The life and legacy of General Pervez Musharraf who passed away today, brought multiple twists and turns to the India-Pakistan relationship of a kind, perhaps, never seen before. Watch the video to know more about the former Pakistan President's life.

Obituary to the last military dictator and former president of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf

Former president of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf, who backed the US-led invasion of neighbouring Afghanistan during his tenure, has died after a prolonged illness at the age of 79.

Pakistan divided on Pervez Musharraf's legacy

Pakistan has blocked Wikipedia for hosting "blasphemous content". The move come after the free online encyclopaedia was given a 48-hour deadline to remove some material. Watch further to know more.

Pakistan to block Wikipedia over blasphemous content

Former President of Pakistan, General Pervez Musharraf (Retd) passes away after a prolonged illness, at a hospital in Dubai. Reportedly, the former four-star general succumbed to 'Amyloidosis'. Watch further to know more.

Edward P Joseph talks about Musharraf, says 'There's not doubt about his legacy in Pakistan'

Imran Khan has appealed his supporters and workers to get ready for a mass arrest movement, the former Pakistan Prime Minister said that the government is inflicting torture on the leaders of his party.

WION Fineprint: Imran Khan calls for mass arrest movement, says 'get ready for Jail Bharo movement'

In the latest,&nbsp;Pakistan’s former president and army chief General (retired) Pervez Musharraf,&nbsp;the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, passed away on Sunday morning at a hospital in Dubai.&nbsp;Large Chinese spy balloon believed to have been spying on vital military facilities across the nation has been shot down by the US near the east coast. In other news, the Indian government has blocked more than 200 betting, loan apps linked to China.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/paks-former-prez-and-army-chief-pervez-musharraf-passes-away-in-dubai-reports-558902">Pakistan’s former military ruler General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf dies in Dubai after long illness</a>

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Pakistan’s former president and army chief General (retired) Pervez Musharraf,&nbsp;the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, passed away on Sunday morning at a hospital in Dubai, according to media reports.&nbsp;The health of the 79-year-old, who was ill since 2019, had deteriorated recently after developing “heart- and blood pressure-related” complications.&nbsp;Musharraf was suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in the organs and tissues throughout the body and prevents them from working properly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-shoots-down-suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-beijing-reacts-558889">US shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon, Beijing reacts with threat of repercussions</a>

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The US has shot down the giant Chinese spy balloon near the east coast that was said to have been spying on sensitive military sites across the country.&nbsp;The Department of Defense confirmed in a statement that the US fighter jets brought down the balloon over US territorial waters.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-pardons-thousand-of-prisoners-amid-protests-558972">Iran Supreme leader Khamenei pardons thousand of prisoners amid protests</a>

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Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pardoned "tens of thousands" of prisoners which include those arrested in recent protest against the government, state media reported.

"Prisoners not facing charges of spying for foreign agencies, having direct contact with foreign agents, committing intentional murder and injury, committing destruction and arson of state property, or not having a private plaintiff in their case will be pardoned," state media said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-china-militarily-aiding-russias-offensive-says-report-558904">Ukraine war: China providing military assistance to Russia for its offensive, says report</a>
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China is militarily aiding Russia's offensive in Ukraine which will soon complete its one year. A report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Saturday (February 4) said that China is providing the technology that the Russian military needs for its ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine despite sanctions and export controls imposed by the West. According to Russian customs data reviewed by the WSJ, Chinese state-owned defence companies have been shipping navigation equipment, jamming technology and fighter-jet parts to sanctioned Russian government-owned defence companies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-us-another-chinese-balloon-seen-flying-over-latin-america-pentagon-558701">After US, another Chinese balloon seen flying over Latin America: Pentagon</a>

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The Pentagon said on Friday (February 3) that a Chinese balloon was seen flying over Latin America also, a day after a similar balloon was seen&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-says-suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-is-civilian-airship-used-for-research-558615">in the United States</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-says-suspected-chinese-spy-balloon-in-us-airspace-is-civilian-airship-used-for-research-558615">skies</a>. According to a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said, "We are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon." &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-government-blocks-more-than-200-apps-linked-to-china-reports-558952">Indian govt blocks more than 230 betting, loan apps linked to China: Report</a>

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The Narendra Modi government blocked 232 apps with Chinese links. An official familiar with developments told the news agency PTI on Sunday (February 5) that these apps were blocked for gambling and unauthorised loan service. "The order to block 138 apps that were involved in betting, gambling and money laundering was issued last evening. Separately, an order to block 94 apps engaged in unauthorised loan service has also been issued. These apps were being operated from offshore entities, including Chinese. They were posing a threat to the economic stability of the country," the official said.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-india-supported-us-without-conditions-says-sri-lankan-high-commissioner-milinda-moragoda-558813">Exclusive: India supported us without conditions, says Sri Lankan High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda</a>

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Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda has lauded New Delhi's support to his country which came without "condition" and the package was "extremely flexible". India last year gave financial support of USD 4 billion as the country underwent a major economic crisis. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, High Commissioner Moragoda said, "India helped us to stabilise the economy and the country "reached out to the IMF and some of the bilateral partners like Japan."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/save-israels-democracy-from-netanyahu-anti-govt-protests-in-israel-continue-for-fifth-week-558941">'Save Israel's democracy from Netanyahu': Anti-govt protests continue for fifth week</a>

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Anti-government protests in Israel against the controversial legal reforms continued for the fifth week on Saturday (February 4) with thousands of demonstrators, braving the rain, swarming Tel Aviv's Kaplan Street, with signs criticising the establishment. One of the signs labelled the government as a "threat to world peace," while another said "Save Israel's democracy from Netanyahu," news agency AFP reported early Sunday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-weapons-supply-to-ukraine-russian-envoy-says-the-us-could-go-to-absolute-madness-558786">Weapons supply to Ukraine shows US could go to absolute madness, says Russian ambassador</a>

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The United States is seeking to deliberately escalate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine by transferring increasingly powerful weapons to Kyiv, Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said on Friday.&nbsp;"Washington sees no boundaries in seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. The transfer of increasingly powerful weapons to the Kiev regime is a deliberate escalation of the conflict by the United States," the Russian embassy quoted Antonov as saying.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: 50,000 left in dark in Ukraine's Odessa, 31 high-power generators to aid city

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In the latest, Pakistan’s former president and army chief General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, passed away on Sunday morning at a hospital in Dubai.

In the latest, Pakistan’s former president and army chief General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, passed away on Sunday morning at a hospital in Dubai. Large Chinese spy balloon believed to have been spying on vital military facilities across the nation has been shot down by the US near the east coast. In other news, the Indian government has blocked more than 200 betting, loan apps linked to China. Click on the headlines to read more. Pakistan’s former military ruler General (Retd) Pervez Musharraf dies in Dubai after long illness Pakistan’s former president and army chief General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, the architect of the Kargil War in 1999, passed away on Sunday morning at a hospital in Dubai, according to media reports. The health of the 79-year-old, who was ill since 2019, had deteriorated recently after developing “heart- and blood pressure-related” complications. Musharraf was suffering from amyloidosis, a rare disease caused by a build-up of an abnormal protein called amyloid in the organs and tissues throughout the body and prevents them from working properly. US shoots down suspected Chinese spy balloon, Beijing reacts with threat of repercussions The US has shot down the giant Chinese spy balloon near the east coast that was said to have been spying on sensitive military sites across the country. The Department of Defense confirmed in a statement that the US fighter jets brought down the balloon over US territorial waters. Iran Supreme leader Khamenei pardons thousand of prisoners amid protests Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has pardoned "tens of thousands" of prisoners which include those arrested in recent protest against the government, state media reported. "Prisoners not facing charges of spying for foreign agencies, having direct contact with foreign agents, committing intentional murder and injury, committing destruction and arson of state property, or not having a private plaintiff in their case will be pardoned," state media said. Ukraine war: China providing military assistance to Russia for its offensive, says report China is militarily aiding Russia's offensive in Ukraine which will soon complete its one year. A report by the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Saturday (February 4) said that China is providing the technology that the Russian military needs for its ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine despite sanctions and export controls imposed by the West. According to Russian customs data reviewed by the WSJ, Chinese state-owned defence companies have been shipping navigation equipment, jamming technology and fighter-jet parts to sanctioned Russian government-owned defence companies. After US, another Chinese balloon seen flying over Latin America: Pentagon The Pentagon said on Friday (February 3) that a Chinese balloon was seen flying over Latin America also, a day after a similar balloon was seen in the United States skies. According to a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder said, "We are seeing reports of a balloon transiting Latin America. We now assess it is another Chinese surveillance balloon." Indian govt blocks more than 230 betting, loan apps linked to China: Report The Narendra Modi government blocked 232 apps with Chinese links. An official familiar with developments told the news agency PTI on Sunday (February 5) that these apps were blocked for gambling and unauthorised loan service. "The order to block 138 apps that were involved in betting, gambling and money laundering was issued last evening. Separately, an order to block 94 apps engaged in unauthorised loan service has also been issued. These apps were being operated from offshore entities, including Chinese. They were posing a threat to the economic stability of the country," the official said. Exclusive: India supported us without conditions, says Sri Lankan High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda Sri Lanka's High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda has lauded New Delhi's support to his country which came without "condition" and the package was "extremely flexible". India last year gave financial support of USD 4 billion as the country underwent a major economic crisis. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, High Commissioner Moragoda said, "India helped us to stabilise the economy and the country "reached out to the IMF and some of the bilateral partners like Japan." 'Save Israel's democracy from Netanyahu': Anti-govt protests continue for fifth week Anti-government protests in Israel against the controversial legal reforms continued for the fifth week on Saturday (February 4) with thousands of demonstrators, braving the rain, swarming Tel Aviv's Kaplan Street, with signs criticising the establishment. One of the signs labelled the government as a "threat to world peace," while another said "Save Israel's democracy from Netanyahu," news agency AFP reported early Sunday. Weapons supply to Ukraine shows US could go to absolute madness, says Russian ambassador The United States is seeking to deliberately escalate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine by transferring increasingly powerful weapons to Kyiv, Russian ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said on Friday. "Washington sees no boundaries in seeking to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia. The transfer of increasingly powerful weapons to the Kiev regime is a deliberate escalation of the conflict by the United States," the Russian embassy quoted Antonov as saying. WATCH | Russia-Ukraine War: 50,000 left in dark in Ukraine's Odessa, 31 high-power generators to aid city

Top 10 world news: Pervez Musharraf passes away, US shoots down Chinese spy balloon, & more

Days after the suicide bombing in Pakistan left over a hundred dead in Peshawar city, Islamabad is set to ask the Supreme leader of Afghanistan's Taliban to rein-in terrorists in Pakistan.

Pakistan to send delegation to Afghanistan for asking Taliban to rein-in TTP

Pakistan: General Musharraf's funeral to take place in Karachi, mortal remains to be brought back

General Pervez Musharraf, the former head of the Pakistani military who is&nbsp;also considered the architect of the cross-border intrusions that sparked the Kargil War of 1999, and who perhaps came the closest to resolving the Kashmir dispute with India, passed away on Sunday (February 5) at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. The bloodless coup in 1999 that toppled the elected civilian government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif brought to power the four-star general&nbsp;who tenaciously clung to power, helping institute the PML-Q party, before being forced to resign in 2008 to avoid impeachment.

<h2 id="main-heading" tabindex="-1">Pervez Musharraf: Born in Old Delhi's Daryaganj</h2>

Musharraf, who was born on August 11, 1943, in Old Delhi's Daryaganj to a career diplomat, advanced through the Pakistan Army's ranks until being appointed by Sharif as army chief in October 1998.

Musharraf's passing brings to mind an&nbsp;aspect of his Indian connection: his birthplace in the Daryaganj neighbourhood of Old Delhi in 1943. His residence, the "Neharwali Haveli," is situated in Daryaganj near Kucha Saadullah Khan, behind the Golcha theatre. Before migrating to Pakistan in the event of partition, he spent the first four years of his childhood there.&nbsp;

He visited his ancestral home in Daryaganj on his first trip to India as president of Pakistan. He also spoke with "friends" and "neighbours" while he was there, reports PTI.

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Former dictator <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ParvezMusharraf?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ParvezMusharraf</a> was undergoing treatment for amyloidosis at American Hospital Dubai.<a href="https://t.co/0LmRc3GasK">https://t.co/0LmRc3GasK</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1622130479729369089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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After retiring as the commissioner of Punjab, Musharraf's grandfather Qazi Mohtashimuddin bought the "Neharwali Haveli." After his family relocated to Pakistan following the partition, the property was abandoned and is now mostly in ruins.&nbsp;

<h2>Pervez Musharraf: Architect of the 1999 Kargil War </h2>

Musharraf served as a key strategist in the Kargil War with India. He issued the directive for soldiers to be discreetly sent into the Kargil region (one of the two districts of Ladakh region and the second largest town of Ladakh, situated roughly at equal distance of 200km&nbsp;from Srinagar, Leh, Padum Zanskar and Skardo Baltistan&nbsp;from March to&nbsp;May 1999.&nbsp;After India learned of the infiltration, a full-scale battle broke out.

Nawaz Sharif, however, stopped aiding the rebels in the border war in July 1999 as a result of growing international pressure.&nbsp;Following Sharif's action, the Pakistan Army was enraged, and speculation of a potential coup quickly spread.

Who was to blame for the Kargil conflict and Pakistan's withdrawal was a point of contention between Sharif and Musharraf.

Also watch |&nbsp;Pervez Musharraf: Pakistan's last military ruler and architect of the Kargil War

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With his top commanders, including the chief of the navy staff Admiral Fasih Bokhari, the chief of the air staff Air Chief Marshal PQ Mehdi, and senior lieutenant-general Ali Kuli Khan, Musharraf had a heated exchange.

General Kuli Khan slammed the war as "a disaster bigger than the East-Pakistan tragedy," adding that the plan was "flawed in terms of its conception, tactical planning, and execution" that resulted in "sacrificing so many soldiers." Admiral Bokhari eventually demanded a full-fledged joint-service court martial against General Musharraf.

Pakistan's biggest strategic error was the Kargil intrusion because Islamabad failed to anticipate the consequences on a global scale. In addition to suffering worldwide humiliation and alienation, Kargil cleared the ground for the US to shift more towards India. The US condemned Pakistan for placing the two South Asian adversaries at risk of a nuclear conflict for the first time after viewing India-Pakistan ties independently and objectively.

<h2>The Agra Summit: When Vajpayee and Musharraf 'almost resolved' the Kashmir conflict</h2>

The Agra Summit (July 14-16, 2001) has gone down in history as one of the most significant squandered chances in India-Pakistan relations. In his book "Neither a Hawk Nor a Dove," former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri wrote that the “solution to Kashmir was in the grasp of both governments”.

The "Four-point solution" to Kashmir was put out by then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. Then Indian PM&nbsp;Atal Bihari Vajpayee was said to have been in favour of the idea in principle, but the agreement fell through hours before the signing ceremony, as reported by the PTI.

The Musharraf plan’s four points were:

1.&nbsp;Demilitarisation or phased withdrawal of troops

On both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), millions of soldiers were stationed in Kashmir. In order to achieve a lasting peace, Musharraf said that both India and Pakistan would have to reduce the number of soldiers stationed there. It was up to the two parties to decide whether this withdrawal would be gradual and phased.

2. The borders of Kashmir shall remain unchanged. However, Jammu and Kashmir residents would be permitted to cross the Line of Control (LoC) without restriction.

The Shimla Agreement of 1972 established what is essentially a ceasefire line along the Line of Control (LoC). However, it is not recognised as the International Border by either India or Pakistan. In exchange for Pakistan accepting Indian sovereignty over the portion of Jammu and Kashmir on India's side of the Line of Control (LoC), India would have to recognise Pakistan's sovereignty over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Both sides would then give up their claims to Kashmir's other half, and the ceasefire line would become the International Border. The inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir, however, would be permitted to travel freely to the other side.

3. Self-governance without independence

Musharraf was ready to give up what Pakistan has long argued for in favour of a higher degree of autonomy. Pakistan has long supported what it refers to as "Kashmiri self-determination." Vajpayee would probably not object too much to this agreement condition because Article 370 of the Indian Constitution already grants J&amp;K autonomy. The repeal of Article 370, one of the BJP's fundamental ideological tenets, would have had to be conceded, but it would also have ended Pakistani assistance for militants in Kashmir who were in favour of independence.

4.&nbsp;A joint supervision mechanism in Jammu and Kashmir involving India, Pakistan and Kashmir.

Musharraf would have had a better chance of persuading Pakistanis at home to support a prospective Musharraf-Vajpayee pact if he had chosen to involve local Kashmiri leadership in the supervisory system.

Even though a draft resolution was prepared for signing, Musharraf claimed that the Indian side had broken the agreement years after the summit's failure. At a 2004 event, Musharraf remarked, "I was told that the Indian Cabinet had refused to give its nod."

However, one account claims that Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the separatist leader, was the only one to become a hurdle in the peace agreement. "He (Geelani) described President Musharraf's four-point plan as vague, and he attacked the president's stance on the importance of UNSC resolutions to Kashmir," Khurshid Mahmud&nbsp;Kasuri wrote&nbsp;in his book,&nbsp;Neither a Hawk Nor a Dove.&nbsp;

<h2>Pakistan's State-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir&nbsp;</h2>

Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf admitted in the year 2015 that Pakistan supported and trained groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in 1990s to carry out militancy in Kashmir.

Also watch |&nbsp;Former President Pervez Musharraf's last rites to be held in Pakistan

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“In the 1990s, the freedom struggle began in Kashmir. At that time, Lashkar-e-Taiba and 11 or 12 other organisations were formed. We supported them and trained them as they were fighting in Kashmir at the cost of their lives,” Musharraf said in an interview to&nbsp;Dunya News&nbsp;in 2015.

Regarding the actions taken against Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi of the LeT, the former army chief while&nbsp;replying to a question&nbsp;claimed that Saeed and Lakhvi benefited from the status of heroes at the time.

“The Kashmiri freedom fighters including Hafiz Saeed and Lakhvi were our heroes at that time. Later on, religious militancy turned into terrorism. Now they (referring to militants in Pakistan) are killing their own people here and this should be controlled and stopped,” he said.

To a question whether Saeed and Lakhvi should also be “controlled and stopped”,&nbsp;Musharraf said, “No comments.”

He said that "religious militancy," which attracted terrorists from all over the world to battle Soviet forces, was established by Pakistan.&nbsp;He added,&nbsp;in 1979 Pakistan was in favour of religious militancy.

(With inputs from agencies)

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General Pervez Musharraf, the former head of the Pakistani military who is also considered the architect of the cross-border intrusions that sparked the Kargil War of 1999, and who perhaps came the closest to resolving the Kashmir dispute with India, passed away on Sunday (February 5) at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness.

General Pervez Musharraf, the former head of the Pakistani military who is also considered the architect of the cross-border intrusions that sparked the Kargil War of 1999, and who perhaps came the closest to resolving the Kashmir dispute with India, passed away on Sunday (February 5) at the age of 79 after a prolonged illness. The bloodless coup in 1999 that toppled the elected civilian government led by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif brought to power the four-star general who tenaciously clung to power, helping institute the PML-Q party, before being forced to resign in 2008 to avoid impeachment. Pervez Musharraf: Born in Old Delhi's Daryaganj Musharraf, who was born on August 11, 1943, in Old Delhi's Daryaganj to a career diplomat, advanced through the Pakistan Army's ranks until being appointed by Sharif as army chief in October 1998. Musharraf's passing brings to mind an aspect of his Indian connection: his birthplace in the Daryaganj neighbourhood of Old Delhi in 1943. His residence, the "Neharwali Haveli," is situated in Daryaganj near Kucha Saadullah Khan, behind the Golcha theatre. Before migrating to Pakistan in the event of partition, he spent the first four years of his childhood there. He visited his ancestral home in Daryaganj on his first trip to India as president of Pakistan. He also spoke with "friends" and "neighbours" while he was there, reports PTI. Former dictator #ParvezMusharraf was undergoing treatment for amyloidosis at American Hospital Dubai.https://t.co/0LmRc3GasK — WION (@WIONews) February 5, 2023 × After retiring as the commissioner of Punjab, Musharraf's grandfather Qazi Mohtashimuddin bought the "Neharwali Haveli." After his family relocated to Pakistan following the partition, the property was abandoned and is now mostly in ruins. Pervez Musharraf: Architect of the 1999 Kargil War Musharraf served as a key strategist in the Kargil War with India. He issued the directive for soldiers to be discreetly sent into the Kargil region (one of the two districts of Ladakh region and the second largest town of Ladakh, situated roughly at equal distance of 200km from Srinagar, Leh, Padum Zanskar and Skardo Baltistan from March to May 1999. After India learned of the infiltration, a full-scale battle broke out. Nawaz Sharif, however, stopped aiding the rebels in the border war in July 1999 as a result of growing international pressure. Following Sharif's action, the Pakistan Army was enraged, and speculation of a potential coup quickly spread. Who was to blame for the Kargil conflict and Pakistan's withdrawal was a point of contention between Sharif and Musharraf. Also watch | Pervez Musharraf: Pakistan's last military ruler and architect of the Kargil War With his top commanders, including the chief of the navy staff Admiral Fasih Bokhari, the chief of the air staff Air Chief Marshal PQ Mehdi, and senior lieutenant-general Ali Kuli Khan, Musharraf had a heated exchange. General Kuli Khan slammed the war as "a disaster bigger than the East-Pakistan tragedy," adding that the plan was "flawed in terms of its conception, tactical planning, and execution" that resulted in "sacrificing so many soldiers." Admiral Bokhari eventually demanded a full-fledged joint-service court martial against General Musharraf. Pakistan's biggest strategic error was the Kargil intrusion because Islamabad failed to anticipate the consequences on a global scale. In addition to suffering worldwide humiliation and alienation, Kargil cleared the ground for the US to shift more towards India. The US condemned Pakistan for placing the two South Asian adversaries at risk of a nuclear conflict for the first time after viewing India-Pakistan ties independently and objectively. The Agra Summit: When Vajpayee and Musharraf 'almost resolved' the Kashmir conflict The Agra Summit (July 14-16, 2001) has gone down in history as one of the most significant squandered chances in India-Pakistan relations. In his book "Neither a Hawk Nor a Dove," former Pakistani foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri wrote that the “solution to Kashmir was in the grasp of both governments”. The "Four-point solution" to Kashmir was put out by then-Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf. Then Indian PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee was said to have been in favour of the idea in principle, but the agreement fell through hours before the signing ceremony, as reported by the PTI. The Musharraf plan’s four points were: 1. Demilitarisation or phased withdrawal of troops On both sides of the Line of Control (LoC), millions of soldiers were stationed in Kashmir. In order to achieve a lasting peace, Musharraf said that both India and Pakistan would have to reduce the number of soldiers stationed there. It was up to the two parties to decide whether this withdrawal would be gradual and phased. 2. The borders of Kashmir shall remain unchanged. However, Jammu and Kashmir residents would be permitted to cross the Line of Control (LoC) without restriction. The Shimla Agreement of 1972 established what is essentially a ceasefire line along the Line of Control (LoC). However, it is not recognised as the International Border by either India or Pakistan. In exchange for Pakistan accepting Indian sovereignty over the portion of Jammu and Kashmir on India's side of the Line of Control (LoC), India would have to recognise Pakistan's sovereignty over Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Both sides would then give up their claims to Kashmir's other half, and the ceasefire line would become the International Border. The inhabitants of Jammu and Kashmir, however, would be permitted to travel freely to the other side. 3. Self-governance without independence Musharraf was ready to give up what Pakistan has long argued for in favour of a higher degree of autonomy. Pakistan has long supported what it refers to as "Kashmiri self-determination." Vajpayee would probably not object too much to this agreement condition because Article 370 of the Indian Constitution already grants J&K autonomy. The repeal of Article 370, one of the BJP's fundamental ideological tenets, would have had to be conceded, but it would also have ended Pakistani assistance for militants in Kashmir who were in favour of independence. 4. A joint supervision mechanism in Jammu and Kashmir involving India, Pakistan and Kashmir. Musharraf would have had a better chance of persuading Pakistanis at home to support a prospective Musharraf-Vajpayee pact if he had chosen to involve local Kashmiri leadership in the supervisory system. Even though a draft resolution was prepared for signing, Musharraf claimed that the Indian side had broken the agreement years after the summit's failure. At a 2004 event, Musharraf remarked, "I was told that the Indian Cabinet had refused to give its nod." However, one account claims that Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the separatist leader, was the only one to become a hurdle in the peace agreement. "He (Geelani) described President Musharraf's four-point plan as vague, and he attacked the president's stance on the importance of UNSC resolutions to Kashmir," Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri wrote in his book, Neither a Hawk Nor a Dove. Pakistan's State-sponsored terrorism in Kashmir Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf admitted in the year 2015 that Pakistan supported and trained groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in 1990s to carry out militancy in Kashmir. Also watch | Former President Pervez Musharraf's last rites to be held in Pakistan “In the 1990s, the freedom struggle began in Kashmir. At that time, Lashkar-e-Taiba and 11 or 12 other organisations were formed. We supported them and trained them as they were fighting in Kashmir at the cost of their lives,” Musharraf said in an interview to Dunya News in 2015. Regarding the actions taken against Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi of the LeT, the former army chief while replying to a question claimed that Saeed and Lakhvi benefited from the status of heroes at the time. “The Kashmiri freedom fighters including Hafiz Saeed and Lakhvi were our heroes at that time. Later on, religious militancy turned into terrorism. Now they (referring to militants in Pakistan) are killing their own people here and this should be controlled and stopped,” he said. To a question whether Saeed and Lakhvi should also be “controlled and stopped”, Musharraf said, “No comments.” He said that "religious militancy," which attracted terrorists from all over the world to battle Soviet forces, was established by Pakistan. He added, in 1979 Pakistan was in favour of religious militancy. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Pervez Musharraf and his chequered relationship with India: A look back

General (retired) Pervez Musharraf, the former President of Pakistan, passed away at a hospital in Dubai on Sunday (February 5) morning at the age of 79 following a prolonged illness. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Shazia Siraj, spokesperson for Pakistan's consulate in Dubai and embassy in Abu Dhabi, said "I can confirm that he passed away this morning." Pakistan's military expressed condolences on his death.

Pakistan: Former Minister Fawad Chaudhry says, 'Had a very close relationship with Musharraf'

Pakistan on Saturday blocked the Wikipedia website over failure to remove "sacrilegious content” two days after it had issued an ultimatum to it for taking it down urgently.&nbsp;The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday had warned to block access to Wikipedia services if it failed to adhere to their order. The agency, however, did not elaborate on the content that was considered offensive by the conservative country.

“The action was taken because some of the content is still available on Wikipedia after the expiry of a 48-hour deadline,” Malahat Obaid, spokesperson for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, told Bloomberg.

Bloomberg reported that the Pakistani officials are still in talks with the Wikipedia executives.

Obaid indicated that they will consider unblocking the platform if the content is removed completely. Wikipedia is yet to make a comment on the issue.

<h2>Gravitas: Pakistan wants to ban Wikipedia. Here's why</h2>

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Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan and anyone found convicted of insulting Islam is penalised, and in some cases the penalty is even capital punishment.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/wikipedia-may-get-blocked-in-pakistan-over-blasphemy-report-558295">&nbsp;Wikipedia may get blocked in Pakistan over 'blasphemy': Report</a>

On Wednesday, PTA said it “degraded” Wikipedia services in the Muslim-majority country for not complying with its order to remove the “unlawful” content.&nbsp;

"PTA has degraded Wikipedia services in the country on account of not blocking/removing sacrilegious contents. Wikipedia was approached for blocking/removal of the said contents by issuing a notice under applicable law and court order(s). An opportunity of hearing was also provided, however, the platform neither complied by removing the blasphemous content nor appeared before the Authority," the official statement of Pakistan Telecom Authority said in an official release.

"Given the intentional failure on part of the platform to comply with the directions of PTA, the services of Wikipedia have been degraded for 48 hours with the direction to block/remove the reported contents," the official release added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan on Saturday blocked the Wikipedia website over failure to remove "sacrilegious content” two days after it had issued an ultimatum to it for taking it down urgently.

Pakistan on Saturday blocked the Wikipedia website over failure to remove "sacrilegious content” two days after it had issued an ultimatum to it for taking it down urgently. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) on Wednesday had warned to block access to Wikipedia services if it failed to adhere to their order. The agency, however, did not elaborate on the content that was considered offensive by the conservative country. “The action was taken because some of the content is still available on Wikipedia after the expiry of a 48-hour deadline,” Malahat Obaid, spokesperson for Pakistan Telecommunication Authority, told Bloomberg. Bloomberg reported that the Pakistani officials are still in talks with the Wikipedia executives. Obaid indicated that they will consider unblocking the platform if the content is removed completely. Wikipedia is yet to make a comment on the issue. Gravitas: Pakistan wants to ban Wikipedia. Here's why Blasphemy is a sensitive issue in Pakistan and anyone found convicted of insulting Islam is penalised, and in some cases the penalty is even capital punishment. Also read | Wikipedia may get blocked in Pakistan over 'blasphemy': Report On Wednesday, PTA said it “degraded” Wikipedia services in the Muslim-majority country for not complying with its order to remove the “unlawful” content. "PTA has degraded Wikipedia services in the country on account of not blocking/removing sacrilegious contents. Wikipedia was approached for blocking/removal of the said contents by issuing a notice under applicable law and court order(s). An opportunity of hearing was also provided, however, the platform neither complied by removing the blasphemous content nor appeared before the Authority," the official statement of Pakistan Telecom Authority said in an official release. "Given the intentional failure on part of the platform to comply with the directions of PTA, the services of Wikipedia have been degraded for 48 hours with the direction to block/remove the reported contents," the official release added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pakistan blocks Wikipedia for not removing content declared ‘blasphemous’

Another horrific terror attack in Pakistan, leaving over 100 policemen dead. The economy is in free fall. Pakistan is living a nightmare. The cauldron of Islamist terror, political instability and economic meltdown now threaten the very existence of the country.

Inside South Asia: Pakistan on the edge of the precipe

Pakistan has threatened to ban Wikipedia after accusing it of harbouring blasphemous content. Doesn't Pakistan have bigger fish to fry? Is the country (unsuccessfully) trying to divert its people's attention from economic misery? Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Pakistan wants to ban Wikipedia. Here's why

Inside South Asia: Pakistan on the edge of the precipice

Over 100 people have died in the Peshawar suicide blast, it is being called the decade's worst terror attack in Pakistan. What does this mean for a country that's already in middle of an unprecedented economic crisis? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

This World | Peshawar suicide blast: What it means for Pakistan and its already-troubled economy

Ahmadi mosque in Pakistan's Karachi was allegedly desecrated by unknown attackers on Friday (February 3). A video of the incident, which is said to have happened in the Saddar area, has gone viral on social media forums.

Ahmadi mosque in Pakistan's Karachi was allegedly desecrated by unknown attackers on Friday (February 3). A video of the incident, which is said to have happened in the Saddar area, has gone viral on social media forums. In the video, the attackers wearing helmets can be seen vandalising the mosque reportedly in the presence of police. Media reports have stated that the group of miscreants were allegedly from the extremist group Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), but the exact date of the attack is not clear. The Rise News, a non-profit news organisation, tweeted that "Qadiani prayer place being attacked by extremists in Karachi, Hashoo Market Saddar". This is the second such incident in a month as the minarets of Ahmadi Jamaat Khata on Jamshed Road in Karachi were demolished earlier. In Pakistan, such hate incidents against the Ahmadiyya community are quite common. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch this video here: After Punjab, demolishing the minarets of Ahmadi places of worship started in Karachi. Today, a group of people demolished the minarets of an Ahmadi place of worship in Saddar. Two weeks ago, another Ahmadi worship place's minarets were also demolished in Martin Quarters. pic.twitter.com/X2EnUAtnVV — Zia Ur Rehman (@zalmayzia) February 2, 2023 × The South Asian nation has become a country where the people of this community are subjected to extensive persecution including hate speech and violence. The extent of human rights violations and child abuse against the community has been highlighted in in-depth coverage by The Geneva Daily, which is an online publication. As per the report, the Pakistani Ahmadiyya community of four million is subjected to extensive torture, religious persecution by self-declared Islamic leaders, and discrimination by institutions and the general public. WATCH | Islamist leader tells Pak: Demand money from nations with ‘atom bomb’ in hand The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) recently strongly condemned the desecration of an Ahmadiyya worship site in Punjab province's Wazirabad district and called for the protection of such places of religious minorities in the country. "HRCP strongly condemns the desecration of a historical Ahmadiyya site of worship in Wazirabad, allegedly by the district administration on 10 January," the rights group said in a statement posted on its Twitter handle. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Ahmadi mosque in Pakistan's Karachi desecrated by unknown attackers

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that the government has no choice but to agree to bailout conditions of IMF that are "beyond imagination". Watch further to know more.

WION Dispatch: No choice but to give in to IMF demands, says Pak PM Shehbaz Sharif

A free-falling Pakistani Rupee Fast-depleting foreign reserves Billions of dollars worth of flood damage Is Pakistan staring at bankruptcy? Will Pakistan get a relief package from the IMF? Watch WION Wideangle

WION Wideangle | Staring at Bankruptcy: The Pakistan story

A court in the Pakistani city of Lahore ordered the release of TV anchor Imran Riaz Khan, who was arrested a day before&nbsp;after being accused of inciting hate. Khan is widely perceived to be critical of the current Pakistani political dispensation in power led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and has had many rounds&nbsp;of brush ups with law in past.

He was arrested from Lahore on Thursday on charges of “hate speech” and making a “violence-inducing statement” aimed at creating “a rift between the general public and the state institutions”.

The BOL News anchor was taken into custody at the Allama Iqbal Airport in Lahore, according to a report in The Dawn, as he was was trying to fly to the UAE.

<h2>Penal charges on Imran Riaz Khan</h2>

The FIA registered the first information report under sections 11 (electronic forgery), 20 (malicious code), and 24 (legal recognition of offenses committed in relation to information systems) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Peca) 2016. Likewise, sections 131/109 (incitement to mutiny), 500 (punishment for defamation) and 505 (public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code have also been added to the FIR.

According to the FIR, Khan was "found involved in publicly making a hate speech" at a conference which falls under the territorial jurisdiction of FIA cyber crime cell”.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/isi-chief-makes-surprise-appearance-slams-imran-khan-for-maligning-military-and-iss-529077">ISI chief makes surprise appearance, slams Imran Khan for 'maligning' military</a>

The complaint went on to say that the speech was further publicly shared on social media platforms nationally and internationally. The contents of Khan’s speech, as mentioned in the FIR, raised doubts on country's former army chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa's assertion that the country's armed forces will remain apolitical.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-great-pakistani-loot-how-gen-bajwas-family-became-billionaires-536585">Gravitas | The great Pakistani loot: How Gen Bajwa's family became billionaires</a>

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This is the second time Riaz was&nbsp;arrested by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency. He was previously arrested&nbsp;last year in July near Islamabad.

Riaz had back then, in a video, directly addressed former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, alleging that he was threatened after asking questions from military sources about the country’s current political and economic situation.

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A court in the Pakistani city of Lahore ordered the release of TV anchor Imran Riaz Khan, who was arrested a day before after being accused of inciting hate. Khan is widely perceived to be critical of the current Pakistani political dispensation in power led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and has had many rounds of brush ups with law in past.

A court in the Pakistani city of Lahore ordered the release of TV anchor Imran Riaz Khan, who was arrested a day before after being accused of inciting hate. Khan is widely perceived to be critical of the current Pakistani political dispensation in power led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and has had many rounds of brush ups with law in past. He was arrested from Lahore on Thursday on charges of “hate speech” and making a “violence-inducing statement” aimed at creating “a rift between the general public and the state institutions”. The BOL News anchor was taken into custody at the Allama Iqbal Airport in Lahore, according to a report in The Dawn, as he was was trying to fly to the UAE. Penal charges on Imran Riaz Khan The FIA registered the first information report under sections 11 (electronic forgery), 20 (malicious code), and 24 (legal recognition of offenses committed in relation to information systems) of the Prevention of Electronic Crimes (Peca) 2016. Likewise, sections 131/109 (incitement to mutiny), 500 (punishment for defamation) and 505 (public mischief) of the Pakistan Penal Code have also been added to the FIR. According to the FIR, Khan was "found involved in publicly making a hate speech" at a conference which falls under the territorial jurisdiction of FIA cyber crime cell”. ALSO READ | ISI chief makes surprise appearance, slams Imran Khan for 'maligning' military The complaint went on to say that the speech was further publicly shared on social media platforms nationally and internationally. The contents of Khan’s speech, as mentioned in the FIR, raised doubts on country's former army chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa's assertion that the country's armed forces will remain apolitical. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas | The great Pakistani loot: How Gen Bajwa's family became billionaires × This is the second time Riaz was arrested by Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency. He was previously arrested last year in July near Islamabad. Riaz had back then, in a video, directly addressed former army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, alleging that he was threatened after asking questions from military sources about the country’s current political and economic situation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistani court orders release of TV anchor arrested after questioning army’s ‘apolitical’ credentials

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has once again made a strange claim, insinuating that India copied Pakistan's bowling attack.&nbsp;“I often feel India took a look at Pakistan and designed their bowling attack the same way," said the ex-cricketer on his YouTube channel.&nbsp;

"Umran Malik has pace just like Haris Rauf, Arshdeep brings the left-arm angle like Shaheen Afridi. Wasim Jr. chips in during the middle-overs and so does Hardik Pandya, both have the same pace as well. Shivam Mavi also plays the role of a supporting bowler,” added Raja.&nbsp;

While Raja made the rather anecdotal statement, India has produced a flurry of good fast bowlers over the years.&nbsp;Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are a few of the others that have been around much longer than some of the Pakistani bowlers.&nbsp;

This is not the first instance when Raja has courted controversy for making statements targeting the Indian team. As the PCB chairman, he had threatened to boycott the 2023 50-over World Cup if India did not come to Pakistan to play in the Asia Cup.&nbsp;

“If Pakistan doesn't take part in the World Cup scheduled in India next year, who will watch it? We have a clear stand: If the Indian team comes here then we will go for the World Cup. If they don't come then they can play the World Cup without us," Raja had said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-have-got-ramiz-raja-opens-up-on-continuous-rant-against-india-during-his-tenure-as-pcb-chief-547019">Read more:&nbsp;"I have got...' - Ramiz Raja opens up on continuous rant against India during his tenure as PCB chief</a>

Such a statement from Raja, despite him being the head of a cricketing board did not go down well with BCCI as well as former Pakistani players.&nbsp;

Wasim Akram slammed Raja for his statements by referring to him as a kid.&nbsp;

"He came for six days, now he is back to his original place," said Akram.&nbsp;

"Najam Sethi [PCB chairman] gave a very sensible answer. It all depends on approval from both governments. You have to talk properly with boards. This is not gully cricket, that if you don’t come, we also will not go to your country. I don’t understand who are these kids, who come and run cricket in Pakistan."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dont-understand-who-are-these-kids-wasim-akram-takes-a-dig-at-ramiz-raja-555578">Read more:&nbsp;'Don’t understand who are these kids': Wasim Akram takes a dig at Ramiz Raja</a>

Notably, shortly after Pakistan were whitewashed in their three-match home Test series versus England, Raja was given the sack as the PCB chairman.

Under his tenure, the team performed horridly in the home conditions and the pitches were criticised heavily for offering nothing to the bowlers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has once again made a strange claim, insinuating that India copied Pakistan's bowling attack. “I often feel India took a look at Pakistan and designed their bowling attack the same way," said the ex-cricketer on his YouTube channel.

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has once again made a strange claim, insinuating that India copied Pakistan's bowling attack. “I often feel India took a look at Pakistan and designed their bowling attack the same way," said the ex-cricketer on his YouTube channel. "Umran Malik has pace just like Haris Rauf, Arshdeep brings the left-arm angle like Shaheen Afridi. Wasim Jr. chips in during the middle-overs and so does Hardik Pandya, both have the same pace as well. Shivam Mavi also plays the role of a supporting bowler,” added Raja. While Raja made the rather anecdotal statement, India has produced a flurry of good fast bowlers over the years. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami are a few of the others that have been around much longer than some of the Pakistani bowlers. This is not the first instance when Raja has courted controversy for making statements targeting the Indian team. As the PCB chairman, he had threatened to boycott the 2023 50-over World Cup if India did not come to Pakistan to play in the Asia Cup. “If Pakistan doesn't take part in the World Cup scheduled in India next year, who will watch it? We have a clear stand: If the Indian team comes here then we will go for the World Cup. If they don't come then they can play the World Cup without us," Raja had said. Read more: "I have got...' - Ramiz Raja opens up on continuous rant against India during his tenure as PCB chief Such a statement from Raja, despite him being the head of a cricketing board did not go down well with BCCI as well as former Pakistani players. Wasim Akram slammed Raja for his statements by referring to him as a kid. "He came for six days, now he is back to his original place," said Akram. "Najam Sethi [PCB chairman] gave a very sensible answer. It all depends on approval from both governments. You have to talk properly with boards. This is not gully cricket, that if you don’t come, we also will not go to your country. I don’t understand who are these kids, who come and run cricket in Pakistan." Read more: 'Don’t understand who are these kids': Wasim Akram takes a dig at Ramiz Raja Notably, shortly after Pakistan were whitewashed in their three-match home Test series versus England, Raja was given the sack as the PCB chairman. Under his tenure, the team performed horridly in the home conditions and the pitches were criticised heavily for offering nothing to the bowlers. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja claims India 'copied' Pakistan's bowling template

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the government would have to agree to IMF bailout condition which he said are 'beyond imagination'. Without going into the details, he said that Pakistan's economic conditions are 'unimaginable' and that 'IMF is giving the government a tough time'.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif says 'IMF conditions unimaginable' over $6.5 bn bailout

A first-of-its-kind 'perfume' IED has been recovered in Jammu from a militant associated with proscribed terrorist group Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT). The IED was transported from Pakistan on a drone, police said. Molly Gambhir explains.

Gravitas: 'First of its kind' perfume IED found in Jammu

On January 30, a suicide bomber blew himself up in a mosque in Pakistan's Peshawar killing at least 100 people. Provincial police are now demonstrating against terrorism while the political blame game is heating up. While PM Shehbaz Sharif points finger at the PTI, former PM Imran Khan said the government will use the current security situation as a pretext to delay elections.

Days After Peshawar Bombing: Protests & Political blame game

Even though it is a heavily guarded compound where this happened, the question being is how did the bomber manage to gain entry into the building. As per some preliminary investigations conducted by the Pakistan police it's been reported that the attacker violated security norms by wearing a police uniform and a helmet.

WION Dispatch: Pakistan releases footage of Mosque bomber; how did bomber breach security?

Pakistan's 'Jihad' problem is worsening. The attack in Peshawar is a telling reminder. The terror groups that Islamabad fed for decades have now turned against it. Molly Gambhir tells you how.

Gravitas: Pakistan's 'Jihad' problem is worsening

The latest suicide blast at a mosque in Peshawar has deepened a rising divide between the Taliban in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The cracks started emerging after Pakistan Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, said that the outlawed TTP terrorists have found a safe havens in a neighbouring country.

It's Taliban vs Pakistan after Peshawar blast; former says 'Don't blame Afghanistan'

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram is not too enthused about a coaching career with the national team. The speedster said 'coaches' were abused in Pakistan which was intolerable for him.

Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram is not too enthused about a coaching career with the national team. The speedster said 'coaches' were abused in Pakistan which was intolerable for him. "I can accept criticism if the team is not doing well. But in Pakistan cricket, it is intolerable the way the captain and coaches are not only criticised but also abused by everyone," Akram was quoted as saying by PTI. "The abuse and at times hate which the captain and coach have to bear, I don't think I am up to it. I don't have that tolerance level, especially when it comes to the use of social media. They are some people who I think only sit on Twitter day and night to send out negative comments." WATCH | WION Sports: Former Pakistan skipper Wasim Akram slams Ramiz Raja over his PCB tenure × The 56-year-old added that he did not want the extra stress that came up with coaching the men-in-green. "I am always willing to be of service to Pakistan cricket but not at the cost of having to bear unnecessary criticism and abuse from anyone out there." Akram not mincing words regarding his criticism of the Pakistani cricket setup is not new news. Earlier, he had openly criticised his former teammate Ramiz Raja who was sacked from his position as the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Akram referred to Raja as being a 'kid' who came to operate cricket but was forced back to his original place. "He came for six days, now he is back to his original place," said Akram. "You have to talk properly with boards. This is not gully cricket, that if you don’t come, we also will not go to your country. I don’t understand who are these kids, who come and run cricket in Pakistan." Read more: 'Don’t understand who are these kids': Wasim Akram takes a dig at Ramiz Raja The rumours regarding Akram taking over as Pakistan coach had started swirling after a section of fans expressed displeasure over PCB appointing an online coach for the men's team. After the complete overhaul of the selection committee, new PCB chairman Najam Sethi appointed Mickey Arthur as the online coach of the team. The Australian is currently the head coach of county team Derbyshire in England and is not looking to return to the subcontinent any soon. However, owing to his previous stint as the Pakistan coach, he agreed to coach the national team via Zoom. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'They are abused', Wasim Akram on why he didn't become Pakistan's men's team coach

In a rare move, the police officers are demonstrating against rising terrorism in Pakistan. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police force protested in front of the Peshawar Press Club. There is also a blame game resurfacing around the rise in terrorism in Pakistan.

Pakistan police stage rare protest

The suicide bombing in peace hour in Pakistan prompted a massive investigation as it is a heavily guarded compound which was attacked - it is home to the counter terrorism department of the country as well as many high-level security officials were present at the scene at the time of suicide bombing.

WION Dispatch: Pakistan mosque blast suspects arrested; investigators suspect 'inside help'

Less than 48 hours after a devastating suicide bombing attack at a mosque in Pakistan's Peshawar city claimed over 100&nbsp;lives, a rare move of resistance against country's powerful intelligence agency has shaped into a Pakistan-wide social media trend. People on social media said that the January 30 attack in Peshawar was 'a total intelligence failure' and that people at the helm of affairs must be held accountable. 'Nadeem Anjum must resign', a social media trend calling for the removal of the country's powerful intelligence agency's chief, gained traction across Pakistan by Wednesday morning.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-blast-rocks-a-mosque-located-near-police-lines-peshawar-casualties-feared-557214">Pakistan: Blast at mosque near Peshawar's police lines kills 87, injures 150</a>

The hashtag can be seen as stemming from one of the old interview snippets of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, in which he points to the apparent inability of Pakistan's then army chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa, to control violence in Pakistan's tribal areas. Furthermore, the social media accounts associated with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) amplified the virtual call for the removal of Nadeem Anjum as Director General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence.

'Nadeem Anjum Must Resign': What exactly are Pakistanis saying on Twitter?

Pakistanis on micro-blogging in a near unanimity called for the resignation of Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum, saying that he must be held accountable for letting violence fester in the country.&nbsp;"Peshawar Attack is a Total intelligence failure," a user wrote.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-dispatch-pak-police-hold-mass-funeral-for-peshawar-blast-victims-557635">WION Dispatch: Pak Police hold mass funeral for Peshawar blast victims</a>

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"Any condemnation by the authorities can't be enough to justify the horrible incident that too in the hub of the security area. Life has become so invaluable," wrote another with the 'Nadeem Anjum Must Resign' hashtag.&nbsp;

"When the head of an institution becomes too controversial, he should resign himself," said a third user echoing the call to remove Nadeem Anjum as Pakistani intelligence agency's chief.&nbsp;

Why is ISI significant?

In over seven and half decades since Pakistan’s existence, the country's military-intelligence nexus has consisted of the Pakistani ‘establishment’, the real power above Islamabad’s Prime Minister’s Office. When not liked by the establishment, Pakistani Prime Ministers have departed power in handcuffs or coffins, expelled by military coups, rigged votes or assassinations.

A popular call to oust an establishment leader in Pakistan has been rare. The latest social media call to remove the current ISI DG Nadeem Anjum, marks another page among the counted few in the Pakistani book of resistance.

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Less than 48 hours after a devastating suicide bombing attack at a mosque in Pakistan's Peshawar city claimed over 100 lives, a rare move of resistance against country's powerful intelligence agency has shaped into a Pakistan-wide social media trend.

Less than 48 hours after a devastating suicide bombing attack at a mosque in Pakistan's Peshawar city claimed over 100 lives, a rare move of resistance against country's powerful intelligence agency has shaped into a Pakistan-wide social media trend. People on social media said that the January 30 attack in Peshawar was 'a total intelligence failure' and that people at the helm of affairs must be held accountable. 'Nadeem Anjum must resign', a social media trend calling for the removal of the country's powerful intelligence agency's chief, gained traction across Pakistan by Wednesday morning. ALSO READ | Pakistan: Blast at mosque near Peshawar's police lines kills 87, injures 150 The hashtag can be seen as stemming from one of the old interview snippets of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, in which he points to the apparent inability of Pakistan's then army chief General Qamar Jawed Bajwa, to control violence in Pakistan's tribal areas. Furthermore, the social media accounts associated with Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) amplified the virtual call for the removal of Nadeem Anjum as Director General of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence. 'Nadeem Anjum Must Resign': What exactly are Pakistanis saying on Twitter? Pakistanis on micro-blogging in a near unanimity called for the resignation of Lieutenant General Nadeem Anjum, saying that he must be held accountable for letting violence fester in the country. "Peshawar Attack is a Total intelligence failure," a user wrote. ALSO WATCH | WION Dispatch: Pak Police hold mass funeral for Peshawar blast victims × "Any condemnation by the authorities can't be enough to justify the horrible incident that too in the hub of the security area. Life has become so invaluable," wrote another with the 'Nadeem Anjum Must Resign' hashtag. "When the head of an institution becomes too controversial, he should resign himself," said a third user echoing the call to remove Nadeem Anjum as Pakistani intelligence agency's chief. Why is ISI significant? In over seven and half decades since Pakistan’s existence, the country's military-intelligence nexus has consisted of the Pakistani ‘establishment’, the real power above Islamabad’s Prime Minister’s Office. When not liked by the establishment, Pakistani Prime Ministers have departed power in handcuffs or coffins, expelled by military coups, rigged votes or assassinations. A popular call to oust an establishment leader in Pakistan has been rare. The latest social media call to remove the current ISI DG Nadeem Anjum, marks another page among the counted few in the Pakistani book of resistance. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pakistanis call for intelligence chief's removal after Peshawar mosque blast

An explosion at a mosque in Pakistan's northern city of Peshawar killed at least 47 people, and injured over 150 others on Monday. Several people have been admitted to the hospital in a critical condition and the death toll from the attack is expected to rise.

Peshawar Mosque Blast: At least 47 dead, over 150 injured

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