Pakistan army has once again violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday.&nbsp;

At about 10:30 am unprovoked firing with rocket launchers started from the Pakistani side in Krishna Ghati sector, Army sources said.

Pakistani troops have been regularly violating ceasefire, especially along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Pakistan army has once again violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. At about 10:30 am unprovoked firing with rocket launchers started from the Pakistani side in Krishna Ghati sector, Army sources said.

Pakistan army has once again violated ceasefire along the Line of Control in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. At about 10:30 am unprovoked firing with rocket launchers started from the Pakistani side in Krishna Ghati sector, Army sources said. Pakistani troops have been regularly violating ceasefire, especially along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir: Pakistan violates ceasefire again in Poonch

A delegation of Mohajirs and representatives of Pashtun, Baloch, and Hazara from Pakistan met Congressman Rob Wittman and apprised him about the alleged acts of ethnic prejudice and persecution by the government agencies against the members of minority communities.

The Virginia Congressman reaffirmed his support for victims of human rights abuses and assured the delegation that he would continue to raise these issues in Congress as well all other relevant forums, a media release by the Congressman said on Sunday.&nbsp;

The group, led by the Voice of Karachi and South Asia Minorities Alliance Foundation chairman Nadeem Nusrat, briefed Wittman about the alleged human rights violation, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, physical torture and arbitrary arrests against the minority communities.

Nusrat pointed out the devastating economic and social impact of a highly discriminatory quota system in urban Sindh that has forced the majority urban population out of government jobs and admissions in public educational institutions since the 1970s.

"You could find people of Lahore and Rawalpindi and other cities in their local police. But you'd hardly find the citizens of Karachi, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas in the local police of the cities and the other law enforcement agencies," Nusrat alleged.

"Persistent and organised rigging in a census and electoral constituencies have left the urban population disenfranchised. The urban majority is ruled by a fake rural population that treats urban areas as its colonies," he said.

Nusrat also shared with the Congressman details of Greater Karachi plans that the Voice of Karachi recently presented in its media briefing in the US capital.

Pashtun, Baloch and Hazara representatives also shared the details of human rights violations in their respective regions with Congressman Wittman.&nbsp;

Participants of the meeting also handed over documents describing details of security forces' brutalities against various ethnic and religious groups in Pakistan, a media release said.

Wittman, who has served at many important Congressional committees, reaffirmed his support for victims of human rights abuses and assured the participants of the meeting that he will continue to raise these issues in Congress as well all other relevant forums, the media release said.&nbsp;

A delegation of Mohajirs and representatives of Pashtun, Baloch, and Hazara from Pakistan met Congressman Rob Wittman and apprised him about the alleged acts of ethnic prejudice and persecution by the government agencies against the members of minority communities.

A delegation of Mohajirs and representatives of Pashtun, Baloch, and Hazara from Pakistan met Congressman Rob Wittman and apprised him about the alleged acts of ethnic prejudice and persecution by the government agencies against the members of minority communities. The Virginia Congressman reaffirmed his support for victims of human rights abuses and assured the delegation that he would continue to raise these issues in Congress as well all other relevant forums, a media release by the Congressman said on Sunday. The group, led by the Voice of Karachi and South Asia Minorities Alliance Foundation chairman Nadeem Nusrat, briefed Wittman about the alleged human rights violation, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, physical torture and arbitrary arrests against the minority communities. Nusrat pointed out the devastating economic and social impact of a highly discriminatory quota system in urban Sindh that has forced the majority urban population out of government jobs and admissions in public educational institutions since the 1970s. "You could find people of Lahore and Rawalpindi and other cities in their local police. But you'd hardly find the citizens of Karachi, Hyderabad, and Mirpurkhas in the local police of the cities and the other law enforcement agencies," Nusrat alleged. "Persistent and organised rigging in a census and electoral constituencies have left the urban population disenfranchised. The urban majority is ruled by a fake rural population that treats urban areas as its colonies," he said. Nusrat also shared with the Congressman details of Greater Karachi plans that the Voice of Karachi recently presented in its media briefing in the US capital. Pashtun, Baloch and Hazara representatives also shared the details of human rights violations in their respective regions with Congressman Wittman. Participants of the meeting also handed over documents describing details of security forces' brutalities against various ethnic and religious groups in Pakistan, a media release said. Wittman, who has served at many important Congressional committees, reaffirmed his support for victims of human rights abuses and assured the participants of the meeting that he will continue to raise these issues in Congress as well all other relevant forums, the media release said.

Pakistan minority groups brief US Congressman over human rights abuses

Pakistani authorities on Tuesday sacked the head of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) after a probe into a weekend shootout revealed that three members of a family were killed in a fake encounter on a highway.

Terrorism and murder charges were also registered against five CTD officials present during the encounter, police said.

"In the light of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), five senior officers, including CTD Punjab Chief Additional Inspector General Rai Tahir, have been sacked and five officials of the CTD who took part in the encounter booked under terrorism and murder charges," Punjab Law Minister Basharat Raja told a press conference here.&nbsp;

The CTD officials on Saturday last killed four persons, including a teenage girl, in an encounter in Sahiwal, 200 km from Lahore, suspecting them to be terrorists.

The CTD team opened indiscriminate fire on the car in which a couple along with their four children and the driver were sitting. Three children survived the firing.

The anti-terror department initially termed the victims as "terrorists of the Islamic State", but later declared three of them — the couple and their 13-year-old daughter — innocent civilians. 
&nbsp; 
Raja said action against more officials would be taken after completion of the investigation. 
&nbsp; 
Replying to a query on whether any action has been taken against the ISI officials on whose lead the operation was conducted, the minister said: "The investigation is still underway."&nbsp;

He also said the fourth victim, Zeeshan Javed, was a terror suspect and the government would give a detailed briefing of his alleged links with terrorists on Wednesday.&nbsp;

The CTD had said Javed was an active member of the IS (Daesh) and a phone call was recorded from Afghanistan in which an IS commander was directing another member of the network to ask others to hide after the killing of Zeeshan.

Saturday's shootout had drawn nationwide condemnation and Prime Minister Imran Khan had also vowed to award exemplary punishment to the culprits.&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities on Tuesday sacked the head of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) after a probe into a weekend shootout revealed that three members of a family were killed in a fake encounter on a highway.

Pakistani authorities on Tuesday sacked the head of the Punjab Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) after a probe into a weekend shootout revealed that three members of a family were killed in a fake encounter on a highway. Terrorism and murder charges were also registered against five CTD officials present during the encounter, police said. "In the light of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT), five senior officers, including CTD Punjab Chief Additional Inspector General Rai Tahir, have been sacked and five officials of the CTD who took part in the encounter booked under terrorism and murder charges," Punjab Law Minister Basharat Raja told a press conference here. The CTD officials on Saturday last killed four persons, including a teenage girl, in an encounter in Sahiwal, 200 km from Lahore, suspecting them to be terrorists. The CTD team opened indiscriminate fire on the car in which a couple along with their four children and the driver were sitting. Three children survived the firing. The anti-terror department initially termed the victims as "terrorists of the Islamic State", but later declared three of them — the couple and their 13-year-old daughter — innocent civilians. Raja said action against more officials would be taken after completion of the investigation. Replying to a query on whether any action has been taken against the ISI officials on whose lead the operation was conducted, the minister said: "The investigation is still underway." He also said the fourth victim, Zeeshan Javed, was a terror suspect and the government would give a detailed briefing of his alleged links with terrorists on Wednesday. The CTD had said Javed was an active member of the IS (Daesh) and a phone call was recorded from Afghanistan in which an IS commander was directing another member of the network to ask others to hide after the killing of Zeeshan. Saturday's shootout had drawn nationwide condemnation and Prime Minister Imran Khan had also vowed to award exemplary punishment to the culprits.

Pak authorities sack chief of Punjab's anti-terror dept in fake encounter case

A Pakistan court heard the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/india-news/a-decade-of-mumbai-terror-attack-what-all-happened-during-attacks-and-in-years-to-follow-179407&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjv0fXUuYPgAhVUfXAKHa52B8oQFggSMAU&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw31vZgk0QTYYvZ1newbXenL">2008 Mumbai attack case</a> to let the prosecutor produce more witnesses. 
&nbsp; 
Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed into <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-summons-sharif-treason-case-over-mumbai-attack-remarks-167459&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjv0fXUuYPgAhVUfXAKHa52B8oQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw1TwF2StqSd3ZG5PLHmKQ_X">Mumbai </a>from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks, killing 166 people and injuring over 300 in November 2008.

The trial, underway in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan against seven activists, has made little headway in more than 10 years as the Pakistani establishment has been claiming lack of enough evidence against them.&nbsp;

A divisional bench of Islamabad High Court, comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani, on Tuesday conducted hearing on a petition by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) seeking a stay on anti-terrorism court proceedings.

Seven LeT suspects — Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jamil Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum —are facing charges of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack since 2009.

Except Lakhvi, the other six are kept in the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;

A Pakistan court heard the 2008 Mumbai attack case to let the prosecutor produce more witnesses. Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed into Mumbai from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks, killing 166 people and injuring over 300 in November 2008.

A Pakistan court heard the 2008 Mumbai attack case to let the prosecutor produce more witnesses. Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed into Mumbai from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks, killing 166 people and injuring over 300 in November 2008. The trial, underway in an anti-terrorism court in Pakistan against seven activists, has made little headway in more than 10 years as the Pakistani establishment has been claiming lack of enough evidence against them. A divisional bench of Islamabad High Court, comprising Justice Aamer Farooq and Justice Mohsin Akhter Kiyani, on Tuesday conducted hearing on a petition by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) seeking a stay on anti-terrorism court proceedings. Seven LeT suspects — Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, Abdul Wajid, Mazhar Iqbal, Hamad Amin Sadiq, Shahid Jamil Riaz, Jamil Ahmed and Younis Anjum —are facing charges of abetment to murder, attempted murder, planning and executing the Mumbai attack since 2009. Except Lakhvi, the other six are kept in the high-security Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi.

Pakistan court temporarily halts Mumbai attack case hearing

Pakistan's volume of exports would increase to around US $27 billion in 2019, a top financial advisor to Prime Minister Imran Khan has said.

The Imran Khan led government is facing increasing pressure for rising inflation, new taxes and an overall struggling economic picture since coming into power last year after the general elections.

Adviser to Khan for Commerce, Textile and Industry Production Abdul Razak Dawood said that the target of exports the government had set by the year end was around US $27 billion.

"This year we will achieve the target of setting a new record for highest exports from Pakistan and we are looking at around US $27 billion of exports,"&nbsp;Dawood said at an Edible oil conference here on Saturday.

The government is due to announce a mini-budget on January 23 in the National Assembly, which could bring more taxes and duties for the consumers and importers.

Stating that reducing imports was vital for economic growth, Dawood said the government is focusing on increasing the volume of exports in 2019.

Official data by State Bank of Pakistan shows that total exports have yielded US $11.5 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year which means another target of US $15.5 billion has to come in the remaining months of the fiscal year.

Dawood said that the government was formulating a strategy to increase exports this year and added that the figures for December 2018 were much better than December 2017.

"We have achieved success in acquiring a one billion dollar market in China for export of sugar and rice,"&nbsp;he said.

Dawood admitted that one of the biggest challenges facing the country was current account deficit and the government was taking steps to resolve this.

He said the people would hear good news soon as the country's economy was headed for improvement despite the difficulties.

Dawood said that as opposed to the past when the country was asking China for infrastructure projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), "we (current Government) are asking them for agricultural input".

"We are pursuing an export-led growth strategy," he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan's volume of exports would increase to around US $27 billion in 2019, a top financial advisor to Prime Minister Imran Khan has said. The Imran Khan led government is facing increasing pressure for rising inflation, new taxes and an overall struggling economic picture since coming into power last year after the general elections.

Pakistan's volume of exports would increase to around US $27 billion in 2019, a top financial advisor to Prime Minister Imran Khan has said. The Imran Khan led government is facing increasing pressure for rising inflation, new taxes and an overall struggling economic picture since coming into power last year after the general elections. Adviser to Khan for Commerce, Textile and Industry Production Abdul Razak Dawood said that the target of exports the government had set by the year end was around US $27 billion. "This year we will achieve the target of setting a new record for highest exports from Pakistan and we are looking at around US $27 billion of exports," Dawood said at an Edible oil conference here on Saturday. The government is due to announce a mini-budget on January 23 in the National Assembly, which could bring more taxes and duties for the consumers and importers. Stating that reducing imports was vital for economic growth, Dawood said the government is focusing on increasing the volume of exports in 2019. Official data by State Bank of Pakistan shows that total exports have yielded US $11.5 billion in the first half of the current fiscal year which means another target of US $15.5 billion has to come in the remaining months of the fiscal year. Dawood said that the government was formulating a strategy to increase exports this year and added that the figures for December 2018 were much better than December 2017. "We have achieved success in acquiring a one billion dollar market in China for export of sugar and rice," he said. Dawood admitted that one of the biggest challenges facing the country was current account deficit and the government was taking steps to resolve this. He said the people would hear good news soon as the country's economy was headed for improvement despite the difficulties. Dawood said that as opposed to the past when the country was asking China for infrastructure projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), "we (current Government) are asking them for agricultural input". "We are pursuing an export-led growth strategy," he said.

Pakistan's exports to hit US $27 billion in 2019: Official

Pakistan Supreme Court Thursday ordered the federal government to promulgate a new law within a fortnight to grant more rights, including fundamental human rights, to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/activists-urge-pakistan-to-end-illegal-occupation-of-pok-gilgit-baltistan-177997">people of Gilgit-Baltistan in PoK.</a>

A seven-judge bench headed by Justice Saqib Nisar issued a detailed order in response to several petitions filed against constitutional issues and previous reforms in the region.

The bench in the order wrote that the jurisdiction and power of the Supreme Court extend to Gilgit-Baltistan.

It further said that the region's courts did not have the constitutional power to deal with issues within Pakistan but the people from the region will be able to challenge their top court's decisions in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

It also ordered that the people of the region should be given fundamental human rights as provided in the proposed constitutional order, which was made part of the detailed order.

Noting the international status of Kashmir, of which Gilgit-Baltistan is a part, the order said that "as and when the promised plebiscite is organized by the parties to the dispute, it will be up to the people of all of Jammu and Kashmir, and of Gilgit-Baltistan, to make their choice.

It also said until the plebiscite, "It is surely incumbent upon both India as well as Pakistan to ensure that the people of this region enjoy maximum rights for areas within each country's control".

However, it noted that until the plebiscite is held, a proper arrangement must be provided for by Pakistan for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for purposes of governance within a framework of a constitutional nature, including most importantly the enjoyment of fundamental rights.

Pakistan Supreme Court Thursday ordered the federal government to promulgate a new law within a fortnight to grant more rights, including fundamental human rights, to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in PoK.

Pakistan Supreme Court Thursday ordered the federal government to promulgate a new law within a fortnight to grant more rights, including fundamental human rights, to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in PoK. A seven-judge bench headed by Justice Saqib Nisar issued a detailed order in response to several petitions filed against constitutional issues and previous reforms in the region. The bench in the order wrote that the jurisdiction and power of the Supreme Court extend to Gilgit-Baltistan. It further said that the region's courts did not have the constitutional power to deal with issues within Pakistan but the people from the region will be able to challenge their top court's decisions in the Supreme Court of Pakistan. It also ordered that the people of the region should be given fundamental human rights as provided in the proposed constitutional order, which was made part of the detailed order. Noting the international status of Kashmir, of which Gilgit-Baltistan is a part, the order said that "as and when the promised plebiscite is organized by the parties to the dispute, it will be up to the people of all of Jammu and Kashmir, and of Gilgit-Baltistan, to make their choice. It also said until the plebiscite, "It is surely incumbent upon both India as well as Pakistan to ensure that the people of this region enjoy maximum rights for areas within each country's control". However, it noted that until the plebiscite is held, a proper arrangement must be provided for by Pakistan for the people of Gilgit-Baltistan for purposes of governance within a framework of a constitutional nature, including most importantly the enjoyment of fundamental rights.

Pakistan Supreme Court orders govt to give more rights to people of Gilgit-Baltistan

Peshawar High Court on Thursday stopped the Archaeology Department of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from vacating Panj Tirath, a Hindu religious site which has been declared as the national heritage.

Deputy Director Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) Peshawar Humayun Khan said that the provincial archaeology department had given notice for vacating Panj Tirath. 
&nbsp; 
Pakistan's Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB), which manages the shrines of Hindus and Sikhs, had challenged the notice in the court. 
Panj Tirath is a property of the EPTB, he said.

Peshawar High Court on Thursday stopped the Archaeology Department of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from vacating Panj Tirath, a Hindu religious site which has been declared as the national heritage.

Peshawar High Court on Thursday stopped the Archaeology Department of Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province from vacating Panj Tirath, a Hindu religious site which has been declared as the national heritage. Deputy Director Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB) Peshawar Humayun Khan said that the provincial archaeology department had given notice for vacating Panj Tirath. Pakistan's Evacuee Property Trust Board (EPTB), which manages the shrines of Hindus and Sikhs, had challenged the notice in the court. Panj Tirath is a property of the EPTB, he said.

Pakistan court stops provincial department from vacating Panj Tirath

United Nations General Assembly President Maria Fernanda <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-president-maria-espinosa-to-visit-pakistan-next-week-189984">Espinosa will meet Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan </a>and other top leaders of the country Friday, her spokesperson has said.

"Espinosa will be in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the first working day of her official trip to the country," spokesperson Monica Villella Grayly said Thursday.

The UNGA chief will have bilateral meetings with PM Khan, President Arif Alvi and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, she said.

The Pakistan president will host a dinner reception for Espinosa, Grayly told reporters at a news conference held at the UN headquarters in New York.

Espinosa will continue on her visit meeting with the UN team in Pakistan, including the leaders of all UN agencies in the country, her spokesperson said.&nbsp;

United Nations General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa will meet Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and other top leaders of the country Friday, her spokesperson has said.

United Nations General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa will meet Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and other top leaders of the country Friday, her spokesperson has said. "Espinosa will be in Islamabad, Pakistan, on the first working day of her official trip to the country," spokesperson Monica Villella Grayly said Thursday. The UNGA chief will have bilateral meetings with PM Khan, President Arif Alvi and Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, she said. The Pakistan president will host a dinner reception for Espinosa, Grayly told reporters at a news conference held at the UN headquarters in New York. Espinosa will continue on her visit meeting with the UN team in Pakistan, including the leaders of all UN agencies in the country, her spokesperson said.

UNGA president Maria Fernanda Espinosa to meet Pakistan PM on Friday

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-change-on-the-ground-under-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-army-chief-bipin-rawat-189394">Army chief General Bipin Rawat</a> said on Tuesday.

The country along India's western border is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cant-allow-gay-sex-to-perpetrate-into-the-army-general-bipin-rawat-189374">General Rawat</a> said in an obvious reference to Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We are ensuring moral dominance along border in Jammu and Kashmir," he said while addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day in Delhi.&nbsp;

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the western border, Gen Rawat said.

He said new guidelines are being followed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border in the eastern sector.

"We will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border," he said, referring to the border with China.

"Our soldiers will not allow any compromise in guarding the border in the eastern sector," he said.&nbsp;

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday.

The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the border with Pakistan, Army chief General Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday. The country along India's western border is providing support to terror groups and the Indian Army is dealing with them effectively, General Rawat said in an obvious reference to Pakistan. "We are ensuring moral dominance along border in Jammu and Kashmir," he said while addressing Army personnel on the occasion of Army Day in Delhi. The Indian Army will not hesitate to take strong action to deal with terror activities along the western border, Gen Rawat said. He said new guidelines are being followed to maintain peace and tranquillity along the border in the eastern sector. "We will keep reviewing the situation along the eastern border," he said, referring to the border with China. "Our soldiers will not allow any compromise in guarding the border in the eastern sector," he said.

Army will not hesitate to take strong action against terror activities along Pak border: General Bipin Rawat

Pakistan Army on Thursday test-fired the recently inducted long-range air defence weapon system, LY-80.&nbsp;

The firing by the air defence weapon system was displayed during the concluding day of the two-week event of Exercise Al Bayza-2019, an army spokesman said.

Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan witnessed the display by the army of its firepower capability at air defence firing ranges near Karachi.

"Hallmark of the event was first-ever fire by recently inducted Long Range Air Defence Weapon System LY-80. Induction of LY-80 has realized the concept of a comprehensive, layered and integrated air defence capability with enhanced lethality," the spokesman said.

Interacting with the officers and troops, Bajwa said LY 80 has greatly enhanced air defence capability of the Army's air defence, while strengthening it at the&nbsp;national level along with Pakistan Air Force, the overall custodian of the defence of country's air space.

Pakistan Army on Thursday test-fired the recently inducted long-range air defence weapon system, LY-80. The firing by the air defence weapon system was displayed during the concluding day of the two-week event of Exercise Al Bayza-2019, an army spokesman said.

Pakistan Army on Thursday test-fired the recently inducted long-range air defence weapon system, LY-80. The firing by the air defence weapon system was displayed during the concluding day of the two-week event of Exercise Al Bayza-2019, an army spokesman said. Pakistani Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan witnessed the display by the army of its firepower capability at air defence firing ranges near Karachi. "Hallmark of the event was first-ever fire by recently inducted Long Range Air Defence Weapon System LY-80. Induction of LY-80 has realized the concept of a comprehensive, layered and integrated air defence capability with enhanced lethality," the spokesman said. Interacting with the officers and troops, Bajwa said LY 80 has greatly enhanced air defence capability of the Army's air defence, while strengthening it at the national level along with Pakistan Air Force, the overall custodian of the defence of country's air space.

Pak Army test-fires long range air defence weapon system

Pakistan's former envoy to the US Hussain Haqqani, who is wanted by the country's Supreme Court in connection with cases of treason and embezzlement of funds, has said that he did not receive any warrants about inquiries from the authorities, according to a media reports on Sunday.

Pakistan has initiated a process of seeking the extradition of Haqqani from the US through the foreign office on embezzlement charges after it failed to get it through Interpol.

The Supreme Court had issued warrants to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to produce Haqqani, a prominent critic of Pakistan's military and political leadership, before it in January last year, but the Interpol has refused to issue an arrest warrant against him.

Haqqani termed the new allegations against him as "manufactured".

"It seems to be another gimmick aimed to gullible Pakistani media. New allegations filed more than seven years after my forced resignation are obviously manufactured," the Dawn paper quoted Haqqani as saying in a statement.

"I doubt that Pakistan government will initiate extradition proceedings that are certain to fail and, in the process, open up examination of their secret expenditures in the US," he said.

Haqqani, 62, was Pakistan's Ambassador to the US from May 27, 2008 to November 22, 2011, which is considered as one of the most tumultuous period of the US-Pakistan relationship.

He was in the centre of the controversy over allegedly sending a memorandum to the US military chief Admiral Mike Mullen in 2011 seeking his direct intervention to avert a possible overthrow of the PPP government by the military.

A commission constituted by the Supreme Court commonly known as the 'Memogate Commission' had in its report held Haqqani as the originator and architect of the memo, the report said.

As part of the extradition process, Pakistan's Interior ministry has also transferred a 355-page extradition dossier to the foreign office which will be sent to the State Department for Haqqani's extradition.

Pakistan's former envoy to the US Hussain Haqqani, who is wanted by the country's Supreme Court in connection with cases of treason and embezzlement of funds, has said that he did not receive any warrants about inquiries from the authorities, according to a media reports on Sunday.

Pakistan's former envoy to the US Hussain Haqqani, who is wanted by the country's Supreme Court in connection with cases of treason and embezzlement of funds, has said that he did not receive any warrants about inquiries from the authorities, according to a media reports on Sunday. Pakistan has initiated a process of seeking the extradition of Haqqani from the US through the foreign office on embezzlement charges after it failed to get it through Interpol. The Supreme Court had issued warrants to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to produce Haqqani, a prominent critic of Pakistan's military and political leadership, before it in January last year, but the Interpol has refused to issue an arrest warrant against him. Haqqani termed the new allegations against him as "manufactured". "It seems to be another gimmick aimed to gullible Pakistani media. New allegations filed more than seven years after my forced resignation are obviously manufactured," the Dawn paper quoted Haqqani as saying in a statement. "I doubt that Pakistan government will initiate extradition proceedings that are certain to fail and, in the process, open up examination of their secret expenditures in the US," he said. Haqqani, 62, was Pakistan's Ambassador to the US from May 27, 2008 to November 22, 2011, which is considered as one of the most tumultuous period of the US-Pakistan relationship. He was in the centre of the controversy over allegedly sending a memorandum to the US military chief Admiral Mike Mullen in 2011 seeking his direct intervention to avert a possible overthrow of the PPP government by the military. A commission constituted by the Supreme Court commonly known as the 'Memogate Commission' had in its report held Haqqani as the originator and architect of the memo, the report said. As part of the extradition process, Pakistan's Interior ministry has also transferred a 355-page extradition dossier to the foreign office which will be sent to the State Department for Haqqani's extradition.

Haqqani denies getting any warrant from Pak over inquiries

In what is certain to create trouble for Islamabad's anti-India lobbying efforts in the United Kingdom, the Pakistani authorities detained Lord Nazir Ahmed at Islamabad airport for several hours on Christmas Day.

A member of the British House of Lords, Nazir remained a puppet for Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue in UK.

He used to hold anti-India protests in London to mislead the international community.

Nazir was not allowed to enter the Pakistani territory as his National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) was expired.

Sources reveal that he was given 72-hours landing permit after having heated arguments with the authorities.

He reached Islamabad by Qatar Airways. Pakistan Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials told him that a valid NICOP is must for entry into Pakistan.

"We know you very well and respect your status but a law is law and no one is above the law. Firstly, we can't allow you to enter the city with invalid NICOP, secondly, if we hypothetically give you permission, it would become hot news for media and unnecessary controversy will start", Pakistani media quoted the officials.

Lord Ahmed said that it was very humiliating and embarrassing moments for him and it happened only because of wrong information floated by none other than PM Imran Khan's personal advisor Zulfiqar Ahmed Zulfi who told in London last week that NICOP is not necessary to travel to Pakistan."I shall advise to every overseas Pakistani to be vigilant and well informed before travelling. Thoroughly check and complete all necessary documents before starting their journey to Pakistan", Lord Ahmed stated.

"These PTI punters should not misguide their overseas countrymen and I shall bring this saga into knowledge of PM Imran Khan if I get a chance to meet him", said The Nation while quoting Lord Ahmed.

In what is certain to create trouble for Islamabad's anti-India lobbying efforts in the United Kingdom, the Pakistani authorities detained Lord Nazir Ahmed at Islamabad airport for several hours on Christmas Day.

In what is certain to create trouble for Islamabad's anti-India lobbying efforts in the United Kingdom, the Pakistani authorities detained Lord Nazir Ahmed at Islamabad airport for several hours on Christmas Day. A member of the British House of Lords, Nazir remained a puppet for Pakistan to raise the Kashmir issue in UK. He used to hold anti-India protests in London to mislead the international community. Nazir was not allowed to enter the Pakistani territory as his National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) was expired. Sources reveal that he was given 72-hours landing permit after having heated arguments with the authorities. He reached Islamabad by Qatar Airways. Pakistan Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) officials told him that a valid NICOP is must for entry into Pakistan. "We know you very well and respect your status but a law is law and no one is above the law. Firstly, we can't allow you to enter the city with invalid NICOP, secondly, if we hypothetically give you permission, it would become hot news for media and unnecessary controversy will start", Pakistani media quoted the officials. Lord Ahmed said that it was very humiliating and embarrassing moments for him and it happened only because of wrong information floated by none other than PM Imran Khan's personal advisor Zulfiqar Ahmed Zulfi who told in London last week that NICOP is not necessary to travel to Pakistan."I shall advise to every overseas Pakistani to be vigilant and well informed before travelling. Thoroughly check and complete all necessary documents before starting their journey to Pakistan", Lord Ahmed stated. "These PTI punters should not misguide their overseas countrymen and I shall bring this saga into knowledge of PM Imran Khan if I get a chance to meet him", said The Nation while quoting Lord Ahmed.

Pakistan detains member of British House of Lords at Islamabad airport

Pakistan court on Thursday ordered the release of an <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wion-exclusive-pakistan-refuses-to-remit-sentence-of-indian-national-trapped-in-jail-23027">Indian citizen Hamid Nehal Ansari </a>who went missing in the country&nbsp;in 2012.

Ansari who was&nbsp;sentenced to three years of imprisonment in 2016 by a military court in Pakistan on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-says-it-awaits-consular-access-to-kulbhushan-jadhav-28279">charges of espionage</a>, has already spent six years in the Pak prison.

His term in the jail is due to end on December 13, however, the Pakistan&nbsp;court said that the complete process for the release of Ansari will take a month.

Ansari had filed a plea for remissions in his sentence which was rejected by Pakistan in 2017.

A remission or a shortening of a sentence is usually given to prisoners in lieu of good behaviour.&nbsp;

The jail authorities had rejected his plea claiming&nbsp;that the remission rules do not apply to him and he was charged and convicted for anti-state activities.

Ansari's lawyer, Qazi Mohammad Anwar had claimed Ansari should be granted remission since he was not involved in the anti-state activity.

Ansari initially went missing in Pakistan in 2012 after he crossed over from Afghanistan.

Ansari had come to Pakistan because of a love affair over the Internet.

The girl's family complained to authorities that he was travelling illegally, leading to his arrest in 2012. However, his arrest was not shown officially until 2016, when the authorities told the courts that he had been tried for espionage at a military court.

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Pakistan court on Thursday ordered the release of an Indian citizen Hamid Nehal Ansari who went missing in the country in 2012. Ansari who was sentenced to three years of imprisonment in 2016 by a military court in Pakistan on charges of espionage, has already spent six years in the Pak prison.

Pakistan court on Thursday ordered the release of an Indian citizen Hamid Nehal Ansari who went missing in the country in 2012. Ansari who was sentenced to three years of imprisonment in 2016 by a military court in Pakistan on charges of espionage, has already spent six years in the Pak prison. His term in the jail is due to end on December 13, however, the Pakistan court said that the complete process for the release of Ansari will take a month. Ansari had filed a plea for remissions in his sentence which was rejected by Pakistan in 2017. A remission or a shortening of a sentence is usually given to prisoners in lieu of good behaviour. The jail authorities had rejected his plea claiming that the remission rules do not apply to him and he was charged and convicted for anti-state activities. Ansari's lawyer, Qazi Mohammad Anwar had claimed Ansari should be granted remission since he was not involved in the anti-state activity. Ansari initially went missing in Pakistan in 2012 after he crossed over from Afghanistan. Ansari had come to Pakistan because of a love affair over the Internet. The girl's family complained to authorities that he was travelling illegally, leading to his arrest in 2012. However, his arrest was not shown officially until 2016, when the authorities told the courts that he had been tried for espionage at a military court.

Pakistan court orders release of Indian national Hamid Nehal Ansari

Pakistan will no longer act as a hired gun in someone else's war, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, striking a note of defiance against US demands for Islamabad to do more in the battle against militancy.

Khan -- who also reiterated his backing for a recent push by the US for talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan -- said in a televised address that he wants Pakistan to move forward with "honour".

"We will no longer fight someone else's war, nor will we bow down in front of anyone", the former cricketer said.

Islamabad joined Washington's "war on terror" in 2001, and says it has paid a heavy price for the alliance, which sparked an Islamist backlash and homegrown militant groups who turned their guns on the Pakistani state, costing thousands of lives.&nbsp;

Security has dramatically improved in recent years after a military crackdown.

But the US continues to accuse Islamabad of ignoring or even collaborating with groups such as the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network, which allegedly attack Afghanistan from safe havens along the border between the two countries.

The White House believes that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency and other military bodies have long helped fund and arm the Taliban both for ideological reasons and to counter rising Indian influence in Afghanistan.

It believes that a Pakistani crackdown on the militants could be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the war.&nbsp;

Khan, who has long been vocal about Pakistan's role in the war on terror, said his country wants "peace with all".&nbsp;

"Thanks (God) that today, the same people who were asking to do more are now asking us to help them in Afghanistan, to establish peace and to negotiate," he said.

More than 17 years after the US invasion, Washington has stepped up its bid for talks with the resurgent Taliban with a flurry of recent diplomatic efforts.

This week the Pakistani foreign ministry said Khan had been sent a letter by US President Donald Trump seeking Islamabad's support in securing a peace deal.

In the letter, Trump said a settlement is "his most important regional priority", the Pakistani foreign ministry stated.

"In this regard, he has sought Pakistan's support and facilitation", it continued.

Trump's letter was followed by a visit from US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has said he hopes a deal can be in place before the Afghan presidential elections, set for April next year.&nbsp;

Pakistan will no longer act as a hired gun in someone else's war, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, striking a note of defiance against US demands for Islamabad to do more in the battle against militancy.

Pakistan will no longer act as a hired gun in someone else's war, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, striking a note of defiance against US demands for Islamabad to do more in the battle against militancy. Khan -- who also reiterated his backing for a recent push by the US for talks with the Taliban in Afghanistan -- said in a televised address that he wants Pakistan to move forward with "honour". "We will no longer fight someone else's war, nor will we bow down in front of anyone", the former cricketer said. Islamabad joined Washington's "war on terror" in 2001, and says it has paid a heavy price for the alliance, which sparked an Islamist backlash and homegrown militant groups who turned their guns on the Pakistani state, costing thousands of lives. Security has dramatically improved in recent years after a military crackdown. But the US continues to accuse Islamabad of ignoring or even collaborating with groups such as the Afghan Taliban and the Haqqani network, which allegedly attack Afghanistan from safe havens along the border between the two countries. The White House believes that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence agency and other military bodies have long helped fund and arm the Taliban both for ideological reasons and to counter rising Indian influence in Afghanistan. It believes that a Pakistani crackdown on the militants could be pivotal in deciding the outcome of the war. Khan, who has long been vocal about Pakistan's role in the war on terror, said his country wants "peace with all". "Thanks (God) that today, the same people who were asking to do more are now asking us to help them in Afghanistan, to establish peace and to negotiate," he said. More than 17 years after the US invasion, Washington has stepped up its bid for talks with the resurgent Taliban with a flurry of recent diplomatic efforts. This week the Pakistani foreign ministry said Khan had been sent a letter by US President Donald Trump seeking Islamabad's support in securing a peace deal. In the letter, Trump said a settlement is "his most important regional priority", the Pakistani foreign ministry stated. "In this regard, he has sought Pakistan's support and facilitation", it continued. Trump's letter was followed by a visit from US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who has said he hopes a deal can be in place before the Afghan presidential elections, set for April next year.

Pakistan will no longer fight someone else's war: Imran Khan

Pakistan authorities have seized smuggled Indian and other Direct-To-Home (DTH) equipments worth Rs 7.83 crore from various markets in a nation-wide crack down against the illegal devices, revealed a report.

The report was submitted to the Supreme Court on Wednesday after it took up a suo motu case relating to easy availability of Indian DTH or magic box in the Pakistani market.

The DTH Satellite TV is the latest technology to deliver digital TV satellite service to households.

A two-judge bench headed by Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan was also told that 30 FIRs had been lodged during the crackdown and 39 people arrested by the Customs Department and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Dawn reported.

The report, which was furnished before the apex court through Additional Attorney General Nayyar Abbas Rizvi, said that the nationwide enforcement operations has ended the commercial sale and availability of smuggled DTH equipment in the local markets.

During the last hearing, the apex court had constituted a committee consisting of member (customs), the FIA's additional director general and a member of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to find out the source of smuggled goods and to take steps to curb the smuggling.

The report recalled that the Federal Board of Revenue has also enhanced enforcement measures adopted by the customs field formations which resulted in seizures of goods and other contraband items, including DTH equipment worth Rs24.8 billion during 2017-18.

However, the report conceded that mere enforcement measures would not be sufficient to completely root out the transportation or availability of DTH equipment used for illegal broadcasting of Indian content in the country. Therefore, a holistic strategy needs to be worked out by all agencies/regulators to address this issue.

The committee constituted by the apex court proposed measures like the PEMRA's suggestion to grant concessions from duty or taxes for the import of equipment and other accessories to successful bidders in the awarding of DTH licences&nbsp;a process which is in progress and likely to be completed soon.

In the absence of local DTH, the subscribers were opting for other illegal means, which include Indian DTH services, the report said.

PEMRA has also suggested a technological solution which can effectively disrupt the reception and rebroadcast of Indian content using smuggled DTH equipment or those imported through regular channels after modifications by the local vendors, the report said.

However, the report called for support from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for blocking the internet protocols addresses of the websites which were either running the illegal C-Line/CC-CAM or advertising the illegal Indian DTH in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan authorities have seized smuggled Indian and other Direct-To-Home (DTH) equipments worth Rs 7.83 crore from various markets in a nation-wide crack down against the illegal devices, revealed a report.

Pakistan authorities have seized smuggled Indian and other Direct-To-Home (DTH) equipments worth Rs 7.83 crore from various markets in a nation-wide crack down against the illegal devices, revealed a report. The report was submitted to the Supreme Court on Wednesday after it took up a suo motu case relating to easy availability of Indian DTH or magic box in the Pakistani market. The DTH Satellite TV is the latest technology to deliver digital TV satellite service to households. A two-judge bench headed by Justice Ijaz-ul-Ahsan was also told that 30 FIRs had been lodged during the crackdown and 39 people arrested by the Customs Department and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the Dawn reported. The report, which was furnished before the apex court through Additional Attorney General Nayyar Abbas Rizvi, said that the nationwide enforcement operations has ended the commercial sale and availability of smuggled DTH equipment in the local markets. During the last hearing, the apex court had constituted a committee consisting of member (customs), the FIA's additional director general and a member of the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to find out the source of smuggled goods and to take steps to curb the smuggling. The report recalled that the Federal Board of Revenue has also enhanced enforcement measures adopted by the customs field formations which resulted in seizures of goods and other contraband items, including DTH equipment worth Rs24.8 billion during 2017-18. However, the report conceded that mere enforcement measures would not be sufficient to completely root out the transportation or availability of DTH equipment used for illegal broadcasting of Indian content in the country. Therefore, a holistic strategy needs to be worked out by all agencies/regulators to address this issue. The committee constituted by the apex court proposed measures like the PEMRA's suggestion to grant concessions from duty or taxes for the import of equipment and other accessories to successful bidders in the awarding of DTH licences a process which is in progress and likely to be completed soon. In the absence of local DTH, the subscribers were opting for other illegal means, which include Indian DTH services, the report said. PEMRA has also suggested a technological solution which can effectively disrupt the reception and rebroadcast of Indian content using smuggled DTH equipment or those imported through regular channels after modifications by the local vendors, the report said. However, the report called for support from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority for blocking the internet protocols addresses of the websites which were either running the illegal C-Line/CC-CAM or advertising the illegal Indian DTH in Pakistan.

Pak seizes Indian and other DTH worth Rs 7.83 crore in nation-wide crackdown

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a five-day official visit to China even as the country is rocked by protest over the&nbsp;acquittal of Christian woman, Asia Bibi, in&nbsp;blasphemy charges. Khan's official visit to China is aimed at amassing bail out package for Pakistan whose economy is on the brink of collapse.

Khan inherited a near-bankrupt economy when he took over as prime minister in&nbsp;August.

Gross mismanagement of the economy compounded by massive corruption over the years has left the country with a humongous debt burden.

Pakistan currently owes nearly a $ 100 billion to the world, out of which $ 19 billion to China alone -- mainly due to the projects commissioned under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC.

On top of this crushing burden of foreign debt, there is a whopping current account deficit of $16 billion.&nbsp;

Currency reserves are down to a meagre $10 billion, or even less. It's barely enough to pay for two months of imports.

The Pakistani rupee has plunged by over 25 per cent. It's&nbsp;currently hovering around 133 rupees to a dollar.

Adding to this is the condition of Pakistan government run corporations which are also bleeding.

State-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once the pride of Pakistan as a profitable airline, has a cumulative debt of 360 billion rupees.&nbsp;

The country's power sector is caught in a circular debt trap worth over 1200 million rupees.

The situation is turning worse each day and Khan does not have much time as loan after loan comes up for interest payment.&nbsp;

Pakistan is also aware that a bailout from IMF will come with tough conditions.&nbsp;

Khan who spoke vociferously against seeking foreign monetary aid in his election campaign chose to embrace Saudi Arabia from where he received 6 billion dollars upon his return from Riyadh.&nbsp;

Khan is most likely to get a bailout package during his five-day visit to China.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a five-day official visit to China even as the country is rocked by protest over the acquittal of Christian woman, Asia Bibi, in blasphemy charges.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a five-day official visit to China even as the country is rocked by protest over the acquittal of Christian woman, Asia Bibi, in blasphemy charges. Khan's official visit to China is aimed at amassing bail out package for Pakistan whose economy is on the brink of collapse. Khan inherited a near-bankrupt economy when he took over as prime minister in August. Gross mismanagement of the economy compounded by massive corruption over the years has left the country with a humongous debt burden. Pakistan currently owes nearly a $ 100 billion to the world, out of which $ 19 billion to China alone -- mainly due to the projects commissioned under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC. On top of this crushing burden of foreign debt, there is a whopping current account deficit of $16 billion. Currency reserves are down to a meagre $10 billion, or even less. It's barely enough to pay for two months of imports. The Pakistani rupee has plunged by over 25 per cent. It's currently hovering around 133 rupees to a dollar. Adding to this is the condition of Pakistan government run corporations which are also bleeding. State-owned Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), once the pride of Pakistan as a profitable airline, has a cumulative debt of 360 billion rupees. The country's power sector is caught in a circular debt trap worth over 1200 million rupees. The situation is turning worse each day and Khan does not have much time as loan after loan comes up for interest payment. Pakistan is also aware that a bailout from IMF will come with tough conditions. Khan who spoke vociferously against seeking foreign monetary aid in his election campaign chose to embrace Saudi Arabia from where he received 6 billion dollars upon his return from Riyadh. Khan is most likely to get a bailout package during his five-day visit to China.

Imran Khan arrives in China seeking help to save Pakistan's shrinking economy

Pakistan's Supreme Court is due on Wednesday to rule on the final appeal by a Christian woman sentenced to death by hanging over blasphemy allegations, a case that has drawn global attention and condemnation.

Asia Bibi, a mother of four, has been living on death row since 2010 when she became the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws.

She was condemned for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim.

Her case has outraged Christians worldwide and been a source of division within Pakistan, where two politicians who sought to help Bibi were assassinated.

A special three-person bench headed by Pakistan's top judge, Chief Justice Saqib Nasir, is due to deliver the verdict at 9am local time (0400 GMT), according to a notice by the court.

Bibi's case is also high on the agenda of religious hardliners in Pakistan, many of whom are fiercely opposed to her release.

The ultra-Islamist Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party, which makes punishing blasphemy its main campaign rallying cry, earlier this month warned the court against any "concession or softness" for Bibi.

"If there is any attempt to hand her over to a foreign country, there will be terrible consequences," TLP said in a statement.

In November, TLP staged a crippling blockade of the capital after small changes to a religious oath, which it claims was tantamount to blasphemy. Seven people were killed and more than 200 wounded in clashes with the police and TLP’s supporters only dispersed after striking a deal with the military.

Insulting Islam’s prophet is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against. Dozens have been killed following blasphemy claims, sometimes by mobs of men.

Rights groups say the blasphemy law is increasingly exploited by religious extremists as well as ordinary Pakistanis to settle personal scores. The law does not define blasphemy and evidence might not be reproduced in court for fear of committing a fresh offence.

Bibi has always denied blaspheming and her representatives have claimed she was involved in a dispute with her neighbours and that her accusers had contradicted themselves.

In February, Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih and one of her daughters met with Pope Francis shortly before Rome's ancient Colosseum was lit in red one evening in solidarity with persecuted Christians, and Bibi in particular.

Pope Francis told Bibi's daughter: "I think often of your mother and I pray for her".

At the Rome gathering, Masih said his wife was innocent of blasphemy. "This is just hate against Christians, who are considered impure," he said.

Pakistan's Supreme Court is due on Wednesday to rule on the final appeal by a Christian woman sentenced to death by hanging over blasphemy allegations, a case that has drawn global attention and condemnation.

Pakistan's Supreme Court is due on Wednesday to rule on the final appeal by a Christian woman sentenced to death by hanging over blasphemy allegations, a case that has drawn global attention and condemnation. Asia Bibi, a mother of four, has been living on death row since 2010 when she became the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws. She was condemned for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. Her case has outraged Christians worldwide and been a source of division within Pakistan, where two politicians who sought to help Bibi were assassinated. A special three-person bench headed by Pakistan's top judge, Chief Justice Saqib Nasir, is due to deliver the verdict at 9am local time (0400 GMT), according to a notice by the court. Bibi's case is also high on the agenda of religious hardliners in Pakistan, many of whom are fiercely opposed to her release. The ultra-Islamist Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party, which makes punishing blasphemy its main campaign rallying cry, earlier this month warned the court against any "concession or softness" for Bibi. "If there is any attempt to hand her over to a foreign country, there will be terrible consequences," TLP said in a statement. In November, TLP staged a crippling blockade of the capital after small changes to a religious oath, which it claims was tantamount to blasphemy. Seven people were killed and more than 200 wounded in clashes with the police and TLP’s supporters only dispersed after striking a deal with the military. Insulting Islam’s prophet is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against. Dozens have been killed following blasphemy claims, sometimes by mobs of men. Rights groups say the blasphemy law is increasingly exploited by religious extremists as well as ordinary Pakistanis to settle personal scores. The law does not define blasphemy and evidence might not be reproduced in court for fear of committing a fresh offence. Bibi has always denied blaspheming and her representatives have claimed she was involved in a dispute with her neighbours and that her accusers had contradicted themselves. In February, Bibi's husband Ashiq Masih and one of her daughters met with Pope Francis shortly before Rome's ancient Colosseum was lit in red one evening in solidarity with persecuted Christians, and Bibi in particular. Pope Francis told Bibi's daughter: "I think often of your mother and I pray for her". At the Rome gathering, Masih said his wife was innocent of blasphemy. "This is just hate against Christians, who are considered impure," he said.

Pakistan's Supreme Court to rule on Christian woman facing death over blasphemy

Pakistan, which remains the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/govt-hasnt-extended-ordinance-jud-no-longer-in-banned-list-saeeds-lawyer-tells-pak-court-173541">breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism</a>, is responsible for three times the terror risk to humanity that Syria poses, says a study — "Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI)" — by Oxford University and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG).

As per the GTTI, while the Afghan Taliban and the Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba (LeT) pose the maximum threat to international security in future, Pakistan is placed on top of the list of countries with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-dissatisfied-over-pakistans-efforts-to-combat-terror-financing-report-172508">highest number of terrorist bases and safe havens</a>.

"If we look at the most dangerous terrorist groups, based on hard facts and statistics, we find that Pakistan hosts or aids the majority of them. Also, there are a significant number of groups based in Afghanistan, which operate with the support of Pakistan," the report says.

The over 80-page report, which has been prepared to discuss the challenges in the next decade, presents an analytical framework and tool to enable policymakers to look into the future.

"The rise of competitive extremism of all shades, misuse of weapons of mass destruction and economic disruptions can undermine human progress or even survival in the period from now until 2030. They are all interlinked with terrorism", the report reveals.

Strategic Foresight Group had analysed almost 200 groups actively involved in committing acts of terror in the first half decade of the twenty-first century. During that period, the groups motivated by their own interpretation of Jihadi ideology accounted for only a fourth of almost 200 groups around the world.

Among these groups, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/Daesh has attracted much of media space in the last five years. But with swift rise and fall of ISIL/Daesh, the Al-Qaida remains the most resilient network. Until 2011, it was led by Osama bin Laden but now his son, Hamza bin Osama bin Laden has emerged, as what sections of the media describe, as the "new crown prince of terror".

The most significant factor influencing the future of Jihadi groups would be the support they get from states, intelligence agencies and criminal networks.

"The birth of Al-Qaida was in Pakistan and then Pakistan influenced Afghanistan. Osama Bin Laden had a safe haven in a huge compound near the Pakistani military establishment in Abbottabad. The compound was much larger than the surrounding houses of retired Pakistani military officers. The occupants of the compound often bought expensive goods from a neighbourhood shop that most people in the vicinity could not afford. The presence of an important family in the compound was nothing but conspicuous," the report reveals.

The report has also given a comprehensive detail about the global terror outfits operating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Yemen and many other countries who have linkages with each other.

In Pakistan, the terror groups are based in FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Quetta and Kalat (Balochistan), Punjab and Sindh. Enjoying patronage of the law enforcement agencies, they easily plan and plot major attacks and raise funds for their activities.

In a shocking revelation report says: "The Jihadi thought processes have proved to be most resilient for almost 150 years, beginning in what is today Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan. Many extremist movements rose and collapsed. But the Jihadi movement has survived in Pakistan and Afghanistan, now firmly spreading to the Middle East and North and West Africa."

On Friday, Afghanistan's deputy Defence Minister, Hilaluddin Helal, said at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on defence, that more than 50,000 militants from 21 terrorist organisations are currently operating in Afghanistan and out of these 70 per cent are Pakistanis.

Pakistan, which remains the breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism, is responsible for three times the terror risk to humanity that Syria poses, says a study — "Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI)" — by Oxford University and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG).

Pakistan, which remains the breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism, is responsible for three times the terror risk to humanity that Syria poses, says a study — "Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI)" — by Oxford University and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG). As per the GTTI, while the Afghan Taliban and the Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba (LeT) pose the maximum threat to international security in future, Pakistan is placed on top of the list of countries with the highest number of terrorist bases and safe havens. "If we look at the most dangerous terrorist groups, based on hard facts and statistics, we find that Pakistan hosts or aids the majority of them. Also, there are a significant number of groups based in Afghanistan, which operate with the support of Pakistan," the report says. The over 80-page report, which has been prepared to discuss the challenges in the next decade, presents an analytical framework and tool to enable policymakers to look into the future. "The rise of competitive extremism of all shades, misuse of weapons of mass destruction and economic disruptions can undermine human progress or even survival in the period from now until 2030. They are all interlinked with terrorism", the report reveals. Strategic Foresight Group had analysed almost 200 groups actively involved in committing acts of terror in the first half decade of the twenty-first century. During that period, the groups motivated by their own interpretation of Jihadi ideology accounted for only a fourth of almost 200 groups around the world. Among these groups, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/Daesh has attracted much of media space in the last five years. But with swift rise and fall of ISIL/Daesh, the Al-Qaida remains the most resilient network. Until 2011, it was led by Osama bin Laden but now his son, Hamza bin Osama bin Laden has emerged, as what sections of the media describe, as the "new crown prince of terror". The most significant factor influencing the future of Jihadi groups would be the support they get from states, intelligence agencies and criminal networks. "The birth of Al-Qaida was in Pakistan and then Pakistan influenced Afghanistan. Osama Bin Laden had a safe haven in a huge compound near the Pakistani military establishment in Abbottabad. The compound was much larger than the surrounding houses of retired Pakistani military officers. The occupants of the compound often bought expensive goods from a neighbourhood shop that most people in the vicinity could not afford. The presence of an important family in the compound was nothing but conspicuous," the report reveals. The report has also given a comprehensive detail about the global terror outfits operating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Yemen and many other countries who have linkages with each other. In Pakistan, the terror groups are based in FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Quetta and Kalat (Balochistan), Punjab and Sindh. Enjoying patronage of the law enforcement agencies, they easily plan and plot major attacks and raise funds for their activities. In a shocking revelation report says: "The Jihadi thought processes have proved to be most resilient for almost 150 years, beginning in what is today Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan. Many extremist movements rose and collapsed. But the Jihadi movement has survived in Pakistan and Afghanistan, now firmly spreading to the Middle East and North and West Africa." On Friday, Afghanistan's deputy Defence Minister, Hilaluddin Helal, said at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on defence, that more than 50,000 militants from 21 terrorist organisations are currently operating in Afghanistan and out of these 70 per cent are Pakistanis.

Pakistan three times the terror risk that Syria is: Oxford report

Pakistan Cabinet minister Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri "should have been more sensitive" while sharing the dais with 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, the country's foreign minister has said, acknowledging the mistake committed by his ministerial colleague this week.

"I will go home and certainly ask him why he did that. But what I am told it was an event to highlight the situation in Kashmir," Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a Washington audience on Wednesday when asked about Cabinet minister for religious affairs Qadri sharing a dais with Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Saeed at a meeting in Islamabad.

"It had nothing to do with Lashkar-e-Taiba. There were other political elements there. He happened to be one of them," Qureshi added.

"I think he (Qadri) should've been more sensitive, but it wasn't that he subscribes to his (Saeed's) point of view," the visiting Pakistani foreign minister said.

"Please explain why earlier this week on Monday, your government's federal minister of religious affairs appeared side by side at a public conference with the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist organisation banned by Pakistan?" Qureshi was asked by a member in the audience at the US Institute of Peace, a US Congress-funded think tank.

Qadri was seen seated near Saeed as he addressed an All Parties Conference organised by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council on Sunday in Islamabad.

A banner in the background said the conference was in "defence of Pakistan", and mentioned "Kashmir" as well as "threats from India". The Difa-e-Pakistan Council is a coalition of over 40 Pakistani political and religious parties that advocate conservative policies.

Qadri's presence at the event with Saeed vindicated India's stand that there is no change in Pakistan's attitude towards terrorism after Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed office in August.

Qureshi asserted that Pakistan is serious in the fight against terrorism. "We cannot surrender to terrorism. We will have to take them on and we will have to clear areas. We have successfully done that. Well it's a work in progress, we would have to continue to build on what you've achieved, but to a large extent, things have changed," he said, adding that this shift is not being recognised enough in the US.

"Cutting off training, not giving precision equipment that could've been used against terrorism, I don't know to what extent that'll help. In my view it will not help collectively," he said.

"Collectively we can achieve our shared objective. A blame game will not be productive," he said.&nbsp;

Pakistan Cabinet minister Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri "should have been more sensitive" while sharing the dais with 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, the country's foreign minister has said, acknowledging the mistake committed by his ministerial colleague this week.

Pakistan Cabinet minister Noor-Ul-Haq Qadri "should have been more sensitive" while sharing the dais with 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed, the country's foreign minister has said, acknowledging the mistake committed by his ministerial colleague this week. "I will go home and certainly ask him why he did that. But what I am told it was an event to highlight the situation in Kashmir," Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi told a Washington audience on Wednesday when asked about Cabinet minister for religious affairs Qadri sharing a dais with Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Saeed at a meeting in Islamabad. "It had nothing to do with Lashkar-e-Taiba. There were other political elements there. He happened to be one of them," Qureshi added. "I think he (Qadri) should've been more sensitive, but it wasn't that he subscribes to his (Saeed's) point of view," the visiting Pakistani foreign minister said. "Please explain why earlier this week on Monday, your government's federal minister of religious affairs appeared side by side at a public conference with the head of Lashkar-e-Taiba, a terrorist organisation banned by Pakistan?" Qureshi was asked by a member in the audience at the US Institute of Peace, a US Congress-funded think tank. Qadri was seen seated near Saeed as he addressed an All Parties Conference organised by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council on Sunday in Islamabad. A banner in the background said the conference was in "defence of Pakistan", and mentioned "Kashmir" as well as "threats from India". The Difa-e-Pakistan Council is a coalition of over 40 Pakistani political and religious parties that advocate conservative policies. Qadri's presence at the event with Saeed vindicated India's stand that there is no change in Pakistan's attitude towards terrorism after Prime Minister Imran Khan assumed office in August. Qureshi asserted that Pakistan is serious in the fight against terrorism. "We cannot surrender to terrorism. We will have to take them on and we will have to clear areas. We have successfully done that. Well it's a work in progress, we would have to continue to build on what you've achieved, but to a large extent, things have changed," he said, adding that this shift is not being recognised enough in the US. "Cutting off training, not giving precision equipment that could've been used against terrorism, I don't know to what extent that'll help. In my view it will not help collectively," he said. "Collectively we can achieve our shared objective. A blame game will not be productive," he said.

Pak minister should have been more sensitive in sharing dais with Hafiz Saeed: Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Pakistan has slashed China's investment in its railways by as much as US $2 billion citing a massive burden of loans. By doing so, Islamabad has given credence to reports that the new government led by Imran Khan may scrutinise the multi-billion dollar corridor it calls 'CPEC' or 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor'.

Pakistan's railways minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said that the share of the 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor' in the country's railways has been reduced from US $8.2 billion to US $6.2 billion.

"Pakistan is a poor country that cannot afford huge burden of the loans," Rasheed told reporters in Lahore.

"Therefore, we have reduced the loan from China under the CPEC for rail projects from US 48.2 billion to US 46.2 billion. The CPEC is like the backbone for Pakistan, but our eyes and ears are open," he said about the corridor that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or PoK.

The announcement gives credence to reports that the new government led by Imran Khan intends to scrutinise the US US $62 billion infrastructure and power projects, which the previous Nawaz Sharif-led government had initiated under the 'CPEC'.

Pakistani newspaper Express Tribune reported that investment under 'CPEC' for Pakistan Railways was US $8.2 billion, which was to be utilised for upgrading Main Line-1 (ML-1) a colonial-era line stretching 1,872 km from Karachi to Peshawar.

The previous railways minister Saad Rafique had termed the upgrading of ML-1 as vital for railways future as it would bring as many as 171 trains on track per day against the current 32.

Rasheed, who currently heads the ministry, said that the government remains committed to the Karachi-Peshawar project but he would like to further reduce the cost to US $4.2 billion from US $6.2 billion, if possible.

Rasheed said he is the biggest supporter of the 'CPEC', but also wants minimum debt burden on railways as the nation has to pay back all the investments.

He, however, was unable to explain, which projects the management has skipped to bring down the investment.

The changes are part of Islamabad's efforts to rethink the key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Pakistan, where Beijing has pledged about $62 billion in financing, but the new government is more cautious about the Chinese investment.

The Pakistani government has pushed for deeply concessional loans for the ML-1 project. It has also invited third countries to join or for the Chinese to be investors in the project through the build-operate-transfer model that would rely less on debt.

The US has criticised projects under Xi Jinping's 'Belt and Road Initiative', warning that Chinese loans could turn into debt traps for poor countries unable to pay them back. Beijing denies these claims, saying the loans are a win-win situation for both the countries. However, such loans have backfired for other countries, most recent of which is the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka.

The so-called 'CPEC' is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative, a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping, aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.

India has protested to China over the so-called 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor', which is being built through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is part of India's northernmost state Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan has slashed China's investment in its railways by as much as US $2 billion citing a massive burden of loans. By doing so, Islamabad has given credence to reports that the new government led by Imran Khan may scrutinise the multi-billion dollar corridor it calls 'CPEC' or 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor'.

Pakistan has slashed China's investment in its railways by as much as US $2 billion citing a massive burden of loans. By doing so, Islamabad has given credence to reports that the new government led by Imran Khan may scrutinise the multi-billion dollar corridor it calls 'CPEC' or 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor'. Pakistan's railways minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad said that the share of the 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor' in the country's railways has been reduced from US $8.2 billion to US $6.2 billion. "Pakistan is a poor country that cannot afford huge burden of the loans," Rasheed told reporters in Lahore. "Therefore, we have reduced the loan from China under the CPEC for rail projects from US 48.2 billion to US 46.2 billion. The CPEC is like the backbone for Pakistan, but our eyes and ears are open," he said about the corridor that passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or PoK. The announcement gives credence to reports that the new government led by Imran Khan intends to scrutinise the US US $62 billion infrastructure and power projects, which the previous Nawaz Sharif-led government had initiated under the 'CPEC'. Pakistani newspaper Express Tribune reported that investment under 'CPEC' for Pakistan Railways was US $8.2 billion, which was to be utilised for upgrading Main Line-1 (ML-1) a colonial-era line stretching 1,872 km from Karachi to Peshawar. The previous railways minister Saad Rafique had termed the upgrading of ML-1 as vital for railways future as it would bring as many as 171 trains on track per day against the current 32. Rasheed, who currently heads the ministry, said that the government remains committed to the Karachi-Peshawar project but he would like to further reduce the cost to US $4.2 billion from US $6.2 billion, if possible. Rasheed said he is the biggest supporter of the 'CPEC', but also wants minimum debt burden on railways as the nation has to pay back all the investments. He, however, was unable to explain, which projects the management has skipped to bring down the investment. The changes are part of Islamabad's efforts to rethink the key Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects in Pakistan, where Beijing has pledged about $62 billion in financing, but the new government is more cautious about the Chinese investment. The Pakistani government has pushed for deeply concessional loans for the ML-1 project. It has also invited third countries to join or for the Chinese to be investors in the project through the build-operate-transfer model that would rely less on debt. The US has criticised projects under Xi Jinping's 'Belt and Road Initiative', warning that Chinese loans could turn into debt traps for poor countries unable to pay them back. Beijing denies these claims, saying the loans are a win-win situation for both the countries. However, such loans have backfired for other countries, most recent of which is the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka. The so-called 'CPEC' is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative, a pet project of Chinese President Xi Jinping, aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects. India has protested to China over the so-called 'China-Pakistan Economic Corridor', which is being built through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is part of India's northernmost state Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan cuts Chinese investment in key railway project

A video showing a senior Pakistani bureaucrat stealing the wallet of a visiting Kuwaiti dignitary has gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to suspend the high-ranking official, according to media reports.

The dignitary was part of a high-level delegation which was in the country to discuss bilateral trade.

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Grade 20 GoP officer stealing a Kuwaiti official's wallet - the official was part of a visiting delegation which had come to meet the PM <a href="https://t.co/axODYL3SaZ">pic.twitter.com/axODYL3SaZ</a>
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Zarrar Haider Khan, joint secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production and a BS-20 officer of the state bureaucracy's elite Pakistan Administrative Service, was caught on CCTV cameras while pocketing the wallet which had a significant sum of Kuwaiti dinars, Dawn news reported.

In the six-second video clip, the bureaucrat could be seen lifting the wallet from the table and putting it into his pocket at a time when the Kuwaiti delegates and officials of the ministry had left the hall of the Economic Affairs Division after their meeting.

The guilty joint secretary has been suspended from service on disciplinary grounds after he was caught stealing. But so far, no complaint has been registered with the police.

The issue came to light when a member of the Kuwaiti delegation lodged a complaint with Pakistani officials regarding his missing wallet.

A search was conducted in the ministry and all rooms and offices were combed. Even lower grade employees of the ministry were quizzed and physically searched but nothing was initially found.

The footage captured by a CCTV camera installed in the hall was examined later, which revealed that the theft was committed by the senior officer.

When the officer was approached, he first denied his involvement. However, when the CCTV footage was shown to him, he produced the wallet, the sources stated.

When the Kuwaiti officials were informed of the recovery of his wallet, the delegation asked the authorities to provide them with the identification of the culprit.

The Pakistani officials initially showed reluctance and assured the guests that legal action would be taken against the person.

However, the sources said, it was on the insistence of the delegates&nbsp;who were extremely angry over the incident&nbsp;that Pakistani officials divulged the individual's identity and shared the CCTV footage.

Sources said that an internal inquiry was in progress against the bureaucrat and further action will be taken.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, when asked about the incident, said that most of the present bureaucrats had received their "moral training" by the previous governments.&nbsp;

A video showing a senior Pakistani bureaucrat stealing the wallet of a visiting Kuwaiti dignitary has gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to suspend the high-ranking official, according to media reports.

A video showing a senior Pakistani bureaucrat stealing the wallet of a visiting Kuwaiti dignitary has gone viral on social media, prompting authorities to suspend the high-ranking official, according to media reports. The dignitary was part of a high-level delegation which was in the country to discuss bilateral trade. Grade 20 GoP officer stealing a Kuwaiti official's wallet - the official was part of a visiting delegation which had come to meet the PM pic.twitter.com/axODYL3SaZ — omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) September 28, 2018 × Zarrar Haider Khan, joint secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production and a BS-20 officer of the state bureaucracy's elite Pakistan Administrative Service, was caught on CCTV cameras while pocketing the wallet which had a significant sum of Kuwaiti dinars, Dawn news reported. In the six-second video clip, the bureaucrat could be seen lifting the wallet from the table and putting it into his pocket at a time when the Kuwaiti delegates and officials of the ministry had left the hall of the Economic Affairs Division after their meeting. The guilty joint secretary has been suspended from service on disciplinary grounds after he was caught stealing. But so far, no complaint has been registered with the police. The issue came to light when a member of the Kuwaiti delegation lodged a complaint with Pakistani officials regarding his missing wallet. A search was conducted in the ministry and all rooms and offices were combed. Even lower grade employees of the ministry were quizzed and physically searched but nothing was initially found. The footage captured by a CCTV camera installed in the hall was examined later, which revealed that the theft was committed by the senior officer. When the officer was approached, he first denied his involvement. However, when the CCTV footage was shown to him, he produced the wallet, the sources stated. When the Kuwaiti officials were informed of the recovery of his wallet, the delegation asked the authorities to provide them with the identification of the culprit. The Pakistani officials initially showed reluctance and assured the guests that legal action would be taken against the person. However, the sources said, it was on the insistence of the delegates who were extremely angry over the incident that Pakistani officials divulged the individual's identity and shared the CCTV footage. Sources said that an internal inquiry was in progress against the bureaucrat and further action will be taken. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, when asked about the incident, said that most of the present bureaucrats had received their "moral training" by the previous governments.

Watch: Pak bureaucrat caught stealing Kuwaiti delegate's wallet, suspended

Pakistan raised the Kashmir issue in the UN General Assembly on Saturday, saying the "unresolved dispute" is impacting achieving durable peace between India and Pakistan and remains a "blot on the conscience of humanity".

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, addressing the General Debate of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, said Islamabad wanted a relationship with New Delhi based on "sovereign equality and mutual respect".&nbsp;

"We seek resolution of disputes through a serious and comprehensive dialogue that covers all issues of concern," he said in his address.&nbsp;

On the cancellation of the foreign minister-level talks on the margins of the General Assembly, Qureshi said Pakistan was to talk about all issues with India but New Delhi called off the dialogue, preferring "politics over peace".&nbsp;

"They used the pretext of stamps issued months ago...And depicting grave human rights violations, including pellet gun victims, as an excuse to back out from the talks," he said.&nbsp;

India had called off the meeting, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad releasing postage stamps "glorifying" Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani.&nbsp;

"Dialogue is the only way to address long standing issues that have long bedeviled South Asia, and prevented the region from realising its true potential," he said, adding that the "unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute hinders the realisation of the goal of durable peace" between the two countries.&nbsp;

"For over seventy years now, it has remained on the agenda of the UN Security Council and a blot on the conscience of humanity," he said. Qureshi also said that Pakistan is ready to engage with India for meaningful confidence building, risk reduction and avoidance of arms race in the South Asian region.&nbsp;

Qureshi also said that if India ventures across the Line of Control, or acts upon its doctrine of "limited" war against Pakistan, "it will evoke a strong and matching response."

Describing Pakistan as a victim of terrorism, Qureshi said his country wanted to sit with India to discuss all issues, including terrorism, that have created violence in cities and towns, and have led to tens of thousands of casualties.

Pakistan also brought up the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April last year on charges of espionage and terrorism. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan raised the Kashmir issue in the UN General Assembly on Saturday, saying the "unresolved dispute" is impacting achieving durable peace between India and Pakistan and remains a "blot on the conscience of humanity".

Pakistan raised the Kashmir issue in the UN General Assembly on Saturday, saying the "unresolved dispute" is impacting achieving durable peace between India and Pakistan and remains a "blot on the conscience of humanity". Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, addressing the General Debate of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, said Islamabad wanted a relationship with New Delhi based on "sovereign equality and mutual respect". "We seek resolution of disputes through a serious and comprehensive dialogue that covers all issues of concern," he said in his address. On the cancellation of the foreign minister-level talks on the margins of the General Assembly, Qureshi said Pakistan was to talk about all issues with India but New Delhi called off the dialogue, preferring "politics over peace". "They used the pretext of stamps issued months ago...And depicting grave human rights violations, including pellet gun victims, as an excuse to back out from the talks," he said. India had called off the meeting, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir and Islamabad releasing postage stamps "glorifying" Kashmiri militant Burhan Wani. "Dialogue is the only way to address long standing issues that have long bedeviled South Asia, and prevented the region from realising its true potential," he said, adding that the "unresolved Jammu and Kashmir dispute hinders the realisation of the goal of durable peace" between the two countries. "For over seventy years now, it has remained on the agenda of the UN Security Council and a blot on the conscience of humanity," he said. Qureshi also said that Pakistan is ready to engage with India for meaningful confidence building, risk reduction and avoidance of arms race in the South Asian region. Qureshi also said that if India ventures across the Line of Control, or acts upon its doctrine of "limited" war against Pakistan, "it will evoke a strong and matching response." Describing Pakistan as a victim of terrorism, Qureshi said his country wanted to sit with India to discuss all issues, including terrorism, that have created violence in cities and towns, and have led to tens of thousands of casualties. Pakistan also brought up the issue of Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April last year on charges of espionage and terrorism.

Pak Foreign Minister rakes up Kashmir issue at UNGA, says it is impacting peace efforts between India

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has alleged that India's "domestic political and electoral compulsions" were behind New Delhi's reluctance to talk to Imran Khan's new government in Pakistan.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi were slated to meet on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly session in New York.

However, India called off the meeting last week, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad releasing postage stamps "glorifying" terrorist Burhan Wani.

"Why are they reluctant? Simply politics, elections...they are scared of the electorate. They have swung the pendulum to such an extreme (that), now they're finding it difficult to bring it back. And (with) the elections round the corner, they (Indian government) felt that it could boomerang," Mr Qureshi alleged in response to a question at an event organised by the Asia Society in New York.

India has maintained that there can be no talks with Pakistan unless it stops supporting terrorists and terror outfits.

On Thursday Sushma Swaraj left a meeting of the SAARC foreign ministers early. Her move was seen as a huge snub to Pakistan. The meeting was also being attended by the Pakistani foreign minister.

Responding to a query about the incident, Qureshi termed it as "Politics, nothing else...domestic politics".

Ahead of his meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday, the Pakistani foreign minister said, "Today, India is a strategic partner of the US. We have no qualms about it. But we feel that Pakistan is an ally who has always stood with the US."

Qureshi went on to say that "The Trump Administration will miss an opportunity if it does not engage with the new government of Pakistan."

Qureshi also sought US intervention in the Indo-Pak talks. "If the US wants us to help, and we want to help in our own interest because we want peace in the region, then they (America) have to tell the new strategic partner (India) to give us ease on the eastern side so that we can concentrate on areas of mutual interest," he said.

Pakistan has been consistently seeking US intervention in Indo-Pak talks. However, successive US governments have refused to entertain such a request asserting that it is for the two neighbours to decide on the pace and scope of the talks. India has also made it clear that no third party has any role in India-Pakistan relations.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has alleged that India's "domestic political and electoral compulsions" were behind New Delhi's reluctance to talk to Imran Khan's new government in Pakistan.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi has alleged that India's "domestic political and electoral compulsions" were behind New Delhi's reluctance to talk to Imran Khan's new government in Pakistan. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi were slated to meet on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly session in New York. However, India called off the meeting last week, citing the brutal killings of three policemen in Jammu and Kashmir, and Islamabad releasing postage stamps "glorifying" terrorist Burhan Wani. "Why are they reluctant? Simply politics, elections...they are scared of the electorate. They have swung the pendulum to such an extreme (that), now they're finding it difficult to bring it back. And (with) the elections round the corner, they (Indian government) felt that it could boomerang," Mr Qureshi alleged in response to a question at an event organised by the Asia Society in New York. India has maintained that there can be no talks with Pakistan unless it stops supporting terrorists and terror outfits. On Thursday Sushma Swaraj left a meeting of the SAARC foreign ministers early. Her move was seen as a huge snub to Pakistan. The meeting was also being attended by the Pakistani foreign minister. Responding to a query about the incident, Qureshi termed it as "Politics, nothing else...domestic politics". Ahead of his meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Tuesday, the Pakistani foreign minister said, "Today, India is a strategic partner of the US. We have no qualms about it. But we feel that Pakistan is an ally who has always stood with the US." Qureshi went on to say that "The Trump Administration will miss an opportunity if it does not engage with the new government of Pakistan." Qureshi also sought US intervention in the Indo-Pak talks. "If the US wants us to help, and we want to help in our own interest because we want peace in the region, then they (America) have to tell the new strategic partner (India) to give us ease on the eastern side so that we can concentrate on areas of mutual interest," he said. Pakistan has been consistently seeking US intervention in Indo-Pak talks. However, successive US governments have refused to entertain such a request asserting that it is for the two neighbours to decide on the pace and scope of the talks. India has also made it clear that no third party has any role in India-Pakistan relations.

India reluctant to talk because of 'domestic political compulsion': Pak

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up.

Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue at the OIC Contact Group meeting held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly.

"We always note with regret that the matter which is very internal to Indian affairs was again discussed at the OIC," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters in New York when asked about Pakistan raising the issue at the OIC meeting.

He said India rejects such references to a matter which is very internal to it.

"We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs" and it is completely unwarranted for OIC as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multi-organisation set up.

When asked about Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also raising the Kashmir issue in his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Kumar said Islamabad has been doing this for a long time.

"It is not the first time they are raising the issue in their bilateral meetings. You would note that what they come up with is their side of the story. What they share and what they say has no acceptance anywhere in the international community," he said.

He said Pakistan has realised its "falsehood" and what it has been projecting had already been rejected by the international community.

On the possibility of any exchange between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the SAARC meeting, Mr Kumar said, "we have made it very clear that it is not bilateral meeting between India and Pakistan," and added that it is "difficult to predict if there will be a handshake" between the two.

Swaraj will be attending the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) meetings on Thursday.

On Wednesday, Swaraj held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Germany, Bolivia, Armenia, Panama, Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Iran and with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

"A relationship like no other! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met the @PM_Nepal K.P Sharma Oli. Positive and friendly conversation on taking our relationship to an even higher trajectory,"&nbsp;Kumar tweeted.

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up.

India has raised objections over Pakistan raising the Kashmir issue at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting, saying it is completely "unwarranted" for the grouping as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multilateral set up. Pakistan raked up the Kashmir issue at the OIC Contact Group meeting held on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly. "We always note with regret that the matter which is very internal to Indian affairs was again discussed at the OIC," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar told reporters in New York when asked about Pakistan raising the issue at the OIC meeting. He said India rejects such references to a matter which is very internal to it. "We have said in the past that OIC has no locus standi to comment on India's internal affairs" and it is completely unwarranted for OIC as well as its member countries to discuss matters related to India's internal affairs in any multi-organisation set up. When asked about Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also raising the Kashmir issue in his bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Kumar said Islamabad has been doing this for a long time. "It is not the first time they are raising the issue in their bilateral meetings. You would note that what they come up with is their side of the story. What they share and what they say has no acceptance anywhere in the international community," he said. He said Pakistan has realised its "falsehood" and what it has been projecting had already been rejected by the international community. On the possibility of any exchange between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Shah Mehmood Qureshi in the SAARC meeting, Mr Kumar said, "we have made it very clear that it is not bilateral meeting between India and Pakistan," and added that it is "difficult to predict if there will be a handshake" between the two. Swaraj will be attending the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) meetings on Thursday. On Wednesday, Swaraj held bilateral meetings with her counterparts from Germany, Bolivia, Armenia, Panama, Austria, Antigua and Barbuda, Chile, Iran and with Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. "A relationship like no other! EAM @SushmaSwaraj met the @PM_Nepal K.P Sharma Oli. Positive and friendly conversation on taking our relationship to an even higher trajectory," Kumar tweeted.

Pakistan raising Kashmir issue at international forum 'unwarranted': India

The Baloch Liberation Army has said its fighters had damaged the Pakistan Army helicopter, which crashed near Quetta, in the mountain range of Sibi Balochistan on Thursday.

"Our fighters have targeted and damaged the military helicopters with sniper rifles and other automatic weapons in Sathak Bun area of district Sibbi Balochistan which later crashed on the outskirts of Quetta," BLA`s spokesperson Azad Baloch informed media sources in Balochistan.

He claimed from the past many days, Pakistan army have been carrying military offensives against innocent Baloch villagers and nomads in different areas of Kahan town in Balochistan.

Azad Baloch added that Pakistan military`s ground forces backed by helicopters have conducted offensives in Kahan`s Sohrod, Shameni, Hathpod and other surrounding areas.

"Several Baloch women and children have been wounded because of indiscriminate bombardment and military offensives. The Pakistan army during their aggressions has harassed and terrorised Baloch women and children. Women were pulled out of their houses and made to stand outside in the scorching heat for several hours to teach them a lesson in the words of Pakistani troops," he further said.

On June 3, in a gun battle between BLA fighters and Pakistan army, seven Pakistani soldiers were killed and several others injured whereas three BLA fighters also lost their lives.

In retaliation, on June 7, the BLA fighters attacked a convoy of Pakistan military with IED, completely destroying the vehicles and killing and wounding personnel on board.

Azad Baloch said, "The army helicopter was transferring the wounded soldiers to Quetta when our fighters attacked and damaged it near Sibbi.

"The Pakistan military media wing spokesperson also confirmed the attack and told media, "The helicopter, on a medical evacuation sortie, was en-route to Quetta from Kohlu. A BLA fighter was injured and was being evacuated by the Army helicopter."

Azad Baloch further said, "Since the `occupation of Balochistan` in 1948, Pakistan Army has been trying to extract oil and other natural resources in Kohistan Marri region but due to the strong resistance of Baloch fighters the state's (Pakistan)&nbspprevious attempts failed."

He asserted that natural resources of Balochistan are considered a national wealth for Balochs and "our fighters are paying the price of their lives to protect these resources from Pakistani state exploitation".

The spokesperson of Baloch resistance group added that some local notables are collaborating with Pakistan Army and assisting Pakistani forces to exploit the natural resources."We urge these people (local notables) to refrain from becoming part of Pakistan`s exploitative policies in Balochistan because such actions are not in the national interest of the Baloch nation,"&nbspAzad Baloch further said.&nbsp

The BLA is a militant group. The chopper had crashed on the outskirts of Quetta on Thursday

The Baloch Liberation Army has said its fighters had damaged the Pakistan Army helicopter, which crashed near Quetta, in the mountain range of Sibi Balochistan on Thursday. "Our fighters have targeted and damaged the military helicopters with sniper rifles and other automatic weapons in Sathak Bun area of district Sibbi Balochistan which later crashed on the outskirts of Quetta," BLA`s spokesperson Azad Baloch informed media sources in Balochistan. He claimed from the past many days, Pakistan army have been carrying military offensives against innocent Baloch villagers and nomads in different areas of Kahan town in Balochistan. Azad Baloch added that Pakistan military`s ground forces backed by helicopters have conducted offensives in Kahan`s Sohrod, Shameni, Hathpod and other surrounding areas. "Several Baloch women and children have been wounded because of indiscriminate bombardment and military offensives. The Pakistan army during their aggressions has harassed and terrorised Baloch women and children. Women were pulled out of their houses and made to stand outside in the scorching heat for several hours to teach them a lesson in the words of Pakistani troops," he further said. On June 3, in a gun battle between BLA fighters and Pakistan army, seven Pakistani soldiers were killed and several others injured whereas three BLA fighters also lost their lives. In retaliation, on June 7, the BLA fighters attacked a convoy of Pakistan military with IED, completely destroying the vehicles and killing and wounding personnel on board. Azad Baloch said, "The army helicopter was transferring the wounded soldiers to Quetta when our fighters attacked and damaged it near Sibbi. "The Pakistan military media wing spokesperson also confirmed the attack and told media, "The helicopter, on a medical evacuation sortie, was en-route to Quetta from Kohlu. A BLA fighter was injured and was being evacuated by the Army helicopter." Azad Baloch further said, "Since the `occupation of Balochistan` in 1948, Pakistan Army has been trying to extract oil and other natural resources in Kohistan Marri region but due to the strong resistance of Baloch fighters the state's (Pakistan)&nbspprevious attempts failed." He asserted that natural resources of Balochistan are considered a national wealth for Balochs and "our fighters are paying the price of their lives to protect these resources from Pakistani state exploitation". The spokesperson of Baloch resistance group added that some local notables are collaborating with Pakistan Army and assisting Pakistani forces to exploit the natural resources."We urge these people (local notables) to refrain from becoming part of Pakistan`s exploitative policies in Balochistan because such actions are not in the national interest of the Baloch nation,"&nbspAzad Baloch further said.

Baloch Liberation Army says it brought down Pakistan military chopper

Pakistan Supreme Court today ordered Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and heads of all Pakistani airlines to appear for the next hearing of a case pertaining to fake degrees of pilots.

Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar asked Abbasi to appear as former CEO of an airline along with other heads of all Pakistani airlines.

"Isn't it a matter of clash of interests?" asked the chief justice when told that the prime minister is also the head of Airblue airlines. "Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will have to appear in the capacity of a chief executive officer and not a premier."

The chief justice, who was heading a three-member bench, said that he was issuing notices to heads of all Pakistani airlines as the matter has been pending for the last four months and reports in this regard have not been submitted as yet.&nbsp

Those who have been summoned include the heads of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue Limited, Serene Air and Shaheen Air International.

The chief executive officers of the airlines were directed to appear in person at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Karachi Registry on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Authority Director Nasir Ali Shah told the court that degrees of 1,972 people working with airlines were verified while 24 pilots were found to be holding fake degrees.

During the hearing, Civil Aviation Authority Director Nasir Ali Shah told the court that the authority has received the reports on pilots' degrees from Shaheen International Airline and Serene Air today in Karachi, while the report of Airblue was received yesterday.&nbsp

Pakistan PM Abbasi has been asked to appear as a former CEO of an airline along with other heads of all Pakistani airlines

Pakistan Supreme Court today ordered Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and heads of all Pakistani airlines to appear for the next hearing of a case pertaining to fake degrees of pilots. Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar asked Abbasi to appear as former CEO of an airline along with other heads of all Pakistani airlines. "Isn't it a matter of clash of interests?" asked the chief justice when told that the prime minister is also the head of Airblue airlines. "Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will have to appear in the capacity of a chief executive officer and not a premier." The chief justice, who was heading a three-member bench, said that he was issuing notices to heads of all Pakistani airlines as the matter has been pending for the last four months and reports in this regard have not been submitted as yet. Those who have been summoned include the heads of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Airblue Limited, Serene Air and Shaheen Air International. The chief executive officers of the airlines were directed to appear in person at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Karachi Registry on Saturday. Meanwhile, Civil Aviation Authority Director Nasir Ali Shah told the court that degrees of 1,972 people working with airlines were verified while 24 pilots were found to be holding fake degrees. During the hearing, Civil Aviation Authority Director Nasir Ali Shah told the court that the authority has received the reports on pilots' degrees from Shaheen International Airline and Serene Air today in Karachi, while the report of Airblue was received yesterday.

Pakistan Supreme Court summons PM in case of pilots' fake degrees

Pakistan’s environmental protection agency is installing air quality monitors and warning factories to add pollution filters after a panel of the country’s top judges ordered the government to detail its efforts to control worsening air pollution.

The court ruling earlier this month followed a lawsuit by a Karachi man challenging the government’s failure to control air pollution in that port city.

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, head of a three-member high court panel, ruled that the government must provide details of what it is doing to curb air pollution across the country.

He said he was shocked at how dirty the air had become, particularly in Pakistan’s cities.

The ruling has spurred government authorities to action to try to reduce pollution levels, fearing they could face court orders or sanctions.

Venu G. Advani, the Karachi lawyer who filed the court petition, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation he was seeking to have air quality regulations in the country enforced.

He said he hoped the court would ensure “provision of the constitutional right to a clean environment, for which clean air is key”.

“There is no hope without the Supreme Court’s intervention to awaken government officials from their deep slumber” on air quality, he said in a telephone interview from Karachi.

Air pollution deaths

According to a 2015 report published by the medical journal Lancet, nearly 22 per cent of annual deaths in Pakistan – or more than 310,000 each year - are caused by pollution, the majority of them due to air pollution.

A 2014 World Bank study on Pakistan’s air quality recommended the country set aside funding to “install and operate a reliable air quality monitoring network”, and set other standards and frameworks to cut pollution.

Since the court ruling, officials at the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency have said they are moving rapidly to comply.

“We are now installing air quality monitoring instruments with the help of federal government funding and punishing the polluters,” said Ziauddin Khattak, director of the agency.

“We have now told dozens of industrial units and brick kilns through warning notices to install air cleaning filters on smoke-emitting chimneys and have started monitoring vehicles on various thoroughfares and issuing fines to the polluting vehicle owners,” he said.

Nearly 50 brick kilns have been issued notices, Khattak said, and more than 130 buses and other vehicles fined over the last two months.

He said seven fixed and three mobile ambient air quality monitoring stations have been set up in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta, all cities that have suffered particular problems with air pollution.

Saif Anjum, Punjab provincial environment secretary, said his agency also had installed six air quality monitoring units in Lahore, with 30 more being put in place.

The units, along with an air quality action plan, “will help cut 50 per cent of air pollution in the next couple of years,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Other keys to improving air quality include planting more urban trees, replacing ageing city buses and increasing parking fees to encourage the use of public transport, Anjum said.

Left Out?

A 2016 study by the World Health Organisation ranked Rawalpindi, located near the capital Islamabad, as the second most polluted city of the country after the northwest city of Peshawar.

So far no air quality monitors are being installed in Rawalpindi, however, because of a lack of funds, officials said.

With few trees and an abundance of traffic, as well as brick kilns spewing black smoke and open incineration of waste, Rawalpindi has air pollution levels more than 10 times above levels considered safe by the World Health Organization, said Asif Shuja Khan, a former director general of the Pakistan Environmental Protection agency.

Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad stand as 3rd, 4th and 5th most polluted cities in the country in terms of air quality, Khan said.

Over 90 per cent of Rawalpindi’s population of over 2 million inhales contaminated air regularly, exposing them to a higher risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, he said, with children particularly vulnerable.

Pakistan’s Constitution says a clean environment is a fundamental right of all citizens, under provisions that guarantee a “right to life” and “right to dignity”, said Ahmad Rafay Alam, vice president of the Pakistan Environmental Law Association.

The court ruling earlier this month followed a lawsuit by a Karachi man challenging the government’s failure to control air pollution in that port city

Pakistan’s environmental protection agency is installing air quality monitors and warning factories to add pollution filters after a panel of the country’s top judges ordered the government to detail its efforts to control worsening air pollution. The court ruling earlier this month followed a lawsuit by a Karachi man challenging the government’s failure to control air pollution in that port city. Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, head of a three-member high court panel, ruled that the government must provide details of what it is doing to curb air pollution across the country. He said he was shocked at how dirty the air had become, particularly in Pakistan’s cities. The ruling has spurred government authorities to action to try to reduce pollution levels, fearing they could face court orders or sanctions. Venu G. Advani, the Karachi lawyer who filed the court petition, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation he was seeking to have air quality regulations in the country enforced. He said he hoped the court would ensure “provision of the constitutional right to a clean environment, for which clean air is key”. “There is no hope without the Supreme Court’s intervention to awaken government officials from their deep slumber” on air quality, he said in a telephone interview from Karachi. Air pollution deaths According to a 2015 report published by the medical journal Lancet, nearly 22 per cent of annual deaths in Pakistan – or more than 310,000 each year - are caused by pollution, the majority of them due to air pollution. A 2014 World Bank study on Pakistan’s air quality recommended the country set aside funding to “install and operate a reliable air quality monitoring network”, and set other standards and frameworks to cut pollution. Since the court ruling, officials at the Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency have said they are moving rapidly to comply. “We are now installing air quality monitoring instruments with the help of federal government funding and punishing the polluters,” said Ziauddin Khattak, director of the agency. “We have now told dozens of industrial units and brick kilns through warning notices to install air cleaning filters on smoke-emitting chimneys and have started monitoring vehicles on various thoroughfares and issuing fines to the polluting vehicle owners,” he said. Nearly 50 brick kilns have been issued notices, Khattak said, and more than 130 buses and other vehicles fined over the last two months. He said seven fixed and three mobile ambient air quality monitoring stations have been set up in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Peshawar and Quetta, all cities that have suffered particular problems with air pollution. Saif Anjum, Punjab provincial environment secretary, said his agency also had installed six air quality monitoring units in Lahore, with 30 more being put in place. The units, along with an air quality action plan, “will help cut 50 per cent of air pollution in the next couple of years,” he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Other keys to improving air quality include planting more urban trees, replacing ageing city buses and increasing parking fees to encourage the use of public transport, Anjum said. Left Out? A 2016 study by the World Health Organisation ranked Rawalpindi, located near the capital Islamabad, as the second most polluted city of the country after the northwest city of Peshawar. So far no air quality monitors are being installed in Rawalpindi, however, because of a lack of funds, officials said. With few trees and an abundance of traffic, as well as brick kilns spewing black smoke and open incineration of waste, Rawalpindi has air pollution levels more than 10 times above levels considered safe by the World Health Organization, said Asif Shuja Khan, a former director general of the Pakistan Environmental Protection agency. Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad stand as 3rd, 4th and 5th most polluted cities in the country in terms of air quality, Khan said. Over 90 per cent of Rawalpindi’s population of over 2 million inhales contaminated air regularly, exposing them to a higher risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease and lung cancer, he said, with children particularly vulnerable. Pakistan’s Constitution says a clean environment is a fundamental right of all citizens, under provisions that guarantee a “right to life” and “right to dignity”, said Ahmad Rafay Alam, vice president of the Pakistan Environmental Law Association.

Pakistan initiates to curb urban air pollution after high court ruling

Pakistani troops today again violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts, two days after two jawans were killed in heavy mortar shelling and firing along the LoC in Rajouri district, a defence spokesman said.

The Indian Army is giving a befitting reply, the official said.

Pakistani troops initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars along the LoC from 1400 hours in Nowshera sector of Rajouri and from 1645 hours in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch district, the spokesman said.

The Indian army is retaliating strongly and effectively and the exchange of fire between the two sides in both the sectors was going on when last reports were received.

However, there was no immediate report of any casualty from this side, he said.

The latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan came after two soldiers, rifleman Vinod Singh and rifleman Jaki Sharma, were killed in cross-border firing by Pakistan in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri on Monday.

The Indian Army is giving a befitting reply, the official said.

Pakistani troops today again violated ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri and Poonch districts, two days after two jawans were killed in heavy mortar shelling and firing along the LoC in Rajouri district, a defence spokesman said. The Indian Army is giving a befitting reply, the official said. Pakistani troops initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars along the LoC from 1400 hours in Nowshera sector of Rajouri and from 1645 hours in Krishna Ghati sector in Poonch district, the spokesman said. The Indian army is retaliating strongly and effectively and the exchange of fire between the two sides in both the sectors was going on when last reports were received. However, there was no immediate report of any casualty from this side, he said. The latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan came after two soldiers, rifleman Vinod Singh and rifleman Jaki Sharma, were killed in cross-border firing by Pakistan in Sunderbani sector of Rajouri on Monday.

Pakistan again violates ceasefire in J&K's Rajouri and Poonch

A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filled a charge sheet against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar in the Pathankot attack, India took on Pakistan at the United Nations and called on the hostile neighbour to leave behind its ways of terrorism, with the warning saying that, &quot;what you sow will bear fruit&quot;.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, India&#39;s permanent envoy to the UN&nbsp;Syed Akbaruddin in a veiled attack on Pakistan, said that safe havens being provided to terrorists must be dealt with in order to bring sustainable peace.

&quot;We need to address, as an imperative, the support that terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, Daesh, Al- Qaeda and its designated affiliates such as Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed which operate entirely outside the fabric of international law draw from their shadowy supporters outside Afghanistan,&quot; he said.

Quoting poet Rumi, Akbaruddin said &quot;what you sow will bear fruit. If you&#39;ve any sense my friend, don&#39;t plant anything but peace,&quot; which seemed to be a clear message to Islamabad to refrain from stooping to terrorism.

The NIA on Monday filed a chargesheet in the NIA special court against senior commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammed including its Chief Maulana Masood Azhar, for their involvement in the terrorist attack at Pathankot Airbase on 2nd January, 2016.

(ANI)

India's UN envoy, in a veiled attack on Pakistan, said sustainable peace depends on not giving terrorists safe haven

A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filled a charge sheet against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar in the Pathankot attack, India took on Pakistan at the United Nations and called on the hostile neighbour to leave behind its ways of terrorism, with the warning saying that, "what you sow will bear fruit". Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, India's permanent envoy to the UN Syed Akbaruddin in a veiled attack on Pakistan, said that safe havens being provided to terrorists must be dealt with in order to bring sustainable peace. "We need to address, as an imperative, the support that terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, Daesh, Al- Qaeda and its designated affiliates such as Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed which operate entirely outside the fabric of international law draw from their shadowy supporters outside Afghanistan," he said. Quoting poet Rumi, Akbaruddin said "what you sow will bear fruit. If you've any sense my friend, don't plant anything but peace," which seemed to be a clear message to Islamabad to refrain from stooping to terrorism. The NIA on Monday filed a chargesheet in the NIA special court against senior commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammed including its Chief Maulana Masood Azhar, for their involvement in the terrorist attack at Pathankot Airbase on 2nd January, 2016. (ANI)

India targets Pakistan on terror at UN: 'What you sow will bear fruit'

Six crew members of a Pakistani government helicopter which crash-landed in Afghanistan&#39;s volatile east have been released, an official said today, after they were taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. 
 
The crew &quot;was released in an inter-tribe exchange on the Pakistan-Afghan border (and) arrived in Islamabad today,&quot; foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in a statement. 
 
He did not specify who had been holding the crew hostage nor what kind of exchange had secured their release. 
 
All six people - five Pakistanis and a Russian navigator - are &quot;safe and in good health,&quot; he said, adding that the helicopter belonged to the Punjab provincial government. 
 
A senior Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the crew&#39;s safe return. 
 
After the August 4 crash, local authorities in Afghanistan said that the six-person crew had been taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. 
 
Militants set the Mi-17 transport helicopter on fire and took the crew to a Taliban-controlled area after it made an emergency landing in Logar province. 
 
The crew included retired Pakistani military officers and a Russian navigator, Pakistan&#39;s Dawn newspaper reported at the time. 
 
Pakistan had sought permission to fly a helicopter - being sent to Russia for overhauling - over Afghan air space. 
 
Pakistani army chief general Raheel Sharif said he had spoken to Afghanistan&#39;s President Ashraf Ghani after the crash in a bid to secure the crew&#39;s release. 
 
&quot;President Ashraf Ghani assured all possible assistance in this regard,&quot; he posted on Twitter. 
 
Kabul has long accused Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and continuing to nurture sanctuaries on its soil in the hope of maintaining influence in Afghanistan. 
 
Analysts said it was not clear how the Pakistan government had secured the crew&#39;s safe release. 
 
&quot;Our government is tight-lipped while the army also did not say anything about the role of the Afghan government,&quot; security analyst Hasan Askari told AFP. 
 
The Afghan Taliban have not commented on the conditions of the release. 
 
&quot;One thing is however, very clear - that Afghan Taliban certainly do not want to deteriorate their ties with Pakistan,&quot; Askari said. 
 
Askari questioned why the MI-17 was being send to Russia for repairs through Afghan airspace. 
 
&quot;It appeared to be kind of a mysterious exercise,&quot; he added. 
 
Pakistan&#39;s army uses Russian-made MI-17 helicopters, several of which have crashed in recent years. 
 
In February, an army officer was killed when a military helicopter crashed in northern Pakistan on a routine night training mission. 
 
Last August, 12 people were killed when a helicopter belonging to the army crashed in northwest Pakistan. 
 
And seven people - including two foreign ambassadors - died in May last year when an MI-17 army helicopter crashed at a holiday resort in the hills of Gilgit. 
 
(AFP)

Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman did not specify who had been holding the crew hostage nor what kind of exchange secured their release

Six crew members of a Pakistani government helicopter which crash-landed in Afghanistan's volatile east have been released, an official said today, after they were taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. The crew "was released in an inter-tribe exchange on the Pakistan-Afghan border (and) arrived in Islamabad today," foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in a statement. He did not specify who had been holding the crew hostage nor what kind of exchange had secured their release. All six people - five Pakistanis and a Russian navigator - are "safe and in good health," he said, adding that the helicopter belonged to the Punjab provincial government. A senior Pakistani official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the crew's safe return. After the August 4 crash, local authorities in Afghanistan said that the six-person crew had been taken hostage by the Afghan Taliban. Militants set the Mi-17 transport helicopter on fire and took the crew to a Taliban-controlled area after it made an emergency landing in Logar province. The crew included retired Pakistani military officers and a Russian navigator, Pakistan's Dawn newspaper reported at the time. Pakistan had sought permission to fly a helicopter - being sent to Russia for overhauling - over Afghan air space. Pakistani army chief general Raheel Sharif said he had spoken to Afghanistan's President Ashraf Ghani after the crash in a bid to secure the crew's release. "President Ashraf Ghani assured all possible assistance in this regard," he posted on Twitter. Kabul has long accused Pakistan of supporting the Taliban and continuing to nurture sanctuaries on its soil in the hope of maintaining influence in Afghanistan. Analysts said it was not clear how the Pakistan government had secured the crew's safe release. "Our government is tight-lipped while the army also did not say anything about the role of the Afghan government," security analyst Hasan Askari told AFP. The Afghan Taliban have not commented on the conditions of the release. "One thing is however, very clear - that Afghan Taliban certainly do not want to deteriorate their ties with Pakistan," Askari said. Askari questioned why the MI-17 was being send to Russia for repairs through Afghan airspace. "It appeared to be kind of a mysterious exercise," he added. Pakistan's army uses Russian-made MI-17 helicopters, several of which have crashed in recent years. In February, an army officer was killed when a military helicopter crashed in northern Pakistan on a routine night training mission. Last August, 12 people were killed when a helicopter belonging to the army crashed in northwest Pakistan. And seven people - including two foreign ambassadors - died in May last year when an MI-17 army helicopter crashed at a holiday resort in the hills of Gilgit. (AFP)

More than a week after chopper crash, Afghan Taliban free Pakistan crew

Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, today hoped that the Kashmir issue would be resolved through dialogue, while backing Islamabad&#39;s stance to send an Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) team to the Valley to probe the alleged human rights violations. 
 
&quot;Turkey fully supports Pakistan&#39;s position on Jammu and Kashmir,&quot; Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference here with Pakistan prime minister&#39;s advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. 
 
Cavusoglu said Turkey is an active member of the OIC contact group of Kashmir and attends its meeting. Hopefully its next meeting would be held in September, he said. 
 
&quot;I would like to ask the secretary general of the OIC to mobilise the contact group and send an observer mission. We believe this issue (Kashmir) can be solved through dialogue,&quot; he said. 
 
Pakistan has raised the Kashmir issue at the UN, and demanded sending a fact finding team to the valley to probe the alleged human rights violations there.&nbsp;Forty-nine people have been killed in Kashmir in clashes since security forces killed Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8. 
 
Cavusoglu, who is in Pakistan on an important visit after a failed military coup, thanked Islamabad for being the first country to denounce the coup attempt.&nbsp;He said Turkey was taking steps against those involved in the coup staged by supporters of US-based influential Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen. 
 
He said Gulen&#39;s organisations pose a risk or threat to the security and stability of every country. 
 
&quot;This terrorist organisation has a global network of schools, business associations and cultural organisations. In the past, we supported them but we didn&#39;t know they had a hidden agenda, that they were trying to take over power in Turkey through such attempts,&quot; he said. 
 
He said that Pakistan and Turkey supported each other against terrorism.&nbsp;On his part, Aziz pledged Pakistan&#39;s unequivocal support for a democratic, peaceful and stable Turkey under the dynamic leadership of President Tayyip Erdogan. 
 
He noted with satisfaction that both sides have agreed to continue to tackle the menace of terrorism and defeat the scourge. The two sides also exchanged views on situation in Afghanistan and the need for a lasting political solution. 
 
Aziz said the two countries share similar views on the migration crisis and the plight of Syrian refugees. He said Pakistan and Turkey host the largest refugee population in the world. 
 
(PTI)

Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu extended his support in a press conference in Islamabad

Turkey, a close ally of Pakistan, today hoped that the Kashmir issue would be resolved through dialogue, while backing Islamabad's stance to send an Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) team to the Valley to probe the alleged human rights violations. "Turkey fully supports Pakistan's position on Jammu and Kashmir," Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at a joint press conference here with Pakistan prime minister's advisor on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. Cavusoglu said Turkey is an active member of the OIC contact group of Kashmir and attends its meeting. Hopefully its next meeting would be held in September, he said. "I would like to ask the secretary general of the OIC to mobilise the contact group and send an observer mission. We believe this issue (Kashmir) can be solved through dialogue," he said. Pakistan has raised the Kashmir issue at the UN, and demanded sending a fact finding team to the valley to probe the alleged human rights violations there. Forty-nine people have been killed in Kashmir in clashes since security forces killed Hizbul commander Burhan Wani on July 8. Cavusoglu, who is in Pakistan on an important visit after a failed military coup, thanked Islamabad for being the first country to denounce the coup attempt. He said Turkey was taking steps against those involved in the coup staged by supporters of US-based influential Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen. He said Gulen's organisations pose a risk or threat to the security and stability of every country. "This terrorist organisation has a global network of schools, business associations and cultural organisations. In the past, we supported them but we didn't know they had a hidden agenda, that they were trying to take over power in Turkey through such attempts," he said. He said that Pakistan and Turkey supported each other against terrorism. On his part, Aziz pledged Pakistan's unequivocal support for a democratic, peaceful and stable Turkey under the dynamic leadership of President Tayyip Erdogan. He noted with satisfaction that both sides have agreed to continue to tackle the menace of terrorism and defeat the scourge. The two sides also exchanged views on situation in Afghanistan and the need for a lasting political solution. Aziz said the two countries share similar views on the migration crisis and the plight of Syrian refugees. He said Pakistan and Turkey host the largest refugee population in the world. (PTI)

Turkey backs Pakistan's stand on Jammu and Kashmir

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