far as the 1970s, detailing the financial and attorney-client services by the Panamanian law firm, Mossack Fonseca. The International Consortium of International Journalists, in tandem with journalist from media outlets from around the world, inspected the leaks for wrondoing, before turning them over to the public. The leaked documents illustrate how wealthy individuals and public officials keep their finances hidden. While offshore business entities are legal, reporters found some usages of shell corporations were used to fraud, kleptocracy, tax evasion, evading international sanctions, and other illegal purposes. Most media dutifully pointed out, being singled out in connection with the Panama Papers is not proof of guilt. (WION)

Pak PM Sharif and his daughter submit asset details in Panama Papers case: Dawn

Amid a chill in India-Pakistan ties, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today called a high-level meeting and reviewed the current status of the country&#39;s ties with its neighbours and strategic partners, according to an official statement.

Sharif said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries of the region and looks forward to establish with them strong and mutually beneficial relations.

&quot;Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective and we must strive for realising this objective. This could be possible only when we demonstrate a commitment to our aspirations of peace, progress and prosperity,&quot; Sharif said during the meeting.

His remarks come amid severe low&nbsp;in Indo-Pak ties after Pakistan-based terrorists attacked an Indian army base in Uri in September. 
Sharif added that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor&nbsp;was a &quot;cornerstone of our own quest for regional connectivity and shared prosperity&quot;.

The meeting evaluated various policy options in response to different challenges in regard to foreign relations. It focused on issues pertaining to regional, external and internal security situation.

It also reviewed bilateral and multi-lateral relations with neighbouring countries, future roadmap for regional stability and maintenance of mutually beneficial relations with all countries in the region and beyond.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI chief Lt. Gen&nbsp;Naveed Mukhtar, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Lt&nbsp;Gen&nbsp;(R) Nasser Khan Janjua and other senior officials attended the meeting.

(PTI)

'Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective...' said the Pakistani prime minister

Amid a chill in India-Pakistan ties, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today called a high-level meeting and reviewed the current status of the country's ties with its neighbours and strategic partners, according to an official statement. Sharif said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries of the region and looks forward to establish with them strong and mutually beneficial relations. "Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective and we must strive for realising this objective. This could be possible only when we demonstrate a commitment to our aspirations of peace, progress and prosperity," Sharif said during the meeting. His remarks come amid severe low in Indo-Pak ties after Pakistan-based terrorists attacked an Indian army base in Uri in September. Sharif added that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was a "cornerstone of our own quest for regional connectivity and shared prosperity". The meeting evaluated various policy options in response to different challenges in regard to foreign relations. It focused on issues pertaining to regional, external and internal security situation. It also reviewed bilateral and multi-lateral relations with neighbouring countries, future roadmap for regional stability and maintenance of mutually beneficial relations with all countries in the region and beyond. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI chief Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhtar, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Lt Gen (R) Nasser Khan Janjua and other senior officials attended the meeting. (PTI)

Pakistan seeks peaceful ties with neighbours: Sharif

Pakistan said Donald Trump praised its prime minister as a &quot;terrific guy&quot; and offered support for a &quot;fantastic&quot; country, in an effusive phone call that baffled many after sharp criticisms in the past.

The Pakistani government released the candid account, complete with Trump`s trademark language, after Nawaz Sharif phoned the billionaire real estate mogul to congratulate him on his election victory.

The widely-circulated statement released late Wednesday caused surprise given the anti-Muslim rhetoric of the Trump campaign and the president-elect`s past description of Pakistan as &quot;not our friend&quot;.

It said Trump told the embattled Pakistani leader, currently embroiled in a corruption court case, that he has a &quot;very good reputation&quot;.

&quot;You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you prime minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long,&quot; it quoted Trump as saying.

&quot;Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people,&quot; Trump said according to the statement, while also offering to help solve the nation`s many challenges which include a violent insurgency.

&quot;I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it.&quot;

Trump has long been disdainful of Pakistan on social media.

On January 17, 2012, he tweeted: &quot;Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. We`ve given them billions and billions of dollars, and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespect - and much worse. #TimeToGetTough&quot;

Pakistanis have also been suspicious of his relationship with arch-rival India.Pakistan heavily relies on US aid and is likely to get around $1 billion in economic and security assistance in the 2017 financial year.

Relations plummeted after it emerged in 2011 that the US had carried out a raid to kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, found hiding in Pakistan, without Islamabad`s consent.

Trump`s election has met with concern over what it could mean for aid commitments and bumpy diplomatic relations.

However, the government statement said Trump urged Sharif to call him &quot;any time even before 20th January&quot; when he takes power.

Trump also responded to an invitation to visit Pakistan by saying he would &quot;love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people&quot;, it said.

He would be the first US president to visit since George W. Bush during military leader Pervez Musharraf`s rule in 2006. &quot;His visit to Pakistan would be most welcome,&quot; a foreign ministry spokesman said Thursday. Pakistan &quot;would like to strengthen ... the existing relationship further and we would like to continue working with the new administration when it takes over,&quot; he continued.

Some social media users appeared to welcome the phone call revelations.

&quot;Fantastic diplomacy&quot; wrote Pakistani journalist Waseem Abbasi, based in Washington, on Facebook. Some were more sceptical.

&quot;But Mr Trump do you know most Pakistanis are Muslim - how can they be `brilliant and exceptional` as well? Won`t you stop them entering?&quot; wrote journalist Omar Quraishi on Twitter.

Trump railed against Muslims during the campaign and vowed to ban them from entering the US.

&quot;I`m still trying to process that zany Trump-Sharif phone call. Who would have known that Trump would become a spokesman for #PakPositive?&quot; tweeted Michael Kugelman, an analyst at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington.

Kugelman later warned not to read too much into the call, given how &quot;unpredictable&quot; Trump can be.

Trump`s transition team confirmed the call but gave a more toned-down account, saying the pair had a &quot;productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future.&quot;

&quot;President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif,&quot; it said in a statement.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif's office released a statement quoting Trump fawning over the PM, and calling Pakistan a 'fantastic place of fantastic people'

Pakistan said Donald Trump praised its prime minister as a "terrific guy" and offered support for a "fantastic" country, in an effusive phone call that baffled many after sharp criticisms in the past. The Pakistani government released the candid account, complete with Trump`s trademark language, after Nawaz Sharif phoned the billionaire real estate mogul to congratulate him on his election victory. The widely-circulated statement released late Wednesday caused surprise given the anti-Muslim rhetoric of the Trump campaign and the president-elect`s past description of Pakistan as "not our friend". It said Trump told the embattled Pakistani leader, currently embroiled in a corruption court case, that he has a "very good reputation". "You are a terrific guy. You are doing amazing work which is visible in every way. I am looking forward to see you soon. As I am talking to you prime minister, I feel I am talking to a person I have known for long," it quoted Trump as saying. "Your country is amazing with tremendous opportunities. Pakistanis are one of the most intelligent people," Trump said according to the statement, while also offering to help solve the nation`s many challenges which include a violent insurgency. "I am ready and willing to play any role that you want me to play to address and find solutions to the outstanding problems. It will be an honour and I will personally do it." Trump has long been disdainful of Pakistan on social media. On January 17, 2012, he tweeted: "Get it straight: Pakistan is not our friend. We`ve given them billions and billions of dollars, and what did we get? Betrayal and disrespect - and much worse. #TimeToGetTough" Pakistanis have also been suspicious of his relationship with arch-rival India.Pakistan heavily relies on US aid and is likely to get around $1 billion in economic and security assistance in the 2017 financial year. Relations plummeted after it emerged in 2011 that the US had carried out a raid to kill Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, found hiding in Pakistan, without Islamabad`s consent. Trump`s election has met with concern over what it could mean for aid commitments and bumpy diplomatic relations. However, the government statement said Trump urged Sharif to call him "any time even before 20th January" when he takes power. Trump also responded to an invitation to visit Pakistan by saying he would "love to come to a fantastic country, fantastic place of fantastic people", it said. He would be the first US president to visit since George W. Bush during military leader Pervez Musharraf`s rule in 2006. "His visit to Pakistan would be most welcome," a foreign ministry spokesman said Thursday. Pakistan "would like to strengthen ... the existing relationship further and we would like to continue working with the new administration when it takes over," he continued. Some social media users appeared to welcome the phone call revelations. "Fantastic diplomacy" wrote Pakistani journalist Waseem Abbasi, based in Washington, on Facebook. Some were more sceptical. "But Mr Trump do you know most Pakistanis are Muslim - how can they be `brilliant and exceptional` as well? Won`t you stop them entering?" wrote journalist Omar Quraishi on Twitter. Trump railed against Muslims during the campaign and vowed to ban them from entering the US. "I`m still trying to process that zany Trump-Sharif phone call. Who would have known that Trump would become a spokesman for #PakPositive?" tweeted Michael Kugelman, an analyst at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington. Kugelman later warned not to read too much into the call, given how "unpredictable" Trump can be. Trump`s transition team confirmed the call but gave a more toned-down account, saying the pair had a "productive conversation about how the United States and Pakistan will have a strong working relationship in the future." "President-elect Trump also noted that he is looking forward to a lasting and strong personal relationship with Prime Minister Sharif," it said in a statement. (AFP)

Trump willing to help Pakistan solve 'outstanding problems'

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump cannot &quot;save him&quot; from the Panama Papers scandal, cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan said today.

While it was good news that Trump spoke to Sharif, the chat will do no favour to the premier in the Panamagate case, the Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman tweeted.

Khan was referring to Sharif&#39;s telephonic conversation with Trump yesterday, during which the Pakistani premier congratulated America&#39;s president-elect on his recent victory in the US polls.

Trump told Prime Minister Sharif that he has a &quot;very good reputation&quot;.

In a taunting reference to a letter by Qatari prince Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, Khan said Sharif could not be saved from the Panama Papers scandal &quot;even if a Trump letter arrived&quot;, Dawn reported.

The Qatari prince&#39;s letter was submitted in the Supreme Court in connection with the Panamagate case.

In the letter, the Qatari royal had described his father&#39;s business ties with Sharif&#39;s family and his involvement in the London apartments that are at the centre of the Panama Papers controversy.

Khan on November 14 submitted the documents containing details of alleged bank accounts held by the Sharif family and loan write-off schemes.&nbsp;

(PTI) &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Tehreek-i-Insaf chief said that the PM's could not be saved from the Panama Papers scandal 'even if a Trump letter arrived'

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's conversation with US President-elect Donald Trump cannot "save him" from the Panama Papers scandal, cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan said today. While it was good news that Trump spoke to Sharif, the chat will do no favour to the premier in the Panamagate case, the Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman tweeted. Khan was referring to Sharif's telephonic conversation with Trump yesterday, during which the Pakistani premier congratulated America's president-elect on his recent victory in the US polls. Trump told Prime Minister Sharif that he has a "very good reputation". In a taunting reference to a letter by Qatari prince Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al-Thani, Khan said Sharif could not be saved from the Panama Papers scandal "even if a Trump letter arrived", Dawn reported. The Qatari prince's letter was submitted in the Supreme Court in connection with the Panamagate case. In the letter, the Qatari royal had described his father's business ties with Sharif's family and his involvement in the London apartments that are at the centre of the Panama Papers controversy. Khan on November 14 submitted the documents containing details of alleged bank accounts held by the Sharif family and loan write-off schemes. (PTI)

Chat with Trump won't save Pakistan PM from Panama scandal: Imran Khan

Politician Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party has urged the government to immediately sever trade ties with India over the death of 13 people including three soldiers in alleged Indian firing along the Line of Control (LoC).

&quot;Indian forces are killing innocent civilians and our army personnel along the LoC but our prime minister is fondly eating bananas being imported from India. It is high time we sever trade ties with India and unite on one platform to pat the enemy in the same coin,&quot; the party&#39;s vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said.

Qureshi said defence minister Khawaja Asif, who should have been at the border to defend the country, was defending Sharif in the Panamagate case in the apex court.

At a public meeting in Chhachhro town, Qureshi said the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N government &quot;had no courage to respond to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi&#39;s bluff and called for immediately severing trade ties with India&quot;, Pakistan daily Dawn reported.

In Umerkot, Qureshi told the press that despite Indian bombing along the LoC, the government had not broken trade ties with the &quot;belligerent neighbour&quot; and urged the UN to get its resolutions on Kashmir implemented, the report in Dawn stated.

He lashed out at the government for the lack of a full-time foreign minister who could fight the Kashmir case in world fora. He also blamed the lack of a full-time foreign minister for the government&#39;s weak foreign policy.

He added that Pakistan had yet to respond to Indian aggression along the LoC.

(PTI) 
&nbsp;

The party also slammed the government for the absence of a full-time foreign minister who could raise the issue of Kashmir in world fora

Politician Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf party has urged the government to immediately sever trade ties with India over the death of 13 people including three soldiers in alleged Indian firing along the Line of Control (LoC). "Indian forces are killing innocent civilians and our army personnel along the LoC but our prime minister is fondly eating bananas being imported from India. It is high time we sever trade ties with India and unite on one platform to pat the enemy in the same coin," the party's vice-chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi said. Qureshi said defence minister Khawaja Asif, who should have been at the border to defend the country, was defending Sharif in the Panamagate case in the apex court. At a public meeting in Chhachhro town, Qureshi said the Nawaz Sharif-led PML-N government "had no courage to respond to Indian prime minister Narendra Modi's bluff and called for immediately severing trade ties with India", Pakistan daily Dawn reported. In Umerkot, Qureshi told the press that despite Indian bombing along the LoC, the government had not broken trade ties with the "belligerent neighbour" and urged the UN to get its resolutions on Kashmir implemented, the report in Dawn stated. He lashed out at the government for the lack of a full-time foreign minister who could fight the Kashmir case in world fora. He also blamed the lack of a full-time foreign minister for the government's weak foreign policy. He added that Pakistan had yet to respond to Indian aggression along the LoC. (PTI)

High time we sever trade ties with India, says Pakistan opposition party

Vowing to united all political forces to challenge Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Asif Ali Zardari- Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led Pakistan People&#39;Party (PPP), former Pakistan military dictator General (Retired) Pervez Musharraf said he would form a third political power in the country.

Musharraf told the Pakistani publication, the Dawn, that he would come back to Pakistan when the court cases against him will conclude. Musharraf said the &quot;political leadership in Pakistan is prolonging the cases against me and the judiciary is under the influence of the current government.&quot;

However, Pakistan senate chairman Raza Rabbani opposed Musharraf&#39;s entry in politics, saying &quot;it will be shameful for the country if the person who destroyed the nation enters into politics.&quot;

Mysterious banners popped up in Pakistan suggesting an alliance between Musharraf and the Farooq Sattar-led MQM-Pakistan. The former army chief told media that he does hold sympathy for the &#39;Mohajir&#39; community but had no interest in joining hands with the party.&nbsp;

The party has also rejected reports that Musharraf&#39;s counsel had suggested an alliance and the inclusion of the former military dictator as a party leader.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Stressing the need for a third political power in Pakistan, Musharraf said he will return to challenge the PM when his cases conclude

Vowing to united all political forces to challenge Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Asif Ali Zardari- Bilawal Bhutto Zardari-led Pakistan People'Party (PPP), former Pakistan military dictator General (Retired) Pervez Musharraf said he would form a third political power in the country. Musharraf told the Pakistani publication, the Dawn, that he would come back to Pakistan when the court cases against him will conclude. Musharraf said the "political leadership in Pakistan is prolonging the cases against me and the judiciary is under the influence of the current government." However, Pakistan senate chairman Raza Rabbani opposed Musharraf's entry in politics, saying "it will be shameful for the country if the person who destroyed the nation enters into politics." Mysterious banners popped up in Pakistan suggesting an alliance between Musharraf and the Farooq Sattar-led MQM-Pakistan. The former army chief told media that he does hold sympathy for the 'Mohajir' community but had no interest in joining hands with the party. The party has also rejected reports that Musharraf's counsel had suggested an alliance and the inclusion of the former military dictator as a party leader. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Former Pakistani army chief Musharraf says 'ready to challenge PM Sharif, Zardari'

Pakistan&#39;s prime minister and army chief welcomed on Sunday the first large shipment of Chinese goods through the renovated port of Gwadar, part of a trade link between western China and the Arabian Sea.

The deep-water port in Pakistan&#39;s southwestern province of Baluchistan is key to the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that also encompasses roads and energy projects.

&quot;Pakistan is located at the intersection of three engines of growth in Asia - South Asia, China and Central Asia,&quot; Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said at a ceremony on Sunday.

&quot;CPEC will help in integrating these regions into an economic zone offering great opportunities for people of the region as well as investors from all over the world.&quot;

Army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif also attended Sunday&#39;s ceremony at the port, which is expected mostly to see imports of building materials in the next year before eventually becoming a gateway for goods from western China&#39;s Xinjiang province.

The port ceremony came a day after a bomb in another part of Baluchistan killed at least 52 people at a Muslim shrine in an attack claimed by Islamic State.

Baluchistan is home to an ethnic nationalist insurgency as well as operations by sectarian militants including Lashkar-e-Jangvi, which has previously said it partners with Islamic State&#39;s Middle East-based leadership.

Pakistan has raised a dedicated security force to protect CPEC projects. The prime minister on Sunday vowed that attacks would not derail any of the work, while expressing condolences to victims of the shrine attack.

&quot;Our hearts are saddened and thoughts are with the innocent victims&#39; families,&quot; he said.

&quot;But at the same time, &quot;I want to re-emphasise that such cowardly attacks cannot weaken our resolve to eliminate the menace of extremism and terrorism from our country in all forms.&quot;

(Reuters)

The port is key to the $46 billion China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that also encompasses roads and energy projects

Pakistan's prime minister and army chief welcomed on Sunday the first large shipment of Chinese goods through the renovated port of Gwadar, part of a trade link between western China and the Arabian Sea. The deep-water port in Pakistan's southwestern province of Baluchistan is key to the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that also encompasses roads and energy projects. "Pakistan is located at the intersection of three engines of growth in Asia - South Asia, China and Central Asia," Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said at a ceremony on Sunday. "CPEC will help in integrating these regions into an economic zone offering great opportunities for people of the region as well as investors from all over the world." Army chief Gen. Raheel Sharif also attended Sunday's ceremony at the port, which is expected mostly to see imports of building materials in the next year before eventually becoming a gateway for goods from western China's Xinjiang province. The port ceremony came a day after a bomb in another part of Baluchistan killed at least 52 people at a Muslim shrine in an attack claimed by Islamic State. Baluchistan is home to an ethnic nationalist insurgency as well as operations by sectarian militants including Lashkar-e-Jangvi, which has previously said it partners with Islamic State's Middle East-based leadership. Pakistan has raised a dedicated security force to protect CPEC projects. The prime minister on Sunday vowed that attacks would not derail any of the work, while expressing condolences to victims of the shrine attack. "Our hearts are saddened and thoughts are with the innocent victims' families," he said. "But at the same time, "I want to re-emphasise that such cowardly attacks cannot weaken our resolve to eliminate the menace of extremism and terrorism from our country in all forms." (Reuters)

Pakistani PM welcomes first large Chinese shipment to Gwadar port

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