Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Minister's meet on Afghanistan, this is proposed by Saudi Arabia. Taliban interim govt officials are also invited to the meeting. WION's Anas Mallick brings in more information on this.

Pakistan to host OIC Foreign Minister's meet on Afghanistan crisis

Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan. The idea was proposed by Saudi Arabia last month.&nbsp;

The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan. The nation had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power, along with the disruption of aid. The IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban.

Foreign Ministers from Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar will be present at the meeting. Afghanistan's interim government and several other ministers will also be present. However, they won't be taking part in the meeting but will get a chance to engage.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-concerns-of-extreme-poverty-taliban-manages-to-prepare-new-afghan-budget-437814">Also read |&nbsp;Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget</a>

Pakistan has announced the suspension of phone services in the capital city Islamabad during the session. Services will be blocked from Islamabad Airport to the Red Zone.&nbsp;

Foreign ministers from countries like the US, UK, Germany, France, Russia and China have also been invited.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, in the latest development, Afghanistan's finance ministry has managed to draft a national budget under the Taliban government. This has happened for the first time in two decades without being funded by foreign aid.&nbsp;

As of now, the size of the budget has not been disclosed. Finance ministry spokesman Ahmad Wali Haqmal while speaking to AFP said that it would go to the cabinet for approval before being published.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan. The idea was proposed by Saudi Arabia last month. The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan.

Pakistan is hosting an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan. The idea was proposed by Saudi Arabia last month. The idea behind the meet is to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan. The nation had already been facing chronic poverty and drought but the situation worsened since the Taliban seized power, along with the disruption of aid. The IMF had said that its engagement with Afghanistan will remain suspended until there is clarity on the recognition of the government led by the Taliban. Foreign Ministers from Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar will be present at the meeting. Afghanistan's interim government and several other ministers will also be present. However, they won't be taking part in the meeting but will get a chance to engage. Also read | Amid concerns of extreme poverty, Taliban manages to prepare new Afghan budget Pakistan has announced the suspension of phone services in the capital city Islamabad during the session. Services will be blocked from Islamabad Airport to the Red Zone. Foreign ministers from countries like the US, UK, Germany, France, Russia and China have also been invited. Meanwhile, in the latest development, Afghanistan's finance ministry has managed to draft a national budget under the Taliban government. This has happened for the first time in two decades without being funded by foreign aid. As of now, the size of the budget has not been disclosed. Finance ministry spokesman Ahmad Wali Haqmal while speaking to AFP said that it would go to the cabinet for approval before being published. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan is hosting OIC meeting to organise economic assistance for Afghanistan

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi stated that coming together of the members of the international community and the Taliban at the same platform at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meet in Islamabad would prove to be a stepping stone in finding solutions to the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Pakistan: OIC foreign ministers' meet on Afghanistan to address crisis

Pakistan skipped US President Joe Biden's democracy summit for many reasons. This includes China's diktat and Pakistan not being invited to the plenary session.

What moved Pakistan to skip US President Joe Biden's democracy summit?

After a month of a stir by residents in Pakistan's port city Gwadar, the government has finally accepted all the demands. The government also promises a University in Gwadar.

After a month of a stir, Gwadar protests were called off as Pakistan government accept all demands

The protests in Gwadar have been going on for over a month. Now after 30 days of thousands taking to the streets in the port city, the protests have finally been called off. Pakistan government claims to have accepted all their demands saying that they will be implemented in a month.

Gwadar protest ends after over a month as Pakistan government 'accepts demands'

It has been a month since the protests started in Gwadar. What started as just hundreds protesting - in the port city has now turned into a sea of people on the streets. All fighting for their rights. It is a story that the world has been ignoring. WION is the only international channel - To bring you the latest on the Gwadar protests. But before we tell you more - take a look at these visuals.

Gwadar Protest | Solidarity rallies held across Pakistan

What started as just hundreds protesting in Pakistan's port city Gwadar has now turned into a sea of people on the streets, all fighting for their rights. It is a story that the world has been ignoring but WION is the only international channel to bring you the latest on the Gwadar protests.

WION Ground Report: Thousands protesting in Gwadar for over a month

It has been a month since the protest has started in Gwadar, now what started as just hundreds protesting has now turned into a sea of people in the streets, all fighting for their rights. Anas Mallick brings you all the latest on this.

Gwadar Protests: 'We need a university,' locals oppose construction of stadium

The intervention by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan came nearly a month after the Gwadar fishermen took to the streets to press the government for their demands including a halt to illegal fishing. WION brings you a live report from the protest site.

Protesters demand for justice in Gwadar, ask for basic amenities

It has been a month since the protest has started in Gwadar, now what started as just hundreds protesting has now turned into a sea of people in the streets, all fighting for their rights. Anas Mallick brings in an exclusive conversation with Maulana Hidqayat Ur-Rehman.

WION in an exclusive conversation with Gwadar protest leader

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As the mass protests in Pakistan's port city Gwadar enter the 29th day, WION brings to you a live report from the ground up. Solidarity for protesters grows across the nation.

Ground report from Pakistan's port city Gwadar where mass protests have been going on for 29 days

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The intervention by Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan came nearly a month after the Gwadar fishermen took to the streets to press the government for their demands including halt to illegal fishing. WION brings you a live report from the protest site.

WION in Gwadar: PM Imran Khan assures protesters of action against illegal fishing

As the Gwadar protests enter day 29, Pakistan PM Imran Khan acknowledges the demands to be legitimate. Protestors demand basic rights.

Fight for rights in Pakistan's port city Gwadar enters day 29

Prime Minister Imran Khan took notice of the "very legitimate demands" of the "fishermen of Gwadar" as the protest of the locals in the port city for their basic rights entered its 29th day. WION brings to you a live report from the protest site.

WION reports from Gwadar protest site: PM Imran Khan vows 'strong action' against illegal trawlers

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Gravitas: Why the western media will not cover Gwadar protests

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WION at ground zero Gwadar: Protestors await government action as mass protests enter day 29

Pakistan: WION speaks to Maulana Hidayat Ur Rehman, the man leading Gwadar protests

Gwadar in Pakistan, where a port is being developed by China, has become the centre of a massive, resolute protest against Chinese presence in the country.

The locals and even those not from the city have gathered in Gwadar to oppose Chinese presence in Balochistan, the province where Gwadar is located.

The largely peaceful protest rallies where tens of thousands of men, women and children participated, had been going on for last 29 days.

Balochistan is resource-rich but least developed Pakistani province. The region has also seen pro-independence elements and an insurgency against the Pakistani state flourish over the years.

What are protests in Gwadar about?&nbsp;

There is resentment among locals against Chinese presence. China is developing the port and is also involved in infrastructure projects. Locals have been saying for long that jobs in these vital projects are being offered to outside labour and locals are left without employment. Locals allege that they are being marginalised.

What is the 'trawler mafia?'

Another issue that has angered people in Gwadar is that of Chinese fishing trawlers.

Fishing is the main occupation for many in the port city. But the local fishermen allege that the 'trawler mafia' is looting the marine resources. The fishermen had held protests in June this year against licenses being granted to Chinese fishing vessels in sea near Gwadar.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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یہ ہے وہ ٹرالرمافیا جو گوادر سے روزگار چھین رہا ہے 
آپ ڈیڑھ منٹ کی یہ ویڈیو دیکھیں کہ کیسے گوادر کے حق روزگار پر ڈاکہ ڈالا جا رہا ہے، سمندری حیات کی نسل کشی ہو رہی ہے 
اس ظلم کے خاتمے کا ہم مطالبہ کر رہے ہیں۔ یقین دہانی کروائی جاتی ہے، علمدرآمد نہیں<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%DB%8C%D9%88%D9%85_%DB%8C%DA%A9%D8%AC%DB%81%D8%AA%DB%8C_%D8%A8%D9%84%D9%88%DA%86%D8%B3%D8%AA%D8%A7%D9%86_%DA%AF%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AF%D8%B1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#یوم_یکجہتی_بلوچستان_گوادر</a> <a href="https://t.co/WDVj9YVD9z">pic.twitter.com/WDVj9YVD9z</a>
— Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch (@MHidayatRehman) <a href="https://twitter.com/MHidayatRehman/status/1470010548301582337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Local fisherfolk have already given up some of their regular fishing spots due to development work of the port. Now the unequal competition with Chinese trawlers has added to their difficulty.

People are also protesting against unnecessary checkpoints on main roads, severe shortage of water and electricity.

Who is co-ordinating the protests?

The protesters have rallied under Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Rights to Gwadar movement). Interestingly, a Jamat-e-Islami leader Maulana Rehman is leading the protest. Jamat-e-Islami is seen as traditional ally of Pakistan's all-powerful military establishment.

Why is Gwadar important for China?

Gwadar forms important node in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar project that is the flaghship of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Gwadar will be connected to China's Xinjiang province through network of roads and raliroad in Pakistan. China has undertaken these projects as well.

China lacks direct access to Arabian Sea. It will be able to do so via Gwadar. Chinese goods, and even oil supplies will then be able to bypass sea lanes in Indian Ocean dominated by Indian Navy and other powers.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gwadar-protests-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-promises-strong-action-against-illegal-fishing-trawlers-436371">Gwadar protests: Pakistan PM Imran Khan promises 'strong action' against illegal fishing trawlers</a>

India opposes CPEC and holds it illegal as some of the projects have proposed to be implemented in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.

What is different about Gwadar protests this time?

The first thing is how huge they are. The second difference is the diversity of participation. Women have turned up for protests as well. In conservative society of Balochistan, this is being seen as an indication that all sections of the society are angry about Chinese presence.

How has Pakistan government reacted to Gwadar protests?

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured 'strong action against illegal fishing'.

"I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers &amp; will also speak to CM Balochistan," he tweeted on Sunday.

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I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers &amp; will also speak to CM Balochistan.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1469912226521878529?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Gwadar in Pakistan, where a port is being developed by China, has become the centre of a massive, resolute protest against Chinese presence in the country. The locals and even those not from the city have gathered in Gwadar to oppose Chinese presence in Balochistan, the province where Gwadar is located.

Gwadar in Pakistan, where a port is being developed by China, has become the centre of a massive, resolute protest against Chinese presence in the country. The locals and even those not from the city have gathered in Gwadar to oppose Chinese presence in Balochistan, the province where Gwadar is located. The largely peaceful protest rallies where tens of thousands of men, women and children participated, had been going on for last 29 days. Balochistan is resource-rich but least developed Pakistani province. The region has also seen pro-independence elements and an insurgency against the Pakistani state flourish over the years. What are protests in Gwadar about? There is resentment among locals against Chinese presence. China is developing the port and is also involved in infrastructure projects. Locals have been saying for long that jobs in these vital projects are being offered to outside labour and locals are left without employment. Locals allege that they are being marginalised. What is the 'trawler mafia?' Another issue that has angered people in Gwadar is that of Chinese fishing trawlers. Fishing is the main occupation for many in the port city. But the local fishermen allege that the 'trawler mafia' is looting the marine resources. The fishermen had held protests in June this year against licenses being granted to Chinese fishing vessels in sea near Gwadar. یہ ہے وہ ٹرالرمافیا جو گوادر سے روزگار چھین رہا ہے آپ ڈیڑھ منٹ کی یہ ویڈیو دیکھیں کہ کیسے گوادر کے حق روزگار پر ڈاکہ ڈالا جا رہا ہے، سمندری حیات کی نسل کشی ہو رہی ہے اس ظلم کے خاتمے کا ہم مطالبہ کر رہے ہیں۔ یقین دہانی کروائی جاتی ہے، علمدرآمد نہیں#یوم_یکجہتی_بلوچستان_گوادر pic.twitter.com/WDVj9YVD9z — Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman Baloch (@MHidayatRehman) December 12, 2021 × Local fisherfolk have already given up some of their regular fishing spots due to development work of the port. Now the unequal competition with Chinese trawlers has added to their difficulty. People are also protesting against unnecessary checkpoints on main roads, severe shortage of water and electricity. Who is co-ordinating the protests? The protesters have rallied under Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Rights to Gwadar movement). Interestingly, a Jamat-e-Islami leader Maulana Rehman is leading the protest. Jamat-e-Islami is seen as traditional ally of Pakistan's all-powerful military establishment. Why is Gwadar important for China? Gwadar forms important node in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a multibillion-dollar project that is the flaghship of China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Gwadar will be connected to China's Xinjiang province through network of roads and raliroad in Pakistan. China has undertaken these projects as well. China lacks direct access to Arabian Sea. It will be able to do so via Gwadar. Chinese goods, and even oil supplies will then be able to bypass sea lanes in Indian Ocean dominated by Indian Navy and other powers. Also Read | Gwadar protests: Pakistan PM Imran Khan promises 'strong action' against illegal fishing trawlers India opposes CPEC and holds it illegal as some of the projects have proposed to be implemented in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir. What is different about Gwadar protests this time? The first thing is how huge they are. The second difference is the diversity of participation. Women have turned up for protests as well. In conservative society of Balochistan, this is being seen as an indication that all sections of the society are angry about Chinese presence. How has Pakistan government reacted to Gwadar protests? Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has assured 'strong action against illegal fishing'. "I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan," he tweeted on Sunday. I have taken notice of the very legitimate demands of the hardworking fishermen of Gwadar. Will be taking strong action against illegal fishing by trawlers & will also speak to CM Balochistan. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) December 12, 2021 ×

Why are people in Pakistan's Gwadar protesting against the Chinese? Here is what we know

Mass protests against the Chinese-led project CPEC project gains momentum as the protests mark its 26th day in Pakistan's port city Gwadar.

Mass protests in Pakistan's port city Gwadar continue for the 26th day

There has been a surge in attacks on Pakistan's security personnel since Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan ended its ceasefire agreement with the government.

Days after TTP ends ceasefire agreement, steady rise in attack on Pakistan's security forces

After nearly a month-long protests in the port city of Gwadar, Prime Minister Imran Khan has finally taken notice of ongoing demonstrations by the people. PM Khan has announced that the government will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan assures 'strong action' against illegal fishing trawlers in Gwadar

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