The United Arab Emirates’ envoy to US confirmed that the Gulf state is mediating between India and Pakistan to help the nuclear-armed rivals reach a “healthy and functional” relationship. Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said that the UAE played a role “in bringing Kashmir escalation down and created a ceasefire".

Emirates’ envoy to US confirmed UAE mediation between India and Pakistan

The Imran Khan government in Pakistan on Friday announced a ban on social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram till 3&nbsp;pm, in the wake of violent Islamist protests against France.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been directed to close down social media websites and apps for a few hours.&nbsp;The blocked sites&nbsp;and apps include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok.n

The move comes a day after the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority banned all TV and radio coverage of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).

TLP is engaged in a days-long protest against France over depiction of Prophet Muhammad in cartoons in that country. The Islamist group is demanding the expulsion of the French envoy to Pakistan and snapping of diplomatic ties. France has asked its citizens to leave the country.

According to the statement issued by the Pakistan government, "Complete access to social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Telegram) may be blocked from 1100hrs to 1500hrs on 16th April 2021 across the country.”

Last year, the government formed a new draconian social media lawn titled "Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020," under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (PECA).

As per the ambit of new rules, it includes all social media users, social media companys', service providers, website owners or information systems.

Under the new rules, they cannot publish, host, display, change, transmit, update or share any content that belongs to someone else, is blasphemous, pedophilic, pornographic, is against the religious, cultural, ethnic sensitivities and beliefs, harms minors, or threatens the security, integrity of Pakistan's defence or public order.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Imran Khan government in Pakistan on Friday announced a ban on social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram till 3 pm, in the wake of violent Islamist protests against France.

The Imran Khan government in Pakistan on Friday announced a ban on social media websites including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp and Instagram till 3 pm, in the wake of violent Islamist protests against France. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has been directed to close down social media websites and apps for a few hours. The blocked sites and apps include Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and TikTok.n The move comes a day after the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority banned all TV and radio coverage of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). TLP is engaged in a days-long protest against France over depiction of Prophet Muhammad in cartoons in that country. The Islamist group is demanding the expulsion of the French envoy to Pakistan and snapping of diplomatic ties. France has asked its citizens to leave the country. According to the statement issued by the Pakistan government, "Complete access to social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, YouTube and Telegram) may be blocked from 1100hrs to 1500hrs on 16th April 2021 across the country.” Last year, the government formed a new draconian social media lawn titled "Removal and Blocking of Unlawful Online Content (Procedure, Oversight and Safeguards) Rules 2020," under the Prevention of Electronic Crime Act 2016 (PECA). As per the ambit of new rules, it includes all social media users, social media companys', service providers, website owners or information systems. Under the new rules, they cannot publish, host, display, change, transmit, update or share any content that belongs to someone else, is blasphemous, pedophilic, pornographic, is against the religious, cultural, ethnic sensitivities and beliefs, harms minors, or threatens the security, integrity of Pakistan's defence or public order. (With inputs from agencies)

Pak govt blacks out social media in wake of Islamist protests

In the wake of violent ant-France protests across Pakistan, the French embassy in Pakistan has advised all French nationals and companies to temporarily leave the country. Violent anti-France protests paralysed large parts of the country this week.

French embassy advises citizens to leave Pakistan after anti-French protests

900+ Sikh pilgrims have been stranded in Pakistan as protesters block highways & roads. What are the protests about? What is Imran Khan govt doing to stop them? WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: Unrest & Protests grip Pakistan

The UK government has added Pakistan to the list of undesirable 21 high-risk countries with unsatisfactory money laundering and terrorist financing controls.

UK adds Pakistan to its list of 21 high-risk countries

Protests have erupted in several cities across Pakistan after Lahore police took the far-right TLP leader Saad Rizvi into custody. So far 3 people including one policeman has been killed in the violent demonstrations.

Protests across Pakistan after Lahore police arrested far-right TLP leader Saad Rizvi

US State Department has issued its report on human rights condition in different countries across the world. It has also discussed Pakistan, in terms of different issues including human rights violation, freedom of expression, the plight of minorities, militancy and other issues.

In the chapter on Pakistan, the report has mentioned "threats of violence, or unjustified arrests or prosecutions against journalists, use of criminal libel laws to prosecute social media speech and censorship, and site blocking."

A prominent feature of the rights report is the plight of women in Pakistan. The US State Department underlined a wide array of reasons for the plummeting women`s rights in Pakistan and the increase in female marginalisation in the country.

The report said that the reasons include bureaucratic corruption, a dearth of accountability and investigation, especially when it comes to violence against women, reported Pakistan Today.The report also highlighted human trafficking as a crime that directly impacted women in the country. As per Pakistan Today, this was considered a major contributor to the marginalisation of racial and ethnic minorities. Furthermore, violence and threats of violence, in addition to women, also impact other gender and sexual minorities including LGBTQ.

Talking about the rights of minorities, the report mentioned that there are incidents of attack on them in different parts of Pakistan."There were occasionally reports of mob violence against religious minorities, including Christians, Ahmadi Muslims, and Hindus. Shia Muslim activists reported continuing instances of targeted killings and enforced disappearances in limited parts of the country," the report mentioned.Linked to this, the report also talked about the state misbehaviour with different ethnic leaders and activities.

As per the report, "human rights organizations reported some authorities disappeared or arrested Pashtun, Sindhi, and Baloch human rights activists, as well as Sindhi and Baloch nationalists without cause or warrant."The situation on the freedom of expression, attitude with journalists and media, Pakistan Today reported citing the report, was not so encouraging. As per US State Department, unknown actors abducted journalists including the likes of Matiullah Jan, Bilal Farooq and Ali Imran.

Furthermore, the department mentioned the attack on journalists by terrorists."In addition, threats, harassment, abductions, violence, and killings led journalists and editors to practice self-censorship. Government failure to investigate and prosecute attacks on human rights defenders and peaceful protesters led to de facto restrictions on freedom of assembly and association," the report stated.The major concern was especially with freedom of expression and the plight of ethnicities and minorities.

Quoting Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), the report said: "Only 450 of 5,128 missing persons had been found since 2018, and a further 1,800 disappeared during this period."The issue of missing persons has been there in Pakistan for the last two decades, as relatives of these people have been demanding justice from the government to Supreme Court, but the issue has remained unresolved.Also, the censorship on media has increased in the last few years, the latest bill about "intentional disrespect of Pakistan Army" is a fresh example.Under this new bill, "anyone who shall be guilty of said offence could face up to two years imprisonment or fine that may extend to Rs 500,000, or both."

US State Department has issued its report on human rights condition in different countries across the world. It has also discussed Pakistan, in terms of different issues including human rights violation, freedom of expression, the plight of minorities, militancy and other issues.

US State Department has issued its report on human rights condition in different countries across the world. It has also discussed Pakistan, in terms of different issues including human rights violation, freedom of expression, the plight of minorities, militancy and other issues. In the chapter on Pakistan, the report has mentioned "threats of violence, or unjustified arrests or prosecutions against journalists, use of criminal libel laws to prosecute social media speech and censorship, and site blocking." A prominent feature of the rights report is the plight of women in Pakistan. The US State Department underlined a wide array of reasons for the plummeting women`s rights in Pakistan and the increase in female marginalisation in the country. The report said that the reasons include bureaucratic corruption, a dearth of accountability and investigation, especially when it comes to violence against women, reported Pakistan Today.The report also highlighted human trafficking as a crime that directly impacted women in the country. As per Pakistan Today, this was considered a major contributor to the marginalisation of racial and ethnic minorities. Furthermore, violence and threats of violence, in addition to women, also impact other gender and sexual minorities including LGBTQ. Talking about the rights of minorities, the report mentioned that there are incidents of attack on them in different parts of Pakistan."There were occasionally reports of mob violence against religious minorities, including Christians, Ahmadi Muslims, and Hindus. Shia Muslim activists reported continuing instances of targeted killings and enforced disappearances in limited parts of the country," the report mentioned.Linked to this, the report also talked about the state misbehaviour with different ethnic leaders and activities. As per the report, "human rights organizations reported some authorities disappeared or arrested Pashtun, Sindhi, and Baloch human rights activists, as well as Sindhi and Baloch nationalists without cause or warrant."The situation on the freedom of expression, attitude with journalists and media, Pakistan Today reported citing the report, was not so encouraging. As per US State Department, unknown actors abducted journalists including the likes of Matiullah Jan, Bilal Farooq and Ali Imran. Furthermore, the department mentioned the attack on journalists by terrorists."In addition, threats, harassment, abductions, violence, and killings led journalists and editors to practice self-censorship. Government failure to investigate and prosecute attacks on human rights defenders and peaceful protesters led to de facto restrictions on freedom of assembly and association," the report stated.The major concern was especially with freedom of expression and the plight of ethnicities and minorities. Quoting Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), the report said: "Only 450 of 5,128 missing persons had been found since 2018, and a further 1,800 disappeared during this period."The issue of missing persons has been there in Pakistan for the last two decades, as relatives of these people have been demanding justice from the government to Supreme Court, but the issue has remained unresolved.Also, the censorship on media has increased in the last few years, the latest bill about "intentional disrespect of Pakistan Army" is a fresh example.Under this new bill, "anyone who shall be guilty of said offence could face up to two years imprisonment or fine that may extend to Rs 500,000, or both."

US report reveals troubling human rights abuses in Pakistan

Pakistan`s remittances remained over $2 billion in March for the 10th month in a row, the country`s central bank said. 
 
The remittances rose to $2.7 billion in March 2021, which was 20 per cent higher than those of February and 43 per cent higher than those of March 2020, Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued on Monday as saying. 
 
"Cumulatively during July-March of FY21 (from July 2020 to June 2021), remittances have risen to $21.5 billion, up by 26 per cent over the same period of FY20," the statement said. 
 
The central bank termed proactive policy measures by the government and the SBP to encourage more inflows through formal banking channels, limited cross-border travel in the face of Covid-19, medical expenses and altruistic transfers to Pakistan amidst the pandemic as the main reasons for the increasing remittances. 
 
"Orderly foreign exchange market conditions are also continuing to contribute to this sustained rise in workers` remittances," said the statement. 
 
Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday hailed the increase in the remittances and expressed gratitude to overseas Pakistanis for their support.

Pakistan`s remittances remained over $2 billion in March for the 10th month in a row, the country`s central bank said. The remittances rose to $2.7 billion in March 2021, which was 20 per cent higher than those of February and 43 per cent higher than those of March 2020, Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued on Monday as saying.

Pakistan`s remittances remained over $2 billion in March for the 10th month in a row, the country`s central bank said. The remittances rose to $2.7 billion in March 2021, which was 20 per cent higher than those of February and 43 per cent higher than those of March 2020, Xinhua news agency quoted a statement by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) issued on Monday as saying. "Cumulatively during July-March of FY21 (from July 2020 to June 2021), remittances have risen to $21.5 billion, up by 26 per cent over the same period of FY20," the statement said. The central bank termed proactive policy measures by the government and the SBP to encourage more inflows through formal banking channels, limited cross-border travel in the face of Covid-19, medical expenses and altruistic transfers to Pakistan amidst the pandemic as the main reasons for the increasing remittances. "Orderly foreign exchange market conditions are also continuing to contribute to this sustained rise in workers` remittances," said the statement. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday hailed the increase in the remittances and expressed gratitude to overseas Pakistanis for their support.

Pakistan's remittances remain over $2 billion for 10th month

Istanbul is all set to host the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. While the date is&nbsp; Friday the 16th of April, no announcement has come so far given anything can happen anytime when it comes to the Afghan peace process. Taliban is eager to cross the 1st of May deadline for withdrawal of American troops. While it is given that the US troops won't be able to withdraw by then, the Taliban is hoping to gain leverage, a kind of moral upper hand.&nbsp;

An Afghan govt source told WION, "they are keen on condition-based withdrawal, not a time-bound withdrawal". A condition, on the Taliban to reduce violence, something that continues to remain high.

But what did Doha gain from hosting the talks on Afghan Peace Process? The lucrative geopolitics of hosting Afghan peace talks mean, getting international prestige and certain trade-offs.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, Qatar was able to normalise ties with four Arab countries--Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt--at the famous Al Ula summit.&nbsp;The four Arab states had cut ties with the oil-rich state of Qatar way back in 2017. The outcome in practical terms was the end of a three and half-year-old blockade against Qatar, and reopening of land and sea routes.

Qatar, last year, was a busy place. It not only hosted the signing of the Taliban-US peace pact, but also in September hosted the start of intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan govt and Taliban. America's reduced role in Afghanistan, which can pave way for its troops to leave, is Washington's priority, and while that still hasn't happened, Qatar was able to bring the various factions together.&nbsp;And this helped Qatar normalise ties with its neighbours in the long term.

Now, it's Turkey that is set to host such talks. Turkey, which has been having tiff of some kind with both Russia and the US, will be able to get back some lost ground.

And with hosting such talks, moral leadership and economics are not far behind. In fact, hosting big-ticket talks amid the economic downturn is something that can be politically fruitful.&nbsp;&nbsp;The US, under its new proposal to the Afghan president, suggested&nbsp;talks in Turkey between the Afghan government and the Taliban and later six-country talks under United Nations umbrella.&nbsp;

Interestingly, it was not only Turkey which has been keen to host Afghan peace talks. Uzbekistan and Indonesia have been in the fray as well.&nbsp;

Istanbul is all set to host the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. While the date is Friday the 16th of April, no announcement has come so far given anything can happen anytime when it comes to the Afghan peace process.

Istanbul is all set to host the talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban. While the date is Friday the 16th of April, no announcement has come so far given anything can happen anytime when it comes to the Afghan peace process. Taliban is eager to cross the 1st of May deadline for withdrawal of American troops. While it is given that the US troops won't be able to withdraw by then, the Taliban is hoping to gain leverage, a kind of moral upper hand. An Afghan govt source told WION, "they are keen on condition-based withdrawal, not a time-bound withdrawal". A condition, on the Taliban to reduce violence, something that continues to remain high. But what did Doha gain from hosting the talks on Afghan Peace Process? The lucrative geopolitics of hosting Afghan peace talks mean, getting international prestige and certain trade-offs. Earlier this year, Qatar was able to normalise ties with four Arab countries--Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt--at the famous Al Ula summit. The four Arab states had cut ties with the oil-rich state of Qatar way back in 2017. The outcome in practical terms was the end of a three and half-year-old blockade against Qatar, and reopening of land and sea routes. Qatar, last year, was a busy place. It not only hosted the signing of the Taliban-US peace pact, but also in September hosted the start of intra-Afghan talks between the Afghan govt and Taliban. America's reduced role in Afghanistan, which can pave way for its troops to leave, is Washington's priority, and while that still hasn't happened, Qatar was able to bring the various factions together. And this helped Qatar normalise ties with its neighbours in the long term. Now, it's Turkey that is set to host such talks. Turkey, which has been having tiff of some kind with both Russia and the US, will be able to get back some lost ground. And with hosting such talks, moral leadership and economics are not far behind. In fact, hosting big-ticket talks amid the economic downturn is something that can be politically fruitful. The US, under its new proposal to the Afghan president, suggested talks in Turkey between the Afghan government and the Taliban and later six-country talks under United Nations umbrella. Interestingly, it was not only Turkey which has been keen to host Afghan peace talks. Uzbekistan and Indonesia have been in the fray as well.

The lucrative "geo-politics" of hosting Afghan peace talks: What will Doha, Istanbul get?

Imran Khan-led Pakistan government is expected to get another $1 billion relief in loans this year from the G20, reported the Express Tribune.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Ministry said the relief would be covered under the third phase of the G20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative.

The Islamic Republic will receive this debt relief under the third phase of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) by the G20 countries.

It will include $785 million worth of pause on principal loan repayments and the remaining on account of interest repayments, reported Gulf News.

The debt relief will provide much needed fiscal space to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the urgent economic needs of the country, said Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Khusro Bakhtiar.

The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in a joint communique recently announced a final six-month extension through December 2021 in Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) to help developing countries deal with the coronavirus pandemic, reported Gulf News.

DSSI is the initiative for a time-bound suspension of loan repayments (of both principal and interest) for countries that request it. Pakistani officials are looking for debt suspension of about $900 million to $1 billion from bilateral creditors under DSSI Phase-III and would submit a formal request for relief after discussion within the relevant ministries.

Pakistan along with other developing countries had qualified for the G20 debt relief initiative, announced in April last year to combat the adverse impacts of the pandemic, reported Gulf News.

The global debt payments suspension initiative has provided temporary relief of around $3.5 billion to Pakistan, according to local media reports. On March 30, Pakistan received nearly $500 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the $6 billion IMF loan programme resumed, reported Gulf News.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan-led Pakistan government is expected to get another $1 billion relief in loans this year from the G20, reported the Express Tribune. Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Ministry said the relief would be covered under the third phase of the G20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative.

Imran Khan-led Pakistan government is expected to get another $1 billion relief in loans this year from the G20, reported the Express Tribune. Pakistan’s Economic Affairs Ministry said the relief would be covered under the third phase of the G20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative. The Islamic Republic will receive this debt relief under the third phase of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) by the G20 countries. It will include $785 million worth of pause on principal loan repayments and the remaining on account of interest repayments, reported Gulf News. The debt relief will provide much needed fiscal space to mitigate the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the urgent economic needs of the country, said Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Khusro Bakhtiar. The G20 finance ministers and central bank governors in a joint communique recently announced a final six-month extension through December 2021 in Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) to help developing countries deal with the coronavirus pandemic, reported Gulf News. DSSI is the initiative for a time-bound suspension of loan repayments (of both principal and interest) for countries that request it. Pakistani officials are looking for debt suspension of about $900 million to $1 billion from bilateral creditors under DSSI Phase-III and would submit a formal request for relief after discussion within the relevant ministries. Pakistan along with other developing countries had qualified for the G20 debt relief initiative, announced in April last year to combat the adverse impacts of the pandemic, reported Gulf News. The global debt payments suspension initiative has provided temporary relief of around $3.5 billion to Pakistan, according to local media reports. On March 30, Pakistan received nearly $500 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after the $6 billion IMF loan programme resumed, reported Gulf News. (With inputs from agencies)

Cash-strapped 'Naya Pakistan' eyes $1 billion debt relief from G-20

The visit of a Pakistani parliamentary delegation to Afghanistan has been scrapped due to the security threat.

As soon as the plane was about to land in Kabul, the trip was cancelled due to a security threat.

"Speaker's visit to Kabul was postponed as the airport was closed due to a security threat. The plane was about to descent when the control tower informed of the closure of the airport. New dates for the visit will be decided after mutual consultations, "Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq wrote in a tweet on Thursday.

As per media reports, the five-member parliamentary delegation, led by parliamentary secretary Asad Qaisar, was looking to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries during the three-day visit, as well as the support of progress in the war-torn country's peace process.

Former Pakistani senator Farhatullah Babar questioned the timing of the trip's mysterious cancellation.

"Security threat arose just when landing. Was the visit not cleared beforehand? Visit postponed indefinitely, the new date given. No regrets by hosts. Decision conveyed by tower operator. Normal protocol of high-level rep of host speaking to guest from tower ignored. There's more to it," Babar said in a tweet.

The so-called threat comes as calls for blacklisting Pakistan by the FATF intensifies. Former Canadian Ambassador Chris Alexander has called for Islamabad to be blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) while stating that the Imran Khan government continues to support Taliban and other terror outfits.

In December last year, a series of videos had surfaced showing senior Taliban leaders meeting their followers and Taliban fighters in Pakistan.

In the videos, Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the head of the Taliban political office, was seen holding a briefing with the Taliban cadre on the Afghanistan peace negotiations and acknowledging the presence of the Taliban's top leadership in Pakistan.

In December, former Pakistan senator Afrasiab Khattak said Pakistan is using the Taliban as a "tool" for its dominance in Afghanistan under the pretext of strategic depth.

The peace negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban began in the Qatari capital of Doha back in September. In early December, Kabul and the Taliban announced that they had agreed on the framework of the talks, allowing for discussions to now be held on substantive issues. Little progress, however, has so far been made since then.

The visit of a Pakistani parliamentary delegation to Afghanistan has been scrapped due to the security threat. As soon as the plane was about to land in Kabul, the trip was cancelled due to a security threat.

The visit of a Pakistani parliamentary delegation to Afghanistan has been scrapped due to the security threat. As soon as the plane was about to land in Kabul, the trip was cancelled due to a security threat. "Speaker's visit to Kabul was postponed as the airport was closed due to a security threat. The plane was about to descent when the control tower informed of the closure of the airport. New dates for the visit will be decided after mutual consultations, "Pakistan's Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq wrote in a tweet on Thursday. As per media reports, the five-member parliamentary delegation, led by parliamentary secretary Asad Qaisar, was looking to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries during the three-day visit, as well as the support of progress in the war-torn country's peace process. Former Pakistani senator Farhatullah Babar questioned the timing of the trip's mysterious cancellation. "Security threat arose just when landing. Was the visit not cleared beforehand? Visit postponed indefinitely, the new date given. No regrets by hosts. Decision conveyed by tower operator. Normal protocol of high-level rep of host speaking to guest from tower ignored. There's more to it," Babar said in a tweet. The so-called threat comes as calls for blacklisting Pakistan by the FATF intensifies. Former Canadian Ambassador Chris Alexander has called for Islamabad to be blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) while stating that the Imran Khan government continues to support Taliban and other terror outfits. In December last year, a series of videos had surfaced showing senior Taliban leaders meeting their followers and Taliban fighters in Pakistan. In the videos, Taliban deputy leader Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the head of the Taliban political office, was seen holding a briefing with the Taliban cadre on the Afghanistan peace negotiations and acknowledging the presence of the Taliban's top leadership in Pakistan. In December, former Pakistan senator Afrasiab Khattak said Pakistan is using the Taliban as a "tool" for its dominance in Afghanistan under the pretext of strategic depth. The peace negotiations between Kabul and the Taliban began in the Qatari capital of Doha back in September. In early December, Kabul and the Taliban announced that they had agreed on the framework of the talks, allowing for discussions to now be held on substantive issues. Little progress, however, has so far been made since then.

Just before landing in Kabul, Pakistani delegation trip canceled

The bill says anyone who shall be guilty of said offence could face up to two years imprisonment or fine that may extend to Rs500,000, or both.

You can't anymore criticise Pak Armed forces

Mr. Lavrov planted a sapling on the premises of the Ministry and then went inside the building for a joint photo session, followed by the delegation-level talks.

Sergey Lavrov meets Pakistan counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Russia has offered to provide Pakistan with its Sputnik V COVID-19&nbsp;vaccines which are being produced in countries like India. Moscow has already sent Pakistan&nbsp;50,000 doses of the vaccines&nbsp;and will soon send 150,000 more.

Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, standing alongside Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said in Islamabad,&nbsp;"We have a number of foreign partners to produce the vaccines. Vaccine production is up and running in India, Korea, Belarus, and other countries. So these vaccines can be supplied to Pakistan. As much we can, we will be helping Pakistan to order to cover the demand."

The Russian Direct Investment Fund, which is behind Sputnik V, and Indian company Virchow Biotech have announced an agreement to produce 200 million doses per year of Sputnik V.&nbsp;Pakistan had given approval for Sputnik V in February and was the 22nd country to do so. The two-shot vaccine has an efficacy of 91.6 per cent.

Qureshi said, "Russia is a fairly advance country in health care... We have expressed our interest in commercial import of this vaccine, but keeping in view the population of the country... We feel there are great opportunities of local production, we would be very keen to discuss with Russian to facilitate local production".

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov is in Pakistan for a two-day visit, the first such visit by Russian FM since 2012. During his visit, he held talks with his counterpart Qureshi and called on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Russia has offered to provide Pakistan with its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines which are being produced in countries like India. Moscow has already sent Pakistan 50,000 doses of the vaccines and will soon send 150,000 more.

Russia has offered to provide Pakistan with its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines which are being produced in countries like India. Moscow has already sent Pakistan 50,000 doses of the vaccines and will soon send 150,000 more. Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, standing alongside Pakistan Foreign Minister SM Qureshi said in Islamabad, "We have a number of foreign partners to produce the vaccines. Vaccine production is up and running in India, Korea, Belarus, and other countries. So these vaccines can be supplied to Pakistan. As much we can, we will be helping Pakistan to order to cover the demand." The Russian Direct Investment Fund, which is behind Sputnik V, and Indian company Virchow Biotech have announced an agreement to produce 200 million doses per year of Sputnik V. Pakistan had given approval for Sputnik V in February and was the 22nd country to do so. The two-shot vaccine has an efficacy of 91.6 per cent. Qureshi said, "Russia is a fairly advance country in health care... We have expressed our interest in commercial import of this vaccine, but keeping in view the population of the country... We feel there are great opportunities of local production, we would be very keen to discuss with Russian to facilitate local production". Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov is in Pakistan for a two-day visit, the first such visit by Russian FM since 2012. During his visit, he held talks with his counterpart Qureshi and called on Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Russia offers vaccines to Pakistan from production lines in India, other countries

The Pakistan government has opened the first round of commercial sales of COVID-19 vaccines which began over the weekend. The country is currently offering free vaccines to frontline workers and people above the age of 50.

Pakistan allows private sales of COVID-19 vaccines for general public

An anti-terrorism court judge has been shot dead by unknown assailants along with his family. The ATC Judge Aftab Afridi was travelling on the Peshawar motorway from Swat to Islamabad with his family.

Pakistan: Anti-terrorism court judge and family shot dead by gunmen

Jammu and Kashmir agreed to be part of India shortly after Indian independence. But some parts of the territory are under illegal occupation of Pakistan and China. In this video opinion, Major General (Retd.) SB Asthana of the Indian Army expresses his views on how India can proceed to ensure that illegal occupation of land by Pakistan comes to an end. (Disclaimer: The views expressed in the video may not necessarily represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views)

Video Opinion: How India can get back territory illegally occupied by Pakistan

Pakistan government did a U-turn on its decision to resume trade with India. A Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan rejected a decision made by a government panel on Wednesday to allow imports of sugar and cotton from India to control prices and overcome a shortage.

Pakistan does U-turn on lifting ban on Indian imports

Pakistan government has lifted a second ban imposed on Chinese video-sharing mobile app TikTok over “immoral and unethical” content. This comes after the popular video-sharing app again offered to moderate uploads.

Pakistan lifts ban on TikTok for second time

Backdrop

Barely two months ago, India was facing a two-front threat from neighbours. An unexpected sequence of events followed, much to the surprise of many people both sides of Line of Control (LoC) with announcement of re-implementation of Ceasefire Agreement of 2003, by DGMOs of India and Pakistan. With ‘Let us bury the Past’ remark by General Bajwa, followed by pleasant exchanges for ‘conditional peace’ by both prime ministers and Pakistan’s announcement to reopen trade with India, and a quick U-turn making all strategists revisit reasons for such a gesture.

India-Pakistan relations depend on variety of factors arising from legacy of partition of British India, accession of state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K) to India, forced illegal occupation of part of J&amp;K by Pakistan, followed by a series of wars fought by the two countries.&nbsp;

The humiliating defeat in 1971 and independence of Bangladesh left permanent humiliation in military-led hierarchy of Pakistan, which turned towards religious fundamentalism, under late President Zia-ul Haque, determined ‘To bleed India with thousand cuts’. Nuclear weapons acquisition and fostering terror as a weapon for waging proxy war against India, with focus on Kashmir, remained single aim of Pakistan military, as a recipe to hold all levers of power, with former President Musharraf calling terrorists as strategic assets, propagating India as ‘existential Threat’. Neither the aim nor the focus of Pakistan has changed; hence its peace gesture need decoding and analysis.&nbsp;

What Makes Pakistan Talk about Peace with India?

Economic stress faced by Pakistan seems to be the most important reason for Pakistan to seek peace with India. The Kashmir obsession of Pakistan has led to over-expenditure in misadventures of its army, pushing it into a well-planned debt trap by China, besides picking up loans from many other countries and institutions, which it finds difficult to service. &nbsp;

Pakistan’s total external debt and liabilities rose to $113.8 billion in fiscal year 2020 and it had to pay approximately $12 billion in that year to service it. As other countries and monetary organizations ask for payback, Pakistan has no choice but to mortgage its sovereignty to China (which has loaned maximum), looking to gain territory, assets, resources and electricity, thus making it a colony of China.&nbsp;

The continued grey listing of Pakistan in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has further added to its economic stress, shortage of foreign exchange, and borrowings beyond capacity leading to internal dissent, chaos and inadequate survival needs like food and water for the people. It has thrown up intense political opposition like People's Democratic Movement (PDM) adding political cost to its misadventure. The growing influence of Jihadis, and dissent of persecuted minorities is adding to internal disturbance, with Army also getting its fair share of public anger. It therefore makes perfect sense for Pakistan to get into temporary truce with India, reduce some of its expenses on LoC and repair its economy, before returning to business as usual on Kashmir. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; 
International Factors

Pakistan has tried to internationalise Kashmir issue in every possible forum and found itself isolated with nobody except China and Turkey standing by its cause. It also brought Pakistan into awkward relationships with Arab world. In fact, Saudi Arabia and UAE asking for their loan back from Pakistan came as a rude shock to it. &nbsp;Pakistan has therefore realised that India bashing is not helping its domestic sustenance, and it needs to reset its international relations to pull itself out of the financial crisis in the post-pandemic world. Pakistan, therefore seems to be quite keen in fast-tracking trade relations with India, quickly announcing some imports from India, notwithstanding political opposition to it. The engagement of US and allies with India, their intense competitive relations with China and frequent criticism of sponsoring of terrorists by Pakistan can also be seen as a factor for reset, although a minor one.&nbsp;

Has Pakistan modified its Thought Process?

With some authentic voices in India indicating its intention to reclaim the lost territory, the thought process in Pakistani military seems to have undergone slight modification. The abrogation of Article 370 by India in J&amp;K, certain proactive Indian responses like surgical strikes, Balakot strike, and existing relative peace in Kashmir, has convinced Pakistan, that its aim of annexation of Kashmir is unviable against the military might of India, although it will continue talking of reversal of autonomous status of Kashmir. Pakistan Army has now pitched its tone to defend every inch of its territory, thereby adopting a defensive stance. It finds it more practical to prepare for not losing the part of J&amp;K, which is in its illegal possession. The changes in status of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) making it provisional province, demographic changes and Chinese presence in GB and POK to deter Indian actions, point towards that direction. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Have the reasons for confrontation Changed?

For China, Pakistan is a low-cost secondary deterrent/irritant to India, helpful in containing it. For Pakistan, China is a high-value security guarantee and therefore the Sino-Pak nexus continues to grow strong. In that context the rising number of Chinese in such areas, their investments in critical infrastructure development in terms of airstrips, roads, in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) and GB is a concern for India. Pakistan is likely to continue with proxy war in Kashmir Valley, through terrorism, as a low-cost option, as it serves the interest of both of them. &nbsp;

Pakistan continues to be in illegal occupation of POK, GB, Shaksgam Valley, therefore the Indians' sovereign territory is yet to be restored; hence the possibilities of a long-lasting peace is a mirage. The CPEC, infrastructure development works in POK and GB, along with the change of demography in Indian territory, is something, which the optics of peace gestures cannot camouflage. &nbsp;

The kind of peace offers made by India and Pakistan clearly indicates that both sides are not ready to compromise their basic positions. &nbsp;Pakistan continues to link peace initiative with discussion on Kashmir, whereas India may not be keen to get into meaningful discussion, unless Pakistan shows some visible efforts in dismantling terror infrastructure and bringing perpetrators of terror to justice like Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

How long can this peace initiative last?&nbsp;

The fact that Pakistan made a U-turn in an announcement to open trade with India within 24 hours under internal pressure indicates the fragile nature of its peace gestures, and level of internal pressure in Pakistan, in relation to Kashmir. The irritants and differences between Pakistan and India have not undergone any major change. The peace gestures are good optics to buy some more time for economic revival, avoid distractions in combating pandemic, and reduce the level of internal public dissent to some degree. It is in the interest of both countries that ceasefire continues to remain in vogue, so that the innocent people residing both sides of LOC can have peaceful life.&nbsp;

India should not fall into the trap of peaceful gestures that camouflage the capacity building of terrorists, the build-up of Chinese in Pakistan, and much needed economic revival of Pakistan, and are made at the cost of taking a break from Indian threat. The fact that Pakistan’s decision-making is dependent on China is a factor, which the Indian decision-makers will have to take into account before any peace initiative Pakistan. While the peace gestures are essentials of vibrant diplomacy, but they have to be exercised with caution, as such gestures with Pakistan in past, have resulted in betrayal and now the factor of trust deficit with China also adds to the equation. While everyone will hope for longevity of ceasefire, but India cannot afford to slowdown its efforts on capacity building to face twin challenge, because one major terror attack can change the entire equation overnight.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Backdrop Barely two months ago, India was facing a two-front threat from neighbours. An unexpected sequence of events followed, much to the surprise of many people both sides of Line of Control (LoC) with announcement of re-implementation of Ceasefire Agreement of 2003, by DGMOs of India and Pakistan.

Backdrop Barely two months ago, India was facing a two-front threat from neighbours. An unexpected sequence of events followed, much to the surprise of many people both sides of Line of Control (LoC) with announcement of re-implementation of Ceasefire Agreement of 2003, by DGMOs of India and Pakistan. With ‘Let us bury the Past’ remark by General Bajwa, followed by pleasant exchanges for ‘conditional peace’ by both prime ministers and Pakistan’s announcement to reopen trade with India, and a quick U-turn making all strategists revisit reasons for such a gesture. India-Pakistan relations depend on variety of factors arising from legacy of partition of British India, accession of state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to India, forced illegal occupation of part of J&K by Pakistan, followed by a series of wars fought by the two countries. The humiliating defeat in 1971 and independence of Bangladesh left permanent humiliation in military-led hierarchy of Pakistan, which turned towards religious fundamentalism, under late President Zia-ul Haque, determined ‘To bleed India with thousand cuts’. Nuclear weapons acquisition and fostering terror as a weapon for waging proxy war against India, with focus on Kashmir, remained single aim of Pakistan military, as a recipe to hold all levers of power, with former President Musharraf calling terrorists as strategic assets, propagating India as ‘existential Threat’. Neither the aim nor the focus of Pakistan has changed; hence its peace gesture need decoding and analysis. What Makes Pakistan Talk about Peace with India? Economic stress faced by Pakistan seems to be the most important reason for Pakistan to seek peace with India. The Kashmir obsession of Pakistan has led to over-expenditure in misadventures of its army, pushing it into a well-planned debt trap by China, besides picking up loans from many other countries and institutions, which it finds difficult to service. Pakistan’s total external debt and liabilities rose to $113.8 billion in fiscal year 2020 and it had to pay approximately $12 billion in that year to service it. As other countries and monetary organizations ask for payback, Pakistan has no choice but to mortgage its sovereignty to China (which has loaned maximum), looking to gain territory, assets, resources and electricity, thus making it a colony of China. The continued grey listing of Pakistan in Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has further added to its economic stress, shortage of foreign exchange, and borrowings beyond capacity leading to internal dissent, chaos and inadequate survival needs like food and water for the people. It has thrown up intense political opposition like People's Democratic Movement (PDM) adding political cost to its misadventure. The growing influence of Jihadis, and dissent of persecuted minorities is adding to internal disturbance, with Army also getting its fair share of public anger. It therefore makes perfect sense for Pakistan to get into temporary truce with India, reduce some of its expenses on LoC and repair its economy, before returning to business as usual on Kashmir. International Factors Pakistan has tried to internationalise Kashmir issue in every possible forum and found itself isolated with nobody except China and Turkey standing by its cause. It also brought Pakistan into awkward relationships with Arab world. In fact, Saudi Arabia and UAE asking for their loan back from Pakistan came as a rude shock to it. Pakistan has therefore realised that India bashing is not helping its domestic sustenance, and it needs to reset its international relations to pull itself out of the financial crisis in the post-pandemic world. Pakistan, therefore seems to be quite keen in fast-tracking trade relations with India, quickly announcing some imports from India, notwithstanding political opposition to it. The engagement of US and allies with India, their intense competitive relations with China and frequent criticism of sponsoring of terrorists by Pakistan can also be seen as a factor for reset, although a minor one. Has Pakistan modified its Thought Process? With some authentic voices in India indicating its intention to reclaim the lost territory, the thought process in Pakistani military seems to have undergone slight modification. The abrogation of Article 370 by India in J&K, certain proactive Indian responses like surgical strikes, Balakot strike, and existing relative peace in Kashmir, has convinced Pakistan, that its aim of annexation of Kashmir is unviable against the military might of India, although it will continue talking of reversal of autonomous status of Kashmir. Pakistan Army has now pitched its tone to defend every inch of its territory, thereby adopting a defensive stance. It finds it more practical to prepare for not losing the part of J&K, which is in its illegal possession. The changes in status of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) making it provisional province, demographic changes and Chinese presence in GB and POK to deter Indian actions, point towards that direction. Have the reasons for confrontation Changed? For China, Pakistan is a low-cost secondary deterrent/irritant to India, helpful in containing it. For Pakistan, China is a high-value security guarantee and therefore the Sino-Pak nexus continues to grow strong. In that context the rising number of Chinese in such areas, their investments in critical infrastructure development in terms of airstrips, roads, in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (POK) and GB is a concern for India. Pakistan is likely to continue with proxy war in Kashmir Valley, through terrorism, as a low-cost option, as it serves the interest of both of them. Pakistan continues to be in illegal occupation of POK, GB, Shaksgam Valley, therefore the Indians' sovereign territory is yet to be restored; hence the possibilities of a long-lasting peace is a mirage. The CPEC, infrastructure development works in POK and GB, along with the change of demography in Indian territory, is something, which the optics of peace gestures cannot camouflage. The kind of peace offers made by India and Pakistan clearly indicates that both sides are not ready to compromise their basic positions. Pakistan continues to link peace initiative with discussion on Kashmir, whereas India may not be keen to get into meaningful discussion, unless Pakistan shows some visible efforts in dismantling terror infrastructure and bringing perpetrators of terror to justice like Hafiz Saeed and Maulana Masood Azhar. How long can this peace initiative last? The fact that Pakistan made a U-turn in an announcement to open trade with India within 24 hours under internal pressure indicates the fragile nature of its peace gestures, and level of internal pressure in Pakistan, in relation to Kashmir. The irritants and differences between Pakistan and India have not undergone any major change. The peace gestures are good optics to buy some more time for economic revival, avoid distractions in combating pandemic, and reduce the level of internal public dissent to some degree. It is in the interest of both countries that ceasefire continues to remain in vogue, so that the innocent people residing both sides of LOC can have peaceful life. India should not fall into the trap of peaceful gestures that camouflage the capacity building of terrorists, the build-up of Chinese in Pakistan, and much needed economic revival of Pakistan, and are made at the cost of taking a break from Indian threat. The fact that Pakistan’s decision-making is dependent on China is a factor, which the Indian decision-makers will have to take into account before any peace initiative Pakistan. While the peace gestures are essentials of vibrant diplomacy, but they have to be exercised with caution, as such gestures with Pakistan in past, have resulted in betrayal and now the factor of trust deficit with China also adds to the equation. While everyone will hope for longevity of ceasefire, but India cannot afford to slowdown its efforts on capacity building to face twin challenge, because one major terror attack can change the entire equation overnight. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Pakistan seeking peace with India: Is it for real?

The Pakistan cabinet on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to allow the import of white sugar by India.

Khan, who is also Minister-in-charge for Commerce, approved the Economic Coordination Committee's recommendation to allow sugar imports, according to a document accessed by WION.&nbsp;

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However, some minister from the Imran administration rejected the proposal over the removal of special status from the Jammu and Kashmir region.&nbsp;

Watch&nbsp;|&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-u-turns-decision-to-import-of-sugar-cotton-from-india-374837/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

New Delhi in August 2019 abrogated Article 370 from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that angered Islamabad and further strained ties between both nations.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/flip-flop-pakistan-makes-a-u-turn-on-import-of-cotton-sugar-from-india-citing-kashmir-374757">Flip flop! Pakistan makes a U-turn on import of cotton, sugar from India, citing Kashmir</a>

"Today, the Cabinet reviewed the ECC decision to import sugar and cotton from India and cabinet after debate came to the decision to defer the matter," Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi said.&nbsp;

"There was this impression that relations with India are progressing towards normalcy and that trade is resuming, all members including PM unequivocally express that untill India reviews its decision of Aug 5, 2019, it will not be possible to return to a normal relationship with India."

After the conclusion of the cabinet meeting, Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid told reporters that the import of sugar and cotton from India will be deferred till "India reverses its decision of removal of Article 370 from Kashmir".

According to the sources, Rashid, Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, and Asad Umar opposed the proposal by ECC of imports from India.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Pakistan cabinet on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to allow the import of white sugar by India. Khan, who is also Minister-in-charge for Commerce, approved the Economic Coordination Committee's recommendation to allow sugar imports, according to a document accessed by WION.

The Pakistan cabinet on Thursday rejected Prime Minister Imran Khan's decision to allow the import of white sugar by India. Khan, who is also Minister-in-charge for Commerce, approved the Economic Coordination Committee's recommendation to allow sugar imports, according to a document accessed by WION. However, some minister from the Imran administration rejected the proposal over the removal of special status from the Jammu and Kashmir region. Watch | New Delhi in August 2019 abrogated Article 370 from the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, a move that angered Islamabad and further strained ties between both nations. Also read | Flip flop! Pakistan makes a U-turn on import of cotton, sugar from India, citing Kashmir "Today, the Cabinet reviewed the ECC decision to import sugar and cotton from India and cabinet after debate came to the decision to defer the matter," Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi said. "There was this impression that relations with India are progressing towards normalcy and that trade is resuming, all members including PM unequivocally express that untill India reviews its decision of Aug 5, 2019, it will not be possible to return to a normal relationship with India." After the conclusion of the cabinet meeting, Pakistani Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid told reporters that the import of sugar and cotton from India will be deferred till "India reverses its decision of removal of Article 370 from Kashmir". According to the sources, Rashid, Qureshi, Shireen Mazari, and Asad Umar opposed the proposal by ECC of imports from India.

Pak cabinet move against imports from India seen as overturning PM's decision

At a time when the world is battling coronavirus, economy shambles, people are getting jobless, unemployment rate is increasing radically, the govt of Pakistan has chosen politics over economy. In a dramatic U-turn, the Pak govt has reversed its decision of importing cotton and sugar from India.

Pak U-turns decision to import of sugar, cotton from India

The Heart of Asia Summit in Tajikistan was supposed to be about the peace efforts in Afghanistan but the world's attention was on the Foreign Ministers of India and Pakistan. Many were hoping for a meeting between the two leaders, but in the end, all the hype was for nothing.

Heart of Asia Summit: No bilateral talks between leaders of India and Pakistan

Dialogue is the only way forward for India and Pakistan, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi told WION in an exclusive interview, while appreciating that India's External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar didn't mention anything negative about Pakistan in his address to the recently concluded Heart of Asia conference.

'Bilateral dialogue is the only way forward': Pak FM Qureshi

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan replied to a letter written by his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi saying Pakistan desires peaceful relations with India. Modi had written to Khan on the occasion of Pakistan’s Republic Day on March 23.

Letter exchange between Indian PM Modi and Pak PM Imran Khan

Pakistan’s textile ministry headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan has recommended the lifting of a ban on the import of cotton from India to bridge the raw material shortfall the country’s textile sector is facing.

Pak seeks to lift ban on import of cotton from India

Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Imran Khan removed his finance minister on Monday as part of a government shake-up aimed at bringing in policies to control "rising inflation", the information minister.

The removal - the second of a finance minister in the 2-1/2 years of Khan's tenure - comes amidst the restart of a $6 billion IMF bailout programme that had been suspended for one year over questions about fiscal and revenue reforms.

Cash-strapped&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;is also preparing to float Eurobonds worth around $2 billion to raise capital from international markets about two months before presenting a budget.

"There has been rising inflation, and the prime minister thinks that we need to bring in a fresh team which could devise pro-poor policies," information minister Shibli Faraz told local Dunya News TV.

He said Hammad Azhar, the minister for industries and production, would replace Abdul Hafeez Shaikh.

The central bank on March 19 kept its policy rate at 7% for a 10th consecutive month to support economic recovery while keeping inflation expectations well-anchored and maintaining financial stability. It also revised higher its growth rate for the current fiscal year.

The South Asian nation recorded 8.7% CPI Y/Y in February.

Sheikh had lost a parliamentary election earlier this month that was mandatory for him to keep the office of the finance minister constitutionally. However he could have stayed in office until June 10, and it is not clear whether the decision to remove him was also a move to cover for the consequences of that election loss.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan removed his finance minister on Monday as part of a government shake-up aimed at bringing in policies to control "rising inflation", the information minister.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan removed his finance minister on Monday as part of a government shake-up aimed at bringing in policies to control "rising inflation", the information minister. The removal - the second of a finance minister in the 2-1/2 years of Khan's tenure - comes amidst the restart of a $6 billion IMF bailout programme that had been suspended for one year over questions about fiscal and revenue reforms. Cash-strapped Pakistan is also preparing to float Eurobonds worth around $2 billion to raise capital from international markets about two months before presenting a budget. "There has been rising inflation, and the prime minister thinks that we need to bring in a fresh team which could devise pro-poor policies," information minister Shibli Faraz told local Dunya News TV. He said Hammad Azhar, the minister for industries and production, would replace Abdul Hafeez Shaikh. The central bank on March 19 kept its policy rate at 7% for a 10th consecutive month to support economic recovery while keeping inflation expectations well-anchored and maintaining financial stability. It also revised higher its growth rate for the current fiscal year. The South Asian nation recorded 8.7% CPI Y/Y in February. Sheikh had lost a parliamentary election earlier this month that was mandatory for him to keep the office of the finance minister constitutionally. However he could have stayed in office until June 10, and it is not clear whether the decision to remove him was also a move to cover for the consequences of that election loss.

Pakistan PM Khan replaces finance minister

An over 100-year-old Hindu temple undergoing renovation in Pakistan's garrison city of Rawalpindi has been attacked by a group of unidentified people, according to a complaint registered by the police.

The incident occurred at Purana Qila area of the city on Saturday when 10 to 15 people stormed the temple at about 7.30 pm and damaged the main door and another door at the upper storey as well as the staircase, according to a complaint made to police.

Dawn newspaper reported that the security officer of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Northern Zone, Syed Raza Abbas Zaidi, lodged an FIR at Banni police station of Rawalpindi, saying that the construction and renovation work on the temple had been going on for the last one month.

He said there were some encroachments in front of the temple which were removed on March 24.

However, religious rites have not been started in the temple nor were there any idol or any other worship item.

He sought legal action against the people who had caused damage to the temple and its sanctity.

Earlier, the encroachment mafia had occupied the surroundings of the temple over a long time by making shops and kiosks.

The district administration assisted by the police recently removed all encroachments. 
After the temple was cleared of encroachments, renovation work was started.

Meanwhile, the administrator of the temple, Om Prakash, confirmed the incident and said that as soon as the information was received, Rawalpindi police personnel reached the spot and brought the situation under control.

Prakash said that police had been deployed at his house as well as at the temple for security. He, however, said that Holi celebrations will not be held at the temple, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan.

Attacks on minorities are common in Pakistan. Last year in December, a revered Hindu shrine was attacked by a mob in Karak district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and damaged it.

An over 100-year-old Hindu temple undergoing renovation in Pakistan's garrison city of Rawalpindi has been attacked by a group of unidentified people, according to a complaint registered by the police.

An over 100-year-old Hindu temple undergoing renovation in Pakistan's garrison city of Rawalpindi has been attacked by a group of unidentified people, according to a complaint registered by the police. The incident occurred at Purana Qila area of the city on Saturday when 10 to 15 people stormed the temple at about 7.30 pm and damaged the main door and another door at the upper storey as well as the staircase, according to a complaint made to police. Dawn newspaper reported that the security officer of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), Northern Zone, Syed Raza Abbas Zaidi, lodged an FIR at Banni police station of Rawalpindi, saying that the construction and renovation work on the temple had been going on for the last one month. He said there were some encroachments in front of the temple which were removed on March 24. However, religious rites have not been started in the temple nor were there any idol or any other worship item. He sought legal action against the people who had caused damage to the temple and its sanctity. Earlier, the encroachment mafia had occupied the surroundings of the temple over a long time by making shops and kiosks. The district administration assisted by the police recently removed all encroachments. After the temple was cleared of encroachments, renovation work was started. Meanwhile, the administrator of the temple, Om Prakash, confirmed the incident and said that as soon as the information was received, Rawalpindi police personnel reached the spot and brought the situation under control. Prakash said that police had been deployed at his house as well as at the temple for security. He, however, said that Holi celebrations will not be held at the temple, The Express Tribune newspaper reported. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Attacks on minorities are common in Pakistan. Last year in December, a revered Hindu shrine was attacked by a mob in Karak district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and damaged it.

Hundred-year-old Hindu temple in Pakistan's Rawalpindi attacked by unidentified people

From liberating Bangladesh from the grips of Pakistan to extending financial help in dire times, India has been Dhaka's all-weather ally. WION's Palki Sharma tells you about the changing contours of the India-Bangladesh relationship.

Gravitas | India-Bangladesh bonhomie: forged in the battlefield

Bangladesh declared its independence on March 26, 1971. The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 was a decisive win for India. What was the role of the Indian Navy? Why was Mukti Bahini formed? Five decades later, we bring you the untold stories on WION Wideangle

WION Wideangle: Bangladesh liberation war: Untold stories

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Opinion | Pakistan seeking peace with India: Is it for real?

Pak cabinet move against imports from India seen as overturning PM's decision

Pak U-turns decision to import of sugar, cotton from India

Heart of Asia Summit: No bilateral talks between leaders of India and Pakistan