Pakistan has often been called as the ''Mecca of terrorism'' as it&nbsp;provides a safe haven and finacial support&nbsp;to terrorists.

With an aim to to calm diplomatic strains over Kashmir issue, Pakistan’s army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-chief-general-qamar-javed-bajwa-to-visit-saudi-arabia-in-quest-to-smooth-ties-320171" hreflang="en">Pakistan Army chief to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties</a>

Former Pakistani Taliban spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan has said Pakistani authorities had given him a hit list of people who they would like to be killed in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Ehsanullah claims&nbsp;that after some time of his surrender he was given the list of prominent voices in order to facilitate the Pakistani state in eliminating rogue elements.

According to an audio&nbsp;that is in the possession of WION,&nbsp;Eshan said, "I was asked to lead a death squad.. and the list included people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and they were Pashtuns from all walks of life including journalists".&nbsp;

In the audio, he talked about his conversations with military intelligence and the parleys that took place.&nbsp;

Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had escaped Pakistani custody earlier this year. Ehsan as spokesperson claimed the group was responsible for shooting Malala Yousafzai, 2014 Wagah border suicide attack and other terror attacks in the South Asian country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-government-trolls-target-female-journalists-cyber-harassment-allegations-against-imran-khans-party-320069" hreflang="en">Pak govt trolls target female journos; cyber harassment allegation against PTI</a>

The development comes even as more than 30 women journalists in Pakistan have in a joint statement highlighted the "vicious attacks" on them through social media.&nbsp;

Women journalists include Benazir Shah, Amber Shamsi, Munizae Jahangir, Gul Bukhari, Gulalai Ismail.&nbsp;

Last year saw the killing of Arooj Iqbal, a 27-year-old women journalist who was shot dead in Lahore. While the main suspect is her husband, Arooj's family told RSF Reporters Without Borders that, "Arooj was clearly targeted because of her journalism work".

Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180 countries and territories in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index.

Pakistan has often been called as the ''Mecca of terrorism'' as it provides a safe haven and finacial support to terrorists. With an aim to to calm diplomatic strains over Kashmir issue, Pakistan’s army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Pakistan has often been called as the ''Mecca of terrorism'' as it provides a safe haven and finacial support to terrorists. With an aim to to calm diplomatic strains over Kashmir issue, Pakistan’s army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit Saudi Arabia this weekend. Also read: Pakistan Army chief to visit Saudi Arabia in quest to smooth ties Former Pakistani Taliban spokesperson Ehsanullah Ehsan has said Pakistani authorities had given him a hit list of people who they would like to be killed in the north-western province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Ehsanullah claims that after some time of his surrender he was given the list of prominent voices in order to facilitate the Pakistani state in eliminating rogue elements. According to an audio that is in the possession of WION, Eshan said, "I was asked to lead a death squad.. and the list included people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and they were Pashtuns from all walks of life including journalists". In the audio, he talked about his conversations with military intelligence and the parleys that took place. Ehsanullah Ehsan, spokesman Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had escaped Pakistani custody earlier this year. Ehsan as spokesperson claimed the group was responsible for shooting Malala Yousafzai, 2014 Wagah border suicide attack and other terror attacks in the South Asian country. Also read: Pak govt trolls target female journos; cyber harassment allegation against PTI The development comes even as more than 30 women journalists in Pakistan have in a joint statement highlighted the "vicious attacks" on them through social media. Women journalists include Benazir Shah, Amber Shamsi, Munizae Jahangir, Gul Bukhari, Gulalai Ismail. Last year saw the killing of Arooj Iqbal, a 27-year-old women journalist who was shot dead in Lahore. While the main suspect is her husband, Arooj's family told RSF Reporters Without Borders that, "Arooj was clearly targeted because of her journalism work". Pakistan is ranked 145th out of 180 countries and territories in RSF's 2020 World Press Freedom Index.

Taliban terrorist Ehsanullah Ehsan confesses leading death squad on Pak Army's behest

Pakistan's top generals were briefed on the national and regional security situations on Wednesday, the army said. 
Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a meeting of the Corps Commanders' in Rawalpindi, wherein the generals were briefed on national and regional security situations, it said.

"Noting the Indian aggression, (the) forum resolved to continue thwarting Indian designs," the army said. 
The commanders also expressed satisfaction on the continued reduction in incidents of violence across the country, gradual positive effects of the ongoing Afghan peace process along the western border and resolved to keep supporting the normalization process through national institutions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-military-top-brass-visit-isi-headquarter-discuss-kashmir-306458">Also read:&nbsp;Pakistan military top brass visit ISI headquarter, discuss Kashmir</a>

The forum also discussed the army's ongoing support to the government against COVID-19, the locust threat and polio campaign within the available resources.

Wednesday's meeting came a day after the spy agency - the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - briefed the top military leadership about the situation on the Line of Control.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, Army chief General Bajwa, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan were briefed by ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hamid at the agency's headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday.

The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Pakistan's top generals were briefed on the national and regional security situations on Wednesday, the army said. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a meeting of the Corps Commanders' in Rawalpindi, wherein the generals were briefed on national and regional security situations, it said.

Pakistan's top generals were briefed on the national and regional security situations on Wednesday, the army said. Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa chaired a meeting of the Corps Commanders' in Rawalpindi, wherein the generals were briefed on national and regional security situations, it said. "Noting the Indian aggression, (the) forum resolved to continue thwarting Indian designs," the army said. The commanders also expressed satisfaction on the continued reduction in incidents of violence across the country, gradual positive effects of the ongoing Afghan peace process along the western border and resolved to keep supporting the normalization process through national institutions. Also read: Pakistan military top brass visit ISI headquarter, discuss Kashmir The forum also discussed the army's ongoing support to the government against COVID-19, the locust threat and polio campaign within the available resources. Wednesday's meeting came a day after the spy agency - the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) - briefed the top military leadership about the situation on the Line of Control. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Nadeem Raza, Army chief General Bajwa, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan were briefed by ISI chief Lt Gen Faiz Hamid at the agency's headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday. The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Top generals briefed on national and regional security situations: Pak army

Authorities here have imposed stricter measures under the garb of law, including fines and imprisonment for people failing to comply with the government`s directives, without any reasonable excuse, to control the coronavirus spread.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-virus-continues-to-spread-in-pakistan-as-1625-cases-reported-289435" hreflang="en">Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported</a>

The provincial government on Sunday promulgated the Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Ordinance 2020, allowing civil administration and health department to control the pandemic outbreak in the country, Dawn reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-army-deployed-in-pakistan-to-enforce-lockdown-as-cases-rise-289357" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Army deployed in Pakistan to enforce lockdown as cases rise</a>

The new rules levied by the provincial government stated that those violating the law would be punished, with a jail term not extending more than two months or a fine not exceeding Rs 50,000 or both.

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However, on the repeat offence, the person, upon conviction, may be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding Rs 100,000 or both. And if such offence is committed by a body corporate, the fine for a first offence shall not be less than Rs 50,000 and not exceeding Rs 200,000; and for a repeat offence not be less than Rs 100,000 and not exceed Rs 300,000, the law said.

The Punjab province has reported maximum positive cases of the contagious infection in the country. Health officials confirmed that the tally reached 593 on Monday.

After reporting new cases, authorities, today, announced that the novel coronavirus has infected at least 1600 people in the country while 17 others have succumbed to the infection.

The army has been deployed at every check posts and borders of the country in a bid to stain the surging cases. The government has also imposed a lockdown until next month, barring people from moving out of houses without valid reasons, and suspending international flights until further notice.

The ordinance concludingly said that it shall be "the duty of every person, including head of a family, any health professional, who knows or believes that a person under his care, supervision or control is suffering from an infectious disease or is contaminated, to report such case to a notified medical officer immediately."

Authorities here have imposed stricter measures under the garb of law, including fines and imprisonment for people failing to comply with the government`s directives, without any reasonable excuse, to control the coronavirus spread.

Authorities here have imposed stricter measures under the garb of law, including fines and imprisonment for people failing to comply with the government`s directives, without any reasonable excuse, to control the coronavirus spread. Also read: Coronavirus: Virus continues to spread in Pakistan as 1,625 cases reported The provincial government on Sunday promulgated the Punjab Infectious Diseases (Prevention and Control) Ordinance 2020, allowing civil administration and health department to control the pandemic outbreak in the country, Dawn reported. Also read: COVID-19: Army deployed in Pakistan to enforce lockdown as cases rise The new rules levied by the provincial government stated that those violating the law would be punished, with a jail term not extending more than two months or a fine not exceeding Rs 50,000 or both. × However, on the repeat offence, the person, upon conviction, may be punished with imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding Rs 100,000 or both. And if such offence is committed by a body corporate, the fine for a first offence shall not be less than Rs 50,000 and not exceeding Rs 200,000; and for a repeat offence not be less than Rs 100,000 and not exceed Rs 300,000, the law said. The Punjab province has reported maximum positive cases of the contagious infection in the country. Health officials confirmed that the tally reached 593 on Monday. After reporting new cases, authorities, today, announced that the novel coronavirus has infected at least 1600 people in the country while 17 others have succumbed to the infection. The army has been deployed at every check posts and borders of the country in a bid to stain the surging cases. The government has also imposed a lockdown until next month, barring people from moving out of houses without valid reasons, and suspending international flights until further notice. The ordinance concludingly said that it shall be "the duty of every person, including head of a family, any health professional, who knows or believes that a person under his care, supervision or control is suffering from an infectious disease or is contaminated, to report such case to a notified medical officer immediately."

Pakistan's way to curb coronavirus: Harass its own citizens and put them in jail

Pakistan's Army commemorated February 27th as 'Surprise Day' to push propaganda against Indian AirForce MCC's Balakot Airstrikes. Why has the Pakistani Air force been unable to evacuate its citizens stuck in Coronavirus-hit China? Molly Gambhir summarises Pak govt's surprisingly misplaced priorities.

Gravitas: 'Surprise day', Pak propaganda on Balakot strikes

&nbsp;Activists and supporters of the Sindhi, Baloch and Pashtun ethnic groups on Tuesday held a protest, condemning Pakistan`s atrocities against minorities and crimes against humanity, outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) headquarters in Geneva.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-policeman-killed-as-blast-hits-polio-vaccine-team-281386">Pakistan policeman killed as blast hits polio vaccine team</a>

Protestors gathered at the iconic Broken Chair sculpture in front of the UN Office amidst the ongoing 41st session of the UNHRC to urge the world body to take immediate action against worst forms of rights violations by the Pakistani Army in the Sindh, Balochistan and Pashtun region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/sindhis-celebrate-116th-birth-anniversary-of-late-gm-syed-with-fervour-275038">Sindhis celebrate 116th birth anniversary of late GM Syed with fervour</a>

Activists also held up huge posters stating "Pakistan Army Stop Atrocities Against Sindh, Baloch and Pashtun". In the past decade, many mass graves with more than 100 bodies were discovered in Balochistan. Almost 7000 people have been faced with enforced disappearances by the Pakistan Army.

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Dozens of villages have been destroyed by the security forces and thousands have been forcibly displaced in Makkuran, Jhalawan, Dera, Bugti, and Kohlu regions of Balochistan. Moreover, the perpetrators have been given immunity by the Pakistani government. Similarly, in Sindh and Pashtun, the Pakistani Army held arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearance, torture, extra-judicial killing, and political repression as a tool to silence their voice and struggle.

Last month, the leader of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) Manzoor Pashteen was arrested due to its critiques against the Pakistani government.

Meanwhile, Pakistan refuses to comply with UN Conventions.

According to Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Article 5 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 7 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance the violent acts of Pakistan constitute a crime.&nbsp;

Activists and supporters of the Sindhi, Baloch and Pashtun ethnic groups on Tuesday held a protest, condemning Pakistan`s atrocities against minorities and crimes against humanity, outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) headquarters in Geneva.

Activists and supporters of the Sindhi, Baloch and Pashtun ethnic groups on Tuesday held a protest, condemning Pakistan`s atrocities against minorities and crimes against humanity, outside the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) headquarters in Geneva. Also read: Pakistan policeman killed as blast hits polio vaccine team Protestors gathered at the iconic Broken Chair sculpture in front of the UN Office amidst the ongoing 41st session of the UNHRC to urge the world body to take immediate action against worst forms of rights violations by the Pakistani Army in the Sindh, Balochistan and Pashtun region. Also read: Sindhis celebrate 116th birth anniversary of late GM Syed with fervour Activists also held up huge posters stating "Pakistan Army Stop Atrocities Against Sindh, Baloch and Pashtun". In the past decade, many mass graves with more than 100 bodies were discovered in Balochistan. Almost 7000 people have been faced with enforced disappearances by the Pakistan Army. × Dozens of villages have been destroyed by the security forces and thousands have been forcibly displaced in Makkuran, Jhalawan, Dera, Bugti, and Kohlu regions of Balochistan. Moreover, the perpetrators have been given immunity by the Pakistani government. Similarly, in Sindh and Pashtun, the Pakistani Army held arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearance, torture, extra-judicial killing, and political repression as a tool to silence their voice and struggle. Last month, the leader of the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) Manzoor Pashteen was arrested due to its critiques against the Pakistani government. Meanwhile, Pakistan refuses to comply with UN Conventions. According to Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Article 5 of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 7 of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance the violent acts of Pakistan constitute a crime.

Sindh, Baloch and Pashtuns protest against Pakistan Army atrocities outside UNHRC

Recent Death Sentence Given To Gen. Musharraf Has Exposed The Crisis In Democracy In Pakistan. #Gravitas #Pakistan #Democracy #Musharraf

Gravitas: Pakistan: Army Versus Judiciary

Keeping up with the country's trend of making spelling errors while attacking India on Twitter, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-economic-crisis-army-chief-bajwa-meets-business-leaders-is-imran-khan-isolated-in-pakistan-253611">Pakistan Army</a> spokesperson Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday called Kashmir the jugular "vain" of Pakistan, inviting trolls.

Ghafoor was quoting a statement by Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa which reiterated that the country is fully "configured, prepared, and determined" to defend the "honour, dignity, and territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain of Pakistan and no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren."

"The last time I had corrected your Latin. This time please allow me to correct your English. It's - jugular vein - and not "vain", wrote a user.

"You are trying in "vain", another user wrote."change Vain to Vein, otherwise all in Vain," wrote a third user.&nbsp;

Watch: Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor trolled for calling Kashmir country's jugular 'vain'

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Earlier, Pakistan's Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhary became the centre of all trolls when he spelt the very word satellite incorrect while trying to troll India after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/chandrayaan-2-orbiter-doing-very-well-no-communication-with-vikram-lander-isro-chief-sivan-250935">ISRO lost communication</a> with its lander Vikram.

&nbsp;

Keeping up with the country's trend of making spelling errors while attacking India on Twitter, Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday called Kashmir the jugular "vain" of Pakistan, inviting trolls.

Keeping up with the country's trend of making spelling errors while attacking India on Twitter, Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor on Wednesday called Kashmir the jugular "vain" of Pakistan, inviting trolls. Ghafoor was quoting a statement by Pakistan Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa which reiterated that the country is fully "configured, prepared, and determined" to defend the "honour, dignity, and territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain of Pakistan and no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren." "The last time I had corrected your Latin. This time please allow me to correct your English. It's - jugular vein - and not "vain", wrote a user. "You are trying in "vain", another user wrote."change Vain to Vein, otherwise all in Vain," wrote a third user. Watch: Pakistan Army spokesperson Asif Ghafoor trolled for calling Kashmir country's jugular 'vain' × Earlier, Pakistan's Science and Technology Minister Fawad Chaudhary became the centre of all trolls when he spelt the very word satellite incorrect while trying to troll India after ISRO lost communication with its lander Vikram.

Pakistan army spokesperson trolled for calling Kashmir country's jugular 'vain'

Congress' MPs move the adjournment motion in both upper houses of the Parliament. Besides PM Modi's cabinet meet is underway at PM's residence.

PM cabinet meeting underway on J&K, Congress moves adjournment motion

Former CMs Mehbooba Mufti & Omar Abdullah ar under house arrest. Cabinet meeting amid security buildup in New Delhi. At least 35,000 paramilitary forces have been deployed in the valley for maintaining peace. Section 144 also imposed in Srinagar.

PM Cabinet Meet's motive is to evaluate J&K's law and order

Reports said that infiltration bid by Pak Army soldiers has been foiled on borders. On Sunday, 15 hand grenades have been found at a local shop. Home Minister Amit Shah met NSA Ajit Doval and Intelligence chief over the security situation. Section 144 has been imposed in Srinagar. PM Modi to chair an important meeting today.

J&K tensions: All schools & colleges ordered to keep shut, PM Modi to chair meet today

Reports said that infiltration bid by Pak Army soldiers has been foiled on borders. On Sunday, 15 hand grenades have been found at a local shop. Home Minister Amit Shah met NSA Ajit Doval and Intelligence chief over the security situation. Section 144 has been imposed in Srinagar.

Section 144 imposed in Srinagar, Internet services snapped

An aircraft of the Pak Army was on regular routine training when it got crashed in a residential area near Islamabad. 17 have died in this crash, 12 were civilians. A dozen people are injured which have been rushed to the nearby hospital. Watch this video to know more.

Pak Army Aircraft crash claims 17 lives, 12 were civilians among dead

On Sunday, the Pakistani Armed Force’s spokesperson Asif Ghafoor posted a video of former Air Marshal Denzil Keelor and claimed it as proof that India faced a reversal on 27 February 2019. Now Pakistan army spokesperson has acknowledged that video which was posted to target India was doctored. Watch this video to know more on the story.

Pakistan army caught red-handed once again

Pakistan's navy on Monday took part in multinational maritime exercise Aman-19 off the coast of Karachi as part of the five-day event.

According to Pakistan, the navies of forty-six nations are taking part in the exercise which involves an 'at-port' and 'at-sea' phase with a focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance operation.

The exercise is designed to develop and practise response tactics, techniques, and procedures for maritime infrastructure and forces against traditional and non-traditional threats.

Pakistan has held Aman&nbsp;navel drills since 2007 and this year's iteration will end today&nbsp;with a cultural show and food gala in which all the participating nations will showcase their national culture and cuisine.

Pakistan's Special Forces had taken part in a maritime counter-terrorism demonstration on the island of Manora, Karachi on Saturday as part of multi-national naval exercise Aman-19.

The exercise, which aims to train naval forces to combat terrorism and piracy, was formally launched on February 8 at the Karachi Naval dockyard.

Aman-19 is a series of biennial naval exercises conducted by the Pakistan Navy since 2007 and is aimed at enhancing military ties among the other regions.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's navy on Monday took part in multinational maritime exercise Aman-19 off the coast of Karachi as part of the five-day event. According to Pakistan, the navies of forty-six nations are taking part in the exercise which involves an 'at-port' and 'at-sea' phase with a focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance operation.

Pakistan's navy on Monday took part in multinational maritime exercise Aman-19 off the coast of Karachi as part of the five-day event. According to Pakistan, the navies of forty-six nations are taking part in the exercise which involves an 'at-port' and 'at-sea' phase with a focus on maritime security, counter-terrorism and humanitarian assistance operation. The exercise is designed to develop and practise response tactics, techniques, and procedures for maritime infrastructure and forces against traditional and non-traditional threats. Pakistan has held Aman navel drills since 2007 and this year's iteration will end today with a cultural show and food gala in which all the participating nations will showcase their national culture and cuisine. Pakistan's Special Forces had taken part in a maritime counter-terrorism demonstration on the island of Manora, Karachi on Saturday as part of multi-national naval exercise Aman-19. The exercise, which aims to train naval forces to combat terrorism and piracy, was formally launched on February 8 at the Karachi Naval dockyard. Aman-19 is a series of biennial naval exercises conducted by the Pakistan Navy since 2007 and is aimed at enhancing military ties among the other regions.

Watch: Pak navy takes part in multinational maritime exercise off Karachi coast

&nbsp;A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US-born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here.

Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case.

Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam.

The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting a trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case.

Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016.

"David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008, were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI.

Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application.

"The application filed by the prosecution for the issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said.

"Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6.

Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected. 
LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said.

Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence.

Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same.

He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India.

Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai.

He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India.

According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack.

"It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said.

On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores.

The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House.

While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.

A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case.

A sessions court here has issued non-bailable warrants against two Pakistan Army officials - Major Abdul Rehman Pasha and Major Iqbal - in connection with the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. While Major Pasha has retired, the prosecution believes Major Iqbal is still serving as an ISI official in Pakistan, as disclosed by US-born Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist David Coleman Headley, an approver in the case here. Both Major Iqbal and Major Pasha are shown as wanted accused in the charge sheet filed by the city police's crime branch in the case. Additional Sessions Judge S V Yarlagadda on January 21 allowed an application filed by special public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam. The application was filed before the court which is presently conducting a trial against alleged LeT operative Sayyed Zabiuddin Ansari alias Abu Jundal in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case. Nikam said in the application that the role of the two Pakistani Army officials was revealed further during the testimony of Headley on the conspiracy hatched in the case. Headley, who is presently lodged in a US jail, turned approver in the case and his testimony was recorded via video conference in 2016. "David Headley's testimony has vindicated the stand of India that the terror attacks of November 26, 2008, were not only sponsored by militant groups of Pakistan but were, in fact, actively supported by Pakistan Army officials," Nikam told PTI. Judge Yarlagadda, after perusing the application, supplementary charge sheet filed by the crime branch and hearing brief arguments from Nikam, said he was allowing the application. "The application filed by the prosecution for the issuance of non-bailable warrant against the two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) is allowed. These two persons are shown as wanted suspects. The approver, David Headley, has named them in his evidence," the court said. "Hence, issue non-bailable warrants against both the accused persons," the court ordered and posted the matter for further hearing on February 6. Headley in his testimony before the court here had claimed that during the conspiracy to commit the terror attacks in Mumbai, Major Iqbal and Major Pasha were present in the meetings during which targets were selected. LeT operatives Sajeed Mir, Abu Kaahfa and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi were also present in the meetings, Headley had said. Nikam said Headley's oral testimony is not the only evidence against these two persons (Pasha and Iqbal) and that the prosecution also has in its possession corroborative documentary evidence. Headley had visited Mumbai in September 2006 and informed Major Iqbal about his surveillance of Hotel Taj in south Mumbai and on his return to Pakistan, he had handed over photographs and videos of the same. He also said that Major Iqbal gave him USD 25,000 to do intelligence work in India. Headley further claimed that Major Iqbal had asked him to also get classified information about Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) here and of political party Shiv Sena's office, 'Sena Bhawan', located in central Mumbai. He said he had also received Rs 80,000 from Major Pasha for carrying out surveillance work in India. According to Nikam, Headley had been in regular contact with Major Pasha during the course of the conspiracy, planning and execution of the attack. "It is pertinent to note that Headley in his testimony had said Pasha wanted the National Defence College in New Delhi also to be included in the target list and had, in fact, told Headley that if the attack on the army college was successful then they would be able to kill more brigadiers and generals than they have in the past," Nikam said. On November 26, 2008, 10 Pakistani terrorists arrived by sea route and opened fire indiscriminately, killing 166 people, including 18 security personnel, and injuring several others, besides damaging property worth crores. The attacks lasted three days. The places that were attacked included south Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus railway station, the Taj Hotel, the Trident Hotel, Cafe Leopold and Chabad House. While nine of the terrorists were killed during the siege, Ajmal Kasab was caught alive by Mumbai Police and later awarded death sentence.

26/11 Mumbai terror attack case: Court issues NBW against two Pakistan Army officials

The Pakistan Army Thursday targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district with mortars and small arms, official said.

"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by small arms fire and shelling with mortars in Sunderbani Sector since 0915 hours", the Defence PRO said.

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Jammu &amp; Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire at four locations along the Line of Control in Poonch and Rajouri sector <a href="https://t.co/y2Jsuh8XmO">pic.twitter.com/y2Jsuh8XmO</a>
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The Indian Army is effectively retaliating.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army also targeted forward posts in Mendhar sector of Poonch district on Wednesday night, officials said.&nbsp;

Officials said the Pakistan Army is continuously firing 120 mm and 81 mm mortars when last reports came in.

The shelling and firing have triggered panic among border dwellers.

Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir had said on Thursday last that a befitting reply will be given to ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army Thursday targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district with mortars and small arms, official said.

The Pakistan Army Thursday targeted forward posts and civilian areas along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district with mortars and small arms, official said. "Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation by small arms fire and shelling with mortars in Sunderbani Sector since 0915 hours", the Defence PRO said. Jammu & Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire at four locations along the Line of Control in Poonch and Rajouri sector pic.twitter.com/y2Jsuh8XmO — ANI (@ANI) January 24, 2019 × The Indian Army is effectively retaliating. The Pakistan Army also targeted forward posts in Mendhar sector of Poonch district on Wednesday night, officials said. Officials said the Pakistan Army is continuously firing 120 mm and 81 mm mortars when last reports came in. The shelling and firing have triggered panic among border dwellers. Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir had said on Thursday last that a befitting reply will be given to ceasefire violations by Pakistani troops.

Pakistan Army lobs mortars at forward posts in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri

Pakistan Army said on Monday that despite restricted liberty of action due to presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), Indian fire is always "effectively responded".

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor made the comments while talking to a group of journalists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Hazara Division of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Ghafoor apprised them about the situation along the LoC and said that army operated in a restricted environment due to the presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on the other side of the LoC, the Inter Services Public Relations, the media wing of the military, said in a statement.

"Despite restricted liberty of action for response to Indian fire due to presence of our Kashmiri brethren on both sides of LOC, Indian fire is always effectively responded focusing on Indian posts," he said.&nbsp;

He went on to say that Pakistan looks for peace yet any misadventure shall be responded befittingly.

Pakistan Army said on Monday that despite restricted liberty of action due to presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), Indian fire is always "effectively responded".

Pakistan Army said on Monday that despite restricted liberty of action due to presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), Indian fire is always "effectively responded". Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor made the comments while talking to a group of journalists from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Hazara Division of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. Ghafoor apprised them about the situation along the LoC and said that army operated in a restricted environment due to the presence of "our Kashmiri brethren" on the other side of the LoC, the Inter Services Public Relations, the media wing of the military, said in a statement. "Despite restricted liberty of action for response to Indian fire due to presence of our Kashmiri brethren on both sides of LOC, Indian fire is always effectively responded focusing on Indian posts," he said. He went on to say that Pakistan looks for peace yet any misadventure shall be responded befittingly.

Indian fire 'effectively responded' despite restricted liberty of action along LoC: Pak Army

Pakistan Army on Thursday evening resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Indian Army retaliated and the firing stopped after a while.

The incident came few days after a Pakistani chopper on Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said.

News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm.

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The helicopter flew for nearly five minutes inside Poonch area near Line of Control, the report added.&nbsp;

Official sources said a white-colour chopper crossed into this side in Gulpur sector and hovered for sometime before turning back.

Helicopters are barred coming within 1 kilometre of the LoC, according to sources.&nbsp;

Pakistan Army on Thursday evening resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Indian Army retaliated and the firing stopped after a while.

Pakistan Army on Thursday evening resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector, news agency ANI reported. According to reports, Indian Army retaliated and the firing stopped after a while. The incident came few days after a Pakistani chopper on Sunday violated the airspace along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army said. News agency PTI quoting Jammu-based Army PRO Lt Col Devender Anand said that the helicopter violated the airspace around 12:13 pm. J&K: Pakistan Army resorted to unprovoked small arms firing in Poonch sector earlier this evening. Indian Army retaliated & the firing stopped after sometime. — ANI (@ANI) October 4, 2018 × The helicopter flew for nearly five minutes inside Poonch area near Line of Control, the report added. Official sources said a white-colour chopper crossed into this side in Gulpur sector and hovered for sometime before turning back. Helicopters are barred coming within 1 kilometre of the LoC, according to sources.

J&K: Pak army resorted to unprovoked firing in Poonch, India retaliated

In a fresh source of embarrassment for Pakistan, twenty-year-old Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Zaibullah alias Hamza has told India's national investigation agency (NIA) that Pakistan is not just sending terror agents into the country but also smuggling arms.

Zaibullah's disclosure is significant as security forces admit that no terrorist has been caught without a weapon in an encounter.

According to the information provided by the LeT operative, for every two infiltrations, there is one arms consignment stocked in safe areas. Such cargos are dumped in areas demarcated by the LeT.&nbsp;

He further informed that the terrorists can take weapons including pistols, AK-47s, grenade launchers among other arms from the safe areas.&nbsp;

It was earlier believed that the terrorists relied on stealing weapons during the encounters. Zaibullah also noted that at a time, one arms package contains 6-7 weapons.&nbsp;

Zaibullah was arrested on April 6 this year after India's security agencies acted on a tip-off. He had earlier escaped an encounter in March.&nbsp;

"Pakistan's army is rewarded for every kill. &nbsp;LeT's Falahai-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) carries banners reading "Burmese and Kashmiri Muslims must join the FIF". These are put outside mosques. The FIF is funded by many events in Pakistan, they are funded by the Saudis too. These funds are collected for the Mujahideens at the Muzaffarabad camps," Zaibullah informed.&nbsp;

According to the information provided by the LeT operative, for every two infiltrations, there is one arms consignment stocked in safe areas

In a fresh source of embarrassment for Pakistan, twenty-year-old Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist Zaibullah alias Hamza has told India's national investigation agency (NIA) that Pakistan is not just sending terror agents into the country but also smuggling arms. Zaibullah's disclosure is significant as security forces admit that no terrorist has been caught without a weapon in an encounter. According to the information provided by the LeT operative, for every two infiltrations, there is one arms consignment stocked in safe areas. Such cargos are dumped in areas demarcated by the LeT. He further informed that the terrorists can take weapons including pistols, AK-47s, grenade launchers among other arms from the safe areas. It was earlier believed that the terrorists relied on stealing weapons during the encounters. Zaibullah also noted that at a time, one arms package contains 6-7 weapons. Zaibullah was arrested on April 6 this year after India's security agencies acted on a tip-off. He had earlier escaped an encounter in March. "Pakistan's army is rewarded for every kill. LeT's Falahai-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) carries banners reading "Burmese and Kashmiri Muslims must join the FIF". These are put outside mosques. The FIF is funded by many events in Pakistan, they are funded by the Saudis too. These funds are collected for the Mujahideens at the Muzaffarabad camps," Zaibullah informed.

Watch: LeT terrorist spills beans on Pak army facilitating arms smuggling into India

At least five of a family, including two children, were killed and two others severely injured in a powerful explosion in northwest Pakistan's Peshawar city on Friday&nbspmorning, police said.

The blast occurred inside a hotel near Bilal Town area of Peshawar.

According to the police, the blast may have been caused by an explosive device or a gas leak.

The blast occurred on the fourth floor of the hotel and all victims belonged to Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Capital City Police (CCPO) Qazi Jamil ur Rehman said, adding that fire engulfed the entire floor after the blast.

He said security forces were looking for evidence to ascertain the cause of the blast.

The Bomb Disposal Squad have also reached the spot, the CCPO added.

The injured are rushed to the Lady Reading Hospital, where their condition was stated to be critical, he said.

The Bomb Disposal Squad have also reached the spot, the CCPO added.

At least five of a family, including two children, were killed and two others severely injured in a powerful explosion in northwest Pakistan's Peshawar city on Friday&nbspmorning, police said. The blast occurred inside a hotel near Bilal Town area of Peshawar. According to the police, the blast may have been caused by an explosive device or a gas leak. The blast occurred on the fourth floor of the hotel and all victims belonged to Hangu district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Chief Capital City Police (CCPO) Qazi Jamil ur Rehman said, adding that fire engulfed the entire floor after the blast. He said security forces were looking for evidence to ascertain the cause of the blast. The Bomb Disposal Squad have also reached the spot, the CCPO added. The injured are rushed to the Lady Reading Hospital, where their condition was stated to be critical, he said.

5 killed in Pak blast, gas leak suspected

A Pakistan national was apprehended by personnel of the Maratha Light Infantry (MLI) on Saturday from Karmara village in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir.

The person in question has been identified as Ghulam Akber, a resident of March Kote Tehsil, Bandi Abbasspur in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Father of two children, Akber has relatives in the Pakistan Army, with his uncle's son serving in Mohammad Gali in PoK.

The official said that Akber was apprehended near Kunjan post of Indian army in the forward area of Karmara sub-sector of Gulpur around 1 pm.

He was taken to the base camp of 15 MLI at Gulpur for further questioning.

(With inputs from ANI)

Father of two children, Akber has relatives in the Pakistan Army, with his uncle's son serving in Mohammad Gali in PoK.

A Pakistan national was apprehended by personnel of the Maratha Light Infantry (MLI) on Saturday from Karmara village in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The person in question has been identified as Ghulam Akber, a resident of March Kote Tehsil, Bandi Abbasspur in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK). Father of two children, Akber has relatives in the Pakistan Army, with his uncle's son serving in Mohammad Gali in PoK. The official said that Akber was apprehended near Kunjan post of Indian army in the forward area of Karmara sub-sector of Gulpur around 1 pm. He was taken to the base camp of 15 MLI at Gulpur for further questioning. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan national with relatives in Pak Army held in Poonch

The Pakistan military today emphasised its commitment to democracy after it openly criticised the government&#39;s actions last month following investigations into a leaked newspaper story about a national security meeting.

Military&#39;s spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor at a press conference said, &quot;We will continue to work with all government institutions to do what is best for the country.&quot;

&quot;There&#39;s been a lot of talk about democracy in the past two weeks, but nowhere was there any mention that any actions should be taken against democracy,&quot; he added.

The latest row between the Army and government started after an article in the English-language Dawn newspaper in October, detailing high-level security talks, angered the army.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-nawaz-sharif-sacks-special-adviser-over-security-leak-pak-army-rejects-move-15063">Sharif fired his&nbsp;close ally at the time of the leak and last month sacked one of his senior adviser&nbsp;</a>special assistant on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi&nbsp;after an inquiry report.

But a tweet from Ghafoor rejected Sharif&#39;s actions as &quot;incomplete&quot;.

At the news conference, Ghafoor said the April 29 tweet was &quot;not against any government official or institution&quot;, adding that the investigation into the leaks had come to a satisfactory conclusion. 
&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-nawaz-sharif-sacks-special-adviser-over-security-leak-pak-army-rejects-move-15063">Also Read:&nbsp;Pak PM Nawaz Sharif sacks special adviser over security leak, Pak army &#39;rejects&#39; move</a>

(WION with Reuters input)

Military's spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor at a press conference said the military was "not against any government official or institution"

The Pakistan military today emphasised its commitment to democracy after it openly criticised the government's actions last month following investigations into a leaked newspaper story about a national security meeting. Military's spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor at a press conference said, "We will continue to work with all government institutions to do what is best for the country." "There's been a lot of talk about democracy in the past two weeks, but nowhere was there any mention that any actions should be taken against democracy," he added. The latest row between the Army and government started after an article in the English-language Dawn newspaper in October, detailing high-level security talks, angered the army. Sharif fired his close ally at the time of the leak and last month sacked one of his senior adviser special assistant on foreign affairs Tariq Fatemi after an inquiry report. But a tweet from Ghafoor rejected Sharif's actions as "incomplete". At the news conference, Ghafoor said the April 29 tweet was "not against any government official or institution", adding that the investigation into the leaks had come to a satisfactory conclusion. Also Read: Pak PM Nawaz Sharif sacks special adviser over security leak, Pak army 'rejects' move (WION with Reuters input)

Will continue to work with all government institutions: Pak Army

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