India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan. Dismissing his 'unwarranted references' on Jammu and Kashmir, the ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement called the comments 'unacceptable'.&nbsp;

The statement said, "when an incumbent President of the UN General Assembly makes misleading and prejudiced remarks, he does a great disservice to the office he occupies", adding, his "behaviour is truly regrettable and surely diminishes his standing on the global platform." India also dismissed equating of Palestine and J&amp;K saying that there is no ‘basis for comparison to other global situations'. &nbsp;

During his Pakistan visit, the UNGA President equated Palestine with Jammu and Kashmir issue, and said it's the 'duty of Pakistan to bring this to UN Platform more strongly'. Volkan Bozkır is a Turkish diplomat and politician and the first Turkish national to hold the post of President of the United Nations General Assembly. The term of the presidency of UNGA is for a one year, and he or she is expected to remain impartial.&nbsp;

The comments will be seen as a violation of the code of ethics mentioned in Annex XI (a) for the President of the General Assembly as enshrined under resolution 70/305 of 13 September 2016. The Annex, para 2 says, "The President shall perform his or her duties and responsibilities in an impartial and equitable manner and in full honesty and good faith".&nbsp;

Also, the same code, Para 3 states that President 'shall avoid any action' that 'might result in or create the appearance of' giving 'unwarranted preferential treatment to any State..', in this case, is Pakistan. &nbsp;

Para 5 points out, "President shall avoid any situation involving a conflict between his or her own personal or private interest and the interests of the Presidency or the United Nations". His comments are perceived to be shadowed by the Turkish foreign policy, which has taken the Pakistani position on Jammu and Kashmir irking India. &nbsp;

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan.

India has expressed its 'strong opposition' to the comments made by United Nations General Assembly President Volkan Bozkir on Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan. Dismissing his 'unwarranted references' on Jammu and Kashmir, the ministry of external affairs in a strongly worded statement called the comments 'unacceptable'. The statement said, "when an incumbent President of the UN General Assembly makes misleading and prejudiced remarks, he does a great disservice to the office he occupies", adding, his "behaviour is truly regrettable and surely diminishes his standing on the global platform." India also dismissed equating of Palestine and J&K saying that there is no ‘basis for comparison to other global situations'. During his Pakistan visit, the UNGA President equated Palestine with Jammu and Kashmir issue, and said it's the 'duty of Pakistan to bring this to UN Platform more strongly'. Volkan Bozkır is a Turkish diplomat and politician and the first Turkish national to hold the post of President of the United Nations General Assembly. The term of the presidency of UNGA is for a one year, and he or she is expected to remain impartial. The comments will be seen as a violation of the code of ethics mentioned in Annex XI (a) for the President of the General Assembly as enshrined under resolution 70/305 of 13 September 2016. The Annex, para 2 says, "The President shall perform his or her duties and responsibilities in an impartial and equitable manner and in full honesty and good faith". Also, the same code, Para 3 states that President 'shall avoid any action' that 'might result in or create the appearance of' giving 'unwarranted preferential treatment to any State..', in this case, is Pakistan. Para 5 points out, "President shall avoid any situation involving a conflict between his or her own personal or private interest and the interests of the Presidency or the United Nations". His comments are perceived to be shadowed by the Turkish foreign policy, which has taken the Pakistani position on Jammu and Kashmir irking India.

India slams UNGA prez Bozkir's Kashmir remarks; Says comments 'unacceptable' 

Why is Pakistan building a new base near Afghanistan? Is it for American troops? The US wants to retain some assets in Afghanistan's neighbourhood. Will Pakistan host American soldiers? Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Will American soldiers watch Afghanistan from Pakistan?

Deadly waves of COVID-19 are sweeping across South Asia. Families are losing loved ones, & vaccines are running out. WION correspondents show you what's happening in 4 different countries.

COVID-19 in South Asia: 4 countries, 4 Ground reports

A Pakistani journalist has been brutally assaulted by three masked men at his home in Islamabad. Journalist Asad Ali Toor claimed that three men wearing masks broke into his house, tied him up and assaulted him, and were from the Pakistani spy agency.

Pakistan journalist Asad Ali Toor attacked by masked men at home in Islamabad

Are Pakistan & US friends or enemies? What is their relationship status? 3 developments tell why Washington can neither ignore Islamabad nor fully embrace it. Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas: Are Pak & US friends or enemies?

Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said in the Senate that Pakistan would not provide its military bases to the United States for future counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan and also not allow drone attacks inside Pakistan.&nbsp;

The foreign minister rejected as unfounded the reports of Pakistan providing bases to the US, making it clear that Prime Minister Imran Khan would never allow it. He would also not&nbsp;allow drone attacks inside Pakistan, reported The News International.&nbsp;

"I want to assure the House that Pakistan is in safe hands," he remarked.

The remarks came after a Pentagon official said that Pakistan had allowed the US military to use its airspace and given ground access so that it could support its presence in Afghanistan. &nbsp;

Responding to the concerns of a senator, Qureshi, said, "Because what we were fearing and we still fear and are concerned that a vacuum created in Afghanistan can drag or suck the country back into the decade of 1990s".&nbsp;

Qureshi contended that as the US planned to withdraw its remaining troops from Afghanistan by September 11, Pakistan would continue playing its role for advancement of the peace process in that country, reported The News International.&nbsp;

Mian Raza Rabbani, ex-chairman of Senate, also said that Pakistan should not allow the United States the use of its air and ground facilities for action in Afghanistan and an international mechanism be thrashed out to prevent such circumstances from happening again.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, diplomatic sources in Washington told Dawn newspaper that Pakistan had always allowed overflights and ground access to the US to facilitate its military presence in Afghanistan and would continue to do so. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said in the Senate that Pakistan would not provide its military bases to the United States for future counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan and also not allow drone attacks inside Pakistan.

Foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday said in the Senate that Pakistan would not provide its military bases to the United States for future counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan and also not allow drone attacks inside Pakistan. The foreign minister rejected as unfounded the reports of Pakistan providing bases to the US, making it clear that Prime Minister Imran Khan would never allow it. He would also not allow drone attacks inside Pakistan, reported The News International. "I want to assure the House that Pakistan is in safe hands," he remarked. The remarks came after a Pentagon official said that Pakistan had allowed the US military to use its airspace and given ground access so that it could support its presence in Afghanistan. Responding to the concerns of a senator, Qureshi, said, "Because what we were fearing and we still fear and are concerned that a vacuum created in Afghanistan can drag or suck the country back into the decade of 1990s". Qureshi contended that as the US planned to withdraw its remaining troops from Afghanistan by September 11, Pakistan would continue playing its role for advancement of the peace process in that country, reported The News International. Mian Raza Rabbani, ex-chairman of Senate, also said that Pakistan should not allow the United States the use of its air and ground facilities for action in Afghanistan and an international mechanism be thrashed out to prevent such circumstances from happening again. Meanwhile, diplomatic sources in Washington told Dawn newspaper that Pakistan had always allowed overflights and ground access to the US to facilitate its military presence in Afghanistan and would continue to do so. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan FM Qureshi rules out providing military bases to US for operations in Afghanistan

A Pakistani nurse narrates how her time inside a COVID-19 ward in Karachi resulted in mental trauma over the last year. Mariam Wardak gets you the story.

South Asia Diary: Pak nurse recounts trauma from working in COVID ward

According to a Pentagon official, Pakistan has allowed the US military to use its airspace and given ground access so that it can support its presence in Afghanistan. He also said that Pakistan has played an important role in Afghanistan and they have supported the Afghan peace process.

Pakistan to continue giving air, ground access to US says Pentagon

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30.&nbsp;

"Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year.&nbsp;

The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent.&nbsp;

It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns.&nbsp;

"The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin.&nbsp;

Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth.&nbsp;

He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors. &nbsp;

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.

Pakistan would achieve five per cent GDP growth in the next fiscal year starting from July, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said on Sunday. Addressing a virtual press conference, the minister defended the latest official statistics that suggested a provisional economic growth rate of 3.94 per cent in the current fiscal ending on June 30. "Nearly four per cent growth figure has given hope that now we can achieve five per cent growth in next fiscal year (2021-22) and over 6 per cent in fiscal year 2022-23," he said, while playing down the criticism about the projected growth this year. The National Accounts Committee (NAC) on Friday estimated 3.94 per cent GDP growth rate for the year 2020-21 beating all domestic and international predictions that the growth would be below three per cent. It seems too good to be true as Pakistan registered negative growth in the last fiscal year. It prompted various opposition parties and their leaders to accuse that the official data was not realistic but Tarin rejected all such concerns. "The 3.94 per cent economic growth figure should not be controversial because it has been worked out in a very transparent manner by the Ministry of Planning and the Finance Ministry has nothing to do with it," said Tarin. Tarin is the fourth finance minister of the government of Imran Khan, who came to power in August 2018. He was appointed in April with the task to tackle inflation and expedite growth. He said that the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan about COVID-19 pandemic saved the economy because he opposed a complete lockdown in the country. He also appreciated the targeted approach to uplift housing, agriculture and export industries sectors.

Pakistan will achieve 5 per cent GDP growth in next fiscal: Finance minister 

Israel has expressed its regret over Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi expressing in an anti-Semitic manner.

Israel Palestine Conflict: Israel accuses Pakistan FM of 'Anti-Semitism'

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ruling party has split and his ex aide Jahangir Tareen has formed a breakaway group, putting the government and its thin parliamentary majority at risk.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's ruling party splits, former aide forms forward bloc

The Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday added the name of Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, who has been charged with corruption, to the no-fly list, barring him from leaving the country for medical treatment.&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the Lahore High Court granted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz, also the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, permission to travel abroad once for medical treatment.&nbsp;

After obtaining bail, Shehbaz, 69, was about to fly to London on May 8 when an Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team at the airport stopped him from travelling on the grounds that his name had been on the provisional national identification list (PNIL), which impose a temporary bar on someone to leave the country.&nbsp;

Shehbaz was offloaded from Doha-bound flight on May 8.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference on Monday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Shehbaz's name was added to the exit control list (ECL) after approval from the federal Cabinet.&nbsp;

A special committee of the Interior Ministry on May 12 had proposed to the Cabinet that Shehbaz should be barred from leaving the country due to corruption cases against him.&nbsp;

Shehbaz wanted to go to London for a medical checkup after he was bailed out of jail last month.&nbsp;

The interior minister said Shehbaz had not submitted any medical documents for travelling abroad or specified the treatment for his illness.&nbsp;

Last week, Shehbaz had challenged the placement of his name on a travel blacklist and sought one-time permission to go abroad for medical treatment.&nbsp;

"I have been a cancer patient and got treated in New York and London. I could not get treatment for more than seven months as I was in jail," the top PML-N leader said, adding in light of the medical test report conducted in jail, there was a need for immediate treatment. &nbsp;

Interior minister Ahmed said Shehbaz "was the guarantor for his brother Nawaz. But instead of bringing him back, he was trying to flee".&nbsp;

"If Nawaz Sharif did not return then why should Shehbaz return? This is a matter of common sense," he said in reply to a question.&nbsp;

Sharif has been in London since November 2019 on 'medical grounds'.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan government has declared Sharif an absconder and cancelled his passport. Sharif left the country after the court granted him bail in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case in which he was undergoing seven years imprisonment in Kot Lakhpat jail Lahore.&nbsp;

He was also granted four-week bail on medical grounds to have his treatment abroad. The government declared him an absconder after he failed to justify prolonging his stay in London.&nbsp;

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also said that Shehbaz's name has been added to the no-fly list after approval from the Cabinet and completion of legal formalities. "The relevant record has been updated in this regard," he tweeted.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, criticising the government's move, PML-N leader Azam Nazir Tarar said the party will file a case of contempt of court.&nbsp;

"The government refused to let him (Shehbaz) go abroad despite orders by the Lahore High Court," Tarar said.&nbsp;

Several PML-N leaders have been facing corruption cases, which they claim, are politically motivated.&nbsp;

On April 23, 2021, Shehbaz walked free from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail after about eight months behind bars in the money laundering and assets beyond means reference filed by the country's anti-graft body. &nbsp;

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had alleged that Shehbaz's family had assets of around PKR 16.5 million till 1990, which increased to over PKR 7 billion in 2018 which were disproportionate to his known sources of income.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday added the name of Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, who has been charged with corruption, to the no-fly list, barring him from leaving the country for medical treatment.

The Pakistan government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday added the name of Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif, who has been charged with corruption, to the no-fly list, barring him from leaving the country for medical treatment. Earlier this month, the Lahore High Court granted Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president Shehbaz, also the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, permission to travel abroad once for medical treatment. After obtaining bail, Shehbaz, 69, was about to fly to London on May 8 when an Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) team at the airport stopped him from travelling on the grounds that his name had been on the provisional national identification list (PNIL), which impose a temporary bar on someone to leave the country. Shehbaz was offloaded from Doha-bound flight on May 8. Addressing a press conference on Monday, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed said Shehbaz's name was added to the exit control list (ECL) after approval from the federal Cabinet. A special committee of the Interior Ministry on May 12 had proposed to the Cabinet that Shehbaz should be barred from leaving the country due to corruption cases against him. Shehbaz wanted to go to London for a medical checkup after he was bailed out of jail last month. The interior minister said Shehbaz had not submitted any medical documents for travelling abroad or specified the treatment for his illness. Last week, Shehbaz had challenged the placement of his name on a travel blacklist and sought one-time permission to go abroad for medical treatment. "I have been a cancer patient and got treated in New York and London. I could not get treatment for more than seven months as I was in jail," the top PML-N leader said, adding in light of the medical test report conducted in jail, there was a need for immediate treatment. Interior minister Ahmed said Shehbaz "was the guarantor for his brother Nawaz. But instead of bringing him back, he was trying to flee". "If Nawaz Sharif did not return then why should Shehbaz return? This is a matter of common sense," he said in reply to a question. Sharif has been in London since November 2019 on 'medical grounds'. The Imran Khan government has declared Sharif an absconder and cancelled his passport. Sharif left the country after the court granted him bail in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case in which he was undergoing seven years imprisonment in Kot Lakhpat jail Lahore. He was also granted four-week bail on medical grounds to have his treatment abroad. The government declared him an absconder after he failed to justify prolonging his stay in London. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry also said that Shehbaz's name has been added to the no-fly list after approval from the Cabinet and completion of legal formalities. "The relevant record has been updated in this regard," he tweeted. Meanwhile, criticising the government's move, PML-N leader Azam Nazir Tarar said the party will file a case of contempt of court. "The government refused to let him (Shehbaz) go abroad despite orders by the Lahore High Court," Tarar said. Several PML-N leaders have been facing corruption cases, which they claim, are politically motivated. On April 23, 2021, Shehbaz walked free from Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail after about eight months behind bars in the money laundering and assets beyond means reference filed by the country's anti-graft body. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had alleged that Shehbaz's family had assets of around PKR 16.5 million till 1990, which increased to over PKR 7 billion in 2018 which were disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Pakistan Opposition leader Shehbaz Sharif placed on no-fly list 

Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays.

The easing of restrictions came even as the country's coronavirus positivity rose to 7.83 per cent on Sunday, a day after falling to more than two months low to about 5 per cent.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani ">Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani&nbsp;</a>

All businesses and public transport were suspended from May 10-16 to stop mass movement during the Eid al-Fitr holidays to curb the spread of the virus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar">Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar</a>

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided to resume public transport from Sunday.

The restriction on transport was eased to help people come back from far off places to join their offices and other duties from Monday when businesses would also open.

The lockdown worked well to contain the spread and pull down the curve as only 1,531 new cases were reported on Saturday, registering a positivity rate of 5.8 per cent which was the lowest since March 8.

But the cases rose to 2,379 in the last 24 hours, taking the national COVID-19 tally to 877,130.

The death toll rose to 19,543, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

The government also started the registration of people aged 30 years and above for vaccination.

Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays.

Pakistan on Sunday started easing coronavirus restrictions on transportation and commercial activities, which were suspended for a week to curb the spread of the virus during Eid holidays. The easing of restrictions came even as the country's coronavirus positivity rose to 7.83 per cent on Sunday, a day after falling to more than two months low to about 5 per cent. Also read: Question of peace or hostility in Afghanistan in Pakistani hands, says President Ghani All businesses and public transport were suspended from May 10-16 to stop mass movement during the Eid al-Fitr holidays to curb the spread of the virus. Also read: Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) decided to resume public transport from Sunday. The restriction on transport was eased to help people come back from far off places to join their offices and other duties from Monday when businesses would also open. The lockdown worked well to contain the spread and pull down the curve as only 1,531 new cases were reported on Saturday, registering a positivity rate of 5.8 per cent which was the lowest since March 8. But the cases rose to 2,379 in the last 24 hours, taking the national COVID-19 tally to 877,130. The death toll rose to 19,543, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. The government also started the registration of people aged 30 years and above for vaccination.

Pakistan eases Covid restrictions on transportation and commercial activities

Pakistani generals are developing a sudden urge to preach peace close to retirement. Is this about leaving a statesman's legacy or a genuine demand for cross-border peace? Palki Sharma decodes Pak army chief Bajwa's outreach to India.

Gravitas: Peace with India: Bajwa's retirement plan?

Indian Premier League is counted amongst the most elite T20 leagues in the world of cricket for over a decade. It provides a platform where stars across the world come together and form the dream team. It also plays a vital role in giving India and world cricket their next big talents for the last 14 seasons.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/things-happen-shahid-afridi-recalls-2007-t20-wc-controversy-after-akhtar-hit-asif-with-bat-385217" hreflang="en">'Things happen': Shahid Afridi recalls 2007 T20 WC controversy after Akhtar hit Asif with bat</a>

Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz said that no other league can compete with the Indian Premier League. Riaz, who has featured in several T20 leagues like Caribbean Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League and Pakistan Super League, feels that IPL is on a different level.&nbsp;

"IPL is a league where all the top international players come and play. You can't compare IPL with PSL, I believe IPL is at a different level. Their commitments, the way they run things, communicate things, the way they draft the players, all that is totally different. I don't think any league can compete with the IPL," Wahab told Cricket Pakistan.

However, Riaz also felt that PSL is way ahead of IPL when it comes to bowlers and said: "But if there is any league that stands behind it, it has to be the PSL. The league in Pakistan has proved it. The standards of bowling are quite high."

"The kind of bowlers you get in the PSL is not found in other leagues, not even the IPL. This is why PSL doesn't have many high-scoring games. The bowling attacks in PSL are the best in the world."

Indian Premier League is counted amongst the most elite T20 leagues in the world of cricket for over a decade. It provides a platform where stars across the world come together and form the dream team.

Indian Premier League is counted amongst the most elite T20 leagues in the world of cricket for over a decade. It provides a platform where stars across the world come together and form the dream team. It also plays a vital role in giving India and world cricket their next big talents for the last 14 seasons. ALSO READ: 'Things happen': Shahid Afridi recalls 2007 T20 WC controversy after Akhtar hit Asif with bat Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz said that no other league can compete with the Indian Premier League. Riaz, who has featured in several T20 leagues like Caribbean Premier League, Bangladesh Premier League and Pakistan Super League, feels that IPL is on a different level. "IPL is a league where all the top international players come and play. You can't compare IPL with PSL, I believe IPL is at a different level. Their commitments, the way they run things, communicate things, the way they draft the players, all that is totally different. I don't think any league can compete with the IPL," Wahab told Cricket Pakistan. However, Riaz also felt that PSL is way ahead of IPL when it comes to bowlers and said: "But if there is any league that stands behind it, it has to be the PSL. The league in Pakistan has proved it. The standards of bowling are quite high." "The kind of bowlers you get in the PSL is not found in other leagues, not even the IPL. This is why PSL doesn't have many high-scoring games. The bowling attacks in PSL are the best in the world."

'I don't think any league can compete with the IPL': Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz

At least 11 persons, including three women and seven children, of the same family were drowned after their vehicle plunged into a canal in Pakistan's Punjab province, according to a media report. &nbsp;

The accident happened on Friday in Sheikhupura district when the vehicle heading towards Khanqah Dogran from Qila Didar Singh skidded off the road and plunged into the canal, ARY News reported.&nbsp;

After being informed of the accident, police and rescue officials rushed to the accident spot and retrieved the bodies from the canal. The bodies were shifted to hospital for medico-legal formalities, the report said.&nbsp;

Rescue officials were of the view that the van plunged into the canal due to over speeding and the unavailability of a safety fence along the road.&nbsp;

"Among those killed are seven children, three women and a man, who belong to the same family," a senior police official was quoted as saying in the report.&nbsp;

Road accidents are common in Pakistan as every year thousands of people are killed in similar types of accidents.&nbsp;

In November last year, a rickshaw carrying family members in Punjab overturned and fell into a canal in which at least 19 people died. &nbsp;

At least 11 persons, including three women and seven children, of the same family were drowned after their vehicle plunged into a canal in Pakistan's Punjab province, according to a media report.

At least 11 persons, including three women and seven children, of the same family were drowned after their vehicle plunged into a canal in Pakistan's Punjab province, according to a media report. The accident happened on Friday in Sheikhupura district when the vehicle heading towards Khanqah Dogran from Qila Didar Singh skidded off the road and plunged into the canal, ARY News reported. After being informed of the accident, police and rescue officials rushed to the accident spot and retrieved the bodies from the canal. The bodies were shifted to hospital for medico-legal formalities, the report said. Rescue officials were of the view that the van plunged into the canal due to over speeding and the unavailability of a safety fence along the road. "Among those killed are seven children, three women and a man, who belong to the same family," a senior police official was quoted as saying in the report. Road accidents are common in Pakistan as every year thousands of people are killed in similar types of accidents. In November last year, a rickshaw carrying family members in Punjab overturned and fell into a canal in which at least 19 people died.

11 from same family drowned after vehicle plunges into canal in Pakistan: Report 

Mohammad Ramzan pumps water into a large goat skin bag before carrying it down an alley and up several flights of stairs to deliver to a resident in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city.

Water bearers quench thirst in Ramadan, but fear for their trade

The Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mahmood Qureshi has backstepped over India's abrogation of article 370 that provides special status to the Jammu & Kashmir. 'we will only talk to India if article 370 restored to status quo', says Qureshi

'Will talk to India only if Article 370 restore': Pak FM Qureshi

During Ramadan, fasting families living in localities with no running water depend on the services of 'mashkis' who deliver water using goat-hide bags. The 'mashkis' supplied water to communities in Indo-Pakistan for centuries but are now a vanishing profession.

Pakistan's water bearers quench thirst in Ramadan, but fear for their trade

Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over $123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief)'s Supervisor General Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah said that the assistance was announced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

KSrelief announced 118 humanitarian projects for Pakistan at a cost of over USD 123 million in food security, health, education, water and environmental sanitation. He said that the kingdom has provided medical and preventive aid worth over USD 1.5 million to combat the pandemic.

Khan's Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Sheikh Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the visit will push the march of the cooperation in the right direction to achieve the desired interests and goals, and contribute to developing the political, military, diplomatic, economic, commercial, developmental and cultural coordination and cooperation fields.

Khan met Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen and discussed developments in the Islamic world, the situation of Muslims in non-OIC countries and the issues on the OIC's agenda, in particular combating Islamophobia.

During the summit meeting between Khan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, enhancing economic and trade relations and the challenge posed by extremism came under discussion. They confirmed their satisfaction with the firmness of bilateral military and security relations, and agreed on further cooperation to achieve common goals between the two countries, the SPA reported.

The two sides also stressed the need for concerted efforts of the Islamic world to confront extremism and violence and reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security. They also underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts to combat the phenomenon of terrorism which is not related to any religion, race or colour, and confront all its forms and images, whatever its source, it said.

India was mentioned in the joint statement in the context of the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India on a ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding. The two sides emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, to ensure peace and stability in the region, it added.

The militaries of India and Pakistan, in a surprise announcement on February 25, said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on a ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors.

India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over $123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report.

Saudi Arabia has announced 118 humanitarian projects worth over $123 million for cash-strapped Pakistan in food security, health, education and water during Prime Minister Imran Khan's two-day visit, according to a report. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief)'s Supervisor General Dr Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Rabeeah said that the assistance was announced in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. KSrelief announced 118 humanitarian projects for Pakistan at a cost of over USD 123 million in food security, health, education, water and environmental sanitation. He said that the kingdom has provided medical and preventive aid worth over USD 1.5 million to combat the pandemic. Khan's Special Representative for Middle East Affairs Sheikh Tahir Mahmood Ashrafi told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the visit will push the march of the cooperation in the right direction to achieve the desired interests and goals, and contribute to developing the political, military, diplomatic, economic, commercial, developmental and cultural coordination and cooperation fields. Khan met Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Dr Yousef bin Ahmad Al-Othaimeen and discussed developments in the Islamic world, the situation of Muslims in non-OIC countries and the issues on the OIC's agenda, in particular combating Islamophobia. During the summit meeting between Khan and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, enhancing economic and trade relations and the challenge posed by extremism came under discussion. They confirmed their satisfaction with the firmness of bilateral military and security relations, and agreed on further cooperation to achieve common goals between the two countries, the SPA reported. The two sides also stressed the need for concerted efforts of the Islamic world to confront extremism and violence and reject sectarianism, and strive to achieve international peace and security. They also underscored the importance of continuing joint efforts to combat the phenomenon of terrorism which is not related to any religion, race or colour, and confront all its forms and images, whatever its source, it said. India was mentioned in the joint statement in the context of the recent understanding reached between the military authorities of Pakistan and India on a ceasefire at the Line of Control (LoC), which is based on a 2003 understanding. The two sides emphasised the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, to ensure peace and stability in the region, it added. The militaries of India and Pakistan, in a surprise announcement on February 25, said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on a ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors. India has told Pakistan that it desires normal neighbourly relations with it in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence.

Saudi Arabia announces over 100 projects for cash-strapped Pakistan during Imran Khan's visit

Water shortage has become a never-ending issue in one of Pakistan's largest cities Karachi.

Pakistan: Water crisis in Pakistan's financial Capital Karachi

In order to curb the rising number of coronavirus infections, authorities in Pakistan are imposing a complete countrywide lockdown from May 8.

Pakistan: 9-Day long lockdown imposed as cases soar

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Quershi has made a big recognition. Speaking to Pakistani news channel Quershi has admitted that the abrogation of Article 370 from Kashmir id India's internal matter.

Pakistan: FM Shah Mehmood Quershi says Article 370 India's internal matter

Indian embassies are more proactive' was Imran Khan’s message to Pakistani diplomats as he sat them down for a 'dressing down'. WION’s Palki Sharma tells you what unfolded.

Gravitas: Imran Khan scolds his diplomats

Pakistan&nbsp;on Saturday began a nine-day&nbsp;shutdown&nbsp;affecting travel and tourist hotspots in a bid to prevent a surge in Covid-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;during the Muslim&nbsp;holiday&nbsp;of&nbsp;Eid&nbsp;al-Fitr.

Already battling a third wave of infections and increasingly nervous about the crisis across the border in India, the government has imposed the most severe restrictions since a one-month lockdown in April last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave">Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave</a>

"These measures have been necessitated by the extremely dangerous situation which has been created in the region with the spread of virulent mutations of the&nbsp;virus," tweeted planning&nbsp;minister Asad Umar, who has been leading the government response to the outbreak.

Eid, which comes at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, usually sees the mass movement of people around the country and tourist spots crowded with Pakistanis.

Last year the country saw a spike in&nbsp;cases&nbsp;in the weeks after the celebrations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan to receive 45 million doses of 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines">Pakistan to receive 45 million doses of 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines</a>

Businesses, hotels and restaurants as well as markets and parks will be closed, while public transport between provinces and within cities has been halted.

The military has been mobilised to monitor the restrictions.

Mosques, however, which have been packed each night throughout Ramadan -- with few people wearing masks -- will remain open. Authorities fear curbs on places of worship could ignite confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic.

Impoverished&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;has recorded more than 850,000 infections and 18,600 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle healthcare sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse.

Health officials have warned that hospitals are operating at close to capacity and they have rushed to increase the number of intensive care beds.

International flights have been slashed and border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan closed, except for trade.

Flights and land crossings with neighbouring India -- reeling from a devastating outbreak with hundreds of thousands of new&nbsp;cases&nbsp;a day -- were closed before the pandemic because of political tensions.

Pakistan, which has so far vaccinated only a fraction of its population, received its first batch of 1.2 million AstraZeneca doses Saturday under the delayed Covax global vaccine sharing scheme.

Pakistan on Saturday began a nine-day shutdown affecting travel and tourist hotspots in a bid to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

Pakistan on Saturday began a nine-day shutdown affecting travel and tourist hotspots in a bid to prevent a surge in Covid-19 cases during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Already battling a third wave of infections and increasingly nervous about the crisis across the border in India, the government has imposed the most severe restrictions since a one-month lockdown in April last year. Also read | Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave "These measures have been necessitated by the extremely dangerous situation which has been created in the region with the spread of virulent mutations of the virus," tweeted planning minister Asad Umar, who has been leading the government response to the outbreak. Eid, which comes at the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, usually sees the mass movement of people around the country and tourist spots crowded with Pakistanis. Last year the country saw a spike in cases in the weeks after the celebrations. Also read | Pakistan to receive 45 million doses of 'Made in India' Covid-19 vaccines Businesses, hotels and restaurants as well as markets and parks will be closed, while public transport between provinces and within cities has been halted. The military has been mobilised to monitor the restrictions. Mosques, however, which have been packed each night throughout Ramadan -- with few people wearing masks -- will remain open. Authorities fear curbs on places of worship could ignite confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic. Impoverished Pakistan has recorded more than 850,000 infections and 18,600 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle healthcare sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse. Health officials have warned that hospitals are operating at close to capacity and they have rushed to increase the number of intensive care beds. International flights have been slashed and border crossings with Iran and Afghanistan closed, except for trade. Flights and land crossings with neighbouring India -- reeling from a devastating outbreak with hundreds of thousands of new cases a day -- were closed before the pandemic because of political tensions. Pakistan, which has so far vaccinated only a fraction of its population, received its first batch of 1.2 million AstraZeneca doses Saturday under the delayed Covax global vaccine sharing scheme.

Pakistan imposes Eid holiday shutdown as virus cases soar

Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;across&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;for prayers.

Anxious over the virus's deadly rampage through neighbouring India, officials have steadily tightened restrictions and banned travel during the upcoming Eid holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review">Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review</a>

But they have turned a blind eye to religious gatherings, fearing a crackdown could ignite widespread confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic.

"There is so much concern about backlash from religious groups," said Saeedullah Shah, a doctor with the&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;Islamic Medical Association&nbsp;Covid-19 task force.&nbsp;

"It's a very weak government," he told AFP. "Everything is half-hearted."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local">London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local</a>

Pakistan&nbsp;has recorded more than 840,000 cases and 18,500 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle health sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse.&nbsp;

Covid&nbsp;wards in several cities have been&nbsp;full&nbsp;or close to capacity for weeks as a more contagious variant of the virus has pushed cases to record numbers.

But even as the government pleads with the public to follow "standard operating procedures", as the virus guidelines are popularly known nationally,&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;are almost another country.

Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi -- who oversees the historic Markazi Jamia mosque in the garrison city of Rawalpindi -- said the faithful had little to fear, and dismissed comparisons to India.&nbsp;

"Our prayers are different," he said, and insisted restrictions were enforced -- at least under his watch.

"They are non-believers and we are Muslims. Repenting to Allah is our faith; they don't repent, that's the reason," he told AFP.

That sentiment permeates all levels of society, with Prime Minister Imran Khan saying Thursday: "In India, people are dying on streets... Allah has been kind to us compared to the rest of the world."

Still, he urged caution, adding: "Next two weeks are very important for us, we have to bring corona cases down."

Earlier this week Shiite Muslims gathered across the country to mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali, one of Prophet Muhammad's companions.

At a rally in the capital, initial caution gave way to emotion as masks were removed and participants dressed in black chanted songs and beat their chests in tight crowds.

Thousands also gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, with the most demonstratively pious flagellating themselves and whipping their backs raw.&nbsp;

"We are ready to sacrifice our lives, children and families," Haji Shahzad Jaffry told AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The disease has been around for the last year, but those who have been against our gathering and mourning have been doing it for the past 1,400 years."

Health experts in India say religious gatherings there have been a major contributor to what has become one of the world's worst outbreaks.

But that has not spurred changes in policy or behaviour in&nbsp;Pakistan.

Ashfaq Ahmed, who recently returned to&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;from Britain, said he was shocked when he saw crowds pressed into&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;and paying little concern to basic precautions such as social distancing.&nbsp;

"It seems people here are in complete denial," Ahmed told AFP.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Despite&nbsp;the evidence, Pakistani officials insist guidelines are being followed.

"If there is one place where&nbsp;Covid-19 guidelines are being followed that is at the&nbsp;mosques," said Imran Siddiqui, a spokesman for the ministry of religious affairs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I can take you to a market and then to a close-by mosque and you can see it yourself that people at&nbsp;mosques&nbsp;are better at complying with safety measures."

Still, according to a poll published by Gallup&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;this week, 64 percent of people believe coronavirus is not as dangerous as it is made out to be.

Despite&nbsp;the warnings — and mounting death toll —&nbsp;the faithful continue to flock to prayer.&nbsp;

"God is kind to us," said Sohail Arshad at the Markazi Jamia Mosque in Rawalpindi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"If he has sent the disease he is the one who will cure us."

Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to mosques across Pakistan for prayers.

Schools and restaurants have closed, shops pull down their shutters early every evening, and the military has been mobilised to combat the spread of coronavirus -- but night after night the faithful flock to mosques across Pakistan for prayers. Anxious over the virus's deadly rampage through neighbouring India, officials have steadily tightened restrictions and banned travel during the upcoming Eid holiday, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Also read | Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review But they have turned a blind eye to religious gatherings, fearing a crackdown could ignite widespread confrontation in the deeply conservative Islamic republic. "There is so much concern about backlash from religious groups," said Saeedullah Shah, a doctor with the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association Covid-19 task force. "It's a very weak government," he told AFP. "Everything is half-hearted." Also read | London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local Pakistan has recorded more than 840,000 cases and 18,500 deaths, but with limited testing and a ramshackle health sector, many fear the true extent of the disease is much worse. Covid wards in several cities have been full or close to capacity for weeks as a more contagious variant of the virus has pushed cases to record numbers. But even as the government pleads with the public to follow "standard operating procedures", as the virus guidelines are popularly known nationally, mosques are almost another country. Maulana Muhammad Iqbal Rizvi -- who oversees the historic Markazi Jamia mosque in the garrison city of Rawalpindi -- said the faithful had little to fear, and dismissed comparisons to India. "Our prayers are different," he said, and insisted restrictions were enforced -- at least under his watch. "They are non-believers and we are Muslims. Repenting to Allah is our faith; they don't repent, that's the reason," he told AFP. That sentiment permeates all levels of society, with Prime Minister Imran Khan saying Thursday: "In India, people are dying on streets... Allah has been kind to us compared to the rest of the world." Still, he urged caution, adding: "Next two weeks are very important for us, we have to bring corona cases down." Earlier this week Shiite Muslims gathered across the country to mark the anniversary of the martyrdom of Imam Ali, one of Prophet Muhammad's companions. At a rally in the capital, initial caution gave way to emotion as masks were removed and participants dressed in black chanted songs and beat their chests in tight crowds. Thousands also gathered in the eastern city of Lahore, with the most demonstratively pious flagellating themselves and whipping their backs raw. "We are ready to sacrifice our lives, children and families," Haji Shahzad Jaffry told AFP. "The disease has been around for the last year, but those who have been against our gathering and mourning have been doing it for the past 1,400 years." Health experts in India say religious gatherings there have been a major contributor to what has become one of the world's worst outbreaks. But that has not spurred changes in policy or behaviour in Pakistan. Ashfaq Ahmed, who recently returned to Pakistan from Britain, said he was shocked when he saw crowds pressed into mosques and paying little concern to basic precautions such as social distancing. "It seems people here are in complete denial," Ahmed told AFP. Despite the evidence, Pakistani officials insist guidelines are being followed. "If there is one place where Covid-19 guidelines are being followed that is at the mosques," said Imran Siddiqui, a spokesman for the ministry of religious affairs. "I can take you to a market and then to a close-by mosque and you can see it yourself that people at mosques are better at complying with safety measures." Still, according to a poll published by Gallup Pakistan this week, 64 percent of people believe coronavirus is not as dangerous as it is made out to be. Despite the warnings — and mounting death toll — the faithful continue to flock to prayer. "God is kind to us," said Sohail Arshad at the Markazi Jamia Mosque in Rawalpindi. "If he has sent the disease he is the one who will cure us."

Mosques full despite Pakistan's Covid third wave

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has come under criticism for accusing the country's foreign service officers of harbouring "colonial mindset" and "callousness" while appreciating their Indian counterparts.

Addressing the envoys virtually on Wednesday, Khan showed anger at what he called shocking callousness&nbsp;of Pakistani diplomats abroad towards fellow Pakistanis. He also accused them of having a "colonial mindset" in their dealing with Pakistani nationals.

Khan said Indian embassies are more proactive in bringing investments&nbsp;to their country and they also provide better services to their citizens.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Backlash after Pakistan PM Imran Khan links rape to how women dress">Backlash after Pakistan PM Imran Khan links rape to how women dress</a>

At least three former foreign secretaries of Pakistan took strong exception to Khan's remarks.

"Deeply dismayed at the unwarranted criticism of the Foreign Ministry",&nbsp;tweeted Tehmina Janjua, the first woman foreign secretary in the history of Pakistan.

She said that Khan's remarks showed a lack of understanding of the Foreign Service.

There seems to be woefully inadequate understanding of Embassies' consular work, the acute resource constraints, and the role of multiple departments which (are not) under the control of Ambassadors,she said.

Former foreign secretary Salman Bashir also joined Janjua in defending the Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP).

"Sir respectfully, your ire and critique of the foreign ministry and envoys are misplaced. Usual services to the community are essentially in the domain of other departments that handle passports and consular attestation etc.&nbsp;Yes, the missions should keep their doors open," he tweeted.

Bashir said that the FSP and the Foreign Office have always delivered and it deserves encouragement and support.

Public critique demoralises the best and brightest. Pakistan needs functional institutions. That is where we need to focus. Do set up a task force to come up with positive recommendations,he said.

Bashir was especially angry at Khan's appreciation of India foreign service for serving their nationals abroad.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has come under criticism for accusing the country's foreign service officers of harbouring "colonial mindset" and "callousness" while appreciating their Indian counterparts.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has come under criticism for accusing the country's foreign service officers of harbouring "colonial mindset" and "callousness" while appreciating their Indian counterparts. Addressing the envoys virtually on Wednesday, Khan showed anger at what he called shocking callousness of Pakistani diplomats abroad towards fellow Pakistanis. He also accused them of having a "colonial mindset" in their dealing with Pakistani nationals. Khan said Indian embassies are more proactive in bringing investments to their country and they also provide better services to their citizens. Also read: Backlash after Pakistan PM Imran Khan links rape to how women dress At least three former foreign secretaries of Pakistan took strong exception to Khan's remarks. "Deeply dismayed at the unwarranted criticism of the Foreign Ministry", tweeted Tehmina Janjua, the first woman foreign secretary in the history of Pakistan. She said that Khan's remarks showed a lack of understanding of the Foreign Service. There seems to be woefully inadequate understanding of Embassies' consular work, the acute resource constraints, and the role of multiple departments which (are not) under the control of Ambassadors,she said. Former foreign secretary Salman Bashir also joined Janjua in defending the Foreign Service of Pakistan (FSP). "Sir respectfully, your ire and critique of the foreign ministry and envoys are misplaced. Usual services to the community are essentially in the domain of other departments that handle passports and consular attestation etc. Yes, the missions should keep their doors open," he tweeted. Bashir said that the FSP and the Foreign Office have always delivered and it deserves encouragement and support. Public critique demoralises the best and brightest. Pakistan needs functional institutions. That is where we need to focus. Do set up a task force to come up with positive recommendations,he said. Bashir was especially angry at Khan's appreciation of India foreign service for serving their nationals abroad.

Imran Khan faces criticism for his remarks on foreign service officers

A London woman has been murdered in Pakistan after she had stayed back in Lahore to skip paying the £1,750 quarantine fee in the UK.

Mayra Zulfiqar, a 26-year-old from Feltham in south west London, had travelled to Lahore two months ago to attend a cousin’s wedding. While her mother, Tabasaam, rearranged her flight to return to the family home a few days before Pakistan was placed on coronavirus red list, Mayra decided to stay back in Pakistan.

The 26-year-old had complained about having to pay the cost of ten-day quarantine in the UK upon arrival from Pakistan. Mayra had assumed that the South Asian country will be removed from the red list next month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/return-of-taliban-in-afghanistan-harmful-for-womens-rights-us-report-382853" hreflang="en">Return of Taliban in Afghanistan harmful for women's rights: US report</a>

"She didn't want to come back and pay all that money to quarantine in Britain so decided to stay in Lahore, where she was living with her grandmother," a family source was quoted by UK’s local media. "She was angry that it was too much money for ten days in a grotty hotel. Instead, she thought she'd have more fun in Lahore and was having a lovely time after making a new group of friends."

However, soon she had to file an official complaint against a local gangster who wanted to forcefully marry Mayra. Her relatives revealed that she had filed three police complaints against Saad Ameer Butt, a local gangster.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-govt-decides-to-uphold-blasphemy-law-despite-european-parliaments-calls-for-review-382752" hreflang="en">Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review</a>

"A local gangster who is closely connected to the police in Lahore took a shine to her but despite reporting him for harassment, they did nothing. The police are very corrupt over there and don't take crimes against women seriously," the family source reported.

Her murder, reportedly took place shortly after 4 am, in a house which was rented by one of her friends in the Defence area, &nbsp;shortly after she had just had her meal with her friends, before starting her Ramadan fast for the day.

Neighbours also reported hearing screams and at least two gunshots before the police arrived at the scene. Mayra’s dead body was found in a bedroom upstairs.

"There were not two men who were after Mayra's hand, that's just not true. She was engaged and in a steady relationship," the family source said. "It was one man who was harassing her, and we don't know why. Perhaps it was because she's from the UK and is a very beautiful girl. It might have been a status thing for him."

A London woman has been murdered in Pakistan after she had stayed back in Lahore to skip paying the £1,750 quarantine fee in the UK. Mayra Zulfiqar, a 26-year-old from Feltham in south west London, had travelled to Lahore two months ago to attend a cousin’s wedding.

A London woman has been murdered in Pakistan after she had stayed back in Lahore to skip paying the £1,750 quarantine fee in the UK. Mayra Zulfiqar, a 26-year-old from Feltham in south west London, had travelled to Lahore two months ago to attend a cousin’s wedding. While her mother, Tabasaam, rearranged her flight to return to the family home a few days before Pakistan was placed on coronavirus red list, Mayra decided to stay back in Pakistan. The 26-year-old had complained about having to pay the cost of ten-day quarantine in the UK upon arrival from Pakistan. Mayra had assumed that the South Asian country will be removed from the red list next month. Also read | Return of Taliban in Afghanistan harmful for women's rights: US report "She didn't want to come back and pay all that money to quarantine in Britain so decided to stay in Lahore, where she was living with her grandmother," a family source was quoted by UK’s local media. "She was angry that it was too much money for ten days in a grotty hotel. Instead, she thought she'd have more fun in Lahore and was having a lovely time after making a new group of friends." However, soon she had to file an official complaint against a local gangster who wanted to forcefully marry Mayra. Her relatives revealed that she had filed three police complaints against Saad Ameer Butt, a local gangster. Also read | Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review "A local gangster who is closely connected to the police in Lahore took a shine to her but despite reporting him for harassment, they did nothing. The police are very corrupt over there and don't take crimes against women seriously," the family source reported. Her murder, reportedly took place shortly after 4 am, in a house which was rented by one of her friends in the Defence area, shortly after she had just had her meal with her friends, before starting her Ramadan fast for the day. Neighbours also reported hearing screams and at least two gunshots before the police arrived at the scene. Mayra’s dead body was found in a bedroom upstairs. "There were not two men who were after Mayra's hand, that's just not true. She was engaged and in a steady relationship," the family source said. "It was one man who was harassing her, and we don't know why. Perhaps it was because she's from the UK and is a very beautiful girl. It might have been a status thing for him."

London woman shot dead in Pakistan after refusing to marry local

Has Islamophobia become a political tool? Pak PM Imran Khan has asked 30 Islamic countries to counter 'growing Islamophobia'. Is Pak deliberately blurring the lines between criticism & discrimination? Here's what

Gravitas: Has Islamophobia become a political tool?

The Pakistan government has decided that there would be no compromise on the country`s controversial blasphemy law, days after the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a review of Islamabad eligibility for the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status in wake of an "alarming" increase in the use of blasphemy accusations in the country.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday chaired a meeting to review the EU Parliament`s Thursday resolution that claimed that there has been an alarming increase in accusations of blasphemy online and offline in Pakistan over the past year, The Express Tribune reported.

The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases.

Pakistan has expressed disappointment over the adoption of the resolution by the EU. According to sources, the meeting on Monday decided not to compromise on the blasphemy law as well as the law declaring Ahmadi community non-Muslim.

The meeting was told that Pakistan`s agreement with the EU did not include any condition with regard to religion.Pakistan had made a total of eight agreements with the EU on various human rights issues including human freedom, enforced disappearances, women rights and minority rights.The meeting was told that the country would suffer an annual loss of $3billion if the EU revokes its GSP+ status.

In January 2014, the EU granted Pakistan status under its flagship trading scheme, the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).The GSP+ provides enhanced and preferential free trade between the EU and a small list of countries that are meant to be among those developing countries with the best human rights records.

According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty.In December 2020, the US&nbsp;House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam.

Pakistan`s blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan`s human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

The Pakistan government has decided that there would be no compromise on the country`s controversial blasphemy law, days after the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a review of Islamabad eligibility for the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status in wake of an "alarming" increase in the use of blasphemy accusations in the country.

The Pakistan government has decided that there would be no compromise on the country`s controversial blasphemy law, days after the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a review of Islamabad eligibility for the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) status in wake of an "alarming" increase in the use of blasphemy accusations in the country. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday chaired a meeting to review the EU Parliament`s Thursday resolution that claimed that there has been an alarming increase in accusations of blasphemy online and offline in Pakistan over the past year, The Express Tribune reported. The European Parliament, in its latest session on Thursday, adopted a resolution demanding Pakistan to allow space for religious freedom and urged the EU authorities to review GSP plus status for Pakistan amid the increasing number of blasphemy cases. Pakistan has expressed disappointment over the adoption of the resolution by the EU. According to sources, the meeting on Monday decided not to compromise on the blasphemy law as well as the law declaring Ahmadi community non-Muslim. The meeting was told that Pakistan`s agreement with the EU did not include any condition with regard to religion.Pakistan had made a total of eight agreements with the EU on various human rights issues including human freedom, enforced disappearances, women rights and minority rights.The meeting was told that the country would suffer an annual loss of $3billion if the EU revokes its GSP+ status. In January 2014, the EU granted Pakistan status under its flagship trading scheme, the General Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+).The GSP+ provides enhanced and preferential free trade between the EU and a small list of countries that are meant to be among those developing countries with the best human rights records. According to the October 2019 report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, at least 80 people have been convicted of blasphemy in Pakistan and many of them face the death penalty.In December 2020, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution calling the worldwide repeal of blasphemy, heresy and apostasy laws, some of which have resulted in the imprisonment and/or deaths of Christians accused of speaking against Islam. Pakistan`s blasphemy laws, both in content and application, are contrary to Pakistan`s human rights obligations to respect and protect the right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religion or belief, freedom of opinion and expression, equality before the law, prohibition of discrimination and the right to life.

Pakistan govt decides to uphold blasphemy law despite European Parliament's calls for review

Pakistan&nbsp;has closed land crossings with Iran and Afghanistan for travellers and slashed international flights as the government warned of a "critical" few weeks ahead in the battle against Covid-19.

The border restrictions were announced Sunday as the country prepared to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which usually sees the mass movement of people between cities and villages as well as the return of migrant workers and overseas Pakistanis for celebrations.

Pakistani officials have anxiously watched the coronavirus crisis unfolding in neighbouring India.

The Civil Aviation Authority said Saturday that from Wednesday, 80 percent of flights would be suspended for two weeks, mainly from the Middle East, until mid-May when the Eid holidays are over.

Foot crossings with Iran and Afghanistan would also be sealed, the country's coronavirus task force said, adding that trade would be exempt.

Flights and land crossings with neighbouring India -- reeling from a devastating outbreak with hundreds of thousands of new cases a day -- were closed before the pandemic because of political tensions.

Impoverished&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;is struggling to contain a third wave of infections, with more than 800,000 cases and 18,000 deaths declared.

Only a small fraction of its 220 million population has been vaccinated.

Planning minister Asad Umar, who has been leading the government response to the outbreak, said the next two weeks are "critical", as health authorities rushed to increase intensive care capacity.

Last year,&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;saw a spike in cases following Ramadan and Eid.&nbsp;

Mosques have remained open throughout the month of Ramadan, with few adhering to social distancing guidelines during huge nightly gatherings of worshippers.

Private gatherings, shops and restaurants have faced tight restrictions, with the army mobilised to help enforce rules.

The government has also announced a ban on travel between provinces for more than a week over Eid and imposed closures on hotels and tourist spots.

Pakistan has closed land crossings with Iran and Afghanistan for travellers and slashed international flights as the government warned of a "critical" few weeks ahead in the battle against Covid-19.

Pakistan has closed land crossings with Iran and Afghanistan for travellers and slashed international flights as the government warned of a "critical" few weeks ahead in the battle against Covid-19. The border restrictions were announced Sunday as the country prepared to mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr, which usually sees the mass movement of people between cities and villages as well as the return of migrant workers and overseas Pakistanis for celebrations. Pakistani officials have anxiously watched the coronavirus crisis unfolding in neighbouring India. The Civil Aviation Authority said Saturday that from Wednesday, 80 percent of flights would be suspended for two weeks, mainly from the Middle East, until mid-May when the Eid holidays are over. Foot crossings with Iran and Afghanistan would also be sealed, the country's coronavirus task force said, adding that trade would be exempt. Flights and land crossings with neighbouring India -- reeling from a devastating outbreak with hundreds of thousands of new cases a day -- were closed before the pandemic because of political tensions. Impoverished Pakistan is struggling to contain a third wave of infections, with more than 800,000 cases and 18,000 deaths declared. Only a small fraction of its 220 million population has been vaccinated. Planning minister Asad Umar, who has been leading the government response to the outbreak, said the next two weeks are "critical", as health authorities rushed to increase intensive care capacity. Last year, Pakistan saw a spike in cases following Ramadan and Eid. Mosques have remained open throughout the month of Ramadan, with few adhering to social distancing guidelines during huge nightly gatherings of worshippers. Private gatherings, shops and restaurants have faced tight restrictions, with the army mobilised to help enforce rules. The government has also announced a ban on travel between provinces for more than a week over Eid and imposed closures on hotels and tourist spots.

Pakistan tightens borders as Covid-19 cases soar

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