From Internally displaced flood-affected people in Pakistan taking refuge to Russians arriving in Georgia, here are some impactful images from around the world on 28 September 2022.

World in Pictures: Internally displaced flood-affected people in Pak; Russians arrive in Georgia

Responding to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar’s criticism against the US providing a multimillion-dollar security package to Pakistan, the Biden administration defended its decision, saying Washington doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi&nbsp;and Islamabad "in relation to one another”.

"We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," state department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters.

"We look to both as partners, because we do have in many cases shared values. We do have in many cases shared interests. And the relationship we have with India stands on its own. The relationship we have with Pakistan stands on its own," he said.

Jaishankar on Sunday had lashed out at the US for providing a $450 million package to Pakistan for technical and logistics services for follow-on support of F-16 fighter jet fleets.

The F-16 jets were first provided by the US to Pakistan as a reward for its assistance in the first Afghan war.

The decision to provide military aid to Pakistan incensed India as the F-16 was used against Indian warplanes following the 2019 Balakot air strikes — a bombing raid conducted by Indian Air Force in Pakistan-occupied territory Balakot against terrorist training camps.

Speaking at a community event in Washington, DC, Jaishankar referred to an argument made by the US that the F-16 sustenance package is to fight terrorism.

“Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things."

“Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing," Jaishankar had said.

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Responding to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar’s criticism against the US providing a multimillion-dollar security package to Pakistan, the Biden administration defended its decision, saying Washington doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi and Islamabad "in relation to one another”.

Responding to Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar’s criticism against the US providing a multimillion-dollar security package to Pakistan, the Biden administration defended its decision, saying Washington doesn’t view its ties with New Delhi and Islamabad "in relation to one another”. "We don't view our relationship with Pakistan... our relationship with India... in relation to one another... both partners of ours with different points of emphasis...," state department spokesperson Ned Price told reporters. "We look to both as partners, because we do have in many cases shared values. We do have in many cases shared interests. And the relationship we have with India stands on its own. The relationship we have with Pakistan stands on its own," he said. Jaishankar on Sunday had lashed out at the US for providing a $450 million package to Pakistan for technical and logistics services for follow-on support of F-16 fighter jet fleets. The F-16 jets were first provided by the US to Pakistan as a reward for its assistance in the first Afghan war. The decision to provide military aid to Pakistan incensed India as the F-16 was used against Indian warplanes following the 2019 Balakot air strikes — a bombing raid conducted by Indian Air Force in Pakistan-occupied territory Balakot against terrorist training camps. Speaking at a community event in Washington, DC, Jaishankar referred to an argument made by the US that the F-16 sustenance package is to fight terrorism. “Everybody knows where and against whom F-16 fighter jets are used. You're not fooling anybody by saying these things." “Very honestly, it is a relationship that has ended up serving neither Pakistan nor serving American interests well... for the US to reflect what the merits of the relationship [are] and what they get by keeping it sort of continuing," Jaishankar had said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

F-16 package to Pakistan: US responds to Indian foreign minister Jaishankar’s critical remarks

Pakistan's official language is Urdu, and when it comes to reading US foreign policy on the country, it is best to read it like the language's script: from the right to the left. Power comes first, democracy later.&nbsp;

As Uncle Sam offers $450 million to maintain F-16 fighter jets to a nation that has often been accused of harbouring or encouraging terrorism, it does smell of great irony when the somewhat lapsed superpower cites countering terrorism as one of the stated objectives for the aid package. To understand this, we must understand both America and Pakistan with a sense of detail.&nbsp;

But first, let us see what has changed for India, whose foreign minister Subrahamanyam Jaishankar minced no words as he lambasted Washington with a who-do-you-think-you-are-trying-to-fool attitude, inviting a State Department response that the US does not view Pakistan through an Indian lens.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/f-16-aid-to-pakistan-us-responds-to-indian-foreign-minister-jaishankars-critical-remarks-520248">F-16 aid to Pakistan: US responds to Indian foreign minister Jaishankar’s critical remarks</a>

On the ground, little has changed in India's perception of the US: it is an intimate adversary, with a middling and meddling approach, singing the glories of shared democratic/liberal values and paeans to the virtues of free-market economics even as it footsies with Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, depending on an ad-hoc mix of its self-appointed role as a globocop, an agent of Wall Street capitalism and a practitioner of visa protectionism that hurts India's service exports.&nbsp;

What has really changed is that under Dr. Jaishankar, India has skipped elegant diplomatese for sarcasm and a clear calling out of double standards. Much before his F-16 shot, the Minister of External Affairs had taunted&nbsp;the US on its questioning India's purchase of Ukraine-sanctions-tainted Russian oil even as Europe shopped for gas from Russia.&nbsp;

In a way, this is all diplomacy-as-usual because both India and the US pursue their interests independently. Washington has compromised on democratic values and India has let go of its old Panchsheel principle of opposing interventions into national sovereignty by being publicly neutral on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine under whatever pretext.&nbsp;

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-purchases-for-the-month-would-be-less-than-what-europe-does-in-an-afternoon-jaishankar-on-russian-oil-470374">&nbsp;Our purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon: Jaishankar on Russian oil</a>

As an old Hindi/Urdu saying goes: Hamam mei sab nange hain. Everybody is naked in this bathtub.&nbsp;

Is there a deeper truth in all this but for episodic reiteration of every country pursuing its own interests? There is, for both India and the US, if they are to truly be the strategic allies they want/claim to be. Short-term diplomacy may be in narrow self-interest, but long-term views must align with core principles. India cannot drag its feet for too long as a neutral power even as Russia eats slices of Ukraine as if that country was some Italian pizza. The US, on the other hand, cannot be unconditionally friendly to the Pakistan army without considering its history (and that of its spy arm, the Inter-Services Intelligence) of effectively creating the atavistic Taliban in Afghanistan or of the Pakistani state playing ball with China on everything from business to the Kashmir dispute.&nbsp;

Somewhere along the way, there has to be a joint Indo-US plan in which Pakistan has a role, not a standalone US plan in which India and Pakistan have separate roles. This is for Washington to realise and act on, and for India to drive home.&nbsp;

New Delhi needs to reconcile with the idea that Pakistan, as an increasingly stronger democracy with an English-speaking civil society culture nurtured by British colonialism (and admittedly Indian civilisational roots), is a strange beast that needs special treatment beyond the caricatured desh-ka-dushman (enemy of our country) approach practised by the Narendra Modi government. This requires a painful mix of soft diplomacy, an assertive style and backroom deal-making.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-appears-in-public-for-first-time-since-sco-summit-amid-rumours-520401" hreflang="en">Xi Jinping appears in public for first time since SCO Summit</a>

And yes, this requires a quid-pro-quo from the US in the form of a visible role for India as an international interlocutor, not the patronising mention of India as a South Asian good boy.&nbsp;

India needs to understand that history may not be favourable for Islamabad's diplomatic gains, but geography most certainly is. Geopolitics certainly beats democratic dalliances, at least in the current phase of international diplomacy. Dr. Jaishankar understands this for sure, but how to drive a deal in such a context is where India's diplomacy is at. This requires deal-making diplomacy, not just biting words.&nbsp;

What rings true for India, above all this, after all those American handshakes, is a hard truth of foreign policy best expressed in a self-referential couplet by Pakistan's Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz:&nbsp;

Tum takalluf ko bhi ikhlaas samajhtey ho Faraz&nbsp;

Dost nahi hota har haath milane wala&nbsp;

(You mistake mere formality for affection, dear Faraz&nbsp;

Not everybody who shakes your hand is your friend).&nbsp;

Pakistanis can teach India some fine diplomacy lessons, for sure.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Pakistan's official language is Urdu, and when it comes to reading US foreign policy on the country, it is best to read it like the language's script: from the right to the left.

Pakistan's official language is Urdu, and when it comes to reading US foreign policy on the country, it is best to read it like the language's script: from the right to the left. Power comes first, democracy later. As Uncle Sam offers $450 million to maintain F-16 fighter jets to a nation that has often been accused of harbouring or encouraging terrorism, it does smell of great irony when the somewhat lapsed superpower cites countering terrorism as one of the stated objectives for the aid package. To understand this, we must understand both America and Pakistan with a sense of detail. But first, let us see what has changed for India, whose foreign minister Subrahamanyam Jaishankar minced no words as he lambasted Washington with a who-do-you-think-you-are-trying-to-fool attitude, inviting a State Department response that the US does not view Pakistan through an Indian lens. Also read | F-16 aid to Pakistan: US responds to Indian foreign minister Jaishankar’s critical remarks On the ground, little has changed in India's perception of the US: it is an intimate adversary, with a middling and meddling approach, singing the glories of shared democratic/liberal values and paeans to the virtues of free-market economics even as it footsies with Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia, depending on an ad-hoc mix of its self-appointed role as a globocop, an agent of Wall Street capitalism and a practitioner of visa protectionism that hurts India's service exports. What has really changed is that under Dr. Jaishankar, India has skipped elegant diplomatese for sarcasm and a clear calling out of double standards. Much before his F-16 shot, the Minister of External Affairs had taunted the US on its questioning India's purchase of Ukraine-sanctions-tainted Russian oil even as Europe shopped for gas from Russia. In a way, this is all diplomacy-as-usual because both India and the US pursue their interests independently. Washington has compromised on democratic values and India has let go of its old Panchsheel principle of opposing interventions into national sovereignty by being publicly neutral on Moscow's invasion of Ukraine under whatever pretext. Also read | Our purchases for the month would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon: Jaishankar on Russian oil As an old Hindi/Urdu saying goes: Hamam mei sab nange hain. Everybody is naked in this bathtub. Is there a deeper truth in all this but for episodic reiteration of every country pursuing its own interests? There is, for both India and the US, if they are to truly be the strategic allies they want/claim to be. Short-term diplomacy may be in narrow self-interest, but long-term views must align with core principles. India cannot drag its feet for too long as a neutral power even as Russia eats slices of Ukraine as if that country was some Italian pizza. The US, on the other hand, cannot be unconditionally friendly to the Pakistan army without considering its history (and that of its spy arm, the Inter-Services Intelligence) of effectively creating the atavistic Taliban in Afghanistan or of the Pakistani state playing ball with China on everything from business to the Kashmir dispute. Somewhere along the way, there has to be a joint Indo-US plan in which Pakistan has a role, not a standalone US plan in which India and Pakistan have separate roles. This is for Washington to realise and act on, and for India to drive home. New Delhi needs to reconcile with the idea that Pakistan, as an increasingly stronger democracy with an English-speaking civil society culture nurtured by British colonialism (and admittedly Indian civilisational roots), is a strange beast that needs special treatment beyond the caricatured desh-ka-dushman (enemy of our country) approach practised by the Narendra Modi government. This requires a painful mix of soft diplomacy, an assertive style and backroom deal-making. Also read | Xi Jinping appears in public for first time since SCO Summit And yes, this requires a quid-pro-quo from the US in the form of a visible role for India as an international interlocutor, not the patronising mention of India as a South Asian good boy. India needs to understand that history may not be favourable for Islamabad's diplomatic gains, but geography most certainly is. Geopolitics certainly beats democratic dalliances, at least in the current phase of international diplomacy. Dr. Jaishankar understands this for sure, but how to drive a deal in such a context is where India's diplomacy is at. This requires deal-making diplomacy, not just biting words. What rings true for India, above all this, after all those American handshakes, is a hard truth of foreign policy best expressed in a self-referential couplet by Pakistan's Urdu poet Ahmad Faraz: Tum takalluf ko bhi ikhlaas samajhtey ho Faraz Dost nahi hota har haath milane wala (You mistake mere formality for affection, dear Faraz Not everybody who shakes your hand is your friend). Pakistanis can teach India some fine diplomacy lessons, for sure. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

When US's F-16 aid talks Urdu diplomacy to Pakistan, a handshake is not a hug for India

Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail stepped down from his post to make way for senior PML-N leader Ishaq Dar to take over the reins of the country’s cash-strapped economy.

WION Dispatch: Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail steps down, Ishaq Dar to take over

This week on South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak: + Floods suspend Pakistan's railway operations + Constitutional crisis grips Nepal + Bangladesh mystic 'exorcises demons' with psychiatry + War-ravaged Tamils pushed to the brink Monday 8:30 PM IST | 3 PM GMT

South Asia Diary | Floods suspend Pakistan railways | Constitutional crisis grips Nepal

Pakistan's devastating floods have suspended railway operations in the Sindh and Balochistan provinces. Thousands of porters and vendors who derived their income from trains are struggling to make ends meet. Mariam Wardak gets you a report.

South Asia Diary: Pakistan's railway network paralysed by floods

Floods have ruined crops and homes across Pakistan, leaving many of the country's poor struggling to restart their lives. Floodwater covered a third of the land, affecting 33 million people and creating an estimated $10 billion in damage.

WION Climate Tracker: Farmers in Pakistan struggle to make ends meet amid flooding

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pledged additional $10 million for flood victims in Pakistan during his meeting with Pak's foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari at the State Department.

WION Dispatch: Blinken meets Zardari, pledges additional $10 million for flood victims in Pakistan

A day after India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar questioned the rationale behind the latest American F-16 security assistance to Pakistan, the United States said that New Delhi and Islamabad are "both partners of the US" with different points of emphasis.

'We look at India and Pakistan as partners', US responds to Jaishankar's remarks on F-16 deal

Six Pakistan Army officials, including two Majors, were killed in a helicopter crash in southwestern Balochistan province, the military said on Monday, the second such incident after another military helicopter crashed in the same province last month.

Chopper with six Pakistan army personnel crashes in Balochistan: Report

India's External affairs minister S Jaishankar takes a sharp dig at the US and Pakistan during his address to Indian diaspora in Washington DC. Jaishankar's dig comes over US decision to send the F-16 package to Pakistan.

Indian EAM takes a dig at US over F-16 package to Pakistan

Sharif government had come to power in Pakistan with one hope to get the economy running. Foreign reserves are shrinking and the Pakistani rupee is touching a new low. To make matters worse, the country's Finance Minister has handed in his resignation.

Pakistan: Miftah Ismail hands in his resignation, Ishaq Dar to become next finance minister

Miftah Ismail, Pakistan's finance minister, took to Twitter on Sunday (September 25) to announce his resignation. Ismail said&nbsp;that in meeting with Mian Nawaz Sharif and the prime minister (Shahbaz Sharif), he has already "verbally" resigned and will be submitting a formal resignation once he reaches Pakistan.&nbsp;

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In a meeting with Mian Nawaz Sharif and PM Shehbaz Sharif today, I have verbally resigned as Finance Minister. I will tender a formal resignation upon reaching Pakistan. It’s been an honour to serve twice as Finance Minister. Pakistan Paindabad
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The announcement comes as Pakistan deals with an economic crisis made worse by the devastating floods.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-pak-finance-minister-dar-to-end-exile-return-from-london-to-resurrect-cash-strapped-economy-519573">Also read |&nbsp;Former Pak finance minister Dar to end exile, return from London to resurrect cash-strapped economy</a>

Ismail is the fifth finance minister of the country to be replaced in less than four years as Pakistan's economy experiences continuous instability, account deficits increase, and growing inflation puts pressure on households and businesses.

Ismail is currently in London along with the country's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and both are expected to return&nbsp;this week.

The finance minister last week, in conversation with Reuters, had said that the country "will absolutely not" fail its financial debts, indicating that changes were made to the economic reforms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/a-hindu-woman-two-teenage-girls-abducted-and-converted-in-pakistan-519435">Also read |&nbsp;Hindu woman and two teenage girls abducted and converted in Pakistan</a>

Ismail further said that the country was seeking debt relief from several international creditors and mentioned that the government would not accept any assistance from commercial banks or Eurobond creditors. He mentioned that Pakistan will receive assistance from Qatar and the UAE and also stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assured the prime minister of a $1 billion investment.

Pakistan's central bank still stands at $8.6 billion in debt despite receiving $1.2 billion in assistance from the IMF in August.

Devastating floods that covered a significant portion of Pakistan this month have worsened the situation. The catastrophe claimed over 1,500 lives and resulted in damage of nearly $30 billion in infrastructural damage, causing worries in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Miftah Ismail, Pakistan's finance minister, took to Twitter on Sunday (September 25) to announce his resignation. Ismail said that in meeting with Mian Nawaz Sharif and the prime minister (Shahbaz Sharif), he has already "verbally" resigned and will be submitting a formal resignation once he reaches Pakistan.

Miftah Ismail, Pakistan's finance minister, took to Twitter on Sunday (September 25) to announce his resignation. Ismail said that in meeting with Mian Nawaz Sharif and the prime minister (Shahbaz Sharif), he has already "verbally" resigned and will be submitting a formal resignation once he reaches Pakistan. In a meeting with Mian Nawaz Sharif and PM Shehbaz Sharif today, I have verbally resigned as Finance Minister. I will tender a formal resignation upon reaching Pakistan. It’s been an honour to serve twice as Finance Minister. Pakistan Paindabad — Miftah Ismail (@MiftahIsmail) September 25, 2022 × The announcement comes as Pakistan deals with an economic crisis made worse by the devastating floods. Also read | Former Pak finance minister Dar to end exile, return from London to resurrect cash-strapped economy Ismail is the fifth finance minister of the country to be replaced in less than four years as Pakistan's economy experiences continuous instability, account deficits increase, and growing inflation puts pressure on households and businesses. Ismail is currently in London along with the country's prime minister, Shehbaz Sharif, and both are expected to return this week. The finance minister last week, in conversation with Reuters, had said that the country "will absolutely not" fail its financial debts, indicating that changes were made to the economic reforms. Also read | Hindu woman and two teenage girls abducted and converted in Pakistan Ismail further said that the country was seeking debt relief from several international creditors and mentioned that the government would not accept any assistance from commercial banks or Eurobond creditors. He mentioned that Pakistan will receive assistance from Qatar and the UAE and also stated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman assured the prime minister of a $1 billion investment. Pakistan's central bank still stands at $8.6 billion in debt despite receiving $1.2 billion in assistance from the IMF in August. Devastating floods that covered a significant portion of Pakistan this month have worsened the situation. The catastrophe claimed over 1,500 lives and resulted in damage of nearly $30 billion in infrastructural damage, causing worries in the country. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'It’s been an honour to serve twice as finance minister': Pakistan's Miftah Ismail confirms resignation

World Leaders gathered in New York for the 77th United Nations General Assembly and while the war in Ukraine and Taiwan tensions topped the agenda, many developing countries asked the world to focus on combating global warming and climate calamities.

PM Sharif: Why is Pakistan paying the price of global warming | 77th UNGA Meet

Leaked audio tape allegedly featuring the Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is doing the rounds in social media. The short audio clip contains a discussion regarding Maryam Nawaz's request for a power plant from India for her son-in-law.

Alleged audio leak of PM Shehbaz Sharif goes viral, talks about Maryam Nawaz's son-in-law

India stated before the UN General Assembly on Saturday, September 24, that it stands "firmly on the side of peace" in the war in Ukraine.

India and Russia have supported each other on defence and in commercial matters for many years. Since the beginning of the Ukraine war in February, India has increased its purchases of coal and oil from Russia.

India has not expressly criticised Russia's actions, but last week, in his most forceful public statement on the subject that was applauded by the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned Russian President Vladimir Putin that this cannot be an era of war.

"We are on the side that calls for dialogue and diplomacy as the only way out,"&nbsp;India's foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said at the United Nations. "We are on the side of those struggling to make ends meet, even as they stare at escalating costs of food, fuel and fertilizers. It is therefore in our collective interest to work constructively, both within the United Nations and outside, in finding an early resolution to this conflict."

On Wednesday (September 21), Putin proclaimed Russia's first military mobilisation since World War Two and threatened to defend his nation with nuclear weapons.

India has been heavily dependent on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/report-putin-to-increase-expenditure-on-defence-and-police-amid-war-in-ukraine-519321">Russia</a> for military hardware for many years, and the US has been attempting to wean it off.

Since the battle, several American officials have travelled to India, offering it more defence gear in an effort to get it to cut ties with Moscow and limit its reliance on Russian energy imports.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russian-president-vladimir-putin-signs-toughening-punishment-for-voluntary-surrender-519337">Russian President Putin toughens punishment for voluntary surrender, desertion with 10 years’ jail</a>

In his speech to the organisation, Jaishankar also mentioned the tensions between India, Pakistan, and China while stating that India has "zero tolerance" for terrorism because it had "bearing the brunt of cross-border terrorism for decades."

Last Friday, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping posed for group photos for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional security organisation (September 16). The presidents hadn't been spotted together since the deadly border battles between the Asian foes in 2020.

The incident occurred after more than two years of a stalemate between Indian and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-allies-join-forces-on-semiconductor-supply-to-stop-chinas-advancement-519309">Chinese </a>soldiers at a disputed location along a remote western Himalayan frontier. Since the start of the impasse, Modi and Xi have not communicated.

"There is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivation," Jaishankar said. "And no rhetoric, however sanctimonious, can ever cover up blood stains. The United Nations responds to terrorism by sanctioning its perpetrators. Those who politicize the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime, sometimes to the extent of defending proclaimed terrorists, do so at their own peril. Believe me, they advance neither their own interests nor indeed their reputation."

(With inputs from agencies)

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India stated before the UN General Assembly on Saturday, September 24, that it stands "firmly on the side of peace" in the war in Ukraine. India and Russia have supported each other on defence and in commercial matters for many years.

India stated before the UN General Assembly on Saturday, September 24, that it stands "firmly on the side of peace" in the war in Ukraine. India and Russia have supported each other on defence and in commercial matters for many years. Since the beginning of the Ukraine war in February, India has increased its purchases of coal and oil from Russia. India has not expressly criticised Russia's actions, but last week, in his most forceful public statement on the subject that was applauded by the United States, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned Russian President Vladimir Putin that this cannot be an era of war. "We are on the side that calls for dialogue and diplomacy as the only way out," India's foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said at the United Nations. "We are on the side of those struggling to make ends meet, even as they stare at escalating costs of food, fuel and fertilizers. It is therefore in our collective interest to work constructively, both within the United Nations and outside, in finding an early resolution to this conflict." On Wednesday (September 21), Putin proclaimed Russia's first military mobilisation since World War Two and threatened to defend his nation with nuclear weapons. India has been heavily dependent on Russia for military hardware for many years, and the US has been attempting to wean it off. Since the battle, several American officials have travelled to India, offering it more defence gear in an effort to get it to cut ties with Moscow and limit its reliance on Russian energy imports. Also read | Russian President Putin toughens punishment for voluntary surrender, desertion with 10 years’ jail In his speech to the organisation, Jaishankar also mentioned the tensions between India, Pakistan, and China while stating that India has "zero tolerance" for terrorism because it had "bearing the brunt of cross-border terrorism for decades." Last Friday, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping posed for group photos for a summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional security organisation (September 16). The presidents hadn't been spotted together since the deadly border battles between the Asian foes in 2020. The incident occurred after more than two years of a stalemate between Indian and Chinese soldiers at a disputed location along a remote western Himalayan frontier. Since the start of the impasse, Modi and Xi have not communicated. "There is no justification for any act of terrorism, regardless of motivation," Jaishankar said. "And no rhetoric, however sanctimonious, can ever cover up blood stains. The United Nations responds to terrorism by sanctioning its perpetrators. Those who politicize the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime, sometimes to the extent of defending proclaimed terrorists, do so at their own peril. Believe me, they advance neither their own interests nor indeed their reputation." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'No rhetoric... can ever cover up blood stains' - India’s S. Jaishankar addresses UNGA

In a strong message on terrorism, India's External Affairs minister S Jaishankar said that there is no justification of any act of terrorism and nations who back terrorism. He also reaffirmed India's zero tolerance approach towards terrorism.

'No justification of any act of terrorism,' says S Jaishankar at UNGA

"I was struck by the term that Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif used - composite dialogue, in fact the process of composite dialogue begun in 1998 by his brother Nawaz Sharif and India's former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, so it's interesting that he's going by the same term," said fomer Indian diplomat, Vivek Katju.

'Stuck by the term Composite Dialogue used by Pak PM Sharif,' says former Indian diplomat

A woman and two teenage girls belonging to the Hindu community have been kidnapped with two of them forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the latest in a string of such atrocities committed against members of the minority community.

In the third instance, a married Hindu woman with three children went missing from Mirpurkhas and later showed up after allegedly converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man.

In the last case, police have refused to register an FIR on the complaint of the woman’s husband Ravi Kurmi who says his wife was forcibly abducted and converted to Islam by their neighbour Ahmed Chandio who used to harass her.

A local police officer in Mirpurkhas said all three cases are being investigated. The officer, however, said married woman Rakhi claims she converted and married the Muslim man of her own will.

The abduction and forcible conversion of young Hindu girls has&nbsp;become a major problem in the interior of Sindh province which has a large Hindu population in Thar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Ghotki, and Khairpur areas. Most of the Hindu community members are labourers.

In June this year, teenage Hindu girl Kareena Kumari told a court here that she was forcibly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man.

In March this year, three Hindu girls, Satran Oad, Kaveeta Bheel and Anita Bheel were abducted, converted to Islam, and married to Muslim men within eight days.

In another case on March 21, Pooja Kumari was brutally shot dead outside her home in Rohri, Sukkur. Apparently, a Pakistani man wanted to marry her but she refused and he and two of his accomplices opened fire on her a few days later.

On July 16, 2019, the issue of abducting and forcibly converting Hindu girls in various districts of Sindh province was taken up in the Sindh Assembly, where a resolution was debated and unanimously passed after it was modified over objections of certain lawmakers that it should not be restricted to Hindu girls only.

But the bill which criminalised forcible religious conversions was later rejected in the assembly. A similar bill was again proposed but rejected last year.

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A woman and two teenage girls belonging to the Hindu community have been kidnapped with two of them forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the latest in a string of such atrocities committed against members of the minority community.

A woman and two teenage girls belonging to the Hindu community have been kidnapped with two of them forcibly converted to Islam and married to Muslim men in Pakistan’s Sindh province, the latest in a string of such atrocities committed against members of the minority community. In the third instance, a married Hindu woman with three children went missing from Mirpurkhas and later showed up after allegedly converting to Islam and marrying a Muslim man. In the last case, police have refused to register an FIR on the complaint of the woman’s husband Ravi Kurmi who says his wife was forcibly abducted and converted to Islam by their neighbour Ahmed Chandio who used to harass her. A local police officer in Mirpurkhas said all three cases are being investigated. The officer, however, said married woman Rakhi claims she converted and married the Muslim man of her own will. The abduction and forcible conversion of young Hindu girls has become a major problem in the interior of Sindh province which has a large Hindu population in Thar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Ghotki, and Khairpur areas. Most of the Hindu community members are labourers. In June this year, teenage Hindu girl Kareena Kumari told a court here that she was forcibly converted to Islam and married to a Muslim man. In March this year, three Hindu girls, Satran Oad, Kaveeta Bheel and Anita Bheel were abducted, converted to Islam, and married to Muslim men within eight days. In another case on March 21, Pooja Kumari was brutally shot dead outside her home in Rohri, Sukkur. Apparently, a Pakistani man wanted to marry her but she refused and he and two of his accomplices opened fire on her a few days later. On July 16, 2019, the issue of abducting and forcibly converting Hindu girls in various districts of Sindh province was taken up in the Sindh Assembly, where a resolution was debated and unanimously passed after it was modified over objections of certain lawmakers that it should not be restricted to Hindu girls only. But the bill which criminalised forcible religious conversions was later rejected in the assembly. A similar bill was again proposed but rejected last year. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hindu woman and two teenage girls abducted and converted in Pakistan

Shortly after Pakistani Prime Minister's United Nations address, India started its right to reply on the Kashmir issue, the New Delhi put the blame on Islamabad for fostering terrorists and also for propagating cross-border tensions.

77th UNGA Meet: New Delhi reacts to Pakistani Prime Minister's address

Pakistan once again launched an anti-India tirade and raked up the Kashmir issue at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday (September 23) even and levelled unsubstantiated charges while claiming that it wants peace with all its neighbours.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began his address on the fourth day of the 77th session of UNGA by referring to the unprecedented floods in Pakistan and their disastrous impact on the residents.&nbsp;

However, he soon switched to mentioning the much-anticipated topic—Kashmir. Sharif said, "Sustainable peace and stability in South Asia, however, remains contingent upon a just and lasting solution to Jammu &amp; Kashmir dispute."&nbsp;

Sharif, who has been seeking aid from all countries for flood relief besides monetary assistance from IMF and other nations for its economy which is in dire straits, further alleged, “At the heart of this longstanding dispute lies the denial of the inalienable right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination."

Sharif added that only peaceful dialogue can resolve issues so that the world becomes more peaceful in the time to come. He said Pakistan wants peace with all its neighbours, including India.&nbsp;

Exclusive | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/exclusive-us-pakistan-had-constructive-conversation-at-unga-says-hina-rabbani-khar-518921">US, Pakistan had a constructive conversation at UNGA, says Hina Rabbani Khar</a>&nbsp;

Sharif alleged that New Delhi has ramped up its military deployment in Jammu and Kashmir to 900,000 troops, but did not deny India’s allegations of constant cross-border infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan territory. India has deployed forces in the border areas to counter the influx of terrorists from the Pakistan side.&nbsp;

Without providing any substantive evidence, Sharif said that millions of fake domicile certificates have been issued to non-Kashmiris. He further made fake claims that Kashmiri land and properties are being seized.&nbsp;

In spite of having to deal with a severe economic crisis and massive devastation caused by floods back home, Sharif spoke of the possibility of war and said that India must understand that "both countries are armed to the teeth and war is not an option".&nbsp;

"Pakistan needs a stable external environment. We look for peace with all our neighbours, including India. I think it's high time that India understood this message loud and clear that both countries are armed to the teeth. War is not an option. It is not an option. Only peaceful dialogue can resolve these issues so that the world becomes more peaceful in time to come," he said.&nbsp;

WION Exclusive with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif &amp; ministers Hina Rabbani Khar &amp; Maryyium Aurangzeb

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Sharif's message on climate change

During his address, Sharif warned the United Nations that climate disasters will not remain confined to his country. He said, "What happened in Pakistan will not stay in Pakistan."&nbsp;

Sharif talked about the injustice inherent in the crisis, with his country at "ground zero" of climate change but responsible for less than one percent of carbon emissions.&nbsp;

"Why are my people paying the price of such high global warming through no fault of their own? Nature has unleashed her fury on Pakistan without looking at our carbon footprint, which is next to nothing," he said.

"It is therefore entirely reasonable to expect some approximation of justice for this loss and damage, not to mention building back better with resilience," he added.&nbsp;

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Pakistan once again launched an anti-India tirade and raked up the Kashmir issue at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday (September 23) even and levelled unsubstantiated charges while claiming that it wants peace with all its neighbours.

Pakistan once again launched an anti-India tirade and raked up the Kashmir issue at United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on Friday (September 23) even and levelled unsubstantiated charges while claiming that it wants peace with all its neighbours. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif began his address on the fourth day of the 77th session of UNGA by referring to the unprecedented floods in Pakistan and their disastrous impact on the residents. However, he soon switched to mentioning the much-anticipated topic—Kashmir. Sharif said, "Sustainable peace and stability in South Asia, however, remains contingent upon a just and lasting solution to Jammu & Kashmir dispute." Sharif, who has been seeking aid from all countries for flood relief besides monetary assistance from IMF and other nations for its economy which is in dire straits, further alleged, “At the heart of this longstanding dispute lies the denial of the inalienable right of the Kashmiri people to self-determination." Sharif added that only peaceful dialogue can resolve issues so that the world becomes more peaceful in the time to come. He said Pakistan wants peace with all its neighbours, including India. Exclusive | US, Pakistan had a constructive conversation at UNGA, says Hina Rabbani Khar Sharif alleged that New Delhi has ramped up its military deployment in Jammu and Kashmir to 900,000 troops, but did not deny India’s allegations of constant cross-border infiltration of terrorists from Pakistan territory. India has deployed forces in the border areas to counter the influx of terrorists from the Pakistan side. Without providing any substantive evidence, Sharif said that millions of fake domicile certificates have been issued to non-Kashmiris. He further made fake claims that Kashmiri land and properties are being seized. In spite of having to deal with a severe economic crisis and massive devastation caused by floods back home, Sharif spoke of the possibility of war and said that India must understand that "both countries are armed to the teeth and war is not an option". "Pakistan needs a stable external environment. We look for peace with all our neighbours, including India. I think it's high time that India understood this message loud and clear that both countries are armed to the teeth. War is not an option. It is not an option. Only peaceful dialogue can resolve these issues so that the world becomes more peaceful in time to come," he said. WION Exclusive with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif & ministers Hina Rabbani Khar & Maryyium Aurangzeb × Sharif's message on climate change During his address, Sharif warned the United Nations that climate disasters will not remain confined to his country. He said, "What happened in Pakistan will not stay in Pakistan." Sharif talked about the injustice inherent in the crisis, with his country at "ground zero" of climate change but responsible for less than one percent of carbon emissions. "Why are my people paying the price of such high global warming through no fault of their own? Nature has unleashed her fury on Pakistan without looking at our carbon footprint, which is next to nothing," he said. "It is therefore entirely reasonable to expect some approximation of justice for this loss and damage, not to mention building back better with resilience," he added. 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.

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif launches anti-India tirade at UNGA, yet claims he wants 'peace'

"Our glaciers are melting fast, our forests are burning and our heat waves have crossed 53 degrees celcius, making us the hottest place on the planet," Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said while calling for climate action. He also talked about how his government spent millions of dollars on the climate crisis.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calls for climate action at UNGA

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and apart from his Kashmir rhetoric, he drew the attention of the global body to the climate disaster his country is facing.

Stating that&nbsp;climate disasters will not remain confined to his country, Sharif took a subtle dig at western nations who blame developing nations for global warming.

"What happened in Pakistan will not stay in Pakistan. Pakistan has never seen a more stark and devastating example of the impact of global warming. Life in Pakistan has changed forever," said Sharif.

"Why are my people paying such high price of global warming through no fault of their own? Nature has unleashed her fury on Pakistan without looking at our carbon footprint, which is next to nothing," he added.

Read more:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-sharif-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-calls-out-rich-developed-nations-on-climate-change-519178">&nbsp;After Sharif, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina calls out 'rich' &amp; 'developed' nations on climate change</a>

Sharif further lamented about the people who had died in the devastating floods.&nbsp;

“For 40 days and 40 nights, biblical flood poured on us. Even today, huge swathes of the country are still under water. 33 million people including women, and children are at high risk of health hazards. More than 1,500 of my people, including 400 children, have gone from the world. Far more are in peril," said the PM.

Before shifting to his anti-India tirade, Sharif signed off on his climate change speech by&nbsp;urging global action.

"It is high time we took a pause from the preoccupations of the 20th century to return to the challenges of the 21st. The entire definition of national security has changed today, and unless the leaders of the world come together to act now behind minimum agreed agenda, there will be no earth to fight wars over. Nature will be fighting back, and for that humanity is no match," said Sharif.

Pakistan demands reparations

As reported by WION, earlier this month, Pakistan's federal climate minister Sherry Rehman argued that the western nations owe developing nations reparations for accelerating climate change.&nbsp;

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-countries-owe-reparations-to-developing-countries-facing-climate-change-says-pakistan-minister-512869" target="_blank">Western countries owe reparations to developing nations facing climate change, says Pakistan minister</a>

“There is so much loss and damage with so little reparations to countries that contributed so little to the world’s carbon footprint that obviously the bargain made between the global north and global south is not working," said Rehman.&nbsp;

Rehman in clear terms batted for a reset of targets and asserted that “richer countries must do more”.

“Historic injustices have to be heard and there must be some level of climate equation so that the brunt of the irresponsible carbon consumption is not being laid on nations near the equator which are obviously unable to create resilient infrastructure on their own," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

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Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and apart from his Kashmir rhetoric, he drew the attention of the global body to the climate disaster his country is facing.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and apart from his Kashmir rhetoric, he drew the attention of the global body to the climate disaster his country is facing. Stating that climate disasters will not remain confined to his country, Sharif took a subtle dig at western nations who blame developing nations for global warming. "What happened in Pakistan will not stay in Pakistan. Pakistan has never seen a more stark and devastating example of the impact of global warming. Life in Pakistan has changed forever," said Sharif. "Why are my people paying such high price of global warming through no fault of their own? Nature has unleashed her fury on Pakistan without looking at our carbon footprint, which is next to nothing," he added. Read more: After Sharif, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina calls out 'rich' & 'developed' nations on climate change Sharif further lamented about the people who had died in the devastating floods. “For 40 days and 40 nights, biblical flood poured on us. Even today, huge swathes of the country are still under water. 33 million people including women, and children are at high risk of health hazards. More than 1,500 of my people, including 400 children, have gone from the world. Far more are in peril," said the PM. Before shifting to his anti-India tirade, Sharif signed off on his climate change speech by urging global action. "It is high time we took a pause from the preoccupations of the 20th century to return to the challenges of the 21st. The entire definition of national security has changed today, and unless the leaders of the world come together to act now behind minimum agreed agenda, there will be no earth to fight wars over. Nature will be fighting back, and for that humanity is no match," said Sharif. Pakistan demands reparations As reported by WION, earlier this month, Pakistan's federal climate minister Sherry Rehman argued that the western nations owe developing nations reparations for accelerating climate change. Read more: Western countries owe reparations to developing nations facing climate change, says Pakistan minister “There is so much loss and damage with so little reparations to countries that contributed so little to the world’s carbon footprint that obviously the bargain made between the global north and global south is not working," said Rehman. Rehman in clear terms batted for a reset of targets and asserted that “richer countries must do more”. “Historic injustices have to be heard and there must be some level of climate equation so that the brunt of the irresponsible carbon consumption is not being laid on nations near the equator which are obviously unable to create resilient infrastructure on their own," she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Why are my people paying the price?', Pakistan PM questions West on climate change

While speaking to WION, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that the burning issues between India and Pakistan should be resolved. "Without talking on issues which have led both countries to war and finding way forward, other matters become irrelevant," Sharif added.

WION Exclusive | 'Comprehensive dialogue between India, Pak is must,' says Pakistan PM Sharif

Indian diplomat Mijito Vinito has slammed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after the latter's address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for raking the Kashmir issue and making anti-India remarks.

Indian diplomat Mijito Vinito has slammed Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif after the latter's address at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for raking the Kashmir issue and making anti-India remarks. In his right to reply, Mijito Vinito, first secretary, Indian Mission to United Nations, said, "It is regrettable that the Prime Minister of Pakistan has chosen the platform of this august assembly to make false accusations against India." "He has done so to obfuscate misdeeds in his own country and to justify actions against India that the world considers unacceptable," said Vinito. Notably, Pakistan PM Shehbaz while addressing the general assembly had mentioned Kashmir more than 10 times and India more than nine times. Pakistani PMs in the past have used the famous green podium during the annual general assembly to rake up Kashmir, something that hasn't come as a surprise this time as well. Indian diplomat Mijito, raising the issue of Pakistan's support for terror, said, "A polity that claims it seeks peace with its neighbours would never sponsor cross border terrorism." He pointed out how Islamabad continues to "shelter planners of the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack, disclosing their existence only under pressure from the international community". Read more: At UNSC, EAM Jaishankar slams China for putting hold on listing of Pakistan-based terrorist Terror remains a key concern for New Delhi when it comes to Pakistan. As a policy, on multiple occasions, New Delhi has stated that no talks will happen unless Islamabad takes action against terrorism. The first secretary also highlighted the situation of minorities in the country, saying, "When young women in the thousands from the minority community are abducted as an SOP, what can we conclude about the underlying mindset?" Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and Ahmadiyya's continue to face prosecution and discrimination in Pakistan, which has been well documented "Desire for peace, security and progress in the Indian subcontinent is real but that will surely happen when cross-border terrorism ceases and when governments come clean with the international community and their own people. When minorities are not persecuted and not least, when we recognise these realities before this assembly," the Indian diplomat concluded by saying. In 2020, Mijito had walked out of UNGA hall after then Pakistan PM Imran Khan started making anti-India remarks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Indian diplomat Mijito Vinito slams Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif for anti-India tirade at UNGA

Watch WION's exclusive conversation with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif & ministers Hina Rabbani Khar & Maryyium Aurangzeb.

WION Exclusive with Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif & ministers Hina Rabbani Khar & Maryyium Aurangzeb

Four regions of Ukraine are all set to hold referendums on Friday on joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces - Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – are currently under Russian control. In other news, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) foreign ministers' meeting hosted by South Africa in New York on Thursday.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-ukrainian-provinces-all-set-to-hold-referendums-on-joining-russia-518891">Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Ukraine" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="cc37c793-80bc-4511-9192-93802f0d53d4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_32JB6AW.jpg" />

The Ukrainian authorities have already made it clear that they will not accept or recognise the results of the referendums and this can lead to an escalation in the conflict. A majority of western countries have also condemned Russia for this move at the United Nations General Assembly.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-external-affairs-minister-s-jaishankar-attends-brics-ministerial-meet-on-sidelines-of-unga-518899">Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attends BRICS ministerial meet on sidelines of UNGA&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="BRICS" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="759cbb07-ca16-4bb7-b335-9867fb0e789e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/db8b970c-4488-4a00-826b-4786eaab6c93.jpg" />

Jaishankar has planned for more than 50 meetings on the sidelines of UNGA but no bilateral meetings have been planned with China. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar took a veiled dig at China over it putting on hold the blacklisting of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, Sajid Mir as a "global terrorist".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-presidents-can-declassify-documents-even-by-thinking-about-it-518900">Donald Trump says presidents can declassify documents 'even by thinking about it'&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Trump" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="76a4e38e-0dac-48c0-bf85-c58ef9241def" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/280066-new-wion-19.jpg" />

Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that “presidents can declassify documents by the power of thought alone”. During an interview with FOX News, Trump said that the decision completely lies with the president and as a result, the documents found by the FBI at the Mar-a-Lago residence during their raid on August 8 were not dependent on any process to be “declassified”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-memo-says-pakistan-should-suspend-debt-repayments-following-devastating-floods-reports-518889">UN memo says Pakistan should suspend debt repayments following devastating floods: Reports&nbsp;</a>

<img alt="Pakistan" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c587fb83-5dbd-44e0-ba4a-4c527aa1b3be" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/298111-2022-09-19t022031z1lynxmpei8i01hrtroptp4pakistan-weather-floods.jpg" />

The UN Development Programme will share the memorandum with Pakistan's government this week. It further stated that the country's creditors should consider debt relief so that policymakers can prioritise financing its disaster response over loan repayment, the newspaper said.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ancient shipwreck loaded with cargo from all over Mediterranean found off the shore of Israel

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Four regions of Ukraine are all set to hold referendums on Friday on joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces - Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – are currently under Russian control.

Four regions of Ukraine are all set to hold referendums on Friday on joining Russia amid the ongoing crisis. The provinces - Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia – are currently under Russian control. In other news, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi at a BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) foreign ministers' meeting hosted by South Africa in New York on Thursday. Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia The Ukrainian authorities have already made it clear that they will not accept or recognise the results of the referendums and this can lead to an escalation in the conflict. A majority of western countries have also condemned Russia for this move at the United Nations General Assembly. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attends BRICS ministerial meet on sidelines of UNGA Jaishankar has planned for more than 50 meetings on the sidelines of UNGA but no bilateral meetings have been planned with China. Earlier in the day, Jaishankar took a veiled dig at China over it putting on hold the blacklisting of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorist, Sajid Mir as a "global terrorist". Donald Trump says presidents can declassify documents 'even by thinking about it' Former United States President Donald Trump has claimed that “presidents can declassify documents by the power of thought alone”. During an interview with FOX News, Trump said that the decision completely lies with the president and as a result, the documents found by the FBI at the Mar-a-Lago residence during their raid on August 8 were not dependent on any process to be “declassified”. UN memo says Pakistan should suspend debt repayments following devastating floods: Reports The UN Development Programme will share the memorandum with Pakistan's government this week. It further stated that the country's creditors should consider debt relief so that policymakers can prioritise financing its disaster response over loan repayment, the newspaper said. WATCH | Ancient shipwreck loaded with cargo from all over Mediterranean found off the shore of Israel

Morning news brief: Four Ukrainian provinces to hold referendums, Jaishankar attends BRICS meet, and more

Minister of state for foreign affairs of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and United States President Joe Biden had a “forward-looking and constructive” conversation on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

In an exclusive interview with WION’s Anas Mallick, Rabbani said that the two countries have “solid building blocks” for a good relationship and that is something that both leaders want at the moment.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-ukrainian-provinces-all-set-to-hold-referendums-on-joining-russia-518891" hreflang="en">Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia</a>

“As far as the conversation between the PM and US President is concerned, it was good, forward-looking and constructive. Our relationship with the US, currently it is dehyphenated from any other relationship and we would want it to be further dehyphenated from any regional, or political issues. It is starting out as shore footing, so we don’t want to rush this and let it be a hostage for one event and other. There are solid building blocks in the current scenario of the US-Pakistan relationship,” she said.&nbsp;

Rabbani also spoke about the devastation that the recent floods caused in Pakistan. Millions of people were displaced from their homes while the natural disaster ended up claiming more than 1500 lives.&nbsp;

“The proportion of the calamity is so huge. It so extraordinary people can't ignore it. I think&nbsp;this is God’s early warning system that things are not going to remain the same. We are soon to be going out of options. We used to talk about mitigation as an option but today mitigation doesn't seem to be a viable solution. Now the current window open is adaptation -- it seems we are keen to close this window as well. If you allow that window to be closed and we don’t get our acts together, currently there’s a lot of talk on adaptation but when we come to serious windows of financing that are available, serious adaptation projects which have priorities, I don’t see any which are viable or deliverable,” she said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-presidents-can-declassify-documents-even-by-thinking-about-it-518900" hreflang="en">Donald Trump says presidents can declassify documents 'even by thinking about it'</a>

The United Nations issued a flash appeal for $160 million to help Pakistan in the aftermath of the floods. Rabbani said that the flash appeal was extremely helpful and they are now focused on rebuilding.&nbsp;

“UN goes into the process in a systematic way when the need arises. The flash appeal process built in requires revisions as and when the need arises. However, my appeal is less the flash appeal and more focused on rebuilding,” she explained.&nbsp; &nbsp;

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Minister of state for foreign affairs of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and United States President Joe Biden had a “forward-looking and constructive” conversation on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York.

Minister of state for foreign affairs of Pakistan Hina Rabbani Khar said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and United States President Joe Biden had a “forward-looking and constructive” conversation on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly session in New York. In an exclusive interview with WION’s Anas Mallick, Rabbani said that the two countries have “solid building blocks” for a good relationship and that is something that both leaders want at the moment. Also read | Four Ukrainian provinces all set to hold referendums on joining Russia “As far as the conversation between the PM and US President is concerned, it was good, forward-looking and constructive. Our relationship with the US, currently it is dehyphenated from any other relationship and we would want it to be further dehyphenated from any regional, or political issues. It is starting out as shore footing, so we don’t want to rush this and let it be a hostage for one event and other. There are solid building blocks in the current scenario of the US-Pakistan relationship,” she said. Rabbani also spoke about the devastation that the recent floods caused in Pakistan. Millions of people were displaced from their homes while the natural disaster ended up claiming more than 1500 lives. “The proportion of the calamity is so huge. It so extraordinary people can't ignore it. I think this is God’s early warning system that things are not going to remain the same. We are soon to be going out of options. We used to talk about mitigation as an option but today mitigation doesn't seem to be a viable solution. Now the current window open is adaptation -- it seems we are keen to close this window as well. If you allow that window to be closed and we don’t get our acts together, currently there’s a lot of talk on adaptation but when we come to serious windows of financing that are available, serious adaptation projects which have priorities, I don’t see any which are viable or deliverable,” she said. Also read | Donald Trump says presidents can declassify documents 'even by thinking about it' The United Nations issued a flash appeal for $160 million to help Pakistan in the aftermath of the floods. Rabbani said that the flash appeal was extremely helpful and they are now focused on rebuilding. “UN goes into the process in a systematic way when the need arises. The flash appeal process built in requires revisions as and when the need arises. However, my appeal is less the flash appeal and more focused on rebuilding,” she explained.

Exclusive | US, Pakistan had constructive conversation at UNGA, says Hina Rabbani Khar

After Pakistan Prime Minister confirms his meeting with US President Joe Biden, Pakistan Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hina Rabbani said that the conversation between the two leaders was 'good, constructive and forward-looking'. She also added that currently Pakistan's relationship with the US is de-hyphenated from any other relationship and they want it to be further de-hyphenated.

'Conversation between Pakistan PM Sharif and US President Biden was constructive,' says Hina Rabbani

The Pakistan Information and Broadcasting Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb spoke about the country's trade policy with its neighbor India.

Pakistan Minister: Previous government responsible for economic fallout

The Pakistani economy has been going through a tough time with the currency hitting an all-time low on Wednesday. The Pakistani Rupee is currently valued at Rs 240 against the US dollar – the worst performing currency in the emerging markets in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the floods. &nbsp;

The currency has been losing value consistently for the past two weeks and even the loan tranche of USD 1.16 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has not improved the situation.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-federal-reserve-hikes-interest-rates-to-highest-level-since-2008-518597">US Federal Reserve hikes interest rates to highest level since 2008</a>

The floods, which claimed more than 1500 lives, were also extremely catastrophic to the economy of the country. The rehabilitation process – both concerning the citizens as well as infrastructure – has added to the heavy debt burden and the floods also caused damages worth billions of dollars.&nbsp;

Following the floods, Pakistan also experienced massive inflation with food prices skyrocketing all around the country. In August, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail told Reuters that the prices of onion have grown almost five times due to the floods and the same was true for a number of food items.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doj-can-resume-review-of-documents-found-in-donald-trumps-residence-says-us-court-518587" hreflang="en">DOJ can resume review of documents found in Donald Trump's residence, says US court</a>

The other reason behind the rising prices is the number of crops which were destroyed in the natural disaster. The DW reported the country’s trade deficit is likely to go up to 3.5 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it will be importing more tomatoes, rice, wheat, cotton and other items.&nbsp;

There have been a lot of foreign aid from various sources including the IMF in the aftermath of the disaster but even that will not be enough for the country to mount a comeback from the ongoing crisis as they will need $33.5 billion in the year through June 2023 to maintain their imports. &nbsp;

The Pakistani economy has been going through a tough time with the currency hitting an all-time low on Wednesday. The Pakistani Rupee is currently valued at Rs 240 against the US dollar – the worst performing currency in the emerging markets in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the floods.

The Pakistani economy has been going through a tough time with the currency hitting an all-time low on Wednesday. The Pakistani Rupee is currently valued at Rs 240 against the US dollar – the worst performing currency in the emerging markets in the aftermath of the devastation caused by the floods. The currency has been losing value consistently for the past two weeks and even the loan tranche of USD 1.16 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has not improved the situation. Also read | US Federal Reserve hikes interest rates to highest level since 2008 The floods, which claimed more than 1500 lives, were also extremely catastrophic to the economy of the country. The rehabilitation process – both concerning the citizens as well as infrastructure – has added to the heavy debt burden and the floods also caused damages worth billions of dollars. Following the floods, Pakistan also experienced massive inflation with food prices skyrocketing all around the country. In August, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail told Reuters that the prices of onion have grown almost five times due to the floods and the same was true for a number of food items. Also read | DOJ can resume review of documents found in Donald Trump's residence, says US court The other reason behind the rising prices is the number of crops which were destroyed in the natural disaster. The DW reported the country’s trade deficit is likely to go up to 3.5 per cent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it will be importing more tomatoes, rice, wheat, cotton and other items. There have been a lot of foreign aid from various sources including the IMF in the aftermath of the disaster but even that will not be enough for the country to mount a comeback from the ongoing crisis as they will need $33.5 billion in the year through June 2023 to maintain their imports.

Pakistan's economy continues to struggle amid floods and falling currency

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