Pakistan government on Tuesday announced the Rs12.03 hike in fuel prices, and with this, the prices of petroleum have reached a historic high in the country.

Pakistan increases petrol prices by Rs12.03 per litre

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates met with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday (February 17) during his first-ever visit to the South Asian nation.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office said that the Microsoft co-founder was visiting the country on the premier's "special invitation" as&nbsp;Khan hosted Gates over lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It was a pleasure to welcome @BillGates who came to Pakistan on my invitation. Apart from his many achievements, he is admired globally for his philanthropy," cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan tweeted.&nbsp;

"On behalf of our nation I thank him for his immense contribution towards polio eradication &amp; poverty alleviation initiatives," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/price-surge-in-pak-galvanises-oppositions-plan-to-bring-no-confidence-vote-against-imran-khan-453857">Price surge in Pak galvanises opposition's plan to bring no-confidence vote against Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan and Afghanistan are countries in the world where polio continues to circulate. Bill Gates met with Khan to discuss polio eradication in one of the last two countries of the world where the virus is endemic. &nbsp;

The Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a major project between governments and international organisations.&nbsp;

Health and humanitarian officials say that Pakistan's attempts to eradicate polio are at a hopeful but sensitive stage. No children have been paralysed by wild polio in Pakistan in more than a year.&nbsp;

However, as per the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation,&nbsp;the virus was detected in December in sewerage samples in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.&nbsp;

ALSO READ&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-journalist-arrested-for-making-obscene-remarks-about-imran-khan-453755">Pak scribe fires at cops before his arrest for 'obscene' remarks against Imran</a>

During his visit, Gates also met with the country's COVID-19 National Command and Operation Centre, which leads the country's response to the pandemic.

Pakistan's Senator Faisal Javed Khan said Gates "greatly appreciated steps [regarding polio eradication] in Pakistan, the National Command and Operation Centre's (NCOC) performance in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and initiatives such as the Ehsaas programme". He shared pictures of the meeting on Twitter.&nbsp;

Gates was also conferred the country's second-highest civilian award by the country's president.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates met with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday (February 17) during his first-ever visit to the South Asian nation. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office said that the Microsoft co-founder was visiting the country on the premier's "special invitation" as Khan hosted Gates over lunch.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates met with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday (February 17) during his first-ever visit to the South Asian nation. Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office said that the Microsoft co-founder was visiting the country on the premier's "special invitation" as Khan hosted Gates over lunch. "It was a pleasure to welcome @BillGates who came to Pakistan on my invitation. Apart from his many achievements, he is admired globally for his philanthropy," cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan tweeted. "On behalf of our nation I thank him for his immense contribution towards polio eradication & poverty alleviation initiatives," he added. ALSO READ | Price surge in Pak galvanises opposition's plan to bring no-confidence vote against Imran Khan Pakistan and Afghanistan are countries in the world where polio continues to circulate. Bill Gates met with Khan to discuss polio eradication in one of the last two countries of the world where the virus is endemic. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), a major project between governments and international organisations. Health and humanitarian officials say that Pakistan's attempts to eradicate polio are at a hopeful but sensitive stage. No children have been paralysed by wild polio in Pakistan in more than a year. However, as per the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the virus was detected in December in sewerage samples in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. ALSO READ | Pak scribe fires at cops before his arrest for 'obscene' remarks against Imran During his visit, Gates also met with the country's COVID-19 National Command and Operation Centre, which leads the country's response to the pandemic. Pakistan's Senator Faisal Javed Khan said Gates "greatly appreciated steps [regarding polio eradication] in Pakistan, the National Command and Operation Centre's (NCOC) performance in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic and initiatives such as the Ehsaas programme". He shared pictures of the meeting on Twitter. Gates was also conferred the country's second-highest civilian award by the country's president. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's what Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates doing in Pakistan

Pakistan's Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has revealed that Prime Minister Imran Khan would soon make changes in the federal and Punjab cabinets.

Cabinet will be rejigged in 2 weeks, says Pakistan minister Fawad Chaudhry

Pak PM Imran Khan is fighting for survival. His allies are 'breaking bread' with opposition leaders. Reports say, they're conspiring to pass a no-confidence motion against him. Will they succeed? Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Imran Khan is fighting for survival

The ongoing conflict on the Durand line between Afghanistan and Pakistan border escalates. Taliban said that Pakistan is not allowed to fence the border.

Durand line conflict continues: Taliban says Pakistan not allowed to fence the border

Qandeel Baloch's killer set to walk free as Lahore court acquits the Pakistani social media star's brother in the 'honour killing' case. Baloch's brother Muhammad Waseem was acquitted after parents' pardon. WION Anas Mallick brings you more insights.

Pakistan: Lahore HC acquits Qandeel Baloch's brother for killing her

Qandeel Baloch was Pakistan's first social media star. In 2016, she was murdered by her brother in the name of 'family honour'. 6 years on, the brother has been acquitted. Palki Sharma tells you how Pak has failed the victim even in death.

Gravitas: Qandeel Baloch's killer cleared of all charges

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction saw the ten teams splash the cash on the best of players from across the globe. The ten teams spent around Rs 552 crore (INR 5.52&nbsp;billion) in acquiring the services of 204 players at the two-day long mega auction. Some of the top players from India and overseas managed to earn huge deals with their respective franchises.

Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan turned out to be the costliest pick at the IPL 2022 mega auction as he was roped in by Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore (INR 152.5 million). The likes of Deepak Chahar (Rs 14 crore), Shreyas Iyer (Rs 12.25 crore) and Liam Livingstone (Rs 11.50 crore) were the top picks at the auction.

After witnessing the players bag stunning deals at the IPL auction, a Pakistani journalist ended up making a tall claim on Twitter. The journalist claimed that Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi would have earned a deal of Rs 200 crore (INR 2 billion) had he been part of the IPL mega auction this year.

While top players from across the globe are part of the IPL mega auction, the Pakistani players are not included due to the suspended cricketing ties between the two nations. India have not played bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2013 and Pakistani cricketers have not been part of the IPL since the first edition of the tournament in 2008.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction saw the ten teams splash the cash on the best of players from across the globe. The ten teams spent around Rs 552 crore (INR 5.52&nbsp;billion) in acquiring the services of 204 players at the two-day long mega auction. Some of the top players from India and overseas managed to earn huge deals with their respective franchises.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/quinton-de-kock-to-david-warner-top-5-steals-of-ipl-2022-mega-auction-453576">Quinton de Kock to David Warner: Top 5 steals of IPL 2022 mega auction</a>

Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan turned out to be the costliest pick at the IPL 2022 mega auction as he was roped in by Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore (INR 152.5 million). The likes of Deepak Chahar (Rs 14 crore), Shreyas Iyer (Rs 12.25 crore) and Liam Livingstone (Rs 11.50 crore) were the top picks at the auction.

After witnessing the players bag stunning deals at the IPL auction, a Pakistani journalist ended up making a tall claim on Twitter. The journalist claimed that Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi would have earned a deal of Rs 200 crore (INR 2 billion) had he been part of the IPL mega auction this year.

While top players from across the globe are part of the IPL mega auction, the Pakistani players are not included due to the suspended cricketing ties between the two nations. India have not played bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2013 and Pakistani cricketers have not been part of the IPL since the first edition of the tournament in 2008.

"If, Shaheen Shah Afridi was in #IPLAuction. He would’ve gone for 200 crores," read the tweet from the Pakistani journalist. The journo was not spared by cricket fans online as he was brutally roasted for his tall claim. While Afridi is one of the best fast bowlers in the world at present, backing him to earn a Rs 200 crore (INR 2 billion) deal is a perfect example of letting your emotions get better of you.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/the-multi-millionaires-indian-and-overseas-players-sold-for-rs-100-million-or-more-at-ipl-2022-auction-453086">The multi-millionaires! Indian and overseas players sold for Rs 100 million or more at IPL 2022 auction</a>

Here's how Twitter reacted to the absurd claim by the Pakistani journalist:

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then better give shaheen shah afridi to world bank and clear your country's loans <a href="https://t.co/w5KIWapoND">https://t.co/w5KIWapoND</a>
— Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) <a href="https://twitter.com/NeecheSeTopper/status/1493152326726549504?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2022</a></blockquote>
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If Shaheen sold for 10 cr then definitely he will arrange another PSL in a same year with his own budget.
— Yasin Khan Ghani (@YK_Ghani) <a href="https://twitter.com/YK_Ghani/status/1492888405310685186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Then Imran Khan would have paid next EMI to XI for the loan.
— Crish Bhatia 🇮🇳 (@BhatiaCrish) <a href="https://twitter.com/BhatiaCrish/status/1492932478494937088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 13, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Idiocy has no end. Each franchise can spend only ₹90C &amp; must’ve 18 players. So even if you buy 17 players at ₹20L, you wouldn’t be able to spend more than ₹87C for a single player. This dude perhaps thinks 2-3 franchises can match fix &amp; spend ₹200C collectively to buy Afridi! <a href="https://t.co/4X1687deiU">https://t.co/4X1687deiU</a>
— Sreejith Panickar (@PanickarS) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanickarS/status/1493538749422071811?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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PSL brand value 330M dollars. 
CSK brand value 1.5B dollars. 
That's it for today.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CSK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CSK</a> <a href="https://t.co/PGHPzAnT0A">https://t.co/PGHPzAnT0A</a> <a href="https://t.co/vsCqhM9rg5">pic.twitter.com/vsCqhM9rg5</a>
—Space Walker (@niksinhello) <a href="https://twitter.com/niksinhello/status/1493486016446943233?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2022</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Indian wicket-keeper batter Kishan, who returned to Mumbai Indians for a sum of Rs 15.25 crore became the second-most expensive Indian pick in the history of IPL auction. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who was sold to Delhi Capitals for a sum of Rs 16 crore (INR 160 million) in the 2015 IPL player auction is the most expensive Indian player in history of IPL auction.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction saw the ten teams splash the cash on the best of players from across the globe. The ten teams spent around Rs 552 crore (INR 5.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction saw the ten teams splash the cash on the best of players from across the globe. The ten teams spent around Rs 552 crore (INR 5.52 billion) in acquiring the services of 204 players at the two-day long mega auction. Some of the top players from India and overseas managed to earn huge deals with their respective franchises. Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan turned out to be the costliest pick at the IPL 2022 mega auction as he was roped in by Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore (INR 152.5 million). The likes of Deepak Chahar (Rs 14 crore), Shreyas Iyer (Rs 12.25 crore) and Liam Livingstone (Rs 11.50 crore) were the top picks at the auction. After witnessing the players bag stunning deals at the IPL auction, a Pakistani journalist ended up making a tall claim on Twitter. The journalist claimed that Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi would have earned a deal of Rs 200 crore (INR 2 billion) had he been part of the IPL mega auction this year. While top players from across the globe are part of the IPL mega auction, the Pakistani players are not included due to the suspended cricketing ties between the two nations. India have not played bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2013 and Pakistani cricketers have not been part of the IPL since the first edition of the tournament in 2008. The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 mega auction saw the ten teams splash the cash on the best of players from across the globe. The ten teams spent around Rs 552 crore (INR 5.52 billion) in acquiring the services of 204 players at the two-day long mega auction. Some of the top players from India and overseas managed to earn huge deals with their respective franchises. Also Read: Quinton de Kock to David Warner: Top 5 steals of IPL 2022 mega auction Indian wicket-keeper batter Ishan Kishan turned out to be the costliest pick at the IPL 2022 mega auction as he was roped in by Mumbai Indians for a whopping Rs 15.25 crore (INR 152.5 million). The likes of Deepak Chahar (Rs 14 crore), Shreyas Iyer (Rs 12.25 crore) and Liam Livingstone (Rs 11.50 crore) were the top picks at the auction. After witnessing the players bag stunning deals at the IPL auction, a Pakistani journalist ended up making a tall claim on Twitter. The journalist claimed that Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi would have earned a deal of Rs 200 crore (INR 2 billion) had he been part of the IPL mega auction this year. While top players from across the globe are part of the IPL mega auction, the Pakistani players are not included due to the suspended cricketing ties between the two nations. India have not played bilateral cricket with Pakistan since 2013 and Pakistani cricketers have not been part of the IPL since the first edition of the tournament in 2008. "If, Shaheen Shah Afridi was in #IPLAuction. He would’ve gone for 200 crores," read the tweet from the Pakistani journalist. The journo was not spared by cricket fans online as he was brutally roasted for his tall claim. While Afridi is one of the best fast bowlers in the world at present, backing him to earn a Rs 200 crore (INR 2 billion) deal is a perfect example of letting your emotions get better of you. Also Read: The multi-millionaires! Indian and overseas players sold for Rs 100 million or more at IPL 2022 auction Here's how Twitter reacted to the absurd claim by the Pakistani journalist: then better give shaheen shah afridi to world bank and clear your country's loans https://t.co/w5KIWapoND — Neeche Se Topper (@NeecheSeTopper) February 14, 2022 × If Shaheen sold for 10 cr then definitely he will arrange another PSL in a same year with his own budget. — Yasin Khan Ghani (@YK_Ghani) February 13, 2022 × Then Imran Khan would have paid next EMI to XI for the loan. — Crish Bhatia 🇮🇳 (@BhatiaCrish) February 13, 2022 × Idiocy has no end. Each franchise can spend only ₹90C & must’ve 18 players. So even if you buy 17 players at ₹20L, you wouldn’t be able to spend more than ₹87C for a single player. This dude perhaps thinks 2-3 franchises can match fix & spend ₹200C collectively to buy Afridi! https://t.co/4X1687deiU — Sreejith Panickar (@PanickarS) February 15, 2022 × PSL brand value 330M dollars. CSK brand value 1.5B dollars. That's it for today.#CSK https://t.co/PGHPzAnT0A pic.twitter.com/vsCqhM9rg5 —Space Walker (@niksinhello) February 15, 2022 × Indian wicket-keeper batter Kishan, who returned to Mumbai Indians for a sum of Rs 15.25 crore became the second-most expensive Indian pick in the history of IPL auction. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, who was sold to Delhi Capitals for a sum of Rs 16 crore (INR 160 million) in the 2015 IPL player auction is the most expensive Indian player in history of IPL auction.

'Give him to World Bank': Pakistan journo trolled for claiming Afridi would have earned Rs 200cr in IPL

About 250 women on Sunday took to the streets and protested against a hijab ban in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. This is a tale of bravado, togetherness and hope.

Hijab Ban Row: Divided by Colonial Rulers, United By Hijab

The killer of the Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch has been acquitted. In September 2019, the court sentenced Qandeel’s brother to life imprisonment for killing her in the name of “honour” in 2016.

Pakistani court acquits Qandeel Baloch's killer on parents’ pardon

The chair of the United Nations Security Council's counter-terror committee Ambassador T S Tirumurti has expressed concerns over links between Taliban, Al Qaida, and Pakistan-based terror groups such as Lashkar e-Tayyiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Links between Taliban and LeT, JeM concerning, says UNSC's counter terror committee chair Tirumurti

A mentally unstable man has been stoned to death in Pakistan. He was accused of 'desecrating the Quran'. Visuals show an enraged mob of Islamists attacking the victim with clubs & bricks. Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Mentally-unstable man lynched in Pakistan over blasphemy

Two leopards being sold online for around eleven hundred dollars have been rescued from poachers in Pakistan. These rare cats both male were freed by Sindh Wildlife Department from Karachi and were released at the Margala Hills, the wildlife department went to the site after receiving information of this illegal sale taking place in the birds market of the Pakistani port city.

Pakistan: Two leopards rescued from poachers

Two leopards have been rescued from poachers in Pakistan and brought back to the wild. Poachers are in custody and interrogation is underway.

Pakistan: Two leopards rescued from poachers, brought back to the wild

The opposition alliance in Pakistan has unanimously decided to move a no-confidence motion against the Imran Khan government.

Pakistan opposition takes aim at Imran Khan

A mob in Pakistan's Punjab province tortured and killed a man accused of desecrating the Holy Quran. WION's Anas Mallick brings you more insights.

Pakistan: Mob stones man to death for alleged blasphemy

Pakistan PM Imran Khan condemns mob lynching of a man accused of blasphemy

A middle-aged man was stoned to death by a mob in a village of Khanewal district in Pakistan’s Punjab province for allegedly desecrating the Quran. Hundreds of locals gathered in Jungle Dera village after Maghrib prayers after there were reports that a man had torn and set fire some pages of the Quran.

The corpse of the innocent man was later hung on the tree.&nbsp;

According to a report by Dawn, the man was claiming innocence but nobody listened to him.&nbsp;

The eyewitnesses have claimed that a team of police had arrived way&nbsp;before the stoning took place. They had caught the culprit, but the crowd seized him from SHO’s custody.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-mob-tortures-sri-lankan-man-to-death-burns-body-for-tearing-up-posters-of-radical-islamist-party-433821">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistani mob tortures Sri Lankan man to death, burns body for tearing up posters of radical Islamist party</a>

This is not the first incident of mob lynching in Pakistan. Earlier in December, a frenzied mob tortured a Sri Lankan man to death and then burnt his body in public allegedly over blasphemy accusations. The incident took place on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot, where reportedly the workers of private factories attacked the export manager, a Sri Lankan national, of a factory and burnt his body after killing him, the Dawn reported.

Hundreds of men, enraged over the "blasphemy" incident, started gathering outside the factory from adjoining areas. Most of them were activists and supporters of the TLP.

"The mob dragged the suspect (the Sri Lankan national) from the factory and severely tortured him. After he succumbed to his wounds, the mob burnt his body before police reached there," the official said.

As per figures provided by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan reported a total of 1,415 cases of blasphemy in the country since 1947.

(With inputs from agencies)

A middle-aged man was stoned to death by a mob in a village of Khanewal district in Pakistan’s Punjab province for allegedly desecrating the Quran. Hundreds of locals gathered in Jungle Dera village after Maghrib prayers after there were reports that a man had torn and set fire some pages of the Quran.

A middle-aged man was stoned to death by a mob in a village of Khanewal district in Pakistan’s Punjab province for allegedly desecrating the Quran. Hundreds of locals gathered in Jungle Dera village after Maghrib prayers after there were reports that a man had torn and set fire some pages of the Quran. The corpse of the innocent man was later hung on the tree. According to a report by Dawn, the man was claiming innocence but nobody listened to him. The eyewitnesses have claimed that a team of police had arrived way before the stoning took place. They had caught the culprit, but the crowd seized him from SHO’s custody. Also read | Pakistani mob tortures Sri Lankan man to death, burns body for tearing up posters of radical Islamist party This is not the first incident of mob lynching in Pakistan. Earlier in December, a frenzied mob tortured a Sri Lankan man to death and then burnt his body in public allegedly over blasphemy accusations. The incident took place on Wazirabad Road in Sialkot, where reportedly the workers of private factories attacked the export manager, a Sri Lankan national, of a factory and burnt his body after killing him, the Dawn reported. Hundreds of men, enraged over the "blasphemy" incident, started gathering outside the factory from adjoining areas. Most of them were activists and supporters of the TLP. "The mob dragged the suspect (the Sri Lankan national) from the factory and severely tortured him. After he succumbed to his wounds, the mob burnt his body before police reached there," the official said. As per figures provided by the Centre for Research and Security Studies, Pakistan reported a total of 1,415 cases of blasphemy in the country since 1947. (With inputs from agencies)

In Pakistan, mob stones man to death for allegedly burning some pages of Quran, hangs body from tree

Mob kills man for desecration in Pakistan's Punjab province

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is now patching his own back. He rolled out rewards for his ministers, at a time when the country is neck-deep in debt.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan rewards Ministers amid economic crisis

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is not happy at the moment. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The reason: His ministry has got 11th position in the list of top-performing ministries of Prime Minister Imran Khan's Performance Delivery Unit (PMDU). &nbsp;

The foreign minister has expressed displeasure on getting the low rank. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Imran Khan had also distributed certificates among the best-performing ministries. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-pregnant-woman-gets-nail-hammered-into-head-in-the-hope-for-a-boy-451772" hreflang="en">Pakistani pregnant woman gets nail hammered into head to give birth to a boy</a>

As the ministry of foreign affairs bagged the low spot, Qureshi was also not handed over any certificate, reported ARY News. &nbsp;

Not just this, the FM discouraged the ranking and also questioned its criteria. &nbsp;

The Imran Khan government was also criticised by Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for not handing over the certificate to Qureshi. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-army-abducting-people-across-balochistan-in-crackdown-to-avenge-attacks-452416" hreflang="en">Pakistani army abducting people across Balochistan to avenge attacks</a>

The ruling PTI government’s allies at the Centre have also expressed disappointment when their ministries were not listed among the top performers, reported the news channel. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan admitted that his government could not bring the desired “changes” in the country. He has blamed the Pakistan’s bureaucratic system for the debacle. &nbsp;

Speaking at a government event in Islamabad, Khan on Thursday said that he wanted to bring "revolutionary changes" at the start of his term, but he could not do it because the "system was incapable of absorbing shock,” Dawn newspaper reported. &nbsp;

The prime minister further said the government and ministries had not given the desired results. &nbsp;

"The biggest problem is that there has been no connection between the government and the interest of the country," Dawn quoted Khan as saying. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is not happy at the moment. The reason: His ministry has got 11th position in the list of top-performing ministries of Prime Minister Imran Khan's Performance Delivery Unit (PMDU).

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is not happy at the moment. The reason: His ministry has got 11th position in the list of top-performing ministries of Prime Minister Imran Khan's Performance Delivery Unit (PMDU). The foreign minister has expressed displeasure on getting the low rank. Imran Khan had also distributed certificates among the best-performing ministries. Also Read: Pakistani pregnant woman gets nail hammered into head to give birth to a boy As the ministry of foreign affairs bagged the low spot, Qureshi was also not handed over any certificate, reported ARY News. Not just this, the FM discouraged the ranking and also questioned its criteria. The Imran Khan government was also criticised by Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari for not handing over the certificate to Qureshi. Also Read: Pakistani army abducting people across Balochistan to avenge attacks The ruling PTI government’s allies at the Centre have also expressed disappointment when their ministries were not listed among the top performers, reported the news channel. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan admitted that his government could not bring the desired “changes” in the country. He has blamed the Pakistan’s bureaucratic system for the debacle. Speaking at a government event in Islamabad, Khan on Thursday said that he wanted to bring "revolutionary changes" at the start of his term, but he could not do it because the "system was incapable of absorbing shock,” Dawn newspaper reported. The prime minister further said the government and ministries had not given the desired results. "The biggest problem is that there has been no connection between the government and the interest of the country," Dawn quoted Khan as saying. (With inputs from agencies)

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi irked with low rank in Pakistan’s top-performing ministries

India's Border Security Force (BSF) has seized eleven Pakistani fishing boats in creek area along the Indo-Pak maritime border near Kutch district of Gujarat on Thursday.

BSF seizes 11 Pakistani fishing boats in creek near Kutch

India has launched a massive search operation for Pakistani fishermen in its western state of Gujarat. The operations have been underway in the Kutch region of the state for over 30 hours now. Three special units of commandos have been air-dropped in Kutch.

India seizes 11 Pakistani boats near Gujarat, commandos airdropped from three different locations

Pakistan has launched a massive crackdown on Baloch people after a series of daring attacks on its border forces that killed scores of troops. Media reports say that over a dozen people have been abducted by forces in just three days from across the province. 
 
In one of the latest abductions, Pakistani security forces reportedly took away four youngsters from Panjgur and Quetta and moved them to unknown locations. The Balochistan Post says that their whereabouts are not known.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-prime-minister-imran-khan-visits-balochistan-after-assaults-by-militants-451459">Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan visits Balochistan after assaults by militants</a> 
 
In another incident, the newspaper says that the Pakistani forces raided the house of Haji Nisar Sarparra and took away his son Haroon Waleed Sarparra.

"It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistani forces have reportedly apprehended more than ten individuals from the Sarparra family during several raids in Mastung, Nushki and Quetta. All of them remain missing to this day", reported the newspaper.

The arrested people include former soldiers, students and people who have been critical of the Pakistani government and the military. Among the people arrested includes Nazeer Rehmat, the brother of the General Secretary of Baloch Students Organization, Mama Azeem Baloch. 
 
Geopolitical analyst and Pakistan watcher Mark Kinra told India Narrative: "Pakistan Army's reaction of abducting Baloch nations was expected as a consequence of the massive attacks on the Panjgur and Noshki FC camps.

"On the other hand, the Baloch also would have anticipated and prepared themselves for these reactions considering decades of enforced disappearances. Such reactions will only seek to bolster Baloch freedom struggle". 
 
Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-72-hour-ops-pak-security-forces-kill-remaining-balochistan-insurgents-toll-reaches-20-450797">&nbsp;After 72-hour ops, Pak security forces kill remaining Balochistan insurgents, toll reaches 20</a>

In Khuzdar too, the forces detained Hafeez Baloch, a final-year MPhil student in the Physics Department of the Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad. 
 
Kinra adds: "These arrests will not deter Baloch nationalist organisations from carrying out attacks in various parts of Balochistan including on check posts of the Pakistani Army. Pakistan PM Imran is raising salaries of Frontier Corps and Rangers by 15 per cent, as they guard most of the border areas and are the first targets of Baloch fighters.

This increase in salaries shows that Pakistan is trying to keep up the morale of its soldiers who are otherwise being used as fodder by the establishment, considering that Pakistan is not looking for a solution to its Baloch problem".

The military has launched a massive crackdown in the aftermath of the deadly siege on the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Panjgur and Noshki that reportedly killed about 190 odd troops. 
 
"There is a feeling in the military establishment that such a devastating attack on the forces could not have happened without inside knowledge. The Pakistani military feels that vital insight was leaked to the Baloch armed groups which helped them take on well-equipped and highly trained Pakistani personnel for three days in their own camp", says an expert.

Watch |&nbsp;Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Army chief Javed Bajwa to visit Balochistan amid rising tensions

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-army-chief-javed-bajwa-to-visit-balochistan-amid-rising-tensions-451424/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Besides the abductions, the Pakistani forces are alleged to have randomly killed people during the tense situation that enveloped Panjgur last week. In Panjgur, the forces allegedly killed a young student identified as Ehtisham Sarwar.

They allegedly also abducted and killed two individuals for breaking the curfew during the attack on the FC camp in Panjgur.

With the internet down and a complete blackout on media, information about the tense situation in Balochistan is trickling through Baloch media organisations and social media.

Pakistan has launched a massive crackdown on Baloch people after a series of daring attacks on its border forces that killed scores of troops. Media reports say that over a dozen people have been abducted by forces in just three days from across the province.

Pakistan has launched a massive crackdown on Baloch people after a series of daring attacks on its border forces that killed scores of troops. Media reports say that over a dozen people have been abducted by forces in just three days from across the province. In one of the latest abductions, Pakistani security forces reportedly took away four youngsters from Panjgur and Quetta and moved them to unknown locations. The Balochistan Post says that their whereabouts are not known. Also read | Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan visits Balochistan after assaults by militants In another incident, the newspaper says that the Pakistani forces raided the house of Haji Nisar Sarparra and took away his son Haroon Waleed Sarparra. "It is pertinent to mention that the Pakistani forces have reportedly apprehended more than ten individuals from the Sarparra family during several raids in Mastung, Nushki and Quetta. All of them remain missing to this day", reported the newspaper. The arrested people include former soldiers, students and people who have been critical of the Pakistani government and the military. Among the people arrested includes Nazeer Rehmat, the brother of the General Secretary of Baloch Students Organization, Mama Azeem Baloch. Geopolitical analyst and Pakistan watcher Mark Kinra told India Narrative: "Pakistan Army's reaction of abducting Baloch nations was expected as a consequence of the massive attacks on the Panjgur and Noshki FC camps. "On the other hand, the Baloch also would have anticipated and prepared themselves for these reactions considering decades of enforced disappearances. Such reactions will only seek to bolster Baloch freedom struggle". Also read | After 72-hour ops, Pak security forces kill remaining Balochistan insurgents, toll reaches 20 In Khuzdar too, the forces detained Hafeez Baloch, a final-year MPhil student in the Physics Department of the Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad. Kinra adds: "These arrests will not deter Baloch nationalist organisations from carrying out attacks in various parts of Balochistan including on check posts of the Pakistani Army. Pakistan PM Imran is raising salaries of Frontier Corps and Rangers by 15 per cent, as they guard most of the border areas and are the first targets of Baloch fighters. This increase in salaries shows that Pakistan is trying to keep up the morale of its soldiers who are otherwise being used as fodder by the establishment, considering that Pakistan is not looking for a solution to its Baloch problem". The military has launched a massive crackdown in the aftermath of the deadly siege on the Frontier Corps (FC) headquarters in Panjgur and Noshki that reportedly killed about 190 odd troops. "There is a feeling in the military establishment that such a devastating attack on the forces could not have happened without inside knowledge. The Pakistani military feels that vital insight was leaked to the Baloch armed groups which helped them take on well-equipped and highly trained Pakistani personnel for three days in their own camp", says an expert. Watch | Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Army chief Javed Bajwa to visit Balochistan amid rising tensions Besides the abductions, the Pakistani forces are alleged to have randomly killed people during the tense situation that enveloped Panjgur last week. In Panjgur, the forces allegedly killed a young student identified as Ehtisham Sarwar. They allegedly also abducted and killed two individuals for breaking the curfew during the attack on the FC camp in Panjgur. With the internet down and a complete blackout on media, information about the tense situation in Balochistan is trickling through Baloch media organisations and social media.

Pakistani army abducting people across Balochistan in crackdown to avenge attacks

Around 40% of Pakistan's workforce is dependent on agriculture. Technology start-ups in the country are rebooting the industry and making it more productive. Mariam Wardak tells you how.

South Asia Diary: Start-ups reboot agriculture in Pakistan

India's envoy to United Nations T.S. Tirumurti has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for its continued support to cross border terrorism and leadership eulogizing terrorists.

India's envoy at UNSC slams Pakistan: 'We have leaders who continue to defend Osama as a martyr'

This week on South Asia Diary with Mariam Wardak: - Afghan ex-cops turn emerald hunters - Start-ups reboot agriculture in Pakistan - Delhi brothers turn bird saviours - Sri Lanka celebrates independence day amid forex crisis - Bangladesh school closure triggers debate

South Asia Diary: Afghan ex-cops turn emerald hunters

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit Russia later this month to bolster ties between Pakistan and the Kremlin. This will be the first visit by Pakistani PM to Russia in over two decades. In a statement, Pakistan's foreign minister confirmed the visit saying that the relations between Moscow and Islamabad are on a positive trajectory.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to visit Moscow, gas deal to be key focus area

Pakistan branches of foreign businesses are getting entangled in Islamabad's Kashmir propaganda Hyundai, KIA, KFC and Pizza Hut are among firms facing the heat for trumpeting the Kashmir agenda of Pakistan.

Is Pakistan pushing corporates to peddle its anti-India agenda?

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and army chief general Qamar Javed Bajwa will visit the southwestern province of Balochistan to take stock of the worsening security situation in the region.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan, Army chief Javed Bajwa to visit Balochistan amid rising tensions

The annual meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) will take place in Pakistan from 1st to 3rd March, with an Indian delegation led by India’s Indus Commissioner, P.K. Saxena, due to visit the country.

According to sources, the delegation is expected to leave around February 28th and return on March 4th. This will be the 117th meeting of the commission led by the commissioners from both sides.

Under the Indus water treaty of 1960, the commissioners were required to meet annually to discuss issues. The last meeting took place in Delhi from March 23rd to 24th.

Those talks came after a gap of two and a half years due to the COVID-19 crisis. Before the 2021 Delhi talks, talks between the two Indus commissioners happened in Lahore in August 2018.

The Pakistani delegation will be led by its Commissioner for Indus Waters, Syed Muhammad Mehr Ali Shah, who visited Delhi last year.

A number of routine matters will be discussed. Last year's meeting saw the Indian side emphasise that the designs of two Indian projects—Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) are fully compliant with the provisions of the Treaty.

Pakistan's side requested India's share of information on the design of other Indian hydropower projects being planned to be developed.

Under the Indus water treaty of 1960, the waters of 3 eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) were allocated to India for unrestricted use, while the waters of 3 western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) went to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Additionally, New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the 3 western rivers, subject to specific criteria for design.

Under the treaty, Pakistan can raise objections to the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on Western rivers. In the past, several issues have been resolved, but either side can go to neutral experts or courts.

The talks are one of the few bilateral institutions that continues to work despite no major government-to-government talks or conversation. Pilgrim movements from both sides have been seen, with Indian Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visiting holy places in Pakistan and vice versa.

Both sides continue to exchange lists of prisoners and nuclear installations on 1st January and 1st July as envisaged under the 2008 and 1988 pacts. After the 2019 removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties. Before that, Indian PM Modi had made a surprise visit to Pakistan in December 2015, but that was followed by the Uri terror attack, leading to a stalemate in ties.

The annual meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) will take place in Pakistan from 1st to 3rd March, with an Indian delegation led by India’s Indus Commissioner, P.

The annual meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC) will take place in Pakistan from 1st to 3rd March, with an Indian delegation led by India’s Indus Commissioner, P.K. Saxena, due to visit the country. According to sources, the delegation is expected to leave around February 28th and return on March 4th. This will be the 117th meeting of the commission led by the commissioners from both sides. Under the Indus water treaty of 1960, the commissioners were required to meet annually to discuss issues. The last meeting took place in Delhi from March 23rd to 24th. Those talks came after a gap of two and a half years due to the COVID-19 crisis. Before the 2021 Delhi talks, talks between the two Indus commissioners happened in Lahore in August 2018. The Pakistani delegation will be led by its Commissioner for Indus Waters, Syed Muhammad Mehr Ali Shah, who visited Delhi last year. A number of routine matters will be discussed. Last year's meeting saw the Indian side emphasise that the designs of two Indian projects—Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) are fully compliant with the provisions of the Treaty. Pakistan's side requested India's share of information on the design of other Indian hydropower projects being planned to be developed. Under the Indus water treaty of 1960, the waters of 3 eastern rivers (Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi) were allocated to India for unrestricted use, while the waters of 3 western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab) went to Pakistan. Additionally, New Delhi has the right to generate hydroelectricity through the run of the river projects on the 3 western rivers, subject to specific criteria for design. Under the treaty, Pakistan can raise objections to the design of Indian hydroelectric projects on Western rivers. In the past, several issues have been resolved, but either side can go to neutral experts or courts. The talks are one of the few bilateral institutions that continues to work despite no major government-to-government talks or conversation. Pilgrim movements from both sides have been seen, with Indian Sikh and Hindu pilgrims visiting holy places in Pakistan and vice versa. Both sides continue to exchange lists of prisoners and nuclear installations on 1st January and 1st July as envisaged under the 2008 and 1988 pacts. After the 2019 removal of special status for the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan downgraded diplomatic ties. Before that, Indian PM Modi had made a surprise visit to Pakistan in December 2015, but that was followed by the Uri terror attack, leading to a stalemate in ties.

Indian delegation to visit Pakistan in March for Indus Commission meet

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