Russia has announced a new meeting between Russia, the United States, China, and Pakistan under the extended Troika format of talks.

Russia announces extended Troika talks between the US, Russia, China, and Pakistan

The Chinese city of Xi'an, where 13 million residents are currently confined to their homes, announced tightened restrictions as the country recorded its biggest COVID-19 infection numbers in 21 months.

Report: Authorities link Xi'an COVID-19 outbreak to a flight from Pakistan

In Pakistan's southwestern Quetta city, a bomb went off, killing at least four people while 15 others had been wounded in the blast.

Pakistan: At least four people were killed while 15 others were wounded in a blast in Quetta city

Saudi citizens took to social media to express their disapproval of the Pakistani Foreign Minister, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, for sitting in an 'offensive' posture during his meeting with Saudi leader Nawaf bin Said al-Malki, in Islamabad.

Saudi social media users slam Pakistan FM Qureshi for his posture in meeting with KSA ambassador

Pakistan's national assembly witnessed a massive uproar as the opposition raised slogans and protested. Lawmakers also engaged in a fistfight over newly introduced bills.

Pakistan's national assembly breaks into chaos as lawmakers engage in a fistfight

A new meeting of the United States, Russia, China and Pakistan under Extended Troika format is scheduled for January next year in Kabul. The date for talks is yet to be decided.

Extended Troika talks to be held in last week of January, date yet to be fixed

Tensions are escalating between the Taliban and the Pakistan security forces over border fencing at the Durand line. In recent weeks, there have been a number of clashes along the Durand line when the two sides exchanged fire.

Tensions escalate between Taliban and Pakistan over Durand line fencing

Pakistan has inducted a squadron of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets. Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed says the jets are a 'counter' to India's Rafale jets. Are they really? Palki Sharma has this to say.

Gravitas: This is Pakistan's 'counter' to Rafale jets

Tensions are escalating between the Taliban and Pakistan security forces over the border fencing at the Durand line. In recent weeks there have been a number of clashes along the journey line when the two sides exchanged fire across the border.

Pakistan and Taliban forces clash continue at the Durand line

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has been criticised for insulting the Saudi envoy.

Outcry after Pak Foreign Minister Qureshi 'insults' Saudi envoy

Pakistan's Gwadar city is up in arms the rights movement for Gwadar is now demanding an end to drugs trafficking. Residents and the entire marker and coastal coastal belt has now raised concerns against the drug trafficking in the region.

Pakistan: Gwadar residents raise voice against drug trafficking

Pakistan's Gwadar city is up in arms. The rights movement for Gwadar is demanding an end to drugs trafficking.

Rights movement for Gwadar demands end to drug trafficking

Pakistan has acquired a squadron of 25 Chinese multi-role J-10C fighter jets, and according to its Interior Minister, this was in response to India's purchase of the Rafale aircraft.

Pakistan acquires 25 Chinese J-10C fighter jets as a response to India's Rafale

The country's national security council has approved Pakistan's first-ever national security policy and the same would be tabled before the federal cabinet on Tuesday. Here we bring you all the latest developments.

Pakistan approves first ever national security policy

Losses, accidents and delays: that's the story of Pakistani railways. Successive governments have failed to implement railway reforms, resulting in a broken, loss-making system. Mariam Wardak tells you more.

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Pakistan security body nod to national policy, citizens prime focus

The country's national security council has approved Pakistan's first-ever national security policy and the same would be tabled before the federal cabinet on Tuesday.

Pakistan approves its first-ever National Security Policy

Pakistan is all set to announce its first ever national security policy, this according to reports will cover all internal and external security aspects including the situation in Afghanistan and its ramifications in the region.

Pakistan is all set to announce its first ever national security policy

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was trolled for sharing a video showing a snow leopard roaring and disappearing in the snow-covered region of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Twitterati takes a dig at Pakistan PM Imran Khan's post on snow Leopard

Pakistan's government is announcing the country's first-ever National security policy at a meeting that will cover all internal and external security aspects. This will include the situation in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, in a report by Dawn, said, "It will be the first-ever National Security Policy to be approved at the meeting and later it will be made public."

He further said that the meeting will be attended by several senior military officials, including Chief of the Army staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-ruling-partys-workers-resentful-of-changes-introduced-by-imran-khan-440032">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan: Ruling party's workers resentful of changes introduced by Imran Khan</a>

This comes at a time of turmoil within the ruling party of Pakistan, Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). It happened after Prime Minister Imran Khan, dissolved the ruling party's organisational structure and many workers reacted strongly. The workers expressed concern over the appointment of federal ministers as new party officials.&nbsp;

The party had to go through a major defeat in the first phase of local body polls, which were recently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. PTI won less than 10 chairperson or mayor posts of the 39 seats it had contested on during the polls.

Several senior party leaders believe that the PTI could face major challenges in the upcoming elections. They further said that dissolving functional systems would not help.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's government is announcing the country's first-ever National security policy at a meeting that will cover all internal and external security aspects. This will include the situation in Afghanistan.

Pakistan's government is announcing the country's first-ever National security policy at a meeting that will cover all internal and external security aspects. This will include the situation in Afghanistan. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, in a report by Dawn, said, "It will be the first-ever National Security Policy to be approved at the meeting and later it will be made public." He further said that the meeting will be attended by several senior military officials, including Chief of the Army staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa and Inter-Services Intelligence Director General Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum. Also read | Pakistan: Ruling party's workers resentful of changes introduced by Imran Khan This comes at a time of turmoil within the ruling party of Pakistan, Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). It happened after Prime Minister Imran Khan, dissolved the ruling party's organisational structure and many workers reacted strongly. The workers expressed concern over the appointment of federal ministers as new party officials. The party had to go through a major defeat in the first phase of local body polls, which were recently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. PTI won less than 10 chairperson or mayor posts of the 39 seats it had contested on during the polls. Several senior party leaders believe that the PTI could face major challenges in the upcoming elections. They further said that dissolving functional systems would not help. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan to announce its first-ever National security policy today

As Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan dissolved the ruling party's organisational structure, many workers of Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) have strongly reacted. The workers have expressed concern over the appointment of federal ministers as new party officials. This comes as the party had to go through a major defeat in the first phase of local body polls, which were recently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. PTI won less than 10 chairperson or mayor posts of the 39 seats it had contested on during the polls. &nbsp;

As per party leaders, people who have faltered should have been punished. A report by Dawn quotes a party leader as saying,

“We are unable to understand the wisdom behind dissolving party organisations across the country by a high-powered core committee headed by party chairman Imran Khan."

Several senior party leaders&nbsp;believe that the PTI could face major challenges in the upcoming elections. They further said that dissolving functional systems would not help.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pms-party-hits-reset-to-undergo-major-overhaul-says-report-439749">Also read |&nbsp;Pakistan PM's party hits reset, to undergo major overhaul, says report</a>

However, a Federal Minister said that the changes have been introduced with the intention&nbsp;to reactivate the party. Like this, an active contact could be established with workers and voters.&nbsp;

The prime minister was not happy with the performance of the party in the elections and blamed poor selection of candidates for the debacle, said Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry.&nbsp;

Speaking on the appointment of Shafqat Mahmood as the PTI Punjab president, a provincial leader said that the party had lost the previous local elections under the leadership of the education minister. “We are here to reorganise the party to meet the future electoral challenges," Mr Mahmood said.

(With inputs from agencies)

As Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan dissolved the ruling party's organisational structure, many workers of Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) have strongly reacted. The workers have expressed concern over the appointment of federal ministers as new party officials.

As Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan dissolved the ruling party's organisational structure, many workers of Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) have strongly reacted. The workers have expressed concern over the appointment of federal ministers as new party officials. This comes as the party had to go through a major defeat in the first phase of local body polls, which were recently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. PTI won less than 10 chairperson or mayor posts of the 39 seats it had contested on during the polls. As per party leaders, people who have faltered should have been punished. A report by Dawn quotes a party leader as saying, “We are unable to understand the wisdom behind dissolving party organisations across the country by a high-powered core committee headed by party chairman Imran Khan." Several senior party leaders believe that the PTI could face major challenges in the upcoming elections. They further said that dissolving functional systems would not help. Also read | Pakistan PM's party hits reset, to undergo major overhaul, says report However, a Federal Minister said that the changes have been introduced with the intention to reactivate the party. Like this, an active contact could be established with workers and voters. The prime minister was not happy with the performance of the party in the elections and blamed poor selection of candidates for the debacle, said Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry. Speaking on the appointment of Shafqat Mahmood as the PTI Punjab president, a provincial leader said that the party had lost the previous local elections under the leadership of the education minister. “We are here to reorganise the party to meet the future electoral challenges," Mr Mahmood said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Ruling party's workers resentful of changes introduced by Imran Khan

After facing defeat in the local body elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has formed a new organisational structure for the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), a day after dissolving all previous bodies within his party.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces defeat in local body elections in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

The two allies Afghan Taliban and the Pakistan government are at loggerheads over the border region known as the Durand line. In the latest, there has been a fresh exchange of fire between the parties, and that comes after the Taliban has uprooted barbed wires erected by Islamabad in east Nangarhar province along the Durand line.

The two allies Pakistan & Taliban spar over the border region known as the Durand line

As Gwadar continues its massive demonstration against the mega developmental plans in line with China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for over a month, China is now expressing concerns over the both "non-violent and armed" forms of the escalating protest in Pakistan city, as per a European think tank.

Pakistan: Gwadar protests continue to simmer as leaders issue warning against Chinese-led project

Pak PM Imran Khan forms new organisational structure for PTI

After Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s support for extremist group Taliban at the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) summit in Islamabad, the new Afghanistan government were seen warning Pakistan’s forces as fresh clashes erupt at the border.

Pakistan & Taliban spar over durand line

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf run Punjab Assembly in Pakistan has passed a resolution supporting the Tablighi Jamaat. It says the movement is 'earning goodwill for Pakistan'. What sort of goodwill? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Pakistan passes resolution supporting 'Tablighi Jamaat'

If a media report is to be believed, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has dissolved all supporting political organisations of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday. &nbsp;

The development comes as the party suffered a major defeat in the first phase of local body polls, which were recently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mission-in-argentina-posts-cryptic-message-on-j17-fighter-jet-blames-imran-khan-government-439007" hreflang="en">Pak mission in Argentina posts cryptic message on J17 fighter jet</a>

After attending a party meet, which was chaired by the PM, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry shared the important takeaways from the results of the elections with the media, reported the Dawn newspaper. &nbsp;

The minister said, "Chief organisers and all office-bearers have been removed from their positions.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

All future party ranks would be selected after careful consideration by a senior PTI panel, he added. &nbsp;

The prime minister was not happy with the performance of the party in the elections and blamed poor selection of candidates for the debacle, Chaudhary said as per the Dawn report. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/report-reveals-that-more-than-100-mps-in-pakistan-not-paying-income-tax-439447" hreflang="en">Report reveals that more than 100 MPs in Pakistan not paying income tax</a>

PTI won less than 10 chairperson or mayor posts of the 39 seats it had contested on during the polls. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The selection of candidates should have been done on merit. "We are receiving complaints that in different areas, party tickets were distributed among family members disregarding merit," the minister added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

If a media report is to be believed, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has dissolved all supporting political organisations of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday.

If a media report is to be believed, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has dissolved all supporting political organisations of his ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party on Friday. The development comes as the party suffered a major defeat in the first phase of local body polls, which were recently held in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of the country. Also Read: Pak mission in Argentina posts cryptic message on J17 fighter jet After attending a party meet, which was chaired by the PM, Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry shared the important takeaways from the results of the elections with the media, reported the Dawn newspaper. The minister said, "Chief organisers and all office-bearers have been removed from their positions.” All future party ranks would be selected after careful consideration by a senior PTI panel, he added. The prime minister was not happy with the performance of the party in the elections and blamed poor selection of candidates for the debacle, Chaudhary said as per the Dawn report. Also Read: Report reveals that more than 100 MPs in Pakistan not paying income tax PTI won less than 10 chairperson or mayor posts of the 39 seats it had contested on during the polls. The selection of candidates should have been done on merit. "We are receiving complaints that in different areas, party tickets were distributed among family members disregarding merit," the minister added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM's party hits reset, to undergo major overhaul, says report

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has revealed he was not in favour of Babar Azam taking over as the captain of the national team. Babar was appointed as Pakistan's limited-overs captain in 2019 post the team's disappointing exit from the 2019 ODI World Cup in England. The batting maestro later took over from Azhar Ali as the captain of the Test side as well in 2020.

Afridi, one of the greatest all-rounders to have played for Pakistan, revealed he was not confident when Babar was appointed as the captain of the Pakistan team and had doubts over his leadership credentials. The former captain, however, is happy to have been proved wrong by Babar, who has not only performed consistently with the bat since taking over captaincy across all three formats but has also been a great leader.

During an interaction on Pakistani news channel Samaa TV, Afridi said how he was afraid of the captaincy burden increasing the pressure on Babar, which could have taken a toll on his batting.&nbsp;

"I was afraid that there would be a lot of pressure on Babar Azam,"&nbsp;Afridi said on Samaa Tv.

Pakistan team's captaincy is not a small thing. Being the captain, one needs to handle the media and players. The captain needs to speak to PCB and the selection committee as well. I was not confident that he (Azam) would be able to lead the squad. But, he has proved me wrong with his performance (as captain)," he added.

Babar led Pakistan to the semi-final of the T20 World Cup in 2021 where the Men in Green went down against eventual winners Australia. Pakistan were a dominant force in the year 2021 as they won 20 out of the 29 T20Is they played this year with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar finishing the year as the two highest run-getters in the format.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-is-so-weak-he-cant-survive-in-a-single-format-ex-pakistan-captain-criticises-all-rounder-439582">Hardik Pandya is so weak, he can't survive in a single format: Ex-Pakistan captain criticises all-rounder</a>

While Rizwan notched up 1326 runs in 29 matches, Babar amassed 939 runs in 29 games. Babar also was consistent in ODIs and Tests with 405 and 416 runs respectively in the two formats. The Pakistan skipper has been leading the side by example and will be hoping to continue his consistent run across formats next year.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has revealed he was not in favour of Babar Azam taking over as the captain of the national team. Babar was appointed as Pakistan's limited-overs captain in 2019 post the team's disappointing exit from the 2019 ODI World Cup in England.

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has revealed he was not in favour of Babar Azam taking over as the captain of the national team. Babar was appointed as Pakistan's limited-overs captain in 2019 post the team's disappointing exit from the 2019 ODI World Cup in England. The batting maestro later took over from Azhar Ali as the captain of the Test side as well in 2020. Afridi, one of the greatest all-rounders to have played for Pakistan, revealed he was not confident when Babar was appointed as the captain of the Pakistan team and had doubts over his leadership credentials. The former captain, however, is happy to have been proved wrong by Babar, who has not only performed consistently with the bat since taking over captaincy across all three formats but has also been a great leader. During an interaction on Pakistani news channel Samaa TV, Afridi said how he was afraid of the captaincy burden increasing the pressure on Babar, which could have taken a toll on his batting. "I was afraid that there would be a lot of pressure on Babar Azam," Afridi said on Samaa Tv. Pakistan team's captaincy is not a small thing. Being the captain, one needs to handle the media and players. The captain needs to speak to PCB and the selection committee as well. I was not confident that he (Azam) would be able to lead the squad. But, he has proved me wrong with his performance (as captain)," he added. Babar led Pakistan to the semi-final of the T20 World Cup in 2021 where the Men in Green went down against eventual winners Australia. Pakistan were a dominant force in the year 2021 as they won 20 out of the 29 T20Is they played this year with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar finishing the year as the two highest run-getters in the format. Also Read: Hardik Pandya is so weak, he can't survive in a single format: Ex-Pakistan captain criticises all-rounder While Rizwan notched up 1326 runs in 29 matches, Babar amassed 939 runs in 29 games. Babar also was consistent in ODIs and Tests with 405 and 416 runs respectively in the two formats. The Pakistan skipper has been leading the side by example and will be hoping to continue his consistent run across formats next year.

'I was not confident': Shahid Afridi reveals he was not in favour of Babar Azam becoming Pakistan's captain

A new report has revealed that members of parliament in Pakistan are either not paying income tax or are not registered with the Pakistan Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).&nbsp;

A Pakistan-based news portal, The News, published a report citing official documents examined by Geo News found that at least 161 of 1,170 MPs in Pakistan have not paid tax on their income nor have filed any tax returns.&nbsp;

The report further mentioned that these MPs are in violation of tax laws while collectively owning assets worth PKR35 billion (Pakistani rupee).&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/is-pakistans-covid-19-mortality-rate-much-higher-than-global-data-heres-a-report-438225">Is Pakistan's COVID-19 mortality rate much higher than global data? Here's a report</a>

The records show that these MPs are on the 'in-active taxpayers' list' and some are not even registered with the FBR as taxpayers.&nbsp;

Without taking any name, the report stated that four MPs, who are not active taxpayers, have purchased properties collectively worth millions of dollars in Dubai, Norway and London in the last 10 years.&nbsp;

The report also mentioned that the Parliamentarians Tax Directory for the fiscal year 2018 did not carry a tax record of around 323 of the total 1,170 MPs.&nbsp;

As per the report, MPs'&nbsp;Tax Directory for the years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 are yet to be published.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-has-gone-bankrupt-govt-deceiving-people-says-former-tax-chief-shabbar-zaidi-437689">Pakistan has gone bankrupt, govt deceiving people, says former tax chief Shabbar Zaidi</a>

Over 847 MPs collectively paid around PKR1.6 billion in taxes for the year 2018-19, according to the FBR directory.&nbsp;

The media outlet further mentioned that FBR didn't respond to the queries citing confidentiality laws and also did not entertain multiple requests filed under RTI laws.&nbsp;

"The Income Tax Ordinance mentions punishment of MPs who are not registered with FBR; it has to proceed against these MPs for not being registered and being filers," Geo News quoted Ashfaq Tola, a tax expert, as saying.&nbsp;

A new report has revealed that members of parliament in Pakistan are either not paying income tax or are not registered with the Pakistan Federal Board of Revenue (FBR).

A new report has revealed that members of parliament in Pakistan are either not paying income tax or are not registered with the Pakistan Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). A Pakistan-based news portal, The News, published a report citing official documents examined by Geo News found that at least 161 of 1,170 MPs in Pakistan have not paid tax on their income nor have filed any tax returns. The report further mentioned that these MPs are in violation of tax laws while collectively owning assets worth PKR35 billion (Pakistani rupee). ALSO READ | Is Pakistan's COVID-19 mortality rate much higher than global data? Here's a report The records show that these MPs are on the 'in-active taxpayers' list' and some are not even registered with the FBR as taxpayers. Without taking any name, the report stated that four MPs, who are not active taxpayers, have purchased properties collectively worth millions of dollars in Dubai, Norway and London in the last 10 years. The report also mentioned that the Parliamentarians Tax Directory for the fiscal year 2018 did not carry a tax record of around 323 of the total 1,170 MPs. As per the report, MPs' Tax Directory for the years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 are yet to be published. ALSO READ | Pakistan has gone bankrupt, govt deceiving people, says former tax chief Shabbar Zaidi Over 847 MPs collectively paid around PKR1.6 billion in taxes for the year 2018-19, according to the FBR directory. The media outlet further mentioned that FBR didn't respond to the queries citing confidentiality laws and also did not entertain multiple requests filed under RTI laws. "The Income Tax Ordinance mentions punishment of MPs who are not registered with FBR; it has to proceed against these MPs for not being registered and being filers," Geo News quoted Ashfaq Tola, a tax expert, as saying.

Report reveals that more than 100 MPs in Pakistan not paying income tax

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her address to the Maldives Parliament on Thursday recalled the Pakistani brutalities in 1971 in what was then East Pakistan. The Prime Minister is on a visit to the country, her first under Maldives President Solih's term.

Mentioning the political situation in the then Pakistani state after Awami league's landslide victory in 1970 elections, she said, "When the Pakistani military govt refused to hand over power to the elected representatives, my father called non-cooperation movement and on the 7th of March 1971 he addressed a huge gathering and gave a clarion call to the people to rise up and begin the struggle for independence".&nbsp;

She detailed, "On 25th March, Pakistani military junta started genocide, started killing our people...on 26th March, my father declared liberation" and "Inspired by his leadership, millions of Bangalees from all walks of life joined the freedom struggle until we gained the ultimate victory on the 16th of December in 1971."

This year the country celebrated its 50th Independence year anniversary. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind was the chief guest at the celebrations in Dhaka.&nbsp;

During her speech at the Maldives Parliament, the PM mentioned the economic development the country has seen. She said, "In continuation of our development journey, we have to transform Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021, meet all the SDG targets by 2031, turn into a knowledge-based developed country by 2041, and a prosperous and resilient Delta by 2100."&nbsp;

On 24 November 2021, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on the Graduation of Bangladesh from the LDC category. The country is now a $411 billion economy and is ranked among the 34 largest economies of the world.

On ties with Maldives, the PM said, "We are particularly encouraged to witness your development journey, your successful transition from LDC to a Middle-Income country, and we hope Bangladesh and Maldives would tap the complementarities."

Both countries signed four agreements which included areas like health, recruitment of qualified health professionals, youth and sports development and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance.&nbsp;

Apart from the agreement exchange, a symbolic handover of keys to military vehicles donated by Bangladesh to the Maldives took place between Maldives’ Chief of Defence Force, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, and General S. M. Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her address to the Maldives Parliament on Thursday recalled the Pakistani brutalities in 1971 in what was then East Pakistan.

Bangladesh's Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in her address to the Maldives Parliament on Thursday recalled the Pakistani brutalities in 1971 in what was then East Pakistan. The Prime Minister is on a visit to the country, her first under Maldives President Solih's term. Mentioning the political situation in the then Pakistani state after Awami league's landslide victory in 1970 elections, she said, "When the Pakistani military govt refused to hand over power to the elected representatives, my father called non-cooperation movement and on the 7th of March 1971 he addressed a huge gathering and gave a clarion call to the people to rise up and begin the struggle for independence". She detailed, "On 25th March, Pakistani military junta started genocide, started killing our people...on 26th March, my father declared liberation" and "Inspired by his leadership, millions of Bangalees from all walks of life joined the freedom struggle until we gained the ultimate victory on the 16th of December in 1971." This year the country celebrated its 50th Independence year anniversary. Indian President Ram Nath Kovind was the chief guest at the celebrations in Dhaka. During her speech at the Maldives Parliament, the PM mentioned the economic development the country has seen. She said, "In continuation of our development journey, we have to transform Bangladesh into a middle-income country by 2021, meet all the SDG targets by 2031, turn into a knowledge-based developed country by 2041, and a prosperous and resilient Delta by 2100." On 24 November 2021, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution on the Graduation of Bangladesh from the LDC category. The country is now a $411 billion economy and is ranked among the 34 largest economies of the world. On ties with Maldives, the PM said, "We are particularly encouraged to witness your development journey, your successful transition from LDC to a Middle-Income country, and we hope Bangladesh and Maldives would tap the complementarities." Both countries signed four agreements which included areas like health, recruitment of qualified health professionals, youth and sports development and prevention of tax evasion and avoidance. Apart from the agreement exchange, a symbolic handover of keys to military vehicles donated by Bangladesh to the Maldives took place between Maldives’ Chief of Defence Force, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, and General S. M. Shafiuddin Ahmed, Chief of Army Staff of Bangladesh.

In Maldives Parliament, Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina recalls Pakistani atrocities of 1971

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