After month-long protests by the people of Gwadar for fundamental rights, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday said that demands of the coastal community of Gwadar were ‘very legitimate’ and announced that the government will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast.

Pakistan: PM Imran Khan assures action after month-long anti-govt protests in Gwadar

With growing dissent in Gwadar over illegal fishing, mega protests continue in Pakistan. PM Imran Khan admits that the demands of Gwadar protestors are legitimate.

Mega Gwadar protests rattle Pakistan as PM Imran Khan admits demands of Gwadar protesters legitimate

In an effort by the Wildlife Trust in Pakistan to conserve green turtles, conservationists relocate eggs to a hatchery.

Pakistan green turtle conservation: Wildlife trust ramps up efforts to protect hatchlings

Days after TTP ended the ceasefire agreement with the Pakistan government, there has been a steady rise in attacks on security force personnel.

Pakistan: Gunmen kill a policeman

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast, after weeks-long sit-in and protest by local residents rattled the government and forced authorities to deploy thousands of additional police officers in the region.

Hundreds of local residents, civil society activists, lawyers, journalists including women have been holding massive protests and a sit-in Gwadar for the last 28 days against unnecessary checkpoints, a severe shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihoods from 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,"&nbsp;Khan tweeted.

Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Balochistan general secretary of Jamaat-i-Islami party, who has led the protests, welcomed the premier's tweet.

Rehman, who is leading the Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Give Rights to Gwadar Movement), said their two major demands were - action against "trawler mafia" and resolution of issues on the Iran border - from overall 19 demands.

Meanwhile, Adviser to the Balochistan Chief Minister on Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Lagau said that the protesters had a list of 19 demands, 16 of which had been accepted by the government.

"The demands accepted include illegal trawlers fishing in Gwadar port, patrolling increased to check on illegal trawlers, Freedom for local fishermen to go to sea, elimination of unnecessary checkposts on major roads, closure of wine shops in Gwadar and elimination of interference in cross-border trade with Iran and end to all kinds of interference and establishment of trade markets at border,"&nbsp;he told reporters.

The protests in Balochistan are part of growing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar, whose port is an integral part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The massive infrastructure project connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

Gwadar port has long been portrayed as the jewel in the CPEC crown, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state.

India has protested to China over the CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Protestors from Gwadar, Turbat, Pishkan, Zamran, Buleda, Ormara and Pasni are taking part in the 'Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek' (Give Rights to Gwadar Movement) led by Maulana Rehman.

They have vowed to continue their protest till their demands are met and earlier this week even the womenfolk took out a big rally in Gwadar and Pasni.

The protesters have put forth 19 demands, which include steps to rid the sea of the "trawler mafia" and allowing fishermen to freely go into the waters, getting rid of unnecessary check posts and to not "insult" citizens in the name of security.

They also demanded that all wine stores in Gwadar be shut down, and to allow border trade with Iran. 
Balochistan is home to a long-running violent insurgency, and China's presence in Gwadar has been the cause of much social unrest and led to anti-Chinese sentiment. It has also given a fillip to Baloch militant insurgent groups, who have carried out terrorist attacks in protest at CPEC projects.

The demands also state that a majority of the people employed by the China Overseas Port Holding Company were from outside of Gwadar and called for giving priority to locals.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast, after weeks-long sit-in and protest by local residents rattled the government and forced authorities to deploy thousands of additional police officers in the region.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Sunday that he will take "strong action" against illegal fishing by trawlers off the Gwadar coast, after weeks-long sit-in and protest by local residents rattled the government and forced authorities to deploy thousands of additional police officers in the region. Hundreds of local residents, civil society activists, lawyers, journalists including women have been holding massive protests and a sit-in Gwadar for the last 28 days against unnecessary checkpoints, a severe shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihoods from 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," Khan tweeted. Maulana Hidayat-ur-Rehman, Balochistan general secretary of Jamaat-i-Islami party, who has led the protests, welcomed the premier's tweet. Rehman, who is leading the Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek (Give Rights to Gwadar Movement), said their two major demands were - action against "trawler mafia" and resolution of issues on the Iran border - from overall 19 demands. Meanwhile, Adviser to the Balochistan Chief Minister on Home and Tribal Affairs Mir Ziaullah Lagau said that the protesters had a list of 19 demands, 16 of which had been accepted by the government. "The demands accepted include illegal trawlers fishing in Gwadar port, patrolling increased to check on illegal trawlers, Freedom for local fishermen to go to sea, elimination of unnecessary checkposts on major roads, closure of wine shops in Gwadar and elimination of interference in cross-border trade with Iran and end to all kinds of interference and establishment of trade markets at border," he told reporters. The protests in Balochistan are part of growing discontent with China's presence in Gwadar, whose port is an integral part of the USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC), the flagship project of China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The massive infrastructure project connects China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province. Gwadar port has long been portrayed as the jewel in the CPEC crown, but in the process, the city has become the very embodiment of a security state. India has protested to China over the CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Protestors from Gwadar, Turbat, Pishkan, Zamran, Buleda, Ormara and Pasni are taking part in the 'Gwadar Ko Huqooq Do Tehreek' (Give Rights to Gwadar Movement) led by Maulana Rehman. They have vowed to continue their protest till their demands are met and earlier this week even the womenfolk took out a big rally in Gwadar and Pasni. The protesters have put forth 19 demands, which include steps to rid the sea of the "trawler mafia" and allowing fishermen to freely go into the waters, getting rid of unnecessary check posts and to not "insult" citizens in the name of security. They also demanded that all wine stores in Gwadar be shut down, and to allow border trade with Iran. Balochistan is home to a long-running violent insurgency, and China's presence in Gwadar has been the cause of much social unrest and led to anti-Chinese sentiment. It has also given a fillip to Baloch militant insurgent groups, who have carried out terrorist attacks in protest at CPEC projects. The demands also state that a majority of the people employed by the China Overseas Port Holding Company were from outside of Gwadar and called for giving priority to locals.

Gwadar protests: Pakistan PM Imran Khan promises 'strong action' against illegal fishing trawlers

Thousands of people stage protests in Pakistan's port city Gwadar to demand rights for people residing in Balochistan. Residents are also opposing Chinese projects in their region.

Pakistan: Mass protests erupt in the port city of Gwadar demanding rights for people of Balochistan

After global condemnation for Pakistan in the Sri Lankan man's public lynching case, the trials for all the accused to be conducted inside the jail.

Pakistan: Trial to be conducted inside the jail in Sri Lankan man's public lynching case

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) also known as the Pakistani Taliban, has unilaterally announced an end to a month-long ceasefire with the Pakistani government.

Pakistani Taliban declares end to ceasefire with government

Once again there is a furor among the minority Sikh community of Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, the birthplace of founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, Pakistan after a young Sikh girl embraced Islam and married a Muslim boy.

Fearing community's anger spilling on roads — as had happened in 2019 in the case of another Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi — the administration of Pakistan Punjab’s districts of Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib took the matter into their own hands to strike a truce between the two communities.

Sources in Nankana Sahib informed WION that teenage Sikh girl Rajmeet Kaur was in relation with Zunaid, a teenage boy who lived in her neighborhood. "On December 7,&nbsp;both of them eloped to a nearby city Jaranwala in Faisalabad district where Rajmeet embraced Islam in a mosque and was rechristened Zannat Bibi and then she married Zunaid," sources claim.

It has also been reported that fearing her parents may forcibly take her away, Zannat Bibi moved an application in court seeking security.

Apprehending the precarious future of young Rajmeet Kaur alias Zannat, her father Ranjit Singh sought the help of community members who took up the issue with the parents of Zunaid and local Muslim elders, but to no avail.

Anticipating the issue taking a religious colour and outpouring of religious emotions, the administration of both Nankana Sahib and Faisalabad intervened and took the couple in their 'protection'. Sources report that they also called their parents to strike a truce between them.

"Girl is adamant on going with her husband but her parents are not ready, so the administration has decided to send her to Darul Uloom in Lahore which is again objected by both, the girl and her parents. So, she may not meet the fate of Jagjit Kaur who had to spend a considerable time in Darul U Amaan before being sent with her husband," said sources. Notably, Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi's case had grabbed headlines when she embraced Islam and married a Muslim boy, Mohammad Hassan, leading to acrimony between two communities to an extent that the local Muslim mob even attacked Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and also threatened to change the name of Nankana Sahib to Ghulam-e-Mustafa.

While downplaying the incident, Pakistan's Khalistani ideologist Sikh leader Gopal Singh Chawla claimed that they would find an amicable solution within the community.&nbsp;

Once again there is a furor among the minority Sikh community of Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, the birthplace of founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, Pakistan after a young Sikh girl embraced Islam and married a Muslim boy.

Once again there is a furor among the minority Sikh community of Nankana Sahib in Pakistan, the birthplace of founder of Sikhism Guru Nanak Dev, Pakistan after a young Sikh girl embraced Islam and married a Muslim boy. Fearing community's anger spilling on roads — as had happened in 2019 in the case of another Sikh girl Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi — the administration of Pakistan Punjab’s districts of Faisalabad and Nankana Sahib took the matter into their own hands to strike a truce between the two communities. Sources in Nankana Sahib informed WION that teenage Sikh girl Rajmeet Kaur was in relation with Zunaid, a teenage boy who lived in her neighborhood. "On December 7, both of them eloped to a nearby city Jaranwala in Faisalabad district where Rajmeet embraced Islam in a mosque and was rechristened Zannat Bibi and then she married Zunaid," sources claim. It has also been reported that fearing her parents may forcibly take her away, Zannat Bibi moved an application in court seeking security. Apprehending the precarious future of young Rajmeet Kaur alias Zannat, her father Ranjit Singh sought the help of community members who took up the issue with the parents of Zunaid and local Muslim elders, but to no avail. Anticipating the issue taking a religious colour and outpouring of religious emotions, the administration of both Nankana Sahib and Faisalabad intervened and took the couple in their 'protection'. Sources report that they also called their parents to strike a truce between them. "Girl is adamant on going with her husband but her parents are not ready, so the administration has decided to send her to Darul Uloom in Lahore which is again objected by both, the girl and her parents. So, she may not meet the fate of Jagjit Kaur who had to spend a considerable time in Darul U Amaan before being sent with her husband," said sources. Notably, Jagjit Kaur alias Ayesha Bibi's case had grabbed headlines when she embraced Islam and married a Muslim boy, Mohammad Hassan, leading to acrimony between two communities to an extent that the local Muslim mob even attacked Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and also threatened to change the name of Nankana Sahib to Ghulam-e-Mustafa. While downplaying the incident, Pakistan's Khalistani ideologist Sikh leader Gopal Singh Chawla claimed that they would find an amicable solution within the community.

Another teenage Sikh girl of Nankana Sahib embraces Islam, marries Muslim boy

A few days before President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy, a virtual meeting of more than 100 countries that opened Thursday, the Chinese foreign ministry released a stinging report about the American democratic system.

The “gunshots and farce on Capitol Hill have completely revealed what is underneath the gorgeous appearance of the American-style democracy,” the Chinese report said, citing the Jan. 6 riot. In a country where “money decides everything,” the report charged, “an entrenched political paralysis” renders governing impossible.

A spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry struck a similarly contemptuous tone in late November. “The United States claims the right to decide who is worthy of being called a democracy and who is not,” said the spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, according to Tass, the state news agency. “It certainly looks cynical. I would say that it looks pathetic, given the state of democracy and human rights in the United States and in the West in general.”

A backlash from authoritarian governments that were not invited to a summit meeting meant to support democratic values is hardly surprising.

But even U.S. officials concede that American democracy is straining from political polarization, racial injustice and discord, voting rights restrictions and domestic extremism, among other issues. Some activists are urging Biden to devote more attention to problems at home before turning his focus abroad.

“You can’t try to export and defend democracy globally when you can’t protect it domestically,” said Cliff Albright, a co-founder and executive director of the Black Voters Matter Fund, a progressive nonprofit group in Atlanta. “You can’t be the global fireman when your house is on fire.”

That tension will loom over the two-day virtual gathering of leaders from model democracies like Germany, Japan and Sweden to countries with mixed records such as Georgia, Nigeria and Pakistan. The meeting, which also includes journalists, civil society activists and business leaders, is meant to be a forum for democracies to exchange ideas and critiques, U.S. officials say. Participants will also make commitments on political reform, corruption, human rights and other matters.

“The U.S. is clearly going through a rough patch right now,” said Michael J. Abramowitz, the president of Freedom House, a nonpartisan group dedicated to human rights and democracy. The United States ranked 50th on Freedom House’s annual index of global freedom, he said. Last month, the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance placed the United States on its list of “backsliding democracies.”

Domestic shortcomings should not deter the United States from promoting its core values where authoritarianism and populism have gained traction in recent years, Abramowitz said, “as long as it’s done with humility.”

“Without United States engagement and leadership, the cause of democracy will not advance,” he said. “Who else will do it?”

Biden has said the world stands at a historical “inflection point” in the contest between democracy and autocracy. He has also vowed to show that the U.S. system is superior to more centralized models, like China’s, which brook little dissent. Administration officials say they meet that challenge but have no illusions about their domestic troubles.

“We approach this week with both humility and confidence,” Uzra Zeya, the undersecretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights, told reporters at the State Department on Tuesday.

She added: “Humility in that we want to listen and learn and don’t shy away from our shortcomings; confidence in our constant striving for a more perfect union; and our certainty that, working together, democracies can and will deliver for the world’s citizens, regardless of the raw deal that autocrats and authoritarians try to sell.”

But others cautioned against moving the spotlight overseas while problems festered at home. The federal authorities have said that violent domestic extremists continue to be emboldened by false claims about the 2020 election. Former President Donald Trump is fighting in court to block the release of documents requested by a congressional committee investigating the mob attack on the Capitol. And Republicans have passed voting restrictions in 19 states this year.

While Biden has called defending the right to vote an urgent priority, many of his supporters complain that federal legislation to bolster voting rights, standardize basic election rules and outlaw gerrymandering has not advanced in Congress.

A White House fact sheet issued before the summit cited the passage of his bipartisan infrastructure plan as a prominent example of a functioning democracy. But Marc H. Morial, the president and chief executive of the National Urban League, said that more action was needed on domestic threats to democracy. He called the summit “a missed opportunity.”

“You cannot separate what’s going on globally with what’s going on in the United States,” Morial said.

The Biden administration could also use the summit to set out longer-term plans to work with other countries facing similar threats to democracy, said Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think tank. For example, officials could strategize on ways to crack down on U.S. extremist groups increasingly making connections overseas, she said.

“American democracy at home and global democracy abroad are in dire need of strategy, of improvement, because both are facing swift recession,” Kleinfeld said. “But a summit is not a strategy. In fact, a summit has been a distraction.”

Domestic issues are not the only potential source of awkwardness at the meeting, which started off with remarks from Biden and will feature sessions with heads of state and more than a dozen events.

The administration has also faced questions over its criteria for invitations. Critics have questioned the inclusion of countries like the Philippines, which the State Department has condemned for extrajudicial killings, and Pakistan, which the United States accused of “forced disappearance by the government or its agents; torture; and cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by the government.”

Freedom House found that Georgia was affected by the influence of oligarchs over its politics and news media, and that Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, had endemic corruption and permitted the harassment and arrests of journalists.

“I would not have thrown a party in quite this way,” Kleinfeld said of the “broad tent” of invitees.

Hungary and Turkey, which are NATO members, were not invited; nor were several other countries that identify as democracies but have records of repression. Singapore was also left out, though Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Vice President Kamala Harris both traveled there this year to promote its relationship with the United States as an ally in the South China Sea.

“The decision to not invite robust democracies like Singapore and Bhutan underscores that democracy is in the eye of the beholder,” said Curtis S. Chin, a former U.S. ambassador to the Asian Development Bank.

Brazil, Latin America’s largest — but increasingly authoritarian — democracy, also was not invited; nor were Egypt Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates.

Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said this week that the invitations should not be treated as a “stamp of approval on their approach to democracy.”

“This is an opportunity, again, not to celebrate everything we’ve done on democracy, either for the United States or all these countries, and call it a day,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to continue to strive to do better.”

A few days before President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy, a virtual meeting of more than 100 countries that opened Thursday, the Chinese foreign ministry released a stinging report about the American democratic system.

A few days before President Joe Biden’s Summit for Democracy, a virtual meeting of more than 100 countries that opened Thursday, the Chinese foreign ministry released a stinging report about the American democratic system. The “gunshots and farce on Capitol Hill have completely revealed what is underneath the gorgeous appearance of the American-style democracy,” the Chinese report said, citing the Jan. 6 riot. In a country where “money decides everything,” the report charged, “an entrenched political paralysis” renders governing impossible. A spokesperson for the Russian foreign ministry struck a similarly contemptuous tone in late November. “The United States claims the right to decide who is worthy of being called a democracy and who is not,” said the spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, according to Tass, the state news agency. “It certainly looks cynical. I would say that it looks pathetic, given the state of democracy and human rights in the United States and in the West in general.” A backlash from authoritarian governments that were not invited to a summit meeting meant to support democratic values is hardly surprising. But even U.S. officials concede that American democracy is straining from political polarization, racial injustice and discord, voting rights restrictions and domestic extremism, among other issues. Some activists are urging Biden to devote more attention to problems at home before turning his focus abroad. “You can’t try to export and defend democracy globally when you can’t protect it domestically,” said Cliff Albright, a co-founder and executive director of the Black Voters Matter Fund, a progressive nonprofit group in Atlanta. “You can’t be the global fireman when your house is on fire.” That tension will loom over the two-day virtual gathering of leaders from model democracies like Germany, Japan and Sweden to countries with mixed records such as Georgia, Nigeria and Pakistan. The meeting, which also includes journalists, civil society activists and business leaders, is meant to be a forum for democracies to exchange ideas and critiques, U.S. officials say. Participants will also make commitments on political reform, corruption, human rights and other matters. “The U.S. is clearly going through a rough patch right now,” said Michael J. Abramowitz, the president of Freedom House, a nonpartisan group dedicated to human rights and democracy. The United States ranked 50th on Freedom House’s annual index of global freedom, he said. Last month, the Stockholm-based International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance placed the United States on its list of “backsliding democracies.” Domestic shortcomings should not deter the United States from promoting its core values where authoritarianism and populism have gained traction in recent years, Abramowitz said, “as long as it’s done with humility.” “Without United States engagement and leadership, the cause of democracy will not advance,” he said. “Who else will do it?” Biden has said the world stands at a historical “inflection point” in the contest between democracy and autocracy. He has also vowed to show that the U.S. system is superior to more centralized models, like China’s, which brook little dissent. Administration officials say they meet that challenge but have no illusions about their domestic troubles. “We approach this week with both humility and confidence,” Uzra Zeya, the undersecretary for civilian security, democracy and human rights, told reporters at the State Department on Tuesday. She added: “Humility in that we want to listen and learn and don’t shy away from our shortcomings; confidence in our constant striving for a more perfect union; and our certainty that, working together, democracies can and will deliver for the world’s citizens, regardless of the raw deal that autocrats and authoritarians try to sell.” But others cautioned against moving the spotlight overseas while problems festered at home. The federal authorities have said that violent domestic extremists continue to be emboldened by false claims about the 2020 election. Former President Donald Trump is fighting in court to block the release of documents requested by a congressional committee investigating the mob attack on the Capitol. And Republicans have passed voting restrictions in 19 states this year. While Biden has called defending the right to vote an urgent priority, many of his supporters complain that federal legislation to bolster voting rights, standardize basic election rules and outlaw gerrymandering has not advanced in Congress. A White House fact sheet issued before the summit cited the passage of his bipartisan infrastructure plan as a prominent example of a functioning democracy. But Marc H. Morial, the president and chief executive of the National Urban League, said that more action was needed on domestic threats to democracy. He called the summit “a missed opportunity.” “You cannot separate what’s going on globally with what’s going on in the United States,” Morial said. The Biden administration could also use the summit to set out longer-term plans to work with other countries facing similar threats to democracy, said Rachel Kleinfeld, a senior fellow in the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a Washington think tank. For example, officials could strategize on ways to crack down on U.S. extremist groups increasingly making connections overseas, she said. “American democracy at home and global democracy abroad are in dire need of strategy, of improvement, because both are facing swift recession,” Kleinfeld said. “But a summit is not a strategy. In fact, a summit has been a distraction.” Domestic issues are not the only potential source of awkwardness at the meeting, which started off with remarks from Biden and will feature sessions with heads of state and more than a dozen events. The administration has also faced questions over its criteria for invitations. Critics have questioned the inclusion of countries like the Philippines, which the State Department has condemned for extrajudicial killings, and Pakistan, which the United States accused of “forced disappearance by the government or its agents; torture; and cases of cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment by the government.” Freedom House found that Georgia was affected by the influence of oligarchs over its politics and news media, and that Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, had endemic corruption and permitted the harassment and arrests of journalists. “I would not have thrown a party in quite this way,” Kleinfeld said of the “broad tent” of invitees. Hungary and Turkey, which are NATO members, were not invited; nor were several other countries that identify as democracies but have records of repression. Singapore was also left out, though Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Vice President Kamala Harris both traveled there this year to promote its relationship with the United States as an ally in the South China Sea. “The decision to not invite robust democracies like Singapore and Bhutan underscores that democracy is in the eye of the beholder,” said Curtis S. Chin, a former U.S. ambassador to the Asian Development Bank. Brazil, Latin America’s largest — but increasingly authoritarian — democracy, also was not invited; nor were Egypt Saudi Arabia or the United Arab Emirates. Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said this week that the invitations should not be treated as a “stamp of approval on their approach to democracy.” “This is an opportunity, again, not to celebrate everything we’ve done on democracy, either for the United States or all these countries, and call it a day,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to continue to strive to do better.”

Biden rallies global democracies as US hits a 'rough patch'

'Be Ready' is Tehreek-e-Taliban's message to Imran Khan as it abandons the ceasefire deal struck in November. The TTP has also said that its not a separate outfit, but is part of the Afghan Taliban. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: 'Be Ready' says TTP to Pak Govt as it abandons 'ceasefire deal'

Taliban militants TTP in Pakistan have declared an end to a month-long ceasefire, accusing the government of breaching terms including a prisoner release agreement and the formation of negotiating committees.

Pakistan: TTP declares end to ceasefire with government

According to a survey, Pakistani citizens are unsatisfied. Inflation is battering the economy, prices if everyday good are on a rise, petrol diesel prices are surging, and most importantly, Imran Khan government do not have funds to run the country.

Inflation batter Pakistan's economy, 50% citizens blame Imran Khan government

The Pakistani Taliban, or Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have declared an end to a month-long ceasefire in the country arranged with the aid of the Afghan Taliban.

Pakistani Taliban calls off month-long ceasefire with government

Pakistan has decided to skip Joe Biden's democracy summit without offering a reason. Did China order Imran Khan to reject Biden's invite? Has Pakistan surrendered its foreign policy & sovereignty to Beijing? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Did China order Pakistan to skip Biden's summit?

Pakistan's terrorist group 'Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan' ends a month-long ceasefire agreement with the government. It accuses them of not upholding their end of the agreement in freeing the prisoners.

Terrorist group Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan ends a month-long ceasefire agreement with the government

Pakistan has turned down US' invitation for the Summit for Democracy, an event hosted by Joe Biden with representatives from more than 100 countries.

Pakistan declines invitation to Summit for Democracy by US

Pakistan has turned down US' invitation for the Summit for Democracy, an event hosted by Joe Biden with representatives from more than 100 countries. As per a statement issued by the country's Foreign Office, Pakistan thanked the US for the invitation. However, it said that it would engage with the country on a wide range of issues "at an opportune time in the future."&nbsp;

Geo TV quoted Pakistan's Foreign Office as saying, "We remain deeply committed to further deepening democracy, fighting corruption, and protecting, and promoting the human rights of all citizens. In recent years, Pakistan has instituted wide-ranging reforms aimed at advancing these goals. These reforms have yielded positive results."

The statement further highlighted how Pakistan values the partnership between the two nations. "Pakistan will, meanwhile, continue to support all efforts aimed towards strengthening dialogue, constructive engagement, and international cooperation for the advancement of our shared goals," the statement concluded.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-democracy-summit-100-nations-invited-china-russia-see-red-after-being-left-out-435351">Also read |&nbsp;Biden's Democracy Summit: 100+ nations invited, China &amp; Russia see red after being left out</a>

The event, which is set to take place on December 9 and 10 has drawn criticism from countries like China and Russia. However, the US sees the summit as a "galvanizing moment" for world democracies to address pressing challenges.&nbsp;

It will be opened by President Biden at the White House and will bring together participants from over 100 countries. It will also include NGOs, businesses, philanthropic organizations and legislators.

"Make no mistake, we're at a moment of democratic reckoning," said Uzra Zeya, the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights. "It's no secret that democracies around the world are facing increasing challenges from new and novel threats. Countries in virtually every region of the world have experienced degrees of democratic backsliding," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan has turned down US' invitation for the Summit for Democracy, an event hosted by Joe Biden with representatives from more than 100 countries. As per a statement issued by the country's Foreign Office, Pakistan thanked the US for the invitation.

Pakistan has turned down US' invitation for the Summit for Democracy, an event hosted by Joe Biden with representatives from more than 100 countries. As per a statement issued by the country's Foreign Office, Pakistan thanked the US for the invitation. However, it said that it would engage with the country on a wide range of issues "at an opportune time in the future." Geo TV quoted Pakistan's Foreign Office as saying, "We remain deeply committed to further deepening democracy, fighting corruption, and protecting, and promoting the human rights of all citizens. In recent years, Pakistan has instituted wide-ranging reforms aimed at advancing these goals. These reforms have yielded positive results." The statement further highlighted how Pakistan values the partnership between the two nations. "Pakistan will, meanwhile, continue to support all efforts aimed towards strengthening dialogue, constructive engagement, and international cooperation for the advancement of our shared goals," the statement concluded. Also read | Biden's Democracy Summit: 100+ nations invited, China & Russia see red after being left out The event, which is set to take place on December 9 and 10 has drawn criticism from countries like China and Russia. However, the US sees the summit as a "galvanizing moment" for world democracies to address pressing challenges. It will be opened by President Biden at the White House and will bring together participants from over 100 countries. It will also include NGOs, businesses, philanthropic organizations and legislators. "Make no mistake, we're at a moment of democratic reckoning," said Uzra Zeya, the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights. "It's no secret that democracies around the world are facing increasing challenges from new and novel threats. Countries in virtually every region of the world have experienced degrees of democratic backsliding," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

'At an opportune time in the future': Pakistan declines invitation to Summit for Democracy by US

Pakistan has decided not to attend a US-led democracy summit, saying Islamabad is in contact with Washington on multiple issues and "we can engage on this subject at an opportune time in the future."

'Will engage some other time,' Pakistan decides to skip US 'democracy summit'

A viral video from Pakistan's Faisalabad claimed to show 'women being paraded naked.' CCTV footage from the site reveals the women disrobed themselves. Who is the real victim in this story? Palki Sharma has this to say.

Gravitas: Faisalabad Shocker: A tale of two videos

A group of people in Pakistan stripped four women, including a teenager, dragged and beat them up after accusing them of 'shoplifting' in the country's Punjab province. The incident took place in Faisalabad, approx 180 kms from Lahore, on Monday.

Pakistan: Four women stripped, were paraded naked and assaulted by men in Faisalabad

The lynching of a Sri Lankan national in Pakistan has sparked global outrage. But Pakistani ministers are trying to justify the killing by comparing the mob to 'children' who often get carried away by 'emotions'. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Pak Defence minister justifies lynching of Sri Lankan national

When a mob in eastern Pakistan attacked and killed a Sri Lankan factory manager, Priyantha Kumara, his family was unaware of what was happening. It was only through the evening news that his wife got to know about the heartbreaking news.<o:p></o:p>

In an exclusive interview with WION, Kumara’s wife, Nilushi Dissanayaka, and his brother,&nbsp;Kamalasiri Shantha Kumara, revealed that family was unaware of this heinous attack till they saw it in news.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-mob-lynching-remains-of-lankan-man-sent-to-colombo-for-last-rites-434613">Pakistan mob lynching: Remains of Lankan man sent to Colombo for last rites</a></o:p>

Describing him as a "very calm and cool person", Kumara’s wife agreed that her husband was a very "disciplined person". Sadly, she added ‘unfortunately’ as many reports have stated that it was his strictness that the factory employees were not fond of, and therefore headed out for revenge.<o:p></o:p>

Priyantha Kumara had been working in Pakistan for the past 11 years and the factory was his second workplace where he had been working for the past nine years. The victim's brother claims that the family believes that this murder was pre-planned. "This is not a sudden attack, it was pre=planned," he told WION.<o:p></o:p>

It is being believed that Kumara was brutally slapped, kicked, punched which led to his death, and his body was then set to fire by a frenzied mob, in which there were also supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remains-of-sri-lankan-lynching-victim-handed-over-to-family-434900">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/remains-of-sri-lankan-lynching-victim-handed-over-to-family-434900/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Monday, the Pakistan government sent his remains back to his family in Sri Lanka. After Sri Lankan embassy officials visited the hospital to lay flowers on his remains and escort the body to the airport, the remains were sent to Colombo from Lahore airport.<o:p></o:p>

Kumara’s wife has been told by the Sri Lankan government that "they will take the necessary action needed and we have placed our trust in" them. <o:p></o:p>

She also added that the family will not be able to return to Pakistan ever. "This will be a lesson to all those, if they don’t, no foreigners would go to work in Pakistan. Asking Pakistan government, don’t give chance to these cruel people," she said.<o:p></o:p>

When a mob in eastern Pakistan attacked and killed a Sri Lankan factory manager, Priyantha Kumara, his family was unaware of what was happening. It was only through the evening news that his wife got to know about the heartbreaking news.

When a mob in eastern Pakistan attacked and killed a Sri Lankan factory manager, Priyantha Kumara, his family was unaware of what was happening. It was only through the evening news that his wife got to know about the heartbreaking news. In an exclusive interview with WION, Kumara’s wife, Nilushi Dissanayaka, and his brother, Kamalasiri Shantha Kumara, revealed that family was unaware of this heinous attack till they saw it in news. Also read | Pakistan mob lynching: Remains of Lankan man sent to Colombo for last rites Describing him as a "very calm and cool person", Kumara’s wife agreed that her husband was a very "disciplined person". Sadly, she added ‘unfortunately’ as many reports have stated that it was his strictness that the factory employees were not fond of, and therefore headed out for revenge. Priyantha Kumara had been working in Pakistan for the past 11 years and the factory was his second workplace where he had been working for the past nine years. The victim's brother claims that the family believes that this murder was pre-planned. "This is not a sudden attack, it was pre=planned," he told WION. It is being believed that Kumara was brutally slapped, kicked, punched which led to his death, and his body was then set to fire by a frenzied mob, in which there were also supporters of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). WATCH | On Monday, the Pakistan government sent his remains back to his family in Sri Lanka. After Sri Lankan embassy officials visited the hospital to lay flowers on his remains and escort the body to the airport, the remains were sent to Colombo from Lahore airport. Kumara’s wife has been told by the Sri Lankan government that "they will take the necessary action needed and we have placed our trust in" them. She also added that the family will not be able to return to Pakistan ever. "This will be a lesson to all those, if they don’t, no foreigners would go to work in Pakistan. Asking Pakistan government, don’t give chance to these cruel people," she said.

'Got to know about his death from news': Priyantha Kumara's wife tells WION

The remains of the Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara, who was brutally tortured and lynched in Pakistan's Sialkot have been handed over to the family after a second post-mortem at the national hospital in Colombo.

Remains of Sri Lankan lynching victim handed over to family

Wildlife authorities in the Pakistani city of Karachi are spending most of their time at the beach monitoring green turtles who come to the area to lay eggs. Once the mother turtle leaves, the staff hurry to dig out the eggs and move them to a three-feet-deep pit in a hatchery. And eventually, the hatchlings are released into the sea.

Pakistan wildlife trust ramps up efforts to protect green turtle hatchlings

Step into the Potterverse with a tour around Lahore's University College. Students at this university have turned their college into Hogwarts. P.S: It's all muggle work, no wands. Mariam Wardak tells you more.

South Asia Diary | Pakistani college turns into Hogwarts

Amid the country-wide outrage over the brutal killing of a Sri Lankan national in Pakistan, the country's defence minister Pervez Khattak has now dismissed suggestions that the lynching incident has to be linked to the government's decision to lift the ban on the TLP PARTY.

Sialkot lynching: 'Murders happen when emotions are high, can't blame govt,' says  Pervez Khattak

A leading opthalmologist in Pakistan has expressed sadness at lynching of Sri Lankan national in Sialkot. Dr Niaz Brohi, the opthalmologist, drew attention to the fact that 40 per cent of corneas used in Pakistan for eye transplant come from Sri Lanka and are donated by Sri Lankan citizens.

“We hang our heads in shame,” he has been quoted as saying by SAMAA digital.

He told the news platform that Pakistan was largest recipient of corneas from Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana was lynched to death by a mob of hundreds on December 3 in Pakistan's Sialkot. The frenzied mob attacked Priyantha on suspicions that he had committed blasphemy. Priyantha, a manager of a factory was attacked, tortured and his body was burnt. As per media reports on post-mortem, all bones in his body were broken and the body was 99 per cent burnt.

Diyawadana's body was transferred to Lahore after the autopsy, according to a Punjab Police spokeswoman, where that was handed over to the Sri Lankan embassy.

Dr Brohi, who is a member of Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society from Pakistan. Samaa digital said that the society had donated 35,000 eye corneas to Pakistan.

“Sri Lankan donated us eyes, but we have lost sight,” Dr Brohi told the news platform

A leading opthalmologist in Pakistan has expressed sadness at lynching of Sri Lankan national in Sialkot. Dr Niaz Brohi, the opthalmologist, drew attention to the fact that 40 per cent of corneas used in Pakistan for eye transplant come from Sri Lanka and are donated by Sri Lankan citizens.

A leading opthalmologist in Pakistan has expressed sadness at lynching of Sri Lankan national in Sialkot. Dr Niaz Brohi, the opthalmologist, drew attention to the fact that 40 per cent of corneas used in Pakistan for eye transplant come from Sri Lanka and are donated by Sri Lankan citizens. “We hang our heads in shame,” he has been quoted as saying by SAMAA digital. He told the news platform that Pakistan was largest recipient of corneas from Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan national Priyantha Kumara Diyawadana was lynched to death by a mob of hundreds on December 3 in Pakistan's Sialkot. The frenzied mob attacked Priyantha on suspicions that he had committed blasphemy. Priyantha, a manager of a factory was attacked, tortured and his body was burnt. As per media reports on post-mortem, all bones in his body were broken and the body was 99 per cent burnt. Diyawadana's body was transferred to Lahore after the autopsy, according to a Punjab Police spokeswoman, where that was handed over to the Sri Lankan embassy. Dr Brohi, who is a member of Sri Lanka Eye Donation Society from Pakistan. Samaa digital said that the society had donated 35,000 eye corneas to Pakistan. “Sri Lankan donated us eyes, but we have lost sight,” Dr Brohi told the news platform

'Sri Lankans donated 35k eyes to Pakistanis, but we lost sight,' rues doctor after lynching

Amid the country-wide outrage over the brutal killing of a Sri Lankan national in Pakistan, the country's defence minister Pervez Khattak has now dismissed suggestions that the lynching incident has to be linked to the government's decision to lift the ban on the TLP party. WION's correspondent Anas Mallick brings in all the latest information.

Sialkot Lynching Case: Pakistan defence minister shields government from blame

A tweet by Pakistan's Embassy in Serbia has left Islamabad embarrassed. The post slammed Imran Khan for not paying salaries on time. How did Pak respond? Palki Sharma gets you the details.

Gravitas: Pak Embassy exposes Imran Khan govt

Will an uprising in Gwadar ignite a civil war in Balochistan? For 18 days now, thousands of people have been protesting in Gwadar. They are pushing back against the oppression of Pakistan & the colonisation of China. Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Will an uprising in Gwadar ignite a civil war in Balochistan?

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